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As we know too well, good ratings or bad ratings are often in the eye of the beholder. And these days, when digital consumption of “radio” continues to rise in importance, it’s become increasingly difficult to assess precisely how listenership has changed since COVID-19 has invaded our lives. That’s been especially true with recent analyses of how public radio has performed since the outbreak. Even inside NPR, there are differing opinions. So, in today’s post, we attempt to straighten it all out.

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With each passing day, many of us are thinking about the many lost opportunities in 2020 due to the pandemic. Because of COVID, young people planning on a career in radio or in the early stages of their careers are missing out on much-needed education, mentoring, and guidance. Last weekend, a simple question was asked on Facebook that blew up into a lengthy discussion about radio fundamentals. That discussion continues in today’s blog, hopefully one that will get you thinking about that next generation of radio professionals.

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Since the beginnings of COVID, video chat on platforms like Zoom has taken off, connecting radio and its audiences. It’s all part of the livestreaming ecosystem that has experienced meteoric growth as consumers look for unique, interactive media content. The Twitch platform has become a mainstay in the gaming community, while a number of radio personalities are livestreaming on Twitch. One of the latest broadcast experiments may be the most unlikeliest: St. Louis Public Radio, a successful news/talk station. Here’s why they’re test driving Twitch, and what their initiative means to radio and real-time video streaming.

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As the many media and entertainment platforms jockey for position in a rapidly changing environment, competitors to broadcast radio are popping up left and right. But there’s one challenger that continues to aggressively go after everything AM/FM radio owns and stands for – satellite radio. Today’s blog post lists 10 key reasons why SiriusXM now poses the greatest threat to broadcast radio.

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Imagine getting a call from me this month with a novel idea: A radio station geared to seniors. I’m not just talking 35-64s, better known as the “demo that never was.” No, I’m talking about seniors – members of AARP, MediCare recipients, and those of Social Security age – in other words, consumers whose only drawback […]

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The “smart” trend in gadgets continues to expand, led by in-car dashboard technology. But the newly released 2020 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the automotive industry reveals these infotainment systems may be too smart by half, often leaving drivers confused and frustrated. That gives radio broadcasters a reprieve. For now.

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In yesterday’s post, we talked about how radio’s charitable spirit has been especially important amidst the coronovirus outbreak. Today, we follow up with a smart, strategic way of measuring radio’s good deeds by focusing on a new startup measuring the “Return On Generosity” of sports teams and their organizations. It has a direct application to local broadcast radio stations, and their ability to impact their hometown audiences, sponsors, and communities.

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Radio broadcasters have always shown their charitable side, but the changing audience demands in 2020 require rethinking and perhaps, reinvention. The ways in which radio stations pay it forward and align with local causes are changing, and today’s blog post shines the light on innovation in fundraising and community support.

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Another ripple effect of COVID-19 revolves around email. the good news: cconsumers have more time to open email communiques from companies they’ve signed up with. But the bad news is that many brands are failing to respond to customer emails on a timely basis – if at all. An email marketing firm, Netomi, conducted a fascinating “blind test” across more than 1,000 companies. Could your radio station or radio company pass this test?

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The pandemic has put pressure on brands whose business models have been impacted and disrupted. That’s been the case for both the worlds of sports and concerts, both of which have been benched since the onset of the virus. But now a novel partnership has formed, linking the world biggest sports brand with one of the most successful musical artists of all time. Strange? Maybe. But we’re living in COVID-19 times.

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Finally, the 4th of July holiday is upon us, a moment to catch our collective breath, and look ahead to a better second half of 2020. We’ve spent this week’s blog posts focused on initiatives and projects radio can tackle in the weeks and months ahead – all linked here. We wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and peaceful weekend.

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This week, JacoBLOG has discussed what radio broadcasters can do to build their brands and strengthen their audience connections during the pandemic. I’ve saved the best for last – the creation of a station “brand advocates” program that’s still together 9 years after it was first formed. There’s a lot to learn from radio “fan evangelists” about the power of the medium, connection, and tribes.

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One of the best and yet most-underutilized tools at many radio stations is the email database. At a recent marketing conference, I saw panel after panel of smart marketers from television and print who are putting this resource to work. In today’s installment of how radio can best navigate COVID-19, we’ll look under the hood at these databases, and how radio broadcasters can strategically grow audience engagement, brand building, and yes, sales.

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Over the decades, research has become more and more important to radio broadcasters. And my go-to methodology – the focus group – was made for times like these. They’re quick, inexpensive, and agile – a perfect way to listen to your listeners. Today’s post talks about Zoom focus groups, and how they’ve become viable as we tackle the challenges of a global pandemic.

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The July 4th holiday signals the end of the first half of the year. And in the case of 2020, it couldn’t end soon enough. All this week, we’ll be looking ahead to the “second half,” and what radio broadcasters can do to make the best of a challenging situation. Today’s post is about what has become something of a lost art across the radio dial – special programs, and how they can inject much-needed electricity and enchantment in your on-air schedules.

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Social media is nearly two decades old, but is stirring up more controversy with each passing year. Facebook, not surprisingly, has been in the cross hairs of Congress, advertisers, and its users. Today’s post looks at some of these controversies, and leaves you with a riveting video that brilliantly illustrates the rise of social media that has occurred right before our very eyes.

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COVID-19 has changed our driving patterns – and our relationships with our cars. That has had a shocking impact on radio ratings and revenues. But now new research data reveals three emerging new trends that provide a sense of optimism and hope for radio broadcasters. A key will be seizing the moment and taking advantage of these new opportunities.

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A little basic math can help radio stations prioritize their on-air marketing strategies. As more and more consumers find themselves at home for the foreseeable future, directing them to the most frequently used devices is a key to maintaining and even increasing listening during the pandemic. Fortunately, we have the formula – and it’s a simple one.

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Pulling off a successful radio launch is a tough putt during the best of times. But given the current events in our country and across the globe, a new station debut is a heavy lift. For guidance, we turn to one of the planet’s best showmen – someone with a proven track record of getting new projects off the ground, and even into space.

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We’re at an amazing junction in American history as a global pandemic, an economic meltdown, and racial tensions make up a critical trifecta of events unthinkable just a few months ago. And radio broadcasters, far from exempt from these events, find themselves at an important memo. This may be the time to reassess standards and practices up and down the chain. It may also be a great opportunity to listen.

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