Step aside, Art Vuolo. Radio may have found a new best friend.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you are probably very much aware that Paul McCartney has been a highly visible icon during the past year. And in fact, he may have been the most prominent of rock stars during the past calendar year.
So, it may come as no surprise to you that here in our first week of fresh content on JacoBLOG in 2019, Sir Paul makes a headlining appearance. You may or may not be aware that “the Cute Beatle” was a featured guest on the venerable Sunday night news magazine, “60 Minutes” late last year.
Like many of you, I checked out from a lot of media over the holidays, and did not see that particular show on Sunday evening, the 30th of December. I found out about McCartney’s interview – the first ever on “60 Minutes” by the way – in a LinkedIn post from Walter Sabo (aka Walter Sterling, host of his own Westwood One talk show). Walter also wrote a strong blog post on the topic last week.
Why was this interview so significant? Because Sir Paul enthusiastically gave broadcast radio a strong shout-out – actually three of them.
Here’s the short clip of the McCartney/”60 Minutes” interview, featuring a very befuddled Sharyn Alfonsi.
There are several stunning things about this short :30 love letter to radio.
First, that Alfonsi is incredulous McCartney not only listens to radio, but chooses it as his key music discovery platform and his core in-car medium of choice.
Second, that McCartney isn’t just a fan of radio, he’s a super fan. And his pushback against Alfonsi’s protests should inspire radio sellers in markets big and small to be aggressive against those now-fashionable yet misguided objections to the medium. You’d want McCartney representing your station to advertisers, based on his strong loyalty and enthusiasm for radio.
Third, Sir Paul is one of the most influential music personalities in the world – not a relic from a forgotten generation, but a true icon who has remained relevant and current in today’s multi-media landscape. Yes, he grew up with the radio and 45 R.P.M records, but he has also made savvy use of new media over the years – virtual reality, satellite radio, streaming, and of course music video.
And yet, his top choice for music?
Yes, RADIO.
Now, some may argue that in spite of his fame and vision, Paul McCartney is a 76 year-old man – well “out of demo.” So, cynics might ask, “What would you expect him to listen to?”
But this isn’t just any septuagenarian – Sir Paul’s influence in music and across the globe eclipses them all – Bono, Dave Grohl, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift.
As Walter exhorts, all of radio owes Paul McCartney as major league THANK YOU!
OK, I’ll start.
Sir Paul, THANK YOU!
In a postscript, Rolling Stone recently published a piece about music tastes and trends, summarizing the year just passed: “Rap’s New Generation Took Over, Rock Ruled the Road and Radio Still Mattered.”
It’s an interesting analysis of the current state of music, genres, concerts, and entertainment. There’s a section titled “Radio Means More Than You Think,” and it’s another repudiation of conventional wisdom. In many ways, it echoes McCartney’s enthusiasm for radio.
Writer Elias Leight sums up broadcast radio’s current state of affairs as follows:
Both stories would make fine additions to any sales kit or pitch. After all, when music authorities like McCartney and Rolling Stone give the medium two enthusiastic “thumbs up,” that’s a pretty good sign.
Maybe 2019 won’t be a bad year for radio after all.
Thanks again, Walter!
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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Nice, considering radio pretty much ignored Sir Paul’s new music output the past year or so (a point you brought attention to).
Great article, as always Mr. Jacobs.
Appreciate it, Kurt.
This opens the discussion for “Library” formats (CR-in particular). What do we do when icons of the format release something new?
Thoughts???
So (and you would expect me to say this), it’s going to be different for every Classic Rock station. That said, I love the idea of what I call “FYI spins,” especially from an influential jocks, Yesterday & Today twofers, and robust website resources (videos, fan voting, etc.). Classic Rock stations sound out of it if they don’t acknowledge new stuff from old friends.
Second the “Thanks”. Paul, Egypt Station and a few McCartney and Beatle-centric specials were a big part of our 2018 and got literally unanimous applause from our listeners. As for the icons releasing new material, unless it’s God-awful, play some at least for the cultural curiosity, like a nice letter from home
Tom, thanks for the comment & great advice to other programmers.
Hey, that’s funny…when I listen to THE RADIO, I look for Paul! Works both ways.
Great piece Fred as always…by I ain’t steppn’ aside. 2019 marks forty years that I have been documenting the radio industry on video, and the few truly entertaining and engaging personalities who are left behind the mic. Sadly of late, it’s now our “late” friends, who have been dying at a frightening rate, that I’ve been showcasing in Memorial Videos with “footage” from my vast archive. Remember that along with your well-deserved induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, my entire library will also be a permanent part of the museum in Chicago. However, being compared to Sir Paul McCarthy is certainly high praise!
Art, thanks for taking this in the spirit in which it was intended. You have provided a remarkable and valuable service to radio. And you will always be known as “Radio’s best friend.”