The Jacobs Media Blog

2020 was a dumpster fire of a year. For radio operators, it was especially precarious. But much good came out of this very challenging year for radio – if you take the time to look for it. Join me as we start 2021 with much optimism and hope for better days ahead.

Sometimes, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. In 2020, gestures of gratitude and gratefulness have never been more important. The Rock community has traditionally come up short in this department, especially when it comes to radio. But this year looks a little different. Today’s post looks at some of the truly nice things that have happened as Rockers thank radio.

CES 2021 will be a lot different this year. It’s Virtual CES. And to continue our presence at this amazing gathering of technology to start out the new year, Jacobs Media is creating our own virtual tour of technology and innovation that will impact radio broadcasters in the new year. We’re excited to show you what we’ve been working on – an accessible, affordable way to experience CES. Without the sore feet. Take a look.

The pandemic is a reminder for many of us that a prime New Year’s resolution may be to shed a few pounds. While that may mean dieting, for millions of Americans, it is also about exercise. Today’s blog post looks at the 50 best workout songs of all time (can you guess #1?), and how music plays a key role in our exercise regimens. But here’s the question: does radio have a shot to be that workout soundtrack?

It’s one thing to launch a new brand. It’s another to manage one that’s been around a loooong time, where nothing new ever comes out. No, we’re not talking about radio or a Classic Rock station. Oreo has been around for more than a century, and in today’s guest post from Bill and Reid Jacobs, they reveal the secrets behind why it remains the most popular cookie brand in the world. It’s about staying current, engaging fans, and yes, keeping it fresh.

As we wrap up 2020, a common conversation in radio circles revolves around the impacts of work from home. Has it been a good thing for radio and those of you who work in the industry, or has it hampered the way stations do business and people interact with one another? Today’s blog post explores those pros and cons, gives you a chance to weigh in with your opinion, and also preview the newest innovation in WFH technology.

In the 1960’s, being a “sell out” was the worst thing you could be. But here in 2020, given the state of our celebrity culture, is it even possible to sell out your image? Or your music catalogue? Bob Dylan put it to the test earlier this month when he sold his entire catalogue of music to Universal for a cool $300 million. It turns out, this wasn’t a one-off. You might be surprised who else has the “For Sale” sign posted outside their dressing rooms.

2020 will be remembered for many things – most of them revolving around strife, struggle, and heartache. But a look around the U.S. radio industry reveals that even under the most difficult of conditions, broadcasters have stepped up big-time to support the unique needs of their local communities. There are unintended benefits from this rush of public service that could impact radio operators well into the new year – if they’re willing to reflect upon what going on right in front of their eyes – and ears.

A recent development revolving around audience measurement may have slipped under the radar. It’s Nielsen’s introduction of a new ratings platform. Branded as “Nielson One,” it’s being hailed – by Nielsen – as the “Holy Grail” of data collection. Finally! A singular measurement tool designed to capture media usage across multiple platforms – broadcast, digital, etc. But there’s just one little catch…

It’s harder and harder for emerging new artists to break out – especially in this 2020 environment. But more and more we’re seeing young superstars grow their audience and their brands by recording music originally recorded decades before they were born. Today’s post looks at how artists like Lizzo and Billie Eilish are embracing Classic Rock.

Yesterday was a big day for radio talent. Both SiriusXM and iHeart Radio announced new five-year deals with Howard Stern and Charlamagne Tha God respectively. But elsewhere in radio and for many voices on the airwaves, joy is not in abundance. Today’s blog post looks at the role 2020 is playing on our teammates in the air studio – or in many cases, broadcasting from home.

The breaking news has been coming fast and furious in 2020. But a story that should not be missed in the collective noise of the moment is that today, December 8, marks the 40th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. I was living in New York City at the time, and ended up with a story to tell. And that’s the subject of today’s blog post.

How we position and market our radio stations during a pandemic has become a profound challenge. We have always invested in our position. But given COVID, marketers are thinking more about their purpose – their “north star.” What’s yours?