5 Myths About Radio Advertising

When you’re planning your advertising budget, radio might not be the first thing you think of. After all, it’s 2025—surely everyone’s glued to their phones, right?

Not so fast.

Radio is still one of the most trusted, most affordable, and most effective ways to reach local customers. But a lot of business owners skip it because of a few stubborn myths. Let’s bust those wide open.

Myth #1: “Nobody listens to the radio anymore.”

Reality check: over 90% of adults still tune in every week. They’re not sitting around the living room like it’s 1950—they’re listening in the car, at work, in the garage, and while running errands.

If you’re not on the air, you’re missing out on a huge slice of your market that isn’t scrolling social media at that moment.

Myth #2: “Radio is too expensive for a small business.”

Radio doesn’t require a national budget. You can target specific stations, times of day, and audiences—making it affordable for local shops, service providers, and restaurants.

Plus, with the right message, a single ad can reach thousands in your exact community… for less than the cost of one boosted Facebook post that gets buried in a feed.

Myth #3: “It’s hard to measure results.”

The truth? Radio can be tracked—if you know how.We help clients use custom URLs, promo codes, and even simple phrasing in ads to tie sales directly back to radio.

The best part? Radio drives people to Google you—which means your website, reviews, and social channels all see a lift.

Myth #4: “My customers aren’t listening.”

Unless your customers are off the grid, there’s a good chance they’re catching your local stations. Parents in the school drop-off line. Contractors in work trucks. People grabbing lunch.

Local radio is woven into their daily routine—and your business can be, too.

Myth #5: “Radio is old-fashioned.”

Radio isn’t just music and DJs—it’s podcasts, streaming, and on-demand content from the same trusted voices your community knows. Your ad can run on-air and online for double the reach.

And because your message comes from a personality listeners already like, it starts with built-in credibility.

✅ Bottom line: Radio isn’t just alive—it’s thriving. And the businesses that use it smartly are thriving too.

At Peterson Media Group, we help local businesses cut through the noise with campaigns that make the phone ring, fill seats, and put your name on the map.

📞 Call us at 931-393-3500

📧 Email Josh@petersonmediagroup.net

Let’s make sure myths aren’t the reason your next customer never hears about you.