Skip Bayless signed off of Undisputed on Friday, ending an 8-year run at the network. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Skip generated awareness and interest. It’s hard to picture another network spending millions on another debate show fronted by Bayless, especially at 72 years old, but that doesn’t mean Bayless won’t resurface somewhere. X did just strike a deal with Jim Rome. It just won’t likely be First Take. Stephen A. Smith has already said he’s moved on.
The part of the story that I’m more fascinated by is the report that followed after Skip exited. Michael McCarthy reported Friday that Fox Sports 1 is interested in hiring 670 The Score afternoon host Danny Parkins. I asked a few sources this weekend and it’s legit. A seven figure deal has reportedly been offered to Parkins. My immediate reaction was I couldn’t be happier for Danny. He’s super talented, a great guy, and ready for the national stage. I’ve been a fan since he worked with Carrington Harrison in Kansas City, and did an overnight audition at The Score under a fake name.
My second thought was to give credit to Eric Shanks and Charlie Dixon for being bold. They read the room. Skip did a lot for FS1 but Undisputed lost steam when Shannon Sharpe left. The rebuilt version of the show couldn’t compete with First Take. It also cost a ton. At some point, FS1 had to look to the future. They’ve made strong hires over the years with Colin Cowherd, Nick Wright, Joy Taylor, Craig Carton, Emmanuel Acho, and others. Parkins would be another strong addition to their roster, and most of their hosts are just entering their prime.
I’ve expected FS1 and Parkins to unite at some point for a few reasons. First, one of Danny’s best friends, Nick Wright, works there and is a key part of the network’s future. Second, when Parkins, Wright, and Andrew Filliponi appeared together at the BSM Summit, Parkins and Poni both joined Wright in studio on FS1. That gave FS1 bosses a chance to see them in action. Third, Danny has long had an advocate in Colin Cowherd. When he filled in for Colin in July, I didn’t think it was just a friend helping out a friend. These things are often done to ‘take a closer look’.
Just as important though, Danny has shown he’s at the top of his game at The Score. Ratings are often high for his program with Matt Spiegel. He had an opportunity a few years ago to do a podcast for The Volume. He wanted to do it. Colin wanted to bring him on board. Local management was OK with it. Audacy though was not. They nixed it.
That was their right per the contract, and Parkins moved forward like a pro, but stars don’t forget those things. It’s one of radio’s biggest mistakes, thinking they’re going to control top talent. You work with your best assets, not against them. ESPN has worked with Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, and Kirk Herbstreit, allowing all three flexibility to pursue additional projects. In return, they’ve remained loyal and committed to the network. Radio needs to do the same. TV and digital can pay more, and if radio tries to handcuff its top stars, they’ll eventually lose them. Talent want flexibility, and the opportunity to grow their brand, exposure, and earnings.
I asked Bomani Jones, Paul Finebaum, Peter Rosenberg, and Brandon Tierney at the 2020 BSM Summit if they thought radio would invest top dollars to retain its best talent. No one could confidently say yes. Here we are nearly 5 years later and the same issue arises, radio potentially losing one of it’s best voices. Craig Carton, Nick Wright, and Joy Taylor all worked in local sports radio before moving to sports television. Finebaum, and Joe Fortenbaugh did too. At some point, radio has to step up, especially Audacy, which owns many of the top local sports stations. Guys like Mike Valenti, Mike Felger, Brandon Tierney, Peter Rosenberg, and Andrew Filliponi will be next if they’re not valued properly.
If you saw the movie ‘Moneyball’ there’s a scene where the Oakland A’s scouts are in a room talking about replacing a number of key players. The message is crafted for baseball but it should have been for radio. Waiting until TV and digital get involved to tackle these issues is what leads to losing key people. It has to start prior to that.
The big question now is whether Nick Wright and Danny Parkins, the full cast of First Things First, Emmanuel Acho and Joy Taylor, or a different combination goes between Carton and Cowherd on FS1. Would FOX break up FTF when Wright, Broussard and Wildes are clicking? Nick and Danny are great friends with strong chemistry, but they’re also capable of leading shows. Do they extend Carton to 10am, and go 10a-12p until Cowherd? The network has options.
Michael McCarthy felt it’d be a mistake to put Wright opposite First Take since nobody has beaten Stephen A. Smith in over a decade. That makes sense. Why waste your best talent where the odds of winning are less? Competitors though usually want to do what most think is impossible. FS1 can’t just waive a white flag because Stephen A. is on the competitor’s airwaves. They’ve got to deliver a strong show too and compete.
However it unfolds, FS1 instantly becomes more interesting with Parkins on board. That’d be good for sports television. I wish I could say the same for Chicago sports radio, but if Parkins exits, replacing him won’t be easy. I wish Mitch Rosen and Ryan Porth the best navigating that situation. If anyone can solve the problem, it’s Rosen. For his sake, I just hope Audacy gives him the tools to invest in the next guy.
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2 Seconds to Vent and Apologize
If you visited BarrettMedia.com last Thursday, my apologies. Unfortunately, we were a technical mess. I don’t need to bore you with details about web hosting companies because all that matters when you come here is being able to read the content. If we can’t provide it for you, you’re going to exit. Just know, I’m aware of the issues, and we’re working on solutions to improve the experience.
BNM Summit Update
iHeartMedia EVP of News/Talk and Sports Programming Chris Berry, Audacy Pittsburgh Market Manager Michael Spacciapoli, KTAR 92.3 Program Director Martha Maurer, and ABC News Radio Correspondent Steven Portnoy are confirmed for next month’s Summit in Washington D.C.. Additional announcements will be made this week too. I’m planning to release our full schedule for this year’s show the week of 8/12-8/16 on BNMSummit.com.
More importantly, we are having a ONE-WEEK SALE on tickets. Prices have been reduced to $224.99 through Sunday August 11th. Also, TODAY is the last day available to reserve discounted hotel rooms. Normal rates apply as of tomorrow. To purchase your seat and reserve your room, visit BNMSummit.com.
News. Notes, and Reactions
- Charese Fruge has joined Barrett Media as a Rock/Alternative features writer. She has an extensive background in programming, worked as an editor for All Access, and will post her first piece with us this Friday August 9th.
- Congrats to Omar Raja at ESPN on his new multiyear deal with the company. Omar’s social work with the network has been stellar.
- Mike Missanelli also deserves a welcome back. He’s taking over middays at 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia.
- It’s great to see Paul Finebaum and ESPN find a way to continue their relationship. Paul has said before he’s not sure how much longer he’ll do this. He’s still got his fastball and is an asset to the network, even if Lane Kiffin disagrees 🙂
- My thanks to Oliver Darcy of CNN for sharing Derek Futterman’s interview with CNBC’s Alex Sherman to his Reliable Sources readers. It’s always appreciated when professionals I enjoy reading take note of the quality work done by our team. Thank you!
- Radio One made a great choice elevating Jeff Rickard to Sports Format Captain. Jeff didn’t get a fair shake at WEEI, but bounced back in Charlotte, leading WFNZ to #1. I’m sure he’ll make The Fan in Indianapolis better as well. His arrival also makes David Wood‘s life a lot easier.
- The Mightier 1090 shut down, and the station’s exit created some chatter but I never bought into the brand. It was a far cry from what Jay Meyers, Mike Glickenhaus, and the former on-air team created in San Diego.
- 1010XL prides itself on staying a step ahead. Its latest initiative is creating video testimonials to showcase the brand’s ability to deliver results for partners. It’s had a positive effect in the local market. It might be an idea worth stealing in other cities.
- A five year run at Magellan AI is strong. John Goforth‘s time there may be ending, but I’m sure something big is on the horizon. Can’t wait to hear what’s next.
- 2 billion impressions is an outstanding number. That’s what Point to Point Marketing have produced for clients over the past decade. Heck of an accomplishment. Cheers to the next 10 guys!
- Papa Roach is a band I’ve loved for two decades. Their single ‘Leave a Light On‘ recently added Carrie Underwood‘s incredible vocals to the song. The duet was done to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Take a listen when time allows.
Coming Soon
Music readers have a new series to look forward to. Behind the Voices debuts next week (8/12-8/16), and will provide insight into the careers and daily processes of some of the industry’s top voice talent. Jeff Lynn will be your guide for the series. Stay tuned!
One More Thing
WWE Summerslam was off the charts, a tip of the cap to KDKA in Pittsburgh, which celebrates its 103 year anniversary since first airing Pittsburgh Pirates baseball on the radio station, and if you didn’t know by now, SiriusXM Octane is a damn good radio station.
Until next week!
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.
Parkins is terrible and added nothing. Many afternoon listeners of WSCR fled to other stations after listening to him, as he never fit in with the hometown feel of the Score. Though, to be honest, the Score is very hard to listen to anymore except for a few programs, as the betting and national crap that is now part of their programming has diminished this once prominent sports station.