There are a lot of things about 2020 that have been a mystery. In fact, it’s been a year that for most of us, little has gone as planned. Whether it’s our personal lives, our careers, or our families, pretty much everything has been a bizarre house of mirrors.
At Jacobs Media this year, we’ve tried to use research to measure and track the mindset of the audience, and their changing media habits. But as telling as these studies have been, they are merely snapshots of moments in time. I’m not convinced many people even know precisely how they’re feeling and how that will impact decisions they’ll make, whether it’s about politics, travel, or holiday shopping. In a roller coaster year, we’ve done our best to summarize some of these key points in time.
All this uncertainty reminds me of that meme that’s gone around social media for much of this year. I’m sure you’ve seen it, but it’s a stark reminder that planning will only get you so far.
We certainly didn’t picture ourselves here, that’s for sure.
Over this holiday weekend, we’re going to see lot of scenes from crowded airports, suggesting that things may be getting back to normal. But they’re not. And while there will be throngs of people visiting family members, large Thanksgiving celebrations will most likely be subdued. The virus has picked an especially cruel time for its next wave. For many of us, smaller, closer to home gatherings are in the cards this year.
And while that’s not exactly what we planned for, perhaps we won’t perfunctorily go through the motions again next year. That’s not to say that during past Thanskgiving feasts we haven’t been genuinely grateful. But for many people – myself included – it’s often a few thankful words, a headlong dive into the food, and watching another crushing Detroit Lions loss at Ford Field.
But not this year. This time, we might actually pause to take a look inside ourselves, at those celebrating with us, and those who are elsewhere, visible only on a Zoom screen. The rituals, the people, the little things we always have taken for granted are more precious now. Sadly, it may have taken a pandemic for us to realize it.
As difficult as this year has been, fighting through COVID, working from home, home schooling, layoffs, furloughs, and the attendant economic crisis, we all have many other people to be thankful for. Truly, health care workers have been in the forefront. But there are also all those essential workers – grocery store and pharmacy employees, postal office workers, police and firefighters, military personnel, and (in my case) baristas – the list goes on. Many of these folks never thought they’d be thrust into these positions where they had to work and also put their health (and their families) at risk.
And at radio stations throughout America (and the world), broadcasters on and off the air have had to play through an especially challenging period. Many have done some of their best work under the worst of conditions.
Personally, I am thankful for all of you – the people we work with and for, my staff in both companies – Jacobs Media and jacapps – who have performed admirably throughout 2020, 
and of course, all of you who read this blog, cheer it on or chide me when I veer off-course or just piss you off.
In some ways, it has been more challenging to write these posts while this pandemic literally sucks the oxygen out of other topics we used to think were important. But judging by your comments and your feedback, I am also sensing many of you are more engaged than ever before.
For me, it has been an important ritual during a time when structure has never been more important. Things may have changed in a big way this year, but on weekdays at 6:10 am when this blog publishes, there had better be something new for you to read.
As I have firmly believed since all hell broke lose 10 months ago, we will emerge from this. And we will look back at this year – and even this Thanksgiving – as a marker in time.
Over the course of these long months, lots of different song lyrics have ricocheted in my head – but none more frequent than Kelly Clarkson’s stark reminder:
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
I find myself uttering them, often under my breath, more and more these days. Eerily and sadly, perhaps, those words ring truer today than when she wrote them a decade ago.
As painful as this time has been for so many, it hopefully will make us more sensitive to and aware of those around us, and those we serve – our audience, our advertisers, our communities.
And hopefully, we’ll also feel that sense of gratitude and appreciation for our families, our friends, and those in our orbits.
And yes, more thankful.
Have a wonderful, peaceful, and safe holiday weekend. JacoBLOG will be back on Monday with a new post – no leftovers 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.
- The Forecast For Radio: “Make A New Plan, Stan” - November 15, 2024
- What Advice Would You Give To Your Young Radio Self? - November 14, 2024
- When Your Radio Station Becomes A Greatest Hits Album - November 13, 2024
And many thanks to you, Fred, for the daily blog that encourages us all toward mindfullness about our world.
Appreciate you reading it, John, and being a regular commenter. Happy holidays to you & yours.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family, Fred.
And sorry, in advance, for the Lions loss.
Thanks, JC – right back at you. And the Lions loss is already baked into my mindset. It will not ruin an otherwise nice holiday. 🙂
Your early energy and insight consistently inspire me, Fred. You help get my head in the game even on days when the coffee won’t. -Ed Kelly
I truly appreciate that, Ed. Happy holidays to you & yours.
An absolute “must” each morning Fred. Thank you for everything you do for the industry and the people in it. It’s very tough times and I hope you are right – I hope we will look back on this (soon) and say, “Remember that. We made it through it.” Will radio recover and re-hire the talent that is on the beach? Will radio companies see bankruptcy soon? Still lots of news to come and we will hear it all and your opinion here…….thank you for it. Have a nice Thanksgiving. Good luck Lions.
Don, appreciate all these thoughts. As for the Lions, they’re on their own! Happy holidays to you & your family.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Jacobs Media family. Appreciate your blogs and all the good you all do for our business.
Thanks so much, Mike. All the best to you, your team, & your families. Stay safe.
Those of us in public radio are thankful for your wisdom and practical advice during the past year. I am personally thankful for your best wishes as I cope with life’s changes. I will resurface in 2021.
We’re all coping, Ken. It been a tough year for public radio on so many fronts. Let’s hope for a renewal as we head into the new year. Stay safe!
A broken limb is always stronger, where reset, at the point of the break. We’re launching a new product category to radio in 2021, that would have never materialized without the interruption called Covid. There’s always a silver lining and I love yours. You guys do terrific work. Lots to be thankful for tomorrow guys……. cept that 1:00 game. Happy Thanksgiving anyway!
They should start calling it the “lame game.” And looking forward to seeing what’s next in 2021. You are right that when one door closes, another opens. All the best, Jimmy.
Fred, I look forward to your blog daily, and always learn something, or I’m inspired. Inspiration in these times is obviously difficult, but you seem to have the touch! Happy Thanksgiving and God bless.
Appreciate that, Charlie. I hope you & your family enjoy a memorable & safe holiday.
Thanks always- and best to you and yours for the holidays and the days ahead
Back at you, Tom. Best to Vicky & the Coast team!
I’ll add my comments to those above, thanking you for your dedication to our beloved craft, while also giving us something “normal” in our otherwise very abnormal lives this year. (Hey, enjoy it, you probably don’t hear your name and the word “normal” together too often!) As for the Lions, hang in there, Fred, there’s always next Thanksgiving! Joy and blessings to you and yours.
I most appreciate the thought, Dave, and will be sure to share with my wife! All good things to you & your family.