FOX Sports and Concacaf have struck a new multi-year media rights agreement. The deal makes FOX Sports the U.S. English-language home of both the Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League through 2029.
What We Know: FOX Sports has long been Concacaf’s Gold Cup partner, but this agreement expands that relationship significantly. For the first time, the deal adds the Concacaf Nations League — a competition launched to deliver more meaningful matches across all 41 Member Associations and which doubles as the Gold Cup qualifier. The agreement covers two Gold Cup editions and the 2026–27 and 2028–29 Nations League cycles, including the Finals. Rob Stone and Alexi Lalas announced the deal live on FOX during FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage.
What They Said: Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani: “This expanded partnership reflects our strategy to increase the visibility and accessibility of our premier men’s senior national team competitions, making it easier for fans to follow the region’s biggest teams, rivalries, and moments. FOX Sports has been a tremendous partner for Concacaf and the Gold Cup, and we are very excited to expand our relationship to include the Concacaf Nations League as the competition continues to grow in relevance and impact across the region.”
FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks: “Extending our long-standing partnership with Concacaf and expanding it to include the thrilling Nations League competition further cements FOX Sports as America’s home for the world’s top international soccer tournaments. We are proud to continue our relationship with Concacaf and look forward to building upon the incredible audience and viewership records we’ve set across previous Gold Cup tournaments with an eye on elevating our first Nations League presentation to new heights next year.”
What Remains Unclear: Specific financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. It’s also unknown which additional platforms — FS1, streaming — will carry matches beyond FOX’s main network.
What It Means: This deal positions FOX Sports as the dominant U.S. destination for Concacaf’s top competitions. The Nations League’s fifth edition kicks off in September, with the Finals slated for SoFi Stadium in March 2027. The 19th Gold Cup follows that summer. FOX is clearly building toward sustained soccer dominance well beyond the World Cup.
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iHeartMedia is preparing to launch a new round of layoffs in the coming days. The company is planning to implement a new strategy with a “faster is better” approach.
What We Know: In an internal memo obtained by Barrett Media, the company shared that the changes would create layoffs. “Existing positions will be impacted as part of these changes,” the memo reads. Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer and President of iHeartMedia, and Ann Marie Licata, CEO of the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group, said the company made the changes “with a great deal of thought” and does “not take this step lightly.”
What They Said: “Faster is better, and that’s the goal of our changes. With that in mind, we’ve built new tech capabilities over the last several years that have enabled us to both deepen our relationships with the listeners and communities who depend on us and improve the support we provide to our sellers. We’re now moving to scale this approach, implementing structural changes within our Programming organization and expanding responsibilities for key leaders.
“These moves are designed to:
Expand and deepen our support for our communities, markets and sales teams
Fully leverage our technology to deliver an even stronger product for listeners wherever they live
Move faster and operate with greater precision across markets
Position us not just to adapt to the future, but to lead it.” -Joint statement from Ann Marie Licata and Tom Poleman
Akron: Tony McGinty is out as Program Director and morning co-host at 98.1 WKDD. McGinty also served at WMMS Cleveland and previously at WKDD from 2013-2020. Also previously with WAKR Arkon, and WTHT Portland, ME.
Albany: Jeff Levack and Thomas Goslowski are out at FOX Sports 980/95.9FM after three years on the station.
Tracy Villaume is also departing her role in afternoons on 99.5 The River. She moved to the timeslot after hosting mornings alongside Kevin Rush for three years. Rush departed the station earlier this year.
Allentown: Mike Kelly is out as morning host at B104 after two decades in the timeslot.
Becca Lynn also departs B104. She joined the station in September 2023 after previously spending fifteen years in mornings at Cat Country 96 from 2004-19.
Joel Shimer is also out as midday host at 95.1 WZZO and nights at Country 94.7 WDSD in Dover, DE. He joined WZZO in October 2023 after previously serving at 99.9 The Hawk four four years.
Anchorage: 670 KENI host Amy Demboski has exited the station. She helmed mornings for the past three years after previously serving on the City Council.
Casey Bieber exits after a 23-year run with the cluster. Bieber programmed CHR 101.3 KGOT since 2013, added mornings in 2015, and took on PD/afternoons at Country 107.5 KASH in 2022.
Atlantic City: Joe Borsello & Scott Reilly’s JoJo & Scotty Morning Show are out at 100.7 after seventeen years at the station.
The Mike & Diane morning show is out at 95.1 WAYV. Diane Mitchell has been with the station for 27 years after previously working at WPST (Trenton) and WBBO (Ocean Acres). Mike Kelso joined the program in 2014 after previously serving as PD/morning host at WBBO and WWZY (Long Branch).
Baltimore: Bob Delmont is out after 27 years in middays at 93.1 WPOC. Delmont also hosted 6am-12pm on most of iHeart’s Classic Country stations across the country.
Birmingham: Madison Reeves exits her multiple roles with iHeartMedia after 25 years. She was currently featured on 102.5 The Bull in Birmingham, Whistle 100.5 in Greenville, SC, and Cities 97.1 in Minneapolis. In addition, she’s worked in multiple formats from AC to Country.
Brunswick, GA: Scott Ryfun is out as South Georgia VP/Programming and morning host on News/Talk 98.7 WGIG.
Cedar Rapids: 600 WMT morning host Doug Wagner has exited. He spent more than a decade working for the news/talk brand.
Charleston: Mike Blaze is out as PD/afternoon host on Q104.5 after 27 years with the station.
Columbus, GA: Kelin Flis departs middays at Sunny 100.1 after four years.
Columbus, OH: Chris Davis is out as afternoon host at 97.9 WNCI and middays on 93.3 The Bus after a 25 year run in the company. Davis also tracked for multiple stations across the country.
Joe Kelly departs multiple roles including APD/MD for WNCI, APD/midday host on 92.3 WCOL, and Production Director after an eleven year run.
Denver: Bret Saunders has departed as morning host at 97.3 KBCO after 28 years with the station.
Denise Plante is out in middays at 106.7 The Bull after eight years with the station.
Ryan Schuiling also departs as morning host at Talk 630 KHOW after nearly three years. Prior to moving to mornings, Schuiling served as producer of the station’s afternoon show. He also hosted sports progams in Lansing and Grand Rapids MI.
Gregg Stone is out as afternoon host on 103.5 The Fox and mornings at 92.9 The Bear” in Fort Collins. Stone previously spent fifteen years in afternoons at Rock 106.7 and returned to the company in January 2017.
Des Moines: Barrett Media has learned that 106.3 KXNO has multiple shows affected. Heather Burnside, Alec Busse, and Tyler Allen are out as the station has removed The 1st Quarter with Heather and Alec morning program. Also, Sean Roberts, Lucas Strain, and Connor Ferguson have also departed the station in afternoon drive. Roberts was promoted to program director of the station in June of last year.
In addition, Ken Miller is departing the Miller and Condon program effective at the end of this week. Trent Condon announced yesterday that Nick Marovets will serve as his new co-host in the daypart beginning Monday.
The most important things to me are friends and family, and you're all part of that. With that being said here's a picture of our dog and I'm no longer at KXNO and The Bus. THANK YOU so much for listening and being part of my extended family! Is the portal open? pic.twitter.com/ijoKEvIF5P
Some personal news: Unfortunately, today I was informed that it was my last day with @KXnO1063 and @KXnO1stQuarter. The last year talking sports across Iowa has been a pleasure. Thank you to all the listeners, callers and people who interacted with us.
Earlier today after our show myself as many others were laid off at IHeart Des Moines. I’m not angry or am going to blame anyone…it’s part of the business. You can have good ratings, good revenue etc…Doesn’t matter…your number on that excel sheet can be picked any day.
— THE AMAZING T-BIRD (@made_in_tyland) June 24, 2026
1040 WHO host Emery Songer has exited. His show was also heard on 600 WMT in Cedar Rapids. He previously helmed afternoons at 1110 KFAB in Omaha, in addition to middays at 1040 WHO.
Eau Claire:Dave DeVille departs as the cluster’s SVP/Programming and morning host at Z100 after 20 years.
Fort Myers: ‘Flyin Brian’ Jameson is out after 25 years hosting the Morning Freak Show on 105.5 The Beat.
Todd Matthews exits after 33 years in mornings at “Kix Country 92.9” WIKX Port Charlotte. He also hosted middays at Soft AC “Seaview 104.9” WCVU since 2016 and afternoons at Classic Hits “95.3 The Beach” WOLZ Fort Myers.
Fresno: Sam “Diggedy” Segovia exits as OM/PD at KHGE Fresno and KTOM Monterey.
Trevor Carey also exits Power Talk 96.7 after 10 years with the radio station.
‘Jizzo’ exits afternoons at B95 KBOS as well as tracking for stations across the country. He spent 21 years with iHeartMedia.
Fox Sports 1340 Program Director Chris Squires and KALZ and Fresno State University sports producer Ryan Westenberg are also out in Fresno.
Harrisburg: Mike Miller is out as VP/Programming and afternoon host at Bob 94.9 WRBT after 28 years with the company. Miller previously programmed 99.3 Kiss-FM Harrisburg and Z104.3 Baltimore. In addition to APD/MD of KKRZ Portland during his tenure.
Houston:Barrett Media is reporting that Cole Thompson is out in mornings at SportsTalk 790 in Houston. He was elevated to the position in November of last year. Thompson brings more than a decade of experience covering Houston sports, with previous stops in Austin and San Antonio.
Amanda Flores departs middays at Sunny 99.1 as well as Star 102.1 in Dallas. She also tracked for multiple other stations across the country
Huntsville:RAMP is reporting Spencer Graves is out in mornings at WDXB (Birmingham) and WDRM in Huntsville, AL.
“Decisions like this are difficult for everyone involved,” Graves tellsRAMP. “I’d like to personally thank Tony Travatto, Dino Conard, Blake Fulton and Ronnie Bloodworth for their faith in me. Also, the incredible communities of Birmingham and Huntsville. I was honored to be a part of two legendary Country stations, WDRM and WDXB. I’ve always appreciated the saying, leave things better than when you found it and we did that. Ratings, personal revenue and record setting numbers.”
Indianapolis: Erica Coleman is out at Real 98.3 WZRL and Real 93.1 WTFX Louisville. Coleman joined the industry in 2007 and has experience in Indianapolis, Louisville, Atlanta, Columbus among other markets.
Lexington: Nathan Nelson departs as vice president of programming, Kentucky Area after 16 years with the iHeartMedia.
DeAnn Stephens also departs Officer Dan & DeAnn morning show at 98.1 The Bull after eighteen years.
Little Rock: Bo Dalton exits as afternoon host at the statewide trio of Country 95.7 KSSN Little Rock, “Kix 104.1” KKIX Fayetteville, and 99.1 KMAG Fort Smith after a seven-year run with the company.
Louisville: Nick Coffey departs mornings on 840 WHAS. He previously hosted on SportsTalk 790 in the market before taking over mornings from the retiring Tony Cruise in May 2025.
After finishing my show Tuesday morning, I was told that I was one of the hundreds of employees impacted by another round of iHeartMedia layoffs as the company continues to restructure. Radio Insight has described the layoffs as the biggest purge in the history of the industry.… pic.twitter.com/hxOXz59YxS
McAllen, TX: Frankie D. exits as longtime afternoon host and former APD at Country KTEX.
Miami: Doc Reno exits afternoons at Classic Rock Big 105.9 after 24 years. Reno was also heard on Classic Rock stations across the country for the company.
Minneapolis: Twin Cities News Talk morning host Jon Justice has exited. He helmed the show for 10 years. His email is: TheJonJustice@gmail.com
Amy James has also departed middays at K102, She also tracked for several stations nationally.
Myrtle Beach: Brodie is out as PD/afternoon host at Mix 97.7, 104.7 WNOK Columbia, and 97.3 Kiss-FM in Savannah GA. He also served a decade as APD/MD/morning host at 95.7 KCHZ Kansas City.
Pensacola: Brian Edwards is out as VP/Programming and PD/Afternoon host of TK 101.
Phoenix: Lois “Double-L” Lewis is out as APD/MD/midday host at 102.5 KNIX. Her previous experience includes KWNR Las Vegas as APD/MD, and also worked as Senior Director of Regional Promotion for Republic Nashville.
Jon Jeffries also departs his anchor role with the iHeart Sports Radio network.
It was nice while it lasted, but I was let go from running the national #iHeart Sports Radio Network today. It's not just the on-air talent, but mid level managers as well. Good luck to all!
Pittsburgh: Val Porter exits afternoons at Classic Hits “94.5 3WS” WWSW and nights on Classic Rock 102.5 WDVE. Porter has been with the cluster since 1994, serving as MD of WDVE from 1999-2024 and co-hosting mornings there from 2001-2024. Also in Pittsburgh, Russ ‘Whip’ Rose exits weekends at Rock/Alternative “105.9 The X” WXDX, where he began his tenure in 1995.
Travis Marzina also departs as midday host at 105.9 The X and night host at Big 104.7. Marzina joined iHeartMedia in 2014 as an intern for the WDVE morning show.
Russ Rose also exits weekends at 105.9 The X. Rose began his tenure with the station in 1995.
Poughkeepsie: Jeremiah Wood departs afternoons at 96.1 Kiss-FM and 102.3 Kiss-FM in Albany after three years.
Beth Christy is out in middays at 107.3 WRWD after seven years.
Mike Hansen also departs weekends, fill-ins, and promotions at 107.3 WRWD after fifteen years.
Quad Cities Market: Pat Leuck & Dani Howe depart mornings on 103.7 WLLR after over 30 years together.
Mark Manuel also departs as PD/Afternoons at Big 106.5 and 100.7 The Fox in Cedar Rapids. He previously served as APD of KCQQ and webmaster for the iHeartMedia Quad Cities cluster before rising to PD in June 2020. He has worked in the market since 1993.
Reading/Lancaster, PA: Leah Tyler is out after eighteen years as midday host at Y102 and FM 97. Tyler also served as Production Director on the national programming team.
Roanoke: Scott Stevens is out as SVP/Programming for Roanoke & Lynchburg, He also hosted afternoons at 107.9 WYYD. Stevens joined iHeart in 2014.
Rochester: Jeremy Newman departs middays at Country 100.5 and afternoons on Rock 95.1. He joined the company in 2021.
Mark Maira is also out as evening host at Rock 95.1. Maira has held multiple roles at the cluster over the past five years after previously serving as Production/Imaging Director and afternoon co-host at Stephens Media Group’s 94.1 The Zone.
Savannah: 1290 WTKS/1440 WGIG morning host Scott Ryfun has departed the news/talk station. He was also the Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia South Georgia.
Springfield: Clint Gerlek departs as VP/Programming after 19 years with iHeartMedia. He recently hosted middays at 100.5 The Wolf and Afternoons on Alice 95.5.
Clint "Girlie" Gerlek, a longtime voice for iHeartRadio in Springfield, has been laid off after 19 years. He said he was the only person to lose their job. “I’m the only person who programs the radio in Springfield, so there’s nobody else here.”
— Springfield Daily Citizen (@sgfcitizen) June 23, 2026
Chris Zito departs mornings at Mix 93.1 and 96.1 WSRS Worcester after fourteen years. He has also held morning show roles in his career in Boston, Detroit, and Worchester, MA.
St. Louis: Tony Mott is out at 103.3 KLOU in afternoons. He previously worked afternoon drive in Chicago and mornings in San Francisco. Mott shared the news via his Instagram story.
Also, BJ Holiday is out of middays at Hallelujah 1600 and weekends on 100.3 The Beat after 41 years with iHeartMedia.
Tampa Bay:Barrett Media has learned that AJ Malone is out as Program Director/morning drive host at 98Rock. Malone joined the outlet in 2018, and her previous experience includes various roles, including Program Director at WXSR-FM in Tallahassee, FL, as well as Production Director at WOLT-FM in Indianapolis, IN.
What Remains Unclear: The size and scope of the layoffs remain unknown. In its memo, iHeartMedia executives shared that the new strategy will also create new roles. The company has not disclosed how many positions it plans to add.
What It Means: The cuts mark another in a long line of reductions by iHeartMedia. Because iHeartMedia has not disclosed the scope of the cuts, assessing the impact another round of layoffs will have on employee morale remains difficult.
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.
Sean Hannity hasn’t appeared to be at 100% in recent weeks. He addressed the situation on social media following questions.
What We Know: Hannity’s voice has grown weaker recently. Additionally, his face has appeared swollen. That led to questions about his health. He took to social media to explain the situation.
What They Said: “Thanks to everyone who has checked in. I’ve already addressed this several times on my radio show, but while training, I developed a painful pinched nerve in my neck. My doctor put me on prednisone to reduce the inflammation, and while it’s helping, it led to laryngitis and some puffiness, which is normal for this medication. I’m fine, recovering well, and still training, but apparently, a few weeks of prednisone has generated more social media commentary than 30 years of ratings success. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes—including from members of the left-wing media. Sorry to disappoint them, but a pinched nerve, a raspy voice, and a puffy face aren’t taking me out anytime soon.” -Sean Hannity
What Remains Unclear: When Hannity’s appearance might return to normal.
What It Means: Sean Hannity has almost always been a straight shooter. So to see him address the questions about the appearance isn’t unexpected. His sarcasm and wit are on display in the statement.
Thanks to everyone who has checked in. I’ve already addressed this several times on my radio show, but while training, I developed a painful pinched nerve in my neck. My doctor put me on prednisone to reduce the inflammation, and while it’s helping, it led to laryngitis and some…
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I did not plan to write this week. I’ve got this thing happening next week that you might’ve heard about, a three-day Summit that unites broadcasters from sports, news and music. But when the industry gets rocked by another round of layoffs, it’s important to weigh in.
Having spent nearly eleven years covering this business on a daily basis, things like this have unfortunately become habitual. I feel for those impacted. Remember, we are here to help. Losing your job sucks. There is no way around that. When it happens though, it’s all about what comes next. The sooner people know about your situation, the easier it becomes to have conversations. Those may or may not present themselves, but you have to be out there in order for the phone to ring. If you’ve been impacted and want to get the word out, email John@BarrettMedia.com, Garrett@BarrettMedia.com or David@BarrettMedia.com.
The Road Ahead
For some, this will be a wakeup call to pursue a different path. For others, it will be a motivator to find another media job and make their prior employer pay. I saw a few former radio pros last night on social media, trashing the business, urging people to get out. That sounds simple, but when you love what you do, who you do it with, where you do it, and the compensation you receive to make a daily connection, giving that up isn’t easy. Just because you no longer care about the industry doesn’t mean others feel the same.
Most people can find work to pay bills. Other jobs offer better job security. If that’s important to someone, they will make that call and change direction. I don’t blame anyone who does that. You can love something with all your heart, but it does have to love you back just a little.
Many are drawn to this line of work. It fuels them and adds purpose to their lives. They enjoy going to work, and representing their brand and employer. They sacrifice family time, vacations, other professional opportunities, all to make sure their job is well done. It’s about professional pride, community connection, companionship, and personal fulfillment. Those are quality traits we should seek in everyone.
I’ve been told by bosses, family, friends, etc. that I invest too much time and care too much about my work. That is absolutely true. This drives me daily. It’s reflected in the work this brand does, the 24 people earning a check here, and next week’s Summit. I tune people out who suggest directing my energy and efforts elsewhere. That advice comes from people who don’t walk in my shoes or match my passion. They usually don’t fully understand the business either.
A Different Media World
Although I can relate to what some people are feeling today, I also realize that the business is rapidly changing. What you see now will not be what you see tomorrow, next year or five years from now. Different skills are going to be required. Distribution will evolve. Less content jobs will exist. Websites, social media, newsletters, and AI will experience massive disruptions. People known as experts of a particular skill will need a Plan B, C and D and other ways to earn and create content and connection.
More people today are running successful, independent content businesses than they were five years ago. Remote work is more common. Top talent are pushed nationally more and given flexibility to work for multiple employers. Technology is also doing more than entire departments, and the better it gets, the less roles are needed. Fair or unfair, it’s about being multi-skilled, multi-employed, quick to adapt, and developing a brand that enough people care about to invest time and resources in.
Having said that, when companywide layoffs are taking place, the optics matter. iHeart’s internal memo being distributed while the company showcases its strength in Cannes, France is an interesting choice. Dropping it during the same week that the BFOA hosts its annual Mixer at the iHeart New York building to raise funds to help radio and television professionals is also peculiar. It puts everyone there in an awkward spot. I know there’s never a good time when news like this is involved, but waiting a few days wouldn’t have hurt.
Stepping Up to Help Those Affected
I can’t change what happened but I can do something to help. So that’s what I’m going to do. Support for the Summit this year has been amazing. Many who are joining us on stage and in the room are important to build relationships with if you wish to work in the industry. So, if you were affected by the layoffs this week or if you lost work at anytime in 2026, I am going to give you a free ticket to the Barrett Media Audio Summit. Email me at Jason@BarrettMedia.com and I will make sure you are taken care of. All you have to do is get to the show.
Talent is important but strong relationships matter more. This event was created to unite people and to explore ways to make the business better. The last thing I’m worried about are ticket sales. I’d rather play a part in helping someone learn a few things, and making a valuable connection to get back on their feet.
We are finalizing our guest list by Friday COB. The offer stands until then. Reach out and let’s make this a temporary setback rather than a permanent disruption. I look forward to seeing you next week in NYC!
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.
Most exits in the media business are, frankly, pretty messy. They happen abruptly on a random Tuesday, or they unfold quietly during a corporate budget cycle. Worse, talent sometimes stays five years too long and burns out the engine.
But every once in a while, someone gives us the blueprint for the perfect exit.
A Legacy Built in San Diego
Enter Kimo Jensen. In July, after over 30 years anchoring the afternoons at KSON in San Diego, Kimo is hanging up the headphones. He isn’t just retiring. He and his wife, Shannon, are jumping in with both feet, packing their bags, and moving across the globe to the Italian countryside. Arrivederci, San Diego!
Staying at one major-market heritage brand for three decades isn’t just an elite professional accomplishment — it’s a statistical anomaly. It means you survived multiple ownership flips, structural turnarounds, and a total evolution of the media landscape. More than that, it requires you to be a genuinely world-class human being.
Back when I was the Regional VP of Programming for Audacy and Program Director for KSON, rooms could get predictably tense — as radio rooms often do. Kimo was always the antidote to that friction. He brought an unflappable chill into the building every single day.
My absolute favorite memory of our time together was our morning routine. I’d text him early with promo adjustments or station imaging needs. Every so often, I’d get a quick reply: “I’ll circle back with you in a bit, KC. I’m in a board meeting.”
For any other employee, that meant a mind-numbing deck or a status update. For Kimo, it meant he was out on the water, sitting on a surfboard, catching waves — keeping his head exactly where it needed to be.
I caught up with the “Smilin’ Hawaiian” to download his 30-year masterclass in longevity, managing corporate weather, and how to successfully steer your life into the ultimate Dolce Vita.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
The Masterclass in Longevity
Kevin Callahan: Kimo, staying at one station for nearly three decades in modern media is like finding a unicorn in the air-studio. What is the secret to staying fresh, relevant, and hungry when you’ve been looking at the same market and the same dashboard since the ’90s?
Kimo Jensen: “Being open to always learning. As radio has evolved over the past thirty-plus years, so has the market, and so has technology. Staying on the pulse of that — and the latest technology and social media — helps to keep things fresh and relevant.”
KC: You’ve survived multiple ownership changes, corporate turnarounds, and programming shifts. What did you understand about managing the “corporate weather” that you can share with other talent?
Kimo: “Be a good communicator, BUT also be a good listener. With the shifts in programming, ownership, and corporate turnarounds come plenty of fresh ideas. Always be receptive to new ideas and direction. The minute you stop is the minute you stop growing.”
KC: KSON is one of the most storied, heritage brands in the Country format. When you look back at day one versus your final sign-off, how much of the station’s soul remained exactly the same, despite how much the platform changed?
Kimo: “The one thing that never changed was the passion the listeners have — not only for the radio station itself, but the voices they hear daily. They really consider us part of the family.”
Curation, Egos, and the 20-Something Blueprint
KC: Beyond being an elite afternoon personality, you’ve been a massive weapon for Audacy’s national imaging team. How did your approach to production and ‘theater of the mind’ change over the years?
Kimo: “When I started at KSON, imaging was all about making everything bigger than life. It seems to have evolved more into word economy. In other words: get the message out, keep it short, and whatever you do, don’t get in the way of the music. So, in today’s imaging, be the spice.”
KC: What is one piece of advice you’d give to a 20-something talent entering a multi-station cluster today who wants to build the kind of legacy and brand longevity you accomplished?
Kimo: “Always have an open mind, and be ready to try anything. I mean, I never thought I’d end up playing country music following ten years of Top 40 and hip-hop! But once I jumped in, it ended up being a blast.”
KC: The industry knows you as a world-class creative, but your peers constantly point out that you are simply a good guy. In a business that can easily breed cynicism, how did you protect your optimism and manage to stay entirely grounded while carrying the weight of being a major-market cornerstone?
Kimo: “Simple! When I saw how much the egos were hated by fellow coworkers, air staff, and management, I always tried to go above and beyond to NOT be that guy. That sales guy you just pissed off is not coming back around with a client who wants you to endorse his product. You’re obviously too tough to work with.”
Destination Italy
KC: You are trading Southern California beaches for the Italian countryside next month. What was the exact moment you and Shannon looked at each other and said, “We aren’t just retiring; we are moving across the globe”?
Kimo: “With dual citizenship (American & Italian), my wife has always wanted to try it, but both of us were working. The best we could do was visit for about ten days. Now we can jump in with both feet and be totally immersed. Not only in Italy, but anywhere in Europe. Surf in France, snowboard the Swiss Alps, cappuccinos in Rome.”
KC: Radio people are notoriously addicted to timelines. How long do you think it’s going to take your internal clock to adapt to the Italian lifestyle where time is basically a suggestion?
Kimo: “I love that line, ‘Time is basically a suggestion.’ Not sure how long it will take, but anyway you slice it, that just sounds like a great retirement.”
KC: If you had to pick one Country song that serves as the official theme song for this upcoming Italian chapter of your life, what is it?
Kimo: “Haha, like you said, time is basically a suggestion… Maybe ‘It’s 5:00 Somewhere.'”
The Executive Summary
Look at Kimo’s career path and you’ll find the ultimate antidote to the anxiety gripping our industry right now. So often, we spend too much time overthinking it. Ultimately, Kimo survived it all by relying on three simple, unshakeable pillars: stay open to learning, treat the support staff with respect, and never stop being the “spice” on the air.
He didn’t let the grind consume his life. Instead, he protected his peace, put in his time, and built a legendary family relationship with San Diego. Perhaps most importantly, he knew exactly when it was time to step away and go live.
To my friend Kimo: thank you for decades of elite radio, and thank you for always bringing the chill when the building needed it most. Enjoy the lifelong board meeting in Italy. You earned every single wave. The next time I text, I hope you’re in a board meeting.
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.
Have you ever been to a National Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony? I have. In fact, I was there the night Jim Harper inducted Jim Kerr, and the evening in Chicago when Beth Bacall welcomed her husband Broadway Bill Lee into the Hall. I even had the pleasure of attending at least one of the nights Scott Shannon — longtime member of the National Radio Hall of Fame — emceed the show. These three legends will tell their stories next week in New York at the Barrett Media Audio Summit, and it’s bound to be memorable.
Scott Shannon: Programmer, Morning Man, Legend
While most everyone in our business knows of Scott Shannon‘s accomplishments as a programmer, he may also be the greatest morning show ringmaster in the history of radio. He had the uncanny ability to know when Mr. Leonard needed to be part of a break at Z100 in the ’80s, or when weatherman John Elliott’s punchline would pop on CBS-FM 40 years later. While he was the PD and morning man for much of his career, the radio trades spent more time highlighting the programming side of that combo. Did Scott the programmer make Scott the DJ better? Perhaps we’ll find out next week.
Jim Kerr: New York’s Morning Drive Icon for Over 50 Years
If you’ve never followed New York radio, you might have no idea how prolific Jim Kerr’s career has been. At just 21 years old, Jim became the youngest morning drive host in the biggest market in America when he took over that shift at WPLJ. I would venture to say nobody has done more morning shows in New York radio than Jim. After all, he’s been doing it for over 50 years. There are not many people who have held the same job in the same market for that long. How has entertaining a market of 17 million people changed over that time? I can’t wait to hear his story.
Broadway Bill Lee: A Career Defined by Historic Moments
Broadway Bill Lee’s résumé is a listing of some of the greatest stations in American radio history. Throughout that time, he has let his audience know about some of the most monumental events in the world. He was already an on-air talent at the legendary KFRC in San Francisco on that Monday night when John Lennon was shot and killed. He first brought his fast-talking rap style to New York in 1987 at Hot 103, before it moved to 97.1. He’s one of the city’s most familiar talents, having spent significant time at WKTU and then WCBS-FM since its relaunch. How has doing a show at so many legendary stations changed him over the years? You’ll see that radio life through his eyes next week.
During my time as a programmer in New York, I had to compete with all three of these amazing personalities. I can’t tell you how many times I was listening to one of them on a competitor station and heard a break that totally demoralized me. How can you compete with Scott, Jim, or Broadway? They are three of the greatest to ever crack a mic. Moreover, their longevity, success, and place in the National Radio Hall of Fame tell part of the tale. Don’t miss them next week in New York at the Barrett Media Audio Summit to hear the rest of their stories.
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Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event June 30-July 2 share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the Big Apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website.
Mark Adams serves as Program Director of iHeartMedia’s Z100 (WHTZ) in New York and Vice President of CHR Programming. He joined iHeartMedia in 2013, taking the VP/Programming role for the company’s Portland cluster. He then moved to San Francisco, where he programmed CHR Wild 94.9 (KYLD) and Hot AC Star 101.3 (KIOI). Adams took the reins at Z100 in May 2024, becoming just the sixth Program Director in the station’s 40-plus year history. His peers named him the #1 CHR programmer of 2024 in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
The Format’s Biggest Challenge
David Hill: What is the biggest challenge facing your format right now?
Mark Adams: While not limited to CHR, I would argue the greatest challenge for any contemporary format is contending with the fundamental breakdown of popular consensus dynamics. As available audiences grow more algorithmically fragmented and audio and entertainment options multiply, driving familiarity gets harder every day. Music and personalities no longer solely define great radio brands. There are ancillary components — podcasting, digital and social media, short-form video, and events — that are integral to success. Creating and adopting new tactics and strategies to evolve with the changing needs and expectations of our audiences is a constant process.
The State of the Industry
DH: What is your view of the industry right now — both where it stands today and where it’s headed?
MA: I remain optimistic. Radio continues to be a frequent part of consumers’ media habits. Nine out of ten Americans listen to broadcast radio each month. Our reach is unparalleled, and we remain one of the best options for effectively reaching the masses. Consumers increasingly distrust algorithms and artificial intelligence. That makes the human connection we deliver more valuable than ever. That emotional engagement extends to favorite personalities and brands, where we offer companionship, community, and curation. That human endorsement is more powerful and valuable today than ever before.
Advice for the Next Generation
DH: What would you tell someone younger in the business who is trying to figure out where they fit?
MA: The best advice I could offer today is not a great deal different than what I might have shared at any point during my career. Strive to network with professionals who can offer you mentorship, advice, and direction. And if you have the chance to join a company — no matter what the initial role may be — take full advantage of that opportunity. Get in the building. There are always opportunities for sharp and adaptive professionals with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup with coverage on FOX Sports and FS1 has been different this year. There seems to be a palpable and visceral energy emanating from the screen as we watch these athletes and coaches from around the globe.
Off the pitch, the United States has wholeheartedly embraced both fans and players from visiting teams. Most notably, Boston became the new second home of the Scotland club and its fans, who joyously drank the region dry while their team played at the World Cup’s Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Everyone expects that top-flight teams like Argentina and France would put on a show for fans. However, all of the teams have brought their respective A-games with flair and excitement. The same can be said for the on-air personalities calling and commenting on the action. FOX’s FIFA World Cup Today studio show team of Rob Stone, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Alexi Lalas has been outstanding, bringing more sparkle to this already star-studded spectacle.
I am pleased that FIFA no longer tries to turn non-soccer fans into soccer fans. Instead, this year’s World Cup has presented the best of what the game offers, thereby drawing eyeballs to the action.
Soccer Kicks Different
One of the most heart-palpitating matches featured a Group I tilt between Norway and Senegal on Monday, June 22. The game came right down to the wire, with more than nine minutes of extra time and Norway pulling out a 3-2 victory. This game also showcased another group of FOX’s World Cup broadcasters. Englishman Ian Darke on play-by-play and U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan providing color analysis. They were joined by rules analyst Dr. Joe Machnik and pitchside reporter Katie Shanahan.
Soccer is a totally different game from a broadcasting standpoint because there is so much time and space to fill. With so many moments of inaction, soccer makes baseball look like the Kentucky Derby. There is a lot of downtime as players strategically plot movement on the pitch. As well as numerous stoppages in play.
It is incumbent upon the announcers to make this idleness interesting. Darke and Donovan were outstanding. Creating the best collaboration between England and the United States since the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Darke is one of the truly iconic voices of international soccer. He has been with ESPN since 2010 and has called most of the major soccer tournaments in the world on both the men’s and women’s sides.
Erling Haaland is making the most of his first FIFA World Cup, scoring 4 goals in just two matches for Norway 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/F4KnhuvCIS
Donovan is a certified American soccer legend who has broadcast some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. He played in three World Cups for the United States and retired in 2018. He’s tied with former teammate Clint Dempsey as the all-time leading scorer in USMNT history. Donovan is also one of the greatest MLS players of all time, with the league’s MVP trophy now bearing his name.
The famed British announcer and megastar American player have matched together better than Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.
They captured the drama of the Norway-Senegal game. FOX’s cameras did an excellent job showcasing the intense action on the pitch. From players violently butting heads to cramping to the point of being unable to walk. The match became highly emotional, with plenty of chirping back and forth between the Senegalese and Norwegian players.
Donovan was particularly impressive in discussing how Senegal did not quit despite trailing by two goals late in the game. After Norway’s victory, Darke noted that despite Senegal’s tireless effort, it would now be difficult for the team to avoid eventual elimination from the tournament.
Sensational Studio Coverage
FOX’s World Cup studio analysts have been just as terrific, and not just the aforementioned Ibrahimovic and Lalas. Following the Norway-Senegal game, FS1’s FIFA World Cup Today featured host Pien Meulensteen, Mikel John Obi, Juan Pablo Angel, and Javier Hernandez. The quartet discussed the next round of Group I games. Those featured France vs. Norway in what should be a tremendous match. Meulensteen brings a dignified enthusiasm to her role as studio host. It is very difficult to get the most out of three desk analysts, but she did an expert job distributing questions and airtime.
All of FOX’s studio experts bring impressive soccer resumes. Hernandez scored goals for Mexico in three FIFA World Cups. He was also part of the country’s 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup championship team. I like his straightforward and direct approach to analyzing past and upcoming games. Angel has eight career FIFA World Cup qualifying goals for Colombia. He views the matches with a serious and strategic mien. Obi brings an exciting and upbeat approach to the studio desk. The former captain of Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup team discussed how Norway has effectively withstood the pressure of World Cup play.
After a break, Meulensteen went right into highlights of Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J play. The match was highlighted by Lionel Messi’s 17th and 18th career World Cup goals. He’s now the tournament’s all-time leading scorer and moving him past Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
While we are still early in the 2026 World Cup, this performance by Messi places him squarely among those sports icons known by a single name: Jordan, Gretzky, Brady, Ruth, and Ali.
HISTORY. No man has ever scored more FIFA World Cup goals than Lionel Messi with 17 🐐 pic.twitter.com/SOoypC7USw
While narrating highlights of the game, the FS1 commentators discussed the collective field vision of the Argentine team. Noting how the players know where their teammates will be and can make pinpoint passes. Angel commented that Messi seems to be playing with a bit more serenity, perhaps because Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Meulensteen joined the discussion, pointing out that the Argentine team recognizes the firepower on its roster and game plans to create easy scoring chances. Obi, Angel, and Hernandez worked exceptionally well together. They played off one another and genuinely listened to the comments and topic shifts introduced by Meulensteen. You could sense their preparation, knowledge, and extensive experience in the sport.
Showcasing The World’s Game
I have been impressed with several of FOX’s international World Cup talents. These include Jacqui Oatley and Warren Barton, who reported live from Santa Clara while previewing the Group J match between Jordan and Algeria. This edition of FIFA World Cup Today also examined the early struggles of Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal team. Meulensteen, Obi, Angel, and Hernandez were joined live from Houston by Natalie Gedra, who reported on Ronaldo’s woes and what Portugal must do to live up to its pre-World Cup hype as the favorite in Group K. Shanahan also appeared on the show, offering a strong postgame interview with Norway’s Erling Haaland. The charismatic striker was the star of the match against Senegal, scoring two goals.
This impressive group of talents, many of whom are unknown to the mainstream American audience, are bringing information, analysis, and perspective to an already scintillating 2026 FIFA World Cup. They are showing that international superstars are not only on the pitch, but also on the air.
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There’s a lot of mixed messaging in media today. It’s no different than anything else in sports. When a team declares it’s all in on roster building, then passes on opportunities to acquire impact talent, its actions contradict its words. That’s mixed messaging. In radio, commercial-free hours still have sponsor messaging because advertisers are buying the lone piece of real estate in that commercial-free hour. When a broadcasting brand such as iHeartMedia promotes “guaranteed human” but continues to lay off humans, that’s mixed messaging.
Tuesday began yet another round of layoffs by iHeartMedia. I say “another” because that’s exactly what it is. Since I was laid off by the company in November 2024, there have been several more rounds of “reductions in force.” I’m not immune to understanding that layoffs are part of business, but this is becoming too much of a norm rather than an outlier.
“When you end up unemployed… say f**k it and go to the beach,” wrote one affected iHeartMedia employee.
“You can have good ratings, good revenue, etc. It doesn’t matter. Your number on that excel sheet can be picked any day,” writes another affected iHeartMedia employee.
“I’m just waiting my turn. It’s coming and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it,” said another iHeartMedia employee who is still awaiting word on her future.
Define Human
Without a doubt, layoffs are not rallying cries for employees. However, November 2024, October 2025, April 2026, and now June 2026 have all arrived. Each round of layoffs leaves its mark, forcing talented people to reevaluate their career aspirations and future in the industry. One that heals for some. Others never truly get over the moment.
Four times in less than two years, the biggest audio company in the country has lost some of its “human” touch. I agree that great content can win. But it takes local humans creating local connections with local audiences to deliver it.
Clint "Girlie" Gerlek, a longtime voice for iHeartRadio in Springfield, has been laid off after 19 years. He said he was the only person to lose their job. “I’m the only person who programs the radio in Springfield, so there’s nobody else here.”
— Springfield Daily Citizen (@sgfcitizen) June 23, 2026
For example, when iHeartMedia eliminated my position at WDAE in November 2024, the company also cut the local midday show hosted by Jay Recher and Zac Blobner. In its place came syndication. A national sports radio show that didn’t give Tampa Bay teams the attention they deserved. The scuttlebutt surrounding playoff runs, coaching changes, and the usual banter about key moments from the previous night’s games disappeared. For the midday audience, there was none of it.
Fifteen months later, audience demand for local content shifted the thinking. WDAE returned to live and local programming in middays.
This isn’t a knock on the quality product FOX Sports Radio provides as the sports radio partner for iHeartMedia. But while technology, budgets, and business models may change in the boardroom, one thing doesn’t change: local human connection. That’s a human guarantee worth living by.
No Guarantees
Human connection with those who walk the streets in your local community. Human connection that extends beyond the sports radio program and onto your social media feed. Bonds that can last for generations. Not just through topics of discussion, but through products and partners as well. We see research metrics every day showing that sports radio talent remains among the most influential voices in advertising.
That’s why iHeartMedia should seriously consider removing the mixed messaging of “guaranteed human.” It falls on deaf ears when listeners’ favorite humans are removed without notice.
The sole point of iHeart’s “guaranteed human” approach is human beings. Keeping humans in front of the audience, then letting AI do its work behind the scenes. It’s a novel way to market brands to consumers by assuring them that what they’re hearing on the radio, or through the iHeartRadio app, is indeed a human being.
Listeners of KXNO in Des Moines woke up Wednesday morning didn’t hear their favorite human beings. No discussions about their favorite topics or the latest involving the Iowa Hawkeyes or Iowa State Cyclones. Those same listeners also didn’t hear the content they’ve grown to love in afternoon drive.
Because of those personnel decisions, Ken Miller’s final show on KXNO never happened. Miller was set to retire at the conclusion of Wednesday’s program. The show was to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his role in helping launch sports talk radio in Des Moines. Instead, because of the roster cuts, Miller stayed home. He chose not to attend in solidarity with his teammates who lost their jobs the day before.
There’s never a right time to enact layoffs, but companies often overlook the listener. They remove familiar voices without explanation and deny audiences the chance to say goodbye. That leaves listeners asking, why would I stay with a brand that keeps taking my favorite humans away?
What’s human about that?
You can say the same thing about stations in Birmingham, Anchorage, Indianapolis, Lexington, Pittsburgh, and my own home in Tampa Bay. Markets large and small. Stations ranging from sports radio to gospel. People who spent one, two, three, and even four decades working for iHeartMedia were out the door through no fault of their own.
All while iHeartMedia maintained its own café presence at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in France, where top syndicated talent engaged in discussions about building trust with the listeners they serve. The message was that human connection is paramount above all else. Yet no true local voices were represented.
Something To Consider
Local radio station employees want strong leadership. They want leaders who believe in the product they pour their passion into on a local level. CEO Bob Pittman once held that standard and vision. However, four rounds of layoffs in less than two years tell a much different story.
The radio business has always evolved. Formats change. Technology changes. Distribution changes. Cost structures change. None of that is new. What has never changed is that listeners build relationships with people, not platforms. They don’t wake up each morning for a corporate slogan. They tune in for the voices that inform them, entertain them, and become part of their daily routine.
That’s why “guaranteed human” is such a powerful promise. It’s also why it rings hollow when the very humans responsible for creating those connections continue to disappear without warning for local audiences.
Marketing campaigns can tell listeners that radio is built by people, but every layoff sends a different message. Layoffs tell them those people are expendable. At some point, iHeartMedia has to decide which message it truly believes. Because the greatest competitive advantage radio has never been technology, artificial intelligence, distribution, or scale. It’s been the local personalities who earn trust one conversation at a time.
Remove enough of those voices, and eventually the audience stops hearing the promise. All they hear is the silence left behind.
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Washington, D.C.’s all-news radio powerhouse WTOP has never faced a news cycle quite like this one, and afternoon anchor Shawn Anderson knows it better than most.
For years, Anderson has helmed afternoon drive at one of the country’s most-listened-to news stations. And lately, “afternoon drive” might as well be a misnomer. The news doesn’t slow down at 5 PM. It barely pauses.
Anderson traces the relentless pace back to a specific moment two summers ago.
“Basically, from the time Joe Biden had that disastrous debate with Donald Trump two years ago this month until now, we haven’t had a slow day, period,” Anderson said.
Things only accelerated from there. And the return of Donald Trump to the White House turned a fast current into a full-on torrent.
“It only accelerated once Donald Trump became president,” the longtime WTOP afternoon anchor said. That reality forced Anderson and the WTOP team to adapt — and adapt fast. Covering the Trump administration means triaging the news on the fly, sometimes choosing four or five major stories out of seven that break on a single day.
Learning to Run a Different Race
Anderson reached for an athletic analogy when describing what it felt like to suddenly operate at this speed.
“It was like being a miler in track and field and having to learn how to run a marathon at world-record speed,” Anderson said. “That was the ramp-up from a news standpoint, and we had to learn very quickly how to keep our heads above water.”
That adjustment didn’t happen overnight, but it didn’t take long either.
“It probably took us a few weeks to get used to that pace and realize that was going to be the pace we’d have to work at for the foreseeable future,” the WTOP anchor shared. Now, operating at that velocity is simply the job.
Part of what makes the pace so demanding is the willingness to abandon a plan the moment circumstances change. Anderson said the team stays on a “swivel” — meeting at the start of each day to map out coverage, then tearing up that map when something bigger breaks.
“We might have to drop something we would normally cover because something new has superseded it,” Anderson said. “We’re not set in stone every day on what we do.”
That flexibility comes with trade-offs, though. Stories that would’ve led a broadcast in a slower news environment sometimes don’t make air at all. “Sometimes it feels like things slip through the cracks that, in a normal news cycle, you might report on,” Anderson said. “It might even be your lead story. But so many other things have happened that you just have to move on.”
Staying Local — and Staying Balanced
Perhaps the most distinct pressure Anderson faces isn’t speed — it’s balance. WTOP serves Washington, D.C., a market where “local news” and “federal government news” can blur together in ways they don’t anywhere else. Anderson’s aware of that tension and works hard to keep WTOP from tipping too far in either direction.
“We are at our best at WTOP when we are balanced between local and national, between politics and other issues, and between the bad stories and the good stories we want to tell,” Anderson said. That balance has grown even more critical as other local outlets scale back. With The Washington Post pulling away from community coverage, WTOP has stepped into that gap. “We’ve become one of the go-to outlets for local news,” Anderson said. “We’re very aware of that mission.”
Maintaining that mission in a politically charged climate isn’t easy. Anderson’s frank about the reality that unbiased coverage draws complaints from every direction — and says that’s actually a sign the station’s doing something right.
“When people complain from both sides of the spectrum, we know we’re doing our jobs correctly,” the WTOP anchor shared. “We get those kinds of complaints.”
Audience reactions have grown louder and more frequent over the course of Anderson’s career — and more politically charged. Still, he doesn’t see that as a reason to drift toward any particular lane. “Unbiased coverage is a mantra here, and everybody is well aware of that,” Anderson said. The path forward, in his view, is straightforward even if it isn’t easy: “You just have to ignore the noise a little bit, get the facts straight, and move forward in an unbiased way.”
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