South African commercial radio station Jacaranda FM has unveiled a new flagship studio designed to transform how its content is produced and delivered across audio, video and digital platforms.
The newly launched facility represents a major technological upgrade for the station, featuring a fully digital broadcasting environment built to support modern, multi-platform media consumption. The studio introduces advanced systems aimed at improving sound quality, production efficiency and visual engagement with audiences.
A key innovation is the station’s implementation of a fully virtual mixing desk, known in the broadcast industry as “mixing on glass.” This makes Jacaranda FM the first radio station in South Africa to adopt the technology, which replaces traditional physical mixing consoles with a touchscreen-based digital interface.
The system also enables software-based upgrades through firmware updates, allowing the station to introduce new features without replacing hardware.
The project was led by broadcast engineer Andrew Pike, Technical and IT Manager at Jacaranda FM and an inductee in the Telkom Radio Awards Hall of Fame. With more than four decades of experience in broadcast technology, Pike oversaw the design and integration of the studio’s digital infrastructure.
The new facility also reflects the growing importance of visual media in radio broadcasting. The studio is equipped with six cameras, including three remote-controlled 4K units and three presenter-focused miniature cameras, allowing the station to simultaneously record, stream and distribute content across multiple social media platforms.
Designed for remote and hybrid broadcasting environments, the studio’s systems can be accessed and controlled from anywhere in the world. This allows presenters to manage live broadcasts from off-site locations such as home studios or outside broadcast venues.
Additional features include height-adjustable presenter desks for ergonomic comfort, dynamic multi-color lighting designed for broadcast and photography, and a dedicated digital mixer for live band performances during in-studio music sessions.
According to Vuyani Dombo, the studio represents a long-term investment in the future of the station’s content strategy.
“This studio is a bold investment in the future of feel-good broadcasting. Our audiences engage with us across multiple platforms, on air, online and on social media, and this space allows us to create content that matches the energy and quality they expect,” Dombo said.
With its fully digital backbone and integrated visual capabilities, Jacaranda FM’s new flagship studio aims to set a new benchmark for radio innovation in South Africa’s broadcasting industry.