In the long history of TV sitcoms, some very outrageous scenarios have been concocted by comedy writers looking for laughs. One of my favorite concepts is the talking car, an idea that hit the airwaves in 1965 on “My Mother The Car,” starring the unwitting Jerry Van Dyke, along with his mother – the reincarnated voice of the family 1928 Porter (voiced by Ann Sothern) that came out of the radio.
Shockingly, “My Mother The Car” lasted less than a year, despite its brilliant writing, plotting, and clever premise.
But that didn’t stop NBC, the network that gave us that memorable show from trying the talking car formula again. In 1982, they added technology and launched “Knight Rider” starring David Hasselhoff, and a hi-tech voice equipped car – KITT – voice by the inimitable William Daniels. “Knight Rider” had a great deal more success, lasting several seasons, and returning in various incarnations on TV and in film.
Back then, cars that talked and problem-solved seemed farfetched. But not by today’s standards where we are seeing the rapid presence of smart voice technology in the cars we drive, first with systems engineered by the various automakers, then via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and now featuring Alexa, the voice of Amazon’s Echo platform.
How big a deal is voice to the future of automotive? Today in San Francisco, a new conference – the “Voice Of The Car Summit” – takes place, featuring on-stage appearances from Google, Amazon, Microsoft, SoundHound, and many others.
Put together by Score Publishing’s Bradley Metrock, this debut event promises to explore some of the burgeoning best practices and technologies 
powering voice in cars. While limiting driver distraction is clearly a goal for carmakers, their Tier 1 suppliers, as well as technology companies, the other “killer app” is the ability for drivers and passengers to access anything and everything by just speaking to the car.
I’ll also be on a panel at this summit, sharing the stage with Audioburst’s Rachel Batish and Voices.com’s David Ciccarelli for a panel called “Convergence Within The Car,” moderated by Metrock.
I’ll be bringing the perspective of broadcast radio, while hoping to gather new information about where this space is headed, and how we can ensure AM and FM outlets maintain a strong presence in every vehicle.
From there, it’s off to Las Vegas and the NAB Show. As his been the case the last few years as an outgrowth of our DASH Conferences, the NAB has gone “all in” to ratchet up radio’s presence in the automotive community. From keynotes and presentations to demos of connected car featuring ecosystems like Apple CarPlay, NAB has taken a lead role in both industry communication as well as lobbying efforts.
At this year’s mega-show, cars will continue to play a prominent role on the convention floor, we well as during sessions. Paul Jacobs is moderating “The Impact of Mobility on Media” – a panel devoted to the trajectory of automotive and where radio fits in. Joining him is the NAB’s EVP Industry Affiars & Special Projects, Steve Newberry, along with iHeart’s SVP Business Development & Partnerships, John Vermeer, and Ford’s Global Lead, Content Ecosystem Management, Scott Burnell.
Over the past several years, the NAB has played an increasingly active role interfacing with the auto community on topics as important as autonomous vehicles, AI, voice, hybrid radio, and other issues germane to the radio business. The overriding goal is to elevate broadcast radio’s presence in the world of cars, and the ensure radio stations hold onto their primary “real estate” in dashboard head units.
The timing is fascinating. The Wall Street Journal recently ran an extensive piece (it may be behind a pay wall), “The Battle for the Last 
Unconquered Screen – The One in Your Car” by Tim Higgins and William Boston.
It’s a thorough analysis that covers the confluence of automakers and technology companies, as they jockey for position to control the dash.
Some estimate that as much as $750 billion in additional dollars could be gleaned from in-vehicle technology (ads, auto maintenance). To say it’s all about the dash is putting it mildly.
As Telenav’s Ky Tang points out, “We see this as the battle for the fourth screen” – after TV, computers, and mobile phones.
At CES in January, we blogged about a hot, red Ford Mustang that we called “multilingual.” That was because it was fluent with Siri, Alexa, Google Voice, and 
of course, the manufacturer’s system, SYNC.
And while the tech who demoed the vehicle for us insisted that Ford is indifferent about which “language” a consumer chooses to communicate with the car But as Ford’s executive director of connected vehicle and services, Don Butler, reminds the WSJ, “We need to control the user experience.”
That will present a challenge as the dashboard becomes crowded with hardware and software that is developed by hybrid mashups of automakers and tech companies.
And all the while, the broadcast radio industry must stay in the game, building presence, trust, and synergy with these global forces, often in conflict with each other.
When you think about it, radio and cars have been tacit partners for nearly a century. And yet, the two industries essentially had not spoken to one another for decades.
Until just the past few years.
There’s no question there are many issues of paramount importance facing radio broadcasters as the industry gathers in Vegas this week. But given the growing percentage of in-car listening, the entire radio industry needs to elevate automotive to the highest possible level of importance.
There’s a lot riding on it.
I’ll be reporting from both conferences, so keep an eye on this blog for stories and perspective about radio and automotive.
Special thanks to Jackson Radio Works’ Bruce Goldsen. And to photo whiz Ron Wyatt.
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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Not only is automotive connection essential, your article on the importance of experienced broadcasters stepping up to promote, preserve and recharge our industry is the most important of all! Thank you, Fred.