The protests that started on Wall Street and are now making their way around the country are rooted in controversy. While on the road this past week, I lurked in on several conversations that ranged from ridicule to sympathy about the people camped out in markets throughout the U.S.
In reading more deeply into this movement, there appears to be a wide variety of issues driving it – enormous student loans, the recession that won’t end, the housing market “bubble,” the jobs problem, Congress and the political parties in Wall Street’s pocket, health care, etc.
The one common thread to all of this is anger. Whether they are taking part in these protests, pissed off about them, or sitting on the sidelines, it is clear that there are lots of angry people.
So what does this have to do with radio or a blog about media?
My sense here is that many radio stations can learn from what’s been happening these past few years, perhaps culminating in the “Occupy” protests.
If I were programming a station right now, I would steer away from riling up the audience. If it’s a talk station, I would tone down the conversation. If it’s a sports station, I would find ways to be more supportive of the hometown teams. And if it’s a music station, I would be looking for energy, tempo, and escape.
That’s not to say that “Dust In The Wind” and songs like it don’t belong on the radio right now. But I would be looking for titles like “Celebration” and “You Shook Me” – and finding ways to play them more often.
Recently, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, initiated a noble campaign that is designed to help get money to small business in the hope that more jobs will be created. His CDFIs – or Community Development Financial Institutions – are a novel idea at a time when creative solutions and good will appear to be in short supply.
If your morning show or station or even your broadcast company has a big idea and the will to pull it off, more power to you.
But if saving the world is not in your strategic plan right now, then toning down the anger and turning up the positives, the good times, and making people feel better – even for a few minutes – is something special that radio does very, very well.
Radio can be that antidote to anger. In the world today, that may be a more powerful asset than you think.
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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Fred
As usual you are completely on target.
Time and time again we see that people come to our radio stations for relief from their insane life.
We need to constantly be mindful of connecting with their vibe.
Buzz Knight
Greater Media
Thanks, Buzz. We see it focus groups and in contact with listeners at events. This is part of our mission. Thanks for commenting.
Appreciate it, Buzz. We have seen this again and again in focus and LAB groups. It is something that any station can do. Thanks for taking the time.
Thanks, Buzz. We continue to see it in focus groups and LABs. Thanks for chiming in.
Making people feel better. It’s a great thing that radio has the power to do, but so often does not. Putting a positive spin on any bit will win out every time.
Thanks for the comment, Tony. It IS that simple.
Thanks, Tony. Appreciate the comment because it is SO simple.
Fred,
Such a simple missive–hard to believe any of us get it wrong, and yet we do as complication continues to cloud the world. I’m reminded of that age old supreme opportunity that every air talent has–namely, to leave the “real world” outside the studio door for a few hours and have a blast. Ratings have always consisted in part of just that, and as you so deftly point out, it’s more important now than ever.
Keith Hastings
Thanks, Keith. Yup, basic stuff that any station can do. Thanks for reading the blog and contributing.