In 2019, Barrett Sports Media introduced The Jeff Smulyan Award, named after Emmis’ CEO and the founder of the all-sports format. The goal was to annually recognize a deserving radio executive who has moved the industry forward thru a combination of leading by example, taking risks, producing results, and making a significant impact on the sports radio business.
Our first recipient of this award was Kraig Kitchin, the current Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame and Co-President of the talent management firm SoundMind. Kitchin played a huge role in Premier Radio Networks’ rise into national syndication including launching The Jim Rome Show. We were fortunate to have him join us on stage in Los Angeles at the 2019 BSM Summit to accept the award.
For our 2020 award, I involved twelve well respected executives in the selection process. After gathering all of the feedback, I’m pleased to share the results. The 2020 recipient of the Jeff Smulyan Award is none other than Dan Mason. Dan will join us at the 2020 BSM Summit in New York to accept the award in person.
As President and CEO of CBS Radio, Dan Mason spent more than 15 years managing all business matters for more than 125 stations in 27 markets, including all of the Top 10. Under Mason’s watch, CBS Radio’s sports stations earned high ratings and revenue, and a reputation as best in class operators. Along with CBS Radio’s EVP of Programming Chris Oliviero, Mason moved the company’s top sports brands on to the FM dial, assuring future growth for the format. He also authorized the launch of the CBS Sports Radio Network.
Following his exit from CBS Radio, Mason signed on as a special adviser to iHeart Radio, reporting to CEO Bob Pittman and CFO Rich Bressler. He also dusted off his broadcasting chops, making on-air contributions as a play by play announcer and analyst on the CBS Sports Network, and Horse Racing Radio Network.
Now entrenched as the Chairman of VSiN (Vegas Stats and Information Network), Mason is focused on helping the Las Vegas based company expand its profile and programming in the rapidly emerging sports betting space. Since joining VSiN, a partnership has been established with Gow Media to launch The BetR Network, giving the group more opportunity to expand its sports radio footprint.
“Dan Mason’s vision, confidence, and passion for sports radio is a huge reason why the format is thriving today,” said Barrett Sports Media President Jason Barrett. “He has made big decisions throughout his broadcasting career, many of which have positively and permanently impacted the sports talk format. I am thrilled to recognize him with this award, and give our attendees at the 2020 BSM Summit an opportunity to show their appreciation and respect for the significant difference he’s made on our industry.”
Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan added “I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Dan Mason. He has done so much for sports radio and our entire business for many years. Everywhere he’s been, Dan has left an indelible mark. He is a great broadcaster, great person, and great friend, and I’m proud to have him recognized as this year’s award winner.”
“I think of all of the risks Jeff Smulyan took with WFAN back in its early years, and how important the success of that brand has been to the growth of the sports radio format,” said VSiN Chairman and former CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason. “It’s an honor to be presented with an award in Jeff’s name, and I look forward to accepting it, and seeing many of my industry friends in New York next month.”
Tickets to the 2020 BSM Summit on February 26-27, 2020 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York are on-sale to media members for $299.99. A special $99.00 per night hotel rate has also been established at The Watson Hotel to help broadcasters keep expenses down. For further information on the conference visit https://bsmsummit.com.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
