The Vegas Stats and Information Network is the brainchild of Brian Musburger. On the 11th episode of Season 2 of the BSM Podcast, Brian shares how the network was born, what the first year in business has been like, how he convinced Brent Musburger to join the upstart company and leave ESPN, where he sees opportunities for future growth, the length of commitments the network has received from SiriusXM and the South Point Casino, how the NFL squashed a potential television partnership, why other broadcast groups will get deeper involved in the sports betting content space and much more.
Jason also tackles the 5 in 5 by offering his thoughts on the split between Mitchy Levy and Sports Radio 950 KJR, a strong summer ratings period for sports radio brands, Michelle Beadle’s comments about white males on ESPN, FS1’s aggressive marketing campaign aimed at the New York Knicks and Mike Missanelli’s views on female play by play announcers on NFL games.
AREAS OF CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN MUSBURGER:
- When he got the idea to start a sports radio betting network
- Why he believed the network could be a business success
- The initial steps that had to be taken to build VSIN
- Convincing Brent Musburger to join and leave ESPN
- The commitment length he asked Brent to give to VSIN
- His satisfaction with the network’s current crop of talent
- Whether he’d consider airing shows in other cities and casinos
- What the length of commitment is between VSIN and SiriusXM
- Trying to measure the network’s audience growth and impact
- Future aspirations for putting VSIN content on television
- How satisfied the South Point Casino is with the partnership
- South Point’s measurement of the effectiveness of the relationship
- Overcoming the stigma of shady handicappers and bad companies
- Future possibilities with Brent on television as a betting expert
- Why more audio providers will add sports betting content
- Tough lessons and challenging decisions as a startup company
- The plan to expand the network’s awareness via marketing
- Quick Hits: Best PXP, Legalization, Interesting client, Most trusted expert
FROM THE GUEST
Brian’s Twitter handle: @BrianMusburger
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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.
