• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

Denver Audacy seeking political advertising

Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts

I remember from my time in radio that political advertising was seen as a necessary burden, but nothing you'd seek out. Part of it was the requirement to sell the time for the lowest unit rate; part of it (especially if you had a credible news operation) was not wanting to appear to favor one candidate over another.

Tonight, while listening to KQMT (The Mountain), I heard a spot from Audacy, pitching its Denver stations for political advertising. Audacy has even set up an email address specifically for political advertising inquiries. I never thought I'd see a station actively solicit political advertising.

To state the obvious, times have changed.
 
Mark Roberts said:
To state the obvious, times have changed.
Click to expand...

Radio companies depend on political advertising, and it's been a key part of their earnings reports for at least ten years. Especially with the decline in the retail sector.

The trades report on political advertising whenever they give the quarterlies. Here's a reference from the Salem quarterly report:

Political revenue rose 45% to $1.1 million, which the company attributed to seasonal strength tied to the 2026 midterm election cycle.
Click to expand...

You can't make money if you're not pro-active. That's what those solicitations are about.
 
Mark Roberts said:
I remember from my time in radio that political advertising was seen as a necessary burden, but nothing you'd seek out. Part of it was the requirement to sell the time for the lowest unit rate; part of it (especially if you had a credible news operation) was not wanting to appear to favor one candidate over another.

Tonight, while listening to KQMT (The Mountain), I heard a spot from Audacy, pitching its Denver stations for political advertising. Audacy has even set up an email address specifically for political advertising inquiries. I never thought I'd see a station actively solicit political advertising.

To state the obvious, times have changed.
Click to expand...
I’ve heard a spot like that on a non-Audacy station also
 


Back
Top Bottom