August 7, 2025
Oh boy – more good news for radio! Recently Microsoft released a study listing jobs that are most vulnerable to artificial intelligence. Coming in at #10 (with a bullet) was “Broadcast announcers and radio DJs”.
Sanoma, a local Finnish broadcaster, is using AI to tailor 26 different weather reports for specific regions.
You are likely familiar with KBFF in Portland and their use of “Ashley AI” in their on-air presentations.
In those two examples the broadcasters are not trying to deceive their listeners. Both Sanoma and KBFF identify these fake voices as being AI generated.
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July 31, 2025
Minor league baseball is an American institution. In cities and towns across our country, locals gather to enjoy a leisurely night at the ballpark. They are “live and local” as a matter of survival. It is rare for their rosters to be the same in consecutive seasons. So, fans are loyal to the brand, not necessarily the players.
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July 24, 2025
The news that federal funding for public media via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has disappeared feels like a seismic shift. For many stations, this can seem insurmountable. However, now is not the time to retreat or panic—it’s time to take control. Public broadcasters have an extraordinary story to tell, especially to the corporate world, and Research Director, Inc. can help you tell it with conviction and results.
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July 17, 2025
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – basically the Gandalf and Dumbledore of data, perpetually intertwined with the XTRENDS crew (who we’re pretty sure communicate via interpretive dance and spreadsheets) – have been doing this ratings rodeo since before your favorite influencer was even a twinkle in a TikTok algorithm. And let us tell you, we’ve seen things. We’re talking Bigfoot sightings, alien abductions, and, yes, even volatility in the 6+ and 25-54 ranks.
But those glory days of chaos? Long gone, my friends. Nowadays, it’s pretty much the same five stations playing musical chairs at the top. Occasionally, a rogue station tries to sneak in, but it’s usually just a brief, awkward cameo before they’re ushered back to the ratings kiddie table.
However, if you’re looking for drama, the 18-34 demo is where the real party’s at. That leaderboard changes faster than a teenager’s ‘favorite’ band. Why? Is it the complete absence of brand loyalty? Attention spans shorter than a Vine video? Tastes that shift with the wind, or maybe the panel just got a new batch of restless spirits? Honestly, we’re not paid enough to figure that out. We just report the numbers, often with a bewildered shrug.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re climbing off our antique, creaky soapbox to unveil our final, glorious dive into JUNE! This survey, running from MAY 29TH through the 25TH of JUNE, was chock-full of graduations (cue the Pomp and Circumstance!), vacations (wish we were on one!), the longest day of the year (finally, more time to lament ratings!), and a salute to all the dads we cherish so much. Let’s do this…
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July 16, 2025
Like the relentless turning of the tides, ratings days arrive, summoning us to our screens even in the height of summer. Will these numbers spark celebration, offer a collective sigh of relief, or demand a forensic examination of what went awry? It’s a journey that can feel like an emotional roller coaster, or even a dizzying tilt-a-whirl.
Enter the Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., working hand-in-hand with the algorithmic alchemists at XTRENDS. We’re here to iron out the complexities, transforming raw data into clear insights. Or, at the very least, we’re here to dish out the latest news, seasoned with a few well-placed snarky comments.
This JUNE survey, which ran from MAY 29TH through JUNE 25TH, encompassed a vibrant period: graduations, summer vacations kicking off, the longest day of the year, and a big round of applause for the fathers and father figures in our lives. Ready to dive in?
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