You may have read some of our observations from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. We saw some amazing technology, met some bright people, and learned a lot about where the media world is headed. In the middle of this tech version of Disney World are thousands of smart, tuned-in professionals, start-up pros, and simply dreamers.
So while we were navigating our way along with 153,000 other convention-goers in Las Vegas, we had an amazing encounter with an old friend. We bumped into Jerry Lee.
As you probably know, Jerry is the proud owner of B101 in Philly, one of the most remarkable stories in the history of modern radio. When first duopoly, and then consolidation came into being back in the ‘90s, guys like Jerry were written off as antiques. The conventional wisdom was that a major market standalone station run by a single owner couldn’t possibly compete against the larger footprints of big, corporate radio.
Well, here we are in 2012, and B101 remains the top-rated station in a very competitive market. And more to the point, Jerry Lee stands out as one of radio’s great citizens. He is innovative, inquisitive, and curious. Every time I run into Jerry at a convention or conference, he’s bending my ear about a new idea or new device.
That was the case at CES. No sooner did we run into Jerry on the floor, he began talking about new technologies (that of course we had not heard of) regarding light projection innovations. A few years back, he was extolling the virtues of testing commercials using facial coding.
So there we were in the middle of CES chaos, and Jerry changed the subject to his newest gadget – the iPad vest. Of course, Paul and I were carrying around heavy backpacks and Tumi bags, and Jerry was standing there looking empty handed – and comfortable.
That’s when he showed up this newest techie wearable, made by Scottevest.
It should come as no surprise to you that CES 2012 was not Jerry’s “first rodeo.” In fact, this year’s convention marked his 39th consecutive trip to CES, a telling testimony about his commitment to new ideas and innovation.
Radio is a better industry because Jerry Lee is a part of it. He elevates the Philadelphia market in a profound way, and I only wish that committed, passionate entrepreneurs like Jerry were operating in 100 other markets around the country.
We’d all be better off.
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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I mourn for what radio has become-increasingly non-local and homogenized.
It’s great to see an owner who cares and still invests in his community.
Mark, thanks for writing. Jerry is a unique owner and a great broadcaster. We need more like him.