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Chris Salcedo Exiting Morning Drive on KSEV

Garrett Searight
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Chris Salcedo Exiting Morning Drive on KSEV

Chris Salcedo is leaving morning drive at KSEV after 14 years with the Texas radio station. The Chris Salcedo Show will air its final week from 7-9 AM.

What We Know: Chris Salcedo announced his departure from KSEV during his show on Monday morning. He has hosted The Chris Salcedo Show on the station for the past 14 years. However, he didn’t provide details about where the program will move next. Instead, Salcedo teased a new show launching Monday before a “big time” launch the following week. He also revealed the new program will air from 6-9 AM ET. Previously, Salcedo hosted the 4 PM ET show on Newsmax before leaving the network earlier this year.

What They Said: “I might as well rip the band-aid off right now. After 14 years of being on The Voice of Texas, this will The Chris Salcedo Show‘s last week on this station. It is bittersweet because, frankly, if circumstances had been a little different, I likely would have retired right here on this station and made lifelong friends at this station.” -Chris Salcedo

What Remains Unclear: Salcedo hasn’t identified the station, network, or platform that will carry his new program. Additionally, he hasn’t explained what prompted the move from KSEV. It is unclear what KSEV will insert into that open timeslot.

What It Means: Salcedo’s exit closes a significant chapter at KSEV while opening another opportunity for the veteran talk host. Meanwhile, his 6-9 AM ET announcement suggests the next show could target a broader national audience.

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.

Townsquare Media Market President LaDonne Craig Announces Retirement Plans

John Mamola
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Townsquare Media Market President LaDonne Craig Announces Retirement Plans

LaDonne Craig is officially stepping back. The longtime Townsquare Media market manager will retire from her full-time role at the end of 2026.

What We Know: Craig has served Townsquare Media for two decades. She’ll officially exit full-time leadership on December 31, 2026, after building relationships across her market. Still, this isn’t a full goodbye. Starting in 2027, Craig will shift into a part-time consulting role. She plans to stay connected to the company while opening space for family and travel.

What They Said: (All quotes via LaDonne Craig Linkedin):

LaDonne Craig on her retirement: “Now that the news has been shared internally, I’m excited to share a personal career milestone. At the end of 2026, I’ll be retiring from my full-time leadership role with Townsquare Media. It’s difficult to summarize a career and a chapter of life that has meant so much to me. I’ve had the privilege of working with talented teams, helping businesses grow, building relationships throughout our community with non profits, and working in an industry that has changed tremendously over the years — and taught me just as much.”

LaDonne Craig on her accomplishments: “Of all the accomplishments along the way, I’m most proud of the people and relationships. I’ve always believed that leadership is ultimately about people — helping them grow, believing in them, challenging them and celebrating their success.”

LaDonne Craig on staying with Townsquare Media in a consulting role in 2027: “While I’m retiring from full-time leadership, I’m very happy that my relationship with Townsquare will continue. In 2027, I’ll remain involved on a part-time consulting basis, giving me the opportunity to continue contributing while creating more time for family, travel and the next chapter of life. I still have several months ahead of me and plenty I want to accomplish before I officially make that transition.”

LaDonne Craig shares her thanks for the opportunity: “I’m grateful — for the opportunities, the challenges, the friendships, the people who believed in me, and especially the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead. I plan to finish this chapter exactly the way I’ve tried to approach my entire career: with energy, gratitude and a commitment to finishing strong. And then…I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.”

What Remains Unclear: Townsquare hasn’t named a successor for Craig’s market yet. It’s also unclear whether other leadership changes will accompany her transition.

What It Means: The timing of Craig’s announcement will help with the transition to new local leadership. The move reflects a broader pattern in local media: veteran leaders transitioning to advisory roles rather than exiting outright. Consequently, Townsquare retains her institutional knowledge as a new leader moves into the role. A credit to Craig and Townsquare for the arrangement. It signals how companies increasingly value phased retirements over sudden departures, preserving relationships built over decades.

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.

Legendary Radio/TV Personality Barry “The Reazar” Richards Dead at 83

David Hill
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Legendary Radio/TV Personality Barry “The Reazar” Richards Dead at 83

Barry “The Reazar” Richards died peacefully on August 15, 2026. He was 83 years old.

What We Know
Richards shaped radio across major markets including Los Angeles, Washington DC, Baltimore, New Orleans, Fresno, and Spokane. Beyond broadcast, he pioneered innovative music-focused television shows across multiple genres. He transitioned into concert and music promotion, championing America’s biggest artists. His family confirms he leaves behind wife Debra, sons Gary and Paul, and grandchildren Riley, Steven, Capri, and Walker.

What’s at Stake
Radio and music promotion lose a transformative voice. Richards’ career fundamentally influenced how the industry approached artist development and airplay strategy. Consequently, his absence marks the departure of someone who shaped Top 40, Rhythmic, and Urban radio formats. His innovative television concepts demonstrated the power of music-centric local programming.

What Remains Unclear
Details about the upcoming Celebration of Life remain pending. Specific archival projects or mentorship programs Richards influenced haven’t been fully documented. Additionally, the full scope of his artist relationships and industry contributions continues to emerge. His family plans to share more details in coming weeks.

What It Means
The radio and music industries lose a pioneering figure who defined decades of programming. Richards’ legacy transcends individual markets. Rather, his impact shaped how music promotion operates nationally. This moment invites the industry to reflect on his innovations and influence.

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.

ESPN Reportedly Close To Securing NFL Network Broadcast Teams

John Mamola
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ESPN Reportedly Close To Securing NFL Network Broadcast Teams

ESPN is reportedly closing in on its NFL Network broadcast teams. Dave Pasch and Bob Wischusen are set to anchor the play-by-play chairs with Kurt Warner and Louis Riddick as analysts according to a report by Front Office Sports.

What We Know: Pasch is reportedly pairing with Warner, while Wischusen partners with Louis Riddick. Wischusen and Riddick return together for a third straight season. The two called college football together previously. Molly McGrath is also pivoting from college football to become NFL Network’s lead sideline reporter. She’ll also serve as the top fill-in host for Laura Rutledge on NFL Live. The five-game international slate runs London (October 4, 11, 18), Saint-Denis (October 25), and Madrid (November 8). NFL Network also has a Week 16 doubleheader on December 26.

What’s At Stake: With ESPN overseeing the NFL Network, the announcement is just the latest in using separate network talent together. The report would effectively move Rich Eisen off calling game for the NFL Network. Eisen told SI earlier this year that he feels he’s done doing play by play of live games. Eisen started calling NFL Network’s international slate in 2018.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not commented on the reporting by Front Office Sports. NFL Network has yet to announce its broadcast teams for upcoming games. If ESPN will use Eisen in another capacity is also unknown.

What It Means: The pairings favor continuity over experimentation. Pasch’s history with Warner from his Cardinals radio days, plus Wischusen and Riddick’s existing rapport, suggest chemistry drove the decisions. The loss of Eisen on the commentary will be a new twist of fans of international broadcasts. However, with proven talent and chemistry abound, the transition should make for a smooth one for fans.

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.

Jennifer Keiper Joins NBC News Radio After CBS News Radio Shutdown

Garrett Searight
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Jennifer Keiper Joins NBC News Radio After CBS News Radio Shutdown

Jennifer Keiper has joined NBC News Radio as a national news anchor following the end of CBS News Radio. Keiper spent six years with CBS before the network shut down its radio operation in May.

What We Know: Keiper joins iHeartMedia’s 24/7 News Network and NBC News Radio after CBS News Radio ended operations. Before joining CBS, she built an extensive radio résumé across Chicago and nationally. Keiper previously worked at WLS-AM 890, WBBM Newsradio, and Westwood One. She spent the previous six years with CBS News Radio before the company shuttered the network in May. Now, she’ll bring that experience to NBC News Radio as a national news anchor.

What They Said: “This summer has been a blast and I’ve had the opportunity to meet with friends, talk to new people and do things that I’ve only thought about doing … Seriously though, a wonderful opportunity has come my way and I have accepted an offer to be a National News Anchor at iHeart Media – 24/7 News Network (and) NBC News Radio.” -Jennifer Keiper

What Remains Unclear: Neither iHeartMedia nor NBC News Radio has detailed Keiper’s specific responsibilities or schedule. It’s also unclear when she’ll officially begin her new role with the network.

What It Means: Keiper’s move gives NBC News Radio another experienced voice with deep knowledge of the Chicago market and national news. Meanwhile, her arrival comes as iHeartMedia continues expanding its national news operation. For Keiper, the move provides a new platform after CBS News Radio’s closure ended her six-year run with the network.

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.

RCS Worldwide Promotes Alissa Pollack to Mediabase President

Garrett Searight
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RCS Worldwide Promotes Alissa Pollack to Mediabase President

RCS Worldwide has promoted Alissa Pollack to President of Mediabase, expanding her leadership role across music and data. Pollack will also continue serving as President of Global Music Marketing at iHeartMedia.

What We Know: RCS Worldwide is promoting Pollack to help Mediabase expand beyond airplay charts into a broader global music intelligence platform. She’ll oversee the company’s strategic direction, international growth, product innovation, and commercial development. Pollack will also continue leading iHeartMedia’s global music marketing efforts and Mediabase’s domestic and international ventures. Those operations include Rate the Music, Luminate, and MScore. Additionally, she’ll work with iHeartMedia’s National Programming Platforms on artist discovery and rollout strategies. Her team also handles artist relations across Premiere Networks’ more than 5,000 affiliates, iHeartRadio’s digital and podcast divisions, and global broadcast partners.

What They Said: “Alissa has spent her career at the intersection of music, data, and relationships, which is exactly where Mediabase lives. This promotion is a recognition of everything she has already built and a reflection of our confidence in where she will take Mediabase next. As she steps into this role she will have my full support as she leads Mediabase forward.” -RCS Worldwide President and CEO Susan Larkin

“I’m honored to lead Mediabase at such an exciting moment in its evolution while continuing the work I love at iHeartMedia. These roles are incredibly complementary because they share the same purpose: helping the industry make smarter decisions through meaningful insights. Mediabase has earned its reputation as the gold standard in music data, and I see an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy by expanding our global reach and delivering intelligence that helps our partners not just discover what’s happening now but shapes what happens next. As one of my first initiatives, I’m thrilled to make more Mediabase chart data publicly accessible through our newly updated Mediabase.com site. Music fans, industry professionals, and artists can now view the Top 50 charts across every format in both the U.S. and Canada, providing greater visibility into music performance and trends across North America.” –Alissa Pollack, President, Mediabase & President Global Music Marketing, iHeartMedia

What Remains Unclear: The company hasn’t yet detailed specific product launches, international expansion targets, or commercial goals for Pollack’s position. However, her expanded responsibilities suggest Mediabase will continue developing its role as a broader data and intelligence resource for the music industry.

What It Means: Pollack is one of the music industry’s most accomplished executives. Her career spans more than three decades at the intersection of music, data, and media. She has helped major artists such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter, Kane Brown, and Alex Warren among others. Moreover, her work has connected music intelligence with audience insights, brand partnerships, live events, and artist campaigns. Billboard’s has placed her on its Most Powerful Women in Music list. Radio Ink has also named her one of the Top 40 Most Powerful Women in Radio. The promotion positions Mediabase to further leverage her experience as the company pursues growth across an increasingly data-driven music business.

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.

KFBK News Radio PD Bill White Announces Exit

Garrett Searight
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KFBK News Radio PD Bill White Announces Exit

Bill White is departing KFBK News Radio after a decade leading the Sacramento news/talk station. The KFBK News Radio program director is now moving into his next chapter.

What We Know: White revealed he was let go in April as part of layoffs at iHeartMedia. He had served as program director for KFBK News Radio for roughly a decade. However, his career spans much more than Sacramento. White previously programmed news/talk stations in Pittsburgh, Hartford, Bridgeport, Columbus, Kansas City, Chicago, and Charlotte, among other markets. He also guided several legendary brands, including WGN Radio, WBT, KDKA, KCMO, and KMBZ. Throughout his career, White has held programming roles across some of the industry’s most recognizable radio markets.

What They Said: “I was part of the reduction in force at iHeartMedia Sacramento, bringing my time as Program Director with KFBK News Radio to an end. I wanted to share this publicly, not as a retirement announcement — I’m not retiring … I’m grateful for every stop along the way. And I’m not done yet.” -Bill White

What Remains Unclear: White hasn’t announced his next move following his departure from iHeartMedia. Still, his statement makes clear that he’s not stepping away from the radio industry.

What It Means: White’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter for KFBK News Radio. Moreover, his departure represents another notable programming change following iHeartMedia’s workforce reductions. White’s track record includes some of the industry’s most prominent news/talk brands. Therefore, his next move will likely draw attention from radio executives across the country.

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.

Netflix Adds Tom Pelissero To NFL Game Broadcasts, Role With The Ringer NFL Show

John Mamola
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Netflix Adds Tom Pelissero To NFL Game Broadcasts, Role With The Ringer NFL Show

Tom Pelissero has found a new home for the upcoming NFL season. The veteran NFL insider joins Netflix as a sideline reporter and insider this season. He also adds duties with hosting The Ringer NFL Show, which also streams on Netflix.

What We Know: Pelissero will work Netflix’s full game slate, starting with 49ers-Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne. He spent years at NFL Network prior to ESPN’s takeover of the network. ESPN decided to part ways with Pelissero earlier this year. Beyond the sideline, he’ll co-host The Ringer’s NFL Show and contribute across Ringer NFL podcasts. He’ll also join The Bill Simmons Podcast weekly, which streams through Netflix’s Ringer partnership.

What They Said: Tom Pelissero (via X): “Let’s Go.”

What Remains Unclear: Terms of the agreement are unknown. Also, Pelissero’s role with The Ringer outside of football season is yet to be announced.

What It Means: The hire signals Netflix’s growing appetite for established football voices as its game package expands. Pairing a broadcast role with Ringer podcast duties also reflects the deeper Netflix-Spotify cross platform partnership. For Pelissero, it marks a swift return to national NFL coverage after his NFL Network exit just months ago. Expect Netflix to lean further into insider-driven storytelling as its NFL slate grows.

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.

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.

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.

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