The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is coming to New York City June 30-July 2, 2026. The News Media show kicks things off on Tuesday, June 30th. Our Sports Media show follows on Wednesday, July 1st. And we cap it all off with our first-ever Music Radio show on Thursday, July 2nd.
One-day, Two-day and Three-day passes are available in our Summit section. We also created a cluster pass for General Managers and Corporate Executives to keep costs down for larger groups. You can also find details about hotel room reservations, speakers, sponsors, and a new awards ceremony section we just added. If attending is difficult due to budget restraints, contact iMar Entertainment. They have barter opportunities available to attend the Summit.
Growing up in New York, I fell in love with radio at a young age. Music initially drew me in, but as I got a little older, I gravitated to larger than life personalities. I spent countless hours consuming Howard Stern, Mike and the Mad Dog, and Scott Shannon. Each brought a unique approach to the airwaves, and cut through in a major way. Their successes and accomplishments since have placed them among the best to ever do it.
When we announced plans to extend the Barrett Media Audio Summit to a three-day event and add a Music Radio show, I knew Scott Shannon had to be involved. Anyone who has followed the industry for decades understands Scott’s impact as a talent and programmer. With our show taking place in New York, the place where Scott created impact for multiple brands, it just had to happen.
Z100’s Worst to First story is often mentioned when discussing Scott’s career, and rightfully so, it’s an incredible story. However, Scott’s accomplishments extend far beyond that amazing run.
Scott’s Radio Journey
His radio career began in Spring Lake, NC before extending to Columbus, GA, Mobile, AL, Memphis and then Nashville, TN. After leaving radio to work for Casablanca Records, Shannon returned as PD in Washington, D.C. leading WPGC-FM to #1 in the ratings.
Next came stops in Atlanta, GA at WQXI and in Tampa at WRBQ-FM where he developed the morning zoo radio format. The new zoo format was an instant hit, leading Shannon to once again dominate the ratings.
His impact in Tampa gained attention in the big apple, which led to the zoo format being unleashed on Z100 in 1983. The rest as they say is history.
Scott would go on to become one of VH1’s original VJ’s, and earn syndication from Westwood One and United Stations. He even consulted WPLY in Philadelphia and WKCI in New Haven, CT. An additional radio stop followed too in Los Angeles at KQLZ, before returning to New York City for two more memorable runs.
Upon his return to the big apple, Shannon joined Z100’s rival, WPLJ. He spent over two decades hosting mornings on the station, creating additional impact in the concrete jungle, before exiting in 2014. That led to a move to WCBS-FM where he hosted mornings from 2014-2022 enjoying more #1 ratings success.
Scott’s career has earned him induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and he’s one of several disc jockeys honored in an exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Today, he is the host of the True Oldies Channel, distributed by Local Radio Networks. He is also the announcer for talk radio’s The Sean Hannity Show.
Honoring an Industry Gamechanger
When an individual in the radio business creates this type of impact, it deserves to be remembered and celebrated annually. So we are going to do just that.
It is my honor to announce that on Thursday, July 2nd, we will introduce The Scott Shannon Award at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit. This new annual award will be given to a selected music radio talent who is creating impact and helping to blaze a trail just as Scott has. The best part, Scott Shannon will be present to deliver the honor to this year’s recipient.
But that’s not all.
In addition, Scott will be a part of a powerhouse panel led by Jim Ryan. I will share additional details about the session next Tuesday. The men involved are among the best to ever occupy the New York City airwaves.
I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Scott numerous times leading up today’s announcement. He is not only a great human being with incredible stories, but his wealth of knowledge, and love for the business is instantly felt. He cares about the present and future of the industry. It’s fair to say that he has forgotten more about radio than most will ever know. When legends like Scott speak, we owe it to ourselves to listen. I’m excited to provide attendees with that opportunity on Thursday, July 2nd.
The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre in New York City June 30-July 2, 2026. The event serves executives, managers, programmers, talent, sales and advertising professionals, digital leaders, and anyone committed to understanding the present and the future of the audio business. Tickets, hotel information, and sponsorship details are available in the Summit section on BarrettMedia.com. For sponsorship inquiries, email Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
We hope to see you there!
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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.
