Web-Radio Automation Technologies in the Era of Semantic Web
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School of Journalism and Mass Communications Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences Web-Radio Automation Technologies in the Era of Semantic Web BY Vasileios Margaritiadis A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF DIGITAL MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM Specialization: Digital Media, Culture and Communication Supervisor: Prof. Charalampos Dimoulas May 2018 2 They said about the radio… Radio is the theater of the mind; television is the theater of the mindless – Steve Allen The radio would be the finest possible communication apparatus in public life, a vast network of pipes – Bertolt Brecht In radio, you have two tools. Sound and silence – Ira Glass The television captured us, but the radio was stunning – Manos Hadjidakis Radio listeners are voyeurs: lurking, invisible, eavesdropping. – Paul Fleischman Radio... that wonderful invention by which I can reach millions of people... who fortunately can't reach me. – Milton Berle The benefit of the radio is, something beyond your realm of knowledge can surprise you, can enter your realm of knowledge. – Esperanza Spalding 3 Abstract Since their first appearance, the mass communication media are important players for both information and entertainment. Their significance is constantly increasing and they are an integral part of the functioning of societies. Naturally, the new communication technologies, have occupied an important part of mass communication, which is constantly expanding, mainly due to the existing technological possibilities. These capabilities allow the existence of “transmitters” on a wider scale than in the past because of the spread of technology, and the unparalleled lower cost of conventional media. In addition, the content and the type of the shows have been greatly expanded, increasing the diversity of programs, reaching very modern forms. The radio even today, where technology is progressing at high growth rates, is considered the “magic box” for information, entertainment and companionship, an integral part of everyday life. It keeps to a certain extent its importance, despite the rapid expansion and the possibilities of the television program. As a medium, it has been greatly improved since its first form, while managing to stabilize very quickly and remain significant so far. Since the transistors replaced the lamps, its external and internal features have changed gradually. For example, the size, the frequencies changed remotely and the connections and transmissions are made in different ways. Nowadays, the old-fashioned magic may have been lost, the search, imagination and knowledge may have diminished but other aspects have come to the surface, such as fast rhythm, liveliness and immediacy. Radio touches people in an intimate way that other mediums cannot duplicate. It is a whole world of indissoluble communication between the announcer and the listener. The charm of the radio has not been altered by the monologue and the ratings’ struggle. It resists, to the extent that is possible, to the modern flow that it wants profit and business operator but it remains a percentage free and enslaved to the will of the average listener. A major discussion in the operation of mass media, especially on the Internet, focuses on whether the "freedom" in broadcasting is consistent with correct and valid information and if it follows established rules for the protection of society as a whole, such as the validity of information, violation of copyright protection, etc. In the context of this work, reference is simply made to the above issues as it is not included in its objectives. This dissertation revolves around the transition of radio in the digital era and the 4 automation tools that have transformed the modern way of broadcasting. Through a short historical brief, we will revisit the technological evolution of this specific medium, during the last decades. Furthermore I hope I can fully present and evaluate some web radio automation tools which are used in high rate nowadays by the aspiring new generation radio producers. Finally, one personal goal is to help my supervisor Mr. Charalampos Dimoulas and his team in the lab of Journalism and Mass Communications department, in the implementation of new web-radio automation software. Keywords: Radio, Web-Radio, Automation, Semantic Web, broadcasting, archive, radio producer, Digital Era, transition, Jazler, SAM Broadcaster 5 Special thanks With the completion of my diploma thesis and my master studies I feel the need and the duty to thank some people who played a catalytic role in their implementation First of all, I want to thank my supervising Professor Charalampos Dimoulas for his support, but also for the confidence he showed me. Moreover I would like to thank my good friends, electrical engineers Ilias and Napoleon and survey engineer Costas for their helpful advices and their support. Finally, I would not probably participate in this master studies program at all, without Evi, whose presence in my life inspired me to exceed my expectations. //*Awareness of ignorance is the beginning of wisdom 6 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 8 Traditional vs. New Media ................................................................................................................... 8 Chapter 1: A Brief History of Radio ..................................................................................... 10 1.1.1 The beginning of wireless radio communications ................................................................... 10 1.1.2 Europe ..................................................................................................................... 11 1.1.3 USA ......................................................................................................................... 11 1.1.4 Technological evolution of the radio ...................................................................... 12 1.2 The New era .................................................................................................................................. 16 1.2.1 Creation of digital radio broadcasting ..................................................................... 16 1.2.2 DAB technology ...................................................................................................... 18 1.2.3 Advantages of digital transmission ......................................................................... 18 1.3 E-Radio ......................................................................................................................................... 20 1.3.1 The importance of internet radio ............................................................................. 20 1.3.2 The evolution of radio on the Internet ..................................................................... 20 1.3.3 Revenue and copyright ............................................................................................ 22 1.4 Streaming mode ............................................................................................................................ 22 1.4.1 Advantages of streaming ......................................................................................... 23 1.4.2 Program production and broadcasting ..................................................................... 24 1.5 Podcast .......................................................................................................................................... 26 1.6 Problems of Web Radio ................................................................................................................ 28 1.7 Web-Radio Devices. ...................................................................................................................... 30 1.8 Radio as a medium of communication: Art or Service? ............................................................. 31 Chapter 2: Project Analysis ................................................................................................. 33 2.1 What is radio automation? ........................................................................................................... 33 2.2.1 Radio DJ .................................................................................................................. 35 2.2.2 DirEttore .................................................................................................................. 36 2.2.3 RadioBoss ................................................................................................................ 37 2.2.4 Playit Live ............................................................................................................... 38 2.3 Jazler RadioStar Automation Software ....................................................................................... 39 2.3.1 System requirements ............................................................................................... 39 2.3.2 Characteristics of jazler radiostar one ..................................................................... 40 2.3.3 The features of Jazler RadioStar ............................................................................. 40 7 2.3.4 Jazler radio star terminology ................................................................................... 41 2.3.5 Clarification of Studio ............................................................................................