Long Island Entrepreneur Revolutionizes Digital Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, January 10, 2025

495.FM

20-year veteran broadcaster Eric Martin Koppelman is transforming the radio landscape with his platforms 495.fm and IradioUSA. Koppelman, a figure with deep roots in broadcasting and advertising, is leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower broadcasters and businesses, establishing new paradigms for the industry.

495.fm, based in Long Island, features a distinctive Lost Classic Hits format, showcasing hits from the '60s to the '90s. The station, which is licensed to broadcast globally, focuses on maintaining a local appeal, thus attracting both Long Island residents and international listeners. Koppelman emphasizes the legitimacy of his operations, stating, "We make sure everything we do is 100% legit," highlighting his commitment to legal and ethical standards.

In a novel approach to advertising, 495.fm treats advertisers as partners, fostering a collaborative environment that eschews high-pressure sales tactics. Instead, the station focuses on creating custom, engaging ads that resonate with listeners. "It's about repetition and consistency," Koppelman remarks, addressing the needs of small business owners looking for effective advertising solutions in a landscape where social media often falls short.

Additionally, 495.fm offers a local search feature on its website, connecting listeners directly with advertisers in their area, thereby enhancing community engagement and support for local businesses.

Koppelman challenges the skeptics of digital broadcast radio with his perspective on the evolving media landscape. He argues that the future of radio involves adaptability, noting the increasing tendency of terrestrial stations to direct their listeners to online platforms. "If the internet goes down, so does the online portion of many terrestrials. And if the power goes down, we're all in the same boat," he explains, highlighting the intertwined fates of traditional and digital broadcasting platforms.

Koppelman's influence in the industry is also marked by his flagship morning program, "The Last American DJ Morning Show," where he and his AI co-host, Carly, blend music, humor and commentary. "Carly represents the future of radio," Koppelman states, showcasing his innovative use of technology in broadcasting.