The Jacobs Media Blog

If you’ve ever coached talent OR you’ve been on the air and perhaps been criticized for being “too robotic,” today’s blog post will be of interest to you. Andon Labs is a “safety and research startup.” This year, they wanted to find out what would happen when four major AI platforms signed on an FM radio station.

Depending on who you talk to, broadcast radio needs help. Some suggest more money, while others point to less regulation. But addressing the nagging question of how AM/FM radio fits into the larger world of media and entertainment is of paramount importance. And to learn more about where radio might go next, let’s walk into a Gap store.

After more than 100 years and many daunting competitors, broadcast radio continues to search for a path forward, a way to differentiate itself from the deluge of media competitors. We consumers are living in the “subscription economy” and that could serve as huge opportunity for good old AM/FM radio.

One of the fascinating stories we all share is our “HIS/HIG” journey—”How it started / How it’s going.” They are usually colorful, often funny, and almost always instructive. When radio broadcasters tell their stories in a compelling fashion, good things are sure to happen. So, what’s your “HIS/HIG” story.

The announced demise of Spirit Airlines earlier this month was met with anger and frustration expressed by millions of consumers. But Hunter Peterson was not one of them. He’s launched a plan that involves a community purchase of Spirit in a novel way, not dissimilar to the ownership model of the Green Bay Packers. So, today’s blog post asks, “So why wouldn’t this work in radio?”

One of the hottest tools in the online quest to connect audiences with digital content is short-form video. We have TikTok to thank for this, but as brands are learning, it’s not a very detailed road map to get radio back in to web tools. Oddly enough, the youngest consumers—Gen Zs—apparently like the “Clips” promos more than they do the actual long-form mobile.

Twenty years (or more) after social media exploded on the media scene, radio broadcasters still struggle to effectively prioritize how best to utilize it. Today’s blog post marries some available research—including the new TS26—to make the case that in spite of itself, Facebook continues to be the big dog in the social media arena.

Programmers and talent are taught from the very beginning about the importance of habitual radio listening. These days, it’s more important than ever, and I have the data to prove it.

A lively discussion has been taking place during the last week all over social media about the continued value and relevance of the “Classic Rock” radio brand. Sean Ross got this provocative conversation going with an article titled “Does Classic Rock Need To Be ‘Classic Rock?'” It has blown up from there. So you knew I’d take the bait. Here’s the perspective from a radio vet who has truly been there and done that.

In an increasingly crowded and competitive media ecosystem, how can radio maintain differentiation that provides a strategic benefit? A new research study from a highly respected source continues to provide a viable solution.

Seemingly, with each passing day, AI expands its influence as well as its “creative footprint.” While generative AI is responsible for creating all kinds of content, it appears its ability to make music has raised the ire of millions of fans. In response, Spotify has announced a new program that might have an impact on broadcast radio as well other platforms famous for their music content. How will we humans continue to deal with AI-generated music?

Analysts, pundits, and even conspiracy theorists have spent considerable time trying to assess responsibility and blame for broadcast radio’s rough road in recent years. Earlier this week, a radio veteran reached out to me with a working theory on the key factors that have most affected the industry, and their relative order of importance. I hope you find it as fascinating and provocative as I did.

There are lots of reasons why on average, the Japanese life expectancy is six years longer than here in the U.S. Many point to a simple, daily, and effective 10-minute workout that millions of Japanese engage in like clockwork. And here’s the kicker—it’s on the radio.

Techsurvey 2026 was released to the industry last week, and managed to spur a little controversy about whether this year’s study is “good” or “bad” for radio. Some clarification in today’s blog post.

Right now, Starbucks is obsessed with capturing the so-called “third space.” Actually, in the case of this iconic American brand, it is more of an issue of “recapturing” prime image turf that’s been lost. The “third space” refers to a place where people socialize outside of home or work. Typically, those are the hot spots […]

Podcasters continue to debate the efficacy of video podcasts. Some believe audio only is a statement of integrity. Others see video as part of the growth curve. But has anyone checked in with the audience?