Drupal radio platform in the 21st century

Four in one go - radio goes digital

RPR1 is one of the most popular German radio stations. And bigFM, bigFM - Das Saarland and bigKARRIERE have many, many young listeners. Wondering what connects these stations? All four went on a digital journey with our radio team. The aim was to develop new online platforms for the stations. As enthusiastic Drupaleros, it was clear to us that Drupal was the right technological basis for this. Drupal really shows what it can do, especially when it comes to complex tasks: It enables us to create new platforms quickly and securely. It reduces development costs. And last but not least, it can do everything you need technically. For example, web streaming or playlists can be implemented very easily with Drupal. With the new platforms, we have also given the broadcasters more reach. And we support the editorial teams in their daily business. It is also particularly important that all the technical requirements are now in place for advertisements on the platforms to work in a more targeted way.

Key facts

• More reach through community building
• Streaming everywhere and on all devices
• Increase sales through more traffic with SEO-friendly technology
• Technological pioneer through the use of the latest established technologies
• Agile working methods lead to efficient project processes

Streaming - simply part of it

Honestly, do you still have a "real" radio? Apart from the one in your car? And do you sit at home in your living room to listen to the latest programs? If so, then you are in the minority. Today, people listen to the radio on their computer, smartphone or tablet. Streaming is therefore a must for broadcasters. And for our radio customers, it was therefore clear that streaming should work on the platforms. But Drupal not only enables this streaming. It ensures that the platforms offer millions of listeners a better digital music experience. Playlists, sections for events or unusual features such as a crime scene finder for listeners who follow blue light news are just a few examples of this.

Content is king - but the platform is the key

If you only think about listening when it comes to radio platforms, you've lost. Because they offer listeners and, above all, readers a lot of content every day. This means that editors need to be able to react quickly to current events. We have implemented a great backend system for editors to make this possible with minimal effort. However, we are not resting on our laurels, but are constantly improving it. In other words, we are working on new ideas and functions. In this way, we ensure that editorial teams can work on a lean basis. And to ensure that the editors' work experience continues to improve.

Radio platforms as marketing tools

Giving listeners a great digital experience is one thing. But we also wanted to develop the platforms into tools for targeted marketing. In doing so, we focused on brand awareness. For example, by developing them to be SEO-friendly. This means that the platforms display content in a way that Google likes. This practically automatically ensures a better ranking - and therefore also an increased reach.

This plays a major role because reach influences the profitability of every channel. It determines the advertising value of ads.

However, the accuracy with which target groups can be addressed also has an influence on this advertising value. Here, our radio team has opened up unimagined possibilities with the new platforms.