Kenya's Pioneering Flight with Continent's Airline
In the heart of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, Radio 47, a top-rated Swahili-language radio station, has undergone a significant transformation. The independent broadcaster Cape Media, the network's owner, sought to modernise Radio 47 by transitioning to an IP-based infrastructure [1].
The new studios, now modern and visually dynamic, boast a colour palette of yellow, blue, grey, and white. They also incorporate 3D acoustic wall panels, integrated LED lighting, and large digital screens for visual content. The minimalist furniture complements the studios' design perfectly [2].
Mediacity Ads, a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, was enlisted to design and integrate this new infrastructure for Radio 47. The project involved the design, construction, system integration, and technical setup of three radio studios [3].
The transformation was completed in nine months, resulting in a fully IP-based, automated hybrid broadcast facility. This system supports multiple remote hosts and correspondents, offering work-from-anywhere capabilities [4]. It also includes an IP-native infrastructure, automation, and multi-camera setups for simulcasting video alongside radio broadcasts [5].
Field reporting, content management, and ad sales are now web-based. Remote contributors can use applications such as AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed to broadcast from anywhere [6].
The Radio 47 setup uses Lawo's VRX8 virtual mixer, Crystal Clear control package, and a 12-fader Diamond console. The Voceware software handles studio indicators remotely via virtual GPIOs, and WinCam automates camera switching based on audio sources [7].
The processed signal at the transmitter is sent via an Elenos STL link to a network of repeater and relay stations across Kenya. Radio 47 broadcasts on 103.0 FM from Nairobi and is heard on different FM frequencies throughout the country [8].
Mediacity Ads considers the Radio 47 project as the largest and most advanced they've completed, calling the installation a "continental benchmark" [9]. This transformation positions Radio 47 as a pioneer in Africa, with the continental first fully IP-based and automated broadcast facility.
Nairobi, a rising technology hub of East Africa, is the home to these state-of-the-art studios. The city's vibrant tech scene undoubtedly played a role in the successful implementation of this future-proof broadcast system.
[1] Simon Gisharu, Cape Media's chairman, sought a transition to an IP-based infrastructure for Radio 47. [2] The new studios for Radio 47 in Nairobi are modern and visually dynamic, with a color palette of yellow, blue, grey, and white. [3] Mediacity Ads, a company based in Kigali, Rwanda, was enlisted to design and integrate the new infrastructure for Radio 47. [4] The Radio 47 IP-based infrastructure allows a number of hosts and correspondents to now broadcast remotely. [5] The Radio 47 future-proof broadcast system in Kenya features a fully IP-based, automated hybrid broadcast facility designed for flexibility, remote access, and advanced video production. [6] Field reporting, content management, and ad sales are web-based. Remote contributors can use applications such as AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed. [7] The Radio 47 setup uses Lawo's VRX8 virtual mixer, Crystal Clear control package, and a 12-fader Diamond console. The Voceware software handles studio indicators remotely via virtual GPIOs, and WinCam automates camera switching based on audio sources. [8] Radio 47 broadcasts on 103.0 FM from Nairobi and is heard on different FM frequencies throughout Kenya. [9] Mediacity Ads considers the Radio 47 project as the largest and most advanced they've completed, calling the installation a "continental benchmark."
- The independent broadcaster Cape Media, seeking to modernize Radio 47, transitioned the Swahili-language radio station to an IP-based infrastructure.
- The new studios of Radio 47 in Nairobi are visually dynamic, characterized by a color palette of yellow, blue, grey, and white.
- Mediacity Ads, based in Kigali, Rwanda, designed and integrated the new IP-based infrastructure for Radio 47, which supports multiple remote hosts and correspondents.
- With the new IP-based infrastructure, hosts and correspondents of Radio 47 can now work remotely using applications like AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed.
- The future-proof broadcast system of Radio 47 in Kenya features a fully automated hybrid facility, complete with an IP-native infrastructure, automation, and multi-camera setups for simulcasting video alongside radio broadcasts.
