The 2025 BNM Summit lineup continues to get stronger. After announcing the addition of Scott Jennings yesterday, we’re adding four more accomplished professionals today.
Starting on the programming end, I’m thrilled to welcome back WTOP Director of Programming Julia Ziegler, and WCCO Brand Manager Brad Lane. Julia joined us last year in Washington D.C.. Brad was part of our inaugural show in Nashville two years ago. Each have done outstanding work in their respective markets, and will be part of two of our programming panels at the conference.
Julia has risen up the ranks at WTOP, starting as an intern in 2002. She has been the station’s Director of News and Programming since December 2019. Previously, she has held multiple roles including Digital News Director, managing editor of FederalNewsRadio.com, and executive producer of Talk Radio 3WT and Washington Post Radio.
Brad Lane has served as WCCO’s brand manager since March 2021. Prior to joining the station, Lane spent two years in Milwaukee with Good Karma Brands as its Director of Content. He spent twenty years in the Twin Cities with Hubbard Radio as well, guiding KSTP (1500 ESPN). While there, he also contributed as a host, producer, and creative director.
Moving next to management, it’s a pleasure to welcome back Audacy Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli. ‘Spacc’ as he’s known to many, has overseen one of the crown jewels of news/talk radio, KDKA since 2018. Prior to arriving in Pittsburgh, he worked in the nation’s capital for WTOP as a Sales Manager. Michael will join our GM panel alongside WABC’s Chad Lopez and WGN’s Mary Sandberg Boyle.
To help lead our GM panel, I’m thrilled to call upon my friend Tim McCarthy. Tim serves as the President of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, which strives to help broadcasters who find themselves in financial need due to a critical illness, severe accident, or other serious misfortune. He is an accomplished radio executive with a strong understanding of what it takes to lead successful brands and talent in large markets for large companies. Mary, Chad, and Spacc will be in great hands with Tim guiding the conversation.
We cap today’s announcement off by welcoming another friend, Mike Hulvey. As president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau, Mike leads radio’s advocacy efforts by helping to drive business, grow advertising revenue, communicate radio’s digital transformation, and help attract new sales talent through recruitment and training efforts. Prior to RAB, Mike served as CEO at Neuhoff Communications, Inc., an independent broadcasting company with 20 radio stations in Illinois and Indiana. I’m excited to have him leading our advertising conversation on Thursday September 4th.
24 incredibly sharp professionals from some of news/talk’s most important brands are set to take the stage in New York, and we’re not done yet. I plan to announce a few more speakers either tomorrow or Monday including a prominent radio executive. Next week, I’ll reveal our four awards recipients. The week after, I’ll have a few details to share regarding ‘The Barrett Bash’. A reminder, everyone who attends the BNM Summit gets an invitation to the Bash on Thursday night September 4th.
To attend the Summit, log on to BNMSummit.com. Tickets are discounted to $249.99 through Friday August 15th. The regular rate of $324.00 returns starting Saturday August 16th. We are going to have a great two-days in the big apple, and I hope you’re able to be a part of it.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
