I did not plan to write this week. I’ve got this thing happening next week that you might’ve heard about, a three-day Summit that unites broadcasters from sports, news and music. But when the industry gets rocked by another round of layoffs, it’s important to weigh in.
Having spent nearly eleven years covering this business on a daily basis, things like this have unfortunately become habitual. I feel for those impacted. Remember, we are here to help. Losing your job sucks. There is no way around that. When it happens though, it’s all about what comes next. The sooner people know about your situation, the easier it becomes to have conversations. Those may or may not present themselves, but you have to be out there in order for the phone to ring. If you’ve been impacted and want to get the word out, email John@BarrettMedia.com, Garrett@BarrettMedia.com or David@BarrettMedia.com.
The Road Ahead
For some, this will be a wakeup call to pursue a different path. For others, it will be a motivator to find another media job and make their prior employer pay. I saw a few former radio pros last night on social media, trashing the business, urging people to get out. That sounds simple, but when you love what you do, who you do it with, where you do it, and the compensation you receive to make a daily connection, giving that up isn’t easy. Just because you no longer care about the industry doesn’t mean others feel the same.
Most people can find work to pay bills. Other jobs offer better job security. If that’s important to someone, they will make that call and change direction. I don’t blame anyone who does that. You can love something with all your heart, but it does have to love you back just a little.
Many are drawn to this line of work. It fuels them and adds purpose to their lives. They enjoy going to work, and representing their brand and employer. They sacrifice family time, vacations, other professional opportunities, all to make sure their job is well done. It’s about professional pride, community connection, companionship, and personal fulfillment. Those are quality traits we should seek in everyone.
I’ve been told by bosses, family, friends, etc. that I invest too much time and care too much about my work. That is absolutely true. This drives me daily. It’s reflected in the work this brand does, the 24 people earning a check here, and next week’s Summit. I tune people out who suggest directing my energy and efforts elsewhere. That advice comes from people who don’t walk in my shoes or match my passion. They usually don’t fully understand the business either.
A Different Media World
Although I can relate to what some people are feeling today, I also realize that the business is rapidly changing. What you see now will not be what you see tomorrow, next year or five years from now. Different skills are going to be required. Distribution will evolve. Less content jobs will exist. Websites, social media, newsletters, and AI will experience massive disruptions. People known as experts of a particular skill will need a Plan B, C and D and other ways to earn and create content and connection.
More people today are running successful, independent content businesses than they were five years ago. Remote work is more common. Top talent are pushed nationally more and given flexibility to work for multiple employers. Technology is also doing more than entire departments, and the better it gets, the less roles are needed. Fair or unfair, it’s about being multi-skilled, multi-employed, quick to adapt, and developing a brand that enough people care about to invest time and resources in.
Having said that, when companywide layoffs are taking place, the optics matter. iHeart’s internal memo being distributed while the company showcases its strength in Cannes, France is an interesting choice. Dropping it during the same week that the BFOA hosts its annual Mixer at the iHeart New York building to raise funds to help radio and television professionals is also peculiar. It puts everyone there in an awkward spot. I know there’s never a good time when news like this is involved, but waiting a few days wouldn’t have hurt.
Stepping Up to Help Those Affected
I can’t change what happened but I can do something to help. So that’s what I’m going to do. Support for the Summit this year has been amazing. Many who are joining us on stage and in the room are important to build relationships with if you wish to work in the industry. So, if you were affected by the layoffs this week or if you lost work at anytime in 2026, I am going to give you a free ticket to the Barrett Media Audio Summit. Email me at Jason@BarrettMedia.com and I will make sure you are taken care of. All you have to do is get to the show.
Talent is important but strong relationships matter more. This event was created to unite people and to explore ways to make the business better. The last thing I’m worried about are ticket sales. I’d rather play a part in helping someone learn a few things, and making a valuable connection to get back on their feet.
We are finalizing our guest list by Friday COB. The offer stands until then. Reach out and let’s make this a temporary setback rather than a permanent disruption. I look forward to seeing you next week in NYC!
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.
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.
