"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi
"We are the change that we seek." – Barack Obama
Two different philosophers, decades apart. Same message.
If we keep waiting for our industry to change for the better, we're going to be waiting a long time. The traditional leadership that always moved the needle in the right direction is struggling to redefine their own businesses.
Cases in point: Mel Karmazin and Sam Zell
Both are brilliant, wealthy businessmen who have set the financial tone in media for decades. Now each is struggling to get their heads around the direction of their respective companies. For Karmazin, the promise of satellite radio has been trumped by new media, and a business plan that – by definition – is simply limited in scope. For Zell, all of the exciting new staffers and energy couldn't transform a tired, failing industry. And yet, hundreds of traditional radio employees ran to both Sirius (XM) and Tribune in the hope that both patriarchs would have the magic pill that would guarantee media success in the new millennium.
It's not going to happen, because in this movie, change has become democratized and individualized. Small companies, little research and consulting firms, and smart individuals can now have as much impact as "the bigs," provided they are taking risks.
How else do you explain SBR's streaming radio channels? Or Edison's "30 Under 30?" Or Kurt Hanson's ongoing streaming initiatives? Alan Burns' "Movin'" format? Coleman's PPM research? Media Monitors' PPM analysis tool? Ruth Presslaff's innovative email database program? And yes, our iPhone app. By a long shot, this isn't the definitive list, but it gives you a good sense of how many "little guys" are out there doing big things.
This time around, change isn't likely to occur from the biggest consolidated companies, all of which are struggling with debt, while reaping few benefits from "the economy of scale." This time around, it may be up to the rank and file – perhaps led by some of the currently unemployed broadcasters out there with an idea of how to transform an industry that needs help.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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