Everywhere you go online, there’s another meme – often expressed like “hipster Abe” shown above. Some people’s entire social media feeds are comprised of one meme after another, a device used to answer questions, make statements, and express an attitude or a point of view.
Most of the memes I see online, whether captioned photos or animated GIFs don’t have much to do with radio. Usually, they’re attitudinal, humorous, or just pop culture oriented. So, when Mike Stern reached out the other day with a meme taken from the new Disney+ series, “Mandalorian” that was a true radio moment, it grabbed my attention.
The scene is a relatable one, featuring the “adorb” Baby Yoda and Mando battling over the radio in deep space. The event took flight on social media as consumers flocked to drop in favorite songs, absurd tunes, and all sorts of audio:
On a prayer we’re living. pic.twitter.com/6QqArXyh6b
— Baby Yoda (@BabyYodaBaby) December 6, 2019
Nerdist calls it “the best meme in the galaxy.” From a radio standpoint, it doesn’t get much better. The meme can be used with any song in any language.
But it can also be used with any radio station or any radio show. And the result is just as great – if not better.
FYI: the Go Radio stream works in hyperspace https://t.co/kg9dJrVSy7 pic.twitter.com/a1ZsRd2wvV
— Go 96.3 (@Go963MN) December 5, 2019
This Baby Yoda meme is a reminder that pop culture references – in this case, a hot new streaming video platform, a popular new “Star Wars” spin-off, and a video meme that can be posted and shared by infinite numbers of web users – is well worth connecting with your brand. It signals that you’re in the moment, pop culture savvy, and you have a sense of humor.
Sometimes, radio gets locked into tradition and convention, rather than looking for new ways to image and brand a station or a show.
The social web allows for viral sharing – and no shortage of nonsense.
And as Seth Resler reminds us, “In space, no one can hear you stream.”
Warning: As you know, I’m not a lawyer, so use these images and others at your own risk. Or better yet, let your station’s/company’s legal department have a 
look before you hit “submit.”
Second warning: You might want to pre-order a few Baby Yoda Plush Toys from the Disney Store in time for the holidays. Available for about $25 here.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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If only it were legal to but our stations audio in the scene!! It’s not…..:(
🙂
The jams, kicked out, they must!
I love it – a connected vehicle that speaks Yoda-ese! Move over, Alexa and Siri.
Not to burst your bubble, Fred, but I’m afraid Baby Yoda is listening to something other than radio–specifically, some sort of on-demand audio. Notice the song doesn’t “continue” while it’s off, but rather picks up exactly where it left off. (I know, how big of a nerd am I to even notice that?) Sorry, I am.
Dave, you were obviously not paying attention. Baby Yoda & Mandy are in a “connected” Mandalorian Cruiser with the ability to pause inter-galactic radio broadcasts.
Bad, my!
Great meme! Our radio station used it to show off our new streaming service to our listeners!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5xRuAsHzlu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link