Former KXnO hosts Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain’s new YouTube show Beyond The Bench is officially on hold. According to sources, Barrett Media has learned the pause is due to a legal dispute brought by iHeartMedia in an attempt to uphold a non-compete clause following Roberts and Strain being laid off by the company. The company issued a cease-and-desist to Roberts and Strain.
What We Know: iHeartMedia laid off Roberts and Strain from KXnO this summer during nationwide cuts. A month later, they launched Beyond The Bench, a two-hour daily show on the Rush Radio Network. The program airs solely on YouTube, TuneIn, and social media, joining a network founded by former KXnO hosts Travis Justice and Ross Peterson. Now, sources tell Barrett Media the pause stems from iHeartMedia enforcing a non-compete clause.
What They Said: Sean Roberts (via X): “Beyond the Bench will not be airing for the time being. We are currently being pursued in a legal matter by our past employer, and as a result, we need to step away temporarily while that situation is addressed. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported the show and hope to be back soon. In addition, we will provide updates as we are able and will let everyone know when we have more information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
What Remains Unclear: The full scope of the legal matter is unknown. It’s also unclear if Roberts and Strain will look to challenge the legal matter in full. So far, no timeline exists for the show’s return. Additionally, neither side has issued further public comment.
What It Means: While the details of any noncompete clause remain unknown, the outcome of this matter could help determine what options laid-off employees have when those agreements prevent them from working. Beyond the Bench streams exclusively on digital platforms, not terrestrial radio. Roberts and Strain are hardly alone; many former radio personalities have taken the same path after losing their jobs at iHeartMedia. Ultimately, the dispute shows non-competes can trail talent well past a layoff. It also suggests iHeartMedia intends to enforce those terms against independent ventures. For Roberts and Strain, the pause interrupts momentum built since launching earlier this month. Going forward, the outcome could shape how other displaced hosts launch new shows.
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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.