LiSTN, a ground-breaking new app launches in South Africa, promising listeners the content they crave and advertisers fresh opportunities to engage with them.

• LiSTN brings together a notable group of South African media brands and is available across Android and the Apple App store.
• The intuitive interface allows users to explore various content curators at their leisure.
• With deep insights into South African culture and preferences, LiSTN aims to deliver a more personalized and engaging experience for both listeners and advertisers.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

South Africans have an insatiable appetite for audio content. From iconic radio shows of yester-year like ‘Squad Cars’ and beloved personalities like Alex Jay, to the timeless classics and first albums we remember, audio is an integral part of South African culture. In an ever-evolving digital world, audio continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of voices and stories for listeners of all ages.

The LiSTN app was created by Digital Platforms, part of the Central Media Group in Bloemfontein and a subsidiary of AME. The focus on home-grown content tailored for local audiences makes this unique in the SA market. There are a number of global aggregators targeting a wider audience, but research has shown a strong appetite for local news and stories, and LiSTN is designed to cater to this growing audience feeding into the demand for hyper local; content.

// CEO of African Media Entertainment (AME), Dave Tiltmann

Dave says the LiSTN App opens interesting possibilities for advertisers, who are no longer restricted to the traditional 30-second advertising slot before or after a piece of audio content. They can opt for much shorter advertising slots inserted before, during or after a piece of audio content.

The recent surge in podcast popularity and the latest BRC RAMS figures indicate that audio is indeed in a robust and vibrant state. This trend benefits both consumers and advertisers seeking to connect with engaged audiences.

In theory, the perfect platform could bring these two sides together seamlessly. Historically, terrestrial audio faced geographical limitations that made this a challenge. However, digital audio transcends these boundaries, reaching listeners wherever there’s internet access. South Africa, with its increasing connectivity and affordability of smartphones and audio streaming data, has lowered the barriers to entry, allowing people from all walks of life to indulge in the pleasures of audio entertainment.

As an audio aggregator, LiSTN has the potential to reshape the industry, offering a wealth of unique features and benefits. Here’s why LiSTN is poised to make a significant impact:

• 100% Homegrown: LiSTN distinguishes itself by being a proudly South African creation. Developed by Digital Platforms, a subsidiary of AME (African Media Entertainment Limited) and part of the Central Media Group in Bloemfontein, LiSTN is tailored to local nuances. This sets it apart from global aggregators that tend to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Quality Content: Featuring both web content and The Sandton Times Hour, the app ensures a well-rounded and enriching experience. Users can seamlessly navigate through the insightful articles and catch up on the latest happenings via The Sandton Times Hour, all within the convenience of a single platform. LiSTN’s curated content includes the distinctive voice of The Sandton Times becoming an integral part of the auditory and visual symphony offered by the app.
• Diverse Portfolio: LiSTN leverages AME’s extensive network of radio, audio, and content providers to offer a wide spectrum of content. The platform boasts a diverse range of brands, including well-known names like Algoa FM, OFM, Hot FM, Smile FM, Mix FM, The Citizen, Moneyweb on SAFM, Simply Smooth, Simply RnB, Simply Gospel, Moneyweb on RSG, Jozi FM, The Sandton Times Hour and many more. This diversity ensures that LiSTN appeals to a broad range of audiences, creating valuable segments for brands to target.
• Free and Accessible: LiSTN is free to download and experience, eliminating any financial barriers for users. This accessibility ensures a wide and varied user base, allowing brands to connect with long-time enthusiasts and newcomers alike. By providing a personalized experience for listeners and more targeted advertising opportunities for brands, LiSTN departs from the traditional ‘spray and pray’ approach to navigating and marketing.
• First-of-its-Kind: LiSTN stands as a pioneering force in South Africa’s audio landscape. It sets itself apart by offering an array of content streams in one place, including live radio, podcast catch-up content, playlists, reputable news, and more. This consolidated approach simplifies the listening experience, eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps and reducing screen time-related concerns.
• User-Centric Design: LiSTN places user experience at the forefront of its design. The platform features an easy-scrolling carousel at the top, emphasizing its commitment to a seamless and enjoyable experience. LiSTN is available on both iOS and Android, ensuring widespread compatibility and accessibility for all users.
• Radio Agnosticism and Music Diversity: LiSTN’s radio agnosticism is a standout feature. It provides access to a wide range of radio stations, catering to South Africa’s multicultural diversity. Whether listeners prefer FM stations, digital streams, or even partnerships with Namibian stations, LiSTN ensures everyone can tune in to their favorites. This diversity extends to music selection, encompassing modern hits, golden oldies, talk shows, and sounds from different provinces. Satisfied listeners create greater advertising opportunities, maximizing the impact of marketing budgets.
• Future-Focused: LiSTN has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to become a central platform for aggregating content tailored to specific niches. Advertisers will benefit from detailed insights into audience engagement across different content types, allowing for personalized and effective campaigns.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential. LiSTN‘s innovative approach to audio aggregation, rooted in South African culture and preferences, positions it as a transformative force. With its diverse content, commitment to user experience, and pioneering features, LiSTN is set to enrich the audio landscape for both consumers and advertisers. It’s time to LiSTN—wherever you are!

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