From a radio standpoint, what does it mean to be “independent?” How do you define it?
Some radio stations position themselves this way, suggesting local, family-owned, free of corporate dictates. Others believe that you can achieve independence even if you’re working for a global company with thousands of employees.
For people working in radio, it’s the ability to help shape and define your job and your career whether you’re working for a ma and pa company in Sioux Falls or one of broadcasting’s biggest corporations headquartered in New York City.
For those of us on the entrepreneurial side of the street, “independence” is often a mixed bag. On the one hand, we have the freedom to shape our companies and our careers in any way we can imagine. Our future is clearly in our hands, in good times and bad. There’s never anyone else to blame.
On the other hand, being independent and owning your own company comes with a unique set of pressure and conditions. I laugh when people tell me that one of the benefits is that you can take off as much time as you want.
I think about the literally thousands of people inside radio who I’ve met and worked with over the years. They are all very different, of course. Many are thinking and planning for that next move. Others are deeply ensconced in companies where they feel they can make their marks.
One attribute most share is the strong desire to entertain, inform, and make a difference in their communities and their communities. They have a deep passion for radio, not just as a business, but as a medium that has the ability to impact and transform..
Wherever you are on that radio career curve – just getting going or on the back 9 looking at the clubhouse – best wishes for a happy, healthy 4th of July weekend.
This is the holiday that reminds us that the summer clock is ticking. It’s not too late to make those getawasy plans for the eight weeks until Labor Day. It is also “halftime” – the midpoint of the year. We still have a chance to hit our numbers, achieve our goals, and do amazing things in Qs 3 and 4.
So celebrate your independence today along with the freedom we have to pursue our dreams as Americans.
Grab yours and run with them.
We’re back Monday with fresh content. Thanks, as always, for reading our blog.
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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Happy Fourth of July 🙂
Much appreciated!
Excellent article, Fred. Question. How can I find out more about these independent or small group stations? Like where they are and who owns them? Thanks.
That is a good question. I don’t know if there’s a single source that breaks out ownership by type, Carl. Hopefully, others will chime in with answers here.