The opening doubleheader slate of games for Unrivaled Basketball, the new three-on-three women’s basketball league, averaged 312,000 viewers on TNT and truTV. The first game between the Lunar Owls and Mist averaged 313,000 viewers, while the backend of the doubleheader with the Vinyl and Rose drew 311,000 viewers. Viewership peaked during the first game in the 8:15 p.m. EST quarter-hour with 364,000 viewers. Moreover, the matchups were the two most-watched women’s basketball games to ever air on TNT Sports platforms.
This marks the first broadcast under a six-year media rights deal between the league and Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly worth $100 million. TNT and truTV are broadcasting Unrivaled Basketball games during the season, airing on Warner Bros. Discovery platforms on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. The first night of games featured several WNBA stars, including co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, along with Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston and Angel Reese.
According to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, the opening games outpaced the average WNBA regular-season game viewership on cable by 50% excluding those featuring Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. The WNBA garnered an average of 657,000 viewers for its regular-season matchups, including 22 games that attained an average surpassing 1 million viewers. The company airs these broadcasts as it prepares to lose U.S. live game rights to the National Basketball Association at the conclusion of the season.
TNT Sports announced the on-air talent taking part in broadcasts of Unrivaled Basketball prior to the first matchup, featuring a game crew of Brendan Glasheen, Lisa Leslie and Sarah Kustok. The team will be joined by a rotation of sideline reporters, some of whom include Taylor Rooks, Allie LaForce, Stephanie Ready and Ros Gold-Onwude. Leslie will also take part in studio coverage for select broadcasts with Candace Parker, Renee Montgomery and Lauren Jbara.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Day 3 of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2024 presented by Radio.Cloud begins with a look at the Top 20 Classic Rock radio shows of 2024. We’ve also announced today the Classic Rock format’s Top 20 program directors. Stay updated on all of the results by visiting the website, following BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or signing up for our newsletters.
Our Top 20 series has highlighted the Sports and News/Talk formats for years, but this is our first entry for music radio. It’s by far the largest project we’ve ever done. 173 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants voted in this series. 250+ were invited to be a part of it. Though some brand leaders and company executives didn’t make time to vote and some didn’t respond, I’m ecstatic with our turnout. I wasn’t sure what to expect when this process began given that I’m a new face to some, but many knew our brand, and were excited to participate. It’s been fun connecting with many accomplished radio professionals.
As you review these results, please remember that they represent the collective feedback shared by our industry voters. I do not vote in this process. My role is to assemble the group, collect their votes, and present the information. At the conclusion of the series, Jeff Lynn and I will record a video for the Barrett Media YouTube page sharing our takeaways from the series. Be sure to subscribe to the page so you’re notified of when the video goes live.
Given the size of Music Radio formats, we are presenting the Top 20 shows and programmers from ALL markets. This includes Major Markets, Mid-Markets, and syndicated programs. The best of the best if you will. Some formats are combined due to similarities such as AC/Hot AC, Adult/Classic Hits, and Rock (Active/Modern Rock). There are also a few shows, hosts and/or programmers who appear on lists in multiple formats due to their stations featuring music and programming that crosses over.
Important Information
#1 – Music radio is a massive space, and stations don’t always provide or update information. That makes it hard at times to issue credit to deserving programmers or hosts. We’ve tried to be accurate with the spelling of names, shows, brands, cities, and positions, but we’re human, and mistakes happen. If you see an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can make a correction.
#2 – We’ve asked the voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. That’s consistent with voters in our sports and news/talk series too. It forces us to spend a lot of time digging for images to highlight everyone. For that reason, there are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.
#4 – 77 Classic Rock radio shows appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. Executives were asked to rank their Top 10 selections using the following criteria: Quality of Show (ear test), Originality, Ability to Entertain-Inform-Connect Across Multiple Platforms, Ratings Success, Clearance (national shows) and Industry Buzz. A 1st place vote equals 20 points, 2nd gets 18, and it goes down by 2 each time until reaching 10th and earning 2 points. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have individual tastes, work for different companies, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
#4 – 27 broadcasting companies are represented in this series. Among them include iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Townsquare Media, Beasley Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Meruelo Media, Radio One, Cox Media Group, Alpha Media, Connoisseur Media, Saga Communications, Hearst Communications, Rubber City Radio Group, Cromwell Media, Press Communications, Pamal Broadcasting, Lotus Communications, Shamrock Communications, Midwest Communications, Seven Mountains Media, Summit Media, Buck Owens, Local Media San Diego, Colorado Springs Radio Broadcasters, and Milwaukee Media Group. Another 18 consulting groups were involved as well. We involve people from different groups and cities to make sure balance is provided.
#5 – Though we have a total of 173 voters in this series, the number voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We wanted experts from each format to vote on what they know best. This means that 39 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Classic Rock category, not managers from other formats with less knowledge of Rock radio’s best shows and leaders.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for doing an excellent job with our graphics, and Stephanie Eads for helping with the voting process. I’d also like to thank every single voter who made time to participate. Now without further delay, here are the Top 20 Rock Radio Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
Jim Kerr cruised to a first place finish by 96 points. Kerr led all programs with a category high 11 first place votes.
Spots 21-25 were held by Karen Dalessandro, Carter Alan, Rick Lewis, The A.D. Show, and Ty Bailey.
The closest battles saw Paul Castronovo, Bob Stroud, and Maria Milito each separated by 1 point for spots 7-9.
Of the 77 shows to receive votes, 15 received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media Top 20 of 2024 in Music Radio Upcoming Schedule:
Thursday January 23 = BMM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
Friday January 24 = BMM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
Monday January 27 = BMM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
Tuesday January 28 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
Wednesday January 29 = BMM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors
Day 3 of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2024 presented by Radio.Cloud begins with a look at the Top 20 Classic Rock radio shows of 2024. We’ve also announced today the Classic Rock format’s Top 20 program directors. Stay updated on all of the results by visiting the website, following BM on X, Facebook or LinkedIn or signing up for our newsletters.
Our Top 20 series has highlighted the Sports and News/Talk formats for years, but this is our first entry for music radio. It’s by far the largest project we’ve ever done. 173 program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants voted in this series. 250+ were invited to be a part of it. Though some brand leaders and company executives didn’t make time to vote and some didn’t respond, I’m ecstatic with our turnout. I wasn’t sure what to expect when this process began given that I’m a new face to some, but many knew our brand, and were excited to participate. It’s been fun connecting with many accomplished radio professionals.
As you review these results, please remember that they represent the collective feedback shared by our industry voters. I do not vote in this process. My role is to assemble the group, collect their votes, and present the information. At the conclusion of the series, Jeff Lynn and I will record a video for the Barrett Media YouTube page sharing our takeaways from the series. Be sure to subscribe to the page so you’re notified of when the video goes live.
Given the size of Music Radio formats, we are presenting the Top 20 shows and programmers from ALL markets. This includes Major Markets, Mid-Markets, and syndicated programs. The best of the best if you will. Some formats are combined due to similarities such as AC/Hot AC, Adult/Classic Hits, and Rock (Active/Modern Rock). There are also a few shows, hosts and/or programmers who appear on lists in multiple formats due to their stations featuring music and programming that crosses over.
Important Information
#1 – Music radio is a massive space, and stations don’t always provide or update information. That makes it hard at times to issue credit to deserving programmers or hosts. We’ve tried to be accurate with the spelling of names, shows, brands, cities, and positions, but we’re human, and mistakes happen. If you see an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can make a correction.
#2 – We’ve asked the voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. That’s consistent with voters in our sports and news/talk series too. It forces us to spend a lot of time digging for images to highlight everyone. For that reason, there are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.
#4 – 53 Classic Rock radio program directors appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. Executives were asked to rank their Top 10 selections using the following criteria: Quality of Shows (ear test), Originality, Ability to Entertain-Inform-Connect Across Multiple Platforms, Ratings Success, Clearance (national shows) and Industry Buzz. A 1st place vote equals 20 points, 2nd gets 18, and it goes down by 2 each time until reaching 10th and earning 2 points. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have individual tastes, work for different companies, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
#4 – 27 broadcasting companies are represented in this series. Among them include iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Townsquare Media, Beasley Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Meruelo Media, Radio One, Cox Media Group, Alpha Media, Connoisseur Media, Saga Communications, Hearst Communications, Rubber City Radio Group, Cromwell Media, Press Communications, Pamal Broadcasting, Lotus Communications, Shamrock Communications, Midwest Communications, Seven Mountains Media, Summit Media, Buck Owens, Local Media San Diego, Colorado Springs Radio Broadcasters, and Milwaukee Media Group. Another 18 consulting groups were involved as well. We involve people from different groups and cities to make sure balance is provided.
#5 – Though we have a total of 173 voters in this series, the number voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We wanted experts from each format to vote on what they know best. This means that 39 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Classic Rock category, not managers from other formats with less knowledge of Rock radio’s best shows and leaders.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for doing an excellent job with our graphics, and Stephanie Eads for helping with the voting process. I’d also like to thank every single voter who made time to participate. Now without further delay, here are the Top 20 Rock Radio Shows of 2024.
Additional Notes:
Keith Hastings won a tightly contested race against Eric Wellman by 10 points. Wellman captured more first place votes (10 to 8) but Hastings received more total votes from the voting panel.
Spots 21-25 belonged to LA Lloyd, Chris Crowley, Matt Spatz,Joe Calgaro and Robby Bridges.
The closest finish saw Garner Goin finish 3 points ahead of Dustin Matthews for 13th place.
Of the 53 program directors to receive votes, 12 received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media Top 20 of 2024 in Music Radio Upcoming Schedule:
Thursday January 23 = BMM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
Friday January 24 = BMM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
Monday January 27 = BMM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
Tuesday January 28 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
Wednesday January 29 = BMM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors
As a GM, PD, OM, or GSM it can be difficult to judge your own performance. I thought my first time as a manager would be a breeze, but I quickly found out it’s more than just managing tasks, deadlines, content, and meetings.
I quickly learned that “leading” is more about inspiring, empowering, and supporting the team. But how does one determine if they’re doing a good job or not?
In reality, the role requires “people” skills over anything. I often quote a manager of mine who joked, “I’d be a great manager if it wasn’t for people!” Those who have worked with me have heard that same joke, as well.
So, what key indicators can help evaluate your effectiveness and identify areas of improvement? Here are a few:
The most telling sign of good management is “employee satisfaction.” Are the team members with whom you are surrounded happy and engaged? My own experience suggests it’s the number one indicator of effective leadership.
I have worked hard over the years to make this a top priority. Team surveys, one-on-ones, and even informal conversations will help you gauge your success or failure in this area. If people feel valued, respected, and motivated, then you’re doing something right.
Are you able to keep people on board for the long term? High employee retention is another sign of quality management. Staying with the organization for extended periods suggests that employees are content with their environment and leadership.
Conversely, high turnover rates may indicate underlying management issues. One of the best adages I have come to regard as Gospel is, “People don’t leave bad jobs. They leave bad managers.”
Do you listen carefully and does your team feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback with you? If they do, it indicates an open and trusting environment.
Every good manager continuously seeks feedback from employees and is receptive to all their input. This improves internal communication and fosters collaboration and innovation. We all learned a long time ago how important listening is.
Mark Twain noted. “If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear.” Albert Einstein had another great quote along the same lines. “We have two ears and one tongue so that we may listen twice as much as we speak.”
Are you setting achievable goals for each team member? When they consistently meet or exceed their targets, it demonstrates that they’re provided clear direction, support, and motivation.
Make sure you acknowledge and celebrate each person’s achievements and hard work. That shows them you respect and are willing to give them credit for their contributions.
The best managers will invest a good deal in an employee’s personal and professional development. If your employees are growing, acquiring new skills, and advancing in their careers, it shows that you are clearly offering the necessary support and opportunities. This process begins with regular discussions about their career goals which helps them create realistic plans for development.
The most effective managers are also skilled problem solvers. Are you able to navigate challenges and identify solutions and prevent escalating issues, it demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities. Additionally, empowering your team to solve problems independently is a sign of good management.
Empathy is another key indicator of good management. Are you genuinely concerned about everyone’s well-being, and do you provide support during challenging times to foster a sense of trust and loyalty?
This is where keeping that door physically open as much as possible really matters! Always be approachable and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.
My own best managers always provided a clear vision for those on the front lines and in the trenches. If your team understands and aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives, it shows that you are effectively communicating the bigger picture. Regularly revisit and reinforce the vision to keep everyone focused and motivated.
The basics of being a good manager are clear and involve a combination of effective communication, empathy, and a focus on employee satisfaction and growth. By regularly checking yourself and assessing these indicators, you can gauge your effectiveness as a manager and continue to develop your leadership skills.
Remember, good management is an ongoing journey of learning and improvement. A commitment to self-improvement sets a positive example for your team. By the way, if you’re on track to become a manager – work on these traits now and you’ll be well ahead of the game!
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Alright, let’s gather ’round and talk about making sales presentations in this week’s sales meeting. Every seller has their favorite part of the sales process and for me, it is the fourth step, where I get to present solutions to the clients’ problems.
To review, we have identified a solid prospect by doing our pre-search in the first step and then we did the hardest part by getting the meeting with the decision maker. In that meeting, we asked a lot of great questions and then we listened for all of the answers.
Once that information was gathered, it was time to put the pitch together and get ready for the sales presentation.
The very first thing I would suggest doing when you are back on your computer is to write out what the problems or challenges are that you uncovered from the business on the left side of a document. Now, I am ready to work on the solutions I have for each of those challenges, and I am going to write my suggestions right next to the very problem it addresses.
Additionally, if I haven’t figured it out already, I am going to match that client up with specific talent who are open in that category for endorsements and are a good fit from a personality standpoint. I want to bring whoever that is into a meeting and brainstorm potential ideas and work on copy for a live endorsement demo, possibly one tied in with a feature where the client can really own a piece of real estate on the station and within the station’s digital properties.
When writing the copy for the demo or spec ad, this is where you can really impress your client. First off, it obviously needs to be a strong demo, well produced and a bit longer than normal. The secret sauce to this part is to have the host use words the client used.
For example, if you are working with the local hardware store in town that is trying to compete with Home Depot and Lowe’s, they might say things such as, “Our staff has worked here for a combined 75 years, they have part-timers who don’t know the community.” When you put the demo together, have the host basically say the same thing. This shows the client that you listened, but it will also resonate strongly with the client as they might not even remember saying that, but because you know they think it, they’ll want it in the copy.
My goal throughout the entire process is to focus on exactly what was said in the client needs analysis meeting. I jokingly once said to a client before a CNA meeting started, “Anything you say in the CNA can and will be used against you in the presentation.” It’s kind of true, however.
That really comes into play when you go over the problems you uncovered, which will be the second time you have run through the list, because you at least did it once when you recapped your previous conversation with the client when that first meeting was ending. Repeating the main problems again shows the client you cared enough to listen and that you are focused on what they are focused on.
The minute you flip the switch and make it about you, your station, the talent or anything other than what that business owner is concerned about, is the minute you start to lose momentum. Keep repeating the problems and the solutions.
One tip a longtime manager gave me many years ago was to ‘pause for the cause’. What he meant was, you want the client talking. If you go on and on and on about the problem, the solution, how the solution works and explain everything all at once, you might lose the client. Pause at some point and make sure they are with you. Ask a question such as, “Do you see how this would be a good solution for that problem?” Keep them engaged. When they speak, listen and pivot as needed.
While we will talk more about closing the sale next week, it is something you should actually do several times throughout the presentation. Don’t talk for 20-30 minutes and then ask if they are ready to sign at the end. Remember, we want them nodding their head up and down or saying the word ‘Yes’ whenever we can, so have those affirmation questions ready to go.
Once you have all of the information presented and have addressed the problems with the solutions you recommend, recap it all and then, once again, confirm that you hit on the issues that business owner wanted to address.
Now, it is time to present the pricing information. I am never a big fan of walking in and handing someone a twenty-page deck with the pricing information in the back. You already know what is going to happen at that point. The client is going to focus on the pricing and not hear the context of what you are talking about and what you want the client to really hear.
Get them excited about what you have presented, get them thinking they are about to hire their own in-house marketing expert, and all of these solutions presented are going to help start to get that business more on track to where they want it to be. Then talk about what it cost.
If you have done your job well enough, the price won’t matter as much as you think. It will certainly be easier for the client to swallow after hearing about these great ideas and solutions to their challenges. Now, if they want to negotiate price, you are more prepared because you just saw how excited the client was about different parts of the proposal.
So, if the client needs the price to come down, the first thing that would have to come out is whatever it was they were most excited about – or one of the things they were most excited about. See how selling it first can make a difference? Had you tried to sell it and the client saw the price first, it may have been a different reaction.
The bottom line on making the presentation is something I wrote about last week during the client needs analysis. I said I wasn’t sure how you were taught, but when I’m talking to someone about buying something, I want it to be their idea. People are more likely to react positively to something they helped come up with.
Using the CNA to direct directly to the sales presentation makes the next step so much easier.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Although Bobby Marks usually does not reply to users on social media, he felt particularly irked by a recent comment from someone who insinuated that there was a reason he worked for ESPN rather than being part of a front office in the NBA. Marks, a former executive of more than 20 years with the Brooklyn Nets, is a front office insider for ESPN where he gives insight into tasks and responsibilities associated with basketball operations. From evaluating the collective bargaining agreement to explaining strategy surrounding scouting and player development, his perspectives have enriched the knowledge and viewing experience of consumers.
Marks recently signed a four-year extension with ESPN under which he will continue appearing across platforms to discuss matters pertaining to the league. Executives at the network initiated conversations about his future several months before his existing contract was going to expire, and he is appreciative that the two sides were able to reach an agreement in December. When news of the deal became public and he became the subject of purported vitriol, Marks chose to speak on why he is a member of ESPN and went on to implore the user to enjoy their day and do something nice for people.
“There’s a long list of things, not just the six or seven that I listed, as far as, ‘Why ESPN?,’” Marks said. “Do I miss the NBA? Yeah, I miss the NBA at certain points of the year, but I love my job. I love the ability to report on something that I love, whether it be the salary cap or trades or roster building or the Draft or giving back to people who are trying to get into this business.”
Even though Marks can see himself back in the NBA in four to five years from the present moment, he is focused on continuing his work with ESPN. While the premise has remained similar, the role itself has transformed over the last seven years. As a result, he has refined the manner in which he communicates to viewers.
“It’s evolved where I can do SportsCenter in the morning on a Wednesday at 7 a.m. and go through the games from the night before, [such as], ‘Why did Victor [Wembanyama] struggle against Giannis [Antetokounmpo]?,’ and give my perspective there,” Marks explained. “I always say that when you get pigeonholed as a cap guy or if you stagnate in your job, then you always become replaceable, and it’s important to kind of continually evolve and try to add something new to what you do.”
Well actually here’s the reason why:
1. More time with my children (I actually enjoy being present) 2. No state taxes in FL 3. Warm weather 4. Work from home 5. Healthy mental space 6. Already lived the NBA life for 20 years (why go back?)
One of the new wrinkles to his job over the last several months has been operating in the newsbreaking space. Adrian Wojnarowski, who is widely regarded as one of the preeminent NBA reporters, retired from ESPN and the journalism industry before the season to join St. Bonaventure University, his alma mater, to become the general manager of the men’s basketball program. Marks described the workflow as being nonstop since that time but also emphasized that he had not taken his foot off the proverbial gas pedal beforehand.
“When Woj left in September, I wasn’t like, ‘Oh man, now my insurance policy’s gone,’ and, ‘I’m going to be the next guy’ and stuff like that,” Marks said. “I had enough confidence in myself because I had such a good relationship already with everyone working in there.”
While Marks and Wojnarowski arrived at ESPN together, there were differences in their roles and the experience they had. In fact, Wojnarowski emphasized to Marks that he should leverage his perspective gleaned from working in the Nets front office and viewing trades from both sides. Marks surmises that he offers a vantage point and sense of security that has pervaded those amid the industry.
“I think a lot of front offices kind of seek me out as an ally, as someone [who is] like a voice or an extension of their front office from a media perspective where I can help them, as far as weather it be a trade that happens or a signing, and I can call them and say, ‘Alright, give me a little background on why you made this trade or why you signed the player,’ and I’m not going to say, ‘Well, oh man, they just made a terrible trade. I don’t know why I would do it,’” Marks explained. “But I could say, ‘Listen, this is why they made the trade. They’re going in a different direction here.’”
While Marks was in a hotel room in Los Angeles, he broke one of the most consequential trades of the offseason that resulted in the New York Knicks acquiring four-time NBA All-Star Karl Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over the last several months, he has engaged in more reporting opportunities but has articulated that he is a screenwriter who is trying to assist everyone in discovering what is taking place around the league. Despite not being the primary newsbreaker at the network, he is available to perform the task should it become necessary.
“Sometimes I know we get in the business where, ‘Who’s first?,’ and you’re keeping a leaderboard and stuff like that,” Marks said. “I just think people care who’s right. They care about who has the right information. Then with the right information, you can give a perspective on why this team made that trade, how it impacted salary cap – all different things there.”
The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are working through the framework of a trade involving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns, according to league sources. Teams still working through details but talks have intensified over last 24 hours.
Marks worked with Tim Bontemps on breaking the Towns trade one week before ESPN had officially hired Shams Charania as its senior NBA insider. Before reporting on the deal, he and Bontemps laughed about whether they could assume Wojnarowski’s role, which involved frequent newsbreaking and divulging inside information. Even though he would have been comfortable with a potential change because of his relationship with teams and agents, he regards Charania as one of the best in the business.
“I worked with Shams for two years [at] Yahoo – I hadn’t worked with him in the last seven years here, but I think the biggest thing [is] trusting each other,” Marks said. “We work for ESPN. The goal at the end of the day is to make ESPN look really good.”
Marks does all of his own research, enabling him to divulge his takeaways and opinions on league matters. For example, the Philadelphia 76ers have struggled to compile wins this season, but president of basketball operations Daryl Morey may not have much flexibility to make trades ahead of the deadline. Even though there are instances where Marks knows the questions he will be asked in advance, one of the most valuable lessons he has learned is to be prepared for anything. The point was illuminated when Marks appeared on the NBA Draft Lottery show with a pre-planned answer but scrambled when the script changed in real time.
“I’ve never watched the video, and I was like a babbling idiot,” Marks said. “The train’s off the tracks – ‘I don’t know what I’m going to say’ – so from that day on, I always tell people, and how I prepare is when I’m on TV, I’m having a conversation like I’m at dinner with my family or I’m at dinner with my friends and we’re just talking, but we’re talking about something that I know and that I can kind of share my opinion on.”
Marks has a friend who frequently watches his television appearances and called him last month to express how well he did on an episode of SportsCenter. Yet at the same time, he also offered criticism and persuaded him to try and have fun on the air, going beyond simply delivering the facts. Despite conversation surrounding somewhat ambiguous rules and exceptions, he tries to exhibit his personality and stay attuned with the storylines, none of which he feels are stale.
“Every day you wake up and there’s going to be something different that happens with the NBA,” Marks said. “What motivates me is like, whenever we get a new collective bargaining agreement, that motivates me because I know that I have something to teach people; I have something to tell people out there.”
The Walt Disney Company recently signed a new 11-year media rights deal with the NBA through which it retained media rights to the NBA Finals and will continue its prime time broadcasts during the regular season. The contract, which is reportedly worth $2.62 billion per season, also involves other playoff broadcasts, the NBA Draft and rights within both the WNBA and NBA G League. Marks viewed it as critical that the company retained its relationship with the NBA and is now working under executive vice president of sports production Mike McQuade, who was promoted to the role under a restructuring of the ESPN content organization last summer.
“My role has kind of evolved more where instead of [me] coming on the week of the trade deadline and then the last week of June, you could probably see me once a week – maybe once a week in the morning and doing a variety of shows,” Marks said. “I did First Take for the first time after Christmas, and that was kind of like my baptism, right? I was like, ‘Man, now I’ve made it.’”
Aside from the traditional broadcast rights, ESPN also received the ability to distribute games on its platforms on the Flagship direct-to-consumer service, which is expected to be released this fall. On top of that, the company has the right to launch a new NBA studio show on game nights focused on whiparound coverage of the league. ESPN has explored a similar venture with the National Hockey League, airing several iterations of the Frozen Frenzy studio show following its premiere two years ago.
“I would love it,” Marks said. “Especially if you’re doing it, whatever, once a week and stuff like that, I think if you produce it right, I think that can be a really fun show.”
Marks figures to be entrenched in NBA coverage on ESPN platforms for the next several years as the company maintains its relationship with the league. Whether he is writing an article from his home or appearing on ESPN NBA Today from Los Angeles, he remains fixated on serving consumers with a mélange of distinctive content that blends information, entertainment and engagement. Moreover, he wants to be the best teammate possible for his colleagues at ESPN and maintain positive relationships with those in the Association.
“Would I be lying if I said I’ve closed the book to ever return to the NBA?” Marks postulated. “No, I don’t think that book is closed, but it’s probably something that’s going to maybe open towards the end of this new contract.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Keith Cunningham is VP of Programming, Research, Analytics & Measurement for Meruelo Media’s KLOS, Los Angeles.
He landed the number two spot on Barrett Media’s Top 20 Rock Programmers as voted on by his peers. Classic Rock’s PD’s get announced today. Could he appear on that list too?
KLOS’ Morning team “Heidi & Frank” and Matt Pinfield also landed spots on Barrett Media’s Top Rock Radio Shows. Pinfield was ranked 6th, the morning team finished 17th.
“I am honored to be in really good company,” said Cunningham. “It’s a great list. I’ve worked with a lot of guys and girls on the PD and shows list. You guys did a great job. I’ve seen Rock, and now I’ve seen Alternative, but it’s a really tight list, and I’m honored to be included.”
Cunningham has high praise for his morning show, “Heidi & Frank.”
“My history with Frank goes back to Denver. In the mid to late 90s, he was on air in Denver with Frosty and Jamie White. So, I’ve known Frank for a long time. We took a little sabbatical there for many years when we weren’t working together,” Cunningham shared.
“Heidi is pound-for-pound the funniest woman in radio, and that is her superpower. She reacts faster than anyone. She’s like an improv expert, and on the flip side, Frank is very funny, and they’re both very intelligent and seasoned, experienced broadcast veterans.”
“Frank works just as hard as anyone I’ve come across, especially for morning guys. It’s not uncommon for Frank to still be here at one or two in the afternoon working on the following day’s show, putting together outlines, and pulling audio.”
Cunningham was pleased to see Matt Pinfield’s weekly “New And Improved” recognized on the best shows list.
“He and I work closely together on booking the show each week and working on the countdown within the show. He works as hard as anybody in this industry. It is truly his passion. Rock Music is the core of who he is. I was happy to see his peers acknowledge him and get him on that list; it’s certainly well-deserving.”
And it all sits under a set of legendary call letters. That isn’t lost on Cunningham.
“KLOS was a bucket list job for me, and it would be for a lot of people. I think a lot of things have to line up right in the universe to land at a place like this. Timing is a big part of it.”
“I remember when I first started here, we would have these big staff meetings, and I would usually start off by reminding everyone that at least it was my philosophy that we owed it to all the great men and women who preceded us at KLOS.”
“We owe it to them to keep this radio station on top, strong, relevant, and focused on the community, and being local. There’s this rich tradition of great tremendous talent that has worked at this radio station.”
“We’re doing our best to maintain and keep their legacy as well as create new legacies moving forward so the history and impact of this brand are not lost on any of us. Not a month goes by where we won’t see something someone posts on social with one of the KLOS bumper stickers.”
Speaking of local and being involved with the community I asked Keith how things were going in light of the Los Angeles wildfires.
“It’s been really bad, but slowly but surely, for better or worse, things are getting back to normal from just an operational standpoint. It’s going to take years for the city to truly be back to normal. So many people have lost everything.”
“So yeah, it’s been pretty sad and a really tough time. It’s also been amazing to see the city come together the way it did in that first week. Still to this day, just the outpouring of support that people are giving to the innocent victims, it’s something to see for sure.”
Cunningham is grateful to an ownership and management team that allows it all to come together.
“Thanks to Meruelo Media for letting us do what we do. That certainly includes our President, Otto Padron, and our Senior VP of Audio for the cluster, Pio Ferro. We’re equipped, and able to do what we need to do to keep winning. I could not hop off the phone without giving them props.”
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CNN and MSNBC ratings have been down sharply since Donald Trump won the 2024 election.
It makes sense. While Fox News dominates the cable news space with its conservative slant, CNN and MSNBC attract the other side of the political aisle. And when that side was demoralized by Trump’s victory, it tuned out, which left ratings plummeting for the two cable news channels.
But January 20th marked a new page in the cable news networks not named Fox News and Newsmax vs Donald Trump. When the now 47th President recited the Oath of Office, the new era of “What in the actual hell is this guy doing?” that was so prevalent in his first administration was ushered in.
Truthfully, it comes at a good time for CNN and MSNBC. Make no mistake about it — despite the insistence from hosts, analysts, correspondents, and contributors that they don’t care about these things — Donald Trump is good for ratings. One side views him as a demigod who has no faults and can do no wrong, while the other sees the hellbent on personal gain anti-Christ. Few people are neutral on Donald Trump. And it’s an undeniably good thing for these two cable networks.
There was plenty of cannon fodder on Monday as Trump enacted dozens of executive orders and pardoned January 6th criminals in his first actions as President. Additionally, the “totally not a Nazi salute” from Elon Musk has gotten and will continue to get plenty of play from MSNBC and CNN, which will continue to get them bigger audiences.
Because if there’s one thing that’s true of the cable news ecosystem in 2025, it’s that it thrives on outrage and polarization. Actually, that’s true of virtually everything in 2025, but it’s especially true of cable news. The art of pissing the audience off over the most mundane subjects has been perfected by Fox News and adopted by everyone else in the game. Fox News just happens to be the expert at it, while everyone else is still learning to copycat.
But with “the opposition” party going back into strength — not just in the White House, but in both houses of Congress, too — it allows MSNBC and CNN to get back to playing offense in the outrage game. For the past four years, they’ve been forced to play defense with Joe Biden in the White House. Those days, however, are at least temporarily over as Trump sits behind the Resolute desk.
Instead of spending years in “Well, actually, here’s why this isn’t bad” mode, the two networks can now pounce on the things that those in Trump’s inner circle and those who are Trump-adjacent think, say, and do. And when you’re playing offense, you get to constantly but your opponent on their heels. You know where you’re going and they’re the ones who have to figure it out. Which, again — in my opinion — is an undeniably good thing for these two networks.
For years, they’ve had to react to comments from conservative legislators and pundits from their heels. But as we saw in the first go around with Trump, the stakes will be raised. A microscope will be held to everything the administration does. Heck, Trump didn’t take the Oath of Office before he essentially defied Congress and the United States constitution by unilaterally deciding that TikTok was gonna stick around for a while. And that was a story for the C-block, if at all, in cable news shows.
MSNBC and CNN need ratings upticks. And fast. What’s the quickest remedy for those issues? It isn’t high-quality, well-researched, fact-based reporting, as disappointing of a sentence that is to write. It fastest way to get more people to watch is to make them angry. And it feels like an inevitability that we’ll see those strategies put into action in the not-so-distant future.
Does it make for an incredibly long four years? Absolutely. Does it make you question “Can you seriously be pissed off about everything for an entire presidential term? Undeniably. But is it good for the cable news business? 100%.
Let’s be frank, the second Donald Trump administration — despite what any bright-eyed and bushy-tail supporters might think — is going to present a bountiful harvest of outrage opportunities for the likes of CNN and MSNBC. There are few figures in the annals of history that are as polarizing as Donald Trump. And if the networks use the polarization and outrage to their advantage, it might just be what saves each from irrelevance.
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Bill Spadea, host of the morning show at New Jersey 101.5, will exit the Townsquare Media station at the end of the month to focus on his run for governor.
In a story published by POLITICO, Townsquare Media Regional Vice President Brian Lang revealed that Spadea would depart the station on Thursday, January 30th. After Spadea’s exit, the station’s News Director — Eric Scott — will step into the timeslot on an interim basis.
Bill Spadea announced his candidacy for the state’s top office last June. After launching his campaign, challengers Jack Ciattarelli and Jon Bramnick argued that the company and station were guilty of providing in-kind campaign contributions illegally. A ruling by the Election Law Enforcement Commission stated Spadea was still able to host his morning and that it was not a violation of the law.
It is not the first time Spadea has entered the realm of political candidates. In 2004, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives. He also ran for State Assembly in 2012, where he was also unsuccessful in winning the election.
To celebrate Spadea’s near decade-long run with the station, New Jersey 101.5 will honor the longtime host at a campaign breakfast on his final show with the outlet.
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According to a report from Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, Sunday’s AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills drew an average audience of 42.2 million viewers to CBS. This makes it the most-watched game so far of the NFL season, beating out the 38.8 million on FOX Thanksgiving Day.
Last year, the Sunday Divisional Round late game featured the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, and that game drew more than 50 million, marking a 16% decline year-over-year.
The other Sunday game, which featured the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, drew 37.8 million average viewers. That window also had a decline from last year when the game drew 40.4 million viewers to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions.
According to Lewis, “Through the Divisional Round, eight of ten NFL playoff games have declined from last year. That includes three of four games on Divisional Round weekend, the exception being Texans-Chiefs on ESPN/ABC.”
This weekend will see FOX carry the first conference championship game at 3 p.m. ET between the Eagles and the Commanders. CBS will have the AFC Championship game at :30 ET between the Bills and the Chiefs.
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