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Every so often, I take potshots at LinkedIn because so much of it is banal. The combination of members publicly kissing their company’s rear end, being “thrilled” about something that should be “ho-hum”, and the pathos for people in search of work doesn’t make for a pleasant experience or a valuable use of precious time, although it’s always nice to know that a friend has a new gig.
Last week, Jason posted an update about how Barrett Media would operate going forward in terms of the volume of material. He’s right that Barrett Media “produces more content than the audience can keep up with”. We’re bombarded with content every business day and on weekends as well and that’s just the radio trade press! When you add in everything else you want to follow, it’s simply too much.
Given those two truths, I’m suggesting that you read one more piece when you can and you’ll find it on LinkedIn, of all places. I’m referring to my friend Roger Lanctot, sometimes called the “best connected person in the connected car world”. This being a radio column, here’s a pronouncer for his last name. It’s “LAHNK-toe”, so before you make the second syllable synonymous with an Ore-Ida product, you’ll know.
Roger is an expert on connected cars, infotainment systems, satellites, and the like. He has a ton of connections on LinkedIn, but I’m sure he’d be happy to add you if you’re not already in his network. You should do it, because when Roger writes, it’s original and he has a point of view.
I met Roger in 2012 during the Consumer Electronics Show when he was presenting to a group called the Internet Media Device Alliance (IMDA). They had a small meeting well away from the action at the Las Vegas Convention Center, but I made my way to the Embassy Suites and listened as Roger presented an update on the state of connected cars.
It was clear that he knew his stuff and as a newbie to that world as part of my Arbitron mandate, we talked further and I hired Roger as a consultant to Arbitron, bringing him into the wonderful world of broadcast radio. Roger presented at the 2013 NAB Radio Show and has been a fixture at many radio events since.
At the time, Roger was with Strategy Analytics which later became Tech Insights. Today, Roger has his own firm, StrategiaNow (certainly a better name than StrategiaYesterday) and is also the president of the Mobile Satellite Users Association. Living in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, he travels often meaning United Airlines is always happy to greet him at Dulles Airport. He has occasionally made Global Services, which is a big deal in the world of United frequent fliers.
So far, so good, but why spend your valuable time reading Roger’s LinkedIn posts? When he comments on radio, he has an outsider’s view with insider knowledge. Take a look at his post of November 14, entitled “iHeartMedia’s Heartless Stand on Radio”. Or perhaps his post of October 28 “AM Radio Mandate: NAB vs. Auto Makers”. You may not be as excited to read Roger’s views on V2X or the relationship between Volkswagen and China, but like any other content, you’re welcome to pick and choose.
Roger is an excellent writer, no doubt due to earning an English degree at Dartmouth, which proves that some English majors can be productive members of society. His writing is always entertaining, and you’ll never have any doubt as to where Roger stands on an issue in the industry.
You’ll also know more about automotive infotainment systems which directly affect our business. Whether it’s due to a driver’s inability to find the radio (or perhaps AM doesn’t exist as in my better half’s 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUV), Android Auto, or Apple CarPlay, it matters to get an expert’s take.
Take a minute or two, ask to join Roger’s network on LinkedIn, or just look for him and check out his recent pieces. It will be time well spent, and you’ll be wiser for doing so.
Let’s meet again next week.
