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Laid Off By Innovation? Use AI To Get Hired Faster

Phil Becker
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Laid Off By Innovation? Use AI To Get Hired Faster

There is an unfortunate corporate coincidence in holding an event titled “The Human Advantage” at the same time so many humans are being pushed back into the job market.

Dozens of talented people got Canned, with their company citing “structural changes,” “new tech capabilities,” and “greater precision.”

Layoffs are complicated, and I do not pretend every decision is easy. But the optics are tough when those cuts sit alongside logoed lattes, live Kelly Taylor podcasts, fun runs, and the always-popular go-to phrases about trust and human connection.

To anyone who woke up this week wondering, “So now what?” first, I am sorry. I have been there myself, on both sides of the table: hearing the difficult conversations and having to deliver them. Both are painful in different ways. If you ever need advice or someone to simply listen, please reach out.

Take the day. Be mad. Be sad. Call your people.

Then get tactical, because AI can help you move faster than the company that decided “faster is better.”

Over the next two weeks in this column, I am going to share practical AI steps and exact prompts to help you find your next opportunity if you still heart this business. Today starts with Phil’s first five.

1. Build Your Full Career File

Create one master document that tells the full story of your career. Not just where you worked, but what changed because you were there. Include the stations, markets, formats, ratings wins, revenue wins, talent you coached, events you built, digital growth, podcast work, social wins, client success stories, audio links, awards, press mentions, and yes, even the weird skills only radio people understand, like turning a client’s 47 required talking points into a 30-second live read or making an empty car lot sound like a party.

Prompt: Full Career File

Act as a career strategist for an experienced media, audio, radio, podcasting, content, programming, or sales professional. I am uploading my full career history, not a polished resume. Organize it into a master career file with these sections:

1. Best measurable wins
2. Best content and creative examples
3. Strongest leadership examples
4. Best revenue and sales-support examples
5. Best digital, social, podcasting, video, or AI examples
6. Resume bullets worth using later
7. Potential job titles I should target
8. Industries where my experience would be valuable
9. Missing information I should add before applying

2. Create Three Versions of Yourself

The biggest mistake displaced media people make is applying with one resume for every job. That resume screams “radio lifer.” Like Billy Milligan, you need multiple versions of yourself.

One resume should target radio/audio leadership. One should target podcasting, digital content, video, creator strategy, or audience development. One should target marketing, brand, partnerships, events, sales enablement, and communications.

Prompt: Three Resume Versions

Using my full career file, create three resume positioning options:

1. Audio / Radio / Content Leadership
2. Podcast / Digital / Audience Growth
3. Brand / Marketing / Partnerships / Communications

For each version, give me:

  • A strong professional headline
  • A 3-sentence summary
  • 8–10 core skills
  • The most relevant accomplishments to highlight
  • The jobs I should use this version for
  • Any radio-specific language that should be translated for non-radio hiring managers

3. Audit Before You Apply

Treat job postings like dating profiles. Do not just look at the post, pictures, and video before you swipe. Read what is actually written.

Paste the job description into AI and make it tell you whether you are a real match, a stretch, or wasting your time because the company is really looking for “a man in finance, trust fund, 6’5”, blue eyes.”

Prompt: Job Match Audit

Act as a senior recruiter for this exact role. Compare my resume to this job description and tell me:

  • My score from 1 to 100
  • The strongest reasons I should be considered
  • The missing keywords that may matter to ATS software
  • The biggest concerns a hiring manager may have
  • The experience I should move higher on the resume
  • The experience I should reduce or remove
  • The best version of my resume to use for this job
  • Whether I should apply, pass, or have you go through my network to find a way in

4. Reload Your Bullets

A lot of media resumes read like job descriptions. “Hosted afternoon drive.” “Managed promotions.” “Oversaw programming.” “Worked with sales.”

Wonderful. That tells me you had a job. Your resume has to say what changed because you were there.

And it shouldn’t be the locks.

Prompt: Resume Bullet Rewrite

Rewrite my resume bullets so they show results, not responsibilities. Use this structure when possible: achieved [result], measured by [metric], by doing [specific action].

Rules:

  • Start each bullet with a strong verb
  • Use plain language
  • Add real metrics when available
  • If a number is missing, use [ADD METRIC] instead of inventing one
  • Keep bullets short enough for a hiring manager to scan
  • Translate radio language when the target job is outside radio
  • Put the strongest accomplishments first

5. Your Network Is Your Net Worth

Fix your LinkedIn so recruiters can find you.

Your LinkedIn profile should not just be a digital version of your resume with a headshot and one endorsement from a guy who also needs to update his LinkedIn. It is your search engine result.

Prompt: LinkedIn Rebuild

Rewrite my LinkedIn profile for the roles I am targeting next. Give me:

  1. Five headline options under 220 characters
  2. A first-person About section with a strong opening line
  3. A version that works for [type] roles
  4. A version that works for broader media, marketing, or digital roles
  5. A list of keywords recruiters may search for and the best place to put those in my profile
  6. Three Featured section ideas using my work, articles, audio, video, awards, or campaigns
  7. A short post announcing I am open to new opportunities without sounding desperate
  8. The tone should be confident, grateful, forward-looking, and human.

On the Hunt

As you begin your search, for the first time in your career you can use AI to move faster than the shock you are going through. Use it to clean up your resume, translate your radio experience for people who think a “clock” is used to tell time, find jobs you did not know existed, prep for interviews, write better follow-ups, and keep your search organized while you process what just happened.

Remember, your advantage is not what was listed on your business card. It is who you are, not what you do. It is your knowledge, creative instinct, audience understanding, coaching, problem-solving, and the strange resilience that comes from working in radio.

To everyone impacted last week, this week, or any week before: your company may have decided your role was no longer part of its future. But prompts like the ones above can help you find what comes next.

Next week, we’ll go over another round of RIFs: Real Internet Fixes designed to help you find your next creative home.

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 Return Of The Pretty Reckless AND The Return Of The Record Release Party

Terrie Carr
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The Return Of The Pretty Reckless AND The Return Of The Record Release Party

Normally, my weekly column takes a dive inside the rock community with artist interview clips, covering all rock formats. This week, however, I’m taking a turn. I guess I’ll call it a hard turn, because it was a horrible week for radio. “Hard” is actually an understatement.

While I’m constantly hearing about the “positive data about personalities” or the “appeal of localism,” the industry does not follow through. In fact, it continues to inflict harm. We saw iHeart fire more folks than we can keep up with. Some “were their radio brands.” I was in the same position ten months ago, so I get it. With that said, I’ll fast forward, because it’s all connected.

The Pretty Reckless Return with Dear God

The Pretty Reckless have returned with a dazzling fifth record, Dear God, released Friday, 6/26. It’s their first since 2021’s Death by Rock and Roll, so this is exciting news for rock fans like me. Frontwoman and band founder Taylor Momsen called the release their “most personal and reflective” record to date.

Said Taylor: “DEAR GOD is the most honest record we’ve ever made. Every song came from a real place, whether I wanted to admit it or not. There was no hiding behind characters or concepts this time. It’s all there…the doubt, the anger, the hope, the questions. We made the record we needed to make, and I’m incredibly proud of it.”

Meanwhile, “When I Wake Up” recently became The Pretty Reckless’ ninth No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, solidifying their hold on the record for most chart toppers by a female-fronted band. The record features 14 tracks written by Taylor and her longtime collaborator and bandmate, guitarist Ben Phillips. This is a vibrant and exciting band for the format. I’ve seen them live, I’ve done radio shows with them as a station program director, and I’ve interviewed them. They are a perfect rock band.

A Record Release Party Like the Old Days

A few weeks ago, an invite dropped in my inbox for a “Dear God” record release party at a church in Brooklyn, NY, celebrating the new release. The party was amazing. Huge thanks to Fearless Records’ senior VP of marketing, the goddess Marisa Kurtz, and the always-awesome Elias Chios, for the experience.

Everything had a band theme, from the “Dear God” photo area to the napkins and pizza boxes. There was even a confessional, which was so cool. As the new album streamed through the sound system beneath the gorgeous stained glass windows of the church, and we got ready for the band to grace us with an hour-long acoustic performance live from the altar, the thing that struck me wasn’t the free booze, food, or cool atmosphere. Instead, it was the sense of community that has been missing in our business.

Why These Moments Still Matter

A record release party. How long has it been? I attended them for Van Halen, Lenny Kravitz, and tons of other artists during my career over the years. It was great to hang with friends, celebrate a killer new release, and feel that sense of rock music community once again. The band hung out, too, and the atmosphere was pure rock and roll. While the programming and on-air attendee crowd may have been thinner than it was years ago, it still mattered.

When you’re a music brand, these events matter. Artists matter. Passion for the medium matters. Huge thanks to Taylor Momsen, Ben Phillips, Jamie Perkins, and Mark Damon.

Sitting at a table in a church while The Pretty Reckless “took it to church” in performance at the altar was the perfect way to spend a Thursday night. With the constant doom-scrolling of terrible news, these are the experiences that still make the music industry a community, not just a cost-cutting enterprise. For a few hours, everything felt right.

Looking for a killer new release to rock out to? The rock record of the summer has arrived. Download or grab Dear God.

Photos and a performance of “For I Am Death” from the event are below: For I Am Death

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.

KXnO Layoffs Highlight the Changing Reality for Sports Radio Talent

John Mamola
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KXnO Layoffs Highlight the Changing Reality for Sports Radio Talent

The last two weeks at KXnO have been simply devastating. The Des Moines sports radio outlet was virtually wiped out as every local show and nearly every talent who comprised the station fell victim to the latest round of layoffs by iHeartMedia. All but one.

Like many smaller markets, KXnO featured talent who bought airtime. Trent Condon fit that model, hosting Miller & Condon in the midday slot from noon to 2 p.m. alongside Ken Miller, the longtime pioneer of sports talk radio in Des Moines.

The afternoon following the layoffs at KXnO, Condon remained. As an independent contractor, his agreement with iHeartMedia Des Moines was centered more on sales than employment. As news of the cuts spread across the Iowa capital, Condon faced a choice. One many talents around the country have unfortunately confronted in the hours, days, and now weeks following another round of layoffs. It’s a choice that occurs far too often in the industry.

To comment or not to comment.

A Difficult Decision

Condon chose to open his program by addressing the massive number of people who were no longer part of the station. Morning drive was gone. Afternoon drive was no longer local. The program director, who had just been promoted last June, was also out. Once again, listeners were left searching for the local voices they connected with each day to discuss their favorite teams.

While Condon wasn’t an official iHeartMedia employee, he considered everyone cut by the company a teammate. He had been part of the station for seven years and had seen reductions in force affect the brand before. He also watched several employees return after public pressure from listeners and clients alike.

This time, lightning wasn’t striking twice. This time, KXnO was cut, and likely for good.

So instead of ignoring the moment or briefly acknowledging the layoffs before moving on, Condon leaned into it. He shared his emotions openly. Honest. Authentic. And yes, somewhat willing to hold the company he worked with accountable.

He spoke about how his heart ached for his friends, teammates, and colleagues. For the listeners, he honored those who lost their jobs by recognizing the work they had done for the audience. No matter your team allegiances, Condon celebrated the people who gave a voice to sports fans throughout the Des Moines community.

It was an amazing, honest, heartfelt tribute to everyone who served the KXnO audience. Days later, Condon also found himself out at KXnO after iHeartMedia reportedly considered his commentary “controversial.”

Over The Line Authenticity?

It’s not an easy line to walk for any talent facing the circumstances Condon encountered. Everyone around him was gone. People who dedicated their time, and cared deeply about the product. I’d be willing to be they also likely took on additional responsibilities without additional compensation. I’ve worked alongside those types of people, and they are by far the absolute best of the industry. Compensation isn’t always the most important thing when your passion is radio. Radio, of any kind, is a public service that entertains, informs, and occasionally provides a laugh along the way.

Now, was there likely language in Condon’s agreement that he violated with his commentary? Probably. However, was the situation Condon found himself in any fault of his own? Did he bear the responsibility of once again being the good soldier, a role he had likely played several times throughout his career?

Condon made his choice and has now paid the ultimate price.

Sports radio is built on the connection between the talent and the listener. That trust is earned through the authenticity of the host. Every survey says it. Every programmer stresses it. Executives across the country sell it. Podcasting built an entire business model around it. Meanwhile, audiences continue to lose trust in media because they believe there isn’t enough authenticity.

Sometimes talent have to be the voice of the listening audience. Sometimes circumstances demand it more than others. And sometimes taking a shot to the chin is warranted. While Condon’s commentary was deemed “controversial” and ultimately cost him his job, how can you not view his comments as doing the job to the highest standard?

The Warning Sign For Talent

Condon’s story serves as a reminder that authenticity in sports radio now comes with a price tag many hosts never had to consider before. The industry has spent decades telling talent to be genuine, build trust, and create authentic relationships with listeners. Yet when those same qualities extend beyond sports and into the realities of the business itself, they can suddenly be viewed as liabilities instead of strengths.

That doesn’t mean authenticity should disappear. It’s the very thing that separates great local hosts from replaceable voices.

But it also means talent today must recognize that every personal opinion, every emotional moment, and every decision to speak candidly about the companies they work for carries more professional risk than ever before.

Condon chose to stand with his colleagues and his audience, and he’ll live with the consequences of that decision. Whether you agree with what he said or not, his experience is another reminder that in today’s sports radio business, authenticity may still be part of the job, but understanding where that authenticity can lead has become just as important.

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.

Paul Finebaum Reflects on His Legacy in Receiving the Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award

John Mamola
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Paul Finebaum Reflects on His Legacy in Receiving the Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award

Few in sports media have achieved the arc of a career that ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has enjoyed. What began with award-winning work as a columnist and investigative reporter evolved into a career that, nearly 50 years later, continues to define him as “The Voice of the SEC.” Over that time, Finebaum has earned accolades in print, radio, and television. Because of his sustained success throughout his career, Barrett Media will recognize his impact later today at the Barrett Media Audio Summit when he becomes the fifth recipient of the Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I was pretty overwhelmed and shocked when I heard I would be receiving this award,” said Finebaum, reflecting on when he learned the news. “You just don’t think about stuff like this. I was really touched by Jason [Barrett]’s appreciation of someone who has mostly been in a small market for the majority of my career.”

For more than 30 years, Finebaum has hosted The Paul Finebaum Show. From its humble beginnings on WAPI, the program’s popularity grew so much that it helped launch the Paul Finebaum Radio Network in 2001. In 2004, Sports Illustrated named the show one of the top 12 sports radio programs in the United States.

However, for Finebaum, radio and television were never the career destination he envisioned.

“This was not what I started out doing. I was a newspaper writer, that’s all I ever wanted to do. All I wanted to do was be a writer and a sports columnist. I never once thought at some point I’ll do a talk show,” explained Finebaum. “I, somehow, have been able to survive and adapt. My career is full of different chapters. Every one of those chapters, I never really knew if I’d make it out of it.”

Unexpected Success At ESPN

Finebaum’s success eventually led him to ESPN when he signed with the network in 2013. He instantly became the featured attraction for the launch of the SEC Network a year later. His profile and radio program continued to grow during his time with ESPN. He is the longest-serving talent on the flagship Saturday morning program SEC Nation, all while continuing to serve his devoted radio audience.

Finebaum is a believer in the power of radio. He believes the uniqueness of the medium is something no television show can match, even as the industry continues to evolve and change with each passing day.

“It’s amazing to me how many people tell me they listen to me. It’s not that they watch me. That’s really special,” says Finebaum. “Radio is always a personal one-on-one relationship with someone. Television is completely different. I’m convinced most people that watch me on television have never heard me speak. Whereas with radio, you need to listen to me speak.”

When Finebaum arrived at ESPN in 2013, he admitted there were lingering doubts about how he would fit in. A brash, bold, and direct voice who had dominated attention throughout the south was now joining a national network with its own expectations and identity. Finebaum admits producers were skeptical that executives would give his radio program a chance with television viewers.

However, Finebaum believed in the people who gave him the opportunity in the first place and in the loyal audience with whom he had built a rapport over many years in Alabama.

“There was a great concern that the show wouldn’t make it [at ESPN]. The reason why there was concern was I didn’t understand television,” noted Finebaum. “But Scott Van Pelt pulled me aside one day and told me, ‘Don’t let them change you.’ He was a radio guy at the time. A lot of people told me to do my thing, and don’t worry about the cameras. Then after about a week, they [management] were telling me the complete opposite of what I had been told at first.”

Believing In The Audience

Over time, things fell into place for Finebaum. Despite concerns from some ESPN executives, his focus remained on serving the audience that had made the program successful. He admits the show he hosts today is not exactly the same as it once was, but it remains remarkably close to the product that first earned his audience’s loyalty.

“It’s still a close facsimile of what it used to be. That’s always been the tug of war. Fortunately, the bosses at ESPN have mostly stayed out of my way. They’ve let us do our thing,” said Finebaum. “At this point, whether they thought it would work or not. They’ve allowed it to work, and have been supportive of it.”

Finebaum considers himself “counter-industry” by nature. He has been critical of those he labels as “suits,” but he also admits he has received plenty of support from many of those same executives. When he entered sports radio, it wasn’t about driving revenue or understanding the business side of the industry.

He is also self-aware enough to know he doesn’t fit many of the stereotypes associated with sports radio. He never yells or screams at callers. Instead, Finebaum’s approach centers on the message and how it is communicated. He welcomes the audience and gives callers the opportunity to participate and become part of the show as often as they like.

“I care about the audience. Some people say I have a bunch of crazy people that call my show. They don’t represent the masses. Well, I don’t know about that. All I know is for as long as we’ve done the show, the people I run into are interested in those people because they are represented,” explains Finebaum. “In some ways what we’ve done, we represent fans.”

A Political Decision

Over the past year, Finebaum found himself questioning that same representation, but in a different context. In August of last year, Finebaum was approached about an opportunity to serve the people of Alabama as a United States senator. With Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a former college football head coach, deciding to run for governor, the seat would become vacant.

Over the next three months, Finebaum weighed his options: continue his award-winning work with ESPN and The Paul Finebaum Show or leave it behind to pursue a career in politics.

“That was a tug of war. I’ve lived a long time, but it was the biggest challenge I’ve ever had professionally. I didn’t go looking for it, it came to me,” said Finebaum. “They told me they thought I could win. Then they told me not only do they think I could win, they know I could win. It’s tempting when someone tells you they have the money and the support to put behind you to be a United States Senator. It’s very tempting.”

However, the timing was difficult. As the college football season unfolded, Finebaum balanced the weekly grind of sports media with exploring a possible political future. During that process, he said many fans encouraged him not to run. He sought advice from his wife, who shared her thoughts about the risks that accompany a campaign for public office.

Ultimately, something else became the deciding factor.

“Ultimately, the reason I couldn’t do it is because that’s not me. I can’t get up there and mimic a talking point that I don’t believe and I believe to be patiently false. That’s exactly what you have to do. I spent enough time around the political advisors telling me what I have to say. What I can’t say and how many times I have to say this and that. Win or lose, and I do believe we would have won. I would have sold my soul and given up something I worked hard to ascertain for what,” explained Finebaum about the decision to not run for the Senate.

Because of everything he experienced during that three-month process, Finebaum has closed the door on a future political career.

“There was a time in this country when it really would have been enjoyable. You could be collegial and work with others across the aisle. But today, the stuff that is said every single day is insane. That’s not right or left, it’s both,” notes Finebaum. “After you go through this, you realize how bad it is. I still feel I could add something to society, but it won’t be as an elected official.”

An Honor Well Deserved

Now 70 years old, Finebaum remains at the top of his profession. With another college football season approaching, he looks forward to reflecting on his achievements as he accepts the award later today. He admits that weighing a potential career in politics has also helped him think about retirement. While he feels as energized as ever by the work he continues to produce, Finebaum is also realistic about the challenges that come with age.

For someone who has spent decades asking questions, challenging conventional wisdom, and giving college football fans a place to be heard, the Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award represents more than a celebration of longevity. It recognizes a career built on authenticity.

Paul Finebaum
Photo Credit: Canva, ESPN Press Room

Finebaum never set out to become one of the most recognizable voices in sports media. He wanted to write. Radio happened almost by accident. Television followed. Along the way, he transformed a regional call-in show into a national institution without abandoning the qualities that made it successful in the first place.

Politics would have required him to become someone else. Sports media never has.

As another college football season approaches, the voice that has become synonymous with the SEC isn’t ready to leave the conversation. And for the countless fans who have spent decades listening on their radios, watching on television, or waiting to hear his next opinion, that may be the greatest reward of all.

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.

News/Talk Radio Can’t Afford to Treat Digital as an Afterthought Anymore

Garrett Searight
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News/Talk Radio Can’t Afford to Treat Digital as an Afterthought Anymore

News/talk radio has always prided itself on being the format that moves fast. Breaking news, hot takes, callers lighting up the phone lines within minutes of a big story — speed is supposed to be the format’s calling card. So it’s more than a little ironic that when it comes to digital, this format has been one of the slowest to catch up.

Walk through the rosters of major news/talk brands across the country and you’ll find a startling number that still don’t have a real YouTube strategy. Plenty of shows don’t post on-demand audio in any meaningful way, leaving listeners who miss a segment with nowhere to go. And clipping content for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or TikTok? For too many stations, that’s still treated as a nice-to-have rather than a necessity.

Those days need to be in the past. Like, two years ago. Not today, and certainly not next quarter. The audience has already moved, and the format needs to catch up before it’s left talking to an empty room.

What Fred Jacobs Showed Us

During his session at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit on Tuesday, Jacobs Media’s Fred Jacobs delivered an outstanding presentation, and he shared a data point that should open the eyes of every news/talk program director and brand manager in America.

Among those surveyed by Jacobs Media, 81% said Bluetooth was an important feature for any new car purchase. Meanwhile, 79% said the same about FM radio, and only 40% felt that way about AM radio.

Sit with that for a second. People care more about Bluetooth than they do about FM radio. And they care about Bluetooth more than twice as much as they do about AM.

If you want to live in denial, you could argue consumers just want Bluetooth to take phone calls in the car. But do you honestly believe those same people aren’t streaming their own music, firing up Apple Podcasts, or running apps through their car speakers instead?

If so, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.

The Boat Already Left the Dock

The shift to digital isn’t some looming threat anymore — it already happened, and a lot of the format missed the boat. Now stations need to swim to catch up. Getting in the water late still beats standing on the dock, watching the boat sail off, and muttering, “Man, that sure sucks.”

So what does catching up actually look like? Start with your app. Whether it’s a standalone station app or a company-wide platform through Audacy or iHeart, it needs to be fast, intuitive, and genuinely useful, not an afterthought bolted onto a website. Next, get cameras in the studio. Video doesn’t need to be fancy, but it needs to exist, and it needs to be clipped consistently for social platforms where younger and more casual listeners actually spend their time.

From there, prioritize getting full shows, interviews, and bonus content onto Apple Podcasts and Spotify immediately, not whenever someone gets around to it. On-demand audio shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be as automatic as flipping on the mic. Additionally, every host and program director should treat their digital footprint with the same urgency they’d give a ratings book.

None of this means abandoning AM/FM. Terrestrial radio still reaches massive audiences, and it remains the format’s backbone. However, it can no longer be the entire strategy. Listeners expect to find their favorite hosts wherever they happen to be scrolling, streaming, or driving, and stations that ignore that reality are quietly ceding ground to competitors who don’t.

The format has the talent, the storytelling, and the built-in trust to thrive across every platform. What it hasn’t always had is the urgency to match. That urgency needs to start now, because the digital realm isn’t a side project anymore. You can’t survive on AM/FM radio alone, and if you’re not adapting, you’re losing. Losers don’t prosper.

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.

Coleman Insights and Greater Public Launch Public Radio Underwriting Study

David Hill
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Coleman Insights and Greater Public Launch Public Radio Underwriting Study

Coleman Insights and Greater Public are teaming up on a new research study. It focuses on the state of underwriting in public radio.

What We Know: The two organizations will debut The State of Public Radio Underwriting at the Public Media Growth Conference in Chicago, July 8-10. Coleman Insights will recruit participants at Booth 22. After the event, researchers will conduct one-on-one online interviews with underwriting and sponsorship professionals nationwide. Findings will be released exclusively through a fall webinar.

What’s at Stake: Public radio underwriting revenue faces mounting pressure from shifting advertiser expectations and growing competition. Digital sponsorship opportunities are expanding, but stations aren’t always equipped to capitalize. Team structure, training gaps, and measurement challenges compound the problem. Without better data, stations risk leaving significant revenue on the table.

What Remains Unclear: The study hasn’t launched yet, so specific findings aren’t available. It’s also unclear how many stations will participate or how broadly the results will apply. Whether smaller markets will be proportionally represented remains an open question.

What It Means: This research arrives at a critical moment for public media sustainability. Coleman Insights President Warren Kurtzman says the underwriting environment is evolving quickly. Stations need practical, research-backed strategies to strengthen revenue performance. This study could provide exactly that kind of roadmap.

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.

Stephen A. Smith on Potential TV News Future: ‘If the Right Offer Comes Along, I’d Do It’

Garrett Searight
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Stephen A. Smith on Potential TV News Future: ‘If the Right Offer Comes Along, I’d Do It’

Stephen A. Smith is one of the busiest men in media. Could he add another component — like a cable news TV show — to his future? He didn’t shoot it down.

What We Know: Smith has made appearances on Fox News, ABC News, CBS News, and NewsNation in recent months. While speaking at the Barrett Media Audio Summit on Tuesday afternoon, Smith said he does have an interest in the medium.

What They Said: “I’m never going to be one-dimensional. If the right network came along with the right offer, I would do it. But it can’t be at the expense of the things that I love doing. What has shocked me is how much I have enjoyed doing political talk, doing my show on a Sirius XM every Wednesday night. When I get off the air, I can go at least two more hours, I got that much more to say. I always feel like, ‘Damn it. I have more to say. The show’s over.’ Every Wednesday night. I didn’t expect that.

“When I think about doing a news show, I fantasize about having a platform where I have folks from both sides of the aisle, and we’re just talking. Yeah, I’m gonna give my opinions. Yeah, you’re gonna see me with my opening monologue. And I’m gonna bring the pain, make no mistake about it. Do I think I could do a new show? You damn right I can. With ease, I might add. It ain’t hard, not for me.” -Stephen A. Smith

What’s at Stake: Smith is a powerful voice in both sports and his show with SiriusXM. His political show continues to grow and create impact. It’s undeniable that he’d create buzz on cable news.

What It Means: Smith did note that the current state of cable news doesn’t appeal to him due to its partisan nature. However, his openness to the medium shows he’s open to virtually every opportunity as long as it makes business sense for him and the company.

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.

Q102’s Mollie Watson Departs Hubbard’s WKRQ Cincinnati

David Hill
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Q102’s Mollie Watson Departs Hubbard’s WKRQ Cincinnati

Mollie Watson is leaving Q102. Sixteen years at the Cincinnati Hot AC station come to a close today.

What We Know: Watson exits Hubbard’s WKRQ “Q102” in Cincinnati after sixteen years on the air. She has co-hosted “The Hot List” alongside Jennifer Fritsch and Tim Timmerman during the 10am hour, and she’s anchored solo from 11am to 3pm. Watson recently took on a new role as Associate Director of Strategic Growth at Cincinnati Animal Care, a position she had been juggling alongside her radio duties. Her final show airs today, starting at 10am with Fritsch.

What They Said: Watson reflected on her run in personal terms. “What started as a dream internship became one of the greatest chapters of my life,” she said. “I’m so grateful for my amazing coworkers, the listeners who welcomed me into their lives every day and the countless memories I’ll always carry with me. Thank you for every laugh, every conversation and every moment we shared. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next soon.”

What Remains Unclear: Watson hasn’t said where she’s headed next, though her comments suggest an announcement is coming soon. It’s also unclear whether her departure stems from her growing commitment to Cincinnati Animal Care or reflects a separate opportunity entirely. WKRQ has yet to announce replacement plans for the 10am and midday shifts.

What It Means: Watson’s exit reshapes Q102’s weekday lineup at a station that built loyalty around her voice for sixteen years. Meanwhile, her dual-career pivot toward animal welfare work highlights a broader trend of radio talent diversifying beyond traditional on-air roles.

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Audacy CEO Kelli Turner on Potential Future Sales: ‘Everything Has a Price’

Garrett Searight
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Audacy CEO Kelli Turner on Potential Future Sales: ‘Everything Has a Price’

On Monday, Audacy announced it was selling its St. Louis cluster. Audacy CEO Kelli Turner says there could be more moves like that on the horizon, if the deal is right.

What We Know: Hoffmann Media Group purchased the St. Louis cluster from Audacy. Included in the sale are 96.3 R&B, 97.1 FM Talk, Y98 (Hot AC), Hot 98.7 (Hip Hop), 102.5 KEZK (AC), and 104.1 KMOX (news/talk). In a memo to staffers, Audacy CEO Kelli Turner said the company wasn’t looking to offload the cluster. While speaking at the Barrett Media Audio Summit on Tuesday afternoon, Turner shared insight into the company’s thought process when it comes to potential deals in the future.

What They Said: “Everything has a price in life. Even our stations. People talk about radio as an X times multiple business. It’s gonna be four times that. If that came out of the woodwork? Who knows? I’m not expecting that. But I think it’s hard for anyone that’s a business person not to be open for business for the right situation. St. Louis happened to fit the bill. That’s kind of how we thought about it.” -Audacy CEO Kelli Turner

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms for the deal between Audacy and Hoffmann Media Group have yet to be disclosed. It is also unclear if any other potential sales are in the works for Audacy.

What It Means: Turner’s insight is the natural thought process for a company of its size. It would be illogical to rule out any potential sale if another entity wanted to pay a bunch of dollars for a specific brand or cluster. It sounds like a wise strategy to never say no to a potential deal if the situation is right.

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Ryan Gaydos Promoted To Deputy Editor Fox News Digital Sports, OutKick

John Mamola
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Ryan Gaydos Promoted To Deputy Editor Fox News Digital Sports, OutKick

Fox news has announced that Ryan Gaydos has been promoted. The longtime Fox News Digital editor now leads sports content overseeing Fox News Digital sports and OutKick.

What We Know: Gaydos has worked for Fox News Digital since 2014, most recently as Senior Editor. In that role, he led coverage for the Fox News Digital Sports team across the NFL, college football, MLB, NBA and NHL. He’s covered multiple Super Bowls, the NFL Draft and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He has now been named Deputy Managing Editor for Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick, expanding his oversight to both properties under the Fox umbrella.

What They Said: Ryan Gaydos (via X): “Today, I was officially named Deputy Managing Editor for Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick. All I wanted to do with my life was to write about sports and I never imagined it would take me this far. The team with me is second to none. Now, we ball.”

What Remains Unclear: Fox News has not released an official statement outlining his new duties. Moreover, whether Gaydos will directly manage staff across both Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick remains unknown.

What It Means: The promotion points to tighter integration between Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick. Since joining Fox News Media, OutKick has steadily shared resources with its sister outlets. In addition, elevating a decade-plus veteran like Gaydos suggests leadership wants experienced hands guiding that convergence. For Gaydos, it caps a steady rise since 2014 and underscores Fox’s continued bet on sports content.

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