Connect to Local Listeners With Radio Advertising

The broadcast of the first radio advertisement in 1922 ushered in a new era of marketing. While the decades have passed and the number of marketing platforms has increased, radio continues to offer effective advertising opportunities for businesses like yours.

Experts predict the market for radio advertising will grow from $21.58 billion in 2024 to $22.52 billion in 2025. By 2029, experts predict it will be worth $26.13 billion. Here’s why the team at Beasley Media Group believes your Boston business should join this growing sector and advertise on the radio.

What Is Radio Advertising?

Radio advertising is promoting a business through audio commercials broadcast on radio stations. Radio advertising can be broadcast in the following ways:

Over the Air via a Traditional Terrestrial Radio Station
Over the Air via a Satellite Radio Station
Online Through a Radio Station's Website or App

Why Choose Radio Advertising?

Businesses that advertise on the radio enjoy a range of benefits that improve their image and sales. Here are some of the advantages of radio advertising.

A 2024 study found radio to be the most trusted mass media. With 80% of adults declaring it trustworthy, radio beat out newspapers, television, magazines and social media. The survey also noted that adults of all ages trust radio.

Since consumers trust radio, they are more likely to trust the brands that advertise on their favorite stations. When consumers trust you, they are more likely to purchase your offerings and advocate for your brand.

With more than eight out of 10 Americans listening to terrestrial radio each week, the bulk of radio fans are locals. This makes advertising on the radio an excellent way for you to connect with consumers in Boston. If your business primarily targets consumers in your community, radio’s unmatched local reach is hard to resist.

Radio is a diverse medium that helps you reach all kinds of consumers. Different radio stations and programs appeal to different demographics, so make sure you advertise when and where your target audience listens. Consider a specific audience when you’re developing your radio advertisements so you can launch campaigns that resonate with listeners.

Analyzing station formats and audience profiles can help you find the right match. If you want to promote your products to middle-aged consumers in Boston, you could advertise on 105.7 WROR, which plays music from the 80s and 90s.

Radio remains one of the few free media platforms. It means that when you advertise on the radio, you’re advertising to everyone, not just those with a subscription. While the accessibility benefits all businesses, it’s especially suited to those with a tight budget for advertising.

A 2024 Nielsen report found that the average American spends more than 164 minutes listening to ad-supported radio every day. Long listening periods provide plenty of opportunities for locals to hear your radio advertisements.

More than two-thirds of Americans’ radio listening happens outside the home, when they’re in the car, at work or running errands. This brings people closer to businesses like yours, making it easier for them to respond to the local radio ads they hear.

Unlike other advertising, which takes a lot of time to develop, radio advertising agencies like Beasley Media Group can create and broadcast ads in days or even hours. This quick turnaround makes us well suited to businesses seeking a flexible advertising option. If you have a time-sensitive promotion or an unexpected turn of events, radio advertising with us can help you get the word out fast.

As a business decision-maker, you always have to think about the bottom line. So it’s pleasing to know that our radio spot production and placement services are more cost-effective than advertising on television or magazines. If your business has a limited marketing budget or simply wants great value, radio advertising is a winner.

Types of Radio Advertising

Prerecorded radio advertisements are audio-based ads that are recorded ahead of their broadcast. Many companies prefer these advertisements because they can maintain control of the advertising voice and content for consistent branding. Some types of prerecorded radio advertisements include:

Radio Live Reads

The radio host or disc jockey reads the advertisement to listeners live on air. A radio live read can feel more natural than a prerecorded advertisement, as it's delivered by someone listeners are familiar with. If the radio host is well known or well liked, a radio live read can also build trust in the brand.

Radio Sponsorships

Businesses can pay radio stations a sponsorship fee in exchange for acknowledgment on air and promotional opportunities. They could sponsor the entire station, a specific program or a radio segment, such as traffic reports or a competition. Over time, businesses become closely associated with the stations they sponsor, building strong brand awareness.

Radio Testimonials

Radio testimonials are endorsements broadcast on air from people who've used your business. Some may be radio personalities or the station's listeners. With 88% of people saying they trust customer recommendations, radio testimonials can be a powerful way to build a good reputation.

Where Can You Air My Local Radio Ads in Boston?

Our extensive radio network can help you advertise your business to locals or the entire nation. Here are some of the Boston radio stations that could air your next ad campaign:

WBZ-FM (98.5 The Sports Hub)

Boston's top sports radio station with live game coverage and expert analysis.

WKLB-FM (Country 102.5)

Boston's home for today’s country hits and the latest in country music.

WBOS (Rock 92.9)

Boston’s best rock station, playing the greatest hits from the '80s, '90s, and more.

WROR-FM (105.7 WROR)

Boston's classic hits station, playing your favorite songs from the '70s, '80s, and beyond.

WBQT (HOT 96.9)

Boston’s top station for today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B hits.

Playa (96.9 HD 2)

If you need guidance, our Boson team can help you choose the perfect marketing mix and stations for your business.

Connect to Your Customers With Radio Advertising

With more than 50 radio stations across multiple formats, including six stations in Boston, Beasley Media Group is the ideal partner for your radio advertising. Our experienced radio commercial advertising agency can handle all elements of ad production, from scriptwriting to sourcing voice talent. Contact us to learn more about our services and radio advertising rates.