The Jacobs Media Blog

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the word "free" that sounds like there has to be a catch somewhere.  But recently, it was a common element in a couple of music stories that has to get you thinking. First, Steve Jobs comes out with a paper that urges record labels to dump […]

Many saw the recent study from Media Audit that touted the power and reach of radio clusters’ websites in various markets.  As the chart below shows, a strong percentage of adults are logging onto the web sites of many companies’ websites.  This includes Clear Channel, of course, but also clusters owned by Entercom, Emmis, and […]

For some time now, we have been strongly advocating more video integrated into station web sites and personality shows.  Back in broadcast school or college, we were all taught that on the radio, you paint pictures with their words. While that may have been true for Stan Freberg and Cousin Brucie, it’s not the case […]

We’ve talked about the difficulty of finding new talent for radio, whether in sales, programming, or on the air.  Like it or not, we have to come to grips with a new reality – younger people aren’t dying to work in radio, because many no longer love the medium.  While many still use the radio […]

Imagine these headlines appearing in American newspapers, magazines, and news sites: "Record Numbers Tuning Into Radio" "Radio In Tune With The Times" "Digital Platforms Help Radio Reach High" "Radio Enters A New Golden Age As Digital Use Takes Off" They seem like fiction, don’t they?  Like a lame bit on a tired morning show.  But […]

We do a lot of focus groups at Jacobs Media, they are a great way to keep your ear to the ground.  In session after session, respondents know a great deal about streaming, iPods, and satellite radio.  But when it comes to HD Radio, there’s confusion.  And no one seems to know anyone who has […]

Two separate – but very connected stories – are breaking this week involving two, old-line media entertainment companies – NBC and Columbia Records.  Both are going against the grain by looking to programming guys to lead them into the digital future. In NBC Universal’s case, Jeff Zucker has taken the head job, succeeding the more […]

Jacobs Media has a long, rich history in Philadelphia.  I hooked up with Ken Stevens and Andy Bloom in the late ’80s when we took YSP Classic Rock and became the first Howard Stern affiliate.  Throughout the ’90s with Tim Sabean, YSP was always successful, hitting #1 12+ at one point, even while moving from […]

Today we’ve got a guest posting from Jacobs Media’s Paul Jacobs: Guerilla marketing is over because it’s been equated with terrorism in Boston. Radio station contests are too dangerous because of the unfortunate event in Sacramento. Risqué language is verboten because of Janet Jackson’s boob – two years ago. At a time when it’s harder […]

Today we’ve got a guest posting from Jacobs Media’s Paul Jacobs: Guerilla marketing is over because it’s been equated with terrorism in Boston. Radio station contests are too dangerous because of the unfortunate event in Sacramento. Risqué language is verboten because of Janet Jackson’s boob – two years ago. At a time when it’s harder […]

The other week, I celebrated my birthday.  And because I belong to many radio station email clubs, I was bombarded with many birthday greetings.  They’re all very nice, of course, but they also all look pretty much the same – signatures of the jocks, a cute line about "you’re never too old to be a […]

"Any good new movies opening up this weekend?" "Have you seen that new FJ from Toyota?" "Are you getting Microsoft’s new Vista operating system?" "Have you tried that hot new restaurant?" "I love that new iPhone." "Wow – ’24’s’ added some great new characters this season." The sands are shifting in pop culture, and of […]

"Any good new movies opening up this weekend?" "Have you seen that new FJ from Toyota?" "Are you getting Microsoft’s new Vista operating system?" "Have you tried that hot new restaurant?" "I love that new iPhone." "Wow – ’24’s’ added some great new characters this season." The sands are shifting in pop culture, and of […]

How many stations have become SO consistent in their approach that there’s no real reason to listen today?  If you listened today, you can bet that tomorrow’s going to pretty much sound the same.  As Seth Godin reminds us in "Purple Cow," being very good is the quickest path to being ignored by your audience.  […]

How many stations have become SO consistent in their approach that there’s no real reason to listen today?  If you listened today, you can bet that tomorrow’s going to pretty much sound the same.  As Seth Godin reminds us in "Purple Cow," being very good is the quickest path to being ignored by your audience.  […]

A fascinating sort of "reverse" CGM has recently taken place.  Perhaps you’ve played the game, "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" where contestants have to connect actors and films to Kevin Bacon, who has shown up in an amazing number of films.  Bacon has played alongside stars as diverse as John Belushi, Meryl Streep, and Mos […]

A few years back, you may remember a controversial prediction in Business Week heralding the death of the 30-second TV commercial.  While new media is going nuts, and dominating discussions in board rooms and lunch rooms, the fact is that network television is alive and well. One of the most impactful books to be written […]