As musicFIRST releases its "Radio Distortion Handbook," the NPD Group ironically reports that one-fourth of the music sold in the U.S. is now credited to iTunes. And digital is catching up with CDs. Overall, more than one-third of music sales are now in digital form, and projections indicate that by the end of 2010, it will be an even split between digital downloads and CDs. All of this continues to make Steve Jobs look smart – and rich.
The record labels and their artists could have enjoyed this windfall, but like Kodak and digital film, they spent years in denial. From Napster to suing 14 year-olds, the music industry has spent so much time and so much money chasing wild geese that they've missed the golden goose that was there all along.
In the digital world, iTunes earns a 70-share, while Pandora is selling one million songs a month. Imagine if the labels would have built this model when it was in their crosshairs, rather than concede the revenue to third parties.
And in their desperation, musicFIRST has locked itself in a trench war with radio – the folks who diligently and dutifully have played their releases, promoted their artists and concerts, and even their box sets and digitally remastered nonsense; the folks who have the gold and platinum albums that prove their value to artists and labels. It's like blaming the car for a wreck when all along it's been driver error.
When was the last time you bought a CD?
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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