Radiodays Asia 2026: Road to Jakarta

As the audio industry prepares for Radiodays Asia 2026 in Jakarta, some of the sector’s biggest questions are coming into sharper focus. How will broadcasters embrace artificial intelligence? What role will radio play in an increasingly digital world? And how can the industry ensure audiences remain connected through trusted, accessible and engaging content?

These topics were explored in a recent conversation between Steve Ahern OAM and Vision Australia Radio’s Jason Gipps, who will attend this year’s event as a Radiodays Asia Ambassador.

Ahern, one of Australia’s most respected radio educators, consultants and media strategists, will be among the presenters at the conference, delivering a workshop focused on team radio formats and audience engagement. Drawing on his recent involvement as an expert witness in the high-profile Kyle and Jackie O legal proceedings, Ahern plans to use the programme as a case study to examine how successful radio teams are built and why personality-driven content continues to resonate with audiences.

“I’ll be giving the case study of Kyle and Jackie O’s programme with a view to illustrating how radio stations should build a team show,” Ahern said.

The workshop forms part of a broader conference programme designed to bring together broadcasters, podcasters, journalists, digital creators, advertisers and technology providers from across the Asia-Pacific region.

For Ahern, the value of attending extends well beyond the formal sessions.

“The beauty of the Radiodays organisation is that they can call on the best minds and the best examples from all over the world,” he said. “That’s the reason to go, because you’ll just find out new things, and then you get the benefit of bumping into people and having further conversations and making connections.”

Throughout the discussion, Ahern reflected on the extraordinary changes that have shaped the industry over recent decades. While technologies have evolved dramatically, he believes radio’s core strength remains unchanged.

“I think the heart of radio is the people and the connection,” he said. “When you think about audio and that one-to-one personal relationship, it can go straight from your ears to the brain without the distraction of images.”

The conversation also explored the growing convergence of radio, podcasting, streaming, video and digital media. While many organisations now describe themselves as operating in the broader audio sector, Ahern argued that the radio industry should be careful not to abandon one of its most valuable assets.

“The word radio is very powerful,” he said. “It has a market position that’s been built in 100 years of history.”

Artificial intelligence was another major topic, particularly as broadcasters continue experimenting with AI-generated content and workflow automation. Ahern suggested the most useful applications of AI will likely be embedded within existing production tools, helping creators work more efficiently rather than replacing the human voices audiences know and trust.

“I think the content matters when you’re having a direct connection with a person who’s on the radio,” he said. “It’s a human connection.”

The discussion also touched on accessibility and media inclusion, topics likely to be increasingly relevant as audio organisations expand their digital offerings.

As an ambassador for Radiodays Asia, Gipps is keen to use the conference to promote greater awareness of accessible audio and equal access to information. During the interview, Vision Australia Radio provided an example of how specialist broadcasters are adapting to changing technology while maintaining a focus on audience needs.

The network’s recent transition away from AM transmission in its capital cities, in favour of DAB+, streaming platforms, mobile applications and smart speaker distribution, prompted a wider conversation about sustainability, audience behaviour and the future of broadcasting infrastructure.

Ahern described the move as part of a broader industry shift.

“I think it’s part of a broader transition,” he said. “FM and DAB and then adding streaming and other things is absolutely the right business decision to make.”

He also praised Vision Australia Radio’s contribution to accessibility within the broader media industry.

“A lot of the work that you’ve done in your network has been pulled out into the wider media because you guys have really pushed it and made people aware that it’s needed,” he said.

While accessibility may not traditionally headline industry conferences, the conversation highlighted how audience inclusion is becoming an increasingly important consideration across broadcasting, podcasting and digital media.

Radiodays Asia 2026 takes place in Jakarta from 1 to 3 September, bringing together audio professionals from across the region and beyond. Topics scheduled for discussion include digital transformation, audience growth, journalism, podcasting, technology, AI and the future of radio.

For anyone wondering whether the trip is worthwhile, Ahern’s answer is straightforward: the industry is being reshaped in real time, and the people helping define that future will be in the room.

“It’s a slice of the best thinkers of radio who are trying to work out what’s happening going forward,” he said.

Special offer: use the code RDAJGAMB10 at the checkout when purchasing your ticket to Radiodays Asia 2026 and receive 10 per cent off a two-day or three-day conference ticket. Learn more about the conference and get your tickets now at Radiodays Asia – The Meeting Point of Radio, Audio and Podcasts.