Insights

The Power of Choosing The Right Radio Imaging Partner

by Dave Marsh - Jun 22, 2023

Radio imaging, like radio itself, continues to evolve. With fewer full-time specialists dedicated to a single station and more programmers and air staff producing as an added duty, it’s created a compelling array of sounds and styles, not to mention diverse skill sets and daily routines.

With the changes, some things have remained constant, like the demand for greater efficiency without sacrificing quality or creativity.

Sound familiar?  If so, there’s never been a better landscape for creating and producing creative radio imaging. Here’s why:

The availability of audio production resources is at an all-time high with specialty software, plugins, web tutorials, and affordable gear all readily accessible. And like the technical resources, the variety of creative audio resources such as production libraries and imaging services is growing.

However, not all providers are created equal, so here are a few things to consider when choosing a new production library or imaging service.

Quality and Quantity:

Go for the good stuff. You need a reliable source of high-quality imaging material that fits together seamlessly and creates a cohesive and recognizable audio brand. A well-executed radio imaging service helps craft these elements in a way that aligns with your station’s sound and target audience.

Efficiency and Ease of Use:

Your goal is to save time and sound great. Look for a library or service that’s a breeze to navigate, with content that is easy to access and use.  The best services help radio producers and programmers optimize their time and workflow.

Experience and Expertise:

Track records matter, so go with the pros. Great libraries and services are created by experts who are well-versed in audio branding. A good imaging company can also provide guidance on crafting a compelling audio identity.  Stay away from the $5 sweeper guys, you get what you pay for.

Adaptability and Customization:

Because there is no “one size fits all” solution that truly works for local markets, a well-chosen radio imaging service must offer flexibility and customization options.  A good library will also have a depth of content that is updated continuously.

Your audio branding matters as much as your programming and on-air personalities. So aligning with a radio imaging partner like SPLAT! can transform your station sound and put extra hours back into your workday.  Contact Radio Resources to find out more about the full line of SPLAT! imaging libraries, custom production, jingles, production music, and more.

additional-image

What about the Video Side of Radio?

by Chad Erickson - May 19, 2023

In today’s lighting speed world, it’s important to show listeners you’re running at their pace which includes playing the hottest songs intertwined with the latest station contest and branding that moves and captures their attention.

As radio has expanded its presence onto digital platforms, the opportunity to utilize video is now at our disposal. Many radio stations, especially those in medium to small markets, may not have the in-house resources or the budget to take advantage of video for listener engagement, revenue generation on their website and social media pages, as well as for marketing via TV commercials.

Each day on social media or on my local TV station I see generic, stock radio station spots splash across the screen. It’s like I’m watching the same ad that I saw in 1996, and radio stations are just using the local TV stations to produce these spots using a basic concept by trying to lump everything together.

Radio stations need to think outside the box and develop ads that will capture the attention of their core demographic listener, whether it be Millennial, Gen X, Gen Z or Boomer. There are so many opportunities.

Chad Erickson of I Need a TV Commercial will not only do slick TV spots for branding like audio imaging… they also do OTT, B-roll, pre-roll and fully customizable tv spots. And, It’s ON BARTER! Click here now to start creating video content for your radio station today.

Schedule a tour of Radio Resources today

additional-image

SMMRF @NAB

by Alex Quintero - Apr 28, 2023

Radio Resources had a chance to present at The Small and Medium Market Radio Forum at this year’s NAB.

The Forum was very well attended with station owners, managers, programmers, salespeople, and on-air talent looking to learn, connect, and stay on top of the latest trends and best practices in radio.

The opportunities and dangers of AI and keeping AM on the dashboard were on everyone’s mind. That was followed by how to overcome the challenges and struggles of running the day-to-day operations of a radio station without getting bogged down and distracted from the real work of growing the business. This topic was especially of concern to medium and small market owners and operators. From replacing station personnel that are retiring to adopting and integrating new technologies that can ease and streamline workflow efficiencies, to accounting and billing, station owners and managers need solutions. There was more interest than I’d seen before in finding remote resources that can partner with stations and provide the help and assistance they need.

One of the key themes of the Forum was how local radio can adapt quickly in a rapidly changing media landscape. As more audio options like streaming and podcasts become available, radio stations in medium and smaller markets are facing new challenges in attracting and retaining listeners. However, these radio stations also have unique advantages when expanding to these digital platforms because of their deep roots in their communities and their ability to provide live, local coverage of news, events, and sports.

To capitalize on these strengths and adapt to changing listener habits, radio stations in medium to smaller markets also have the advantage of being nimbler and more innovative than their corporate counterparts. This means exploring new technologies and platforms, such as smart speakers and mobile apps, while also staying true to the values that have made local radio a beloved part of many communities.

We came away from the Forum seeing that there is still a lot of passion in Radio and stations in these markets are willing to make the changes and advancements needed to keep Radio the most powerful medium in Audio.

additional-image

Text to Connect

by Christy Hennessy - Apr 27, 2023

The impact of radio stations in our daily lives cannot be overstated. From news updates to music and entertainment, they provide us with a constant source of information and enjoyment. With the advent of technology, radio stations now have a plethora of channels to reach their audience, and one such channel that has revolutionized audience engagement is SMS messaging. Enter Text Groove, a groundbreaking platform that enables radio stations to communicate with their audience like never before. Text Groove is transforming the way radio stations engage with their audience and it is essential for stations looking to stay ahead in the game.

Text Groove is a cloud-based SMS audience engagement platform that is powering the texting campaigns of over 1,000 radio stations in North America. With Text Groove, radio stations can automate contesting, generate additional revenue, and create meaningful relationships with their listeners. Text Groove has been designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring effortless navigation for users and ease of use for all station staff.

One of the main features of Text Groove is its ability to execute flawless keyword contests. This feature allows radio stations to run contests and giveaways through SMS messaging, making it easy for listeners to participate. The platform handles everything from collecting entries via text to helping you select winners, making the process seamless for both radio stations and their audience.

Text Groove also enables radio stations to have meaningful connections with their listeners. The platform allows radio stations to send personalized messages to their audience, keeping them informed about upcoming events, promotions, and news. This helps to build a loyal following and keep listeners engaged with the station.

In today’s world, where remote work has become the norm, Text Groove is an essential tool for radio stations. The platform is cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and easy to use, making it the perfect solution for radio stations looking to engage with their audience from anywhere. With Text Groove, radio stations can automate contesting, have meaningful connections with their listeners, and generate additional revenue.

In conclusion, if you are a radio station looking to better engage your audience, Text Groove is the perfect platform for you. Contact Radio Resources today to learn more about how it can help your station succeed in today’s ever-changing media landscape.

Schedule a tour of Text Groove today

additional-image

The New Norm

by Joey Arsenault - Apr 27, 2023

Working remotely has become the new norm since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. The radio industry has been no exception to this massive shift in the workplace. When was the last time a full week went by and each day your office was filled with co-workers? It’s likely been a while.

You’ve likely heard how it’s never been easier to work remotely thanks to advancements in technology and software. While this is true for most industries, software designed specifically for radio hasn’t kept up. Accessing your client’s ads, sponsorships, proposals etc. on your phone has been such a hassle, if it’s possible at all. Or how about creating a prize giveaway on your phone? Or prepping your entire show complete with giveaways, client mentions and a full rundown, again on your phone? These things may be possible using at least 3 separate platforms, that are more than likely not designed for radio. The systems that are designed for radio, aren’t mobile friendly, so using them on a phone is an awful experience. A lot of systems don’t even offer cloud-based versions, so you must be at your desk to use them, which is the biggest pain in our new world.

SPARC Media Hub is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for radio. This cloud-based, mobile friendly platforms offers creative workflow, promotions workflow, prize management, prep tools for talent and shows, phone screening, texting, sales workflow and lots of other tools to make your life easier. Sales reps can not only search any creative for their client directly on their phone but can also approve and revise any creative for their clients from anywhere. Promotions can create giveaways, contact winners, automate sending prize waivers, create station events or remotes from a phone, tablet or PC. SPARC is wherever you are.

In this new world of remote and hybrid work schedules, the software you use should be as flexible and nimble as you. Contact G Networks today to get more information on making the switch to SPARC Media Hub.

Schedule a tour of Sparc Media Hub today

additional-image

Meet your audience where they are and give them a voice

by Michael Fischer - Feb 17, 2023

When morning duo Ace & TJ made a commitment to going digital, they chose AirKast to connect to their mobile audience.

In fact, when they lost a flagship affiliate, they we’re thrilled at how many fans followed them too mobile!

Their approach is simple, meet listeners where they are, give me engaging content (audio and video) and allow them to give their opinions on what they’re looking for on a radio show.

Their app highlights include their daily YouTube broadcasts, Trivia and Polls and as well as the ‘speak up’ feature which allows listeners to connect directly to them with content ideas and comments, while collecting ‘first person’ fan data to grow their database.

The best part, AirKast’s listener analytics and heat maps allow their team to see exactly who’s listening, where they’re listening and what content they’re engaging in to strengthen their show strategy. If you’re looking to create an App for your station, group or a show within your on-air line-up see what Ace & TJ have to say here.

Schedule a tour of AirKast today!

additional-image

Protect against cyber attacks

by Milan Radevic - Feb 15, 2023

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your data. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard against cyberattacks:

  1. Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password is the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
  2. Keep software up to date: Software updates often include security patches, so make sure to keep all your devices and applications up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
  3. Be wary of phishing scams: Phishing scams are attempts to steal sensitive information, often by posing as a trustworthy entity. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources, and never enter personal information into a website unless you are confident it is legitimate.
  4. Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary method of confirming your identity, such as a code sent to your phone. Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it.
  5. Backup your data: Regularly backing up your data ensures that you won’t lose critical files in the event of a cyber attack or other data loss. Store backup copies of important files in the cloud or on an external hard drive.
  6. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices for security and educate others in your personal and professional networks about the importance of cybersecurity.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. Remember to always be vigilant and never hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Radio IT Solutions is available 24/7 to help answer any questions.

Schedule a tour of Radio IT Solutions today!

additional-image