Today's guest blog is from our own Bill Jacobs, who provides reasons for us to listen to terrestrial radio. Why, you ask? Because it's free!
You don’t need me to tell you that we’re living in a very unique time, one that none of us could have ever imagined. With the exception of gasoline (which is definitely nice to see), prices are high or rising and so is unemployment. Concurrent with that is the reality that consumers are spending less on nearly everything – auto industry sales are plunging, and the Christmas retail season is looking scary. Satellite radio's woes are well documented, and an industry where subscribership has historically held up well – satellite television – Dish Network is experiencing declines.
All of these subscriber-based services cost money. Yet, terrestrial radio does not, and that remains one of its key selling points during this unprecedented economic tsunami. Few things in life (that are any good) are free. Douglas Gomery, the emeritus professor of journalism at the University of Maryland, notes that in rough economic times, two winners — at least should be television and good old terrestrial radio. For the same reason that low-cost providers such as Wal-Mart (the lowest prices) and McDonald's (dollar menu items) appear to be weathering the economic storms, it stands to reason that, “TV and radio will both do well during a deep recession," according to Gomery. He goes on to state that “A poor economy is not likely to be kind to satellite radio services XM and Sirius – even as merged.”
In recent months, radio stations have faced tremendous cutbacks in all areas, but the expectation of viable entertainment every time a consumer punches up a station hasn’t waned. That, coupled with the fact that radio is arguably the best free media proposition, means that broadcasters must maintain a level of quality and consistency, even in difficult economic times. And while staying positive is a challenge, it's a must.
Should radio stations go on a full blown on-air campaign touting the fact that we're free? That’s a station-by-station call but certainly there’s a lot to be said for pointing out this very fact:
“WHO says the best things in life are free? WE DO – Rock 102, always on, always rockin’, and always free.”
As consumers continue to cut back on many entertainment options, it is crucial to remind listeners they get the most bang for their buck from radio:
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"Cost of a new iPod? $299”
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“Cost of four tickets to a Lions game? $200 and unending aggravation.”
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“Cost of going to a movie with the entire family? $50.
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“Cost of listening to Rock 102? Not a dime, though if you’re inclined to send us some money, we’ll gladly take it.”
How's that for a little free advice?
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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