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Mike Stern has programmed lots of great radio stations in small markets and Top 5 metros alike.  No matter where you go, super fans – or as they are often called, “contest pigs” – are always part of the package.  In today’s guest post, Mike takes a look at how one consumer product has approached […]

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An ongoing trend in social media is the realization that the free ride is, in fact, over.  Maybe it never truly existed, but like many things free, it felt pretty good for a while. Facebook, and then Twitter, convinced brands (or did brands convince themselves?) that for absolutely zero investment, they could build pages that […]

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Last week, Dave Martin fired off a tweet featuring a cartoon created by the brilliant marketer, Tom Fishburne.  It depicts a corporate meeting that has the ring of truth for some of you who work for companies going through the difficult transition that has impacted the world of media over the last decade. The “low hanging fruit […]

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Last week, I was reminded by Don Anthony that Steve Dahl’s famous “Disco Demolition” at Comiskey Park (in an aborted doubleheader with my Detroit Tigers) was celebrating its 35th anniversary. When you look back at this bombastic event, it doesn’t feel dated.  More to the point, it begs the question of why these over the […]

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Now I’m not sure if a broadcast or cable TV network executive ever actually uttered the words, “Netflix is not television.” But I’ll bet a lot of them thought about it these past couple years, since House of Cards and then Orange Is The New Black became mega TV hits from Netflix.  (House of Cards’ Kevin Spacey […]

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The story of how Tamara Keith ended up at NPR is an inspiring one that was covered in both Scott Simon’s blog and on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday earlier this month.  She was 15 years-old when she wrote that first letter to NPR host Scott Simon. I hope you take three minutes at the start of a […]

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Earlier this week, my email box blew up with notifications from friends and clients about a new research study about the Classic Rock format.  But this one wasn’t put together by an analyst like Philippe Generali, Charlie Sislen, Nielsen, Mediabase, or one of the radio trade publications. It came from FiveThirtyEight.com and it sure got my attention. […]

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True story: More than a decade ago, I’m on the phone with a Classic Rock PD who was quite exuberant about his spring book. That’s because his station finished in the Top 5 25-54, triggering a ratings bonus. A week later we’re on the phone, and I ask him how he’s spent the aforementioned bonus. And he sadly […]

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Today marks the sixth anniversary of the opening of a store that has changed the world.  No, it’s not a brick and mortar operation and you won’t find it on your GPS. But the Apple App Store has changed our world in just a few short years, so let’s get out the candles and consider our […]

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Today marks the sixth anniversary of the opening of a store that has changed the world.  No, it’s not a brick and mortar operation and you won’t find it on your GPS. But the Apple App Store has changed our world in just a few short years, so let’s get out the candles and consider our […]

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When did the National Enquirer break into radio?  Or maybe we’re talking about your typical local TV news tease. But these days, it seems like everyone’s jumping on the “connected car” bandwagon with their own version of “expert advice” and hype about what you should do about radio’s relationship with the car. My two compadres in media […]

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When did the National Enquirer break into radio?  Or maybe we’re talking about your typical local TV news tease. But these days, it seems like everyone’s jumping on the “connected car” bandwagon with their own version of “expert advice” and hype about what you should do about radio’s relationship with the car. My two compadres in media […]

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Technology – combined with trust – is creating an entirely new transactional model and cultural mindset:  sharing.  And it’s growing fast. You no doubt have heard of many startups that are based on the concept of sharing – using resources that are just gathering dust, and getting the most out of them by sharing them with others – […]

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The year is half over and we look ahead to celebrating America all weekend long. We wish you all good things over the holiday: Food Fireworks Barbeques Parades Get-togethers Family time And of course, remembering our country on this special day. We’re back on Monday with a fresh post, but until then, power down those […]

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Bob Kernen is COO of jacAPPS and is always on the lookout for what’s next in the mobile space.  So today’s topic may remind you of that chilling scene in the mall from Minority Report where Tom Cruise is barraged by virtual sales come-ons from nearby stores based on his profile.  But the fact is that in 2014, beacons are […]

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Over this past weekend while barbecues were being ignited, sunscreen was being slathered on, and families were loading up the SUV for a getaway, a changing of the guard took place at the Ford Motor Company, headquartered here in Dearborn, Michigan. CEO Alan Mulally stepped down after eight years on the job. During that time, […]

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Last week, Lori Lewis and I were honored to speak at the North Carolina Broadcasters Association conference in Raleigh. It’s another strong state broadcaster group, headed up by WRAL-TV’s Steve Hammel, former president Dick Harlow, and the incoming Gary McNair.  We were treated with incredible hospitality throughout the event. Matt Thornhill of The Boomer Project […]

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When I grew up in Detroit in the pre-cable TV days, there were just the big three networks, and a local UHF station – a far cry from today’s hundreds of channels.  But we also had a bonus – Canadian television, in the form of the CBC.  Because of our proximity to Windsor, access to Canadian TV added some […]

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As COO of jacAPPS, Bob Kernen has a unique perspective on new technology…and disruption. Bob’s background is truly varied – a member of the early Microsoft Web TV team, a leader of startups, and also a deep background in television.  It’s now “halftime” in 2014, a great time to look forward to the last six […]

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While not quite “spotless,” there is something interesting going on in Pacific Northwest radio that might be worthy of your attention.  Venerable Alternative station KNDD has instituted a major new policy that started this past Monday: It’s “The 2 Minute Promise” and it’s simple – the station will never play more than two minutes of commercials at a […]

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