Case Study: How Rome Radio Partners Maximize Impact with Limited Resources

The Challenge: Too Many Hats, Too Few Hands

When you own a small-market radio station, your job includes everything—sales, programming, tech support, and even janitorial duties. For Howard Toole, Managing Partner of Rome Radio Partners, this wasn’t an exaggeration—it was reality.

While Toole has a deep passion for on-air production, he was rapidly running out of time and resources to keep up with everything else. With big-city competitors in Atlanta and Chattanooga failing to reach his specific five-to-seven-county coverage area, Toole saw a golden opportunity to own the local overnight space by airing unique, real-time content for local late-shift workers. The problem? He lacked the budget and local talent resources to provide a compelling, consistent overnight broadcast.

The Solution: AudioAI Delivers a Rockstar

Enter Futuri AudioAI. Howard began experimenting with the platform to see if it could replicate the energy and authenticity he wanted on-air, without sacrificing his high creative standards.

The implementation process took less than 30 days to get up and running. Howard then worked hand-in-hand with Futuri’s CX team to fine-tune and ensure the AI DJ “Gunner” matched the station’s style and voice perfectly. By January 2024, Gunner was live every night, and he has never missed a shift.

“He’s on seven days a week. He hasn’t asked for a raise. He hasn’t asked for any time off. He hasn’t gotten sick.”
— Howard Toole, Managing Partner, Rome Radio Partners

Toole didn’t stop there. He integrated Futuri AudioAI into commercial production as well. Ultimately using it for 60–70% of WRBF’s on-air content, including local ads across multiple stations.

The Results: Real-Time Weather Alerts, Global Streams, and Ratings Success

The impact was immediate and measurable:

Ratings Boost: For the first time, WRBF began appearing in Nielsen’s overnight ratings.
Global Reach: Streaming jumped overnights dramatically—WRBF has been streamed in over 140 countries.
Crisis Responsiveness: During several severe weather warnings, DJ Gunner offered emergency messaging to keep overnight listeners informed, enhancing the station’s credibility and public service impact.

“Since we put [Gunner] on the air, my streaming numbers have gone up in that daypart.”
— Howard Toole, Managing Partner, Rome Radio Partners

Beyond Expectations: New Doors Opened

What started as a time-saving solution became a tool for innovation at Rome Radio Partners and a big impact in their local market. So far their integration of Futuri AudioAI has led to:

Commercial Quality Recognition: AI-produced local spots have been submitted for production awards.
Future Expansion: Plans are underway to test AI in weekend dayparts.
Industry Education: Futuri AudioAI is being introduced as a learning tool for aspiring broadcasters at industry conferences.

Final Thoughts: AI as Empowerment, Not Replacement

“AI is not going to take your job. A person who understands AI is going to take your job—and it’s important that you understand how to manage AI and be ahead of everybody else. Our use of AI has not been a replacement of staff, it has been used as an additional resource.”
— Howard Toole, Managing Partner, Rome Radio Partners

Futuri AudioAI didn’t just help Rome Radio Partners survive a resource crunch—it helped them thrive, expand their audience, and reclaim creative time. And for Howard Toole, it’s just the beginning.