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Spotify Launches AI Persona Badges for Machine-Generated Artists

David Hill
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Spotify Launches AI Persona Badges for Machine-Generated Artists

Spotify now labels AI artist profiles. The platform begins rolling out “AI Persona” badges to identify machine-generated artists starting mid-September.

What We Know Spotify introduced two labeling systems for AI artists. Artists can voluntarily disclose their AI status with an “AI Persona” badge. Meanwhile, Spotify’s human review team will identify suspicious profiles appearing photorealistic and slap them with “Likely AI Persona” tags instead. Both badges appear across search results, playlists, and artist banners—ensuring fans know what they’re hearing.

What’s at Stake Listeners consistently complained about discovering AI artists masquerading as humans. Therefore, Spotify addresses real audience frustration over deceptive profiles. Additionally, the platform tackles mounting pressure from Universal Music’s Lucian Grainge, who called for removing AI slop from algorithmic recommendations. Furthermore, this move separates high-quality music from machine-generated spam, protecting artist revenues and user experience alike.

What Remains Unclear Spotify hasn’t detailed exactly how its review team identifies photorealistic AI identities. Additionally, the platform will eventually let fans report suspicious profiles—but the appeals process remains mysterious. Specifically, artists flagged with “Likely AI” can challenge the designation, though Spotify hasn’t clarified whether humans or algorithms handle those decisions. Similarly, the company hasn’t specified enforcement timelines beyond mid-September’s mobile rollout.

What It Means Spotify finally joins Deezer in excluding AI content from algorithmic and editorial recommendations. Consequently, the DSP signals growing industry consensus against algorithm-amplified AI slop. However, the bigger picture reveals underlying platform moderation gaps exposed by recent controversies. Ultimately, this update suggests Spotify recognizes listeners demand transparency—and that real human oversight beats pure automation.

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.

Boomer Esiason Selects WFAN Producer Al Dukes To Induct Him Into Radio Hall of Fame

John Mamola
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Boomer Esiason Selects WFAN Producer Al Dukes To Induct Him Into Radio Hall of Fame

Boomer Esiason has made his pick. WFAN Boomer & Gio producer Al Dukes will induct him into the Radio Hall of Fame later this fall.

What We Know: Esiason enters the Radio Hall of Fame on October 8 in Chicago. In turn, he selected longtime Boomer & Gio producer Al Dukes to induct him. Dukes has worked beside Esiason for nearly twenty years at WFAN. Meanwhile, other voices have rotated through the show during that run, including Eddie Scozzare’s exit and Craig Carton’s legal trouble. Esiason reflected on the selection Tuesday as he asked Dukes if he’d accept the honor.

What They Said: (all quotes via WFAN)

Boomer Esiason on why he’s choosing WFAN producer Al Dukes to induct him into the Radio Hall of Fame: “Al was with me since I took this job day one. Eddie left, Jerry came after Al, Craig went to jail, and me and Al have been stuck together for you know 19 years.”

Boomer Esiason on Al Dukes as a producer and what he’s learned from him at WFAN: “Since we have been together since the beginning of this program, you’ve never wavered. You’ve always stood tall, and you’ve always been a really good sounding board. You know radio, and I’ve learned a lot from you.”

What Remains Unclear: The Radio Hall of Fame hasn’t confirmed a full speaker lineup for the ceremony.

What It Means: The choice puts a trusted producer over Esiason’s entire tenure at WFAN at the center of the tribute. Ultimately, it highlights Dukes’ influence across nearly two decades of morning radio with Esiason. Moreover, for an industry built on hosts and executives, the nod underscores steady, behind-the-scenes partnership.

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Marcellus Wiley Domestic Battery Charges Dropped Due To Lack of Evidence in Florida

John Mamola
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Marcellus Wiley Domestic Battery Charges Dropped Due To Lack of Evidence in Florida

Marcellus Wiley will not face domestic battery charges. Florida prosecutors will not charge the former NFL star and broadcaster following his arrest in July.

What We Know: According to reports, prosecutors dropped the case Monday. Police arrested Wiley on July 4 in Orlando on one count of domestic battery after his wife accused him of poking her face and threatening her life. He posted bond and left custody the next day. Investigators later said testimonial evidence lacked corroboration, and thus charges are officially dropped. Wiley responded in a video posted Tuesday where he discussed the latest.

What They Said: Marcellus Wiley (via YouTube): “I am forced at 51 years young to be in a fight. A fight for my name, my children’s future. Protecting their hero in their mind, because the internet is forever. I’m also in a fight for legacy which matters most to me. Legacy to me is not my name on the building. It’s that voice inside my kids’ head, inside of all four of my kids’ heads.”

Marcellus Wiley: “I’m fighting for Annemarie [ex-wife] in the respect that she gave me three beautiful blessings and I would never hate her. But I think that’s part of the problem. We live in a world today where everyone knows the thin line between love and hate. I don’t have hate in my heart. I don’t. But I have a lot of apathy.”

What Remains Unclear: Multiple other women have accused Wiley of sexual assault in civil suits previously. It’s unclear how those cases will proceed. Wiley has denied all charges.

What It Means: Wiley’s name has been cleared in this recent and very public incident. However, the court of public opinion remains. Wiley even notes that his fight still continues. That’s a state of reality he’s looking towards facing head on. His transparency during the ordeal was somewhat stunning because of the allegations presented. However, civil litigation and family court matters continue. Still, the dropped charges mark a legal win amid ongoing allegations.

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.

YouTube to Raise Monetization Requirements for Creators

Garrett Searight
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YouTube to Raise Monetization Requirements for Creators

YouTube is raising the bar for independent creators seeking access to its advertising revenue-sharing program. The new thresholds will require creators to generate substantially more viewing activity before joining the YouTube Partner Program.

What We Know: Beginning in February, new independent creators applying for the YouTube Partner Program will need 8,000 qualified watch hours during the previous year or 20 million qualified Shorts views over three months. The changes double the current viewing requirements. Creators currently need 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours over 12 months or 10 million Shorts views during 90 days. However, YouTube said the new requirements won’t immediately affect creators already enrolled in the program. Additionally, the company said entry thresholds for Fan Funding and shopping products will remain unchanged.

What’s At Stake: The higher requirements could make YouTube’s advertising revenue-sharing program harder to reach for smaller independent producers. For creators building audiences from scratch, doubling the watch-hour requirement represents a significant hurdle. Meanwhile, the Shorts threshold also doubles, forcing creators to generate massive levels of short-form engagement within a limited window.

What Remains Unclear: YouTube hasn’t indicated whether the higher thresholds could eventually apply to creators already participating in the Partner Program. The company also hasn’t detailed how the changes could affect the number of new creators entering its monetization ecosystem each year.

What It Means: YouTube says the updates reflect the platform’s continued growth in short-form video and television viewing. The company says Shorts now generate more than 200 billion views daily. Additionally, viewers watch more than 1 billion hours of YouTube content on television screens each day. As a result, YouTube appears increasingly focused on rewarding creators who can consistently generate significant audience engagement. For smaller producers, however, the path to advertising revenue just became considerably longer.

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.

Mac Robinson Announces Departure From 92.3 The Fan Afternoon Drive Program

John Mamola
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Mac Robinson Announces Departure From 92.3 The Fan Afternoon Drive Program

Mac Robinson is leaving 92.3 The Fan. Tuesday will mark his final day at the Audacy Cleveland station in an announcement he posted to social media.

What We Know: Robinson started at the station as a part-time board operator with Audacy/Entercom. However, following a short absence, Keith Britton and Andy Roth brought him back to The Fan in 2023. He then produced The Afternoon Drive alongside hosts Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin for the past three years, and served as audio engineer for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network. Regarding his next steps, Robinson said he would be announcing in the days to come.

What They Said: Mac Robinson (via X): “Today, August 11th is my last day as one of the producers for The Afternoon Drive with Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin on 92.3 The Fan and audio engineer for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network.”

Mac Robinson (via X): “From my time walking in and getting hired at the station as a part-time board operator at 23 years old to where I’m at today at 30. I’ve had so many incredible experiences in my life and career. Many of which are in part thanks to the station and company. There are so many cherished memories both on the air and off it that I’ll always hold near and dear to me.”

Mac Robinson (via X): “I’m very excited about what’s next for me. I’ll have more on what’s to come very soon! In the meantime, make sure to tune into The Afternoon Drive today from 2pm until 7pm on 92.3 The Fan!”

What Remains Unclear: Robinson’s next move is unknown. Also, it’s unknown who will take over Robinson’s place with the Cleveland Browns Radio Network and 92.3 The Fan.

What It Means: Audacy Cleveland must now fill two roles at once: producer and Browns audio engineer. The Afternoon Drive team loses its producer just as football season approaches. Consequently, listeners should expect some transition on air in the coming weeks. However, for Robinson a new beginning is upon him. At the age of 30, his experience in major dayparts and with an NFL organization primes him for bigger opportunities potentially in his next steps.

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.

Overtime Partners With Google Gemini AI For Broadcast Production, Social Content

John Mamola
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Overtime Partners With Google Gemini AI For Broadcast Production, Social Content

Overtime is betting big on AI. Google Gemini is now the official AI partner for Overtime Elite (OTE) and Overtime Select. The agreement marks the first such deal for either league.

What We Know: According to a report by Sports Business Journal, Gemini will power broadcast production and social content across both leagues. The partnership builds on Overtime’s March Madness collaboration with UConn’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. In Atlanta, Gemini gets prominent arena branding, including LED signage and hoop-padding placement. Also, two activations will launch: a “Digital Teammate” content series and “Gemini Video Analysis” for in-broadcast highlight breakdowns.

What They Said: Overtime VP/Women’s Sports & Media Strategy Sascha Malas: “We actually worked with the UConn women’s basketball team, and we worked with the men’s basketball team for Google Gemini, and really brought this amazing opportunity to life through their student athletics.”

Overtime VP/Women’s Sports & Media Strategy Sascha Malas: “This is imperative for us. You never know what’s going to happen with AI … So, just being at the beginning stages of it and really enhancing and jumping fully in has been really valuable for us as business.”

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The reports also doesn’t specify a contract length or exclusivity terms. It’s unclear how quickly the Digital Teammate series and Gemini Video Analysis will roll out across both leagues this season.

What It Means: Overtime continues pushing AI into youth and amateur basketball media ahead of major broadcasters. By blending Gemini into scheduling, analysis and content creation, Overtime aims to deepen fan engagement while giving athletes new tools to build their personal brands. If this concept proves successful, there’s no limit to seeing how other leagues will continue to adapt to the new technology in connecting fans with brands.

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.

Tony Romo Reportedly Not Attending CBS Sports NFL Media Day

John Mamola
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Tony Romo Reportedly Not Attending CBS Sports NFL Media Day

CBS holds its NFL Media Day in Manhattan later today. Tony Romo won’t be there according to reporting by The Athletic.

What We Know: Romo remains on indefinite leave after his July 23 arrest in Wisconsin on suspicion of OWI. Body cam footage showed him denying he’d been drinking, though officers also cited him for an open container. CBS has kept its on-air talent in Manhattan for two days ahead of the season annually, but Romo is excluded from this week’s plans. J.J. Watt will step into the top booth alongside Jim Nantz in the meantime.

What They Said: CBS has not commented further on Romo’s status with the network since announcing he was put on leave. Romo has since backed out of events since his arrest, but also has not commented further.

What Remains Unclear: Whether Romo returns to the broadcast booth is still unknown. His Wisconsin court date falls on September 21, though he isn’t required to appear. Whether or not Romo returns this season is still unknown.

What It Means: CBS Sports obviously is not wanting to make this a spectacle about Romo and his status with the network. Keeping Romo away from media day is a smart move by the network. It also allows questions about Romo to funnel to the correct people if questions are allowed. Watt’s elevation shows CBS is ready to move forward without Romo, at least for now. Still, Romo’s contract worth $18 million a season complicates things.

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.

Shaquille O’Neal: Dunkman League Formed After Being “Absolutely Sick” Of NBA Slam Dunk Contest

John Mamola
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Shaquille O’Neal: Dunkman League Formed After Being “Absolutely Sick” Of NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Shaquille O’Neal turned his dunk-contest frustration into a new league. DUNKMAN, a professional dunking circuit, launched earlier this summer born out of frustration by O’Neal in a new interview with Boardroom.

What We Know: O’Neal, Authentic Brands Group and TNT Sports launched DUNKMAN earlier this summer, following last year’s DUNKMAN TV series. O’Neal serves as commissioner, and 24 top dunkers worldwide have been slated to compete. Four group-stage events determine finalists, who then battle for a $500,000 grand prize at the World Championship. In an interview with Boardroom, O’Neal revealed his frustrations with the NBA Slam Dunk contest as the root cause for the idea itself.

What They Said: (All quotes via Boardroom)

Shaquille O’Neal on why he created Dunkman league: “I got absolutely sick and tired of being involved as a player and as a fan watching the NBA dunk contest. My favorite dunk contest was in high school, Dominique [Wilkins] versus Jordan. Guys made every dunk, gave the fans a show. In the last 15 years, we haven’t had a real top guy—we’ll call him out: Zion Williamson — participate in a dunk contest.”

Shaquille O’Neal says there’s talent everywhere for new Dunkman league: “If you look online, there are kids that are not good enough to be in the NBA but they’re unbelievable dunkers. They got a lot of views. We got 24 amazing dunkers — England, China, international players. I’ve seen kids dunking better than NBA players. The winner gets $500,000. If I see something impressive, I may call Jamie [Slater]: “Can we put it up to a million?” That’s what makes this sport great. When I went to the NBA All-Star Game, I wanted to see the three-point shootout and the dunk contest.”

What Remains Unclear: The immediate future of the DUNKMAN league is uncertain. It’s unknown if the league will continue following the current season.

What It Means: DUNKMAN reflects a bet that dunking can stand alone as a sport, not just an All-Star sideshow. O’Neal is betting his star power and TNT’s platform can build new fan bases beyond the NBA. Even if the network no longer has the rights to the NBA. If it succeeds, expect more crossover leagues chasing niche, highlight-driven audiences. For now, we will see if the attraction and commentary may fuel fire for an improved NBA product in February.

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.

Dan Bongino, NPR, Fox News See Top July Podcast Rankings From Podtrac

Garrett Searight
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Dan Bongino, NPR, Fox News See Top July Podcast Rankings From Podtrac

July’s Podtrac rankings kept the top six U.S. podcasts exactly where they were in June. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino, NPR, and Fox News remained prominent as several shows shifted below the leaders.

What We Know: Crime Junkie again led Podtrac’s U.S. Unique Monthly Audience rankings in July. The Daily followed, with NPR News Now, Up First From NPR, Dateline NBC, and Fox News Hourly Update rounding out the top six. All six held their previous positions. Pardon My Take made the first move, climbing into seventh and pushing Pod Save America to eighth. The Ben Shapiro Show held ninth, while The Shawn Ryan Show jumped three spots to 12th.

What the Numbers Show: The Dan Bongino Show stayed at number 14, while The Ezra Klein Show made the month’s biggest move among the listed programs. It climbed six spots to number 17. Today, Explained remained at 18th. Morning Wire slipped one position to 20th. The publisher rankings also showed little movement at the top. iHeartAudience Network remained #1 among Podtrac’s Top Multi-Channel Podcast Publishers and Networks. Meidas Media Network ranked second, followed by NPR, Libsyn, and Sonoro Global Media.

What Remains Unclear: Podtrac’s rankings show audience position, but they don’t explain why individual podcasts gained or lost ground. The July list also doesn’t establish whether recent programming changes drove the shifts.

What It Means: Stability defined the top of the July rankings, with the biggest changes coming deeper in the list. Still, Pardon My Take’s move ahead of Pod Save America highlights the competitive nature of the upper tier. The Ezra Klein Show’s six-position jump also stands out. However, the broader rankings suggest established publishers and major podcast brands continue to control much of the audience landscape.

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.

WWLS Host Al Eschbach Celebrates 50 Years In Radio, Announces Upcoming Retirement

John Mamola
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WWLS Host Al Eschbach Celebrates 50 Years In Radio, Announces Upcoming Retirement

Al Eschbach celebrated 50 years in Oklahoma radio on Monday. The WWLS host also revealed he will retire at the end of 2027.

What We Know: Eschbach started his career in 1976 as sports director at KTOK in Oklahoma City. Since then, he has anchored decades of programming on WWLS 98.1 FM, The Sports Animal. Many in the industry consider him the father of sports talk radio, and he holds a place in the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He also taught at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College, extending his influence beyond the airwaves.

What They Said: Al Eschbach: “I want to thank all the people that have been so nice. Who would have know starting on August 10, 1976 having a microphone that fifty years later I would be still doing it”.”

Al Eschbach: “People over the years have asked me when I’m going to retire. Why I didn’t answer is because I didn’t know when I was going to retire. I had to ask myself when are you going to do it and what are you going to do with your life. I’m going to retire at the end of 2027. I will have done it fifty one years and next September will be sixty years in the media here.”

What Remains Unclear: Eschbach’s exact final broadcast date within 2027 has not been set.

What It Means: Eschbach’s departure will close out sports talk radio’s founding era in Oklahoma. Consequently, WWLS gains roughly 16 months to plan a transition before he steps away. Furthermore, Monday’s proclamation from Norman signals recognition that reaches well beyond radio ratings. Overall, the announcement caps a run that helped define an entire broadcasting format nationally.

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