CBS Radio has revamped its Radio.com app as well as quietly folding its Play.It Podcast network into the brand.
Among the new features of the app are integrations with AppleTV, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for usage beyond just the smartphone or tablet. Programming still consists of streams from all CBS Radio stations and many of their HD Radio subchannels, podcasts from the former Play.It platform and on-air programming, as well as CBS Sports Radio programming.
The former Play.It site now redirects to Radio.com/podcasts as it has been integrated into the brand of the former. The podcast network was launched in early 2015 as a partnership between the CBS Radio and CBS Local Media divisions and was expected to include content from other CBS Corp. divisions. Shows from Showtime and the official Star Trek Podcast are among the partnerships created within the divisions of CBS. With Entercom’s upcoming purchase of CBS Radio and partnership with Cadence13 (formerly DGital Media) it will be interesting to see what further intergrations follow.
CBS RADIO has launched a new and improved version of its free streaming mobile app, Radio.com. The app features a fresh new look and logo to complement an easy-to-navigate experience now with higher streaming quality.
“Audiences want choice and that’s exactly what we’ve given them with this relaunch of the Radio.com app,” said J.D. Crowley, CBS RADIO’s Executive Vice President of Digital. “By combining their favorite local radio stations and on-demand content, we are catering to the distinctive tastes of mobile-first audiences, giving them control over when and where they engage with our content through a free, best-in-class experience.”
The Radio.com app allows users to listen to a live stream of their favorite local radio stations with the added capability of searching for other CBS RADIO stations by location or genre. Local stations and podcasts will auto populate at the top of the homepage, alongside content recommended specifically for each user. All of the company’s radio stations are available via Radio.com along with its diverse portfolio of more than 350 podcasts and popular programming from CBS Sports Radio. All content, whether live or on-demand, is always free.
The refreshed app also features customizable sections for a user’s stations and subscribed-to podcasts. The newly added “auto play” feature launches a user’s last played station upon re-opening the app. A dedicated podcast page allows users to subscribe to their favorites, and new episodes automatically download when a user’s device is connected to WiFi.
Station pages in the app are fully customized and feature local branding, on-air personalities, shows, on-demand audio, podcasts and schedules for an authentic listening experience. Music stations allow listeners to provide feedback on songs by tapping on thumbs up or thumbs down icons. The app also allows users to sync their mobile phones with Apple TV as well as their car’s Android Auto or Google CarPlay feature.
Through the use of dynamic advertising, partner messages are specific to the Radio.com app stream and targeted at individual listeners. Advertisers can also sponsor specific station pages or a group of stations by format (sports, news, country music, etc.).
Continued Crowley, “Through a combination of smart targeting and deep, custom integration opportunities for advertisers, we align our partners’ brands with our premium content so that listeners are both receptive and responsive to the advertising messages being delivered.”
