Our story last week on the Westwood One situation revealed frustration inside the news/talk radio format. Many programming executives voiced concern, questioning the network’s future plans following the announcement of Dan Bongino exiting on March 14th. With that news following The Daily Wire and Westwood One separating, and Kevin DeLany exiting as VP of News/Talk programming, I get why some are on edge.
One thing I want to address to avoid any confusion. We do journalism on this website. We’re not just a PR outfit passing along press releases and favorable recognition. That causes friction sometimes. Regardless of the news, we try to be fair and accurate.
18 writers are on our payroll including 4 full-time editors and writers. If there’s good news to pass along, we love to share it. If the news isn’t positive though, we have a responsibility to share that too. Our experienced staff have my blessing to offer their opinions, and talk to industry people for added insight. If anyone has an issue with our content, myself and our staff are accessible.
Having said that, change is part of our business, even if we try to avoid it. Westwood One is the same network that employed Kevin DeLany, and brought you Dan Bongino, Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles. They also feature Mark Levin, Chris Plante and Rich Valdes. They’ve not announced what they’re going to do yet, but when a group has a good track record, don’t they deserve an opportunity to show that they have a solid plan moving forward?
I’m not privy to Westwood One’s plans. It’s possible they could make a poor decision with the future direction of the lineup, and create problems for local operators. However, when you’ve had a longstanding partnership with a network, and they’ve helped you grow your business, I do think you at least owe them the benefit of the doubt. I’d say the same thing if this situation involved Premiere Networks, Compass Media Networks, Radio America, Fox News Radio or any other national outlet.
Last year, I was critical of ESPN Radio. With many professional relationships and personal friendships at the network, I didn’t enjoy putting folks in a tough spot. But I also knew that the frequent lineup changes were creating mistrust with local affiliates. So I shared what I knew, which was that radio operators were concerned and exploring new ways forward. The network was challenged to make improvements, and to their credit, they did. They may not have liked the negative attention at the time, but a stronger product furthers business relationships, and in the end, it’s about the audience, advertisers, and affiliates.
As I analyze the Westwood One situation, I think this is a pivotal moment for the network. They’ve done a fantastic job for a long time. However, with a lot of holes in the weekday lineup, local outlets want to see solutions that restore their confidence.
One thing that Garrett Searight heard a lot last week was that the immediate plan was fill-in hosts. Many didn’t feel there was much urgency to set a new direction. I realize you can’t rush big decisions like replacing Bongino, especially when big revenues are tied to the radio show and podcast. But, The Daily Wire partnership ending was known in November 2024. Here we are three months later, and that void has yet to be filled. Local decision makers have a right to ask, ‘where are you heading?’
The bigger question from my end is ‘who’s making the call on the future direction of the network?’ With Kevin DeLany gone, and Bill Hess no longer serving as VP of News/Talk for Cumulus, is it Collin Jones’ decision? Brian Phillips’ choice? Is it a group effort?
I heard different answers from people inside and outside of the company last week. Regardless of who it is, that has to be communicated so those capable of providing options to improve the product know where to turn.
What I hope the network is doing, and if they’re not, they should be considering, is bringing their sharpest executives into this process. Bruce Gilbert is one of the smartest people in this business. He’s handled big situations like this before at ESPN Radio and excelled at it. If anyone knows how to navigate a complex process like this, it’s him, and he’s already on payroll. You also have smart format leaders like Pete Mundo, Paul Mason, Bill Hess, and Bruce Collins who can help. Plus don’t forget, Mike McVay has ties to the company, and can be a strong resource too.
I’m sure the company has ideas of how they want to proceed. When you’re faced with seven figure decisions though, the right plan is vital. The network is likely going to be in this same situation down the road when Mark Levin elects to sign off.
Westwood One already works with Fox News Radio so if the answer is providing stations with shows hosted by Brian Kilmeade, Jimmy Failla, Will Cain, and Guy Benson, that’s an option. The company can also explore going local in select markets or build from within since there are local voices with an ability to become future difference makers. If that’s not the fit, there are some strong voices in the format working for other groups who’d welcome a chance to go national.
Losing premiere talent is hard, but replacing them isn’t impossible. Premiere Networks did an amazing job when Rush Limbaugh died to put the future of the timeslot in Clay and Buck’s hands. That move has paid off for the network. Compass and Radio America built programming around Erick Erickson, Dana Loesch and Chad Benson, and they’re growing too. Salem Media has added new voices like Charlie Kirk, Chris Stigall, and Officer Tatum in recent years alongside established stars like Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager and Larry Elder, and they too are healthy.
Competition from 12p-3p and 3p-6p is strong in the format. In the political climate we’re in, news/talk radio commands a lot of listening and advertising. That alone makes it worth investing in.
I have no dog in this fight. It’s fair for local stations to question Westwood One’s direction yet equally necessary to remind them that good partners deserve a chance to present a plan to keep business strong. Westwood One has done great work for decades, and with hundreds of stations carrying their product, why run the risk of losing real estate that took years to acquire? It’s on Westwood One to get the right people in the room, explore every option available, and make smart decisions to quiet the noise, and reinforce why local outlets have trusted them as long as they have. The only question now is, will they be afforded enough time to do so?
New Website Look and Open Positions
Notice anything different today when you logged on to the website? Yes indeed, we’ve changed the look of the website. Our prior look was sharp, but with sports, news, and music divisions separated, it was harder to find content, especially on mobile. This new layout now combines content from all three into one section. The same exists for sports and news television, and streaming. Our business section presents more information on research, financials, executive changes, technology improvements, and other relevant news items.
What you’ll discover is that the most recent 9 news stories from all divisions now display in the main area. You’ll also see 3 featured articles, and a Columns section. I welcome your feedback on the improvements.
John Mamola told me last week that he’s not used to working with someone who’s always looking to grow. I loved hearing that. It’s true. I want to serve the industry great daily content. We have a responsibility to invest back since so many invest in us. With that in mind, I’m looking for writers with experience in News Television, the Urban/Hip Hop format, and other areas. If you know the industry, possess relationships in it, love to write, and enjoy what we do, email your resume and writing sample to Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
2025 BNM Summit
Mark these dates on your calendar now if you work in the News/Talk media industry – September 3-4, 2025. That is when the 2025 BNM Summit presented by Newsmax will take place. For the first time ever, we will host the show live in New York City at the Ailey Theater on West 55th Street.
We won’t start building our news conference or selling tickets until after the 2025 BSM Summit in May. Our hotel partner for the show is the Park Central New York, two and a half blocks from the venue. We’ll have a special room rate for attendees, which we’ll share in the near future.
The 2025 BNM Summit will have the usual Kickoff Party, After Party, Awards ceremony presented by Premiere Networks, and a number of talented, successful, and high profile speakers. We’re also working on something BIG that connects to the event. I’ll share more on that once we’re ready to make the announcement.
New Partners
A brand like ours doesn’t work without industry support. Stephanie Eads and I have spoken with a lot of company leaders over the past few months. We’re grateful to all who’ve seen the value in working with us. I want to thank Triton, Radio America, and Tony Katz for signing on as new partners this week. In addition, I want to extend our appreciation to Harker Bos Group, and Premiere Networks for further investing in us. They join a number of existing partners who we’re fortunate to work with.
In my past career, sales felt very transactional. At Barrett Media, those we do business with become a part of our circle. If they’re not successful we’re not successful. I just wanted to make sure it’s known that we value our partners and their business. Anyone else looking to work with us can explore options by reaching out to Stephanie at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Quick Hits
- Long term storytelling whether it’s in movies, television, podcasting or radio always works. There was no better example of it this past weekend during WWE Elimination Chamber. John Cena‘s heel turn on Cody Rhodes and alliance with The Rock set social media on fire. A job well done by all parties involved. Paul Levesque and Nick Khan got just what they needed heading into WrestleMania, which this year takes place in Las Vegas.
- Speaking of WWE, congrats to Peter Rosenberg on being named the new play by play voice of WWE Evolve. Peter’s busted his tail for years on HOT 97 and ESPN New York in addition to contributing to WWE programming. I’m glad to see him getting a shot to expand his role.
- The oval office episode involving President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was unlike anything I’ve seen before. Our media doesn’t see those types of exchanges often, and though we all have our opinions, I’d encourage folks to resist the temptation to publicly denounce friends and future professional relationships over it. You never know who’s looking at your social media posts, and losing employment opportunities over emotional commentaries isn’t worth it. Whether you hate the current direction of the country or love it, I see much more to bond over in media, than worrying about how someone feels politically. But hey, maybe that’s just me.
- MLB not being worth 550 million to ESPN when the NBA gets 2.6 billion seems odd, but it paints a clear picture of how far baseball has fallen compared to other leagues. Growing up, baseball was the dominant sport. Today, even with rule changes, it’s fourth behind NFL, CFB, and the NBA. Rob Manfred may find a few partners to make up the difference of what’s been lost with ESPN, and Disney will have to pay MLB to retain rights to highlights, but in terms of coverage, MLB is closer to becoming the NHL than the NFL, and that’s something I never thought I’d see.
- Good branded content by ESPN 1000 and Marc Silverman involving Toyota in the station’s NFL Draft coverage. What better way to incorporate a client into content in a seamless way than to make them part of the trek to Indianapolis.
- Job well done by George Kamel at Ramsey Solutions. Stephanie Eads brought this video to my attention, and I thought the presentation around Valentine’s Day was clever.
- My thanks to all who read last week’s CRS column. It’s been cool hearing from so many people in the music industry, and music radio. I’m looking forward to expanding those relationships, and as I’ve told many, we’ve only scratched the surface with our music radio coverage. We’re going to keep building this thing, and I’d love to have you along for the ride.
- Looking for new music to listen to? Here are a few worth checking out – Shinedown‘s ‘Three Six Five‘, Tom MacDonald‘s ‘Man in the Sky‘, Hardy‘s ‘Jim Bob‘, Dasha‘s ‘Not At This Party‘, Billy Idol‘s ‘Still Dancing‘, Old Dominion‘s ‘Making Good Time‘, A Day to Remember‘s ‘Make It Make Sense‘, The Darkness‘s ‘Walking Through Fire‘, and The Funeral Portrait‘s ‘Holy Water‘.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
good read my man, appreciate the candor.