Radio TechCon unveils global technology programme

Radio TechCon will return to IET London: Savoy Place this year with a programme that places radio technology, engineering and international collaboration at its centre.

The event takes place on Tuesday 25th November and will bring together specialists from the UK and overseas to share practical insight across studio build projects, transmission innovation and new applications of AI.

Sessions will look at the contrasting approaches taken by LBC and Castledown FM when creating new studios, including how community broadcasters can move operations into the cloud at short notice. Delegates will also hear how engineers at Glastonbury are isolating audio tracks live to improve clarity for broadcast audiences, and how best practice from aviation can help production teams work more effectively in pressured environments.

A strong global theme runs through the day. Contributors from Ghana will outline how solar power is being used to support radio transmission, while a team from Portugal will explain how broadcasters responded to a nationwide power outage and what UK stations can do to plan for similar scenarios. Sweden will demonstrate its award-winning interactive news app, developed using AI to answer unexpected audience questions.

AI will feature throughout the programme, including a short masterclass explaining the fundamentals and a session from the BBC on testing a new listening model designed to detect audio errors. There will also be an update on one of the UK’s largest current transmission replatforming projects and a look at how BFBS has applied broadcast skills to the fast-growing esports sector.

The event will again include a mini trade-fair with representatives from Broadcast Bionics, Arqiva, Lawo, IPE, RCS, the IET, CGI, Preco, Telos Alliance, Ferncast and Radioplayer. Delegates will be able to explore equipment at breakfast, enjoy afternoon cake and take part in networking after the main programme.

Ann Charles said, “We’re so excited to have a broad and diverse programme this year, covering everything from new studio builds to the future of AI for audio.”

The day will conclude with Stephanie Hirst’s quiz for those keen to test what they learned.