Half-full or half-empty view on the future of broadcasting
All broadcasters – regardless of market size – understand first-hand the tumultuous times we are living in. The economy is clearly “going through some things,” and concurrently, we continue to see a shift in the way advertisers of all sizes…
Reboot your prospecting strategy
The economy over the last 18 months could best be described as quirky. The headlines from CNBC and D.C. often paint a picture of strength—stocks are up, unemployment is low. But when we talk with media companies in small and…
How can we plan for the future if we don’t know what next week will bring?
Part of the work we do with broadcasters is to help them develop strategic plans. Our process is to conduct research, apply relevant megatrends, and do a deep dive into the client’s past, current situation, and goals for the future….
Revenue growth comes through digital expansion
In 2025, local business investment in digital marketing is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. According to eMarketer, traditional linear TV advertising is expected to shrink by $4 billion between now and 2027. Meanwhile, Kagan forecasts a 3 percent decline in…
Major AI events in 2024 affect Midwest broadcasters
The past year has been marked by rapid advancements in AI, presenting both opportunities and challenges for broadcasters around the country. As AI technologies evolve, they are reshaping content creation, audience engagement, and operational efficiency. Here’s a look at the…
New AI platforms hint at future directions
This fall we’re starting to see the release of many of the AI tools that have been teased all year. Meta.AI, created by the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has upgraded its engine and offers robust text and image…
AI training is a must for broadcasters
Recent research indicates employees are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across media-related industries. A comprehensive study by the University of Chicago, surveying 100,000 workers across various sectors, revealed that journalists and marketers are among the top three professions most…
Know the “3 Cs” when it comes to AI at your station
It’s been a year since the “AI Ashley” headlines crossed-over from the broadcasting trade magazines to the mainstream press. Stories on the first AI-DJ appeared in publications ranging from local newspapers to Fox Business. “AI Ashley” is the voice of…
Setting policy key to using AI at your station
As Jacobs Media’s Director of Digital Revenue and AI, I’ll be popping up in this newsletter often. My mission is to demystify AI for you. I want to show you how it can supercharge what broadcasters do and guide you…
