With all the talk about new media – satellite radio, iPods, Internet radio – one phenomenon that many miss is video gaming. The Jacobs Media Technology Web Poll illustrated the breadth of gaming – impacting many Rock listeners of all ages.
Two years ago, Steve Schnur of EA Games spoke to our Summit about the impact of video games. We brought Steve back for Summit X, because gaming now eclipses revenues generated by the motion picture industry. And there’s no end in sight. The integration of music and gaming is at the root of radio’s opportunity. This year, Schnur asked why radio doesn’t partner with gaming companies or artists whose music is integrated into games. Good question. And it all becomes even more necessary when you consider that this week, MTV announced it’s partnering with Midway games (yes, another Viacom company) to develop games. MTV will integrate its own personalities and programs into new games.
There’s application here for radio, if we can step up and see the connection and the opportunities.
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.
Latest posts by Fred Jacobs (see all)
- Media And Technology In 2025: Believe It Or Not! - April 18, 2025
- In Radio, You Just Never Know - April 17, 2025
- The Secret To Making A Great Podcast (And Great Radio) - April 16, 2025
Although the notion that video gaming is now “bigger” than Hollywood is often trotted out in media stories, it’s about as accurate as the current wave of media stories that satellite radio now trumps terrestrial radio.
Totals of gaming industry revenues generally include console sales but the movie industry revenues given in such comparisons are usually domestic box office only–no DVD sales or other secondary markets.
That’s really apples to oranges.
As regards to your main point, frankly, I’m shocked that no radio station or group has cut a deal to supply an audio feed to an internet-connected game title.
Hello? Has anyone in radio even played the GTA games? If “GTA: Vice City” can get young males listening to “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,” then the possibilities are remarkable.