I’ve been fortunate over the years to sit down with a number of accomplished executives to examine the opportunities and challenges facing the sports media industry. The top brands and networks in our business remain strong because they’re led by exceptional leaders who have a firm understanding of how to maintain excellence, where to take risks, and when to zig when others zag.
Since bringing this conference into the public arena, I’ve shared stages with ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro, Meadowlark Media’s John Skipper, and Barstool’s Erika Ayers. I’ve also had Eric Shanks of FOX Sports in the building for an awards presentation in 2019 but I’ve never had the chance to sit down with him and pick his brain.
That’s changing at this year’s BSM Summit.
I am excited to share that FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks will join me for our Keynote Conversation on Day 2 of this year’s BSM Summit. The session is scheduled for Wednesday March 22nd from 11:10a-11:45a at The Founders Club inside the Galen Center at the University of Southern California. Please make sure you’re in the room for this one because there’s much to learn when one of the industry’s top executives sits down to offer his insights and opinions on the state of the sports media business.
If you look at the current sports media climate, FOX has been and remains one of the industry’s most dominant players with Eric in charge. Their investments in elite talent, sports rights, sports betting, and FS1 have paid great dividends, but they’ve also not taken the plunge into streaming the way a few others have. That’s one area of the conversation I’m looking forward to talking with Eric about, among other business topics.
Though we haven’t sat down to talk shop in a public space before, what I’ve always appreciated about Eric is that he’s accessible. It’d be understandable if he wasn’t given how much he has on his plate but whenever I’ve had a question or just wanted to pass along a compliment based on something FOX did well, he’s always responded. If you do a quick Google search and look at how he’s viewed by FOX’s league partners, the feedback is consistently glowing. It’s easy to see why the company is in great shape and the best brands and performers want to work with him.
The real beauty of these conversations is that they allow radio, television, advertising, and digital media professionals to gain a better understanding of what goes into making great brands and companies elite. They provide answers that enlighten us to what lies ahead, and sometimes those responses may support or challenge our own personal points of view.
Perhaps even more important, these sessions give attendees a greater appreciation and respect for those in prominent roles who they may only know by a name on a website or press release. If you can walk out of the room feeling like you’ve learned how a decision maker sees the business world you’re in, and gain perspective of why they operate a certain way, it helps you develop a closer connection to their brand and content, and gives you additional knowledge to get better at your own job.
If you haven’t yet bought a ticket to attend the Summit or reserved your hotel room, do so now. We’re having a sale on tickets all of this week. It officially ends on Friday night March 3rd. The last day to purchase tickets will be Monday March 13th.
Be advised, we have a few announcements still to make that we’re sure folks are going to enjoy. We’re also wrapping up our sponsorships for the show, so if you work with a brand and wish to be associated with the Summit, email Stephanie at Sales@BarrettSportsMedia.com.
It’s hard to believe it but we are less than 3 weeks away from bringing the industry together again. I’m looking forward to two great days of learning and 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.
