Discover Downtown Fayetteville: A New Radio Campaign to Lift Local Businesses

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There’s a special kind of magic that happens in a small town during the holidays — twinkling lights, bustling sidewalks, and neighbors supporting neighbors. That spirit is exactly what inspired a new campaign with WYTM/Elk River Media to help our downtown merchants shine even brighter.

I recently sat down with Tracie Cowan, co-host of The Bryan & Tracie Show on WYTM, who introduced a brand-new advertising opportunity designed specifically for downtown businesses. The goal? Simple. Help our downtown merchants boost sales during the holidays and keep that momentum rolling into the new year.

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Why “Discover Downtown Fayetteville”?

Tracie summed it up perfectly:
“We always want people to buy local, because we believe in local. We believe in the people who live here, work here, and play here. Downtown is the heart of our community.”

And she’s right. Fayetteville’s historic square is full of businesses that pour their hearts into serving our community — and this advertising package is Tracie’s way of pouring back into them.

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The Advertising Packages

Tracie is offering two tiers of radio advertising packages, depending on how many merchants enroll. Both deliver high-value, low-cost exposure across two stations — reaching audiences that social media alone can’t touch.

📦 Package 1: Up to 5 Sponsors

• 21 spots per week per station
  – 3 spots per day on 105.5 WYTM
  – 3 spots per day on 98.5 The Elk

• Investment: $1,500 total ($300 per sponsor)

📦 Package 2: Up to 10 Sponsors

• 35 spots per week per station
  – 5 spots per day on both stations

• Investment: $2,000 total ($200 per sponsor)

All ads run during prime hours 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., ensuring messages land when listeners are awake, working, commuting, and shopping. And yes — they often throw in extra overnight ads for free when airtime allows.

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Why Radio Still Matters

Many business owners say, “I just do social media.” But social media only reaches the people who already follow you — and only if the algorithm decides to show them your posts.

Radio is different.
Radio is ever-present.
Radio is passive but powerful.
Radio reaches people you aren’t reaching yet.

WYTM and The Elk broadcast 24/7, capturing audiences on morning drives, school drop-offs, work breaks, and weekend outings. That’s a completely different pool of shoppers than social media alone.

As Tracie put it:
“People don’t know you’re there unless you tell them. We want to be loud and proud about who you are and what you offer.”

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A Community That Shows Up

Downtown Fayetteville is experiencing incredible momentum — recent building improvements, new businesses filling long-standing gaps, and strong community events that draw residents and visitors alike. We can all feel the energy, and it’s something worth nurturing.

During a recent conference, a presenter shared a powerful reminder:
When industries consider locating in a county, they look at its downtown first.
If the town can’t take care of its heart, they assume it can’t take care of them.

That puts our merchants at the center of more than just commerce — they’re at the center of economic opportunity for the entire county.

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People Make Our Downtown Special

Yes, our historic buildings are beautiful. But downtown isn’t just bricks and mortar — it’s people.

Tracie spoke about how often she and Bryan witness the generosity of our hometown:
“When someone in our community is in need, people open their pocketbooks and their hearts. We have beautiful people here.”

And she’s right.
Our small businesses give back constantly — sponsoring events, hosting fundraisers, donating to causes big and small. This radio partnership is a chance for the community to lift them up in return.

One shining example is Tina at the Ivy Wreath Florist & Gifts, who regularly uses her own radio time to highlight other businesses. That’s the spirit of Fayetteville — and exactly the spirit this campaign hopes to amplify.

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Let’s Discover Downtown Together

The more we work together, the stronger our downtown becomes. The sum is greater than the parts— and this campaign is a practical, affordable, high-impact way to promote that unity.

If you’re a downtown business owner and want to participate in the Discover Downtown Fayetteville radio series, here’s how to get more information:

📞 Call Tracie Cowan: 931-808-5303
✉️ Email: [email protected]

Let’s keep our downtown growing, thriving, and shining — this holiday season and all year long.

**This special promotion is for new sponsors not currently advertising with Elk River Media.**

Originally posted by Fayetteville Main Street via Locable