Research and consulting experts Fred and Paul Jacobs of Jacobs Media Strategies will be honored with this year’s National Radio Award, said the National Association of Broadcasters in a press release Wednesday.
The award will be presented at NAB Show New York during the Marconi Radio Awards on Oct. 19. The NAB said this marks the first time the annual award has been given to two people.
Fred Jacobs is the founder and president of Jacobs Media, which provides consulting services to commercial, public and Christian radio stations. The broadcasters’ association said he is credited with the creation of the Classic Rock radio format and has a strong background in audience research, having worked for Frank N. Magid and Associates and ABC Radio. Jacobs was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Our entire team has been committed to helping broadcasters deal with a changing media landscape, adapt to new generations of listeners, and develop strategic digital media plans,” said Fred Jacobs in the press release. “This prestigious award is validation of that work.”
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Paul Jacobs is the vice president and general manager of Jacobs Media. He began his career in the radio industry in sales and management positions at radio stations in Detroit and Dallas. Over the last 15 years, the NAB said Paul’s startup jācapps, the industry’s first mobile application development company, has created more than 1,300 apps worldwide.
Radio World regularly reports on the data compiled in Jacobs Media’s annual TechSurvey, which, since 2005, has tracked listening habits and how radio listeners interact with the mediascape away from the radio. In 2017, the Jacobs brothers also partnered with NAB Auto Initiative Committee to develop the original “Best Practices” report.
The association said these research studies have helped the industry best understand where to prioritize its technology investments.
“Radio broadcasters rely on Fred and Paul Jacobs for their industry-leading research and market insights to help them innovate, better serve listeners and reach new audiences,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
