Barrett Media started covering music radio in July 2024 after nine-years of sports media coverage, and a four-year head start with news. We leaped in after All Access shut down because I saw websites providing news but not much day-to-day analysis, insight, interviews or strategy. Staying updated on the news is important, and there are sites that do that well. Our approach is a little different though. We want to examine and explain why it matters so professionals get smarter, better, and learn more about each other and their business. The more you know, the better you do, and the more connected you are, the longer your career lasts.
Since entering this space, many have said that music radio lacks enough events for people to unite, network, and learn. I go to CRS and MSBC each year and think both are excellent. I encourage others to do the same. I’ve never subscribed to the small minded thinking that you have to pick one event over another. The only time that might be an issue is if two events fall on the same date. Otherwise we should all be rooting for each other and offering as many opportunities to grow as possible.
People have asked numerous times “when will you do for music radio what you’ve done for sports and news?”. So that’s what we’re doing on Thursday, July 2nd in New York City.
The agenda is action-packed and features a strong group of program directors, talent, consultants, measurement pros, and legends. Dedicated sessions have also been created for specific formats featuring experts from each area. I want folks in individual formats to know we’ve got something specific for them while also discovering what’s happening in other areas.
Why You Should Be Here
- Did you know that Mike McVay, Fred Jacobs, and Lee Abrams have NEVER been on a panel together before? They are some of the most influential programming minds in music radio history. Brands, careers and formats exist today because of them. How is that possible? If you program a music radio station, when Fred, Mike, Lee and Buzz talk programming strategy, you should be listening and taking notes. If you care about brand building, growing ratings, and understanding audience habits, you can’t afford to not attend this session.
- iHeart, Audacy, Hubbard and Connoisseur feature outstanding brands, talent, and programmers nationwide. Overseeing the performance of each are Jon Zellner, Greg Strassell, Jeff Sottolano, and Keith Dakin. If you want to know where the industry’s top leaders see the industry moving, what they’re investing in, and what their biggest concerns are, this is the conversation you have to be in attendance for. I’m excited to sit down with them and pick each of their brains on the business.
- The work, the grind, and the pressure that comes with it occupy our worlds on a daily basis. When people have success, it’s important to both recognize it and celebrate it. We will do that when we welcome Scott Shannon and introduce The Scott Shannon Award, presenting it to Kevin Rolston. In addition, this Monday, I will introduce a second award that recognizes a rising Music Radio Program Director. Programmers, keep an eye out for the announcement. I think you’re going to like this.
- Data shapes your brand’s narrative on a regular basis. Digital numbers looks different than radio data. Certain companies use traditional ratings while others don’t. Sales may or may not use them to generate revenue, and advertisers place different values on all of it. The best way to understand what matters and where things are going is to talk to those who know it best. So we’re doing that by welcoming Rich Tunkel, John Rosso and Cameron Hendrix. Executives, GMs, Market Managers, Advertising professionals, there’s no reason to miss this.
- Four individual format sessions are scheduled: Hip Hop, Country, Rock, and Top 40. We also have a broader discussion with Scott Shannon, Jim Ryan and Broadway Bill Lee, three of radio’s best all-time talents. In addition, the session Murphy, Sam and Jodi have planned is going to be excellent. If you’re a talent trying to protect your future, be in the room for it.
Heading Towards the Finish Line
I plan to announce our final speakers next week. I’d like to have a few more record label folks and artist managers in attendance. There are many great relationships to make and extend, and it’s always helpful to know the other sides pain points. A lot of people are coming, which is great, but with 4-weeks to go, we do still have seats available. If even one remains open, I want it filled. I’d rather have someone in the room learning and using the information to help their brand than leaving it empty.
We’re hosting this show because we love the radio business and want to make it better. I believe we can put our own spin on a music radio conference that showcases a mix of discussions for programmers, talent, executives, market managers, and sales, advertising, and digital professionals. People often mention how big our sports and news media shows are. They mention the frequent promotion of our video clips, photos, and columns. It’s time for music radio to receive that same treatment. Over 10,000 stations are playing music nationwide. If you work for any of them, I’d love to have you join us.
Let’s keep this industry thriving by connecting, learning, and celebrating. Tickets are available in the Summit section up top. I look forward to meeting you hand having you be a part of our special event.
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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.
