HOT 97 is set to expand in New York, with an over-the-air TV channel debuting on Tuesday, March 31st.
The channel will air on WASA-TV. Spectrum will also carry it on channels 811 and 1236 in the New York area.
“This is a natural evolution of one of the most powerful brands in media,” said MediaCo Executive Vice President of Content and Growth Kudjo Sogadzi. “Expanding HOT 97 TV in New York allows us to meet our audience everywhere – on-air, on screen, and across platforms, while creating new opportunities for brands to engage with culture in real time.”
“New York is the foundation of HOT 97,” said MediaCo Local Markets Vice President and General Manager Maire Mason. “This launch gives advertisers direct access to a deeply engaged audience through a truly multiplatform solution spanning TV, audio, and digital.”
Included in the TV channel’s schedule are:
Mornings with Mero – brings unmatched credibility, humor, and cultural connection from the most important daypart in radio to TV with the Bronx’s very own, Kid Mero
Nessa On Air – lively video series hosted by Gracie Award Winner, Nessa, with unfiltered celebrity interviews and real conversations about music, lifestyle, and pop culture
HOT 97 News – A two-hour daily live broadcast with the biggest national developments to real life in New York, diving into the stories shaping NYC’s neighborhoods
Funk Flex Freestyles – Hosted by the legendary Funk Flex, this series spotlights hip hop’s rawest and most iconic freestyle moments
The expansion of the HOT 97 brand to a dedicated over-the-air signal comes after Funkmaster Flex recently received the Entertainer’s Key to the City.
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An unexpected caller created confusion and intrigue Thursday morning on KNBR, when a man claiming to be former San Francisco Giants pitcher Mike LaCoss joined the station’s Murph & Markus morning show. Hosts Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher initially questioned whether the caller was legitimate.
The six-minute exchange featured the guest identifying himself only as “Mike in San Francisco” before revealing his full name on air. Murphy then pressed the caller to verify his identity. He asked about details from LaCoss’ playing days, including a nickname from his time in the majors. The responses appeared to satisfy enough curiosity for the hosts to continue the conversation.
Still, uncertainty lingered throughout the segment. At one point, when asked about his current residence, the caller offered a bizarre response. “I’ve been dead for 10 years but I got resurrected, so here I am,” he said on air.
The moment added to the confusion surrounding the interview. However, shortly after the segment aired, LaCoss confirmed in a phone call with SFGATE that he was, in fact, the person behind the call.
“Who the hell would call and try to imitate me?” LaCoss said. “I mean, a fake Barry Bonds or a fake Bruce Bochy, sure. But not me.”
The content of the phone call surrounded the Giants’ hiring of former Tennessee manager Tony Vitello as the new manager of the franchise. A hire than LaCoss says he was not in favor of the hire.
“Don’t you think that’s kind of a slap in the face to all of the minor league managers in professional baseball,” questioned LaCoss. “They just bypassed all those guys and threw this college guy in there… When you saw the look on his face in his first real press conference, you saw a totally different look on this guy’s face. Like he just saw his dog got run over in the driveway.”
In speaking with SFGATE, LaCoss said his appearance came together by chance. He said he was watching videos on YouTube when autoplay led him to a livestream of the KNBR morning show. That prompted him to call the station and join the conversation.
LaCoss played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, including six years with the Giants from 1986 to 1991. He contributed to the club’s 1989 National League championship team and worked in both starting and relief roles during his tenure.
Yes, that @KNBR call was actually Mike LaCoss, the ex-#SFGiants pitcher confirmed to @SFGate.
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Ryan Clark made his stance clear. He doesn’t believe all attention is worth chasing. During a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, Clark addressed the fallout surrounding comments from Cam Newton and his decision to host Jason Whitlock.
The discussion, which also featured Fred Taylor, offered insight into how both former players view content creation in today’s media landscape. Clark emphasized that his approach to content is rooted in intention, not reaction.
“I never want to be tied into no buffoonery, ever,” Clark said. “I don’t believe all content is good content. I don’t believe all publicity is good publicity. I don’t think we have to be gossipy. I don’t think we have to be messy. I don’t think we have to always be chaotic. I don’t always think that we have to create some level of drama. I don’t want to be that person. If that’s what I got to be for you to like me, I rather not be liked.”
Ryan Clark, who recently questioned Newton’s loyalty to Stephen A. Smith after Newton hosted Blaze TV and Smith critic Jason Whitlock on his podcast. Clark’s criticism, posted on social media, suggested Newton crossed a line by giving a platform to someone who has publicly taken shots at Smith. Newton, however, rejected that premise outright.
Clark expanded on that philosophy by outlining what he aims to avoid when building his platform. He stressed that conversations can still be meaningful without promoting harmful rhetoric.
“I don’t want to platform evil. I don’t want to platform hate. I don’t want to platform dissension, just because,” Clark said. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want to have conversations with people I don’t agree with.”
Clark pointed to past episodes where differing political views did not prevent productive dialogue. However, he acknowledged that guest selection carries responsibility. He said he has begun to reevaluate certain decisions to ensure respect for his audience remains intact.
While Clark focused on principles, Taylor approached the situation through the lens of relationships. He referenced Stephen A. Smith and the opportunities the ESPN host has created for others, including Newton.
“Stephen A has given so many people opportunities at that network,” Taylor said. “I also know that he’s extended the opportunity to Cam [Newton]. That’s the part that I think is more saddening or more disappointing. If I’m your friend, I say, come to my house. Then you come to my house, then you bring somebody in my house that you probably got some sort of inkling that we don’t really see eye to eye or mesh well. That’s a bad look.”
Taylor clarified that Newton has the right to run his platform as he chooses. Still, he admitted he would have handled the situation differently.
“I didn’t necessarily agree with Cam having him on his platform, but it ain’t my place. It’s Cam’s. I can’t look Jason Whitlock in the face because I don’t see the human there. I see a clout chaser and somebody who does anything for anything. That’s a whole different conversation. Media is messy, and that’s what it is,” Taylor said. “I just thought it was a bad look. I wouldn’t have done it.”
The conversation was just the latest step in a heated and very public back and forth between some of sports media’s mots visible personalities. On one side, creators like Newton emphasize independence and open dialogue. On the other, voices like Clark and Taylor stress accountability and the importance of professional relationships.
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Longtime NBC News correspondent and Saturday TODAY show host Peter Alexander is leaving the network, with a new show on MS NOW on the horizon.
On Saturday, Alexander shared that he would depart NBC News after 22 years. He noted that, while being based in Washington D.C., the TODAY show is based in New York, making him leave his family virtually every weekend.
“I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” Alexander said. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me…I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.”
Alexander joined the show in October 2018. He was later named the network’s co-chief White House correspondent in 2021 alongside Kristen Welker.
Upon his exit from NBC News, Peter Alexander will join MS NOW to anchor the 11 AM ET timeslot. He’ll also serve as the chief national reporter for the network.
Alexander becomes the first NBC News talent to move to MS NOW since the two networks were split as part of NBCUniversal’s move to spin its cable assets — like MS NOW and CNBC — into a separate company, now called Versant.
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On Friday, Salem Radio Network morning host Chris Stigall announced that he’s leaving the network and show to run for Congress.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) announced last week he will not seek re-election for his seat representing Missouri’s 6th Congressional District. He has held the position since 2001.
The district represents the northern third of Missouri, including cities like Kirksville, Maryville, and St. Joseph, among others.
That area is where Chris Stigall calls home. And on Friday morning, he announced his intention to seek the seat previously held by Graves.
“This was very sudden news, and so is what I’m about to say, as well,” Stigall said. “For 25 years, I’ve had the blessing of talking with you about the issues that face our nation a whole lot together. But in the last few years, we’ve watched a government that became completely out of control.”
Following the announcement, many of Stigall’s colleagues both at Salem Radio Network and in the news media reacted to the news. Many shared their support of the host and wished him well in the endeavor.
Godspeed and good luck to my friend and colleague as he runs for Congress! Tune in NOW to hear how this affects our morning radio routine for the transition period: https://t.co/30aaqQpFTyhttps://t.co/xvuXgxBxHS
Chris Stigall apparently is leaving the morning radio slot on Salem after a year to run for Congress in Missouri to replace the retiring Sam Graves. https://t.co/0ijVAzTthx
🚨Breaking political news in Missouri – Salem Radio Host @ChrisStigall jumping in to MO-06 congressional race vacated by Sam Graves. Great colleague & patriot! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://t.co/ZFCvjncjnN
I’m really looking forward to my fellow Salem colleagues heading to Congress.@ChrisStigall is one of the good ones. Support his candidacy. https://t.co/sbeij1ehg9
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iHeartMedia’s Q104.3 New York’ Rock is embarking on a new era. The legendary “Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show” is adding Christin Marks and Trevor Marden as co-hosts alongside beloved host Jim Kerr. Marks and Marden will add fresh energy, personality and perspective to New York’s longest-running morning show.
A New York radio institution, the “Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show” has entertained generations of listeners with its signature mix of classic rock, humor, celebrity interviews and tri-state area conversations. The show was voted #1 in its category in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series each of the past two years.
“I’m thrilled to launch the next era of the ‘Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show,’ ” said Eric Wellman, Program Director for Q104.3. “You’ve got a legend like Jim Kerr paired with the sharp, Brooklyn semi-hipster, news anchor and rocker Christin Marks and Trevor Marden, a heavy-metalloving suburban New Jersey dad. That mix brings serious personality, humor and edge to mornings in New York. It’s fresh energy for Q104.3, and I can’t wait to hear what happens when these three hit the air together.”
Marden and Marks’ promotions add a new layer to the show while maintaining the tradition listeners have loved for decades.
Marks specifically brings extensive music knowledge, on-air news experience, and a sharp, relatable voice. Marden meanwhile has served as executive producer of the morning show for the past six years. He takes on a larger role, adding his dynamic personality and passion for music, sports and pop culture.
Kerr remains the centerpiece of the broadcast. His tenure and familiarity with the audience provides continuity during the transition. At the same time, Marks and Marden’s additions signal a shift toward evolving audience expectations.
Jim Kerr spent 49 years on-air working alongside Shelli Sonstein. The popular pair enjoyed decades of success together before Sonstein announced her retirement in January 2026.
Listeners can hear the “Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show” weekday mornings on Q104.3 from 5a-9a. The show is available on-air, online and on the iHeartRadio app. For more information, visit Q1043.com.
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I celebrated turning 52 on Friday. That means I’m three years away from leaving sports media’s 25-54 demo. As you get older, your habits and interests change. You become closer to your family, focus more on your career, get smarter with your money, and value the quiet times. Consuming content is still important, but you become more selective.
For instance, in 1996, I quit a second job in the middle of the night to drive to Yankees stadium to sleep on the line to buy tickets to Game 2 of the World Series. No way I’d do that today. Now, I watch the Yankees in clip form and occasionally watch games on TV. I still love the team and follow them, but spending 3-4 hours each night watching baseball isn’t happening. Fortunately, I’m not on the air hosting a show every day. If I was, my responsibilities would be different.
Big Personalities, Bigger Sports Focus
Who you are at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 is very different. You value different things as a listener, viewer, and fan. I grew up on Mike and the Mad Dog and consider it the greatest show in sports radio history. Nobody will convince me otherwise. I listened for hours each day, watched on YES, and viewed Mike and Chris as rock stars. Their chemistry, passion for sports, big opinions, caller interactions, and ability to hold teams, players, and front offices accountable was second to none.
Just like Mike and Chris, the sports format had hosts like Angelo Cataldi, Howard Eskin, Glenn Ordway, Mike North, Ralph Barbieri, Bob McCown and others who built their foundation on sports passion, opinion, caller interactions, knowledge, guests, and personality. Each were larger than life characters. Today, there’s less sports radio characters, especially among hosts 40 and under. Some of that is due to younger talent creating their own digital identities, and some is the result of companies prioritizing the brand, control, and serving play-by-play partners and advertisers over showcasing stars.
Sports radio remains very important but in years past, it felt like the format had greater influence. Brands revolved around hosts, and teams had less input in programming decisions. They also reacted more when hearing the pulse of their fan bases on local airwaves. Sports television felt bigger too. Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann’s chemistry, quick wit and interviews on SportsCenter become a nightly viewing destination. Being informed, challenged, and entertained was a simple formula for connecting with sports fans. Aspiring broadcasters knew that strong sports knowledge was a prerequisite for working at ESPN, WFAN or another reputable outlet. Having a voice like you were a member of The Sopranos didn’t hurt either.
Times Have Changed
But content options were less back then, and nobody kept score on personalities like they do today. If they did, they’d have crushed Chris Russo for wanting the Yankees to sign Albert Belle over Bernie Williams. They’d have called out Mike Francesa for expecting little from the 1990’s Reds team that won the World Series.
If you’re over 45-50 and working in sports media, chances are you identify with Howard Eskin, Angelo Cataldi, and Joe Benigno and their remarks about things not being as good as they once were. But there’s no right or wrong answer to that. It’s strictly an opinion. Younger people have less attachment to the brands older professionals grew up admiring. That doesn’t mean they won’t listen to them, watch them, be inspired by them, or love them, it just means brands can’t assume future generations will support them just because past generations did.
My son is 24. His connection to New York sports radio is nonexistent even though he lives in New York and loves sports. He consumes Jomboy Media, the WWE and Barstool’s content like I did WFAN’s. He also likes ESPN but consumes the brand through social media. If he watches ESPN television it’s for live games. Others his age are doing the same. I see it when I speak at colleges or talk to younger people on Zoom.
Years ago, we treated the words and opinions of the format’s top stars as gospel. Today, social media accounts like Funhouse and Freezing Cold Takes expose commentaries regardless of professional success. Clips showcase moments that can make smart hosts look dumb. People also consume more content now but for shorter amounts of time. They’re more likely to watch 10 pieces of content in an hour than listen or watch 1 or 2 segments.
Because time is short and we’re bombarded by content, watching clips has become enough for many. Our prep for discussing topics has morphed from having a complete grasp on what happened to reacting to key highlights and remarks. Podcasts, social media, apps to hear songs and YouTube videos didn’t compete for our time in prior years. Attention spans weren’t trained on 140 character posts and videos under 2:20. Substance was demanded and the audience trusted hosts because only a select few represented credible brands. Now, everyone has an opinion and outlet.
Many content creators today prioritize moments over relationships. Generating views, downloads, streams, and Twitter reactions has littered our social media feeds with drama and conflict. Algorithms reward content that produces engagement, which is why outrage and controversy are frequently pushed. So if that’s what it takes to retain attention, you can understand why personalities prioritize creating buzz over imparting knowledge.
Do Listeners Care?
Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen spats involving Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi vs. WIP, Brandon Tierney vs. Gregg Giannotti, Stephen A. Smith vs. Jason Whitlock and more. The fixation on conflict doesn’t make an audience smarter, but it does create noise and clicks. All involved have benefitted from it.
And that begs the question, is that a good thing?
I spoke with Pat Paxton who oversees programming for Saga Communications. With his permission, I’m sharing what he told me about these issues.
Listeners don’t care about these issues as much the industry does. Some of these guys have moved on. Sports radio listeners do too. They had great careers and helped create the format. But todays listeners don’t care what they think. I’ve seen this over and over (I’m old too).
Mike Joseph created one of the first top 40 formats based on playing 30-50 songs. It was a different world. No YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, etc.. No one thought that listeners would embrace this type of repetition. Until they did. Yet in todays world with todays competition it would fail miserably.
Fred Jacobs created the original classic rock format which was enormously successful. Yet if those same successful stations kept that same winning playlist, without embracing the 80’s and now some 90’s, they would be called oldies stations. And we all know where oldies stations stand. Not long ago many AC stations refused to embrace the newer upcoming artists (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ed Sheran, Pink, etc.). They are now afterthoughts.
Appealing to consumers beyond the radio show has moved from a “nice” to a “must”. Some of these hosts never had to do that. The demands on todays talent far exceed what the “old school” talent were required to do. I don’t say that to demean the impact, talent, and success of the originators of the format. But life moves forward. The business evolves and that means todays talent need to be more than a “radio” talent. They need to be multi-platform, multimedia stars.
As the head of programming for Audacy for 22 years and now heading programming for Saga Communications I’ve seen a thing or two. As a preemptive move I want to point out that Angelo, Howard and maybe others will rant and rail that they’ve never heard of me and that I’m a nobody. Partly true. I’ve never inserted myself in between local management and these guys. That type of interference never ends well. I’ve met and engaged with them and they were always pleasant and polite but it’s dangerous to undermine local GM’s and PD’s. It’s something I was and am always conscious of.
My point is that our world evolves. Not everyone evolves with it. And that’s ok. Those who move on should be respected for all their accomplishments. So should those who are following in their footsteps.
Is Sports Not Enough?
Pat makes some excellent points especially about modern day talent responsibilities. I did tell him that these dramas though do produce more interest than some might think. I see the web traffic when we write about them. However, those gains are temporary. It’s like when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear. We all looked and reacted, so it did create noise, but it was a momentary story. You can’t exactly do that the next day and day after that. These dramas are no different.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good debate between high profile hosts just like the next person. But why do we assume that sports listeners and viewers only care about media beefs? When did we decide that talking about sports wasn’t sexy enough? Suddenly discussing games and players, interacting with the audience, sharing personal stories, and interviewing guests isn’t valuable? Check the Sports Podcast category on Spotify or Apple or the top shows on YouTube. They’re filled with shows featuring guests, and many of the qualities I just mentioned. Better yet, Mike Felger and Mike Valenti host two of sports radio’s top performing shows. Both create plenty of interest by offering strong, sports content. The notion that sports isn’t enough is nonsense.
If you say that sports talk doesn’t work, I’ll show you an average host with little depth and weak opinions. Suggest that guests don’t work, I’ll question your ability to book important people and ask good questions. Tell me that sports stations should only talk sports, and I’ll ask ‘who hosted mornings during WFAN’s rise to prominence?’. I’ll also ask ‘how are Barstool and Pat McAfee doing these days?’
There’s more than one way to skin a cat. Offer variety and let the audience decide. Given how many content options exist, you can’t just operate in one lane.
What is a Win?
While I’m supportive of delivering choice to the audience, I also think substance should be required. If I enter your studio tomorrow, grab the mic, and call out a popular host or go on a 5-minute rant about why Soccer is more popular than the NFL, it’ll light up the phones and text line, and produce a viral video clip. But that doesn’t make me a talented or successful talk show host. It makes me good at creating momentary outrage. Is that a win? What do I do the next day? Do I insult management and declare the NHL more relevant than MLB? What about on days 3, 4 and 5?
I rarely disagree with my crew publicly but I read John Mamola’s column last week. It pointed out some data wins from generating noise and there were parts of it that were spot on. But a few key questions were missing. What exactly is a win? Who decides? Are we creating a strategy to win long-term or to own a 24-hour news cycle?
If we’re going to lean in to noise, what exactly is the goal? Is it about producing a short-term ratings spike? Boosting engagement on social media for the day? Elevating revenue? Do we want our shows and talent known for temporary moments or for building consistent trust and business? What do we tell groups who don’t subscribe to Nielsen? What is their win? Should those who subscribe pay talent bonuses for ratings wins when competitors aren’t participating? Will retweets, comments and likes make any difference for the sales department?
Many programmers and talent make the mistake of thinking that it’s all about the ratings. It’s not. I consult a number of sports/news talk stations and the focus in 2026 is less on numbers. It’s about revenue, revenue, revenue and digital, content, and ideas. Numbers may boost your ego, be used as an excuse to fire you, or help support a sales pitch, but they don’t provide job security. Revenue does. Click the video above and listen to Mojo of Channel 95.5 in Detroit. He gets it.
Closing Comments
Dan Sileo said recently that talent today don’t value the listener. In some cases he is right. The industry puts greater focus today on revenue. Clicks, views, and chatter may generate noise, momentarily lift ratings, and help you trend on X, but they don’t define success. It’s about trust, consistency, substance, how much you make, and what type of revenue you generate. Less up top care about ratings and whether you’re a sports talk host or entertainer. What they want most are talent who can deliver dollars.
The old guard and new guard have different preferences and that’s a positive. But if there’s one thing they should be able to agree on it’s that substance should matter if you’re a host. Brandon Tierney can prefer sports talk and Gregg Giannotti and Craig Carton can favor entertainment. Both styles work. When people suggest otherwise it’s foolish. Unless you study every market, host, and situation, you’re just talking out your ass to defend your personal tastes.
Another key point to understand is that clients aren’t buying moments. They’re buying brands, trust, relationships, and consistency. With those investments comes an expectation that results will follow and headaches will be minimal. Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock will boost views, Brandon Tierney will grow subscribers, and Gregg Giannotti will earn a ratings spike over calling each other out. People do stop to see the car crash. But it’s their content beyond these momentary feuds that explains why they’re successful.
You can chase moments and noise, and at times, they’ll provide momentary validation. Just remember, as quickly as they come, they’re just as easily forgotten.
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.
Christine Travaglini didn’t climb the ladder in radio — she built her own rungs. As President of Katz Radio Group — one of the most powerful national spot radio representation firms in the country — Travaglini leads an organization that connects advertisers with radio audiences across hundreds of markets.
Her ascent to the top of the media sales world is a story of relentless drive, sharp instincts, and a genuine passion for the medium.
Travaglini spent decades mastering the art media sales. Rising through the ranks at Katz, she developed a reputation as both a fierce negotiator and a collaborative leader — someone who could close a deal and build a team in the same breath.
Christine Travaglini became President of Katz Radio Group in March 2018. She served as President of Christal Radio, a division inside Katz, since 2008. She later was elevated to the role of President of Katz Partnerships.
Today, Christine Travaglini stands at the helm of an industry institution. Katz Radio Group has more than a dozen regional offices and is partnered with more than 3,000 stations.
In this Q&A with Christine Travaglini, the Katz Radio Group President shares who has inspired her, why she puts an emphasis on mentorship, and why “work/life balance” needs to be reexamined.
Garrett Searight: When did you know that you wanted to be in this business?
Christine Travaglini: From childhood through adulthood, I have always been an avid radio listener– how else would a Long Island native know when the Princeton Ski Sale was on? Upon graduation from college, I was very focused on finding my way into this business. I had some ad sales experience in both high school and college, and my first job after graduation was at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, doing print ad support.
From there, I started sending my resume to every radio local sales manager and general sales manager in the market as I truly believed in the power of the medium for advertisers and I knew it was the place for me to learn and grow. I was so grateful to have earned many interviews which led to my first role at Katz Radio in a sales assistant position.
That role taught me so much about broadcasting and sales, gave me a strong foundation and reinforced how important trust and relationships are in this industry.
GS: Who were some of the people who influenced you throughout your career?
CT: Many people have influenced me at different stages of my career, but a few stand out as especially impactful.
First and foremost, Tucker Flood. Just before I became a new sales manager in 1996, Tucker challenged me—then a senior seller—to think long-term about what I really wanted. He asked a simple but powerful question: did I want to keep selling, or did I want to move into management and one day run a company?
I still wonder: if he hadn’t asked me that at 28, would I have believed it was possible? Tucker mentored and challenged me for the next 20 years, and I’m deeply grateful for both his guidance and our friendship.
As I continued to grow and set new goals for myself, I leaned into mentors and friends like Ginny Hubbard, Kim Guthrie, and Julie Talbott. These women truly shattered glass ceilings and helped pave the way for women in our industry.
As my career progressed at Katz and at the start of the millennium (2000) I had the privilege of working with Mark Gray, when he was President of Katz Radio. Mark has had an incredible impact on my career—he’s trusted me, challenged me, and continually encouraged me to keep learning and growing. I’m very grateful for all the friends and mentors that have impacted my career.
GS: How important is it to you to be a mentor to other future leaders?
CT: Mentorship is deeply important to me—I’ve benefited from it throughout my career and feel a real responsibility to pay it forward, both within Katz and across the broader industry.
At Katz, my door is always open. I genuinely enjoy spending time with interns, new hires, and seasoned professionals alike—talking through goals, sharing perspective, and helping them stretch and grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond Katz, I serve on the AWM Foundation Board, where I have the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of talent. Through the NAB, I also work with the BEA, engaging with college students—answering questions, offering guidance, and helping them better understand the industry.
And perhaps one of my favorite (and most unexpected) roles is being the “career whisperer” to my daughters’ friends—always happy to make time to help young people navigate those early career decisions with a bit more clarity and confidence.
GS: Many view media and the advertising realm as a male-dominated space. Yet, there are several female CEOs and other executives holding top positions. Why do you think there has been a shift to so many female leaders?
CT: I believe the shift has been driven by both merit and opportunity. As more women consistently delivered strong, meaningful business results, it built confidence—and created more pathways—for women to step into senior roles. Visibility has played a critical role as well. When you can see it, you can more easily envision it for yourself. Equally important is the way women are supporting one another.
At a time when leadership seats felt scarce, it may have been harder to fully champion each other.
Today, I see far more intentional support and sponsorship—and that collective lift has helped accelerate real, positive change.
GS: What’s the best part of your job?
CT: The best part of my job is the opportunity to build a culture grounded in trust and strong relationships—while attracting, developing, and retaining great talent.
I love being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate about the industry and committed to raising the bar together.
GS: What would you say to aspiring female leaders in the media and advertising space?
CT: Stay curious and keep learning. Growth tends to follow when you consistently look for ways to add value. Seek out opportunities to make an impact. Raise your hand for new challenges. Build relationships with people who will both support you and push you further.
And as you advance, make it a priority to mentor someone coming up behind you. Helping others find their footing not only strengthens the industry, it also keeps you grounded in what matters most.
GS: Anything else you’d like to include or share that I didn’t ask?
CT: One question that often comes up — especially for women — is around family and “balance.” And I think the framing is off. It assumes there’s a constant tradeoff. As if you have to choose between being committed to your career or your family. In reality, it’s not that black and white.
What matters more is how you define success for yourself in different seasons, being intentional with your time, and building a support system that allows you to show up where it matters most.
There will be times when one needs more attention than the other—and that’s ok. It’s not about perfect “balance,” it’s about alignment, priorities, and giving yourself the flexibility and grace to navigate both.
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.
Don Lemon made headlines recently when he criticized CNN’s decision to present Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper in a stripped-down, podcast-style format. His comments drew plenty of attention. They also missed the point, in my view.
To be fair, Lemon’s surface-level critique has some merit. He’s not wrong that television news has long thrived on a certain kind of theater. The glowing sets, the polished anchors, the dramatic music — it all signals authority. It signals importance. And for decades, that formula worked.
Here’s what Lemon actually said, and it’s worth reading in full:
“To me, it’s cringe,” Lemon said of the alterations. “Because the reason people watch CNN is for the credibility of Jake (Tapper), and Anderson (Cooper), and Erin (Burnett). And there is sort of this illusion — if you want to put it that way — about television news. It’s larger than life. The colors are brighter than in real life. It’s big fancy sets that glow. That’s what it is.”
“But ultimately, that’s eye candy. What people tune in for is the editorial. It is whatever the network is, the tone and tenor of their news, and for credibility. It’s not because someone is speaking into a podcast mic with their sleeves rolled up. And I would lean into it,” Lemon continued. “We’re (expletive) CNN! Yeah, we look great, but also we’re going to have a backbone. And we’re going to have some teeth into our editorial. We’re going to hold this administration accountable. And we’re not going to put on election deniers. We’re not going to put on people who come on just to lie.”
That sounds compelling. It really does. But there’s a massive flaw baked right into Lemon’s argument.
If viewers were tuning in simply because it’s CNN — or simply because Tapper, Cooper, or Burnett were anchoring — they’d already be watching. They’re not. Ratings have told that story loudly and repeatedly for years. So the argument that CNN should double down on its brand identity assumes that brand identity still carries weight with the average American viewer. That’s a shaky assumption at best.
Here’s the reality: trust in legacy media is at historic lows. Polls consistently show that a significant portion of the American public views traditional television news with deep skepticism. That distrust doesn’t disappear because a network has a nicer set or a more confident on-air posture. In fact, for many viewers, those very production flourishes now read as slick, corporate, and disconnected from real life.
The podcast generation didn’t accidentally start preferring lo-fi presentation. They gravitated toward it because it feels honest. It feels unfiltered. A host speaking directly into a mic with rolled-up sleeves signals accessibility — not weakness. That’s an important distinction Lemon seems to be glossing over entirely.
CNN isn’t abandoning its editorial credibility by experimenting with its presentation. It’s trying to lower the drawbridge. The network is essentially acknowledging that the shiny fortress it built may actually be keeping viewers out rather than drawing them in.
Does the experiment work perfectly? Maybe not. Experimentation rarely does on the first try. But the willingness to try something different — to admit that the old formula isn’t converting skeptical viewers — is actually the smart play here.
Lemon’s instinct to “lean in” to CNN’s brand sounds bold. In practice, though, it’s a strategy that’s already been tried and has consistently produced declining audiences. Shouting “We’re CNN!” louder doesn’t rebuild trust with people who’ve already walked away. It just echoes in an empty room.
Furthermore, Don Lemon himself no longer works at CNN. That’s not a cheap shot — it’s relevant context. The network’s current leadership isn’t obligated to defend a presentation style that existed during a period of significant audience erosion. They’re trying something new. That’s their job.
There’s nothing wrong with valuing CNN’s institutional credibility. Tapper and Cooper have genuinely earned their reputations. But credibility has to meet viewers where they are. Right now, many viewers are sitting in front of a laptop, watching someone talk directly into a camera without a glowing skyline behind them.
CNN’s experiment might fail. However, at least it’s an honest attempt to reconnect. Don Lemon’s critique, while well-intentioned, is ultimately a defense of a model that’s already lost.
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Last week, as my favorite sporting event of the year — the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament — kicked off, I wrote a column about embracing some madness for your station, not just in March but all year round. Now, if you know me, you are probably aware that a big part of my love for the tournament is driven by being a Michigan State basketball fan. But imagine my surprise when I was poring over various post-game interviews with Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo after the first two rounds of the tournament and came across a clip of him talking about how much value he places in his longstanding tradition of regular one-on-one meetings with players.
Do you realize what this means? Tom Izzo does airchecks!
As someone who has touted the value of coaching sessions with hosts throughout my career, I couldn’t have been more excited to find out that my favorite coach feels exactly the same way.
And it turns out college basketball players are a lot like air talent — outwardly it might seem like they don’t appreciate the opportunity for feedback, but for many it really means a lot to them. In his comments, Izzo mentioned two former Spartans now playing in the NBA, Garry Harris and Jase Richardson. “First thing when they leave, [they say] I don’t have to have any more meetings. And they get in the league, and nobody talks to them. They say, ‘Hey, call me, give me a meeting over the phone.'”
Izzo also knows that not every aircheck — I mean player meeting — is about fixing things in the moment. Sometimes it’s about planting seeds for the future. “Those meetings, to me, are priceless, because what they do is they lead to things later on in life,” says Izzo.
When I dug deeper looking for more about Izzo’s meetings with players, I found additional wisdom from the coach that every Program Director should take note of. In a video posted to Coaches Insider, Izzo talks about how, at any level, building relationships with players is key to success and that developing those relationships takes time. He adds that honesty, trust, and listening are the main building blocks, saying, “If you can’t be honest with someone, you’re a used car salesman.”
He adds that it’s important for a coach not to be afraid of face-to-face meetings. Also, he explains that he has a table in his staff room where any important meeting — with a student, parent, or staffer — always takes place so that he can sit a few feet away and look them in the eye.
He also says in another interview that the benefit of his coaching style and direct honesty is that players always know where they stand. There may be things they don’t want to hear, but they understand what he expects from them — something I hear air talent complain about frequently: not really understanding what station management is looking for.
In fact, all of Izzo’s methods mirror best practices for Program Directors. Replace driving ratings with winning championships and he’s trying to accomplish the same things we are. Being willing to provide honest, constructive feedback to the players on the floor — or hosts on the air — is incredibly valuable.
Unfortunately, in my experience, many Program Directors are either intimidated by the idea of providing feedback, struggle to deliver hard news, or simply fail to make spending time with talent a priority because they have so many other things to do. It’s a real problem, because from what I’ve seen, as the radio industry gets tougher to navigate successfully, investments made in relationships, trust, and communication are often what sets great stations apart from their competitors.
Go Green!
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