This week marks the 20th anniversary of JacoBLOG, my passion play project. In today’s post, I look back but also ahead to where we and it may be headed. As a wise philosopher once said, “What a long, strange trip it’s been!” And that’s thanks in no small part to you, those who take the time to read it and even occasionally comment on it. I appreciate you, and I hope today’s post conveys that.

What did YOU do last week? Did you earn your salary? Did you accomplish anything of value while on the job? If these questions rankle or even offend you, imagine how those federal workers were feeling when they were asked to bullet-point the five things they got done last week. And what if a similar exercise was instituted by a broadcast radio company to test its employees? Well, I did it for you in today’s timely blog post. Just click “READ MORE.”

Over the past few weeks, DOGE – which stands for the Department of Government Efficiency – has become a lightning rod for change through systematic downsizing. But for broadcast radio in the States, a DOGE-like philosophy has been in play for years. What can our government learn from radio about the strategy and execution of RIFs, and conversely, is there any wisdom broadcasters can glean from the chaos and fear rolling across the country?

If we’ve learned anything from just 30 days of Trump 2.0, big, bold moves are what get noticed. Today’s post looks at well-known brands that have stepped up the energy and are proactively taking risks. They might not all pay off, but they’re sure getting noticed. From Delta Airlines to Guitar Center, more and more companies and brands seem willing to throw the dice and THINK BIG!

Back in 2016, a small independent coffee company rocked the world with a powerful TV commercial in Super Bowl 50 they managed to get for FREE. The powerful story of Death Wish Coffee Company endures nine years later. Hopefully, it’s inspirational to all those small broadcasters, fighting the good fight year after year over the AM and FM airwaves.