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.
Anna Zap is the co-host of the nationally syndicated Anna & Raven Show, heard on more than 87 radio stations across the country, including Long Island, NY; throughout Connecticut; and Portland, OR. Before radio, Anna built her career in stand-up comedy, performing at some of Manhattan’s most prestigious clubs, including Carolines on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand Up NY — and her quick wit and relatable storytelling made the transition to radio a natural fit. Off the air, she has channeled that same energy into giving back, helping raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations including Make-A-Wish, March of Dimes, United Way, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and numerous animal rescue groups. Most recently, Anna was awarded a Gracie for “Best Syndicated Entertainment/Talk Program” from the Alliance for Women in Media and named “Best Morning Show” by the Connecticut Broadcasters Association.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
David Hill: How do you feel about attending events like the BMS?
Why Showing Up Still Matters
Anna Zap: Our company, Connoisseur, is very much into all of us being in the studio and not working remotely. There’s a reason for it — the energy and collaboration that comes from being with your co-workers is unmatched. Going to events where professionals from across the industry are presenting is basically our “in office policy” turbo charged. You feel the energy in the room, you leave feeling inspired, you want to do better, you network, you have new ideas, you see what’s working in the industry and what’s not, you make friends, you laugh — all the things that wouldn’t happen if you were sitting in your living room staring at a computer screen.
David Hill: How about connecting with peers and competitors?
The Value of Knowing Your Competition
Anna Zap: If you’re not evolving and aren’t aware of what everyone else in the industry is doing, you’ll get left behind. Hard stop. I never believed — or understood — why you had to hate your competitor. There’s tremendous value in connecting with them. You should always know what they’re doing so you can challenge yourself to do it better. I respect that this is an industry we all love, so working together can only make us stronger. I’m also lucky to have built a group of professionals outside of my own studio that I’m comfortable asking for help, looking for unbiased advice, and scouting ideas.
David Hill: What is the biggest challenge facing the format
Streaming, Options, and Standing Out
Anna Zap: I think most people would say streaming, and I agree. There are millions of places to hear that new song everyone has stuck in their head, or to revisit an old favorite. There are so many options on how to occupy your time, so the question becomes — will people still just turn on the radio? That’s where our biggest challenge comes: how we evolve and become so much more than just background noise. I’ve always believed that’s through personality and experiences.
David Hill: Do you have a favorite moment from past shows?
The Best Content Is the Kind You Can’t Plan
Anna Zap: Every year we design and order Christmas cards for our guests, clients, and others. This past year, our order from Snapfish was a misprint. It was our faces and design on the front, and another random family’s holiday card on the back. Snapfish wouldn’t talk to us, so we brought it to the air, posted the picture of the family, and we found them. Well, the crazy internet detectives did. They lived three states away, came on the air with us, were funny as hell, and invited us to their daughter’s wedding happening in the fall. It was the best, most unpredictable content. It seems like the most memorable content is the content you can’t plan.
David Hill: Who do you want to hear?
What’s on Her Must-See List
Anna Zap: Keith Dakin would have a heart attack if I didn’t say him! But seriously, the entire “Final 40” lineup looks great, and I’m so interested in what they have to say with that cryptic session title. Also, “The Consultant’s Conversation” is at the top of my list. I’m always looking for ways to make my content more memorable and impactful, and those guys have their fingers on the pulse.
David Hill: The industry — present and future, what does that look like?
Everything Old Is New Again
Anna Zap: I believe that everything old is new again, and radio is no exception. The industry has had its challenges, and for a while the outlook seemed uncertain. But our fearless leader, Jeff Warshaw, has always believed in the power of radio. He’s our biggest champion — and not only is he betting on radio thriving, but he also has a plan to innovate it into the future. Our job is to deliver results and not be afraid to put in the work. I think the future of the industry is getting back to basics — big personalities, connections, and compelling storytelling — while embracing all the new tools that help us reach the audience. Streaming, podcasting, turning the audio medium into a video experience — if we can do both, the future of radio is bright.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
