Discover how Gun Owners Radio transformed from a regional AM broadcast into a nationally recognized digital media force for the 2A community. This case study breaks down how we shifted to a podcast-first model, grew monthly reach from 55,000 to over 250,000 across YouTube, Rumble, Instagram, Facebook, and X, and launched high-impact events with top names in self-defense and firearms advocacy. See how 1791 Group helped build the brand, grow the audience, and turn listeners into loyal supporters.
Services Provided:
Strategic Marketing Leadership, Content Development, Audience Growth Strategy, Event Development and Promotion, Sponsorship Monetization
The Challenge
For years, Gun Owners Radio aired on AM radio in Southern California — reaching a loyal but geographically limited audience.
While the show had strong grassroots support, it faced serious growth barriers:
- Audience reach was capped by the limits of traditional radio.
- Revenue streams were inconsistent, with few systems to nurture sponsors or listeners long-term.
- No scalable marketing engine existed to drive national visibility or recurring revenue.
Gun Owners Radio needed a full strategic pivot — from a regional radio show to a nationally recognized digital-first platform — without losing its authenticity or grassroots credibility.
The 1791 Group Solution
As Fractional CMO and executive producer, we led Gun Owners Radio through a full-scale transformation:
- Platform Shift:
- Transitioned the brand from AM radio to a 100% podcast-first model in October 2024, opening scalable, on-demand global reach.
- Audience Growth Acceleration:
- Doubled YouTube subscribers from 5K to over 10K within months post-transition.
- Exploded monthly audience reach from 55,000 to over 250,000 in just six months — a 350%+ increase.
- Premium Membership Launch:
- Built and promoted the Pew Pew Crew YouTube membership program, creating recurring monthly revenue directly from listeners.
- High-Impact Event Leadership:
- Organized and promoted major events under the Gun Owners Radio brand to deepen engagement and authority:
- Gun Owners Symposium — bringing together top advocates, trainers, and brands.
- ‘Plot Against the President’ Movie Showing — a sold-out, politically-charged community event.
- Cover Your ASP Week with John Correia — a full week of live training and media with a top 2A influencer.
- MAStering Self Defense with Massad Ayoob — an elite self-defense and legal training event.
- Sponsorship Monetization System:
- Built the Pew Pew Partner program to attract emerging 2A brands.
- Created formalized sponsorship integration models to deliver measurable returns for partners.
- Backend Systems Implementation:
- Installed CRM, membership workflows, sponsor pipelines, and email marketing automations to professionalize operations.
Results
- Over 10,000 YouTube subscribers reached — top 5% of all channels globally.
- Monthly reach grew from 55,000 to over 250,000 — in six months.
- Direct membership revenue launched and growing.
- Major event partnerships secured, building brand authority and credibility.
- Predictable marketing and sponsorship systems established for sustainable scaling.
Key Takeaway
Freedom-loving brands can’t afford to play small anymore.
At 1791 Group, we led Gun Owners Radio evolvolution from a regional AM broadcast to a nationally recognized media platform for the 2A community — without compromising its values.
If your brand stands for freedom, we’ll help you stand out — and win.