The Jacobs Media Blog

We may be entering a new era – “Big Podcasting” – where the money will become abundant, signing bonuses will escalate, and everyone will get rich. But podcasting analysts tell us that 99% of all podcasters don’t make a dime. Today’s blog breaks down podcasting’s wealth distribution equation, and discusses the future of the medium.

Song repetition has always been the bane of broadcast music radio stations. But music experts saying that playing the same songs again and again is a big part of what keeps radio popular and vital. Don’t believe me? Today’s blog post has 7 very good reasons that point to the power of playing the hits.

Radio veterans mean well when they give worldly advice to fledgling young radio wannabes. But sometimes, those pearls of wisdom aren’t on-point for the next generation of radio personalities, programmers, sales people, and managers. Today’s post list 8 bad pieces of advice radio’s Baby Boomers often impart to young people who have their hearts set on careers in radio.

The voice assistant race heated up last week when Amazon rolled out a slew of new Alexa-enabled devices you wear. And some of these new gadgets will make even the most jaded techies roll their eyes – or get out their credit cards. Today’s blog post will help you keep up with the latest and (not so) greatest in voice technology.

At last week’s Radio Show, Bob Pittman declared “podcasting is radio’s birthright.” In today’s blog post, we discuss the fallout, and how broadcasters and podcasters can work together.

The 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ seminal album, “Abbey Road,” came and went last week. But on SiriusXM and Spotify, it was a much bigger deal. And when you check out the Beatles’ core demographic appeal, you’ll see why.

How do you transform the radio industry – and perhaps your career? That was our theme at this year’s Radio Show – “You’re not just in the radio business anymore.” In today’s blog post, we summarize the key takeaways from our storytelling sessions, featuring some of radio’s most insightful and passionate leaders. We hope you like the wrap-up, and if you were in Dallas, we hope we had a chance to say hello.

Local concert information used to the province of broadcast radio, but new apps and websites are integrating this information with playlist services and even voice platforms. Today’s blog post looks at one of these data-driven services, and provides ways for music radio stations its presentation and stay in the game.

With all the information we have at our disposal, we are still surprised by some of the fast-moving trends in technology. Today’s post looks at three revenue-producing areas are doing surprisingly well. They may cause a few raised eyebrows, and perhaps serve as conversation starters while you’re on the floor of the Radio Show.

It’s that time of year again as the industry gathers in Dallas for its annual show. And some big questions are hanging in the air. The word “radio” is becoming endangered, on the heels of ABC’s decision to embrace “audio.” Today’s post is an open discussion of the “R-word” and its ongoing value to listeners, advertisers, and broadcasters themselves. And that begs the question: will it ever become “The Audio Show?”

Women have made major strides in radio over the past decade. Just look who’s sitting in the corner offices at some of radio’s biggest companies. But when it comes to the PD chair, not so much. Today’s blog post talks about mentoring women who are seeking programming positions, and how some of radio’s key players can work together to make it happen. After all, we need the best, smartest, and hardest-working PD we can get.

The passing last week of Eddie Money and Ric Ocasek now serve as repeated reminders of the mortality of all those great rockers we’ve lost – as well as those who will inevitably leave us. But their music lives on, long after they leave Planet Earth. In today’s post, we look at how we celebrate music – with or without the presence of those who wrote and/or performed it. They may not live forever, but their music most certainly will.

“Spotify Everywhere” is a clever strategy designed to teach consumers how to access their product on multiple platforms. They’re running an all-out drag race to build audience, grow its numbers, and monetize its assets. It’s impressive, and it’s the topic of today’s blog post.

In the world of traditional media, the digital sign posts are unmistakable. Most radio companies have gotten the memo, investing substantial human and financial resources in the digital space. While the digital transformation is well underway, the “analog” transformation – the people – may be lagging. Today’s blog post looks at the task of getting everyone on the same page.

Brands are becoming more responsive to core fans, especially because of their importance. Today’s post talks about that fine line between fans and fanatics – and provides perhaps the perfect 5-word solution to effectively handling unhappy listeners.

Where would radio be without its hardcore fans? More and more, the medium depends on those habitual listeners who tune in every day without fail. But these days, fans have an increasingly louder voice, thanks in large part to social media. Today’s blog post looks at the growing power of fans, and the effects it can have on even the biggest, most successful brands in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.