Classic 107.3, St. Louis' premier classical music radio station, and KQSD, a beloved community station in Santa Cruz known for its eclectic mix of genres, have announced a partnership with AirKast to enhance their mobile app experiences for listeners. This collaboration aims to bring a more interactive and user-friendly experience to their audiences through cutting-edge mobile app technology.
Leveraging AirKast's advanced mobile app and AirBridge technology, the new apps will feature live streaming, on-demand content, playlists, and exclusive station news. This innovation is intended to provide a rich and engaging experience for listeners, accessible right at their fingertips.
One of the primary challenges public media faces is demonstrating the loyalty of its devoted listener base to partners. AirKast's sophisticated mobile analytics bridge this gap with in-depth listening visualizations, specialized affinity categories, and comprehensive underwriting campaign analytics that go beyond mere 'clicks' and 'impressions.'
Public media has traditionally used audio messages to appreciate its sponsors while maintaining streamlined on-air broadcasts. However, the rise of visual mobile messaging offers a subtle yet effective means of connecting with listeners, increasing underwriting funds, and achieving desired digital KPIs. This new approach opens doors to fresh revenue streams.
Julie Schuster, General Manager of Classic 107.3, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with AirKast. This partnership will allow us to offer our loyal listeners a seamless and enriched experience, ensuring they can enjoy their favorite classical pieces anytime, anywhere. AirKast's technology aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the beauty of classical music to a broader audience."
Rachel Anne Goodman, Board Chair of KQSD, highlighted the significance of the partnership for the community station. "KQSD broadcasts over three frequencies on FM in the Monterey Bay area. We are excited to add the KQSD AirKast mobile app to listeners' choices to tune in from anywhere, interact with, and even play with contests. As a community radio station, this is one great way to connect people with a common vision and aesthetic," she said.
AirKast is renowned for its innovative solutions in the radio industry, offering stations the tools needed to stay connected with their audience in a digital age. This partnership with Classic 107.3 and KQSD is poised to enhance listener engagement and expand their reach.
Larry Leung, CEO of AirKast, emphasized the unique value that the partnership brings to public radio. "Public radio enthusiasts are among the most engaged audio consumers. Our partners have always sought ways to demonstrate their listeners' loyalty. Until now, it was challenging to showcase the impact of an underwriting campaign on community connection. Our real-time ability to create and modify campaigns and our exclusive analytics provide granular demographic and psychographic insights, highlighting tangible growth for advertisers and sponsors. We are continually seeking new strategies for public radio to captivate audiences and generate new revenue," Leung explained.
