“Less talk” has become something of a go-to positioner for a lot of radio stations over the decades, amplified during the “PPM Era.” Yet, broadcast radio might be better served by having MORE conversations wiith an audience that seems to be saying less and spending more time apart from friends, family, and co-workers. Sure, technology should shoulder some of the blame but the real culpirts are alienation and isolation especially among younger consumers. How can radio break through this wall while building better connections at the same time? Here are my ideas.
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Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
Radio’s Missing Link(edIn)?
When it comes to social media, radio broadcasters have many tools in their utility belts. But one of the most overlooked is LinkedIn, a site that many are on but few can master. Today’s blog post talks about LinkedIn can work for any station that puts strategy behind it.
Read MorePlaying Radio’s “Big Game”
Are you a “gamer” or are you someone who wonders what all the fuss is about? In either case, the video gaming industry is larger than the film and music businesses – combined. And now, there’s an indication games can have therapeutic benefits that match meditation. In fact, “cozy games” can help people deal with their angst and stress levels. And that got me wondering whether radio stations couldn’t rethink their “deliverables” to help their audiences cope with the pressures of the day. 2025 is already shaping up to be a challenging year, and this might be a way to “meet the audience where they are mentally.”
Read MoreThe Quest(love) For Production Perfection
It’s been said that “perfect is the enemy of good.” But sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with seeking true perfection in our work, especially when it comes to the art of producing and editing video and audio. Late last month, we were treated to a great example of this when the trailer for “SNL’s” 50th anniversary music special was being promoted. Whether you’ve seen the video or not, today’s blog post gives you the story behind this amazing piece of production…that is, perfection.
Read MoreWho Loves Short-Shorts?
Any time we discuss the “ideal lengths” of content, whether it’s videos, podcasts, or on-air breaks, we’re dealing with a lot of opinion and subjectivity. But a look at content trends over the past decade or more tells us that in general, short is good. And shorter is better. Today’s #TBT blog post walks you through how content has evolved, and what that means to how we advise our talent to create better, and more mainstream radio.
Read MoreThe Digital Twins Of Audience Research
The gap between statistically driven research (quantitative) and focus groups (qualitative) has long been a point of debate among analysts who specialize in audience behavior and perceptions. And now, along comes AI and the promise it can inexpensively replace the traditional process with “synthetic respondents,” creating the research version of “digital twins.” But AI has a higher value and more reliable purpose when utilized strategically and sensibly.
Read MoreHow Radio Can Create Its Own “TUDUMS”
In yesterday’s post, we talked about how Netflix’s “TUDUM” initiative is helping to differentiate themselves from their many video streaming competitors. Radio can use some of these same techniques. And today’s post provides prescribed action steps successful stations can employ to create their own “TUDUM Tactics.”
Read MoreWhat’s Your Radio Station’s “TUDUM?”
The world of media and entertainment continues to get more crowded and competitive, forcing brands not to just excel this quarter but differentiate themselves with smart and savvy strategies and tactics. While radio broadcasters may be feeling the heat from digital distribution, the need for emphasizing the industry’s unique differences has never been greater. Even independently owned radio stations can learn a thing or two from major media behemoths, including Netflix, a brand leader that continues to innovate and blaze new trails. In a word, TUDUM!
Read MoreAppreciating What We Have (When Our Lives Aren’t In Jeopardy)
Media personalities often live conflicted lives – loved and adored, but also insecure and guarded. Today’s #TBT is about a “brush with fame” encounter I had back in 2018 with Jeopardy’s iconic host, Alex Trebek. At the time, Trebek was undergoing a life-shattering experience – a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis and an unprecedented outpouring of emotion from his fans. There are lessons here for media personalities, including those behind the mic on the radio. It’s about appreciating what you have, something we can all afford to experience.
Read MoreAI: Oh, The Humanity!
AI and humanity. If that sounds oxymoronic to you, you’re not alone. Many are concerned Artificial Intelligence will leave creativity, empathy, and warmth on the cutting room floor. But, in fact, most companies displaying their AI wares at CES this year went out of their way to explain the role humanity plays in this fast-moving technology. I’ve got it all packaged for you, along with an introduction to one of the most powerful execs at Spotify charged with “picking the hits.”
Read MoreApparently, You DO Need A Local Weatherman (Or Woman) To Know Which Way The Wind Blows
Want to get a good radio debate going? Just bring up the true value of “local” topic and watch the fun. But when it comes to local WEATHER, there is no debate. That’s because most people place great value on weather information that covers where they live and work. Recently a broadcaster heard that message loud and clear when they fired their entire team of 100 meteorologists across their group of television changes. They started a whole different type of storm. Radio can most definitely learn a lesson or two from this corporate debacle.
Read MoreHey Barrett Media, Isn’t HE The Best Program Director In America?
Programming a radio station has never been a simple task, made more challenging by today’s environment where staff and budgets are at a premium. Right now, Barrett Media is in the process of handing out awards to the best program directors in America, a worthy endeavor. Problem is, IMHO they have missed the best one. He’s the subject of today’s post.
Read MoreWhy Every CEO Needs A Solid Tech IQ
One of our CES tour attendees referred to the event like drinking out of a tech firehose, an apt description of the experience – especially for first-timers. As we continue to learn, it is an essential skill for CEOs in the media business to acquire a passable Tech IQ. The alternative could be dire, for both executives and their companies. Earlier this month, a long-time corporate chieftain lost his coveted job in a high-profile company because the release of their new app turned out to be a debacle. I’ll tell you that story and why a “continuing education” in technology for CEOs isn’t just a good idea. It’s a prerequisite.
Read MoreWhy Do Radio Commercials Have To Suck?
Broadcast radio is often criticized for its quantity of commercials, especially during the medium’s modern era where music stations almost universally only run two (long) stopsets per hour. But it’s the QUALITY of radio ads – especially locally – that have made radio more vulnerable to other ad platforms. At CES 2025, we saw AI models focused on producing quality commercials efficiently and effectively. Maybe the bots can help radio solve what has become a chronic problem and a glaring deficit.
Read MoreBroadcast Radio In 2025: A Word Cloud Or Word Salad?
How can broadcast radio best be described in 2025 – in just a single word? That was the challenge I issued here earlier this week, and hundreds of you answered the bell. The result is a word cloud – or word salad – that has to be seen to be believed. It depicts an industry in flux, and a study in contrasts by the current and former pros who submitted a response. What does it mean? Anything and everything.
Read MoreWhy Apple Loves Live Radio (More Than Many Radio Broadcasters Do)
What are the values that drive listening in today’s crowded audio environment? Is it about being live and/or local? Does music curation matter? What about breaking new music and discovering new artists? In 2025, many of the elements originally foundational for broadcast radio have been altered by the ravages of digital competition. Or have they? Apple Music is testing the boundaries, a radio experiment worth watching. It’s the topic for today’s blog post.
Read MoreIn A Word, RADIO
On this MLK Day holiday, a simple question for you. How would you describe the year ahead for radio in just one word? Click “READ MORE” and I’ll take it from here.
Read MoreRadio – In The Ear Of The Beholder
For long-time radio professionals, the skills necessary to be successful in broadcasting are generally agreed upon – the conventional wisdom of running a radio station or company. But what would happen if some bright young person came along and proceeded to turn radio as know it on its side? That’s what Steve Jobs did back in 1983 in a recently discovered video where he outlines a very different vision for radio. Forty or so years later, how can we learn from the genius behind Apple to reinvent a legacy medium in need of a new vision?
Read MoreIs It Time Your Radio Station Did A “Cameo?”
The power of celebrity has never been stronger, especially on social media where it is coveted. So-called brand influencers are cashing in on the trend. But there’s no substitute for true stardom, and that’s what Cameo is all about – putting celebrities to work to record customized, personalized greetings for fun and profit. And now anybody can join Cameo in their new “X” program – a chance for your station’s own stars to shine. Or not.
Read MoreMedia In 2025: Believe It Or Not!
Recently returning home from CES, I am well aware of technology’s ability to wow us and even blow our minds. But there are a lot of seemingly ordinary media stories that are just…unbelievable…but true. Check these out.
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