Small and mid-sized broadcasting companies, like small business owners, could be particularly challenged through the novel coronavirus crisis.
For one Long Island, New York-based radio station owner, offering free air — as in free on-air time — to impacted businesses has served as one way AMs, FMs, and mom-and-pop shops are getting through the COVID-19 pandemic together.
All JVC Media radio stations are helping promote local essential businesses and services that remain open and continue to serve the community.
The company’s stations are located in the greater Orlando area, in nearby Ocala, and in Suffolk County, N.Y., where the company headed by John Caracciollo is headquartered.
All are promoting a “Pandemic Business Shout Out.”
“This is the time for radio to shine,” Caracciolo said. “We are not closed, we are not automated, we are live, local, and serving our local communities. I don’t see the streaming or satellite services offering something like that.”
With telephone numbers for its Florida and New York stations set up, JVC is allowing qualifying businesses across its three markets to record a thirty-second voicemail showcasing themselves. Then, the voicemail will be produced and played on the appropriate station, at no charge.
“Now more than ever, our community needs to come together and stay at home to keep their families and loved ones safe,” said JVC’s Florida EVP, Shane Reeve. “We are committed to our communities and we will use every asset available to us to serve them.”
In New York, EVP Bruce Shepard said, “Consumers are spending less time in cars, at concerts, and other out of home locations. With consumers hunkered down in their homes with radios and smart speakers playing radio stations, radio wins. Listeners want interaction not just a play list. We have been overwhelmed with calls to our Pandemic Business Shout out and we are happy to help local businesses get the word out.”
