An opportunity exists for broadcasters and independent producers to create syndicated radio shows specifically for the Asia Pacific region.

That was the suggestion from James Ross, producer and host of the weekly two hour show ‘ The Greatest Hits of All Time’ at RadioAsia 2014 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Ross told attendees that while the US and Europe have healthy markets for syndicated radio shows, Asia was being left behind.

Syndicated shows are run on multiple stations across several markets and offer access to talent not available locally at reasonable prices.

Famous international shows include Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 and On Air with Ryan Seacrest from American Idol fame.

He said opportunities existed for music and sport content in English, Hindi, Mandarin and Tamil and that broadcasters could benefit from offering syndicated shows for sponsorship by big brands.

Ross’ show already airs on 17 stations including Lite 89.2 in Sri Lanka, ICRT Taipei and Pattaya 105 in Thailand.

The only other known Asia-made show is Asia Pop 40 which airs in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

Currently broadcast in English, a Mandarin version is planned.

Uk broadcaster talkSPORT offers live commentary of English premier league matches in several languages and has tied up with broadcasters in Singapore, China, Malaysia and Vietnam.

But many more non-music content opportunities also exist, Ross said.