In a remarkable display of solidarity and generosity OFM, the Sound of Your Life, successfully raised a staggering R575 000 during its PinkTober campaign. During October, this impactful initiative aimed to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide support to those affected by the disease.
The funds – raised through community contributions and the ‘Bowling 4 Boobies’ bowls evenings in Bloemfontein, Welkom, Klerksdorp and Hartswater – have been channelled towards the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
“CANSA thanks OFM and everyone who supported us during this campaign for breast cancer. It is radio stations like OFM and the community’s support that help CANSA continue to make a difference in the community. What’s important isn’t necessarily just the proceeds but the number of people we reach with such a campaign,” said Anita Snyders, CANSA’s national sustainability manager.
OFM’s commitment to making a difference was evident throughout PinkTober, as it engaged its audience through powerful narratives, informative discussions, and community-driven activities.
The overwhelming response from listeners, sponsors, and collaborators underscores the collective determination to address the challenges posed by breast cancer.
OFM Sales and Marketing Manager Anchen Lintvelt says, “PinkTober just confirmed once again that OFM listeners can stand together! All of us have been affected in some way or another by cancer, and PinkTober was an incredible initiative to give something back. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for every kind contribution.”
Partners like Round Table Southern Africa and Beefmaster also played a vital role in making the corporate bowls evening so successful.
“I think there is really no feeling like the feeling that you can make a difference in someone’s life,” adds OFM Brand Manager Bianca Smit. “From OFM’s side, many thanks to everyone who participated in our PinkTober and our Bowling 4 Boobies campaigns. We are so grateful for every pledge, for everyone who wore pink on Wednesdays, and for everyone who entered a team. It’s definitely thanks to you that we can hand over R575 000 to CANSA.”
Breast cancer affects millions worldwide, and initiatives like PinkTober play a key role in fostering awareness of early detection and support for those navigating the challenges of the disease.
OFM remains steadfast in its commitment to making a positive impact in the community and looks forward to executing another Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in 2024.
For more info, contact marketing@ofm.co.za.
Photo from left to right: Morné van Rooyen, Shandor Potgieter, Bianca Smit, HJ Botha (CANSA), Anchen
Lintvelt, Nick Efstathiou, Nico van der Westhuizen, Nikki van der Linde, Elzette Boucher-Krüger.
In a few short weeks, our millions of Rugby World Cup winners will take their celebrations to holiday spots around our beautiful country. Our team at United Stations would just like to remind you that we are here to be your unwavering partner and help you close the year on a high note. The bond between advertisers and media owners has never been more crucial, and our professional team is here to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
We understand that your success hinges on effectively reaching your target audience. At United Stations, we don’t just get it; we’re here to empower you with the insights we’ve gained through rich first-hand experiences. We’re passionate about sharing the knowledge we’ve acquired from real-life interactions with our dedicated listeners. This authentic, on-the-ground perspective is the key to fine-tuning your campaigns for maximum impact.
Transparency is at the core of our approach. You deserve to have a clear understanding of pricing, placements, and the exciting non-traditional opportunities that you love. We’re committed to setting a high standard, as demonstrated in our Post Campaign Analysis, where we show you precisely how we’ve delivered value.
In a fast-paced world, we’re here to keep you ahead of the curve. We understand the need for quick adaptations and are here to support you every step of the way.
Collaboration is essential for success. Our customers seek a close partnership with our stations, and our synergy across our platforms delivers outstanding results. Effective communication, a deep understanding of your objectives, and responsiveness to your unique needs are what we offer.
Brand safety is non-negotiable. You demand assurance that your campaigns will appear in a secure, reputable environment, free from content that could harm your brand. That is why alongside all our platforms, we’ve implemented stringent quality controls to protect your reputation.
United Stations isn’t just a modern media sales house – we’re a dedicated marketing partner, committed to delivering maximum value to our advertisers. They come to us for the insights, transparency, adaptability, collaboration, and brand safety we provide. But, most importantly, they partner with us because we’re a potent marketing machine – right where it matters most.
We work hard to be your source for meaningful insights that make a difference today, insights that transform your campaigns into unforgettable success stories. Your success is our focus, and we’re here to help you turn your advertising dreams into reality. With US, your future in advertising shines brighter than ever before!
Together let’s make these last weeks of 2023 the success that we know they can be.
Written by Rivak Bunce, MD of United Stations.
OFM can once again proudly say that it is the best local radio station in Bloemfontein! The winners of the 11th annual Best of Bloemfontein Readers’ Choice Awards, hosted by Bloemfontein Courant, were announced this week and OFM came up trumps.
The Good Morning Breakfast, which broadcasts weekdays from 06:00 to 09:00, was voted the Best Local Radio Show. The show is hosted by Shandor Potgieter, who also won the Best Local Radio Personality Award. His show co-host is Margaret Whitfield.
Potgieter says, “It is unbelievable to be part of such an unbelievable winning team, OFM, the Sound of Your Life, which wins Bloemfontein Courant’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Local Radio Station year after year, as well as the Good Morning Breakfast that won back the trophy for Best Local Radio Show. And, for me to be chosen as Best Local Radio Personality is a huge privilege and something that makes a major impact on my career.”
According to OFM’s Programme Manager, Tim Thabethe, “It is always an honour to be awarded the Best of Bloemfontein Readers’ Choice Awards. The acknowledgement shows that OFM’s presenters, programmes and the brand itself are hitting the mark with regard to entertaining and engaging our listeners. This is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who values OFM.”
OFM’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Anchen Lintveldt, says, “It is such a privilege to be voted as best local radio station! We take pride in what we do and will continue to do so to bring our listeners and advertisers the best radio station that they deserve.”
Bloemfontein Courant launched the Best of Bloemfontein competition in 2013. Readers can vote in more than 70 categories, which cover a wide range of industries. All the winners can be viewed at bestofbloemfontein.co.za.
For advertising opportunities, please contact us at info@unitedstations.co.za.
The 25th Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa, brought together nearly 12 000 participants in Gqeberha, East London, and George, uniting for a common purpose in the fight against cancer.
Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director, emphasized the event’s power to unite people from all walks of life, underscoring the impact of cancer on everyone.
This year’s beneficiaries, Wings and Wishes and Reach for a Dream, support children battling life-threatening illnesses. Reach for a Dream fulfils dreams for these children, while Wings and Wishes provide transport for underprivileged sick children in need of specialised medical treatment throughout South Africa.
The proceeds for the event will provide Reach for a Dream with laptops and tablets for children undergoing long-term treatment, offering them a connection with their families while in the hospital. Wings and Wishes will receive support to cover the transport costs for children needing to travel for life-saving for life-saving treatment.
ISUZU Motors South Africa, the presenting partner, has been a long-standing supporter of the event, with over 2 000 ISUZU employees and their families participating this year.
The Algoa FM for Cancer is the largest mass charity event in the region, and it continues to draw support from communities in Nelson Mandela Bay, East London, and the Garden Route. The organizers are looking forward to attracting even more walkers next year.
Image: Mongezi Hermans, ISUZU Senior Vice President of Human Capital and Corporate Affairs, Kate Chester, Wings and Wishes Trustee, Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director and Natalie Lazaris, Head of Business.
Two of OFM’s behind-the-scenes magic-makers – Motlatsi JayBee Makhalemele and Jaco de Waal – have been recognised for their hard work and dedication. They were recently announced as finalists in the SA Radio Awards 2023 – in the Commercial Radio Content Producers Category.
Makhalemele is the producer of The Joyride (Mondays to Fridays 15:00 to 18:00), and De Waal produces the Good Morning Breakfast (Mondays to Fridays 06:00 to 09:00). The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 2 December.
According to OFM Programme Manager Tim Thabethe, the nominations are a great recognition for the hard work OFM’s producers put into the two drive programmes. “The nods also showcase the effort that the Good Morning Breakfast and The Joyride put into entertaining audiences across the Free State, North West, Northern Cape, and Vaal.”
OFM CEO Nick Efstathiou says, “The SA Radio Awards is regarded as the pinnacle acknowledgement of great radio delivery and entertainment to your car radio, home radio or your office radio – judged by our peers. OFM entered amazing content and initiatives this year for the SA Radio Awards. I am super proud of all the entries we submitted. We are on point with our strategy with what OFM does. #BePresent and #WithinReach.
“I want to congratulate Tim Thabethe and his radio team for the two nominations received. To Jaco de Waal and Motlatsi JayBee Makhalemele, congratulations on being nominated as Best Producers in the Commercial Radio Category. The OFM Management team are very proud of them.”
For more information email: marketing@ofm.co.za.
The release of the latest RAMS_Amplify 2023C (RA23C) data has once again been greeted by the reassuring sound of crunching numbers. Media graphs mapping the listenership trajectory of over 300 radio stations are beginning to pop up faster than scrumhalf’s at a Springbok test match.
Some graphs point up. And some graphs point down. Unless of course you do an Elon and launch your own fantasy listenership, in which case your graph basically disappears vertically off the chart into audio cyber-space.
But if we just adjust the scale on all those graphs, we’ll see that for almost all functional media purposes, the graphs are basically flat. RA23C reports that 74.7% of adults continue to listen to the radio each week. Compared to 74.6% in RA23B. Whoop! Whoop! Listenership is up. On the other hand, in-home listenership has “declined” from 31.0% to 30.3% and the number of people listening to radio on a mobile device remains stable at 11.3% across both studies.
Nothing to report.
Not that this is a bad thing of course, because it means the RAMS_Amplify data is stable and we can measure delivery against campaign objectives.
Ultimately successful advertising is all about achieving objectives, but the recently released WFA[i] white paper Creating a Global Culture of Marketing Effectiveness reaches a startling conclusion …
Most marketers globally are better at delivering on set objectives than they are at understanding why those objectives were set in the first place.
Effective media procurement is not just about big numbers. It’s also about minimizing wastage. It’s about focus and relevance. It’s about the right numbers.
So, what would happen if we stopped focusing exclusively on listenership currency numbers and, like good media sleuths, we started to follow the money? Insights that would directly impact campaign outcomes, not just procurement efficiencies.
Let’s take Mix 93.8 for instance.
We know that RA23C listenership to Mix 93.8 has stabilized at around 58,000 (up 23% YoY). Now that may not be a big number relative to some stations in Gauteng, but effective media procurement isn’t always about the biggest numbers.
Mix 93.8 might not be the biggest radio station in Gauteng but RA23C also reports that Mix 93.8 has the highest average household income for any radio station in Gauteng. Given that Mix 93.8 broadcasts from and to the affluent north of Jozi, that should come as no surprise. In many respects, Mix 93.8 represents the True North of Johannesburg.
That’s something you can focus on as an advertiser.
When we cross-analyse Mix 93.8 listeners on Brandmapp we find something else of real significance to advertisers.
Mix 93.8 may be a relatively small station in Gauteng but it has a very clearly defined geo-zone of purchasing influence. What we might call the Retail Zone of Influence (REZOI).
They have a clearly defined retail behaviour repertoire. Almost 9 out of every 10 listeners shop regularly at 20 identifiable shopping malls – all of which lie within the Mix 93.8 signal footprint. These malls include Sandton City, Mall of Africa and Fourways and they range from Clearwater Mall in the west to Eastgate and East Rand Mall. Although a very high percentage (94%) of listeners do shop online, this regular pattern of retail shopping also translates into transactional loyalty. 88% of Mix 93.8 listeners have a retail loyalty card.
If we superimpose the Mix 93.8 REZOI onto live Google maps in The True North we discover that inside this actual geo-zone, there are …
- 4 116 fast food (QSR) outlets
- 382 petrol stations
- 414 car dealerships
- 52 gyms
- 47 property development businesses and
- 122 telecommunications companies
What Mix 93.8 offers advertisers is 100% focus on The True North and that translates into zero wastage. When it comes to procurement, you don’t get better than zero wastage. So just remember that audience size is a procurement pricing benchmark not a strategic outcomes tool.
If you are a retailer or a business that sells its products, brands or services anywhere in The True North
- You know that listeners to Mix 93.8 have the money
- You know they regularly spend their money inside the Mix 93.8 REZOI
- You know the Mix 93.8 has zero wastage outside The True North
When it comes to advertising on Mix 93.8 you can price on the listenership figures but you can actually bank on the listeners.
[i] WFA: World Federation of Advertisers
This October, OFM’s #PinkTober campaign aims to raise awareness of and support for those affected by breast cancer. We’re calling on Central South Africa to support our drive to raise R300 000 for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) during this month.
According to CANSA, the number one type of cancer reported among South African women is breast cancer. Approximately 19.4-million women aged 15 years and older live at-risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s important for women to be empowered with knowledge regarding lowering their cancer and health risk and recognising warning signs.
Each Wednesday, OFM will dedicate our programming to breast cancer awareness to offer encouragement to those living with the disease as well as share valuable information regarding prevention and support to those affected. We’ll also provide updates on our #PinkTober fundraising drive, where listeners – in their private or business capacity – can donate funds towards the cause.
Solidarity can also be shown by dressing in pink and sharing photos on social media with #OFMPinkTober on Wednesdays.
Plus, each week in October, OFM and Round Table Southern Africa will host fun corporate bowls evenings in Bloemfontein (5 October 2023), Welkom (12 October 2023), Klerksdorp (19 October 2023) and Hartswater (27 October 2023).
Teams of four can participate in these ‘Bowling 4 Boobies’ events for a donation of R2 000 per team. The proceeds will be donated to each area’s CANSA office.
“OFM receives daily requests from listeners, who are dealing with all forms of cancer, seeking financial assistance. These fundraising events will make a big difference in the lives of those who are still fighting and those who are cancer survivors. We hope to get the whole of Central South Africa to reach out by supporting this initiative to not only raise awareness but also to contribute to make a change,” says OFM Sales and Marketing Manager, Anchen Lintvelt.
OFM Brand Manager, Bianca Smit, believes this will be a powerful initiative: “PinkTober and Bowling for Boobies strive to empower, support and raise awareness in our communities about breast cancer and how early detection can save lives. We call on everyone in Central South African to get involved in our fundraising initiatives and do your part in the fight against cancer”.
According to HJ Botha, CANSA representative, the organisation has been a leader in the fight against the disease since 1931.
“Our vision of the Cancer Society of South Africa is to lead South Africa to a cancer-free society. We are delighted to announce the upcoming charity fundraiser dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer continues to affect the lives of countless individuals and families worldwide. CANSA recognises the importance of education, early detection and support for those affected by this disease. Your support makes a big difference in the lives of breast cancer patients.”
Visit OFM’s events page on ofm.co.za or our free mobile and desktop apps for full information on how, where and when to participate in OFM’s PinkTober breast cancer awareness drive.
For more information email: marketing@ofm.co.za.
Smile FM has embarked on an ambitious plan to ensure that thousands more families enjoy Christmas this year, by helping 10,000 unemployed Capetonians find gainful employment – all before the 25th of December.
While having recently seen a marginal improvement, South Africa’s unemployment rate has remained sky-high for many years. Smile FM is determined to tackle the status quo, taking positive action to make a difference in people’s lives – staying true to its name by putting smiles on faces.
Ryan O’Connor, who hosts The Ryan O’Connor Breakfast Show, weekdays on Smile FM, says that he is on a mission to find jobs for those who are unemployed. “We are calling on companies to let us know when they have jobs available and we will connect them with job seekers in their area who have the required skills, says O’Connor.
“Having a job allows families to put meals on their table and a roof over their heads. It enables kids to go to school and get a good education while building self-esteem and regaining dignity – something that many of us all too often take for granted. This is the most powerful way to break the cycle of poverty.”
Over the next 12 weeks, Smile FM will showcase the companies that participate in this life-changing campaign, as well as share the heart-warming stories of newly employed listeners who will have received their first paycheck in ages.
This campaign is supported by Leelyn Management in association with the City of Cape Town, which continues to provide work readiness programmes to thousands of job seekers.
Said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town: “The City is pleased to partner with Smile FM to facilitate thousands more employment opportunities for Capetonians using our Jobs Connect platform. We call on businesses to support this initiative and for jobseekers to make use of the support on offer, including help with CV formulation.”
Said Alderman James Vos, “The City is working on multiple fronts to create an environment that gives businesses the space to grow while creating employment opportunities for Capetonians. The metro’s unemployment rate fell by 7% year-on-year thanks to the projects and programmes we have enacted such as our work with partners in Cape Town’s high growth industries to drive skills development that makes people more employable. We are also proud to lead the Jobs Connect workforce development programme in which unemployed people are able to find training and work opportunities on a platform that is easy to use and comes at a minimal cost. In the past three years, almost 89 000 people have signed up to the platform and completed the assessment. By working together with businesses and industries, the City can help thousands more Capetonians find the dignity of a job.”
Says Lois O’Brien, Managing Director at Smile FM, “Cape Town is gearing up for what promises to be a busy and exciting holiday season, which brings thousands of employment opportunities – specifically within the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.
“As the go-to radio station in Cape Town, we’re proud to be able to leverage our network and audience to connect deserving job seekers with employers, helping improve the lives of families all across the Cape Town metropole.”
The winner of the Algoa FM Cruise to Dubai with XL Bay Travel competition is Lynn Oberem.
Speaking after the draw at the Algoa FM studios, Oberem said she would be taking her daughter in law on the cruise.
Oberem was the finalist from The Drive with Vinny in East London
She had a second chance at the prize after the original winner was disqualified due an invalid passport – a condition of entry – according to Algoa FM financial director, Desiré Killian.
The winner will spend six idyllic days on the Arabian Sea soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails, indulging in gourmet dining and spectacular onboard entertainment, with the compliments of Algoa FM and XL Bay Travel.
Their adventure starts on November 17 when the winners fly to Johannesburg and then onto Doha and Abu Dhabi where they board the cruise ship.
Algoa FM has added R10 000 in spending money to their experience to cover any incidental costs.
“This is one of those feel-good experiences. The trip just sounded too good to be true,” said Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka.
“The success of the week-long competition demonstrates the strength of Algoa FM working in partnership with advertisers. It is a wonderful way for XL Bay Travel to celebrate 20 years of service to its clients” says Algoa FM sales manager Dennis Karantges.
XL Bay Travel managing director, Gillian Roffe, said the Arabian Sea cruise was chosen because it was “something a little bit different.”
“Congratulations to the winners. They will have a fabulous time, I am quite jealous”.
Image caption: Algoa FM programme manager Mio Khondleka (left) and Gillian Roffe, managing director of XL Bay Travel.
On International Charity Day on September 5, Algoa FM reflects on more than three decades of dedicated community service.
For 35 years, Algoa FM has made a profound impact on the lives of people residing within its broadcast footprint through numerous fund-raising drives.
Algoa FM’s broadcast footprint extends from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and inland through the Karoo, uniting diverse communities under a common cause.
In a remarkable display of unity over the years, Eastern Cape businesses, local government entities, and provincial government departments have joined forces with Algoa FM to power flagship community fundraising initiatives.
Together, they have raised millions annually to bring about positive change in the station’s market.
Alfie Jay, Managing Director of Algoa FM, emphasizes the significance of these partnerships, stating, “these collaborations exemplify how Eastern Cape business leaders and government organizations can collaborate for the greater good.”
Jay notes that Algoa FM commits approximately R2 million each year to support community projects and activities through sponsorships, fundraising, and donations”.
What truly amplifies this investment is the support from businesses of all sizes across Algoa Country.
Their contributions, both financial and in-kind, magnify the impact of these initiatives exponentially. Algoa FM’s extensive media platforms, including broadcast, on the ground activations, online, social media, and streaming, have proven to be effective channels for engaging donors and participants during their various fundraising endeavours, says Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer.
Under the umbrella of its corporate social investment brand, Algoa Cares, the station hosts the Algoa Cares Big Walk for Cancer, the largest mass participation fundraising event in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.
Now in its 25th year, the event has raised millions to assist non-profit organizations providing vital support to cancer patients and their families in Algoa country.
Furthermore, it serves as a vital platform for educating the audience about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
“The station is proud to have the support of partners such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture; and the Eastern Province Department of Health. Corporate giants like MTN, aQuelle, the Courier Guy, Value Added Life, and ISUZU Motors South Africa have also rallied behind them, with ISUZU Motors South Africa being the presenting partner of the 2023 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer,” says Geyer.
In 2023, Algoa FM is expanding its reach with simultaneous events in George, Nelson Mandela Bay, and East London; as well as an offer for virtual participation.
Additionally, the media house hosts annual charity golf days in the Buffalo City metro and the Garden Route.
Non-profit organizations are invited annually to apply for beneficiary status for these events, with a preference for those involved in health, welfare, education, and the environment.
Geyer emphasizes the collaborative approach, saying, “we work closely with these organizations to leverage their networks, engaging sponsors and participants in our fundraising drives.”
Through the “Algoa Cares” on air slot, these charitable organizations receive weekly exposure through on-air interviews, listings on the Algoa FM website, and enhanced visibility on the station’s social media platforms.
Beyond its fundraising activities and donations, Algoa FM is committed to supporting the local economy, prioritizing local suppliers whenever possible to sustain jobs in the broadcast region.
“Our annual investment of just-on R2 million in skills, supplier, and enterprise development underscores our dedication to the communities we serve,” adds Jay.
For more information on Algoa FM’s commitment to community investment, please visit their website at www.algoafm.co.za
About Algoa FM
Founded in 1986, Algoa FM is a leading South African radio station committed to serving its broadcast area through a range of community initiatives, sponsorships, and fundraising events. With a broadcast footprint that stretches from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and inland, through the Karoo, Algoa FM has been making a positive impact on local communities for more than 35 years.