The Jacobs Media Blog

Fridays are supposed to be casual. But today, I’ve gone and done it – nerded out on data, revenue, monetization, and marketing (not necessarily in that order). So, apologies in advance for going a bit wonky on you, but I tried to explain it to you like I’d explain it to myself. Changing ad models are something we started to see this year at CES 2024. If you think that’s strange for a technology show, think again. The confluence of media, technology, data, and innovation are just powering up. With a little help from our friend, AI, entire business ecosystems are in flux. We’re going to need to be ready for it. Read more below.

There’s a fine line between success and failure in radio – and in life. Already in 2024, major brands have had tough calls to make, often following epic fails or shoddy planning. It may be cold comfort, but even the biggest companies make mega-mistakes. Yesterday, Apple made the call to shelve its long-anticipated electric/autonomous car. Where will they focus their efforts moving forward? Click “Read More” and let’s take a look.

Radio contests and giveaways are as old as the Top 40 format, jingles, and cart machines. But many radio stations find themselves headed into the spring book with little-to-no promotional dollars available. Not to worry – some major brands obviously inspired by radio contests of old are showing us how it’s done in 2024. Today’s blog post has three sure-fire promotions for you to check out that will cost as little as what’s sitting around in the station’s coffee fund. Just hit “Read More.”

By now, you are no doubt up to date about the bill in front of Congress to mandate AM radios as standard equipment in cars made in the U.S. This effort came as the result of a rare moment of collaboration between U.S. broadcasters of all stripes. But last week, we got news that a similar sense of unity is taking place in the form of a new initiative from the European Broadcasting Union, headed up by an FOJ (Friend of Jacobs). To read what’s going on “across the pond” and its relevance to American radio, just click “Read More” and let’s get the new week off to a running start.

A common theme in this blog the past many years has revolved around the lack of any viable Gen Z strategy for broadcast radio. In fact, many C-suiters don’t even acknowledge the aging radio platform as the existential problem that it is. But in today’s post, I’ve got exciting news coming from two very different places: Christian music radio and a famous commercial radio News/Talk station. Both are breaking ground – and maybe some china – as they both boldly go where few broadcasters in 2024 dare to go.

One of the existential quandaries in radio programming involves how long to keep spinning those songs on the playlist, whether you’re the new hip-hop station or the classic rock king. Knowing when to default to that “hold” category is an art that’s part of the programming craft. And now a marketing whiz lends his insights about ad “wear-in” to the conversation. I think you’ll find it helpful.

“What’s hot at CES” is always part of the conversation when you make the trek to the biggest electronics show on earth. But it can also be instructive to learn what’s not so hot at CES each year. And two of those cooling trends might have implications for radio broadcasters in the coming year. It was like the Metaverse and autonomous driving took the year off. We’ll see if either or both can mount a comeback at CES 2025, but this year, each was anything but hot.

Before we know it, outdoor concert season will be upon us. And consumers will be at odds over how they can afford to see this year’s headliners. The most budget-conscious are known as the “lawnies” – those who sit on the grass and spend the least amount of dough Why have they become a community, and why is Live Nation earmarking them as a key concert-going category for 2024?

Another day, and more AI “Breaking News.” How can overworked, multitasking radio pros keep up with all the changes? Our new newsletter – AI EDGE – was designed to do just that. In today’s post, a guided tour of the AI news and happenings, along with info about how you can sign up for our free newsletter and stay ahead of the pack.

The Holy Grail of pop culture is when a brand weaves a powerful nostalgic moment with a current event that has the power to “go viral.” Today marks the 60th anniversary of one of rock music’s most seminal event ever. And one of the world’s most popular toymakers is ready to reap the rewards. It might even make for some water cooler talk for your morning show. And it might be something you order for your kids, your grandkids – or yourself.

Yesterday’s post about Bell Media’s decision to divest 40% of its radio division while laying off more than 4,000 employees was overshadowed by the company’s assertion that radio is no longer a viable business. It was a lighting rod for many of you. So, it’s only fitting that on World Radio Day 2024, we follow up the Bell Media controversy with a celebration of radio – from two of the new owners of these stations, and a number of broadcasters who tell their stories of radio’s incredible impact.

The big – and rather shocking – radio story last week came from across the border. It wasn’t that Bell Media was selling off more that 40% of their radio group to seven different broadcast companies – it was that one of their corporate officers announced the reason for the sale: radio is no longer a viable business, according to the company. In today’s post, I’m going to talk about what it means to say the quiet part out loud, and why the effects of their announcement may be felt in the 50 states.

The elements of great radio programming are becoming more elusive with each passing year. In today’s blog post, I go to a TV station about a dysfunctional restaurant for inspiration. Whether in the food business or the radio business, it’s about surprise and delight.