In the midst of the maelstrom of the Rush Limbaugh controversy, there has been a lot of back and forth about some of the tactics employed by the “Boycott Rush” movement, and other groups that have used the power of social media to mount an attack on the embattled host… and his advertisers. We examined the impact of this campaign in a well-read post this past Wednesday (“Slut Spring?”).
Late last week, Rush began to fight back. Noting that “there’s an army out there” that supports him, Limbaugh did something that he’s never done before: joined Twitter.
As I write this post, his legions have responded, so you can’t make the claim that his audience isn’t “into” Twitter. His Ditto-head followers are nearing the 90,000 mark and rising.
But the bigger question is, “What took so damn long?”
Twitter is an incredible tool where thinkers, doers, celebrities, and experts come together to share, connect, and exchange ideas and thoughts. For a successful radio host, Twitter isn’t just a good idea, it’s table stakes for nurturing and encouraging listener interaction.
But that assumes you’re actually interested in knowing what listeners think, and you have a desire to connect with them. And it begs the question of why Rush, his producers, and Premiere hadn’t already activated this channel on behalf of its most successful talk show.
Yes, Twitter is well behind Facebook when it comes to overall numbers, but for personalities that are truly committed to being where the audience is, and interacting with them on whatever platform they choose, a Twitter account in 2012 isn’t even “optional equipment” anymore.
Radio needs to get with the program, from the CEOs on top to the DJs in the studio.
Sadly, some people still think there’s no rush.
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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