Last night on social media I mentioned that we had a big addition to announce this morning. I’m sure this guy is still riding high following last night’s New York Knicks Game 1 NBA Finals victory. He spoke at our sports summit in 2024 and was fantastic. This time, he’s entering the news media arena on Tuesday, June 30th. More on that in a second.
The full schedule for the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is now available. Visit the Summit section and you’ll see it directly above the Speakers. I have a few final announcements still to make but this shows you what’s planned for all three-days. Putting this event together has been challenging but to do great things, that’s usually what’s required. My thanks to every single speaker who is making time to be a part of the show. If you haven’t secured a ticket yet, support the show and your industry, and come learn with us. Go here to secure your seat.
Today’s speaker announcement is a big one. It is my pleasure to welcome Stephen A. Smith to the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit. Stephen A. will sit down for a 1 on 1 conversation on Tuesday, June 30th at the SVA Theatre in New York City. He takes the stage from 3:50 to 4:30pm — the final session prior to the Premiere Networks Awards ceremony.
Stephen A. needs no introduction. He’s been highly successful on sports television, radio, in print, and as a business owner. Since branching out into politics, he’s generated massive amounts of buzz and attention digitally, on radio at SiriusXM, and as a contributor on NewsNation. His brand has grown so strong that he’s even been encouraged to run for President, though he’s said that’ll have to wait. Stephen A. Smith is no longer just a sports media personality. He is one of the most significant voices in American media — period.
For news media radio professionals, this session will give you a lot to think about. Stephen A. will discuss extending his reach into news, the risk-reward of doing so, managing pressure and high expectations, finding your voice, handling criticism and scrutiny, what he sees/hears working in news/talk, and where he believes the industry is heading — including his own career.
Building sustainable individual authority isn’t easy, but Stephen A. Smith has done it well. Understanding how he did it — what it takes to do it — is worth the price of admission on its own.
Some of the strongest voices and executives in the business are taking part in the News Media Summit on June 30th. Closing it with Stephen A. Smith is what I had in mind when we started building this year’s show. A special thank you to Stephen A. for making time to be a part of it.
But That’s Not All
The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit is also excited to welcome Audacy New York’s VP of News and the Brand Manager of 1010/92.3 WINS, Ben Mevorach. In addition, WJR Program Director Ann Thomas, Hubbard Minneapolis VP/Market Manager Dan Seeman are joining the lineup. Additional names will be revealed later next week. Then we’ll wrap up announcement season with our final awards recipients.
I want to welcome Skyview Networks as our News and Music registration partner for the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit. My thanks to Steve Jones, Andrew Kalb and Renee Smith for their support. 27 companies are now supporting this year’s conference. We could not pull this off without every single one of them.
The Summit runs June 30-July 2 starting with the news media show on Tuesday, June 30th. Sports media is the focus on Wednesday, July 1st. Music radio then takes us home on Thursday, July 2nd. Tickets are still available but hotel rooms at Hotel Hayden are full. For additional nearby options, go here. We look forward to seeing you in New York City this summer.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.
