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2025 Local Radio Ad Revenue Projected to Reach $12.3B
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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The projected local radio ad revenue for 2025 is estimated to reach $12.3 billion, a stable comparison to the previous year. This projection covers both over-the-air and digital platforms, as outlined in the latest report by BIA Advisory Services.
This analysis is part of a collaborative effort by the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and BIA Advisory Services to guide broadcasters through the evolving economic landscape. Local radio stands as the fifth-largest medium in the $171 billion local advertising market.
Key industries such as investment & retirement, quick service restaurants (QSRs), supermarkets, commercial banking, and hospitals are major contributors to radio advertising spending. Notably, the finance and insurance sectors, along with QSRs, are set to channel over $95 million each into digital radio advertising.
Celine Matthiessen, vice president of insights and analysis at BIA Advisory Services, highlighted the growing importance of hospitals in local radio markets. "Hospitals are projected to be one of the top spenders in local radio advertising in 2025," Matthiessen said. "As they allocate parts of their media budgets to Radio Over-the-Air (OTA), Radio Digital, and other platforms like Connected TV (CTV), it's evident that local radio continues to be a trusted and culturally relevant medium, especially in rural and remote communities."
Further growth is expected in digital radio advertising, with real estate development set to see a 15.8% increase. Full-service restaurants and bars, along with mattress and sleep centers, are also anticipated to experience growth of 8.6% and 7.2% respectively.
Matthiessen added, "Local radio is undergoing a significant transformation. The fusion of digital innovation with traditional broadcasting capabilities enables radio to uphold its crucial role in local market communications while creating new value propositions for advertisers."
Mike Hulvey, president and CEO of RAB, also commented on the strategic advantage this analysis offers. "Our continued partnership with BIA allows RAB membership insights into opportunity across local advertising categories," said Hulvey. "Broadcast radio and its digital assets can deliver the services that local businesses want and need to increase their sales revenue."
To further delve into these findings, RAB and BIA will host a webinar titled "Radio Ad Forecast 2025: BIA's Latest Projections" on April 16. This session will feature Matthiessen discussing the upcoming trends in local radio advertising, with a focus on the "What's Next?" economy and factors such as tariffs and consumer sentiment that may influence ad spending. The event will also be available for on-demand viewing, complete with supplementary materials.
Veteran Radio Executive Patrick Crocker Dead at 65
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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Patrick (Pat) Crocker, a prominent figure in the radio industry with a career spanning nearly four decades, passed away unexpectedly due to a heart attack last night while playing ice hockey, his second favorite passion after radio. He was 65.
Crocker, who served as Executive Vice President of Local Radio Networks (LRN) since 2019, was remembered by colleagues both for his professional achievements and his personal friendships. Prior to joining LRN, he held significant positions at Cumulus/Westwood One, where he was instrumental in advancing the company's 24/7 music formats.
"Pat's first passion was radio," said Chad Seng, CFO of LRN. "He helped countless radio stations find the right 24/7 music format solution to yield success in their market. To me, Pat was a personal friend and a colleague. Everyone at LRN and its affiliates will miss him. Our sincere heartfelt loss and prayers go out to his wife Teri and the entire Crocker family."
Throughout his career, Crocker was pivotal in the growth of 24/7 music format affiliations not only at LRN but also at Jones Radio Networks, Dial Global, and Westwood One. He played a key role in the consolidation of affiliate sales departments during several network mergers. Crocker's radio journey began in St. Louis as a national ad sales representative, eventually moving into local and national sales management at iconic stations such as WIL-FM and KSHE-FM in St. Louis, as well as KALC-FM and KIMN-FM in Denver.
Steve Swick, CEO of Local Radio Networks, expressed his deep sadness at the loss of Crocker, highlighting the significant impact he had on the industry and the people he worked with.
Woodward Communications Expands Springfield Footprint
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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Woodward Communications Inc. (WCI), has announced its acquisition of four stations -- WNNS-FM, WQLZ-FM, WMAY-FM, and WMAY-AM -- from Mid-West Family. This marks WCI's continued expansion in the Springfield, IL, market following the acquisition of four other local stations from Neuhoff Media last October.
Kevin O'Dea, Market Manager for Woodward's Springfield operations, commented, "All of us at Woodward Community Media look forward to the addition of the Midwest Family Stations to our lineup here in Springfield. These four stations along with our current lineup including Channell450.com and our Digital Services will allow us to enhance our local commitment to our listeners, advertising partners, and the Springfield and Central Illinois Community."
To comply with FCC ownership regulations, WCI has divested WCVS-FM to Educational Media Foundation. Further adjustments include the divestiture of two Bloomington, IL, stations -- WIHN and WWHX -- and a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with Great Plains Media for the operation of WBBE.
Tom Woodward, CEO and President of WCI, highlighted the strategic benefits of the acquisitions and integrations. "We look forward to integrating Mid-West's solid brands into our Springfield operations, and, importantly, welcoming the talented and dedicated Mid-West team to be part of our employee-owned company. Our plan is to co-locate all the stations and related operations into Mid-West Family's current office and studios, which we believe will create synergies that will benefit our employee owners, our customers, and the community," Woodward stated.
The acquisition and subsequent divestitures were advised by Greg Guy of Tideline Partners for WCI, and Bob Heymann Jr., Managing Director of Media Services Group - Chicago, advised Mid-West Family.
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Jacobs Media to Unveil Key Insights from Techsurvey 2025
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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Jacobs Media will reveal the findings from its Techsurvey 2025, the radio broadcasting industry's largest annual survey, in a free webinar on Tuesday, April 15 at 2pm ET. This year's edition marks the 21st iteration of the study, drawing insights from nearly 25,000 responses collected across 500 participating radio stations.
The 2025 survey delves into several new areas of inquiry, including the impact of time-shifting on radio listenership, the rising popularity of online newsletters, and the strategic use of short-form videos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The study aims to equip radio broadcasters with actionable data to enhance their engagement with audiences in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Key findings from the survey reveal that time-shifting, a common feature in television and streaming services, is becoming increasingly prevalent among radio audiences. This shift suggests a growing consumer demand for more flexible and convenient access to radio content, mirroring trends seen in other forms of media.
Online newsletters have emerged as a significant opportunity for radio stations, allowing them to extend their reach and deliver localized content directly to listeners' inboxes. The survey indicates that radio can leverage this medium to build deeper connections with its audience, potentially opening new avenues for listener engagement and revenue.
Moreover, the popularity of short-form videos continues to surge on social media platforms, with many users engaging daily. The findings suggest that radio stations could harness these platforms to capture attention and interact with a broader audience, particularly younger demographics who favor quick and engaging content.
The survey also continues to track traditional strengths and potential vulnerabilities within the radio sector. One notable insight is the enduring appeal of radio personalities, who often play a crucial role in attracting and retaining listeners, sometimes even more so than the music itself.
Jacobs Media stated, "Our annual survey not only highlights emerging trends but also reaffirms the core elements that continue to make radio a unique and powerful medium. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age."
The full results of Techsurvey 2025 will be shared with participating radio stations. To register for the webinar, please click here.
NAB Urges FCC to Eliminate Natl. Broadcast Ownership Cap
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abolish the national broadcast ownership cap that currently restricts media companies from owning more than eight radio stations in a radio market with 45 or more stations and TV stations that reach more than 39% of U.S. households. The NAB argues that these regulations, unchanged significantly for decades, unfairly limit broadcasters in a digital age dominated by unregulated tech giants.
In a letter to Maureen H. Dortch, Secretary of the FCC, the NAB emphasized that the existing ownership caps on both television and radio broadcasters hinder their ability to compete effectively for audiences and advertising revenue. The association pointed out that while broadcast media are tightly regulated, streaming platforms, social media, and other digital services face no such constraints.
"The national TV and radio rules have long prohibited broadcasters from achieving the scale necessary to compete in today's fragmented media environment," stated the NAB in its letter. The association highlighted that these rules were originally designed in a vastly different media landscape and have not kept pace with technological advances and changes in how audiences consume media.
The NAB's advocacy for deregulation comes at a time when traditional media companies struggle against digital platforms that have reshaped advertising markets. Digital giants like Google, Facebook, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu draw significant advertising revenues away from local media, which are critical for supporting content that serves community needs.
This push for regulatory change reflects broader industry challenges, where radio stations, much like their TV counterparts, face declining ad revenues and increased competition from digital services that offer vast amounts of content without geographic or regulatory limitations. By lifting these caps, the NAB argues, broadcasters could enhance their service offerings, reaching broader audiences and delivering more diverse, locally relevant content across both radio and television platforms.
The NAB has made its full arguments and the text of its letter to the FCC available through its campaign on regulatory modernization, which can be accessed at NAB.org. The association encourages public and industry support to help modernize outdated FCC rules and ensure the competitive viability of broadcast radio and television.
iHeartMedia Board Member Brad Gerstner to Step Down
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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An SEC filing has revealed that Brad Gerstner, a member of iHeartMedia's board of directors, will be stepping down from his position. The decision on his successor will be made by shareholders at the upcoming annual stockholder meeting on May 13.
Gerstner, the founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, has been part of iHeartMedia's board since 2019. Initially committing to a single term, Gerstner extended his tenure to five years, citing increased professional and philanthropic commitments as the reason for his departure.
With the impending vacancy, iHeartMedia has nominated Robert Millard as a potential successor. Millard currently serves as a Director at Evercore and as the Lead Director at L3Harris Technologies. His previous roles include Chairman of the MIT Corporation and the MIT Investment Management Company.
iHeartMedia's CEO and Board Chairman, Bob Pittman, expressed gratitude for Gerstner's contributions, particularly highlighting his insights into technology which have significantly influenced the company's strategy and success in adapting to a technology-driven market.
Regarding Millard, Pittman noted, "We appreciate the opportunity to have Bob bring his broad range of experience across business, finance, and strategic planning to the iHeart Board. His critical thinking and deep investment experience are expected to bring unique benefits to our company and our shareholders, aiding in our continued growth."
The approval of Millard's nomination will be determined by shareholders at the upcoming meeting.
Triton Digital to Expand U.S. Podcast Ranker
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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Triton Digital has announced significant enhancements to its U.S. Podcast Ranker. The new features will incorporate survey-based listener rankings, offering a more comprehensive view of podcast audience behaviors and preferences.
Historically, Triton Digital's U.S. Podcast Ranker has been based solely on downloads, measured monthly for its subscribers. This methodology will now be complemented by a quarterly ranking that includes all podcasts and publishers, regardless of their participation in Triton's download measurements. This expansion will integrate survey data capturing both audio and video podcast consumption, including platforms like YouTube.
Daryl Battaglia, SVP of Measurement & Analytics at Triton Digital, emphasized the importance of these enhancements: "The combination of census-level download measurement blended with survey measurement provides the most comprehensive understanding of podcast audiences and their consumption habits," said Battaglia. "By adopting new methods to measure audiences and augmenting our current tools, we are enriching the podcast information available to advertisers so they can feel confident in reaching their target audiences."
The new survey-based rankings will cover the top 200 podcasts, reflecting a broad spectrum of listener interests and behaviors. In addition to traditional metrics, the ranker will utilize Triton's proprietary Demos+ audience profiles to identify podcasts that effectively reach specific advertiser-desired demographics, including age, socio-economic status, and purchase intent segments.
Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights, Triton's research partner since 2021, also commented on the update: "We at Signal Hill are always focused on moving the podcast industry forward, and we're excited to take this next step with Triton Digital. The addition of holistic industry-wide, survey-based rankings to the U.S. Podcast Ranker is another significant step, enhancing the depth and value of the insights we provide to the industry."
These updates, set to begin later this year, will deliver deeper insights into podcast audience engagement and extend the tools available to advertisers and media planners aiming to optimize their campaign strategies.
TM Studios Launches ''The Bull'' Branding Package
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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TM Studios has unveiled a new music branding package, "The Bull," designed to enhance the sound of modern Country Radio by merging the energy of CHR-style production with genuine country elements. This package promises to maintain the genre's traditional roots while introducing a contemporary sonic flair.
"The Bull" was developed in partnership with Alpha Media's KUBL (98.7 The Bull) in Portland and iHeartMedia's KWBL (106.7 The Bull) in Denver, involving their programming teams in the creation process to tailor the sound specifically to their listeners' tastes.
JoJo Turnbeaugh, Regional Senior Vice President of Programming at iHeartMedia, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Designing with the TM team was an exceptional experience. We collaborated on every detail - from the tone of the singers to the energy of the music. The new jingles have added the perfect touch of excitement to KWBL. Horns UP!"
Phil Becker, EVP of Content at Alpha Media, also praised TM Studios' approach: "TM has proven it's not luck - it's talent and customer service. What they've created has added meaningful production value to KUPL, well beyond a listener drop that's actually just someone from the sales team saying, 'I love this station!' What the team at TM does is the difference between stations that identify themselves - and stations that brand themselves."
Dave Bethell, COO of TM Studios, highlighted the dual nature of the new package, saying, "We set out to build something that felt modern but organic, polished but with grit - and most importantly, something Country listeners would feel in their bones." "The Bull" features contributions from over 30 professionals, including engineers, producers, musicians, and vocalists from Nashville, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
Available now, "The Bull" can be customized for any radio station.
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Westwood One to Provide Coverage of NCAA Tournaments
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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Westwood One, the official national audio broadcast partner of the NCAA, has announced its schedule for live coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four and National Championship games. The men's games are set to take place in San Antonio, while the women's games will be held in Tampa.
For the men's tournament, coverage will kick off at 3pm ET on Saturday, April 5, with "The Final Four Show," followed by live game broadcasts starting at 4pm ET. The first semifinal will feature the Auburn Tigers against the Florida Gators at 6:09pm ET, followed by the Duke Blue Devils taking on the Houston Cougars 40 minutes after the first game concludes. The championship game will air on Monday, April 7, starting with the pregame show at 6pm ET and tip-off scheduled for 8:50pm ET.
In addition to its English broadcasts, Westwood One will also offer Spanish coverage of all three men's games, starting at 6pm ET on April 5 and at 8:30pm ET on April 7 for the championship game.
The women's coverage will commence on Friday, April 4, at 6pm ET with the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks facing the Texas Longhorns. The second semifinal will see the UCLA Bruins compete against the UConn Huskies, with the championship game scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 2:30pm ET.
Westwood One has assembled all-star teams for their broadcasts. The men's games will feature Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo providing English commentary, while Rafael Hernandez Brito, Greivis Vasquez, and Carlos Morales will cover the Spanish broadcast. The women's games will be covered by Ryan Radtke, Debbie Antonelli, and Ros Gold-Onwude.
Listeners can access the broadcasts on terrestrial radio stations nationwide, SiriusXM, and several digital platforms including NCAA.com/MarchMadness, westwoodonesports.com, and the Westwood One Sports mobile app.
Radio.Cloud and Triple Helix Form Strategic Alliance
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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In a recent announcement ahead of the 2025 NAB Show, Radio.Cloud and Triple Helix Technologies have revealed a new strategic partnership aimed at driving forward the radio industry with significant innovations.
The collaboration was sparked by a conversation between Radio.Cloud Account Director Andrew Scaglione and Josh Bohn, President and CEO of Triple Helix Technologies. "When I first talked to Josh Bohn last year, I knew that our companies were aligned in pushing the radio industry forward," Scaglione remarked. "Triple Helix has an innovative team and I'm very excited to see what we can do together."
The partnership is set to introduce several industry-wide innovations throughout the year, targeting long-standing challenges within the sector. Bohn shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "As soon as I got the demo of Radio.Cloud, I knew I wanted to be part of it. This is one of the most complete and intuitive automation systems I've ever seen in this industry, and I am excited to be working with Christian, Andrew, Shawn, and the entire Radio.Cloud team! Great things are ahead!"
This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards modernizing and enhancing the technological capabilities of the radio industry, promising exciting developments for the future.
Studies Detail Podcast Platform Preferences Among Gen Z
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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In the evolving landscape of digital media, understanding where Generation Z turns to for their podcast consumption is crucial for content creators and marketers. Recent findings from Edison Research and Transistor, a podcast hosting company, present conflicting views on the preferred platforms for this demographic.
Spotify has been cited as the platform of choice for Gen Z listeners, aged 13-29, according to a report by Transistor. Their data indicates that these listeners are twice as likely to choose Spotify over YouTube for their podcast needs. This information was derived from more than 100 interviews conducted via advertisements on Reddit, Tumblr, newsletters, and social media platforms.
However, a contrasting picture is painted by Edison Podcast Metrics, which suggests that YouTube slightly edges out Spotify as the favored platform among the same age group. Edison's findings are based on a broader and more robust dataset, comprising over 5,000 surveys from a nationally representative sample of U.S. weekly podcast listeners, including a significant segment of 1,568 Gen Z respondents from the fourth quarter of 2024.
The discrepancy between the two reports can be attributed to their differing methodologies. While Transistor's approach involves a smaller, perhaps less diverse sample primarily gathered through social media channels, Edison Podcast Metrics employs a comprehensive survey methodology. Their data is further weighted using The Infinite Dial survey, renowned as the 'gold standard' for establishing a demographic baseline.
As podcast consumption continues to grow and evolve, these differences underscore the importance of rigorous research methodologies in capturing accurate trends. Platforms must adapt to the shifting preferences of consumers, particularly the younger generations whose habits can set the trend for the industry.
RadioFX Develops Mobile App for WSM's 100th Anniversary
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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RadioFX, Inc., a provider of digital radio technology, has announced a partnership with WSM Radio as the iconic station celebrates its 100th year. This collaboration aims to revolutionize listener engagement and enhance digital interactions by launching an advanced version of the WSM Radio app.
The updated app will incorporate RadioFX's mobile platform, offering fans unparalleled access to live broadcasts, exclusive content, additional custom stations, and WSM-specific podcasts. With interactive features also included, the app is set to not only enrich WSM Radio's digital presence but also provide advertisers with valuable data-driven insights and a tangible return on investment.
John Wanzung, CEO of RadioFX, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership. "RadioFX is honored to work with WSM Radio, a legendary institution in country music and broadcasting," he said. "Our commitment to delivering superior digital audio experiences aligns perfectly with WSM's rich heritage, and we are excited to help expand their reach and engagement with listeners around the world."
Eric Marcum, General Manager of WSM Radio, also commented on the new venture. "WSM has always been dedicated to preserving the legacy of country music while embracing innovative ways to connect with our audience," Marcum noted. "By collaborating with RadioFX, we are enhancing how fans experience WSM, ensuring they remain engaged with the music and stories that define country music."
This collaboration builds on the successful initial deployment of the RadioFX platform, which has already impressed WSM with its user-friendly design, comprehensive features, and seamless implementation. The new app is designed to provide an enriched listener experience with on-demand content, live streaming, interactive elements, and expanded sponsorship opportunities.
"We are thrilled to work with organizations that share our vision for revolutionizing radio engagement," added Wanzung. "RadioFX continues to be at the forefront of mobile app technology in the radio industry, and this relationship with WSM Radio marks an exciting step forward."
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New Podcast ''Courtside with Laura Correnti'' Debuts
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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iHeart Women's Sports has launched a new podcast entitled "Courtside with Laura Correnti." The show, which premiered April 2, promises to offer a unique blend of sports commentary and business insight, focusing on the burgeoning industry of women's sports.
Hosted by Laura Correnti, the founder and CEO of Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, "Courtside" aims to delve deep into the dynamics that are currently shaping this multi-billion-dollar sector. The podcast will feature a roster of influential guests, ranging from league commissioners and top athletes to investors and executives, all coming together to discuss the evolution of business models, content, partnerships, and the driving forces behind the industry's rapid growth.
The inaugural episode welcomes Ilana Kloss, CEO of Billie Jean King Enterprises, who is known for her advocacy and success in proving that investing in women's sports is a viable and profitable business. Kloss will discuss the importance of sustained investment, the increasing recognition of the value of women's sports by major brands, and the overall business case for equity in sports.
iHeart Women's Sports also announced that Novartis has joined as a founding partner, alongside Capital One, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and e.l.f. Skin. This partnership is set to further enhance the coverage and growth of women's sports.
"Courtside with Laura Correnti" is available on the iHeartRadio app and wherever podcasts are found, with new episodes set to be released biweekly on Wednesdays.
iHeartMedia to Launch Slate of iHeartPodcasts in Asia
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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iHeartMedia announced today a strategic collaboration with Mammoth Media Asia to introduce a lineup of podcasts across the rapidly growing Asian market. This initiative marks iHeartMedia's significant push into the Asian Pacific (APAC) region, aiming to tap into the flourishing podcast landscape projected to escalate from a 2024 valuation of $373.57 million to an impressive $3.1 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2%.
The partnership will focus on leveraging the rich cultural fabric of Asia, introducing podcasts that feature a wide array of high-profile talents from the entertainment sectors of K-pop, Bollywood, and China's hip-hop scenes. Scheduled to launch in June 2025, these podcasts will explore various themes, including music, entertainment, sports, wellness, and business, and will be accessible in Asia via the iHeartRadio app and globally wherever podcasts are available.
Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We've seen the strong growth of the Asian markets - both on a domestic level and with influence across global markets and we are excited to partner with Mammoth Media Asia to launch the first-ever slate of iHeartPodcasts developed in Asia. We believe that together with Jonathan and Jay, we can develop groundbreaking audio content in Asia that can reach audiences around the world."
Jonathan Serbin, co-founder of Mammoth Media Asia, highlighted the global impact of Asian culture, noting, "Asian culture - including music, movies, TV drama, food, and fashion - have become a major influence across the globe. We are excited to work with top talent and compelling storytellers to share their tales and experiences with a worldwide audience."
Jay Faires, co-founder of Mammoth Media Asia, added to the sentiment by emphasizing the growth and potential of the podcasting industry in Asia. "Podcasting across Asia has been growing rapidly over the last five years. It's already a major force in the domestic audio markets and will continue to expand. We believe that by partnering with iHeart and accessing their unparalleled assets, distribution capabilities, reach, analytics, and advertising network, we can become a significant part of this growing industry, enabling podcasters from Asia to access a worldwide audience."
This partnership not only aims to produce original podcast content but also to extend the reach of iHeartPodcasts' catalog of over 800 shows across the Asian markets.
Study Sheds Light on the Impact of In-Game Audio Ads
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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A study conducted by Veritonic, in collaboration with Audiomob, has unveiled significant insights into the preferences and behaviors of mobile gamers, particularly regarding in-game audio advertisements. The study, which involved analysis of 37 million audio ad impressions, aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of today's gaming audience and their receptivity to ads.
Key findings from the research indicate a shift in the demographic and preferences of gamers:
- Widespread gaming appeal: Contrary to the stereotypical image of gamers as primarily teenage boys, the study revealed that 93% of respondents, encompassing various age groups and genders, play mobile games on a weekly basis.
- Preference for non-intrusive ads: A majority of gamers (54%) expressed a preference for non-intrusive audio ads over more disruptive video ads. Furthermore, 42% of players reported continuing their gaming activity while such ads played, underscoring the format's effectiveness in maintaining player engagement without being disruptive.
- Gender inclusivity: The data also pointed to a significant female presence among gamers, further challenging outdated notions about the gaming demographic.
- Cross-generational engagement: The appeal of audio ads transcends age barriers, enhancing the reach for advertisers seeking to connect with a broader audience.
- Dominance of audio: The study highlighted a strong preference for audio ads, with only 9% of gamers favoring video ads, indicating a trend towards less intrusive ad formats.
The study also demonstrated superior recall rates for in-game audio ads, with 30% of respondents recalling these ads, a figure that notably surpasses recall rates for other popular audio platforms like podcasts (6%) and music streaming services (5%).
"These findings highlight the value of respectful, non-intrusive audio ads in mobile gaming," stated Christian Facey, CEO & Co-Founder at Audiomob. "Our technology allows brands to connect with a diverse, highly engaged audience without interrupting the experience."
Furthermore, the research measured consumer action following ad exposure, with 34% of gamers taking further action or seeking additional information post-ad exposure, indicating the high impact and engagement level of the audio ad format.
Damian Scragg, GM of International at Veritonic, emphasized the significance of the findings, "These are not passive listeners; they're verified recipients of the ad format, which makes these findings all the more impactful."
For more detailed insights, the full white paper is available at Veritonic's official website.
StreamGuys Updates IsMyStreamUp Stream Monitoring Service
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 |
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StreamGuys is set to introduce a new, more advanced version of its IsMyStreamUp service at the upcoming NAB Show 2025. The updated version boasts a modernized interface, enhanced alerting systems, and an adaptable architecture designed to meet future challenges.
IsMyStreamUp, first launched in 2016, is a cloud-based service that monitors the status of live internet streams, media player assets, on-demand files, websites, and live production workflows across any content delivery network. The service is critical for broadcasters to prevent dead air, thus protecting advertising revenue and brand reputation.
Eduardo Martinez, Vice President of Technology at StreamGuys, emphasized the evolution of the service. "We developed IsMyStreamUp to offer reliable silence detection and performance monitoring for all at a time when broadcasters were aggressively building out their online and mobile strategies," Martinez stated. "Nearly ten years later, it's more important than ever as broadcast networks and content producers continue to expand their online presence with more streams, including side channels, rebroadcasts, and podcasts."
The second-generation release, dubbed IMSU 2.0, has been completely redeveloped from scratch with a focus on efficiency and user-friendliness. "We have modernized both the interface and backend to make it more powerful, modular, and intuitive," Martinez added. He highlighted improvements such as smarter notifications and enhanced filtering capabilities within the user interface, which allow users to prioritize urgent alerts, ensuring quicker response times.
IMSU 2.0 also introduces a containerized backend, which significantly increases the service's adaptability for future expansions. This includes support for new streaming protocols, enhancing audio monitoring capabilities and potentially expanding into video streaming monitoring.
StreamGuys will preview IMSU 2.0 at the ENCO booth (W1743) in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 6-9, 2025, with an official launch expected by the end of April.
Beasley Media Launches ''105.7 Maxima'' in Las Vegas
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 1, 2025 |
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Beasley Media Group flips Urban KOAS-FM to "105.7 Maxima, Para Nosotros -- It's for Us," a new bilingual outlet tailored to the community of Las Vegas. The new format blends English and Spanish language pop hits from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The station features Spanish-language announcers and imaging, along with bilingual advertising that speaks to a multicultural audience.
While the on-air presentation is in Spanish, the station's music will be largely in English, spotlighting artists such as Whitney Houston, Marco Antonio Solis, Madonna, Lionel Richie, Selena, Michael Jackson, Shakira, Alejandro Fernandez, and Celine Dion.
"This is an exciting new format for Beasley that was custom designed for the unique bilingual audience in Las Vegas," said Chief Content Officer Justin Chase. "With the positioning statement as "Para Nosotros" (translation "For Us"), we are proud to be a new part of the Hispanic community in Las Vegas!
"Las Vegas is one of the most culturally rich and dynamic markets in the country," stated Ronnie Glover, Vice President and Cluster Manager of Beasley Media Group Las Vegas. "105.7 Maxima is designed to reflect the heartbeat of this community by delivering a music experience that resonates deeply with bilingual and bicultural audiences."
"This really speaks to the expanding audience in Las Vegas," added Cat Thomas, Operations Manager of Beasley Las Vegas. "Maxima 105.7 is a reflection of our growing culture and provides a unique entertainment option for our community."
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