What are you doing September 4th and 5th? The BNM Summit is taking place in Washington D.C.. Before you accuse me of being a kiss up to my wonderful overlords at Barrett Media, I love radio conventions. I find these events very useful, and I want you to join in the party. Do yourself a giant favor, be there. In the same room, you will be in the presence of a covey of radio geniuses. If you have never attended an event like this, don’t miss the opportunity.
I always want to be a realist. Radio has been unfairly taking it in the mug over the last few years. The mushrooming amount of content available has certainly impacted radio. Companies with billions of dollars in debt are in a precarious position. The revenue has been falling and radio has been grasping for answers.
Let me share the good news, depending on the market. Commercial Radio still has about 90% of the public listening on a weekly basis. This is really strong because your local TV Newscasts are not even close to that number. According to Pew Research, only 69% of Americans watch local tv news weekly. Radio people enamored with TV amaze me. TV viewing has moved to an on-demand platform.
The 2023 BNM Summit was perhaps the best organized seminar that I have ever attended. Nearly every session started and ended on time. Talk about crazy. Sessions were well designed, and I learned a few things from all of them. This is essential, because many of us have heard or read about certain concepts on the radio industry. I have often applied these ideas in ways that were not very efficient.
I returned from last year’s BNM Summit with new ideas from the masters of radio. The longer that I have been in this radio business, the more I need to know. These events remind me of things that I have forgotten. Applicable content is available in each session. You will be more equipped in your position as a talent, Program Director, Owner, Market Manager, Executive, etcetera.
We all work very hard doing several jobs. Being honest with the human in the mirror, are you out of gas? Are you out of ideas? You perhaps may be overwhelmed. You need inspiration. The 2024 BNM Summit will encourage you. People with similar experiences, concerns, and frustrations will emote them in one place. YOU WILL BE INSPIRED.
This is a great opportunity to network with leaders in our industry, make friends and renew old ones. I am that guy who hugs. I am not the unwanted hug guy, but I will divey out hugs like the crazy neighbor who has already decorated for Halloween. If you are someone that has been trying to finish a deal, you will likely meet some of the decision makers at this event in D.C.
When was the last time that you really laughed? Do you remember? You will laugh at this event. Radio stories that are frequently crazy, will be shared. Egos are really left at the door. This is an industry event. If someone shows up with an ego, they will be ignored. It truly is a shared experience. Don’t miss out on the fun. Perhaps a cigar and a bourbon after dinner.
Secrets will be shared. If you think that people will keep that big radio success secret, you would be wrong. Here is why… Radio people like to talk shop. Radio people also like to have the last word. This collaborative event will teach you things. I guarantee you, ask a question of an industry leader during lunch… They will answer you.
At lunch on the final day last year, I was with a group and one of the people at the table was at the center of the Air America venture. We spoke with him about that, and I think that we all learned a lot about why it failed. There will be people at the 2024 BNM Summit who have been involved in radio successes and failures. Ask them about why it worked or didn’t. Great discussions will be had.
Let us thank Jason Barrett and Stephanie Eads for all of their hard work. Jason has risked it all to provide the radio industry with great on-line content and amazing radio experiences like this. We need to have the backs of those who are cheering for us. If you have never met Jason and Stephanie, you will just love them. Terrific people.
At the 2023 BNM Summit, I found Jim Cutler’s presentation especially helpful. Jim and his bride Dawn are awesome people as well. I have personally taken a little pride in how I image a station. Jim opened my eyes to things that I had never formerly considered. I implemented things that I learned almost immediately.
Ok, please figure out how to get to Washington D.C. You will be completely satiated from all the information, comradery, and fun. I really hope that you will be there. This is your best opportunity to recharge your batteries. You can brainstorm with some of the biggest names and minds in radio from personalities, programmers, executives and thought leaders.
Peter Thiele is a weekly news/talk radio columnist for Barrett Media, and an experienced news/talk radio programmer. He recently served as program director for WHO/KXNO in Des Moines, IA. Prior to that role he held programming positions in New York City, San Francisco, Little Rock, Greenville, Hunstville, and Joplin. Peter has also worked as a host, account executive and producer in Minneapolis, and San Antonio. He can be found on Twitter at @PeterThiele.
