In yesterday’s post, it was an interesting look at Universal Music Group’s artist-centric philosophy favoring Taylor Swift and the Beatles over up-and-comers. Today, we turn the conversation over to Big Loud Country, a marketing juggernaut with a great track record for developing new artists and songs. They still use radio, but there’s nothing “old school” about their marketing strategy. In fact, radio now comes LAST in the promotional sequence. Here’s why and what it means to radio AND records.
Read MorejacoBLOG
Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
The Case For Artist-Centricity (And The Pushback Against “Merchants Of Garbage”)
Perhaps the most powerful music executive in the world gave analysts (and the rest of us) both barrels during his company’s recent quarterly earnings call. The music business – like all of media and entertainment – has changed drastically in recent years, and the message from on high was clear. To the labels, it’s about the biggest and best bands – the ones with great track records, sterling resumes, and proven sustainability. It IS a Mt. Rushmore world.
Read MoreWhy Radio Can Benefit From High School And College Prep
Where’s the farm team? That’s the question finally being asked in radio circles. The next generation of radio broadcasters is the focus because not enough listen to the medium in the first place. It starts with middle/high schools as well as colleges. And more broadcasters than you might think are already making a difference. Check out what’s being done and could be in your plans for 2024.
Read MoreWhy Isn’t Mascot Mania Sweeping Radio?
Mascots have been connected with brands for more than a century. And these days, they’re bigger and more ubiquitous then ever. When Game 1 of the World Series starts tonight, you’ll meet the “Captain,” the horse mascot for the Texas Rangers. And you mght hear the weird story of why the D’backs have a bobcast mascot named “Bob.” In radio, mascots have long been part of the medium’s history, but in recent years, many have been RIFed, victims of the same cutbacks that impact staff members. Yet, in a world turbocharged by video, social media, and even street presence, these cute, furry, clever brand symbols can positively differentiate and grab attention for radio stations that want to stand out.
Read MoreRadio: No Surprises!
New radio programmers have a lot to learn – how to schedule music, conduct an aircheck session, read a rating book, and build a brand. But one thing they don’t teach you in PD School is how to pull off a bona fide surprise. So, think of today’s post as Surprise 101 – a crash course in creating that element of surprise on the radio.
Read MoreCan Radio Learn To Walk And Chew Gum At The Same Time?
As many in radio have learned – mostly the hard way – the industry has attempted a high-risk balancing act between broadcast and digital, linear and on-demand, It’s a delicate dance – like walking and chewing gum at the same time. And as today’s story tells us, it’s gotten harder than ever. It’s a cautionary tale from the worlds of broadcasting and podcasting.
Read MoreHow (Music) Radio Can Redefine “Local”
Last week’s post on redefining “local” was very public radio-centric. I promised a post on turning “local” on its side for commercial stations, especially those that play music. So, here you go.
Read MoreScenes From The Classic Rock Highway
Please forgive today’s journey into the highways and byways of my favorite radio format, Classic Rock. One of the reasons why it might be the most resilient gold-based format ever is its frequent appearances in our pop culture mainstreams. Today’s trip down Classic Rock Lane features a prominent member of the U.S. cabinet, an iconic doll, and the rumored return of one of the most successful music-centric game ever. So grab a guitar and click to today’s post.
Read MoreThe Hotline In The Studio Is Ringing
Technology has changed the look of the modern-day radio studio, but the trusty “hotline” is still used in some stations to get a DJ’s attention, hopefully averting disaster. One of the best “hotline” stories came out of WPLJ in New York City back in its AOR (Album Oriented Rock) days. Rumor or fact? Our blog post today clears it all up, and pays attribute to one of the best PDs to ever “hotline” a jock.
Read MoreHow Radio Can Redefine “Local”
There are many trends in play in the radio broadcasting industry, among them, AI, leaner staffing, and greater utilization of talent across many markets. And yet, flying in the face of all that is a definitive trend taking place in public radio – the local renaissance. If you’re in commercial or Christian radio, this trend is very much happening in your worlds, too. It’s just that public radio is doing lots of the heavy lifting, especially in the research department. Here’s what “local” looks like, especially as it pertains to news and journalism.
Read MoreDoes Twitter/X Still Have Juice?
Remember that blowup last spring when NPR and Twitter got into a high profile scuffle? It led NPR to stop tweeting altogether. And it raised the question: What happens to web traffic when a popular brand goes cold turkey on Twitter? Now, we know. Details here.
Read MoreIn My Room
By now, radio executives have become used to fielding uncomfortable questions about the state of radio and where it’s headed. They generally have an answer for anything. But ask them about their company’s Gen Z strategy and you’re likely to get crickets. That’s because there is no plan or strategy to connect with America’s next big generation. Not to worry. Today’s blog lays out a case for giving this gnarly issue some strong consideration at the next radio convention. When is that again?
Read MoreThe Tay-Tay Effect: The Tactic Of Glomming Onto A G.O.A.T.
In the crowed media environment, getting attention for a brand has never been more challenging. It’s even tougher when you’re a legacy brand struggling to slug it out against the tech companies. But a simple philosophy known in Latin as “carpe diem” – that is, “seize the day” – makes anything possible, even for a local radio station. Sometimes, it’s a matter of meeting the moment when the most famous celebrity in the world is involved with her now-famous boyfriend.
Read More“What If I Don’t Have A Favorite Radio Station?”
Audience researchers are tasked with measuring the broadcast radio landscape – often at the exclusion of the growing number of audio alternatives: streaming channels, satellite radio, podcasts, and others. How can research studies be re-designed to capture the totality of the audio environment in a market, while delivering focused and actionable data to radio broadcasters? This post from a couple years back offered up some ideas.
Read MoreCES 2024: Year Of Sphere?
The more we speak with our contacts at the Consumer Technology Association, the more we’re becoming convinced CES 2024 will be a “return to normal” for this amazing show. This is where we trendspot, forecast, and predict – where we go to see the future. As we’ve done since 2017, we’re taking a group of you with us. And in the center of it all, it’s Sphere™- a new center for Las Vegas where media, technology, and entertainment meet. Let’s go…
Read MoreRadio People Know Why The Podcast World Is Upside-Down
Lots of attention has been paid to podcasting over the past decade, including ambitious plans requiring additional staff and investment. And yet, there are continued signs of a “podcasting bubble,” amidst layoffs and cutbacks. Maybe part of the reason podcasting is sputtering is because most producers are missing an important strategic tool: audience research. Let me explain…
Read MoreGoodbye, Amp: Hope You Enjoyed Your Cup Of Coffee
There was lots of big news in radio last week, so you’re excused if you missed this story. Amazon is shutting down its “live radio” service – AMP – just 22 months after launch. The story behind this epic fail by one of tech’s mega-companies says a lot about the degree of difficulty of “doing radio.” And it’s a contrast to what happens when a beloved radio stations signs off. I’ll show you one of the best goodbyes ever.
Read MoreWhy College Radio Needs Our Support
Today’s a special day in radio, but you may not have it marked on your calendar. World College Radio Day is a celebration of all those college students aspiring to a career in radio. Some scoff and say, “Young people don’t even know what a radio IS.” But the kids who spend most of their waking hours learning the craft of radio while getting a degree suggest otherwise. Today’s a special blog post – I didn’t write it. Instead it came from one of those Gen Z kids who LOVES radio. We need to support het, the others in her community, and the college radio stations that make it all possible. But let’s let her tell her story.
Read MoreWho’s On Your Classic Rock Mt. Rushmore?
Of all the radio formats, the one that is perhaps the most artist-centric is Classic Rock. And one of America’s most memorable National Monuments has become a granite symbol of the music and what it means to millions of fans all over the world. Who’s on YOUR musical Mt. Rushmore?
Read MoreIn Defense Of Jock Bios
Even the most successful, best-known personalities at your station need strong audience connections. And there’s a simple, no-cost way to help facilitate it, practiced by Howard Stern and other superstar talent. So why doesn’t everybody do it?
Read More- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- …
- 267
- Next Page »
