The phone never stops buzzing, and the emails pour in rapidly. People and brands have news to share, and stories to tell, and expect us to be on it. Covering the media industry is a constant grind, and though I and my crew enjoy it, there are times where breaks are needed. Thankfully, they come during a time when many across the industry do the same.
Starting on Christmas Eve and continuing through Friday January 3rd, Barrett Media will be in holiday mode. This means we’ll deliver one (1) daily newsletter (the holiday edition), each day at Noon ET. Content for the next two weeks will also be lighter as we give our editors time off, half-day work schedules, and allow our part-time contributors to take a break to gear up for 2025.
Columns and features will still be created by myself, Dave Greene, Garrett Searight, Derek Futterman, and Jeff Lynn. We’ll also have the important daily news stories you’ve come to expect from us. For instance, you can expect that we’ll have something up on 12/26 regarding Netflix’s entry into broadcasting the NFL. However, the pace of our production will decrease for two weeks.
Despite daily content slowing down, things won’t get easier for yours truly. I’ll spend the holiday weeks working on a year-in-review column, adding more speakers/sessions to the BSM Summit (tickets are on-sale thru 12/31 for $249.99), and collaborating with Dylan Barrett to produce the BNM Top 20 of 2024 and the BMM Top 20 of 2024. The BNM series drops January 6-10 and 13. BMM’s series debuts January 20-24 and 27-29.
We Are Hiring
With a new year approaching, one project that I have to dive into is hiring. It’s a never ending process when you run an independent operation. The good news is that a lot of people are interested in working for us and we have opportunities available. Finding the right fit however can be difficult in the B2B publishing space.
Before I add to our team, I try to make sure candidates know and understand me, our brand, my approach, and the business. I don’t always get it right but we’ve featured a pretty good group throughout the years. Being driven to write/create, work in a team environment, and appreciating what we do and those across the industry doing it are important. We have a team of self-starters who enjoy their work, and embrace an all hands on deck mentality. Anyone coming on board has to fit into the culture or it won’t last.
Entering 2025, I’m looking to hire a Site Editor/Manager, Music Radio Writer/Reporter, and Social Media Coordinator.
The Site Manager/Editor will be well versed in sports/news media, and music radio. This person will oversee all three areas of our online operation. They’ll work closely with me on the daily content strategy to grow traffic, influence, audio/video content, and strengthen our events and partner relationships. The Music Radio Writer/Reporter will write daily news, edit content, and interview people for future stories. Lastly, the Social Media Coordinator will create/schedule posts, analyze data and trends, and tackle other digital needs as they arise.
Secondly, if you’re not based in the USA or haven’t worked in the media industry, I’m not going to call. It’s hard to get access to people, events, and key information if you don’t know the issues and haven’t lived this life. I’m looking for folks who have knowledge and passion for the industry, are connected across it, and can dive right in. I’m a very driven individual who expects to grow, and won’t slow down. If we’re not in this to make an impact then what’s the point?
Conclusion
There are people in the media business who love it but are sad over revenue losses and/or co-workers exiting. Others are on the outside looking in and miss the fun, but the unstable nature of the business has them questioning whether or not to return. What we do keeps you connected to the industry but in a different way. It’s a lot of fun. However, it only works if you enjoy working remotely, have a passion to write, and wake up each day ready to talk to people and create content.
If that sounds like you, send me a note with your resume and work samples at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
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.
