Lee Abrams

I recently read that we just might be entering the new Roaring Twenties roaring 20’s…100 years later!

“The first wave struck in March of 1918, with a second devastating wave coming in October; the final wave lasted through the subsequent winter into the spring of 1919.

With the global economy already reeling from the ravages of World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic was a hammer blow. Economists predicted the world was going to plunge into catastrophic decline. Yet, this did not happen.

The Black Death medieval plagues in Europe were followed by the Renaissance. Similarly, the Spanish Flu led to the decade of the Roaring Twenties, the 1920s.

Global GDP growth accelerated, and economic progress was particularly strong in the U.S. with its GDP growing by over 40% during the decade.”

Read on for my take of a not just optimistically plausible, but tangible and probable economic scenario for the decade ahead.

The Roaring Twenties were powered by three major forces.

First, consumers were ready to celebrate their deliverance from disease and suffering. Entertainment, art, and music flourished. In fact, the Roaring Twenties era is also known as the Jazz Age with Cabaret, Jazz, and Band music becoming enormously popular. Women got to vote and began to participate more fully in political and social life. Vast parties were thrown and it was time to dress up and be seen. Art Deco was at its peak, and the decorative arts explored entirely new designs and forms. Frumpy Edwardian style was junked for avant-garde dress and manners.

Second, the adoption of new life-altering technologies accelerated. Electricity entered most homes and led to modern lighting and cooling. Automobile usage exploded and millions of cars were soon driving along on newly constructed roads. Telephones came into use and it became possible to reach people conveniently. Modern appliances such as refrigerators and ranges entered the marketplace. Aviation developed rapidly and intercontinental travel within days became possible.

The third major growth driver was construction spending to rebuild the cities, roads, and bridges devastated by World War I. With consumption exploding and new technologies becoming available, a major building boom began. Most of the world’s major cities, such as London, Paris, New York, Shanghai, and Mumbai, took shape during this period. Skyscrapers were developed, boulevards of stylish apartment buildings sprang up, and splendid new hotels were built. The first airports and many grand railway stations were commissioned during the Roaring Twenties.

Fast-forward to the 2020’s…The technology and culture has evolved dramatically of course, but there are signs that the next generation of a post-pandemic social and technology period is coming, similar to the 1920’s but in modern terms.

Will FM radio be part of this, or will this next era become a garden for new listening technologies?   The answer resides with those in control.   

A station that is dominant simply needs to stay in sync and grow with the new era.   Others not so lucky have the amazing opportunity to catch up to now and join the rush of innovation that exists and is bubbling under the mainstream radar.  In other words, now is the time to pull out the creative steroids to meet the extraordinary opportunities sure to exist in a post COVID-19 world.

What ARE those answers?  I have a few, but more importantly, those in control need to, IMHO, liberate themselves from the chains of the old playbook and re-wire their heads for the new world that is emerging.  

It’s all about hitting refresh on our thinking, our approach, and our execution.  This ain’t 1990 anymore.

Long-time multi-media executive, consultant and visionary Lee Abrams is currently the CEO & Founder of MediaVisions, a multi-media consulting and production firm that is, “Not data driven, but very creative driven. I don’t do research, I interpret it. We are positioned to help companies navigate and prosper in traditional media, today’s digital landscape, and evolving disruptive technologies.”  For further details visit: www.leeabramsmediavisions.com