When you work in radio, sometimes you begin to think that you're working in the most difficult environment ever. But if you think about some of the unbelievable things that have occurred within the past few weeks in other industries, you might conclude it's just as bad – if not worse everywhere.
Consider these examples…
The Houston Comets are no more. This is the WNBA franchise that won the first four league championships when the league was born. A search for a new ownership group failed, so 37 people are now unemployed, Houston is without its WNBA team, and former great players like Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper are wondering what the hell just happened.
The Detroit News & Free Press are curtailing home delivery. You've probably read about this one, but it's still a mind-boggler. Calling it a "bold transformation," the papers will only be delivered three days a week in the hope that readers (yes, newspapers are especially appealing to older consumers) will go online to enjoy their daily "paper."
Best Buy has offered a buyout to almost its entire corporate staff. After reporting lousy third quarter profits, the retail giant has offered voluntary severance packages to just about every one of its 4,000 corporate workers. What if they all took the package, you ask? That's a good question, and it makes you wonder about how these employees must feel about their value when their parent company is ready and willing to get rid of all of them in order to save money.
And no, I haven't even bothered with the Bernie Madoff or GM/Chrysler merger stories. So, when you read the next crazy, unbelievable, or even lameass radio announcement that is sure to come down soon, think about the fact that every business and industry is experiencing unprecedented times.
How much longer until the Inauguration?
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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