How does RCR continue to provide content for free in order to reach the widest audience while still covering the costs of running a radio station, in an era where the traditional legacy revenue model of selling ad space is dying?
The answer is by adopting a more sustainable model – the “Free+Paid” model.
This is where the live broadcast remains free (including most replays, etc.) for everyone, and a membership is offered for a more premium service.
We know this model works; we’ve been using it since July 2023. It's called the “RCR Foundation Membership Club,” and it has reliably produced a third of RCR’s revenue ever since.
The path forward is clear: Grow the paid Foundation Membership Club subscriber base while continuing to produce and offer great free-to-air shows that tackle the big issues.
The obvious question then is: How do we plan to grow the Foundation Membership Club, and what else can help improve the bottom line to keep RCR on the air?
On this page, you'll find a high-level overview of our multifaceted approach to achieving financial sustainability, built on the back of the Foundation Membership Club, while continuing to support and grow RCR's listener base.
Revenue Breakdown
Revenue Breakdown
Current
Target
A Solid Foundation To Build On
A Solid Foundation To Build On
Live Radio Broadcast (Complete)
Broadcasting nationally 7 days a week on current events and pertinent issues you won't hear anywhere else. RCR covers the issues the establishment won't and challenges the voices the mainstream media don't.
Foundation Membership Club (Complete)
The Foundation Members Club (FMC) is a less than a dollar a day premium access membership that’s home to the trusted RCR Bites curated news email digest. 3,500 Kiwis nationwide await their inbox delivery every weekday morning to stay up to speed on current events, breaking news, and what’s really going on in the world, in a few minutes a day.
Since its launch in July 2023, this offering has covered 35% of RCR’s operating costs. It has already proven its viability and scalability as a means to sustain the station while keeping RCR’s aired content free for everyone.
Talkback (Complete)
The most requested feature, bar none. This would be the first enhancement added to RCR’s offerings, allowing listeners the ability to call in and talk to the hosts live on air.
Free Trial – RCR Bites news digest (Complete)
Allow anyone to try and experience the trusted RCR Bites email news digest before deciding to become a paid member. This lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier for potential members to fall in love with the service before making a financial commitment.
Additionally, offering a free trial is a strategic step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the new RCR Partner Program.
The Race To 10,000 Members
Once Back On Air, The Race To 10,000 Members Begins
To achieve financial stability, the membership base needs to reach 10,000 members. At that point, RCR would become stable at its current size of operation. In addition to the membership program we'll also be developing and implementing the following elements.
Strategic Sponsorship
Not to be confused with traditional advertising, strategic sponsorship offers companies brand recognition as a sponsored partner of RCR. Recognition is provided by adding stingers to show replays for an agreed time and including a company profile on a new section of the station's website.
Contributions made through this program can be claimed as a business expense. To express interest in becoming a strategic sponsor get in touch at: [email protected]
RCR Donor Club
The Donor Club is an exclusive club for financial backers who invest significant amounts to help RCR not only sustain its current operations but also fulfil its mission to become a dominant and transformational force in New Zealand’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Given the current turbulence, there is a tremendous opportunity to capture a greater market share with an aggressively innovative approach.
Members enjoy a range of insider benefits depending on their level of contribution. These include invitations to exclusive events, access to a dedicated liaison, quarterly impact reports, invitations to visit the RCR Studio, and entry to private functions. See Donor Club Perks Here.
Partner program
This brand new program will enable eligible members to earn rewards for sharing RCR content (e.g. replays, shareables) or resources (e.g., FMC free trial, COVID inquiry petition). It acts as the engine room that drives and amplifies all other initiatives. Sharing RCR content helps reach new listeners and ultimately leads to new club memberships.
Rewarded sharing will expand our reach across New Zealand while also allowing Partnered Members to benefit further from supporting the station they love. We believe RCR’s most avid backers should be rewarded for their loyalty and effort.
Gift A Membership
The gift that keeps on giving. “Gift a Membership” allows one person to subscribe to multiple FMC memberships and give them away to friends and family to redeem.
New Features To Boot
New Features To Boot
When enough funding has been secured, the following enhancements could begin to be introduced.
Video Content
Elevate the production of aired shows with added video to supercharge the share-ability of content for Partner Program members.
New Shows
By catering to new demographics and covering topics of importance, new shows will enable RCR to reach and connect with a wider audience.
Exposé Documentaries (In/Focus)
Confronting taboos, challenging the status quo, and exposing inconvenient truths, documentaries like Alistair Harding’s ‘Fluoride on the Brain’ could become a staple of RCR’s media offerings.
Press Gallery Presence
Be there in Wellington to ask politicians the hard questions when it counts. For the first time in years you could start to hear your voice being heard in the corridors of power.
Roving Reporting
Get the scoop by talking to real New Zealanders on the streets uncovering what Kiwis really think about the changes going on around them. Regional reporting connects you to the heartbeat of local communities and the stories that matter to them, and you.
