Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event June 30-July 2 share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the big apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website.
Garrett Searight: It was recently announced that you’ll be honored with our Gold Standard in Programming Award. What was your reaction when you got that news?
Phil Boyce: It has been a wild ride in the last 18 months. And I am so proud of every member of the team here at SRN/SNC/SPN. An award like this is a recognition of what we have been through and survived. But it is not an individual award. It is one for this entire team. This is for all the hosts, producers, video folks, sellers, and team members who worked hard to overcome these obstacles and come out shining.
GS: How important is it for folks — especially the news/talk genre — to gather to discuss ideas and issues?
PB: For those of us who love the spoken word formats, it is crucial that we get together to support each other and learn from others who have been there before. We have our own unique perspective. But sharing a common goal and vision for getting better is crucial, and is made better by this gathering. I want to thank Barrett Media for putting this on, and creating a forum for discussion and growth.
GS: What are the most important things you hope to learn and hear about at the Summit?
PB: I want to hear what others are doing to get through one of the toughest times I can recall in this format.
GS: What are the things you hope to share during your panel and speaking with other attendees?
PB: I just want to encourage everybody in this format of the importance of what we do, and the honor we share in doing it.
GS: When you look at the radio industry as a whole, where do you see the biggest opportunities going forward?
PB: I think radio will always be with us. But there will be more opportunities to share our views with the audience through podcasting, OTT television, and social media. Listeners can’t get enough, but there will be new ways where they can get it.
GS: Anything else you’d like to share?
PB: Cherish the 1st Amendment, which gives us the right and the freedom to create great talk radio. If anybody ever tries to take that away, stand together and fight to keep it. America would not survive without it.
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.
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.
