As Women’s History Month concludes, Barrett Media is sitting down for conversations with some of the highest-ranking female executives in the media space. In this installment, we sit down with Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley.
Beasley has worked at the company founded by her father since 1983. After rising to the role of CEO and chair of the company’s Board of Directors, Caroline Beasley has served on numerous other boards. She is the chair of the BMI Board of Directors. She is also a former Joint Board Chair of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors. The executive is a past chair of the NAB Radio Board.
Caroline Beasley also serves on the board for the Broadcasters Foundation of America and the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation. In 2023, she was named a Giant of American Broadcasting by the Library of American Broadcasting. In 2022, she earned the National Radio Award from the NAB.
To say Caroline Beasley has accomplished a lot in her career would be an understatement. In this Q&A, she shares background on those who influenced her career, why she believes in mentorship, and why women have as many opportunities as men at Beasley Media Group.
Garrett Searight: When did you know that you wanted to be in this business?
Caroline Beasley: I literally grew up in the radio business, so in many ways it has always been part of who I am. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting radio stations with my father and seeing firsthand the connection our teams had with their local communities. But it wasn’t until I began working in the company myself and learning different aspects of the business that I realized that I wanted to be a part of it.
Looking at Leadership
GS: Who were some of the people who influenced you throughout your career?
CB: My father, George Beasley, was the greatest influence on my career – he was my mentor. He was amazing and truly cared about what he did. I learned a great deal from him not only about business but about life. I’ve also been very fortunate to learn from many talented leaders across our industry who challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow over the years.
GS: How important is it to you to be a mentor to other future leaders?
CB: It’s very important to me. I believe we all have a responsibility to help develop the next generation of leaders. Mentorship comes in many different forms- it can be as simple as taking the time to listen, offer guidance, or provide an opportunity for someone to grow.
GS: Many view radio as a male-dominated space. Yet there are several female CEOs. Why do you think there has been a shift to so many female leaders?
CB: I believe it’s about finding the best candidate for the position. At Beasley, we’re intentional about building leadership teams that reflect the communities and audiences we serve that include women and men. Women have long held senior roles within our company, not because of their gender, but because they were the most qualified candidates for the positions, as have men. It’s been a core part of our culture for a long time.
Enjoying the Now and Looking at the Future
GS: What’s the best part of your job?
CB: Without question, it’s our employees. I have the privilege of working alongside incredibly talented, creative, and passionate individuals across our company. Surrounding yourself with great people who are truly exceptional at what they do is both inspiring and energizing.
I also love the impact we have in our local communities. Whether it’s through the content we create, the connections we foster, or the support we provide during times of need. Knowing that what we do truly matters to our audiences makes this work incredibly meaningful.
And as our industry and the world continue to evolve, I’m excited by the opportunities that come with new technology and innovation, and how we can continue to grow and connect in new ways.
GS: What would you say to aspiring female leaders in the media space?
CB: My advice would be to never settle and not be afraid to take on new challenges — even if they feel outside your comfort zone. That’s where real growth happens. Work hard and work smart. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and never stop learning. The more you know, the more you will have to offer.
At the same time, it’s important to embrace the evolving landscape of our industry, including new technologies like AI. These tools are not something to fear- they’re opportunities to innovate, grow, and stay ahead of the curve. And most importantly, stay true to who you are. Your authenticity is your greatest strength, and it will always serve you well!
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
