It is interesting that as media outlets proliferate, actual reporting deteriorates. Many of you are well aware that because of the growth of online and cable media, staffs are stretched, and there is even more pressure to come up with news to fill all that space. Now that the election is finally over, there's an even greater need to generate some sort of content, much of it not very good.
Many of you know how easy it often is to "make the news." Frequently, agencies and entities send out press releases that are simply printed verbatim. There's often no one with the time to make some calls, do an interview or two, and actually write a story. Instead, it's simpler to just publish the release, or accept some video or audio that is supplied by the "newsmaker."
That's why it always interests me when a local radio station breaks through the traditional news cycle, and makes news of its own. One of the morning shows we work with here in Detroit – J.J. & Lynne on Greater Media's WCSX – has been consistently doing this with the Led Zeppelin reunion story. Last summer, Jason Bonham gave them a great sound bite about the band reuniting that made national and international news outlets.
And now, Cream's Jack Bruce stirred it up on their show, calling the Zep reunion at the O2 arena "crap." He negatively compared Jimmy Page to Eric Clapton, and generally created a great controversy that went well beyond Detroit. This story has now broken internationally – once again.
This level of guest booking and interviewing is something that any morning show might do, but under the guidance of Super-Producer Jim O'Brien, J.J. & Lynne have continued to make news – by making news.
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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- Baby, Please Don’t Go - November 22, 2024
- Why Radio Needs To Stop Chasing The Puck - November 21, 2024
Update: Four days after this post, J.J. & Lynne made more news when they were fired by WCSX.