First Time Achievement by Continental in Kenya
Radio 47, a top Swahili-language radio station in Kenya, has undergone a significant transformation, thanks to a future-proof broadcast system designed and installed by multiCAM Systems. This new system has transformed Radio 47's traditional radio studio into a fully automated, IP-native visual radio production environment [1].
The heart of the system is an IP-based infrastructure that sends program audio to an Omnia.9 MKII audio processor via AES67-compliant Livewire+ AoIP streams. This setup, based on AES67 and RAVENNA standards, ensures perfect audio-video synchronization [1].
The system also supports remote access, automation, and multicamera simulcasting. It integrates Lawo IP-based audio consoles, connected to a centralized Lawo Power Core DSP engine, creating a seamless audio-over-IP infrastructure. Automation and control are unified in a single interface, handling real-time branding, on-air graphics, and multi-platform audio routing [1].
The modular design and IP workflows facilitate easy expansion and remote collaboration, enabling Radio 47 to manage content creation and broadcasting from various locations. This feature is ideal for multicamera simulcasting and flexible remote involvement [1][2].
The new Radio 47 studios in Nairobi boast a modern and visually dynamic design, with a color palette of yellow, blue, grey, and white, and incorporate 3D acoustic wall panels, hexagonal ceiling designs, integrated LED lighting, and large digital screens for visual content [3]. The transformation was completed in nine months, with Mediacity Ads, a Rwandan integrator, enlisted by Radio 47, leading the project and contributing to the technical design, equipment specification, and workflow training [4].
Applications used by remote contributors include AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed. The system also uses Lawo's VRX8 virtual mixer, Crystal Clear control package, and a 12-fader Diamond console, with the Voceware software handling studio indicators remotely via virtual GPIOs, and WinCam automating camera switching based on audio sources [5].
The processed signal is sent via an Elenos STL link to a network of repeater and relay stations across Kenya, allowing Radio 47 to broadcast on 103.0 FM from Nairobi and be heard on different FM frequencies throughout the country [6].
Simon Gisharu, Cape Media's chairman, sought this transition to an IP-based infrastructure for Radio 47, aiming to provide a more flexible and scalable broadcast system. This move has indeed positioned Radio 47 as a model for scalable, future-proof broadcast systems in East Africa [7]. Mediacity Ads, Lawo's regional partner in Africa, called the installation a "continental benchmark" [8].
Radio 47 network is owned by independent Kenyan broadcaster Cape Media, and field reporting, content management, and ad sales are web-based. Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is a rising technology hub of East Africa [9].
In conclusion, Radio 47's new broadcast system uses advanced networked camera automation, IP audio integration, and centralized control to support remote access, full automation, and multicamera simulcasting, setting a new standard for radio-to-visual hybrid broadcasting in Africa [1][2][4].
- The transformation of Radio 47, a top Swahili-language radio station in Kenya, includes a cutting-edge broadcast system designed by multiCAM Systems, revolutionizing the traditional radio studio into a fully automated, IP-native visual radio production environment.
- Integral to the new system is an IP-based infrastructure that transmits program audio to an Omnia.9 MKII audio processor, ensuring flawless audio-video synchronization, thanks to the AES67-compliant Livewire+ AoIP streams.
- Apart from remote access and automation, the system also caters to multicamera simulcasting, utilizing Lawo IP-based audio consoles connected to a centralized Lawo Power Core DSP engine, establishing a seamless audio-over-IP infrastructure.
- To facilitate easy expansion and remote collaboration, the modular design and IP workflows allow Radio 47 to handle content creation and broadcasting from various locations, making multicamera simulcasting and flexible remote participation viable.
- Beyond the studio, technology has permeated Radio 47's General-News, Lifestyle, and other programs, with web-based field reporting, content management, and ad sales, solidifying its position as a rising technology hub of East Africa.
