ACCESS and 7digital partner to power the automotive connected radio revolution

ACCESS CO., LTD and 7digital have announced a partnership to bring cutting-edge connected radio services into the car. The collaboration will see 7digital's IP radio services and APIs pre-integrated into ACCESS' Twine for Car automotive service platform, delivering a solution that capitalizes on growing in-car connectivity to bring a wider range of audio services to drivers and passengers.

The partnership responds to the growing need for a broader choice of audio consumption by drivers and passengers on the road, without the location constraints of traditional broadcast services. In its 2018 Audiomonitor survey of UK consumers, research firm Audiencenet found that 22% of total time spent listening to music in a typical day is done in the car. As cars become more connected and consumers bring their personal devices inside their vehicle, traditional broadcast radio providers will need to keep pace with the expectations of always-on drivers and passengers. The partnership between ACCESS and 7digital aims to help the radio industry manage this transition seamlessly by delivering a platform that enables IP radio to integrate with existing broadcast services and evolve into new connected services. The solution will also allow for additional functionality, such as listen again' programming and on-demand podcasts, alongside new business models such as targeted advertising and recommendations, and will empower niche radio stations to increase their reach in a more cost effective way.

Simon Cole, CEO of 7digital, said: In-car listening has always been central to the health of the radio industry. As we move to an environment where the connected car allows access to a world of content outside broadcast, there is a clear opportunity for radio to take advantage of its central position on the dashboard. Whether it is curating songs from the radio into playlists or providing listen-again services on the go, the connected car will be one of the most dynamic media environments and we are thrilled to be working with ACCESS on its development .

Based on the ACCESS Twine for Car service platform, a unique solution encompassing connected entertainment and value added services, the integration will utilise 7digital's APIs alongside a media player showing available stations for in-car playback. Looking forwards, the combined solution will allow users to pause live streams, enjoy on-demand podcasts and access listen again' programming. The partnership will also bring value to car manufacturers by enabling them to enhance their services by converging radio with cutting edge connected technologies.

Digital entertainment services are offering consumers expertly curated entertainment experiences to enhance brand engagement. The radio industry needs to follow suit as it starts to embrace connected technologies. Through our partnership with 7digital, we're putting radio back at the heart of in-car entertainment and fostering a platform for innovation ahead of the driverless car revolution, said Dr. Neale Foster, CEO of ACCESS Europe.

ACCESS' solutions have been shipped in over 1.5 billion devices worldwide to provide connected entertainment in cars, smartphones, tablets, game consoles and more. ACCESS works with Tier 1s, studios, broadcasters, content rights owners, consultants, the legal profession, licensing and collecting societies, Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology and infrastructure providers to help make the next generation of compelling in-car services a reality.

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