Jeff Smulyan is the founder and CEO of Emmis Communications, creator of all sports radio, one time owner of the Seattle Mariners, and now an author. He has written a book called Never Ride a Roller Coaster Upside Down which chronicles his career as a leader in broadcasting.
In this episode, you will hear why Jeff chose to study telecommunications and history at the University of Southern California, managing talent such as David Letterman, Ken Griffey and Don Imus, his purchase of the Seattle Mariners, the creation of the all-sports radio format that morphed into the legendary WFAN, and what the future for radio and podcasting looks like.
You should definitely buy the book just to see all the legendary call letters and enjoy all the broadcast stories and decision making rationale.
Did you know? The Jeff Smulyan Award is presented each year at the Barrett Sports Media Summit to a deserving radio industry executive who has led by example, taken risks, produced results, and made a significant difference for the sports radio business.
Kraig Kitchen was the first recipient of the award at the 2019.
Dan Mason was named the winner of the award at the 2020 BSM Summit.
Traug Keller earned top honors at the 2022 BSM Summit.
A transcription of the episode is available here.
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Matt Cundill works with radio groups on digital strategies and talent coaching. He recently started the Sound Off Podcast: The Podcast about Broadcast”
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Twitter: @mattcundill
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