The Evolving Role of Radio

A session at SXSW Interactive 2012

Radio has long been the principal pipeline connecting fans to artists. Even today it still accounts for 80% of the time Americans spend listening to music. But this medium is now undergoing a profound transformation driven by the arrival of ubiquitous internet connectivity. And this transformation has dramatic implications for musicians. Tim Westergren, founder and chief strategy officer of Pandora, will discuss his perspective on what it means for artists and the larger industry.

About the speaker

This person is speaking at this event.

Tim Westergren

Pandora Media Inc

Pandora Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Tim Westergren started the popular personalized radio service in 2000 with the Music Genome Project. Tim is an award-winning composer and accomplished musician with 20 years of experience in the music industry – spanning production, audio engineering, film scoring and live performance. Trained as a jazz pianist, his musical background spans such genres as rock, blues, jazz and classical music. Tim received his B.A. from Stanford University, where he studied computer acoustics and recording technology. A musician's musician, he is dedicated to helping talented emerging artists find an audience. In addition to guiding Pandora's overall strategy and vision, Tim now spends most of his time as Pandora's chief evangelist - traveling the country to connect with some of the tens of millions of people who listen to Pandora. He also works extensively with technology partners, distribution partners, advertisers and investors to help shape the future of Pandora and personalized radio.