As in Car communication Changes, Radio remains constant

If you notice in the picture above...there isn't an 8-track, cassette or CD player in the dash. Just a panel that looks like a phone. but one thing that is still in the dash, and has been for over 30 years is a RADIO. Let's roll the clock back a little further. Do you remember when the radio wasn't an "accessory" in the car? It was wired directly to the battery. This mean't you physically had to turn it on and off. (And you better turn it off when you shut the car down...or your battery will go dead)...Oh...I remember doing that and getting hammered by my parents. Today, it goes off when you shut the car off, and it comes on when you start the car. For most people who are radio listeners, they just leave it on.

Did you know that over 92% of Americans listen to radio weekly? Radio reaches more adults weekly than any other ANY other video option. Radio also provides target-ability. Consumers who plan on buying a product, using a service or expect a lifestyle change are radio listeners:  In week, here are some crazy numbers.

• 82% of radio listeners in a week visit a dentist.
• 79% of radio listeners in a week are buying their first home, and 82% are taking out a second mortgage or equity loan.
• 78% of radio listeners in a week are starting their own business.
• 78% of radio listeners in a week visit an eye doctor.
• 79% of radio listeners in a week are buying a new car

Consumers who have diverse & unique interests also are high percentage radio listeners.

• Sports event attendees
• Business Club Members
• Campers
• Movie Goers
• Gym members and Country Club Members
• Concert Goers

A common misconception of radio is that it can't target a specific audience like cable. Radio touches over 229 million people weekly-more than any other medium out there. It also reaches people of various interests – from news junkies to sports enthusiasts to classic rock ‘n’ rollers & faithful Christian radio listeners – as well as product and service buying intenders. (Source - Radio Advertising Bureau-radio works-rab.com)

If you know anything about large corporate industries like Home Depot, Geico, Walgreens and Indeed....they all know the power of radio and invest millions of dollars each year. Put radio into your marketing mix and watch positive things start to happen in your business.

Written by Clark Thompson. Senior Radio Marketing Specialist - WBDX, WJLJ Chattanooga.