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Rob Mills, the Executive Vice President of Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, was honored with the 2024 CMA Founding President’s Award during rehearsals for “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Mills, who joined ABC’s alternative division in 2003, oversees unscripted development and current production for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals.
This includes managing the CMA’s television properties, such as “CMA Fest,” “CMA Country Christmas,” and the CMA Awards. The Founding President’s Award is given to someone who contributed significantly to the CMA.
In a surprise announcement, Thomas Rhett presented the Media Achievement Award to Billboard staff writer Jessica Nicholson.
Nicholson has been a full-time writer for Billboard since 2021. Before that, she was the managing editor at MusicRow and a staff writer for Country Weekly.
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Marketron hosted its Review for Radio webinar on Thursday afternoon, and the company shared how radio and revenue goals have changed and will continue to do so in the future.
Political advertising reached new heights in 2024, with nearly $11 billion being spent during the election cycle. And while many radio companies were buoyed by that increased spending, it was really digital that led the way.
Marketron shared that digital was one of the biggest growth sectors of radio companies in 2024. The company’s leaders argued that the category should be more widely adopted for future success.
“It’s clear that the industry is in the middle of a transition,” Marketron CEO Jimshade Chaudhari said. “And broadcasters have to evolve. They have to evolve and have to continue to grow their revenue. And in different ways than they have been doing historically. Our philosophy is really to help broadcasters and grow their business.”
“I don’t think it’s news to many on this call … that in 2024, excluding political advertising, most markets are seeing flat or negative traditional over-the-air advertising growth,” added Marketron General Manager of Traffic and Senior Vice President of Client Services Jeff London. “That trend line seems to continue into the near future based on some industry reports. We’re seeing the same thing with our customers. But digital revenue has been the bright spot on most of the quarterly reports. Several studies have shown that an airtime schedule with a digital complement is like a superpower. It drives advertising results.”
“We believe we’ve reached this critical point as an industry that digital needs to be part of every single advertising package sold by a broadcaster. It has to be native. It has to be in our DNA and built into our operating systems,” London continued.
Much has been made about the change from Nielsen to measure qualified listening times by three minutes instead of five minutes. Marketron believes that’s a positive signal for the industry moving forward.
“The stations are going to see higher ratings. Typically, when you see higher ratings, that’s gonna boost spot rates and boost demand for the audience from media buyers as well,” London said, adding that it helps “make a stronger case for radio” with media buyers that advertisers need the medium in their marketing plans.
Chaudhari added that three sectors likely to see advertising growth in 2025 include restaurants, retail, and real estate.
“Those three categories, for different reasons, have the opportunity to increase their share of digital advertising,” Chaudhari said, noting that some of the sectors haven’t returned to their pre-pandemic levels just yet. He added that recruitment advertising will be just as prevalent as product advertising for some of those sectors.
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Morgan Wallen, The CMA’s Entertainer Of The Year, was a no-show on “Country’s Biggest Night,” the 58th annual CMA Awards last night in Nashville.
To make matters worse, actor Jeff Bridges announced the winner as “Morgan Waylon.”
Beyonce, who dropped her GRAMMY-nominated “Cowboy Carter” Country album earlier this year, was not nominated in any category.
Former CMA winner Billy Ray Cyrus, no stranger to controversy, took to Instagram to congratulate the winners adding, “I’m so happy and proud to see country music opening their doors and format to be inclusive to all people, all styles.”
Adding, “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant… her single ruled. But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission …. or approval from any of their judges. ‘When ya knock em out…. Ya don’t need no judge.’ – Muhammad Ali.'”
Matthew Knowles, Beyonce’s father, suggested race may have played a part in the snub, suggesting that despite the album’s success, Nashville was still not fully embracing Black artists.
Beyonce has a complicated relationship with Country and The CMA’s. In 2016 her performance with The Chicks (then known as the Dixie Chicks) was met with boos.
The performance included the controversial song “Daddy Lessons.” Beyoncé suggested that this experience influenced her decision to produce a complete Country album.
The other night’s surprise was Post Malone and Shaboozy, the artists behind two of the year’s biggest hits, going home without hardware.
Barrett Media has confirmed through multiple sources that 105.7 The Fan and program director Chuck Sapienza have mutually agreed to part ways. Sapienza is reportedly staying with the radio station through the end of 2025. A search for his replacement is underway. Attempts to reach Sapienza for comment were unsuccessful.
Audacy sent in a job posting on Thursday to seek support for replacing Sapienza’s position. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the opening by clicking here.
In an internal memo, Market Manager Tracy Brandys thanked Sapienza for his contributions as the station’s brand manager. Brandys informed staff that Sapienza would continue to help the brand through the remainder of 2024.
The veteran programmer joined the Baltimore sports radio station in November 2017. Prior to moving to ‘Charm City;, Sapienza served as Executive Producer of Navy Football. He entered the industry in 1986, spending nearly 40 years in the business including leading ESPN 980 in Washington, D.C. while the station was owned and operated by Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra broadcasting.
Sapienza will turn the outlet over to its next leader in a strong position. The radio station has consistently produced strong ratings, often finishing 1st in the market among Men 25-54. 105.7 The Fan’s lineup consists of The Big Bad Morning Show, Vinny & Haynie, and Inside Access with Jason LaCanfora and Ken Weinman.
Additionally, The Fan, its shows, and Sapienza have all consistently been recognized in Barrett Media’s annual Top 20 series. The station was voted the 9th best brand of 2023 among all mid-market sports stations.
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Rachel Maddow has been a massive part of MSNBC and its primetime lineup for years and years. And that will continue, according to a new report.
Maddow has inked an extension to remain with MSNBC, according to a report from The Ankler’s Lachlan Cartwright. After previously earning $30 million per year, it is now being estimated that Maddow has taken a pay cut to remain with the network as she shifted to a weekly program instead of a nightly show.
The news of her extension comes on the heels of the announcement that Comcast is preparing to spin off its cable holdings — including MSNBC and CNBC — into a separate company. Many have questioned what the future of the network looks like without the financial backing and resources that being linked with Comcast and NBC News will mean for the future of the cable news network.
Rachel Maddow currently hosts a one-hour weekly show on Monday during the primetime hours. She had previously helmed a nightly show that was a ratings leader for the network during her tenure. In 2022, she adjusted her schedule to its current state. She also, reportedly, rebuffed a large offer to join SiriusXM at the time.
In addition to her weekly show, Maddow has recently dipped her toe into the documentary and podcasting waters for the network.
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The Daily Wire and Westwood One will not be extending their relationship to continue distributing shows from hosts like Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh.
Several independent sources indicated to Barrett Media that the relationship between the conservative digital outlet co-founded by Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing and Westwood One would conclude at the end of the calendar year without a renewal. Show pages for Shapiro, Knowles, and Walsh no longer appear on the Westwood One website.
The outlet had produced a series of one-hour shows from podcast content from the trio of hosts. Westwood One began syndicating The Ben Shapiro Show in April 2018. Distribution for The Michael Knowles Show (2020) and The Matt Walsh Show (2023) followed, creating a three-hour block of programming from The Daily Wire that aired live in afternoon drive.
The Ben Shapiro Show debuted at 3 PM ET each weekday, while The Matt Walsh Show and The Michael Knowles Show premiered daily at 4 PM and 5 PM ET, respectively.
The programming had landed on several prominent news/talk stations around the country. Many Cumulus Media stations — the parent company of Westwood One — had added Daily Wire shows to afternoon drive, while dozens of others also aired the programs on a delayed basis.
Westwood One continues to offer The Guy Benson Show from Fox News Radio during the 3-6 PM ET timeslot that The Daily Wire programs had also been featured.
Both The Daily Wire and Westwood One were asked for comment on the matter. As of this publication, neither have responded.
This is a developing story. More information will be added when made available.
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Just over six weeks since joining WICC, midday host Brigitte Quinn has departed the Connoisseur Media Bridgeport news/talk outlet.
Quinn launched her Newsline program on September 30th after being part of the widespread cuts from Audacy New York after WCBS 880 ceased operations.
Quinn worked at both WCBS 880 and 1010 WINS in separate stints between 1988 to 1996 and 2013 to 2023. During her tenure with the New York all-news stations, she anchored both mornings and middays. She also had a career in cable news with both MSNBC and Fox News.
Brigitte Quinn had lived in Connecticut prior to taking the role at WICC.
The station now features a show hosted by Jon Kamal and Chris Williams in Quinn’s previous 12-2 PM window. Kamal has been with the station for several years, while Williams joined WICC in 2014 as a producer before ascending to afternoon news anchor last year.
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Jaleigh Long, the Vice President and Market Manager for Cox Media Group in Atlanta-Athens, GA, has resigned. In an unscheduled all-hands meeting held on Thursday, November 7, she informed staff of her decision to depart, with her resignation taking effect on November 8, as reported by “Georgia Wavelengths.”.
Long began her broadcasting career in Indianapolis as an Account Executive for Susquehanna Radio. Following a successful seven-year period as General Sales Manager with South Central Media in Evansville, Indiana, she joined Cox Media Group Atlanta in 2014 as General Sales Manager.
Long advanced to Director of Sales in early 2017. In April 2021, she was officially promoted to Vice President and Market Manager, having served in an interim role for several months.
In a recent statement to “Georgia Wavelengths,” Long expressed her gratitude for over 20 years in the industry, highlighting the last 11 years spent with the talented team at CMG. She extended special thanks to EVP of Radio Rob Babin and the CMG organization. Long also acknowledged her exceptional team.
She plans to spend time with her husband and their two tweens while continuing to reside in Atlanta.
KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM morning hosts Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien have each decided its time to step away from the Seattle news/talk brand.
Ross has been with the station for 47 years. He began his career in 1978 as a news anchor before beginning his talk career in 1987. He moved to mornings in 2013. Meanwhile, O’Brien joined him in the daypart in 2014 after previously working afternoons at KOMO Radio from 2004 to 2008. Together, the pair have hosted Seattle’s Morning News from 5-9 AM for the past decade.
The pair’s final day together will be on Friday, December 19th. A content series focusing on Ross’ long tenure with the station will precede his departure.
“Dave’s curiosity and talent for making complex topics accessible is truly unique,” said KIRO Director of News and Talk Programming Bryan Buckalew. “While his daily presence will be greatly missed, we honor his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he has created at KIRO Newsradio.”
“Dave has not only been a trusted voice in Seattle but a powerful example of journalistic excellence,” added Bonneville President/CEO Tanya Vea. “For nearly five decades, his dedication to truth and commitment to the Seattle community have left a lasting impact on KIRO Newsradio and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
In addition to his time at KIRO, Dave Ross also anchored commentaries for CBS News Radio and hosted a daily technology feature for the Associated Press.
Ross said of his departure, “After 47 years the time has come for me to retire. Which is exactly what I’m going to be doing next month. I’ve found that keeping a wood stove burning and the generator running is a full time job, and I can’t be here and do that at the same time.”
The Seattle morning host remarked that he’s been thinking about for the past two years. He added, “This has been a great place to work, especially with my Seattle’s Morning News family. David Burbank, formerly James Rynasiewicz who I’ve kept in touch with, Chris Sullivan, Colleen O’Brien, Andrew, Nick, actually, the various Andrews. I think almost every producer is either an Andrew or a Nick.”
Bonneville Seattle Senior Vice President and Market Manager Cathy Cangiano said, “Dave Ross is more than just a broadcaster; he’s the heart and soul of KIRO Newsradio. His ability to present a balanced perspective and his distinctive voice have made him an irreplaceable part of our team. Dave prefers not to make a big fuss, but we can’t let this moment pass without honoring his incredible service to our station and our community.”
In an article on KIRO’s website, O’Brien said her decision is separate from Ross’ retirement. “I’ve spent years of careful consideration and self-reflection,” shared O’Brien. “People have asked me, ‘What are you going to do?’ I don’t have an easy, quick answer — just a deep knowing that I’m ready to see what else life has to offer. What else can I do? What am I capable of?”
O’Brien added, ‘“I think I’ve stayed longer than I really should have out of loyalty to this team and to the listeners. They let me live out a dream, accepted me and listened every morning. It’s been a dream, but I know that I want to see what else life has to offer. I want to go get my hands dirty, do something else.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
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Amazon’s Prime Video has said it has decided to handle production of its NBA and WNBA games internally, according to the Sports Business Journal. The streaming company will begin its first year of an 11-year, 1.8 billion annual agreement with the league starting next season. Prime Video’s Head of Sports Programming Jeff Kaiser made the announcement as part of the Sports Business Journal’s Media Innovators conference.
Kaiser noted the company is likely to build a studio for the basketball programming. “Very likely to be built at Amazon Studios in L.A., in Culver City,” he said at the event. “It’ll be an L.A.-based studio show.”
Additionally, as part of the new agreement, Prime Video will air 66 regular season games including games from the Emirates NBA cup and the NBA playoffs. The streamer will also carry a number of WNBA regular and postseason games. Thursday nights are expected to be a doubleheader on Prime Video, and they will also carry NBA basketball on Black Friday in addition to their NFL game.
Per SBJ, Kaiser said about the broadcasts, “Innovation is at the forefront of everything we do. … We don’t do things differently just so we could say, well, we did this because it’s different. We do it if it’s going to be impactful, and it’s going to matter for customers.”
Kaiser said the company and the league may consider moving the NBA Cup depending on the complete outcome of this year’s event. He also noted Prime Video will be the exclusive digital distributor of NBA League Pass and that they are working on building out something subscribers will really like when it is completed.
