On the 6th episode of the Barrett Sports Media Podcast, Jason Barrett analyzes the lack of diversity in sports radio and explains his approach to writing columns which deal with sensitive subjects. He also weighs in on Colin Cowherd’s comments about ESPN being at a disadvantage for attracting quality people due to being located in Bristol, CT.
Plus former ESPN and NBC Sports Radio and television host Erik Kuselias, who presently hosts a morning drive program for Genesis Communications in Tampa and Orlando, checks in to discuss the various stages of his media career and a number of issues relating to his on-air approach and the current state of sports media.
SUBJECTS EXPLORED WITH ERIK KUSELIAS
- Getting his start on a small station with a limited signal
- Unexpectedly gaining the attention of an ESPN Radio executive
- Landing in afternoons on ESPN Radio with his brother & then flying solo
- Moving from ESPN Radio to ESPN television as the host of NASCAR Now
- Returning to ESPN Radio and dealing with the surprise of not being renewed
- Being hired by the Golf Channel and the criticisms he and Gary Williams faced
- Shifting to NBC Sports television and radio and why he welcomed the change
- Outkicking his coverage and catching Holly Sonders’ eye, who he’s since married
- The false reports that said he and Holly pitched themselves as an item to NBC & FOX
- What made hosting locally in Tampa and Orlando appealing after working nationally
- Why he welcomes political talk on his show & the sports media’s left leaning agenda
- What he feels has improved and gone backwards in sports media over the past 5 years
- His response to Colin Cowherd saying ESPN loses people because it’s based in Bristol, CT
- Quick Hits – best career moment, #1 mistake, best in sports media, the state of ESPN
FROM THE GUEST
Erik’s’ Twitter handle: FantasyEK
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Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
