It’s hard to believe that it was one year ago today that I sat down at this very desk and we launched Music Radio coverage for Barrett Media. I came on board after being Country Format Editor for All Access until it shut down in August of 2023.
I learned pretty quickly that Barrett Media’s vision for Music Radio differed from the model of All Access, but there was a void to be filled, just from a slightly different perspective.
Covering music radio—across formats as varied as Top 40, Country, Rock, Urban, AC, Classic Rock and everything in between—requires a different set of muscles than what Barrett Media has exercised in the world of sports and news talk radio.
Music radio isn’t just about playlists or ratings; it’s about culture, lifestyle, nostalgia, and personality. It’s about the listener’s emotional connection to sound and the people behind the mic.
I’m proud of the features we have presented. 20 Brands in 20 Days, Meet The Music Directors, Consultants Corner, and others set a good tone for the first year.
Right now, columnists Mike Stern, Kevin Robinson, Ken Johnson, Keith Cunningham, and Jim Ryan are providing some of the most insightful expertise you will get anywhere.
Charese Fruge brings a deep programming background that allows her to relate to and profile some of the industry’s biggest.
Since there was no clear blueprint, we experimented with some success, and some things were a learning curve. But Jason Barrett isn’t a businessman who will just follow a path already traveled. I have admired his willingness to take some chances. Again, some that paid dividends and some that didn’t.
With each piece, we continue to dial in on what the industry is looking for.
We’ve learned that there is an appetite for content that goes deeper than press releases and surface-level stories. Programmers, talent, and executives want to be understood, not just quoted. They want to talk about creativity, risk, strategy, and even failure.
Do our readers prefer deep dives or quick hits? Do they want to hear from air talent or executives? Are they more interested in ratings analysis or behind-the-scenes stories about format flips, promotional strategies, and local engagement?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But we’ve made it a priority to listen to our audience, learn from their feedback, and evolve accordingly.
I am very appreciative of the Program Directors, air talent, consultants and many in the C-suite who are willing to take my call and contribute, be it with a feature or just providing an opinion or idea to a column.
We want to celebrate the personalities driving music radio forward, but we won’t shy away from asking tough questions either. We want to be a platform where the industry can not only see itself, but also be challenged, encouraged, and inspired.
As we embark on our second trip around the sun, we invite your feedback and thoughts on what you’d like to see more of or what we’re missing.
Barrett Media is committed to making year two even more focused, engaging, and essential for professionals across the format spectrum.
Music Radio matters. We are here with you.
You have our sincere thanks for reading Barrett Media.
Reach out to me anytime. jeff@barrettmedia.com
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Stay updated by signing up for our newsletters to receive the latest information directly in your inbox
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
