The Jacobs Media Blog

ICYMI, Borrell Associates’ conference in Miami took place last week, and our Chris Brunt was on hand, taking copious notes, asking probing questions, and thoroughly processing how the confluence of AI and radio is an unstoppable force. Chris has made it his mission to consider all the AI angles to help guide us through the tall grass of this technology. Will you find his observations about AI at Borrell mind-blowing or in the “I already knew that” category? You’ll have to click READ MORE below to find out.

THe political season is officially upon us as the Presidential race is now set. Whether you like the choices, the hope is this year, radio is able to up its game – and political campaign ad spend. I’ve got some great support material that suggests 2024 could end up being a strong one. Here’s why:

When it comes to music discovery, more and more research indicates a key variable is your parents. And you may be surprised to learn about the tastes of these parental influencers – especially the moms. This phenomenon helps to explain some of the demographic anomalies we see in Nielsen ratings. The music you love doesn’t necessarily match the songs, artists, and albums that came out when you were a teen. Oftentimes, it’s the music that was on in the house or the car has the most sticking power. Welcome to #TBT.

In part two of his “Blueprint For Radio,” Paul Jacobs rolls up his sleeves and invites you to do the same. Here we go.

Today, I hand the JacoBLOG keyboard over to brother Paul – who has a LOT to say. Rather than look back at his 50 (mostly) great years in radio, he’s turned his attention to the front windshield, imagining what radio could be, better put, NEEDS to be in order to get past this obvious inflection point we’re all feeling. So give the young man your attention and open mind, and let’s see of someone who got his start in radio sales just might have a solution set that’s worthy of our time and consideration.

Sunday night ushers in the 96th Academy Awards show, a television event that’s on dangerous footing, alongside the embattled industry it represents. And yet, the motion picture business has somehow managed to survive, even up against the rise of television, video streaming, and platforms like YouTube. The question is whether it can muster the creativity and innonvation necessary for continued greatness. If all of this sounds strangely familiar, it is no coincidence. Radio broadcasters might be wise to pay close attention to how the movie biz navigates today’s troubled waters. Those golden Oscar statuettes are similar to those glass Marconis, a symbol of past greatness. Let’s watch the exciting climax together. Hang onto that popcorn.

Smart speakers – gadgets powered by our increasing use of voice commands – are becoming more ubiquitous. But have you ever wondered why virtually every one of these computerized voice assistants is anchored by a female voice? The biggest tech companies aren’t making these decision by random chance. There are reasons why female voices rule in consumer electronics, and why everyone in radio should be paying attention. Today’s post is a look back at the past five years for women on the airwaves. But we might also want to think of it as a jumping off point to a future where women have as viable a chance as men for excelling in the air studio. Click “Read More” to see what’s up….and what isn’t.

I’m back from a unique event and I want to share it with you in today’s post. It was a unique research study among generations, including those enigmatic Gen Zs. The research was imaginative and pressive. And it begs the question of what is taking the radio industry so long to connect the demographic dots?