John Mamola

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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.

How Sal Licata Balances Finding Independent Success With Emotions of WFAN Exit

"My whole life was WFAN, and my whole goal was to get to afternoon drive on WFAN. For the first time since I had that dream in 1995, I knew that dream was no longer a reality."

Sports Radio’s AI Debate Is Missing the Bigger Picture When Mistakes Occur

"AI isn’t the enemy, but it isn’t the savior either. It’s simply the latest extension of what radio has always done best—adapt. The brands that win won’t be the ones that avoid AI out of fear of being “caught.”

ESPN Should Play to The Strengths of Roster Talent Like Jason Kelce

"Experimentation isn’t the problem. In fact, it’s necessary. Audiences evolve, consumption habits shift, and standing still is the fastest way to become irrelevant. But experimentation without intention? That’s when the square peg keeps getting jammed into the same round hole."

Audacy Must Begin Telling a Better Story to Those Inside the Walls

"If Audacy truly believes its story is as strong as it claims, now is the time to prove it—not externally, but internally. Culture doesn’t follow strategy. It follows trust."

How Shae Cornette Is Finding Her Voice Ushering in a New Era of ESPN’s ‘First Take’

"Hosting a premiere show on ESPN of course was a goal of mine. But did I think that First Take would come available, and I’d be first in line? I didn’t know anything. It just sort of worked out that way."

Breaking

San Diego’s Rock 105.3 Retains Longtime Morning Show ‘The Show’ Through 2030

"We are more than thrilled to remain a part of the iHeart team and continue to try and entertain San Diego every morning."

Political Advertisements During Sports Broadcasts Have Gotten Out of Hand

"Maybe it's me, but if I can't vote for the candidate, why the hell am I seeing that candidate's advertisement?"

Buzz Brainard is Not a Radio Guy And It Works

"They call in Monday through Thursday, and then they show up on Friday. And it's always all about them."

Election Night 2026: What 10 Top News/Talk Programmers Tell Their Staffs

“Success on election night comes from the prep that is done before that day."