RADIO RATINGS FOR SUBSCRIBING STATIONS

GREENSBORO-WS-HIGH POINT | INDIANAPOLIS | JACKSONVILLE | MEMPHIS | MILWAUKEE-RACINE | NASHVILLE | NORFOLK-VIRGINIA BEACH-NWPT NEWS | RALEIGH-DURHAM  |
WEST PALM BEACH-BOCA RATON

The game of radio has changed. Low ratings represent a new opportunity for growth and success. Join our list of winning stations making money. Let’s start a confidential conversation and work together. Email or call us: (404)403.0091.

The post MAR ’25, 6+ Greensboro, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Norfolk, Raleigh, West Palm Beach appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

Despite its resilience, radio is at a crossroads. Digital media consumption is surging, and traditional radio’s share of ear is steadily declining. While radio still reaches 82% of Americans weekly (Nielsen, 2024), that statistic alone won’t sustain growth or attract younger listeners who are deep in the worlds of Spotify, TikTok, and podcasts.

• To regain relevance and revenue, radio must innovate—urgently and boldly.
• Here’s the challenge: Embrace a hybrid future, or fade into background noise.
• Actionable ways radio can rise:
• Think Like a Platform, Not a Pipeline
• Radio must evolve beyond the “live and linear” model.
• Create on-demand audio assets (podcasts, segments, highlights).
• Become an audio-first content brand, not just a station.
• Local is the New Exclusive
• Lean into hyperlocal content—stories, personalities, and events that no one else can cover better.
• Turn local influencers into collaborators, not competitors.
• Integrate Social as a Co-Channel, Not an Add-On Use TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts not just to promote—but to co-create content.
• Feature viral content creators as regular contributors or guest hosts.
• Data is a Weapon, Not a Wallflower
• Leverage listener data and digital metrics to guide programming, targeting, and advertising.
• Build first-party data strategies (through contests, apps, loyalty programs).
• Rethink the Role of the Host
• On-air talent must be multichannel personalities—as engaging on Instagram Live as they are behind the mic.

Develop talent with audience-building power beyond the station’s signal.

Advertising Must Evolve

Move past :30s and :60s. Embrace branded content, native audio, and sponsorships.

Offer advertisers attribution tools and campaign performance insights, like digital competitors do.

Theories like the Diffusion of Innovations remind us that early adopters reap the benefits of transformation. Most radio brands are laggards in digital strategy. It’s time to flip that narrative.

Radio isn’t dead—but it’s sleeping. The industry’s challenge is to wake up and fight for attention, share, and future relevance.

Radio won the ears of a generation. Now, it must earn the eyes and thumbs of the next.

Are you ready to lead the charge?

The post Rethinking Radio: A Challenge To The Industry appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

41% of US advertisers expecting budget cuts due to tariffs plan to cut from social media, while 24% plan cuts to linear TV and gaming, per February 2025 from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Most advertisers (60%) expect a 6 to 10% ad budget decline due to tariff-related pressures, per the IAB.

Advertisers will have to devise new strategies as tariffs drive up prices. Messaging that communicates value or locally-made goods will be particularly important.

The post How Tariffs Can Impact Ad Radio Budgets appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

RADIO RATINGS FOR SUBSCRIBING STATIONS

CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL | CINCINNATI |  CLEVELAND | COLUMBUS, OH | KANSAS CITY | LAS VEGAS | ORLANDO | PITTSBURGH, PA

Nielsen PPMs coming Friday at 5PM(EST): Greensboro, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Norfolk, Raleigh-Durham and West Palm Beach.

The post MAR ’25, 6+ Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, OH, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Pittsburgh appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

As more Americans head back to the office, AM/FM radio is making a strong comeback in the workplace. According to the latest Share of Ear report from Edison Research, ad-supported AM/FM radio listening at work surged by 10 share points in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

“Listening to ad-supported AM/FM radio at-work jumped a stunning 10 share points compared to a year ago,” said Ray Borelli, Senior Vice President of Research & Insights at Audacy. He emphasized that while radio has long been the “office soundtrack,” the pandemic disrupted traditional media habits-something that now appears to be reversing.

A recent survey cited in the report noted that 64% of companies have already called employees back to the office, with that number expected to reach 87% by the end of 2025. This shift is directly tied to the increase in AM/FM radio usage during the workday.

The return to the office also strengthens radio’s position as a key touchpoint for advertisers. Borelli noted that AM/FM now accounts for 63% of all ad-supported audio listening at work, up from 53% in Q1 2024. In vehicles, AM/FM maintains its dominance with 84% of ad-supported listening.

“Radio provides a valuable opportunity for marketers to engage with office workers throughout their day, from the morning drive, at the office, to the evening commute,” Borelli said. “Think about the listener who hears an ad for an appliance store sale or the latest deal at their favorite quick-serve restaurant while at work. They are going to be more likely to search online or stop by on their way home.”

AM/FM continues to lead not just in the office and car, but across all listening environments. Edison’s data shows that 66% of U.S. adults listen to broadcast or streaming AM/FM radio daily, with strong appeal across all key demographics, including Gen Z and Millennials.

Smart speaker usage is also helping boost radio consumption at home and in the office. “Radio is the top ad-supported listening choice on smart speakers,” Borelli said. AM/FM surpassed streaming music in ad-supported listening on smart speakers back in 2022 and now holds a 17-point lead-48% versus 31%.

Meanwhile, podcast listening is also on the rise. Podcasts now account for 46% of all ad-supported digital audio listening-more than triple what it was ten years ago. “Podcasts overtook streaming music in 2022 and now hold a commanding double-digit share advantage,” Borelli added.

“Whether tuning in at work or home, on smart speakers, or looking for podcasts, the sound rings clear,” Borelli concluded. “Routines, habits, and technology may evolve, but Audio remains a constant companion for listeners and a proven winner for marketers.”

The post AM/FM Making A Workplace Comeback appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

Despite the growing popularity of digital audio platforms, Americans age 13+ continue to spend the biggest portion of their daily audio time with AM/FM radio. Over one-third (35%) of all the time spent in a day with audio is spent with AM/FM radio.

Radio has for years made its offerings available through streaming, allowing listeners to connect on phones, computers, connected TVs and smart speakers. Streamed radio offers some of the same convenience features as YouTube, streaming music, and podcasts. How much of the time spent with AM/FM radio is spent with streamed AM/FM sources and how does this change by listening location? Data from Edison’s Share of Ear® can be used to answer both questions.

Streamed AM/FM radio accounts for 12% of all time spent with radio sources in a day, as of Q1 2025. The rest of radio listening happens on a traditional receiver or “over the air”.

The number varies significantly when we look at time spent listening to radio in different locations. Countless previous Weekly Insights have illustrated that AM/FM radio is the king of the car, but it’s important to specify that in-car radio listening is dominated by over-the-air AM/FM, with radio streams representing only 1% of time spent in the car with radio. A higher portion of radio time is spent with streamed sources at work (16%) and at home (22%). Streamed AM/FM radio has its biggest share of total AM/FM listening in other places, such as the grocery store, the gym, or walking around. Just under one-third* of time spent with radio sources in these “other” places is spent with streamed AM/FM radio.

Despite the growing popularity of digital audio platforms, Americans age 13+ continue to spend the biggest portion of their daily audio time with AM/FM radio. Over one-third (35%) of all the time spent in a day with audio is spent with AM/FM radio.

Radio has for years made its offerings available through streaming, allowing listeners to connect on phones, computers, connected TVs and smart speakers. Streamed radio offers some of the same convenience features as YouTube, streaming music, and podcasts. How much of the time spent with AM/FM radio is spent with streamed AM/FM sources and how does this change by listening location? Data from Edison’s Share of Ear® can be used to answer both questions.

Streamed AM/FM radio accounts for 12% of all time spent with radio sources in a day, as of Q1 2025. The rest of radio listening happens on a traditional receiver or “over the air”.

The number varies significantly when we look at time spent listening to radio in different locations. Countless previous Weekly Insights have illustrated that AM/FM radio is the king of the car, but it’s important to specify that in-car radio listening is dominated by over-the-air AM/FM, with radio streams representing only 1% of time spent in the car with radio. A higher portion of radio time is spent with streamed sources at work (16%) and at home (22%). Streamed AM/FM radio has its biggest share of total AM/FM listening in other places, such as the grocery store, the gym, or walking around. Just under one-third* of time spent with radio sources in these “other” places is spent with streamed AM/FM radio.

The post AM/FM Radio Beyond The Receiver appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

USBC proudly announces the appointment of two dynamic leaders to its Board of Directors—advancing our mission to build Black economic power.

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) proudly welcomes Necole Parker, Founder & Principal/CEO of The ELOCEN Group, LLC, and Nicole Elam, Esq., President & CEO of the National Bankers Association, to its esteemed Board of Directors. Their appointments mark a significant step in strengthening USBC’s leadership as it continues to advocate for and empower Black-owned businesses across the nation.

Necole Parker: Transforming the Built Environment & Championing Economic Empowerment

As the Founder and Principal/CEO of The ELOCEN Group, LLC, Necole Parker leads a premier Program and Project Management firm that has overseen more than 200 million square feet of managed space and accumulated project budgets exceeding $1 billion. With over 30 years of experience, she has built synergistic relationships that drive value for commercial and government sector clients alike.

Beyond her executive leadership, Necole is a dedicated board member for organizations such as Virginia Union University (Board Trustee), SHABACH! Ministries, Walker’s Legacy, and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce. Her impact extends into community service through The ELOCEN Group Foundation, which supports teen mothers and African American males raised in single-parent households by providing scholarships, training, and business support.

Her accolades include the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2022 8(a) Graduate Firm of the Year (District, Regional, and National) and completion of executive programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and the International Facilities Management Association.

The post USBC Announces New Board Members: Necole Parker & Nicole Elam appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

A new voice in mental health podcasting hits the airwaves Tuesday with the launch of “Just Heal with Dr. Jay,” a weekly series from iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God’s The Black Effect Podcast Network. The podcast is hosted by former professional athlete, author, and mental health advocate Dr. Jay Barnett, who brings a unique blend of personal experience and clinical insight to the microphone.

Drawing from his background in professional football and his career as a mental health expert, Barnett aims to create “a space every week for real talk and real change.” Each episode of “Just Heal” will feature candid discussions, actionable strategies, and personal stories to help listeners manage their emotional well-being and take meaningful steps toward healing.

“Too many people are surviving instead of thriving,” said Dr. Jay. “‘Just Heal’ is about giving people the tools they need to heal, grow and build something greater from their pain.”

The debut episode, entitled “Finding Love After Healing,” features a conversation with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of the Dear Wifey Podcast. The two explore themes of vulnerability in men, the impact of past mistakes, and the deeper meaning behind the role of a husband.

Dr. Barnett, who is known for his outreach to underserved communities and youth, integrates the discipline of athletics into his mental health work. His approach blends storytelling, practical tools, and motivational insights rooted in his lived experiences and therapeutic training.

“Just Heal with Dr. Jay” premieres today and will release new episodes every Tuesday. The podcast is available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.

The post iHeart Launches Podcast ”Just Heal With Dr. Jay” appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

RADIO RATINGS FOR SUBSCRIBING STATIONS

BALTIMORE | DETROIT | MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD | PHOENIX | SAN DIEGO |
ST. LOUIS | TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER | WASHINGTON, DC

PPMs coming Thursday at 5PM(EST): Cincinnati Cleveland, Columbus, OH, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Orlando and Pittsburgh.

Join our growing list of winning Nielsen stations. Email us or call: (404)403.0091

The post MAR ’25, 6+ Baltimore, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, DC appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.

Benztown and P1 Media Group will host a free global webinar this Thursday, April 24, offering radio professionals a behind-the-scenes look at how top talent and stations are built in today’s challenging broadcast environment.

The 45-minute session, titled “Creating On-Air Megastars and Programming Legendary Radio Stations,” will feature longtime radio programmer Jimmy Steal, now with the consulting firm Collective Heads. Known for shaping some of the most successful music radio talent in the U.S.-including Big Boy, E Bro, and Eric Ferguson-Steal brings more than two decades of experience across major markets and formats.

The webinar, which begins at 11am PT/2pm ET, will be hosted by Andreas Sannemann, CEO of Benztown, and Ken Benson, Partner at P1 Media Group. Topics on the agenda include how to maintain strong programming despite budget cuts, strategies for getting the most out of voice trackers, and Steal’s approach to talent development. He’ll also reflect on his experience replacing the high-profile “Eric & Kathy” morning show while at Mix 101.9 in Chicago, and share insights into how programmers can stay effective while managing expanding responsibilities with fewer resources.

Steal will also discuss his work with Collective Heads, where he advises stations on talent coaching, content creation, and digital marketing. Registration for the event is available here.

The post Webinar With Benztown And P1 Media Group appeared first on The Bill Gay Show.