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.
Devin Steel is an award-winning radio programmer, executive, and on-air personality with more than 30 years of experience in Urban and Hip-Hop radio. Currently serving as Program Director for Hot 107.9 (WHTA) in Atlanta, Steel is recognized for his leadership, talent development, and audience-driven programming. Prior to joining Hot 107.9, he spent nearly two decades with K97 (WHRK-FM) in Memphis, where he served as Afternoon Host, Program Director, and Senior Vice President of Programming for the iHeartMedia Memphis cluster and Delta Region. A lifelong DJ who got his start in college radio, Steel has helped shape some of the South’s most influential radio brands while mentoring talent and driving ratings success across multiple markets.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
David Hill: Why is it important to attend industry events and keep learning?
Devin Steel: More than ever, we’re reinventing the radio business — and our own job descriptions — on a daily basis. In-person networking opportunities have dwindled significantly, and some of my most valued relationships and career opportunities came out of events like Impact and The Gavin back in the ’90s. I learn something new every day and constantly push myself to keep growing. These gatherings are irreplaceable for that.
DH: What is the value of connecting with peers, friends, and even competitors at these events?
DS: It’s enormous. There’s real value in building new relationships and seeing each other face-to-face. COVID normalized Teams meetings as a way of life, but nothing replaces personal interaction. You can’t replicate that energy on a screen.
DH: What is your favorite moment from past shows or conferences?
DS: The moments that stick with me are the ones where ideas were exchanged and real relationships were formed. I still have friendships of 20-plus years that started as industry connections at events just like this one. Those bonds don’t happen by accident — they happen in person.
DH: Which speaker, panel, or conversation are you most looking forward to this year?
DS: I’m really excited about the Hip-Hop panel and the opportunity to share ideas with Damion “Damizza” Young. Our careers have crossed paths several times over the years through mutual friends and shared experiences. Having a voice like his in the room is a breath of fresh air.
DH: What is your view of the industry right now — both where it stands today and where it is headed?
DS: Honestly, we’re in a scratching phase. A lot of our methodologies are outdated, and it’s hard to find young talent that genuinely loves radio and is passionate about the medium. Radio has to start thinking of itself as a delivery platform — not six categories of records and currents. We need fresh ideas and people willing to take chances.
DH: What is one thing radio needs to do a better job of talking about honestly?
DS: Cultivating new talent. That’s the conversation the industry keeps dancing around, and it needs to be front and center.
DH: What would you tell someone younger in the business who is trying to figure out where they fit?
DS: Learn how to do everything in the building. Never say no. Make yourself as sticky as possible — and by that I mean develop multiple skill sets. The people who thrive are the ones who can’t be easily replaced because they do more than one thing well.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
