Sound Answers

This weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and according to reports, Americans' wanderlust (and cabin fever) is starting to set in.

That isn't to say that Americans are packing up to hit the road immediately. The CDC is still recommending to stay home and minimize non-essential travel; and this is the first time in 20 years that AAA did not issue a Memorial Day travel forecast. 

But according to a survey by the fuel price tracking tech company GasBuddy, nearly one-third of its users are still planning to take at least one road trip this summer (31%). Due to the pandemic, that number is understandably lower than last year, and nearly half of those surveyed say they will be taking fewer trips than previously planned - but ultimately, there is evidence that some consumers are optimistic enough to plan on hitting the road at some point this summer. The two most popular destinations are to visit friends and family (60%) and a beach or lake (38%).

Like most matters affected by the COVID crisis, the impact varies by region. Residents in the Southwest are more likely to be planning summer road trips, while the Northeast is more hesitant to think about loading up the car just yet.  

Chart is interactive; click to enlarge. 

Radio is inherently local, and in virtually every car - making it a valuable resource for these summer road trippers, both at their destinations, and along the way. It's a source of entertainment and the most up-to-date news, traffic, and weather relevant to their location - including what stores, restaurants, and attractions are open for business. 

For more information from GasBuddy

As more of the country continues to reopen, Edison gives us a timely reminder that radio dominates in-car messaging opportunities.

Last week's Virtual NAB Show featured new Share of Ear® data from Edison, comparing GenZ listening behavior to that of Adults 25+. Among other findings, the "Roadmap" fittingly included a breakdown of the share of time spent listening to audio on the road. 

Radio comprises the largest share of in-vehicle listening for both young and old(er) consumers. Nearly 5 out of every 10 minutes GenZ spends listening to audio in the car is done to AM/FM radio. The closest runner up for these young consumers, with 21% of listening, is streaming audio - and in fact, GenZ spends more time in the car with AM/FM radio than streaming audio, SiriusXM (15%), and owned music (10%), combined.

For Adults 25+, over 6 out of every 10 minutes spent with audio in-car is listening to AM/FM radio. Unlike GenZ, their closest runner up is SiriusXM, at 20%, while audio streaming is only 5%. Adults 25+ spend more time with AM/FM than all other in-car audio sources combined. 

Chart is interactive, click to enlarge.

AM/FM radio is relevant to consumers of all ages. As more businesses reopen and marketers look to reach consumers on the go, their best chance of engaging is on AM/FM radio.   

For more information on Inside Radio's coverage

"2020 is on track to shatter political spending records." 

COVID-19 might have stopped many Americans' plans in their tracks, but the election cycle is still marching ahead. Primary dates have shifted in some states, candidates have halted in-person campaigning, but spending is at an all time high, according to a recent report from Advertising Analytics and Cross Screen Media. Political ad spend projections have increased by +12% to $6.7B total - $4.9B for traditional media and $1.8B for digital. 

Radio's expected $170M spend for 2020 is a small percentage of the traditional media share, but is nearly double last cycle's radio spend ($90M), and nearly triple the last presidential year's radio spend ($60M).  

Chart is interactive; click to enlarge.

Over a dozen markets are expected to surpass $100M in political ad spending across all media. Among the highest are Philadelphia and Atlanta, with campaigns projected to spend over $150M, and Phoenix, expected to reach over $200M. 

Chart is interactive; click to enlarge.

For more information about Advertising Analytics and Cross Screen Media's 2020 Political Spending Projections

If you're interested in more of Katz's political insights, visit our Political Insights Hub. 

May 27th - RAB and Jacobs Media - The Impact on Radio Listeners Part 2. Complimentary LIVE online presentation of findings from the follow up COVID-19 survey that reveals how mindsets and behaviors have shifted since the first survey. Register here.

May 29th - ANA - Marketing’s Vital Role in Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic. Webinar will highlight the research-supported five essential areas of action marketers can take to support consumers during this anxious time and – as quickly as possible – foster an economic recovery afterward. Register here. 

Every state has now taken steps to lift stay-at-home regulations and ease business restrictions to some degree. Marketers need to carry on reassessing and adapting their actions in response to local regulations. Keep updated on state-by-state  and category-specific actions with the links below. 

For more information on reopening and regulations by state, from the New York Times

For more information on state-by-state re-entry planning and timelines, from CNN

For more information on updated marketer actions, from AdAge

For more information on updated grocer actions, from Grocery Dive

For more information on updated retailer actions, from Retail Dive

For more information on tracking Network TV ad counts by category, from Kantar

Click here for previous releases of Katz's Sound Answers.

For more insights from Katz Radio Group, visit our Insights Hub.