John Mamola

543 POSTS
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.

ESPN Must Stop Troy Aikman From Selling His Access To Other NFL Franchises

"If the league won’t act, then networks should. Stop paying top voices if they are going to leverage the access you provide for personal gain and influence within the league. That’s not fair to teams, and in an era where the integrity of sports is constantly questioned, it’s certainly not fair to fans."

How Emmanuel Acho Built Speakeasy’s Success By Embracing Digital Community and Leaving Network Television Behind

"Just because you’re in a position doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing. What network executive would have been able to ideate Speakeasy? Then line up talent, build out the studios, and choose the timeslot for Speakeasy. I did that in 54 days."

Pat McAfee’s WWE Wrestlemania Role Creates Content Approach Dilemma for ESPN

"ESPN now has a decision to make. Lean all the way in and risk alienating part of its audience. Or show restraint—and protect the integrity of the platform that made this partnership valuable in the first place."

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.”

Breaking

How Jodi Koontz Went From Producer to Anchor of a Syndicated Show

"The reason I think it's important to tell that story is because that's the day I learned you have to ask for what you want."

Joe Rogan Was Never Going to Be On 60 Minutes – But Should He?

Even in a state of flux, the idea of Rogan suiting up as a 60 Minutes correspondent ranks somewhere between unlikely and laughable — about as plausible as me waking up next to Salma Hayek. But should it be that far-fetched?

Clay Travis Exposes the Perception Problem Hurting News/Talk Radio

As an industry, we need to realize that a rising tide lifts all boats. Many shows and stations are where they need to be with their digital game, but many are still well behind the curve.

Radio Keeps Earning a C+ When It Has A-Level Talent

"Today's system rewards tenure over talent, safeness over boldness, and sameness over creativity."