Classic 107.3 and KQSD Enhance Listener Experience with AirKast Mobile App Partnership

In a move set to transform the radio listening experience, Classic 107.3, St. Louis' premier classical music station, and KQSD, Santa Cruz's community radio station, have announced a partnership with AirKast to enhance their mobile app capabilities. This collaboration aims to provide listeners with a more interactive and user-friendly experience while offering the stations advanced tools for audience engagement and revenue generation.

The new mobile apps, powered by AirKast's cutting-edge technology, will feature live streaming, on-demand content, playlists, and exclusive station news. These enhancements are designed to bring a rich and engaging experience to listeners, allowing them to enjoy their favorite content anytime and anywhere.

Julie Schuster, General Manager of Classic 107.3, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This partnership will allow us to offer our loyal listeners a seamless and enriched experience, ensuring they can enjoy their favorite classical pieces anytime, anywhere." Similarly, Rachel Anne Goodman, Board Chair of KSQD, highlighted the potential for expanded reach, noting that the app will allow listeners to tune in from anywhere and interact with the station, including participating in contests.

The partnership addresses a longstanding challenge in public media: demonstrating listener loyalty to partners. AirKast's sophisticated mobile analytics provide in-depth listening visualizations, specialized affinity categories, and comprehensive underwriting campaign analytics. These tools go beyond traditional metrics like clicks and impressions, offering valuable insights into audience behavior and engagement.

One of the key innovations introduced through this partnership is the use of visual mobile messaging. While public media has traditionally relied on audio messages to appreciate sponsors, visual mobile messaging offers a subtle yet effective means of connecting with listeners. This approach not only increases underwriting funds but also achieves desired digital KPIs, opening doors to new revenue streams for the stations.

Larry Leung, CEO of AirKast, emphasized the importance of these advancements for public radio. "Public radio enthusiasts are among the most engaged audio consumers," Leung stated. He highlighted the real-time capabilities of their platform to create and modify campaigns, as well as provide exclusive analytics that offer granular demographic and psychographic insights. These features are crucial for showcasing tangible growth to advertisers and sponsors.

The partnership with AirKast is expected to have a significant impact on both stations' ability to engage with their audiences and expand their reach. For Classic 107.3, this means bringing classical music to a broader audience, aligning with their mission to promote the arts within the community. KQSD, known for its diverse range of music and talk programming, will be able to strengthen its role as a cultural hub for the Santa Cruz community.

AirKast's track record in mobile app development is impressive, having rolled out over 1,000 apps across North America, Europe, and Latin America. Their collaboration with over 60 media giants and their proprietary "AirBridge" platform and "Air Connectors" ensure that the mobile applications are robust, secure, and scalable.

As radio stations continue to adapt to the digital age, partnerships like this one between Classic 107.3, KQSD, and AirKast represent a significant step forward in bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern, mobile-first listening habits. By providing enhanced listener experiences and powerful analytics tools, this collaboration sets a new standard for public radio in the digital era.

For more information about AirKast's suite of mobile app solutions, interested parties can visit www.airkast.com.