Across the streaming industry, AI has shaped the content you love, employing algorithms to deliver custom playlists and personalized recommendations. Now, AI is transforming broadcast radio, thanks largely to trailblazers like Futuri Media, creators of the much-buzzed-about AudioAI system (formerly RadioGPT). According to founder and CEO Daniel Anstandig, innovation in the media industry is critical to the long-term sustainability of the broadcasting business.
Driven by passion
Anstandig’s enthusiasm for media and technology began when he launched his first digital audio venture at 14. After selling that company and helping develop digital audience and revenue strategies for several media companies, his passion for media and tech led him to establish Futuri in 2009.
Under his leadership, Futuri has pioneered AI adoption to help modernize broadcast media. Its technology is used at almost 6,000 media companies to grow content, engage audiences, retain and increase revenue and provide operational efficiencies that improve profitability industry-wide.
Today, Futuri has a large cross-disciplinary team that consistently pushes the envelope regarding audience and revenue growth for media.
Racing to innovate
Anstandig stresses that business visionary Rita McGrath’s concept of “transient advantages” now rules, making constant innovation non-negotiable, and resisting change leads to financial underperformance. He points to the “innovation arms race” across sectors, making forward-thinking adaptation crucial to avoid obsolescence.
To drive lasting competitive advantage, Anstandig advocates companies become hyper-responsive, where pivots are routine. “Leaning into the adoption of emerging technology can help the media industry to grow. This is a time for our industry to explore the edges of imagination, take risks and be bold,” says Anstandig.
Leaning into the adoption of emerging technology can help the media industry to grow. This is a time for our industry to explore the edges of imagination, take risks and be bold.
Futuri Media founder and CEO Daniel Anstandig
AI to Drive Sales and Revenue Growth
One of Futuri’s fastest-growing solutions is AI-powered TopLine, which helps broadcasters and publishers capitalize on emerging technologies to improve sales processes and revenue. TopLine combines proprietary AI and machine learning technology with in-depth market analysis to provide sales representatives with ready-made, visually compelling presentations for pitching to local advertisers.
The TopLine platform profiles prospects and decision-makers to reveal their personalities, communication styles and preferences, allowing sellers to build rapport quickly. It also offers personalized presentations created on-demand within 24 to 48 hours, allowing sales teams to focus on nurturing client relationships in the field versus administrative work.
Elevating local perspectives
There are more news deserts today than there were five years ago. And there are fewer on-air personalities. Futuri says AI can address such shortcomings. “We aim to elevate great local voices to connect people and communities better,” says Anstandig. He has focused Futuri’s tools on addressing gaps in localized coverage. For example, TopicPulse surfaces hyperlocal trends by analyzing real-time data from social media and over 250,000 news sources.
Then, using voice clones of familiar personalities, Futuri’s AudioAI automatically voices these trends and provides local news and weather. “The goal is to create informative and engaging content around the clock,” says Anstandig. “Listeners come to radio 24/7, not just during morning or afternoon drive.” While Futuri drives automation efficiencies, Anstandig maintains that radio’s appeal lies in real-time connections. He believes broadcasters can keep earning loyalty by doubling down on empathy and companionship.
Decision-making in an AI age
Regarding evolving leadership practices, Anstandig envisions AI playing an increasing role in augmenting human choices. By analyzing extensive audience and consumer datasets, AI can surface overlooked patterns and opportunities to inform strategy. Still, he contends human judgment remains irreplaceable.
In an environment demanding perpetual learning and innovation, Daniel Anstandig and Futuri offer inspiration to reimagine conventions and keep imagination at the forefront. With technology’s ongoing acceleration, the imperative for breakthroughs only grows across business and society.
The author is senior marketing manager for Futuri Media.
This Q&A was published in the 2024 edition of The Innovators.
Info: https://futurimedia.com
