On Monday (1/8), the Winter 2024 RBR+TVBR magazine arrives as a digitally-distributed, full-color Special Report to all Members with full access to the Radio + Television Business Report. Print copies of the report will also be distributed at a special CES “Cocktails and Conversation” by-invitation gathering next week in Las Vegas.
Still on the fence about CES 2024 and its importance to broadcast media? Perhaps Daniel Anstandig, CEO and co-founder of Futuri Media, offers plenty of good reasons why attending the mega conference and expo is a way to perhaps future-proof AM, FM, VHF and UHF.
Asked what his biggest takeaway is for those questioning the importance of CES 2024 and its relevance to the broadcast media industry, Anstandig tells RBR+TVBR, “CES is a global stage for the latest in tech innovation. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of new tech.”
This year, there will be plenty about 5G, the “Internet of Things,” both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, and of course, Artificial Intelligence. Anstandig advises, “You’re wise to go into CES with a consumer-first mindset. If you’re in broadcast media, think first about how what you’re seeing can deepen the relationship with your existing audience, or can help you create relationships with new audience. Also, think about the ways in which your brand might take advantage of that. Expand your thinking beyond a narrow definition of AM/FM/Streams.”
That’s because, Andstandig says, today the listening audience doesn’t think in terms of “radio” and “TV” as much as they think in terms of “audio” and “video.” As such, “There’s no reason your radio brand can’t have a major video component, and there’s no reason your TV brand shouldn’t take advantage of opportunities in audio.”
Is there one thing that “wows” Andstandig with respect to what one can learn from CES, and perhaps what he can share?
“I draw inspiration from prototypes unveiled at CES,” he says. “Lots of products showcased won’t be available to purchase for years, if ever, but they can inspire other thoughts that lead to your own innovations. CES is a great place to see emerging trends in how consumers are accessing and engaging with media. You’ll see the rise of streaming services, growing importance of mobile platforms, and companies that are in a wide range of marketplaces around the world.”
In particular, Anstandig thinks about the color-changing concept cars BMW has rolled out at the show. “In 2022, they had a version that could support white, black, or grey, and in 2023, they had 32 colors available,” he says. “The color-changing features aren’t yet available to the public, but what does the fact that BMW is investing here tell me about the consumer appetite for customization? Are there ways in which I might apply that to what I do? At Futuri, we’ve been increasing the customization options on our station mobile apps.If you dream it, you can do it — even if there’s not a linear path to get there. CES helps spark those dream ideas, and ways to incorporate bits of the dream into what you do day-to-day.”
With AI a hot-button topic for radio and for TV, what is Anstandig’s prediction on where the industry will be in one year with respect to some of the things CES may be sharing with attendees?
“In 2025, we may be at the point where AI isn’t even its own discussion,” he says. “It’ll just be part of nearly every product that’s showcased. Remember when it used to be a big deal for a device to be WiFi-enabled, and now you just expect to be able to control your humidifier with your phone? I see the same evolution happening with AI.”
