The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is 27 days away from kicking off in NYC. We’ve lined up 87 speakers so far and have additional announcements still to come. Look for a big one for the news show tomorrow morning. The full agenda should be out on Thursday or Friday.
If you haven’t purchased tickets, go here. If budget is a concern, contact iMar Entertainment to explore barter options. For folks in need of a hotel room, Hotel Hayden is near capacity. Reach out today to grab one of the last remaining rooms. Once the last room is full, you’ve got to use Hotels.com to explore local options
This is the first year that we are featuring a full-day of news media, sports media, and music/radio. Our spoken word shows are always a hit, but when we set out to do music, I knew that I wanted the attention to be on the music radio industry’s best programmers, talent, executives, and folks with information who can help them do their jobs better. It’s certainly not about me. I’m just there to host, keep it on time, and make sure attendees gain value.
Building the show has been challenging, but I’m proud of the way it has come together. I’m excited for folks in music formats to experience it. We have sessions planned for Country, Urban/Hip Hop, Top 40/Hot AC, and Rock/Alt/CR professionals. There will be discussions on programming, research, measurement, and talent too. Bringing more record label and artist management leaders into the room is a focus over the next month. It’s great to talk about content, management, ratings, and revenue but the conversation rings hollow without artists, music, and business. Folks working in the music industry, keep an eye on your inbox. We’ll be providing a few opportunities for you to win tickets starting later today.
But one other important part of this event is the finale – the Premiere Networks Awards ceremony. It is the last thing we do before sending everyone home or to the after party that follows. It’s an opportunity to recognize excellence, commitment, and those who make a difference across the radio industry.
Which brings me to today’s announcement.
The First Recipient of the Scott Shannon Award is…
When I first spoke with Scott Shannon about introducing The Scott Shannon Award, we talked about talent who are doing it right. We agreed that the same drive and spirit that Scott has brought to the airwaves throughout his career must be part of the recipient’s DNA. That means possessing a strong work ethic, creativity, passion, an ability to wear multiple hats, and of course, a track record of delivering results.
The first name out of Scott’s mouth was Kevin Rolston at WRMF in West Palm Beach. If you’re not already familiar with the KVJ Show, start. It’s excellent. The show has been critical to Hubbard West Palm Beach’s ratings and revenue success. Kevin, J-Bird and Virginia have formed a strong bond with their audience, creating local impact that extends beyond the speakers. The show’s success has earned it a Top 3 finish in the Hot AC category in Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 series voted on by format programmers and industry executives.
Kevin’s talent, curiosity, and commitment to excellence are regularly on display. The show’s videos, production, topics and bits make that abundantly clear. When I asked Scott why he was sold, he had a long list of examples to support his position. Having worked in West Palm Beach a few times and seen it myself, it became an easy decision.
Which is why I am proud today to announce Kevin Rolston as the first recipient of the Scott Shannon award. Kevin will join us in NYC to accept the honor from the one and only, Scott Shannon.
When I reached out to share the news with Kevin he was genuinely appreciative.
“Like Scott, I too spent some time at Z100. But unlike Scott, I wasn’t paid (unless you count all the radio station t-shirts I stole)” joked Rolston. “I was a college intern who slept in his car just for the opportunity to soak up what made Z100 so magical. All I wanted in life was to be Scott Shannon, but that was going to be tough, because I wasn’t even allowed in the Z100 studio. To then come back to New York City to receive the inaugural Scott Shannon award is further proof that we’re all living in the matrix. But like Cypher said, “Ignorance is bliss.””
Scott Shannon added, “Kevin Rolston is an excellent choice for this award. Honestly, he might be the best in the country right now. He works his ass off including doing all of the show’s production. Kevin also does most of the prep. I’m looking forward to presenting him with the award in New York.”
Sponsorship Deadline
Twenty six partners are supporting the Summit. One of our outstanding partners, Collette, will be providing a trip giveaway to either Italy, Ireland or Iceland. The winner will be selected at the Music radio show on Thursday, July 2nd. Details on how to qualify will be shared soon.
In the meantime, we have six sponsorship opportunities remaining. Deadline to get involved is Friday, June 19th. For additional information, contact Stephanie Eads at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
We look forward to seeing you in the big apple!
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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.
