Monaco Media Diffusion Adapts to Radio's Evolving Landscape
Thierry Poyet discusses the challenges and future of radio broadcasting in Monaco amidst increasing competition from digital platforms.
In conjunction with the upcoming Radio Festival scheduled for June 5-7, 2025, Monaco Media Diffusion (MMD) is opening its doors to the public.
The initiative aims to elucidate the role of a broadcaster in the evolving media landscape.
Thierry Poyet, the administrator of MMD, elaborated on the organization’s function and the future of radio media.
MMD is a Monaco-based company tasked with commercializing the radio frequencies allocated to the Principality.
Each country has frequencies designated for its own use; MMD serves as the operational arm for this commercialization, offering its services to various radio stations, including Nostalgie and NRJ, as well as local broadcasters.
The primary listening area encompasses a majority of France and extends to parts of Monaco.
When a French radio station expresses interest in broadcasting its programs, MMD assists in acquiring a frequency covering Monaco, Menton, and up to Saint-Tropez.
After reaching an agreement, the audio feed from the radio station is transmitted through telecommunications channels to MMD's technical sites equipped with transmitters that relay the signal to the antenna, ensuring it reaches listeners in their vehicles without them being aware of the underlying logistics.
Poyet noted the challenges posed by the proliferation of online streaming services and podcasts, stating that traditional radio is experiencing heightened competition.
Podcast audiences currently outstrip those of conventional radio stations, necessitating a strategic adaptation by MMD.
The adoption of Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) is one of the measures being implemented to modernize broadcasting practices.
The DAB+ technology promises improved efficiency relative to analog FM broadcasting, potentially paving the way to phase out FM altogether in the future.
However, DAB+ remains in developmental stages in Monaco, facing hurdles related to frequency allocation and public habit.
Poyet remarked on the shifting listening habits of younger audiences, emphasizing their inclination towards alternative mediums for consuming music and news.
He indicated that MMD may need to diversify its operations, potentially expanding its services internationally to markets cultivating radio infrastructure or repurposing existing sites, such as the Lucien Allavena center, into data centers.
The regulatory environment concerning frequency use is closely monitored by public authorities in Monaco.
The antenna locations are strategically placed near but outside the Principality to manage signal strength effectively.
Ongoing assessments are conducted to ensure compliance with signal transmission standards.
As part of the Radio Festival, MMD invites the public to its Lucien Allavena center, aiming to foster understanding of the broadcaster's role and evolution since the center's establishment.
With MMD navigating through the complexities of a rapidly evolving media ecosystem, the focus remains on staying relevant amidst increasing competition and technological advancements.
The initiative aims to elucidate the role of a broadcaster in the evolving media landscape.
Thierry Poyet, the administrator of MMD, elaborated on the organization’s function and the future of radio media.
MMD is a Monaco-based company tasked with commercializing the radio frequencies allocated to the Principality.
Each country has frequencies designated for its own use; MMD serves as the operational arm for this commercialization, offering its services to various radio stations, including Nostalgie and NRJ, as well as local broadcasters.
The primary listening area encompasses a majority of France and extends to parts of Monaco.
When a French radio station expresses interest in broadcasting its programs, MMD assists in acquiring a frequency covering Monaco, Menton, and up to Saint-Tropez.
After reaching an agreement, the audio feed from the radio station is transmitted through telecommunications channels to MMD's technical sites equipped with transmitters that relay the signal to the antenna, ensuring it reaches listeners in their vehicles without them being aware of the underlying logistics.
Poyet noted the challenges posed by the proliferation of online streaming services and podcasts, stating that traditional radio is experiencing heightened competition.
Podcast audiences currently outstrip those of conventional radio stations, necessitating a strategic adaptation by MMD.
The adoption of Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB+) is one of the measures being implemented to modernize broadcasting practices.
The DAB+ technology promises improved efficiency relative to analog FM broadcasting, potentially paving the way to phase out FM altogether in the future.
However, DAB+ remains in developmental stages in Monaco, facing hurdles related to frequency allocation and public habit.
Poyet remarked on the shifting listening habits of younger audiences, emphasizing their inclination towards alternative mediums for consuming music and news.
He indicated that MMD may need to diversify its operations, potentially expanding its services internationally to markets cultivating radio infrastructure or repurposing existing sites, such as the Lucien Allavena center, into data centers.
The regulatory environment concerning frequency use is closely monitored by public authorities in Monaco.
The antenna locations are strategically placed near but outside the Principality to manage signal strength effectively.
Ongoing assessments are conducted to ensure compliance with signal transmission standards.
As part of the Radio Festival, MMD invites the public to its Lucien Allavena center, aiming to foster understanding of the broadcaster's role and evolution since the center's establishment.
With MMD navigating through the complexities of a rapidly evolving media ecosystem, the focus remains on staying relevant amidst increasing competition and technological advancements.
