Archive
April 17, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Recently, Research Director, Inc. got perspectives from three sales managers on how they have adjusted their operations as COVID-19 has impacted every portion of our economy. Today, we publish perspectives from three leaders on the programming side, to hear how they are handling their operations and serving their listeners.
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April 8, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Next week, Nielsen will be releasing the March survey data (survey dates February 27-March 25). While many consider this a 28-day survey, in reality it isn’t; it’s really 28 one-day surveys. Typically this is not a significant issue, but as I will explain shortly, it might be with this survey.
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April 1, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
In recent weeks, Research Director, Inc. has written blogs on the importance of marketing during an economic downturn. We have also written about companies that advertised during the 1929 Great Depression and how that led to long-term success.
Now, we have interviewed a selection of professionals who oversee sales teams in order to understand how they are handling the present crisis with both their employees and their advertisers.
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March 26, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
I often hear people say, “Boy, has my industry changed.” To that I reply, “Tell me an industry that hasn’t changed.” COVID-19 has taken the changes we might have lamented recently and made them seem mild. We are going through an economic change that none could have foreseen just a few months ago.
So how do you handle the uncertainty that has gripped our industry and our economy? Most importantly, how do you deal with your clients who are paralyzed with fear? In my opinion, the best way is to look 90 years into the past – The Great Depression.
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March 24, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
This is a difficult time on so many levels. We are dealing with a great deal of change and uncertainty. It can help, however, to continue as many “normal” activities as possible. For some people reading this, one of your normal activities is selling radio. No doubt that has become more challenging than ever. But there are businesses and organizations out there that need to get their messages out – not only to keep their revenue flowing, but also to provide crucial services and communicate vital information to the community. So let’s discuss some of the verticals that are strong prospecting opportunities right now.
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March 19, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
These are uncertain times. Nearly every aspect of our lives is changing due to the spread of COVID-19. Research Director, Inc. strives to help our clients and the radio industry at large weather this storm by gathering the strongest and most informative data and opinions available.
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March 17, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
It may be an understatement to say that we are living in unusual times. Every American’s life has been disrupted and there is a real concern for what will happen next.
While it may seem minor compared to other events that are pressing right now, this is a time when radio, especially local radio, excels. It is important for everyone to realize that this is not business as usual, and our industry’s ability to adapt is the secret of our long-term success.
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March 3, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Okay, I may be old-fashioned. However, I consider that a positive. Yes, I do use e-mail, conduct webinars, use social media, and text. However, I have the strong conviction, as inconvenient as it may be, that nothing replaces face-to-face human interaction.
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February 25, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
The Oakland Athletics just announced that they could not find a radio broadcast partner so their games will only be available digitally through TuneIn. This is a sign of the change in the recognized value of play-by-play sports on the radio.
When I started in this industry (okay it was 40 years ago), few things were as valuable to a radio station as play-by-play baseball. That was 162 games (approximately 486 hours) of programming that attracted tremendous audiences. A lot has transpired in those four decades, and it makes me think that play-by-play (even baseball) does not have the ratings or revenue value that it once did.
Why is this?
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February 18, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
If Nielsen is truth, which many advertisers claim, then those same advertisers can use market listening levels (known as PUMM in PPM markets) against radio stations. In many markets, Nielsen is reporting that PUMMs are falling. Advertisers could conclude that this means fewer people are tuning to radio.
Previous blogs have documented that radio’s reach is as strong as it has always been. So what is the truth?
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