Welcome to my new-ish resurrected blog. I did this many years ago, but like everything else when schedules get busy, it went by the wayside.
One of my goals for 2025 is to bring this blog back as a way to communicate to you – our valued listeners and members. So, grab a cup of coffee and hang with me a bit, as I take time to share Jazz90.1 happenings and other tidbits that I hope that you find interesting.
April 2025 Blog Post
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend The National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas. This is an annual event, bringing professionals together from television, radio, film and audio production to see the latest and greatest technology available.
The show is also an opportunity for old radio friends to come together to talk about the biz, while remembering the good old days. Usually, this happens while throwing back a few adult beverages, and it’s always a great time. We remember the pioneers, while toasting the men and women in the trenches today.
I hadn’t attended this show in about ten years, so I was excited to see some of our vendors who I only usually chat with by e-mail. Vendors who have become our friends over the years, and who have literally helped to keep the station on the air with their technical expertise, patience and understanding of our very limited resources.
I was also able to do some research for a new project that we hope to launch later this year. Stay tuned!
As I ventured around the huge Las Vegas Convention Center, I was struck by the amount of folks who were so excited to learn about the new technology, and learn how they can better deliver their services to their listeners and viewers.
Sure – we were all “geeking out” over the new tech, but the mission was clear. Continue improving the way that we do things, while adapting to new demands from our listeners and viewers.
The NAB Show has changed greatly over the years. At its peak – the show drew over 150,000 people. This year, it saw just about 55,000 attendees. This was a stark reminder of how the business has changed, and what challenges it now faces.
The radio industry – particularly on the commercial side of the radio dial – is shrinking rapidly, and that was evident with the smaller crowds. Gone are the days where stations have fully staffed engineering departments, and gone are the days where “decision makers” came in from cities around the world. It was staggering to see (and hear about) all of the downsizing that the industry has seen in recent years – even since the pandemic.
Audacy (the owner of WBEE 92.5, 96.5 WCMF, 98.9 The Buzz and others in Rochester,) has recently gone through a bloodbath of job cuts locally and nationally. iHeartMedia is a shell of what they used to be, also recently going through another round of job cuts. Radio used to be a business that you could retire from. Now, it’s a business where you’re lucky if you have a job more than a few years.
One thing that hasn’t declined or changed: the drive of so many passionate people who want to keep AM/FM radio alive, competitive and kicking butt.
I always chuckle when I hear people say, “radio is dead.”
It’s not.
In fact – it’s growing.
There was a recent story published by The New York Post that showed that 78% of Gen Z claim they’re still tuning in to radio. Over 50 million people are listening to the radio every week as of 2024, the highest listening numbers in two decades — and many of them are Zoomers, The Standard reports.
For us – the challenge is turning those listeners into contributing members. Without the financial support of our listeners (young and old,) Jazz90.1 could fade to black for good.
As for The NAB Show, It was refreshing to see not only folks who have been in the business for decades, but also younger people who are just getting their start. The NAB Show was eye-opening in many ways, and it served as an important reminder that we at Jazz90.1 (and broadcasters from all over the world) are doing something very special. We’re reaching YOU each and every day, like an old friend, providing news, information and entertainment not found anywhere else.
We continue to be here for YOU 24/7/365.
So, as I continue resting my tired feet from all of the walking, I leave the NAB Show fully aware of the challenges ahead for broadcasters, and also aware of the tremendous amount of dedicated and passionate people who work to bring this form of mass media to you each day.
As listeners, you’re very lucky to have us. As broadcasters, we’re extremely lucky to have you.
January 2025 Blog Post
February 2025 Blog Post
March 2025 Blog Post