The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing announced its first 22 speakers on Monday. Tickets for the show are available here. I promised Monday that we’d have a big announcement later this week, and today, I’m excited to share those details.
Kelli Turner became interim President and CEO of Audacy in January 2025. Two months later, she accepted the role on a permanent basis. Since then, Turner has surrounded herself with a strong corporate team, invested time in strengthening internal and external relationships, and has worked on improving Audacy’s results and reputation.
Under her watch, the company has formed partnerships with iHeartMedia and Townsquare Media. She has supported The Score’s move to the FM dial in Chicago, and WFAN’s decision to rehire Craig Carton and shake up the lineup. The company has also partnered with Next Net to improve AI discoverability, and launched the Audacy Creator Lab, an initiative designed to support podcast creators and deliver advertising opportunities at scale under her watch.
One thing that Kelli hasn’t done a lot of is speak at industry events. I had the pleasure of chatting with her at an Audacy mixer late last year in New York. She was also in attendance for our Barrett Bash, 10-year anniversary party in NYC. Though we’ve only connected a few times, early impressions have been strong. Feedback I’ve received inside the company has been similar. Being more accessible and solution oriented is a great sign for the company.
Which brings me to today’s announcement.
I’m pleased to share that industry folks will have an opportunity to learn more about her vision for Audacy when she joins us on June 30th at the Barrett Media Audio Summit. Kelli will join me for the Keynote Conversation on Tuesday, June 30th. The discussion will take place late in the afternoon just before the awards ceremony. News media is the focus of our agenda that day, but my chat with Kelli will cover ground beyond one specific format. Attendees arriving early for the next day’s sports media show are encouraged to drop by early to listen.
Since September 2024, Kelli has served on the Audacy Board of Directors. She is also on the board of directors for the National Association of Broadcasters. Prior to joining Audacy, Kelli served as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Sun Capital Partners, a leading private investment firm. Before joining Sun Capital Partners, she was President and Chief Operating Officer of SESAC Holdings, a leading music licensing and rights management company owned by Blackstone. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.
Broadcasting professionals flying in for the show can reserve discounted hotel rooms here. 23 speakers have been announced for the show and more will be revealed in the weeks and months ahead. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities can learn more by contacting Stephanie Eads. Her number is 415-312-5553 and her email address is Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
It’s going to be a big three-day industry summer event at the SVA Theatre in NYC. I hope to see you there.
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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.
