nextKast Introduces nextAi Virtual Hosting

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 3:38pm CT

nextKast

nextKast, a provider of integrated radio automation and software playout systems, has introduced its newest innovation, nextAi Virtual Hosting. This service offers stations access to a comprehensive and diverse library of AI-generated voices, including options for custom voice cloning.

Winston Potgieter, Founder and Project Manager at nextKast OnAir, says the new service aims to support radio stations during off-peak hours, providing seamless broadcasting without the need for live hosts. nextAi Virtual Hosting offers unlimited hosting time, addressing the challenge of filling difficult broadcast slots while ensuring operational continuity.

"nextAi Virtual Hosting is designed to complement, not replace, human hosts, assisting stations during those hard-to-fill hours," said Potgieter. He emphasized the importance of voice quality, stating, "We set high standards when looking for voice and data API partners. It was imperative that the AI voices sound real... there was no compromising on that."

Potgieter also stressed the importance of transparency in the use of AI hosts. "We advise stations to be upfront with their listeners about the AI nature of some of their hosts. Transparency fosters trust, a cornerstone of the radio industry," he added.

nextKast's integrated system allows radio stations to manage playlist creation, scheduling, automation, and now virtual hosting from a single platform, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency. According to Potgieter, this integration reduces complexity and increases the reliability of AI radio hosting, marking a significant advancement in the way radio stations operate.

Voice and data API charges for nextAi Virtual Hosting are billed through nextKast's partners, Data AI and Voice AI, based on usage. This pricing structure allows stations to pay according to their specific needs and usage rates.

For more information on nextKast nextAi Virtual Hosting, visit nextKast.com.