During the past decade, we have learned that social networks can “age out” just like radio formats or music. Today’s #TBT post revealed how “new research” revealed that Facebook usage among teens had hit at an all-time low. But Mark Zuckerberg lost no sleep because he owned the ultimate social media “cluster.” Today’s blog post looks at cluster strategy from a whole new angle.
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Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
Death By 1,000 (Salary) Cuts
A tough topic in today’s blog post, but one that is the talk of the radio biz: job security and the industry’s changing economic realities. It’s a sensitive topic and one that is all around us. The trend is now raging throughout the TV business, and clearly impacting radio.
Read MoreAre You A Radio “Lifer?”
Radio has never been known as a stable career, but these days, job security is an oxymoron. And it’s just radio. Employees across the spectrum are less likely to work for the same companies before moving on to the next opportunity. What does all this mean to the overall forecast for radio as in industry? Fewer say they’ll spend the rest of their careers in radio, another factor that makes the business even shakier.
Read MoreRadio’s “October Surprise”
In a tough 2024, radio has quietly made something of a comeback this month – its version of an “October Surprise.” And when you total up some of the amazing things that have happened on the radio airwaves this month, it’s a great reminder about how impactful the medium can still be.
Read MoreIf A Magazine Can Embrace Its “Print-ness”…
Anytime I see a legacy media brand stage a comeback, I don’t just get celebratory. Or nostalgic. Instead, I dig in to try to figure out how they did it. Once such triumph recently occurred for a magazine that was first launched in 1857 – before the Civil War. The fact it’s enjoying great success in 2024, a trying time for all media – makes it worthy of our time.
Read MoreRadio’s Pre-Existing Conditions
The relative health of the radio broadcasting industry is always a hot topic and a subject of much debate. But back in October of 2020, those conversations were being overshadowed by the pandemic, an event that even back then we knew would be a game changer. Four years ago, it was a different world – but not really. I think when you take a look back with me, you’ll gain some perspective about where we are now as an industry. And even better, you won’t have to social distance or wear a mask!
Read MoreBecoming The G.O.A.T.
Watching and listening to Tom Brady try to get comfortable and learn an all new craft in the play-by-play booth is a reminder of how challenging a broadcasting career can be – even to a G.O.A.T. on the gridiron. It simply takes time to hone a new craft. As author Malcolm Gladwell prescribes, “10,000 hours of practice.” Well, look at the time!
Read MoreThe State Of Radio Formats 2024
Where is the radio business headed? What are the KPIs – key performance indicators – that are reliable and for that matter, may be revealing. In today’s blog post, I pull out some of the data I rely on that helps me better understand where the proverbial puck is headed. What do YOU use?
Read MoreDoes The World Need AI Podcasts?
Why would we be surprised to learn that one of the hot new applications of AI is the ability to create podcasts from basic input: books, research studies, movies – whatever? And that raises the question about whether we humans really want to listen to two bots discussing “War and Peace” or whether the human experience will win out in the end. That’s heady stuff for a Monday morning, but the examples I’ve included are worth the price of admission. Just click “READ MORE.”
Read MorePink Floyd: Grabbing The Green
The big thing in music since the pandemic has been artists selling their incredible catalogs of hits to the highest bidder. Many of their songs will end up being licensed to film makers, TV producers, and game creators. From Dylan to Queen, it seems like everyone’s stash is for sale. The latest? Pink Floyd just sold their entire kit and kaboodle to Sony Music for $400 million. In today’s blog post, we lend our expertise to ensure Sony gets plenty of ROI from this mega-transaction.
Read MoreAttention Morning Radio DJs: Troy Aikman Is A Prep Monster
No matter your position at the radio station – or your radio company – it’s about preparation. That’s especially the case in the air studio when it comes to producing and airing a competitive morning show, five days a week. 48 weeks a year. For inspiration, we turn to former star quarterback and now NFL analyst, Troy Aikman. He provides a great 6-pack of preparation ideas for whatever shift you work on the air. To enjoy today’s #TBT post, just click on READ MORE.
Read MoreU Can Touch This
Everywhere you look, on virtually every gadget you own there is now a screen – often multiple screens. And yet, many consumers desire a return to the era where we controlled our machines with knobs, buttons, and physical switches. In particular, what are the automakers thinking and are we consumers getting what we want?
Read More“Hear The New Music First On The Q(VC)!”
It’s a question that’s been bandied about since the dawn of the streaming era: Does radio still make – or break – a new song? I’ve heard the debates, and I’ve participated in them. Earlier this year, I wrote a post that talked about that point on the exposure curve where the label (or artist) […]
Read More“This Is Our ‘Why'”
Another week in America, and another weather disaster, this time in the Asheville area. By now, you’ve no doubt read the heroic stories about valiant coverage from local radio stations in the market. So, why write about their exploits on this blog on this day? Because even with depleted resources and staff cutbacks, several radio operations in market #155 – public and commercial – have stepped up big time to do what only broadcast radio can do. This is radio’s “why.”
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. In radio, mascots have long been part of the medium’s history, but 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 MoreManaging From The Brink Of Bankruptcy
We often learn best by observing. And while “best practices” are always helpful, we can also pick up valuable lessons by learning what NOT to do. Today’s post breaks down the trials, tribulations, and debacles of a well-known fast quality restaurant chain that had made many familiar mistakes – the same things we see many radio companies do.
Read MoreThe Perilous Price Of Politics
It may be tempting to talk politics on your radio show, but today’s blog provides some evidence for why playing it straight might be the better way to go. Just ask Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Taylor Swift, and the nation’s feline population.
Read MoreJust Like A Woman
Women in the workforce has been a common topic over the last decade or so. In radio, however, the conversation has been more sporadic. Our new AQ6 study features new data about how women in the air studio are getting along. And now, a new McKinsey report – “Women in the Workplace” – sheds light on the overall outlook for women on the job. In radio, our numbers indicate we’ve got a long way to go. To get a sense for what’s in front of us as an industry, just click “READ MORE.”
Read MoreNielsen To Radio: The Clock Will Reset To Three Minutes
A big change may be coming to how Nielsen’s PPM system will measure radio listening, impacting the entire industry. Today’s blog post breaks it down – the winners, the losers, and what this may mean moving forward. Buckle up, because this one’s a true game-changer.
Read MorePublic Radio’s Revenue Shortfall
In the U.S., public radio content – both broadcast and podcast – is stellar. But making money in this environment is a challenge. Today’s post looks at why 2020 revenue models – for both commercial and public radio – need scrutiny and creativity. As we’ve learned, it takes just as much innovation to generate revenue as it does to make great content.
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