New Jersey 101.5 is making additional programming changes following the return of Dennis Malloy to middays alongside Judy Franco. The station will shorten the revived “Dennis and Judi” show while introducing a new midday program as part of a broader Townsquare Media lineup overhaul that takes effect Monday, July 13.
What We Know: Dennis Malloy and Judy Franco will now air from 10 AM to noon instead of their previous 10 AM-2 PM schedule. Meanwhile, Lou Russo and Michele Pilenza will take over from noon to 3 PM. Russo brings more than four decades of New Jersey radio experience and has anchored mornings at 94.3 The Point since the late 1990s. Pilenza also has deep ties to Townsquare Media’s New Jersey stations. She previously worked as a reporter and newscaster before co-hosting middays with Malloy at New Jersey 101.5. More recently, she has served as Russo’s co-host on mornings at both 94.3 The Point and SoJo 104.9.
What They Said: “These changes are about investing in local talent, local content, and local conversations. No one understands New Jersey better than the people who live here. This lineup brings together some of the strongest personalities in the state and reinforces New Jersey 101.5’s role as the place where New Jersey comes together every day.” -Townsquare New Jersey VP/Content Sam Elliot Gagliardi
What Remains Unclear: Townsquare Media hasn’t explained why it reduced the Dennis and Judi timeslot by two hours. Likewise, the company hasn’t shared whether additional programming adjustments could follow after the July 13 launch. It’s also unknown whether the revised schedule reflects a long-term strategy or an opportunity to evaluate new lineup combinations.
What It Means: The changes signal that Townsquare Media continues to reshape one of New Jersey’s most recognizable talk brands. While the return of Malloy generated immediate attention, the addition of Russo and Pilenza creates another familiar local pairing for listeners. As a result, New Jersey 101.5 is leaning on established personalities across multiple dayparts rather than introducing new voices.
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The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be broadcast on ABC along with ESPN. The simulcast is part of the network’s 24-hour Disney Celebrates America marathon. Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo headline Coney Island’s annual Independence Day spectacle.
What We Know: ESPN holds exclusive live broadcast rights for the 23rd consecutive year. The men’s contest simulcasts on ABC at 12:30 p.m. ET as part of Disney Celebrates America, with ESPN2 coverage starting at Noon ET. Women’s competition coverage begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN+/ESPN App. This marks a significant milestone — ESPN’s longest-running annual event partnership of its kind.
What They Said: George Shea, Chair of Major League Eating: “The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world, and we look forward to watching the greatest eaters compete once again on the most celebrated stage in international sports.”
ESPN Host Jeremy Schaap: “There is no event on the calendar that better captures the spirit of America than the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. There is nowhere I would rather be than the corner of Surf and Stillwell on our nation’s 250th anniversary. If the founding fathers were still alive, I am certain they would want to be with us at Nathan’s on the Fourth of July.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether Chestnut can surpass his own world record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021 remains the biggest question. Similarly, Sudo will attempt to top her 2024 record of 51 hot dogs. Meanwhile, how SEC Network analyst Marion Crowder — making her contest debut — will settle into the broadcast booth alongside veterans Schaap and Rich Shea is worth watching.
What It Means: This is bigger than hot dogs. The ABC simulcast elevates the contest’s cultural footprint considerably. Furthermore, Chestnut chasing title number 18 and Sudo pursuing her 12th belt gives the broadcast genuine championship stakes. In addition, adding isolation cameras on both competitors is a plus. ESPN is clearly treating this like the marquee live event it has always been.
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Compass Media Networks has added Carter Alvord to its affiliate sales team. The company named Alvord Associate Director of Affiliate Sales for its Sports and News/Talk Programming division.
What We Know: Alvord joined the company after graduating from Bucknell University in 2026. He previously interned with Compass Media Networks during summers and holiday breaks beginning in June 2024. He’ll remain based in the company’s New York office. In his new role, he’ll help expand affiliate relationships for Compass Media Networks’ NFL and NCAA play-by-play coverage. Additionally, he’ll support distribution efforts for the company’s News/Talk programming, including This Morning with Gordon Deal and Erick Erickson.
What They Said: “Growing up listening toAnna & Raven, sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.” -Carter Alvord
What Remains Unclear: Compass Media Networks didn’t specify which affiliate initiatives Alvord will oversee first. The company also hasn’t detailed whether he’ll focus more heavily on sports programming, News/Talk brands, or a combination of both as he begins the position.
What It Means: The move gives Compass Media Networks a familiar face who already understands its operations and affiliate relationships. Because Alvord interned with the company for two years, he should require less onboarding than an outside hire. As a result, Compass can continue pursuing affiliate growth across its sports rights portfolio and established News/Talk programming with additional support in place.
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Trent Condon departs KXNO. The Des Moines sports talk host departed iHeartMedia after remarks he made about recent company layoffs drew corporate scrutiny.
What We Know: iHeartMedia recently cut staff at KXNO, eliminating several positions at the Des Moines sports talk station. Condon publicly responded to those cuts, and his comments prompted iHeartMedia to part ways with him. His departure marks another significant loss for local sports radio in the market. Even despite not being an employee of iHeartMedia.
What They Said: Trent Condon on being cut by iHeartMedia: “My days at KXNO are over. My comments were considered “controversial” from corporate about my colleagues that were let go. I stand by what I said. I am still incredibly sad that Ken Miller didn’t get his final show after starting sports talk in Iowa 30 years ago. Thank you for listening and showing that local sports talk matters. You can still hear me daily on Locked On Iowa & have already had conversations with many outlets. I’m here to listen to any and all ideas. As media evolves, I will evolve with it. Thank you to the my clients and sponsors as we work together to find what and where’s next. And to my friends, colleagues and family, thank you for your kind words. Talk to you all soon.”
What Remains Unclear: iHeartMedia has not publicly addressed Condon’s departure or clarified its reasoning. No timeline for his next move has emerged yet.
What It Means: This situation is unique due to the fact that Condon was not an employee of iHeartMedia. In fact, as an independent contractor who bought his own time, Condon still resembled a trusted voice for the outlet. Condon’s willingness to speak out — and face consequences — underscores how layoffs are reshaping the relationship between hosts and their employers. With his departure, KXnO currently has no local dayparts following a massive impact created by iHeartMedia’s recent reduction in force.
My days at KXNO are over. My comments were considered "controversial" from corporate about my colleagues that were let go. I stand by what I said.
I am still incredibly sad that Ken Miller (@imKenMiller) didn't get his final show after starting sports talk in Iowa 30 years ago.
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Comcast has announced plans to split the company into two. NBCUniversal will largely take the media assets, while Comcast will retain the technology and hardware portion of the business.
What We Know: Comcast is spinning off NBCUniversal into an independent company, marking the unwinding of a partnership that began when Comcast acquired NBCUniversal in 2011. The separation is expected to take roughly a year to complete. Once it’s done, Comcast plans to retain a stake of up to 19.9% in the newly independent NBCUniversal for as long as a year post-spinoff. Current investors will hold shares in both companies. Mike Cavanagh will lead the new NBCUniversal, while Michael Angelakis — a former Comcast CFO — returns to run Comcast. Brian Roberts will stay actively involved in both organizations.
What They Said: “Comcast’s board and management team believe each company will be better positioned to pursue its own strategic priorities, invest for growth, and create long-term shareholder value as independent entities.” -Comcast statement
What Remains Unclear:Whether NBCUniversal will pursue acquisitions after the split — or become a target itself — isn’t settled. Comcast’s Roberts told investors Monday that the move is not a precursor to broader strategic transactions for either company, but industry watchers aren’t convinced. Analysts have argued for years that the two companies’ core businesses aren’t compatible anymore, and the spinoff’s long-term implications for NBCUniversal’s positioning remain to be seen.
What It Means:This is a significant moment for the media industry. The breakup reflects a broader shift away from the content-plus-distribution model that defined the last decade of media consolidation. It’s also the latest reshaping of the landscape. It follows the Justice Department’s recent approval of the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The industry’s structure is changing fast — and NBCUniversal’s next chapter will be written without Comcast holding the pen.
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Kelly Nash is stepping into mornings on iHeartMedia’s News/Talk outlets in South Carolina. He takes over “South Carolina’s Morning News” on 560 WVOC Columbia and 94.3 WSC in the Charleston market.
What We Know Nash will host mornings while continuing to co-host “The Morning Rush” on Country 97.5 WCOS Columbia alongside Jonathan Rush. He succeeds Gary David Barboza, who exited last week in iHeartMedia’s latest round of layoffs. Sports Director Christopher Thompson stays on as co-host. Nash had been hosting nights on WVOC and WSCC for the past month.
What’s at Stake Barboza spent multiple decades as PD and morning host at WVOC. His show expanded to WSCC as recently as last December. Replacing a decades-long morning voice carries real risk. Nash brings familiarity, though — he has been a Columbia market fixture since 2005.
What Remains Unclear Nash’s PD status at either station has not been addressed publicly. Whether iHeartMedia intends to fill Barboza’s programming director role separately remains an open question. It is also unclear how Nash managing two morning shows across formats will affect long-term workload.
What It Means Nash is a known commodity in this market — that matters. He originally built his reputation at CHR 104.7 WNOK before rejoining Rush at WCOS in 2011. He also brings outside experience, including a PD stint at WKCI New Haven and a role at Universal Records. For iHeartMedia, consolidating talent across two formats is a cost-efficient move. For Nash, it is a significant career elevation.
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If you’re attending the Barrett Media Audio Summit this week, here’s another reason to keep your eyes open. Point-To-Point Marketing is awarding a $20,000 Audience Development Campaign to one lucky attendee — and entering couldn’t be simpler.
Throughout the SVA Theatre, you will find Point-To-Point movie posters on display. They are funny, creative and will immediately get your attention. Scan the QR code on any poster, complete the entry form, and you’re in. The winner will be drawn after the Summit is over on Monday, July 6th. Point to Point will announce the winner on the company’s website and social media accounts.
Our friends at Locked On won this contest at last year’s sports summit. They can attest to the great work PTP does. For those who haven’t had the pleasure of partnering with them, here’s what one lucky organization is going to win.
What to Expect
The campaign delivers more than 2,000,000 paid social impressions through a customized audience development strategy built around your brand’s specific goals. Whether you’re trying to grow a radio station’s ratings, increase podcast downloads, build a streaming audience, drive video views or sell tickets to a live event, PTP has the experience and the infrastructure to move the needle.
There’s also a revenue component worth paying attention to. The campaign can be structured around a sponsor. That means the winner has the ability to monetize the promotion and keep 100% of the sponsorship revenue. That’s not a giveaway — that’s a fully funded marketing campaign with a built-in business opportunity attached to it.
Winners also receive weekly reporting and direct collaboration with the PTP team throughout the campaign, so this isn’t something that gets handed off and forgotten. It’s a working partnership with people who have spent nearly three decades helping media brands grow audiences across radio, podcasting, streaming, YouTube and digital media.
Point-To-Point has been a valued partner of Barrett Media and are our presenting sponsor of the 2026 Audio Summit. This giveaway reflects exactly the kind of tangible value they bring to the table for media brands at every level.
The Summit runs Tuesday, June 30th through Thursday, July 2nd at the SVA Theatre in New York City. Keep an eye out for the posters, scan the code and get your entry in.
Good luck.
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.
After 44 years, longtime sports radio programmer Len Weiner is retiring. The journeyman programmer, who began his sports radio career as an original member of WFAN in 1986 after spending several years in news beforehand, has decided it’s time for his next chapter in life. For the last 12 years, Weiner has called Miami home, where he programmed both 790 The Ticket and 104.3 WQAM. At one point, he programmed both stations under the Entercom/Audacy umbrella.
For the last eight years, Weiner has guided WQAM from a heritage brand featuring legacy talent on the AM band to a 100,000-watt flamethrower on FM. Now in his mid-60s, he felt the time was right to step away.
“I’ve done this a long time, and have been lucky to have been a part of some good things. I just felt at this point in time, there’s other things that I want to do. It’s time,” said Weiner reflecting on the weight of the decision.
When navigating the path to ultimately deciding to step away, it wasn’t an overnight decision. Over the past couple of years, Weiner watched friends begin that path and make the same decision he has now made. As the days and months went on, thoughts of retirement slowly entered his mind, with every conversation leading him closer to finalizing how he envisioned retirement would come.
“I’ve been thinking about this for maybe a year and a half. Probably longer to be honest,” notes Weiner. “I got a lot of advice from friends and family. I like to plan, and I was trying to think about what I’m going to do. I’ve been planning what retirement could look like for about that amount of time.”
A Miami Connection
On August 31, Weiner will officially retire from his current brand manager position at Miami’s 104.3 WQAM. It’s a station that he says he has grown to love working for because of the people who encompass it. A passionate, hard-working, and creative group from top to bottom.
When Weiner broke the news of his retirement to WQAM staff earlier this month, the reaction was an overwhelming sense of congratulations and happiness. Because of the bond he had built with the team at WQAM, Weiner says he wanted to ensure they were the first to know, and that they heard it directly from him.
“I wanted to make sure they understood it was my decision, which it absolutely was. They were happy for me. Many of them were shocked. They didn’t see it coming. But, they were all very happy for me,” said Weiner. “I loved working in Miami because it’s been more of a challenge to do things here sports-wise. The passion and creativity of the people I work with I will surely miss.”
As each day passes closer to August 31, Weiner says he is keeping his day-to-day approach the same. He continues to focus on growing the brand, coaching talent, and serving in the role as normally as possible.
While August 31 may be the official end date of his tenure as WQAM’s brand manager, he remains open to staying connected to the station if Audacy needs him in any capacity.
“They’ve asked me to stay on as an advisor if needed. If it’s needed, I will,” noted Weiner. “I don’t just want to leave and leave them stranded because they [Audacy] have been really good to me. They may keep me on. We’ll decide on that sometime in August. I’m proud of everyone for everything they’ve done here. I don’t want to leave them stranded. I want to continue the success we’ve had here and not flounder.”
Navigating What’s Next
When it comes to his eventual successor, Weiner says he is happy to participate in any way Audacy management sees fit. As for the role, Weiner hopes the person who follows in his footsteps understands both the market and the talent they will oversee.
“You have to be smart. Be able to figure out solutions and be strategic. It helps to understand what’s going on in your field and format. More than anything, a strong work ethic and being sports savvy is key,” said Weiner on the characteristics that encompass being a brand manager at WQAM. “There were times when I started in a new market where I was completely overwhelmed. A lot of knowledge is gained through trial and error. You need to lean on the longtime people who have been there to gain a better understanding of what works.”
As for retirement, Weiner hopes to continue working in some aspects of the business while remaining independent. He plans to continue scratching the creative itch through imaging and working with other teams in a different capacity. He also plans to spend more time with family, travel the world, and sell his expansive baseball card collection to the highest bidder.
Frankly, Weiner is leaving an industry that he helped build from its earliest days. Over his 44 years, he played a role in launching WFAN, helping ESPN Radio transition to a 24/7 format, pairing Mike & Mike together in mornings, and guiding WQAM’s shift from AM to FM.
Over his career, he has witnessed the evolution of radio from the primary audio content source to one piece of a much larger content ecosystem. With that evolution comes added challenges, ones that Weiner feels sports radio can navigate and still win.
“The plethora of ways to get sports talk is bigger than it’s ever been. Sports radio really has to figure out how to get its piece of the pie,” said Weiner. “It’s about the right personalities that cut through. The content has to be better than anything else. Substance and angles are what will win and elevate personalities. Every segment counts.”
Weiner also says a lost art that sports radio once dominated was becoming more involved in local communities.
“Stations need to be more involved with their communities. Some are, some aren’t. The more you can get out with people and show that you are part of your market’s fabric, you win and influence some people to tie themselves to the brand,” said Weiner. “If sports radio can continue to work on that, it will be fine.”
Believe in the Future of Radio
The future of the radio industry remains a giant unknown. Every broadcast company continues to battle for every dollar, click, listener, and advertiser against competition rooted in both traditional and non-traditional platforms. Even so, Weiner believes radio will never go away. Despite the challenges the industry faces today and tomorrow, he feels the value radio provides will always remain.
“What annoys me is when I see a lot of negative things either said or written about radio. I don’t think radio ever will go away. It’s a valuable commodity that offers things that people need. I don’t see anything down the road right now that’s going to take away those needs,” said Weiner. “However, with all the other mediums the competition is ramped up. That’s where you need to figure out how to be better and market what you bring to the table.”
For 44 years, Len Weiner has helped shape sports radio from behind the scenes. From helping launch WFAN and building ESPN Radio into a national force to guiding WQAM through one of the most significant transformations in its history, his fingerprints are on some of the industry’s most important chapters.
Now, as he prepares to step away from the daily grind, Weiner leaves with no regrets, a long list of accomplishments, and an unwavering belief in the medium that has defined his career.
The technology may change, the platforms may evolve, and the competition may continue to grow, but the fundamentals that drove his success remain the same.
Great talent. Great content. Strong community connections. Every segment counts.
For the next generation of programmers, that’s not just advice. It’s the blueprint left behind by one of sports radio’s most respected architects.
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.
Welcome to Summit Week. If you’ve been following the site over the past few weeks, you’ve seen we’ve been talking with members of the industry about what they expect from this week in New York City. We discussed everything from memories of past Summits to the conversations those interviewed hope will take place on stage at the SVA Theatre.
Over my career, I’ve attended the Barrett Media Audio Summit all but once. For many years, including the very first Summit held at the soundstage studio of Prudential Plaza 2 in Chicago, I’ve attended both as a participant and now as a member of the Barrett Media team. While my approach to the Summit has evolved over the years, a few things have always remained the same. This year, however, there are some subtle differences.
Another evolution will take place with the annual event this week. For the first time in Barrett Media history, the Summit will span three days, with each day dedicated to a different segment of the industry we cover.
Sports media was the foundation on which the Barrett Media Audio Summit was created. News media became the first expansion of the business. Music is the latest add and will be present for the first time at the Summit this week in New York City.
We even have a musical act closing out the after-party on night three as we welcome Triple Tigers artist Shane Profitt to the Summit. That’s pretty cool. I remember when the after-party consisted of a few beers and the World Baseball Classic on TV. Then and now, there have been plenty of memories made, with many more still to come later this week.
John Mamola, Jay Recher, Zac Blobner, Aaron Jacobson (Credit: John Mamola)
What remains the same, however, is the impact these few days can have on a career in sports, news, or music media. The speaker lineup this year is as impressive as ever. You’ll hear from some of the brightest minds, influential decision-makers, innovative digital leaders, and high-profile talent from around the country. It’s a combination of seminar and social gathering, where people come to learn, network, educate, challenge one another, and leave with a treasure trove of ideas to bring back to their markets.
Not everyone attends, and that’s their loss. Not every company supports employees by covering the cost of attending, and that’s unfortunate. Every Summit I attended over the years was paid for out of my own pocket. Flights, hotels, admission, and yes, even a few after-party cocktails. Not a cent ever came by my employer. Yet the value I received year after year proved invaluable to the future of my career.
So when I caught up with old friends and connected with new faces, they all asked what I expected to see this week in New York City.
Supporting Sports Radio
First, the Summit couldn’t come at a better time. The challenges of remaining employed in sports radio are greater than at any point I can remember. More is being demanded of fewer people than ever before. They’re expected to accomplish more with less support, fewer resources, and less attention from their employers.
Sports radio also continues to navigate how it competes in today’s content landscape. Stations no longer compete solely with other radio stations. They compete with everything because everything is just as accessible, if not more accessible, than sports radio has ever been. As companies continue reducing their workforce, they also lose talented, well-connected people who serve the local communities they call home.
My hope is that during this Summit, we discuss ways to ensure local talent continues to provide value to broadcast radio companies across the country. Today’s talent can accomplish more than ever before. They simply need support to get started and proper guidance on how to grow. That approach benefits not only the individual but also the company that employs them.
If there’s a content race to be won, companies must educate their own people on how to compete so they can win bigger down the road.
Video Needs The Radio Star
Second, sports radio needs to evolve its video distribution strategy. YouTube is dominating the podcast space. Netflix is spending enormous sums to join the conversation. If The Breakfast Club is streaming live on Netflix, why aren’t more brands around the country being given the same opportunities and resources that larger shows receive? It’s not just the technology. It’s also the staffing and education needed to succeed.
Simply installing webcams in studios and expecting radio staffs to know how to use them is a tremendous waste of money, time, and strategy.
But it’s about more than simply appearing on YouTube, X, or another platform where algorithms determine who sees your content. It’s about understanding short-form and long-form video, on-demand content, and podcasting. It’s about knowing how to edit, write, and produce radio content specifically for podcast audiences. They’re not the same. Thumbnails, titles, descriptions, timestamps, and effective marketing are all essential to success.
Video is becoming the new standard for podcast consumers. Every piece of research points in that direction. Ask yourself whether there’s a local sports radio station offering its podcasts in video form on Apple, Spotify, or another major distribution platform. If there is, how can the rest of the industry learn from that model?
By this time next year, both the audience and the industry will have shifted even further toward video. Sports radio must be ready to meet consumers wherever they choose to connect.
AI Adaption
Finally, AI is not your enemy. I criticized iHeartMedia for its mixed messaging about guaranteeing a human experience while buildings across the country lost human employees last week. The broadcast companies that succeed will be the ones that adapt to technology the best. That much is undeniable. But AI is unlikely to replace the human voice anytime soon. That’s why more sports radio talent should embrace AI for what it truly is: a tool to guide, assist, and elevate content across every platform.
Just as you might look up statistics on Baseball-Reference, you can ask AI for 20 questions surrounding a player’s performance over the past five years. Need a social media image? Guide AI toward what you’re trying to create while understanding that not everything it generates is appropriate or usable. Need a clever jingle, liner, or promo? You’re still the artist. Tell the tool what you’re trying to accomplish and see where it leads.
AI is the greatest therapist the creative mind has ever had. It listens, thinks, searches, takes direction, and provides guidance. Not just in theory, but through practical tools at your disposal. Every prompt, however, still begins with a human mind. The talent behind the microphone or the executive looking for a second opinion.
Like any other therapist, the result isn’t perfect. And yes, you should always ensure the final product meets your company’s standards. But AI is there to help, not replace. My hope is to leave the Summit energized by new and innovative ways AI can benefit every format in the years ahead.
And that’s the entire point of the Barrett Media Audio Summit. It’s a rare opportunity for the sports, news, and music audio industries to come together, collaborate, share ideas, and exchange strategies so everyone leaves better prepared for tomorrow. That’s how I’m approaching the Summit this week, and I can’t wait to see everyone in New York City.
John Mamola, Jason Barrett, Stephanie Eads (Courtesy; Barrett Media)
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With iHeartRadio’s latest wave of layoffs rippling through the industry, it feels like the right moment to have an honest conversation about what comes next. I was laid off from my position as National Director of Music Initiatives at Audacy in August 2025. I wasn’t shocked that my team was shrinking again, but being next on the list was still a gut punch. Day one, I cried. Day two, I went to the beach. I highly recommend the latter. After about a week of FUNemployment, reality set in. Here’s my advice from someone who is now ten months post-RIF.
Let Yourself Grieve
Forbes describes what many of us experience as “career grief — a profound sense of loss tied not just to a job role, but to identity, purpose, and self-worth.” That grief hits differently in radio.
None of us got into this business for the money. For most of us, it’s a genuine love. I started as an intern at 18, and now in my early 40s, I look back at my first years in Providence radio the way most people look back at growing up. Radio bleeds into your social life. My fiancé works in IT and initially found it odd how many of my closest friends came from my career. He has approximately zero co-workers on our wedding invite list. I have a small army of radio people.
It’s also worth saying plainly: most of us who were laid off were good at our jobs. That part remains a hard pill to swallow.
Get Clear On What You Actually Want
Think hard about what matters most to you at this specific point in your life. In my younger years, I moved for radio without hesitation. When I was laid off this time, my answer was immediate — I didn’t want to move. I was recently engaged and happy in Rhode Island. I wasn’t willing to uproot my life for a position that, in today’s climate, could disappear just as quickly.
Reflect on what you genuinely enjoy most from your skillset and chase that direction. For me, it was brand development, marketing, and event production. Let that clarity guide you.
Invest In Your Next Chapter
Hire a career coach and get your resume professionally redone. I used a portion of my severance on both, and it was worth every dollar. Having someone outside our industry helped me reframe my experience in language that travels beyond radio. Our skills are more transferable than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.
That brings me to something important: radio people are generalists. We write, we market, we produce, we manage talent, we host, we build relationships, we execute under pressure. That versatility is an asset, but it can also make it hard to position yourself on paper. A good career coach helps you solve that problem.
Get Out And Network
Something I didn’t prioritize early enough was local networking. I now work for a chamber of commerce doing marketing and producing events in Rhode Island, and I see firsthand how much value these events create. People genuinely want to connect and help each other. Seek those opportunities out in industries where your skills apply.
Don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues on LinkedIn or via email either. Most people are good. Most people want to help if they can.
Say Yes To Everything
Lean into freelance, contract work, and side hustles. Saying yes to everything that came my way is what carried me financially through unemployment. Through contacts, I landed event production roles for Microsoft, PayPal, and the global broadcast of the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square. I showed up, even when things felt unfamiliar, and realized quickly just how much our radio skills translate.
I also discovered a new passion when I became obsessed with vintage and antiques and launched Anchor & Hope — named as a nod to the Rhode Island flag — a vintage décor business with an online presence and two booth spaces at a local antique mall. It has been genuinely successful and brought me real joy.
Advice From The Radio Peeps
I asked members of the Radio Peeps group on Facebook for any advice they would give to those who have been let go recently based on their own experiences. Below are some highlights:
Shelley Wade commented “Radio tends to be all-consuming on our lives, so I think it’s important to our process to give ourselves time to rest once we’re out of work. Yes, go through the grieving process, it’s a healthy part of life. Then, if you’re financially able to, take some time to just be… I mean live life like you’re a retiree, so you know how it feels to not make work your life. It’s also important to remember that radio is what we do, not who we are.”
Julian Nieh chimed in “as someone who’s been let go multiple times, here’s what I’d say. Everyone will tell you to “keep going,” “keep creating content,” and “stay positive.” That’s all true. But my advice is this: don’t let radio determine your worth. I love this business and the art of communication, but I also learned that so much of this industry is out of your control. For years, I let other people’s opinions define my value. I don’t anymore. I know what I bring to the table and I know I can compete with anyone in this business. If someone else doesn’t see it, that’s their decision — not my identity. And one more thing: when you get let go, you quickly find out who your real friends are. Pay attention to actions, not words. Love the business. Just don’t let the business control you.”
The Peeps On Action Steps
Phil Newmark, who has now been working for RCS for 11 years, after nearly 25 years in radio said “take what you have built and look for ways to use it in other fields, the community interaction and social media experience is huge right now and translates to so many other fields that you are pigeonholing yourself by trying to stick to just broadcasting.”
And Tucker Young added “Take EVERY MEETING YOU CAN. Make time for coffees, lunches, pickleball dates…anything with anyone. Meet with no expectations with friends, former clients, listeners. Stay open for opportunities because they will present themselves in the places you least expect.”
Stay Connected To The Industry
Writing for Barrett Media has given me a creative outlet and a way to pass on what I’ve learned while spotlighting the people still doing great work inside radio. There are ways to stay tethered to this industry even when you’re no longer inside it.
Grieve when you need to. Be gentle with yourself. Lean on the people who love you. You were good at your job. You are worthy of what comes next. Keep going.
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