Our Latest Industry Blogs

A key quality that sets Morning Show Boot Camp apart is its “pay it forward” mindset. For years now, established personalities have helped those working their way up. In good times and in tough ones, it is this aspect of Boot Camp that’s most impressive and makes talent want to come back. Here’s a look at some of this year’s attendees.

Last week, it was the return of Morning Show Boot Camp in beautiful San Diego. It was not only especially well-attended, the atmosphere was electric. At a time when many in the radio industry look dog-faced and fatigued, the spirit at Boot Camp is upbeat and passionate. Here’s the story.

Last week was a sadly monumental one for music fans. Aerosmith announced the end of their touring career due to persistent health problems suffered by lead singer Steven Tyler. And the last remaining original member of the Four Tops, Duke Fakir, passed away. But as we’ve learned from Classic Rock artists, it ain’t over until….well, you know. Today’s blog best looks at the newest music extension efforts, thanks to technology, innovation, and pluck. Let’s rock.

We’re witnessing a major shift in users’ knowledge and understanding of AI. Results from the Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2024 earlier this year showed that only 43% of radio listeners were unfamiliar with the technology. Seventy percent of listeners across the board—from Gen Z to Boomers—agreed that the rise of AI was cause for alarm. In the six months…

We’re living in an era where it’s become fashionable to “double-down” on whatever wrong-headed strategy we’ve chosen for our radio stations or our companies. The very act of fessing up and admitting we screwed up is a rarity. Back in 2022 when this post first published, we were witnessing one of those rare moments when responsible executives were actually steping up to the mic and taking the heat. Of course that didn’t last, but it was the thrust of this post. And I’m coming clean. Here are three things I clearly got wrong. Hit READ MORE for the reveal.

On the eve of Morning Show Boot Camp 36 in San Diego, I’m putting the finishing touches on my presentation of our AQ6 research study. Made up completely of commercial radio talent, more than 500 DJs, hosts, and personalities weighed in this year on a wide variety of topics. Of them all, it’s their opinions about where AI is headed that stand out as most telling and insightful. Today’s blog begins to paint that all-important picture of a radio industry in flux, looking for answers about AI.

COVID was a major fork in the road for myriad businesses. But you may be surprised to learn that hip, venerable, and bold Nike is one of those brands that has profoundly suffered since the pandemic. How Nike is staging out its comeback is a great primer for all of us in radio trying to nurture, grow, and sustain our best station brands. Some teach “Learn from the best,” but I subscribe to the theory you can learn from the biggest screwups if you’re paying attention. So, slip on those Air Jordans and click on “READ MORE.”

It has been an interesting week here at JacoBLOG world headquarters.  Our Monday and Tuesday posts turned out to be a two-parter, breaking down some of the systemic problems keeping public radio stations on their heels in what has become a challenging – and in some cases, tragic – year for many legacy leaders, along…