Jottings of note:
As electric car company Tesla released news of its more affordable cars earlier this month, we learn that the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard are delivered without FM/AM radio. That’s a startling omission in any American-made dashboard. But for Tesla it seems to be more about delivery method than an outright elimination of radio — the cars are equipped with the TuneIn audio app, through which drivers can play AM/FM sations. Dashboard radio has been a fulcrum of controversy, disagreement, and reconciliaion for several years; we are reminded of Ford Motor Company buckling under pressure to reinstate radio in its 2024 models (RAIN HERE). (Tesla will release Q3 earnings tomorrow, October 22.)
Snickers candy bar: that’s one thing that doesn’t change. Also podcasting, says Eric Nuzum, CEO and Co-founder of podcast production consultancy Magnificent Noise. To put a finer point on it, Nuzum isolates community, and four things that have never changed in podcasting … and likely never will. It’s about core values of storytelling, problem-solving, and surprise. Does it seem as if video podcasting sprung out of nowhere? It might seem so, but not really, and Nuzum itemizes the reasons why audio took an early lead. He also speaks about the reputed “death of narrative” in podcasting, reframing it as an evolution. He also critiques a commercial which is running during in-flight movies — he admits to being absessed with it, and that’s not a compliment. Readthe full column HERE.
October 21, 2025
