Lokalrundfunktage in Nuremberg: More Relevant Than Ever

Mr. Sutor, the Lokalrundfunktage is a nationwide unique event in the German radio market. When it started in 1993, it was a novelty, as you mentioned in a podcast. Over the years, has the event contributed to the professionalization of local radio in Bavaria and to the networking of those responsible?

Sutor: Absolutely. The Lokalrundfunktage, more than any other conference, are characterized by a practice-oriented exchange aimed at meeting the requirements in areas such as programming, marketing, technology – and now, for example, artificial intelligence – in the best possible way. For the radio and audio industry in the DACH region, the Lokalrundfunktage is the most important event for networking with colleagues.

And how have the Lokalrundfunktage evolved in terms of content and organization? Do they now offer more value to the target audience of managing directors, program and marketing managers, presenters, and editorial staff than in the past?

Sutor: The Lokalrundfunktage have always been focused on practical, content-related issues, and they have remained true to this approach for over 30 years. In workshops and masterclasses, industry experts, including international ones, share their knowledge. From the very beginning, it was important to us that not only the responsible managing directors but also the creators – from trainees to the responsible editors – attend the Lokalrundfunktage to bring and take away new ideas and impulses.

From the beginning, looking at foreign markets has also played an important role in the event. How have Bavarian local radio creators, in your perception, received the impulses from international speakers and presentations?

Sutor: At the start of the Lokalrundfunktage, the USA was still considered the great model for how to implement a program in the most listener-friendly way. That's why many speakers from the States were initially invited. This has changed significantly. Nowadays, we find more innovative projects in Europe, particularly in the UK, but also in countries with comparable local markets, such as Switzerland. In the meantime, Bavarian local radio creators have started to generate impulses from which others can also learn, such as program supply and the exchange of programs among Bavarian local radio stations.

What do the Lokalrundfunktage contribute to the training of young radio talent?

Sutor: From the very beginning, the Lokalrundfunktage included a program for trainees so that young radio talent can learn from professionals. Another aspect of the Lokalrundfunktage is the recognition of outstanding achievements through the BLM Radio and Local Television Awards. We want to highlight how innovative and creative the industry is. However, the challenge remains to inspire young media creators even more for the medium of radio.

How much effort do you put into creating a program each year that provides an incentive for the target audience to travel to Nuremberg?

Sutor: On the one hand, we have established an advisory board with practitioners from the industry to ensure that we are truly addressing current topics. On the other hand, our team scouts the European markets to find the most exciting and innovative minds who are currently transforming the industry.

What future do you see for the Lokalrundfunktage?

Sutor: The positive response in recent years clearly shows that exchange and discussions about the future of local radio are more important than ever. The transformation of the radio medium through new technologies, distribution channels, and competitors, as well as the situation in the advertising market, forces the industry to position itself collectively for the future. The Lokalrundfunktage is happy to serve as the forum for this.