Radio remains a leading platform for organizations to advertise and for individuals to learn lessons from inspirational speakers, authors, and leaders. If an executive’s day is so packed with things to do, the thought of listening to a radio show may seem like a luxury. However, the reality is, a lot of people are listening. News Generation shared some important statistics.
- Radio is the leading reach platform: 93% of us listen to AM/FM radio over the airwaves, which is higher than TV viewership (85%), PC use (50%), smartphone use (74%), and tablet use (29%)
- 265 million Americans 6+ listen to the radio each week;
- 66 million Millennials use radio each week;
- Audio consumers are listening for more than 12 hours each week; and
- The majority of radio usage comes from employed listeners; nearly three-quarters of Generation X listeners work full-time.
With so many working people listening, leaders must ensure that their companies are represented well there. Radio is just one part of the total brand publishing picture. Radio shows seek sponsors with enticing messages. Business organizations have a variety of goals they want to achieve with their message. Radio advertising is cost-effective, time-efficient, demonstrates measurable results, and can provide the following opportunities.
- Shows social responsibility and improve their image
- Builds brand loyalty and increase their customer base
- Drives traffic and increase sales
- Educates consumers in an intimate forum
Not only can leaders connect to their consumers through radio, but they can also learn from it. There is no shortage of talk radio shows where leaders can learn from their peers. With the advent of iTunes, IHeartRadio, and other platforms, everyone has the luxury of listening when it is convenient, and they can do it on just about any mobile device. The more technology changes, it is interesting to witness how the need for connection and edutainment continues to remain popular.
About the Author:
Dr. Diane Hamilton is a nationally-syndicated radio host of Take The Lead Radio, an award-winning speaker, educator, and the co-author of It’s Not You, It’s Your Personality. She developed brand publishing courses for Forbes based on Bruce Rogers’ Publish or Perish Report. Dr. Hamilton has spoken for top companies including Forbes about topics including leadership, engagement, emotional intelligence, and generational conflict. If you would like to learn more about these issues or be a guest on her radio show, you can go to Dr. Hamilton’s website or contact her through Linkedin.
