In praise of Rhubarb Radio
May 19, 2009
Paul Hadley nominates Rhubarb Radio for the Digital Innovation award.
Rhubarb Radio, based at the heart of Birmingham’s creative cluster at the Custard Factory, is run entirely by volunteers from local creative industries and on-line communications specialists.
The work of the station proves daily how innovation, technology applications, multi-platform digital broadcasting and audience interaction drives engagement and delivers an immediate response to a local and international audience.
The issue: In 2008, following increasing criticism from Birmingham residents, businesses and visitors about the lack of ‘localness’ in traditional BBC and commercial radio station content, a small group of active bloggers, online journalists and social media participants pooled their resources and skills to form Rhubarb Radio.
Innovative solutions: Following consultation with many online communities and individuals, new technology, youth culture, mobile phone platforms and developing social media trends and users were key deciding factors contributing to the successful development of the station. They continue to be at the forefront of Rhubarb’s approach.
Tools & technology: www.rhubarbradio.com broadcasts, through live and Listen Again Facilities, via all standalone internet radio devices. The technology, platforms and formats used to date are: Adobe Audition, Logic, I-phone apps, Shoutcast, Winamp, 3G, Nokia apps, Ubuntu, WMS, Wordpress, Byron, and Skype amongst others.
However, by far the most significant ‘tool’ is the ‘We Share All’ philosophy held by members, audience and participants.
Ongoing impact: Rhubarb Radio continually works alongside social media participants and the development of links with the local and international online social media communities is the undoubted highlight to date.
During the first month’s broadcasting in November 2008, Rhubarb Radio supported the Gigbeth festival, providing more live simultaneous content than BBC Radio 1’s coverage of Glastonbury.
Live outside broadcasts for ‘WxWM’, organised by local social media participants, linked social media experts with the vast SxSW event in Texas. With 870 interactive participants, the event was a significant development for the online community and digital media future for Birmingham, recognised by Digital Britain, Screen WM, Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham City Council and Digital Birmingham. It also featured twice in the Top 10 Trends on Twitter.
Development continues: To date, the station has engaged with over 80,000 listeners, and 260,000 unique visitors, showing the need for a local service delivered on a truly international platform.
Alongside scheduled shows, coverage of live events - including live gigs and broadcasting conferences – positions the station as the voice for a plethora of activity in the city.
Rhubarb has engaged with young people from Birmingham’s 10 wards, and has provided content delivery with, for and by 13 nationalities, generating listeners from 62 countries and showing an increased international awareness of current happenings in Birmingham.
Rhubarb Radio has also recently been nominated in Channel 4’s 10 recommended Internet Radio Stations.
Rhubarb Radio’s independent nature is evident in its spirit: the open and welcoming attitude of those that run Rhubarb allow those with a real passion for radio to get involved.
With listeners actively encouraged to engage with the station through the blog and through social network sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, it broaches a variety of communication channels and openly encourages inclusion.
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