Music Promotion Radio Promotion & Airplay

Question 1

What is the primary role of a radio 'plugger' in music promotion?

Accepted Answer

Pitches songs to radio stations and DJs to secure airplay

Answer

A radio plugger is a promoter who acts as the liaison between record labels and radio stations, advocating for songs to secure airplay.

Question 2

Which Billboard chart specifically tracks the most-played songs on US radio stations?

Accepted Answer

Billboard Radio Songs (Airplay) Chart

Answer

Billboard's Radio Songs chart tracks spins across format radio stations, making it the primary measure of US radio airplay performance.

Question 3

In radio promotion, what is an 'add date'?

Accepted Answer

The date a song is officially added to a radio station's rotation

Answer

An 'add date' is the day a program director formally adds a new song to the station's playlist rotation, typically on set weekly days like Tuesday or Friday.

Question 4

Which radio format is most closely associated with promoting mainstream Top 40 pop music?

Accepted Answer

Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR)

Answer

Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), commonly called Top 40, focuses on current popular hits and is the primary format for mainstream pop music promotion.

Question 5

What does the term 'spins' refer to in radio promotion?

Accepted Answer

The number of times a song is played on radio stations

Answer

Spins refers to the total number of times a song is played or 'spun' on radio stations, which promoters track as the core airplay metric.

Music Promotion Practice Test

Music Promotion Practice Test

Music Promotion Radio Promotion & Airplay