Ratings have always been a key barometer that explains the health of formats, and to a degree, broadcast radio itself. That’s why a deeper look at ratings for the last month or last year is instructive and telling. It’s been hard to miss the unmistakable rise of Christian radio – not just in some markets, but as a national trend. Today’s blog talks about why this is happening and what it may mean for all of radio.
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Our founder, Fred Jacobs, discusses the issues facing broadcasters today.
Three Stories From The Techsurvey Trenches
On Thursday, I have the pleasure of presenting the top-line findings of Techsurvey 2024 to the radio industry. This year, 31,800+ core listeners weighed in on media, technology, AI, and of course, their perceptions of AM/FM radio. This is our 20th survey, and perhaps one of the most revealing and actionable. In today’s post, I broke down three current media stories in the news, and integrated corresponding TS 24 data to help bring them into focus for broadcasters. At this precarious time for radio, we need numbers and findings we can rely on. Let’s try to figure it out together.
Read MoreToday’s Song Lyrics: Getting Dumb And Dumber?
Are you the kind of person who focuses on the music, the lyrics, or both about equally? If you’ve been paying attention to those words and not just the melodies, you may have noticed song lyrics have gotten simpler and more repetitive during the past several years. And now a major research study confirms exactly that. Another problem with song lyrics is that listeners often have problems understanding them, and today’s blog post looks at why we may be seeing the correct lyrics showing up in our car dashboards very soon.
Read MoreGet Your Free Radio Ads? Take It To the Bank!
Banks are always running promotions, trying to lure us into opening new accounts. Usually, they offer up toasters as thank-you gifts, or other small kitchen appliances. But now a regional bank is dangling a can’t-miss incentive: free radio campaigns on a top-rated local station to support small businesses in the community. The bank thinks it will generate new business accounts, while supporting hometown companies. Hit “read more” for the details on this clever campaign that could work anywhere.
Read MoreYou’ve Got A Face For Radio
Putting a face on your brand – that is, defining your “typical listener” – is a great exercise for stations big and small. In today’s #TBT post, we look at how one retailer is approaching that goal in an effort to engage its customer base, as well as help its marketing efforts. In an era of Big Data, it’s a plus to be able to visualize your P1 and P2 listeners and as you’ll read, it starts with a station’s email database.
Read MoreWhat’s Your Radio Station’s Response To AI?
Dateline: The NAB in Las Vegas
The scene: The bar in both the Encore and Wynn (you can’t tell ’em apart) is teaming with radio’s C-suite executives, hangers-on, job seekers, and a lot of tourists wondering what the fuss is all about.
The big topic: AI, what else?
Calling All Stans
When it comes to radio, there’s often a fine line between a fan…and a fanatic. But what about “stans?” Who are these hardcore fans, and how can radio stations harness their passion and enthusiasm? For inspiration on a Monday, let’s turn to one of the most accomplished rappers since the genre began. If anyone understands the “stan” mindset, Eminem sure does.
Read MoreWhen Did Radio Stop Advertising?
We always hear “Radio needs to do a better job tellling its story.” But where would the creative come from and how could broadcasters pay for it – especially in this economy? OK, here’s some back of the napkin math for you.
Read MoreDoes Your Radio Station Give Listeners “The Feels?”
Radio programmers are always seeking to make a true emotional connection with their audience. It’s about creating “the feels” for your listeners. But how do you accurately identify precisely what that is, and how to reflect it back to your listeners? We take on that lofty challenge in today’s #TBT blog post. You may need a little Kleenex.
Read MoreDo You Quu In Your Car?
If you’re a regular reader of JacoBLOG, you know the car dashboard is ever-changing. And because there’s so little standardization across automakers, you need a guide to be able to determine how dashboards in the most popular makes and models are equipped. And now there is one. Quu has just released its first annual visuals report of the top 100 best-selling cars. It’s an amazing piece of work that provides programmers, marketers, sellers, and digital pros the guidance they need to optimize the car dashboard. I break it all down for you in today’s post. So buckle up, and let’s go for a ride.
Read MoreWhat About Public Radio’s Muscle Memory?
Yesterday, it was a post about commercial radio and regaining its muscle memory. As I teased in the post, there’s much to be said – and debated – about the state of public radio, also at an infection point. It does have amazing DNA, great bones. But can it find those values…again?
Read MoreHas Radio Lost Its Muscle Memory (And How To Get It Back)?
Last week, a couple posts published here ignited the usual side-taking about radio’s present and future. We heard from the doom-sayers, claiming FM music radio ended a while ago. And of course, the eternal optimists chimed in, with claims about radio’s long tradition and resilience. Today’s post won’t end the debate, but perhaps will add a new wrinkle that leads to a constructive conversation about commercial music radio’s options moving forward. Happy Monday.
Read MoreWhat Does A Total Eclipse Sound Like On The Radio?
On Monday, a fascinating experiment is about to happen on the radio – the Total Eclipse, visible to 99% of Americans. How will radio play it? Just another day or something truly fun, special, and different?
Read MoreAI, Meet AM/FM
I wrote this blog blurg exactly five years ago this month: “As the media world’s AI machines increasingly serve up predictable content, based on our personal data, broadcast radio has the challenge and the opportunity of creating content that surprises, enchants, and delights. And it may boil down to just one little word.” Let’s see whether this old post contained some wisdom we can apply to our challenges today. Happy Thursday!
Read MoreIs FM Classic Rock Radio Better Than Spotify?
For nearly two decades, Spotify has redefined music – for those who try to make a living as musicians and for those of us who enjoy listening to music. Infinite playlists, song skips, on-demand access, and algorithms designed not to make mistakes are all part of the Spotify package. And where has that left the average FM music station? That’s the question, a young writer recently tackled for a high level publication. You might be surprised by his conclusions.
Read MoreTelevision Is Imploding; Why Radio Won’t Anytime Soon
The television industry is in a world of pain, whether it’s local TV stations or streaming video channels just about all of us pay subscription fees for. Some believe television as we’ve known it is doomed. So, what about radio? New data from Techsurvey reveal radio has some distinct advantages, but there’s a catch…it’s called the car. Here’s the latest info on radio’s #1 listening location.
Read MorePortugal. The Man: A View Of Radio From Across The Pond
You just never know where that next teaching moment may come from. A JacoBLOG reader included an interview in his comment. The subject is a radio CEO from Portugal. As I read the article, I found myself nodding with each successive paragraph. During these truly tumultuous times, we can all benefit from sage words, bold leadership, and a hearty dose of wisdom. From dashboards to digital to demographics, here’s a C-suiter with an impressive world view…of radio. No fooling.
Read MoreQ1 2024 – Not So Random Numbers
Mark Twain famously wrote: “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. Today’s post is dedicated to the numbers games we play, the data that shape our industry, our careers, and our lives. Several are bona fide eye-openers, with maybe even a jaw-dropper or two. Enjoy the perspective, and don’t forget to add your comments to the conversation.
Read MoreCould The King Biscuit Flower Hour Survive Today?
Weekend special programming can make a radio station sound compelling and different. But these shows often come with a cost, sometimes in the ratings. Five years ago, I blogged about the role of syndicated programming in both diary and metered markets. PDs are tasked with making the tough calls to carry or cancel, whether they run public, commercial, or Christian stations. And the post asks whether one of the most popular special weekend programs that aired in virtually every radio market back in the 70’s could survive today.
Read MoreA Visit To A Hotbed Of Live And Local Radio: Omaha, Nebraska
So far this week, our posts have been about broadcast radio refocusing its energies on a very different set of priorities in an effort to differentiate its products and experiences from everyone else’s. And in response to the question, “So Fred, where is it working?,” today’s post starts at an unlikely place on Interstate 80, a town you may have driven right past. Until today, that is.
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