As you indicate in your first paragraph, BlogTalkRadio is free - both for hosts and for listeners. We have created a platform where anyone with a voice can be heard and listeners from all over the world can tune in - all at no cost to them. The response has been fantastic with over 4,500 hosts creating more than 7,500 original shows per month…and, growing rapidly.

Obviously, this costs money to run - upgrading servers to keep up with growth, paying a staff to develop and improve the website, hiring host support to ensure a positive experience for all. And, as with most industries that provide free content, advertising foots the bill.

We have taken the approach of sharing all of BlogTalkRadio’s revenues with our hosts in order to further develop the sense of community and feel that it is more than fair…At least 35% of every dollar we make from advertising will go back to our hosts. Most of the hosts I’ve spoken to are thrilled about this and fully support the RevShare program. However, for those like yourself, the next step in our evolution, which will be announced shortly, is a paid model where hosts can opt-out of advertising entirely.

Also, we are very cognizant of conflicting messages and not forcing advertisers on our hosts. If a host has a philosophical issue with a particular advertiser or if there is a conflict, we will remove that ad. Just last week I was contacted by a host who does a show about the Islamic faith. He did not want music in his ads as it goes against his beliefs. Upon his contacting BTR, the ad was removed within one hour.

We stand by the benefits of our RevShare progam and the service that we provide to our hosts and our listeners. And, as we continue to grow - in audience and revenue - our hosts will benefit and grow as well.

Frank Neill