Leveraging Media for Profit

by LaDonna Raeh

When people hear “radio,” they often think it’s just a place for music, news, or a good conversation on the drive home. But let’s be clear — radio is business. And if you’re not leveraging stations like WVON 1690 AM as a tool to advertise or raise awareness, you’re missing one of the most powerful opportunities available to you.

WVON 1690 AM isn’t just another station. It’s the heartbeat of Black Chicago. It’s where culture, community, politics, entrepreneurship, and real conversation collide. It’s where the most influential voices are amplified, and where listeners actually trust what they’re hearing.

So the question is — why wouldn’t you want your business, service, or campaign on a platform like this?

The Business of Radio Is Advertising

Let me say this gently, but truthfully — one of the biggest mistakes people make is wanting a mention, an interview, a shoutout, or a favor when it comes to the radio. That’s exhausting. Why?

Because radio is in the business of advertising — and not for free.

How will the bills get paid?

How would the personalities get paid?

How would the airwaves even exist without money?

When you approach a station like WVON, you’re not just asking for airtime — you’re asking for access to decades of earned credibility, hard-won audience trust, and an infrastructure that keeps the lights on and the truth flowing. And that access has value.

Earned Media Is Powerful — But It’s Not Owed

Yes, earned media is real. When your brand or story is strong enough to be newsworthy, you can absolutely earn your way onto platforms like WVON through a powerful angle, impact, or relevance to the audience. But you have to earn it — not expect it.

Here’s what earned media looks like:

You’re doing something unique or groundbreaking
You’re solving a real problem in the community
You’re bringing a new perspective to a current event
You’re investing in the same people WVON speaks to every day

If your approach is just “put me on because I exist,” you’re missing the mark. That’s not a strategy — that’s a hope. And hope isn’t a media plan.

Advertising on WVON Is an Investment — Not an Expense

WVON isn’t a free-for-all. It’s a gatekeeper of information, and more importantly, it’s a trusted brand. When your business is mentioned on this station, it’s seen as vetted. That’s why advertising here isn’t just about placing a commercial — it’s about positioning.

Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, a political candidate, or an event promoter, you need to be intentional. WVON listeners are some of the most informed, engaged, and loyal consumers you’ll find anywhere. If they hear your name enough, they will Google you. They will show up. They will support you.

But only if you’ve put in the work to show up first — by partnering with the platform that shows up for the community every day.

Let’s Make This Clear

There are ways to work with me directly — whether it’s through my podcast, my social media, or content I create. But when it comes to WVON, if you want access to the platform, the reach, and the audience, that starts with a conversation with the sales team.

That’s how it works. That’s how we all win. That’s how this legacy station continues to serve Black voices with dignity, power, and consistency.

Final Word

You wouldn’t walk into Walmart and ask for free shelf space. You wouldn’t show up to a concert and expect to perform for exposure. So don’t walk into a radio station and expect visibility without value.

Leverage WVON the right way — with intention, with investment, and with the understanding that when you support the platform, the platform supports you right back.

Let’s elevate the culture. Let’s grow your brand. Let’s stop asking and start advertising.

—

Ready to start that conversation?

Email me at LaDonna@wvon.com and I’ll connect you to the right people.

Learn more or book a podcast or social campaign with me at LaDonnaRaehShow.com