Is Social Media saving Radio?

Is Social Media saving Radio? Or, is it the other way around? I don’t regularly listen to radio nor watch TV and the only time I tune in is when I’m driving. For some time now, I’ve noticed that both AM and FM radio channels have actually embraced social media — specifically Facebook, Twitter and UStream.

DZMM is heavy on Facebook and a lot of FM stations and DJs are promoting their Twitter and UStream account to interact with their listeners.

There are fewer calls and text messages being read on-air. I guess because the internet is more scalable and allows for better interaction. At least we know which stations are really popular based on their Twitter followers or Facebook fans (and not based on some dubious survey of sorts).

Just a curious question — have you been more attentive (or interactive) to radio (AM or FM) because they are on Facebook or Twitter?

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

15 Comments

Jason Acidre says:

13 years ago

Hmm, I think it would be a smarter move if they’ll upload podcasts on their fanpages, I guess that could save the spirit of radio, plus that would be a good place for advertisers (I think).
- Reply
Red Schubox says:

13 years ago

Sa office namin we usually listen to radio stations online.

@Teknisyan they have their new home pinoytuner pero sabi nila hindi daw sila yung bagong NU ROCK.
- Reply
@epergaboni says:

13 years ago

This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. Iâ€™ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
- Reply
automobile says:

13 years ago

why is the radio bad? because of the companies behind it.
- Reply
Teknisyan says:

13 years ago

I stopped listening to Radio when they signed off the NU ROCK last Nov.

http://pnoy.me/1K
- Reply
Empress Jelaine says:

13 years ago

Internet wins at all. Pediod
- Reply
Dave Starr says:

13 years ago

Well I’m a poor candidate to answer the specific question directly, since I never listen to radio … but I can’t help noting that even many prime time news and commentary TV shows are now more and more the “talents” showing Twitter and Facebook message streams and voice-overing comments.

TV is becoming just another distribution medium for Twitter and Facebook.

I’m also a little confused by an earlier comment that radio is the cheapest medium … hard to swallow. I can reach literally millions of people via the ‘Net for essentially free, I don’t see how radio can compete with the ‘Net cost-wise.
- Reply

Joyce says:

13 years ago

@Dave Starr, good thing I came back. I get to see your comment.

Internet is a cheap for the source. But for the audience, radio is still cheapest. You don’t even need to buy a radio, just ride public transportation and you’ll get it.

Zo says:

13 years ago

Basically, Social Media has broken the barrier between big names and the public. This is not only limited to Radio DJs but from Hollywood stars to basketball players to music artists.

It’s made them more “human”. How? Because they’re only a facebook wall post away, a tweet away. Thus making such personalities (including Radio DJs) more appealing, interesting, and intriguing to people. As to the question, it’s a mutual relationship, one’s benefiting because of the other.
- Reply
luiboowee says:

13 years ago

Maybe Filipinos are deep-inside KSP. hehe. We love having our names being mentioned on TV or radio. There’s a sense of satisfaction. Typically radio announcers or DJs would mention the name of the sender then read his/her comment. So what happens now is that the senders through SMS/FB/Twitter would tune in to the radio show and wait for their comments be read live. Adik lang. hehe.
- Reply
Joyce says:

13 years ago

Well, radio still is the cheapest medium so when you couple that we the next cheapest medium (social media)you get quite a reach for less cost. Also, radio has always been known for quick response, and social media is good for quick feedback. Together, it just works.
- Reply
Doc Harry says:

13 years ago

UStream has helped radio jocks and loyal listeners (who have the time to be online and listen to the radio at the same time) to interact and connect better. Twitter feeds help us connect better with those who don’t actually have the time to stay logged on and chat or watch the feed. Mobile tech has really us out on this one. As for increasing listener-ship/viewership, well it has helped increase the reach somewhat. How far we don’t know yet. :)
- Reply
Nico says:

13 years ago

Those of us who appreciate the airwaves tune-in at programs that’s interesting. Most of it are the talk segments and we rely on Wall feeds and/or tweets if the certain topic of the day is enticing. Of course most of these radio stations have dedicated websites out there, but their RSS Feeds doesn’t penetrate well in such comparison.
- Reply
benchmark says:

13 years ago

Probably just curious how the DJ’s look like behind their wonderful voice. :) But then again, that doesn’t affect us listeners even if they don’t look good. (…it’s what is within us).
- Reply

benchmark says:

13 years ago

I think I was not able to answer the question anyway, maybe somewhat became interactive and very attentive if we find those lady DJ’s are hot not just voice! hehehehe

YugaGaming