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Jennifer Blair on Radio Promotion, Breaking Artists, & the Power of Local Radio

  • Anthony Bonnette
  • Feb 23
  • 3 min read

The Role of Radio Promotion in a Digital Age

In a world dominated by streaming and social media, radio remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking new artists—especially in the country music industry. In this episode of Come And Pick It, Jennifer Blair, a seasoned radio promoter, shares her expertise on how independent artists can successfully navigate the radio industry, get airplay, and build relationships with stations.

With over 20 years in the business, Jennifer has worked with artists ranging from independent singer-songwriters to major label acts. She walks us through her journey from attending Belmont University to running her own radio promotion company.

If you're an artist trying to understand how to get on country radio, navigate Music Row charts, or maximize traditional and digital airplay, this episode is a must-listen.



Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ How Jennifer got started in the music industry and built a career in radio promotion.

✅ The role of radio promotion in helping independent artists get heard.

✅ Why local radio still plays a huge role in music discovery.

✅ How independent artists can break into Music Row charts.

✅ The impact of social media (TikTok, YouTube) on radio airplay.

✅ How AI is affecting radio and music promotion.


Episode Chapters & Timestamps:

⏳ 0:00:00 – Intro & How Jennifer Started in Radio Promotion

🎶 0:02:28 – Working with Country Icons & Major Labels

📻 0:07:45 – The Evolution of Radio & How Artists Get Airplay

🎙️ 0:12:10 – Why Local Radio Still Matters in the Streaming Era

📊 0:18:35 – The Challenges of Breaking Into Music Row Charts

📲 0:25:10 – Social Media vs. Traditional Radio: What Works Best?

🎵 0:32:30 – What Makes a Song a Radio Hit?

🤖 0:39:20 – AI in Music & The Future of Country Radio

🚀 0:45:00 – Jennifer’s Advice for Independent Artists


Why Radio Still Matters for Independent Artists

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that radio is not dead—it just operates differently than it did a decade ago.

✅ Local stations still introduce new music to audiences. Even in a streaming-first world, radio airplay can push a song to new heights.

✅ Radio charts hold weight. Artists looking to make an impact still benefit from chart placements on Music Row and Billboard radio charts.

✅ Building relationships with DJs and programmers is crucial. 

Unlike social media algorithms, radio thrives on personal connections and strategic promotion.

Jennifer shares her insights into what makes a song radio-friendly, how independent artists can approach stations, and what NOT to do when trying to get airplay.

Where to Listen & Watch:

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, & More:


📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube & Rumble:


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Episode Information

Guest: Jennifer Blair

Episode Number: 13

Publish Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 7 PM


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Monetization & Sponsorships

Mountain Readiness Expo, May 2-4, 2025 in Harmony NC. Restoring self-reliance through hands on practical skills. Flyer for event.

🔗 Paid Partnerships:

🎯 Mountain Readiness: https://www.mountainreadiness.com


Disclaimer

This content may include paid partnerships, sponsorships, or affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the channel and allow us to bring you more content. Thank you for your support!

Final Thoughts:

Radio is still one of the most valuable tools for artists, and Jennifer Blair proves why understanding how to navigate it can make or break a career. Whether you’re an independent artist looking to get airplay or just a country music fan interested in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights.


🚀 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode!

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