Yesterday’s post, “Radio, This Is Us,” made the case that broadcasters need to focus on radio’s definable differences. And in today’s conclusion, the puzzle is solved – but it’s no easy fix. Hit READ MORE and let’s get this going.
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Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
Radio, This Is Us
The world’s biggest tech companies make headlines every day, innovating new ideas, debuting new products, and trying to stay ahead of the curve – and each other. Meantime, most of the biggest broadcast radio companies find the going only getting rougher, especially when they’re competing against what media maven, Evan Shapiro, calls the “Trillion Dollar Death Stars” – Apple, Meta, Amazon, Google, and the others. In this highly charged. rapidly developing media market, where does broadcast radio fit in? Welcome to Monday morning. Let’s jump in.
Read MoreIn Praise Of Radio’s Night Owls
A few weeks ago, a post about the upsides of being an early bird hit home for many of you. But a certain radio night owl pushed back, writing a clever and compelling comment. And so to end the week, I handed him the JacoBLOG keyboard. Today’s post is his rebuttal – an ode to those who hit “snooze,” pull the covers over their heads, and go back to sawing logs. It turns out radio needs those late risers to balance off our morning hosts and others who get their motors running at the crack of dawn. So, which one are YOU?
Read MoreI Love Calgary (and Milwaukee and Tulsa and Rochester)
Does “local” really matter in broadcast radio today? Or has the need for economy of scale overshadowed whatever value being connected to a place once had? Today’s #TBT post goes back nine years to a different American radio. But the theme is very much relevant and resonant. Those who end up surviving…and thriving — in broadcast radio will most likely be the ones that are committed to their communities and what makes them special. After all, that’s precisely how radio lived to fight another day in the 1950s up against the tsunami of television. As for the Internet and AI, conditions on the ground aren’t all that different. Let’s discuss. Just hit “READ MORE.”
Read MoreVinyl: What A Long Strange Trip It’s Been
In media circles, perhaps the biggest comeback we’ve ever witnesses has been the resurrection of the vinyl record. Its rise from the ashes these past 20 or so years has been breathtaking. How can we explain vinyl’s amazing rebound, and does have any implications for radio’s ability to bounce back in the years ahead? Click “READ MORE” and let’s talk about it.
Read MoreWhy Spotify Keeps Trying To Get “Radio” Right
We all know the story about “The Space Race” back in the go-go 1960’s when the U.S. and Russial were in a drag race to put a man on the moon. With perhaps not quite as much investment, the big tech companies have had a “moon shot” project of their own over the past decade: how to make better radio than RADIO. The latest effort is DJ X on Spotify. And it’s an amazing story that tells us more about the power and potential of radio than we think we know.
Read MoreThe Politics Of Radio – 2024
THe political season is officially upon us as the Presidential race is now set. Whether you like the choices, the hope is this year, radio is able to up its game – and political campaign ad spend. I’ve got some great support material that suggests 2024 could end up being a strong one. Here’s why:
Read MoreIf Your Taste In Music Sucks, It Could Be Your Parents’ Fault
When it comes to music discovery, more and more research indicates a key variable is your parents. And you may be surprised to learn about the tastes of these parental influencers – especially the moms. This phenomenon helps to explain some of the demographic anomalies we see in Nielsen ratings. The music you love doesn’t necessarily match the songs, artists, and albums that came out when you were a teen. Oftentimes, it’s the music that was on in the house or the car has the most sticking power. Welcome to #TBT.
Read MoreRadio’s Random Acts Of Content
We haven’t yet reached the Ides of March in 2024, and already we’re seeing tough financial times for a number of prominent public radio organizations, plagued by red ink and resultant layoffs. Today’s JacoBLOG post takes a hard look at how the source of these job cuts tells an important story about radio’s digital content strategy – or the lack of it. It’s an examination of the state of play in broadcast radio’s efforts to be competitive in an overcrowded digital arena. As many are learning, “If you build it, they will come” does not mean we can pay for it.
Read MoreHow Bad Can It Get For Radio?
Sunday night ushers in the 96th Academy Awards show, a television event that’s on dangerous footing, alongside the embattled industry it represents. And yet, the motion picture business has somehow managed to survive, even up against the rise of television, video streaming, and platforms like YouTube. The question is whether it can muster the creativity and innonvation necessary for continued greatness. If all of this sounds strangely familiar, it is no coincidence. Radio broadcasters might be wise to pay close attention to how the movie biz navigates today’s troubled waters. Those golden Oscar statuettes are similar to those glass Marconis, a symbol of past greatness. Let’s watch the exciting climax together. Hang onto that popcorn.
Read MoreWho Has The Best Voice: A Man Or A Woman?
Smart speakers – gadgets powered by our increasing use of voice commands – are becoming more ubiquitous. But have you ever wondered why virtually every one of these computerized voice assistants is anchored by a female voice? The biggest tech companies aren’t making these decision by random chance. There are reasons why female voices rule in consumer electronics, and why everyone in radio should be paying attention. Today’s post is a look back at the past five years for women on the airwaves. But we might also want to think of it as a jumping off point to a future where women have as viable a chance as men for excelling in the air studio. Click “Read More” to see what’s up….and what isn’t.
Read MoreRadio’s Teenage Wasteland
I’m back from a unique event and I want to share it with you in today’s post. It was a unique research study among generations, including those enigmatic Gen Zs. The research was imaginative and pressive. And it begs the question of what is taking the radio industry so long to connect the demographic dots?
Read MoreWhat Radio Listeners Think About Stations Using AI
Newly released Techsurvey 2024 data “tests” how core radio listeners might accept – or reject – various uses of AI on the air. While this type of “What if?” research is far from perfect, it helps us better understand how real listeners feel about this cutting-edge technology. And it’s a reminder radio broadcasters need to consider the audience first – not how much money they might save or the economy of scale they might achieve. Let’s take a look.
Read MoreThe Audience Weighs In On AI
I’m excited to share some first-look data from Techsurvey 2024 about AI – from the audience’s point of view. What are their concerns and fears? And are they actually making use of this technology at work, in school, and in their personal lives? And to make the data more useful, today’s blog post breaks it down by format, so whether you’re at a News/Talk, Hot AC, Classic Rock, or Alternative station, you’ll know just where your audience stands. Click “READ MORE” for other insights about AI and radio from our Town Meeting at CRS last week.
Read MoreIt’s The DATA, Stupid!
Fridays are supposed to be casual. But today, I’ve gone and done it – nerded out on data, revenue, monetization, and marketing (not necessarily in that order). So, apologies in advance for going a bit wonky on you, but I tried to explain it to you like I’d explain it to myself. Changing ad models are something we started to see this year at CES 2024. If you think that’s strange for a technology show, think again. The confluence of media, technology, data, and innovation are just powering up. With a little help from our friend, AI, entire business ecosystems are in flux. We’re going to need to be ready for it. Read more below.
Read More10 Reasons Why Being An Early Riser Is Good For You (And Your Career)
Yes, I roll out of bed pretty early to write and/or edit this blog. And that got me thinking about the benefits of being an early riser. I’ve come up with 10 reasons why getting up at the crack of dawn can make you happier, healthier, and even more productive. Good morning!
Read MoreThe Choices We Make
There’s a fine line between success and failure in radio – and in life. Already in 2024, major brands have had tough calls to make, often following epic fails or shoddy planning. It may be cold comfort, but even the biggest companies make mega-mistakes. Yesterday, Apple made the call to shelve its long-anticipated electric/autonomous car. Where will they focus their efforts moving forward? Click “Read More” and let’s take a look.
Read MoreWhat Radio Can Learn From Big Brands That Copy Radio Promotions
Radio contests and giveaways are as old as the Top 40 format, jingles, and cart machines. But many radio stations find themselves headed into the spring book with little-to-no promotional dollars available. Not to worry – some major brands obviously inspired by radio contests of old are showing us how it’s done in 2024. Today’s blog post has three sure-fire promotions for you to check out that will cost as little as what’s sitting around in the station’s coffee fund. Just hit “Read More.”
Read MoreCould U.S. Radio Benefit From A “European Broadcast Union?”
By now, you are no doubt up to date about the bill in front of Congress to mandate AM radios as standard equipment in cars made in the U.S. This effort came as the result of a rare moment of collaboration between U.S. broadcasters of all stripes. But last week, we got news that a similar sense of unity is taking place in the form of a new initiative from the European Broadcasting Union, headed up by an FOJ (Friend of Jacobs). To read what’s going on “across the pond” and its relevance to American radio, just click “Read More” and let’s get the new week off to a running start.
Read MoreHey Radio, We Just Got A Farm Team In Pittsburgh!
A common theme in this blog the past many years has revolved around the lack of any viable Gen Z strategy for broadcast radio. In fact, many C-suiters don’t even acknowledge the aging radio platform as the existential problem that it is. But in today’s post, I’ve got exciting news coming from two very different places: Christian music radio and a famous commercial radio News/Talk station. Both are breaking ground – and maybe some china – as they both boldly go where few broadcasters in 2024 dare to go.
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