Radio Archives - Crowd React Media https://crowdreactmedia.com/category/radio/ Cut Though the Noise Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:23:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://crowdreactmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/crm-logo-dark_400x400-150x150.jpg Radio Archives - Crowd React Media https://crowdreactmedia.com/category/radio/ 32 32 May I Have Your Attention Please? https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/3-minutes-sm/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/3-minutes-sm/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:22:14 +0000 https://crowdreactmedia.com/?p=1500 “May I have your attention, please?” A simple question, yet so many different answers. I have been in the radio business since the mid 1970’s and to say that things have changed since then is an understatement. I still remember the first time I was on-air at a commercial radio station. The sense of anticipation […]

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“May I have your attention, please?” A simple question, yet so many different answers. I have been in the radio business since the mid 1970’s and to say that things have changed since then is an understatement. I still remember the first time I was on-air at a commercial radio station. The sense of anticipation of getting to put on a headphone and talk-up the intro of a song was something I had been anticipating for days. As a result, I remember is that I talked way too fast and walked over the start.

After that, I was on my way and happy to get the experience. It was all about getting a couple of hours on the radio every weekend.  Back in those days, media was about the Big Three: Radio, Television and Newspapers.  These were the only venues people went to for information and entertainment.  Cell phones did not exist, the internet was not yet available, and cable television was just starting to become part of our lives. It would be years before social media would exist.

Fast forward to 2024 and the landscape is so different.  Legacy Media including Radio and Television face more competition than ever.  In terms of audio, there are so many places to hear and view content.  On average, people check their smart phone 144 times per day and spend 4.5 hours on the device. This is just another indication of the challenge radio and audio providers face in getting their content listened to.  Consumers have never had so many options, and with that change is something we all need to be constantly aware of.

Radio is about to undergo a huge change in how audience measurement takes place.  For as long as I can remember, programmers such as myself have always asked talent the question of the day; “Did you get the 5 minutes?” (In fact, I wrote about this in June!) This has been the standard that programmers and hosts have used to determine how successful our content is. However, Nielsen has announced that, effective January 9th, the game changes and the criteria for quarter-hour credit will now be 3 minutes. We are told that this is being done in response to the fact that currently 45% per PPM panelist listening is under 5 minutes.  The expectation is that with this adjustment, stations will see increases in AQH Share by an average of 24%

There is a lot of discussion on the best strategies for moving forward to put your station in the best possible position to be successful. I have talked with numerous programmers over the last several weeks to get different points of view; There are some that feel it is best to stay the course and do nothing. There are others who believe this is an opportunity to be creative and move away from the bow tie approach to clocks that has been utilized for years.

Here is what we know based on information from Nielsen.

  • 23% of listening is between 3 and 5 minutes. With this change, stations will get credit for more content consumption.
  • 15% of listening is at 2 minutes. Think about the opportunity that this presents for all content providers; Being able to convert the 2-minute listener to 3 would have a significant impact on AQH Share.
  • The clock means nothing to the listener. Although many of us think about the top and bottom of the hour, or the return from a commercial break, the reality is that the audience is changing minute by minute.
  • With this change, previous listening that was uncredited around the quarter-hour transition will now be credited.

What does this all mean? As content creators, those of us who have worked in radio must understand that the consumer is in control. It is important to realize that our approach to presentation must get with the times.  There are other options for the listener if they do not like what you are delivering. Every time someone opens a microphone, it is a chance to make either a good or bad first impression on someone. It is important to not waste time – get right to the point of conversation that matters to the listener and make sure you made listening through a commercial stop set worth their time.

The phrase “It’s all about the Content!” is what this is all about.  Give the audience what they want and do this in a world where it is all about the 3 minutes.  As someone who grew up in the time of Top 40 Radio, to me it has always been about playing the hits.  This is still the recipe for success whether spoken word or music.  It is important to know that in a 15-minute quarter-hour your audience changes multiple times.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Legacy Media such as Radio and Television face more competition than ever.
  • Radio Measurement about to undergo a major change. The criterial for quarter-hour credit from Nielsen will change from 5 minutes to 3 minutes effective January 9th, 20245.
  • Currently 45% of PPM Listening is under 5 minutes. 23% of listening is between 3 and 5 minutes.
  • The big opportunity is to come up with a strategy to convert 2:00 consumers to 3:00.
  • New listeners join your programming on a minute-by-minute basis.
  • In the end, it is still all about the content. We have to adapt to changes in consumer behavior which is most impacted by declining attention spans.

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Brand Attribution for Radio: Finding the Truth in the Static https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/truth-in-static/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/truth-in-static/#respond Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:10:11 +0000 https://crowdreactmedia.com/?p=1416 Measuring the direct impact of ad campaigns on sales and brand lift has always been tricky – not just for radio but for every medium. When we look at radio’s unique strength, it’s clear that the emotional connection and trust listeners have with stations are a powerful advantage. Yet, measuring this kind of impact doesn’t […]

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Measuring the direct impact of ad campaigns on sales and brand lift has always been tricky – not just for radio but for every medium. When we look at radio’s unique strength, it’s clear that the emotional connection and trust listeners have with stations are a powerful advantage. Yet, measuring this kind of impact doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all formula, and it’s time to question some of the “guaranteed” methods being touted today.

Right now, many vendors claim they can provide digital-like numbers for radio stations, supposedly tracking conversions, sales lifts, and CTAs with precision. But let’s not kid ourselves. These companies are stacking estimates on top of shaky premises, using two flawed methods to arrive at a figure that looks solid but might be far from the truth. Imagine this: it’s like taking two fuzzy photos, layering them, and expecting a crystal-clear image. Cookie tracking and small sample sizes may add up to something, but it’s not the whole picture, nor is it the truth radio stations deserve.

Instead of promising exact numbers, the real power in radio research lies in understanding how listeners feel about an ad. Is it impactful? Memorable? Does it resonate in a way that makes them think twice about a brand? Did it turn them off or change their opinion entirely? These emotional insights go far deeper than a click or a purchase.

Radio’s strength has always been its unique ability to foster trust and connection. Sales and ads on radio should reflect this strength, and so should the research we provide to stations. When a station is promised “hard science” numbers that rival digital metrics, it’s a promise as elusive as the moon – shining brightly but impossible to touch.

In reality, the answers we provide might not be in clicks or sales conversions, but they are crucial. Understanding a listener’s emotional journey with a brand has the power to shape campaigns that truly resonate. Radio stations deserve research that matches the medium’s authenticity, not science fiction. Let’s keep it real and lean into what makes radio powerful: the bonds, the memories, and the emotional connections that only radio can create.

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Local Radio’s Secret Sauce: 5 Facts and Strategies to Engage Listeners & Advertisers https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/local-radios-secret-sauce/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/local-radios-secret-sauce/#respond Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:42:08 +0000 https://harkerbos.com/?p=994 Research conducted by Harker Bos Group, October 2024, surveying over 1,700 radio listeners nationwide aged 18-45. In a time when endless streaming options seem to dominate the media landscape, we were curious: why do young listeners still tune into local radio? In a recent survey conducted with over 1,700 radio fans across the country, we […]

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Research conducted by Harker Bos Group, October 2024, surveying over 1,700 radio listeners nationwide aged 18-45.

In a time when endless streaming options seem to dominate the media landscape, we were curious: why do young listeners still tune into local radio? In a recent survey conducted with over 1,700 radio fans across the country, we dug into the heart of what makes local radio stations so appealing to listeners aged 18-45. What we found was a strong and enthusiastic relationship between young audiences and their local stations—proof that radio is far from a relic of the past. From music discovery to community connection, here’s what young listeners had to say about why they love local radio and how stations can harness these insights to stay vibrant and relevant.

1. Music Variety and Discovery

Local radio’s unique blend of music hits the sweet spot for listeners seeking variety. Many respondents noted that they love hearing new songs alongside classics and trending hits. For busy listeners, radio’s unpredictability provides a break from creating playlists and lets them discover new music without lifting a finger.

“I like to listen to my local radio stations while I’m driving to work or on my way home,” shared one listener. “They always have a good mix of new songs and throwbacks, and I never know what’s coming next.”

Another young fan put it simply, “Radio keeps my playlist fresh. I’d probably listen to the same songs on repeat without it!”

How stations can lean in: Promote the station’s role as a go-to source for music discovery. Highlight that you offer the perfect mix of fresh hits and beloved classics that listeners don’t need to curate themselves. Show advertisers that your audience loves discovering new music with you—an experience they can’t get from pre-set playlists.

2. Community Connection

For these listeners, local radio isn’t just about the music; it’s about staying plugged into their community. With local news, weather updates, and event announcements, radio stations help people feel in tune with their hometowns. The local hosts also add a familiar voice that many listeners say makes them feel connected and included.

“Listening to local radio keeps me updated about what’s going on in my city,” one respondent shared. “I know I’ll hear about local events or concerts and get real-time traffic and weather updates.”

Another listener described radio as “a lifeline to what’s happening around town,” with radio hosts who “understand what it’s like to live here.”

How stations can lean in: Emphasize your connection to the community in your sales pitches. Demonstrate to advertisers that radio has a uniquely local appeal, with stations supporting local events and sharing real-time news. Radio isn’t just background noise—it’s a community platform where people feel at home.

3. Entertainment and Relaxation

Beyond music and community updates, listeners also love radio for its entertainment value. Morning shows, contests, and talk segments give radio an extra edge over other media, making listeners laugh, think, and feel connected in new ways.

“It’s a great way to start my day,” shared one listener. “The hosts make me laugh on my way to work, and the contests are fun—I even won concert tickets once!”

Another fan said, “Radio is my background companion when I’m driving or working around the house. It’s a constant source of entertainment.”

How stations can lean in: Make your unique shows and segments a centerpiece of your advertising. Local radio is about more than just music; it’s a full package of entertainment that keeps people coming back. Show advertisers that these interactions—whether it’s a quirky morning show or a midday contest—drive real engagement and keep listeners tuning in day after day.

4. Convenience and Accessibility

One thing that hasn’t changed is the convenience factor: radio is just there, ready to go at the push of a button, especially while driving. For many, this ease of use is a major plus, especially when compared to the hassle of queuing up playlists or dealing with streaming services that drain data or battery life.

“I love that I don’t have to worry about picking the next song,” one listener explained. “When I’m in my car, it’s easy to just turn on the radio and get lost in the music.”

Another said, “It’s nice not having to think about it. Sometimes, you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride without being the DJ.”

How stations can lean in: Highlight radio’s simplicity and ease of access. The fact that it’s quick and ready to go, especially while commuting, makes radio a reliable option for busy listeners. Advertisers should see radio as a dependable way to reach people who are “always on” and ready to listen without needing an app or a login.

5. Nostalgia and Habit

Radio’s enduring legacy gives it a unique charm, with many young listeners saying they’ve grown up with it and can’t imagine driving or working without it. Some listeners even noted that tuning into their favorite local station is a bit of nostalgia, a comforting throwback to when they first started listening.

One listener put it beautifully: “I grew up on this station. My parents would play it on our way to school, and it’s still what I listen to when I need a pick-me-up.”

Another added, “There’s something about the familiar voice of the DJ that makes me feel at home.”

How stations can lean in: Remind advertisers that radio isn’t just relevant; it’s a cherished part of listeners’ routines. The sense of nostalgia and tradition makes radio an emotional choice for many people—a perfect platform to build brand loyalty and establish long-term connections with customers.

A Bright Future for Local Radio

The findings from this study underscore that local radio remains a beloved medium for young audiences. With 45 as the oldest age in this cohort, these insights show that radio has a strong foothold in the hearts and routines of younger listeners. From discovering new music to staying connected to their community, these young adults are proof that local radio is alive and well, thriving by adapting to the needs and preferences of its audience.

As radio stations look to the future, leaning into these strengths can help grow their listenership even more. By promoting the variety, community, and convenience that radio provides, stations can position themselves as essential, irreplaceable parts of their listeners’ lives.

For advertisers, this means a valuable opportunity to connect with a young, engaged, and loyal audience that loves and trusts its local radio stations. Radio isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving—right in the hearts of young listeners across the nation.

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Latest Research https://crowdreactmedia.com/crm-news/latest-research/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/crm-news/latest-research/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:46:35 +0000 https://crowdreactmedia.com/?p=1338 Welcome to our comprehensive repository of media insights and research. At Crowd React Media and Harker Bos Group, we are committed to providing in-depth analyses of the latest trends and developments across various media landscapes. This page will be continuously updated with our latest research findings, ensuring you have access to the most current and […]

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Welcome to our comprehensive repository of media insights and research. At Crowd React Media and Harker Bos Group, we are committed to providing in-depth analyses of the latest trends and developments across various media landscapes. This page will be continuously updated with our latest research findings, ensuring you have access to the most current and valuable information.

Recent Publications:

Ordered by most recently published.

    • State of Sports Media 2024
      The third annual report on the state of sports media across all channels, including radio, tv, digital, social and more.
      Read More
    • State of Media 2024: Video Sales Deck
      A downloadable PowerPoint deck with video findings from our State of Media 2024 report, showcasing broadcast television’s resilience and continued success, and ready to be used in your Sales team’s next sales deck!
      Read More
    • State of Media 2024: Radio Sales Deck
      A downloadable PowerPoint deck with radio data from our State of Media 2024 report, showing the strength of radio, and ready to be used in your Sales team’s next sales deck!
      Read More
    • State of Spanish-language Media 2024: Video Edition
      This whitepaper focuses on Spanish-language video media, including local and national news.
      Read More
    • State of Spanish-language Media 2024: Audio Edition
      This whitepaper focuses on the unique aspects and developments within Spanish-language audio media.
      Read More
    • State of Media 2024
      Our flagship report offers a broad overview of the media industry, highlighting key shifts and emerging trends across various platforms.
      Read More

 

Coming Soon:

More to be announced shortly!

We strive to keep you informed and ahead of the curve with our ongoing research and insights. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates.

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Real People, Real Answers: The Problem with Synthetic Sample https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/real-people-real-answers/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/real-people-real-answers/#respond Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:01:00 +0000 https://harkerbos.com/?p=871 I recently filled out a survey from an online sample provider, and let me tell you, some of the questions really threw me for a loop. They wanted to know about my interest in using “synthetic sample.” Now, I hadn’t heard of synthetic sample before, so I was curious. The survey defined it as “any […]

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I recently filled out a survey from an online sample provider, and let me tell you, some of the questions really threw me for a loop. They wanted to know about my interest in using “synthetic sample.” Now, I hadn’t heard of synthetic sample before, so I was curious. The survey defined it as “any artificially generated response that is not a human answer.”

Yeah, let that sink in for a minute. Sampling companies are now using AI and machine learning to simulate human responses. And not only that, they’re apparently comfortable enough with the concept to pitch it directly to paying clients. These are companies whose entire purpose is to connect you with real humans. They’re selling the idea of talking to actual people—but now, they’re mixing in AI-generated responses.

Here’s the kicker: If the industry starts relying on synthetic sample—essentially guesstimating responses based on what real people have answered in the past—then what’s the point? You lose the nuance, the depth, the genuine thought process behind those answers. It’s like getting a photocopy of a photocopy—each time, the realness gets more and more diluted.

If research could just be estimated based on what past surveys said, we’d do one study a decade and call it a day. But we all know that doesn’t work. Times change. People change. Preferences change. You can’t just base research on old answers and expect it to be relevant.

So, before you choose a research company, ask some important questions: Did they “boost” their sample sizes for niche groups by adding synthetic respondents? Are they padding out surveys with AI-generated responses after the fact? Are they turning incomplete surveys into “complete” ones by filling in the gaps with synthetic answers? Or worse, are they replacing human respondents entirely for certain projects?

At Harker Bos Group, we take pride in being 100% human. Our sample comes from real people who listen to your station or engage with your market. They tell us, in their own words, what they like, what they don’t, and what keeps them tuning in. We reject synthetic sample outright because we know the value of hearing directly from your audience.

Arm yourself with this knowledge. The world of research is changing, and it’s easier than ever to reach real people who want to share real answers. Don’t settle for anything less.

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Harker Bos Group Media Minute – Radio is Top in Ad Effectiveness https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/harker-bos-group-media-minute-radio-is-top-in-ad-effectiveness/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/harker-bos-group-media-minute-radio-is-top-in-ad-effectiveness/#respond Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:24:46 +0000 https://harkerbos.com/?p=866 In this week’s Harker Bos Group Media Minute  we wanted to explore the effectiveness of advertising in various mediums.  Specifically, we wanted to know whether advertising in a particular medium made one more likely to consider purchasing a given product or service.  We asked over 2,500 radio listeners nationwide to rank the top 3 sources […]

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In this week’s Harker Bos Group Media Minute  we wanted to explore the effectiveness of advertising in various mediums.  Specifically, we wanted to know whether advertising in a particular medium made one more likely to consider purchasing a given product or service.  We asked over 2,500 radio listeners nationwide to rank the top 3 sources that are most likely to make them consider using an advertised product or service.  The results of our query are decidedly in radio’s favor and an indication of overall industry health.  Without ad dollars radio would not exist.  Fortunately, advertising on the radio is quite an effective way to have listeners consider purchasing your product or service.

Let’s jump right into the data.

Graph (below): When you think about advertisements for products or services, please rank the top 3 sources that are most likely to make you consider the advertised product or service.  1st Choice

Naturally, there is going to be some bias among self-reported radio listeners stating that advertising on the radio will make them most likely to consider using an advertised product or service.  However, it still bodes well for radio in a tech-saturated culture that radio remains the clear advertising juggernaut among declared radio listeners.  Radio’s ad effectiveness is virtually double that of audio streaming’s – the presumed existential threat to the radio industry.  This threat of audio streaming has never actually materialized in significantly diminishing the cultural footprint of radio.  Unlike the cable vs. streaming, where video streaming is gradually chipping away at video’s terrestrial format, radio has demonstrated marked resilience in the face of digital audio streaming.  Podcasts hardly register (4%) on the ad effectiveness front among radio listeners, probably because everyone skips them.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s edition of the Harker Bos Group Media Minute!

Study Profile:
Study Conducted in July  2024
2500+ Radio Listeners
Nationwide Sample
Male/Female
All Ethnicities/Races
Ages 18+

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Unlock Radio’s Success with the State of Media 2024 Radio Sales Deck https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/unlock-radios-success-with-the-state-of-media-2024-radio-sales-deck/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/unlock-radios-success-with-the-state-of-media-2024-radio-sales-deck/#respond Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:12:07 +0000 https://harkerbos.com/?p=816 The world of radio is evolving, and with it, so are the opportunities to showcase radio’s continued relevance in today’s dynamic media landscape. At Harker Bos Group, we’ve compiled the most critical insights from our State of Media 2024 Report, and we’re excited to share them with you in a powerful Radio Sales Deck. Why […]

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The world of radio is evolving, and with it, so are the opportunities to showcase radio’s continued relevance in today’s dynamic media landscape. At Harker Bos Group, we’ve compiled the most critical insights from our State of Media 2024 Report, and we’re excited to share them with you in a powerful Radio Sales Deck.

Why This Sales Deck Matters:
General Managers, Program Directors, and Sales teams alike will find this deck packed with valuable data on radio’s role in media consumption today. Whether you’re preparing for a client pitch or refining your sales strategy, these slides provide the insights you need to prove radio’s impact and success.

What You’ll Get:

  • Customizable slides designed to elevate your presentations
  • Key data from over 500 media consumers
  • Compelling statistics to help you make the case for radio in a crowded media landscape

Ready to elevate your presentations? Access the full deck here: Download the Radio Sales Deck

Explore the Full State of Media 2024 Report
While this deck is packed with powerful insights, the full State of Media 2024 Report offers even more. Dive deeper into the trends and findings that can further support your sales efforts and understanding of the media landscape.

Let us help you tell radio’s story. Download the deck today and amplify radio’s success in every meeting.

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Do You Know Your Audience? – How to Use Research https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/do-you-know-your-audience-how-to-use-research/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/do-you-know-your-audience-how-to-use-research/#respond Mon, 26 Aug 2024 01:01:50 +0000 https://crowdreactmedia.com/?p=1257 Programming a spoken word format in 2024 is no small task. The challenges can be overwhelming, with one of the most significant questions being, “Do I know my audience?” Do you truly understand what they want when they listen, or what drives them away? The way people consume content has evolved, with listeners now in […]

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Programming a spoken word format in 2024 is no small task. The challenges can be overwhelming, with one of the most significant questions being, “Do I know my audience?” Do you truly understand what they want when they listen, or what drives them away? The way people consume content has evolved, with listeners now in control due to the vast array of choices available to them. In the past, it was easier to navigate, with only a few TV stations, a couple of radio stations, and a newspaper to compete with. Today, the consumer has multiple sources to choose from, making it more crucial than ever to know your audience.

Given the saturation of content options, understanding your audience is essential for making smart decisions. If you’re in a management position at a content provider, you’re likely juggling many responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. So how do you sort everything out?

I have always believed that everything we do in content production should be based on ROI—Return on Investment. For instance, if you invest heavily in a host, you expect that talent to generate ratings and revenue for your organization. Similarly, if you recruit a high-profile salesperson, you expect them to bring in significant income for your brand.

In today’s environment, the key to success in content development is total collaboration between programming and sales. One cannot succeed without the other. In my role as Program Director for 97.5 The Fanatic, I am in constant communication with both the talent and production team, as well as the sales group.

We recently received valuable research data from a study conducted by Crowd React Media, a division of Harker Bos Group, on The Fanatic. The team at Crowd React collaborated with us to identify our strengths and opportunities for driving audience engagement. Our study involved conversations with over three hundred sports radio consumers in the Philadelphia market. Following an initial presentation to senior leadership, we embarked on what I call a “road show.” The first stop was a major presentation to the sales staff at Beasley Philadelphia. The engagement of the group, their attentiveness, and their thoughtful questions made it clear that we were on the right track. They are now equipped to use this data to enhance their sales presentations.

The next step was to present this information to our on-air and production teams. I held two sessions to ensure everyone could participate in the discussion. The hour-long meeting included open conversations, which are vital for fostering ownership of the process as we develop an action plan to implement before the fall rating period.

This study is invaluable in many ways. Beyond providing insights to our sales and programming teams, it also offers an opportunity to engage with our various partnerships that are crucial to our overall content presentation. I took it upon myself to prepare a condensed version of the study to present to our play-by-play partners and content distributors.

Ultimately, success is ALWAYS about having a PLAN. Whether it’s reviewing ratings data, conducting a research study, or continuously evaluating your content and the competition, understanding your audience is key to maximizing revenue and quarter-hours.

To Summarize:

  • To succeed in a spoken word format, knowing your audience is critical.
  • Smart decisions are essential—collaboration between sales and programming is vital.
  • The Program Director must be fully immersed in all aspects of the content brand and presentation.
  • Research can be a powerful tool for developing a winning strategy.
  • Whether it’s a monthly ratings report or a detailed study, it’s important to review, analyze, and strategize regularly to stay ahead.

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State of Spanish-Language Media 2024: Audio Edition https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/state-of-spanish-language-media-2024-audio-edition/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/state-of-spanish-language-media-2024-audio-edition/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2024 01:01:27 +0000 https://harkerbos.com/?p=748 We are thrilled to announce the release of Harker Bos Group & Crowd React Media’s “State of Spanish-Language Media 2024: Audio Edition” report. This comprehensive study, set to be released on Tuesday, July 9, delves into the listening habits, preferences, and impacts of Spanish-language media among consumers in the United States. Key Insights from the […]

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We are thrilled to announce the release of Harker Bos Group & Crowd React Media’s “State of Spanish-Language Media 2024: Audio Edition” report. This comprehensive study, set to be released on Tuesday, July 9, delves into the listening habits, preferences, and impacts of Spanish-language media among consumers in the United States.

Key Insights from the Report

The report surveyed over 500 Spanish-language media consumers across the US, ensuring the gender and age demographics align with the 2020 Census figures. Below are some of the key insights that we believe RadioInk readers will find particularly interesting. For those who want to dive deeper, the full report is now available for download.

Radio Consumption

High Engagement: An impressive 72% of respondents listen to the radio regularly, with 70% tuning in for at least one hour daily.

Content Preferences: Music is the primary draw for 94% of listeners, followed by news and talk programs at 53%, and sports at 26%.

Listening Habits: Mornings are the preferred listening time for 53% of respondents. Radio listening is common while driving (75%) and working (30%).

Community Connection: A significant 91% of respondents value local event coverage on the radio, and 86% believe it’s important for radio to foster a sense of identity and heritage.

Technology and Access: Traditional AM/FM bands remain dominant, with 86% of respondents tuning in this way. Additionally, 40% use digital apps, and podcasts are increasingly seen as part of the radio consumption experience.

Advertising Impact: Remarkably, 42% of respondents have purchased a product or service they heard advertised on Spanish-language radio.

Podcast Consumption

Growing Popularity: Podcasts are becoming a staple, with 40% of Spanish-language media consumers listening to them. This is comparable to the 44% found in our State of Media 2024’s English-language audiences.

Content Preferences: The most popular podcast genres are news/politics and comedy, each favored by 64% of listeners.

Discovery Methods: Social media (63%) and YouTube are the primary ways listeners discover new podcasts.

Engagement: A high level of engagement is evident, with 77% listening to most of the episode and 32% completing entire episodes. The optimal episode length is around 30 minutes.

Advertising Impact: Notably, 40% of podcast listeners are more likely to purchase products advertised in Spanish.

Music Streaming

Widespread Use: Music streaming services are used by 71% of respondents, with platforms like Spotify and YouTube leading in popularity. These figures are comparable to radio usage statistics.

 

The “State of Spanish-Language Media 2024: Audio Edition” provides valuable insights into the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Spanish-language audio media. For a more detailed exploration of the data, download the full report at harkerbos.com/state-of-spanish-language-media.

Should you have any questions about the study or require additional assets, please do not hesitate to reach out.

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It’s Still About The 5 Minutes https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/its-still-about-the-5-minutes/ https://crowdreactmedia.com/radio/its-still-about-the-5-minutes/#respond Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:37:20 +0000 https://crowdreactmedia.com/?p=1229 The more things change, the more they stay the same. During my career as a spoken-word programmer, I learned that ultimately, it’s about capturing the 5 minutes required for quarter-hour credit from Nielsen. This has always been the focus of savvy programmers who understand that the more compelling the content, the better the time spent […]

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The more things change, the more they stay the same. During my career as a spoken-word programmer, I learned that ultimately, it’s about capturing the 5 minutes required for quarter-hour credit from Nielsen. This has always been the focus of savvy programmers who understand that the more compelling the content, the better the time spent listening.

Much has changed over the years. With advancements in technology, consumers have more control over accessing content whenever and wherever they want. Gone are the days when the only competition in a market was another spoken-word radio station. Take Philadelphia, for instance, one of the most passionate sports markets in the country. Besides two prominent sports radio stations, there are numerous local online content destinations. Additionally, national broadcasters cover major professional teams, broadening the competitive landscape.

Let’s return to those 5 minutes—that remains the benchmark I believe in, regardless of platform. To me, this is the goal we strive to achieve with every piece of content we produce. The challenge, however, has become more daunting.
Consider the following statistics:

• On average, people check their smartphones 150 times per day (HBR).
• One-third of people check their smartphones within 5 minutes of waking up (Time).

The bottom line is that distractions are everywhere, and there are more avenues than ever to access content. This underscores the importance of maintaining content discipline in presentation, regardless of the format.

Most of my career has been spent in spoken word, and here’s what I’ve found works best over the years:

1. Do not waste time: In my early days as a host, this was a personal flaw. I’ve learned that diving right into the day’s biggest story pays off. Whether it’s news or sports, it’s about urgency and anticipation! Data often supports this with increased consumption following major breaking news or sports stories. There’s an audience waiting for insight and perspective on the stories that matter to them.

2. Understand the audience is always changing: Many hosts miss opportunities by over-preparing. Narrow your topic selection and recognize that the audience in the second or third hour of a show likely expects a consistent content approach unless there’s a major development or breaking news.

3. Focus on pacing: Given the need to keep the audience engaged throughout your presentation, find ways to maintain a lively pace. Incorporate impactful sound bites, concise interviews, and brief phone calls—all aimed at keeping the audience engaged. It’s essential to make a concentrated effort to tighten all aspects of content delivery.

4. Topics do matter: I’ve always admired music programmers for their knack in selecting songs that can define a radio station’s success. Similarly, in spoken word, choosing the right topics can make or break your show. A hot topic can remain relevant for an extended period, just like a hit song.

Regardless of the platform, these strategies are crucial to share with your on-air hosts. Even as things evolve, I still find it valuable to review key metrics in the Nielsen Report, particularly Time Spent Listening. TSL serves as a reliable gauge of your brand’s performance. There’s nothing more rewarding than sitting down with an on-air talent and showing them examples of how they’ve improved their presentation by capturing those critical 5 minutes!

 

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