Who said this?
“We want to be in as many cars as possible. We’re beginning to embed Internet radios in all the places where you traditionally have a broadcast radio. Ultimately, the choice we hope consumers make is they’ll opt for this instead of broadcast.”
Readers of this blog will recognize this quote from Pandora CEO Tim Westergren. It’s yet another indication that Pandora is doing everything it can to kick ass and take names in its assault on broadcast radio.
In our research, our coverage of Westergren’s meet-up in Detroit last year, our “take” on Pandora’s local sales initiatives, and particularly in this blog space, we have continually pointed to its threat potential.
Now with the advent of format-branded or genre channels, Pandora continues to laser-focus on broadcast radio. Long-time Pandora listeners know that the music discovery and depth features have been diminishing for some time now. Pandora’s research must have shown them the mantra that terrestrial radio has utilized for decades: “Play the hits.”
While there will always be adventurous consumers, Westergen knows they are in the minority. The masses want it dumbed down. They want a service that is simple, reliable and plays songs they know and love. The most popular satellite radio channels are the ones that play the hits.
Now Pandora is moving from esoterica to mainstream. In the process, broadcast radio is right in their crosshairs.
Yes, AM/FM radio has many challengers and groups that would celebrate its demise. But it is time to stop ignoring Westergren and Pandora, whose intentions continue to be transparent.
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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