I was all set to put together an extensive analysis of the impact of Christmas music this past fall, based on my sense that holiday programming was a huge factor in the Fall ’06 book. Then Inside Radio’s Mike Kinosian beat me to it, with a report that goes far beyond what I was planning on doing. Mike has graciously allowed us to distribute the report to Jacobs Media clients, as well as post it on our website.
Since the Christmas of 2001, the all-Christmas music phenomenon has become even more powerful. Perhaps this past year gave it even more resonance, as the country is mired in an unpopular war, and there’s more uncertainty over just about everything. As celebrity dirt has become something of a fantasy escape from the harsh reality of the hard news of the day, Christmas music often serves as audio comfort food, allowing people to curl up in a sort of musical fetal position.
All of this continues to create serious challenges for Rock formats, already suffering under a variety of impediments, from “cell phone onlies” to mediocre new music to listeners who are becoming more and more comfortable with new technology.
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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