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: How important is it for those in the radio industry — especially the news/talk genre — to gather to discuss ideas and issues?
Dave Tepper: If you can make it work to be there, be there. I’ve proudly attended sports every year and news when it fit my schedule. Never have I left one without learning new things and gaining takeaways to make our brands better, no matter the market. From a networking standpoint, there’s nothing better. I’m always surprised how few on-air talents attend with so many local and national programmers in attendance. It always reminds me of what we hear about the NCAA Basketball Final Four weekend, where up-and-coming coaches go to mingle and share resumes with high-level programs.
GS: What are the most important things you hope to learn and hear about at the Summit?
DT: I always absorb notes from programmers of all sorts. Sports talk and news/talk — it’s all talk radio, and strategies translate. I know this firsthand from my experience in both formats. I also enjoy the high-profile guests and hearing their stories. One of my favorites was Jim Rome talking about selling vacuum parts door-to-door while chasing his goals. That’s relatable stuff as we all pursue our individual visions. Also, I never miss ratings discussions. As long as I work for companies that play that game, anything I can take away is invaluable. I still reference notes from past presentations with my team.
GS: What are the things you hope to share during your panel and while speaking with other attendees?
DT: My aim is to do for others what I receive. If I can provide just one note that someone can take back to their team and apply in their own way, that’s a win. I also want to be relatable. While we are all competitors, we are collectively working to move our industry forward. The interactions during breaks and happy hours are productive, too. It’s not just the knowledge gained on stage. Having conversations, listening, and sharing perspectives is what it’s all about.
GS: Anything else you’d like to share about what it means to attend?
DT: Come with an open and engaged mind, and you’re guaranteed to leave a stronger professional for your team and yourself.
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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.
