The 2024 BNM Summit is adding six more speakers to its lineup. Forty seven professionals will appear on stage on September 4-5, 2024 at the Jack Morton Auditorium. Tickets remain available through BNMSummit.com. Sponsorships are also available. Stephanie Eads can share details. Email her at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com if interested. I do want to thank Talk Media Network and Subtext for coming on board to support the show.
Many have inquired about our schedule. It is now available on BNMSummit.com. Scroll below the main image on the conference website and you’ll find it right above the speakers. I purposely wait until closer to the event to release final details. This is because people’s situations change, and news breaks, requiring a change in content focus. I’ve long believed it’s more important to have the best, most relevant show for attendees than rush out an advance schedule that undergoes frequent adjustments.
The six speakers we’ve added to our lineup bring a variety of experiences to our stage. Starting with the talent, Todd Starnes has a unique background. He’s heard on hundreds of radio stations through his nationally syndicated program, is watched daily on television on Newsmax, is firmly entrenched in his community in Memphis, TN and understands the pressures broadcasting executives face as he owns the Mighty 990 KWAM in Memphis. I’m excited to have Todd joining us for a session on Wednesday September 4th. He’ll be alongside Tony Katz, and Jeff Katz. Mike McVay will guide the conversation.
Lee Harris is also joining the show. His credentials in the news/talk format speak for themselves. A radio hall of famer with decades spent informing New Yorkers on the airwaves of 1010 WINS, Lee now serves as NewsNation’s Director of Integrated Operations. He understands the industry from both a talent and management perspective, and I’m looking forward to having him guide a fascinating discussion on Wednesday September 4th with John Sylvester of Fox News Radio, Liz Alesse of ABC Audio, Kevin DeLany of Westwood One, and former CBS News Radio GM and current WYPR President and GM Craig Swagler.
Having just mentioned Swagler, Craig is now based in Baltimore and fully immersed in the NPR world. Adding that perspective to the show is valuable for all in the room. In addition, Craig spent over two decades with CBS News Radio so he understands how vital the relationship is between networks and local stations. I’m looking forward to having him offer his insights with the room.
Two new faces will appear on programming panels at the Summit. First, I’m excited to have my friend Mike Schaefer in the room from WBT in Charlotte. Mike runs a great radio station with a lot of strong local talent, and learned the business out west in Los Angeles at KFI. He’s part of our final programming panel on Thursday September 5th alongside Bill Hess of WMAL, David Wood of WIBC, and Jeff Wade of WBAL. What we’ve got planned for the finale is going to be a lot of fun.
Next, I’m looking forward to having Michael Spaulding of WTMJ in Milwaukee on stage with us. If history is any indicator, a handful of states will have a strong effect on the upcoming election. Wisconsin being one of them. Recognizing the significance of what’s at stake, we’ve decided to dive deeper into programming in swing states by creating a cool, and different programmer’s panel. Greg Stocker of WPHT in Philadelphia, Ken Charles of WSB in Atlanta, and Martha Maurer of KTAR News 92.3, along with Spaulding will take part in an in-depth discussion on the role their brands play in influencing and potentially swinging an election. KCMO Host/PD and Barrett News Media columnist Pete Mundo will guide the conversation.
Equally important is hearing from market managers who have to keep brands profitable in a challenging economy. Marsha Landess knows that responsibility well as she oversees both Charlotte and Richmond, VA for Radio-One. Great stations like WBT require resources to remain on top, but tough decisions have to be made along the way to do so. Marsha will add her perspective to a GM’s panel that includes Tim Wenger of Audacy Buffalo, and Michael Spacciapoli of Audacy Pittsburgh. An additional GM may join this group too. I’m hoping to know this week. Barrett Media Chief Media Officer Dave Greene will serve as moderator.
Announcing our remaining awards recipients comes next. We’ll name our three recipients over the next two weeks. I’m also awaiting confirmation from two other talents who I’ve asked to join a panel. Finalizing their involvement is a priority for this week. Everything else is locked in, and ready to go.
We put a ton of time, energy, and thought into making this conference valuable for news media professionals. It’s worth two days of your time. You’ll leave smarter, more connected, and eager to put things you picked up into action inside your workplace. Especially if you’re in the DMV area, there’s no excuse to not be in the room if you make your living in the news media business. To join us, buy a ticket at BNMSummit.com. Hope to see you there!
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.
