BBC launches “radio visualisation” trial
BBC radio fans will now have access to visual content with the BBC’s latest “radio visualisation” trial.
The BBC has announced the launch of its latest “radio visualisation” trial, to enable audiences to watch some of their favourite radio stations being broadcast.
The trial will run until 31 July 2009, and will begin by offering an enhanced, online version of Simon Mayo’s BBC Radio 5 Live show, before being rolled out to include others such as The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 and The Hub on BBC 6 Music.
Online audiences will be able to view webcam streams, images, now playing and artist information, along with news and sports feeds. Initially interaction will be available through a pop-up console online, and further into the trial the console will be available to download on a selected number of mobile devices, including high-end smartphones and the most popular mobile handsets.
The first phase of the trial began in January 2009, and following audience feedback, on-demand content will also be available for this trial so that those who miss the live transmission can watch it back.
Mark Friend, Controller of Multiplatform and Interactive BBC Audio & Music, said: “The visualisation console is about enriching the digital listening experience. More people are consuming radio on different platforms and on devices that have screens.
“I look forward to what we can learn from this trial and being able to share findings with the wider radio industry.”

Global Radio has just launched a new online player with visual radio:
http://www.timacheson.com/blog/2010/feb/global_radio_launches_new_online_media_player
It’s live on the web right now, and it’s a pretty good user experience.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:48 am