Last week in New York City, Barrett Media put on a showcase unlike any other in media circles. More than 500 media professionals gathered over three days at the SVA Theatre to collaborate, discuss, and help move the broadcast media industry forward. The attendees and speakers represented talent, management, programmers, technology, advertising, measurement, syndication, and much more.
This year was also a first. It marked the first time Barrett Media combined the news, sports, and music focus of the brand into three consecutive days of programming. Also, it served as the debut of the Music Summit, where some of the industry’s brightest minds celebrated, challenged, and educated those in attendance.
It was also a first for many attendees. Over the three days, I had the pleasure of getting to know numerous first-time attendees and speakers, from old colleagues and fresh faces to those who had recently fallen victim to a round of layoffs. It was rewarding to experience the Summit through the fresh perspective of those attending for the first time.
In the days that followed, I reached out to three individuals in different markets. Each with a different perspective and also different stages of their career. The goal was to learn how they viewed the Barrett Media Audio Summit. What they took away from the experience. Plus, whether it convinced them to return next year.
Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith
Listeners to 97.1 The Fan in Columbus know Jonathan Smith as “T-Bone.” For nearly 13 years, Smith has been a guiding voice on the radio home of The Ohio State Buckeyes. First in afternoon drive and now in morning drive alongside co-host Tyvis Powell. Smith had considered attending the Barrett Media Summit several times in the past. However, this year’s guest lineup ultimately convinced him to make the trip.
“Seeing the lineup of panelists coupled with New York City as the host city put this year’s summit over the top for me,” says Smith. “I thought it was a nice touch to have the sports media sessions on the same day as the anniversary of WFAN signing on as the nation’s first all-sports station.”
Smith is a radio lifer. He grew up listening to the voices that kept Columbus company during the early morning commute. Understanding that networking is a vital part of the industry, Smith praised the tremendous opportunities the Summit provided. He had the chance to connect with some of the biggest names in the business, executives, and decision-makers alike.
Among the panels Smith attended, one that stood out featured SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio host Damon Amendolara moderating a discussion about digital content and AI.
“It really helped me think about what a world without a radio tower would look like. Content is still king, and algorithm vs audience is a concept that continues to challenge my thinking,” said Smith. “Daniel Anstandig from Futuri gave a detailed presentation on AI that I truly found fascinating. There is a lot to process around how AI continues to shape our business.”
Smith noted he brought home many ideas from the Summit. Among them was a renewed perspective on what truly qualifies as a “hit” topic in sports talk radio.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion about what our audiences view as the most important thing to talk about on a daily basis. That discussion gave me a bunch of fresh ideas,” says Smith.
As for next year, Smith says he plans to return after what he described as a truly great event in New York City.
Shukri Wrights
Shukri Wrights is a host and producer at Beasley Media Group’s 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. His sports radio journey has included many stops on the way to the City of Brotherly Love. But one destination he had always wanted to experience was the Barrett Media Audio Summit.
“As someone who is relatively new in the sports radio industry, I looked at this opportunity as a chance to learn from the best of the best in this business. Whether it be program directors, on air talent for both tv and radio, and radio executives,” said Wright. “You have to be hungry, curious, and driven to want to learn from those whom you have admired from afar for many years whom have been very successful.”
When I met Wrights following Day 2 of the Summit, I asked about everything he had taken away from the event. Needless to say, he returned to Philadelphia with plenty of new ideas.
“I ended up realizing that you as an individual are a brand. The most attractive brands are the ones who bring in value, and attract different opportunities in this industry,” said Wrights. “Never be afraid to swallow your pride and ego to speak with decision makers. Ask questions to better understand what they look for and how it can help you grow as talent and employee.”
One moment that stood out to Wrights came when WFAN’s Craig Carton joined fellow WFAN personalities Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti on stage.
“Carton stood out to me because of a moment created at the summit in which he gave Anthony Gallo his flowers as someone who is an emerging talent at WFAN,” said Wrights. “To witness Carton say that great things take time to happen at WFAN really impacted me in my understanding. Great things take time and come with being intentional about the hard work you choose to consistently put in everyday.”
For Wrights, the Summit was a “life changing experience,” one he plans to repeat in 2027.
Cole Thompson
For Cole Thompson, timing was the biggest factor. After just over seven months co-hosting morning drive on iHeartMedia’s SportsTalk 790 in Houston, Thompson was part of the company’s most recent reduction in force.
“I was a part of the iHeart layoffs last week. I wanted to get my name out there to program directors, station managers and others who work in the business,” said Thompson. “More than anything, I love learning more how the industry is changing. I want to stay ahead of the times.”
A University of Alabama graduate, Thompson hosted Just Sayin It on SportsMap Radio for three years before joining iHeartMedia and currently hosts shows for SEC Unfiltered. While he continues to work outside traditional sports radio, the perspective he gained at the Barrett Media Audio Summit provided valuable insight into what matters most should he return to the format.
“Hearing from people from Westwood One, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, ESPN and others is huge. It gives you an idea of what’s working for major platforms in a day and age where media is constantly evolving past the dial,” said Thompson.
AI was a major topic on nearly every Summit panel. From advertising to talent, nearly everyone offered an opinion on how the technology is helping or hurting the industry. That broad range of perspectives stood out to Thompson.
“Hearing about how using AI tools as resources I thought was massive. Mostly because when trying to build up a brand, it’s a way to make the product look crisper and more detailed,” said Thompson. “I’m someone who has been opposed to AI for years because I see the value for the human element. Seeing major stations not rely on AI, but treat it as a way for more growth toward socials and enhancing the show I thought was a wakeup call toward the changing times.”
Moreover, Thompson echoed the sentiments of many attendees regarding the networking opportunities at the Summit. The chance to put faces to names, exchange contact information, and share stories was worth the price of admission. He also valued the opportunity to discuss industry challenges with peers facing similar experiences.
“As someone who also makes college football content online, hearing from [Josh] Pate is a must. Not just for me, but for everyone looking to make it in that path,” said Thompson. “Josh Pate has been kind enough to give me time to pick his brain in the past and provide insight of what works and what doesn’t.”
As for attending again next year, Thompson says he’s very open to returning.
“If possible, yes. Timing was big because two weeks ago, I’m not sure I would have made it. From everyone I met with, how much I learned, and what I picked up on from every panel. I would love to attend every year,” said Thompson.
Three attendees. Three different markets. Three different stages of their careers. Yet despite their unique paths, each walked away from New York with the same conclusion: the Barrett Media Audio Summit delivered far more than a series of panel discussions. It provided perspective, practical ideas, meaningful relationships, and a clearer understanding of where the audio industry is headed.
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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.