When the idea of creating an awards ceremony first entered my mind years ago, I knew that if we were going to do it, we’d have to recognize the best of the best. There are thousands who have played an important part in the evolution of this format, but when you review the various people who were at the forefront of the format’s rise, that list obviously shrinks.
I was thrilled to create an award for the founder of the format Jeff Smulyan. Not only did Jeff have the courage to leap first into the all-sports format, but he stuck with it even when losses were mounting and many were losing confidence. Though I never worked directly for Jeff, I’ve long admired how he gave birth to the format we love and listen to today. I’ve since had a chance to get to know Jeff over the past few years, and he’s been nothing short of spectacular. Having world class broadcasters such as Dan Mason, Kraig Kitchin, and now Traug Keller, carry an award with his name on it, shows that we’ve put the right people in place for our executive award.
Then two years ago, we introduced a new award to honor the format’s top program director. When I considered recognizing PD’s at the show on an annual basis, I knew the name that had to be on it was Mark Chernoff. As the architect of WFAN, and an accomplished executive for CBS Radio/Entercom/Audacy, Mark was integral in guiding the largest market’s top sports radio brand to decades of success. He was also involved in helping other company sports stations become fixtures in their cities. The first recipient of the award was Chicago sports radio programmer Mitch Rosen, who’s accomplishments in the format span decades as well. This year, we pass the baton to a new programmer, Rick Radzik, a man who has led 98.5 The Sports Hub to record ratings, while becoming the format’s top revenue generating brand.
We also introduced The Champion’s Award in 2020 to recognize professionals who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference for others across the industry, and we had a good run with the Tony Bruno Award, recognizing both Pat McAfee, and Clay Travis in prior years.
But the one piece that has been missing is acknowledging the best local sports radio shows in the country. If we were going to introduce an award for that category, it had to be the right talent and right show, and their impact on the industry had to be undeniable.
Well, when you consider the ratings and revenue generated by these two gentlemen for nearly nineteen years, and the way they influenced thousands in the business today, myself included, while setting the standard for what sports radio success looks like, this was an easy call to make. Heck, this duo sold out Radio City Music Hall, and had a 30 for 30 created on their show.
It is my honor to announce the introduction of the brand new Mike & The Mad Dog Award, which will be given out annually to the format’s top local sports radio show.
With this being the first year of the award, I am pleased to share that Mike Francesa will be on hand at the 2022 BSM Summit to accept the honor, discuss the history of ‘Mike and the Mad Dog‘, and present the award to this year’s recipients. Mike was fantastic at the 2020 BSM Summit, and it is always an honor when one of the true heavyweights of our industry is on hand to speak at the Summit.
Sports radio became appointment listening thanks to Mike and Chris. Their sound, style, passion, knowledge, and larger than life personas turned sports radio in New York into big business. To be able to highlight their impact at the industry’s signature conference is a real thrill. I’m looking forward to having Mike back in the building, and recognizing the format’s best shows that continue to operate at a ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ level.
Which brings me to the next part, the award winners. The show that has been selected as our inaugural recipients of the Mike & The Mad Dog Award is 98.5 The Sports Hub’s afternoon show, Felger & Mazz featuring Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti.
Felger and Massarotti have been a dominant force in Boston for well over a decade, operating on the industry’s top performing sports radio station, 98.5 The Sports Hub. Their 25.0 share performance in the fall book, coupled with shares in the high teens throughout 2021 showed just how powerful of a program they’ve created, and it only continues to get better. These guys have become the go to place for Boston sports fans seeking daily insight, entertainment, and opinion. They were also recognized in February as BSM’s top afternoon show of 2021, voted on by industry executives and program directors. It is my pleasure to acknowledge their work. They have become to Boston what Mike and Chris were for New York sports radio fans.
Due to scheduling conflicts, ‘Felger and Mazz’ aren’t able to attend Thursday’s ceremony. Felger will be at the Summit on Wednesday however for a session with yours truly and Fred Toucher, so attendees should make it a point to extend their congratulations when seeing him at the show. The popular duo has produced a special video message accepting the award, and that will be played for all in the room, and watching online.
Now, I know I’m going to be asked one final question. What about Dog? Is Chris Russo coming? Well, if you haven’t noticed, Chris hosts a daily radio show on SiriusXM, and appears weekly on First Take. He also hosts ‘High Heat’ for MLB Network. If the current mess with MLB gets resolved by Thursday, it’s unlikely he’d be able to make it as he’d have to be on the air. Dog and I have stayed in contact, and he’s humbled by the award being introduced, and was especially pleased to learn of Felger and Mazz being named the winners. We’ll just have to see how the MLB situation shakes out. Regardless, we’re going to give all four of these men their due for their contributions to the sports talk format.
The introduction of the Mike and the Mad Dog Award with a special appearance by Mike Francesa will be part of Thursday’s awards ceremony from 11:50am-12:25pm. A big thanks to Premiere Radio Networks and FOX Sports Radio, our proud partner of the BSM Summit Awards ceremony.
Now let’s get ready for a fun and productive time together. It starts tonight at OutKick’s BSM Summit Kickoff at 7pm ET at Hurley’s Saloon on W. 48th Street. Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow from OutKick 360 will be there, plus drinks are free courtesy of the OutKick crew.
One final reminder, live tickets are no longer on sale. Virtual tickets can still be purchased, but today is the final day to do so. For details on tickets, speakers, sessions, and our social gatherings, visit BSMSummit.com.
To those who have already bought tickets, keep an eye out today for an email with information on how to access the show online. Make sure to check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see anything in your regular inbox.
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.
