Back in 2019, a research team at NYU concluded that Millennials are more likely to remember classic songs from decades ago than contemporary hits from just the past few years. That tells us a lot about the staying power of older music – a phenomenon that continually repeats itself each time a themed biopic is released, based on the life and times of classic superstars. Today’s #TBT post was written seven years ago this month, but the recent released Dylan biopic and a highly anticipated new Led Zeppelin film in theaters right now sustain what has become a music and cultural trend. So, is radio paying attention?

“Less talk” has become something of a go-to positioner for a lot of radio stations over the decades, amplified during the “PPM Era.” Yet, broadcast radio might be better served by having MORE conversations with an audience that seems to be saying less and spending more time apart from friends, family, and co-workers. Sure, technology should shoulder some of the blame but the real culprits are alienation and isolation especially among younger consumers. How can radio break through this wall while building better connections at the same time? Here are my ideas.

Are you a “gamer” or are you someone who wonders what all the fuss is about? In either case, the video gaming industry is larger than the film and music businesses – combined. And now, there’s an indication games can have therapeutic benefits that match meditation. In fact, “cozy games” can help people deal with their angst and stress levels. And that got me wondering whether radio stations couldn’t rethink their “deliverables” to help their audiences cope with the pressures of the day. 2025 is already shaping up to be a challenging year, and this might be a way to “meet the audience where they are mentally.”

If the AI era kicked off with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the first AI-driven Super Bowl ad followed just 74 days later.…