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Radio stations fight or join their enemy, the streaming giants
The two-year global pandemic and the surge of digital streaming platforms have put Indonesia's radio stations on edge. Some of them, however, decided to adapt and embrace the changing times.
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Time to digitize: Prambors FM embraces the modern era by launching a YouTube channel, a downloadable mobile application and a partnership with other digital-focused applications.(YouTube/Screenshot) (YouTube/Screenshot)
T
he two-year global pandemic and the surge of digital streaming platforms have put Indonesia's radio stations on edge. Some of them, however, have decided to adapt and embrace the changing times.
Anggie Gerhana, currently the announcer and music director of 102.3 Rase FM Bandung, discovered an unusual phenomenon after the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic: The number of listeners tuning in to his radio station, to his surprise, had increased significantly.
After giving it plenty of thought, Anggie concluded that, "We had no choice but to stay at home, especially during the pandemic's early days."
"Everything we did was restricted. Listening to the radio became an alternative medium for people seeking enjoyment," he said.
Anggie acknowledged that, technically, Indonesians could enjoy their favorite songs on digital streaming platforms (DSPs) such as Spotify and Apple Music. Still, there remained one significant element that made radio a preferable music agency to DSPs among some listeners.
"To enjoy streaming platforms, you've got to prepare your [internet] quota first. Then, you've got to subscribe to them. Even when they're free, there's likely some limitation to what you can enjoy," Anggie continued.
"On the radio, however, we get to enjoy everything free of charge. All in one—music, entertainment, information."
