Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune wrote a piece this week that very likely speaks for a lot of radio listeners. Commenting on how Chicago morning radio has gone from being an incredible local mecca that spawned entertainers like Steve Dahl, Wally Phillips, and Larry Lujack, Rosenthal notes that the addition of Whoopi Goldberg and Opie & Anthony serves to "genericize" the market, and makes a statement about where local radio is headed. While there’s no question that syndicated personalities are successful in markets all over the U.S., it’s also a fact that radio’s local personalities set the tone and are often the difference-makers.
Whether it’s Drew & Mike, Preston & Steve, Lamont & Tonelli, or Tom Barnard, the radio needle is being moved by local shows serving their communities. Because in the final analysis, satellite radio, iPods, Internet radio stations from New Zealand, or DMX are all wonderful pieces of the entertainment pie. But none of them can provide the service, perspective, or proximity that local radio can.
With all its faults and challenges, no other medium has the power that terrestrial brings to the table. And as noted here before, O&A would not have ended up in Letterman’s green room had it not been for their comeback on terrestrial radio. It’s not about XM’s Opie & Anthony – it’s about the growth of O&A on commercial FM radio stations all over the country.
When you think about it, it’s an incredible story about terrestrial’s dominance over satellite radio. As Blue Nun Wine’s campaign was the great example of radio’s power back in the late ’70s, the Opie & Anthony story in 2006 is a great testament to terrestrial’s influence and reach. If we’re smart enough to get out there and tell it.
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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