As predicted, the Jack phenomenon is reaching new formats and morphing in new directions. Today, Emmis signed on HANK-FM in Indianapolis, a Country station that’s been “jacked.” This is just the beginning, as more and more programmers will invent ways to incorporate some horizontal thinking along with surprise into existing formats. Or they’ll make new ones. We are living in interesting times.
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)
- Why Radio Needs To Stop Chasing The Puck - November 21, 2024
- Great Radio – In The Niche Of Time? - November 20, 2024
- “Be My 9th Caller Right Now And Win A Free Slurpee!” - November 19, 2024
Over the past year and half we’re hearing so much about the “Jack” formats and their clones. We’ve heard the stations first hand, listened to the airchecks and read the articles. Well, the articles tell us that “Jack” is more than just a list of songs. But those same articles don’t say anything more. My personal observations is that “Jack” is a list of songs AND a handful of somewhat clever liners i.e. “we play whatever we want.” But beyond that….
NOTHING! Reminds me of the All-70’s format, some familiar music you can’t hear elsewhere, some cool imaging spotlighting the 70’s decade and the same old liner card jocks.
IMO, great radio stations are more than music. A LOT MORE! Boss Radio/Los Angeles, WLS/Chicago, WABC/NY were more than just music and jingles. There was the whole “stationality” about them. It extended into all aspects of the “sound” of the station. The presentation, pacing, processing, attitude, and feel of those stations made them stand out on the radio dial. The same could be said for Chicago Rocker WLUP/Chicago in it’s late-70’s hey day. Or WMAQ/Chicago (circa 1975) when it presented a country station with the pacing and polish never heard of before in the world of country programming.
As I hear it now, “Jack” reminds me of listening to an Ipod. Somebody elses Ipod, not mine. Only this Ipod plays commercials.