Each year, the same tired narrative pops up. Someone declares radio is dying. Others long for what was and label the present as inferior. In fact, Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi, and Joe Benigno just said it last week. They’re not alone either, others have said the same many times.
Some point to the rise of streaming, podcasting, video, and social media, ignoring how radio performs in those spaces. The industry takes bullets for a lack of revenue and ratings, layoffs, and low executive trust, things most consumers pay little attention to. People inside the industry or previously involved in it are often the most critical.
I’ve never understood that.
How often do you see television, advertising or social media professionals blasting their industries publicly? I’ll hang up and listen. Knowing what I know, I’ll be on hold for a while.
But those quick to devalue the radio business have likely never been to CRS. If they were, they might have a different point of view.
Last year I wrote that if someone doubts radio’s relevance, they should spend three-days in Nashville at CRS. The energy in the building is through the roof, and the music is outstanding. The conversations are sharp, and the networking is nonstop. More importantly, the people in the room want to be there and move the business forward. There’s a special connection between Country Radio and the Country Music industry, which is why I’m excited to make the trip once again.
What I’m Interested in Learning
This year’s seminar runs March 18–20. The programming agenda covers everything from audience research, listener perceptions, digital music strategy, emerging platforms and more. I’m especially interested in the sessions and workshops, especially Phil Becker‘s, who does a great job writing for us. The Digital Music Summit should be fascinating too and the live performances are always a hit.
You can learn from research presentations, panelists, and even hear the next big song during a showcase, but the biggest takeaway may come from a conversation with someone you didn’t expect to meet. That part can’t be ignored or undervalued. It matters at events like these.
The country format continues to evolve as streaming platforms, social media, and new discovery channels influence audience behavior. Radio still plays a huge role in breaking country artists, but our industry must adapt to how listeners consume music. Many of those issues will be explored at this year’s show.
One Big Question
Last year I left CRS wondering why similar events don’t exist for other formats. How cool would it be if the hip-hop community also created a 3-day event like this? Or if the rock radio industry built a show focused on collaboration and growth. It’d be awesome. But I’ve yet to see anything quite like CRS.
When I’ve asked folks in other formats they often cite expenses, the difficulty of uniting people, and a not as strong relationship with artists and labels in other genres. Those issues may be real, but making greater impact requires creating new ideas and solutions. Few will convince me otherwise that business wouldn’t improve if a similar event existed that united both sides of a format.
See You in Nashville
I’m looking forward to returning to Nashville this week. Stephanie Eads and Dylan Barrett are making the trip with me. I’m interested in connecting with as many people as possible, especially record label folks. If you’re attending, say hello or reach out in advance to schedule a meeting or meetup. Stephanie is managing our schedule and is reachable at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Barrett Media has covered music radio for less than two-years. You’ll see our influence continue to grow in the weeks, months and years ahead. Our columnists and Top 20 series have been well received, and our Music Radio Summit in NYC this summer, and the addition soon of a new Music Radio Editor will help us take further steps forward.
But as proud as I am of what we do, events like CRS are a massive production that few can pull off. The event not only features the biggest names in Country music, it helps format attendees become more informed, connected, and inspired. I know what goes into building events, and this is the best one I’ve attended in over ten years of covering the industry. It’s well worth your time.
CRS delivers a positive energy across the city, venues and hallways. Broadcasters are treated to great music, private and public events, face to face meetings with labels, artists, managers and business people, and those conversations and relationships help move business forward.
Country radio and the country music industry operate like a family more than a collection of competing businesses. Three days, countless conversations and ideas, and increased relationships await. Good luck to RJ Curtis and the CRS team on a successful event. We’re excited to attend and support the event.
More Speakers Join the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit
Last week we revealed a few speakers for our Music Show at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing. We’ll announce more names for the music conference this Wednesday. Today though, we have a few new additions to unveil for our Sports and News/Talk shows.
Starting with sports, I’m pleased to welcome back ESPN’s Vice President of Digital & Audio Production Justin Craig, 94WIP Brand Manager Rod Lakin, and 104.5 ESPN Program Director and Afternoon Host, Matt Moscona. In addition, I am also thrilled to have Brandon Tierney and Jake Asman joining us for a session on building an independent content business.
Switching to news, it’s my pleasure to have WGN Radio VP/GM Mary Sandberg-Boyle and Cumulus Media News/Talk format captain and 94.1 KCMO morning host and PD Pete Mundo returning to the show. I’m also looking forward to having WBT Radio Afternoon Host Brett Winterble in the building for the first time.
You can purchase Summit tickets and reserve your hotel room here. For sponsorship opportunities, email Stephanie Eads at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Quick Hits
Kevin Callahan of Pamal Broadcasting wrote a fantastic piece on LinkedIn this week. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth your time. It focuses on local being an advantage but only if the content and personality are good.
Charlamagne tha God announced the Black Effect Podcast Festival is coming back on April 25th in Atlanta. For tickets, go here.
Last week on HOT 97, Noreaga appeared on Mornings With Mero. During the chat, he said ‘this is the first time in a long time New York radio sounds like New York‘. Former morning host Peter Rosenberg took exception and called it out on social media. I can’t blame Peter for being bothered. It came across as a cheap shot whether intended or not.
In a recent article, CNN revealed that Buzzfeed had substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a business. The digital outlet was at its peak in the mid-2010’s, boasting over 200 million monthly readers. Now, it reportedly had a net loss of $57.3 million in 2025. Ouch!
A tip of the cap to Clay Travis. Clay and his wife Laura made a $10 million dollar commitment to the Vanderbilt Law School to fund a number of key priorities. Among them include the First Amendment Clinic, the Law School’s “Respectfully Dissent” debate series, merit- and need-based scholarship aid, child care funding for student-parents, support services for student veterans, and the Law School’s ongoing building renovation. The Travis’ investment directly supports the university’s historic Dare to Grow campaign.
Arash Markazi‘s story on WWE’s Paul Heyman is excellent. Heyman was doing press for WWE 2K26 and offered his insights on the future of sports media. He shared how things in media change at a rapid pace, and evolving is vital to future success. What especially stood out was this quote from Heyman: “However you or I feel about it is totally irrelevant. I’m not the one driving the train. I can sit here and say, ‘Back in my day.’ But my day is forward. My day is today, tomorrow, next year., and five years from now. That train is leaving the station. I can either let it leave without me, or I can get on that train.”
Credit to Chris McMonagle of WFAN in New York. It’s one thing to talk sports alongside Craig Carton and earn praise for it. It’s another to belt out the chorus of Drops of Jupiter in front of Train’s lead singer Pat Monahan and earn respect for a job well done. That moment certainly had to feel better than the fake ad prank pulled on him by Craig.
Speaking of WFAN, former midday host Brandon Tierney just reached a milestone. In less than two full months on YouTube, Tierney just passed the one-million views mark. Well done, BT.
Congrats as well to Brodie Brazil who just reached 99,000 subscribers on YouTube. A super talented and underrated Bay Area host, it’s stunning to me that local sports television didn’t sign this guy for years to come. Regardless, he’s shown that the company/brand isn’t as important as the star creating the content.
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.
