Possible spot on local Chicago radio station..

[cheezer64]

       I am in contact with 94.7 The Zone here in Chicago. I'm rying to get a promo spot for the upcoming Auotbahn weekend to enhance our spectator output. Don't know what the cost is yet for the advertising but would like to know if anyone else would be interested in helpng out with the cost. They will run the promo from 6 a.m. till 12 p.m. (60 seconds ).
       Just throwing this out there to see if anyone else is interested.

                             Cheez  ;D

[gma]

May I offer the following ?

I can produce the spot. A lot of times, stations will throw production in with the time buy. The smart approach is to negotiate the rate down by providing the spot. Also, this sees to it that your message is delivered exactly as it should be. Also, the script really needs to be well done. This isn't as easy as it seems.

I do this for a living (talent / producer / marketing), so quality is not an issue - and I'm not trying to tout arrogance in saying that. I'm just assuring you that I'm not a kid with a tape recorder and an ego.

Unless you can buy a respectable frequency and duration, and unless you're hitting your target audience; this might not be the most strategic move. Can you share more about the station format, audience demographics, station universe and the duration / frequency of your buy? Also - why do you believe that this radio spot will drive the gate?

Let's look at other events like ours that are successfully marketed. A grass roots flyer campaign usually proves to be more effective just by the nature of the event, its location and the audience. Every bike shop in the area needs to have an endless supply of stunning four-color flyers as well as a reason to talk about the event with the customers. Is that of interest?

Lastly, and most importantly; this event is a Clear Channel property - the world's largest owner / operator of outdoor advertising properties and radio stations across the country. The station in question is not a Clear Channel property. This idea considers advertising a Clear Channel event seemingly (my a$$umption) without the involvement or blessing of CC.

We lookin' at the right thing here?

Just a thought ...

HW

[roadrashroeser]

Plus I don't think spectators are allowed in yet. At wera's event it was racers and crew only. You should check with Autobahn.

[dylanfan53]

True.  At the STT day it was riders and "crew" only.  I asked and they said "spectators" weren't allowed.  I asked how they know the difference.  "Well, if a person identifies himself as 'crew' then he can come in.  A 'spectator' isn't allowed in."

Well that clears it up. ???

[the_weggie_man]

You must be careful advertising anything for a track that is not spectator authorized. Ask WERA, if I recall correctly, they lost Road America many years ago because of advertising for a "non spectator" event.

[Xian_13]

http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/renterfaqs.html

It is my understanding,
Spectators WILL be allowed.

Its up to the renter, to make this choice.

XIII

[StumpysWife]

"Spectator" vs. no "spectator" is usually an insurance issue.  

Heather

[gma]

Can we hear from a representative from Fort Worth on this?

DFW in da house?

[TiffineyIngram]

I guess I'll represent.

Spectator or non-spectator is NOT at the renter's discretion.  It is up to the track, i.e. Road America, Roebling Road.  Keep this in mind.

From the personal side, I think it would be great to get the radio station involved.  On the business side, you cannot commit CCS or CCE to something without our knowledge/consent.  I want you to know that we appreciate the effort, but that sort of thing really needs to come from corporate, and honestly (although I hate to admit it), Griff is right.  Grass roots is 10x more effective (in our sport) than radio.  We've tried that and failed miserably.  Quick question: what would that station get in return for running spots?

[cheezer64]

   Well it started out as a simple question to the radio station, and they are the ones who went with it asking if I was intersted in having 60 second promo runs and having their street team come out to the event and hand out cd's, key chains,....etc.
   I honestly didn't think to far into this as I really didn't think I would get a response. So I was completely caught off guard.
 I started this thread hoping to get some response from other people who have tryed and or knew what I was trying to get into  :o.. ;D. I was going to call CCS, after I had al the details from the radio station to see what their stance was, and the track.
  Getting a radio spot on a local Chicago station would cover a large listening area. I live about 60-70 miles away and pick there station. Even if it generated 15-20 % more spectators, I would call that a success. The people I talk to at work generally have no idea  what roadracing is. First thing out their mouth is "Oh you ride on the dirt then huh?" Just thought it might be worth a try. Worst that could happen is we don't get anymore people to show.


                               Cheez  ;D

[dylanfan53]

Hey Cheez,

Noble effort, man!

I hope the fact that there are nuances to this doesn't get to you.  It's just "bidness".  It would be cool to have that radio station there, but CCS is owned by Clear Channel so I doubt they'd look favorably on it, especially since the key chain and baubles they'd hand out would have a competitor's name on it.

The older I get the more I ask myself "Qui bono"
(And since I can see this coming a mile away, that means "Who benefits", not "Where's my boner")  :P  :)

[gma]

Cheezer - yes, noble effort and great idea. The implimentation would be the tough part. Word of mouth and grass roots might be the way to go. I'm sure DFW would guide you in how to approach this if they agree.

And I think you're absolutely right - the Chicago market is massive. Our top riders are strong enough to draw some spectators and the announcing is even more stellar. It would be great to have mo peeps in da hayouce.

Any radio station would LOVE to take a check to send their yahoos out to give away cheap plastic crap. Does this account for some of their enthusiasm? They love to do remotes - they're cash cows.

And why, my dearest Tiff, would you hate to admit I'm right ... just wait 'till I tell your husband!

HW