Every year end, human nature takes over. We collectively review what we might have accomplished in our industry during the year as it disappears in the rearview mirror. Simultaneously, we envision through the windshield the New Year ahead.
In the rearview, our industry continues to adapt – sometimes the hard way. Safe, strict familiarity is no longer a sound strategy. Scale of formats and talent are hard to remain relevant while consumers reward brands that are unique and meeting expectations. Technology steamrolls forward, audio habits are fractured, and “pretty good” is no clearly longer “good enough”.
As the calendar marches to 2026, those who wish to thrive will need to open their minds – and ears – to a better understanding of audio branding. Winning means understanding that you are a multiplatform audio – and video – content provider.
And what about A.I.? A word about that at the end of this piece.
Over the holiday, I reconnected with a few radio pros that offered thoughts in the past in this space. I asked them for feedback to these specific questions:
- What did you learn in 2025 – personally and professionally?
- What do you expect to learn in 2026 – personally and professionally?
Perhaps their reflection on 2025 and vision for 2026 will spark you to do the same?
Taylor J: 104.5 WJJK Midday Personality – Director of Promotions – Cumulus Indianapolis
In 2025, I learned to manage my emotions better. We are in an industry that is all-consuming and in 2025 we experienced the all the highs and lows. We’ve all learned to celebrate a win but the losses have been plentiful. In my role of Director of Promotions for the group, wins are often shared in our department. We are always busy and the losses can sting pretty badly. I’m still learning to not take the stress of the year so personally, to separate work and home life.
I’ve also learned to embrace AI. It is here to stay and if used correctly, it can be a tool to help at work. I’m still a very casual user, but I’m learning that it can enhance not hinder the creativity that makes our industry so great. I’ve learned to delegate more. I’ve learned how to build a great team and when to cut losses with those that aren’t going to take you where you want to go, and how to give more to those who will take you where you need to go.
In 2026, I hope to learn how to better balance being the best Director of Promotions while also being a great on-air talent. Maybe there are ways to work smarter – not harder to accomplish this. I hope I learn how to maximize the Nielsen changes (3 minute qualifier) to benefit WJJK. I’d like to learn the best uses of AI in my roles to work as efficiently and beneficially as possible.
Dr. Len O’Kelly– Associate Professor of Journalism, Broadcasting and Digital Media – Grand Valley State University
2025 was a year of tremendous learning for me. I transitioned into the role of department chair, working with our faculty and students across four undergraduate programs and one master’s program. Perhaps the most interesting thing that I learned was that the role of academic department chair is a lot like the role of program director in radio. In both roles you are responsible for the messaging of the organization. You deal with talent (faculty), who sometimes have egos that must be managed. You deal with complaints (parents and students), and have to continually build a schedule of capable part-timers (adjunct faculty). There’s budget issues, competing for listeners (majors), and making sure that you are involved in the community.
It’s also a role that very few people want but is very rewarding and meaningful work. I also learned – or was reminded – of the difference between managing and leading. Managing is taking care of the “day to day” tasks that must be done in order for the lights to stay on, so to speak. Leading is different. Leading is inspiring others to sign on to your vision, to push themselves to bring their best every day. It’s providing example, taking on the occasional unpleasant task that must be done. And it’s advocating for resources, support, and the tools that your team needs to thrive.
For 2026, I hope to learn how the onslaught of technology will change what we do for radio instruction and preparing the next generation of storytellers. How will artificial intelligence affect what we do? How will terrestrial radio and streaming/podcasting coexist in a battle for the ears? And what do audiences want from us, anyway, in an environment rife with distractions and competition for attention?
I want to be sure that the students that I turn loose on the airwaves for the first time in January – about 30 eager young people – are up to the task. Not every one of them will choose our industry for a career. But every term I encounter about a half-dozen or so who seek the same magic that we sought when we were their age. My goal is to be the best resource that I can be for them as they begin their journey. To do so, I’ve got to continue to be a student of the medium myself.
Dr. Len O’Kelly teaches broadcasting in Michigan. His radio path took him through college radio followed by small, medium and large market positions before landing at Grand Valley State University. If you need a well-coach and hungry broadcaster, you should interview a few of those January 2026 graduates Len mentions above. Reach out by email at okellyle@gvsu.edu.
Kevin Avery– Co-Host – Kevin & Taylor Show – Star 94 – Atlanta
One year ago I would have never predicted that the Kevin and Taylor Show would have a new 2025 home at Star 94 in Atlanta!!
My advice for anyone going through a serious career change is to stay close to those that truly have your back. Never forget that you have valuable talent.
Also, reframe any downtime. You’re not unemployed, you’ve been given a gift to become a better version of YOU! Mentally, physically & spiritually.
I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for us at Star 94!! It’s going to be epic!!
David Moore – Operations Manager – Hubbard Radio – Phoenix
In 2025 I learned that a station-branded app is one of the most powerful audience-engagement tools you can possess. In 2026 I hope to learn how to make an even bigger impact via the app.
A Final Word From Yours Truly
2025 presented pre-scheduled but necessary health improvement challenges. You only have one body to protect and there’s no going back. This year I lost a few close friends and radio associates including the sudden and shocking loss of the remarkable Michelle Matthews. Make a re-contact list and make time to reconnect in person or on the phone. Tomorrow is far from guaranteed.
2026 will be shaped by the Indiana Jones-like idol ball gaining on us that we call Artificial Intelligence. Radio has embraced A.I. for decades. Vinyl records, cassettes, compact discs and digital cloud storage – all A.I that made us more efficient. Everything in our studios are classified as A.I.. How do we use this growing tech to improve our process without suffering a soul-sucking degradation of our product?
We will talk with thought leaders about this subject as the year progresses starting in January.
Thank you for being a loyal reader in this space. Let’s make 2026 our best ever.
Cheers!
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
Kevin Robinson is a passionate award-winning programmer, consultant and coach – with multi-formats success all over the country. He has advised numerous companies including Audacy (formerly Entercom Communications), Beasley Broadcast Group, Westwood One, Midwest Communications, Townsquare Media, Midwest Family Broadcasting Group, EG Media Group, Federated Media, Kensington Media, mediaBrew Communications, Starved Rock Media, and more. He specializes in strategic radio cluster alignment, building lean-forward tactics and talent coaching – legacy and entry-level – personalities.
Known largely as a trusted talent coach, Kevin is the only personality mentor who’s coached three different morning shows on three different brands in the same major market to the #1 position. His efforts have been recognized by The World Wide Radio Summit, Radio & Records, NAB’s Marconi, and he has coached CMA, ACM and Marconi Award-winning talent. He is also in The Zionsville High School Hall of Fame as part of the 2008 inaugural class. Kevin is an Indiana native – living near Zionsville with his wife of 39 years, Monica and can be reached at kevin@robinsonmedia.fm.
