This morning, I’m going to address a large crowd of attendees at DASH by simply saying something that has never ever been said at a conference connected to radio:
“Welcome to Detroit!”
I don’t know how many radio conventions I’ve attended over the past 40 years, but it’s in the hundreds. And though we have passionately argued for the idea of Detroit being home to a radio conference, it has fallen on deaf (and perhaps prudent) ears. After all, how could you rationally book an important convention here?
So as it turns out, the best way to ensure there was a bona fide conference in Detroit was to do it ourselves – in this case, in partnership with Valerie Shuman and Radio Ink.
When we first approached Eric Rhoads with the idea of a “connected car meets radio” conference, he immediately warmed to the idea, and said, “And we can have it in Silicon Valley.”
And I replied, “No, Eric, it has to happen in Detroit.”
It’s too bad we weren’t speaking via Skype or FaceTime, because I would have loved to have seen the look on Eric’s face when I mentioned the Motor City. But when you think about it, Detroit is the truly logical place for DASH.
Two weeks after we announced the conference, Detroit declared bankruptcy, making the symbolism of DASH and our incredible turnout from radio, automotive, and other industries even more impressive.
Detroit is one crazy town, with lots of highs and plenty of lows. But all the same, the area is made up of incredibly resilient, passionate people who care. Those Chrysler commercials you’ve seen during the past couple of Super Bowls were spot on in nailing the heart and soul of the people who live here.
And as it pertains to both automotive and radio, the Detroit story is a compelling one. Obviously, this is the town where the auto pioneers from Henry Ford to John DeLorean made their marks. The comebacks of Ford, GM, and Chrysler are amazing business stories that go beyond government bailouts (for the latter two companies). Fact is, The Big 3 are making great vehicles.
And on the radio side, Detroit has featured some of the biggest personalities ever: J.P. McCarthy, Dick Purtan, Howard Stern, Steve Dahl, Drew & Mike, Arthur Penhallow, and many others too numerous to mention. And the current crop of greats who entertain us on our way to work down the Lodge, out to the suburbs, and off to places like Brighton and Ann Arbor are proving that even in this scaled back era of radio, amazing personalities continue to play leading roles in the Detroit radio story.
As a native and someone who has suffered through my share of jokes, raised eyebrows, and even a lot of sympathy over the years when it’s mentioned that I’m from Detroit, this is an intensely proud moment for me and everyone in my company who has worked so hard with our partners to make DASH possible.
Right now for the radio industry, I can think of no more important spot on the U.S. map than 42.3314° N, 83.0458° W.
Welcome to Detroit.
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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This IS Detroit and this is how we do it – way to nail it Fred Jacobs!
Thanks for that, J.T.