Big news in public broadcasting as the Ford Foundation has announced grant recipients: PBS, NPR, and other related entities. PBS has started a new fund, called the PBS Foundation, that’s been set up to capture wealthy philanthropists who wish to support them.
Know why they did this? Because when Joan Kroc (McDonald’s) decided to start parting with her millions, NPR came away with $236 million, while PBS got nothing. The reason? When advisers to Mrs. Kroc contacted PBS to inform them of her charitable wishes, all they got was an automated answering system and not a live body. After two attempts they gave up.
How much business is lost because of this lack of personal contact when stations and companies are called? I’m sure everyone reading this can relate to the frustration of trying to get through to someone you want to do business with, entering last names, pressing pound, being diverted to the wrong person’s voicemail, and eventually just throwing in the towel.
Moral of the story: live people, customer service, and the human touch. It’s still how business is done.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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