Just a few entries ago, I was praising some of the better uses of Classic Rock/Rock songs in TV ads. A few days later, NPR’s "Day to Day" program devoted an entire feature to having listeners choose the worst ad songs ever.
An old radio friend, Sheila Sorvari, sent me the link to the feature ("The Song’s Just Wrong"). Among others, listeners pointed out the paradox of Mercedes Benz using Janis Joplin’s song of the same name – a clear repudiation of wealth and material things.
Similarly, another listener noted how John Fogerty/CCR’s "Fortunate Son" which was used in a patriotic-looking ad for Wrangler, runs directly opposite the mood of the commercial.And as one listener notes, Kentucky Fried Chicken has started using "Sweet Home Alabama," begging the question whether they should change the name of the place to "AFC."
The rampant use of Classic Rock songs may not always be a panacea, especially if crazed agency types aren’t thinking things through. It could make a strong morning show bit where listeners suggest best and worst hook-ups for songs and products. But the lesson may be that even the best songs sound dumb when paired up with lame advertisements.
President & Founder at Jacobs Media
Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.
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.
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.
Latest posts by Fred Jacobs (see all)
- Broadcast Radio In 2025: A Word Cloud Or Word Salad? - January 22, 2025
- Why Apple Loves Live Radio (More Than Many Radio Broadcasters Do) - January 21, 2025
- In A Word, RADIO - January 20, 2025
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