Radio Connects

Curious about how Live #Radio supercharges #TV campaigns? Our latest report, Live Radio Amplifies TV, reveals how adding Live Broadcast Radio to your TV #campaigns boosts reach by 23%, drives 17% higher #brand recall, and delivers a remarkable 11% #ROI #uplift! By reaching audiences when screens are off, Live Radio maximizes a campaign’s impact in today’s fragmented media landscape.   Unlock the power of Radio working with TV to generate broader reach, deeper engagement, and stronger ROI. View the full report in the flip book here: https://lnkd.in/gPx5qVUK. Download the full report @radioconnects.ca/why

Is local radio alive and well, absolutely. Is the business of local radio thriving? Last week we held our 'One Day Sale', an annual high-energy, fun-filled winter advertising blitz. It's 'Boxing Day' for local radio. Once again, the Vista team showcased their initiative, resilience and dedication to what we do and delivered the best results I've seen in my 5 years with Vista. So YES local radio is thriving. Those that partnered with us this past week clearly agree, investing their marketing dollars into another local business. Thank you to all of our local businesses partners for trusting us to be part of your success!

For those that say "no one listens to radio anymore" - here's the evidence to the contrary.

Our Generation Audio research reveals how radio meets seven distinct listener need states, driven primarily by context over content. With 80% of listening dominated by context-driven needs, radio offers advertisers unparalleled opportunities to engage audiences authentically, leveraging its unique ability to adapt to listeners' circumstances. 🎧 Explore our findings in the comments to leverage radio's dynamic nature and maximise campaign effectiveness. 

#Retail sales increased 0.4% to $66.9 billion in September. Sales were up in six of nine subsectors and were led by increases at food and beverage retailers. Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 1.4% in September. In volume terms, retail sales increased 0.8% in September. Retail sales were up 0.9% in the third quarter, while in volume terms, retail sales increased 1.3%. Core retail sales increase on strength at food and beverage retailers Following a decrease of 0.5% in August, core retail sales were up 1.4% in September on higher sales at food and beverage retailers (+3.0%). The increase in this subsector was led by gains at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers), up 3.3% in September following a decline of 1.9% in August. Higher receipts at beer, wine and liquor retailers (+4.4%), which were up for the first time in three months, also contributed to the increase at food and beverage retailers in September. Higher sales were also recorded at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+3.0%) in September. The sole decrease in core retail sales in September came from clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (-0.8%). The largest decrease in retail sales in September was recorded at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-2.3%), down for a fifth consecutive month. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors increased 3.2%. Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-0.7%) were down in September. Lower sales at new car dealers (-0.7%) led the decrease, followed by used car dealers (-5.2%). Lower sales at other motor vehicle dealers (-2.0%) were offset by gains at automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers (+4.2%). Sales up in five provinces Retail sales increased in five provinces in September. The largest provincial increase was observed in Alberta (+2.3%), led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In Quebec, retail sales increased 0.6% in September. In the CMA of Montréal, sales were up 0.3%. The largest provincial decrease in retail sales in September was observed in Ontario (-0.1%), led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the CMA of Toronto, sales were unchanged. Retail e-commerce sales in Canada On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales were up 3.3% to $4.1 billion in September, accounting for 6.2% of total retail trade, compared with 6.0% in August. Advance retail indicator Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales increased 0.7% in October. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 58.9% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 88.9%. #radio #advertising #retailinsights #consumerinsights

https://lnkd.in/dz5eFR8X Google’s deal to pay California news publishers for their journalism may yet bring some new revenue to radio, although the details are still not entirely clear of an agreement between the state and the big tech company. In the meantime, the impact of a deal between Canadian news organizations and Google is already having an impact for some broadcasters. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) last month approved a deal that will pave the way for Google to contribute $100 million annually—about $72 million in U.S. dollars—to Canadian news organizations during the next five years. The Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) will distribute the funds equitably to eligible Canadian news organizations. Google agreed to pay the money to news outlets in June, in exchange to be exempted from Canada’s Online News Act, which passed last year and requires big tech companies like Google and Meta to license content from online content publishers, including radio stations. But Google’s agreement stipulated that payment is contingent on the company formally receiving an exemption from the CRTC. As a result of those funds, the CBC/Radio-Canada has announced expansion plans to expand its local and regional news coverage across Canada. CBC News is adding up to 25 journalists in more than a dozen communities that are underserved by broadcast news outlets, with a focus on Western Canada. For TV viewers in Atlantic Canada, CBC is launching four new late-night TV program. And for podcast listeners, CBC News has also launched four new daily local podcasts—This Is Toronto, This Is Vancouver, This Is Manitoba, and This Is Nova Scotia. “Canadians need trusted, local news more than ever. We will continue to deliver on our strategy of investing in local journalism to better serve communities, particularly in underserved news markets across the country,” Brodie Fenlon, CBC News General Manager and Editor said in a statement. Broadcasters will reportedly get $30 million of the funding, including $7 million for public broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada. To decide who would get the money, Google held an open call earlier this year. The final list of news businesses that replied to the open call includes radio stations owned by Bell Media, Blackburn Media, Cogeco, Corus, Evanov Communications, My Broadcasting, Pattison Media, Stingray Radio, and Vista Radio, among others. Recipients must show they generate news content, operate in Canada, and employ at least two or more journalists.

https://lnkd.in/d-fcUM4S Consumers are reaching a little deeper into their pockets this season, their average holiday budget rising 4% y-o-y to $613, according to Accenture's 18th Annual Holiday Shopping Survey. And with that cautious display of optimism comes an opportunity for retailers. The key to capturing it? Helping consumers feel confident in their buying decisions. That’s because despite their increased willingness to spend, many say they’re overwhelmed by the array of choices they’re facing and, as a result, experiencing “buyers’ block.” Nearly three-quarters say they’re seeking inspiration. Mindful of spending too much, they also want assurance that they’re getting good deals. How can retailers meet these needs and stand out in a crowded field, especially with such a short runway between now and the height of the season? Our research has identified several high-potential steps. Read on to understand consumers’ views heading into the holiday season, and insights that will help you engage their spirits and earn their business.

https://lnkd.in/dYAdY3g3 The Brick Warehouse was the most active #TV advertiser for the week of Nov. 11 to 17, according to the latest AdEase report. The retailer landed first in Calgary, third in Toronto and Montreal, while coming in sixth in Vancouver. The advertiser increased its spot load compared to the previous TV buying week, when it did not appear in the AdEase ranking. McDonald's, meanwhile, remained as the second most active marketer. Tim Hortons and Subaru of America came next. The Brick Warehouse was also one of the advertisers that moved up the list the most, jumping 451 positions in Vancouver, 405 places in Calgary, and 417 in Montreal. Other top performers on the ranking were #Jeep, which moved up 63 positions to tenth in Calgary, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Foundation, which finished sixth after climbing 52 places in Toronto. The highest-spending groups were QSRs, TV and streaming services, and furniture stores.

DesRosiers Canadian #Automotive Provincial Sales October 2024 As we approach the end of the year, the new light vehicle sales performances of the provinces remain stratified. Quebec was the standout performer for the month, seeing a 19.2% sales increase over October 2023. In addition, much of the Atlantic region outperformed the broader market with Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick seeing sales rise by an estimated 10.0%, 11.9%, and 14.1% respectively. Meanwhile, Ontario and BC once more fell below the national average with mixed results in the Prairies. Year-to-date, provincial sales performances ranged from Ontario on the low end with a 4.8% increase to Newfoundland on the high end with an estimated 20.1% sales increase over the same time last year. “The market is still adjusting to the tail end of a very uneven recovery last year” commented Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC. He continued, “These uneven comparables compound the current variations formed by more traditional economic and market dynamics.” With close to 162 thousand units sold, the October new light vehicle sales market saw an 8.8% increase compared to October 2023 while year-to-date sales settled in at 8.2% above the previous year.

https://lnkd.in/egrhE_jf McDonald’s may have found a workaround solution for its notoriously broken ice cream machines, but its espresso machines are now causing some issues. Melitta, the manufacturer behind many of the chain’s CT8 espresso machines, has advised operators to stop using them as it investigates a faulty component, The Wall Street Journal reports. El Pollo Loco is extending its value offerings to include its Original Pollo Bowl, available for $5 through the end of January. The deal comes on the heels of the brand’s launch of two tacos for $5 every Tuesday through the end of the year at participating locations, Nation’s Restaurant News reports. “Customers are making it clear that they’re looking for value,” CEO Liz Williams said in a statement. “The Taco Tuesday promotion and $5 Original Pollo Bowl are our way of communicating to customers: We hear you, we know you want great food at a good price point, and we’re working hard to deliver on that for you.” The Original Pollo Bowl features the brand’s signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken combined with pinto beans, seasoned rice, chopped cilantro, onions, and salsa fresca. Subway has debuted a new prototype that aims to improve the experience for dine-in customers as well as digital ones. The sandwich chain said the new format, billed as “Fresh Forward 2.0.,” is designed to further enhance the customer experience, improve convenience and help drive franchisee profitability. Subway plans to roll out the new design in the coming months. In addition to improving the overall ambiance of Subway restaurants, Fresh Forward 2.0 supports the acceleration of Subway’s digital business. Self-serve kiosks, order-ready screens and kitchen display systems are currently being tested in various global markets. The restaurant industry grew by more than 1.7% in 2024, with quick-serve chains adding more jobs than other sectors. According to the 2024 Restaurant Workforce Report by restaurant team management platform 7shifts, which is based on a survey of more than 900 restaurant managers, 210,300 restaurant jobs were added this year. Fueled by post-2020 habit changes and a young generation of diners, quick-serve dining has grown 4%, offsetting losses in the full-service sector. Despite the increase in restaurant jobs added this year, hiring remains a top challenge for managers. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents described the current labor market as “tight” or “very tight.” Recruiting (30%) and retention (27%) are top concerns, with a lack of qualified and committed applicants cited as a significant obstacle.