WO2008104034A1

WO2008104034A1 - Interactive radio management system

Info

Publication number: WO2008104034A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon Gardner
Original assignee: Webwise Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-01
Filing date: 2008-03-03
Publication date: 2008-09-04

Abstract

An interactive radio management system including an online Interactive interface accessible by at least one user and at least one listener, a server having the necessary software applications and databases for operating the system, at least one communication between said user(s) and listener(s), at least one interactive tool for engaging said user(s) and listener(s), at least one feedback tool for monitoring listener interest and at least one management tool whereby the interactive radio management system provides an online control panel for managing and automating listener interaction/relationships with a radio broadcaster and/or broadcasting channel.

Description

INTERACTIVE RADIO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to radio broadcasting, and in particular, to an interactive radio management system which provides an online control pane! for managing and automating listener interaction with a radio broadcaster.

Whilst the invention may be applied to the management of any type of media presentation such as radio, television or live presentations or the like, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of an Interactive management system for use by a radio broadcasting channel/network.

Background to the Invention

Radio has traditionally involved a passive Interaction between a broadcaster and a listener. Generally, the broadcaster provides the listener with pre-programmed broadcast material and there Is no need or requirement for the listener to provide any information or feedback to the broadcaster. Historically, listener interaction has been restricted to music requests or birthday messages which can be made via a telephone call. In addition, gathering information relating to listener preferences and feedback has been restricted to broadcaster ratings taken by polls and questionnaires which are usually conducted via telephone and post.

The disadvantage of feedback In the form of polling and questionnaires obtained through these conventional methods Is that is inherently inaccurate due to listeners not being diligent in completing logs and failing to identify information correctly. Furthermore, the polls and questionnaires must firstly be compiled and analysed and hencs do not provide real time listener information. Listener interaction has also been limited, without the possibility of obtaining information from a broadcaster other than media material being broadcast. For example, it woutd not have been previously possible for a listener to find out the name of a particular song being broadcast or the . results of a competition unless they actually heard it over the radio.

In recent times, as technology has advanced and the use of mobile phones has become widely available, radio broadcasters employed the use of Short-Message U2008/000278

Service (SMS) technology to provide listeners with an alternate means of requesting songs and information and participating in competitions or polls. However, the prior art fails to provide a comprehensive interactive radio management system that coordinates high levels of interaction between broadcaster and listener, as well as managing listener profile data and providing advertising technology.

Accordingly, it Is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an interactive radio management system which provides an online control panel for managing and automating listener interaction with a radio broadcaster.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides an interactive radio management system including: an online interactive interface comprising an online control panel which provides a means for at least one user and at least one listener to access the features of the system via a computer connected to a server over a distributed communications network; at least one interactive tool; at least one event management tool; at least one feedback tool; an advertising manager; and a listener profiler whereby the interactive radio management system provides an online control panel for managing and automating listener interaction with a radio broadcaster.

It Is preferred that the user may be a radio announcer, DJ (or their associate), broadcaster management, staff member and/or any other suitable person.

It is preferred that the interface has provided a main screen that allows the user to quickly access its various features, such as the interactive tool, feedback tools, and data management functions.

It is preferred that a first interactive tool Is a song inquiry tool that provides a means for listeners to ascertain information relating to a broadcasted song. It is preferred that a second interactive tool Is a song request tool that allows listeners to request songs.

It Is preferred that a third Interactive tool is a DJ chat tool that allows listeners to engage in real time conversations with announcers without them having to telephone the broadcaster.

It is preferred that a fourth interactive tool is a "shout out" ' tool that allows listeners to send a message to the broadcaster to be read on-air.

It is preferred that a first feedback tool is a polling function that allows the broadcaster to conduct a real time poll.

It is preferred that a second feedback tool is a voting system that allows listeners to vote for a song currently being broadcast.

It is preferred that a first event management tool is a competition tool which enables listeners to enter at least one competition in order to win one or more prizes,

It Is preferred that a second event management tool is an auction tool which allows listeners to bid in an auction In a reverse auction format.

It Is preferred that the advertising management tool allows the user to manage at least one advertising campaign via SMS and/or email which can be targeted to various listeners and/or issued in mass.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figures

Figure 1 shows a 3D model representation of the system connected within a network to at least one other radio station network and users via . different communication methods according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a control panel of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows an auction tool of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 showβ a competition tool of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a DJ chat tool of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows at least one feedback tool of the system according to an embodiment of the Invention.

Figures 7&8 show at least one marketing and management tool of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 shows an updater tool of the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows an example of a comparative report which can be generated by the system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

Figures 1 to 10 show an Interactive radio management system according to an embodiment of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an interactive radio management system 1 which provides an online control panel 2 for managing and automating listener interaction/relationships with a radio broadcaster and/or broadcasting channel. The system has at least one user which may be a radio broadcaster/announcer, DJ, staff member or any other suitable person. It is to be understood that these terms shall be used interchangeably throughout the specification to describe/refer to the user, It is envisaged that at least one listener, and preferably a plurality of listeners, will be able to interact with the radio broadcaster and/or broadcasting channel at any given time.

The online control panel 2 is adapted to be operated by a software application or the like containing operating instructions which is stored on, and run from, a server of the system 1. It is envisaged that the system 1 may be provided by a service provider and/or be provided as an application which can be purchased and implemented with a broadcasting channel/station's own technology. The online control panel 2 is adapted to allow a user(s) to access the relevant features of the system 1. The online control panel 2 is adapted to be made available in an online environment in the form of an interactive interface so that the user can access the control panel via any computer which is connected to the server over a distributed communications network, such as the internet, or via any other suitable local or remote access means. It is envisaged that the style and features/functionality provided by the control panel 2 and system 1 may be modified at any time by the user and/or software provider in order to suit the requirements of a user, broadcasting channel and/or any other application. It is further envisaged that any modification will automatically be updated and made immediately available to some or all users of the system. In a further embodiment of the invention, the user may be able to personalise the layout and/or features of the control panel as it appears on their computer screen to suit personal preference and/or enable them to adopt a specific style of presentation when live on-air.

The online control panel 2 Is adapted to be accessible via an interactive interface. The interactive interface is preferably in the form of a website accessible by a user(s) and a liβtener(s) that they can interact with each other. It Is envisaged that listeners may also have access to the website in a further embodiment. The control panel 2 is adapted to provide features including, but not limited to, broadcaster information, a means which allow listeners to enter profile Information, requests, competitions, providing advertising and promotional material to listeners and/or any other suitable feature/functionality. It is envisaged that the control panel 2 may be integrated Into the Interactive interface with restricted access to the relevant broadcasters/staff only. In a preferred embodiment, a user will have a user account whereby each user will be issued with a username and password. When a user logs Into the system their profile of the control panel 2 will automatically be displayed with their account information, personal settings and information. The website has provided at least one webpage related to one or more features provided by the system to a user/listener. The website 2 has provided a home page/main screen that provides a user/listener with quick links to the system's various features appropriate to each parson accessing the system, such as the interactive functions, advertising tools, and the data management functions. The interface 2 preferably allows the user to easily view various information including, but not limited to, currant competition information, chart information collected from listeners, messages to the announcer from listeners, SMS song requests, shout outs, polling, auctions and/or any other suitable Information. The webpages are adapted to have at least one menu/option preferably in the form of a tab or button which can be selected to access different features of the system. The menus/options may preferably include, but not be limited to, home, account, resources, help, interact, understand, maximise, music director, sales gurus, marketing wiz and the boss. Certain webpages may have provided forms having at least one editable field for setting up, or participating in, interactive activities and entering data/information into the system.

The system 1 has provided at least one interactive tool which enables a listener to engage and interact with the radio broadcaster and/or participate in activities organised by the radio broadcaster/station in real-time. It is envisaged that each interactive tool may employ the use of a pre-determined keyword 5 which may be used as a prefix for communication sent by a listener so that the system can easily identify what the purpose of the communication is in relation to so that it can be processed appropriately.

A first interactive tool Is preferably a song enquiry tool 10 which enables listeners to ascertain information pertaining to a current song being broadcast. The song enquiry tool 10 is adapted to send the βσng artist and title of any song playing on the radio station in real time via SMS to a listener who requests the Information. Listeners preferably request the information by sending an SMS, which is linked to the control panel in order to extract the song information, via a premium SMS number, to immediately receive the title and artist information as an SMS to their mobile phone. The request is directed to the broadcaster via the control panel 2 which identifies the message as a song inquiry by the keyword used as a prefix for the message. However, it is envisaged that the listener may request and receive song Information via any other suitable communication means which offers real-time interaction such as email or the like. The song enquiry tool 10 preferably also enables a user to view what songs have been inquired and when the inquiry was made to determine which songs have been queried within specific time periods to gain information regarding rating and listener preferences. It is envisaged that this information can be exported to PDF or printed using any other suitable reporting/printing function for the user to keep for their records.

A second Interactive tool is preferably a song request tool 20 which allows listeners to request songs to be broadcast during the course of the broadcaster's program/radio segment. The listener preferably requests a song by sending an SMS with a keyword followed by the title of the song they would like played. The SMS is directed to the broadcaster via the control panel 2 which identifies the message as a song request by the keyword used as a prefix for the message. However, It is envisaged that the listener may request a song via any other suitable communication means which offers real-time interaction such as email or the like. The song request tool 20 Is preferably programmed to send an automated message back to the listener via the same or other specified communication means to provide confirmation that the request has been received by the broadcaster/control panel. In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the song may also be sent to a specified email address for the DJ/radio broadcaster to access and play.

A third interactive tool Is preferably a DJ chat tool 30 which allows listeners to engage in real time conversations with announcers without them having to call the radio station. The listener preferably provides their message by sending an , SMS containing a keyword prefix followed by the message which they would like to relay to the radio announcer/DJ, However, it Is envisaged that the listener may send their message via any other suitable communication means which offers real-time interaction such as email or the like. The SMS Is directed to the broadcaster via the control panel 2, which identifies the message by the keyword used as a prefix for the message, or via email. The announcer/DJ can then view the message and reply to the listener in real-time on-air and/or via return message via the same or other specified form of communication.

A fourth interactive tool is preferably a "shout Out" tool 40 which enables listeners to provide a message directed to another listener(s) which they would like read out on air. The listener preferably provides their message by sending an SMS containing a keyword prefix followed by the message which they would like to be broadcast. The SMS is directed to the broadcaster via the control panel 2, which identifies the message by the keyword used as a prefix for the message, or via email. However, it Is envisaged that the listener may send their message via any other suitable communication means which offers real-time interaction such as email or the like. The message is preferably displayed on a display screen In front of the announcer via the control panel 2 or email or the like.

The interactive radio management system 1 preferably has provided at least one feedback tool which enables listeners to provide input including, but not limited to, feedback regarding the broadcast content, program preferences, audience/listener participation activities or the like. A first feedback tool is preferably a polling tool 50 which is adapted to enable a radio presenter/broadcasting channel to provide a means for audience/listener participation. The polling tool 50 is adapted to rvn at least one poll whereby listeners can respond to at least one question or topic or the like nominated by the announcer and announced on-alr/via the website 2. The listener preferably provides their response by sending an SMS containing a keyword which Is dependent on the question being asked and possible responses, such as yes/no/maybe or the like. The SMS is directed to the broadcaster via the control panel 2, which identifies the message by the keyword used within the message, It Is envisaged that a specific premium number may be utilised for polling activities. The results of the poll can preferably be displayed graphically to the broadcaster, via the online interface and/or control panel 2.

A second feedback tool is preferably a voting tool 60 that allows listeners to vote for a song currently playing on-air. The listener provides their feedback/vote by sending an SMS containing an assigned keyword and/or name of the song. The SMS Is directed to the broadcaster via the online control panel/interface 2, which identifies the message by the keyword used within the message. When a listener hears a song they like being played, they can send an SMS, or any other communication, to the broadcaster/radio station with the assigned keyword. The votes are then analysed and collated by the voting tool ΘO into at least one music chart, such as a Topi 0/20/50/100 chart, which can then be presented to the user via the online control panel/interface 2 and printed accordingly via PDF, CSV or any other suitable means. The chart(s) are designed to reflect the real-time music trends of the audience and can be a compilation of data collected from all music played on the radio station and network, via an updater tool, and votes/inquiries/requests made In relation to the songs give a chart(s) which lists songs in the order of public Interest The updater tool provided by the system is adapted to integrate with a radio station's music management program and collect song data when the song it being played. The updater tool/program is preferably completely customizable to suit a variety of management software currently available. This data can then be transferred for use by the system. A compare and recommendation system can be provided by combining the following four elements of the system:

^■ Updater tool/program;

■ Individual station's music chart(s), reflecting the real-time and historical statistics on the audience usage of the system;

^■ Listener active network comparative station's music chart(s) (a music chart which collects data across multiple networks to generate and optimum play list for all stations at that period of time, reflecting the real-time and historical statistics on comparative demographic station's audience usage of the system;

^■ The recommended chart which advises the station manager which tracks should be played to increase content relevance and revenue for the station via comparison with par level of comparative stations.

The Interactive radio management system 1 preferably has provided at least one event management tool which is adapted to coordinate and manage at least one interactive event in which listeners can participate. A first event management tool is preferably a competition tool 70 where listeners can participate in competitions organised by an announcer/radio station In order to win one or more prizes. The competition tool 70 can be configured to allow multiple competitions to run simultaneously using different keywords and desired responses. For each competition, the user preferably allocates the parameters of the competition including, but not limited to, an SMS keyword to enter, the winning and losing responses, the prize/s, duration of the competition and the number winners. The competition tool 70 is programmed to appropriately select the wiπner(s) of each competition based on the entered parameters and/or correct response. Where there is more that one correct entrant selection of the winner may be random from the pool of participants with the correct response. A winning listener will be sent a "winning response" and will be excluded from winning further prizes for that particular competition. The "winning response" can be used by the user to verify they are the winner for collection of their prize/s. The results of the competition once completed are preferably transmitted to the broadcaster via the interface 2, email, or online and are also preferably printable. A second event management tool Is preferably an auction tool 80 which enables listeners to bid in an auction provided by the radio station and/or any other suitable third party. It is envisaged that the auction tool 80 may be able to run more than one auction concurrently. Each auction is preferably configured βo that the parameters of the auction including, but not limited to, the winning bid parameters, the auction item/service, and the duration of the auction may be varied as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the action is a reverse auction, whereby no upper limit is set and the lowest unique bid will win the auction. Where a bidder enters the same bid as another bidder, the system preferably notifies them via SMS that their bid is not a unique bid and suggests they should retry. Where a new correct bid is received the person who had the existing unique bid Is also preferably notified that their existing bid is no longer unique and suggests they should retry. The system preferably sends a winning response via SMS to the winning bidder, who then uses the response to verify they are the winner for collection of their prize/s. The results of the auction once completed are preferably transmitted to the broadcaster via the interface, email, or online control panel 2.

The Invention preferably has provided a listener profiling tool which is adapted to collect listener details and information to create customer lists for management purposes. Listener details and information are preferably collected from SMS and/or other communication provided by the listener as a results of opting to access and/or registering to use the services of the system and/or participating in events or the like. Listener information can preferably then be analysed graphically and used as marketing data feedback and a statistical sales tool. Listener lists can be preferably be created using items such as demographic information, interests, and real time location. Accordingly, listeners can be flagged so that messages may be sent to them when they are within a certain demographic range. The location of listener is preferably able to be tracked (given permission) and displayed to a user on a map so that a user can monitor listener hot spots and density for management and marketing purposes. The system preferably uses mobile location technology, either in house, or developed by a third party platforms to monttor audience movement potentially in real time or periodic segments. This is achieved via permission based lists. The data can be used by the station to understand audience geographic data and be extrapolated to provide marketing opportunities,

The invention preferably has provided an advertising manager tool which is adapted to enable a user/radio station to coordinate multiple advertising campaigns. The advertising manager is adapted to be integrated with the listener profiler so that the listener information can ba extracted and used to create targeted advertising campaigns. Preferably the system is adapted so that multiple campaigns can be managed including rotation of clients, scheduling and tracking of response rates. The system is preferably able to conduct sequence SMS advertising and direct sales leads directly into broadcaster client email addresses. The system is preferably adapted to enable client information from other users, such as other broadcasters, to be networked between said users. The advertising campaigns are preferably in the form of SMS and/or email. It is envisaged that the campaigns can be sent out in mass or targeted to niche client lists created through the listener profiler.

The invention preferably has provided an analytical tool which is adapted to monitor usage of the system by a particular user and/or listener(s) and past, current and future interactions. These interactions can preferably be mapped out and reports , generated In real time to complement existing market research and station management. For example, the data could be used to analyse most popular listening time, most popular song, most popular show, and advertising response rates.

The system 1 is adapted to be networked and linked to at least one other radio station network. The network enables the system to be able to receive, collate and adapt data from each station on the network to create a network overview of trends and statistics so that stations can be kept informed of market movements in real" time. A first supplementary network may be a listener active network 90 which allows for cross-media communication, content delivery and station performance enhancement. A second supplementary network may be an online community 91 which is adapted to provide a bridging point between the audience, radio station, cell phones and the internet and allow seamless Interaction between these entitles. Figure 1 shows a 3D model representation of this interaction and varying lines of communication, data and content delivery.

The system 1 has the capacity to plug-In a number of different premium number services which can be integrated Into the system and utilised for the various aspects of the system. This can allow for the provision of multiple billing prices for content, from a radio station's one number and the ability to plug Into any premium number service. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of an interactive radio management system, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the Invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. An interactive radio management system including; an online interactive interface accessible by at least one user and at least one listener; a server having the necessary software applications and databases for operating the system; at least one communication between said user(s) and listener(s); at least one interactive tool for engaging said user(s) and listener(s); at least one feedback tool for monitoring listener interest; and at least one management tool whereby the interactive radio management system provides an online control panel for managing and automating listener interaction/relationships with a radio broadcaster and/or broadcasting channel.

2. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system is linked to at least one other radio station in a networked environment In a manner designed to integrate users and listeners via online and standard communication methods,

3. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first interactive tool is a song enquiry tool which enables listeners to ascertain information pertaining to a current song being broadcast.

4. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the song artist and title of any song playing on the radio station will be sent in real time to a listener who requests the information.

5. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein a user can view what songs have been inquired and when the Inquiry was made to determine which songs have been queried within specific time periods to gain information regarding rating and listener preferences.

6. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a second interactive tool Is a song request tool which allows listeners to request songs to be broadcast during the course of the broadcaster's program/radio segment.

7. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the song request tool is programmed to send an automated message back to the listener to provide confirmation that the request has been received by the

. broadcaster/control panel.

8. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a third interactive tool is preferably a DJ chat tool which allows listeners to engage in real time conversations with announcers without them having to call the radio station.

9. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 where a fourth interactive tool is preferably a "shout out" tool which enables listeners to provide a message directed to another listeners) which they would like read out on air.

10. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication can be made via the internet or any other standard communication means such as phone, email, mail or the like.

11. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 11 wherein communication will have a keyword attached to Indication the topic or content of the communication.

12. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first feedback tool is preferably a polling tool which is adapted to run at least one poll whereby listeners can respond to at least one question or topic or the like nominated by the announcer and announced on-air/via the website.

13. An interactive radio management system as claimed In claim 1 wherein a second feedback tool is preferably a voting tool that allows listeners to vote for a song currently playing on-air.

14. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein information obtained from the feedback tool(s) is used to compile charts, report and other Information to indicate user interest

15. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first event management tool is preferably a competition tool where listeners can participate in competitions organised by an announcer/radio station in order to win one or more prizes.

16. An interactive radio management system as claimed In claim 1 wherein a second event management tool is preferably an auction tool which enables listeners to bid in an auction provided by the radio station and/or any other suitable third party.

17. An Interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 which further includes a listener profiling tool which is adapted to collect listener details and Information to create customer lists for management and marketing purposes.

18. An interactive radio management system as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises an advertising manager tool which is adapted to enable a user/radio station to coordinate multiple advertising campaigns.

19. An interactive radio management system as substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawing figures.