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KFI-AM 640 News Director Chris Little, Several News Reporters and Staffers Slashed Amid iHeartMedia Layoffs

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KFI-AM 640 News Director Chris Little, Several News Reporters and Staffers Slashed Amid iHeartMedia Layoffs

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.

KFI-AM 640 has undergone a dramatic downsizing of its news operation, as News Director Chris Little and several reporters, editors, and anchors have departed the iHeartMedia Los Angeles station.

Little has exited after joining the station in 1991. In 1996, he became a full-time reporter for the outlet. He was named News Director of the station in October 2000 and held that title until being let go Monday.

Additionally, reporters Kris Adler and Corbin Carson, along with editor Erin Ben-Moche were part of the downsizing Monday morning.

In a post to social media, Chris Little stated that at least 13 of the 25 newsroom employees were laid off on Monday.

The news of widespread cuts to the KFI-AM 640 newsroom comes on the heels of the news that longtime program director Robin Bertolucci stepped away from the station last week. She led the iHeartMedia station for 22 years before leaving amid the nationwide reductions.

iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of News/Talk and Sports Chris Berry is currently serving as the interim PD of KFI-AM 640 and AM 570 LA Sports after Bertolucci’s husband, Don Martin, joined her in exiting the company.

The station is expected to utilize the 24/7 News Headlines service from iHeartMedia to replace its previous local news product.

Russell Robertson, Jason Wilson And Lisa DiMartini Assume iHeartMedia Leadership Roles

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Russell Robertson, Jason Wilson And Lisa DiMartini Assume iHeartMedia Leadership Roles

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.

iHeartMedia has commenced the process of replenishing its leadership team following a recent restructuring of its regional management and the layoffs that were announced last week.

Russell Robertson has been appointed as Metro President for West Central Florida, overseeing the Tampa and Sarasota markets. Previously serving as SVP/Sales in Tampa since 2018, Robertson has a wealth of experience, having spent three years in the same capacity for the Seattle cluster and seventeen years as General Sales Manager for the company’s Rock stations in San Diego.

Robertson said, “I’m excited to announce that I’m now the Metro President for Tampa and Sarasota. I’ve had the pleasure of working with this incredible team at iHeartMedia West Central Florida for the past 6.5 years. Coming off our Metro Market of the Year win in 2023, we expect to be again in 2024. Our team is fired up for an attempt of back-to-back-to-back in 2025! I’m thankful to our leadership team, who are laser-focused on our plan, and our sellers, who have done all the heavy lifting. I’m humbled to be able to lead such a great team. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 23 years at iHeart.”

Jason Wilson has been appointed as the Area President for iHeartMedia, overseeing the regions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. Previously, Wilson served as Vice President at Cox Media for the Oklahoma/Arkansas region. His extensive experience includes various Wichita market sales positions, having worked with LIN TV, Sinclair, and Journal Broadcast Group.

Lisa DiMartini has been appointed as Market President for the Allentown and Reading, PA clusters.

Having rejoined the company, DiMartini has been Vice President of Sales for Allentown since September 2021. Her prior experience with the organization includes a role as a senior account executive from 2014 until early 2021. Additionally, she spent eight years in a similar position at the Morning Call newspaper. DiMartini will report to Brit Goldstein, President of iHeartMedia’s Mid-Atlantic Area, who has been overseeing the cluster directly.

Goldstein said, “Lisa is the consummate professional — unflappable, positive, and centered. She has rejuvenated the Allentown market with her unique approach to fostering culture and partnerships. I’m very excited to see Lisa apply her business principles to the Reading market and beyond.

DiMartini commented, “I am honored to expand my role to lead both the Allentown and Reading markets. I look forward to working with the talented teams in both locations to drive continued success and growth while delivering value to our partners and listeners.

NBC, Peacock Announce Original Doc Series with USC Basketball Star JuJu Watkins Executive Produced by LeBron James

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NBC, Peacock Announce Original Doc Series with USC Basketball Star JuJu Watkins Executive Produced by LeBron James

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.

JuJu Watkins, the 19-year-old USC women’s basketball star who led the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the first time in more than 30 years, will be the subject of a new original documentary series which will air on NBC and Peacock. The show is being put together by UNINTERRUPTED and 4.4.Forty Media and will be called On the Rise: JuJu Watkins.

Last year, Watkins became the all-time leading scorer among freshmen in Division I history. The show, scheduled for six episodes, will chronicle her life both on and off the court.

The first two episodes will premiere Saturday Nov. 23 at 3:00 p.m. ET, followed by Watkins and No. 3 USC tipping off against No. 6 Notre Dame at 4:00 p.m. ET.  In addition, episodes three through six will be released exclusively on Peacock for the remainder of the season. All episodes will also be available on the NBC Sports FAST Channel, which is available on Peacock and all major FAST channel distributors.

“‘On the Rise: JuJu Watkins’ isn’t only about sports – it shows how JuJu’s deep connection to her family and community drive her decision making and dedication to basketball,” said Chief Content Officer of UNINTERRUPTED Jamal Henderson in a release. Henderson additionally added, “UNINTERRUPTED is committed to delivering unrivaled, intimate access to the lives of athletes and we are excited to have like-minded partners in State Farm, 4.4.Forty Media, KLUTCH and NBC for this amazing project.”

“JuJu can set the standard for excellence on and off the court, and it’s amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at this young age,” said Founder and CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group Rich Paul. “This documentary series captures her incredible journey to this point, showcasing her extraordinary talent, unwavering work ethic, and the vital role of community in her success.”

“From the beginning it was important that ‘On the Rise: JuJu Watkins’ shine a light on the real challenges and triumphs that JuJu and her family have faced along this journey,” said Danny Barton, 4.4.Forty Media Executive Producer and KLUTCH Sports’ VP of Sports Content. “We’re grateful to our partners and NBC Sports for sharing JuJu’s inspirational story as she becomes the first collegiate women’s basketball player to star in and executive produce her own show.”

“On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” is executive produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Devin Johnson, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron for UNINTERRUPTED. JuJu Watkins and Rich Paul of KLUTCH Sports, and Danny Barton of 4.4.Forty Media, will also executive produce.

Fox News Contributor Tom Homan Departing to Join Donald Trump Administration

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Fox News Contributor Tom Homan Departing to Join Donald Trump Administration

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.

After winning the 2024 presidential election last week, the administration of Donald Trump is in the early stages of taking shape. It will include Fox News contributor Tom Homan.

On Truth Social, Trump confirmed that Tom Homan will be “in charge of our nation’s borders” in his role with the government.

The 62-year-old Homan served as the Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for more than a year and a half during Trump’s first term.

After departing the administration, he served as a contributor to Fox News beginning in 2018.

Tom Homan made an appearance on the Fox News show helmed by Maria Bartiromo on Sunday morning before the announcement by Donald Trump. He was also seen on the popular morning show FOX & Friends Monday morning after being named the “Border Czar” by the incoming President.

“I’ve been on this network for years complaining about what this administration did to this border,” Homan said Monday morning. “I’ve been yelling and screaming about it and what they need to do to fix it. So when the president asked me, ‘Would you come back and fix it?’ Of course. I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t. I’m honored the president asked me to come back and help solve this national security crisis, so I’m looking forward to it.”

A Fox News spokesperson confirmed to Barrett Media that with his appointment to the Trump Administration, Tom Homan will no longer serve as a contributor to the network.

Alternative WEQX Albany Is Celebrating Its 40th Anniversary

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Alternative WEQX Albany Is Celebrating Its 40th Anniversary

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.

Northshire Communications Alternative WEQX Albany, New York, will mark its 40th anniversary on Thursday (11/14).

The station first went on air on November 14th, 1984, and is gearing up to celebrate this milestone by inviting back former DJs to reminisce and share their memories with its dedicated audience.

WEQX OM Jeff Morad told #Happens, “If these walls could talk is a common expression thrown around regarding establishments that have been around for a while. Especially one as unique as EQX. “Thankfully, these walls sort of can talk via the DJs that currently grace the studio. And that is what we’ve been doing, reliving the memories while we make new ones. Some stories we’ve heard before, others are just now being told for the first time. It is a lot of fun hearing them all from the listeners and former employees. On the actual anniversary date, November 14th, many of those former DJs are coming back to host an hour or two to share those stories and play music from their era here at EQX. It is going to be a very fun day.”

Currently, on-air staff has been sharing their three favorite albums, spanning 40 years, on Instagram.

104.5 The Team Host/PD Dan Bahl Announces Departure

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104.5 The Team Host/PD Dan Bahl Announces Departure

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.

104.5 The Team afternoon host and Program Director Dan Bahl has announced his upcoming exit from the Townsquare Media sports station in Albany.

Bahl has worked at the station for the past three-and-a-half years, and is leaving the station for a job outside of the market, he shared.

“I came up here in 2021 as a 22-year-old, and had really essentially no idea what I was getting into or what I was doing,” Bahl said. “It is amazing how quickly three-and-a-half years can go by in the blink of an eye, including almost three and a half on this particular show.

“However, I have made the difficult decision to tender my resignation, and I will be leaving 104.5 The Team. First of all, there are some things that I cannot tell you, and that is specifically where I’m going,” he admitted. “I’ll share more on that in the coming days and coming weeks. But what I will say is that I am staying in the radio industry, which is something that’s very exciting to me and exciting to my family. I will be leaving the Capital Region, at least as a full-time resident, coming up at the end of the month, and going to a different market.”

Bahl is an established play-by-play voice. In addition to his role with 104.5 The Team, he served as the television announcer for RPI men’s and women’s hockey in the region, as well as the National Lacrosse League’s Albany Firewolves broadcasts.

His final day with the station will be on Friday, November 15th.

Salem Media Group Posts Revenue Decline During 2024 3rd Quarter

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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.

Salem Media Group has released its third-quarter revenue results, and it showed a decline overall for the company.

Overall, the organization secured $58.7 million in revenue during the month. That was a drop of 7.5%, down from $63.5 million, during the same period in 2023. Broadcast revenue was $46 million, down from $48.9 million year-over-year.

Despite the overall decline, digital media revenue increased 10% between July, August, and September. That sector saw $10.9 million of revenue during the quarter from $9.9 million last year.

Salem Media Group has slashed its operating losses in 2024 compared to 2023. During the third quarter, it reported losses of $6.62 million, compared to $31.9 million last year. Overall, the company has reported $4.3 million in losses this year against $36.3 million last year.

“This quarter, we’ve seen the fruits of our stringent cost management and strategic realignment, especially within our digital and publishing segments,” CEO David Santrella said. “Although we faced declines in broadcast and publishing revenues, our digital segment continues to show robust growth and resilience.”

Texas Radio Hall Of Fame Inducts Its 2024 Class

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Texas Radio Hall Of Fame Inducts Its 2024 Class

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.

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame held its annual reunion and induction ceremonies at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore on November 1 and 2. This year, the two-day event sold out for the third consecutive year.

The event included a screening of “Runaway Radio,” a documentary by Mike McGuff that tells the fascinating story of the iconic station KLOL. Guests of honor featured prominent figures such as Hall of Famer Dayna Steele.

Among the attendees was Mary McCoy, celebrated for her remarkable 72-year career as a female radio personality and recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, along with nine-year-old Mary Ella Woodstock, the young host of KIDZ STAR Radio at Dallas’s KNON-NOW.

The event included a legislative update presented by Oscar Rodriguez, President of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and Executive Director Josh Holstead’s presentation on the Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s scholarship program.

Scott Arthur, a Hall of Famer, led the induction ceremony, which commenced with a tribute to 100-year-old Jud Ashmore from San Antonio.

The TRHOF Class of 2024 honorees include Jud Ashmore, Jay Britt, Raoul Cortez, Frank “Big Frank” Edwards, Paul L. Gleiser, John Granato and Lance Zierlein, Henry Guerra, Mat “The Mighty Quinn” Guinn, Dene Hallam, Jay Jones, Mary Lanoue, Melanie Miller, Charlie Parker, John Roberts, Clifton “King Bee” Smith, Gary Stone, Terri Thomas, Harvey “Harvey T” Thompson, Jerry Trupiano, and Val Wilson.

KSL Newsradio 102.7 to Use 6 Hosts to Replace Boyd Matheson on Inside Sources

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KSL Newsradio 102.7 to Use 6 Hosts to Replace Boyd Matheson on Inside Sources

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.

KSL NewsRadio 102.7 in Salt Lake City was forced to replace Inside Sources host Boyd Matheson after his departure last week. But they have now announced that six new hosts will helm the show.

The show — heard from 1-3 PM on the Bonneville International station — will feature some Utah political experts and figures, and also KSL NewsRadio 102.7 personnel on the program.

  • Leah Murray: Director of the Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service at Weber State University in Ogden. Leah loves talking about education, research, and sports. 
  • Greg Skordas: A long-time attorney in Utah and KSL’s Legal Analyst. Greg is KSL’s go-to person for anything legal and is known for his quick grasp of cases. 
  • Taylor Morgan: A political consultant and the Director of Count My Vote. Taylor is incredibly knowledgeable about politics and polling. 
  • Maura Carabello: Runs a public affairs shop called The Exoro Group. Maura is highly knowledgeable about political issues and candidates, often consulting with them. 
  • Rusty Cannon: President of the Utah Credit Union Association and former president of the Utah Taxpayers Association. Rusty is an expert on finance-related topics and has strong political opinions. 
  • Adam Gardiner: A political consultant with a background working for Mitt Romney and as a State Representative. Adam is well-versed in political issues both in Utah and nationally. 

The hosts all previously worked on KSL at Night in some capacity. They will all share duties in the timeslot as they cover local and national politics.

Z100’s Maxwell Moving To 103.5 KTU In New York

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Z100’s Maxwell Moving To 103.5 KTU In New York

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.

Maxwell, the afternoon host for iHeartMedia’s Top 40 “Z100” New York, will transition to sister station Rhythmic AC 103.5 WKTU in the same time slot. This change will take effect on Thursday, November 15.

Maxwell has been with Z100 for the past ten years, transitioning from late-night to evenings. Since May 2021, he has co-hosted afternoons alongside Crystal Rosas. In addition, Maxwell is also on Top 40 97.9 WNCI Columbus as a part of iHeartRadio’s national custom talent team, serving as an on-air personality and digital video host.

Maxwell said, “I’m truly blessed to take this next step in my career, and honored to join another iconic New York station, KTU. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this amazing journey. I’m excited to continue bringing my unique energy and passion for entertaining to the greatest city in the world!”

Program Director Chris Conley said, “We are so excited to welcome Maxwell to the KTU family. Maxwell’s charisma, humor, and ability to connect with his audience make him the perfect addition to our lineup. We’re confident that listeners will love what he brings to the table in the afternoon time slot.”

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