Author: Nick Arias, Research & Insights Assistant, RAB
According to Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2024 study, an estimated 235 million people (82%) are social media users.
Continue reading “The Power of Social Media and Radio”Category: Relationships
Why Radio Should Play a Central Role in Multicultural Campaigns
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
The constantly evolving makeup of today’s American population has made it one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations in the world. From a marketing perspective, multiculturalism is a challenging concept to activate; developing creative and selecting the right mix of media that will achieve relevance across a multicultural spectrum is a difficult feat. For efficiency, many brands will market in a way that either appeals to the cultural nuances of a total market, a specific race, or communities of people who share the brand’s values.
Continue reading “Why Radio Should Play a Central Role in Multicultural Campaigns”Why Do Local Companies Need to Advertise Continuously?
Contributor: Beth Osborne, director, marketing and content, Marketron
Advertising is continuous. The biggest brands in the world are still buying media, so why wouldn’t a local business? The argument that everybody already knows the business doesn’t hold up in the modern world. Just because a consumer knows a company doesn’t mean it’s at the top of their mind or has value in their eyes.
Continue reading “Why Do Local Companies Need to Advertise Continuously?”How Talent “Ambassadors” Facilitate Charitable Initiatives and Sponsorships
Digging Into Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Partnerships with Stations, Local Children’s Hospitals, and Businesses
Contributor: Fred Jacobs, President and Founder, Jacobs Media Strategies
For more than four decades, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has been focused on raising money for local children’s hospitals in communities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Broadcast radio has played an integral role in these fundraising efforts, as stations in hundreds of communities have showcased their local impact and influence through partnerships with children’s hospitals and area advertisers. With the mission to change kids’ health, CMN Hospitals has helped raise more than $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals.
Continue reading “How Talent “Ambassadors” Facilitate Charitable Initiatives and Sponsorships”Why Digital-Only Brands Should Become Broadcast Radio Advertisers
Contributor: Beth Osborne, director, marketing and content, Marketron
As digital advertising continues to become a growing part of a station’s revenue, you may have a book of businesses that are digital-only advertisers. Maybe they aren’t convinced of the value of radio ads or seek an audience outside of your station demographics. For new advertisers, they may have never purchased an audio ad before. There are many reasons they may be in this bucket. The question is, should they be?
Continue reading “Why Digital-Only Brands Should Become Broadcast Radio Advertisers”As Millennials Go Through Life, Radio is There to Reach Them
Author: Victor Texcucano, Content Coordinator, RAB
While the oldest are now nearing their mid-40s and the youngest not yet 30, millennials now represent the largest generation group in the U.S. The U.S. Census in 2022 estimated that there were more than 72.24 million millennials.
Continue reading “As Millennials Go Through Life, Radio is There to Reach Them”Radio’s Impact: Championing Children’s Health and Building Transformative Business Partnerships
Contributor: Fleur Voruz, Senior Director/Media, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Through purposeful partnerships, radio stations uniquely position themselves as champions by raising funds and awareness for critical needs in their local communities. These collaborations not only elevate positive listener sentiment, but they also drive employee engagement and business value for the radio station and its sponsors.
Continue reading “Radio’s Impact: Championing Children’s Health and Building Transformative Business Partnerships”Radio Highlights to Kick Off 2024
Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB
Here we are. Welcome to the first week of 2024! This first week is when many will start something new. Whether that “new” is exercise, reading more, taking on a new hobby or something else, it is also a good time to remember some of the things from 2023.
Continue reading “Radio Highlights to Kick Off 2024”Radio Works to Drive Business Forward
Tapping into radio’s loyal, attentive, and social audience yields a boost to the bottom line
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
The current economic environment and consumer concerns over inflation are challenging marketers and media alike to do more with less in an increasingly complicated and competitive marketplace. Add to that the ongoing threat of another health crisis, the rapid influx of advancing technology, and the multiplicity of events in 2023 and their long tail impact, one thing has remained stable, efficient, results-driven, and a trusted partner to marketers. Radio.
Continue reading “Radio Works to Drive Business Forward”Radio Works for Local and State Government Agencies
Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB
Political views and interests by Americans have been the topic of many news articles and stories. Yet, how Americans view their state and local governments has been favorable. According to a Pew Research survey in 2022, 66% of American adults have a favorable view of their local government, and 54% have a favorable view of their state government.
Continue reading “Radio Works for Local and State Government Agencies”Amplifying Brand Buzz: How Radio Redefines Conversations and Influence
Harness Radio’s Unique Ability to Fuel Purchase Intent and More
Contributor: Vanessa Lontoc, VP of Marketing, Engagement Labs
In the ever-evolving landscape of media impact, radio emerges as a potent catalyst for brand conversations. The study “Radio Drives Brand Conversations,” commissioned by RAB in partnership with Engagement Labs, dives deep into radio’s role in driving brand discussions and explores its profound influence on purchase intent, societal discourse and the bottom line. In this blog, we dissect key findings and offer actionable recommendations for brands and advertisers looking to harness the untapped potential of radio conversations.
Continue reading “Amplifying Brand Buzz: How Radio Redefines Conversations and Influence“Using Radio to Drive Growth in Local Markets
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
Supporting and connecting with local communities can pay dividends for brands, studies show
The phrase “Think globally, act locally” was popularized by the environmental conservation movement in the 1970s, but it holds relevancy today for marketers looking to drive brand growth. Regardless of the size and scope of a brand, the ultimate point of purchase and consumption is often within a local community.
In a recent CMO Council report based on a survey of more than 140 marketing leaders in B2C and B2B brands, a third of respondents say 40 percent or more of their company’s revenue comes from local business partners. Yet, the report says, less than 30 percent of small businesses have fully recovered from the pandemic. The report underscores national brands’ responsibility to drive local demand to grow revenue and aid the performance of local partners.
Supporting local economies and resonating with people in local communities (i.e., keeping them informed, entertained, and connected) is a fitting definition for radio. As CMOs face pressure to reach profitable goals and are often expected to do more with less, radio can help brands drive local demand and sustainable growth in neighborhoods coast to coast.
The Local Connection
Eighty-nine percent of radio listeners believe that one of radio’s primary advantages is its local feel, and appreciation for local content among listeners is on the rise, up 33 percent over the past five years, according to the 2023 Jacobs Media Techsurvey. Couple that with Horizon Media’s finding that 72 percent of adults appreciate brands that try to get to know their local culture and community and using radio becomes an obvious path for brand marketers to drive local engagement and action.
According to a recent Katz Radio Group survey, localizing radio messaging leads to increased attention and impact among listeners. The study tested generic and localized versions of audio advertising for a retailer, insurance brand, and healthcare provider in different geographical areas. The study found that while every ad improved purchase intent, ads that incorporated local elements averaged a 24 percent lift in effectiveness.
The same is true for contextual messaging. When there is synergy between an audio ad and the content, the better the outcome up and down the purchase funnel. Reaching people at the exact right moment and place with relevance and with local nuances can move KPIs.
Arguably, part of the effectiveness of local radio can be attributed to the bond shared between radio’s local on-air influencers and their listeners. “Imagine picking up the phone and calling a friend and chatting twice a month for a few years,” Damon Amendolara, host of The DA Show for CBS Sports Radio, told Barrett Sports Media in a recent interview. “With how much we text today and how infrequent we all actually call one another, a caller to a radio show may actually have a closer bond to you than some of your friends or family. Hearing that person’s voice regularly creates a deep connection.” Brands can leverage these connections in authentic ways for more effective campaigns.
Getting Involved
Community engagement and experiential marketing can build strong connections and foster a positive brand image. Arguably, radio pioneered experiential marketing to mass audiences through live, in-market events that provide entertainment and information to local communities. And now that live, in-person events are back following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, brands can leverage the immersive experience of radio-hosted events such as music festivals, fundraisers, and block parties to build relationships, boost demand for local products and services, and, ultimately, drive growth for their local business partners.
Indeed, when brands make the most of what radio offers, the results can exceed expectations. In 2022, Nissan, in collaboration with iHeartMedia, the Black Effect Podcast Network, and popular on-air host and podcaster Charlamagne Tha God, developed a campaign to invite students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to sign up for a groundbreaking mentorship event focused on professions in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The vast majority of HBCU scholars who participated in The Black Effect Podcast Network’s Thrill of Possibility Summit indicated the event met or exceeded their expectations and provided an unforgettable learning experience.
Lanae Jackson, senior manager of multicultural marketing strategy at Nissan, speaking at the 2023 ANA Advancements in Measurement Conference, said the campaign “performed better than they ever could have imagined.” The combination of efforts to promote the Nissan-sponsored event leveraged iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s platforms, including broadcast radio, digital and social media, and podcasts, to not only drive massive lift for the auto brand, which saw a 73 percent increase in upper funnel metrics, including unaided awareness, but also worked to solidify the brand’s commitment to increase Black representation in STEAM-related careers.
Local Reach, Global Outcomes
The concept of thinking globally and acting locally brings together a brands’ global aspiration with relatable local value.
As consumers continue to seek out local businesses and prefer brands that understand the nuances of their community, brands that drive resonance within these communities and at national scale through the power of their local and national radio partners will undoubtedly achieve sustainable growth.
How Radio Builds Effectiveness for RMN Campaigns
The complementary effectiveness of radio’s always-on audience and retail media networks’ deep dataset
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
The marketing industry has long leaned into results-driven marketing efforts that square up against specific goals, audiences, and strategies. Today, due in part to the current financial climate, seemingly all marketing is performance marketing, with metrics defined by cost per audiences reached, served, and, ultimately, converted.
Continue reading “How Radio Builds Effectiveness for RMN Campaigns”Be a Marketing Resource for Your Advertisers: Here’s How
Contributor: Bo Bandy, GM Digital & SVP Marketing, Marketron
Building relationships with your clients starts and ends with earning their trust. Being transparent, asking the right questions and sharing informed recommendations can make you a valuable resource. Over time you become an ally because the connection is much more than transactional.
Continue reading “Be a Marketing Resource for Your Advertisers: Here’s How”Radio’s Resolution – A Champion for The Community
Contributor: Fleur Voruz, Senior Director, Programs (Media), Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
As a new year begins, this is a time to reflect on the health of our businesses.
Fundamental to this checkup is applauding the meaningful work that defines a business’ culture. Frequently, cause-connected partnerships set local radio stations apart in their communities increasing positive listener sentiment, fostering employee engagement and generating business value.
Continue reading “Radio’s Resolution – A Champion for The Community”2022 – The Year of Local
Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB
Businesses. Retailers. Restaurants. Community. There has been incredible focus on everything local as consumers looked around and realized the role and impact local has in their lives. After all, it is great to travel, but “there’s no place like home.”
Continue reading “2022 – The Year of Local”Why Radio Still Has the Ear of Consumers, Influencing Buying Decisions for a Variety of Advertisers
Contributor: Jenn Hoff, Digital Sales Director, Marketron
Radio continues to be a channel that engages and influences listeners across all demographics. While much has changed since its inception, radio holds strong as a medium that people trust and truly tune in to, making it a great opportunity for any advertiser.
Continue reading “Why Radio Still Has the Ear of Consumers, Influencing Buying Decisions for a Variety of Advertisers”Radio Works to Drive Business and Brand Growth
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
Radio can help brands and businesses grow in a number of ways. Whether the goal is to drive awareness, traffic, or sales, radio can be a key player in a brand’s media plan. In fact, according to a 2020 iHeartMedia survey, radio is the No. 1 trusted medium in the U.S., with 75 percent of respondents saying they trust radio for the information and entertainment it delivers.
Through a Radio Works series of online, members-only events, the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) has taken a deep dive into more than 18 categories of business, including healthcare, automotive, retail, and restaurants, among others. While each category is unique, one thing remains consistent across the board: radio can be an effective way to drive business and brand growth.
Continue reading “Radio Works to Drive Business and Brand Growth“Radio’s Role in the Valued Business of Retail
Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB
Shopping habits have changed. Consumer expectations of the brands they purchase and where they purchase them have shifted dramatically. These changes will continue to impact retailers everywhere from Main Street to Broadway. Retailers of all sizes are constantly trying to navigate these changes, so it is important to understand the values of today’s shoppers.
Continue reading “Radio’s Role in the Valued Business of Retail”Why Radio Is the Ideal Place to Share Brand Stories
Author: Tammy Greenberg, SVP/Business Development, RAB
Consumers have strong expectations that the brands they choose both support and align with the values that are important to them. Recognizing what drives consumers, brands are laser-focused on living their mission, principles, and ethics. As such, brands market their products and services grounded in that mission and the shared values and beliefs between the brand and its target customers.
Giving back to community, lending resources of support, promoting social consciousness, doing what is good for the environment, and inspiring change are just a few examples of shared values in action. Brand messaging articulates both why the brand’s mission matters and to bring communities of people together to advance the values it supports while creating long-lasting relationships and loyalty.
In a recent RAB live online presentation to its members, Karriem Edwards, vice president of development for the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, referenced Michael Porter, a well-known strategist and professor at Harvard University. Mr. Porter spoke about shared value strategies and how businesses must make local community a part of their business strategy to succeed.
Karriem pointed to his organization’s partnership with the Cox Radio Group in Miami, where community is central to its business strategy. This benefits the organization beyond measure. This is true for radio stations across the country. Community and shared values are local radio’s DNA.
Community, trust, reach, personal, uplifting, authentic, local, enjoyable, essential, lifesaving, relaxing, engaging, regulated, actionable– these are the attributes that brand marketers should find when identifying the environment to share their stories, their mission, and their values.
Nonprofit organizations understand this, which is why their reliance on local radio partnerships is prioritized and delivers strong results, according to Tim Delaney, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. For-profit brands that follow the lead of mission-centric organizations will be rewarded with loyal consumers and business growth.
The data and insights that marketers are leveraging to speak directly to their target consumers makes the job so much easier to craft the story that will resonate. However, using programmatic and digital platforms as the primary mechanism to deliver a one-to-one message, may risk dehumanizing the connection that consumers want and expect from brands. It may also exclude potential consumers – future brand ambassadors.
The importance of the environment in which the story is told cannot be underestimated. The context of a message will change depending on where, when and the way a consumer processes it – is it a trusted environment? Is it a believable environment? Is it a local environment? What is surrounding the message? Is the consumer in the right frame of mind? Are there enough consumers there? The answers to these questions must be yes to advance the marketer’s cause and to achieve desired outcomes.
The company you keep matters when planning to disseminate the brand’s mission, purpose and product attributes that make lives better. Radio across platforms checks all the boxes as the right environment and platform to share brand stories.
- Radio is trusted. It is trusted more than any other media, including over two times more than social media.
- Radio is local. It provides the content and information that is relevant to the consumer. In fact, 87 percent of listeners believe that it is the local feel that makes radio stand out among other options.
- Radio is community. Radio doesn’t just reach the community, it is woven into the fabric of community. Radio stations bring consumers together and motivate them to act.
- Radio is personal. There is nothing between a listener and the music, conversation and content. Radio is a friendly voice in the ear and a truly one-to-one experience.
- Radio is uplifting. Consumers listen to radio for many emotionally based reasons, with mood elevation as a driver for nearly 40 percent of consumers; association with that mindset is gold.
- Radio is authentically human. On air personalities are the human tissue that connects the listener to the station and to the community. They are the original influencers. They are lead generators for advertisers and are an incomparable asset that can help to build and bridge the connections between brands and the consumers the brands are trying to reach.
- Radio is essential. Time after time, when disaster strikes, radio stations are “on the ground” and often the first and only source to provide timely information and provide the support to the communities it serves.
- Radio is a companion. Radio continues to play a huge role in the lives of U.S. consumers, especially as we commute back and forth as part of our daily routine. Radio rules the dashboard, with 75 percent of consumers tuning in to AM/FM radio while in the car, significantly more than any other audio platform.
- Radio is actionable. As a truly mobile medium, radio is the medium closest to purchase. Radio drives web traffic, foot traffic, event attendance, fundraising and volunteerism goals, awareness and ROI.
- Radio tells stories. Stories are immersive; they pull the listener in, making them feel like they are completely involved and experiencing the content. Chris Smith, principal and chief creative officer at Plot Twist Creativity, once said, “Radio is the modern campfire.” Regardless of content format, the power of storytelling with radio has the ability to gain and hold a listener’s full attention.
- Radio reaches everyone. Radio is the number one reach medium across virtually every demographic and culture – more than any other media – all screens and all platforms that are available throughout a consumer’s day.
Radio shares values with the communities that it serves and the listeners that spend an average of 11 hours with them each week. The company it keeps speaks volumes for a brand. It associates the brand with a similar attitude, character, ability and personality. To truly deliver on its mission, embrace audiences through an alignment of values; brands can be part of radio’s circle of trust.