SCARBOROUGH, ME. — When it comes to supporting the community, local radio companies in various markets across the U.S. have demonstrated particular prowess through the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes extending their support to small businesses by offering free airtime to mom-and-pop shops and regional entities that could use a lift in sales.
The “Rebuilds” program from Mainestream Media‘s Top 40 brand in Maine just hit a new milestone.
Some 200 businesses are now participating in the “Rebuilds” effort, which began June 1 at Hot Radio with the support of Lee Auto Malls.
The program is aimed at supporting small business in Maine, and saw the creation of a bank of 2,500 commercials for such businesses — with no questions asked and at no cost.
The small businesses have come from all corners of Maine.
Dave Ezzy, Hot Radio Maine’s Senior Sales Manager, said, “You could name almost any town in Maine and we’ve had a response. Beals to Brunswick to Buxton to Litchfield, Lebanon, Eliot, Turner, Greene, Newport, Waterboro and of course Portland, Lewiston, Bangor… You could really name almost any town in the listening areas (and some outside the listening areas) and there’s been a huge response.”
All of the businesses, as well as their commercials, are posted on the Hotradiomaine.com website in alphabetical order.
The 2,500 commercials equate to nearly $100,000 in value and is open to all small businesses statewide.
The commercials span the state and run on all three of Hot Radio Maine frequencies, which reach the Lewiston/Auburn area; Portland; and Bangor/Brewer/Orono.
“We’re a small business in Maine and can directly relate,” Hot Radio Program Director Ryan Deelon said. “The large response shows how much work there is to do for Maine’s small business and the greater economy to get back on their feet. We’ll continue to try to do our part in the fight to pull through to the other side … we’ll add more commercials to the bank to make sure all businesses who want to participate are well represented on the station.”
This is the third community support program Hot Radio Maine has launched since the start of the pandemic. The station first purchased and gave-away gift cards to local businesses and then launched the “Hot Radio Maine Stimulus Package,” giving away a total of $10,000 to Maine residents.
