Everybody in radio should have one of these. They’re called RadioSharks, and it’s akin to a TiVo for radio. But the real application is that you simply install the provided software, plug the Shark into a USB port on your computer, and up pops a radio dial. You “tune in” the station of your choice, adjust the Shark (built-in antenna), and start recording whatever you like directly onto your hard drive. You can then listen to whatever you “taped” late or burn it to a CD.
There’s also a timer, so if there’s something you want to capture, the Shark will take care of it while you’re doing something else. I have purchased Sharks for my staff (roughly $60-$65 at Amazon, J&R MusicWorld, etc.). Now when we make market visits, we can “tape” other jocks we might be considering, or stations that we think you’d be interested in hearing.
Why didn’t I think of this?
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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If you’re into time shifting radio, try Replay Radio.
Replay Radio lets you record ANY Radio station broadcast over the Web as an MP3 file, and then copy it to your iPod or other MP3 player. It will even burn CDs automatically.
Replay Radio comes with a database of over 900 shows and 1200 stations, and you can easily add your own.
One more cool feature: with the optional Replay Player, when you listen on your PC you can easily skip over the ads. (If you use an iPod, just hold down the Next Track button to fast forward.)
Check it out! A free trial is available from here:
http://www.replay-radio.com
Enjoy!
I ran the Shark past my “Music Industry, Broadcasting & Internet” class at USC. Juniors and seniors. They didn’t go for it. Why? They don’t like radio. And that’s the bigger problem. As one student said, “why do we want to record something we don’t like”. While I have been teaching at USC I have come to apppreciate how much trouble the radio industry is in with the next generation. Everytime one of my radio friends visits the class they are always amazed at how deep-seated the problems are. The students know where the future is for them, but radio execs don’t seem to be listening.