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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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September
27, 2007
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Dennis
Wharton
Sept. 26 -28 only: 704-339-6220
202-429-5350
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UNPRECEDENTED
MARKETING EFFORT
UNVEILED TO 'REIGNITE' RADIO
-- NAB, RAB, HD Digital Radio Alliance partner in 'Radio
2020' initiative --
CHARLOTTE
- NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr today unveiled an unprecedented,
comprehensive marketing campaign to reposition radio for a vibrant and
successful future. The campaign, dubbed the 'Radio 2020' initiative and
unveiled during Rehr's keynote address at The NAB Radio Show in Charlotte,
is the result of a cooperative effort between NAB, the Radio Advertising
Bureau (RAB) and the HD Digital Radio Alliance.
"Radio
2020 will not only address radio's greatest challenges, but will also
guide us on how to explore our greatest opportunities," said Rehr,
noting that radio is heard by over 233 million listeners per week.
In
preparing for the Radio 2020 initiative's launch, the groups oversaw an
in-depth research project -- analyzing hundreds of reports, interviewing
scores of radio stakeholders, fielding a dozen focus group sessions and
conducting telephone research with over 5,000 consumers.
Results
from the research showed that nearly all participants said they rely heavily
on radio, Rehr noted, explaining that listeners value radio's accessibility,
portability, and diversity.
"Radio's
value lies in the fact that it's accessible -- it's everywhere and portable,"
said Rehr. "It's the one medium where everyone can freely and easily
connect to a diverse world of entertainment and information, anywhere
and everywhere."
The
next phase of the campaign will include comprehensive marketing outreach,
through radio and print advertisements, incorporating messaging from both
a national and local level. The groups are also assessing initiatives
to foster new talent in the creative fields of radio advertising.
"As
this plan has come together under David Rehrs leadership, the findings
and recommendations are amongst the best work Ive seen in all media
positioning," noted Jeff Haley, president and chief executive officer,
Radio Advertising Bureau. "Radio is a universal medium in its accessibility
and content choices, even more so now that we are expanding onto additional
distribution platforms. Advertisers are taking notice and we can build
on that momentum by delivering a unified message about Radio's importance
in Americans' lives."
"Radio
2020 is not just a date in the future, but a call to action about our
future," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital
Radio Alliance. "Our industry is robust with fresh ideas, new technology
and amazing opportunity. Through this initiative we can work together
to demonstrate radio's incredible value and relevance to the American
consumer."
In
a marketing brochure distributed electronically to attendees of The NAB
Radio Show, key initiatives to the 'Radio 2020' campaign were outlined
including:
Accessible
technology. Technology adoption is the lifeblood of any medium, but
is even more vital for radio, given its image as universally accessible.
Playlist
variety and format diversity. A primary strength of radio is the wide
variety of entertainment, news and programming that is readily available
and free for listeners. Through their HD multicast channels, radio stations
can strengthen their programming diversity further.
Building
for the future. There are numerous initiatives that the radio business
can spearhead to ensure consumers continue to demand radio -- including
encouraging more variety and diversity on radio, spurring more innovation
in the electronics industry and helping marketers enhance the quality
of their advertising.
Reigniting
consumers. While 92 percent of listeners acknowledge radio plays an
important role in American life, it is too often taken for granted. Radio
2020 will include a thorough branding and marketing campaign to remind
the public of the many benefits served by radio.
About
the
NAB Radio Show
The NAB Radio Show is the largest annual convention for radio. This year's
show, Sep. 26 - 28 in Charlotte, features interactive sessions, special
events and exhibits and is co-located with the R&R Convention.
More
information about The NAB Radio Show is available at www.nabradioshow.com.
About
NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that advocates
on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations
and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications
Commission and the Courts. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.
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