What's The Next Big Thing?

Raquel Richards
rr150811@ohio.edu

When it comes to the next big thing, it sounds like everyone has it. Apple recently released the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus claiming it's "Bigger than bigger."Not too much earlier, Samsung released the Galaxy S 5, saying "The Next Big Thing Is Here." These two brands seem to be taking over the cell phone industry, but it doesn't stop there. Apple is much more than a cell phone, and Samsung is starting to expand into new areas. Everyone wants to be the next big thing.

In the news world, we are constantly looking for the next big thing. Marketers have looked beyond radio and television, and looking for the newest way to target audiences. It is no longer about being the front page of the newspaper, or the first commercial after a show, it has become how many followers you have and how many people you can reach out to.

I am going to look at my local radio station and how they are using the latest social media, and making it the next big thing for their advertising.

WEBSITE

WQMX is a local radio station in the Akron area. Their website is booming with opportunities to enter in contests, win prizes, meet the hosts, and see local events going on that the station sponsors. Right on their front homepage, they have a link to all of the other social media they reach out to, and their phone number so you can call to be on air or request a song. It is rare these days for companies not to have a website, so while this wouldn't be considered "the next big thing," they have utilized it to gain more attention in their new forms of media.

TWITTER

Retrieved from: https://twitter.com/949WQMX

WQMX uses their Twitter to personally connect with listeners and make them aware of opportunities to win tickets. As you scroll through their feed, you can see how they retweet their audience, respond to some of their comments or requests, and support country singers. Blake Shelton is a judge on The Voice, and you can see WQMX retweet things about him and his team, and even encourage listeners to vote for his team. WQMX has used their Twitter in a new and dynamic way. With over 9 thousand followers, they can be quite effective.

INSTAGRAM

Retrieved from: http://instagram.com/wqmx

When you look at WQMX Instagram, you can see the fun way they interact with their audience. The employees will post personal photos at the concerts and events they sponsor, they promote upcoming events, sometimes they post a "Quote of the Day," and they'll even post pictures of listeners who got to meet country singers. Their fun approach to their Instagram is obviously effective with over 1.6K followers. The opportunities they have to connect with their audience is endless, and this is what is becoming the next big thing.

WQMX is also on Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, and YouTube. They are taking the right steps in becoming the next big thing in news in media. By keeping up with the latest trends, they stay up to speed with their audience, and ahead of the competition.