Radioland, with James Cridland - radio futurologist
Technology
About
A regular audio column with the most interesting news about radio's future. James is a radio futurologist - a writer, speaker and consultant concentrating on the effect that new platforms and technology are having on the radio business across the world. He has a website at https://james.cridland.net where you can subscribe to Radioland, his newsletter.
Episodes
- A 'clear-channel' AM station sells its transmitters for housing
Yikes! The economy! Plus, more news about radio's future
- DAB+, DRM, Radio 4 LW and the death of radio news
I buy a new radio! I dig into the ownership of the BBC's longwave transmitters! More at radioland.email
- Fakt Tapt video, the ACMA FoI, and how local is US radio really?
This episode covers the Fakt Tapt video, an ACMA Freedom of Information request, and examines how local US radio programming truly is. Further details can be found at the provided link.
- SiriusXM and iHeart to merge?
This episode of Radioland discusses potential merger talks between SiriusXM and iHeart, alongside the introduction of a new radio streaming application for iOS devices. Further details are available at https://radioland.email.
- Longwave closures and job cuts from the BBC
This episode of Radioland discusses the closure of longwave transmissions and recent job cuts at the BBC.
- The AI top 40, and the BBC News channel in Australia
James Cridland discusses the AI Top 40 and the BBC News channel in Australia on Radioland. Subscription details are available at https://radioland.email.
- Should you pull your radio station off TuneIn?
The episode explores the question of whether radio stations should be removed from the TuneIn platform. Further details can be found at radioland.email.
- What the radio figures actually say about multiplatform radio
James Cridland reviews figures concerning multiplatform radio, linked to a graph discussing the subject.
- The world of radio goes to Rīga
Radiodays Europe is taking place in Rīga, Latvia. Further details can be found at the provided web address.
- The big changes for radio's 55+ audience
Radioland discusses new research revealing significant changes within radio's 55+ audience demographic. More information can be found at https://radioland.email.
- Kyle and Jackie O - what their show ending means for the radio industry
The long-running Australian radio show 'Kyle & Jackie O' has ended, sparking industry-wide questions. The episode delves into the situation, including potential legal disputes and host statements, considering its relevance beyond Australia.
- Ofcom's news rules to cool FM band?
This episode of Radioland discusses Ofcom's proposed news rules and considers their potential effect on the FM band. Further details can be found at https://radioland.email.
- Radioland gets a Marty; NRJ to leave national radio in Sweden
James Cridland's Radioland episode covers NRJ's potential exit from Swedish national radio and the topic of 'a Marty'.
- Why TV's decline matters for radio
James Cridland's Radioland episode examines the relationship between the decline of television and its impact on radio. More information and links are available.
- New Australian broadcast rules - covering AI and kids
The episode discusses new broadcast rules from CRA in Australia. More information and links can be found at https://james.cridland.net/blog/2026/new-australian-rules.
- Your emergency broadcaster - except when you're not
This episode of Radioland with James Cridland discusses emergency broadcasters. Additional information and links can be found at https://james.cridland.net/blog/2026/emergency-broadcasters/
- ABC comes off iHeart
This episode covers ABC's departure from the iHeartRadio platform, with additional resources provided.
- STV Radio launches, and more AM switchoffs
The episode covers the launch of STV Radio and discusses further AM switchoffs within the radio industry, referencing details available at the provided link.
- Radiocentre's 2025 - and closures as we move into 2026
This episode discusses Radiocentre's outlook on potential closures at the end of 2025 and into 2026. Additional resources are available via a provided link.
- The future isn't AM in cities
This episode of Radioland features James Cridland discussing the future of AM radio, particularly in cities. Additional audio content can be found at the linked URL.
- AM continues to be switched off worldwide, as FM gets a reprieve in Switzerland
The episode discusses the ongoing global shutdown of AM radio transmissions and mentions that FM radio will continue to be used in Switzerland. Further information is available via a provided link.
- The stupid bit of Australia's social media ban for kids
James Cridland discusses Australia's social media ban for children on Radioland. The episode references his blog post detailing the ban.
- Does a trademark application tell us anything about Global's plans?
The episode discusses a trademark application by Global, exploring what it might reveal about the company's future plans, especially concerning their activities in Australia. More details are available at the provided URL.
- WSQK - showing how radio innovates unlike no other
This episode of Radioland with James Cridland discusses radio innovation, using WSQK as an example. A link is provided for additional resources and audio.
- Hey, Google - when will you fix radio? Plus, ARN's compliance team
This episode of Radioland features James Cridland discussing the question of when Google will address issues with radio. It also touches upon the compliance team at ARN.
- Tim Davie, Heart, AI traffic - and ACMA again
This episode of Radioland covers topics including Tim Davie, Heart, AI traffic, and ACMA.
- News bulletins on radio, and AI
This episode of Radioland covers news bulletins on radio and the topic of artificial intelligence, with further resources available on James Cridland's blog.
- Emergencies - and weekends
This episode of Radioland with James Cridland discusses emergencies and weekends. Further information and relevant links are provided in the show notes.
- New Tesla? It might not have a radio in it
This episode discusses the possibility of the new Tesla Model 3 not including a radio. It also reports on the departure of a breakfast presenter from 4BC.
- A visualised podcast - in the flesh
This episode of Radioland, hosted by James Cridland, explores the concept of a visualised podcast. Additional details and resources are available at the provided web address.
- ACMA: You Should Kick Kyle off FM Radio
This episode of Radioland covers the ACMA
- A review of a Deepelec DP-666 radio receiver
James Cridland reviews the Deepelec DP-666 radio receiver on Radioland. Pictures are available at the provided URL.
- No more awards in Australia; no more Radio in the UK Academy
The episode covers the cessation of awards in Australia and an update on the Radio Academy in the United Kingdom, with further details provided via a blog link.
- The BBC adds new stations to DAB
James Cridland's Radioland episode covers the addition of new BBC stations to DAB. Further information and links are available on his blog.
- Pennine Radio's reunion
This episode of Radioland covers the reunion of Pennine Radio. Further information and links are available via a provided URL.
- Radiodays Asia in Jakarta
This episode of Radioland with James Cridland covers Radiodays Asia in Jakarta. Further details can be found at the link provided in the episode description.
- Apple's radio stations now everywhere
This episode discusses Apple's radio stations and their expanded availability. A link to a blog post with more details is provided.
- Calls for legislation to protect radio in Australia, and BBC adds catch-up
The episode discusses calls for new legislation to protect the radio industry in Australia. It also covers the BBC's launch of catch-up services.
- Multiplatform Christian O'Connell: coming soon across Australia
This episode discusses the upcoming multiplatform radio presence of Christian O'Connell in Australia. More information can be found at the provided link.
- So long, James Whale
This episode discusses the passing of broadcaster James Whale, with reflections on his contributions to radio.
- Time to Kiis goodbye in Brisbane?
The episode discusses the possibility of Kiis ending its broadcast in Brisbane. Additional resources and links related to the topics mentioned are available.
- ABC Radio Brisbane celebrates 100 years on-air
The Radioland podcast episode covers the 100th anniversary of ABC Radio Brisbane. Further details are available at https://james.cridland.net/blog/2025/abc-radio-brisbane-100/.
- The biggest radio stations in the US
This episode of Radioland discusses the biggest radio stations in the US. More information and links are available at https://james.cridland.net/blog/2025/annual-report/.
- The end of local radio in the UK (almost)
James Cridland discusses the near-extinction of local radio in the UK on the podcast Radioland.
- The Voice of America gets cut
This episode of Radioland covers the news of cuts to Voice of America and the World Service. Additional details and resources can be found on James Cridland's blog.
- Emergency radio broadcasting - ABC Radio Brisbane excels in Cyclone Alfred
This episode discusses emergency radio broadcasting, using ABC Radio Brisbane's coverage of Cyclone Alfred as a case study. Further details and links are available on the provided blog.
- RAJAR’s MIDAS study, and a look ahead to Radiodays
This episode of Radioland discusses the RAJAR MIDAS study and looks ahead to Radiodays. More information is available at https://james.cridland.net/blog/2025/rajar-midas-q424/.
- A tale of two sets of radio closures
This episode of Radioland covers two recent instances of radio station closures. Information and links regarding these closures are provided.
- BBC audio for international users
This episode discusses BBC audio services accessible to international users. It includes information and links for further details.
- Radio in the car: and bad software
This episode of Radioland focuses on the topic of radio software in vehicles. Host James Cridland shares links and additional information related to the discussion.