There’s been a great deal of controversy about the upcoming reality show, "Kid Nation." The show purportedly puts kids ranging from 8-15 years of age in an abandoned New Mexico town. The concept behind this one is whether the kids are able to build a successful society without the aid of their "helicopter parents."
Of course, the controversy is all about whether CBS and the show’s producers aren’t in fact exploiting and even injuring these kids for the sake of ratings. There’s been lots of pre-hype for this show – in all media – as parent groups have complained, and pundits express outrage. New Mexico’s Attorney General has been all over the road, deciding whether or not to investigate the show.
The bottom line? For a show that hasn’t even aired (it debuts tonight), there’s lot of buzz. Whether this reality show is the next "Survivor" or not is almost secondary to all the hype. The combination of controversy and talk (on local radio, of course) ought to at least generate some solid initial ratings.
And to CBS’ credit, they have not backed down from the heat. Often in radio, the first hint at a phone call from a listener – or a client – is enough to force the PD to pull the programming in question, or sanitize it. But in many cases, word of mouth is a good thing, and TV networks and production companies understand that all too well.
As we saw in "The Bedroom Project," the ethnographic study we conducted for Arbitron earlier this year, television shows have become the focal points of discussion and even social discourse. Thousands of viewers watch programs like "Dancing With the Stars" or "Lost" in groups, discuss them the next day at work or school, and even use websites to continue their debates or glean more information.
Terrestrial radio needs that type of buzz – and lots of it. With the exodus of Howard Stern, and the firing of Don Imus, the medium desperately needs to be the focal point of talk and even some controversy. This is why we were encouraged to see Fargo’s Rock 102 continue to benefit from its ballsy and provocative billboard campaign that we lovingly refer to as "the gift that keeps on giving." Has the station received complaints? Of course. But they understand that always staying inside the white lines isn’t very "purple," and it sure won’t generate ratings and attention.
You can see both "Bedroom Project" presentations at the NAB/R&R Conventions in Charlotte this September. Conceived by Arbitron and conducted by Jacobs Media, "The Bedroom Project" is an ethnography study about media, technology, and survey research. The presentations are Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 at the NAB; Thursday afternoon at Jacobs Summit 12.
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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Glad to be part of the billboard creation for a couple of clients about 6 or 7 years ago and see stations still not afraid to do something edgy.
Jacob, Rock audiences are weird!
On one hand, they ‘dig’ a billboard with a bikini clad woman, with a quickfire blurb “now turn US on”.
“Jeez Kevin – you see that – hahaha!”
Yet, this same audience demands recognition of their intelligence, as they are self proclaimed ‘aficionados of rock music’ (especially Classic Rock many will claim).
Are they perhaps kidding themselves, which in truth they may inadvertently be projecting themselves as arrogant simpletons, to which the billboard may be (wrongly) targeting?
I can never really pinpoint the mindset of rock audiences. You’re a specialist in this, and perhaps you can enlighten me.
At least Rock102 are generating a buzz.
Richard.