The Jacobs Media Blog

The COVID ordeal is one we’d all just aa soon forget. But the pandemic resurrected QR codes, a safe, clean way to access restaurant menus. And from there, the technology was reborn. Today’s blog post shares the newest research results for QR codes – who’s using them and what they use them for. For radio, they might prove to be a free promotional tool during an economic time when marketing budgets are at a premium or they no longer exist.

Forever and a day, we’ve been taught the familiar maxim, “Content is king.” But now, one of the most perceptive observers of the media and technology universe is telling us there’s a new, more meaningful way to look at the landscape – and it’s all about through the lens of distribution. For readers of this blog, that’s nothing new, but the ways in which most broadcasters are developing their respective strategies might require some re-examination if our industry is to avoid the black holes that continue to make legacy media brands disappear.

Since the darkest days of COVID, consumers have been itching to get out, travel, and enjoy life with family and friends. And records are being set for leisure and recreational spending. It means there’s more competition for the entertainment buck as new, innovative and fun concepts spring up in cities and towns all over the country. In Las Vegas, it’s Sphere, but in other locales, consumers are throwing axes or playing elaborate rounds of mini-golf. In 2024, it’s all about the experience. And wouldn’t you know it, radio plays a larger role than you might think. What’s the coolest new entertainment concept you’ve experienced in the past year? I’ll be happy to show you mine. Just click READ MORE.

Radio’s not the only traditional media platform struggling in the revenue column of those harsh spreadsheets. In fact, network television has had a financial famine for some years now, due in large part to its aging demographics. But now a philosophical shift in marketing focus is spreading throughout the TV industry. Could it provide radio “cover” to make an attempt at the same strategy?

The “AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act” continues to ricochet around the nation’s capitol. Over the past year, the idea of car companies removing AM radio from the dash – once unspeakable – has become a regular conversation in automotive and radio broadcasting circles. But across the pond, a couple of car makers have quietly omitted a radio altogether, and they hope no one notices. Thanks to an industry colleague, we’ve noticed. And if you click on READ MORE, so will you.

With the presidential election looming, the elephant in the room is how anyone can prevent AI from influencing the outcome. At the moment, two government agencies – headed up by two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum – are squabbling over the issue. Can anything actually get done? Should anything get done? Which agency should do it? And where does this leave the average radio station? I’ll do my best to answer all these questions.

The tension between traditional radio and digital departments has been palpable over the last many years. Yet, media organizations that combine modern digital assets with the broadcast megaphone called “radio” would seem to have a distinct edge over companies that only offer digital. I call it “the sum of the parts,” and it’s a reason to invoke the rarely uttered phrase, “Advantage: RADIO.” Today’s blog post focuses on how to make the intersection of radio’s Venn diagram work.

Oh no, not another blog post about AI! Alas, it is. But today’s post takes a contrarian point of view to the irrational exuberance that has accompanied AI since ChatGPT was launched just18 months ago. Is AI overhyped and has it already peaked, slowed down by the need for billions of dollars of investment where the returns remain paltry? Has AI already become commoditized as its engines all produce pretty much the same output? And what does it all mean for radio broadcasters. Hit “READ MORE” and let’s have a conversation among us humans