Posts in "Hot Topics"
January 7, 2020
Filed Under: Hot Topics
The recently released December survey gave us the first glimpse of the power of Christmas music. Almost every station that made the switch saw a dramatic increase in their shares. But, when you look under the hood, you may find a completely different story.
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December 10, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Can radio advertising drive web site visits and Google searches? All recent studies clearly answer that question with a resounding YES! Multiple national studies have shown that, in most cases, when an advertiser adds radio to their ad campaign, internet traffic for that advertiser grows.
A recent Westwood One study of 300+ auto dealers shows that AM/FM radio results in a 17% lift in web visits to the dealer’s web site. Clearly a success.
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December 3, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
You have likely seen the Cumulus Media/Westwood One study on the effectiveness of radio campaigns for a jewelry store. If not, check it out here.
This is an excellent piece of research. It does a great job marrying the reach and frequency of radio with web analytics. This is exactly the type of research radio needs to publicize more frequently.
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November 14, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Each year, effective with the October PPM and Fall diary books, updated population numbers are incorporated into Nielsen Audio’s radio audience estimates. Changes within the market population can significantly impact the audience estimates that Nielsen Audio reports, even if panelists’ or diarykeepers’ listening hasn’t changed at all.
How is this?
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October 29, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Yes, it’s that time of year when radio stations across the country start playing the usual suspects – Thriller, The Monster Mash, Don’t Fear the Reaper – and I’m ready to enjoy the goosebumps that Vincent Price’s maniacal laughter raises. While we enjoy the annual ritual of these “spooky” classics, we’re reassured by our knowledge that there’s no such thing as ghosts. But perhaps that’s not as true as we might think – especially in a few radio stations that have reported some interesting phenomenon. And as you might suspect, many of these occurrences took place with DJs working the graveyard shift alone. Here are some of their stories.
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October 15, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
I ran across an interesting Q&A in Ad Age. It was with Augustine Fou, a former marketer turned ad fraud researcher. Here is his money quote in response to how much fraud there is in digital advertising: “Between one percent and 100 percent. There are no zero percent fraud campaigns …”
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October 1, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Radio has been under siege for years but still remains a viable advertising and entertainment medium. However, we are now in the process of squandering what makes us unique and valuable: personal connections.
As an industry, we like to tout our on-air personalities as being difference makers. But how many jocks really do stand out? How many bring something compelling, interesting, or memorable to the radio every single break?
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September 17, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
I may be one of the few people who still receive a printed paper in their driveway everyday. As a matter of fact, every morning I have three printed newspapers delivered. Yes, I still like reading news printed on paper. Most of the population has evolved from a printed paper to getting their news digitally.
In fact, many newspapers (I guess we should not refer to them as newspapers) boast more digital readers than paper readers. At first glance, that would appear to be advantageous because the news organization saves the cost of printing and delivery. Digital delivery will save money and therefore boost the bottom line. The incremental cost of a new reader is minimal.
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September 10, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
I am a lover of radio. I spent thirty years on the air and programming radio stations. But I do listen to a lot of Spotify. Why? Hey, I’m a former PD. No one can build a better playlist than I can.
I don’t pay for the premium service. It’s not because I’m cheap (well, maybe a little). It’s because I want to hear the commercials. I’m curious to see who is advertising on the platform. Unfortunately, I get more promos than spots. Most of these are, frankly, lame and boring. However, a recent one got my attention … and raised my ire.
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August 27, 2019
Filed Under: Hot Topics
The census is coming! Officially, we begin counting ourselves on April 1, 2020. This is an important event for our country but holds particular significance for radio.
Why? Besides the fact that we are federally licensed to serve our communities and the results of the census directly affects those communities of license? Yea, that. But the census will also have an impact on the two pillars of the radio industry – ratings and revenue.
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