The Jacobs Media Blog

Radio station websites have a checkered history as many companies have struggled to make these digital assets viable. Today’s post discusses new research that sheds light on how radio can improve its web presence.

Last week, the radio got hit with some disappointing news from two of the most innovative companies – Tesla and Apple. Both were reminders that while making great radio content will always be an imperative, distribution is rapidly becoming an even greater challenge. New technologies offer the radio industry ample opportunity to be EVERYWHERE. And that’s the focus of today’s blog post.

For programmers, it’s always been about balancing science (the data) and emotion (gut). And now radio companies are facing some of those same challenges – balancing the firehose of data with the creative intelligence necessary to survive and thrive. A new study reveals the key questions every organization should be asking.

Is your station “buying books” or building a foundation of audience trust that leads to word of mouth recommendation? In a “post truth world” where audiences are skeptical about everything, it could be the most important asset a radio brand has.

The ways in which consumers wake up is undergoing rapid change. From the clock radio to mobile phones, technology is redefining the wakeup routine. And that has big implications on morning radio. This week, Amazon unveiled its newest device – the Echo Spot – and it’s designed to end up on millions of nightstands. Say “good morning” to Alexa.

If you’re had a rough summer ratings book, you’re not alone. The movie industry is coming off its worst summers in decades. Many in the movie industry point the finger at review site, “Rotten Tomatoes” as the reason behind the downturn. Sound familiar?

Ken Burns’ new PBS documentary, “The Vietnam War,” is powered by three different soundtracks. The story of how Classic Rock became “a character in the film,” and why music is such an evocative part of our collective memory is the topic of today’s blog post.

Even the biggest media brands must change with the times. What radio can learn from the distress sale of a magazine that once ruled the music world, Rolling Stone.

Sean Spicer wasn’t the only surprise on Sunday’s Emmy Awards show. “The Handmaid’s Tale” took home 5 statuettes – a first for streaming platform Hulu. This is a sign that great content isn’t just coming from broadcast and cable networks, but from just about anywhere. It makes you wonder if the same thing couldn’t happen in radio…or audio.

The cable TV industry finds itself beset by a rush to the exists, as “cord-cutters” grow in number, especially the all-important Millennial generation. Cable’s travails provide object lessons for the radio industry about what NOT to do to satisfy current customers. And we have a six-pack of them.

Fall is the time when college sports begins to ramp up. And some of the best lessons come from the coaches who roam the sidelines. In today’s post, we examine a strong think piece from one of the best – Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski – better known as Coach K. Here are his five tips for creating a winning organizational culture.

A new study reveals that brands may not be anywhere near as engaging with their audiences as they think they are. Is that the case in radio/