The Jacobs Media Blog

In yet another development that could impact terrestrial radio’s place in the entertainment hierarchy, Motorola is about to go live with iRadio.  It’s a new subscription music service designed to compete with satellite radio (they’re looking at $7-10 a month), set to provide more than 400 channels of programming over cell phones.  And they’re already […]

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, columnist Carol Hymowitz contrasted two mega-successful companies – Wal-Mart and Starbucks.  While both are investor-magnets, and unquestionably leaders in their respective categories, Wal-Mart is beset by bad ink, out-of-control growth, lawsuits, and the ongoing accusation that it has wrecked small town America. Starbucks, on the other hand, could […]

One of the findings from the focus groups we did for Arbitron in the fall is that our 18-34 year-old respondents often referred to radio as keeping them company.  While there are many aspects of FM radio that are falling short – the inability to program their favorite music, commercials, etc. – this interpersonal aspect […]

To add to the pile of evidence that there’s money in aging Boomers, consider the 2005 official list of highest grossing concerts.  Pollstar reports that the Top 10 includes the Stones (at #1), U2, Paul McCartney, the Eagles, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffett.  This is obviously a great year for Classic Rock concerts, and it […]

We started last year urging broadcasters to stream their audio online, and we kick off the new year with an encouraging research project that reinforces its importance.  A MediaSpan study of nearly 35,000 site visitors confirms that streaming is the real deal.  Half stream their favorite station at least monthly, and better than one in […]

Since we trademarked The Edge in the late ’80s, it’s been fascinating to watch how many like-named products that have surfaced.  (Yes, it true – the shaving cream preceded our Alternative stations.) Now, it’s the Ford Edge, a new hybrid vehicle that the troubled automaker hopes will be the beginning of a recovery.  The car […]

We’ve talked about MySpace.com in this space before.  Steve Goldstein points out a recent cover story in Business Week, "The MySpace Generation," that does a nice job of defining the good and bad of these social networking web sites that have truly become a big part of teens’ lives.  If you have a teen in […]

We’ve talked about MySpace.com in this space before.  Steve Goldstein points out a recent cover story in Business Week, "The MySpace Generation," that does a nice job of defining the good and bad of these social networking web sites that have truly become a big part of teens’ lives.  If you have a teen in […]

As the year winds down, I was asked by one of the trades about our assessment of new rock projects/bands from the past year.  I gave a very dour view of 2005, and the reporter was somewhat taken aback.  While not an across-the-board truth, most Active Rock stations have struggled to field even a mediocre […]

In a recent Rolling Stone, Asylum Records President Todd Moscowitz notes that "Ring tones are the new singles."  In many recent focus and L.A.B. groups, radio listeners continue to tell us that they do lots more on their cell phones than just talk.  In fact, ring tones are playing a big role in their activity.  […]

Sometimes, it takes a note from a listener to remind us of our mission in the media world.  I don’t usually print these missives from audience members, but in this case, I thought you’d find it interesting to get inside the head of a listener.  This note came from a listener to The Bay, Shamrock’s […]

It is indeed wonderful to read that Time has named Bono (along with Bill and Melinda Gates) one of its "Persons of the Year."  It was just a few days ago in this space that we saluted Bono and U2 for their "brand/band management."  This honor now elevates the group to new levels, even above […]

After the obvious news that Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci was finally fired a few weeks ago, I started thinking about how different coaches (programmers/managers) function.  How does coaching style play out on the field and in the locker room?  Why do successful coaches find ways to win in different situations, while others move to […]

After the obvious news that Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci was finally fired a few weeks ago, I started thinking about how different coaches (programmers/managers) function.  How does coaching style play out on the field and in the locker room?  Why do successful coaches find ways to win in different situations, while others move to […]

Is "podcasting," according to the New Oxford American Dictionary of English.  Last year, it was rejected as a even word, but now, it’s been added and has been declared the dictionary’s "Word of the Year." Congratulations to the pioneers who made this happen.  And isn’t it yet another lesson that technology is moving at an […]

A memo to Peter Ferrara, the new industry face of HD Radio: First of all, congratulations on your new gig.  It’s not going to be easy heading up this initiative, but if you play it right, you’ll be a part of radio’s history – and hopefully, its future. So, in between talking to hardware manufacturers, […]

Thanks to Ken Anthony, and the R&R folks for doing a great job covering the 20th anniversary of Classic Rock. We have both articles posted on our web page that pays tribute to the format’s milestone. But the most interesting reading is the "Stories" supplied by broadcasters who were around in the early years. We […]

Paul Jacobs joins in today with some thoughts on growing revenue with your Web site: As I’m watching CNBC one morning last week trying to figure out if I should buy or sell, a news item scrawled across the screen that caught my attention: "Anheuser-Busch announces a reduction in advertising expenditures in network television and […]

In a recent New York Times piece, writer David Carr lists 9 strategies U2 has employed over the years to ensure its place in Rock history.  These guys have been around for 25 years, and yet, they are more relevant, influential, and popular today than at any other point in the band’s history.  And unlike […]

Dave Beasing weighs in today with some thoughts on "being Alternative:" On Thursday, December 8, online visitors to San Diego’s FM 94/9 first were exposed to a flash animation video.  The Alternative station briefly and eloquently surprised listeners by remembering John Lennon that day, on the 25th anniversary of his murder. You might be asking, […]