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How Dolly Parton Shaped a Generation of Radio Women

Bethany Kent
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How Dolly Parton Shaped a Generation of Radio Women

When Dolly Parton passed away, country radio lost more than a legend. It lost a mentor that most people never even met in person. For me personally, I have been a Dolly fan for as long as I can remember. I can recall a phase where I would blast “9 To 5” every single day on my commute from Jersey City into Manhattan while working at the world’s best-known Hip-Hop radio station, HOT 97. It was usually followed by JAY-Z’s “Public Service Announcement”, but still, Dolly got me hyped for a day at the office “working for the man.”

In 2021, as we were coming out of the pandemic, and I was coming out of grieving the loss of my mother and being laid off from HOT 97, I took a two-month solo road trip and even stayed at Dolly’s DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN. I actually went solo to Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater, which is a unique cultural experience to say the least. I was lucky enough to meet her in 2025 as she launched her Rockstar album in Nashville. Radio folks who have been around as long as I have rarely get starstruck. Even now, when someone asks me, “Have you ever met (insert artist here)?” I usually have to think for a minute. But not with Dolly. I was too stunned to speak more than a few words in her presence. It was a night I will never forget.

I know there are other radio nerds like me, particularly women, who Dolly helped inspire and uplift. To really understand her impact, I reached out to eight women I know across the Country format and asked them to share what Dolly meant to them.

Their answers, gathered separately, told one connected story.

She Never Made Herself Smaller

Nearly every woman pointed to the same trait first: Dolly refused to shrink herself for anyone.

Gabe Mercer of KMLE Phoenix said Dolly “stood as an inspiration to women of all backgrounds and walks of life.” She added that Dolly “was unapologetically herself, and wasn’t afraid to knock down any door.”

Andrea Burtscher, who is Operations Manager of Audacy Nashville and on the CRS Agenda Committe agreed. She said Dolly “never allowed anyone to make her smaller, quieter or less Dolly in order to belong,” calling that kind of strength rare in an industry that hasn’t always been kind to women who refuse to fit a mold.

Annie Camp described watching Dolly handle interviewers who questioned her looks or choices over the years. “She never let anyone but herself define who Dolly was,” Annie said, calling that confidence a major influence on her own life.

Nicole Michalik of WXTU Philadelphia summed it up simply. “She never wavered,” Nicole said. “She made people feel seen and loved and welcome.”

Business Savvy Behind the Rhinestones

Beyond the music, several women pointed to Dolly’s sharp business mind.

Marci Braun of Audacy called Dolly “quite possibly one of the best philanthropists of our time.” She pointed to Dolly’s reach across production companies, Dollywood, and her own makeup line as proof of real business instinct. “That woman knew her audience,” Marci said. “But I think what I respect about her most was how she always controlled the narrative.”

Holly Hutton of Rob & Holly agreed that Dolly was always bigger than the music. “I also really admired the way she built and expanded her career to become a true brand,” Holly said.

The Moments That Stuck

For the women lucky enough to meet Dolly, the memories were small but unforgettable.

Marci Braun recalled holding a door for Dolly, who touched her face and said, “Thank you.” Marci added, “I swear my right knee gave out right then and there.”

Sabrina Sergio met Dolly at the same release party for her rock album that I attended. “I’ll never forget her complimenting my outfit, saying ‘I understood the theme,'” Sabrina said. “I don’t even think I knew how to speak English after that.”

Andrea Burtscher met Dolly during that same album’s press tour. She remembered Dolly walking straight toward her and Holly Hutton between interviews. “Even famous people need to pee!” Dolly told them with a laugh. Andrea was also present for what became Dolly’s final public appearance, at the opening of her travel stop in Cornersville, Tennessee. “It still doesn’t feel real that she’s gone,” Andrea said.

Katie Neal shared a story from a 2023 interview to promote Dolly’s Rockstar album. When Dolly asked if the cameras were rolling for television, Katie explained it was for radio instead. “Well, you should be!” Dolly told her, referring to how Katie should be on TV. Neal later reflected that being asked to speak about Dolly’s legacy on CNN the day she passed felt like no coincidence at all.

Holly Hutton’s connection ran even deeper than a single meeting. Dolly’s children’s album, I Believe in You, came out the same year Holly’s son was born, and its lullabies became part of their nightly routine. “It was Dolly who sang my son lullabies every night,” Holly said. “God knows I can’t sing!” Years later, her son still asks her to make him a coat of many colors.

Dolly in Her Own Words

Every woman had a favorite Dolly quote, and together they painted a full picture of her wit.

Gabe Mercer leaned on humor: “Every diet I’ve ever fell off of was because of a potato. Either french fries or mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. Potato, potato, potato. I never met a spud I didn’t like.” She also carries a second line with her daily: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

Marci Braun picked a line from Steel Magnolias: “Smile! It increases your face value!” She also loves the “rooster to a hen with one shot” speech from 9 to 5.

Annie Camp and Nicole Michalik both cited the same line about blonde jokes. “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb, and I’m not blonde either,” Dolly said.

Holly Hutton keeps two quotes close. Every morning she sings, “Pour myself a cup of ambition,” while making coffee. Her other favorite shows Dolly’s edge: “I can tell you where to put it if I don’t like where you got it.”

Andrea Burtscher pointed to that same edge, pairing it with a line she heard in a separate interview: “Don’t you ever think that I’m a pushover. I want people to know I am a girl of many colors.”

Sabrina Sergio’s favorite line came from an unlikely source, Dolly’s cameo on Hannah Montana. “If you keep yourself out the game for fear of losing, there is no way on this earth you’re gonna win,” Sabrina remembered.

Katie Neal’s favorite line has nothing to do with an interview at all. It came from the first journal entry she ever wrote as a little girl: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

The Legacy for the Next Generation

When asked what Dolly’s legacy should mean going forward, the answers converged around one idea. Stay true to yourself, and don’t wait for permission.

Sabrina Sergio hopes women “continue to make a space for ourselves in this business, and never try to fit into a ‘mold’ that we think we need to be to succeed.” Marci Braun hopes the next generation stays true to themselves and “doesn’t take any crap from anyone.”

Holly Hutton wants young women in radio to know that being feminine, ambitious, and kind are not contradictions. “Those things don’t cancel each other out,” she said. Andrea Burtscher hopes women stop wasting time on anyone who makes them question their worth, focusing instead on “what you want, what you’ve worked for and what you deserve.”

Katie Neal offered a phrase borrowed from country star Lainey Wilson, one she believes now guides the whole format. Ask yourself, WWDD. What would Dolly do?

A Legacy Bigger Than Music

Dolly Parton spent decades proving that warmth and power can exist in the same person. For these eight women in country radio, her passing wasn’t just the loss of an icon. It was a reminder of everything she taught them about staying exactly who they are.

As Nicole Michalik said, there will never be another Dolly. But thanks to the space she carved out, there doesn’t have to be. There just has to be another version of themselves, fully realized, the way Dolly always encouraged.

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.

Richard Blade KROQ Legend Still Dominates SiriusXM 1st Wave

Mike Stern
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Richard Blade KROQ Legend Still Dominates SiriusXM 1st Wave

Throughout radio’s history, there have been many impactful on-air talent. Most are known for the way they entertained their audience or embraced their community. However, few have become completely synonymous with a particular style of music the way Richard Blade has.

Currently, the afternoon host on SiriusXM’s 1st Wave channel, Blade’s name is as familiar to fans of that era of music as the bands he plays. In fact, the title of his autobiography, World in My Eyes, is a reference to Depeche Mode. Importantly, while some people might chafe at being tied so closely to a sound, Blade loves it. “I thought I might resent it, but I don’t at all. I embrace it because it was an incredible era of music.”

After coming to America from England, Blade began working in radio in the mid-seventies. Subsequently, he joined the legendary Alternative station KROQ in Los Angeles in 1982. He remained there for eighteen years through the heyday of what’s now referred to as Flashback Alternative or 1st Wave.

The Rise of KROQ

Blade says he was fortunate to work at KROQ early on when the station was programmed by the legendary Rick Carroll, who is certainly the godfather of today’s Alternative stations.

“It was one of the few places I’ve worked where you weren’t just an employee, you were also a fan,” says Blade. “When I got off the air I would race to my car and put the radio on to turn on Jed (The Fish) or Freddie (Snakeskin) because I wanted to hear what they were going to play.”

What kept the station interesting were two spots an hour where the hosts could play whatever they wanted. Additionally, the host’s ability to influence the playlist went even further. “I remember Rick Carroll saying the rest of the hour follow the music key unless you’ve got something better. In that case play it.”

Despite having a weaker signal and small budget, that freedom — along with a desire to be different and tapping into a unique musical movement — helped KROQ become a cultural juggernaut.

“The joke was if you sneezed on the air in the morning, the rest of the day, wherever you went in Los Angeles people would say bless you,” Blade remembers. “It felt like everybody was listening. It was great.”

The music on KROQ went beyond just influencing listeners. For example, after playing a song by Godley and Crème called “Cry,” which at the time was still a rare import, he got a call from a musical consultant for Miami Vice. Blade took the song to the studio and four weeks later it was featured in an episode of the show.

Then Came Grunge

Blade was still at KROQ in the summer of 1991 when everything changed. “I actually say, in World in My Eyes that no one knows exactly when the eighties started. It could have been when the Ramones played at CBGB or when the Sex Pistols swore on live TV or when Duran Duran ran through the jungles of Sri Lanka,” Blade says. “But everyone knows when the eighties ended. It was when Kurt Cobain picked up his guitar and ripped into ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.'”

Some nineties acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam resonated with Blade. However, a lot of that era’s music didn’t. “Candlebox and Live and bands like that didn’t talk to me. People love them and that’s terrific. But they weren’t my cup of tea.”

The musical shift at KROQ away from the artists that defined Blade’s career created an opportunity. “I kind of felt my arc at KROQ starting to come down and then I came up with the idea of playing eighties during lunchtime,” Blade says. “And (Program Director) Kevin Wetherly was happy to do that because he figured he could bury the eighties on the Flashback Lunch and not have to play them the rest of the day. Then eventually he’d be able to pull the plug, and it would just disappear.”

Unexpectedly, the Flashback Lunch became incredibly popular. The station had three top-rated shows: Blade in middays with the Flashback Lunch; Kevin and Bean in the morning; and Love Line at night. Despite the success, the Flashback Lunch was eventually pulled from the schedule, and Blade was moved to hosting weekends. Regrettably, the change didn’t go as planned.

According to Blade, “he pulled the plug on a Monday morning and on a Wednesday morning he called me and said, ‘Flashback Lunch is back as of today.'” Blade says the station was inundated with complaints demanding the show be put back. While Blade says he has great respect for Weatherly as a programmer and as a person, he feels the two had an ongoing tension about the eighties music Blade championed.

On to the Satellite

Blade eventually left KROQ in 2000. After a short retirement, he came back to work with VH-1 before joining SiriusXM as afternoon host on 1st Wave. This position impacted his fundamental approach to radio.

On the air from 3pm to 9pm eastern time, a lot of listeners say they turn on his show while eating dinner with their family. “This changed my perspective. I was raised to think that, on the radio, I’m the passenger talking to the listener who is the driver,” Blade explains. “Now I feel like I’m a guest at the dining table. I’m there with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Jerry Seinfeld and they’ve all told a really good story. Now it’s my turn. How do I live up to that?”

The other difference at SiriusXM is who he’s focused on. “When I first started here they said everything you do on the air is for the subscriber. Whereas terrestrial radio, everything you do on the air is for the advertiser,” Blade says. “The music and everything else is kind of an interruption on terrestrial radio, and it’s a shame it’s gone that way. Whereas SiriusXM, because its subscriber-based, I can make it really listener friendly.”

That allows him to channel some of the early KROQ energy. He credits Chris Muckley who runs the station for being flexible. “I’ll tell Chris, I need to put a couple of songs in because it’s the anniversary of an album release and bam, it’s done.”

He’s also able to react in the moment to events like Dolly Parton’s passing. “I’ll jump on the air and talk about Dolly. Even though we don’t play her music, she was such a gift to everyone who knew her,” he says. “I can talk about it and go into a song like ‘Miss Me Blind’ from Culture Club. Doing that makes listeners feel like we are in touch with what they’re feeling.”

Beyond the Satellite

Blade’s gift for communication has led to numerous projects outside of radio. In addition to his autobiography, he’s also published two books of in-depth interviews with artists. These include The Lockdown Interviews, which took place during COVID, and The Unlocked Interviews which came as bands ramped back up after the pandemic. Additionally, he’s released several novels.

The biggest surprise of his career may have been receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Blade knew he had been nominated but the committee held his name for two years. Consequently, when he got the call it was a shock. “My wife levitated. I think she got like four inches off the ground and spun around. We had no idea it was coming.”

His most recent project has been touring with Howard Jones, which came together in a comical way. “I got a cleverly written email from Howard’s manager, and I knew exactly what he was doing. It asked if I knew any DJs who might want to go on the road with Howard Jones. I was like, yes, I can tell you one.”

But Blade, who has been a DJ since he was eighteen, wanted to do more than just stand behind a console. Instead, he developed a crowd-interactive history of New Wave that included audio and video elements.

“I walked off and Howard was standing at the side of the stage with his arms folded and says, ‘I thought you were going to DJ.'” Blade recalls. But then Jones said how much he loved it and encouraged Blade to do a second tour with him. The partnership is now on its third round with Blade creating new, interactive presentations each time.

Keeping New Wave Fresh

Inventing new ways to entertain crowds on tour with Howard Jones is a reminder of the challenge that comes with being so closely tied to an older genre of music. Keeping audiences engaged requires finding ways to keep the music sounding contemporary.

It helps that so many of the New Wave artists are still active today. Blade points to Billy Idol as the perfect example. Between a documentary, a Las Vegas residency and touring with Devo and Susanna Hoffs, he’s as vital as many current acts.

“The kids who are listening think he’s on the road and so is Ed Sheeran. To listeners they’re both vital and happening right now. We don’t talk about what Billy did back in the day. We talk about how Billy is doing now.”

That leads to younger fans embracing the music Blade loves. “These are the same kids that love Doja Cat and Taylor Swift. They also love The Cure and Depeche Mode,” Blade says proudly. “So many of New Wave bands recorded such great tracks, it makes people fall in love with the music. So, I welcome any link to the eighties.”

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.

Rock Radio Garage Sale: Programming Strategy for Working Listeners

Keith Cunningham
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Rock Radio Garage Sale: Programming Strategy for Working Listeners

I had several Labor Day column ideas, but none of them wanted to work a full shift on a holiday weekend. So welcome to the Labor Day Rock & Roll Garage Sale: five unused columns, a few missing parts, priced to move. No reasonable offer refused.

Rock has always carried a working person’s mentality. Think jeans, sweat, long days, and longer nights. Punk came from garages; Rock came from the alleys. Grunge wore work boots. Moreover, Alternative chronicled dead-end jobs and the grind long before workplace burnout became a LinkedIn topic.

Work isn’t merely a lyrical theme. Instead, it’s part of Rock’s DNA. But does RockTernative radio still sound like it knows what a workday feels like?

Morning shows hit their stride at 7:30am when plenty of workers clock in much earlier. In fact, afternoon drive is treated like one universal commute. Meanwhile, night and overnight workers barely exist at radio—even though millions of listeners take “lunch” at 9pm. Additionally, “listen at work to win” requires someone operating equipment or serving customers to give radio their full attention.

These are easy critiques. I’m guilty, too. Furthermore, programmers can defend every one of them with ratings and revenue. However, work still starts early and shifts still run late.

So this Labor Day, don’t just play “Working Man”—sound like you know one.

The Hardest Working Songs in Rock

Some songs are stars; others load the truck.

Programmers may be sick of “Man in the Box.” Similarly, talent may struggle to find something new to say about “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Wonderwall,” or the other immortal hits they’ve introduced 500 times. Nevertheless, listeners don’t always hear them that way.

Those songs hold generations together. They carry entire decades and genres. Importantly, they rescue questionable music sweeps. While they may not be the sexiest in 2026, they give brands stability while newer songs fight to earn permanent jobs.

Programmers should identify the songs doing invisible labor on your station. Note that they aren’t always the ones in the top percentile of research—sometimes they’re image tracks. Then protect them from becoming wallpaper. This doesn’t automatically mean more spins. Instead, give them context and fresh imaging. Also, scrutinize what’s next to them.

The hardest-working songs make programmers’ jobs easier. Therefore, return the favor.

Long Weekend, Same Old Clock

By the time you read this, weekend plans are set. Most shifts are already recorded.

Some brands will do something different. Others will follow a familiar strategy: run Friday clocks through Tuesday, sprinkle in some “Happy Labor Day Weekend” between songs, and call it an event.

That may have worked when radio’s competition was a CD binder rolling around under the passenger seat. However, today’s weekend victory is getting Mr. Saturday back again next Saturday.

Weekends do remain valuable—sometimes more so than weekdays. Importantly, people move and think differently. Cities feel different on weekends. Great stations recognize that by making noise, being present, and creating something that belongs on the weekend—not just Tuesday’s log.

Don’t drive into the ditch. Discipline matters. But if Saturday sounds exactly like Thursday, the “Labor Day Weekend” is just a regular clock wearing a koozie.

Who’s Really Doing the Work

We all see the headliner. Few see the crew building the stage, hanging the lights, and loading the truck.

At radio, the engineers, producers, promotions coordinators, board-ops, and overloaded local leaders keep the show moving while staffing shrinks and expectations grow. They fix what breaks. Moreover, they cover open shifts, load the van, answer texts, execute the promotion, and make the impossible request appear effortless. This all happens before anyone notices there was a problem.

A Labor Day salute is nice. Better yet, proper staffing, fair compensation, and a legitimate career path would be even better.

Companies can keep cutting the road crew. But don’t act surprised when the stage stops going up.

Everything Must Go

Every garage sale has a pile nobody wants to drag back inside. There’s that hub cap you don’t remember claiming. Or that scratched version of Dookie. This one is no different.

What belongs in that pile at your station? What stuff do you finally need to part ways with?

Consider a benchmark no one would miss. Think about imaging that’s developing rust. What about image tracks that are no longer “oh wow?” Additionally, consider meetings that only create more meetings.

Labor Day is the end of summer. Before the new year of Fall begins, identify anything eating up time, attention, or inventory without much return. Get rid of it.

Here’s to a clean garage, a happy Labor Day, and the start of Fall.

This column will be moving to its new day, Mondays, starting after Labor Day.

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.

105.3 The Fan Becomes New Radio Flagship Station For the Dallas Mavericks

John Mamola
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105.3 The Fan Becomes New Radio Flagship Station For the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have a new radio home. Audacy’s 105.3 The Fan takes over as the team’s flagship station.

What We Know: Audacy signed a multi-year deal making 105.3 The Fan the Mavericks’ new flagship station. The partnership reaches more than nine million listeners across North Texas, with extra coverage via the Texas State Network. Additionally, Chuck Cooperstein enters his 22nd season calling play-by-play, joined by analyst Brian Dameris. Previously, the Mavericks aired games on iHeartMedia’s 97.1 The Eagle.

What They Said: Gina Miller, Dallas Mavericks Chief Communications Officer: “105.3 The Fan has built tremendous equity in the market with sports fans across North Texas, and we’re excited to bring the Dallas Mavericks to the Audacy family. This partnership is about giving Mavs fans more ways to connect with the team, from game broadcasts to weekly programming, while significantly expanding our reach across Texas. Plainly put, we want to give our fans more Mavs content, wherever they are.”

Gavin Spittle, Vice President of News/Talk/Sports, Audacy Dallas, 105.3 The Fan: “This partnership is an amazing addition to everything we’ve built for our listeners. At The Fan, we can’t wait to keep expanding our multi-platform experience to deliver the best content to sports fans. Serving as the proud, 100,000-watt home of the Dallas Mavericks is something we are truly excited about.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t disclose financial terms. Still, the Mavericks plan to announce their full TV and radio schedule before the season starts. Meanwhile, Audacy hasn’t detailed exactly when each new weekly show will air.

What It Means: This deal strengthens Audacy’s grip on Dallas sports radio play by play. The Mavericks gain a bigger platform and more consistent year-round coverage. Meanwhile, 105.3 The Fan adds a marquee NBA franchise to a lineup that already includes the Cowboys and Rangers. Ultimately, fans get more access, and Audacy gets more inventory to sell.

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.

Dianna Russini Reportedly Planning Return To Sports Media “Sooner Than Later”

John Mamola
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Dianna Russini Reportedly Planning Return To Sports Media “Sooner Than Later”

Dianna Russini is reportedly already eyeing a comeback to sports media. The Athletic’s investigation findings released Thursday may clear her path back.

What We Know: Earlier today, the finds of The Athletic’s five-month probe found Russini’s relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel violated company disclosure standards. Investigators reviewed 903 stories, 77 videos, and 204 podcast episodes bearing her name. They also interviewed 14 staffers who worked alongside her. Still, the review turned up little evidence that her Vrabel coverage was compromised. Following the release of the report, Front Office Sports reported that Russini is already engaging in conversations about a return to sports media “sooner than later.”

What’s At Stake: Should an outlet hire Russini, the explanation and audience reaction could be mixed. While Russini has worked for several high profile outlets, the findings of the investigation may not overshadow the impact photos of her and Mike Vrabel may have on the public.

What Remains Unclear: The full nature of the Russini-Vrabel relationship is still unknown, according to The Athletic’s own finding. Russini hasn’t announced her next job, though Front Office Sports say she’s weighing several offers.

What It Means: The Athletic’s findings removed a major obstacle standing between Russini and her comeback. Joining an outlet while still under investigation would not have been smart play by Russini. Consequently, networks and platforms now have public cover to pursue her without added controversy following the findings release. Ultimately, her next move could land before NFL kickoff or possibly shortly thereafter.

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.

Mike Valenti: Dianna Russini Findings By The Athletic “Gaslighting” The Public

John Mamola
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Mike Valenti: Dianna Russini Findings By The Athletic “Gaslighting” The Public

The Athletic released its investigation findings into the matter involving Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel on Thursday. 97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti didn’t buy a word of the findings published by the online outlet.

What We Know: Standards editor Mike Semel led The Athletic’s five-month review and found that Dianna Russini violated newsroom standards through her undisclosed relationship with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Semel reviewed 903 stories about Vrabel’s coverage and found no inaccuracies. Still, he called the resort photos a clear conflict of interest. Valenti addressed the report Thursday on The Valenti Show with Rico on 97.1 The Ticket. He says the nature of the story used to be one that would end outlets like The Athletic.

What They Said: (All quotes via 97.1 The Ticket):

Mike Valenti believes Dianna Russini had plenty to hide: “Here’s the biggest problem I have. If you have nothing to hide, if you are not guilty, turn over your phone. Innocent people don’t throw their phones in a lake. If they couldn’t gain access to her phone, you’re guilty. You’re guilty, honey.”

Mike Valenti says The Athletic must be held liable for this: “The Athletic has to own this. They have to own that one of their highest-paid employees seems like, sounds like, feels like, was banging an NFL head coach who’s married. Then named her kid the same name as this guy. And by the way, nine months before that kid was born, she spent two straight weekends in Nashville covering Titans games. Who coached the Titans? [Mike] Vrabel. Nine months later, a magic bean pops out, and she names it Mike. Like, come on, man.”

Mike Valenti says he disappointed in the findings of The Athletic’s investigation: “This is the problem I have with sports now. Do an investigation about yourself, and you find yourself awesome. You’re just getting openly gaslit. This is the type of journalistic breach that should end an outlet. I mean, are you kidding me?”

Mike Valenti says ESPN didn’t cover this because of their relationship to the NFL: “The Athletic is a pimple on an elephant’s ass when it comes to the general media. They can’t compete with an ESPN. ESPN would rather tell you what some idiot WNBA player did, or give you an article about Toons the driving cat. They didn’t touch this story. You know why? Because they’re like so many other people in media. They’re bought.”

Mike Valenti says the Russini story is bigger than it’s being made to be: “This is an unholy union. This breaks the trust of every fan and every customer you have. It’s a big story. Do I care who Dianna Russini is using as a pogo stick? I do not. But when it’s a head coach, it’s less about the hee hees and hahas, and more about the problem we have in media today. No one’s honest; they’re all bought.”

What Remains Unclear: Semel’s report never determined the full nature of the Russini-Vrabel relationship. However, it’s unclear whether Vrabel or the Patriots will respond to Valenti’s remarks.

What It Means: Valenti’s reaction keeps this story alive well past the report’s release. He fully believes the findings after five month of investigation don’t match the impact the photos had on credibility with sports journalism. Whether or not Russini makes any comeback in sports media is yet to be defined. However, whether or not an audience or following will trust her moving forward is unknown. Also, if outlets would sign on for her services past the findings of this report are also in doubt.

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 Media Reacts After Maria Bartiromo Exits Fox News, Press Secretary Speculation Grows

Garrett Searight
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News Media Reacts After Maria Bartiromo Exits Fox News, Press Secretary Speculation Grows

Fox News announced it had ended its relationship with longtime host Maria Bartiromo. That led to plenty of speculation that she could be the next White House Press Secretary.

What We Know: Fox News Media — the parent company of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network — parted ways with Bartiromo on Thursday afternoon. Bartiromo spent more than 12 years with the networks. Her final appearance on Fox Business Network was on Friday, August 7th. Her last time on Fox News was on Sunday, August 9th.

What Remains Unclear: It is unknown what Bartiromo’s future looks like. One question many observers asked was whether or not she would be the next White House Press Secretary. The timeline of Maria Bartiromo’s last appearances on the network coincides with the announcement that current White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would resign from the post. She made her announcement public on Wednesday, August 12th. At Thursday’s press briefing, Vice President JD Vance was asked directly if Bartiromo would succeed Leavitt.

What They Said: “I don’t know, man. No? I don’t think so. Look, I just saw the news literally as I walked out before … I haven’t even talked to her, so I don’t know the backstory about why she’s decided to leave Fox News.” -Vice President JD Vance

What It Means: In spite of Vance’s dismissal of the question, many questioned if Bartiromo’s next stop included the White House briefing room.

What It Means: On the heels of her exit, Maria Bartiromo’s name rocketed up the boards on the prediction markets as the most likely successor to Leavitt. After starting the day at 1%, she is now at 50% on Polymarket as of this publication. On Kalshi, she rose as high as 29% before settling back down toward 9%.

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WFNZ Announces Multi-Year Extension With Charlotte Hornets

John Mamola
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WFNZ Announces Multi-Year Extension With Charlotte Hornets

Hornets basketball is staying on the airwaves of WFNZ. The team and Radio One have renewed their flagship partnership for an 18th straight season.

What We Know: The Charlotte Hornets and Sports Radio 92.7 WFNZ signed a new multi-year broadcast agreement. As a result, WFNZ remains the team’s flagship station starting with the 2026-27 campaign. Meanwhile, play-by-play voice Sam Farber will call every preseason, regular-season and postseason game. Beyond the FM dial, fans can also stream coverage through the Hornets app and WFNZ.com.

What They Said: Shelly Cayette-Weston, Charlotte Hornets Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations: “Across 17 seasons, WFNZ has helped bring our games, players and stories to fans throughout the Charlotte region. WFNZ’s hosts understand the passion and loyalty of our fanbase and have long provided an important forum for the conversations surrounding our team. We are thrilled to welcome WFNZ back as our flagship radio station and expand a longstanding partnership that will provide fans with even more access, insight and opportunities to engage with the Hornets as we continue building momentum for the future.”

Marsha Landess, Radio One Vice President/General Manager: “We are incredibly proud to reunite with the Charlotte Hornets as the team’s flagship radio station. WFNZ has a longstanding connection with the Hornets and their fans. We are excited to once again bring every game – and the conversations surrounding the team – to our listeners. From live broadcasts and exclusive interviews to special programming and fan experiences, this partnership will deliver the access, insight and compelling local sports content that Charlotte fans expect from WFNZ.”

What Remains Unclear: The exact length of the new multi-year deal was not disclosed. Financial terms are also unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, the renewal deepens an already 17-season relationship between Charlotte and WFNZ. Furthermore, expanded pregame and postgame shows, plus cross-station interviews on WBT and WOSF, widen the Hornets’ local footprint. Moreover, as the franchise builds momentum, WFNZ stays central to how Charlotte hears its team.

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.

Maria Bartiromo Exits Fox News, Fox Business Network

Garrett Searight
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Maria Bartiromo Exits Fox News, Fox Business Network

Fox News is parting ways with Maria Bartiromo after more than 12 years with the company. The network announced the move on Thursday afternoon.

What We Know: Bartiromo has anchored multiple programs across Fox News Media, including Mornings with Maria on Fox Business Network. The morning program aired weekdays from 6-9 AM ET. She also hosted Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street on Friday evenings from 7-7:30 PM ET. Meanwhile, her Fox News program Sunday Morning Futures will have a temporary change this weekend. Fox News will have Jason Chaffetz host Sunday Morning Futures this week. The network plans to announce a new permanent host at a later date. Bartiromo made her final appearance on Fox News on Sunday, August 9th.

What They Said: “We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 ½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter.” -Fox News Media statement

What Remains Unclear: The network hasn’t identified who will permanently succeed her on Sunday Morning Futures. It is also unclear who will helm the newly rebranded Mornings with Fox Business in the interim as the network transitions away from Bartiromo.

What It Means: Bartiromo’s exit represents a significant change for Fox News Media’s business-news lineup. Her presence helped connect Fox Business Network’s financial coverage with Fox News’ political audience. Now, the company must determine how to replace a familiar face across multiple important time slots. For Bartiromo, the departure opens the door to a new chapter after more than a decade at Fox.

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.

Face the Nation Tops Total Viewers in August Sunday Show Ratings

Garrett Searight
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1
Face the Nation Tops Total Viewers in August Sunday Show Ratings

The Sunday public affairs ratings show a tight race among the major broadcast networks during the month of August. Face the Nation led total viewers, while Meet the Press delivered the strongest A25-54 audience.

What We Know: The Sunday public affairs programs continued to draw sizable audiences in August, with three shows clustered around 2.5 million total viewers. CBS’ Face the Nation finished first in total viewers, followed closely by ABC’s This Week and NBC’s Meet the Press. Meanwhile, Fox News Sunday remained well behind the broadcast competition in overall viewership. The Fox program, however, still attracted a meaningful audience among adults 25-54.

What The Numbers Show:

NetworkShowTotal ViewersAdults 25-54
CBSFace the Nation2,585,000268,000
ABCThis Week2,499,000330,000
NBCMeet the Press2,466,000372,000
FOXFox News Sunday852,000146,000

What Remains Unclear: The August figures don’t show how much each program benefited from individual news events or guest lineups. Additionally, the data doesn’t indicate whether longer program durations affected the overall audience totals.

What It Means: CBS can claim the total-viewer win, but NBC has a stronger position among adults 25-54. ABC also remains competitive, keeping the broadcast race close. Meanwhile, Fox News Sunday continues to operate with a smaller total audience but maintains a notable demographic presence.

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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