In a recent feature published by the respected US trade publication Radio Ink, our CEO Jan Müller was interviewed by industry veteran Mike McVay. The article, titled “The New Mobility: The Case for Smarter Station Apps”, highlights why mobile strategy is becoming mission-critical for radio stations—and why many in the US are falling behind.
McVay makes a compelling case: simply offering a livestream is no longer enough. With audiences increasingly accessing content through smartphones and in-car platforms like Apple CarPlay, radio must rethink how it engages listeners in a mobile-first world.
More Than Just Streaming: Why Station Apps Must Evolve
In his interview, Jan Müller points out a key challenge: many US station apps provide only the most basic function—streaming live audio. In contrast, broadcasters in Europe, especially in the DACH region, have already embraced richer mobile experiences that include podcasts, on-demand content, localized news, and interactive features. Jan emphasizes:
“A good app isn’t just a player—it’s the primary digital touchpoint between a station and its audience. Without investing in that, stations risk losing their listener connection.”
Key Takeaways from the Article
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Mobile is the primary access point: Listeners are consuming radio more than ever via mobile devices, especially through CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Streaming alone isn’t enough: Today’s audience expects added value—on-demand content, push notifications, local personalization, and interactive features.
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Europe is ahead of the curve: Broadcasters in Europe are already offering advanced mobile experiences, setting a new standard for engagement.
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Stronger apps = stronger loyalty: A well-designed app boosts brand loyalty and opens new monetization opportunities through digital ad formats.
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Ubiquity is key: To stay competitive with music and streaming platforms, radio content must be present and accessible across all major platforms.
👉 You can read the full article on Radio Ink