In my former capacity as general manager of the Kansas City Blades hockey team, I managed our broadcast relationship with local radio stations. Hockey eventually became some of the most valued programming available, and in time, our games were broadcast on Kansas City’s flagship sports station with a signal that reached over several counties.
That radio station’s large signal helped draw people to Kansas City from distant towns because, as listeners, they had an opportunity to sample what was going on in Kansas City from the comfort and safety of their cars or homes. Many became consumers who shopped in communities between their homes and Kansas City on their way to our games.
I’ve personally witnessed the economic effect a strong, full-powered radio station can have on a community. Awareness, increased tourism and prosperity all happen faster as a direct result of the strength of the media available locally. Just having a host look out the window of the KRKO studios and talk about the construction of the Events Center, as Jeff Aaron does every afternoon, plants the seeds with listeners across the area that there will be a new reason to visit Snohomish County.
With KRKO’s new signal in place, listeners beyond the Snohomish County line will hear about Silvertips hockey, and all the additional, exciting events coming to our area. Then, listeners will probably go to the Internet to learn more, but they have to hear about it first. Radio’s reach builds consumer interest.
As the general manger of the Everett Silvertips, I know it’s in the best interests of Everett, and of Snohomish County, to have KRKO broadcasting at 50,000 watts. Our entire area will be the beneficiary of the positive benefits a strong community radio station can deliver.
GM, Everett Silvertips
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