The former programmer in me always looks forward to this time of year. I get to make phone calls and inform folks that they’re being recognized for their contributions at our BSM Summit. So many do this line of work not seeking accolades, but when standing on stage in front of peers, friends, competitors and others, it’s a rewarding feeling knowing that what you do for the industry is both recognized and appreciated.
I can’t thank Premiere Networks enough for seeing the big picture and helping me make it possible. The awards ceremonies during the Summit are always a hit. March will be our 5th time doing it together. Premiere and I share a belief that recognizing those doing outstanding work in the sports format is important, and the awards ceremonies are the place where those special contributions get highlighted.
We announced last week that Angelo Cataldi has been named our 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Steve Cohen was selected as this year’s Jeff Smulyan Award recipient. Which means we have two awards left. Today, we reveal one of them, the 2024 Mark Chernoff Award winner.
This award is special because it’s voted on by sixteen high-ranking industry executives. These folks run radio companies and networks, and know who’s exceptional at their job. When they vote, it means something to those being honored.
If you’ve followed sports radio for decades, then you’re likely aware of Mark Chernoff’s success. He was a consistent winner at WFAN and influenced, managed, and shaped many successful broadcasting careers. Mark was never interested in attention. He preferred his talent enjoy the spotlight while he handled his work. Though he likes keeping a low profile, he put his name on our PD award and got behind it because he understood the goal was to recognize those who are making the format better and leading it forward.
And that brings us to this year’s winner.
I am honored to share that the 2024 recipient of the Mark Chernoff Award is 106.7 The Fan brand manager, Chris Kinard.
Ten programmers were eligible for this award. Chris earned the most votes from our executive committee to receive this year’s top honor. He follows Jimmy Powers of 97.1 The Ticket, Rick Radzik of 98.5 The Sports Hub, and Mitch Rosen of 670 The Score as award winners. CK will receive his award during our ceremony on Thursday March 14th. He will also be part of a programming panel at the show.
“It’s truly a special honor to receive this award, especially since it is named after Mark Chernoff, a friend and mentor and someone I hold in the highest esteem,” shared Chris Kinard. “I’m proud to be in this industry and am so lucky to have worked with such a talented and hard-working team for the last 17 years. This recognition is just as much a reflection of their accomplishments as anything.”
Legendary sports radio programmer Mark Chernoff added, “I’m thrilled to present Chris with this year’s award. I’ve worked with CK for years. He not only manages two sports stations in our nation’s capital (The FAN and the Team) but also handles the Classic Hits station 94.7 The Drive in his “spare time” along with projects for BetQL. His ability to bring out the best in his talented air staffs with diverse personalities is an important leadership quality. Chris understands what’s important on a day-to-day basis and has become a well-rounded, well-respected PD by working well with management, local teams and handling long-term planning have made him a well-rounded, well-respected PD. He’s very deserving of this honor.”
Tickets for the 2024 BSM Summit are on-sale at BSMSummit.com. You can also purchase them through the BSM Store. Full details of this year’s final agenda will be posted online at the end of February.
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.
