The Jacobs Media Blog

In Saturday’s New York Times (free registration required), there’s a story about a couple of brothers who have started a different kind of sports/pop culture talk show called “Cheap Seats.”  The angle is that the show repurposes ESPN archive footage, and allows the hosts to add commentary.  The noteworthy part is that it airs on […]

Some people don’t understand what NeoRadio is all about.  It’s not a format – it’s a way of interfacing with customers – or in radio’s case, our audiences.  This “listeners first” philosophy is the cornerstone of NeoRadio. That’s why it’s important to realize that Neo thinking goes beyond soliciting listener input on programming issues.  Our […]

Why is new rock having so much trouble getting traction?  Clearly, the record labels have  had trouble telling the stories about new bands.  What do I mean by that? Too often, they’re simply focused on the music, not the back story about the band.  Who are these guys?  And why should we care about them? […]

Everybody in radio should have one of these.  They’re called RadioSharks, and it’s akin to a TiVo for radio.  But the real application is that you simply install the provided software, plug the Shark into a USB port on your computer, and up pops a radio dial.  You “tune in” the station of your choice, […]

The ongoing topic these past few posts is streaming.  If you’re providing a stream of your audio online, how do you get that message across to current fans and cumers? Hit them where they are – the Internet.  A few years ago, Jacobs Media was involved in an Internet advertising venture called FastBlast.  The concept […]

We’re talking about streaming – how to most effectively get the word out to your cume (and beyond) that you’re providing this service. Because you’re probably not running commercials at stopsets, what do you use to fill those breaks?  If you’re just playing another song or running filler material, rethink how you’re using this inventory.  […]

Radio stations and companies are finally waking up to the reality that providing a stream isn’t just a neat idea – it is essential if radio is to compete with new media.  So, if you’re providing a stream – or will be in the near future – congratulations on getting in-tune with your listeners. But […]

We are thrilled to hear that so many stations / companies are actively pursuing streaming their audio signals on their web sites.  This is long overdue, and we at Jacobs have been pushing this hard for some time now.  Local radio needs to get in this game… yesterday.  We have the familiar brands and the […]

It’s becoming an on-demand world.  You know this if you own a TiVo.  Now, many cable companies are offering DVRs – or digital video recorders – as part of their digital boxes.  This trend is going to proliferate quickly, despite the protests of TV broadcasters who are justifiably terrified their commercials will be lost in […]

First, HFS threw in the towel.  Last week, Radio One shut down Y100 in Philly.  And now rumors are swirling about the fate of WXRK/New York in the post-Stern universe. So, of course, this is going to fan the flames of concern about Alternative – yet again. I spoke with former Y100 PD, Jim McGuinn, […]

What’s the biggest threat to radio over the next few years?  Perhaps it’s satellite radio or maybe it’s Internet “radio.”  Yet, terrestrial radio can compete against both, if we focus on what got us to the dance.  We’re going to be a cheaper alternative to XM and Sirius, and if we start streaming initiatives en […]

The big news yesterday?  XM hikes prices $3 a month.  Remind you of anything?  Like the way your cable company does business?  And you know how highly regarded cable is with its customers.  Radio hasn’t had a price hike since Marconi invented it.

OK, we’re all seeing it in various research settings – there’s something going on among teens, 18-24s and Classic Rock. But then again, many of you don’t need research because you have kids who are spending more time listening to Led Zeppelin than they do 50 Cent or Godsmack. So what’s the deal? Here are […]

In radio, we are now constantly bombarded with reminders about new paradigms, “Purple Cows,” and doing things differently.  Our industry and the way listeners consume music are changing at a mind-boggling rate. But think about what’s happening across the aisle with record labels and music stores.  Ray Charles’ Genius Loves Company snagged eight Grammys.  You might […]

Why do people use iPods?  When and where are the best environments? And how can radio compete with these little music boxes?  We’re going to address this issues in an upcoming web poll.  But I can tell you from several different L.A.B. groups I’ve conducted over the past several weeks that the #1 most mentioned […]

Nielsen data released in advance of Sunday’s Academy Award broadcast indicate that ratings for the once “can’t miss” awards shows are consistently trending down.  Last year, TV viewing for the Emmys hit an incredible low.  The Golden Globes and Grammys each achieved their worst ratings in the past five years.  The prognosis for this weekend’s […]