Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Radio Advertisement?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A radio advertisement is a type of commercial created for the radio broadcasting medium. Typically 30-60 seconds long, radio advertisements often rely on memorable audio cues, such as jingles or catch phrases, to grab audience attention. With a low production cost and the ability to target specific demographics through station selection, a radio advertisement can be an excellent way to get the word out about a product or company.

Radio advertising began in the 1920s, as radio broadcasting became more and more of a feature of everyday life. During this time, radio advertisements often took the form of sponsorships, where a company would pay part of the production costs for a radio program in return for regular announcements or references to their products. Announcers would often read scripted advertisements for their sponsors during breaks in the main program. In modern times, radio announcers still announce sponsorships, but the majority of radio advertising is done through produced radio spots or commercials that are inserted into the broadcast during breaks.

Radio offers businesses an advertising medium.
Radio offers businesses an advertising medium.

A radio advertisement needs to be able to grab people's attention away from other pursuits. Since people tend to listen to the radio while they are driving, in line, or in a waiting room, radio advertisements need to be catchy enough to draw attention away from the listener's main activity. A memorable jingle, or short song, may be used in a radio advertisement for this purpose. Jingles are typically very easy to remember and contain references to the product or company involved in the advertisement.

Radio stations rely on revenue from companies that want to place advertisements on their airwaves.
Radio stations rely on revenue from companies that want to place advertisements on their airwaves.

One other element often used in a radio advertisement is a dialogue-heavy script. Whereas TV commercials tend to rely on visuals to catch the watcher's attention, a radio advertisement must use wit, memorable lines, or catchphrases to draw the interest of a listener. Radio scripts often take the form of conversations between two people that reference the product or company being advertised. Slogans are often worked into the dialogue, so the listener draws a subconscious connection between the slogan and the product.

Radio advertisements often rely on jingles or catch phrases to grab audience attention.
Radio advertisements often rely on jingles or catch phrases to grab audience attention.

One of the primary reasons to make a radio advertisement is cost-effectiveness. Production costs for a radio advertisement are often a fraction of a budget for even the smallest television advertisement, since radio ads do not need to worry about lighting, special effects, makeup, costuming, or any of the other visual elements needed for a TV ad. Additionally, since radio stations tend to have a targeted programming demographic, advertisers can pick and choose the stations likely to provide the best audience for their products.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

jonrss

I think that all the best jingles show up in radio ads. I can still remember a few from my childhood that now seem to be burned into my brain as clearly as my bedroom.

summing

@nextcorrea - I know what you mean, there are a lot of bad ads. But I would challenge you to try and make one that is better. I worked in marketing for almost 20 years and it is not easy to make a radio ad that sticks in people's minds and delivers a message.

You have to realize that you have only one sense to work with, sound. And you do not have much time to make your point. Few ads are longer than 20 seconds. Unlike TV or print where you can use multiple senses to make nuanced points, radio ads have to get right down to business. And you would be surprised how much they can do for sales.

nextcorrea

Is it just me or does radio advertising seem like the worst kind of advertising? It's like all the most mediocre students from advertising school get together and start making radio ads. They all seem to be creaky puns and uninspiring sales pitches and terrible voice acting. Who do they really think is going to listen to this stuff and then head directly for the store?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Radio offers businesses an advertising medium.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Radio offers businesses an advertising medium.
    • Radio stations rely on revenue from companies that want to place advertisements on their airwaves.
      By: morchella
      Radio stations rely on revenue from companies that want to place advertisements on their airwaves.
    • Radio advertisements often rely on jingles or catch phrases to grab audience attention.
      By: dan talson
      Radio advertisements often rely on jingles or catch phrases to grab audience attention.