Our Latest Industry Blogs

The loneliest job in the radio station? Hands down, it’s the PD. Everyone in the station likes to think they’re a program director – until the book comes out. And if it’s taken a tumble, the PD is likely suffering alone. Today’s #TBT post is an homage to all those radio programmers – past and present – who are cranking out multiple music logs before holiday weekends while everyone else at the station is out the door, making out those weekend schedules, and taking complaint calls from angry listeners. Hats off to the PD.

When the going gets tough, the tough find reveneue somewhere.

These days, radio’s directors of sales have to creatively divine money wherever they can – even in unconventional places.  But when you’ve got ample audience in unpopular demographics, you’d better make the best of a challenging situation. A very popular brand you all know has launched a slick media campaign unashamedlly targetting mature adults. If they’re right, there will be important lessons here for radio broadcasters.

Playing the ratings and revenue game has become precarious for radio in 2024 – whether you work for commercial or public radio stations. In an environment where ad dollars are increasingly hard to come by and the competition seems to be expanding exponentiallly, radio organizations need innovative solutions to traditional challenges. The answer may be puzzling in more ways than one. But, of course, that’s the game we’re playing. (Click “read more” to escape from my lame puns.)

Yesterday’s industry presentation of Techsurvey 2024 seemed to be the right data at the right time. But to get a sense from YOU about what stood out, I asked webinar attendees to tell me their “one thing” takeaway from the study. The response was excellent, as you’ll read in today’s post.

The last several issues of this AI newsletter have covered a lot of ground from AI workflow to new AI technology to audience perceptions of AI.  But none of it matters if the advertisers aren’t on board. Below is a fact-packed conversation with Corey Elliott of Borrell and Associates that gives insight into what local advertisers are thinking…

On Thursday, I have the pleasure of presenting the top-line findings of Techsurvey 2024 to the radio industry. This year, 31,800+ core listeners weighed in on media, technology, AI, and of course, their perceptions of AM/FM radio. This is our 20th survey, and perhaps one of the most revealing and actionable. In today’s post, I broke down three current media stories in the news, and integrated corresponding TS 24 data to help bring them into focus for broadcasters. At this precarious time for radio, we need numbers and findings we can rely on. Let’s try to figure it out together.

As the credits being to roll here in Las Vegas, brother Paul Jacobs – the glass-half-full-one – grabs the keyboard to find not only a bright side, but a strategy for the months ahead in what has already proved to be a challenging year. Time to turn those frowns upside-down with an inspirational guest post.

Dateline:  The NAB in Las Vegas
The scene:  The bar in both the Encore and Wynn (you can’t tell ’em apart) is teaming with radio’s C-suite executives, hangers-on, job seekers, and a lot of tourists wondering what the fuss is all about.
The big topic:  AI, what else?

When it comes to radio, there’s often a fine line between a fan…and a fanatic. But what about “stans?” Who are these hardcore fans, and how can radio stations harness their passion and enthusiasm? For inspiration on a Monday, let’s turn to one of the most accomplished rappers since the genre began. If anyone understands the “stan” mindset, Eminem sure does.

We always hear “Radio needs to do a better job tellling its story.” But where would the creative come from and how could broadcasters pay for it – especially in this economy? OK, here’s some back of the napkin math for you.