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Is AI Really the Fix for the Overload of Streaming Ads?

Dr. Ed Cohen
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Is AI Really the Fix for the Overload of Streaming Ads?

E-Marketer ran an article on April 24 by Grace Harmon, “Spray-and-Pray Tactics and Ad Repetition Risk Alienating Audiences,” that sounded very familiar. The last two Januarys, I conducted ad hoc content analyses for this column while streaming local broadcasts of NHL games on the ESPN app. The repetition of spots in a 2½-hour game was ridiculous. A major agency’s research now says the same thing.

The article cited a recent Omnicom study that raised the specter of “negative reach.” It is defined as “the point at which repeated impressions frustrate consumers and damage brand perceptions.” Per Omnicom, over 60% of consumers report seeing the same ad multiple times in a single session on streaming and social platforms, resulting in rising frustration.

Supposedly, half would pay something to avoid seeing the same ad multiple times in a single piece of content. However, it’s OK to see the same ad across platforms.

In my 2026 ESPN analysis, I was presented with 15 spots for Tremfaya, ten spots for TikTok, and nine for Kalshi. If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 34 spots for just three advertisers. If memory serves, Tremfaya had more than one execution, but both TikTok and Kalshi offered me the same commercial each time.

When Streaming Ads Wear Out Their Welcome

Last weekend, we watched the last two episodes of this season’s The Pitt on HBO Max. Did you know that ro.com offers a GLP-1 equivalent? We do, because Serena Williams told us — and told us again, sometimes multiple times in the same break.

What’s the fix for this serious problem in streaming advertising? E-Marketer had some advice:

  • AI can help by making minor variations of copy, visuals, and formats based on geography, recent browsing activity, and audience segments to keep creative fresh while maintaining relevance.
  • Agencies can then be used to refine top performers and preserve brand quality by adding strategic oversight and creative polish. They can also help develop high-impact campaign concepts that can be iterated on at scale through AI.

What brilliant suggestions! Let’s have AI fix the problem! If only TikTok’s agency had used AI to modify the spot enough so that I would have enjoyed the ten spots they ran in a single hockey game. Perhaps AI could fix it for ro.com when their agency ran three spots in a three-spot break.

Am I stupid (don’t answer that) or does this article appear to say that far too much frequency is ok if the spots are changed just a bit by AI? This reveals something sad about the thought process in the advertising world today. Rather than question whether this is the best use of an advertiser’s budget, let’s just modify the creative a bit using AI and keep wasting additional money on streaming. I’m not suggesting that streaming advertising doesn’t work, just that overdoing it — which costs money — is wasteful.

Radio and Audio Deserve a Seat at the Budget Table

Wouldn’t the more logical answer be “Perhaps we can repurpose some of our budget to other media?” Could radio or audio be an option? While I understand that pharma is much tougher to do in audio because you can’t hide all those awful potential side effects in unreadable text on a screen, could TikTok or Kalshi put some money into audio? Just tell your agency that you don’t need a ten frequency in a single sports event.

If one medium is saturated, try spreading the message around and find the people that don’t use — or are light users of — the first medium.

Meanwhile, Omnicom’s report points to their efforts to get around the problem in the programmatic space. Their release heralds the company’s collaboration with leading streamers such as Amazon, Disney, Fox, NBCU, and others on a content planning capability to better manage frequency. Sounds good.

But to my mind, that means that with the same budget, the spots might be spread around more streams. Which might mean landing on less desirable or less appropriate content for the message. I’ve seen Dove spots on streamed hockey games (and not Dove for Men). Yeah, that works.

The Fix?

Agencies sometimes do strange things, and that hasn’t changed since the early days of electronic media. The burden falls on the advertisers to understand where their dollars are going and why.

Let’s reframe the old John Wanamaker quote about not knowing which half of his advertising money was wasted.

Instead, ask: “I know half of my impressions are overkill and bothering my potential customers, but I don’t know which half?”

The answer to that question is: in an age of massive data, go find out. And when you do, ask how other media can supplement your message, reach more light users, and improve your sales.

Let’s meet again next week.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

The Foo Fighters Showed Up — And Two Rock Radio Stations Seized the Moment

Terrie Carr
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The Foo Fighters Showed Up — And Two Rock Radio Stations Seized the Moment

It was a wild week in the great rock state of New Jersey. While my column usually focuses on artist interviews, this week delivered something special. Consider it one for the New Jersey rock record books that two radio stations capitalized on.

The Foo Fighters announced two intimate shows at remarkably low ticket prices. First, Irving Plaza in NYC — capacity 1,200. Second, the beloved Starland Ballroom in Sayreville — capacity 2,500. Low prices. Old school ticket distribution. Enormous buzz. Especially for the New Jersey on-sale.

Fans lined up at Starland Ballroom just after midnight. Cars stretched for miles along local roads, all waiting for the box office to open at 10am. It was reminiscent of the old Ticketron and Ticketmaster days — camping out, waiting, making it an event.

And the fans loved every minute of it.

In our digital world, genuine in-person community moments are rare. Consequently, the Foo Fighters’ announcement created something special. Social media lit up immediately. Fans posted videos from the ticket line. Comments celebrated the music community. People described how “cool” everyone was — sharing coffee, helping strangers, playing music together. Connection still matters.

Local radio got involved too. As a former PD, I immediately started streaming local stations to see who was buzzing. Two programs nailed it — regardless of staff size or ticket allotment.

First up: Q104.3 NYC — The Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show

Jim’s recently named co-host Trevor skipped the NYC studio Wednesday morning. Instead, he drove to the enormous Sayreville ticket line — already stretching over a mile just after 3am. Trevor shot and edited videos from his car for the station’s social media. He called Jim Kerr live from the scene. He put fans on air, delivering play-by-play of the “Foo Mania” experience. Outstanding execution.

When I messaged Trevor at Q104.3 to say “Amazing Job,” his response said everything: “This is the kind of radio I grew up listening to. Jim and I had so much fun doing it — we have more things like this planned for sure.”

Next: WMGM Atlantic City — Morning host Matt Murray

Matt flies solo every morning. That didn’t stop him. He turned his listeners into reporters — having callers phone in live from the line and send photos directly to the morning show Facebook page. Furthermore, he made the ticket grab an on-air community event that listeners actually participated in.

One fan comment on the MGM Morning Show page captured it perfectly: “You can’t imagine how awesome everyone was. Sharing coffee, chairs for those that didn’t have them, food once the tent opened. Everyone was so chill it was fantastic. Made the 6 hours go pretty damn fast actually.”

Local radio can still get involved in moments like this. Moreover, you don’t need presents, tickets, or a band interview. You don’t even need a huge staff. A cell phone, a signal, and a social media account are all you need to be part of the experience.

Matt Murray told me directly: “I heard about the show the night before — informed my listeners on social media and told them — tomorrow I need you to inform me. I was not going to miss the opportunity to be live and local just because I fly solo every morning. No way. We needed to be there in some way.”

Kudos — or should I say FOOdos — to both stations and shows.

And Speaking of Kudos — Is Metalcore the New Mainstream? Absolutely.

Sleep Token, Bad Omens, Spiritbox — these bands dominate rock right now. Additionally, Dayseeker is about to join that conversation in a big way.

Dayseeker will likely grab their first #1 at Rock Radio with “Crawl Back To My Coffin” from their sixth studio album, Creature in the Black Night. The track will also deliver Spinefarm Records their first number one as well.

I first saw Dayseeker at a radio show my then-station produced — Rock the Rock Fest in 2024. I started following the band immediately. Mesmerizing modern metal with the right injection of scream and hook — their rapid growth made complete sense.

Fast forward nearly two years and Dayseeker hit #1 on the Mediabase Rock Charts. Furthermore, they delivered a killer show at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on Sunday — the night after the Foo Fighters. A genuine Jersey rock weekend. Steel Panther even played Starland on Friday night. We know what we’re doing here.

Check out my recent interview with Rory Rodriguez from Dayseeker — where we discuss Metalcore as the new mainstream — available now on the Carr Stereo Podcast in both audio and video.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

The Daily Wire Undergoing Round of Layoffs

BNM Staff
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The Daily Wire Undergoing Round of Layoffs

A round of layoffs is underway at The Daily Wire, Barrett Media has confirmed.

The first reports surfaced on Friday afternoon. Political reporter Cameron Arcand took to social media to share that he was included in the round of layoffs enacted.

“I was impacted by layoffs today at The Daily Wire, so I am looking for opportunities in journalism/communications here in D.C.,” wrote Arcand.

In a statement, The Daily Wire confirmed it was undergoing a round of layoffs.

“Today, The Daily Wire made a difficult decision to restructure the organization, which included layoffs to a number of teams,” a company spokesperson confirmed to Barrett Media. “We are deeply grateful to those impacted. Their contributions were instrumental in building The Daily Wire into what it is today.

“The cuts were largely concentrated at our Nashville production office. As the company has invested in new formats, locations, and production models, our footprint there has evolved. Over the last year, we have added production staff in D.C., the Northeast, and Florida. This step allows us to focus our resources on an ambitious slate of new entertainment projects set to release this year.

“Additionally, we will continue to invest in our editorial team and investigative journalism where we have already added numerous new reporters across the country and established a DC bureau with a seat in the White House briefing room.”

It is unclear how many members of the company’s staff have departed as part of the ongoing exits. This round of layoffs at The Daily Wire follows cuts in March 2025.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Alex Jones Signs Off From Infowars, Vows Immediate Return With New Venture

BNM Staff
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Alex Jones Signs Off From Infowars, Vows Immediate Return With New Venture

After nearly three decades on air, Alex Jones broadcast his final episode of Infowars Thursday night — and he wasted no time promising he’d be back.

Jones ended the show with a defiant pledge to launch a new program, directing his audience to AlexJonesLive and a companion app he described as already operational.

“They’re turning the power off at midnight,” Jones told viewers as a countdown clock ticked toward the studio shutdown. Rather than treat the moment as a farewell, he framed it as a starting line. “We’ve only just begun to fight,” he said, urging his audience to follow him to the new platform.

Jones had already set up a new phone app and websites ahead of the transition, including one selling the dietary supplements, clothing, and merchandise he regularly hawks on air. His personal X account — where he’s built a following of 4.5 million — remains active and unaffected by ongoing court proceedings.

Jones also said this week that he has a new studio nearing completion. He insisted the legal fight surrounding Infowars actually works in his favor — buying time for his new operation to get off the ground. “We’ve launched our operation,” he said. “You’ve walked into our trap, because we don’t start fights, but we finish them.”

The shutdown comes as a long-running dispute over the future of Infowars moves through the courts. Satirical outlet The Onion has been seeking to take control of the brand. Infowars was liquidated to compensate families of Sandy Hook school shooting victims. They won more than $1.3 billion in defamation judgments against Jones.

A Texas appeals court granted Jones a temporary reprieve this week. It delayed any immediate takeover and pushed the fight toward the state’s supreme court.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Urban One Acquiring Dallas Stations KKDA, KRNB, Sell Off KZMJ

BMM Staff
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Urban One Acquiring Dallas Stations KKDA, KRNB, Sell Off KZMJ

Urban One is growing in Dallas. The company has agreed to acquire Service Broadcasting Group, LLC, adding radio stations KKDA and KRNB to its portfolio.

As part of the deal, Urban One will sell station KZMJ to Fuzion Dallas, LLC.

Both transactions require FCC approval before closing.

The move strengthens Urban One’s presence in one of the country’s fastest-growing radio markets. It also signals a clear consolidation play for the company.

CEO Alfred C. Liggins, III didn’t mince words about the strategy.

“This transaction is accretive and advances our consolidation strategy by scaling our presence in high-growth regions where our target audience is most concentrated,” he said. “We are elevating our ability to serve our audience and our advertising partners with unmatched scale and local expertise.”

The acquisition gives local advertisers a bigger, more connected platform to reach Dallas audiences. Urban One says listeners will receive same community-driven programming the Radio One brand is known for — now across more frequencies.

Regional VP Doug Abernathy emphasized the importance of the people behind the product.

“By aligning our best-in-class team with these new platforms, we are securing the future of local radio in Dallas and ensuring we remain the primary source for news, entertainment, and connection for the communities we serve.”

The companies have not set a closing date.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

93 WIBC Strikes Partnership with FOX59, Including New Morning Programming

BNM Staff
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93 WIBC Strikes Partnership with FOX59, Including New Morning Programming

93 WIBC has announced it has inked a new content partnership with FOX59 in Indianapolis, which includes new programming for the radio station.

FOX59 will replace WISH-TV as the content partner for 93 WIBC. As part of the new deal, FOX59 and 93 WIBC will share content with one another and provide cross-platform promotion.

FOX59 will provide regular weather updates throughout the radio station’s programming. It will also share live news updates in afternoon drive on select days.

Furthermore, FOX59’s weekday morning news will air in the 5 AM hour on the Indianapolis news/talk station. That hour had previously been occupied by the Daybreak show from WISH-TV.

“This builds on an existing relationship,” said VP/GM for Urban One/Radio One Indianapolis Andrea Kahrer. “As FOX affiliates and frequent partners in the community, combining FOX59’s news and weather with WIBC’s coverage allows us to better serve Central Indiana audiences.”

“This partnership is about meeting people where they are,” said FOX59 VP/GM Dominic Mancuso. “Central Indiana audiences move between television, radio, streaming, digital and social throughout the day. By working with WIBC, we can extend the reach of our local journalism and make sure people have access to trusted news and weather when it matters.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Russell Wilson Reportedly In Talks To Join CBS Sports

BSM Staff
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Russell Wilson Reportedly In Talks To Join CBS Sports

Russell Wilson’s playing days appear to be over. The 10-time pro bowl quarterback is reportedly in serious discussions to join CBS’s The NFL Today, according to a report by The Athletic.

The two sides have engaged in lengthy conversations. Wilson, 37, did recently visit with the New York Jets about a backup role behind Geno Smith.

But television looks like the next chapter.

The move fills the seat vacated by Matt Ryan. Ryan left CBS to become president of football for the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson would join a crew that includes host James Brown and analysts Nate Burleson and Bill Cowher.

Wilson was a third-round pick in 2012 by Seattle and led the Seahawks to two Super Bowls. He won one — a blowout of the Denver Broncos after the 2013 season. The following year, a late goal-line interception ended Seattle’s bid to repeat against the New England Patriots.

His career never recovered after a 2022 trade to Denver. Two disappointing seasons followed. Stints in Pittsburgh and New York went nowhere.

Still, Wilson ranks fifth all-time in career passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

NFL Network Removed From Comcast As Carriage Dispute Continues

BSM Staff
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NFL Network Removed From Comcast As Carriage Dispute Continues

NFL Network and RedZone are dark on Xfinity. Comcast pulled both channels late Thursday after its distribution agreement expired, according to a report by Cord Cutters.

The timing is complicated. ESPN finalized its acquisition of NFL Network, RedZone, and NFL Fantasy in February. The league received a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN as part of the deal.

Now Disney/ESPN controls the negotiating table — not the league.

Comcast acknowledged the dispute plainly.

“Our contract to carry NFL Network and NFL Red Zone has expired, and we’re in discussions with the new owner, Disney/ESPN, about our future carriage of the network,” said Comcast in a statement to Cord Cutters.

Disney pushed back publicly. “We proposed keeping these channels available while we continued good-faith negotiations, but unfortunately, Comcast declined and took them down.”

Disney says it remains committed to a resolution.

Comcast and NFL Network clashed in 2009 over basic-tier carriage. A shorter dispute surfaced in May 2023. League Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped in personally that time, and a deal was struck within 24 hours.

The blackout hits during a sensitive window. OTAs, minicamps, and draft analysis dominate the offseason calendar. Shows like Good Morning Football and NFL Total Access are now unavailable to Xfinity subscribers.

ESPN is also managing NFL Network carriage talks with YouTube TV, Spectrum, and other distributors.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

104.3 The Score Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary of 2016 Chicago Cubs’ World Series

BSM Staff
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104.3 The Score Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary of 2016 Chicago Cubs’ World Series

Ten years ago, the Chicago Cubs ended a 108-year drought. Now, 104.3 The Score wants fans to relive every moment.

The Audacy station and Cubs flagship will re-air 16 of the team’s most memorable 2016 games. Broadcasts begin today. Each game airs on select weeknights at 6:00 p.m. CT — only when the Cubs aren’t playing.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Pat Hughes will record exclusive new intros for each game. Matt Spiegel, co-host of The Spiegel and Holmes Show, will also voice specific production elements throughout the series.

The slate kicks off today with Jake Arrieta’s no-hitter against the Reds. It runs through August 28 with the iconic World Series Game 7. Everything in between — the NLDS, the NLCS, the World Series — is on the schedule.

The Cubs are a ratings engine for 104.3 The Score. Leaning into the tenth anniversary of the title gives the stattion a built-in audience and a reason to tune in on off-nights with no live play by play.

The full broadcast schedule runs from May through August, covering 16 games including the Division Clincher, three NLCS matchups, and three World Series games — ending with Game 7 where the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Guardians.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

NBC Sports’ NBA Playoff Viewership Doubling Comparable Figures Year Over Year

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports’ NBA Playoff Viewership Doubling Comparable Figures Year Over Year

NBC Sports is back with the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 24 years — and the numbers are turning heads.

Through 13 games on NBC and Peacock, the network is averaging 4.9 million viewers. That’s up 58% over comparable coverage last year and the best performance for this window since 1996.

Week two only added fuel to the fire.

Games from April 25–28 averaged 4.9 million viewers across seven contests. Stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, Nikola Jokić, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Jalen Brunson are delivering must-watch moments — and audiences are showing up.

Sunday, April 26 was the weekend’s crown jewel.

Celtics-76ers Game 4 drew 6.3 million viewers — the most-watched game of the 2026 playoffs so far and the biggest First Round Game 4 in primetime ever. Then Lakers-Rockets Game 4 peaked at 7.2 million — the highest single-game peak of the playoffs — averaging 6.2 million, up a staggering 128% year-over-year.

Monday delivered another milestone. Pistons-Magic Game 4 averaged 5.4 million viewers, up 155% versus last season. It became the most-watched Round 1 Game 4 on a weekday ever.

Saturday’s Knicks-Hawks Game 4 averaged 5.3 million — up 58% — and peaked at 5.8 million.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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