The shocking news of Michael Jackson's death sure felt a lot like when I heard about the passing of Elvis, except that in the digital world of information, it was a whole different story.  The fact that TMZ broke the story while the so-called cable news media, USA Today, and AP all waited around speaks […]

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At a time when everyone's preaching that "Content is king," but so many stations actions suggest the opposite, another gathering of the nation's talent is about to take place in Nashville next month.  It's the "Morning Show Boot Camp," put on by Don Anthony, the guy who's been Mr. Talent in radio for more than […]

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A recently released Ad-ology Research study reports that in a lousy economy, consumers are paying attention to companies that advertise – and those who don't.  According to the research, nearly half of the respondents believe that when companies become invisible from an advertising perspective, it's an indication that they're struggling financially. Of course, this is great […]

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Recently, AOL Money & Finance created a list of 13 iconic brands that now find themselves on the brink of bankruptcy.  It's an impressive list, and it's sobering to see this collection of once monster companies that are now flirting with disaster. The article cites household brands like Citigroup, Sears, Kodak, and of course, General […]

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The technology explosion continually challenges broadcast radio in homes, at work, and now, in cars.  We've seen evidence of this in our Technology Polls, conducted among radio's most loyal listeners.  At work, computers are far more ubiquitous than radios.  At home, there's no shortage of gadgets and media, from the Internet, games, and television.  And […]

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A recent article in USA Today about iPhones took an interesting sidetrack about device usage.  Nielsen research guru, Roger Entner, put together a mind-blowing analysis that clearly showed how totally active iPhone users really are – compared with owners of other mobile phones, wireless laptop computers, and even Blackberries. When looking at the monthly megabyte […]

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Some big news out of the satellite radio camp this week. First, in the middle of the recession and at a time when subscribership is on a downward trajectory, Sirius XM is raising prices to accommodate music royalties.  At the end of July, the monthly fee gets jacked up $1.98 to pay for the performance […]

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Excuse my French, but as our research at Jacobs Media has been showing for months, it IS the economy, stupid.  Between our most recent Technology Poll, and the ongoing L.A.B. groups that we've been conducting for client stations, we continue to see online coupons rise in value – to consumers. Now, a new study from […]

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Excuse my French, but as our research at Jacobs Media has been showing for months, it IS the economy, stupid.  Between our most recent Technology Poll, and the ongoing L.A.B. groups that we've been conducting for client stations, we continue to see online coupons rise in value – to consumers. Now, a new study from […]

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A couple of weeks back, a blog post (Afterthought) highlighted an RAB roundtable about the sorry state of radio production.  Now it turns out that the RAB will not be handing out a Mercury Award for the Radio Station Produced category.  Why?  Because none of the entries was worthy, according to the judges. The story, […]

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An interesting thing is happening on late night television – David Letterman actually edged past "The Tonight Show" one night last week.  While everyone is talking about Conan versus Dave, and their new head-to-head competition, it's hard not to conclude that competition can be a good thing. Recently, Letterman has been embroiled in a battle of […]

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So, this mobile apps thing is becoming big.  And as marketing and research guys, we are bringing something a little different to the table with our app development company, jacAPPS.  While we get all sorts of calls from people who say something like, "Just get us on the iPhone," the real question revolves around what […]

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So, this mobile apps thing is becoming big.  And as marketing and research guys, we are bringing something a little different to the table with our app development company, jacAPPS.  While we get all sorts of calls from people who say something like, "Just get us on the iPhone," the real question revolves around what […]

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Sure looks like fun… and a great celebration of Classic Rock!

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Now that the hoopla over the iPhone announcement has passed, let's take a look at what these developments might mean – at least in the short term.  1. Steve Jobs didn't show up.  But Apple got all the hype out of the speculation about him.  Like those "special guest appearance" concerts, it sure got everyone […]

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One of the few American success stories in this economic downturn is Wal-Mart.  They have come up with a formula that combines product variety, low prices, and service that keeps them thriving.  So, you've got to believe there's some sort of master plan (and of course, there is) that keeps the company on top. In […]

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Thanks to Tom Kay and the folks at Conclave, I'll be presenting a webinar, tomorrow (Wednesday, June 10th) at 3P EDT.  Called "DJs: Rebooting Your Career" It's designed for air talent attempting to redefine their missions or simply trying to figure out how to navigate the current radio waters. Much of what has transpired during […]

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Is there anything more frustrating for listeners than to turn on their favorite station, and hear that it is has suddenly switched formats?  We do it every week, mostly with little warning or explanation to core customers that we've been courting, nurturing, and bribing for years.  And one day, it's gone. The same thing commonly […]

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Is there anything more frustrating for listeners than to turn on their favorite station, and hear that it is has suddenly switched formats?  We do it every week, mostly with little warning or explanation to core customers that we've been courting, nurturing, and bribing for years.  And one day, it's gone. The same thing commonly […]

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Are major sports organizations missing the boat when it comes to promoting their elite athletes?  By snubbing their "true teams" -  collections of great players (like the Orlando Magic or Detroit Red Wings who lack marketable stars) who somehow come together to vie for and win championships – are they sending out the wrong message […]

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