Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The airasia Super App, in collaboration with Malaysian radio network Astro Radio, have launched a digital radio station called ‘RedRadio’ which will feature a rich and diverse selection of music and culture from across Southeast Asia.

Available through the airasia Super App and SYOK, the collaboration will allow users to access Astro Radio’s 11 radio stations on the airasia Super App via the ‘Listen’ tab for a wide range of music from around the world.

In addition, listeners can also look out for RedRadio collaborations with industry veterans for vast content choices and broadcasting platforms in addition to being able to listen to the latest music from up-and-coming regional artists in the near future.

Rudy Khaw, chief brand officer at airasia Super App, said, “We are excited to be launching RedRadio digital radio station. Music has always been in our DNA and making RedRadio a reality adds on to our foray into the content space. For the past 20 years, we’ve been known to connect the region like no other and we’re taking that a step further today by connecting cultures through music.” 

He added, “As a brand that champions Asean, we hope this creates a new platform for talents to be heard across borders while bringing the region closer together through pop culture. As the Asean Super App, we are also here to inspire and engage.”

RedRadio will also kick-off with an array of AirAsia’s Allstars who will share their experience as they explore popular and hidden gems of food, culture, travel, music and many other topics that are close to heart to the people in the region.

Meanwhile, Kenny Ong, CEO at Astro Radio, commented, “As we continue to diversify our audio offerings, we are thrilled to partner with airasia for the launch of RedRadio, a new online radio brand available for streaming anytime via the SYOK app. We are excited to continue shaping the local audio landscape through our partnerships and hope all Malaysians enjoy the enhanced audio entertainment experience on Astro Radio and SYOK.”

The digital radio launch follows after Capital A’s recent launch of the single ‘Not Today’ by Malaysian rapper and producer AIRLIFTZ, following a campaign video launch called ‘#TimeToListen’.

Sydney, Australia – Despite the greater existence of other media channels, radio stations located across metropolitan areas in Australia have shown a 72.6% increase in their ad revenue last May, amounting to AU$59.6m compared to AU$34.5m last year, new findings from Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and Deloitte shows.

According to the data, the state of Victoria, the largest radio market, was up by 74.5% to AU$20m compared to the same period a year ago, while New South Wales stations enjoyed a 71.2% increase to AU$17.7m. Queensland stations rose 77.6% to AU$9m, Western Australia was up 73.2% to AU$7.5m and South Australia climbed 62.1% to AU$5.5m. 

The results follow a 51.9% year on year increase in ad revenue in the month of April to AU$51.6m.

The metropolitan revenue figures compiled by Deloitte report on revenue received by metropolitan commercial radio stations in the five major capital city markets and include agency and direct ad revenue.

The rise reflects a strong rebound for radio from the depths of the COVID-19 slump, as advertisers returned to the market.

This statement is backed by Joan Warner, chief executive officer of CRA, who stated that it is enormously encouraging to see advertisers returning to radio in full force after a challenging 12 months.

“The industry is seeing robust activity from national advertisers and we anticipate the recovery in the SME market will continue to build in the coming months and into the busy Christmas season,” Warner stated.

She added, “Most major advertiser categories have recovered well and it is expected that with the new fiscal year, a fresh investment cycle is highly likely.”

Sydney, Australia – A big part of TikTok videos becoming viral are the music that creators use and choose to play their entertainment reels, with old songs being given a second life while up and coming ones getting their well-deserved listen. TikTok, particularly in Australia, has taken attention to this trend, and has therefore decided to release its own digital radio station. 

The short-video platform has partnered with global radio platform iHeartRadio for an exclusive Australian digital radio station catered to take popular TikTok songs to the airwaves.

Called ‘TikTok Trending’, the digital radio station will broadcast popular TikTok songs 24/7 in a span of three months. In addition to that, popular tracks from well-known artists like Dua Lipa and Cardi B, revived old tracks like Fleetwood Mac, as well as promoting local artists that have become overnight viral sensations will be promoted on the station.

“For us, this radio station is a testament to TikTok’s growing credentials in the music industry and the influence the platform has in propelling talent and tracks from the platform and into the mainstream music scene. We’d love you to tune in,” TikTok said in a press statement.

‘TikTok Trending’ will be hosted by four personalities, namely Australian singer-songwriter Georgia Flipo commonly known as G Flip, indigenous Australian artist Isaiah Firebrace, YouTube comedy star Tannar Eacott, and musical artist Avneesha.

The show will welcome a line-up of guest hosts, including popular creators, local artists, and international stars, which will be graced first by British singer-songwriter Rita Ora.

“Connecting with my Australian fans on TikTok has been incredible. Their creativity is so inspiring and being able to engage with them on the platform has been amazing, which is why I am beyond excited to take on this guest hosting gig with iHeartRadio. I’ll be sharing the top TikTok tracks with you, talking about my favorite songs, and even sharing some insider info with you on the trending songs we all love,” Rita Ora said.

Meanwhile, Brett ‘Nozz’ Nossiter, content director at iHeartRadio, commented, “We share the TikTok community’s passion for exploring, creating and enjoying a diverse array of music, and we’re so excited to be able to support emerging and established musicians who have enjoyed success on TikTok, and amplify their music to an even bigger audience of fans.”

According to Ollie Wards, director of music at TikTok ANZ, this new partnership reflects how the platform is making its mark on the music industry – with artists today turning to the platform to launch new music, resurface classic tracks and connect with fans across the globe. 

“Emerging acts, still in the ‘bedroom’ stage, love TikTok because they’re able to reach new audiences, build a following and achieve success on their own terms, off the back of raw talent, creativity and charisma. Established artists have also been tapping into TikTok, particularly at a time when shows and live music are off the cards in most parts of the world,” Wards stated.