What United Stations does

United Stations (Pty) Ltd is a South African media sales house that represents multiple radio stations, digital audio platforms, and on-ground activation services to advertisers. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Houghton (Johannesburg) with a Cape Town office, the company is a subsidiary of Central Media Group (Pty) Ltd and operates a portfolio spanning seven radio stations (Algoa FM, Jozi FM, Kaya 959, OFM, RSG Geldsake, SAFM Market Update, Smile 90.4FM) plus digital platforms including iono.fm — South Africa's leading digital audio platform hosting 300+ stations, 2,500+ podcasts, and 120+ live streams across 16 countries and 21 languages — and Moneyweb financial media. The company combines audio advertising sales, branded activations (Hit Mobile Radio, Outside Broadcasts, Presenter Appearances), and an interactive audience-intelligence tool called Audioverse.

The business operates as a sales representative and partnership hub: it sells advertising inventory on behalf of owned and represented stations, executes integrated multi-channel campaigns, and acts as appointed sales partner for stations selecting it through RFP processes (most recently Kaya 959, effective 1 February 2025, replacing Mediamark). The revenue model is primarily advertising sales — quote-based packages with multi-year contracts, billed through dedicated account and brand managers — supplemented by digital audio advertising on iono.fm (pre-roll with companion banners, cost-per-listen) and brand activation fees. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; advertisers engage directly through account managers or via the Audioverse digital media kit. The company is POPIA-compliant and employs 11–50 people, with Rivak Bunce as Managing Director and co-founder, and Dave Tiltmann noted as CEO in leadership data.

Customers include national and regional advertisers across financial services (ABSA), automotive (ISUZU MOTORS South Africa), retail and QSR (Shoprite Group, McDonald's), and approximately 65 brands on iono.fm in 2024. Geographic coverage spans Gauteng, Central South Africa (Free State, Northern Cape, North West), Eastern Cape/Garden Route, Western Cape, with audience reach cited at 15M+ unique users monthly across the portfolio. Awards include Telkom Radio Awards recognition for OFM and Algoa FM talent, plus regional Best-of reader awards, supporting brand credibility in the South African market.

Name

United Stations

Legal name

United Stations (PTY) LTD

Website

https://unitedstations.co.za/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

United Stations provides promotions, events, podcasting, streaming, digital media, and radio advertising services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Radio and Digital Audio Advertising Sales

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Radio advertising sales
• Digital audio advertising
• Media sales representation
• Broadcast advertising network
• Brand activation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Houghton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Radio Advertising Sales: Sales of radio advertising inventory across owned and represented stations including Algoa FM, Jozi FM, Kaya 959, OFM, and Smile 90.4FM. Advertisers purchase airtime for targeted audience reach across South African markets.
2. Digital Audio Advertising: Pre-roll radio ads play before live streams and podcasts on iono.fm platform. Includes companion web banners, precision targeting by location, demographics, and content interests. Cost-per-listen model ensures efficiency and control.
3. Brand Activations: On-ground activations including Hit Mobile Radio, Outside Broadcasts, and Presenter Appearances create brand experiences and drive engagement. These bundled packages include promotional commercials, live telephone crossings, and social media support.
4. Sales Partnership/Representation: United Stations acts as sales partner for stations like Kaya 959 (appointed Feb 2025), selling advertising inventory and growing station revenue in exchange for commission or partnership fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

United Stations is a South African media sales house that sells advertising inventory across multiple represented commercial radio stations and digital platforms on behalf of advertisers and agencies. The company also offers integrated brand activation services, audience intelligence through the Audioverse platform, and digital audio advertising on the iono.fm platform reaching 12+ million South African listeners.

Product overview

United Stations is a South African media sales representation company operating a multi-platform portfolio of radio stations, digital platforms, and activation services. The core offering includes seven radio stations (Algoa FM, Jozi FM, Kaya 959, OFM, RSG Geldsake, SAFM Market Update, Smile 90.4FM), two digital platforms (Moneyweb Digital, iono.fm audio platform), audience intelligence tools (Audioverse), and branded activation services (Hit Mobile Radio, Outside Broadcasts, Presenter Appearances). The company acts as a unified sales and partnership hub connecting advertisers with trusted broadcast and digital audio audiences across South Africa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Audioverse: Interactive digital media kit and gateway to United Stations' audio and digital ecosystem, showcasing radio stations, audience insights, demographics, rate cards, and audio-visual content.

Products and services

• Algoa FM Commercial radio station serving the Eastern Cape and Garden Route region of South Africa, represented by United Stations for advertising sales; known for community engagement and events such as the annual Big Walk for Cancer.
• Jozi FM Radio station serving Johannesburg and Soweto, represented by United Stations; focused on African culture and community advocacy, celebrating 30 years of community service in 2025.
• Kaya 959 Gauteng-based radio station with a cultural focus, represented by United Stations for advertising sales; hosts events such as the Kaya 959 Business Club for professionals.
• OFM Leading commercial radio station in Central South Africa covering Free State, Northern Cape, North West, and parts of Southern Gauteng with agricultural and lifestyle programming; represented by United Stations for advertising sales.
• Smile 90.4FM Cape Town-based radio station focused on lifestyle programming and community causes including the annual Take a Step walk against Gender-Based Violence; represented by United Stations for advertising sales.
• iono.fm Digital Audio Advertising Platform Digital audio advertising platform powering pre-roll radio and podcast advertising, companion web banners, and precision targeting by location, demographics, and content interests; cost-per-listen pricing with 97% average listen-through rate, reaching 12+ million South African listeners in 2024.
• Moneyweb Digital Financial news and digital content platform offering business news, podcasts, and executive content including the Money Summit and Retire Well Masterclass; partnered with United Stations for advertising sales and integrated campaigns.
• Hit Mobile Radio Activations Mobile pop-up radio activation combining on-the-ground brand experiences with radio advertising, featuring live studio crossings and social media support for 3-4 hour events at client venues.
• Outside Broadcast (OB) Activations Live radio broadcast service from client-designated venues, enabling brands to connect with audiences during product launches, sales promotions, events, and retail drives.
• Presenter Appearance Activations Brand ambassador service featuring radio presenter appearances at client events, product launches, and activations to drive hype and audience engagement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 15 million monthly reach across stations and digital platforms
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Kaya 959coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2025United Stations appointed as sales partner for Kaya 959 effective February 1, 2025. The appointment followed a closed RFP process. This replaces the previous relationship with Mediamark (2016-2025). United Stations will sell advertising inventory and help grow the Kaya 959 brand in the marketplace.
• iono.fmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partneriono.fm is South Africa's leading digital audio platform powering radio and podcast advertising. United Stations provides access to iono.fm's 300+ radio stations, 2,500+ podcasts, and 12 million+ unique SA listeners for digital audio advertising campaigns.
• MoneywebcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoneyweb is a digital financial media platform partnered with United Stations for advertising and integrated campaigns targeting business and financial audiences.
• ISUZU MOTORS South AfricamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerISUZU MOTORS South Africa is presenting partner for Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer (2024-2025), supporting cancer charities in Eastern Cape. Also partnered on Algoa FM activations and charity events.
• Shoprite GroupmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTop 100 South African company investing in OFM broadcast region. Partnered with OFM on Chip 4 Charity golf days and community initiatives.
• McDonald's CorporationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTop 100 South African company investing in OFM broadcast region through radio advertising and community partnerships.
• Central Media Group (OFM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Media Group owns OFM (founded 1986), Mahareng Publishing (Bloemfontein Courant, Bloemfontein Get It), and Digital Platforms. OFM is the leading commercial station in Central South Africa covering Free State, Northern Cape, North West, and southern Gauteng.
• Grain SAmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrain SA NAMPO Harvest Day is the largest agricultural trade show in the Southern Hemisphere. OFM is media partner providing comprehensive coverage, live broadcasts, and marketing support for the event attracting 86,000+ visitors.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mediamark: South African media sales house that represented Kaya 959 from 2016 until being displaced by United Stations in February 2025. Directly competes with US for radio station sales representation mandates across South Africa.

Broad incumbents

• Primedia: Major South African media group owning leading radio stations (702, CapeTalk, 94.7, KFM) and digital audio properties. Competes with US both as a broadcaster and as a sales representative for radio advertising inventory.
• Kagiso Media Group: South African media company with radio broadcasting interests (Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio) and digital properties. Represents a comparable radio broadcaster-sales combination competing for the same advertiser audiences.
• MultiChoice (DStv Media Sales): Africa's largest pay-TV operator with substantial in-house advertising sales infrastructure. Competes with US for advertising budgets targeting South African audiences through broadcast and digital channels.
• Arena Holdings: South African media company with broadcast and digital publishing assets. Operates in adjacent media-sales territory and competes for a share of national advertising budgets.
• Caxton & CTP Publishers: Large South African print and digital media group with local community newspapers and radio interests. Operates as a regional media-sales competitor for advertisers targeting South African markets.
• GroupM South Africa: WPP's media investment arm operating in South Africa. Buys radio airtime on behalf of major advertisers and competes with US for the agency/advertiser relationship layer.
• Dentsu South Africa: Global media agency network with South African operations. Competes for media planning and buying budgets that include radio and digital audio spend US is targeting.
• Havas Media South Africa: Global media agency with South African presence. Competes with US in the advertiser-facing media buying and planning layer, including radio and digital audio.

Emerging players

• Spotify: Global digital audio streaming platform with growing presence in South Africa. Competes with iono.fm for digital audio advertising budgets and listener attention targeting the same South African audiences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/US_Weloveradio
• Facebookfacebook.com/UnitedStations
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-stations-pty-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/united_stations

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Stations