Since the launch of the Radio Heard Here campaign earlier this year, efforts by our ground troops at radio stations across the country have been extremely successful and continue to garner momentum. Radio Heard Here is a comprehensive, multiplatform, viral campaign that includes a wide spectrum of promotional and educational initiatives and is designed to engage virtually the entire ecosystem that radio touches. Throughout 2008, we have reminded radio insiders, the media industry and consumers of radio's value. And the response so far has been incredible.

This past year we also launched a new comprehensive consumer Web site where listeners, advertisers and you – radio's insiders – can access all of the resources you need to spread the good news about radio, as well as cool features about new radio devices and the top songs played on radio.

Radio spots were released in late September and are winning strong broadcasters and listener support. To date, nearly 1,000 radio stations are airing the spots, resulting in a significant and steady increase in traffic to the Radio Heard Here Web site - daily traffic has doubled and direct traffic has quadrupled.

Feedback on the spots has been remarkable – regular listeners have contacted the campaign to obtain the "poetry" they are hearing on the radio. If you haven't yet, visit the Web site to download exciting radio spots to air on your station.

The Radio Heard Here press team has worked to garner visibility recently on two major efforts: the anniversary of War of the Worlds, showcasing radio's power, which drove nearly 7,000 hits to a special Web page; and capitalizing on a story that emerged about citizens gathered around a transistor radio on election night, listening to returns at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial. This story has been featured on a special page of the Web site and has received nearly 700 visits.

Radio insiders continue to request additional information in the form of more Insiders Guides, Radio booklets and bumper stickers. Keep those requests coming! And as we look to 2009, the campaign will provide regular updates to radio insiders, keeping you apprised of campaign activity, best practices, key public relations efforts and additional ways to get involved.

Without a doubt, the first year of the Radio Heard Here campaign has been a great success. We still have a lot of work to do, but already we are beginning to turn the tide of perception to be more positive towards radio. This is a dynamic time in our industry with tremendous innovation and opportunity. We thank you for your support thus far, and look forward to continuing to work with you as we ignite the passion for radio.