Key Takeaways
- The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 is expected to feature a wide range of innovative technologies, including AI, that can enhance the radio industry
- Radio stations are looking for consumer tech that can help them reduce costs and improve efficiency
- AI-based software is expected to play a major role in CES 2026, with potential applications in radio sales, content creation, and data analysis
- The evolution of car dashboard technology is a major concern for the radio industry, with many seeking dedicated volume and tuning knobs and easy access to radio functionality
- Companies like Xperi, ElevenLabs, and SoundHound are expected to showcase their latest technologies at CES 2026
Introduction to CES 2026
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 is just around the corner, and with it comes a plethora of innovative technologies, gadgets, and software that are set to revolutionize the way we live and work. As a retired communications lawyer and radio enthusiast, I am excited to attend the event and explore the latest developments in the tech world. This year’s CES is expected to be dominated by AI, and I am eager to see how this technology can be applied to the radio industry. With the encouragement of several radio broadcaster friends, I will be attending the event to explore the latest tech trends and innovations that can enhance our radio industry.
The Search for Radio in Modern Cars
One of the main concerns for the radio industry is the evolution of car dashboard technology. With the increasing use of Android Auto and other infotainment systems, finding the radio in modern cars can be a challenge. I have had personal experiences with rental cars where I struggled to find the radio, and I am not alone. Many radio companies are seeking dedicated volume and tuning knobs, as well as easy access to radio functionality. At CES 2026, I will be looking for cars that have prioritized radio accessibility and usability. The question on everyone’s mind is, "Where’s the radio?" and "How do you find the radio?" in modern cars. The answer to this question will be crucial in determining the future of radio in the automotive industry.
Technologies for Efficiency
For radio managers and decision-makers, CES 2026 is an opportunity to explore consumer tech that can help them reduce costs and improve efficiency. Lee Perryman, the president and owner of Sylacauga’s Radio Alabama, is looking for tech that allows his team to "do what we do in a commercial world at a lower cost." He has already seen the benefits of using consumer tech, such as the RØDECaster Pro II, which has allowed him to save approximately $50,000. Will Payne, the upcoming president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, is on the lookout for AI-based software that can make commercial production easier. He has already started using consumer tech, such as the OBSBOT Tail 2 video cameras, to stream live sports and community events. The use of AI-powered software is expected to play a major role in the radio industry, with many companies looking to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
AI and its Impact on Radio
AI is expected to be a major theme at CES 2026, and its impact on the radio industry will be significant. Companies like ElevenLabs, which showcased its speech AI technology at CES 2025, are already making waves in the industry. The technology has the potential to transform radio broadcasting, with applications in text-to-speech, voice cloning, and language translation. Xperi, the HD radio folks, are also expected to showcase their emerging DTS Autostage technology, which has the potential to transform radio broadcasting ratings, metrics, and data. The use of AI in radio will be a major focus at CES 2026, with many companies looking to explore its potential applications.
Companies to Watch at CES 2026
Several companies that are familiar to the radio industry will be showcasing their latest technologies at CES 2026. These include Nielsen, Gracenote, Katz Media Group, and WideOrbit. SoundHound, an AI voice developer, will also be showcasing its technology, which has the potential to turn the dashboard into an ROI-positive platform. ElevenLabs will be back at CES 2026, and I am excited to see what new developments they have in store. The company’s speech AI technology has already been used by several radio broadcasters, and its potential applications are vast. Other companies, such as LG Electronics and Hollyland, will also be showcasing their latest technologies, including the Lark M2S, which is used for audio in live broadcasts.
The Future of Radio
The challenge for the radio industry in the AI era is to use new tech to enhance radio broadcasting operations while keeping radio as a solid business proposition. I hope to find at CES 2026 new technology that can make radio content more informative and compelling, enhance radio listening experiences with graphics and metadata, improve radio station operations by being more cost-effective, and dramatically increase ROI for advertisers with real-time listener data and metrics. The future of radio is uncertain, but one thing is clear – it will be shaped by the technologies that are showcased at CES 2026. As the radio industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we stay ahead of the curve and explore new technologies that can help us thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CES 2026 is set to be an exciting event, with a wide range of innovative technologies and gadgets on display. The radio industry will be well-represented, with several companies showcasing their latest technologies and innovations. As I attend the event, I will be looking for answers to the questions that are on every radio manager’s mind – how can we use new tech to enhance our operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency? The answer to this question will be crucial in determining the future of the radio industry, and I am excited to see what CES 2026 has in store. With its focus on AI, consumer tech, and innovation, CES 2026 is an event that no radio professional can afford to miss.