In memory of one of America’s great radio personalities, I dug back into our Summit archives. Kidd graciously starred in our “President of Radio” presentation back at our 13th Summit in 2008 in Austin. He was one of 10 different industry leaders and personalities who took the stage to opine about the state of radio.
It’s a wild speech showing a fascinating slice of his humor, his presence, and yes, his philosophy about radio, celebrities, the Internet, and other topics. As you’ll hear, a packed house ate it up.
Our condolences go to his family, his team, and his listeners. Radio has lost one of its icons.
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President & Founder at Jacobs Media
Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.
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.
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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I was there in Austin and remember this presentation well. He was brilliant and will be missed. – Johnny
It was an amazing day – lots of our “Presidents” lit it up that day. But Kidd clearly went over the top, pretty much what we expected when we invited him. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for sharing this great piece. It’s amazing that what Kidd said five years ago still rings true today. Some of the players (Zune, Rhapsody) may have changed, but the message still rings true.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Kidd, but knew his work and devotion to his craft. Radio lost one if its few superstars Saturday, and I hope those who were mentored by Kidd will take his lessons and use them to make the business, and the world, better.
Mark, as someone said on Twitter this morning, Kidd was the President of Radio. Thanks for the kind comments.
I’m very sorry for your loss of truly inspiring American Broadcaster. As a Canadian I did follow Kidd Kraddick from time to time when I airchecked broadcasters in the US. Not only a great talent – but involved so much in his Community Nationally. My condolences.
Thanks for the comment, Bill. Great talent and service have no limits or boundaries.
17 minutes I certainly didn’t have today and most certainly glad I took. I guess I’m one of the few that didn’t know KIDD very well…but what a great speech.
Just a glance at his FB page shows the impact he had a ton of lives. We should all be so lucky.
I remember thinking at the time that each “President” had 10 minutes allotted to their speech, and Kidd was running long. Then I actually took the time to listen to him and realized that while he covered a lot of ground, it was all from the heart. And as you point out, Dave, the reactions all over the web this weekend and today are unprecedented in their volume and passion. Thanks for taking the 17 minutes.
Unprecedented is the word. I’ve never seen anything like it. Talk about leaving a legacy!