Last month, NBC’s head Jeff Zucker sacked the executive producer for the "Today Show." Why? The show looks fine, the talent lineup is made up of all-stars, and the guests are always stellar. As ABC’s "Good Morning America" is moving closer to "Today" in the ratings, Zucker realized his juggernaut was losing more than ratings – it was losing its innovation. It looked the same, day after day, while the network morning shows around it had become edgier.In "Purple Cow," Seth Godin warns that the worst thing a company can do is produce a solid, dependable, predictable product. While this sounds counter-intuitive, we know that consistency and sameness inevitably leads to boredom and tune-out. Consumers respond to what’s new, and mature products have to work hard to continually innovate.
We face many of those same issues with mature formats, not to mention a mature industry that is being attacked by "new." Whether it’s that hot new Jack format or that hot new iPod or that hot new Sirius channel, consumers are always going to be enamored with that bright, shiny new object.
But as Jeff Zucker realizes, you have to shake up the old to make it new again. And consumers will show loyalty to venerable products – if they are continually updated and freshened. We’ll be watching "Today."
President & Founder at Jacobs Media
Fred Jacobs founded Jacobs Media in 1983, and quickly became known for the creation of the Classic Rock radio format.
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.
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.
Latest posts by Fred Jacobs (see all)
- Media And Technology In 2025: Believe It Or Not! - April 18, 2025
- In Radio, You Just Never Know - April 17, 2025
- The Secret To Making A Great Podcast (And Great Radio) - April 16, 2025
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