Commercial radio is a private broadcasting or independent radio which is a free-to-air service, privately owned and operated for profit and controlled privately by independent commercial groups or individuals. Unlike community radio owned and operated not for profit by the community it serves.
Have you ever wondered why you’re more likely to hear advertising on some stations than you hear on others? It all comes down to the different kinds of radio stations that exist today; community, commercial and public radio.
For some time, stations have been building programs around the things that their audience want to hear when they’re driving to work or eating their dinner. However, these stations need a way to remain profitable.
Commercial radio stations rely on the sponsorships and payments they get from other companies. That’s why these channels are packed with advertisements for local and national brands.
While commercial radio broadcasting has seen some criticism over the years, it’s a very popular medium. Initially, companies and consumer groups believed that the presence of radio commercials would make it difficult for them to enjoy their favourite shows. However, just like you may have gotten used to the ads you see between programs on the television, listeners gradually grew accustomed to the presence of advertising in radio.
Today, commercial radio offers some of the most popular channels on the market. Since commercial stations take their operating budget from the sale of advertising, the only way to attract big spenders is through excellent ratings. In other words, commercial stations need to commit to always producing new shows and ideas to attract potential listeners. Commercial broadcasters are more reliant on their listener numbers for earning money unlike community radios.