The Jacobs Media Blog

While reading a recent "Research Brief" from the Center for Media Research, I was reminded of that old game show, The Newlywed Game. Now I know what you're thinking, but it's all about connecting with someone you should know.  If you remember that old show, host Bob Eubanks would try to trip up newly married […]

While reading a recent "Research Brief" from the Center for Media Research, I was reminded of that old game show, The Newlywed Game. Now I know what you're thinking, but it's all about connecting with someone you should know.  If you remember that old show, host Bob Eubanks would try to trip up newly married […]

The new technology era has been challenging and often frustrating to radio people.  Many struggle with ways to integrate different platforms, like mobile and streaming.  Others grapple with how to utilize social networking tools, like Facebook or Twitter. It is somewhat understandable that the radio industry hasn't found those "best practices" that would enable it […]

The new technology era has been challenging and often frustrating to radio people.  Many struggle with ways to integrate different platforms, like mobile and streaming.  Others grapple with how to utilize social networking tools, like Facebook or Twitter. It is somewhat understandable that the radio industry hasn't found those "best practices" that would enable it […]

One of the big franchise food successes of this year is the $5 footlong, first popularized by Subway, and now being copied by a number of competitors.  This innovative campaign generated $38 billion in sales nationwide, and vaulted Subway into the Top 10 fast-food brands in the U.S.  And it happened in the most difficult […]

If you doubt the power of Facebook and social networking sites, consider the Oxford Dictionary's choice for word of the year: UNFRIEND As we have discussed in this space with data and anecdotes, Facebook has been the story of the year, connecting adults of all ages, as this social networking site goes mainstream. Of course […]

When it comes to the holiday season, the music that would make most radio operators happy is the ringing of the cash register (with all due respect to Brenda Lee, Elmo & Patsy, and Bing Crosby).   And as we have suggested to these very same cluster managers, station owners, and corporate executives, having a cool, […]

Last week, I boarded a plane only to find out that the FAA's computer system had gone down due to a computer glitch. So there we were, already boarded, just waiting for the plane to take off, and the captain comes on the PA to give us an "update." "Ladies and gentleman, as you've no […]

Say it ain't so.   Turns out that a new research study conducted in the UK shows that consumers who steal music pay for more music.  Yup, these "pirates" spend an average of £77 a year on music – £33 more than the honest bloke who would never download music illegally.  It’s noteworthy that in Great […]

This is a story about reinvention.  It's about taking stock of your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.  It's about facing up to reality, and responding with creativity and courage.  Many former radio employees are facing this tough task right now, as they face months of being out of work, with few prospects ahead.  But widening […]

In his ongoing efforts to separate the sales wheat from the chaff, Paul Jacobs chimes in with a timely blog about why advertisers need to take stock of their goals at this tumultuous time for our business.  What is a canard?  It is a groundless, fabricated story that may look and sound like it is […]

In his ongoing efforts to separate the sales wheat from the chaff, Paul Jacobs chimes in with a timely blog about why advertisers need to take stock of their goals at this tumultuous time for our business.  What is a canard?  It is a groundless, fabricated story that may look and sound like it is […]

While many of you were enjoying a pretty fall weekend, about 100 of us hardy souls made the trek to Atlanta for Don Anthony's first "Talk Show Boot Camp." This is sure to become an annual event, because despite the economic woes plaguing all of radio, Talk Radio is sure to experience growth over the next […]

Where is it going?  That's always a big topic, and the blogosphere has no shortage of experts and geniuses who will tell you they have the answer to what's ailing radio, and what we'll all be doing in five years.   It's a lot like the stock market.  There is the ongoing avalanche of analysts, many […]

Here’s a guest post from Jacobs Media’s talent guru, Keith Cunningham, with some observations about a new celebrity phenomenon. Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco is at it again.  But this time he’s not changing his name, hilariously trash-talking with opponents, catching touchdowns, or racing thoroughbred horses – he’s on the way to becoming a […]

Some companies understand branding, while others never will.   Apple is so smart, evidenced by its newest venture – branding a train station in Chicago.  By the time Apple is done remodeling this run-down CTA Red Line station, it will probably become a destination rather than an eyesore.   Since no one else has done this before, being […]

Some companies understand branding, while others never will.   Apple is so smart, evidenced by its newest venture – branding a train station in Chicago.  By the time Apple is done remodeling this run-down CTA Red Line station, it will probably become a destination rather than an eyesore.   Since no one else has done this before, being […]

A recent New York Times story about Ruby Tuesday's efforts to become a viable casual restaurant choice caught my attention on many levels.  The article focused on CEO and founder, Sandy Beall (pronounced BELL), and his efforts to figure it out in a tough economy with strong competitors for the food dollar. Ruby Tuesday has […]