ARLINGTON, Va.-An `audio news release' that NAFCU put out at the height of the holiday season has reaped great returns. The 60-second spot was aired on 649 individual radio stations, according to NAFCU Vice President of Communications Jay Morris. It also was sent out to cable radio stations with a potential of reaching 11 million households and over XM satellite radio, which boasts 1.6 million subscribers. The stations range in major metropolitan areas nationwide, Morris said. When asked if the campaign was considered a success at this point, he responded, "Yes, because the company we worked with said 400 was a typical placement and we got 649." NAFCU worked with Medialink, a global leader in news and media services, according to its Web site. Morris explained that NAFCU had strategically timed the release for the end of the year at the holidays and when people may be considering their budgets for the coming year. Additionally, the Federal Open Market Committee had just announced a rate increase. The true test will be whether it can help boost credit union lending and increase credit unions' shriveling membership growth, NAFCU Communications Manager John Zimmerman stated previously.