Radio stations in Florida are finding success with their rebranding as “Trump Country” 93.7 FM, essentially positioning themselves as an extension of President Donald Trump’s presence.
Whel Radio, a country station based in Fort Myers, has adopted the slogan “Make Country Great Again.” Their promotional efforts include billboards reminiscent of Trump’s campaign advertisements, comedic spots featuring impersonators of Trump, and even AI-generated visuals like the logo of a cowboy hat.
“We decided to rebrand right after President Trump’s decisive election win, especially after seeing the overwhelming support during local events like boat parades and rallies,” said the station representative. “We thought it was a fitting way to celebrate his victory.”
The response from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive, with the audience expanding significantly since the rebrand. According to Schwartzel, people tuning into the station tend to stick around, averaging about 5 hours and 45 minutes of listening time.
As per Nielsen Radio data, Whel’s ratings have tripled since March within the 25-54 age demographic favored by advertisers, as first reported by CBS News.
Interestingly, Trump secured about 64% of the vote in Lee County for his 2024 presidential campaign, aligning with the station’s branding.
Schwartzel emphasized the importance of local engagement, stating they aim to resonate with the unique culture, music, and values of Southwest Florida.
One of their recent humorous promotions included a parody where a Trump impersonator offers cruise trips to Mexico as a tongue-in-cheek “deportation” contest, inviting winners to return to Florida.
“To participate, you’ve got to listen,” quipped the impersonator, adding a light-hearted take on the promotion.
All content is crafted by the station’s staff, who take pride in their ability to produce numerous liners for promotions. “It’s a lot of fun to engage with the audience while being innovative in radio,” Schwartzel mentioned.
Additionally, Whel is hosting a segment called “The Cancel Bowl,” where listeners can share their most embarrassing awakening stories. Winners receive a “Trump Country Tailgate Command Kit,” which includes quirky items like a flamethrower grill starter and themed merchandise.
The station also has a distinct branding presence with a 1985 Ford F-150 featuring the “Trump Country” logo.
In a side note, Schwartzel is running for a seat in the Florida Legislature, aiming to fill the position previously held by Rep. Byron Donald. If he succeeds, it seems likely he’ll maintain a strong connection to Trump’s political stance.
“Jim will stand up for the conservative values that President Trump champions, pushing for the interests of Southwest Florida,” a supporter commented.
The White House has not responded to inquiries regarding this topic.
