Earning Advertisement in Austere Environment

[Scrapyard]

Hello all,
I'm current in Afghanistan helping to build the media capacity of local newspapers, radio and television stations. However, one of the issues is that there is no advertisement base in Afghanistan. Business owners rely on word-of-mouth rather than advertising as we understand it. The problem is in trying to build sustainable mass media in this type of environment.

This requires some outside-the-box thinking.

What are some methods to encourage business owners to advertise?

Likewise, if you know of any means for a media business to earn revenue aside from advertising, please share.

[Scrapyard]

Here's an example to help get this discussion started:
- Due to the nature of Howard Stern's radio content, he initially had trouble finding businesses willing to advertise during his show. However, Stern found a way to circumvent the issue. He would find a business he'd like and would advertise that business without payment or the knowledge of the business owner. After a few weeks, Stern would show up at the business and ask the owner if customers had increased. With a positive response, Stern would explain that he had been promoting the business and that he'd be glad to continue for a small bit of money otherwise he would stop. Of course, seeing the advantage, the business owner would agree to pay.