Frédéric Gérand
“ Driving radio’s digital transformation with optimism and vision.
A passionate leader who listens, inspires, and believes in the power of audio. “
"I believe in an optimistic and forward-thinking approach to the digital transformation of radio. In a world saturated with screens, I'm convinced that digital audio has a unique power to capture attention like never before. At a time when platforms dominate, I strongly advocate for keeping a direct connection with our audience — by owning our content and using data wisely to personalize our offerings and continuously improve the user experience, now driven by smartphones and connected devices. My deep understanding of the radio industry is complemented by a broad, cross-media perspective."
Drawing on extensive experience and a strong personal drive, I am a thoughtful decision-maker with a passion for radio and podcasts. I deeply believe in collaborative leadership and value learning from my teams. As a leader, I see myself as a coach who inspires vision and human values, encouraging free thinkers to actively contribute to our shared ideas. Innovation, in my view, is born from experimentation — a belief I hold firmly.
Radio runs in my veins
My career began in 1995 at the Studio École de France in Paris. Over the years, I have held key positions within major international media groups in France and abroad, where I led production units and on-air teams.
In 2008, I founded the agency PLUS FORT LE SON in Paris, with the goal of helping media organizations adapt their content and formats—strategically, editorially, and operationally—to evolving audience habits.
Since 2015, I have brought this expertise to Belgium’s public service media, currently serving now as Head of Audio at RTBF.
I chaired the Digital Audio Commission of the Alliance of French-speaking Public Media (MFP) until December 2024, and I remain an active member of the organization. In parallel, I serve on the board of the private-public consortium maRadio.be, and previously completed two mandates within the EBU, ending in April 2023.
A leadership style that is both strong and humble
Being actively involved in the transformation of RTBF’s organizational model has allowed me to sharpen my skills in defining and implementing strategic visions for the company. Transitioning from a media-centered to an audience-centered model gave me the opportunity to deepen my expertise in change management and adapting to industry evolution.
Leading a multidisciplinary team, I supported 400 diverse and cross-sector colleagues through their transition toward multi-skilled profiles, helping them move from a traditional “single-media” approach to the “transmedia” expertise essential for building the future.
Transforming at this scale required fostering a positive organizational culture, balancing purpose and efficiency to enhance performance while nurturing talent and managing conflicts with care.
These efforts in human-centered leadership contributed to RTBF’s success, positioning the group as the leading player in radio and podcasting within the French-speaking Belgian market.
In La Lettre Pro de la Radio
“At RTBF, boldness, constant self-questioning, zero tolerance for mediocrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are what drive us!”
At the Paris Radio Show 2025
"In a world dominated by global players, proximity is our greatest strength. Media leaders must embrace change — but resist anything that erodes or extinguishes the emotional connection with their audiences."
A Deep Expertise in the Audiovisual and Media Industry
Although I left the French market nearly ten years ago, I have remained closely connected through a strong network built during my time working for major private media groups as both an employee and a consultant. I also maintain regular collaborations with Radio France, RTS, and Radio-Canada, through connections built within the Digital Audio Commission of the Alliance of French-speaking Public Media.
I chaired this commission until December 2024 and remain an active member of the organization. In parallel, I serve on the board of the private-public consortium maRadio.be, and previously completed two mandates within the EBU, ending in April 2023.
Until April 2023, I also served as an active member of the EBU Radio Committee, the leading decision-making body for audio in Europe, helping define strategic priorities and supporting innovation and transformation among member organizations. The committee’s role includes developing strategic responses to European media developments, overseeing sector activities, organizing key events, leading expert groups, and fostering radio content exchange and collaboration across public broadcasters.
This experience has given me a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping the radio and media sectors. My ongoing market intelligence efforts ensure that I stay ahead of emerging media consumption trends and technological innovations.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
As part of my strategic vision to evolve radio into a more global audio format—blending linear and on-demand experiences—I have led a wide range of digital transformation projects at RTBF. This work has strengthened my expertise in industry-leading digital tools and platforms and allowed me to oversee numerous innovation initiatives across editorial, content, and technology.
I am responsible for RTBF’s audio distribution strategy, including managing relationships with major third-party platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. My goal is to ensure that RTBF maintains full control over its audio content in an increasingly globalized environment, preserving a direct relationship with listeners and safeguarding our sovereignty.
Additionally, I am overseeing the design of ten new state-of-the-art, “audio-first” studios equipped with the latest technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, as part of the construction of our new corporate headquarters.
Communication and Public Affairs
As Head of Audio at RTBF, I have had the delicate responsibility of contributing to the company’s management contract negotiations with the Ministry of Media, particularly concerning the missions, obligations, and quotas that apply to RTBF’s radio stations.
As Chairman of the Board of the private-public consortium maRadio.be, I also lead the digital migration of the French-speaking radio sector in Belgium (DAB+ and Radioplayer) and engage with regulatory bodies such as the CSA and the Ministry to support an ambitious roadmap, including the planned FM switch-off by 2030.
While backed by RTBF’s legal team, I maintain a solid grasp of audiovisual industry regulations, including copyright, data protection, and content governance.
I also cultivate strategic partnerships with other audio industry players (MFP, EBU, and private-sector partners), as well as content creators and cultural or educational organizations, to enrich RTBF’s audio offerings and reach new audiences.
Financial and Budget Management
I am committed to financial performance and oversee the budgeting and resource management of RTBF’s audio division with rigor and efficiency. I strive to optimize monetization practices while upholding the public service mission and protecting the user experience. In addition, I develop strategies to diversify audio revenue streams, including advertising, sponsorships, premium subscriptions, and IP commercialization.
Editorial and Cultural Sensibility
Through my current and past leadership roles in both public and private radio organizations, I have developed a strong editorial and cultural sensibility. My mission is to ensure the quality, diversity, and relevance of audio content, by managing editorial policies and programming strategies that reflect RTBF’s values and commitment to excellence.
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