10118195Technology Assisted Live Engagement Radio (TALER)ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKAmid falling ratings, local radio is desperate to attract younger audiences but struggles to create appealing formats. Tiktok, youtube and snapchat facilitate hyper-social sharing and social interaction through audio/video messaging and radio needs to offer similar opportunities for direct engagement with young audiences. At the same time, music venues are closing rapidly reducing the opportunity for new talent to get exposure and build a fan base. Open Sesame Media is developing TALER, an AI-enabled digital production assistant that screens listener contributions so that radio presenters can seamlessly integrate them 'live' and without the need for additional studio support. The pilot application of TALER will address the new music challenge by creating 'Appointment to Listen' local radio content promoting new music talent and accessed through a digital platform offering useful content to new musicians relating to all aspects of the music industry.