Posts in "Hot Topics"
August 18, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Our team of crack researchers has been trying to get to the bottom of this data processing glitch, and we think we may have stumbled upon a possible explanation. While we cannot explicitly confirm this, we do believe it had something to do with a Nigerian prince. As we continue with our normal round-up rants, we are constantly checking our bank account for that large wire transfer. We are sure it will arrive at any minute.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our data processing geniuses from XTRENDS – bring you another tranche of JULY numbers. This survey ran from JUNE 26TH through JULY 27TH. There were vacations, severe weather, dogs and cats living together and, of course, a long holiday weekend. Here’s what happened:
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August 14, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Due to an unanticipated data processing issue the RRR for JULY has been delayed. We traced the issue to some rogue elements of our power supply. Specifically, the hamsters we have trained to provide (somewhat) renewal energy to our systems. Alas, they proved to be unreliable, so they have been sacked. We replaced them with AI rodents and they seem to be performing satisfactorily…so far.
The JULY book ran from JUNE 26TH through JULY 23RD. Vacation season was in full swing and there was a long holiday weekend wedged in there. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – with a healthy boost from our compatriots at XTRENDS – are here to regale you with the stories and sagas of the most recent ratings reveal. Let us begin…
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August 7, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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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July 15, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Six down, seven to go. The JUNE survey kind of marks the halfway point in our ratings year. If you want to be more precise, we are actually more than past the midpoint as the final two books of the year are contaminated by that foul holiday music.
This book ran from MAY 29TH through JUNE 25TH. Some radio stations were adding ALICE COOPER to their rotations, many were taking to the highways and byways in search of some relaxation, and there was a long holiday weekend nestled perfectly into week #4. How did all of this affect radio listening? That’s why The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – with a healthy assist from the number’s nerds at XTRENDS – are paid the big bucks.
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July 14, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Once again, JUNE is busting out all over. And the Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – with a healthy assist from the data gatherers from XTRENDS – are here to clean up the mess. This latest 28-day spree was marked by graduations, summer vacations, a salute to dear old Dad and some of the longest days of the year.
The question is – as more potential radio listeners take to the highways and byways, will we see an increase in tune-ins, occasions, durations, and PUMM? Let’s find out.
This survey ran from MAY 29TH through JUNE 25TH and sounded something like this:
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July 10, 2025
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Welcome to the Buc-ee’s Cult
I have a confession: I am now a proud member of the Buc-ee’s cult. It happened fast. One day, I was blissfully unaware; the next, I was circling a parking lot in Virginia like a vulture over a brisket sandwich, desperately seeking a spot. Buc-ee’s had landed just ten miles from my house, and apparently, the entire state got the memo—except me. No local ads, no radio blitz, just a line that wrapped around the building like folks were waiting for Taylor Swift tickets.
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