Kenya’s Mulembe FM Goes Digital
The station has taken the opportunity of a studio revamp to go digital.
Streaming and podcast solutions provider StreamGuys is now offering custom development of Google Actions to expand the range of smart home devices through which radio broadcasters can engage their audiences. Google Actions enable listeners to access live and on-demand station content on Google smart speakers and other Google-enabled devices through intuitive voice commands.
StreamGuys’ Google Actions creation service allows broadcasters who don’t have their own in-house development capabilities to take advantage of the growing ecosystem of Google smart devices for engaging their audience. Once enabled on a smart device, the custom Actions allow listeners to verbally access live streams, podcast episodes and additional on-demand content offered by the station.
Broadcasters can choose the unique words that users speak to launch their programming and tailor their content’s interactive experience with customizations such as using their own DJs’ voices for device messages and prompts.
“In today’s media-saturated world, it is important for broadcasters’ brand voice to be presented consistently to their audiences across all listening platforms,” said Eduardo Martinez, director of technology, StreamGuys. “The ability to create tailored experiences also helps them forge deeper relationships with their listeners than the typical ‘cookie cutter’ approach available through third-party aggregators.”
One of the first stations to take advantage of Google Actions developed by StreamGuys is The House FM, a listener-supported, Oklahoma-based Christian radio broadcaster. Listeners can access the station’s voice-prompted menu by saying “OK Google, ask The House FM to play the live stream” or “OK Google, talk to The House FM,” or go directly to desired content with commands such as “OK Google, play The House of Praise.” StreamGuys’ metadata delivery system also allows live stream listeners to ask questions such as “what’s playing?” or “what song is this?” with the device then speaking out the current song details.
Google Actions work on all Google Assistant-compatible devices, including native Google devices (Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Hub Max, Google Nest Mini) and third-part smart devices from JBL and Sonos. In addition to dedicated smart home devices, Google Actions are also supported natively on Android smartphones.
“Many consumers use voice-activated commands to quickly and easily access functionality on their mobile devices,” added Martinez. “The new Google Actions give broadcasters access to this important part of the market without requiring a dedicated app.”
