It’s very rare that we here at the Radio + Television Business Report say “WOW!” when receiving one of dozens of e-mails touting radio’s effectiveness, self-promotional announcements touting digital video-delivered talent endorsements, and money-back guarantees on network radio. Yawn … you think AdAge readers even know about this?
Here’s something that’s cool, and definitely establishes Radio as the one media that can truly connect with local listeners in ways Spotify, Pandora, and even TV stations and newspapers can’t do. It’s all about going live — and that includes all on-air elements, including commercials.
Entercom is the company behind this “more than just a stunt” opportunity — and it’s something that could get your stations get noticed, and more listener love, too.
In what is truly a groundbreaking undertaking, heritage Rocker KISW-FM 99.9 in Seattle, owned by Entercom, is presently preparing to celebrate its third annual “Live Day.”
Created in 2015 to show local audiences that its on-air hosts were piped in from another market, or pre-recorded a day earlier, KISW gained formidable attention and kudos for its “hey, look at us!” efforts while recalling radio’s days gone by, when all radio was live.
But, this ain’t no Prairie Home Companion rip-off with fake commercials about not “Ralphs Pretty Good Grocery Store” but real spots for clients that should be honored to be participating in what promises to be an amazing third-year endeavour.
That’s because “Live Day” is moving from KISW studios to the Emerald Queen Casino, where all can see on Nov. 16 all of the station’s air personality and behind-the-scenes staff in action.
This means that the 2017 “Live Day” event will feature morning hosts BJ & Migs and its highly popular afternoon drive program The Men’s Room perform completely live.
Understandably, having a radio station go live from sun-up to sundown isn’t an easy fit in 2017. But, how awesome is this?
First, nothing is recorded for the show. That includes commercials, sound effects and music.
Wait…. what?! Music will be live, too?
This year, “Live Day” will feature a cast of local musicians, Foley artists and comedians, and KISW air personalities to pull off two live shows. All of this will be staged in front of listeners — or individuals that may have never tuned to KISW.
It’s an excellent brand-building opportunity that affirms radio’s role as a community connector, companion and source of locally produced entertainment.
“Doing two full shows completely live clearly wasn’t enough of a challenge for KISW,” joked Dave Richards, VP/Programming & Operations for Entercom/Seattle. “This year, we’ll take ‘Live Day’ to a full stage production in front of a live audience.”
This also brings another profit-making opportunity to Entercom: General admission tickets are priced at $35, giving fans access to watch both “BJ & Migs” and “The Mens Room” live. This also controls crowd flow, so an unexpected flood of individuals don’t mar the event.
Additionally, KISW is offering a select number of Premium Experience tickets for a frequency-related price of $99.99. This includes “the best seats in the house,” access to the casino’s breakfast and lunch buffet, “Live Day” giveaways, and access to the “Live Day” Halftime Show featuring podcast taping, live music, and other entertainment.
KISW’s “Live Day” received the 2017 Jacobs Media “Radio’s Most Innovative” award and was nominated for a 2016 Mercury Radio Award.
We’re certain that it can repeat those accomplishments in 2018.
Bravo, Dave. We look forward to hearing all about it.
In Seattle-Tacoma and wish to attend? Join KISW for “Live Day” on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6am at the I-5 Tacoma Showroom of Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E 29th Street, Tacoma, Wash. 98404
