In March 2023, a 250-watt translator with a formidable signal across the Denver-Boulder market dropped its all-Comedy format by adopting a gold-based Country presentation under the “Front Range Country” brand.
Now, the Audacy Inc. audio service is being put in the hands of artificial intelligence, powered by Super Hi-Fi.
K276FK at 103.1 MHz, fed by the HD2 signal of KQKS-FM 107.5 in Denver, is now utilizing the Super Hi-Fi AI-powered “Program Director Radio Operating System.”
It marks a “full cloud-first technology approach” that Audacy says “dramatically reduces the total operational cost and complexity associated with traditional platforms.”
The company, which recently emerged from bankruptcy protection with Soros Fund Management as its lead investor, adds that the launch includes a shift to a “fully transmitter-based playout structure, underpinned by the Orban 5950 Super Hi-Fi Edition.”
And, Audacy adds, “The combination of cloud-based AI radio tools, along with transmitter-based reception and playout, demonstrates how the next step in radio operations will be simpler and easier to manage, with significantly lower costs across the operations chain.”
Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano comments, “As we continue to leverage new technology to enhance our portfolio and content, we’re excited to take this next step in our partnership with Super Hi-Fi and implement their capabilities. Together, we’ll optimize human-led programming and production efforts to better serve station listeners and partners.”
“Front Range Country” will use AI-powered production, scheduling, voice track mastering, and audio preparation capabilities. Audacy’s team will also have access to Super Hi-Fi’s cloud-based Program Director to manage the music curation, content, ads, scheduling, voice tracking, and station playout tasks.
Super Hi-Fi CEO Zack Zalon notes, “With this partnership, we are using cutting-edge innovation to help drive the entire industry forward. All with a goal of continuing radio’s legacy as the premier listening experience, just with much less complexity and much more efficiency.”
— With reporting from Adam R Jacobson
