Key insights into radio automation and playout

The global radio automation and playout market, though often overlooked, is quietly undergoing a significant shift. In my latest analysis, I examine the challenges and innovations within this long-established and slowly-changing sector. While the market remains a niche part of the broader broadcast and media technology landscape, key decisions are shaping the future of radio operations.

The global radio automation market: A niche with growth potential

Despite strong average annual growth (CAGR) of 8.2% between 2018–2024, the radio automation and playout market is valued at a modest $143.7M globally. These low revenues limit product investment from vendors.

Radio automation and playout products involve sophisticated software systems that radio and news stations utilise for scheduling, production automation and playout. With the upsurge of podcasts and live audio streaming, broadcasters are increasingly reliant on these solutions to simplify workflow, share content across multiple stations and streamline operations.

Industry veterans and the challenge of legacy systems

The market is dominated by a handful of long-established vendors, including Jutela, RCS, CGI, Wide Orbit, David Systems, Dalet and Netia Software. These players offer proven, legacy systems. RCS holds a commanding 25% market share.

A defining characteristic of the sector is a pervasive lack of innovation and updates in deployment. Radio automation systems are often in place for over two decades. Broadcasters are reluctant to replace a system that ‘works well enough,’ often preferring to implement in-house solutions to fill gaps rather than undertaking a high-cost, high-effort system migration.

This inertia is more pronounced among publicly-funded broadcasters. In contrast, commercial broadcasters are more likely to innovate to meet revenue pressures, adopting streaming quicker, incorporating addressable ads and engaging with AI presenters.

The future of radio: How AI adoption is driving new entrants

New market entrants like Futuri Media, Radio.Cloud, and Super HiFi are using AI and cloud technology to offer innovative tools that directly challenge the mature, established systems.

These companies are promoting entirely automated stations through:

• Automated voice tracking
• AI presenters and on-air talent
• AI commercial production and content generation

While existing systems are also integrating AI agents for tasks like speech-to-text automation, transcription, and text-based editing, the innovative vendors are pushing boundaries. The use of AI involvement is, however, controversial, with some industry figures concerned that automated talent diminishes the vital connection between a radio host and their listeners.

In a market slow to update, these AI-driven companies offer a glimpse into the future of radio workflow, though their solutions are not yet competitive at the enterprise level with the full-featured legacy systems.

For more information on the radio automation and playout market or other insights into broadcast and media technology, contact us at info@carettaresearch.com.

‍