If you’ve ever seen me moderate a focus group on behalf of a radio station, you might recall a question I often ask early on…

No one could have predicted 2020. And that’s why prognosticating what our lives will be like next year – or four years from now – is absolute folly. But that never stops analysts and futurists from making their predictions known about “where the puck is going to be.” Today’s blog post – a #TBT entry from exactly four years ago – is about accountability. Did those seers and forecasters get it right about radio back in 2020 during the throes of COVID – or did they sell radio short? If the suspense is just killing you, click “READ MORE” and all will be revealed.

The world of video streaming may be the most competitive category in the media ecosystem. Once Netflix carved out the path to success, other wannabes rapidly followed, crowding the space. So if you’re a new entrant, how do you gain traction with the biggest players in the space? You don’t. Instead, smaller, well-defined niche players that stream narrower content categories are enjoying success with video streaming. And wouldn’t you know it – there are lessons here for radio companies trying to gain a foothold in the growing media landscape.

If you think iHeart or Audacy own the most radio stations in the U.S., think again. A Japanese company plans on broadcasting in more than 12,000 locations by the end of 2026. Their name? 7-Eleven. Gulp.

The term “mass media” suggests reaching a vast, undifferentiated audience with “one-size-fits-all” mainstream content. But more and more, consumers of all generations appreciate personalized content especially created and curated just for them and their unique interests and tastes. For a mass medium like broadcast radio, this presents a profound challenge. Yet, there are ways to customize and personalize the experience to create stronger connections with consumers and advertisers. Today’s blog post explores what that looks like.