Back in 2014, we started a new initiative on this blog. And I’m pleased to tell you that today at the NAB Convention, it will move from your computer screen to a stage in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The genesis of “Radio’s Most Innovative” came from two very different sides of the philosophical spectrum. First, there was an abundance of comments to this blog (and on Twitter) from radio professionals past and present who are convinced that nothing of any magnitude or importance is happening in the industry today.
Time and time again, I heard the familiar refrain:
“There’s no innovation in radio.”
And the second piece of the pie was our continued attendance at the Consumer Electronic Shows, and our connection and friendship with the head of the now-named Consumer Technology Association, Gary Shapiro.
Gary is an ardent believer in the power of innovation to change the world. And he can often be heard repeating the mantra, “Innovate or die.” Gary has written books on the topic, perhaps the best of which is “Ninja Innovation.” As he reminds his readers, “the best solutions are not immediate solutions.”
In the case of the panel I’m moderating, that quote has more than the ring of truth. Each of the three innovators we’ll be showcasing are proving that institutional change isn’t easy. But through innovation, you can move mountains, and that’s what our three panelists and their organizations hope to do.
Jeff Smulyan, Emmis’ CEO, has the scars to show for the innovations his company has undertaken over the years. While Jeff will be talking about his current “life’s work” project – NextRadio – it is important to remember he’s wielded the machete through the tall grass of change at many points in his career.
From the advent of the Sports Radio format at WFAN to the development of the Emmis Interactive platform to the “Where Hip-Hop Lives” app, Jeff has this seemingly insatiable desire to try new things and be in the forefront of change.
Loren Mayor, NPR’s COO, will be talking about the much-talked about NPR One app. It’s a brilliant platform that marries NPR content to local station news and feature coverage to create a dynamic app that creates a whole new way of experiencing public radio.
Like Emmis, the NPR One app isn’t the network’s first visit to the “innovation rodeo.” From programs like Car Talk and the news magazines Morning Edition and All Things Considered back in the day, to newer initiatives like the Invisibilia podcast and the TED Talks Radio Hour, NPR is committed to innovation that will serve its existing audience, as well as reach out to younger consumers who are hungry for credible and substantive journalism and entertainment. Along with the rest of the public radio system and other networks and programs, innovation is their foundation, and Loren will talk about that spirit on the panel.
And finally, an important grassroots project is reaching fruition just in time to possibly save the radio industry, while revitalizing its workforce. Consultant Dan Vallie is the driving force and creator behind the National Radio Talent System, developing learning sessions for wannabe broadcasters around the country.
Unlike NextRadio and NPR One, the National Radio Talent System isn’t about new digital technology – it’s centered on nurturing interest and talent among young people to ensure the radio industry has a vital future. By bringing together radio veterans to school fledging broadcasters, Dan is involved in an essential innovation that is already benefitting the entire industry.
Jeff, Dan, Loren and I will talk about what it takes to build and support an innovative atmosphere at any company or inside any organization. All three have been taking risks their entire careers, and we’ll discuss how any radio broadcasting company, public or private, major or small market, can instill a culture of innovation.
And of course, it’s not just the three of them doing the innovating. I’ll be showing this slide – a potpourri of companies, brands, concepts, programs, and ideas that have made their marks in radio, from the past to the present. All have been featured over the past couple years in our “Radio’s Most Innovative” series.
If you’re attending the NAB, we start Tuesday afternoon at 2:45pm in N238. I hope you can join us because this “Radio’s Most Innovative” session could be the start of an ongoing spirit of creativity and risk-taking that we hope takes hold industry-wide.
And when you think about radio’s future, what choice do we have?
Innovate or die.
Each of the “Radio’s Most Innovative” posts featuring all three great concepts are available here:
Thanks to Josh Miely, John David, and the NAB for supporting this initiative.
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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Great post Fred..and so true. Will this be available for viewing if you’re not in Vegas, after the session?
Dave, thanks for the comment. I don’t exactly know whether the NAB tapes (audio or video) of their sessions anymore. At one point, that was a cottage industry. I’ll ask.
Thanks man. Really love to engage with this one (and why are you up so early out there:)? 🙂