DES PLAINES, Ill. — Running any business during the COVID pandemic is challenging, but how can radio stations continue to engage, educate, and entertain their listeners and meet FCC requirements for public affairs programming? While it may not seem as easy as in “pre-pandemic” times, radio stations have a viable option.
Local radio stations have a time-and-money saving option for public affairs programming
According to
Business Insider, radio advertising dollars in the U.S. may have declined by as much as 25% in 2020. While some experts expect radio advertising to rebound in 2021, no one can predict what the coming year has in store for radio advertising revenue. Most stations will probably continue to operate as lean as possible — not only because of lower revenues but because of being highly leveraged. Continuing staff cuts are on the table and many employees will remain working from home.