Unprecedented Success for a Continental First in Kenya

Unprecedented Success for a Continental First in Kenya

Radio 47 in Nairobi Unveils Africa's First Fully IP-Based Broadcast Facility

Radio 47, a leading Kenyan broadcaster owned by independent media company Cape Media, has revolutionised its broadcasting operations with the launch of Africa's first fully IP-based and automated hybrid broadcast facility in Nairobi.

The new studios, located in the capital city of Kenya, boast a modern and visually dynamic design, incorporating 3D acoustic wall panels, LED lighting, and large digital screens. The minimalist furniture complements the color scheme of Radio 47, creating an engaging and camera-friendly environment for both radio and multimedia broadcasting.

At the heart of the system is the Lawo crystal console and a centralized Lawo Power Core, a modular, high-density IP I/O and mixing engine. This setup allows for seamless control of broadcast workflows, including outside broadcast feeds and livestream guests, all from a single intuitive dashboard interface (Lawo VisTool GUI) that enhances operator focus and efficiency even in complex multiplatform productions.

The IP-native infrastructure represents a major technological advancement for African media, positioning Radio 47 among the leaders in innovation on the continent. The system supports remote and hybrid teams, enabling full remote control and monitoring of all broadcast operations, simplifying day-to-day production while offering great flexibility.

The project was executed by Mediacity Ads Ltd., Lawo's regional partner and broadcast facility integrator. Mediacity Ads was responsible for planning and implementing the system, ensuring the integration of Lawo equipment and the seamless transition to an IP workflow, effectively revolutionising Radio 47’s production processes.

Key features of the new system include remote control/monitoring, automation, multi-camera simulcasting, and simplified workflow. The processed signal is sent via an Elenos STL link to a network of repeater and relay stations across Kenya. Applications that remote contributors use include AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed.

Radio 47 broadcasts on 103.0 FM from Nairobi and is heard on different FM frequencies throughout Kenya. The station is rated among the top three Swahili-language radio stations in Kenya, according to IPSOS Synovate.

The transformation was completed in nine months, and Mediacity Ads called the installation a "continental benchmark." Cape Media's chairman, Simon Gisharu, sought a transition to an IP-based infrastructure for Radio 47, with the aim of future-proofing the broadcast system and ensuring scalability, operational flexibility, and integration with emerging broadcast technologies.

Nairobi, a rising technology hub of East Africa, is home to the new Radio 47 studios. The project involved the design, construction, and technical setup of three radio studios for Radio 47, with Kenyan videographer Reallex Films capturing both photos and video of the deployment. The Radio 47 setup uses Lawo's VRX8 virtual mixer, Crystal Clear control package, and a 12-fader Diamond console. The Radio 47 studios in Nairobi send program audio to an Omnia.9 MKII audio processor at its transmitter site via AES67-compliant Livewire+ AoIP streams.

With this new IP-based facility, Radio 47 is well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality radio and multimedia content to its audience, while also embracing the future of broadcasting technology.

References:

[1] Lawo. (2021). Radio 47 in Nairobi chooses Lawo IP technology for its new hybrid broadcast facility. [online] Available at: https://www.lawo.com/en/news/2021/radio-47-in-nairobi-chooses-lawo-ip-technology-for-its-new-hybrid-broadcast-facility/

[2] Mediacity Ads. (2021). Mediacity Ads completes Africa's first fully IP-based broadcast facility for Radio 47. [online] Available at: https://www.mediacityads.com/news/mediacity-ads-completes-africa-s-first-fully-ip-based-broadcast-facility-for-radio-47

[3] Radio World. (2021). Radio 47 completes Africa's first IP-based broadcast facility. [online] Available at: https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/radio-47-completes-africa-s-first-ip-based-broadcast-facility/

[4] Radio Info. (2021). Lawo's IP technology powers Radio 47's new hybrid broadcast facility in Nairobi. [online] Available at: https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/lawo-s-ip-technology-powers-radio-47-s-new-hybrid-broadcast-facility-in-nairobi

[5] Radio TechNews. (2021). Radio 47 launches Africa's first fully IP-based broadcast facility. [online] Available at: https://radiotechnews.com/radio-47-launches-africas-first-fully-ip-based-broadcast-facility/

1. The Lawo crystal console and Power Core, integrated into the new studios at Radio 47 in Nairobi, transmit signals for Africa's first fully IP-based and automated hybrid broadcast facility.
2. The led-lit, modern studios of Radio 47, equipped with 3D acoustic wall panels and large digital screens, broadcast radio and multimedia content to its audience, embracing this technological advancement in lifestyle and media.
3. The general-news station Radio 47, positioned among the leaders in innovation on the African continent, utilizes the IP-native infrastructure to support remote and hybrid teams, simplifying production and ensuring operational flexibility.
4. Organizations like Mediacity Ads, Lawo's regional partner and broadcast facility integrator, collaborate to revolutionize Radio 47's production processes through the installation of advanced IP technology, such as the VRX8 virtual mixer and the 12-fader Diamond console.
5. Key applications integrated from Lawo technology and others—such as AVT Collaboration, Magic ThipPro Lite, and Cleanfeed—enable the station to produce high-quality radio and multimedia content, positioning Radio 47 as a prominent player in the future of broadcasting technology in the African media environment.

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