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Posts in "Hot Topics"

What Enhanced CBET Means to Broadcasters

October 21, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Beginning in 2007, Arbitron (now Nielsen), rolled out PPM in nearly fifty major radio markets. Early on, we at Research Director, Inc. chronicled the impact on reported listening and were among the first to help our clients navigate these uncharted waters.

Arbitron actually conducted simultaneous Diary and PPM surveys in New York from September 20, 2007 through December 12, 2007. The published results showed that the average station had 27.6% lower P12+ AQH Persons reported by PPM than by Diary.

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This Just In! Utilizing Nielsen’s Pre-Survey Bulletins

October 21, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Nielsen Answers has a wealth of information for clients and agencies. One thing that I always make sure to check out are the pre-survey bulletins.

Prior to every quarterly diary release and the 13 “monthly” PPM releases, Nielsen makes available a pre-survey bulletin. Some of it is run-of-the-mill stuff such as their total line reporting policy and a reminder to notify them of any station changes. More importantly, they outline changes that will take place during the survey or anything else out of the ordinary. I recommend that all Nielsen clients peruse these bulletins on a regular basis. They’re made available far enough in advance to provide time to make any necessary adjustments.

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We’re Still Broke

October 8, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Two years ago, Research Director, Inc. Partner Charlie Sislen posted his self-proclaimed “old man rant,” 55 and Still Going Strong. Now it’s my turn.

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Some Things Change but Some Things Stay the Same

September 24, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Advertising is the vehicle that transports a product, service, or cause to the respective audience. The current marketplace is filled with competition and a plethora of messages competing for the consumer’s limited attention. In addition to brands competing for limited attention, media vehicles are competing for limited advertising spending dollars in the marketplace. In this crowded arena, it is important to know which media vehicle will not only bring in the most target consumers, but which medium can convert those reached target consumers into revenue and generate a reasonable return on investment.

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Selling the BENEFITS, Not the FEATURES

September 9, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

People do not buy features. They buy solutions to problems or needs. The more work we make them do to understand how working with us will meet those needs, the lower the chance they will ‘get it’ and the lower our chance of making a sale. No one wants to work with us if we don’t put their wants, passions, and perceived needs first. Our prospects are only interested in doing business with us to the degree that they understand what we can do for them. In every presentation we write, we must remember that our prospect’s desires, anxieties, and aspirations must always come before our own.

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The Power of (a) Personality

August 27, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

On November 1, 2013 at 9:30am, radio listening habits were drastically altered. Having just wrapped things up with our October PPM clients, I tuned in to “Mike and Mike in the Morning” on ESPN radio. As I passively listened to the show, a specific topic caught my interest. So, I decided to write a joke concerning the topic. Minutes later, Mike Greenberg read my comment on air and the studio broke out in laughter.

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Podcasts and Streaming Changes the Game for ESPN Radio

August 13, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

According to Insideradio, ESPN Radio Network’s streaming attracted 2.5 billion total listening minutes in the second quarter, thus representing an increase of 31% over the last year. ESPN Senior Director for Digital Audio Strategy, Patrick Polking, attributes the positive growth to the increased presence of streaming services and podcasts throughout the internet, which concurrently helps drive listeners to ESPN’s streams. As he puts it, “more visibility for streaming lifts all boats.”

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To Voltair or not to Voltair, that is the question!

July 30, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

In 1981, Charlie Sislen was working at WWDC-FM, and his program director gave him the best insight ever. She said, “I don’t care how many people are listening to my radio station, all I care about is how many diarykeepers think they are listening to my station.” Program Directors have always strived to game the system to increase ratings without breaking the rules.

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Is Your Ad Fast Enough on the Draw?

July 30, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

A recent study showed that the human attention span lasts a mere 8.25 seconds. Only 8.25 seconds in 2015? Absolutely, a large drop compared to 2000 when the average human attention span was 12 seconds. That means that a human being’s attention span is now less than a goldfish’s attention span (which is 9 seconds). So does your advertisement on the radio have the vigor to give a roundhouse kick to someone’s attention span? (Source: www.statisticbrain.com/attention-span-statistics)

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How Important Is Reach and Frequency? Just Ask Pandora

July 16, 2015

Filed Under: Hot Topics

There are numerous elements to radio sales. Much of it comes down to the quality of the schedule. What is a quality schedule? The first element is delivery and pricing. That means GRPs and CPP – how many rating points you are going to deliver and at what cost. However, a thorough schedule evaluation does not stop there. For advertising to work, a proper balance of reach and frequency must be achieved.

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