The major anime radio service shut down after 18 years

summary

Super! A&G online radio service for anime and games will end regular broadcasts on March 31, 2025.
Most of the shows will move to the QloveR streaming platform, with some going to terrestrial radio stations.
The changes reflect a shift in content consumption patterns, with a focus on subscription-based platforms and customization.

Quick links

What is really super! A&G?
- What will happen from now on?

Anime fans in Japan may soon lose a special radio service. Anime seems like never before, but apparently the radio days are long gone.

A lot has changed in the last decade in the way we consume media. Streaming platforms – for video and audio – have taken over the market. If, in the 2000s, people discovered new songs through radio and TV, today they can use Spotify or TikTok. Maybe it's not as different as we think, but there are at least some differences in the way the new generation consumes content.

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However, Nippon Cultural Broadcasting (JOQR) announced Chow! A&G+Also known as Super! A&G, Operations will cease on March 31, 2025. In fact, what will end is regular broadcasting, and some programs will be moved to other platforms.

They also posted a video about it on their YouTube channel (in Japanese):

What is really super! A&G?

Super! A&G is an online radio service specializing in anime and games, launched in Japan in 2007. According to figures disclosed to media buyers, it reaches more than 4 million listeners a month, most of whom are between the ages of 20 and 39.

There have been some indications that JOQR may be considering shutting down the service in 2023, reducing its broadcast time from 20 to 10 hours. Animanomics.

What will happen from now on?

Apparently, many shows will be moved to a streaming platform called QloveR, specializing in live broadcasts (but also with on-demand content). QloveR launched in 2024, distributed by Dwango (operator of Niconico), currently a partner of JOQR.

According to Dwango, the partnership allows JOQR to rely less on traditional revenue sources (such as advertisements), since QloveR is more subscription-based (although it is possible to use it for free) – advertisers are spending more money on social networks and less. In radio these days, that might be good for JOQR.

Other programs will move to a terrestrial radio station operated by JOQR, and some may end. Until the service shuts down, each program will inform viewers of what will happen in April.

While there are other Japanese radio services focused on the anime niche, e.g OnsenSuch a big change regarding this service might seem like things are changing too fast for radio lovers.

Sources: JOQR, Animenomics, SoulDB