jacoBLOG

In today’s overcrowded media environment, the subscriber model is perhaps the most challenging because it depends on consumers paying for content. A fledgling sports media brand, The Atheltic, is already making waves Can your radio statiion passs this 10 question quiz, a great litmus test for any media brand aiming to achieve long-term, sustainable success.

Read More

Consumers are paying more money each year for media content – Netflix, Spotify, SiriusXM and others – show up on our cable bills like clockwork. It’s increasingly becoming a subscriber economy. So, the question is, is there any way broadcast radio could participate?

Read More

A series of new research studies reveals the presence of women in advertisement move the needle in many different marketing campaigns. So, by extension, wouldn’t female personalities test similarly on spoken word and music radio stations? A look at this new data, as well as thoughts about women on the radio, is just a click away.

Read More

Consumer attention spans are shortening, making it even more imperative that content is to-the-point and “snackable.” But along the way, being “bite-sized” has become more important than making it great. In today’s blog post, we look at the challenge of attracting audiences in a sea of virtually infinite content and distribution choices.

Read More

As we head into the holiday season, new research indicates Americans may be more lonely than ever. And that’s where radio often comes to the rescue. An oft-cited reason for enjoying broadcast radio is companionship – an important emotional asset especially at this time of the year.

Read More

The future presents a world of unknowns and opportunities. And every company – as witnessed by GM this week – has to face an uncertain tomorrow with the coming of robots, 5G, and Artificial Intelligence. Radio’s not immune, of course, and today’s blog post provides solutions and even insights into what’s around the corner for Marconi’s medium.

Read More

Radio broadcasters have struggled to make the case for formats that appeal to 50+ audiences. Will the new Breeze format (better known as Soft AC) be a demographic game changer?

Read More

While most of us were sitting down for a festive Thanksgiving meal and football this past weekend, many marketers were pulling out their hair, watching their online ad campaigns crash and burn. That’s because Facebook’s “Black Friday” meltdown caused untold grief and angst in thte advertising community. It’s more proof that out of control algorithms signal an opportunity for traditional media companies that believe in localism and customer service – like radio broadcasters.

Read More

Do job titles matter? To young people trying to decide about the types of companies they want to work for, creative job titles are rising in popularity. Here’s what they could mean to a traditional industry like broadcast radio.

Read More

At the National Radio Hall of Faame ceremony last week, the acceptance speeches were like mini-TED Talks about how to make it in radio. The theme was all about how so many had been mentored, guided, and counseled during the early days of their careers. And in the process, it was a reminder about the value of paying it forward for all of us who have enjoyed success in the radio broadcasting business.

Read More

These days, radio conversations are increasingly about data – how to use it, deploy it, and monetize it. And the car companies are traveling down the same highway. How data scientists use artificial intelligence – or AI – to understand their consumers and predict their behavior is taking on growing importance. Today’s post looks at radio station data – and how it can be wisely put to work for programming, sales, and ownership.

Read More

Back in the day, listeners slapped bumerstickers on their cars to proudly display their loyalty to their favorite radio station. Today’s young people have a different way of shwoing their passion for their preferred brands – laptop stickers. What does it take for today’s consumers to show their affinity to the brands they love?

Read More

As I travel around the country talking podccasting, the mosst frequently asked question is: What’s the ideal length for a podcast? Today’s post answers that question once and for all. Sort of.

Read More

Radio has always been a prime marketing tool for selling cars, but in recent years, dealers and automakers have been shifting budgets to digital media. Now the pendulum is swinging back to legacy media – including radio. Reach is clearly a reason why radio is a strong branding tool, but the medium can provide much, much more.

Read More

Classic Rock is a music genre that keeps making its way back in the headlines. It today’s post, we’ve got three compelling stories about Classic Rock music – how it influences dating behavior, makes for great storytelling movies and TV shows, and is the new soundtrack of a major ad campaign about the future (of all things). After all the heaviness in the news these days, it was time for a post that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Hope you agree.

Read More

There’s a tendency in the media world for brands to pursue multiple initiatives as they strive to gain digital ground. But more and more, smaller companies are focusing their efforts on singular projects where they can marshal their human and financial resources. These days, there’s a lot to be said for eating the elephant, one bite at a time.

Read More

As smart speakers move into the mainstream, their #1 use case is asking general questions. Stratetgic brands are embracing the familiar FAQ format to make their “skills” compelling and easy to use. For radio, the opportunities to do more than check off the Alexa box are right in front of us. Today’s post talks about how smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa will be used this Thanksgiving season….and in the years to come.

Read More