The Jacobs Media Blog

One of the big findings from our new Tech Poll is the continued rise in usage of social networking sites.  Now, I can hear your collective "duh," so let me cut to a data point that separates our survey from the others you've read about: We're seeing Facebook jump ahead of MySpace in overall usage […]

One of the big findings from our new Tech Poll is the continued rise in usage of social networking sites.  Now, I can hear your collective "duh," so let me cut to a data point that separates our survey from the others you've read about: We're seeing Facebook jump ahead of MySpace in overall usage […]

It is truly amazing to watch the old rules and conventions fall during this brutal recession.  But like any bad event, opportunities continue to manifest themselves – if marketers read the tea leaves. Over the past several years, brands have been obsessed with thinking and appealing younger.  In the process, older consumers were treated like […]

If you think back throughout your years in radio, it has probably dawned on you that while newspapers were out there selling their big box circulation numbers, radio was hung up on selling with the smallest numbers possible.  So while the Daily Planet in your market was touting their reach of 750,000 daily readers, your […]

By now, everyone knows the dilemma.  Whether you're Toyota, Chrysler, or Hummer, there are simply too many cars on dealer lots.  At a time when consumers have pulled way back on spending, and loans are tough to acquire, the auto industry finds itself in the quagmire of all quagmires. But what about consumers who actually […]

"You either have a strategy that could win for the brand even with the competition or you basically have to stop, and our conclusion was we didn't have a strategy we were satisfied with that could let us win with FILL IN THE BLANK.  We don't have the resources or the marketing muscle to put […]

No, not that Ram, but the economic guru, Ram Charan.  Paul and I were fortunate to attend a conference that he keynoted, and moderated.  If you've never heard of him, Ram is a visionary economic expert, and full of wisdom and philosophy that is especially pertinent during these trying times.  With one part Maharishi Mahesh […]

Ask anyone in my office – if you want to get my day off on the wrong foot, just let something out of our office with a typo.  Of course, it happens.  We're all human.  But when I see some obvious mistakes that spell checking would catch – well, it makes me a little nuts.  […]

Years to one billion sold: 15   Months to one billion downloads: 9* *In a recession

Last week, Paul and I were treated to something you don't see or hear about very often in radio these days – a large group of positive broadcasters, eager to learn, grow, prosper, and serve their communities. We were invited to present by Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters President Vance Harrison.  This year's convention was held […]

If you regularly read this blog, you've heard me opine that living in Detroit in this economy often feels a lot like being at "ground zero."  As tough as it may be wherever you are reading this, it's a few clicks more desperate – and insane – here.   Consider: Our mayor recently went to jail […]

At a particularly important time in the struggle over performance fees, an important voice has been heard.  Bono, expressing thanks for all the radio support U2 has received, has come out in support of a performance royalty from radio.  Here's his thinking: “While we [the band] have many friends at radio and appreciate the many […]

At a particularly important time in the struggle over performance fees, an important voice has been heard.  Bono, expressing thanks for all the radio support U2 has received, has come out in support of a performance royalty from radio.  Here's his thinking: “While we [the band] have many friends at radio and appreciate the many […]

As more and more businesses and institutions are under distress because of the weak economy, it should come as no surprise that music festivals aren't getting a hall pass.  The LA Times reports that many are under serious financial pressure, while some are going on hiatus or simply shutting down.  The Langerado Music Festival in […]

Last week proved once again the power of video streaming – in both incredible and horrifying ways.  On the touching, moving side, Britain's Got Talent gave birth to another star.  This time, it was the unlikeliest of the unlikeliest – dowdy Susan Boyle knocked out the judges on the British version of American Idol.  This […]

A recent research survey by Epsilon confirms data that we continue to see in our national studies of radio's email clubs – a majority of consumers (57%) have a positive impression of companies when they receive email from them.  They're also more likely to buy products from companies that send them emails. That confirms our Tech […]

As dismal as the current climate can often seem, new and sometimes odd opportunities continue to arise, often in the most unlikely of places.  We are truly learning about who is versatile, who is stuck in the past, and who is turning out to be a pretty good lemonade maker. Adam Carolla falls into that […]

One of the back stories to the economic nightmare is all about those dashed dreams and disappointments that have impacted so many people in radio.  Whether you're a DJ who no longer has access to an audience, an out of work salesperson without nothing to sell, a programmer brimming with great ideas but no station […]

Here are some impressive stats:  the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings now hold the longest current streak of consecutive winning seasons – 17.  That’s longer than any team in any professional sport, but the Yankees hold the all-time record of 39 seasons, set from 1926-64. That’s not to take anything away from […]

You're Major League Baseball.  You have a great product that has huge interest around the country, not to mention around the globe.  You're trying to get your games on as many platforms as possible, while building revenue along the way.  Sure, you're on satellite radio.  But with all the troubles they have, and the lack […]