SYRACUSE -- The Spring 2009 ratings period doesn't end until Wednesday, but at least two Syracuse stations are getting a jump on some powerful promotions for the summer book, which begins on Thursday.
There's little rest for the weary in Syracuse, the only CNYRadio.com market that gets four books a year from the ratings powerhouse. While smaller markets will be able to relax until the fall, Syracuse only gets a four-week reprieve spanning most of December and the early part of January.
Galaxy's K-Rock (WKRL/WKRH/WKLL) is inviting listeners to take part in the "KROCKATHON TV Commercial Challenge." Listeners are being encouraged to "submit a self-produced 30-second commercial spot" promoting the station's upcoming KROCKATHON 14 concert.
Program director Nixon says "the average person has the ability to do more than ever before. Some of the best national commercials over the last few years have come from everyday people NOT the ad execs."
The winning entry will be aired on local TV in the weeks leading up to the concert. The winning producer will get $1,000 in cash, along with on-stage seating for the August 8 show. More details on the contest are available at www.krockathon.com.
Across town, Citadel CHR 93Q (WNTQ) is once again giving away a brand new car. They're calling it "Roll with a Soul," with the grand prize winner cruising away in a 2010 Kia Soul Special Edition.
The station says there are three ways to enter: listening for the "Q to call" and win on-air, by entering online at 93q.com, and by visiting a local Kia dealer to get a special "Kia keyword." Listeners can text that keyword to a special number for the chance to clinch one of 8 text-only qualifying slots.
More details are available on the 93Q website.
K-rock is saving themselves some money on production costs - want to bet it would cost them more to make their own commercial, or hire it out professionally? Good luck to them, but I still lost all use for them when they shifted from hard rock to modern rock and that was what... 10 years ago? Probably longer. I don't even remember.
Billy Fucillo's been on TV and radio with his 9-car giveaway like three times every commercial break, I guess only 93Q listeners would know they're giving away a car too.