Case Study: Hyper-Local Storytelling Meets AI-Powered Discovery Using Content Intelligence
The Challenge: Covering Stories That Local Audiences Care About
Cumulus Media’s Appleton/Oshkosh market, home to country station WPKR, needed a more dynamic way to deliver truly local content to its audience. Traditional show prep services didn’t cut it. By midday, the content was outdated and too often skewed nationally, missing the local stories that mattered most to listeners in the Fox Valley.
Steve Edwards, Program Director and afternoon talent, summed it up:
“By the time I get to the afternoon, the content’s already burned. I don’t need to rehash a story about a Florida man—I need real-time, relevant news for my community.”
The Solution: AI Content Intelligence for Real-Time Local Topic Discovery
Enter Futuri TopicPulse. With custom SmartPulses configured for Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, the Packers, and more, Steve and his team gained access to live, AI-curated insights tailored to their audience.
From regional sports and school tournaments to charity events and entertainment buzz, TopicPulse quickly became the go-to tool for building WPKR’s daily show flow. Steve could now scan trending stories, tap into predictive analytics, and uncover localized angles faster than ever.
“I love finding the stories that aren’t mainstream yet. It’s like discovering the next big country artist before they blow up.”
The Impact: Relevance That Resonates
Deeper Local Connection
TopicPulse uncovers the hyper-local stories other platforms miss, like high school sports milestones and the Packers tailgate tour, creating authentic touchpoints the Fox Valley audience eagerly engages with.
Stronger Show Segments
Steve uses TopicPulse to fill multiple segments an hour with lifestyle-forward stories that reflect Fox Valley’s community values and listener curiosities.
Smarter Search, Faster Prep
AI-generated titles and adaptive categorization of content in seconds, even for harder-to-find local developing stories.
Always-On Advantage
Unlike morning-only prep services, TopicPulse updates throughout the day, keeping content fresh and compelling, even for afternoon and evening drives.
“It’s easy. It’s relevant. It lets me go beyond the low-hanging fruit—and it’s the only tool I use that updates all day long.”
— Steve Edwards, Program Director, WPKR
What Sets TopicPulse Apart
- Local-First Discovery: Go beyond the national noise. TopicPulse surfaces hyperlocal stories your audience actually cares about—something competitors can’t match.
- (76% of radio listeners say local content is “very important” – Jacobs Media, 2023)
- Always-On Insights: Stay one step ahead with real-time updates and predictive signals that flag what’s about to trend in your market 24/7.
- Built for Speed and Ease: Get from idea to on-air quickly. Smart search, AI clustering, and customizable filters make fast prep a reality—even for lean teams.
- Smarter Editorial Decisions: Equip your team with real-time data to guide story selection, inspire creativity, and sharpen your brand voice.
Final Thoughts: Winning on What Matters
For stations like WPKR, TopicPulse is more than a prep tool—it’s a strategy shift. By putting data-powered, community-first content at the center of every show, Cumulus Appleton/Oshkosh is earning listener trust, extending tune-in, and gaining a clear competitive edge.
Click here to find out more about TopicPulse and Discover what’s Next
