2026 Convention Sessions Archive
Thursday, April 9, 2026
9:00–10:20
Radio/TV
The State of Things: Broadcasting in 2026 and Beyond
Fred Jacobs and Paul Jacobs, Jacobs Media
Everything is changing – audience, technology, advertising revenue and more. Yet broadcasting’s value proposition remains unchanged. So how do broadcasters evolve their businesses to position them for growth, while remaining true to what they are? Fred and Paul Jacobs, Jacobs Media, will share their research, observations, and five decades (each!) of broadcasting experience, providing a road map for you to utilize in the coming years.
This session on how the media landscape is changing and how you can succeed going forward is recommended for all broadcasters who want to grow with the changes and make radio and television still the best business to be in.
9:00–10:20
Radio/TV
From Resilience to Renewal in Local News
Chip Mahaney, Media Executive-in-Residence, SMU
As the News gathering and distribution business has changed dramatically, this Super Session on Local Broadcast News will focus on renewal: how to rediscover purpose in daily work, build sustainable practices that prevent burnout, and foster a culture where commitment to public service journalism can thrive even in adversity. Whether you're a leader navigating difficult decisions and trying to inspire your team, or a reporter wondering how to sustain your passion for this work, this session offers both solidarity and practical tools for the road ahead. Chip Mahaney has spent an entire career in the Local Broadcast Journalism business and for 16 years was the
Corporate News Director of E.W. Scripps while also being an instructor for the Poynter Institute. Chip recently joined his alma mater SMU and is now their Media Executive-in-Residence, reenergizing their news operations.
Recommended for all News Professionals.
10:30–11:50
Radio/TV
Attitude Over Everything! Why Your Mindset is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage in Broadcasting
Aaron Davis, Attitude Expert: Performing Like a Champion
Aaron Davis has inspired over a million people with his compelling message on Performing Like a Champion. With his humor, authenticity, and practical takeaways, Attitude Over Everything! challenges programmers, sales teams, and station leaders to take advantage of their mindset, reframe their challenges, control internal dialogue, let go of yesterday’s mistakes, and show up every day with energy, purpose, and professionalism. Aaron’s mission of “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it” has fueled his journey as a member of the 1994 Nebraska Championship Football Team, business owner, corporate professional, and cancer survivor. Corporations such as Walmart, The Farm Bureau, John Deere, Cargil, USC, and Penn State have trained under Aaron. Because in broadcasting, just as in life, ATTITUDE isn’t the only thing… BUT it is the Most Important Thing.
This incredible motivational session is recommended for every broadcaster who wants to be inspired to succeed at the highest level and Win like a Champion!
1:15–2:45
Radio/TV
One-On-One with Legendary OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione
Moderated by OU Football standout and veteran NFL player Dusty Dvoracek. Since 1998, Joe Castiglione has guided OU to exceptional levels of success in numerous areas, including 26 National Championships, incredible facilities improvements, and unprecedented financial success. Joe’s leadership has been defined by his integrity and his innovative approach to the rapidly changing landscape in collegiate athletics. Notable accomplishments include being the first athletic department to consolidate the marketing rights for increased revenue and exposure, elevation of Women’s athletics to the highest level in the country, being ahead of the curve on conference alignment, and re-establishing OU as arguably the finest Athletic Department in the country. Here’s your chance to gain insight into how the elements of winning teams, financial success, and impeccable reputation made Joe Castiglione an Iconic Oklahoman.
This session is recommended for everyone that wants to see how success is measured and how a dynasty
was enhanced.
3:00–4:30
Radio
AI Excellence in Commercial Production: Hands-On Creation of Award-Winning Commercials
Fletcher Ford, Radio Workflow
AI brings some fantastic opportunities for radio broadcasters. A huge advantage of AI is the production of high-quality commercials for your local advertisers. What has changed in the past year? We will recap how to create and produce spots that are superior and effective, making your station the go-to station for quality advertising with tremendous results. OAB President Will Payne and Fletcher Ford from Radioworkflow.com (which provides software for radio sales, traffic, and production) will conduct an intensely interactive session on how to immediately create winning commercials. Learn how to elevate your marketing and gain more advertisers.
Recommended for all broadcasters who want to use AI to produce better content.
7:00–9:30
Hall of Fame & Outstanding Achievement Awards Banquet
- Hall of Fame Induction of Dave Murray and Dan Stroud, dominant Morning Show
for twenty years at KXY 96.1 Country in OKC and #1 in Nation in 1992. - Achievement Awards honoring outstanding work by Oklahoma Broadcasters in 2025.
Join us in honoring the outstanding work by Oklahoma broadcasters in 2025 and induct radio icons Dave Murray and Dan Stroud—Dave & Dan Morning Show on 96.1 KXY Country OKC—into the OAB Hall of Fame. Dave & Dan were the number one radio show in Oklahoma from 1985 through 1998 and had the highest market share of all radio shows in the nation in 1992