How Will [AM] Radio Survive In The 2020’s-Brian’s Beat

by

Happy New Year! Since we’ve hit new digits, it’s only appropriate to repeat the perplexing, inevitable, decades old question. “How will more than two handfuls of [AM] radio stations survive the 20-20’s?”

I believe smaller market [AMs] have the advantage here. These stations must remain local, local, LOCAL! They must provide what conglomerate radio will not, a slew of local shows, local news and local hosts!

[AM] radio stations must aggressively use internet radio as their ally. This is one of the primary lures to entice younger listeners to sample a station. Radio programs can also be archived for later, on-demand listening.
Upgrade the radio studio to a studio set. Why? Another effective conduit for [AM] radio is video. Yes, video. You Tube is the gorilla. Brand your local shows, “Live” and on-demand through your YT channel.Your [AM] station’s set can host a morning magazine show plus an evening newscast, and many other shows.
This brings me to social media. Your [AM] station is providing local coverage. Your coverage of news, talk, public affairs, the arts, entertainment, sports, etc. needs to be plastered all over your website, app, Facebook, Twitter and any other social media you regularly utilize. People are now scanning the web to get their news and info. Imagine gathering more monthly unique views than the regional newspaper. The other side of that coin. The local newspaper may beat you to the punch.

All of the above provokes the statement, “I don’t have the money to do all that.” To paraphrase Robert Kiyosaki, ideas create the money. As [AM] radio stations transition from solo act to a multi-platform media source, these owner-operators and managers must have the vision to produce and implement an alternative, legitimate income source to grow and expand their brand. Otherwise, we may have less than two handfuls of prosperous [AM] stations in the 2030’s!

 

Author Profile

Brian
Brian
Brian is a five decade real radio veteran and the founder of Brian’s Beat, the media company that produces the Brian’s Beat Talk Show, commentaries, several podcast stories, along with Brian’s Beat On The Street.
Latest entries
Share This