Tuesday, 09 July 2024 / Published in LATEST NEWS, Moneyweb

The highly anticipated Moneyweb Retire Well Masterclass is back this March 2025, offering a unique opportunity to connect with a niche, high-value audience. This prestigious event will be held at the luxurious 54 on Bath in Rosebank, bringing together 200 individuals who are deeply invested in retirement planning, both personally and professionally.

Why Partner with US?

By sponsoring the Moneyweb Retire Well Masterclass, you can maximize your marketing impact and drive business growth in the retirement planning industry. Here’s what makes this event a golden opportunity:

1. Targeted Exposure: Gain direct access to 200 engaged attendees, including professionals and individuals seeking expert advice on retirement planning.

2. Brand Alignment: Enhance your brand’s reputation and credibility by aligning with Moneyweb, a trusted source of financial news and insights.

3. Engagement Opportunities:

  • Table Representatives: Place your representatives at each table to network directly with guests.
  • Keynote and Panel Participation: Showcase your expertise by participating in keynote addresses and panel discussions.
  • On-site Activations: Engage attendees with interactive activations that highlight your brand.

4. Extended Reach: The event will be live-streamed on Moneyweb.co.za and the Moneyweb YouTube channel, expanding your brand’s visibility to a broader online audience.

5. Networking: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors in the retirement sector, fostering valuable relationships and partnerships.

6. Content Marketing: Leverage the insights shared at the event to create compelling content for your own marketing channels, reinforcing your brand’s thought leadership in retirement planning.

Moneyweb Newsletter

Enhance your visibility with our exclusive Content and Moneyweb Newsletter Combo. Our journalists will craft a thought leadership piece after interviewing you on a pre-agreed topic. Your content will be featured prominently on Moneyweb’s homepage and included in our newsletter sent to 56,000 users. It will also be accessible in a dedicated In-Depth section for a month.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your brand and connect with a dedicated audience. Secure your sponsorship today and be part of an event that promises valuable insights, extensive reach, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

For this and many other innovative opportunities, contact Jenny Ghoos on 083 303 9591.

We look forward to partnering with you at the Moneyweb Retire Well Masterclass and making this event a remarkable success!

Tuesday, 09 July 2024 / Published in LATEST NEWS, Smile 90.4FM

You understand the power of aligning your brand with causes that matter. This year, Cape Town’s ‘Take a Step’ walk against GBV presents a unique opportunity for civic-minded sponsors to make a meaningful impact while gaining significant brand exposure.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Sponsorship

Gender-based violence remains a critical issue globally, and Cape Town is no exception. By owning this event, your brand will not only support a vital cause but also demonstrate a strong commitment to social responsibility. This walk is more than a protest; it’s a beacon of hope, solidarity, and a call to action for communities to unite against violence.

Why Sponsor Smile 90.4FM’s Walk Against GBV?

  1. Strengthen Your Brand Image: Aligning with a cause like GBV prevention enhances your brand’s image, showcasing your commitment to social justice and community support.
  2. Engage with a Passionate Audience: The event attracts a diverse group of participants who are passionate about change. This engagement will translate to increased loyalty and positive brand perception.
  3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Sponsorship aligns with CSR goals, demonstrating that your company is invested in making a difference beyond the business sphere.
  4. Media Exposure: The walk will be covered extensively on Smile 90.4FM across multiple media channels and on the ground, providing substantial visibility for your brand.

The Value of Association

Associating your brand with the ‘Take a Step’ walk against GBV positions you as a leader in the fight against injustice. It reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of your community, resonating with consumers who prioritize ethical consumption. Moreover, this partnership can lead to increased employee morale, as staff take pride in working for a company that stands for significant social causes.

A Unique Opportunity

In today’s market, consumers expect brands to take a stand. Partnering with Smile 90.4FM in Cape Town’s ‘Take a Step’ walk against Gender-Based Violence is more than a marketing opportunity—it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and action. Join us in making a difference and be part of a movement that is driving change, one step at a time.

Date: Saturday, 30 November 2024
Venue: Kenilworth Race Course

Contact the Smile 90.4FM brand manager, Dheshan Naidoo, at United Stations, on 078 111 4476 for details.

Partner with us, and let’s walk together towards a safer, more equitable future.

Wednesday, 19 June 2024 / Published in LATEST NEWS, OFM

OFM celebrates its 38th birthday in 2024. Since 1986, the brand has become a trusted friend in the lives and households of its listeners within Central South Africa. Central South Africa is the OFM broadcast footprint that covers the Free State, the Northern Cape, the North West and the Vaal.

While the brand supports several industries within the OFM footprint, OFM is ‘proudly-Agri’. So much so that it commits its 5am to 6am slot to agriculture every day, and the 6pm to 7pm slot to the region’s business interests, often related to the business of agriculture. The remainder of the day is focused on the lifestyles of the people it broadcasts to (SEM 7+/Age 25+).

The brand is also the media partner of the GrainSA NAMPO Harvest Day. This is an agricultural event that attracted 86 474 visitors over four days in 2024 – as well as 865 exhibitors. All this in the interest of farming. OFM is also a media partner to farming-related events the Bloem Show and the Bielie Mielie Fees.

The OFM brand, as well as the broadcast region itself, attracts the investments of South Africa’s top 100 companies.

OFM’s audience is of particular interest to the economy of South Africa, from the goods and resources that the region produces, to the items that it consumes. A secondary market that packs a punch, enough to hold to the interest of the Shoprite Group and the McDonald’s Corporation, among others.

BrandMapp identified that OFM’s 300 000 strong audience mostly hold down a full-time job or drive their own businesses (2023). They also invest in sideline operations that generate additional incomes. They present a portfolio of investments and assurances of varying capacities, and believe largely in giving back and investing in their communities. This is the Central South African citizen. They are predominantly happy with life and plan to holiday locally or abroad within the next year. They are into family, food, and celebration, but above all, they love dogs.

This big sky country, uncluttered by skyscrapers, paves the way for ‘Living the Real Good Life’.

This is a sub positioning of the OFM brand that speaks to this vast region, which is characterised by its enviable space to breathe and time to focus on what matters most. This is where the freedom to enjoy a more balanced life is not only possible, but is lived every day. It is a shared spirit in the belief that a good life is made up of many, often smaller, moments of pure fun, real connection, contribution to others, and moments of meaning. The OFM brand exists to connect and amplify this sense – a desire to live the best quality of life in every moment.

By reflecting this culture in Central South Africa for the past 38 years, OFM understands its audience. This in turn allows the brand to access that which the audience holds closest to them, and use these insights to build a connection, and in turn develop an economy. It the understanding of this, that allows OFM to ‘get’ the OFM listener and pass on this knowledge.

OFM is ‘The Sound of Your Life’ to anyone residing within it.

Tim Thabethe is OFM’s Programme Manager and has extensive experience in radio production and presenting.

Monday, 03 June 2024 / Published in AlgoaFM, LATEST NEWS

Algoa FM is thrilled to announce exciting additions and changes to its on-air line-up, aimed at enhancing the connection with its Eastern Cape and Garden Route audiences.

Renowned SuperSport anchor, Sam Ludidi, has joined the station to host Sunday Lunch “LIVE” from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London airing between 12 and 3 pm. Ludidi’s performance during the 2023 Rugby World Cup garnered critical acclaim, and his passion for media traces back to childhood, inspired by listening to cricket commentary with his father.

Carly Fields, who joined Algoa FM in March of 2023, will be gracing the airwaves six days a week. Early risers and shift workers will now get to enjoy her bubbly effervescence between 5 and 6 am, while she retains her popular Saturday evening show from 7 to 10pm. Mandisa Magwaxaza, whose vibrant personality and engaging content has been captivating listeners will extend her on-air presence to include the Friday 10pm to Saturday 2am show, which mirrors the time channel of her Saturday evening slot.

Moreover, the station welcomes Gordon Graham back to the afternoon drive show that airs weekdays, 3 to 7pm. Focussed on Buffalo City and surrounds, Gordon’s knowledge of the market together with his infectious vibrancy and charm, injects a positive energy into the afternoons which makes for entertaining engagement.  

A new show being broadcast from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London, features former ETV Sport Editor, Jeff Moloi. The passionate broadcast lecturer from the Walter Sisulu University, debuted on Sunday the 3rd of March, adding a fresh dynamic to Sunday Breakfast from 6 to 9am.

These exciting changes underscore Algoa FM’s unwavering commitment to the Eastern Cape community, as expressed by Managing Director, Alfie Jay, who emphasised the station’s dedication to Buffalo City and Algoa Country as a whole.

Stay tuned for more captivating content with engaging personalities on Algoa FM, via their Livestream on algoafm.co.za or on DSTV Channel 837.

Image caption: From left: Mandisa Magwaxaza, Gordon Graham, Carly Fields, Jeff Moloi, and Sam Ludidi.

Monday, 03 June 2024 / Published in LATEST NEWS, United Stations

In today’s dynamic media landscape, audio consumption is experiencing a renaissance. The humble radio has evolved into a multifaceted platform that offers more than just over-the-air broadcasts. It now encompasses podcasting, dedicated streams, live events, and digital content in its extensive arsenal. For advertisers, this evolution presents a golden opportunity to enhance their campaigns and reach audiences in new, impactful ways.

Just ask the judges at the Cannes Lions Festival 2024. They have revised the awards category from Radio and Audio to Audio and Radio. We need to put the listening behaviour first and the device second.

Image published on Britishpodcastawards.uk

The Sonic Revolution

Radio is no longer confined to traditional AM/FM broadcasts. Today’s radio stations offer:

  • Over-the-Air Broadcasts: The classic radio experience, reaching listeners in their cars, homes, and workplaces.
  • Podcasting: On-demand content that allows listeners to tune in to their favourite shows whenever they want.
  • Dedicated Streams: Online radio streams that cater to specific genres, interests, or communities.
  • Live Events: Concerts, interviews, and exclusive live content that engage audiences and create communities in real time.
  • Digital Content: Blogs, videos, social media, and interactive websites that complement audio content and offer additional advertising opportunities.
  • This diversification means that radio is not just a single medium but a comprehensive platform that delivers content in multiple ways, meeting the varied preferences of modern audiences.

The Rise of Audio Consumption

People are consuming more audio content than ever before. The convenience of streaming, the personalization of podcasts, and the ubiquitous presence of smart speakers and mobile devices have all contributed to this surge.

Here are some compelling reasons why advertisers should consider adding streaming to their radio campaigns:

Broader Reach: By including streaming in your advertising strategy, you can reach audiences who prefer online content over traditional broadcasts. This includes younger demographics who are more likely to stream content on their phones or laptops.

Enhanced Engagement: Streaming allows for interactive and engaging advertising formats. For example, clickable banners and call-to-action buttons can be integrated into digital streams, providing a more immersive experience for listeners.

Targeted Advertising: Streaming services often offer sophisticated targeting options. Advertisers can tailor their messages based on listener demographics, preferences, and behaviours, ensuring that the right audience hears the right message.

Measurable Results: Digital streams such as IONO or our own LiSTN app provide detailed analytics, allowing advertisers to track the performance of their ads in real-time. This data can be used to optimize campaigns and achieve better ROI.

Complementary Content: Streaming can complement traditional radio spots with additional content such as behind-the-scenes interviews, extended discussions, or exclusive previews. This not only enriches the listener experience but also keeps the audience engaged for longer periods.

Integrating Streaming into Your Campaign

To make the most of streaming in your radio campaigns, consider the following strategies:

  • Cross-Promote Content: Use traditional radio spots to drive listeners to your streaming content and vice versa. For example, mention your podcast in an over-the-air ad or promote a live event during a digital stream.
  • Leverage Data: Utilize the data from streaming services to fine-tune your advertising messages. Understand what works best for different segments of your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Engage with Interactive Ads: Take advantage of the interactive capabilities of digital streams. Encourage listeners to click on banners, participate in polls, or follow links to your website or social media pages.
  • Create Exclusive Offers: Reward your streaming audience with exclusive offers or discounts. This not only incentivizes engagement but also fosters loyalty among listeners.

Conclusion

Incorporating streaming into your radio advertising strategy is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. The diverse ways in which people consume audio today mean that advertisers must embrace the full spectrum of radio’s creative communication energy.

By doing so, you can reach a wider audience, engage listeners more effectively, and achieve greater results from your campaigns. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with your audience in the places and ways they prefer. Add streaming to your radio campaigns and watch your advertising impact soar.

If you build it, they will listen!

Written by Rivak Bunce, managing director at United Stations.

Tuesday, 21 May 2024 / Published in AlgoaFM, LATEST NEWS

Algoa FM continues to strengthen its on-air line-up in order to connect more closely with its Eastern Cape and Garden Route audience.

Well-known SuperSport anchor Sam Ludidi has joined the station to present Sunday Lunch LIVE from Algoa FM’s Hemingways studio in East London.

Ludidi, who lives in East London and works for a property developer, received critical acclaim for his studio work for SuperSport during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

He decided at the age of 15 that he wanted to work in the media after listening to cricket commentary in the car with his father.

Ludidi’s father’s response when he said he wanted to be on air was “so then, do it”.

“So that is what I did,” says Ludidi.

“I’m an energetic ball of optimism, always seeing the glass as half full, with a laugh that apparently rules them all!

“I love my sport. I eat sleep and breathe it, but what I love more is to connect with people and be a positive impact in their lives,” he adds.

“As a proud Eastern Cape business, we are delighted to have Sam on board,” says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.

Ludidi’s radio experience started while studying communications at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, first as a presenter and later, as programme manager of KovsieFM.

He graduated to commercial radio in 2019 as breakfast sport anchor and Saturday chart show host on Algoa FM’s sister station, OFM.

Carly Fields, who joined Algoa FM in March 2023, will now be on air six days a week, taking the early morning five to six am slot to help early risers prepare for the day ahead, and entertain shift workers.

She also presents the popular Carly on Algoa FM on Saturdays from seven to 10 in the evening.

Fields made her broadcasting debut on YOTV in 1996, followed by award-winning stints on radio.

Eastern Cape-born and raised Mandisa Magwaxaza has taken over Carly’s Friday evening show between 10 pm and 2 am Saturday mornings, while retaining her show in the same time slot on Saturday nights.

“Listeners are connecting well with Carly and Mandisa and we wanted to find a way to give both more airtime while fitting into their busy off-air schedules,” says Jay.

Algoa FM is also investing in new talent.

“We have identified two young locals who will be put through their paces as we help them develop their natural talents,” says Jay.

Mark Kolesky and Twaibu (Twai) Mamuss will be mentored by programme manager Mio Khondleka and other seasoned Algoa FM professionals “to hone their skills and to help them learn the Algoa FM way of doing things,” says Jay.

They will cut their presentation teeth on Algoa FM Hit Mobiles, which take the station to the public.

Listeners will also be able to join them between two and five am during weekdays and from two am to six am over weekends once they are ready.

“As they grow into polished Algoa FM presenters, they will be given the opportunity to stand in for our regular presenters,” says Jay.

Friday, 03 May 2024 / Published in AlgoaFM, LATEST NEWS

Life Community Services has been selected as beneficiary of the Algoa Cares Garden Route Charity Golf Day, to be hosted at the George Golf Club on Friday, June 28.

The theme for this fun golf day is “Groovy Green Rocking the 80s”.

Funds raised will go towards the purchase of a greenhouse tunnel to grow vegetables, new school toilets and fans for classrooms.

Life Community Services reaches over 4 000 orphaned and vulnerable children aged 0 to18 a week.

Programmes run by the non-profit organisation include six community outreach centres, education, skills training, and a job creation project called ISIPHO.

LIFE Community Services also has two foster homes with six children each and a foster mother.

The children are cared for, educated, protected and looked after. 

“We are honoured to be partnering with Life Community Services to support the work they do to touch lives and mend hearts,” says Alfie Jay, managing director of Algoa FM.

Businesses and golfers on the Garden Route can be part of the fun Algoa Cares Golf Day experience while making a difference for the people Life Community Services supports by sponsoring an area or booking a four ball.

In addition to the rewarding experience of supporting charity, business participants stand a chance to win a fantastic prize: a R20 000 generic on-air advertising campaign on Algoa FM.

“This is an excellent opportunity for companies to network with their clients and enjoy a day on the greens, while contributing to the community,” says Jay.

More information is available on the Algoa Cares page.

Thursday, 18 April 2024 / Published in LATEST NEWS, OFM

With radio still being the most intimate of broadcast mediums, the industry knows all too well of the close bonds that are formed between presenters and listeners. However, behind the scenes, relationships are just as vital.

Any cub reporter who’s shadowed a seasoned broadcast journalist can attest to the value that is placed on trusted sources and contacts – you are who you bring to the daily news conference.

There is no way that one would be able to produce evocative content in isolation. To relate to others, one must interact with others. That’s why AI outputs often feel ‘cold’ to us – they were created without interaction between human beings.

Distilled down to its core, the content we disseminate is a collection of experiences; narratives of what someone has experienced or the experience that someone has of something. Thus, there is the opportunity to share knowledge from a wide variety of perspectives.

This diversity is also crucial in content creation, lest we create media vacuums or echo chambers that leave no room for anything ‘other’ and inevitably leave the audience poorer for being exposed to inferior content that holds no substance. Of course, there is always room for frivolity, considering how quickly users adopted platforms such as Snapchat and TikTok and brought them mammoth popularity.

The relationships we nurture and the stories we tell forge communities. Our stories can inform, inspire, and even help heal ourselves and others. Our stories can also hurt and destroy the relationships that we’ve worked so hard to create. Brand reputation, built up from narratives over decades, can be shattered in an instant with one ill-conceived or poorly placed utterance.

It’s also easy to forget that while we chase hits and clicks for traffic to generate income on our digital platforms that real people are the subjects of our stories. Have we afforded them the necessary respect? Are you piling on to someone’s misery with your on-air skit? Do they (or anybody) deserve this treatment? Would you do it with them in the room?

Telling stories is part of the human condition. And it’s never mere entertainment. Through our stories we shape our world and we can create whichever mould we please.

Relationships in business count among those scarce resources that have the potential to position us above competitors. Your collaborations hinge on how much you as a person and your brand are trusted. The synergy between partners and the amplification of messages are invaluable and can only be achieved where there is trust, and a willingness and the energy to create something bigger and meaningful to serve our collective communities.

Decades ago OFM began referring to our broadcast footprint, covering the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and southern Gauteng, as ‘Central South Africa’; even going so far as to reference this word as a proper noun.

Today, our listeners, followers, clients and stakeholders know what it is to be proudly ‘Central South African’ and what it means to belong to this resilient tribe. It is no longer merely a place, it is a state of mind. And it is a great testament of what can be achieved through our relationships and storytelling.

In conclusion, in a world seemingly and increasingly enslaved by algorithms, and on a medium considered one of the last ‘real’ mediums, let us cherish our relationships – in-house among our teams, with our trusted sources and collaborators, our stakeholders, our clients and our audience. Only then can we do the profound work for which radio is renowned.

Written by Elzette Boucher-Krüger, OFM Content Manager.

Friday, 12 April 2024 / Published in AlgoaFM, LATEST NEWS

An interesting portrait of the lifestyle of the average Algoa FM listener can be painted using recent surveys by BrandMapp and Colony Live.

It reflects the middle to upper middle-class lifestyle of people living in the Algoa FM footprint, which stretches from the Garden Route to the Wild Coast and through the Karoo.

What comes through strongly is the resilience of radio as a preferred medium. Over half of Algoa FM’s listeners tune in to the Breakfast Show while travelling in their car, and more than 30% will tune in more than once a day.

According to BrandMapp, listenership represents the diversity of the people within the broadcast footprint.

Home languages are 40% English, 34% isiXhosa and 18% Afrikaans.

Big Walk: The annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer is the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.

There are strong correlations in the findings – BrandMapp being part of an independent national survey, and Colony part of Algoa FM’s ongoing listener engagement.

With a mean household income that is over 21% higher than the national average for the middle class, Algoa FM listeners have the financial resources needed to support an active and healthy lifestyle that includes quality life experiences.

Even so, they are concerned about inflation. With 48% expecting to spend more on groceries in the next year, the focus is on value for money.

Listeners supplement their income through side hustles such as running a small business, investing in the stock market, renting properties and home industry. Around 11% have a second job.

They spend their disposable income at food markets, eating at restaurants, attending  live sporting events, as well as outdoor concerts and music festivals.

This spending power supports many of South Africa’s iconic festivals, which are hosted in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.

They include the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, the SPAR SPLASH Festival, the Hogsback Spring Festival, Bedford Garden Festival, the Bathurst Agricultural Show, Knysna Speed Festival, Knysna Oyster Festival, Klein Karoo Klassique, and Klein Karoo Nationale Kunstefees.

Family time is important, with take-aways often being part of the get-together.

Ironman: Algoa FM is a long time supporter of the annual Ironman race in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Many travel to Cape Town or Gauteng to attend concerts and theatre productions.

Music on Algoa FM is also the biggest drawcard, followed by entertainment and news.

They are also big movie fans, with over 60% having an active Netflix account.

As the regional lifestyle station listeners tune in to find out about the events, which are also promoted through the Algoa FM social media pages and website.

When it comes to leisure time, 45% plan to go on holiday in 2024.

Listeners are also house proud – 50% own at least one property, and 25% plan to renovate their homes.

Sustainable living is a priority, with 13% planning to install solar geysers and power in the next year. Some 20% already have a solar / inverter solution at home.

Rugby is big in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, with 66% of respondents listing it as their favourite sport. Cricket follows at 40%, and then soccer at 23%.

The love of rugby is evident at all levels of the game, with thousands turning out to watch the top school teams in action at regular tournaments held throughout the season.

Algoa FM has been the media sponsor of the Standard Bank Grey High School Rugby Festival for over 15 years.

Swimming, water polo and lifesaving are also big in the province judging by the crowds they attract.

Being the home of the South African automotive industry, motor racing is big, as is the love of cars – 18% of Algoa FM listeners plan to upgrade their wheels in the next year.

Invariably you will find Algoa FM where the listeners are. The station and its popular presenters are on the ground through outside broadcasts, live crossings, and hitmobile activations.

We have a good handle on the complexities of the consumer market across the Eastern Cape and Garden Route.

We lean into what the research tells us, and maintain strong business and community relationships and make sure the station remains relevant.

Our listeners have influence and represent a powerful buying group for advertisers tapping into this lifestyle market.

Main image: Woodridge: Outdoor sports such as running are popular in the region – and Algoa is there to support the athletes and add fun to the event.

Written by Dennis Karantges, sales manager at Algoa FM.

Tuesday, 02 April 2024 / Published in AlgoaFM, LATEST NEWS

Applications are open for beneficiaries for the annual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by ISUZU Motors South Africa.

We encourage non-profit organizations which support cancer patients and their families and with an established presence in the Eastern Cape and Garden Route to apply.

The closing date for applications is April 30.

This year, we celebrate the 26th anniversary of this iconic event.

The 26th edition of the biggest mass participation charity event in the Eastern Cape will be held on Saturday, 26 October 2024.

The main event will take place in Gqeberha, with parallel Big Walk for Cancer events in East London and George.

To learn more and access the online application form, please visit www.algoafm.co.za and click on Algoa Cares.