by Mike Ragz - Oct 27, 2023

Every sales meeting begins with, “How do we monetize our online inventory?” And then… silence. Everyone knows or has a pretty good sense of the rewards that can come from monetizing online inventory. But making it happen is another matter.

Radio broadcasters know how to sell, well, radio. But even the savviest digital seller can’t sell without the proper tools in place. And there’s the first hurdle. The big groups build their in-house systems or cut great deals with pricey providers and they’re killing it. Why should you be left out and let them take all the money?

You can nail this… you just need the right partner! That word – partner – is key. You want someone who will work with you and is vested in your success. You don’t want someone who will take a call from a bigger group and leave you on hold. Also look for a provider who is open to barter deals. It’s not a surprise that will make it easier on your bottom line.

You want a digital services provider that delivers an all-in-one solution. One that offers high-quality, low-cost expertise across every facet of digital, from producing a podcast of ‘best-of bits’ and getting it up on your site to effortlessly making your morning show available as a podcast for download later in the day. If you can do that, now you’ve got something you can sell.

If you don’t have the manpower to move some of your sellers to digital, or want them to 100% focused on selling radio, then you’ll need a digital provider who will act as an extension of your sales team and bring in those digital dollars.

Streamkast+ is all the above. It’s the all-in-on digital solution for radio, built and designed by radio people. When you call, we know what you’re dealing with! Plus, because we’re a partner of Radio Resources, we can work with you and other Radio Resources vendors to bring in a texting platform, brand imaging experts, and more.

by Renee Cassis - Sep 28, 2023

It’s budget time, which means you’re trying to figure out what next year will look like for your station or group. You know the basics: revenue minus expenses equals profit. In this post-pandemic, it’s challenging to accurately predict revenue for next year. But you know first-hand that expenses have gone up, and they will likely continue to do so, especially in the immediate future.

So how do you reconcile overhead and revenue and come up with a profitable projection? Here are some strategies to consider. When was the last time you checked your existing long-term contracts with vendors? Considering today’s economic climate, this may be the perfect time to renegotiate with all vendors that relate to station or company operations. That includes your telephone and internet services and your water cooler and coffee supplier. Deals can be made!

It can be frustrating when you are contracted with a vendor who is not fulfilling the kind of customer support you’re looking for, or the particular product or service you need doesn’t seamlessly integrate with systems already in place. With 2024 just a few months away, now can be the time to explore your options.

Technology is evolving at a breakneck pace. Are your systems up to date and do they interface well with each other? You’re probably thinking, ‘I am not spending money on upgrading.’  But what if it is affordable, especially if it saves you money in the long run? Taking a hit now could position you for greater rewards in 2024 and beyond.

If you’re airing network programming, are you getting the support and resources to fully monetize your network programming? This is a good time to check in with your sales team to see if they’re maximizing local sales opportunities within the network program. Are they pitching it to local advertisers? A network should provide you with the tools and materials that will help your team. Also, find out if your morning show uses all the morning prep services your station subscribes to. Maybe you only need one or two comprehensive prep services. These are areas where you can save money without compromising content.

Many radio stations are finding new ways to monetize their digital assets. How well is your team tapping into your digital presence and streaming opportunities? Like everything audio, it comes down to content, so strive for quality original content and repurpose your best on-air content on podcasts which could lead to alternative revenue streams.

Having a partner who understands your business makes daily operations easier and increases the prospect for profitability. When a product or service provider knows the ins and outs of the radio business, they can often help you identify new areas for growth, streamline operations, and provide input on decisions.

In just over a year since its launch, Radio Resources has already built a reputation for helping radio broadcasters not only save money but make money. We are keenly aware of the challenges you face in running your station or group profitably and truly are that one-stop shop for a multitude of their needs, from sales, promotions, and programming to imaging, texting, and technology.

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.

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

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.

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

by Michael Fischer - Feb 17, 2023

by Milan Radevic - Feb 15, 2023