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Tracy Villaume Joins Star Radio Saratoga Afternoon Drive

David Hill
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Tracy Villaume Joins Star Radio Saratoga Afternoon Drive

Tracy Villaume joins Star Radio 93.3/96.1 for the afternoon drive slot. Meanwhile, Dylan Ayer transitions to rock radio at WABY.

What We Know Tracy Villaume, formerly a morning co-host at iHeart’s WRVE Albany, has joined Loud Media’s Star Radio. She’ll host afternoons across 93.3/96.1 and 1160 WSSV in Saratoga Springs. Villaume spent nine years with iHeart starting in 2015 as a news anchor at WGY. Notably, she also took on an executive producer role at WTEN-TV’s “Upstate Living.”

What They Said “Star Saratoga always felt like home,” Villaume explained, citing the classic hits format and music. “I’m excited being part of a team connected to community.” Loud Media owner Aaron Ishmael called her someone Capital Region listeners already know. Brand manager Eric Woodhouse stressed that great radio goes beyond speakers—it means being part of listeners’ daily lives.

What Remains Unclear The timing raises questions about iHeart’s future Albany cluster strategy going forward. Villaume’s exact responsibilities at Star beyond afternoons need clarification. Additionally, potential on-air partnerships or special projects still lack detail. Dylan Ayer hasn’t announced her exact start date at WABY middays.

What It Means This shuffle reflects smart programming strategy for Loud Media overall. Villaume’s local recognition strengthens Star’s competitive market position. Similarly, Dylan Ayer’s move to WABY energizes their rock format. Ultimately, both stations gain personality-driven content that listeners will resonate with.

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.

Nielsen Executive Issues Caution Of Year-Over-Year Sports Viewership Gains To Come

John Mamola
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Nielsen Executive Issues Caution Of Year-Over-Year Sports Viewership Gains To Come

Sports viewership among most sports leagues continues to set new records. According to a new CNBC questionnaire, a Nielsen executive credited the new Big Data + Panel for gains made in the past year. However, he warns the next year will not be as significant.

What We Know: Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel currency will turn one year old this September. Meanwhile, ESPN’s first-half 2026 ratings were the network’s best since 2012, despite continued cord-cutting. Additionally, leagues from the NFL to college football have posted steady year-over-year gains since the shift began. Still, some properties, including NASCAR, have already pulled back from Big Data + Panel this year. The league went back to the older model of measurement. In a CNBC questionnaire regarding if sports viewership ratings are in a “bubble,” Nielsen warns that the big year-over-year gains of the past year will likely not continue into the fall sports season.

What They Said: (via CNBC answering: Are we in a sports viewership ratings “bubble?”)

Brian Fuhrer, Nielsen senior vice president of product strategy and thought leadership: “It’s really important to understand that Nielsen has made some methodological improvements that impact sports and everything in general, but in particular sports. The number one thing there is we’ve expanded our out-of-home measurement … Home markets are super important to sports rates. So, we have seen increases directly attributable to that enhancement that we expect to continue, but we won’t see a big year-to-year bump.”

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman: “The answer is a fast no. First off, [ratings] measurement is getting better and much more accurate, including, of course, out-of-home and now streaming usage being accounted for. Every time the industry expects a downturn, numbers continue up and to the right.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Nielsen’s more modest fall 2026-27 outlook signals a genuine plateau is unclear. Also uncertain: whether other leagues follow NASCAR’s lead and step back from Big Data + Panel.

What It Means: For now, both executives agree ratings aren’t collapsing, even if they disagree on momentum. Networks like ESPN can keep pointing to record numbers when courting advertisers. But Nielsen’s own admission — a “big year-to-year bump” isn’t coming — could temper expectations heading into the new season. Ultimately, the debate signals confidence in sports as counterprogramming to streaming’s audience fragmentation.

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Stephen A. Smith Promises Response To National Association of Black Journalists Thumbs Down Honor

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Promises Response To National Association of Black Journalists Thumbs Down Honor

Stephen A. Smith receiving a thumbs down by the NABJ [National Association of Black Journalists] got a mixed reaction by a sell out crowd at the Salute to Excellence dinner this weekend in Atlanta. NABJ handed him a Thumbs Down Award Saturday night.

What We Know: The National Association of Black Journalists gave Smith the dishonor at its Salute to Excellence dinner in Atlanta. The group cited a “recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent black women across politics, sports, and media.” Smith and NABJ have history — he hosted ESPN’s First Take at last year’s convention in Cleveland. The Washington Post, DuJuan McCoy, CBS News, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also received Thumbs Down Awards Saturday. Smith promised to share a response to the ‘award’ at a later date.

What They Said: Stephen A. Smith (via X): “This is the epitome of Christmas arriving early. The NABJ wants to call folks out, fine! You had your turn, now mine is coming. And make no mistake…..,I’m coming. Let’s see who REALLY deserves a Thumbs Down award when it comes to the Black Community, after I say my peace! Remember NABJ, you asked for it. I’ve shut my mouth for years. Now y’all started something.”

What Remains Unclear: NABJ leadership hasn’t specified which specific comments triggered the award. Moreover, Smith has not officially released his response to the honor. Whether ESPN or First Take return to future NABJ events is also an open question.

What It Means: The moment has split the room, literally. Still, Smith has promised a fuller response, hinting at counter-accusations of his own. Either way, the fallout signals fraying ties between Smith and an organization he once partnered with.

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.

Big Ten Network Extends Agreement With Compass Media Networks, Adds Women’s Basketball Tournament

John Mamola
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Big Ten Network Extends Agreement With Compass Media Networks, Adds Women’s Basketball Tournament

Big Ten Network and Compass Media Networks have extended their radio rights partnership. The multi-year deal now adds women’s basketball for the first time.

What We Know: Compass Media Networks will continue producing and broadcasting the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and the Big Ten Football Championship Game. Those rights, held since 2010, span terrestrial radio, satellite, and digital platforms. Additionally, Compass now holds exclusive audio rights to the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. That marks the first time the women’s tournament will receive national radio syndication, starting with the March 7, 2027 championship.

What They Said: Michael Calderon, SVP, Programming & Digital Media, Big Ten Network: “We are thrilled to renew this partnership. We’re especially happy for our partners and fans who will continue to have full access to these broadcasts nationwide. Also, we are especially pleased to debut national audio cover of the Women’s Big Ten Tournament’s Championship Game in March.”

Robert Blum, General Manager of Sports Programming for Compass Media Networks: “We are honored to continue this special partnership. We look forward to our upcoming coverage of the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game. As well as the TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament and for the first time the Allstate Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.”

Paul Gregrey, President of Sales & Marketing from Compass Media Networks: “The Big Ten Conference has been a tremendous partner for many years, and we so much appreciate the value this partnership delivers to our sponsors. We cannot wait for the upcoming season.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify the deal’s exact length or financial terms.

What It Means: The expansion signals growing investment in women’s college basketball audio coverage nationwide. For Compass, it deepens an already 17-year relationship with the Big Ten. For fans, it means broader access ahead of the 2027 season.

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.

Bob Delmont Returns to DC/Baltimore Country Radio

David Hill
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Bob Delmont Returns to DC/Baltimore Country Radio

Bob Delmont is back. iHeartMedia names him evening host at 98.7 WMZQ.

What We Know Delmont now hosts evenings at 98.7 WMZQ from 7 PM to midnight. Simultaneously, he continues the 10 AM to 3 PM midday shift at 93.1 WPOC. The Pittsburgh native brings over 30 years of radio experience. He previously spent 27 years in the DC/Baltimore market before his recent departure.

What They Said “Bob’s back!” declared Jeff Kapugi, iHeartMedia’s Region Senior Vice President of Programming. “He’s one of the best we have, and we are lucky to have him on our DC/Baltimore team!” Delmont expressed his enthusiasm: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working at the mighty 98.7 WMZQ on the shift where it all began for me. Saying this is a gift is a huge understatement.”

What Remains Unclear How will Delmont manage two five-hour shows across separate stations? The operational logistics between WMZQ evenings and WPOC middays warrant clarification. Furthermore, his long-term programming strategy remains undisclosed. Career trajectory details also appear sparse.

What It Means This hire strengthens iHeartMedia’s country radio footprint in the region. Delmont’s return signals confidence in veteran talent and market stability. Moreover, the dual-station approach potentially expands audience reach significantly. Importantly, someone got hired!

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.

Point-to-Point Marketing, Strategic Solutions to Release Results of ‘The Podcast Study 2026’

Garrett Searight
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Point-to-Point Marketing, Strategic Solutions to Release Results of ‘The Podcast Study 2026’

Point-to-Point Marketing is partnering with Strategic Solutions Research for The Podcast Study 2026. The research will examine how podcasts attract, retain, and monetize listeners in a changing audio marketplace.

What We Know: The Podcast Study 2026 will examine the podcast engagement funnel from discovery through loyalty and monetization. First, researchers will study the impact of word of mouth, social clips, and platform recommendations. They’ll also examine how many exposures can drive trial and what turns a new listener into a loyal one. Additionally, the study will explore how quickly listeners decide whether a podcast deserves their time. Researchers will look at why first-time listeners abandon shows, as well as what keeps them engaged. Finally, the research will examine host-read advertising, advertising effectiveness, subscriptions, and other revenue opportunities.

What They Said: “The first Podcast Study reinforced something we believe strongly at Point-To-Point: there is enormous opportunity to grow podcast audiences, but growth doesn’t happen by accident. With The Podcast Study 2026, we are asking a new set of questions about where podcasting is going and giving the industry research it can actually put to work.” -Point-to-Point Marketing CEO Tim Bronsil

“Every podcaster is asking how to turn audience into revenue. Nobody is handing them a map. This study tracks the entire engagement funnel: discovery, loyalty, and the point where a follower becomes a Superfan, so producers can stop guessing. I’m excited that The Podcast Study will again provide a unique look at how to move the industry forward.” Strategic Solutions Research partner Hal Rood

What Remains Unclear: The study’s findings won’t be publicly available until September. Researchers haven’t disclosed the methodology, sample size, or other details about how the study will measure listener behavior. Those details could provide important context for evaluating the findings and their application across the podcast industry.

What It Means: The Podcast Study 2026 could offer podcast producers clearer insight into converting casual listeners into loyal fans. Meanwhile, its focus on monetization could help publishers better connect audience engagement with revenue. The first public reveal will come at the Sounds Profitable Business Summit in New York on September 14 and 15. Crooked Media, NPR, and PRX are co-sponsors of the study.

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.

Ric Bucher: Why Are All WNBA Color Analysts and Studio Hosts Women? Where is the Diversity?

John Mamola
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Ric Bucher: Why Are All WNBA Color Analysts and Studio Hosts Women? Where is the Diversity?

Ric Bucher isn’t holding back. The former ESPN NBA analyst says WNBA broadcasts need more diversity.

What We Know: Bucher spent years as an NBA analyst at ESPN before joining Fox Sports as an NBA insider. In addition, he now hosts the podcast On The Ball with Ric Bucher. National WNBA broadcasts currently lean heavily on female color analysts and studio hosts. Following the outcry from a foul committed by DiJonai Carrington on Sophie Cunningham, Bucher felt the coverage was protective and not as analytical as it could have been. He shared his thoughts on why the WNBA needs more diversity with men willing to tackle difficult topics of discussion unlike what he witnessed recently.

What They Said: (All quotes via On The Ball with Ric Bucher):

Ric Bucher questioned why the WNBA isn’t more inclusive to males on broadcasts: “Why are all the color analysts and studio hosts women? Women have served in a variety of positions on national NBA broadcasts. Why shouldn’t there be diversity on national WNBA broadcasts? What are the networks afraid of? The only males you will find on a national broadcast now are young up-and-comers doing play-by-play. Is the WNBA not worthy of being discussed and dissected by a variety of voices and perspectives in the same way the NBA is?”

Ric Bucher believes the studio hosts and analysts play it too safe: “It all comes off as safe and monotone and cookie cutter. Especially when it comes to controversial topics. DiJonai [Carrington] took Sophie Cunningham’s head off, and the broadcasters were debating whether it would be elevated to a flagrant two. They sounded afraid to say it, even after multiple replays showed DiJonai made no attempt to make a play on the ball. The studio analysts were no better.”

Ric Bucher believes the WNBA is too protected: “All of it feels like a girls’ club. The media protecting the league from real scrutiny or critique. I’ll ask again: What are they afraid of? Players can’t take it. The critiquing a woman in public is no way to treat one?”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether any network will respond to Bucher’s critique. Moreover, no current network carrying the WNBA has a male studio analyst. Several have male play by play voices or analysts on broadcast.

What It Means: Bucher’s comments reignite debate over how networks staff and produce WNBA coverage. Then again, with rising television ratings and revenue metrics, the formula for these networks is working. Still, any change depends on network decisions, not commentary alone. For now, the conversation about broadcast representation and coverage tone continues.

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.

Steckline Communications Acquires Wichita Classic Hits Station KWME

David Hill
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Steckline Communications Acquires Wichita Classic Hits Station KWME

Steckline Communications acquired KWME Wellington from Murfin Media. The deal values Classic Hits 92.7 at $275,000.

What We Know: Steckline Communications closed the purchase of KWME in Wellington, Kansas. The station operates as Classic Hits 92.7 in the Wichita market. KWME joins five other Steckline properties in Wichita: KGHF-FM (99.7 Hank-FM), K273CX/KGHF-HD2 (La Raza 102.5), KGSO/K230BY (1410 Sports), and KQAM (1480 The Big Talker).

What’s at Stake: The purchase wiil strengthen Steckline’s footprint in the Wichita market significantly. Steckline now controls classic hits, country, regional Mexican, sports, and conservative talk formats. This consolidation gives the company greater leverage with local advertisers and programming flexibility. Market dominance positions Steckline to compete more effectively regionally.

What Remains Unclear Steckline hasn’t announced integration plans or staffing decisions yet. Programming adjustments for KWME haven’t been detailed publicly. Additionally, the station’s operational structure under Steckline ownership remains unspecified. Listeners await clarity on on-air talent and scheduling changes.

What It Means Steckline demonstrates aggressive growth ambitions in mid-sized Wichita-area markets. The $275,000 investment reflects confidence in the region’s advertising potential. Murfin Media continues retaining four regional stations (KIBB, KVWF, KLEY, KKLE) rather than consolidating further.

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.

1300 The Zone Extends ‘The Morning Kickoff’ with Mike Hardge, Mark Henry With Added Local Hour

John Mamola
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1300 The Zone Extends ‘The Morning Kickoff’ with Mike Hardge, Mark Henry With Added Local Hour

iHeartMedia Austin is giving its morning show more airtime. The Morning Kickoff grows by an effective immediately on 1300 The Zone.

What We Know: 1300 The Zone’s The Morning Kickoff with Mike Hardge and Mark Henry now runs 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. weekdays, an hour earlier than before. Hardge and Henry continue as co-hosts, with no change to that pairing. No other lineup local lineup changes were announced; Craig Way and “Bucky & BK” remain in their current afternoon slots. With the shift, the station will only carry two hours of The Dan Patrick Show.

What They Said: Bryan Erickson, Region Program Director for iHeartMedia Austin: “The 2026 college football season just around the corner. This move gives Longhorn fans another hour of the in-depth analysis, big-name interviews and passionate discussion they’ve come to expect from Hardge and Henry.”

What Remains Unclear: With the added hour of local and one less hour of syndication, how listener behavior could shift is unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, the expansion signals confidence in Hardge and Henry ahead of a marquee Longhorns season. Meanwhile, it reinforces 1300 The Zone’s positioning as Austin’s dedicated home for Texas athletics coverage. As competition for sports-talk listeners intensifies, the extra hour gives the station more inventory for interviews and in-depth analysis during college football’s biggest ramp-up period.

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.

Dave Crooks Joins Bob & Tom Show as Affiliate Relations Director

David Hill
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Dave Crooks Joins Bob & Tom Show as Affiliate Relations Director

The Bob & Tom Show Hires Dave Crooks as Affiliate Relations Director

What We Know The Bob & Tom Show announced Dave Crooks as its new Affiliate Relations Director. Crooks possesses deep experience in radio station ownership, affiliate support, and media partnerships. He’ll manage relationships with stations nationwide, sharing successful strategies to boost local revenue. Additionally, he’ll recruit new affiliates alongside Westwood One, the show’s syndication partner.

What They Said Co-founder and co-host Tom Griswold welcomed Crooks to the team with characteristic humor. “We are delighted to welcome Dave to The Bob & Tom Show family,” Griswold said. The hire notably completes a personnel team that already includes Jessica Hooker. Griswold joked that “Hooker and Crooks” now sounds “less like a radio show and more like a police report.”

What Remains Unclear Crooks hasn’t yet detailed his affiliate revenue growth strategy. The show also hasn’t announced which new markets he’ll target first. Similarly, we don’t know his formal timeline for integrating new affiliates with Westwood One. The Bob & Tom team hasn’t defined success metrics for his department either.

What It Means This hire signals The Bob & Tom Show’s commitment to affiliate expansion during streaming’s dominance. Crooks’ station ownership background suggests the show understands affiliates face distinct local pressures. Furthermore, pairing him with Westwood One creates alignment between syndication and individual station growth. Ultimately, his role bridges national content with local revenue opportunities for partners.

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