WNOR FM99 SWOT Analysis & Event Recommendation

WNOR FM99 SWOT Analysis & Instagram Live Memorial Day Fundraiser in benefit of the Wounded Warrior Project

Background/Introduction: WNOR FM99, a rock & roll radio station staple in the Hampton Roads area for almost 70 years, is as impressive in their connection to the community they broadcast to as they are in their business endeavors. Broadcasting live from their headquarters in Chesapeake, Virginia with award winning radio shows and around the clock music, news and traffic updates just skims the surface of what this station has meant to the lives of their viewers and those they have helped over the years. Through annual events like the Mayflower Marathon, the “largest food drive in Hampton Roads” in partnership with the respected local Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore as well as the beloved Lunatic Luau music festival that brings talent with food and merchandise vendors to the forefront, it truly is an organization that holds no limitations in their work ethic and inclusion for all. Although the pandemic has wiped out the joys of live concerts and in person philanthropy events for the time being, WNOR FM99 is working through the current limitations and pushing forward with their commitment to the Hampton Roads community in several different ways. This includes but is not limited to the online Helping Hands community posting page promoting local fundraiser events in the community and a commitment to Virginia Beach Restaurant Month in benefit of local businesses across the city.

SWOT Analysis of WNOR FM99:

Strengths:

1. Strong community involvement with a consistent track record of committing to the service of those who need help.

2. Loyal fanbase that has tuned in for decades and continue to support the station in the midst of the pandemic.

3. Accesses and seeks out the support of the entire Hampton Roads community which has led to a mass following across social media and curated news platforms and publications.

Weaknesses:

1. Radio is a dwindling industry as music streaming technology and podcasts are taking over station platforms.

2. Funding is inconsistent and is solely on the shoulders of the sponsors of the station.

3. One genre station and the lack of variety limits their audience demographic.

4. Website construction and template is one noted and dated.

Opportunities:

1. Can take this time in the pandemic to enhance and improve their digital presence and professionalism.

2. Build upon their sponsorships in wake of the pandemic and coordinate more events that can occur virtually.

3. Establish fundraising efforts through the station’s website and social media platforms.

Threats:

1. There is so much currently going on at the moment in our community due to the pandemic that support of a local business like WNOR FM99 may be an afterthought.

2. The lack of in person events is halting the promotional side of the station’s efforts and keeping their usual positive community image in the background.

3. Older generations that support the station may not be in tuned with the new sounds of the Rock genre.

Event Recommendation:

The event that WNOR FM99 should consider putting on before the year ends is an Instagram Live Memorial Day fundraiser in benefit of the Wounded Warrior Project. It’s no secret that the pandemic has been difficult for the radio station’s usual calendar of events and ability to connect with the community, but a virtual space allows for interaction even in the midst of this challenging time. For this year’s memorial day weekend, things will be running obviously different as the usual packed weekend of events and opportunities to honor the fallen soldiers of our nation and gather close with family and friends will not be possible. However, with the help of WNOR FM99’s legendary radio host Rick Rumble and live performances from local rock bands, Memorial Day weekend of 2021 will bring about a sense of normalcy in a digital space for all who attend. With opportunities to donate to the wounded warrior project as the livestream rolls along, supporters of the radio station as well as the United States military will be able to involve themselves in an event of joy and remembrance on a day that is significant for so many. This livestream fundraiser will only stand to strengthen the radio station’s bond with military families and personnel around the armed force centric Hampton Roads area and can mark the beginning of a new station tradition even in a time of distance and uncertainty.

Reference List:

Nicholson, D. (2015, Nov 10). FM99 and The Fox bring back Mayflower Marathon food drive. Daily Press. https://www.dailypress.com/food-drink/dp-fm99-and-the-fox-bring-back-mayflower-marathon-food-drive-20151110-story.html

https://fm99.com/ WNOR FM99 Station Website.