Radio stations have remained popular even as the explosion of online media via the Internet has occurred. This is primarily due to the fact that radio stations are a low-cost way to reach hundreds of thousands if not millions and millions of people with music, news, political commentary, and entertainment for the general public. One of the key strengths to a radio station is that they are expected to remain popular even as technology advances. In fact, many emergency service providers frequently use radio stations given that they can reach numerous people very quickly. Other strengths that involve radio stations focuses attention on the fact that there are very high but once an operator receives their licensed the only competition that they have to face is from other radio stations that are providing similar content. The startup costs associated with the new radio station range anywhere from $150,000 all the way to $10 million depending are whether or not the license were timeslots are going to be leased rather than purchased.
For weaknesses, very much like the strengths – the weakness for radio station is that it is facing ongoing competition from online content providers. This includes major video streaming services, Internet websites, and related platforms where people can receive information on an ongoing basis. The ongoing operating expenses associated with a radio station are considered to be moderately low given that it only takes a few people to successfully produce and distribute a radio program. Payroll and advertising tend to be the largest cost associated with the development and expansion of a radio station.
For opportunities, most radio stations – beyond acquiring additional licenses – will hire top talent that will drive a significant number of listeners to the radio station. Beyond this, there are very few ways for a radio station to expand their operations. Of course, many of these businesses have taken to streaming their fate this is pretty much a necessity these days as many people will use their mobile devices and Internet platforms to listen to specific radio stations.
For threats, changes in regulation are always a modest issue for most radio stations. However, been around for over 100 years – there’s very little in the way of what is expected to change in regards to radio programming content or its distribution. This is a highly established technology that will not change moving forward. The principal threat faced by radio station is the substantial amount of competition that these businesses face on an ongoing basis. Radio stations must have substantial talent on staff in order to ensure a repeat listener base. However, once a listener base is established is pretty easy to maintain revenue from an advertising standpoint. The gross margins generated for radio station are very high in typically range anywhere from 80% although it in 95% depending on what type of advertising agency is used to promote specific products and services. These firms often will take a small percentage of the total amount of advertising placed with these businesses.