Last week was a bloodbath for the radio industry. iHeart, Entercom, Townsquare, Beasley, Adams and Gow Media all announced layoffs, furloughs and/or salary reductions. The coronavirus’ crippling effect on the economy has led to a steep decline in advertising revenues and stock prices, forcing media companies to adjust and make difficult choices.
With many across the nation practicing social distancing, operating from home, and American business stuck in neutral, it’s raised many questions about when we’ll return to normal, how quick we’ll recover, and what the new model of our industry might look like. The industry’s most optimistic executives know that this situation is unlike any other. The only positive is knowing that 2021 should make for a heck of a bounce back year.
Given the dark reality of where we are, many are searching for answers to questions they never expected to ask. I’ve been on my phone and computer constantly with clients, trying to help them navigate murky waters. This isn’t a time for content analysis and ratings conversations, it’s about business survival, and doing whatever it takes to weather the storm.
MANAGING THE CRISIS
Since there isn’t a playbook for how to run a business as the country deals with a global pandemic, I wanted to do something to help. I had an idea for a new podcast which I felt could explore different areas of the industry, and so I’m proud to announce today the forthcoming launch of, ‘Managing The Crisis‘. This new program will feature conversations with executives from radio and TV groups, sports betting operations, advertising agencies, local business owners, imaging companies, podcast networks, and more. The plan is to release 3-5 episodes per week, and if we can pass along 1 tip, idea or piece of information to help a brand avoid further economic damage, then I’m more than happy to invest my time to assist.
The podcast will launch this week and be available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and the BSM website. I’m taping the first conversation later today with Emmis Communications CEO Jeff Smulyan. The rest of the upcoming schedule includes discussions with the Action Network’s Chief Content Officer Chad Millman, Benztown Branding President and co-founder Dave ‘Chachi’ Denes, Ad Results Partner and Chief Revenue Officer Steve Shanks, 95.7 The Game Program Director Matt Nahigian, and former WEEI morning host turned independent podcaster Gerry Callahan. Others are in the works too. For guest inquiries, email JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com.
THE BSM MEMBERS DIRECTORY HAS ARRIVED
We’ve been working on this project for a year, and planned to launch it in mid March, but had to hit the pause button due to the coronavirus. After seeing the carnage across the radio industry last week, I knew we had to act fast to help people. The next few months won’t be easy for folks who have lost jobs, but the time away will provide an opportunity to recharge your batteries, fine tune your skills, and make more people aware of your talent. To help you take your next step, I’m thrilled to share that the BSM Members Directory is now live on our website.
If you go to our home page, you’ll see a tab on our menu that reads BSM MEMBERS. Click on that tab, and you’ll see an introduction note from yours truly, and a link option inside the tab to see our member profiles. When you click on each profile, you’ll see the person’s name, location, email address, resume, audio files of their work, and in some cases, a video sample. We have 8 listed right now, the members of our staff, and as others sign up, the section will grow.
I’ve had hundreds of broadcasters reach out over the years, wanting to put their work in front of PD’s and executives, but not knowing where to start. Anyone can create videos for YouTube, launch a podcast, conduct a chat on Facebook Live or host a radio or TV show, but getting the right people to see your work isn’t easy. Equally as challenging is keeping expenses low as you try to start or advance your career.
Fortunately, I’ve built a good reputation in this business, and have formed a lot of friendships and relationships across the country. As a former PD turned consultant, I’ve had a hand in hiring people, so I know how to help folks who are going thru the process. That experience is part of the reason why brand leaders read and support the BSM brand, and I know they’ll appreciate being able to dig thru our profiles and learn more about individuals who might be able to help them in the near or distant future.
When I thought about adding a directory, there were a few things I felt were important. First, I wanted to make it affordable and offer incentives. That’s why we went with the low monthly rate of $14.99, and an annual rate of $149.99 which saves folks two months of costs. We’ll also be giving all members a 25% discount on tickets to future BSM events, and any merchandise we produce in the future.
Secondly, being informed about job opportunities is vital. Some can be found online if you’re willing to spend hours digging for them, but others get relayed to BSM in advance. Those you won’t know about until it’s too late. When openings do occur, we don’t want to slow down the process. I think the hiring manager should be able to reach you directly rather than needing to go thru a middle man. Isn’t that partly why you signed up for a membership? A good PD will find you on social media anyway if they think you’ve got something to offer, so we’re eliminating the extra step.
Third, when you land an opportunity, earn a promotion, or launch a new project, we want to help draw attention to your success. BSM has earned a stellar reputation by relentlessly covering the sports media industry, and featuring contributions from accomplished professionals. We’ve generated over 3 million views of our content by reaching PD’s, GM’s, CEO’s, Hosts, Anchors, Reporters, Writers, Producers, Sellers, Ad Agency Reps, Digital and Imaging Directors, Corporate Executives, and folks from sports leagues and franchises on Google, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, various podcasting platforms, and email.
Last but not least, in the near future our members will be able to consume original content produced by BSM. For example, we haven’t yet released full video sessions from the 2019 or 2020 BSM Summit. However, those are in the works, and when they’re ready to be released, they’ll be available only to our paid members.
Having said all of that, I want to make sure one thing is crystal clear – I can’t promise you that you’ll land a job by placing your demo and resume here. BSM has helped many people land jobs in the sports media business, but there are many factors that go into being hired. Reputation, talent level, salary, market fit, and the preference of the hiring manager are all important, but none of it matters if they don’t know you exist.
What I can promise if you sign up for a membership on our website is that you’ll be displayed on a platform that reaches the right audience. You’ll also be notified of opportunities that become available, offered a discount to attend our events and network with the right crowd, given access to exclusive content to improve your craft and expand your knowledge, and supported when you earn a break or make news. If that appeals to you, visit our members section by clicking here.
Investing in yourself is a necessity, and it’s never been more important than right now. We look forward to playing a role in your career development, and appreciate the opportunity to learn more about you.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
