Cars and radio are like “peanut butter & jelly” industries – it’s hard to imagine one without the other. And that’s the way it’s been in America for the better part of a century.
Since the days of Henry Ford, car companies have dutifully installed a radio in the dashboard. First came AM radio. FM became standard equipment in the 70s. And while automakers added 8-track players, then cassette decks, and ultimately CD and DVD players, AM/FM radio with the preset pushbuttons became the norm.
For the radio broadcasting industry, it solved myriad distribution problems. Sure, there were radios at home, at work, and radios you can wear on your belt or put in a purse or pocket. But the standard radio in the center of the dash became a conduit to achieving mass scale – listening, advertising, and donations.
But in the 2000s, the world began to change. The Internet found its footing, smartphones became ubiquitous, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The result is that more and more drivers could connect smartphones to their cars, enabling them to access apps containing information, entertainment, inspiration, maps, and pretty much anything else beyond broadcast signals in their market.
Along with the development of satellite radio – first XM, then Sirius, and later a marriage between the two -in-car options expanded exponentially.
At that point, the automakers tried their hand at dashboard “infotainment systems,” pioneered by Ford’s SYNC system, a touchscreen with factory installed apps. Every manufacturer – or OEMs as they’re called – jumped into the fray. Soon, there were 30+ dashboard systems, similar in the basics, but different enough to confound most drivers, even those with a solid tech acumen.
Enter the two biggest tech companies in the world – Apple and Google – the pair that owned the two biggest smartphone operating systems, iOS and Android respectively. At nearly the exact same time, each developed its own in-car ecosystem, seamlessly connecting their popular phones to the car makers’ touch screens. By mirroring smartphone apps in the car, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto rapidly became the go-to systems for drivers and passengers, leapfrogging the systems built by the OEMs.
Today, access to all this content is rapidly moving from buttons in the dash to voice commands, thanks in no small part to human sounding concierges named Alexa, Siri, and Hey, Google. Drivers are learning how to access what they want and when they want it by simply chatting the correct phrase. These voice systems are growing smarter and more intuitive with each passing year, using Artificial Intelligence to “remember” where we go, where we stop or coffee or gas, and where we go out to eat.
But that’s not where it ends. The proliferation of 5G connectivity is a gateway to creating connected cities and autonomous vehicles. Along with electrification, these innovations are just over the horizon, threatening to disrupt the ways in which Americans move from Point A to Point B, and how they use audio (and soon video) to accompany their mobile journeys.
With all these options and choices, broadcast radio is still the #1 most accessed audio source in the car. While it is nowhere near as dominant in vehicles as it was during most of the 20th century, radio continues to be the most popular source of music, talks, sports, and faith when people are traveling on four wheels. But unlike other audio providers like Sirius XM and Spotify, the radio industry’s relationship with the OEM’s is not particularly strong, creating exposure for radio.
Even during the darkest days of the pandemic when few were driving anywhere, the car remained broadcast radio’s dominant listening location. As normalcy as returned – albeit in fits and starts – Americans find themselves back in their cars – for many, a safe, protected haven.
But the challenges posed by a torrent of new content, made easily accessible in many different forms and formats, creates something of an existential challenge to broadcasters. Aside from the simplicity of tuning in an AM or FM radio station in most cars – an elegant, seamless “one-button solution” – what is it about the medium that compels drivers to remain loyal to their old favorites?
For radio broadcasters, that is the question. What can a radio station provide in a vehicle that consumers simply cannot get from these myriad other choices? It’s important broadcasters can answer that question, and communicate it to its automotive partners, and that’s what we will be addressing during the CMB Gold Member Gathering. We are bringing together experts from all areas of the automotive spectrum – an OEM who was in charge of the development of Ford’s SYNC system, the Chief Evangelist of Amazon’s Alexa Auto, a visionary helping Los Angeles design the future of mobility, the former Chief Economist and futurist of the Consumer Technology Association, and companies who are helping design and develop the best ways for radio stations to be displayed in the dashboard.
Along with that, you’ll be able to explore the city of Detroit, and you’ll instantly see the huge footprint the auto industry has on our area. You’ll get a sense of history, while also seeing how the cars of the future are being built. And hopefully you’ll have a lot of fun as well with your colleagues and some of the events CMB has planned. It will be an immersive experience you can only get in Detroit.
Welcome to our city. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Fred Jacobs
President, Jacobs Media
Paul Jacobs
VP/General Manager, Jacobs Media
Life 102.5 has a heart for Madison! For the 4
Spirit 92.9 continued its commitment of blessing the central Minnesota community through intentional service projects. As the pandemic affected another year, station listeners rose to the challenge of uplifting and encouraging those feeling loss, loneliness, or burnout. Thanks to the help of generous listeners and business partners, Spirit 92.9 raised more than $8,000 in an online tip jar that blessed the staff at 19 local restaurants returning to work full time with huge tips during the Big Tip promotion. The restaurant workers were grateful for the visibility and appreciation. Numerous area teachers nominated by their students and families received special honor at the end of the school year with flowers and $500 VISA gift cards as part of “Thank A Teacher” organized by Spirit 92.9. In the fall, Spirit 92.9 partnered with two local ministries and provided free holiday meals to the community. During the ‘More Than A Meal’ event, the station worked with community members who donated enough to provide 6,000 meals and give help to people in need. Station team members also prepared and served meals together at the local homeless mission. At Christmastime, 11 community members wrote Spirit 92.9 and shared the story of someone they believed deserved some extra joy due to personal hardships. The individuals received $1000 to bless that person during Spirit 92.9’s Share The Joy promotion. Phone calls were made to hundreds of listeners to offer prayer and encouragement. Prayer support and a personal response is offered all year long.
Jim Campbell, Founder & Network President of Radio Training Network, Inc. began his radio career in commercial radio in Tennessee in 1964. In 1966 he moved his family to Lakeland, Florida to attend college, and upon graduation he joined the staff at First Assembly of God Church where he and the church launched in the mid 1970s the first Contemporary Christian Radio Station in the nation, WCIE-FM. The station grew in both market impression and influence not just in Lakeland, but around the country inspiring others to follow Jim’s lead. In 1989 Jim left the church and founded Radio Training Network, Inc. (RTN) and over the next 30+ years, he oversaw the acquisition and development of 40+ stations plus translators. With 130 team members, RTN stations serve the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Missouri. These stations are well recognized in their respective markets thanks to the servant leadership of the staff, aggressive marketing, and a commitment to a strong emphasis on Jesus first. At present RTN has some two million listeners each week on air and approximately the same number online.
Andrea Kleid is a 24-year veteran of radio and records. She began her career working in Christian radio at WNLT in Cincinnati, and then moved onto WAY-FM in West Palm Beach working in programming and promotions. Her next stop took her to JOY-FM in Tampa where she served as the Promotions Director. In 2004, Andrea moved to Nashville to begin her music industry career in radio promotion under Grant Hubbard at Capitol CMG. In 2008, Andrea became the Vice President of Promotion at Word Label Group where she led one of the most successful and influential radio promotion teams in the Christian music industry. Through her signature brand of honesty, passion for Christian music, and focus on relationships, Andrea developed a reputation for successfully launching new artists’ careers including for KING and COUNTRY, NEEDTOBREATHE and Francesca Battistelli. This year, Andrea celebrates her fifth year as the President of her own company, Boxer Poet. An advocate for both radio and artists, Andrea continues to zealously host conversations around further representation for women and people of color on Christian radio.
Jason Sharp has a rich history with CCM radio and leadership. His early years at WONU/Chicagoland and The Bridge/Delaware gave flight to his passion for great programming and innovative promotions. As Program Director of WCQR/Johnson City and eventually the network PD for Positive Alternative Radio, Jason’s influence grew across the industry. In 2007, Jason joined the team at Northwestern Media as Program Director and then Station Manager of KTIS, Minneapolis/St Paul. In 2015, Jason furthered his formal education and earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership. Applying his leadership knowledge and skills to work, he now serves as Senior Vice President of Broadcasting at Northwestern Media’s 23 stations in 14 markets across ten states that service 1.5 million listeners each week. Jason also served Christian Music Broadcasters, first as a charter member and eventually as the lead of CMB’s educational track at Momentum for more than ten years. He then served as the organization’s board chairman from 2017-2020. Jason continues to inspire others within Christian media toward excellence and compassion through a Christ-centered attitude, education, and practical application.
In 1972, while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Orlando, Johnny Stone dreamt of a second kind of “air force,” that of radio. He took an overnight position at WDIZ-FM, the station where Z88.3 now stands. In the past 50 years of his career, Johnny’s work and personality raised the bar for other programmers in markets ranging from New York City, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Diego, Tampa, Atlanta, Tucson, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. During his stint as Program Director and Morning Show host at Star 99.1 New York, his team won the NAB Crystal Radio Award and CMB Station of the Year. Presently, Johnny serves as afternoon host with his wife, Stacey, at 91.9 WGTS in Washington D.C. winner of the 2021 NAB Marconi Award for Religious Station of the Year. Owner of StoneStudios, LLC. and as a 22-year veteran in Christian media, Johnny mentored several on-air talents. Today, along with his on-air role at WGTS, he mentors college students at CMBU, teaching and modeling the belief that “you have to win in the hallways to win on the airwaves.”
Lisa Williams was called to Christian radio while praying in 1990. She walked into KCVO in Camdenton, Missouri and started on the air that same week. Over the past 32 years, Lisa served in various roles in on-air, programming, fundraising, and station management at radio stations and networks including K-LOVE, Z88.3, Star 99.1, KCVO, and KCWN. As an on-air personality, Lisa earned several number one ratings in several markets and was the recipient of three industry awards. Lisa now serves as the Network Talent Coach for Northwestern Media, owner of 23 stations in 14 markets across ten states that service 1.5 million listeners each week. While at Northwestern, Lisa hosted the nationally syndicated show Life with Lisa Williams from 2016-2021. She stepped away from the show to focus on coaching more than 90 on-air talents, encouraging and nurturing them to shine the light of Christ through excellent radio. When she’s not coaching talent, Lisa helps stations raise money for their operations. She also hosts a Facebook group for women on-air in Christian radio called GodsRadioGirls and helps facilitate their annual retreat.