For years, they’ve operated out of Oakland County, Mich., a northern suburb of Detroit, serving the radio industry as a media research and strategy hub. Now, its President has announced he will step down from that role, taking on the title of Chairman as Jacobs Media‘s founder will shrink his day-to-day involvement to “select areas” of the business.
Fred Jacobs‘ decision to relinquish his post means his sibling, Paul Jacobs, will take on that role. He explains, “I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years now, and I’m ready for a change. I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had over the years, and the people, organizations, and companies we’ve worked for and collaborated with. From the early days of the company and the birth of the Classic Rock format to our focus on technology in the 2000s, it’s been quite a journey.”
Through its digital revenue-focused Jacobs DR initiative, Jacobs Media assists non-commercial and commercial secular and religious radio stations to develop and grow their non-traditional revenue on the digital side.
Director of Digital Revenue Chris Brunt and Bill Jacobs will remain in their roles, Paul Jacobs confirmed, as Fred noted “we’re still working through some additional changes. Our primary focus will be helping clients with their overall strategies, including digital transformation and building profitable digital revenue programs. That’s what broadcasters need in 2026 and beyond, and that’s where we’ll focus.”
The news comes more than a year after Fred Jacobs publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which he had managed privately for about two years while continuing to lead the company, conduct research, and speak at industry events.
With roots in Delray Beach, Fla., and decades of Motor City connectivity a hallmark of his professional career, Fred Jacobs has overseen Jacobs Media since September 1983. Before that, he enjoyed much success as Program Director of ABC-owned Rocker WRIF-FM in Detroit, which saw Radio & Records in April 1982 offer a profile of Fred Jacobs that concluded on this page.
