Marketron

The Rapidly Changing Consumer

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

As states are in various phases of reopening, consumers find themselves in various stages of their own phases. These phases continue to shift and change the behaviors that had once been routine to so many. In order to meet the challenges, needs and concerns of their customers, businesses will need to be nimble to best address and meet their customers’ expectations.

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The Current State of Radio Listeners

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Coming off a holiday weekend, it is a reminder of the way things used to be. Very little about this year has been usual so far. Everything is different and continuously changing. This is now the new normal – constant change, shifts and analysis into what consumers are thinking, doing and plan on doing.

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Radio Ad Effectiveness Scores Go Sky High with COVID-19 Messages

Contributor: Angela Jeffrey, VP Brand Management, ABX

In a recent study of 168 COVID-19-related Radio ads measured by Advertising Benchmark Index (ABX) since March 4, advertising effectiveness scores were amazingly high. Radio spots featuring thanks to first responders, helpful advice to listeners regarding resisting the virus and conveying a serious tone in their announcements all did well. Below is a look at how Radio is performing right now, including a close look at five of the top ten COVID-19 spots, showing how effective Radio can be during a time of crisis.

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Local is a Driving Force

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Local truly matters. If there is one thing that everyone has learned during this pandemic, it is how important local businesses and communities matter – to everyone. When this all began, little did anyone realize how much walking into local businesses would be missed. You walk in, say “hello,” and if you frequent them enough, they call you by your first name. This event has been a very painful reminder of how much these local businesses mean to all of us.

Kelton Global, a consumer insights and strategy consulting firm, has been analyzing consumer behavior and sentiment since the onset of the pandemic. The most current data shows that 52% of Americans believe that the long-term effects of the coronavirus will be mostly positive than negative, and 9 out of 10 believe that there will be one positive change to come out of the outbreak.

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Radio Ad Categories Web Increases During COVID-19

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

It may be hard to imagine, but it was just a few years ago that headlines focused on how a particular generation was changing and impacting everything – from the workplace, to food and shopping. It is without question that 2020 will be marked as a year that impacted how and where all consumers shop.

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Advertising During Difficult Times

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

It can’t be said enough – these are extremely unusual and difficult times for everyone. As each day passes, I think it is safe to say that we all hope and look forward to things getting better. They will, but it is just a matter of when.

I am certain that many of you have gone to local businesses in search of certain products or items and looked at the people in those businesses in a way you never had before. They are on the front lines, making sure that we have what we need.

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The Spirit of Radio – Connecting in Times of Business Unusual

Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB

“There’s something about the spirit of radio. It helps us all to know each other better and gives us a sense of purpose and community in a time where we need those things more than ever.”
– Adam Grant, Creative Director, AKQA (abridged).

Historically speaking, in periods of great challenge, truly there is no more important medium than local radio. In uncertain and unpredictable times, broadcast radio has proven that it is the backbone of the country’s information distribution system, with increased listening among consumers across all of its platforms.

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Radio. It’s On!

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Cancellations, social distancing, empty streets, working from home, virtual classes – this has become the new norm for many of us. We are all anxiously waiting to get back to how it used to be. In the interim, there is one thing that everyone can count on. Radio. It’s On.
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Vital Help In Times of Need

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

“Tough times never last, tough people do.” Dr. Robert H. Schuller

There is no doubt that we are all experiencing a difficult and stressful time. Natural disasters and current events have everyone unsettled. Staying up to date on local news is important – whether you are impacted by the events or not.

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Getting Perspective

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

When it comes to consumer behavior, awareness of their views and attitudes will be an important component to understanding their purchase journey. In fact, 2020 is being deemed as the Year of the Consumer across various industries. Like it or not, today’s consumer has greater opportunities and platforms to express their views and opinions – ranging from goods, to brands and causes.

Consumers today are used to immediate satisfaction and “get it today” – all driven by emotion and attitudes.

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Radio’s Top 10 to Usher in 2020

Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB

As we leave one decade to enter another, we couldn’t be prouder of the progress that radio has made to continuously deliver first-class and relevant content to listeners any way they wish to consume it. Among consumers today, audio is hot and radio is hotter. Advertisers from Main Street to Wall Street are tapping into radio’s incredible power and unique attributes. Why? Because radio is emotionally engaging, personal and measurable with the ability to deliver ad messages in a safe and receptive environment.
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Culture is Driving Growth

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Over the next 20 years, the U.S. population will be comprised mostly of multi and intercultural individuals according to U.S. Census population projections.  This growth is attributed to the increase in the number of Asian, Blacks/African Americans and Hispanics/Latinx in the country and is being viewed as the catalyst of brand and revenue growth by advertisers and marketers alike.

Combined, these groups are projected to yield a buying power of $4.7 trillion by the year 2020 – up from $3.8 trillion in 2017, according to Nielsen.  Despite this projection, the dollars spent to target and advertise to  multicultural consumers remain relatively low.  While 37% of the U.S. population was comprised of Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans in 2018, only 6% of advertising and marketing dollars were targeted to these segments, according to a study compiled and presented by Dr. Leo Kivijarv of PQ Media at the 2019 ANA Multicultural and Diversity Conference.
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Survey Shows Radio Has Become Marketers’ Bellwether

Contributor:  Gordon Borrell, CEO, Borrell Associates

In today’s confusing whirlwind of marketing choices, radio advertising seems to have become a bellwether.  Radio has been getting high ratings not only among local ad agencies, but also from local “direct” buyers. The number of businesses who say they’re buying radio advertising has increased steadily since 2017, according to the largest annual survey of local ad buyers.* Continue reading “Survey Shows Radio Has Become Marketers’ Bellwether”

Radio Matters Rewind

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Today is Memorial Day. It is a time when we remember and honor those who have died protecting and serving our country. It is also the unofficial kickoff of the summer season – with parades, picnics, barbecues and family gatherings.

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Radio Helps Small Businesses Grow

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Last week was National Small Business Week. According to the U.S. Census, there are nearly 30 million small businesses. Small businesses play a crucial role in their local communities. They have a positive impact on the job market, help defray costs/taxes and provide consumers with product/service alternatives. They also help shape and influence the community – just like radio.

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In Radio You Can Trust

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

No word has ever had a greater impact on brands as trust. Consumers today are in control and not only expect but demand that the brands they engage with be authentic to keep their loyalty.

Security breaches and concerns about data privacy are now at the forefront of consumers’ minds, and trust is as important a component of brand consideration as brand value. For marketers, finding the balance or sweet spot tapping into data, consumer engagement and maintaining trust are what may keep many chief marketing officers up at night.

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Radio Matters to Auto Dealers

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), auto dealers had a trillion dollars in sales in 2018. Sales for 2019 have been difficult due to winter storms, the impact of the government shutdown and lower tax refunds. While vehicle sales may be affected by external influences, dealerships continue to advertise.

As a top spending ad category across multiple media, it’s important to understand the view dealerships have of the media options available to them. Continue reading “Radio Matters to Auto Dealers”

Why Teens Matter, Part Two: Targeting Tomorrow’s Money Demo

Contributors:  Larry Rosin, Co-founder & President, Edison Research;  Megan Lazovick, Vice President, Edison Research;  Laura Ivey, Director of Research, Edison Research

We last left you with the findings from the latest study commissioned by the Country Radio Broadcasters in recognition of the 50th Country Radio Seminar, Understanding Parents, Teens, and Country Music. To refresh your memory, the study focuses on the nature of relationships between teens and their parents, how they bond over music, and how each one influences the other.

How can radio stations, advertisers, and agencies attract and engage with tomorrow’s “money demo?” Continue reading “Why Teens Matter, Part Two: Targeting Tomorrow’s Money Demo”

Why Teens Matter, Part One: Understanding Teens’ Influence

Contributors:  Larry Rosin, Co-founder & President, Edison Research;  Megan Lazovick, Vice President, Edison Research;  Laura Ivey, Director of Research, Edison Research

We will hazard a guess right now that you, the reader of this article, are not a teenager. So we at Edison Research will tell you exactly what we think of teenagers: They are important. They are especially important to radio and to the businesses that want to reach them, and we have new research to tell us why.

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What Radio Buyers Are Doing

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Contributor:  Gordon Borrell, CEO, Borrell Associates

To understand the crisis facing local media companies, two things are worth knowing about local radio buyers. They are:

  1. Expanding the types of advertising they’re buying
  2. Cutting the number of companies they’re buying from

Let that sink in.  They are buying more, from fewer companies.

The big question is, who’s being cut, and why?  (If you’re not into reading, jump to the very last sentence for the answer.)

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