The Jacobs Media Blog

A decade is a long time, especially when you’re taking that “10 Years Challenge” that’s had its run on Facebook and other social platforms. So, on “#ThrowbackThursday today, I’m putting JacoBLOG to the test – a trip back exactly one decade into the blogosphere. Ironically back then, I was blathering about the importance of video in radio. And nary a reference to the Buggles. Let me know if I passed the test.

The world may have slowed down during the worst days of COVID, but not the auto industry and its growing list of technology partners, most of which have been progressing at breakneck speeds. At the NAB Show next month, Jacobs Media will be taking the stage, along with an impressive array of auto and tech experts. As more and more consumers increase the amount of time they spend in their vehicles, it is paramount broadcast radio position itself in the best position possible. That’s what today’s blog post is all about. Buckle up.

Another edition of our “junk drawer” feature with stories about failures from two corporate giants, a new podcast network from a familiar, and a comeback from an unexpected player in music.

The past few days, this blog has looked at the sorry state of radio and Gen Z’s – the listening audience and the industry’s future workforce. I’ve decided it’s time to stop talking about the problem, and do something about it. Jacobs Media is supporting “Vinylthon 2022,” an effort to shine the spotlight on college radio and help support radio’s stars of the future financially. We’re walking the walk, and we hope you will join us. Just click here for all the details on “Vinylthon 2022.”

It’s not hard for most anyone who reads this blog to think of prominent radio talent – the personalities and times that light it up on the top 100 market airwaves. But what about in college radio? How well known are the top performing stages, and their student managers and talent who aspire to a career in radio? Today’s post looks at the class of 2024 – students who will come out of college well-trained, fired up, and ready to go. How can we support their efforts and tap into radio’s equivalent of college athletes?

Twitter’s got a problem. Its user base is aging, bypassed by Instagram, Snapchat, and of course, TikTok. To right the ship, they’re hired a youth expert – a techie child prodigy who knows his way around the Gen Z block. What does this have to do with radio? Everything.

Today’s JacoBLOG “junk drawer” is a special edition. We’re paying tribute to the people and country of Ukraine, courageously fighting the good fight during the worst of times. We’ve collected four great stories about media, music, and of course, radio in Ukraine. Life goes on – even in war – and I hope you’ll find these stories compelling and inspirational.

You may have read the story last week about how former NPR CEO, Jarl Mohn, became a “member” of all 251 NPR affiliated stations by writing each of them a $1,000 check. In exchange, Jarl asked each station to send him their coffee mug. It’s a symbolic gesture that speaks volumes about leadership and class in a world sorely lacking both. I’ve known Jarl for decades, and today’s post lists six key qualities that define a great leader. Grab a cup of coffee, click here, and join me.

As we love to say on the radio, “Welcome to the weekend.” And if I know my readership, a number of you will be enjoying an adult beverage before too long. In fact, it may be one of those cool craft beverages. And the creativity of this hot category now extends to radio, and a beer named after our favorite platform – FM radio.

The science of sound has become a popular pursuit – in marketing and advertising and now in the auto industry. Associating sound effects with a time, a place, a person, or a radio station is powerful stuff. And today’s blog posts opens the door for any radio station to use sound strategically to build powerful connections.