The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Eckberg writes today about the recent shift to “wholesome”-ness in the radio broadcasting industry and how it has actually worked out for the best in some instances.
But what I got out of the article was that while the “coveted bracket of men 18 to 34 years old” can be reached by stations carrying adult-humour filled or more risque programming, allowing for “fast-food, soft-drink, and electronics companies, as well as concert and movie promoters” to become mainstays of advertising, changing ones tune can be good as well. The example given is about WRRM 98, which is family friendly and attracts a female audience in the 25-54 age range. This age group has advertisers like “grocery stores, automotive companies and retailers,” Eckberg says.
So if by changing formats you aren’t generally hurting your station (at least in the long term) when it comes to advertising dollars - you can always get *someone* to promote their company on your station. That doesn’t spell good news for the so called “shock jocks” on stations across the nation. If the $27,500 fines start piling up, expect to see some changes on your dial - especially if the stations hit aren’t owned by major players in the industry.
