Public Radio Techsurvey 2024 Station Registration Open

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 6, 2024

Jacobs Media

Jacobs Media and Public Media Content Collective (PMCC) announce the opening of station registration for Public Radio Techsurvey 2024 (PRTS) with its new partner, National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB), on board for the first time in this 16th annual iteration.

PRTS is designed to help public radio stations better understand and navigate the impact change and disruption have on their operations and help them strategically navigate the digital waters to maximize effectiveness, build strategies, communicate to staffs and set priorities.

PRTS 2024 will provide fresh data on alternative ways consumers are using your station - smart speakers, mobile apps, the connected car, podcasting - all sectors that hold the key to radio's future.

This year's study will also delve into public radio shows and personalities to gain a sense of their relevance and popularity. In addition, PRTS 2024 will explore how public radio's news image and reputation, along with its levels of trust and transparency, are holding up post-pandemic. There will once more be a focus on "local," and the importance listeners place on public radio's role in providing local news and community information.

Public radio's fundraising efforts will also continue to be a focus with an eye towards what can be done to make fund drives more "listenable." This year's study will also again dive into, and track last year's data on, Artificial Intelligence (AI) -- ChatGPT, deepfakes, etc. -- and how public radio listeners perceive its personal and societal impact.

"There's no question public radio is at an inflection point facing myriad challenges at this time," noted Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "P1 listening in most markets has fallen off, with PRTS 2024 the perfect opportunity to answer key questions about changing needs in a contentious election year when both news and music-formatted stations can deliver a great service. We are excited to work with PMCC and NFCB to provide research guidance with our 16th annual study."

"Partnering with NFCB is a natural fit," added PMCC President and Executive Director Abby Goldstein. "Noncommercial radio plays an integral role in American public life and culture and NFCB represents hundreds of community stations on the front line of that relationship. We all need access to audience insights, especially at the hyper-local level. Public Radio Techsurvey is one of the best and most cost-effective tools we have to understand the preferences and attitudes of our biggest fans, and I am delighted to welcome NFCB as a co-sponsor of this important study."

"National Federation of Community Broadcasters is thrilled to co-sponsor Public Radio Techsurvey 2024," said NFCB CEO Rima Dael. "Data is vital for small nonprofit radio stations to make informed decisions, understand their audience, assess impact, and plan strategically. Adding the voices of small community stations is essential in getting a fuller picture of our entire public radio network. Thanks to PMCC for reaching out and including us!"

For more information on how public radio stations can participate and register, please visit here. The deadline for registration is Thursday, June 6.