CNN is adding author and The Rip Current founder Jacob Ward to its roster of contributors.
Jacob Ward is an investigative journalist who primarily focuses on the AI and surveillance spaces. He launched his Substack — The Rip Current — last year to serve as the home of his work.
Ward previously worked for outlets like NBC News and PBS in advance of joining CNN. He’s also written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Wired.
He also authored the 2022 book “The Loop,” which detailed the rise of AI and the dangers associated with the technology.
In a post on social media, Ward shared the news and his excitement for joining CNN.
“Twenty-plus years covering technology, power, and democracy — at NBC News, Al Jazeera, Popular Science, and through my own investigative work at The Rip Current — has led to this,” Ward wrote. “I’m grateful, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
I'm joining CNN.
Twenty-plus years covering technology, power, and democracy — at NBC News, Al Jazeera, Popular Science, and through my own investigative work at The Rip Current — has led to this.
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NAB Show 2026 is putting the media industry’s rapid evolution on full display. With more than 60,000 attendees from over 160 countries have gathered to see what’s next, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the event reflects a business shifting quickly from concept to execution.
He pointed to artificial intelligence, streaming sports, and the creator economy as key drivers.
“It’s a chance to see where this business is going… to discover the tools and technologies impacting how content is created, distributed and experienced,” LeGeyt said during the Opening Session.
Across the exhibit floor, innovation is no longer theoretical. AI-powered production tools are in use today. Cloud-based workflows continue to expand. New distribution platforms are actively reshaping content delivery.
LeGeyt emphasized that these advancements are already influencing production and post-production. Dedicated areas highlight that momentum towards the future. That future is already underway. From AI-powered production tools to cloud-based workflows and next-generation distribution platforms, LeGeyt emphasized that innovation is no longer theoretical.
“New tools are moving from concept to real-world use across production, post and distribution,” he said.
AI Innovation Pavilions and the Creator Lab showcase practical applications. The expanded Sports Summit signals increased focus on rights, partnerships, and fan engagement. LeGeyt encouraged attendees to focus on immediate takeaways.
“All of this is designed to do one thing — help you see what’s working now and apply it to your businesses right away,” he said.
LeGeyt also addressed the challenges facing broadcasters. Competition continues to rise. Change remains constant. Pressure is coming from every direction. Still, LeGeyt sees opportunity.
“The stories we tell don’t just reflect who we are,” he said. “They allow us to understand where we’ve been and shape who we become.”
Creators are scaling their businesses faster. Cloud technology is enabling global collaboration. Emerging platforms are opening new revenue streams. The message from Las Vegas is clear. The future of media isn’t coming. It’s already here.
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YouTube has become a digital behemoth in recent years. New data from Jacobs Media shows just how prevalent usage is among radio listeners.
62% of those who completed the Techsurvey 2026 called themselves weekly YouTube users.
Of those who responded, men were more likely to identify as a weekly YouTube user. 71% of males said they use YouTube weekly, compared to 54% of females.
Younger demographics were much more likely to adopt YouTube than older generations. 78% of Gen Z respondents said they use YouTube at least weekly, down to 74% for millennials. Gen X responded at 65%, while boomers were at 57%.
Of the 62% who said they use the digital video platform weekly, 34% said they were daily users of the platform.
66% of those who call spoken word format stations their favorites used the platform weekly. That figure drops to 60% for those who focus on music formats.
“You can get a feel for types of radio listeners who are already using the platform the most—and the least—by their format of preference,” Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs said. “And we’re got information on station YouTube channels, and how they’re being utilized.”
The information comes from more than 31,000 respondents of 500 stations around the country.
The new data from Jacobs Media comes as it prepares to release its most recent data from the Techsurvey 2026. It will unveil its findings in a free webinar on Thursday, April 23rd at 2 PM ET. You can register for the free event by clicking here.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to explore ways to support AM radio’s long-term viability. Speaking at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Media Bureau officials said more relief could be on the table. That includes a possible FM translator window as early as 2027.
“There’s certainly more than we can do,” Deputy Bureau Chief Alexander Sanjenis said. He encouraged broadcasters to share feedback on next steps. The agency recently regained auction authority from Congress which opens the door for future translator opportunities.
“We are looking at the possibility of a dedicated AM translator window,” Sanjenis confirms. “There is a massive amount of work that needs to go into it.”
The Commission is also reviewing media ownership rules. NAB General Counsel Larry Walke suggested separating radio and TV ownership decisions. That move could shield radio changes from expected legal challenges tied to television caps.
Video Division Chief David Brown said no split is planned today. However, he noted the FCC could consider it if formally requested. Recent deal approvals have drawn attention. The FCC approved Nexstar Media Group’s acquisition of Tegna Inc., creating the largest local TV group.
Some attorneys view that FCC decision as a sign of regulatory easing.
Brown pushed back on that assumption. He said decisions focus on application details and public interest benefits. He added the agency aims to move transactions efficiently.
“I don’t think you can make a presumption one way or the other,” Brown said. Sanjenis also hinted at possible relief for radio ownership limits.
“We are aware of the challenges that radio industry is facing,” he said. “We certainly are interested in trying to provide whatever relief is appropriate.”
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Cumulus Media’s Indianapolis stations delivered a classy, unified tribute to Bob Kevoian. The gesture cut across competition and highlighted the market’s deep respect for one of radio’s most influential voices.
Following news of Kevoian’s passing, multiple stations honored the Hall of Fame talent. Stations including WFMS, WZPL, WJJK, and WNTR updated their RDS and HD Radio displays. Each carried a tribute message recognizing Kevoian’s legacy.
The coordinated move ensured listeners across Central Indiana saw the same message. It also reinforced Kevoian’s impact on the market he helped shape.
Kevoian, co-founder and longtime co-host of The Bob & Tom Show, helped define morning radio. His humor, timing, and relatability connected with millions of listeners nationwide.
“This meant more than they probably realize,” said Tom Griswold, co-host of The Bob & Tom Show. “In an industry where we’re all fighting for the same ears, this was a moment that reminded us we’re part of something bigger. What Cumulus Media and their Indianapolis stations did shows that we are far more friends than competitors.”
Cumulus leadership helped bring the tribute together quickly. Darlene Park and Mike Killabrew played key roles in executing the effort across platforms.
“We have been stunned by the outpouring of support from listeners, affiliates, and even competitors,” Griswold added. “This gesture from the Cumulus team was thoughtful, classy, and deeply appreciated. It speaks volumes about Bob’s impact — and the kind of community Indianapolis radio truly is.”
Moments like this don’t happen often. When they do, they remind the industry what matters most.
Bob And Tom Screenshot (Courtesy: John Kesler, Bob and Tom COO)
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Few returns in conservative media have generated as much anticipation as Dan Bongino’s February comeback. After leaving his radio platform to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI under President Trump, Bongino stepped back into podcasting with a renewed focus and a rebuilt studio.
Audiences responded immediately. The Dan Bongino Show didn’t just pick up where it left off — it landed near the top of the industry’s most closely watched rankings.
The numbers told the story quickly. Upon his return, The Dan Bongino Show ranked third in the Triton Digital podcast rankings and ninth in the Podtrac rankings. Those figures placed Bongino among the most-listened-to voices in all of podcasting, not just within the conservative space. For a show re-entering the landscape after a significant absence, the reception was remarkable.
The momentum hasn’t slowed since. The Dan Bongino Show continues to chart consistently across platforms, drawing millions of on-demand listeners while also ranking near the top in live streaming. Bongino’s blend of national security perspective, political commentary, and direct audience engagement has proven to be a durable formula — one that survived a two-year gap and came back stronger than many expected.
The First Show Back
Bongino acknowledged the return wasn’t without its pressures, even for a broadcaster with more than a decade of experience.
“I thought it would feel routine, considering my time in TV, radio, and podcasting. I have done this for about 12 years. It did not feel that way. We had a lot going on, including President Trump as a guest. There was excitement with me returning to the platform. I wanted to make sure all the studio technology worked. Because I had only been in the new studio for three weeks before going to the FBI. I built a multimillion-dollar studio and barely used it,” he said.
“I wanted to ensure everything functioned properly, because I was used to doing the show from my house for 10 years. It was not anxiety. It was a logistics issue,” said Bongino.
Coming Back to Media Life
The transition back to media life also required an adjustment in mindset. Government service, Bongino explained, demands a particular kind of discipline — one that pulls a communicator away from the very habits that make them effective on air.
“It was a real change,” Bongino said. “I had been in the public eye as a commentator since around 2011 or 2012. When you work in an administration, it is not about you. You did not get elected president. President Trump did. You go from a content-driven business focused on your opinion to staying quiet. That was a change, but not as difficult as it sounds. I was extremely busy during my time there. Every day had constant demands, especially in the first year. There was little time to think about anything else.”
His time inside government didn’t just keep him busy — it changed him. Bongino is direct about that, and he views the evolution as a strength rather than something to apologize for.
“Anyone who says they do not change is not being honest. You cannot go through that experience unchanged,” Bongino said. “In government, you receive daily intelligence briefings. You attend hours of high-level meetings. You deal with major national security issues. That changes you. Some people say I changed on certain issues. That is because I received new information. When you learn something new, you adjust. The core of the show remains the same. We focus on news and national security. I added perspective from my experience. That experience made the show better.”
Potential Radio Return?
On the radio side, Bongino handed his show to Vince Coglianese — a transition he described as audience-driven rather than forced. The two don’t always agree, and Bongino sees that as healthy.
“Vince is excellent,” said Bongino. “I appreciate the compliment, but the audience chose him. He was a guest host on my radio show. I had many guest hosts, and they were all good. The audience consistently responded best to Vince. We do not agree on every issue.
“And that is fine. We value different perspectives. We focus on evidence-based broadcasting. If you make a claim, bring facts and receipts. The audience embraced him, and the transition was smooth.”
As for why his show isn’t on radio upon his return, Dan Bongino pointed to his busy schedule and family dynamics. Having the ability to focus on the podcast and video show exclusive to Rumble was the priority upon his exit from the FBI.
But that doesn’t mean he’s closing the door on a radio return one day.
“We have had many radio offers. Opportunity is not the issue,” he said. “My team and I make careful business decisions. Transitioning into government and back out again is complex. There are many ethics and reporting requirements. It was a lot of work. We decided to focus on getting the podcast running again first. We can consider other opportunities later.”
Grounded in Gratitude
Above everything else, Dan Bongino keeps returning to the same theme — gratitude for the audience that showed up again. It’s a value he treats as the foundation of the entire operation.
“The best people in the business never take their audience for granted. My team and I feel the same way,” The Dan Bongino Show host shared. “We are incredibly grateful. This entire experience has been a gift from the audience. They made the show successful. There is a theory that listeners have limited time for a few shows. You have to earn a spot. Our show continues to rank highly across platforms. Even without full video distribution, we remain a top news podcast.
“I have zero complaints. I am thankful for our listeners, live streamers, and chat participants. Some watch on demand, others stream live, and some prefer audio. It is an honor they choose to listen every day,” Bongino stated.
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Thank you for checking out ‘The Industry According To’. This series runs each Tuesday, and features radio and record industry executives, managers, programmers, talent, artists, and professionals from all areas of the business world. To be considered as a future guest, email me at keithblackboxgroup@gmail.com.
Today we visit with a Radio Hall of Fame talent everyone has heard of. He’s won ratings and revenue battles at the highest levels and helped reshape how morning shows sound in many markets. His resume includes creating an international incident, embarrassing the President of France, and triggering investigations from law enforcement. His name is Gene Baxter, but you can call him “Bean.”
After a long career at KROQ, being one-half of the legendary “Kevin & Bean Show,” he now currently hosts on SiriusXM’s Lithium. In addition, he also co-hosts the podcast, “A Cup of Tea and a Chat with Allie and Bean.”
Bean is a radio lifer. He’s one of the smartest in the room, and if you’ve ever heard him on the radio, he’s not afraid to speak his mind.
So, let’s dive in.
Where’s Radio At?
Keith: You’ve been out of the day-to-day grind for a few years, but I know you still follow the industry closely. From your perspective, where is radio today? What’s it doing right, and where might it be going wrong?
Bean: I’ve been in radio for 49 years this year and still love it as much as ever but there is no doubt these are challenging times. I don’t listen to much anymore that is not on demand. Content is still king but other platforms are far more convenient than linear programming. And the commercial load on US radio is well beyond my comfort level. The billion dollar question is how to get people to tune back in and that solution is more for smart guys like you, Keith, than worker bees like me.
The UK and the U.S.
Keith: Having lived in the UK for years and even doing some radio there, what are the key differences in commercial radio between the U.S. and UK? Do they sound similar? Are ratings as important? Are the programming and revenue models analogous?
Bean: We are years behind America here in one way. Massive consolidation has only hit much more recently here leading to hundreds of layoffs and contraction of programming. But we are years ahead of moving nearly everyone to digital platforms. There is almost no AM radio anymore here and FM stations are minor players compared to DAB and DAB+ stations. Less than 25% of radio listening in the UK is on terrestrial radio. Yes, ratings still matter and even the commercial-free BBC needs to justify their license fees by satisfying as many people as possible. The major radio group apps (Bauer, Global, BBC) are well- integrated into people’s lives here.
Being Dangerous
Keith: “The Kevin & Bean Show” is famous for having dangerous and rebellious traits and content — The Miss Double December Pageant, legendary pranks like Blink-182 playing in a parking lot that didn’t exist, the Thom Yorke “altercation,” and the Jerry Lewis/Jacques Chirac bit that caused an international stir. That kind of material is rare on radio now. Has the industry lost some of its edge — and should more of that spirit return (within FCC guidelines), or is it better left in the history books?
Bean:Most radio stations have always been controversy-free but the few that we’re willing to let talent push the envelope have now retreated from that position, it seems to me. Maybe the thinking is sales dollars are too hard to come by now so why risk ticking people off? Keith, you hear much more US radio than I do. What was the last surprising morning show bit, stunt, whatever you want to call it, that you heard? How long ago was it? I can’t think of any. Please let me add that I am very embarrassed by many of the things we did on the radio in the ‘90s and ‘00s and I am grateful society has evolved into a kinder, gentler, more inclusive place. In our later years we definitely changed with the times, thankfully.
Building a Winner
Keith: Kevin & Bean didn’t start on top; it was a long build. Today’s younger talent often wants success immediately. What advice would you give an aspiring talent on what it actually takes to build a winning show with real longevity?
Bean: We were incredibly lucky to have champions in our corner at KROQ. GM Trip Reeb, PDs Andy Schuon and Kevin Weatherly gave us the time we needed to learn the job. We were so bad when we started, having never done a morning show before, but they nurtured us and supported us. Radio doesn’t really mint household names anymore but there are many, many internet content creators who found a niche, worked hard, and are incredibly successful. The rules of engagement are the same no matter the job though. Serve your audience. Be authentic. Be interesting. Be consistent.
Audience Connection
Keith: Kevin & Bean had an incredibly loyal audience, and that can’t be bought. What’s the key to building that kind of listener relationship, and is it harder to do today than it was twenty years ago?
Bean: It’s harder to get those pre-podcast, pre-Covid numbers now, but you can still build a strong relationship with the listeners you can get. My former colleague Allie Mac Kay and I started a podcast together in October of 2020. It’s called “A Cup Of Tea And A Chat.” We only have a few thousand paid subscribers on Patreon, a tiny fraction of the old KROQ numbers, but they are the most loyal and interactive audience I have ever experienced. The community they have built would you make you cry. The friendships they’ve forged with each other, and the way they help each other out, it’s beautiful. We are 800 episodes in and I still can’t believe how many of them are still proud “Teabaggers.” Allie and I are both extremely accessible to them and try to super serve their interests. We are grateful for their feedback.
Is Alternative Still… Alternative
Keith: You lived in Alternative radio when it truly felt counterculture. On a scale of 1 to 10 — where 1 is basically CHR and 10 is legit Alternative, where does terrestrial Alternative radio sit today, and why?
Bean: I don’t want to sound like a homer here but the shining example of a 10 out of 10 alternative radio station is KROQ in the mid to late 80s. They were brilliant, wacky, adventurous, and really reflective of their left-of-center audience. Most what-we-call alternative stations today are actually so diluted and bland as to be really mainstream alternative, an oxymoron, I know. I hate that they are 85 percent gold now and the “oh wow!” records are just another different Red Hot Chilli Peppers song. I know it’s a 25 – 54 numbers game and those stations are giving the available audience what they think they want but I wish stations would try a little harder to surprise and delight, both with talent and tunes. Current grade: 6. Come at me, bro.
Why Repetition Works
Keith: Many probably don’t know this but “The Kevin & Bean Show” would repeat content often. It wouldn’t be reckless to say you did one show daily but aired much of it twice each morning. That comes from an understanding of audience turnover, their habits, available windows, etc. What’s your philosophy on morning shows repeating content?
Bean: It went against everything I thought I believed for the first few years but the diaries didn’t lie. There was not one person listening at 8:30 who had been listening at 6:30. So we leaned in and built a wheel. If we didn’t have a couple of things to replay later in the show then we weren’t doing a very good show that day. And we almost never got a complaint for repeating except from the superfans and they were going to listen anyway.
Transparency and Self-Deprecation
Keith: A big part of your career has been your willingness to be transparent and your ability to find humor in almost anything, especially yourself. You were often put on display by co-hosts and listeners for your obsessions with 7-Eleven, the post office, or “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” How important are transparency and self-deprecation for on-air talent.
Bean: I mentioned authenticity earlier and that is maybe the key ingredient to success. In many fields. The things we ribbed each other about were all real things that we found funny. and the oddball traits that each person had were usually the things the audience would most remember about them. I still get former Kevin and Bean listeners sending me everything they ever come across about the Fitz. Kevin loved monkeys. Ralph was the Batman guy, etc. Self-deprecation is an appealing trait but it also wasn’t phony. We did not take ourselves too seriously and it was also fun to laugh at everyone else.
The Art of an Interview
Keith: You’re top tier when it comes to interviewing people on-air. What’s the real trick to pulling off a great interview — and who’s been your toughest guest?
Bean: Research, yes, Watch the movies, read the books, track down everything you can online. That’s all “Interview 101”. Where you shine is when you put that out of your mind and actually listen to the guest. Pick up on what he or she is saying and look for unexpected places to take the conversation. Ask the follow-up question. Then another if warranted. Don’t be in a rush to get back to the pre-planned run sheet of how you thought it was going to go. And your real secret weapon is curiosity. In my opinion, that is the absolute most important trait an air talent can have, not just for interviews, but for taking phone calls, talking about news stories, everything.
Talent Bean Likes
Keith: You’ve always had a sharp ear for talent. What shows or personalities do you listen to these days and think, “this is really great”? Give us some listening homework — and maybe a reason or two why you are such a fan.
Bean: You know who is an incredible air talent? A real natural. Smart, funny, with incredible musical knowledge, and a fantastic interviewer? John Mayer. Born to do it, if he weren’t also born to be a phenomenal guitarist and singer-songwriter. He has his own channel (4) on SiriusXM.
I have about ten podcasts I listen to every week including one about radio that anyone interested in the talent side of the business should check out. It’s called Game Changers Radio, out of Australia. I think the Louis Theroux podcast is my absolute favorite interview show right now. My old friends Luke Burbank and Andrew Walsh have been hosting “Too Beautiful To Live” for the past 15 years and were really my inspiration when starting my own podcast. They taught me the value of minutia. The most interesting things in the world are rarely the most important. And they have, again, authenticity, in spades.
The World According to Bean
Keith: I know how much you love radio and have thoughts on everything, both positive and constructive. The last question is just a blank slate: what haven’t you said that you want the industry to hear?
Bean: I know I have been a Debbie Downer about the state of radio today. But I am sure there are many great programmers and air personalities doing amazing and inspiring work right now that I just don’t know about. I want to say thank you. Keep doing it. I want you to succeed. Thanks to everyone trying to make it better. And thank you to Keith Cunningham for this series and his thoughtful coverage of our industry every week here on Barrett Media. And for anyone who wants to reach out and say hi, I’m at Bean9@mac.com.
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There are both positives and negatives for sports radio brands when it comes to properly using social media. With each passing day, there’s a high probability that what worked yesterday won’t work today—and may never work again tomorrow. However, the real challenge lies in the strategy. If you focus only on limited platforms, you risk missing potential audience. Conversely, if you try to be everywhere, you risk diluting your overall impact.
However, what most sports radio brands miss is how to adapt to platform-specific trends. What works on one platform doesn’t necessarily work on another. With limited staff, resources, and time, it’s nearly impossible for many brands to keep their social strategy performing at peak levels every day of the week.
That’s why sports radio needs to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to social media. Relying on platforms that place your content into a bucket for an algorithm to determine reach later isn’t a winning approach. Instead, sports radio needs to shift its strategy from the written word to real-time engagement—the kind that YouTube provides.
Since COVID, sports radio has appeared on YouTube more than ever before. The pandemic showed that when you remove the car, you must find ways to penetrate the home. Ask yourself: when was the last time you saw an AM/FM radio in a home? Most have been replaced by smart speakers or smart TVs with streaming apps serving as the primary distribution model.
Additionally, COVID accelerated video consumption across platforms like YouTube and Twitch. YouTube’s global traffic increased by 15% during lockdowns, making it one of the most visited sites worldwide. In 2020, 64% of social media users reported using YouTube more frequently while confined at home.
Video First Content Economy
Over the past five years, podcasts have evolved from audio-first to video-first products. Netflix is now investing millions of dollars in top podcasts, securing exclusive access to video audiences originally built on YouTube.
Sports radio needed to adapt—and it did. Many stations now distribute video through YouTube, thanks to forward-thinking executives who recognize that traditional radio may no longer be the primary destination for sports content. However, many stations still miss the point of being on YouTube. As a result, they lose potential reach, engagement, and key metrics that matter to advertisers seeking digital opportunities.
So, does sports radio actually use YouTube as social media? Or does the format still view it primarily as a consumption platform? Consider your own local sports radio station and how it approaches social media.
Most strategies still begin with X, where many brands have long established their presence. It’s where Adam Schefter breaks news and where Pat McAfee streams his show.
However, despite continued investment in the platform, returns are far from guaranteed—and are less reliable than ever. There is little growth potential on a platform that deprioritizes links to external sites or live streams. Furthermore, expanding reach without significant sharing provides minimal value.
Meanwhile, Facebook has largely been neglected by many sports radio brands. Instead, stations lean on centrally generated content to stay “up-to-date” or use it as a secondary dumping ground for Instagram Reels. However, the same principle applies: without a clear strategy, there’s no reason to expect growth or engagement.
Then there’s Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Nearly every sports radio brand lacks a meaningful presence on LinkedIn, while many use Instagram primarily for clips that are later repurposed for TikTok in hopes of generating engagement.
YouTube Is Social Media
However, what all of these platforms lack—compared to YouTube—is consistent user behavior. According to a recent survey by Crowd React Media, 83% of surveyed radio listeners say they use YouTube as a social media platform at least once a week. That’s higher than Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and even X.
Shouldn’t that data send a clear message? If radio listeners are using YouTube as a social platform, they’re looking for engagement from the sports radio brands they love. Sports radio brands have become more accessible over the past six years, especially through live video in real time. So instead of posting another GIF on X with a “listen live” link, why not actively engage your audience on YouTube instead?
The tools are already in place, and the opportunities are significant. Rather than hoping for clicks from platforms that deprioritize your links, create a unique user experience where audiences are actively seeking interaction.
The days of equal investment across every social platform are over. Social platforms—and how they treat publishers (and yes, you are a publisher)—are not equal. Therefore, you must focus on where your audience actually spends time and build the skills necessary to maximize that opportunity.
That doesn’t mean abandoning other platforms. Instead, it’s time to reset priorities and focus on what drives digital growth. YouTube offers longer content windows, stronger discoverability, and audience behavior that aligns with how people consume sports radio. In other words, YouTube has the potential to become the new home for sports radio.
Or will that ground be ceded to podcasters once again?
Own Your Territory
The real risk isn’t that sports radio disappears—it’s that it gets outperformed in its own space.
Make no mistake: the next generation of sports fans isn’t choosing between AM, FM, or even streams. They’re choosing between personalities, access, and interaction. Increasingly, that decision is happening on YouTube—not on your frequency or your app.
Sports radio has always thrived on immediacy, reaction, and human connection. Those same qualities drive success on YouTube: live chats, real-time interaction, community building, and content that engages audiences rather than talks at them.
That’s not a new skill set for sports radio. It’s the original one. This isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about recognizing that the platform has finally caught up to what the format has always done best. It’s time for sports radio to cease leaning on what worked five years ago, and start building for tomorrow.
The question isn’t whether you should be on YouTube. It’s whether you’re willing to treat it like your home field—or continue playing road games while someone else builds the crowd.
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First Things First: every day presents a new opportunity for another first. The show’s title borrows from an idiom suggesting certain items should be addressed before others. While the program has been part of the FS1 lineup since 2017, last month brought another “first” for the show: a Sports Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Daily Sports Show category.
“It was very gratifying to receive the news,” said host Nick Wright about the nomination. “I was probably way more thrilled than I should have been. I started to feel the show was really good with Kevin Wildes, Chris Broussard and myself. Every year the Sports Emmys nominees would come out, and every year I’m in a bad mood for three days afterwards because I’m angry we didn’t get nominated.”
For the last five years, First Things First has served as the network’s flagship sports debate program. Despite several roster changes and time slot shifts throughout its history, the show has achieved its greatest success since the formation of the trio of Wright, Broussard, and Wildes.
Since shifting from mornings to afternoons in September 2022, First Things First has doubled its viewership. The network says the program has grown 102% compared to its weekday morning audience.
“The show has been one of the best sports shows on television,” said Chris Broussard, who joined the program full time in September 2021. “I felt like we were in that league. So, to get the Sports Emmy nomination was gratifying. We’d love to win it, but even being nominated is a reward as well.”
Building A Winning Roster
Kevin Wildes, who has served as the moderator since joining in early 2020, said the Sports Emmy nomination reflects a team effort. The longtime producer built a strong reputation at ESPN before joining FOX Sports. Following the nomination, he added that the credit belongs to the show’s entire staff.
“There’s so many people that you don’t see that make this show work,” said Wildes. “There are so many little things that go into making the show what it is, and so many people involved with that. It’s a team effort and a team award.”
Success didn’t come easily to First Things First. The program has evolved since its 2017 debut, when Cris Carter and Wright debated the latest sports topics each morning with Jenna Wolfe as moderator. Over time, the show featured contributions from Carter, Wolfe, and Brandon Marshall across a five-year span.
However, the combination of Wright, Broussard, and Wildes has proven to be the winning formula.
“The three of us bring different things to the table. That’s what makes the show work,” explains Broussard. “Nick [Wright] always brings intelligent takes with substance. But when [Kevin] Wildes got on the show, I always enjoyed the show, but the show became more fun to do. I know they [FOX] was going for more levity when they brought Wildes in, but the show is more fun now.”
Broussard, who worked with Wildes during his time at ESPN, said that built-in relationship helped create instant chemistry.
“The biggest difference in the show was adding Kevin Wildes because of his natural instincts for what works and what doesn’t,” said Wright. “Also, with no disrespect to anyone else. Chris Broussard is the best partner I’ve ever had. I’m a tough guy at times to work with… but [Chris] Broussard is the hardest working partner I’ve ever worked with.”
First Things First also marked a new beginning for Wildes. His role on the program was his first on camera rather than behind the scenes. However, he viewed the transition as a natural progression.
“People think it was a bigger transition than I thought it was,” noted Wildes. “I viewed the opportunity as less of a left turn, and more a continuation of evolving in this field I’ve been working in for twenty years. I didn’t feel that strange. Honestly, wearing a suit and make up in the lights was a little intimidating at first.”
Being Different Matters
Another factor helping First Things First stand out in a crowded sports media landscape is its digital and social media strategy. Each show is available as a podcast and distributed across multiple platforms, while the program’s social media team continues finding new ways to present content that drives engagement.
Over the past year, First Things First has generated more than 640 million social views across its platforms—an 11% increase from the previous 12-month period. On YouTube alone, the show has grown 24%, surpassing one billion total views in February.
What makes these figures more notable is that the program has achieved them as an afternoon show, unlike many competitors that air in the morning or midday and benefit from a full afternoon of online engagement.
“The meat of our show is real opinion with real factual basis. Our show has to lead the league in both absurdity and most data conveyed per minute,” said Wright. “That’s what special about our show and the relationship between the three of us.”
Wildes said airing in the afternoon also provides an advantage by allowing the show to react to established narratives.
“There’s also an advantage to being live when breaking news happens in the afternoon,” explained Wildes. “In the morning, very few things break in sports where we could respond in real time. The afternoons also provide that opportunity more often than in mornings.”
Navigating Change
As the show approaches its tenth year on FS1, the network’s approach has remained steady. First Things First has settled into its core trio while continuing to grow in the afternoon slot. Last summer, FS1 expanded the program to three hours, adding Danny Parkins, Eric Mangini, and Greg Jennings for the additional hour.
The expansion was part of broader changes to the network’s daily studio lineup. FS1 canceled Breakfast Ball, Speak, and The Facility, removing several high-profile talents from its roster.
Despite those shifts—and the ongoing challenges networks face in producing in-house studio programming—First Things First remains focused on what it can control.
“On the top of my script I have for the show, I have a picture of Secretariat with blinders on. It’s a constant reminder that the only thing I need to be focused on is trying to be best for the show at 3 o’clock,” said Wildes. “What’s happening in the industry is not part of my focus. Obviously, I know it’s there, but it doesn’t affect me. Because I keep my focus on the show exclusively.”
For Nick Wright, who just celebrated ten years with FOX Sports on Monday, the opportunity to continue building First Things First stands as his proudest accomplishment with the network.
“If you do anything long enough, you know whether or not the show as a whole is a good show or a bad show,” explained Wright. “My proudest moment is a continual moment of creating what is the best sports show on television. It is incredibly gratifying, and I’m incredibly proud that I get to be a part of that everyday.”
For a show built on the idea of prioritizing what matters most, First Things First has spent nearly a decade doing exactly that—refining its voice, sharpening its chemistry, and earning its place in an increasingly crowded space.
The Emmy nomination may be the latest milestone, but it also signals something deeper: after all this time, the show isn’t chasing relevance. It’s continuing to define it.
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The liberal media has a voice problem — and new research makes that impossible to ignore.
A study from the University of Mississippi examined the most influential non-politician news figures in the 2024 election. Researchers used a weighted survey to determine who Americans trusted most for information. The results should be a wake-up call for anyone on the left side of the media dial.
Joe Rogan topped the list. With 11.4% of respondents naming him as their favorite news influencer, he wasn’t just first — he was dominant. Sean Hannity came in second at 9.6%. Greg Gutfeld followed at 7.3%. Elon Musk and Mark Levin tied at 6.8% to round out the top five.
Lack of Liberals?
Notice anything? None of those five figures could reasonably be called a liberal voice. So where does the left show up?
Jimmy Kimmel cracked the top 10, but let’s be honest — he’s a late-night comedian, not a news influencer. That’s a different lane entirely. Stephen Colbert also made the top 10, sitting at ninth. He fits the same category.
Bill Maher is perhaps the strongest argument for a liberal presence near the top, but even he blends punditry and comedy in a way that muddies the waters.
Rachel Maddow is the first figure on the list you’d call a genuine liberal news influencer — without the comedian asterisk. She landed at 16th.
16th.
For a media environment constantly described as dominated by the left, that ranking demands an explanation. Either A) the “liberal media” label is more mythology than reality, or B) liberal media members are doing a poor job of converting audiences into engaged, loyal followers. Neither answer is flattering.
Think about what that means in practical terms. Conservative media built an ecosystem — from talk radio to podcasts to cable news — that turns casual listeners into passionate advocates. Fox News, independent creators, and podcasters like Rogan didn’t accidentally dominate this list. They built communities, they created habits, and they gave audiences a reason to come back every single day.
Liberal media, by and large, hasn’t done that — at least not at the same scale.
The Fix?
That’s not a political statement. It’s a business and strategy observation. Influence isn’t measured by op-ed column inches or Sunday morning roundtables anymore. It’s measured by who people actually turn to when they want to make sense of the world. This data says conservatives have figured that out. Liberals haven’t.
There’s also a distribution problem worth acknowledging. Conservative voices found homes on platforms — talk radio, podcasting, YouTube — where audiences were already forming habits. Liberal voices often relied on legacy media infrastructure that’s been shedding trust and audience share for years. That bet hasn’t paid off.
The danger for liberal media members is dismissing this data rather than learning from it. It’s easy to question the methodology, challenge the sample, or argue that “influence” is a flawed metric. But that kind of defensive posturing is exactly why the gap keeps widening.
Conservative media built its audience by speaking directly to people, in formats they preferred, on platforms they already used. The data shows that approach worked — and it worked decisively. Until liberal media figures are willing to honestly reckon with that reality, don’t expect the rankings to change.
The scoreboard is up. It doesn’t lie.
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.
