Pat McAfee is getting ready to turn the switch from wrestling to football. His work on WWE’s Monday Night RAW will now be put on hold until the end of the year. Michael Cole, WWE’s lead play-by-play announcer said the next time we see McAfee on RAW, it will be carried on Netflix.
After a montage of McAfee highlights from the year on the show, McAfee said, “People I’ve never met in my life, it’s been so much fun here.”
Cole added, “But you’re going to head off to some football, and of course, this coming Saturday in Dublin, College GameDay.”
McAfee continued, “Thank you to everybody that obviously pieced that together behind the scenes. This is a place where I feel like I’m at home…This is my family. I am so lucky that I get to do this. I will see you in a few months. And College GameDay is going to be phenomenal. But what I feel when I’m with this WWE family is something I’ve been yearning for my entire life. It’s a dream come true.
“And it’s all because of you at the end of the day,” McAfee said to Cole. “So thank you to everybody, and I’ve been emotional all day.”
Cole promoted the Dublin show again and mentioned that WWE superstar Sheamus would be the guest picker for Week Zero. Then, he updated the viewers on when McAfee would return and where he will return.
“And the good news that I can share with everyone is Pat’s going to be back in January as Monday Night RAW makes history,” he said. “WWE makes history as we kick things off, live on Netflix.”
As the show wrapped, McAfee said, “Can’t wait for January already…And I love everybody that was a part of this.”
Four years after retiring from the NFL, Peyton Manning founded Omaha Productions, a media conglomerate that produces original content and partners with several brands in the sports media space. In recent years, the outlet has been involved in series with Netflix, NFL Films and 2PM Productions, such as Quarterback and Receiver, both of which Manning played a role within the recruiting process. The company also reached a nine-year agreement with ESPN this past April to continue growing the content partnership and maintaining Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, the successful alternate presentation of the network’s weekly NFL showcase game. Both Peyton and Eli host the show remotely where they provide unique insights into the game, welcome special guests and react to moments in real time.
Manning was not thinking about starting a media company when he was playing, instead staying focused on the task at hand to win football games. The two-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time Associated Press NFL MVP and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is widely regarded as one of the most successful quarterbacks of all time. Yet he always had a respect for the media in helping to grow the game and would participate in interviews whether he won or lost on the field.
“To play quarterback in the NFL, you better have thick skin,” Manning said during a recent interview conducted by Stephen A. Smith at Fanatics Fest NYC. “I never felt a media member or even the fans had criticisms of me that I probably didn’t already have of myself. I was always my own biggest critic, so I think it’s important to grow the game.”
Manning will return to the air as the New York Jets face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Sept. 9 for the season premiere of Monday Night Football. The Manning brothers will be joined by former New England Patriots head coach and general manager Bill Belichick, who is joining the program as a permanent guest for the first half. Eli Manning and the New York Giants defeated Belichick and the Patriots to win two Super Bowl championships in 2007 and 2011. Peyton Manning explained that Belichick will be a perfect fit because of his disdain for Eli Manning, and that he will be able to team up with him to make fun of him the whole time.
“I don’t think people necessarily have gotten to hear Bill Belichick speak about defense, about head coaching decisions and what not, and Eli and I have had a couple rehearsals with him,” Manning said. “He’s got so much knowledge, and he’s always shared that with his team, but he never was sharing that with the general public, and I think he’s going to do that this year, and Eli and I have kind of found it very insightful. I think the fans will as well, so he’s going to be on there.”
Adam Sandler, an award-winning actor and comedian, is a celebrity who Manning is trying to secure for the Week 1 game. Manning mentioned that there are many celebrities who root for the Jets that he did not know about because they had not had much to cheer about in recent years. The Jets currently hold a 13-year playoff drought, the longest in the National Football League, and the organization has not won a Super Bowl championship since 1969.
“I still love when we get the current players to come on there as a guest,” Manning added. “That’s a hard one to get to commit though because they have to win on that Sunday before. It’s a bad look to come on our show [after a loss].
Smith reflected on when Manning hosted Saturday Night Live in March 2007 and how it allowed him to demonstrate his personality and humor. Hosting the alternate broadcast throughout the season, colloquially known as the ManningCast, has been an adjustment for Peyton and Eli, but they try to have fun watching the game. At the same time, they bring their view on the action as football players and can detect the flow of the game. Ahead of a contest, they prepare for the teams and share notes to enhance their preparation and become immersed in the broadcast upon its start.
“When people are throwing three interceptions, I’m like, ‘I threw six one night against the Chargers. I would have thrown more – the clock ran out,’ so I still try to defend quarterbacks and what not,” Manning said, “but certainly if a guy doesn’t call timeout or a guy steps out of bounds, it needs to be addressed; like, ‘Hey, you ran out of bounds. You’re going to give Tom Brady two minutes and 30 seconds now to go down the field. You’re going to lose this game,’ so I kind of like to point out the things that are going to lead to a mistake, but we try to have fun and try to point out the positive things going on in the game.”
As Omaha Productions continues to produce informative, entertaining and compelling content across multiple verticals of dissemination, Manning enjoys consuming the work in which he does not star. In fact, he admitted to being in “way too many commercials” and shared that he filmed a few more recently that are coming out. Additionally, he took part in NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 as a co-host of the Opening Ceremony alongside Mike Tirico and Kelly Clarkson. The presentation drew 28.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, rendering it the most-streamed Opening Ceremony ever and the most-watched iteration of the event since 2012.
The impact of music on the human psyche has been a topic of interest and study for centuries. For students, music is not just a source of entertainment; it serves as a companion through late-night study sessions, a catalyst for relaxation, and, sometimes, a bridge to deeper cultural and personal understanding. The relationship between music and mental health is particularly significant in academic environments where stress and anxiety can run high.
Research suggests that music can dramatically improve mood, reduce stress, and even enhance cognitive functioning—factors critical for academic success. It’s a tool that offers not only an escape from the pressures of school life but also an opportunity to engage with learning in a more relaxed and productive manner. Students who integrate music into their daily lives often report higher levels of motivation and overall well-being.
The benefits of music are so profound that many educational institutions encourage its use as a therapeutic tool. Some students even explore these benefits academically, turning to essay writer online to help them structure and present their findings on how music therapy can aid educational outcomes and personal development.
The Science Behind Music Therapy
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Music’s ability to reduce stress is one of its most celebrated benefits. Slow, calming music can decrease cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
This type of music often features in meditation and yoga practices, which are increasingly incorporated into student wellness programs to help manage the pressures of academic life.
Enhancing Concentration and Memory
Classical music, often referred to as the “Mozart Effect,” is believed to enhance brain activity and act as a catalyst for improving concentration and memory. Studies suggest that listening to classical music during study sessions can create a conducive learning environment, improving information retention and recall.
Improving Sleep Quality
Many students struggle with sleep, which is crucial for cognitive function and overall health. Soft, rhythmical music can help induce a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and ensuring that the sleep is more restorative.
Boosting Mood and Motivation
Music can elevate one’s mood through the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter. Upbeat and energetic tracks can invigorate students during workouts or when they need a mood lift to continue studying or to complete challenging tasks.
The Cultural and Social Connection
Music also serves as a powerful cultural and social connector, providing students with a way to express their identities and find common ground with peers. This is especially important in diverse educational settings where music can bridge cultural gaps and foster an inclusive community environment.
Challenges and Considerations
While music has many benefits, it’s important for students to understand how to use it effectively. Not all types of music may be beneficial in every context—what works for one student may be distracting for another. Personalizing one’s musical choices is key to reaping the most benefits.
Practical Tips for Integrating Music into Student Life
Students can create various playlists for different needs: a calming playlist for relaxation, an instrumental playlist for study sessions, and an energetic playlist for physical activities. Experimenting with different genres and observing their effects can also be a fun and enriching experience.
Expanding the Impact: Broader Applications of Music in Education
Music’s role extends beyond just personal therapy; it can be integrated into various educational methodologies to enhance learning across disciplines. For instance, songs can be used to memorize complex information, from historical dates to scientific terms, making learning more enjoyable and effective. Additionally, students who are overwhelmed with their academic workload might consider seeking support to write my term paper with PaperWriter, ensuring they can maintain their focus on creative educational techniques like integrating music. Furthermore, music can help set a rhythm during group activities, fostering better collaboration and teamwork among students.
Music and Physical Health
The benefits of music are not confined to mental and emotional well-being; it also has physical health advantages that can benefit students.
Listening to music can lead to physical relaxation, reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, which can be particularly beneficial during long study sessions or exams. Additionally, music is a great companion during exercise, helping students maintain a higher level of physical activity, which is essential for healthy brain function.
Therapeutic Music Writing and Composition
For students who are creatively inclined, engaging in music writing and composition can be a therapeutic activity in itself. This process allows students to express their emotions, cope with stress, and communicate experiences that might be difficult to articulate in words.
Institutions could encourage these creative pursuits through workshops or classes focused on music creation, providing a safe space for students to explore and express their inner thoughts and feelings through melodies.
Music as a Career Pathway
Understanding the therapeutic effects of music can also open up career opportunities for students in fields like music therapy, sound engineering, and performance arts.
These roles take the benefits of music beyond personal enjoyment to professional realms where they can help others. Educational programs that highlight these paths can be instrumental for students who are passionate about leveraging music to make a difference in the lives of others.
Global Musical Exchange
Music is a universal language that transcends borders. Programs that encourage students to explore music from different cultures can enhance global understanding and appreciation. Such exchanges can take place digitally or through university exchange programs, enriching students’ educational experiences and broadening their worldviews.
Final Thoughts: The Rhythmic Path to Well-being
Music is a multifaceted tool that can enrich students’ lives in numerous ways, from reducing stress and improving academic performance to enhancing social connections and personal well-being. As each student’s response to music can vary greatly, the journey to finding the right musical balance is personal and unique. For those needing a break from their studies, services like WritePaper can provide essential academic support, allowing more time to explore the benefits of music in daily life. Embracing music as part of daily life can lead to a more balanced, joyful, and successful academic journey!
Triton Digital has announced it has expanded its partnership with Headliner to include automating podcast content for distribution on YouTube.
With its Omny Studio product, Triton has a new functionality with Headliner that will see full episodes, clips, waveforms, subtitles, and imagery published to social media and YouTube. The entire process will now happen automatically should users opt into the service.
“Video podcasting continues to rise in popularity but not everyone has the time or resources to focus on it,” said Sharon Taylor, SVP of Podcast Strategy at Triton Digital. “Omny’s integration with Headliner continues to evolve and closes the gap for podcasters. This added functionality streamlines the process of taking audio content and transforming it into episodes that can be consumed on YouTube, with creative graphics and subtitle support that could help level the playing field and grab the attention of listeners. Coupled with the reporting capabilities of Triton’s Podcast Metrics, publishers will get even more insights into how audiences consume their content.”
“A content strategy is only as good as its distribution strategy and with video podcasting taking off, publishers need to focus on how to maximize the content they’ve produced,” added Headliner CEO and co-founder Neil Mody. “This new toolset automates a key part of the promotion process. Podcasters and publishers will now be able to reach new audiences on YouTube and extend the life of their content to other platforms in visually compelling ways.”
The new service will also include features like publishing to multiple YouTube channels at once, and will also allow users to integrate Triton Digital’s Podcast Metrics, with the service pulling API metrics into the service for its reporting.
Happy National Radio Day to all of you out there from your friends at Barrett Media. Radio is obviously a huge part of our business, and many of us here would not be where we are without radio. We are grateful for all of our friends in radio and thank you for supporting our coverage of the business.
In honor of the day, we asked several different people one simple question, “What does radio mean to you?”
Scott Kaplan, Host, ESPN Los Angeles:
I still love radio, it is far and away the most intimate of all mediums. I have been on the radio in SoCal for over 20 years, listeners come up to me all the time, they ask about my family, or they bring up a story I told, or they thank me for some inspiration I unknowingly provided. My listeners feel like we are all close friends, because we are together daily, and we impact each-other’s lives! So, I love radio, and now as we expand to audio, and video, as we use YouTube, and audio apps. It’s still the medium that brings us all together!
Amy Lawrence, National Host, Infinity Sports Network:
I’ve been a radio junkie since I was a teenager. I fell in love with the idea of telling a story or describing the action in a way that people didn’t feel like they were missing anything just because they couldn’t see it with their own eyes. Radio is my first love, my passion, my calling. And every time I turn on the mic for a show, I feel the same thrill and sweet anticipation.
Matt Fishman, Program Director/Operations Manager, 97.1 The Fan, Columbus:
Radio is connection. It’s personal and I’ve been lucky enough to make it my career. The best part of working in radio is the people. They are fun, quirky, creative, and unique. Radio, when done right, can make you feel. In his famous speech at the ESPYs Jim Valvano said, “To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think — spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day.” If you create radio that does that, you will not only have “a heck of a day” but a loyal and vibrant audience, no matter the challenges.
Bob Fescoe, Host, 96.5 The Fan Kansas City:
“Radio is the single best medium for connecting with an audience. Over the years our listeners have become family and friends. We’ve helped people in bad situations we’ve celebrated successes and had one on one contact with our listeners better than any other medium can provide”
Radio means comfort. It’s life to me. It’s free. Radio, to me, represents comfort and familiarity. It’s like a town square where people gather and connect, or a friendly neighbor whose voice brings reassurance and companionship. In small towns it is farm reports, obituaries and (back in the day) my high school games being broadcast for my neighbors to hear on WSMI growing up in rural Illinois. My dad wasn’t even a baseball fan but he loved Budweiser and Jack Buck’s voice on his tractor radio from KMOX. He still listens to WSMI and KMOX some 30 years later. It’s free. Again, it’s like life. We take it for granted.
Radio to me is life. That’s probably why I’ve stayed in it all these years. It’s my friends at the station who tell stories and have fun. I’m not sure I could do anything else. This week feels good because football is on the radio. Radio is life to me.
Mike Hulvey, President/CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau:
I was an eight-year-old little boy walking into a high school gymnasium with my father when I saw my first radio broadcast. I looked up to the top row of the bleachers and I saw two broadcasters sitting behind a small table with a felt banner and headphones on. And my life has never been the same since. Radio has truly been a part of every day of my life since that moment. And I have seen it change communities. I have seen it change businesses. I have seen it change people. I’ve seen it connect in ways that you could only imagine. And radio is so important to the fabric of our country and our communities. To me, radio is just about everything.
95.7 The Game Brand Manager Matt Nahigian (posted on X):
National Radio Day is today. I’m the luckiest guy in the world to do what I do. It’s not about me and my radio career, it’s about the listeners and companies that have believed in the stations I’ve worked for. Thank you!
Others took to social media and posted about National Radio Day:
National Radio Day. It will be 45 years on August 27th that WCFL opened their doors to a 25 year old enthusiastic sportscaster hosting the city’s first ever nightly sports talk show. I was overwhelmed, intimidated and yet through the support of many I made it. I’m truly blessed
Happy National Radio Day!! 11 years in the game and I’m so thankful to @1057TheFan and @SiriusXMFantasy for allowing me to live my dream. Thank you to all my past and present bosses and co-workers. The journey continues!! pic.twitter.com/xGE1ozmH7e
On National Radio Day —two of the people with the biggest impact on my broadcast career. Top -Jerry Edwards “Voice of the Liberty University Flames”. Bottom -Jim Turpin “Voice of the Illini”. Wonderful broadcasters and mentors! pic.twitter.com/mk7vkiIOLy
National Radio Day. This is a fickle, unforgiving business, and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the opportunity to stay in this profession and work with countless great people. pic.twitter.com/sWBZyuR6GO
Happy National Radio Day! What this medium has done for me both professionally and personally I could never fully put into words 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/mHwyZrBzcW
For the second month in a row, streaming services have made television history with their unprecedented dominance. According to The Gauge from Nielsen, streaming accounted for a staggering 41.4% of TV viewing in July, surpassing all previous records. In fact, streaming levels increased by over 5% compared to June, resulting in a growth of more than one point (+1.1 pt.) and breaking their own record set just last month.
The start of the Summer Olympics in Paris brought an increase in TV viewing during the month of July. According to the July Gauge report, total TV usage rose by 2.3% compared to the previous month and 3.5% compared to the same time last year. Broadcast viewing also saw a slight increase, accounting for 20.3% of TV, which is a 5% increase from the previous year.
This is a significant improvement from last July when it reached its lowest recorded share at 20% of TV. The final week of July, which marked the beginning of Olympics coverage, resulted in a spike of broadcast viewership, with an average of over 22% of total TV being dedicated to broadcast programs. Notably, the top five and seven out of ten most watched telecasts in the July report were related to the Olympics, with NBC’s Sunday coverage on July 28 drawing in an impressive audience of 19 million viewers.
Additionally in July, YouTube surpassed all other streaming platforms by becoming the first to exceed 10% of total TV usage. The most popular streamer saw a 7% increase compared to last month, accounting for 10.4% of TV usage (+0.5 pt.). This follows YouTube’s achievement of 9.9% of TV viewing in June and solidified its position as the second largest distributor of TV content among all media platforms.
Today (8/20) is National Radio Day, a day that recognizes Guglielmo Marconi’s invention, which has had practical uses ranging from military to distress signals.
For most of us, though, it has meant music, news, entertainment, and careers.
I look forward to seeing friends and industry people post their call letters and photos each year.
I asked some programmers what the day means to them and how they reflect on it.
100.7 The Tiger/Baton Rouge PD Jimmy Brooks said, “National Radio Day is a great reminder of the power and reach of radio, especially for us at 100.7 The Tiger…in 2024. Radio isn’t just a medium—it’s a community connector, a source of local pride, and a place where our people turn for the best country music and local news, and of course, we have a beat on the latest entertainment news. Today, we’re celebrating not just the technology but the listeners and the voices that make radio so special. It’s a day to acknowledge the past while looking forward to the future of radio, which, in my opinion, is brighter than ever.”
96.3 JACK-FM and 106.7 Y’all/Nashville Brand Manager Ron Allen said, “I normally post the first photo I have of me at a radio station. It’s from a newspaper clipping. The station bought an ad to promote my Sunday show. I was a sophomore in High School (1980) in Jackson, WY. Boy, how times have changed.”
David Moore, Brand and Content Director/Operations Manager for KSLX/KDKB/KAZG Hubbard Radio/Phoenix, said, “I regularly reflect on the fact that I get to do what I love. We are truly luckier than most.”
Audacy’s Country VP/Format Captain, Programming Tim Roberts, added, “We love it! I think everyone is proud of the work they do today and love showing pictures, especially from their younger days, for a laugh.”
Scott Roddy, Regional VP Audacy Country West Coast, sent a photo.
Today we will feature the best of the photos and memories from social media. Let me know what you are posting here.
SiriusXM has announced a long-term partnership with renowned podcaster Alex Cooper, the host and executive producer of the highly successful Call Her Daddy podcast. This new agreement includes plans for innovative programming exclusively for SiriusXM starting in 2025. In addition, SiriusXM will have exclusive rights to advertise and distribute content, hold events, and feature other popular shows from Cooper’s Unwell network on their top-rated SiriusXM Podcast Network.
“I am beyond excited to work with SiriusXM,” Cooper said in a release. “The Daddy Gang will always be my top priority, and with SiriusXM we will continue to find new ways to evolve and provide my listeners the best experience. The Daddy Gang wants more, so we’re getting ready to give them more…I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
“Alex’s fearless, unfiltered approach, where no topic is off the table, has created a passionate and dedicated fanbase that is unmatched in podcasting and perfectly aligns with the content that SiriusXM subscribers have come to love and expect from us,” said Scott Greenstein, President and CCO at SiriusXM. “SiriusXM is the perfect home for Alex to continue her amazing growth trajectory, with our unique ability to introduce her and her growing roster of standout talent to new listeners, as well as super-serve her core fans with new content. Alex is the voice of a new generation, and I can’t wait to see what we do together in the years to come.”
Since its launch in 2018, Call Her Daddy has gained a strong following. It consistently ranks as one of the most popular podcasts worldwide. TIME Magazine said Cooper was “arguably the most successful woman in podcasting.”
Libsyn has announced a new partnership with Universal Music for Creators that will allow Libsyn’s podcast creators to use Universal Production Music’s subscription music licensing service.
This deal gives for podcast creators access to a library of over 50,000 premium music tracks and 200,000 sound effects to elevate their audio and video podcasts.
“Universal Music for Creators,” launched in Oct. 2023, was a first-of-its-kind subscription service to provide content creators access to copyrighted sound. With the new deal, Libsyn creators have a free 6-month subscription to the service and a pipeline to a discounted subscription rate.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to empowering creators with the tools they need to produce engaging and professional-quality content,” Senior Director Andy Rogers said of the deal.
Additionally, Libsyn will curate custom-themed playlists on “Universal Music for Creators” for various podcast genres, including True Crime, Society & Culture, and Sports.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella will receive its 2024 National Radio Award.
Santrella has previously chaired the NAB Joint Board of Directors from June 2021 to June 2023. He was named CEO of Salem Media Group in 2022 after a long career in the business, including 21 years at the organization before being named CEO. Earlier in his career, he worked at WMAQ and WBBM in Chicago before joining Salem.
“NAB is extremely pleased to recognize Dave for his exceptional contributions to the radio industry,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “On National Radio Day, it’s especially fitting to recognize a leader whose belief in radio’s unique ability to serve the public is second to none. Dave’s public service ethos, along with a keen business acumen and authentic leadership style have strengthened the entire radio ecosystem, making him a most deserving recipient of this year’s National Radio Award.”
David Santrella will be honored with the 2024 National Radio Award at the Marconi Radio Awards during the 2024 NAB Show New York. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th.
