2-25-2015
Apple is reportedly working with BMW to incorporate iOS into its i3, offering connected car services, including the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle with the Apple Watch. Bidness Etc reports that users will also be able to monitor the electric vehicles charging status, and manage fuel and movement.
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3-6-2015
The market for connected cars may surge is expected to surge in the next fifteen years, a German government policy paper says the sector will grow to close to $200 billion by 2020. With Apple and Google rumored to be entering the auto market, car companies are cautiously striking deals with the technology giants to bring their in-car tech to the market, Gulf News reports.
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1-29-2015
How would you feel about giving your staff the day off to learn about connected cars? Jacobs Media, in a recent blog post, highlights a cluster in Hampton Roads that did just that. Dave Paulus, market manager for Max Media's Hampton Roads/VA cluster, let the staff have a field trip to a local car dealership so they could experience the connected-car revolution first hand.
Autos with connected car in-dash entertainment are rolling off the assembly line, and as Jacobs Media points out, most of the air staff and sales personnel are just not acquainted with the new functionality of the tech. Many of us in radio are still thinking about in-dash entertainment as buttons and knobs. However, as quickly as cell phones became portable computers that we could stuff in our pockets, the connected-car revolution, happening now, is doing the same for the dashboard.
Dave Paulus' solution to get his station personnel first-hand knowledge of the coming connected revolution, was to give his people the "day off" to get acquainted with the tech. Paulus said, "Starting in second quarter, my entire on-air staff gets a free day off on me. The only stipulation is that they have to take 90 minutes and drive the highways, tunnels, bridges, and tolls of the Hampton Roads area during PEAK RUSH HOUR." Paulus goes on to point out, "You should have seen the faces of the announcers when the 'display' pulled up the latest gas prices from the station on the corner. I asked her what are the two most consistent questions asked and she said it's 'How do I hook up my phone?' and 'How do I get my radio stations and Pandora through the display?'"
Read the story Here.
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Something unexpected can result in a sea change. That was the case when Radio Ink unintentionally focused on something that had been below the radar concerning the connected car. We had been monitoring the connected car, we knew it was coming, and we knew it would impact how people use audio in the car.
What we did not know, however, was that we would discover a dirty little secret: Radio was losing its relevance in the eyes of many automakers. That part we discovered quite by accident, when I asked some probing questions at Convergence 2013 after I thought I heard one of our connected car panelists talk about dropping AM/FM from the car. Of course, by now you know I spoke out about this possibility -- raising both fear and disbelief in the radio industry. I recently addressed this issue in another piece I wrote.
This week we wrapped up the second annual DASH conference, which was rooted in that discussion with the car manufacturers onstage at Convergence . Like a character in a sitcom who's spun off into a new show, this hot topic panel at Convergence was spun off into its own conference in Detroit.
I partnered Radio Ink with Jacobs Media and with connected-car consultant Valerie Shuman -- Jacobs for their deep connections in the car business and their consulting and app building with various brands, and Shuman because of her close relationships within the connected car tribe.
That simple idea has turned into a significant movement we never really expected. Our intent was to create a dialogue between radio and the car companies, first and foremost to make sure they understand the unvarnished truth about radio -- its audiences, its pros, its cons, and, most critically, the fact that radio is not a wounded and dying medium, as their Silicon Valley consultants had led them to believe.
Not only are we making good progress on this step, we have the automobile industry deeply interested in radio and in creating that dialogue. This week's conference was not only much bigger than last year's, the increases came largely from the automotive industry, and nearly 20 related industries, dominating the room.
You can read the stories (at www.radioink.com) and see some of the video from the conference, but the thing I think we are most proud of is that this dialogue has not died down. Nobody's losing interest; in fact, there's been more conversation than ever. We have managed to help Detroit understand the importance of radio and what we can offer. Magical moments occurred when our roundtable discussions gave groups problems to discuss, and as car company executives at high levels talked with radio managers, programmers, and even some tech people about how they can improve one another's business. Word got out about DASH, and the automotive industry was present in full force.
The good news is that we had about the same number of radio people present as last year, with a few new people. But the bad news is that, as WGN's Jimmy de Castro put it, "I cannot believe more radio people are not here. I'm going to make sure every possible person is here next year. They have no idea how important this is because they have not heard what we heard here this week, and have no way of knowing unless they attend." I was approached by several enthusiastic attendees who said the information they received was monumental.
Amazing to me was that the "big guys," people who handle the marketing budgets for the major car brands, didn't just show up for a quick onstage appearance, but sat in the audience two full days, taking notes and being actively engaged. They were asking for our ideas on problems they are looking to solve, but also giving us the reality we face, as they see it.
Keynote speaker Gary Shapiro opened the conference; as head of the Consumer Electronics Association, he's possibly the most powerful man in the world of innovation and electronics, and he's becoming hugely influential in the auto industry as the International Consumer Electronics Show introduces a new section on automotive technology. And he wasn't so kind about radio.
Though gracious, Shapiro suggested that radio had ample warning from him and others (including yours truly) that radio had to migrate to digital or it would one day be reinvented by others outside the industry. "Why didn't you invent Pandora or Spotify?" he said. "You knew this day was coming. You should have invested to invent your new digital competition so you can control it." It was sobering, but inspirational at the same time. He suggested that radio can still step up to digital in a much bigger way -- and must, because the migration by consumers to digital is inevitable.
Everyone in attendance was encouraged about radio. Our show of strength and interest in helping the automotive industry did not go unnoticed. And now, for the second year running, radio has stood out as an industry that wants to show their biggest spending category that we are committed to them.
The effort is far from over. Auto companies are currently designing 2018 models. In 2015, they are expecting 40 percent of car owners to purchase cars that have in-car connectivity (without involving a smartphone). They are designing updatable software so current models won't be entirely rendered obsolete as technology improves.
Yet those who buy 2015 models are living with decisions made five years ago, many of which involve hard-to-navigate radios. One manufacturer said they're trying to get things to the point where the consumer does not need 30 minutes of instruction to use the entertainment unit and where they can easily set stations and presets without pulling over. These user interface decisions were made long ago, and only now are some understanding the problems and addressing the issues -- many of which would have been ignored had it not been for radio stepping in and raising awareness of how consumers interact with their radio stations.
This is a shining moment in my career and those of my partners in the DASH conference. But this discussion is far from over, and radio must keep positive pressure on the industry to continue this dialogue, and to improve the dialogue at the dealer level as well. Our interaction with dealers and stations opened some incredible discussions about the problems and needs they face, and they even called for radio to step up and help. That would never have happened without DASH.
Though I still think that there is a Silicon Valley mindset within the auto industry -- which overall is a good thing -- we have made some progress in helping the industry understand more about consumers and their use of radio and the important role it plays in their world. I think most, not all, are moving away from the idea that they want radio only in digital form, though clearly digital radio is high on their list because of the metrics and measurability that go with it. Calls for radio to move in this direction as rapidly as possible were frequent and very much noted by the attendees.
Thanks are in order for our partners in this event for a job well done, and for the team at Radio Ink for their role. Most important, thanks need to go to the auto industry for showing incredible receptivity and open-mindednes,s and to the radio people in attendance who have had their minds opened to things that are changing consumers and in-car audio use forever.
Momentum is building. These events are already having a significant impact on how radio interacts with consumers in the car, and that will only increase in the coming years. Congratulations to all.
Eric Rhoads
Something unexpected can result in a sea change. That was the case when Radio Ink unintentionally focused on something that had been below the radar concerning the connected car. We had been monitoring the connected car, we knew it was coming, and we knew it would impact how people use audio in the car.
What we did not know, however, was that we would discover a dirty little secret: Radio was losing its relevance in the eyes of many automakers. That part we discovered quite by accident, when I asked some probing questions at Convergence 2013 after I thought I heard one of our connected car panelists talk about dropping AM/FM from the car. Of course, by now you know I spoke out about this possibility -- raising both fear and disbelief in the radio industry. I recently addressed this issue in another piece I wrote.
This week we wrapped up the second annual DASH conference, which was rooted in that discussion with the car manufacturers onstage at Convergence . Like a character in a sitcom who's spun off into a new show, this hot topic panel at Convergence was spun off into its own conference in Detroit.
I partnered Radio Ink with Jacobs Media and with connected-car consultant Valerie Shuman -- Jacobs for their deep connections in the car business and their consulting and app building with various brands, and Shuman because of her close relationships within the connected car tribe.
That simple idea has turned into a significant movement we never really expected. Our intent was to create a dialogue between radio and the car companies, first and foremost to make sure they understand the unvarnished truth about radio -- its audiences, its pros, its cons, and, most critically, the fact that radio is not a wounded and dying medium, as their Silicon Valley consultants had led them to believe.
Not only are we making good progress on this step, we have the automobile industry deeply interested in radio and in creating that dialogue. This week's conference was not only much bigger than last year's, the increases came largely from the automotive industry, and nearly 20 related industries, dominating the room.
You can read the stories (at www.radioink.com) and see some of the video from the conference, but the thing I think we are most proud of is that this dialogue has not died down. Nobody's losing interest; in fact, there's been more conversation than ever. We have managed to help Detroit understand the importance of radio and what we can offer. Magical moments occurred when our roundtable discussions gave groups problems to discuss, and as car company executives at high levels talked with radio managers, programmers, and even some tech people about how they can improve one another's business. Word got out about DASH, and the automotive industry was present in full force.
The good news is that we had about the same number of radio people present as last year, with a few new people. But the bad news is that, as WGN's Jimmy de Castro put it, "I cannot believe more radio people are not here. I'm going to make sure every possible person is here next year. They have no idea how important this is because they have not heard what we heard here this week, and have no way of knowing unless they attend." I was approached by several enthusiastic attendees who said the information they received was monumental.
Amazing to me was that the "big guys," people who handle the marketing budgets for the major car brands, didn't just show up for a quick onstage appearance, but sat in the audience two full days, taking notes and being actively engaged. They were asking for our ideas on problems they are looking to solve, but also giving us the reality we face, as they see it.
Keynote speaker Gary Shapiro opened the conference; as head of the Consumer Electronics Association, he's possibly the most powerful man in the world of innovation and electronics, and he's becoming hugely influential in the auto industry as the International Consumer Electronics Show introduces a new section on automotive technology. And he wasn't so kind about radio.
Though gracious, Shapiro suggested that radio had ample warning from him and others (including yours truly) that radio had to migrate to digital or it would one day be reinvented by others outside the industry. "Why didn't you invent Pandora or Spotify?" he said. "You knew this day was coming. You should have invested to invent your new digital competition so you can control it." It was sobering, but inspirational at the same time. He suggested that radio can still step up to digital in a much bigger way -- and must, because the migration by consumers to digital is inevitable.
Everyone in attendance was encouraged about radio. Our show of strength and interest in helping the automotive industry did not go unnoticed. And now, for the second year running, radio has stood out as an industry that wants to show their biggest spending category that we are committed to them.
The effort is far from over. Auto companies are currently designing 2018 models. In 2015, they are expecting 40 percent of car owners to purchase cars that have in-car connectivity (without involving a smartphone). They are designing updatable software so current models won't be entirely rendered obsolete as technology improves.
Yet those who buy 2015 models are living with decisions made five years ago, many of which involve hard-to-navigate radios. One manufacturer said they're trying to get things to the point where the consumer does not need 30 minutes of instruction to use the entertainment unit and where they can easily set stations and presets without pulling over. These user interface decisions were made long ago, and only now are some understanding the problems and addressing the issues -- many of which would have been ignored had it not been for radio stepping in and raising awareness of how consumers interact with their radio stations.
This is a shining moment in my career and those of my partners in the DASH conference. But this discussion is far from over, and radio must keep positive pressure on the industry to continue this dialogue, and to improve the dialogue at the dealer level as well. Our interaction with dealers and stations opened some incredible discussions about the problems and needs they face, and they even called for radio to step up and help. That would never have happened without DASH.
Though I still think that there is a Silicon Valley mindset within the auto industry -- which overall is a good thing -- we have made some progress in helping the industry understand more about consumers and their use of radio and the important role it plays in their world. I think most, not all, are moving away from the idea that they want radio only in digital form, though clearly digital radio is high on their list because of the metrics and measurability that go with it. Calls for radio to move in this direction as rapidly as possible were frequent and very much noted by the attendees.
Thanks are in order for our partners in this event for a job well done, and for the team at Radio Ink for their role. Most important, thanks need to go to the auto industry for showing incredible receptivity and open-mindednes,s and to the radio people in attendance who have had their minds opened to things that are changing consumers and in-car audio use forever.
Momentum is building. These events are already having a significant impact on how radio interacts with consumers in the car, and that will only increase in the coming years. Congratulations to all.
Eric Rhoads
10-5-14
With WiFi becoming standard in the car, there's a lot on the auto dashboard today that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Services that used to be offered only by AM/FM -- not just music, but traffic, weather, and ads for local businesses -- are now coming from elsewhere on the dash. Radio will need to understand it all and and become more innovative than ever just to keep up. Do you understand what's on the dashboard today, and what's on the way?
At Radio Ink's DASH conference, coming up October 15-16 in Detroit, you can hear from Rich Martinek, General Motors' senior manager global marketing/global consumer. He'll be delivering a keynote on "Today's Connected Car," explaining what GM is doing on the dash and its plans for the future. If you want to keep up with those new competitors in the car, it's a talk you can't afford to miss.
Rich Martinek heads up OnStar brand marketing, advertising, and promotion, and marketing strategy for GM's infotainment and telematics business. He's worked on business initiatives including the launch of OnStar 4G LTE and the launches of the Chevrolet Spark, Sonic, Malibu, and Impala, and he's led programs with high-profile media opportunities like the Olympics and the Super Bowl.
And he's an advertising pro: Before joining GM. Martinek spent a combined 17 years at the J. Walter Thompson and Young & Rubicam agencies, with clients including Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealer advertising associations.
DASH: The Connected Car Conference
From Radio Ink, Jacobs Media, and Valerie Shuman & Associates
DASH 2014
October 15-16
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel
Detroit, MI
www.dashconference.com
9-24-14
Radio has long been intimately involved with cars and car dealers, and it's been a great relationship. But now it's time to take a look at car buying, and the whole ownership life cycle, from the perspective of today's connected consumer. How will these savvy consumers research, buy, and get service for their vehicles going forward? And how can radio keep its place as a key part of the process? What new services can radio offer to consumers and to those all-important auto-dealer clients?
At the DASH conference, you can be part of a lively discussion on radio and its relationship with dealers in these always-connected times. After a special presentation by voice artist Lee Alan Reicheld on the importance of radio creative, you'll hear from both the radio and the dealership sides on this topic that's so important to radio's future.
DASH, hosted by Radio Ink, Jacobs Media, and Shuman Consulting Group, is coming up soon: October 15-16 in Detroit. Every car will be a connected car before you know it -- don't be caught unprepared. Register today!
Moderator:
Paul Jacobs is VP/GM of Jacobs Media and runs its successful mobile apps division, JacAPPS, which has produced apps for such brands as C-SPAN, Dan Patrick, and stations including WEEI/Boston and WRIF/Detroit. Jacobs began his radio career in sales, working for and running stations in Dallas and Detroit, and in 1991 joined his brothers Fred and Bill at Jacobs Media. Paul Jacobs is known as a leading radio consultant, specializing in generational marketing, sales development, and research.
Panelists:
Bruce Goldsen is president and co-owner of Jackson Radio Works in Jackson, MI. He began his broadcast career on the air and has served as program director for WINE-AM/Danbury, CT; WTFM-FM/Kingsport-Johnson City-Bristol, TN; and WIVY-FM (now WXXJ)/Jacksonville, FL. Goldsen is an NABPAC trustee, and served a six-year term as the elected Michigan representative to the NAB's radio board. He and his wife, Sue -- co-owner of Jackson Radio Works -- are both past chairs of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and have both been inducted into its Hall of Fame. Bruce is also past chairman of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation.
Bob Shuman is president of Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walled Lake. A third-generation dealer/owner, Shuman began his career practicing law with the firm of Beier Howlett in Bloomfield Hills, MI, rising to partner. After 10 years, he left the firm to take over the family dealership in 1997, upon the retirement of his father, Richard T. Shuman. As chairman of the North American International Auto Show 2014, Shuman oversaw of one of the world's top auto shows. He and his executive team met with automaker representatives around the world to ensure that the NAIAS continued to present one of the finest auto shows in the world. Shuman's dealership won the 2013 Dealer of the Year award from DealerRater.com, the consumer-driven online website for anyone seeking third-party information on more than 20,000 auto dealers in North America.
Special Presentation:
Lee Alan Reicheld is a nationally known producer of television, film, radio, creative concepts, music, and commercials. He is a recognized expert in the field of agency sales and marketing, as well as a sales trainer, musician, composer, and published author. Before entering the advertising business, his career in broadcasting was legendary, and he served at one time as program manager/director for ABC Radio's WXYZ/Detroit. Reicheld has produced radio and television programs for CBS, ABC, NBC, cable, and syndication. As a motivational speaker he has visited 22 states and three foreign countries speaking to National Auto Dealer groups, the NADA National Convention, and dozens of state retail associations.
DASH 2014
October 15-16
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel
Detroit, MI
www.dashconference.com
12-12-13
By Dana Hall
Have you used a connected car yet? You need to. That's the number-one takeaway from Thursday's luncheon presentation at the Jacobs Media Summit during Nielsen's Audio Client Conference. Fred Jacobs, along with Roger Lanctot of Strategy Analytics and Nielsen's Ian Beavis, EVP of its Global Automotive Group, encourage broadcasters to buy, borrow, or rent a connected car to understand it better.
While they admit the space is still in transition, and some of the tools currently available are not so user friendly, Beavis stresses that everything is changing rapidly: "What you saw 90 days ago from manufacturers, is vastly different than what you are seeing today." He also predicts that connectivity in cars will be standard much sooner than some may think -- with the 2015 models being the tipping point.
Concerns that radio could be nudged out of the connected car dash seem to be unwarranted. At least if you talk with manufacturers, who agree that broadcast radio still has, and will likely continue to have, a very strong position with consumers. But they advise that radio needs to adapt in terms of how we look and function on the dash, as well as continue to capitalize on content, specifically local content.
Finally, Lanctot suggests that once the technical and consumer experience is fully worked out with the connected dash, we will move into the next phase of developing ways to measure in car usage. "In order to monetize what people are doing in the car, you have to have measurement." Beavis adds, "Radio needs to make sure it is on a level playing field with other online and in-car providers, so the question to ask is, "Is radio up to par with its online streaming services?"
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10-2-2013
I recently had lunch with my great friend and former morning talent Charles LaQuidara while he visited Boston.
Charles was the long-time morning man for the legendary WBCN and worked for me before he retired from WZLX. It has been way too long since I have seen him, yet it took seconds for our
reconnection.
I was reminded that Charles, and his unique perspective on new trends and technology, greatly influenced my thinking today. For that I am very grateful.
Charles was the guy in the mid 90s who would mock me for not having a cell phone and cajole me into reality because I needed to be ahead of the audience curve. To this day, Charles is still getting excited about things like SiIRI and the new Apple operating system.
When I think about the significance of our current and future battleground, I think of Charles and how all of us today must maintain our very high level of curiosity about the future of technology, and the present and future for the connected car.
The great Radio Show session from Fred Jacobs and the folks at Arbitron really prodded us to remember how vital the topic of the connected car is, both from a content point of view and a business/revenue point of you.
The session truly tees up the topic for a deeper dive when the Dash Conference takes place on October 23 and 24 in Detroit. This is the time to push our curiosity on all levels but most importantly on the topic of understanding the connected car. I'm excited to be moderating a panel with terrific Detroit talent as a way to show the importance of content in this competitive space.
Are you curious regarding our future? Are you insisting that those around you in business maintain that same curiosity?
CES has always been an awesome outlet for me to probe my curiosity and I believe DASH will provide the same juice.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Curious minds want to know!
Buzz Knight is the Vice President of Program Development for Greater Media and he can be reached at bknight@greatermediaboston.com. Knight was named among ?Best Programmers? by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010. He has served on the programming subcommittee of the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) and is currently a member of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) COLRAM Committee.
(10/2/2013 11:37:52 AM)
Thanks Fred...Can't wait.
Thanks again to Chuck L for being Chuck L
(10/2/2013 6:44:37 AM)
Oh, listen to you two - still carrying on. Buzz, great story about Charles and the value of being curious. At DASH, your session is going to showcase talent "Behind the Mic/Behind the Wheel" - and at the same time, show the automotive world, the value of great personalities and hometown entertainment from people who are following in Charles' footsteps. Thanks for doing it.
(10/2/2013 6:14:11 AM)
Love you Chuck
I always think of you as a Big Q guy because Everything you did was Big!
Thank you for always setting me straight and guiding the way
You are the best!!
(10/2/2013 5:08:27 AM)
Buzz still spells my name wrong. Now I have to teach him how to use Google and Spellcheck. LOL
- Charles Laquidara
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10-1-13
Any connected car event needs to have input from the people who are creating the actual content. At DASH, the connected car conference set for October 23-34 at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, leading Detroit morning radio personalities, Jay Towers (WNIC) and Dave Hunter (WRIF - Dave & Chuck The Freak) will talk with Greater Media's Buzz Knight about how the connected car might affect their approach to their craft.
Session will include candid video of their first interactions with connected audiotainment systems, followed by a roundtable discussion. "The Detroit radio market has an amazing legacy of talent," session moderator Buzz Knight said, "and some of them will be showcased at the DASH conference. Dave Hunter and Jay Towers will join me, and report on the unique vantage point of talent in the evolution of the connected car.
Our Moderator:
In his role as Greater Media?s VP of program development, Buzz Knight is responsible for overseeing programming development for all the Greater Media properties and collaborating with the individual programming teams to build winning content and brand management strategies. Knight has been with Greater Media since February 2002. Before that, he worked as program director at several stations, including: CBS Boston-based Classic Rock WZLX, Saga Communications Rock WNOR in Norfolk, and Great American?s Active Rock WLVQ in Columbus, PJ. In addition, Knight spent three years on air as part of the legendary WNEW-FM in New York City. He launched his broadcasting career at WRKI in Fairfield County, CT, after graduating from the University of Dayton. Knight was named among the Best Programmers in Radio by Radio Ink Magazine in 2007 and 2010.
Dave Hunter is a morning show personality at WRIF/Detroit, with co-hosts Chuck Urquhart and Lisa Way. Born
in Ireland, Hunter has been working in radio for almost 20 years. He started at CHUM/CHUM-FM in Toronto as a news writer and in 1997 moved to Brockville, ON, to work as a morning news anchor and morning show co-host. That was the same year Hunger relocated to Windsor to take a job at Windsor based CIMX-FM (89X). After a short time in the newsroom, he became a part of the morning show with Chuck Urquhart ("Chuck the Freak"). Hunter took over as PD in early 2008, helping 89X achieve the highest ratings in the station?s 20-year history. Hunter, Chuck the Freak, and Lisa Way joined WRIF earlier this year.
Jay Towers has been a radio DJ since the age of 14. He worked in Atlantic City, Grand Rapids, and Philadelphia before making Detroit his home in 1999. Towers has hosted several radio shows in the Detroit market, including Jay & Rachael in the Morning on 93-1 DRQ for six years and the Jay & Bill show on 97.1 The Ticket. He is currently found entertaining the listeners of Fresh 100.3 as the host of Jay Towers in the Morning. He is also an anchor for Fox 2 News Weekends. He is an ardent people person and most enjoys talking with listeners on the phone during his morning show on Fresh 100 and on the weekends interviewing and interacting with the people of Detroit for his TV work on Fox 2.
DASH
October 23-24, 2013
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit, MI
www.dashconference.com
9-23-13
Radio famously knows how to build teams -- genuine partnerships -- that get great results for everyone. Today it's time to take those skills and become a real teammate to automakers and Tier 1 suppliers who can make your great audio content an active and successful part of today's connected car. At Radio Ink's DASH conference, set for October 23-24 in Detroit, the "Getting Connected in the Car" panel will feature Brian Lakamp of Clear Channel and Sarah Lumbard of NPR; both these radio companies are already well established and thriving on the new connected dash. AND you'll have the opportunity to hear from Scott Burnell of Ford Motor Co. on exactly what you need to do to earn your place on the dashboard too.
Scott Burnell leads business development and partner management efforts for the mobile industry at Ford Motor Co. Most recently he facilitated the creation and launch of the Ford Developer Program, the first developer ecosystem for in-vehicle connectivity open to all global app developers. Before joining Ford, Burnell had a successful 16-year career in the wireless industry. As the director of mobile content for a wireless developer agency, he assembled and led the mobile apps team at the largest content aggregator in North America. He was instrumental in launching hundreds of apps across dozens of storefronts and coordinating the mobile efforts for brands and publishers such as E! Entertainment, Maxim, and Turner Networks.
Brian Lakamp is president of digital for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, overseeing the company's digital strategy, including iHeartRadio. He also works closely with the company's key partners to develop cutting-edge tools and products for all of Clear Channel's radio, media, and entertainment properties. Lakamp's digital media experience spans business and technology strategy, financial and business modeling, and project development and management. Before joining the Clear Channel team, he served as EVP/digital media at Premiere Radio Networks. In 2007, he co-founded Fluxe, a digital media startup focused on online music; prior to that, Lakamp served as SVP/digital policy at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
As NPR's VP of content strategy and operations, Sarah Lumbard coordinates strategy across the news, programming, and digital divisions. Previously she was executive director of content strategy and operations, and before that role, she served as senior director of product strategy and development and led NPR's digital initiatives on existing and emerging platforms. Today, these platforms include connected cars, the Web, iPhone and Android applications for phone and tablet, podcasts, social media, and a variety of partnerships.
Reminder: The special $159 DASH rate at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport ends Friday, September 30. Register today.
DASH
October 23-24, 2013
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit, MI
www.dashconference.com
It was standing room only at the Connected Car Super Session in Orlando Thursday as broadcasters try to understand where auto manufacturers are headed with the dash and what consumers want when they sit behind the wheel. Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs and Strategy Analytics Associate Director Robert Lanctot (pictured) gave an extremely detailed presentation on the topic of the connected car. The question broadcasters want to know the answer to: What should and can they do to make sure they maintain the stranglehold on the dashboard they've had for so long? We spoke to Lanctot after the presentation and asked him to help you better understand where things are headed. LISTEN HERE.
What was particularly interesting in the presentation Jacobs and Lanctot made was how difficult it is becoming for consumers -- your listeners -- to find their local radio station on all the new infotainment systems being installed by auto manufacturers. There are fewer and fewer knobs, and much more sophisticated screens already rolling out today, with many more expected in the future. Cars are truly becoming smartphones on wheels.
Where radio can make an impact is with local dealerships. That's really the mesh point or interface between the manufacturer and the consumer. And, it's where radio already has strong relationships. Some dealers are holding monthly clinics to explain to new car buyers how to use these new systems. As Fred Jacobs said, "Dealers are dancing with consumers no more than ever."
JOIN JACOBS MEDIA AND RADIO INK AT THE DASH CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 23-24 AT THE WESTIN DETROIT METROPOLITAN AIRPORT.
Jacobs and Lanctot had several recommendations for radio as everyone heads into this unknown territory:
- Drive a connected car. Get the experience of a connected car and understand what your listeners are dealing with.
- Partner with local dealerships. Understand their needs and what they are dealing with. Not only are they training consumers, they're training their people how to train consumers. And with turnover in the car business, it's a never-ending project. What if you were that expert?
- Attend a connected car conference. Let auto manufacturers know you are excited about this space by going to the conferences they attend.
- Rethink HD Radio. OEMs believe in HD Radio. It almost appears as though they believe in it more than some in the radio industry believe in it. HD rRdio helps bring the dash to life for your station. Album art, weather, traffic, and other features are a plus if you want your spot on the future dash.
If you were to rank the three topics creating the most buzz at this year's radio show in Orlando, the connected car would certainly be one of them. Perhaps the top one. The days of an AM/FM radio with a CD player and a few knobs are long gone. The question that remains is how serious broadcasters are about making their place on the dash as compelling as those fighting for a new spot.
DASH Conference
October 23-24
Detroit, MI
Information and to register: www.dashconference.com.
9-5-13
Audio entertainment in the car is facing a new future -- and radio will be a part of it. In fact, radio, the first and most relied-on staple of in-car audio, can have a leading role in the future of audiotainment. At the DASH conference, set for October 23-24 at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport, you can hear from experts who already have a place in the connected car and learn what it took to get and keep that place on the dash, what they've learned, and what the future holds.
"The car radio is rapidly moving beyond a traditional two-knob experience," says Roger C. Lanctot, associate director in the global automotive practice at Strategy Analytics and moderator of the "Audio in the Connected Car" panel. "The faster we understand the nature of that change the sooner we will be able to capitalize on it. These panelists are grappling with this change and helping to make it happen every day."
Paul Jacobs, GM of DASH conference partner Jacobs Media, adds, "This is an important panel because these companies are true partners of the automobile industry and can pave the way for all broadcasters. Additionally, we will learn about the road ahead for the dashboard from the perspective of companies that are heavily engaged in the design and planning process."
Moderator: As associate director in the rapidly growing Global Automotive Practice at Strategy Analytics, Roger has a powerful voice in the definition of future trends in automotive safety, powertrain, and infotainment systems. He draws on 25 years' experience in the technology industry as an analyst, journalist, and consultant. Lanctot has conducted and participated in major industry studies, created new research products and services, and advised clients on strategy and competitive issues throughout his career.
Panelists:
Brian Lakamp is president of digital for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, overseeing the company's digital strategy, including iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's free, industry-leading digital radio product, as well as the infrastructure, tools, and social media integration for its local stations' branded Internet properties. He also works closely with the company's key partners to develop cutting-edge tools and products for all of Clear Channel?s radio, media, and entertainment properties.
George Lynch is vice president of automotive business development at Pandora, where he is focused on all OEM vehicle manufacturers and their audio suppliers. Lynch has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive, radio, and consumer electronics arenas and has relationships with all major automakers and many of the biggest names in automotive audio. At Pandora Lynch is focused upon applying his insights to the latest radio technologies, combined with how consumers interact within their vehicles, to take Pandora's personalized radio experience on the road. Before Pandora, Lynch spent 11 years at Sirius/XM Satellite Radio.
Rahul Misra is director of sales engineering for the Harman Cloud Platform. After joining the company in 2011, he has helped HCP grow from one OEM integration to more than 10 globally. He formerly managed the infotainment portfolio for a leading luxury OEM and lauched its telematics, SiriusXM, advanced driver assistance systems, navigation, iPod integration, and Bluetooth products in North America. Misra speaks globally on automotive and infotainment topics.
Carl Rohling is a vice president of business development for TuneIn Inc., managing strategic alliances, licensing, and distribution for the consumer electronics, automotive, and mobile business units. His focus for consumer-facing services is centered on the distribution and licensing of the TuneIn application across multiple platforms, while TuneIn's OEM business is based on servicing prominent third parties across automotive, TV, mobile, and digital appliance platforms. Previously, Rohling spent two years at Creative Labs, overseeing business development for the portable audio, speaker, and Web camera business units.
DASH
October 23-24, 2013
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit, MI
www.dashconference.com
8-15-13
Sirius XM Radio is buying the connected vehicle services business of Agero for $530 million in cash. The connected vehicle unit of Agero provides telematics services, offering safety, security, and convenience services for drivers and end-to-end, turnkey solutions for automakers. Following the acquisition, SiriusXM will provide connected vehicle services to more automotive manufacturers -- including Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota -- than any other telematics provider.
SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer said, "The acquisition of Agero's connected vehicle business is a natural fit for SiriusXM. As the world's leading provider of in-vehicle subscription services, SiriusXM is uniquely positioned to offer world-class, end-to-end telematics services. The transaction accelerates SiriusXM's development in architecture supporting connected vehicle services, as well as the ability to provide services over both satellite and cellular networks. Agero's connected vehicle team is known for their experience, innovation, and technology, and we look forward to welcoming them to SiriusXM as we work to capture the significant growth opportunities in connected vehicle services."
The transaction is subject to the expiration or early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to SiriusXM in connection with this transaction.
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7-11-13
In his latest Corner Office opinion piece Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth chimes in on the connected car issue which has been a very hot topic for broadcasters as of late. Smyth says, "The only reasonable way forward for radio is to make our brands available as many ways and places as possible and to remain engaged and nimble as the landscape changes."
Smyth also says radio needs to maintain a disciplined focus on radio's unique appeal. "We are a live, local friend with an emotional connection to our listeners, providing them with information, a laugh, some music, and a chance to escape from the traffic jam on their way home." Read Smyth's entire piece HERE
(7/12/2013 8:18:55 AM)
Peter, how much have you invested in the HD Radio scam?
(7/11/2013 10:47:31 PM)
Not so sure about Peter's opinion that "radio will survive"... Already, two-thirds of the traditional (AM/FM) radio audience is 65 years and older. This is alarming. The facts is, the under 25's are all about streaming and IPOD's. Radio is "something their parents listen to." Plus, there is no trackable or acceptable ROI for radio advertising for the big advertisers like car dealers. ...They do not "need" radio anymore. Not by a longshot. Sorry, but AM/FM is losing relevance and is in trouble.
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7-9-13
It's what everybody's talking about these days. What do the automakers have to deliver to the consumer in the dash to keep them entertained - and safe? And, how will radio innovate so it can continue to be a prominent player in that entertainment console? The NAB and RAB will try to address those questions two months from now in Central Florida.
The connected car will be the focus of a Super Session at the NAB/RAB Radio Show in Orlando in September. The session to be held Thursday, September 19 at 9:15 a.m. will include presentations by Associate Director of Global Automotive Practice at Strategy Analytics Roger Lanctot and Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. Opening remarks will be made by Arbitron's Bill Rose.
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4-16-13
According to a new study released by the Pew Research Center smartphone adoption by teens has increased substantially and they use their mobile phone access to access the internet much more than adults. One in four teens are ?cell-mostly? internet users, who say they mostly go online using their phone and not using some other device such as a desktop or laptop computer.
These are among the new findings from a nationally representative Pew Research Center survey that explored technology use among 802 youth ages 12-17 and their parents. Key findings include:
?78% of teens now have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of them own smartphones. That translates into 37% of all teens who have smartphones, up from just 23% in 2011.
?23% of teens have a tablet computer, a level comparable to the general adult population.
?95% of teens use the internet.
?93% of teens have a computer or have access to one at home. Seven in ten (71%) teens with home computer access say the laptop or desktop they use most often is one they share with other family members.