NEWS

Tuned Global brought together leaders from across the audio industry for a special edition of the Music Business Association’s Common Ground Webinar Series. The session explored how radio can evolve to meet modern listener expectations across digital platforms, connected devices and in-car environments.
Speakers included Jeremy Sinon of Hubbard Radio, Tommy Gaustad of Radioplayer, Jarrod Gräetz of The Audience Company, and Con Raso of Tuned Global, who each offered distinct perspectives on the role radio can play in a rapidly shifting audio landscape. Read the key learnings and watch the replay.

A conversation about Radio’s future

The discussion reinforced a positive outlook: radio is evolving, not declining. With clear audience demand, strong brand loyalty and broad reach, the medium is well positioned to adapt. The panel encouraged broadcasters to experiment, modernise and explore new formats that complement the traditional broadcast experience.

For anyone working in radio, audio or digital media, the panel offers timely insights into how the sector can continue to grow. 

Watch the full replay below to hear the complete discussion.

Key themes and learnings from the panel

Radio’s enduring strength, but a changing landscape

The panel opened with a shared acknowledgement that radio continues to hold a powerful emotional and cultural position. However, audience behaviour today is shaped by on-demand streaming, personalised feeds and algorithmic recommendations. Understanding this shift is essential for broadcasters who want to remain relevant.

Jarrod Gräetz noted that radio must “develop deeper insight into who is listening, how they’re listening and what content resonates”, highlighting the growing importance of capturing and interpreting digital data. This reinforces how essential strong data foundations now are for any modern radio solution.

Modern listener expectations

Jeremy Sinon discussed how broadcasters are adapting to new user habits. He explained that audiences now expect consistency in how audio is presented across devices, whether it is a radio stream, playlist or podcast episode. He emphasised that improving digital presentation does not diminish radio’s identity but instead, it strengthens the experience by meeting listeners where they already are.

The critical role of the car

The in-car environment emerged as a major point of discussion. Tommy Gaustad described how automotive interfaces are becoming increasingly software-led, which raises both opportunities and risks for radio. Without accurate metadata, reliable streams and clear digital presence, radio could become harder to find on the dashboard. He stressed the importance of collaboration across the sector to ensure radio remains visible and user-friendly in connected vehicles.

For broadcasters rethinking their strategy, exploring how others have navigated this transition can be useful. You can explore our client case studies to see how different organisations have approached digital transformation and hybrid listening models.

Blending broadcast with digital experiences

Con Raso reflected on the future of radio as a hybrid medium. He explained that the strongest path forward combines radio’s human connection with digital features that audiences already expect. “Broadcast provides the personality and the emotional link,” he said, “but digital extends the experience, giving listeners more ways to engage and discover.”

He also highlighted the importance of giving audiences flexibility whether they want to listen live, catch up later or explore related content — an evolution we increasingly see across our own work in digital experiences and audio delivery.

As the conversation made clear, radio’s evolution is already under way. Broadcasters who embrace experimentation, strengthen their digital presence and adapt to changing listener behaviour will be best placed to thrive in the years ahead. Whether through richer metadata, improved user experiences, or closer collaboration with technology partners, the sector has significant opportunity to grow its audience and influence.

Interested in advancing your radio, audio or streaming experience? Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to explore how we can support your project.