Jeff Smulyan: Never Ride A Rollercoaster Upside Down

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.


Get Your Copy of the Book.


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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