NYMRAD Unveils NextRadio On Smartphones In NYC

NextRadio App

New York Market Radio (NYMRAD) unveiled NextRadio, the industry initiative to make FM broadcast radio available on mobile phones via a pre-loaded, downloadable app. The event took place  during Advertising Week at the Times Center in New York City.

The game-changing FM radio mobile platform eliminates the costly data-usage fees associated with mobile streaming and features: a buy-button for purchases and coupons, hyper-local geo-targeting advertising opportunities, two-way listener interactive elements, and more.

The NextRadio panel was moderated by David Pogue, Technology Columnist at the New York Times, and included: David Owens, Vice President, Product, Sprint Corporation; Paul Brenner, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Emmis Communications; Joel Klaiman, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Columbia Records; and Joe Riccitelli, Executive Vice President & General Manager, RCA Records.

                                       From L: David Pogue, Joe Puglise, David Owens, Deborah Beagan, 
                                                       Joel Klaiman, Paul Brenner, and Joe Riccitelli

A ground-breaking arrangement with Sprint led by Jeff Smulyan of Emmis Communications marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier is making FM broadcast radio accessible on a broad array of its devices.

"Every device we launch will include the NextRadio app," said Owens, who promised that "tens of millions of (Sprint) phones will be pre-loaded with the app."

Riccitelli confirmed that Radio is the number one driver for new music, putting to rest any unsubstantiated reports to the contrary. "Listening to radio on mobile phones is continuous distribution," he added noting that consumers can transition from listening in their car to listening on their mobile phone without interruption. Klaiman agreed, observing that FM on radio also contributes "elongated listening."

The panel discussed how the NextRadio app can increase music sales in addition to exposure, and how the revenue-generating capabilities apply to other advertising categories. Riccitelli noted the power of the "buy" button on the NextRadio app, and Brenner referenced location-based advertising, couponing, and click-to-route features.

"Radio will be even more dynamic and interactive with the enhanced advertiser capabilities of the NextRadio app on mobile phones," observed Joe Puglise, President, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, NY, and Chairman of NYMRAD, who introduced the panel.

Immediately following the panel discussion, NYMRAD hosted a special "meet and greet" reception with some of New York Market's biggest radio stars: Danielle Monaro from The Elvis Duran Morning Show, Z-100; Paul "Cubby" Bryant, WKTU; Peter Rosenberg, Cipha Sounds, Laura Stylze, Shani Kulture and Ebro from HOT 97 Morning Show, along with Funk Master Flex; Lulu and LaLa, 92.3 NOW Morning Show; Wayne Cabot, WCBS Newsradio 880; Bill Plaxx, FRESH; DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God from "The Breakfast Club Morning Show" Power 105; Kelly Ford, Midday Personality on NASH; Race Taylor and John Foxx, WPLJ; Madelyn Rodriguez, Speedy, Diane Sanchez, Univision; Shaila and Bob Lee, WBLS.