Google is testing a radio advertising service
Google started testing a radio advertising service, which represents the most important attempt of the gigantic search engine to extend outside the web.
The test will offer publicity space to over 700 radio stations from over 200 cities in United States. Google hopes that in the end it will associate with over 5000 stations.
At least for now, Google will be far behind the well known services such as Software Media Exchange, which states that has associated itself with over 1500 radio stations with a combined audience of nine million listeners.
The announce didn’t specify how many companies are involved in the initial faze of the test.
Google thinks it can do for radio the same thing it has done for the internet, automating the process of selling and distribution of advertisements to an audience that is interested by the content of the advertisements. Just the same as on the web, Google intends to tax for the service.
The company has stated their intention to extend in this area in January, by acquiring dMarc Broadcasting, for 102 million dollars. Google seems determined to pump much more resources in the radio service, company’s management staff saying that they intend to hire approximately 1000 persons for this.