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2020 will be remembered for many things – most of them revolving around strife, struggle, and heartache. But a look around the U.S. radio industry reveals that even under the most difficult of conditions, broadcasters have stepped up big-time to support the unique needs of their local communities. There are unintended benefits from this rush of public service that could impact radio operators well into the new year – if they’re willing to reflect upon what going on right in front of their eyes – and ears.

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A recent development revolving around audience measurement may have slipped under the radar. It’s Nielsen’s introduction of a new ratings platform. Branded as “Nielson One,” it’s being hailed – by Nielsen – as the “Holy Grail” of data collection. Finally! A singular measurement tool designed to capture media usage across multiple platforms – broadcast, digital, etc. But there’s just one little catch…

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It’s harder and harder for emerging new artists to break out – especially in this 2020 environment. But more and more we’re seeing young superstars grow their audience and their brands by recording music originally recorded decades before they were born. Today’s post looks at how artists like Lizzo and Billie Eilish are embracing Classic Rock.

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Yesterday was a big day for radio talent. Both SiriusXM and iHeart Radio announced new five-year deals with Howard Stern and Charlamagne Tha God respectively. But elsewhere in radio and for many voices on the airwaves, joy is not in abundance. Today’s blog post looks at the role 2020 is playing on our teammates in the air studio – or in many cases, broadcasting from home.

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The breaking news has been coming fast and furious in 2020. But a story that should not be missed in the collective noise of the moment is that today, December 8, marks the 40th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. I was living in New York City at the time, and ended up with a story to tell. And that’s the subject of today’s blog post.

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How we position and market our radio stations during a pandemic has become a profound challenge. We have always invested in our position. But given COVID, marketers are thinking more about their purpose – their “north star.” What’s yours?

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What happens when a young, innovative employee in an aging industry comes up with a novel idea that could expand the customer base? No, it’s not a radio story, but it’s the next best thing. And it should serve as a cautionary tale to those of us in radio broadcasting about the youth in our midst. Innocently enough, it all started in a paint store in Athens, Ohio, when…

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When David Fishof, creator of “Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp,” realized 2020 might wipe out his business, he pivoted. His “master classes” now feature the same rock stars – but this time in a unique one-to-one environment via Zoom. It’s another example of turning his model on its side and innovating out of the pandemic. Other players in radio are on that same path – using virtual technology to create unique artist/fan experiences.

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In the middle of a global pandemic, many of us are missing personal interactions the most. But thanks to virtual meeting technology, fans can enjoy unique experiences with their favorite artists – or radio air personalities. Today’s blog post looks at how innovative entrepreneurs are using platforms like Zoom to pivot their business plans. And in the process, creating “The New Intimacy.”

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A “new” trend in advertising this year is being called “nostalgia marketing.” Actually, it’s been around for a long time, but might be especially powerful during this last month of the year, when emotions are running high. In recent years, it’s been the “All Christmas Music” stations that have had this market cornered. But like everything else about 2020, this year could be very different if your station steps up with the right emotional rescue at the right time.

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As the radio industry gears up for the final month of 2020, all eyes – and ears – are on Christmas music again this year. Ratings trends show that holiday music was already on a tear, even before COVID-19. What’s in store this year, and how can radio broadcasters put this phenomenon in perspective. Today’s post explores that question, along with research you likely haven’t seen before.

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Past blog posts have talked about how seemingly everybody is trying to do radio – Apple, Spotify, Pandora, you name it. But there’s a different player in the radio space – Walmart, the world’s largest and most successful retailer. What are they thinking and how does their “station” reflect traditional broadcast radio values? It’s a great story.

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This week begins another turning point in 2020 and the pandemic – the official start of the holiday season. For radio broadcasters, it can be an authentic moment when stations connect with their emotionally drained listeners. Today’s blog post lists 10 ways your station can help the audience find the joy this holiday season. And maybe some of it will rub off on all of us.

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In a competitive race, it’s not just the real-time performance that matters. It’s those other variables – the look, the feel, the marketing, and the branding. Case in point: the post mortem of election coverage by the news networks. In today’s blog post, we call the winner, listing six key steps any radio station can take to ensure its successes.

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In a reminder that everything old is new again, YouTube has come up with a novel approach to monetizing their video content: audio-only ads. They’re only in the beta stage, but YouTube is already trumpeting their effectiveness in creating brand awareness and results. Who knew? (You knew.)

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During the pandemic, the media winner has undoubtedly been Netflix, taking advantage of so many people being cooped up at home. But now to stay even more competitive, Netflix is thinking about their TV programming in a different application – in the background. Some call it “ambient TV.” I call it radio.

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Nearly two weeks later, the results of the Presidential election are finally in – and whether your candidate of choice won the race or came up short, there’s one clear winner: RADIO. New data on ad spend reveals radio’s increasing role in the political marketing wars. It’s a story that needs to be told in the weeks and months ahead. And I’ve got it packaged up real nice for you. Just add a bow.

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I have long had faith in the readers of JacoBLOG.  And that was confirmed this week by some of your best work. Last weekend, the winner of the Presidential race was announced on every cable news network, from CNN to MSNBC to Fox News.  Former VP Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris are in the […]

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Audio subscription services continue to proliferate, reminding us there’s big money in those monthly fees. Yesterday, it was announced that Sonos – makers of high-end speaker systems – is launching a new platform called “Radio HD.” That name should have a ring of familiarity to it – especially for radio people – adding fuel to the debate about whether the “R-word” still has branding value.

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