The radio industry has always been about adapting to changing times, and now, more than ever, staying ahead means embracing the latest innovations. At the Forecast 2025 conference, industry experts Fred Jacobs and Brian Comiskey shared a vision of radio’s future. Their ideas revolved around using technology, audience insights, and creative teamwork to keep radio relevant and thriving.
The conversation wasn’t just about keeping up — it was about leading the charge. From tapping into audience data to staying visible on smart dashboards, their advice offers a roadmap to success.
Turn Data Into Your Superpower
One of the biggest takeaways from Forecast 2025 was how radio can supercharge its impact by using data better. According to Brian Comiskey, radio has a treasure trove of audience data but hasn’t done enough to digitize and leverage it. He pointed to companies like Walmart, which use data to create personalized customer experiences, as inspiration for what radio can achieve. Imagine content tailored to each listener’s taste, boosting engagement and loyalty.
Fred Jacobs doubled down on this idea, highlighting how digital insights can uncover trends that traditional methods might miss. For instance, tracking how listeners use apps or digital platforms can reveal what’s working and what isn’t, allowing broadcasters to create better-targeted programming.
By using data, radio stations can make smarter decisions, fine-tune their content, and stand out in a crowded market. The message was clear: Data isn’t just numbers — it’s a way to connect, improve, and lead the industry forward.
AI: Your Secret Weapon, Not Your Competition
Artificial intelligence might sound intimidating, but Comiskey sees it as a game-changer for radio, not a threat. AI can help broadcasters localize content, simplify complex tasks, and engage audiences like never before. Need to manage tricky ad regulations or create personalized experiences for different markets? AI has your back.
Platforms like Quu and Xperi’s DTS AutoStage are already paving the way, integrating AI tools into car infotainment systems to ensure radio stays front and center. With cars becoming “smart devices on wheels,” this kind of tech is essential for keeping radio on the dashboard — and in the hearts of listeners.
The trick is to use AI as a partner, not a replacement. Radio’s magic lies in its personal, human connection, and AI can amplify that magic. By blending technology with storytelling, broadcasters can deliver the best of both worlds.
Think Beyond the Airwaves
In today’s multimedia landscape, radio can’t just stick to traditional methods — it needs to think bigger. At the conference, Comiskey and Jacobs pointed to inspiring examples like Chick-fil-A’s content app and virtual platforms like Fortnite, which integrate radio-style audio to enhance the user experience.
The takeaway? Radio has to be everywhere its audience is. That means creating content that fits into people’s lives, whether they’re gaming, commuting, or scrolling social media. Jacobs also highlighted collaborations like Sony and Honda’s partnership on the AFEELA EV, which combined expertise in sound and vehicle design. Radio can learn from this approach, blending its strengths with cutting-edge technology to stay ahead.
By exploring new platforms and partnerships, radio can expand its reach and reinforce its role as a cultural cornerstone. It’s about creating content that resonates, no matter where or how people tune in.
Unlock the Power of Nobex Partners
If you’re ready to take these insights and put them into action, Nobex Partners tools are your secret weapon. With the Pro Plan dashboard, broadcasters gain access to Advanced Analytics that shine a light on listener behavior and trends. These insights help stations refine their content and deliver what their audience craves.
The Activity Metrics offer a detailed view of your station’s overall performance, tracking key indicators such as streaming sessions and hours per day, app downloads, and the distribution of users across Android and iOS platforms. These insights help pinpoint listener habits, highlight peak engagement periods, and identify areas for improvement, ensuring your station operates at its best.
For stations with a strong focus on music, Playlist Analytics provide even deeper insights. Songs are ranked by likes and dislikes, with Top Cranked Up Songs revealing tracks that prompt app opens and Turn Off Songs flagging those that lead listeners to exit. This data allows you to curate playlists that resonate with your audience, driving loyalty and engagement.
Beyond these features, Nobex Partners extends its analytics suite with tools like On-Demand Metrics for evaluating pre-recorded content performance, RSS Pre-Rolls, and In-App Ad Campaign Analytics for monitoring mobile ad success. Each tool delivers actionable insights tailored to your station’s needs, providing a holistic understanding of your audience’s preferences.
With this wealth of data at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions to optimize your programming, target your marketing efforts, and connect more deeply with your listeners, ensuring long-term success in an ever-evolving broadcast landscape.
The insights from Fred Jacobs and Brian Comiskey offer a bold vision for radio’s future. By embracing technology, harnessing data, and thinking outside the box, broadcasters can not only adapt but thrive. Radio isn’t just keeping pace — it’s shaping the conversation, blending timeless storytelling with modern innovation.
With platforms like Nobex Partners, the path forward is clear. These tools help stations understand their audience, perfect their content, and stay ahead of the curve. The message is simple: The future of radio is bright, and it’s full of potential for those who dare to innovate. Are you ready to be part of the transformation?