Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs has announced he’ll be stepping down at the end of the year, ending a 43-year run leading the media research and strategy company he founded.

Born and raised in Detroit, Jacobs is widely regarded as the creator of the Classic Rock format in the early 1980s. Early in his career, he joined research and consulting firm, Frank N. Magid Associates, and became Director of Research for their radio division. Jacobs later joined ABC Radio where he became research director for their Owned FM stations, going on to program ABC’s WRIF Detroit before launching Jacobs Media in 1983.

Jacobs will be succeeded as president by his brother, Paul Jacobs, but stay on as Chairman and remain involved in select areas of the business.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years now, and I’m ready for a change,” said Jacobs, in a company announcement. “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.”

“It’s been an amazing run, and I’m feeling nothing but gratitude,” he continued. “Starting next year, my day-to-day life will change, but I’ll still be reading the trades, checking the ratings, offering suggestions to Paul, talking strategy with select clients, giving the occasional speech or presentation, and working on the Techsurveys. But after nearly 4 million miles on Delta (mostly domestic), it’s time.”

Company to renew focus on strategy, digital revenue

Paul Jacobs has been with the company since 1991 and moves up from the role of Vice-President and General Manager. Under his leadership, the company plans to make some changes “aligned with client and industry needs.”

Director of Digital Revenue Chris Brunt and consultant Bill Jacobs will remain in their roles, with some additional changes to come.

“Our primary focus will be helping clients with their overall strategies, including digital transformation and building profitable digital revenue programs,” Paul Jacobs noted. “That’s what broadcasters need in 2026 and beyond, and that’s where we’ll focus.”

Jacobs Media says it will continue its Techsurveys for commercial, public, and Christian music radio, with Fred continuing to participate in their design and implementation.

Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2022, he and Paul were recognized with the NAB National Radio Award.