Fred Jacobs
president

Fred has emerged over the past two decades as one of radio’s leading visionaries. He founded Jacobs Media in 1983, when he had the notion that Album Rock could be fragmented by the creation of the Classic Rock format. Today, Classic Rock stands out as the most successful radio format in the last 20 years.

Prior to launching the company, Fred spent the majority of his time designing and managing research projects as the Director of Research for the Radio and Publishing divisions for Frank N. Magid Associates, a leading research and consulting firm. Later, Fred became Director of Radio Research for the ABC-FM Owned and Operated Radio Stations. From there, Fred gravitated to the station side, becoming program director for legendary WRIF-FM in Detroit, before forming Jacobs Media.

Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults Jacobs Media’s major market Classic, Mainstream, and Active Rock clients, while having input in every client relationship.

Fred has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University.

Paul Jacobs
general manager

Paul is the "suit" in the company, rising up through the sales ranks to become a General Manager of a major market radio station at age 28. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1976 with a BA in Advertising, Paul immediately went to work selling radio for WNIC-FM in Detroit, where he realized one could actually make money selling air.

After a brief stint working for the William A. Robinson marketing services agency in Chicago, where he created campaigns for Philip Morris and Seagram's, Paul struck gold when he was hired as an Account Executive at WRIF-FM in Detroit. This experience launched his sales management career, and four years later, he became the General Sales Manager for KZEW-FM in Dallas, and ultimately, the General Manager for KHYI-FM, also in Dallas. He was lured home to run WDFX-FM in Detroit, before joining Jacobs Media as its General Manager in 1991.

Along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of Jacobs Media, Paul’s main contribution has been the addition of sales consulting services. As an expert in all Rock formats, Paul has made Jacobs Media clients’ untold amounts of money by aiding them in their understanding of how to sell, market, and position their formats via sales training seminars. He has conducted hundreds of client presentations on behalf of Jacobs Media clients, and has aided the Ford Motor Company and Procter & Gamble in improving their understanding of the youth market. Paul is a true "format champion" – someone who believes in the power of branding, and developing radio’s inherent assets.

Bill Jacobs
consultant

For nearly two decades, Bill has quietly become one of Rock radio’s most respected radio programming professionals. He emerged from Michigan State University with a Master’s degree in Telecommunications, and then became a Research Analyst for the USA Television Network. He later joined Eastman Radio in a similar capacity.

Bill was lured back to radio and joined Jacobs Media as a consultant in 1987. Since then, he has designed the programming for countless radio stations, has contributed to the company’s most impactful radio promotions, and most importantly, has become an expert in the specific needs and challenges facing small and medium market radio stations.

Tim Davis
director of digital

Tim has been with Jacobs Media for more than a decade. During that time, he has evolved from a programming consultant to the company’s Digital specialist. Tim is a unique talent, by virtue of his radio programming expertise, a background in graphic design, and his superior skills with the Internet and all things technical.

He works with Jacobs Media client’s on site design, Web content and strategy, Web promotions, and database and viral marketing. Tim is also the designer and manager of jacobsmedia.com, so you can judge his work for yourself.

He’s a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M with a BS in Journalism. Prior to joining Jacobs Media, Tim programmed KTBZ in Houston and other radio stations in Texas, as well as working as a graphic designer/art director for several ad agencies.

In addition to his Web site accomplishments, Tim is a respected resource in the public radio community, working with stations to better develop their digital initiatives.

He has also been a major player in Jacobs Media’s research reputation, contributing to design, implementation, and analysis of projects.

Ralph Cipolla
consultant

After a decade of success programming Detroit Classic Rocker WCSX, Ralph now shares his broad experience with our Classic and Active Rock clients. A native of Buffalo, Ralph has also programmed WIOI and WFYV in Jacksonville, as well as WUFX in his hometown.

Ralph is an expert in music scheduling, having worked as a Senior Consultant for RCS. He is highly conversant on both Selector and MusicMaster, and is frequently cited as an innovator in the music scheduling world. Additionally, Ralph has developed key analytical software for Jacobs Media, including the M.A.P. (Music Analysis Program) program, as well as the SmartHook and SmartSort suite of programs. Ralph is one of those rare “left brain + right brain” individuals, combining creativity and innovation with analysis and strategy.

He is also one of the industry's most innovative programmers. WCSX was one of the first stations in the country to execute the Workforce promotion, and Ralph was instrumental in developing unique additions to the basic concept. He is also a leader in database marketing.

Keith Cunningham
morning show & talent development specialist/consultant.

While an accomplished programmer and manager, Keith came to us as an experienced programming consultant. He ran his own firm – Media Positioning – which consulted Rock, Alternative, and AAA stations, as well as non-radio clients. Prior to that, Keith was Operations Manager and Director of Programming for the Clear Channel cluster in San Jose.

Keith’s key strength is developing and growing morning/personality shows. With the departure of Howard Stern and other mega-talent from the terrestrial airwaves, and the need for stations to grow local, proprietary personalities, his expertise in this area was a big reason why he appealed to us. Since joining the company, Keith has worked hands-on with a variety of morning and personality shows.  Keith also consults many of our Alternative and Active Rock Clients.

Keith is based in Los Angeles.