Barrett Blogs
Simple Ways To Measure Self-Improvement
Published
7 years agoon
Now that 2016 has passed us by, and you’ve returned from a winter break and began to settle back into your normal routine, I have one simple question for you – how do you plan to get better in 2017?
Each year we make resolutions and set goals for ourselves, but the truth is that we don’t always hold ourselves accountable to them.
Speaking for myself, it’s a question I don’t have all the answers to. I’m proud of what I accomplished in my first year in business in 2016, and was fortunate to meet some great people and enjoy some amazing experiences. Would I like to do the same in 2017? Absolutely, but I also hope to grow.
To do that, it will require helping my current clients improve their brands, plus more traveling, networking, and expanding relationships. I feel confident that I’ve developed a solid brand, good reputation, and resourceful website that produces timely and interesting content, and the only thing to do is be more consistent and further promote the product.
This is now where I insert my obligatory cheap plug. If you’re running a station and feel it needs an objective outside the building evaluation, or if you’re experiencing difficulties and need guidance to get your brand on track, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and dive in. Interested parties can reach me here to discuss.
Aside from that, I plan to continue speaking at conferences, hosting a podcast, publishing the annual Top 20, and sharing news and success stories on the format. If I’m able to grace the airwaves of a few more sports radio stations for discussions on the sports media business or contribute additional pieces about the industry with select trades and media sites, then that’s an added bonus.
But enough about my aspirations, this is about you. How will you be able to tell in twelve months that you grew as a professional?
Rather than trying to fix every small issue that keeps you awake at night, or ignoring the noise when a co-worker tells you you’re not executing the way you’re supposed to, let me suggest something simple – pick one thing per month to work on.
For example, if you’re a host and your crutch is getting to break on time, sit down with your PD and your supporting cast to evaluate where you are currently, and commit yourself to making it better. I’ve told this to numerous talents along the way, you can’t control what the meters do but you can control your own self-growth. A boss is more likely to continue supporting you if they see you dedicating yourself to improve at your craft.
In order to do that, you need to examine your performance over the next 30 days. Trust your producer and board operator when they tell you it’s time to wrap up, but allow yourself some wiggle room for those times where you miss the mark due to a special radio moment. It’s ok to have the occasional setback but make sure it’s truly worth it. Not every moment you create is special, and not every late break is worth it.
Ask your producer or PD to track the show and monitor when you went to break during your 12-16 breaks and compare it to how they line up with your clock. Do that every day for 30 days and see where you are. If you understand your clock, and are working on shortening your commentaries to fit inside the window of what you’ve been given to operate, then progress should happen. All it takes is self-discipline, focus and a desire to want to be better.
It’s unrealistic to think that you’re going to go thru your next twenty shows and never be late to break. If you can trim your losses though by 25-50% or even greater, it’ll make you feel better about your own performance, and it’ll hopefully benefit you with the meters. Then the next challenge becomes doing it again the following month and throughout the remainder of the year.
But this isn’t a column about the importance of navigating a clock so let’s use another example. Except this time I want to focus on the person behind the glass – the producer.
If you’re in charge of booking guests and you’re struggling to land good people for your show, how is that going to change tomorrow? You know the audience enjoys hearing from popular coaches, players, analysts and personalities, and your host either perks up or becomes frustrated depending on who you’ve booked for each day’s show. There’s also an internal pressure you place upon yourself to perform, and it can be intense and make you doubt whether you’re capable of handling the responsibility.
My suggestion is to start by analyzing the time you’re investing in the process and the strategy you’re using to deliver results.
Do you have a large enough rolodex? Are you networking regularly with people, teams, agents, and PR groups to grow your contacts and learn about upcoming opportunities? Are you booking guests in advance or flying by the seat of your pants on a daily basis? How many layers do you sort through to try and land a guest before you give up?
Even the decision of whether to send emails or make calls comes into play. Are you hiding behind the computer because you fear being rejected on the phone? What days/times are you reaching out to arrange guest appearances and is it producing results? Are you spending thirty minutes of your day on the task at hand or three hours? How many calls or emails are you delivering per guest booked?
Most on-air talent are going to show up each day with an idea of the key topics and what they want to say about them. If you’re spending two hours writing a one-sheet worth of talking points on the day’s top stories, that might be information that provides little value to your host. If it’s not important to them, think of how you could better use those two hours to create a stronger show.
Instead, maybe you’re better off using that time to send out more guest requests to help the next day’s show. Maybe it gives you a chance to locate better audio to help your host with their discussion on the day’s top stories. Maybe it becomes the time you need to create a kick ass rejoin or production piece that leaves the on-air talent and audience laughing or emotionally moved. Or maybe it’s just free time that you use to think of creative new ideas to enhance the show.
The goal is to maximize your time, identify the areas of your game that require improvement, and develop a system to be more efficient.
But before you can improve at something, you need to first acknowledge the problem, examine your process, understand what a win and loss looks like, and create a gameplan to assure future improvement. Then it’s up to you to stick to the plan, and track your development. If you’re laying out a good strategy, and holding yourself accountable to it, there’s no reason you shouldn’t get better.
How many times do you engage in conversation with a colleague, and when they cite a specific example about a weakness in the show, you agree with their assessment? But then two days later, you’re back on the air making the same mistake. Anyone can point out a problem, but unless you prioritize the importance of making adjustments it becomes a useless conversation.
When these types of subjects are explored, it’s easier to focus on the on-air staff. But this can also apply to a Program Director.
I understand better than most that there are never enough hours in the day for a programmer to get everything done. They’re going to be asked to wear twenty different hats and solve every department’s problems, but remember this, and never forget it – the area which you will always be judged hardest on is what comes through the speakers and how it registers with your audience.
There is nothing more important than your product, the people you’ve hired to present it, and the connection the brand makes with its local audience.
Are you allowing yourself enough time to create new ideas? Are you meeting and talking with your talent regularly and creating ways to help them get better? Which methods are you pursuing to improve your own personal relationship with your listeners and keep them invested in your brand?
Each year when I operated stations, I challenged myself to do one thing the next year that I didn’t previously. One year it might have been to send shows on the road to an event we hadn’t covered and develop a big promotion around it. The next year it might have involved creating a lengthy promo campaign to introduce new branding or reducing the stations benchmarks. The year after I might have focused on connecting better with the audience on social media and in person or expanding the brand’s reach through additional local media partnerships.
The bottom line, you must always continue exploring new territory.
If you’re asked by your bosses at the end of 2017 to name one innovation you brought to the radio station’s airwaves over the past twelve months could you do it? If not, why not?
The reason why programmers are tasked with running brands is because they’re supposed to have vision, passion, work ethic, and a constant desire to win. They’re supposed to be great motivators, teachers, strategists, cheerleaders, and they’re expected to lead by example. The only thing that can get in the way of your creativity and leadership are distractions, and they only come into play when you allow them to do so.
Rather than making excuses and complaining about the laundry list of problems you have before you, take a deeper look at your daily plan, prioritize what’s important, create reachable short-term and long-term goals, and make sure you’re allowing time to develop new ideas and work with your staff. It’s ok to say no every once in awhile or ask for a raincheck.
You may not be able to schedule time to be creative, but when the ideas start flowing and you’re on the verge of developing the next big one hundred thousand dollar idea, you’ve got to have the ability to clear your head and the room. Paperwork can wait, and so can people. Your bosses will have your back, especially if you can give them one hundred thousand reasons to do so.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at [email protected].
Barrett Blogs
Nick Wright, Danny Parkins, Andrew Fillipponi and Omar Raja Join The 2024 BSM Summit Lineup
All four of these men are extremely talented and accomplished, and I’m grateful to each of them for making time to be with us.
Published
4 days agoon
November 27, 2023
The buildup to the 2024 BSM Summit continues with our next speakers announcement. Media professionals looking to attend March’s show can secure seats at BSMSummit.com. We’ve already announced Jeff Smulyan, Mark Chernoff, Don Martin, Bruce Gilbert, Scott Sutherland, Chris Oliviero, Scott Shapiro, Spike Eskin, Mitch Rosen, Paul Mason, Bonnie Bernstein and Damon Amendolara will be part of the event. We’ll have additional big names to reveal in the weeks and months ahead too so stay tuned for more.
Before I get into the latest group of speakers, I want to pass along some Barrett Media news.
First, when you log on to BSM and BNM on Monday December 4th, you’ll notice both sites operating with a new, cleaner look. We pump out a lot of daily content on our websites but finding all of it can be intimidating. We’re hoping the modifications make it easier to find and digest our content and look forward to your feedback on what we roll out next week.
Secondly, I’ve spent months going through a process to identify an Executive Editor for Barrett Media. The type of leader I’ve been looking for different from what exists at some online publications. I’ve spoken to a lot of smart, talented people during this process, many who I know could make us better. However, there is only one job available. Fortunately after going through an extensive search, I’ve identified someone who I’m interested in teaming with to help take Barrett Media to the next level. I hope to announce that hire and the addition of a number of new writers next week. I think our readers, partners and clients will like what’s on the horizon.
Third, we have opened up voting on the Barrett News Media Top 20 of 2023. The deadline to cast votes for News/Talk PD’s is next Monday December 4th. We will present the News/Talk radio format’s collective feedback December 11-15 and December 18 on BarrettNewsMedia.com.
There’s other stuff on the way as well, but I’ll save the rest for next week. Let’s dive now into the latest additions to the Summit.
It is my pleasure to announce the additions of Nick Wright of FS1, Danny Parkins of 670 The Score in Chicago, Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, and Omar Raja of ESPN to the 2024 BSM Summit speaker lineup. All four of these men are extremely talented and accomplished, and I’m grateful to each of them for making time to be with us.
Starting with Omar Raja, the work he did building House of Highlights into a powerhouse social brand is well documented. He now serves as a commentator for ESPN’s digital and social content, which includes being the leading voice behind ESPN’s SportsCenter Instagram account, and providing strategic social programming across ESPN’s social platforms. It’s not every day industry professionals gain an opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s top social media minds, so I’m hoping to see a lot of folks present when he shares his wisdom at the Summit.
Shifting from digital to on-air talent, one session I know many will be present for will include three personalities who have been highly successful in each of their careers, and share a lifelong bond through the friendships they formed while attending Syracuse University together. Nick Wright, Andrew Fillipponi, and Danny Parkins are three of the best in the business today, and all three will be on stage together to discuss their individual paths, their differing approaches to content creation, measuring and managing success, and much more. Having Damon Amendolara, another Syracuse graduate who’s been highly successful on the air, guide the session should make it even more interesting and entertaining for all in the room.
With these latest four individuals added to the lineup we’ve now secured sixteen top speakers for March’s show. I’m hoping to reveal the next group of participants in a few weeks. Once we get past the holidays I’ll start revealing the awards winners and a few executives who will be part of the conference.
I want to thank Steve Stone Voiceovers, Good Karma Brands, Bonneville International, Silver Tribe Media, Premiere Networks and the Motor Racing Network for returning as sponsors of the 2024 BSM Summit. If your group would like to explore a sponsorship opportunity for the show or review website or newsletter options for 2024, email Stephanie Eads at [email protected] to receive a copy of our advertising decks.
That’s the latest for now. More to come in December.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at [email protected].
Barrett Blogs
6 Speakers Added To The 2024 BSM Summit Lineup
“Two of these individuals have built successful careers as on-air talent. Four remain involved in management and programming roles.”
Published
4 weeks agoon
November 7, 2023
Each year the BSM Summit welcomes a star studded group of high-profile talent, accomplished executives, top programmers, and successful digital leaders to examine the top issues facing the sports media business. The information provided arms each attendee with actionable ideas and solutions to improve their brands, shows, and individual performance, and our 2024 event in New York City promises to deliver more of what the industry has come to expect.
If you missed the initial announcement, we’re excited to be joined once again by Spike Eskin, Don Martin, Scott Shapiro, Mitch Rosen, Jeff Smulyan, and Mark Chernoff. Each of these men have enjoyed great success in the sports radio industry, and we appreciate them making time to join us and offer their insights at the Ailey Theater in NYC on March 13-14, 2024.
Today though it’s time to reveal the next group of speakers who will be part of our show. Two of these individuals have built successful careers as on-air talent. Four remain involved in management and programming roles for Audacy, Cumulus, and Bonneville International.
Starting with the on-air talent, I’m looking forward to having SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio morning host Damon Amendolara, and Emmy Award-winning American sports journalist and media executive Bonnie Bernstein join us for the 2024 BSM Summit. D.A. was part of our 2020 show in the concrete jungle. For Bonnie, this is her first time appearing. Specific sessions highlighting their involvement will be announced closer to the event.
On the executive side, I’m thrilled to welcome back Cumulus Media and Westwood One SVP of Sports Bruce Gilbert, Bonneville International EVP Scott Sutherland, and Audacy New York VP and Market Manager Chris Oliviero. I’m equally excited to have 104.5 The Zone Program Director Paul Mason make his first appearance at the conference. The collective knowledge, success, and relationships these men enjoy across our industry speaks volumes of why they’re trusted to lead and grow their respective brands and companies. It’s important for folks in the room to learn the business, not just the world of content, and I’m grateful to Chris, Scott, Bruce and Paul for helping us further educate the room.
We have a lot more lined up that we’ll announce in the weeks and months ahead. As has been our strategy throughout the years, we like to build the show and increase excitement for it. If you work in the media industry and wish to attend, tickets can be purchased by visiting BSMSummit.com. On the conference website you’ll also find details about our hotel partner, M Social. Make sure to visit the Hotel page and book your reservation asap to avoid being left without a room later on. Our room block expires in mid-February.
Additionally, for those looking to be a part of the Summit as a marketing partner, please reach out to Stephanie Eads at [email protected]. We’ve already had a number of sponsorships for the event get scooped up, and the demand for show involvement is usually high. Before they all go away, check with Stephanie to see what’s available.
Expect another announcement prior to Thanksgiving. This is going to be another action packed event, and I look forward to once again seeing everyone as we bring the industry together to explore solutions to move the business forward.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at [email protected].
Barrett Blogs
Spike Eskin, Mitch Rosen, Scott Shapiro, Don Martin, Jeff Smulyan, and Mark Chernoff to Speak at the 2024 BSM Summit
“This event is the equivalent of a two-day masterclass covering multiple areas of importance to the sports media industry.”
Published
2 months agoon
October 16, 2023
It’s hard to believe that we’ll soon be delivering our 6th sports media conference, but that is indeed the case. The 2024 BSM Summit is returning to New York City on March 13-14, 2024 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater on West 55th Street. This was our venue for our 2020 show. It was fantastic. A big stage, big screen, and great viewing for attendees. We would have gone back here in 2022 if not for the pandemic. Unfortunately, they were shut down at that time. But, the world is somewhat back to normal now, and I’m eager to be back in the building to create another action packed agenda to benefit sports radio, television, podcasting, and advertising professionals.
Tickets are now officially on sale for the Summit. If you work in the industry and wish to attend, tickets are regularly priced at $274.99 each. However, as we do each year, we kick it off with a special sale. Prices are reduced through October 31st to $224.99 so if you want to save a few dollars on your ticket, this is a good time to get yours. We also have a special ticket price of $124.99 established for college students who are pursuing the media business and looking to attend and learn. To buy tickets, click HERE.
When March rolls around, we’ll have a full agenda featuring top speakers from across the country. I’ve already lined up some of them and will introduce them selectively in the weeks and months ahead. This event is the equivalent of a two-day masterclass covering multiple areas of importance to the sports media industry. A special focus is placed on programming, revenue, content, technology, digital/social and recognizing difference makers. The purpose of the event is to inform, inspire, celebrate, and innovate. I’m a fan of an old quote from Benjamin Franklin which says “an investment in knowledge pays the best interest“, and if you attend our conference and don’t leave the room in a stronger position to advance your career or improve your business, then I’d question if you paid attention or were even in the room.
Before I start announcing high profile personalities, executives, and the annual surprises folks have come to expect from our shows, I thought I’d do things a little different this year. Those who know me understand that I now work with brands in a consulting capacity but at my core, I’m a programming executive. I love strategy, brand building, the challenges associated with growing a business, and going under the hood to examine what’s working and what needs fixing. So too do these next four gentlemen.
I’m pleased to welcome back to the Summit the EVP of iHeartmedia Sports, Don Martin, Fox Sports Radio’s SVP of Programming Scott Shapiro, the VP of Programming for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio and Audacy’s VP of Sports Spike Eskin, and the VP of Programming for 670 The Score and the BetQL Network, Mitch Rosen.
In addition, one part of our show that’s been extremely popular over the years has been the awards presentation. Thanks to our friends at Premiere Radio Networks, that will continue in 2024.
For starters, each year we recognize an industry executive with the Jeff Smulyan Award, given to someone in leadership who has made a strong impact during the prior twelve months. Past winners have included Kraig Kitchin, Dan Mason, Traug Keller, and Julie Talbott. Jeff Smulyan will join us once again in NYC for the annual presentation, and we’ll announce the recipient of the honor at a later time.
The second award we will continue to feature is the Mark Chernoff Award, given to the sports radio’s top programmer for the prior year. Since introducing the award in 2020, Mitch Rosen, Rick Radzik, and Jimmy Powers have been named winners of this honor. Mark Chernoff will once again be with us to present the award that bears his name. The selected winner will be revealed in the near future.
The other two awards we will present at the show include The Champions Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor we introduced in 2023 and presented to broadcasting icon, Al Michaels. The Champions Award was created in 2020 to recognize those in the sports media industry who have used their platform to make a difference. BSM supports the award by donating One Thousand Dollars to the winner’s brand or selected charity. Prior winners have included Jay Glazer, Adam Schefter, and Keith Murray & Andy Fales of KxNO. More will be shared at a later time about this year’s recipient.
We have nearly five full months until the show takes place in the big apple so expect more announcements to flood your inbox, and social media. Given the rise in interest of speaking at the show, we can’t accommodate everyone. If you have an idea you want to pitch, send it in sooner rather than later by email to [email protected].
Last but not least, we’ve created our content plan for 2024 and advertising decks are now available for those interested in exploring marketing opportunities with BSM. Summit opportunities are included in it. Stephanie Eads is running point on sponsorship requests so if you’d like to be involved, email her at [email protected]. We had phenomenal support in Los Angeles for our 2023 show, and expect this one to be as strong or better.
I’ll have more information to share soon. In the meantime, I hope you’ll buy a ticket and join us in NYC this March for the 2024 BSM Summit. It should be a great show.
Jason Barrett is the owner and operator of Barrett Sports Media. Prior to launching BSM he served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He has also produced national shows for ESPN Radio including GameNight and the Dan Patrick Show. You can find him on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or reach him by email at [email protected].
