Lawo, L-S-B Take Swedish Radio Into the Future With IP Technology

Swedish Radio (SR) has a vision to “meet listeners where the listeners are, and broadcast from where the action is.” Achieving this goal using IP-technology requires the broadcaster to undertake a complete modernization of its infrastructure. SR issued an EU tender about the mutual development for a pilot installation, which was won by German manufacturer Lawo. For the overall control system, Lawo will use products and services of L-S-B Broadcast.

The pilot project comprises the regional studio of Uddevalla and the close-by Gothenburg HUB, the latter to serve as control center for Uddevalla and – in a later step – for other regional studios around Gothenburg. All companies participating for this pilot installation – SR, Lawo, L-S-B – have been involved in all aspects of the project.

After the modernization, all SR regional studios will be able to act independently from the central broadcast operation with access from everywhere in the region by using IP technology. The self-operators will produce their own radio material using “instant” newsgathering, and broadcast via their regional antennas. Reporters will be located around the region, conducting interviews, directly reporting on events and newsworthy incidents. There will be no master control room for the regional studios – SR correspondents will use their tools, and in special cases even own mobile phones, to go on-air directly from their location, sending input to a studio or directly to the antenna via the relevant regional HUB.

Jarle Felin, Regional Director at Lawo, states that it was a difficult task to specify the contract content with a “floating” technology description, but that many of SR’s ideas for the future match technologies that are already part of Lawo’s portfolio and roadmap. Lars Hedh, Head of R&D at SR states: “I am very pleased with both the procurement process and the outcome of it, and I am looking forward to cooperate with a company that shares Swedish Radio’s vision of how radio will be made in the future.”