Throughout the course of history there have been numerous audio and portable audio devices that allowed listeners to take their content with them wherever they went. On July 27, an announcement was made that may have surprised some people – Apple revealed that it was discontinuing the iPod nano and shuffle. These two products should receive some recognition because they made audio history and forever changed how people take audio with them.
Whether you read ad industry trades, online or print news, there are always articles referencing millennial influences or changes impacting boomers. However, there is very little attention paid to Generation X, which Pew Research referred to as the ‘middle child’ in a 2014 article. Sandwiched between two larger generations, Gen Xers who in 2017 are somewhere between the ages of 38-52, are a much smaller group in size and therefore are often overlooked by marketers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Generation X spends more per household annually than any other generation – approximately $67K which is almost $20K more than what millennials spend. Additionally, they have the highest household income compared to the other generations.
So how do you reach this often over-looked and valuable generation? With broadcast radio — of course.
It’s time to get ready and get shopping for Back-to-School (B2S). If you think it’s too early to reach those consumers, think again. According to Deloitte’s 2017 Back-to-School survey, 71% of B2S shopping occurs during an eight-week period – July through August.
As the medium used closest to the moment of purchase, radio can help influence where they can get the best deals. According to this same Deloitte survey, consumers are shifting from shopping at larger department stores and specialty channels to mass merchants and off-price venues. Additionally, 20% of the respondents had not yet decided if they would shop in-store or online and “might be persuaded by targeted promotional efforts.”
That’s what radio is – dynamic and interactive. So shouldn’t a website dedicated to providing all of the stats, data, research and information about radio be that way too? Introducing the new dynamic and interactive Why Radio micro-site — an easier to navigate, extensive radio marketing and research guide.
OK, so this blog is supposed to be about sharing information and not filled with commercials according to the rules of blogging. Well, rules were made to be broken, weren’t they?
July 4th. On this day 271 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed. In commemorating the occasion, we celebrate our collective patriotism and most importantly, remember all those who have and continue to protect and serve our country.
During this holiday like so many others, radio stations across the country will celebrate, honor and recognize those who have served and continue to serve – both overseas and in our communities. Radio as a live and local medium has the ability to bring listeners of like minds, passions, interests and lifestyles together. Radio celebrates with its listeners every day.
It doesn’t matter what state or city you are in or even the street you are on, smartphones are everywhere. Smartphones have become an item that you can’t be without. Think of the last time you forgot your phone. Did you get that sick and almost lost feeling, like you were disconnected from everything? It’s even harder when you live in a city where you commute using public transportation? You have no choice but to read the signage on the bus or trains and even worse, look at people!! Yikes.
OK, well maybe that’s a bit extreme, but I’m certain that brought at least a chuckle! The point is that the smartphone doesn’t replace everything in a consumer’s life, but it does complement it. Similarly, streaming or online radio complements broadcast radio.
Continue reading “Over-the-Air Radio Dominates —
Complemented by Streams”