We love to have the generations debate where we argue about which demographic block has the edge, is more innovative, or simply lucked out. Whenver we have this discussion, it seems the one group that is invariably left out is Generation X. Time after time, they’re overlooked, ignored, or simply not given the credit for what they’ve accomplished. And now, it appears that technology – including AI – may be leaving them behind…again.
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Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
The Hazards Of Duke
Wouldn’t it be great to have a logo for your brand that millions want to buy and proudly wear? That is, until it ends up on the shirt of a less-than-desirable citizen who just might make your precious brand look bad? It recently happened on a popular TV show to one of America’s great universities. And be careful—it could happen to your radio station brand, too.
Read MoreSimply Unpredictable
In radio, we’re always predicting: formats, morning shows, song hits, ratings. But as we learn every year during the NFL Draft, no one really gets it right all the time. It’s our overconfidence—or hubris—that often fogs our decision-making process. So, let’s put your predictive powers to work. Today’s #TBT blog post tries very hard to get it right. Or wrong.
Read MoreFlush ‘Em Or Fix ‘Em? What Should Radio Do About Its Aging Brands?
Over the past week, the two big stories in radio have been the NAB and the Trump Tariffs. But a major format change in the Twin Cities has sparked lots of conversations, and today, I joined the fray.
Read MoreRadio: It’s Time To Stop Playing Small Ball
There is no bigger radio conference in the world than the NAB convention, happening this week in Las Vegas. What are broadcasters talking about? Where are the speed bumps? Where are the solutions? It all starts with conversations. And let’s hope radio is thinking BIG and talking about the right stuff.
Read MoreWhy AM/FM Radio Will Never Die
It’s NAB week for broadcasters, the annual industry gathering in Las Vegas. And it is coinciding with economic uncertainty, highlighted by plummeting stock prices and much hand-wringing. This isn’t the first time radio’s signature conference happened concurrently with an economic meltdown. If you remember the Radio Show in Austin in 2008, this year could be déjà vu all over again. And you know what? We got through that one, too. Here’s the story.
Read MoreCan Radio Win “The Last Touch/First Touch Challenge?”
The battle for dashboard primacy just got more heated. That new Quu report has a key takeaway—the “last touch/first touch challenge” in cars should generate strategic conversations in every radio company, big and small. Today’s blog post breaks it all down, and leaves you with some important action items. I hope you’ll take some time today or over the weekend to read it over and give it a think.
Read MoreHow Will Radio Fare In The Battle For The Fourth Screen?
You know the phrase, “the more things change, the more they stay the same?” When you read today’s #TBT post from 2019, you may get that feeling. In reality, a lot has changed in the dashboard of cars as radio scrambles to remain relevant—and visible—in the next generation of cars and trucks.
Read MoreLike A Pair Of Old Jeans
What can radio broadcasters learn about strategic marketing from companies that make blue jeans and sell shoes? You might be surprised about the through-line connecting some of the best examples of serving audiences and growing brands.
Read MoreWhat’s Fair Is Fair
The world is a competitive place, whether you’re one of the four still standing in March Madness, trying to get your hands on one of those New York Yankee “torpedo bats,” or you’re trying to navigate your station or your company through these “tariff terrors.” Sometimes, life is just unfair. But here are some ideas about how to put it in perspective.
Read MoreWhat’s On Your Bucket List?
Are you one of those people who keeps a “bucket list” of all the things you want to do before you die? According to Stanford University’s School of Medicine, 90% of us have one. And now, rock n’ roll’s biggest hype artist is launching a “bucket list” promotion where fans are being asked to pay thousands of dollars for the privilege of being his roadie for a day. Who is he and why does he matter to experiential marketing mavens? And could your radio station pull off something similar?
Read More“Honey, would you please talk to Alexa?”
Since the advent of smart speakers, radio broadcasters have seen an opportunity to promote these devices as ways to listen to their stations at home and at work. But now, Amazon is changing their Alexa business model and it has implications on everyone in radio. Today’s blog post has the story about the transformation of Alexa and what it may mean to your station.
Read MoreOn The Radio, It’s Always 5 O’Clock Somewhere
As we love to say on the radio, “Welcome to the weekend.” And if I know my readership, a number of you will be enjoying an adult beverage before too long. In fact, it may be one of those cool craft beverages. And the creativity of this hot category now extends to radio, and a beer named after our favorite platform – FM radio. Remember, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
Read MoreRadio: Still King Of The Car?
Yesterday’s post about Apple CarPlay triggered questions about the impact of technology on in-car AM/FM listening levels. I’ve got new Techsurvey 2025 data that may make you think twice about the research you see. I also have thoughts on what broadcasters can do to control their fate in the car. Just click “READ MORE.”
Read MoreThe (Apple Car)Play’s The Thing
Radio people know the continuing story of the car dashboard has had a major impact on the way consumers listen to radio in the #1 listening location. But dashboards have gotten exponentially more complicated in the last decade, often confusing and frustrating drivers. General Motors has been the car company that has pushed the envelope hardest. And now a controversy revolving around Apple CarPlay threatens to complicate an already confusing listening environment. We’ve got this important study for you in today’s blog post.
Read MoreRadio And The Power Of First-Party Data
By now, we know the real truth – designing and creating successful digital content is hard, and the fail rate is high. But as our Techsurveys continue to show, there is one digital piece that is simpler, less expensive, and doesn’t require teams of employees: online newsletters. Today’s post shows not only why they’re already highly appealing to your audience but their extra-added bonus: first party data in the form of email addresses, a valuable asset for any radio brand. Let me walk you through it. Just click READ MORE.
Read MoreThe Incredible Shrinking Radio Business
Experience tells us there are fewer radio jobs here in America today than there were when we all got in the business. But what are the real numbers, and what do they say about the radio industry’s ability to survive and thrive? That’s the quest for today’s blog. And it tells some interesting stories about where we’ve been and where we may be headed – especially if you’re making your living on the air. We’re talkin’ this one up to the post.
Read MoreWhat’s The ONE Thing?
Today, radio PDs have unprecedented pressure. They often wear multiple hats, and most have little in the way of support staffs. Budgets are tight – or maybe nonexistent. PDs often put in long days, and may wonder when they head home, what they actually accomplished that day. So, the ideas is to focus on accomplishing just ONE thing that improves the station every day. In this #TBT post, I put together a healthy list, but I bet many of you can easily add to it. What’s the ONE thing you can do that would make your station better today?
Read MoreThere’s No Place Like (At) Home
Don’t you love it when new research studies debunk our longstanding conventional wisdom? I just found a study that shows that despite our desire to get out of the house post-COVID, most Americans are spending more time at home – by themselves. For the radio broadcasting industry trying to find its footing in an unsettling new year, following the audience – the gadgets they own and the platforms they use – might be a strategic way to gain that competitive edge back. Click “READ MORE” to follow my logic.
Read MoreRadio’s Personality Dilemma
I’ve been especially vocal this year about the premium value of personalities to broadcast radio, particularly when new RIFs are announced. But now we’re seeing proof that talent trumps playlists. In fact, brand new data from our soon-to-be-released Techsurvey 2025 shows the audience is onto recent talent cuts.
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