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Elections 2026: Show Me the Money! (Part I)

Contributor: Dr. Leo Kivijarv, EVP/Research, PQ Media

Every election cycle raises the same question: How much money will campaigns spend on advertising & marketing?

The answer has less to do with which party wins than with how competitive the races become. History has consistently shown that when elections tighten, fundraising accelerates. As campaigns compete for persuadable voters, advertising budgets grow, media markets become more valuable, and broadcasters and other media operators see increased demand for political advertising & marketing. That dynamic is shaping the 2026 midterm elections.

The Secret to More Profitable Marketing? Audio.

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

What if one media channel could make every other part of a marketing campaign work harder?

How Many Ads Should A Radio Station Run? Cumulus Media | Westwood One And RAB Reveals Guidelines

Contributor: Pierre Bouvard, Chief Insights Officer, Cumulus Media | Westwood One

RAB fields questions daily regarding research, best practices, promotional ideas, and more. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How many ads should I run per week?” The answer always starts with, “That depends. What is your goal?”

Local Banking, Local Trust, Local Radio

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of banking. Consumers can deposit checks with their phones, apply for loans online, transfer money instantly and access financial information with a few taps. At the same time, digital-only banks and financial technology companies continue to expand their offerings, giving consumers more choices than ever before.

Yet despite all the innovation, banking remains a relationship business.

When Temperatures Rise, Radio Delivers

Author: Victor Texcucano, Content Coordinator, RAB

We’re halfway through 2026, and that can only mean one thing: summer is around the corner. Consumers will be searching for shelter from summer temperatures, so now is a perfect time for HVAC businesses to reach out to consumers in their area.

Summer heat in the U.S. can be relentless. Aside from a quick dip in the pool, the best relief is often a cool, air-conditioned home. That is why it is important to hire an HVAC technician to ensure your system is ready for the season. Homeowners in warm climates know how essential a dependable HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is when temperatures climb above 90 degrees.

America at 250: Radio’s Long Enduring Role in Connecting a Nation

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, innovations and industries that helped shape the nation. Few media platforms have been as closely connected to the American experience as radio.

For more than a century, radio has informed communities, entertained generations and connected Americans through moments of celebration, challenge and change. From presidential fireside chats and wartime broadcasts to moon landing coverage, breaking news and local storytelling, radio has long brought history to life in real time.

Black Consumers, Brand Trust and Radio’s Unique Connection

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Black consumers continue driving cultural influence, purchasing behavior and marketplace trends across industries ranging from beauty and fashion to technology, food and entertainment. Their influence extends far beyond direct spending power, shaping what becomes culturally relevant, socially amplified and commercially successful.

Boomers Hold the Wealth. Radio Holds the Connection.

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Marketers have spent years chasing younger consumers – following emerging platforms, evolving behaviors and cultural trends. But in the race to connect with millennials and Gen Z, many advertisers may be overlooking one of the most financially powerful audiences in America: baby boomers.

Think Radio is Dead? Better Convince 93% of America.

Contributors: Howard Robertson, CEO/founder, Spotset Media Network and Ryan Robertson, president, Spotset Media Network

The face is covered by a sheet, but the eyes are wide open. The pulse is strong. The heart beats steadily. And that pathway to the soul we call hearing? Completely intact. There is loud noise in the room, deafening yet clearly heard: about new directions, about who is in and who is out. But radio can hear every word of it. Because radio is very much alive. Those who have written radio’s obituary and left it for dead need to stop, collaborate, and listen.

Close to Care, Closer to Action: Why Community Pharmacies Win with Radio

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Community pharmacies are evolving into frontline healthcare destinations – delivering everything from prescriptions to preventive care and wellness support. But as their role expands, so does the need to stand out locally and prove measurable impact.

From Backyard to Business Driver: Why Lawn & Garden Is Growing and How Radio Helps It Thrive

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Lawn and garden has evolved far beyond seasonal upkeep – it’s now a reflection of how Americans live, spend and prioritize their homes. What was once about mowing and maintenance has become a category driven by outdoor living, wellness, sustainability and long-term home value.

Audio’s Next Chapter

How radio and audio advancements in measurement, content, and AI are expanding marketing value for brands

Author: Tammy Greenberg SVP Business Development, RAB

Audio is delivering a new level of value for marketers. Innovations in measurement, content production, and artificial intelligence (AI) are enhancing what brands can accomplish, enabling clearer visibility into performance, greater flexibility in activation, and more confidence in outcomes. As these advancements take hold across radio, streaming, and podcasts, audio is emerging as a key channel that combines scalability and accountability — two integral priorities at the center of marketing decision-making.

Radio: The Purr-fect Medium for the Pet Care Industry

Author: Victor Texcucano, Content Coordinator, RAB

Automatic feeders, water fountains, grooming, training and veterinary care – not to mention treats and toys. The love we have for our pets knows no bounds, and pet owners willingly spend their hard-earned money to give their furry companions the best life possible.

Bringing Radio Measurement into the Mobile Age: A Milestone Moment for the Audio Diary

Contributor: Rich Tunkel, Managing Director, Nielsen Audio

For the past several years, we’ve been on a mission at Nielsen: to make sure radio measurement is as modern and dynamic as the industry itself. Content and advertising decisions depend on accurate, reliable data and that means constant measurement evolution and adaptation.

Renovate or Relocate? The Real Forces Driving Home Improvement — and Why Radio Matters

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Home improvement used to be about style. Today, it’s about strategy. Remodeling is no longer a weekend project. It’s a lifestyle adjustment, a financial decision and for many, a necessity. Rising housing costs, aging homes and changing living needs have shifted homeowners’ mindset from “Should we renovate?” to “How do we make our home work better for us?”

Car Buying Got Complicated — And Consumers Are Listening Differently

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Buying a car used to feel exciting. Today, for many consumers, it feels… complicated.

Insights into Action: 5 Next Steps for Radio from the RAB – Borrell Digital Benchmarking Report

Author: Avery Berggen, Marketing Manager, Marketron

Digital Is Now Radio’s Growth Engine: What the 2026 RAB – Borrell Benchmark Means for Local Media

For more than a decade, RAB’s Annual Digital Benchmarking Report, produced by Borrell Associates Inc., has helped radio leaders understand how local advertising is changing and what it takes to stay competitive.

This year’s findings confirm what many broadcasters are already seeing.

From Nerve-Wracking to Reassuring: How Radio Connects During Tax Season

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

Most Americans don’t circle Tax Day on their calendar with excitement. Instead, it lingers in the background — wedged between work deadlines, family schedules and the constant mental note of “I really need to do my taxes.”

Hispanic Consumers Are Listening — Here’s Why Advertisers Should Too

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

From the music in our headphones to the some of the food and flavors we can’t live without, Hispanic culture is influencing America. Hispanics in the U.S. represent a powerful and rapidly expanding consumer segment that no advertiser can afford to overlook. With a population of 68 million and rapidly growing along with a purchasing power projected to surpass $2 trillion, Latino consumers are driving growth across nearly every category—from retail and technology to entertainment and automotive.

Why Radio Starts the Year Strong – Even When the Economy Feels Uncertain

Author: Annette Malave, SVP/Insights, RAB

January often brings a mix of optimism and caution. Businesses are setting new goals, reviewing budgets, and closely watching economic signals. For advertisers, uncertainty can lead to hesitation — but with the help of broadcast radio, businesses can seize the opportunities that still exist.

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Digital Is Now Radio’s Growth Engine: What the 2026 RAB – Borrell Benchmark Means for Local Media

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