I started hosting conferences in 2018. Two days of experimentation in Chicago with forty five programmers and executives convinced me we could turn a private affair into a productive live event. We then took that plunge in Los Angeles in 2019, creating a successful two-day live event. Five years later, we’ve since held three shows in New York City, another event in Los Angeles, and created a signature show, which attracts the best and brightest across the sports media universe.
Growth of our sports conferences led me to wonder if we could do the same for the news media industry. We took our shot in 2023, launching the first event in Nashville at Vanderbilt University. Feedback from attendees was positive, so we took a second turn, this time in the nation’s capital during an election year. On September 4-5, 2024, the BNM Summit comes to George Washington University. To join us, simply purchase a two-day ticket for $299.99 on BNMSummit.com. Discounted hotel rooms are available until COB on Monday for those traveling into town, but act fast because rates increase on Tuesday. The hotel tab on the conference website has all the details.
We have recognized the industry’s top executives, programmers, talent, and difference makers at our sports conferences each year thanks to Premiere Networks. They have been an awesome partner. Honoring those who improve and grow the business has been one of the most popular attractions at our shows, and it’s important to me to make sure we not only educate, but also celebrate too. As we began building our strategy for the 2024 BNM Summit, I knew I wanted to honor difference makers at our BNM Summit, and thanks to Premiere Networks, we’re making that happen.
Four awards inn total will be presented at the 2024 BNM Summit. Ceremonies will take place on Wednesday September 4th, and Thursday September 5th between 12:00-12:20. Newsmax will then make sure everyone is fed during the lunch break that follows.
Today, it is time to announce the first recipient of our Gold Standard in Leadership Award. It is my honor and privilege to announce that our first honoree is Radio One and Reach Media CEO David Kantor. David will join us in Washington D.C. on Thursday September 5th to accept the award and address the room during our awards ceremony.
I first met David at an NAB Show after Radio One acquired Entercom’s Charlotte cluster. I had heard good things about him prior to our meeting, and we hit it off immediately. He’s passionate, sharp, straight to the point, and gives his people the tools to win. In return, he expects results. That’s how it should be. It’s no surprise that two of the company’s acquired news/talk assets, WBT in Charlotte, and WIBC in Indianapolis are strong performers, and the station’s two sports brands in those cities, WFNZ in Charlotte, and The Fan in Indy remain powerful as well.
David started in local radio research, programming, and sales, and spent time as an executive at Cox Cable and Satellite Music Network. ABC Radio Networks then named him President in the 1990s. He helped launch the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio Disney, and ESPN Radio, and in 2003, partnered with Joyner to co-found Reach Media, eventually selling the company to Urban One.
Since 2004, Kantor has worked for Radio One. He’s helped grow the company’s radio portfolio, leading expansion efforts in Houston, Charlotte, and Indianapolis. Altogether, he oversees 57 radio stations across 13 markets along with Reach Media’s syndicated shows.
David will be retiring at the end of 2024, which many learned of last month. He has earned that right by leaving his prints on many different areas of the industry. He has accomplished a lot and given so much to the radio industry, and I’m excited to return the favor by recognizing his contributions at the BNM Summit. I hope you’ll join us for the special occasion.
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.
