On the heels of yesterday’s post about how the New England Patriots are innovating new fan experiences, it occurred to me that some of America’s great radio stations do this every day in their own way.
And it’s notable that some of the biggest and best ideas often come from the biggest and best brands. You might argue that it’s a self-fulfilling prophesy that some of the most successful stations would have more resources in which to make magic.
But oftentimes, the opposite is true. The stalwart, consistent heritage station is often overlooked by the cluster or the company, usually because it’s the healthiest. In the same way that one of the NFL’s most storied franchises – the Patriots – is attacking its weaknesses, the stewards of some of radio’s best brands operate in a similar fashion. In fact, when you program a brand like WMMR, KNRK, or WRIF, there’s often more pressure to keep coming up with “the next big thing.”
So as it turns out, my email box had this blog post ready to go – I just had to write it. Here are three stories about how the aforementioned brands keep finding ways to innovate, be in the moment, and always find ways to elevate the fan experience – especially on a live and local basis.
WRIF & The Red Wings
It’s always a long winter in the Motor City, but when you get the news that the NHL Lockout is over and Hockeytown’s beloved Red Wings are going to take the ice again, you have to do something. So, of course, a Red Wings ticket giveaway is what every station is thinking. But giving Detroiters the key to unlock Joe Louis Arena is just great radio.
We know that videos work and that’s why when this one graced my email box, I started thinking about how nice it is to see a 40 year+ brand like WRIF continue to reflect the vibe of Detroit.
>EMAIL RECIPIENTS: CLICK HERE TO WATCH WRIF/RED WINGS VIDEO<
KNRK & Muse
So it seems like whenever radio gets the opportunity to interface with a real band, the end result is often the same – a rushed in-studio interview, an awkward meet & greet, or a strange concert backstage interlude. That’s why when Portland’s 94/7 hooked up with Muse ti give listeners the chance to participate in a penalty shot kick with bassist and soccer fanatic Chris Wolstenholme, it was exactly what was needed to create audience buzz and excitement.
These kinds of unique experiences attract a lot of attention – not just locally – but from people all over the world. And they connect fans with the band and the radio station in a unique way. Listeners have heard it all before and the fear of upsetting the PPM applecart has discouraged studio interviews anyway. But here’s a way to tap into the passion of the band and its fans – while putting the station in the center of the action.
WMMR & The Possum Bowl
For Rock stations, “The Big Game” is always a weird weekend and pretty much a throwaway event – unless you do something innovative, stupid, and fun. Enter Preston & Steve, and it’s “The Possum Bowl.” Yup, just like the real deal, two sisters – who happen to be possums – will square off in a contest that will probably not be repeated.
The video here shows you all you need to know – but note how big the station and the show treat this ridiculous event, giving listeners a chance to even get text updates and participate in a block pool. The Harbaughs would be proud.
>EMAIL RECIPIENTS: CLICK HERE TO WATCH WMMR/POSSUM BOWL VIDEO<
The moral of the story? Big stations have to do big, crazy, innovative things to get noticed, stay current, and build their brands. So do up and comer stations that are trying to become legendary.
And realizing that many great stations are focused on creating better fan experiences and/or giving listeners a chance to do things that are out of the ordinary, my email box is always an open invitation to learn more about some of the wonderful things stations are doing.
Use the comments section to let me know about some of the great ways that radio’s best brands are enriching the fan experience.
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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