benefits for stations

"The Format Isn't Enough"

In 1970 a show was launched that changed Contemporary Hit Radio.  “American Top 40” broke down the long-held belief that local radio had to be entirely local to succeed.  “AT40” created a new world for fans of pop hits eager to discover themselves in a global perspective.  

Stations, armed with market exclusive licenses, used weekend special programs, presented by masters of the medium like Rick Dees, Casey Kasem, Dick Clark and Bob Kingsley to differentiate themselves from their local market format competitors.

These top pros knew how to lure an audience and keep it tuned in.  Special programming became a tool that operators could use to cement the bond they had with their loyal fan base. 

Benefits of Special Programming

See all the shows here.

Shows provide for local material.
All shows provide space for insertion of local commercials, station promotions, local news and commentary.  Special programming is normally provided in hours that run 48 ½ minutes, divided into segments.  This leaves 11 ½ minutes for all local insertions including news, weather, station ID and advertising.

Shows are Market Exclusive.
Only your station can have the show in your area. Exclusive network-quality programming positions you as a leader.

Make your station sound great at a low cost.
Production values are high for long-form programming. Your station benefits from the show’s investment in quality imaging and content.

Keep your on-air talent level high.
Your best on-air talent is heard during your prime time weekday hours. Fill at least some of the rest of your schedule with international star power.  Weekends represent a break in the workday routine, giving your station a chance to stretch out and take time to treat listeners with something special.

New Promos every week with local tags.
Each week, shows come with new, topical promos for the next show, about 25 seconds long. Play these at key moments during the week, to promote the weekly show to your audience. The show’s host will record custom tags for your station, with your station name and show times. You simply add them on to update local promos and local relevance. Show hosts will gladly update custom tracks when requested.

Hosted/unhosted/co-productions.
Some shows are available unhosted, ready for a local presenter. Other shows are available in co-production kits, complete with script for local presentation.

Promote your station on the special program.
Run promos for your station’s regular weekday content during special programs. Promote your morning show, your afternoon drive star, your late night host, all in the special program. Some listeners will discover more about your station. 

The business proposition. 
License fees are based on your station’s spot rate. We agree on a fee that grants you exclusive rights and that makes it a desirable long-term investment for you.

Reward advertisers with placement in special shows.

• Perk up your commercial packages by guaranteeing inclusion in special programming stop sets as well as run-of-schedule buys.

• Consider rewarding discriminating advertisers with a sponsorship package.  “The Weekly Top 40 is brought to you by Standard Charted Bank…Leading the way In Asia.”

• Include sponsorship credits with daily promos.  “The Weekly Top 40 is brought to you Sundays from 12 to 1600 by Standard Charted Bank…Leading the way In Asia.”

Exclusive Sponsorship

• Special Programs (for special advertisers) can also be presented as “commercial free” on behalf of an advertiser who makes a major long-term advertising commitment to a station. 

• Another option is a “premium package” for an advertiser desiring no other commercial distractions during the show.


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