Barrett Blogs
Hosting in Markets with No Professional Teams
Published
5 years agoon
Hosting a sports radio program in a market with professional teams makes the job less difficult. Each day you’re provided with local content from your local market’s franchise(s), interest from your local listening audience, and if your station is in business with a team, then you’re likely to leverage that partnership to increase your ratings and revenue.
But what do you do when you operate in a city that has no professional local market team? Do you turn your attention to the local area clubs that don’t produce a major impact? Do you focus more on college sports? Do you shift your attention to talking about national events? Or do you try something completely different?
Depending on where you are and who you work for, the line in those situations is constantly moving.
I thought it’d be interesting to gain the perspective of someone who recently went thru that experience firsthand. Jeff Pantridge served as afternoon host on ESPN Radio 94.1 in Norfolk, Virginia. Having moved to the market from Tampa, Florida, Jeff had to learn on the fly and figure out what did and didn’t matter in a city that had splintered interests.
For those of you who broadcast in similar situations or are preparing to go thru it for the first time, I think you’ll find Jeff’s takeaways on how to approach the situation very valuable. Be sure to connect with him afterwards. His contact information is listed at the bottom of this article.
Hosting in Markets with No Professional Teams
There aren’t many things more important in sports radio, or any form of radio for that matter; than knowing your audience. What teams and topics do they care about? For those who host sports radio shows in large markets; it’s easy. Large markets have multiple teams with large fan bases; so you fish where the fish are. But what if you’re doing a show in a medium-sized market with zero pro or major college teams? Where do you fish?
Do you do a local show or do you do a national show? Do you do both? An old colleague of mine once told me that the answer to 99% of the questions asked in this world is… “It depends.” What does YOUR AUDIENCE want? What do they respond to?
Every market is different, but it’s up to you to gather all of the information that your market provides and use it to create a show that they desire. I worked in Virginia Beach recently and I found out that our listeners’ tastes and teams were all over the place. For those of you that don’t know, VB is the largest city in Virginia and Virginia is the largest state (population wise) without a professional sports team. Norfolk, just 20 miles west, is home to the largest naval base in the world. What do beaches and military bases mostly attract? People that aren’t from there!
So, what do you talk about? If nobody is from the market that you’re talking to, then you just do a national show right? What if you have a AAA baseball team? Do you talk about them? What about a mid-major university? I wish I had a definitive answer for you, but I don’t. The best advice I can give you is to combine my two “I’s”. (I may or may not be stealing this from one of Barrett’s favorite guys, WWE Hall of Famer, Kurt Angle). Technically, he had three “I’s”. Intensity, Integrity and Intelligence. Unfortunately, I have none of those so I will give you my two… Information and Instincts.
Gather any and all information that you can with your program director. Are you seeing meter spikes when you talk about certain teams or topics? And when you’re done gathering and processing your info; use your gut man! Use your instincts! You know what drives me nuts? When I see managers in baseball making ALL of their decisions based on what a spreadsheet tells them to do. I get sabermetrics and why they have a huge role in today’s game, but when you’re in Game 7 and your pitcher is throwing a gem; don’t just assume you need to yank him because he’s about to face the lineup for the third time. What is your gut telling you? What are his performance, his eyes and his body language telling you?
If your phone’s light up when you talk about the Cowboys, then talk about the Cowboys. Here in Virginia Beach, we love NFL Football. The three most popular teams here are the Redskins, the Cowboys and the Steelers. (Probably in that order). With the information that I had gathered, the Redskins were the most popular of the three, but last year, my gut told me that they weren’t as compelling as they might have been in years past. Yeah, you had the Kirk Cousins angle, but that got to a point that I felt like I was beating a dead horse. I actually talked more Steelers because, not only were they good… they were INTERESTING! Big Ben hinted at retirement. Le’Veon Bell wanted to get paid. Antonio Brown through temper tantrums and damnit! Jesse James caught that ball! But, I digress. The Cowboys are always interesting and that certainly was the case last year. The Redskins were an uninteresting team without a lot of star power, that went 7-9. If I were hosting a sports radio show in Virginia Beach this year; would I go at it the same way? It depends…
Listening to your audience is very important, but it is not an exact science. Some people will tell you that you need to do more local topics and I believe that makes senses if it benefits the majority of your audience. But if doesn’t; how do you “sound local” without breaking down high school water polo? I believe the best way to “sound local” is to BE local. While 98% of your audience may not care about X’s and O’s of a minor league baseball game; there are other ways to talk about it. My radio station was the home of The Norfolk Tides; the Baltimore Orioles’ AAA affiliate. When I would talk about the Tides; I would talk about the experience more than the actual games themselves. I love going to baseball games! Always have. Would I do an entire segment on the Tides? No. But I would mix it in after after their games were promoted during our sports updates. Sometimes I would do a quick mention on how the team was doing or show them some love for their latest promotion. It’s a great way to not only support our station’s partners but to build a better connection with the audience. Whenever I planned on going to a game; I would tell my audience to come find me at the right field tiki bar.
Locals of mid-market cities appreciate it when you embrace their community. I certainly did when I worked in Hampton Roads because, 1). I loved living there. And 2). I feel that is important for your audience to connect with you in every way possible. Sports radio listeners aren’t stupid. They can sniff out the hosts that are using their market as a “stepping stone” to something bigger down the line. I always made a point of highlighting my experiences as a resident of the 757; whether it be at sporting events or concerts or restaurants/bars etc. If you see my social media accounts; you will see the hashtag #RepYourCity in a lot of my posts. We should all rep our cities and be proud of where we live. I certainly do and I certainly am.
Jeff Pantridge is a sports radio host and former producer. He has worked for WDAE, ESPN Radio 94.1, The Schnitt Show and the now defunct 98.7 The Fan. You can reach him on Twitter @PantsPartyRadio or by email by clicking here.
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
7 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].
