There are few radio executives who have witnessed the evolution of sports talk firsthand like Scott Shapiro. From his early days as a producer at 790 The Zone in Atlanta, his drive and passion for the industry have helped elevate him up the corporate ladder. The craft he loves is evident in the lineup he has assembled while working over the past decade with FOX Sports Radio and Premiere Radio Networks.
Three years ago, Shapiro was elevated to the role of senior vice president of FOX Sports Radio & podcasts for Premiere, a position that continues to evolve with time. As the industry changes, so do the responsibilities for Shapiro.
“I love the challenge. I’m growing and still learning. My role now is certainly different than it was three years ago,” explained Shapiro. “The oversight stretches far beyond the radio network. It dives deep into podcasting and digital.”
By many accounts, FOX Sports Radio is considered among the best syndicated sports radio networks in the country. With more than 630 radio stations and 17 million monthly listeners, the brand commands respect across the industry. With heavy hitters like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd, Shapiro’s goal remains building on existing strength, while understanding that the audience lives everywhere and at all times.
For much of Shapiro’s tenure, he worked in concert with former iHeartMedia executive Don Martin to grow FOX Sports Radio. A giant in the sports radio industry, Martin spent more than two decades with FOX Sports Radio. When Martin departed his role in November of 2024, he remained available to help continue building what he and Shapiro created together.
“I’m learning from him still every day. He’s [Martin] not a stranger, but a core consultant to what we do,” says Shapiro. “We’re still very much in concert with the big decisions the network is making. I talk to him daily, and he’s been a big part of helping our video strategy and how we’re selling it. Any big picture elements we’re working hand in hand every day. He’s one of the closest mentors I’ve ever had.”
Doug Gottlieb’s Exit
You can learn a lot from a mentor, but the industry always presents challenges no one can prepare for. FOX Sports Radio said goodbye to afternoon drive host Doug Gottlieb at the conclusion of 2025. The longtime sports radio host chose to walk away from his daily role to dedicate more time to his position as head coach of the Wisconsin–Green Bay men’s basketball program.
Shapiro said the effort Gottlieb put into balancing both roles for more than a year was unprecedented, although he admitted he had concerns about whether Gottlieb could sustain the dual responsibilities long term.
“I wouldn’t be honest if there weren’t any concerns. No question. This is something that no one has ever done. It made everyone scratch their heads,” said Shapiro. “How he did it for that long? I give him credit, and the show was still great.”
Gottlieb told Barrett Media earlier this month that he met with Shapiro and Martin when he accepted the Wisconsin–Green Bay role in 2024. The decision was to attempt both jobs for one year and then reassess. Shapiro noted that while concessions were made on both sides, expectations for Gottlieb were clearly defined.
When Gottlieb informed Shapiro of his intention to leave the radio show at the end of 2025, the conversation was not an easy one.
“It was very emotional. You think how much he’s put into this business, and how much he’s putting into coaching. It’s hard to walk away,” said Shapiro. “It was a very real and raw conversation. Frankly, he deserves to be celebrated the way he was on his last show.”
Adding Stugotz & Company LIVE
Although the network fully supported Gottlieb’s decision, the timing allowed Shapiro to prepare for a successor. Just days after Gottlieb’s final program, FOX Sports Radio announced Jon “Stugotz” Weiner as the new host for the two-hour weekday slot.
Shapiro’s relationship with Weiner dates back two decades, including a brief overlap during their time at ESPN Radio. When Weiner stepped away from his longtime role with The Dan Le Batard Show in the spring of 2025, Shapiro reached out to see what his plans were.
“When he made public that he was taking a step back from Meadowlark Media, I called him that day. Just to check in with him and continue an ongoing conversation. Certainly, I didn’t expect anything to materialize like this,” explained Shapiro.
Shapiro followed the independent work Weiner built after leaving Le Batard’s brand, including several podcasts that developed loyal audiences, followed by the launch of a video platform with title sponsors driving revenue. Impressed by the momentum, Shapiro asked about Weiner’s interest once Gottlieb’s plans became clear.
“I asked if he would be interested in going back and doing live radio. I wasn’t sure what his answer was going to be. He’s had a very successful career in radio and beyond it,” noted Shapiro. “He almost fell out of his chair with excitement over the possibility of doing it, which was great.”
Shapiro credits Weiner’s experience cultivating audiences across both terrestrial and digital platforms as the reason for his confidence in the new program. Stugotz & Company LIVE is positioned as an extension of the podcast Weiner founded, featuring strong personalities, a playful tone, and a guest roster that rivals the best in the business.
“If the radio show is anything like the podcast, in terms of opinions, tone, pace, and humor, we have a tremendous radio show here,” explained Shapiro. “To me, there was zero risk in what his [Weiner] capabilities were running point. I’ve heard it for twenty years.”
The Priority Of Digital
The new show represents the latest FOX Sports Radio program included in the brand’s expanded video streaming efforts. Digital growth remains one of the biggest challenges Shapiro is actively working to address, as audiences continue discovering content through new platforms.
With the support of the iHeartRadio app, Shapiro believes FOX Sports Radio has an advantage few national syndicators can match.
“Video is now a major priority [for the company], and that’s been a big part of my role. We’re a full platform provider now,” said Shapiro. “We want to be where we’re at now, but we want to continue to grow. Terrestrial is still our bread and butter, but the digital numbers excite us. It’s not a duplicated audience.”
According to Shapiro, FOX Sports Radio ranks as a top-three destination on the entire iHeartRadio app. That performance aligns with more than 94 million podcast downloads in 2025 and a growing live-streaming cume. The metrics reflect a network keeping pace with a rapidly changing industry.
Change On The Way
Shapiro consistently credits both his team and the creators themselves. FOX Sports Radio currently features two Radio Hall of Famers in Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd, both of whom have delivered strong results throughout Shapiro’s tenure. However, the lineup will see change in early 2028, as Patrick has announced plans to retire following the Super Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The great thing about Dan is he’s made no secret what his plans have been. He’s been a great partner in that all along,” said Shapiro. “The good thing is we have plenty of time. Time gives you the luxury to make good decisions and be very thoughtful toward them. We’re very prepared for it.”
Regarding Cowherd, who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame this past year, Shapiro said the topic of retirement has never come up. At 62, Cowherd’s creative process has not slowed.
“He just re-signed a new deal. Certainly, no talks of an exit plan. He’s still bringing his fastball,” noted Shapiro. “Who knows, but he’s still performing. He’s still a destination for reaction to the big story of the day and remains very top of mind for sports fans.”
Now three years into his leadership role, Shapiro remains as motivated as ever. His focus centers on improving incrementally and continuing to find new ways to showcase the product he has helped build.
While no one can predict how audiences will consume content tomorrow, the challenge remains evolving alongside sports fans anytime and anywhere.
“We love where we stand now. Ultimately with my role, I try to create a little time every day where I can just learn,” notes Shapiro. “I owe it to the team to put them in the best opportunity to succeed. That’s what I’m trying to do with my commitment to the whole group.”
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
