The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is under three weeks away. We believe uniting the industry matters. Joel Raab told David Hill recently, “if you don’t keep learning, you go backwards. Networking is more vital than ever as the industry shrinks.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s why we put everything we have into making this conference special. But it only works if you’re in the room. Whether you’re there for a session, a full day, one party or all three days, just come. Watching from the sidelines or on social media isn’t the same. In-person conversations, firsthand insight and ideas, and connecting with the industry’s best make a difference. Tickets are available here.
At our news media show on Tuesday, June 30th we end the event with the Premiere Networks Awards ceremony. After a day spent examining critical issues, it’s a great way to celebrate people who have made a significant impact. We named Phil Boyce our 2026 Gold Standard in Programming winner. Chad Lopez was selected as our 2026 Gold Standard in Business recipient. And today, it’s time to recognize the 2026 Gold Standard in Broadcasting honoree.
We introduced this award last year, presenting it initially as the Lifetime Achievement Award. The purpose behind it is to pay respect to an on-air talent who has invested their life in helping their community, delivering for their radio station, and growing business for local advertisers. Curtis Sliwa was our inaugural recipient. For 2026, I am honored to announce Mark Simone as this year’s choice.
Mark and I have forged a professional relationship since Barrett Media entered the news space in 2020. The one thing you learn immediately when talking to him is that he absolutely loves talk radio. Mark embraces his role as a host, champions radio and the news/talk format, and never stops promoting his station or show. If something is happening in New York City, chances are, Mark is there. Few are more visible and connected in New York City than WOR’s midday host.
Mark’s daily program is essential to WOR’s success. His back-to-back finishes as the #1 Major Market News/Talk Midday Show in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series as voted on by industry executives and format programmers support that. He is one of the longest running and most entertaining voices on the crowded New York radio dial. His encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture and politics, and his conversations with the biggest names in news have helped him cement his spot among talk radio’s finest voices.
His career has included a successful 13 year run with WOR but he also delivered two decades of results for 77 WABC. Mark has worked for SiriusXM, WNEW Radio and the NBC Radio Network. He’s also appeared frequently on Fox Business Network and Newsmax, and is a former contributor to programs on CNN, MSNBC and CNBC.
An award to recognize excellence in broadcasting belongs in the hands of those who have created it for decades. Mark Simone’s body of work perfectly matches that description. Recognizing his impact and contributions is the least we can do for all he’s done for the news/talk format.
I am looking forward to presenting Mark with this year’s honor. For details on speakers, schedule, tickets and hotel rooms, click here. I look forward to seeing you at the Summit in a few weeks.
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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.
