A major UK broadcaster has successfully completed the first live production deployment of the CGI dira Dimension radio production platform.
The project centered on a regional radio operation that remained on a separate legacy broadcast system, creating an opportunity to modernize its infrastructure. The broadcaster wanted to bring the operation into closer alignment with its wider environment while maintaining uninterrupted live output.
The new environment combines CGI dira Medox, our browser-based workspace for content management and scheduling, with CGI dira OnAir Player for live radio playout. It also connects with the scheduling, newsroom and music management systems already used by the broadcaster.
Challenge
The project involved replacing a business-critical legacy radio production system without disrupting scheduled programming or established broadcast workflows. The new platform also had to meet accessibility requirements and work for a varied user base.
The previous system supported a largely studio-led approach, with presenters managing content themselves as programs went to air. In contrast, CGI dira Dimension gives production teams greater scope to prepare programs in advance and manage rundowns across the team.
The broadcaster also needed a delivery strategy that supported adoption from the outset. Users had to be comfortable with the new platform, and we had to demonstrate that the technology would work reliably across the entire production chain.
The first production cutover was completed successfully, with all scheduled output broadcast using the new platform, including news programming.
Bringing this operation onto dira Dimension establishes a common production workflow across the broadcaster’s radio estate. Teams can prepare programs more thoroughly, with a more consistent way of working across locations. The project also demonstrated that innovation can be seamlessly introduced into a live environment with scheduled output remaining fully on air.
Vice-President, Consulting Services - Media Solutions (Radio)
Solution
We delivered the implementation in phases, covering deployment, broadcast systems integration, assurance and user preparation.
Automated and manual testing supported the end-to-end production workflow, with arrangements in place to maintain service continuity. We also carried out on-site operational testing before go-live. Integrations with the broadcaster’s scheduling, newsroom and music management systems were fully validated in the production environment.
Training was central to the implementation strategy. We provided demonstrations and key-user sessions, backed by structured training for operational teams. The aim was to integrate new technology and make it work naturally for the people using it every day. We also aligned the regional operation with dira workflows used across the broadcaster’s wider environment for over 20 years.
In practice, dira Medox can be configured around different editorial roles, helping users focus on the tools and information relevant to their work. The platform also gives the broadcaster a more structured way to prepare programs and manage rundowns. By supporting common workflows used elsewhere in the broadcaster’s infrastructure, it makes it easier for talent to work across locations.
Benefits
The first production cutover was completed successfully, with all scheduled output broadcast using the new platform, including news programming.
The project gave the broadcaster a browser-based radio production environment for content management, scheduling and live playout. It also preserved the integrations essential to its established radio production operation. The result is a more consistent and flexible environment without losing the connections the operation already depends on.
Phased testing and user preparation helped to move the platform from implementation to live production, addressing both operational readiness and editorial adoption. The deployment is now being extended across the broadcaster’s wider regional operation.
