For most, two days at the BSM Summit represents an opportunity to gain ideas, new information, and develop a few industry connections. But when a member of the sports media business takes the stage to be honored in front of their peers, it becomes a special moment for all. The look on their faces and the sound of their voices, makes it clear just how much it matters to be recognized by those who live and breathe this industry. Those on hand to witness it also enjoy being part of that individual’s special moment.
When we last gathered for this conference in 2020, we introduced two new awards: The Mark Chernoff Award and The Champions Award. I’ll circle back to the Chernoff Award in a minute, but I want to explain the meaning behind The Champion’s award first.
I’m a big believer in recognizing people who make a significant difference for the industry and those involved in it. Sure, we battle for ratings, revenue, guests, access, and breaking stories, but that’s just the work. When you use your influence and platform to do good for others, that speaks volumes about who you are as a person. It also shows how much of a difference you can make if you focus on what’s right, not just what benefits you.
In 2020, Keith Murphy and Andy Fales of KXNO in Des Moines, Iowa won the inaugural Champion’s Award. Those two men saw six of their colleagues lose jobs, their station cut most local shows, and rather than remain grateful to still be employed, they took a stand. They chose not to go back on the air, reached out to their advertisers to explain what was happening, and that decision created a lot of reaction. Their GM Joel McCrea then went to work, and convinced corporate leadership to reinstate the six terminated employees, move KxNo on to the FM dial, and that doesn’t happen without Keith and Andy standing up, the audience speaking out, and local advertisers supporting them. Acts like that define exactly what a Champion in our industry is all about.
Well, this year’s recipient has taken the spirit of the award and elevated it to new heights. I am honored to announce ESPN’s Adam Schefter has been chosen as our 2022 winner of the Champion’s Award.
When ESPN Chicago reporter Jeff Dickerson passed away in December, many in the industry were saddened, stunned, and at a loss for words. Few knew what to do, but all wanted to help. Jeff’s death left his 11-year old son Parker without a father. As devastating as that was, it was made even worse due to Parker losing his mother just two years earlier. Anyone in possession of a heart and soul couldn’t help but feel for the young boy and Jeff’s family.
After the news came out, Jeff’s sister in-law launched a GoFund Me campaign with a goal set at 100K. Many did what they could to help, but the attention and support the Dickerson family received went to a different stratosphere once Adam Schefter got involved. After seeing the story, Schefter called upon everyone to help. Within days, owners, teams, coaches, executives, media members, and businesses began donating to the fund. The 100K mark was shattered quickly, and just a few days later, the total hit 1 million when Schefter placed a five thousand dollar donation to help the fund get over the finish line.
When I saw this unfolding, I was very moved. I couldn’t have felt more proud of the way our industry responded. Some in Schefter’s position might’ve hesitated to use their social media platform fearing it could cost them followers, create issues with their employer and the people they cover, or open door for others to push for similar support. But Schefter never let that stop him from doing what’s right. He promoted Dickerson’s story everywhere and anywhere. As I told Adam, his work in this business is second to none, but as tremendous as he may be as an NFL reporter, this is by far the best job he’s ever done.
Few could’ve united the entire sports and media world’s the way Adam did. Jeff’s image was displayed across the country on stadium screens and inside press boxes, and his story became part of local and national radio and television programming. As painful as it is to lose a son and father, for a few days, the Dickerson family had reason to smile and feel proud. Nobody played a bigger role in making that possible than Adam Schefter. It’s an honor to present him with this year’s Champion’s Award, and though he won’t be able to attend due to NFL Scouting Combine commitments, I’m excited to share his video message to the industry at the 2022 BSM Summit. At the conclusion of that video, BSM will make a one thousand dollar donation to the Parker Fund in Adam’s name as a way of saying thank you on behalf of the sports media industry. If you work in television or radio and are planning to attend the Summit live or virtually, I’d love to see you join me in making a contribution as well.
Our next award winner will join us in New York at the Summit. So too will Traug Keller, who we’ve previously revealed has been chosen as our 2022 recipient of the Jeff Smulyan Award.
When I thought about creating an award to recognize sports radio’s top programmer, I knew it had to be named after Mark Chernoff. No program director had a greater impact on the sports radio format over the past three decades than Mark. It took a little convincing because Mark isn’t one to seek the spotlight, but once we put it into motion, I could tell it meant a lot to him. It also meant a great deal to Mitch Rosen, our first recipient of the Mark Chernoff Award.
This time, the honor of being selected as the 2022 Mark Chernoff Award winner goes to 98.5 The Sports Hub program director Rick Radzik.
Rick has been a vital part of the Hub’s success since the brand launched in August 2009. His Boston radio resume is lengthy, but his move into the program director role didn’t happen until December 2019. As exciting as that was, in less than two months he was instantly tested as the pandemic hit, cancelled sports, and created uncertainty all across the industry. Despite those challenges, the Hub got stronger. Their talent and play by play relationships remained in tact, listeners flocked to the brand, ratings increased, and revenue soon followed.
Then in 2021, the brand reached an even higher level. That was made clear during the BSM Top 20 when the station swept every single major market category. The Hub finished first in every single ratings book, growing from a 13.8 share in the winter to a 20.7 in the fall. They also produced the most revenue among all sports stations for the entire year.
Running a brand successfully requires great talent, a top notch support staff, a strong sales department, a creative digital team, and outstanding leadership. The Hub certainly has those pieces in place, and with Rick at the helm, the station is ascending to record levels. It’s going to be an honor to welcome him to the Summit in two weeks, and have Mark Chernoff present him with the 2022 Mark Chernoff Award.
A reminder, tickets for the 2022 BSM Summit are on-sale until Friday February 25th. After that date, only virtual tickets will be available. We will not be selling tickets at the door, so if you work in the industry and are thinking about joining us, visit BSMSummit.com to secure your seat over the next nine days. I hope to see you there.
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.
