The Jacobs Media Blog

The world of video streaming may be the most competitive category in the media ecosystem. Once Netflix carved out the path to success, other wannabes rapidly followed, crowding the space. So if you’re a new entrant, how do you gain traction with the biggest players in the space? You don’t. Instead, smaller, well-defined niche players that stream narrower content categories are enjoying success with video streaming. And wouldn’t you know it – there are lessons here for radio companies trying to gain a foothold in the growing media landscape.

If you think iHeart or Audacy own the most radio stations in the U.S., think again. A Japanese company plans on broadcasting in more than 12,000 locations by the end of 2026. Their name? 7-Eleven. Gulp.

The term “mass media” suggests reaching a vast, undifferentiated audience with “one-size-fits-all” mainstream content. But more and more, consumers of all generations appreciate personalized content especially created and curated just for them and their unique interests and tastes. For a mass medium like broadcast radio, this presents a profound challenge. Yet, there are ways to customize and personalize the experience to create stronger connections with consumers and advertisers. Today’s blog post explores what that looks like.

With Forecast 2025 now in the books, we look forward to CES in Vegas in just eight short weeks. But earlier this week, we were surprised by the announcement of a new keynoter at CES, a move that will have implications on the broadcast radio business. To find out why, just click “READ MORE.”

There are momentous things happening in radio this time of year. But today’s blog post is about a more trivial matter that won’t make a ripple anywhere. After considerable thought, I deactivated my Twitter account last night. Holy Lori Lewis! But of course, there’s a reason, and it opens up a can or two of worms. So, now that I’ve hooked you, here’s my story and why I’ll be using different platforms in which to engage with you socially. I’ll miss tweeting with you, but it was time to say, “Gotta go!”

As media content options expand exponentially while attention spans shrink, the creative class is grappling with the best ways in which to present entertainment and information. In radio, most stations have played “The PPM Game” for more than a decade. And that dedication to keeping content short, concise, but entertaining is becoming part of a much larger, multi-platform trend. Long story short, keep it short.

What kind of qualities are radio companies prioritizing in program directors at a time when the industry is shrinking and consolidating these positions? What skills and sensibilities are most important today? Sometimes, we can learn more about our business when we step away from it. That’s what today’s blog post focuses on: a brand manager, showrunner, PD, but in actuality, her title is editor-in-chief of a magazine. And she can teach us a thing or two about radio.

In a world of exponentially more audio competition – podcasts, streaming services, satellite radio – how can a broadcast radio brand stand out, get noticed, and make a positive impression? It’s an important question many brands are grappling with in a radio industry struggling to remain visible and relevant. In today’s post, let me pose a possible pathway, albeit for a limited number of players who wish to make their mark and aren’t afraid to go in a different direction. The path to success isn’t an easy one nor is it cheap. But there’s evidence that suggests it can work.

A new opinion piece from a content marketing maven jumped out at me late last month. It poses key questions about how we’ve used tech breakthroughs to improve our product over the past 25 years or so. And now that we’re staring that freight train known as AI in the face, what have we learned earlier regarding developments about creativity and innovation? I don’t purport to have all the answers, but I can promise you today’s post contains key questions you might want to ask during your upcoming end-of-year evaluations. Happy Monday.

That pending bill in front of Congress to mandate AM radios in cars may be coming into focus as the clock is ticking…LOUDLY. This has been one of those tough moments when radio broadcasters and automakers are at odds with each other, debating what is truly important and even essential in new car dashboards. Today’s blog post traces the relationship between these two storied industries, the current breakdown, and the road forward. Let’s go for a ride.

Today’s post is a continuation of a conversation we started yesterday, exploring how great brands can build on their core strength by looking for adjacent audience interests and creating content to meet changing customer needs. Whether you’re in a crowded radio market or the highly competitive fast food industry, today’s post provides strategic food for thought for radio broadcasters in search of what’s new and what’s next in the mobile space. There’s never been a better time to apply your strategic goals to your mobile program.

What’s new and hot in the media/technology space? Certainly not mobile apps. After all, they’ve been around since the first Obama Administration. But a closer look at the data tells us that particularly among radio fans, mobile apps have become bigger and more valued than ever. What’s behind the surge, and how can any radio station reap the rewards? Just click “READ MORE” and let’s get the new week going.

How’s your station’s “FOMO factor?” Do your P1s even know what you’re doing and is your station making use of the entire marketing arsenal available to any brand, regardless of market size, RIFs, and budget? Getting a consumer’s attention and delivering a marketing message has never been more challenging. Today’s blog post will give you plenty of food for thought.