I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Annual Leadership Conference and Retreat in the Boyne City area. (Hold up your left hand – Boyne City is about at the top of your wedding ring finger.)
I’ve attended other state broadcast association meetings and seminars, but never here in my home state of Michigan. Karole White and her staff put on a great show, complete with top-notch panels that included a keynote from the new N.A.B. President, David Rehr (who will also be appearing at Summit 11 in Dallas in September), as well as R.A.I.N.’s Kurt Hanson.
It was a nice refresher for me to meet up with some dedicated broadcasters from around the state, and listen to their concerns. In a very depressed economy, they are struggling to integrate new technology (a major theme throughout), as well as keep up with the pressures that come from indecency fears, and other industry issues.
It was also heartening to be reminded of how so many stations are so totally dedicated to serving their communities. The Michigan National Guard sponsored a portion of the M.A.B. this year, which also served to reinforce their community focus as well.
And finally, I had the chance to meet a large group of fellow broadcasters – area folks who are committed to their responsibilities and the cities and towns they serve. As a consultant for the past two decades, I sometimes feel a little disconnected because we’re not affiliated with a station or even a broadcast company. But this getaway to the M.A.B. was a great opportunity to feel a part of our business, our medium, and our craft.
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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