This post is being typed from the new studios of
CliffCentral, the groundbreaking initiative of radio personality Gareth Cliff
and his team One On One Productions, including Rina Broomberg who was involved in launching Radio 702
in the 80s, the hugely popular talk radio station in Johannesburg. CliffCentral
is the first internet radio station in South Africa that uses social media (WeChat)
and television (ComedyCentral) for distribution, live.
Gareth’s team recently resigned from major national station, 5FM where he had gathered significant interest for his straight talking
and at times, controversial, show. They saw an opportunity to take radio to a
new level and in the process revolutionise traditional content distribution in
South Africa. Indeed, he promotes his show as being very “unradio” and promises
a unique experience beyond the restricted confines of traditional radio stations.
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| Testing yesterday |
In just a few weeks, his team has kitted out a studio, negotiated
partnerships with sponsors and distribution channels and began advertising for new
shows and talent in the country, to join CliffCentral. Auditions for over one
thousand applicants are live, taking place right now! Meantime, Nando’s, never
to miss a beat, are serving a controversial “breakfast” with a puppet show
(#hotornot).
There is a significant buzz and even a sense that a little
bit of history is in the making. His first show streamed online, has already had
WeChat searching for solutions to deal with the demand.
Of course all of this has interesting IP considerations,
from cyber squatter protection and online reputational management to licensing
models for copyrighted content and performance rights in new distribution channels,
as well as structuring. It’s rare that I write about my work day (and not without permission) but it’s
been great to be part of this.
