Deal valuations got a hard second look, disruption got a keynote, and the AM Act got an urgent plea. Forecast 2027 wrapped Thursday at New York’s Harvard Club after a day of broadcast leaders testing market assumptions, with the sharpest insights shared only in the room.
Radio Ink President and Publisher Deborah Parenti; Forecast 2027 Radio Co-Chair and Audacy CEO Kelli Turner; and Television Co-Chair and Gray Media COO Sandy Breland led the program, as Fred Toucher of Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub and Angela Yee of Way Up With Angela Yee served as the day’s emcees.
The morning opened with an economic outlook for 2027 from BIA Advisory Services and WPP Media. Panelists named the top verticals worth chasing and got specific on the strengths that broadcasters will need to lean into to make the most of the year ahead.
Recent blockbuster deal valuations were called into question during the “Who’s Buying Broadcast?” session as moderator Randy Michaels had each panelist dig into their thoughts and facts on the market. The Main Street Media panel delivered local lessons for broadcasters of every size, with Bold Gold Media’s Vince Benedetto and Norsan Media’s Natalia Sanchez Alvarez representing radio. The Converged Broadcast session turned to the accelerating frequency of change, as Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley and Bonneville International’s Tanya Vea joined TV leaders to lay out the AI and tech plans they’re already using to find success.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt gave luncheon attendees an exclusive briefing on the future of local TV and radio ahead of the Lifetime Leadership Awards. Former CBS News Radio VP/GM Craig Swagler introduced this year’s radio honoree, retired CBS News Radio VP Harvey Nagler, who called the honor a “pinch me moment.” NBCUniversal Local Chairman Valari Staab’s television-side award was accepted on her behalf by Telemundo Station Group President José Cancela.
The “Broadcast on the Docket” panel took on the FCC drama and the absolute necessity of getting the AM Act passed in the lame duck Congress.
Keynote speaker Larry Bailin captivated the audience with tales of disruption, marketing, and the rise of AI, along with the expectations that come with it. Those who want more can read Bailin’s cover story in Radio Ink’s Forecast issue, available by subscribing to Radio Ink.
ABC News Chief Business, Technology and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis gave her outlook on breaking news of Nvidia and the resignation of Jensen Huang, AI, and how it will affect the economy and market swings. An executive panel followed, and the day wrapped with cocktails in Harvard Hall.
Those who want a seat in the room next time have a date to hold. Forecast 2028 will return to the Harvard Club of New York City for the event’s 25th year on November 17, 2027.
