The Jacobs Media Blog

In today’s Philadelphia Inquirer (and perhaps other daily papers across the U.S.), the ads for Sirius/Stern have begun with a vengeance – taking a distinct free speech direction.  The "stripper" headline and the reference to "uncensored" says a lot about the direction Sirius is planning to take with the marketing of these channels. It also […]

It’s hard to imagine how switftly things are moving technologically.  In the blink of an eye, Apple introduces the video iPod, and ABC makes some of its prime time programming available for download for $1.99. Now NBC and CBS are initiating video on demand ventures of their own.  It’s like ringtones – if you have […]

Today, Bill Jacobs dives in with some thoughts on indecency: Indecency is an issue that seems to be moving further and further into the background, right?  Hardly. On the one hand we have data released by the FCC itself a few weeks ago showing that complaints to the Commission have dropped to a two year […]

Today, Bill Jacobs dives in with some thoughts on indecency: Indecency is an issue that seems to be moving further and further into the background, right?  Hardly. On the one hand we have data released by the FCC itself a few weeks ago showing that complaints to the Commission have dropped to a two year […]

If you’re reading this after eating a big meal, think about coming back later.  For those of you with courage, continue reading, because I have a focus group story that will make radio people very uncomfortable. Recently, we conducted some focus groups among teens and listeners in their 20’s, trying to get a better fix […]

It seems like every cluster of TV commercials contains at least a couple of products featuring a Classic Rock soundtrack.  And why not?  The music has shown incredible resiliency, it is powerful, and it now spans generations.  Products as diverse as Microsoft and Cadillac have successfully used Classic Rock anthems effectively, and now Fidelity is […]

It seems like every cluster of TV commercials contains at least a couple of products featuring a Classic Rock soundtrack.  And why not?  The music has shown incredible resiliency, it is powerful, and it now spans generations.  Products as diverse as Microsoft and Cadillac have successfully used Classic Rock anthems effectively, and now Fidelity is […]

The majority of Americans now have Internet access at home, and broadband now outpaces telephone modems.  Who says?  The U.S. Census Bureau does, reminding all of us that the Internet isn’t just a medium – it has become a way of life. For years now, Jacobs Media has been consistent and relentless in stressing the […]

Maybe you’ve caught "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central, which logically follows "The Daily Show."  It’s another great example of how this team takes what’s going on the news, turns it on its side, and makes great TV.  What’s even more amazing is how many people – especially on the younger side of the spectrum […]

One of the big stories in the NBA in the preseason had nothing to do with the game itself.  The big controversy facing the league and its well-paid players is the new dress code that NBA Commissioner David Stern has imposed.  No longer will the players be allowed to come and go from the games […]

Joining in with a guest blog is Saga/Norfolk GM Dave Paulus: I can’t define it, but I KNOW it when I see it… The other day, my afternoon guy at WAFX, Mike Anthony, spoke on his show about the new U2 DVD, Live in Chicago that’s being released next week.  U2 is one of those […]

It was recently announced that Euro RSCG has been retained by Sirius to provide PR services for Howard Stern’s channels.  According to reports, nine different PR firms pitched the deal, in which Mel Karmazin claims that by January, "there will be nobody in the U.S. that will not know that Howard Stern is on Sirius." […]

A new Nielsen/NetRatings study confirms what we’ve suspected all along:  most online newspaper readers are loyal to their town’s top paper.  So, for example, among Chicago online readers, 21% opt for ChicagoTribune.com.  It’s like that in nine of the top ten largest U.S. markets. Now, it’s true that most newspapers haven’t quite figured out yet […]

Dave Beasing joins us for a guest blog today: The latest edition of Buzz from Beasing is now posted at ik9.5f7.myftpupload.com.  In every issue, I offer commentary on several pop culture and marketing topics that reflect our changing times and are, we hope, of interest and useful to you.  In the month or two in-between, […]

There’s a cry heard at many stations around the country.  There’s just no merchandising dollars, despite the fact that listeners want to display our call letters – on their cars, on their backs, and on their heads.  But funding stickers, T-shirts, and hats has become difficult expenses for many stations to fathom. Contrast that with […]

There’s a cry heard at many stations around the country.  There’s just no merchandising dollars, despite the fact that listeners want to display our call letters – on their cars, on their backs, and on their heads.  But funding stickers, T-shirts, and hats has become difficult expenses for many stations to fathom. Contrast that with […]

There’s lots of talk these days about viral marketing.  We’ve spent many Jacobs Media memos and advisories over the years discussing the potential of listeners becoming the engine for spreading the word about your stations, morning shows, contests, and other content. Much of this originated with the writing of Seth Godin, specifically his "Idea Virus" […]

Dave Beasing joins me today in a "group effort" entry: A recent "Research Briefing" from The Center for Media Research speaks volumes about how radio personalities have an incredible opportunity to send great emails, while also improving web content.  And it has nothing to do with music, client appearances, or concert calendars. When so many […]

An interesting development in the marketing of stock brokerage firms is playing out.  Schwab, a stock trading outfit that has had better days, is returning to its roots, and founder Charles Schwab.  As they duke it out against well-known brokerages like Merrill Lynch on the one hand, and many discount companies on the other, Schwab […]

An interesting development in the marketing of stock brokerage firms is playing out.  Schwab, a stock trading outfit that has had better days, is returning to its roots, and founder Charles Schwab.  As they duke it out against well-known brokerages like Merrill Lynch on the one hand, and many discount companies on the other, Schwab […]