Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event June 30-July 2 share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the big apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website.
Mitch Rosen is the Vice President of Programming for 104.3 The Score in Chicago and oversees BetMGM content with Westwood One Sports. He joined Audacy in 2005 after beginning his radio career at WGN Radio in 1988. Since Barrett Media launched its annual BSM Top 20 Program Directors rankings, Rosen has consistently finished near the top of the list for major markets while helping maintain 104.3 The Score’s status as one of the country’s premier sports radio brands.
Rosen has been both an attendee and speaker at numerous Barrett Media Sports Summits and will be speaking at the event later this month. He sat down with Barrett Media from his office in Chicago, IL.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
John Mamola: What are you looking forward to as far as attending the summit later this month?
Mitch Rosen: I’m really looking forward to the large number of formats, brands, verticals, and people from all areas of industry coming together. It’s smart to bring all facets of media together for one conference. Furthermore, I’m also looking forward to seeing some of our colleagues whom we don’t get to see in person often.
John Mamola: Looking at your specific focus. What do you hope attendees take away from the session you’ll be participating in?
Mitch Rosen: I think any panel is valuable at the Barrett Media Summit. It’s what you as a participant take away. For that reason, my advice would be to look at the panel and speaker schedule, then focus on your interests. Also, possibly focus on what is outside your comfort level.
John Mamola: Through attending and viewing previous iterations of the Barrett Media Audio Summit, how has the event evolved over the years? Do you have a favorite moment from years’ prior?
Mitch Rosen: The Mike and The Mad Dog reunion in New York years ago was fascinating. I always enjoy the Barrett Media awards ceremony. It’s always fun to honor the current leaders, and past leaders in the industry. Also, Jason [Barrett] always lines up keynote speakers are terrific for witnessing.
John Mamola: Entering the Summit, what do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges the industry faces today?
Mitch Rosen: I think as an industry we have to continue to alert consumers. In addition to commercial partners, sports partners, and everyone who consumes sports media about the power of sports audio. It’s free, interactive, direct, local, and live. If we can do that, we will continue to find a path to victory.
Purchase your tickets to the 2026 BSM Summit here, and for more information BarrettMedia.com
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
