The Toast to 10 series, presented by Premiere Networks, is a month-long look back at 10 years of Barrett Media. Throughout the month, you’ll hear from those who have shaped the company, managed and created content, read the site, and partnered with the brand between 2015 and 2025, sharing how they’ve seen it play a role in covering the media industry and educating, celebrating, and challenging the business.
Barrett Media serves all aspects and sections of the media industry. In navigating our Toast to 10 series, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with programmers, talent, producers, and current and former writers about the impact that Barrett Media has had over the past decade.
Today, we elevate that conversation to the executives, sales leaders, and advertising branches of the media industry. Leaders who continue to face head-on challenges of generating revenue, managing budgets, and finding avenues to increase reach and return on investment. These are the fields that many have played on over the past ten years, with several continuing to dominate in their lane.
With Barrett Media’s north star being to serve the industry through education, celebration, and challenge. I was curious what the response would be regarding the impact of Barrett Media for those who don’t crack a mic, front face on camera, or help program the shows you consume and love. These are the warriors of the conference calls, business meetings, late lunches, and early dinners. The ones who wake up with a renewed sense of helping clients achieve new goals and managing buildings into a new generation.
This was an education for me in understanding how this important and vital section of the media industry consumes and utilizes the daily content that Barrett Media produces.
Jill Albert / Direct Results
Jill Albert is the CEO of Direct Results, a radio marketing agency based in Venice, CA. They specialize in customizing each marketing campaign to meet goals and objectives for individual advertisers. In her role as CEO, Albert stresses delivering clear, measurable, and repeatable results for every client.
Albert has been a big fan of the Barrett Media brand since she discovered it in 2019. What attracted her was the level of information it provided but with a human touch, something she considers “wildly refreshing” in the current times.
“Jason Barrett’s team reports on timely topics transparently, good and bad, providing a credible source and opinion,” said Albert. “[Barrett] throws in your face what you should want to know and what you need to know to be accountable to get stronger, smarter, and more effective every day.”
When asked what content stands out, Albert said she is a consumer of it all. She prefers the daily news stories and talent profiles along with stories on industry trends that provide several points of view.
“It feels like a thousand stories hit my email daily. Barrett [Media] is timely, relevant, honest, and opinionated,” notes Albert. “Bottom line—I trust the information, and reading this source provides me with most of the information I need to be up-to-date on news stories, programming changes and trends, threats, and opportunities.”
In her appearance as a panelist at the Barrett Sports Media Summit, Albert recalled the event and its level of importance to the industry. While the networking was a plus, the discussions far outweighed it in significance to all tentacles of the industry.
“I found the event to meet core values important to our business: honesty, passion, community, integrity. Jason [Barrett] brings people together day after day, month after month, for a decade now,” said Albert.
Looking ahead at the future of Barrett Media, Albert is encouraged to see how the brand has morphed into more sections of the industry. As evolution continues to impact the day-to-day for us all, she says Barrett Media will continue to be a trusted source for coverage.
“Barrett is my go-to when news breaks. Jason and the team are smart, informed reporters that have a heart and soul and tell the story,” said Albert. “Stories of success, conflict, and passion—how radio is investing in talent and programming to be relevant. How broadcasters are inventing and developing new ideas that are making an impact. Stories of talent breaking the mold to entertain, surprise, delight, and lead.”
Gordy Rush is the vice president and general manager for Guaranty Media Ventures in Louisiana. A savvy radio veteran with over 25 years in the industry, he still serves on the air as the sideline reporter for the LSU Tigers football radio broadcasts. In between managing the day-to-day for Guaranty Media and roaming the sidelines in Death Valley, Rush is an advocate for Barrett Media daily.
“I began reading Barrett Media’s sports publication the very first day it launched. I’ve known Jason Barrett for a number of years. I’ve always respected his insight and perspective on the media industry,” said Rush. “His understanding of both the business and content sides of sports broadcasting is second to none. That trust made it an easy decision to follow the site from day one.”
Rush came to know Jason Barrett through attending several industry events over the years. Through growing familiarity with Barrett and Barrett Media, he stated that the two share many of the same professional connections and values. Rush considers Barrett Media more than just another publication. He feels it’s a trusted voice within a network he’s proud to be a part of.
“Barrett Media’s content is a valuable resource for me and my team. I particularly enjoy the opinion pieces, breaking news, and interviews with professionals across Jason Barrett’s network,” noted Rush. “The commentary often sparks internal conversations and helps guide our thinking around programming and content strategy. Knowing the voices behind the stories—and having a personal connection to Jason—makes the content not just informative, but meaningful. It’s a trusted part of our media toolkit.”
An admitted radio lifer. Rush was quick to point out the coverage of the sports radio industry as a major strength of the Barrett Media brand. His relationship with Jason Barrett gained his trust in the input and forward-thinking perspectives provided by Barrett Media.
Rush has been a frequent attendee at the annual Barrett Sports Media Summit as well as the Barrett News Media Summit. He’s had the opportunity to participate both as a speaker and moderator and holds the annual events in high regard.
“These events consistently attract top-tier talent and decision-makers from across the industry,” said Rush. “All you have to do is look at the quality of the speakers and the people in the audience to know this is where you need to be. It’s a gathering of professionals who truly understand the business. Outside of CES, Barrett Media Summits are the only content-focused conferences I feel are essential for us to attend.”
Looking ahead to the next decade of coverage from Barrett Media. Rush said he hopes the brand continues to evolve as the industry does.
“Jason has always had a strong sense of where the business is headed. I expect Barrett Media to mirror that trajectory—publishing content wherever audiences consume it. The brand is already active on short-form video, TikTok, and X, which shows a clear understanding of modern content distribution,” said Rush. “I trust Jason [Barrett] will continue to follow the leaders in our industry to the next platform and beyond. Staying ahead of the curve is what makes Barrett Media such a valuable resource.”
Ken Brady / 1010XL
Ken Brady is the general sales manager at 1010XL in Jacksonville, FL. He’s currently in his 12th year at the helm of the flagship radio station of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brady said he began following the Barrett Media brand about eight years ago. Drawn to Jason Barrett’s experience and reputation for having “his finger on the pulse of the business,” Brady says the information Barrett Media continues to provide him and his team in Florida serves the reader in many ways.
“I love to read what the writers feel about industry happenings. No matter the good—like how to coach or harness better—or bad, like how to deal with layoffs. There are always nuggets to pull from the reading,” said Brady. “This is not limited to just sports. As a former N/T GSM, his group of writers there do an excellent job as well.”
He considers Barrett Media a great resource for discussions on the important issues surrounding all arms of the industry. Brady believes Barrett Media serves its readers by not fearing tackling the big issues with insight and thought from experienced people with backgrounds in and around the industry. This, he said, leads to validation and trust. Knowing that the product being delivered comes from a place of knowledge.
Some recent articles and columns by Barrett Media stood out to him as strong examples of that very notion.
“Jason [Barrett]’s article on Charlie Kirk was moving and well thought out,” said Brady of the recent piece. “His reaction to AI and digital also is well thought out and provides indications of what is possible and what is coming.”
Brady said he continues to marvel at the growth he has seen at Barrett Media since he began following the brand in 2017. It’s admirable, he added, because the brand has remained true to the original mission statement set by Jason Barrett. It remains a resource of thought for the industry to consume.
With a decade past and moving into the future, Brady has high hopes for what’s to come. He also has a desire to see more range from what Barrett Media already presents.
“I would like to see more sales-oriented articles, thoughts, and exchanges,” noted Brady. “This is an area that continues to be increasingly important. How can sales and programming continue to work together to appeal to the audience and the revenue needs of our industry?”
Dan Seeman / Hubbard Broadcasting
Dan Seeman is the vice president and region manager at Hubbard Broadcasting in Minnesota. While Barrett Media celebrates a decade with its Toast to 10 series, Seeman just recently celebrated his twentieth anniversary with Hubbard. His career began as an intern at WLOL, the top CHR radio station in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Over the years, Seeman worked his way up through the ranks in promotions, marketing, sales, and management.
He has led his brands to multiple NAB Crystal Awards and several Marconi Awards in his career. However, sports radio remains at his heart. Seeman worked alongside Jason Barrett on crafting what would eventually become SKOR North, Hubbard’s sports podcast network. It set a standard for how sports radio stations across the country build unique content for a digital audience.
“I’ve known Jason a long time, so I think I was a reader from the very beginning when the email was focused on sports radio and content,” noted Seeman.
Seeman is a daily consumer of Barrett Media content. He particularly enjoys the columns that comment on industry news with a perspective on growing sports and talk radio.
“I also enjoy the interviews with industry leaders, particularly the market managers,” said Seeman. “It’s great to see they are up against the same headwinds that we are, and I think there is valuable insight in how they are meeting the challenge.”
The one asset Seeman appreciates the most about Barrett Media’s coverage is depth. The effort to provide context for clarity when news arises, both in reporting and in commentary.
“Jason’s staff of writers and columnists dig into the stories and provide opinions and perspectives on how to avoid pitfalls and grow the business,” said Seeman.
Seeman has been a frequent attendee of the Barrett Sports Media Summits. He considers the trip every time he attends to be as valuable as the last. Whether on his own or as a panelist. The level of discussion at the Summits, he said, reinforces the evolution Barrett Media has undergone since its inception just a decade ago.
Although his mind is always focused on the future and how digital evolves. Seeman noted he’d enjoy seeing more coverage of the podcasting realm in the future of Barrett Media. A section of the industry that doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Sandy Cohen / Union Broadcasting
Sandy Cohen is the vice president of sales for Union Broadcasting in Kansas City. In the “Chiefs Kingdom,” Cohen’s role is to develop and collaborate with local and national sales teams on projects creating and implementing successful custom audio, digital, and social video campaigns surrounding sports marketing partnerships. It is a big job that Cohen has managed successfully for the last quarter century.
Cohen says the main reason he has followed Barrett Media since the very beginning has been the passion he shares with the team.
“Jason and the staff all have a passion for the business. Everyone is informative, opinionated, and thought-provoking. I am passionate about our business and enjoy what I do for a living. To goal is I want my teams to be the best they can be,” said Cohen. “I like to learn and feel that Barrett Media provides education and entertainment for myself and my team.”
A daily consumer of Barrett Media content, Cohen loves to find ways to integrate the articles or columns from the site into weekly sales meetings at Union Broadcasting. He believes there are nuggets of information that can always be shared to educate his team and provide new ideas, which stimulate quality conversations in the meetings.
“I lean toward sales because that is my day-to-day responsibility,” noted Cohen. “However, I learn from the programming pieces included in the headlines because without great programming and ideas, there are no sales.”
Along the same line of thinking, Cohen recalled a column by former Barrett Media staff writer Dave Greene that pointed out the daily habits of top media sellers in the industry—a peek behind the curtain that Cohen continues to utilize even today.
“They map out their schedules, block time for prospecting, setting up meetings, follow-ups, and administrative work. Top performers in media are like top performers in any field. They practice constantly, are disciplined, build structure, create a plan, and relentlessly focus on what matters,” recalled Cohen of Greene’s column. “The best reps treat their time like it matters and ignore the distractions. Time is the most valuable asset that we all have.”
Cohen has been a frequent attendee and speaker at the Barrett Sports Media Summits over the years. He noted he’s attended every year post-COVID since 2021. Over time, Cohen has observed the Barrett Media brand expanding into other sections of the industry. Providing windows of opportunity to learn from the challenges of others.
“Barrett Media covers so much ground, just like we all do in our evolving industry,” said Cohen. “I have always known that Jason and his team have a passion for sports. It is nice to see the expansion to other formats—news and music, other media segments. Everyone is in the content business, so it makes sense to expand the reach of what Barrett Media is covering today. We can all learn from each other regardless of format and media.”
His only advice for Barrett Media? “Keep doing what you do,” said Cohen. “I love the broad coverage: radio, digital, social media, events, other industries, and more. We are in the entertainment and content delivery business. Keep informing us of trends and balance as much as you can between programming and sales. Thank you for all you do.”
Marsha Landess / Radio One
Marsha Landess is the vice president and general manager at Radio One in Charlotte, NC. She oversees all aspects of the six-station cluster in Charlotte as well as the company’s four-station cluster in Richmond, VA. Landess met Jason Barrett for the first time in 2021 when he served as a consultant for Radio One’s sports radio outlet WFNZ.
“He has so much knowledge and experience of what worked and had not worked that I immediately became a big fan. He always has great advice and direction,” said Landess.
Landess noted that when she arrived in 2021 to take over as regional vice president and general manager in Charlotte, working alongside Jason Barrett led her to follow his work at Barrett Media more frequently. Today, she is a daily consumer of Barrett Media content. Saying the attractiveness of being an easy read that highlights what’s trending is easily digestible.
“I also like the perspective it brings to news stories and trends,” said Landess. “We often share highlights with each other and our team.”
Noting the fast-paced news cycle we currently live in. She appreciates how Barrett Media presents its content. Short and to the point, while providing depth and knowledge from those with experience in the industry. One annual highlight that stands out to Landess is the Barrett Media Top 20 lists, which populate every January and February.
“We really like the Top 20 each year. It is great to see who is doing great things and to be recognized for their hard work,” said Landess. “It also helps us to look further. See what those stations are doing and help us to grow to be even better! Also, our team is very excited when they are recognized for all the amazing work they do. We are a competitive group, in a good way. We like to see our stations and teammates grow in rank!”
Landess says she feels the passion that comes through in the writing from everyone who contributes to Barrett Media. Providing perspective with fresh ideas and knowing where things are working can help the industry rise to new heights. She noted her attendance at both the Barrett Media sports and news summits. Which she says always bring great ideas and energy to attendees.
“It is great to step away from the day-to-day. Spending time with other broadcasters who also have a passion for learning more about how to make our stations, our listeners, and our advertisers more successful,” noted Landess.
Now a decade old, Landess hopes Barrett Media continues to evolve with the ever-changing world of broadcasting. She hopes the industry remains open to new ideas on ways to innovate and be everywhere with the consumer.
Mike Thomas / Audacy
Mike Thomas is the senior vice president and market manager for Audacy in Boston, MA. He comes from a family of radio royalty—his father worked as a general manager and in sales within the radio industry, which led not only him but also his brother and sister to pursue their own successes in radio.
Thomas noted he got to know Jason Barrett when he was programming 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. He attended the very first Barrett Sports Media Summit held in Chicago, and from there the relationship continued to grow.
“Jason [Barrett] has done an excellent job of filling a void in our industry,” said Thomas. “Nobody was covering sports radio until Jason created Barrett Media.”
What stood out to Thomas about Barrett Media compared to other sources was the sheer volume of information the brand provides daily. While the day-to-day can keep a programmer’s mind occupied, he notes that Barrett Media allows him a window to catch up on trends, news, and perspectives from those in and around the industry.
“I have always been a reader of the trade magazines. Going back to when they would show up in the mail,” said Thomas. “It is a smart career decision not to get too caught up in what is happening within your own building. Or you lose sight of what is happening in the industry. I’m an information junky. Sports, music, news—I want to know what is going on. Not only in my market but also around the country. My daily dose of Barrett Media helps me know what is happening. It provides valuable information on trends and things I can use professionally and to coach my team.”
Thomas said he truly enjoys stories and perspectives surrounding shifts in the industry. For example, the change to a three-minute qualifier by Nielsen was a seismic shift in how the radio industry is currently measured. These types of pieces, provided by Barrett Media, are the ones that immediately stand out for sharing internally with his team at Audacy.
As Barrett Media has evolved, Thomas credits Jason Barrett’s forward-thinking approach for finding new avenues to appeal to more audiences.
“To expand beyond just sports but still maintain a focus on sports radio was a great decision,” said Thomas. “There is not another publication like Barrett Media on a daily basis.”
When asked what he hopes will be included in the next decades of coverage at Barrett Media. Thomas highlighted a major hurdle traditional radio will face in the near future.
“I look forward to learning about the true turning point for radio, when everything is delivered over the internet. That day is coming, in my opinion,” said Thomas. “Towers that sit on expensive land and transmitters that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase and maintain…will go away. That will be interesting to watch unfold in the hypothetical pages of Barrett Media.”
This chapter of Barrett Media’s Toast to 10 series was a fascinating and enlightening one for this former programmer. I have always respected those who serve the industry off the mic but remain as vital to the collective success as anyone. The walls that used to divide programming and sales are no longer as rigid, as both are co-equally dependent on each other for the future of the industry.
I really appreciated hearing the perspective of those who walk the streets and hit the cold calls, alongside others who have elevated to the office level through their career journey. Their feedback provided a window into how important Barrett Media’s coverage is to their day-to-day work and where they hope the brand moves in the next decade. Thank you to all those who shared their voices as Barrett Media continues to celebrate a Toast to 10.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
John Mamola is the sports editor and columnist for Barrett Media. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. Honored to be a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Media and honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL). Connect with John by email at [email protected].
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