October 29, 2019
Yes, it’s that time of year when radio stations across the country start playing the usual suspects – Thriller, The Monster Mash, Don’t Fear the Reaper – and I’m ready to enjoy the goosebumps that Vincent Price’s maniacal laughter raises. While we enjoy the annual ritual of these “spooky” classics, we’re reassured by our knowledge that there’s no such thing as ghosts. But perhaps that’s not as true as we might think – especially in a few radio stations that have reported some interesting phenomenon. And as you might suspect, many of these occurrences took place with DJs working the graveyard shift alone. Here are some of their stories.
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October 15, 2019
I ran across an interesting Q&A in Ad Age. It was with Augustine Fou, a former marketer turned ad fraud researcher. Here is his money quote in response to how much fraud there is in digital advertising: “Between one percent and 100 percent. There are no zero percent fraud campaigns …”
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October 1, 2019
Radio has been under siege for years but still remains a viable advertising and entertainment medium. However, we are now in the process of squandering what makes us unique and valuable: personal connections.
As an industry, we like to tout our on-air personalities as being difference makers. But how many jocks really do stand out? How many bring something compelling, interesting, or memorable to the radio every single break?
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September 17, 2019
I may be one of the few people who still receive a printed paper in their driveway everyday. As a matter of fact, every morning I have three printed newspapers delivered. Yes, I still like reading news printed on paper. Most of the population has evolved from a printed paper to getting their news digitally.
In fact, many newspapers (I guess we should not refer to them as newspapers) boast more digital readers than paper readers. At first glance, that would appear to be advantageous because the news organization saves the cost of printing and delivery. Digital delivery will save money and therefore boost the bottom line. The incremental cost of a new reader is minimal.
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September 10, 2019
I am a lover of radio. I spent thirty years on the air and programming radio stations. But I do listen to a lot of Spotify. Why? Hey, I’m a former PD. No one can build a better playlist than I can.
I don’t pay for the premium service. It’s not because I’m cheap (well, maybe a little). It’s because I want to hear the commercials. I’m curious to see who is advertising on the platform. Unfortunately, I get more promos than spots. Most of these are, frankly, lame and boring. However, a recent one got my attention … and raised my ire.
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