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Winners of 2026 Gracie Awards Announced

BNM Staff
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Winners of 2026 Gracie Awards Announced

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has announced the winners of the 51st annual Gracie Awards, with several high-profile figures earning top honors.

“Women’s stories don’t just reflect the world, they shape it, shift it and refuse to let it stay the same,” AWMF President Becky Brooks said. “This year’s honorees are doing exactly that across every platform, every format, every audience. We are proud; we are moved, and we are honored to say their names out loud.”

In the television and streaming categories, names like CNN’s Abby Phillip and Pamela Brown, NBC News’ Hallie Jackson, and Oprah Winfrey dot the landscape.

Meanwhile, in the national radio category, CBS News Radio anchor Deborah Rodriguez was honored as the top news anchor. Alex Curry and Carmen Vitali of FOX Sports Saturday on FOX Sports Radio were named best weekend hosts. Jodi Koontz of Murphy, Sam & Jodi earned the best host/personality award, while Nina Hajian of The Jubal Show was named best co-host.

In the local radio category, Ally Ali of 106.1 BLI was named best non-morning drive host in a medium market. Rita Cosby of 77 WABC in New York earned her 11th overall Gracie Awards win for best talk show. Debra Green of The Mark Arum Show on 95.5 WSB in Atlanta earned the best talk personality co-host award for a small, medium, large, and major market. WNEW 102.7 morning drive host Karen Carson earned the top major market morning drive host award. KYW Newsradio anchor Pat Loeb was awarded the honor for best news anchor/reporter/correspondent.

Winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles on May 19th and at the Gracies Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on June 16th.

The full list of winners is below.

Television/Streaming National Winners

48 Hours “Joe Hunter’s Mission” (48 Hours)
CBS News
News Magazine – Feature

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas
Hallmark Media
Made for Television Movie

Abby Phillip (NewsNight with Abby Phillip)
CNN
On-Air Talent – News

ABC News 20/20
ABC News
News Magazine

ABC News Investigates: Web of Danger: 764 (ABC News Nightline)
ABC NEWS
Investigative Feature

Adry Rodriguez and Johanna Usma (Noticiero Univision)
Univision
Non-English Individual Achievement – Producer

All Her Fault
Peacock
Limited Series

Annetta Marion (First to the Finish)
WPP, Boardwalk Pictures, Mazda Motorsports/ Prime Video
Director – Sports Documentary

Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
ABC News Studios, Hulu
Documentary – Grand Award

Barbie Kligman (Doc)
Sony Pictures Television / Fox Entertainment
Showrunner Fiction – Drama

Baylen Out Loud
TLC
Unscripted/Reality

Character AI (60 Minutes)
CBS News
Investigative Feature

Cleopatra’s Final Secret
National Geographic
Documentary – Historical

Dancing with the Stars
ABC/BBC Studios
Competition Series

Desi Lydic (The Daily Show)
Comedy Central
On-Air Talent – Entertainment

Dora
Nickelodeon
Family Series – Animated

Femicide Surge: Romanian Women Killed Despite Seeking Help
Antena 3 CNN
Non-English Program – Hard News

First to the Finish
WPP, Boardwalk Pictures, Mazda Motorsports/ Prime Video
Sports Program

Haiti – “The Worst Place in the World to be a Woman”
BBC News / BBC World Service
Hard News Feature

Hallie Jackson
NBC News
On-Air Talent – Anchor

Harlem Ice
Disney Branded Television
Documentary Series – Sports

Janicza Bravo (The Bear)
FX/Hulu
Director – Comedy

Jenn Hildreth
ESPN
On-Air Talent – Sports

Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
HBO Max
Actress in a Supporting Role – Drama

Kayla Shea (The Rise of America’s ICE Towns)
Bloomberg
Producer – Documentary

Kristen Lappas (The Kingdom)
ESPN
Director – Sports Series

Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things
Netflix
Variety

Lilly
Lilly Movie Co/Netflix
Feature Film

Lourdes Hurtado
Noticias Telemundo
Non-English Individual Achievement-On-Air Talent

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Kino Lorber
Feature Film – Biography

My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story
Paramount+, See It Now Studios, Forté Entertainment
Documentary Series – Investigative

Naomi Sheldon, Gabbie Asher, Polly Cavendish (The Girlfriend)
Prime Video
Writing Team Scripted

Neither Male Nor Female: Intersex
Noticias Telemundo
Non-English Program – News

Nia DaCosta (Hedda)
Amazon MGM Studios
Director – Drama Feature Film

Nightline
ABC News
News Program

Nik Robinson (The Kelly Clarkson Show)
NBCUniversal Syndication Studios
Writer Unscripted / Non-Fiction

Pamela Brown’s Coverage of the Historic Texas Floods (The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown)
CNN
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Paradise
Hulu
Drama

Paulina Chávez (Landman)
Paramount+
Actress in a Breakthrough Role

Poisoned: Fentanyl’s Child Victims
Scripps News
News Feature Series

Pregnant in Custody
Bloomberg Law and NBC News
Women’s Health News Feature / Series

Quiana Burns (The Tamron Hall Show)
ABC News/Disney Entertainment Distribution
Showrunner Non-Fiction

Rachel Sennott (I Love LA)
HBO Max
Showrunner Fiction – Comedy

Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)
Sony Pictures Television / Apple TV
Actress in a Leading Role – Drama

Robin Wright (The Girlfriend)
Prime Video
Director – Drama Mini Series

Roxanne’s Revenge (CBS Mornings)
CBS News
Soft News Feature

Salli Richardson-Whitfield (The Gilded Age)
HBO Max
Producer – Entertainment

Sally
National Geographic Documentary Films
Documentary

Sarah Snook (All Her Fault)
Peacock
Actress in a Leading Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series

Sasha Joelle Achilli, Sara Obeidat (Syria’s Detainee Files)
FRONTLINE (PBS), BBC
Director – Documentary

SC Featured: Love, Abby
ESPN
Sports Feature

Sharon Horgan (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox)
Hulu
Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series

Small Achievable Goals
Sphere Media, CBC
Comedy

Susan Chun (The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper)
CNN
Producer – News

Syria’s Detainee Files
Frontline (PBS), BBC
Documentary- News / Investigative

Terri J. Vaughn (Miss Governor)
Netflix
Actress in a Leading Role – Comedy or Musical

The Circuit with Emily Chang: Reese Witherspoon
Bloomberg
Interview Feature

The Fall of Diddy
Investigation Discovery
Documentary Series

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
Disney Branded Television
Special

The Simpsons – “Aunt Misbehavin’”
A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation
Comedy – Animated

Today with Jenna & Friends
NBC News
Talk Show – Entertainment

Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough
Lifetime
Made for Television Movie – Drama

Vera Farmiga (Boots)
Sony Pictures Television / Netflix
Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy or Musical

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Disney Branded Television
Family Series

Yasmin Vossoughian (Pregnant in Custody)
Bloomberg Law and NBC News
Reporter / Correspondent

Yellowjackets
Paramount+
Ensemble Cast

Radio National Winners

A Jane Austen Birthday Musicale
Sirius XM Symphony Hall
Feature / Special

Alex Curry & Carmen Vitali (Fox Sports Saturday)
FOX Sports Radio
Weekend Host

Chappell Roan Interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen
Apple Music
Interview Feature

Deborah Rodriguez (CBS News Radio Top of the Hour)
CBS News Radio
News Anchor

Jodi Koontz (Murphy Sam & Jodi)
Premiere Networks / Three in the Morning LLC
Host / Personality

Kristen Farrah (Radio Health Journal)
American Urban Radio Networks
Producer – Entertainment / Talk

Nina Hajian (The Jubal Show)
iHeart Radio
Co-Host

The Anna & Raven Show
Connoisseur Media LLC
Entertainment / Talk Program

“48 hours at El Refugio: A haven for families of ICE detainees” (Latino USA)
Futuro Media Group
Documentary

“Beyoncé and Black Women’s Deep Roots in Country Music” (On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti)
WBUR
Public Affairs

“Catholic Nuns, Missing Babies, Mass Grave — Reckoning with Ireland’s Past”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Investigative Feature

Galaxy Quenching (Radiolab)
WNYC New York Public Radio
Interview Feature

Global Indigenous Solidarity with Palestine (CBC Unreserved)
CBC
News Feature

“Immigration Policy Hits the Track”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Series

Joy Summers (Middays with Joy)
Hope Media Group
Host

Katia Riddle (“Saving Mississippi’s Babies”)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Reporter / Correspondent

Lauren Frayer (“Catholic Nuns, Missing Babies, Mass Grave — Reckoning with Ireland’s Past”)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Producer

“The Missing Children of Syria: Hidden in Orphanages Under Assad”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Audio National Winners

Becky Parker Geist (The Legend of Valentine)
Pro Audio Voices Inc & AMPlify Audiobooks Inc
Audiobook Producer

January LaVoy (Good Dirt)
Penguin Random House Audio
Audiobook Narrator – Fiction

Tina Knowles (Matriarch)
Penguin Random House Audio
Audiobook Narrator – Non-Fiction

Digital Media National Winners

Austen Rachlis (Against The Odds)
Audible
Audio Podcast Writer

“Be Healthy: Radically Reframing Health, Wellness & Longevity” (Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper)
Shriver Media
Substack/E-Newsletter/Blog

Danielle Broza (PBS Nature)
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Online Producer

Death in Dubai (World of Secrets)
Eye Investigations (BBC World Service) and Thread Studios
Audio Podcast – News / Investigative

Deborah Roberts (20/20: The After Show)
ABC News, ABC Audio
Audio Podcast Host – News / Investigative

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant (Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant)
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Audio Podcast Host – Educational

Haley Thomas (All There Is with Anderson Cooper)
CNN
Audio Podcast – Producer

How She Does It With Karen Finerman
HerMoney Media, Inc.
Audio Podcast – Educational

In Her Nature
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Original Online Programming – Video Series

Jameela Jamil (Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil)
Audio Podcast Host – Entertainment

Make Me Perfect: Manufacturing Beauty in China
BBC World Service
Original Online Programming – News / Documentary

Making Epic Commercials for Random Objects
Product Film School & Sixteenth USA
Original Online Programming – Video Series Social Influencer

Monica Lewinsky (Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky)
Monica Lewinsky
Audio Podcast Host – Lifestyle

One Last Wish
The Washington Post
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video

Oprah Winfrey (The Oprah Podcast)
Harpo Productions
Video Podcast – Host / Co-Host

Plaza Sésamo: Girl Talk
Sesame Workshop
Non-English Program

Safer, Smarter Teens – “Grooming”
Lauren’s Kids Foundation
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video Educational

Sarah Hagi & Scaachi Koul (Scamfluencers)
Audible
Audio Podcast Co-host / Ensemble

She MD
She MD
Audio Podcast – Lifestyle

Skip Intro with Krista Smith
Netflix
Video Podcast

Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown
Lemonada Media
Audio Podcast – Narrative

The Jamie Kern Lima Show
Life is Love, LLC
Online Video Host

Television Local Winners

ABC7 Originals: A Mother’s Hope
ABC7 – KGO TV
Documentary – Hard News

Always Remember Your Name
KCRA 3 News
Documentary- News / Investigative / Historical

Ashley Foster (WRAL News)
WRAL
Producer – Live News

Bajo Mi Propia Piel (Under My Own Skin)
KVDA Telemundo San Antonio
Non-English Program- Womens Health

“Breaking Ground: How Kendall Rae Johnson is Redefining Farming at Ten”
WXIA-TV
Soft News Feature

“Breaking the Red Sox Sound Barrier: First All-Female Broadcast Team”
New England Sports Network
Sports Feature / Program

Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way
WRAL
Documentary – Sports

Edenville Dam Disaster
WDIV-TV
Documentary

From Darkness to Light: Voices of Postpartum Mothers
Telemundo 48 Área de la Bahía
Non-English Program

Heartstrings
WKYC / Tegna
Series

Inside Homeland
WPBF Ch. 25
News Program- News Cast / Current Affairs

Jes Burns (All Science. No Fiction.)
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
Producer – Edited

Julie Watts (CBS News “California Investigates”)
CBS News California Investigates
On-Air Talent – Anchor

Kimberly Keagy
WSAZ
On-Air Talent – Reporter

“Mustang Mayor”
KFOR-TV
Hard News Feature – Investigative

Sam Ryan (ABC7 NY Sports)
WABC
On-Air Talent – Sports

Sophie Elgort (“Portrait Mode with Sophie Elgort”)
The WNET Group’s ALL ARTS
On-Air Talent – Lifestyle

Stephany Scarlett Galvan Rueda (Land of Women)
KUVS, Univision 19
Non-English Individual Achievement

The Fight with Angela MacIvor (CBC Atlantic Investigative Unit)
CBC
Women’s Health News Feature/Series

“The First: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson”
WUSA 9
Interview Feature

“Trafficking in the Tri-State: Rooms without Rescue”
News 12 Network
Investigative Feature

“Who’d You Kill? What Did You Do?”
KTUL-TV
Hard News Feature

“Who’s the Mayor in East Cleveland, Ohio?”
WKYC-TV
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News

Radio Local Winners

Ally Ali (Ally Ali Weekdays on 106.1 BLI)
Cox Media Group Long Island
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Medium Market

Brandy “Beasy Baybie” Henshaw (Jesus and Coffee with Beasy)
Radio One
Weekend Host (Talk/Personality) Large / Major Market

Cats & Cosby
WABC Radio
Talk Show

Chaos Divers (The Lisa Dent Show)
WGN Radio AM 720
Interview Feature

Debra Green (The Mark Arum Show)
Cox Media Group, 95.5 WSB – Atlanta
Co-host (Talk Personality) Small / Medium / Large / Major Market

Erica DeLong (The Erica Show)
iHeartMedia
Host Non-Morning Drive Personality Large / Major Market

Falen Gotler (Falen & Colt)
iHeartMedia Minneapolis – KDWB
Host Non-Morning Drive (Personality) Large / Major Market – Series

“GameChangers”
KYW Newsradio
Soft News Feature

Holly Roberts (myTalk)
KTMY-FM
Producer – Talk

Karen Carson (Karen Carson in the Morning – NEW 102.7)
WNEW-FM / Audacy New York
Host Morning Drive- Major Market

Katelyn Maida (The Q Morning Show)
Radio One
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Large/Major Market

“Kayla Thomas with Z3lla on Touring with a Chronic Illness”
iHeartMedia
Interview Feature – Womens Health

KCBS In Depth: Last Ride
KCBS Radio (Audacy)
Public Affairs

Kelli Green (Kelli and Anthony)
Audacy
Host Morning Drive – Medium Market

Kelly Towle (The Blake Show with Kelly and Todd on Coast 93.1)
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Small Market

Kenzie’s Krimes (Brian & Kenzie Show)
Cumulus Media Broadcasting
Regular Benchmark / Feature

Kira (Afternoons with Kira on Y107)
Zimmer Communications
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Small Market

Kristen Accardi (Cubby and Christine in the Morning)
iHeartMedia 106.7 Lite-FM (New York)
Producer

“L.A. County Fires” with Adai Lamar
KJLH-FM
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Liz Luda (The Morning Mix with Matt Harris and Liz Luda)
Radio One
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Medium Market

Maria Shilaos (Midday with Maria Shilaos)
KSL NewsRadio
Host Non-Morning Drive Talk Large / Major Market

Michelle Heart (Michelle in the Morning on 107.9 LITE-FM)
Townsquare Media
Host Morning Drive – Small Market

Nessa (Nessa On Air)
HOT 97 NYC
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Large / Major Market

Pat Loeb
KYW Newsradio
News Anchor / Reporter / Correspondent

Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel on Morning Magic with Sue and Kendra
Audacy Boston
Interview Feature – Sports

“The Truth About Sex Trafficking” (KJLH 9 a.m. Local Hour)
KJLH-FM
Hard News Feature

“They Shine: The Light of Women’s Microenterprise Project in Eswatini”
Fu-Hsin
Non-English Program

“Dehumanizing Effect of Birth Names at School”
Texas Public Radio
News Feature

Kate Wells (Kate Wells – Public Health Reporter)
Michigan Public
Reporter / Correspondent

Khalilah Brown-Dean (Disrupted)
Connecticut Public
Host / Anchor

Obituary for Kitty Dukakis (WBUR’s All Things Considered)
WBUR
Portrait / Biography

Ontario Today
CBC
Talk Show

Renee Collins Cobb (Overtones LIVE Hosted by Renee Collins Cobb)
Listen Locally, LLC
Producer

Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England
Connecticut Public
Series

The Dish with Mercedes Meija
Michigan Public
Interview Feature

Television Student Winners

Annabelle Jones: Pathway to Education: Powering Progress in the Philippines
Universe Live
Interview Feature

Astrid Sims (chefATL)
Savannah College of Art and Design
Director

“Benjamin Davis: Speaking Through Art”
Universe Live
Soft News Feature

“Dara Kat: Pathway to Education: Powering Progress in the Philippines”
Universe Live
Interview Feature

“Generative AI: Where is it Going?”
Universe Live
Hard News Feature

Grey MacNicoll (The Volunteer Channel)
University of Tennessee
Producer

Hailey Hollinger (Unraveling Nelsonville)
WOUB Public Media/Ohio University
Documentary

“Market Day Report”
Ohio University
News Program

Sydney Brown (Kent Stater TV)
Kent State University
On-Air Talent

Radio Student Winners

A League of Our Own “Healthcare Bias Toward Women”
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Public Affairs

Chyna Black (A&T Four/Black History Month)
North Carolina A&T State University/WNAA-FM
Host/Personality

Marchella Mazzoni (The Rowan Report Election Night Special)
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Producer

Mizzou’s Black Student Population
University of Missouri
News Feature – Investigative

“The LeadHERship Series with Hayden Zapotosky”
Wilton High School, Wilton, Connecticut
Interview Feature

The Rowan Report Election Night Special
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News

WFUV’s “What’s What Weekend”
WFUV / Fordham University
News Feature

WRHU FM – A League of Our Own
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Talk Show

Digital Media Student Winners

200 Years Later: Tour the Black Neighborhood Destroyed to Create Central Park
Reported with Randi Richardson/Pavement Pieces
Original Online Programming

Alison Smallwood (Mountaineer Playbook “3 in 30”)
West Virginia University Reed School of Media & Communications
Online Video Host

Camille Johnson (Hemisphere)
Hampton University
Online Producer

Fierce in the Field
Indiana University
Podcast

Mariela Torroba Hennigen (We Met U When…)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Podcast Host

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Brandon Tierney Responds To WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti Comments: “You’re Dead Wrong”

BSM Staff
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Brandon Tierney Responds To WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti Comments: “You’re Dead Wrong”

Brandon Tierney pushed back against Gregg Giannotti’s on-air criticism, offering a direct and emotional response during the latest episode of his YouTube show BT Unleashed. Tierney reframed the origin of a dispute that has now spilled into public view across multiple platforms.

Hours after Giannotti used his WFAN morning show to question Tierney’s professionalism and past behavior, Tierney addressed the situation head-on. BT made clear that he is largely unmoved by the criticism even as he took issue with specific characterizations and past interactions that he believes were misrepresented.

“What I really learned in life is to really not give a flying f**k what anybody thinks about me that doesn’t really know me,” Tierney said. “Gregg [Giannotti] doesn’t really know me and I don’t really know Gregg, to be fair.”

While Giannotti referenced Tierney’s departure from WFAN during Monday’s remarks, Tierney downplayed that aspect entirely. He drew a distinction between being fired and not having his contract renewed. Tierney also questioned the relevance of the topic in the broader conversation.

“I don’t care if Gregg [Giannotti] takes a little jab that I got fired. Which I wasn’t really fired. My contract wasn’t renewed,” Tierney explained. “You think I really care what he thinks about my employment? I really don’t, and I never will.”

However, Tierney’s response shifted in tone when discussing what he views as the true source of the tension. According to Tierney, the issue stems from a past prank call involving Giannotti last year, which he believes crossed a line and was never properly addressed.

“That was straight up weak,” said Tierney. “What you did with that prank call, now you’ve got a problem because I didn’t like it? I don’t know what to tell you, buddy, that’s just the way it’s gonna be.”

Tierney continued to reference the prank call incident as what stemmed this dispute between the two hosts. It was elevated Monday morning with Giannotti’s comments following Tierney’s appearance Friday on WFAN.

“Don’t come off as ‘Mr. Innocent’ here,” he said. “You actually picked up the phone and you punked a teammate… and for a whole year, you never told me. That was a story that bothered me.”

Tierney also took exception to Giannotti’s recent comments about teamwork, arguing that support among colleagues should extend beyond on-air dynamics, particularly during moments of professional uncertainty.

“Being a good teammate is not selective,” Tierney said, referencing the end of his WFAN show. “When somebody that you work with for a couple of years five feet away, and the show right after you, when they lose their job, you know I’ve got two kids, and a pretty expensive mortgage because you’ve been to my home…. Not a word. So I didn’t forget that, because I wouldn’t have done that.”

At the same time, Tierney acknowledged Giannotti’s standing within WFAN. He suggested that his longtime role alongside Boomer Esiason provides a level of stability that others in the industry may not experience.

“You’re WFAN royalty, it’s different for you. You’ve got Boomer, a rock star next to you,” Tierney said. “You guys are coasting, and you coast as long as you want. The ratings are there and the revenue is there. As you sit in your tower and you view downward on the rest of us peasants, understand, I never once had a problem with you at all until that one time.”

Despite insisting that he is not personally affected by Giannotti’s remarks, Tierney drew a firm line when it came to criticism of his character. BT emphasized that such claims would not go unanswered.

“You can say whatever you want about my lack of humor,” he said. “When you talk about my character, now you’re f***ing dead wrong. Now you’re dead wrong. That’s the one thing that I will defend to the end of the earth.”

As of now, the back-and-forth remains confined to individual platforms. The public nature of the exchange though underscores lingering tensions tied to WFAN’s recent lineup changes and the relationships shaped during that time.

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ESPN Signs Madelyn Burke To Anchor Role On SportsCenter Beginning In April

BSM Staff
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ESPN Signs Madelyn Burke To Anchor Role On SportsCenter Beginning In April

Madelyn Burke is adding one of the most recognizable roles in sports media to her resume after ESPN announced she will join SportsCenter as an anchor beginning in April, further strengthening the network’s flagship news and information program with a host who has built her reputation through versatility and consistent on-air presence across multiple platforms.

Burke arrives in Bristol after spending close to a decade covering the New York Giants, where she became a familiar face to fans through her work with MSG Network and Giants.com, while also expanding her national profile as a host for CBS Sports HQ.

Throughout that stretch, she handled a wide range of responsibilities that included anchoring studio programming, delivering sideline reports during live game coverage and guiding pregame and postgame shows that demanded both insight and adaptability in fast-moving environments.

In a statement announcing her move, Burke pointed to the significance of joining a program that has long served as a cornerstone for sports fans, while also emphasizing her eagerness to contribute to its continued evolution in a changing media landscape.

“I’m thrilled and honored to join ESPN, and to be a part of a program as iconic as SportsCenter,” Burke said. “It’s a show that has meant so much to me and to generations of sports fans. I’m excited to help carry that tradition forward while bringing energy, joy, and a genuine love of sports to every show.”

Her addition reflects ESPN’s continued focus on blending established voices with emerging talent capable of connecting with audiences across linear and digital platforms, a priority that has become increasingly important as viewing habits continue to shift and the definition of sports coverage expands beyond traditional broadcasts.

Mike Foss, ESPN’s senior vice president of sports and studio entertainment, highlighted Burke’s ability to navigate those demands, noting that her background aligns with the network’s emphasis on storytelling and audience engagement.

“Madelyn is a versatile and dynamic storyteller who brings credibility, energy and a deep understanding of sports to everything she does,” Foss said. “Her experience across multiple platforms and connection with fans make her a great addition to SportsCenter.”

A Los Angeles native, Burke began building her broadcasting foundation while attending Arizona State University, where she earned a journalism degree and hosted the nationally televised college football program Running with the PAC on FOX. That early exposure helped pave the way for opportunities covering both college football and the NBA, including work on the Los Angeles Clippers beat and contributions to Sports Illustrated.

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Scripps Sports Launching FAST Channel Focusing on Women’s Sports With Original Programming

BSM Staff
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Scripps Sports Launching FAST Channel Focusing on Women’s Sports With Original Programming

The E.W. Scripps Company is expanding its footprint in the evolving sports media landscape with the launch of a new free streaming destination built around live events and original programming. Scripps Sports Network, a 24/7 FAST channel, will debut Tuesday offering a mix of live games, studio programming, documentaries and acquired content.

The network will be available across several major platforms at launch or shortly thereafter, including The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Google TV and Plex, with additional distribution partners expected.

The move arrives as demand for accessible sports content continues to grow, particularly within the streaming ecosystem. Scripps executives point to rising engagement across its existing properties, noting that combined streaming viewership for the National Women’s Soccer League and the Women’s National Basketball Association on ION increased by 25% in 2025.

“In today’s fragmented sports media landscape, Scripps Sports Network is meeting the moment as a reliable, easy-to-access home for passionate fans,” said Keisha Taylor Starr, general manager of Scripps Networks and chief marketing officer.

Programming will lean heavily into women’s sports while also incorporating emerging leagues and non-traditional competitions. The network plans to carry approximately 100 live events annually, including games from the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the NWSL and Major League Volleyball, along with competitions such as the Pro Cheer League and Athlos NYC track and field event.

Additionally, Scripps Sports Network will feature select programming tied to existing rights agreements, including content involving the National Hockey League and the NCAA. Encore presentations of WNBA games that originally aired on ION will also play a significant role in the schedule.

Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor said the new network creates an opportunity to extend the company’s reach while building new partnerships.

“A dedicated 24/7 sports FAST channel allows us to further leverage our existing sports rights, create a platform for emerging league partnerships and grow our position in sports, particularly women’s sports,” Lawlor said.

Beyond live events, the network is investing in original content, with at least 10 series currently in development. Early projects include shows hosted by veteran broadcaster Suzy Kolber and Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross, both of which will focus on storytelling and athlete-driven conversations.

The channel will also feature acquired programming such as Cold as Balls, the interview series hosted by Kevin Hart, along with a lineup of sports podcasts curated for the platform.

From a business standpoint, Scripps has already secured State Farm as its foundational advertising partner, reinforcing the company’s strategy of pairing premium sports content with broad, free distribution.

As Scripps continues to build out its sports portfolio, the launch of Scripps Sports Network signals a deeper push into streaming, where accessibility, scale and niche content offerings increasingly define success.

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Connoisseur Media Flips WSSR 96.7 To ‘The 9-6-7: Chicagoland’s Classic Pop’

BMM Staff
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Connoisseur Media Flips WSSR 96.7 To ‘The 9-6-7: Chicagoland’s Classic Pop’

Connoisseur Media Chicago has introduced a new identity for WSSR 96.7, unveiling The 9-6-7: Chicagoland’s Classic Pop. A format shift designed to reconnect listeners with the defining pop hits of the late 20th and early 21st centuries while positioning the station squarely within a growing lane of nostalgia-driven radio brands.

Rather than leaning into contemporary chart cycles or traditional classic hits, the station’s new approach centers on the influential Top 40 music that shaped a generation of listeners throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Creating a sound that blends familiarity with energy while targeting audiences who came of age during that era’s pop explosion.

In addition to the musical repositioning, the station will maintain continuity with its on-air talent. A move that signals stability while allowing personalities to evolve alongside the updated brand. Eddie Volkman continues in mornings, Jillian Bass handles middays, Hannah B remains in afternoons and Erik Zachary hosts evenings through Skyview Networks’ syndicated program.

Volkman’s presence, in particular, reinforces the station’s connection to Chicago radio history. His previous success at B96 during the height of the format’s influence provides an authentic bridge between the era being celebrated and the audience now being targeted.

Connoisseur Media has already tested a similar approach in other markets, including Dayton, Ohio, where Z93 adopted a comparable format. This suggests a broader strategic push toward curated nostalgia formats that emphasize high-recognition titles over deeper catalog exploration.

By combining rhythmic pop, alternative crossover hits and enduring singalong favorites, the station is crafting a sound designed to keep listeners engaged through familiarity.

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.

WFAN Gregg Giannotti on Brandon Tierney: “People Hated Working With That Guy”

BSM Staff
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WFAN Gregg Giannotti on Brandon Tierney: “People Hated Working With That Guy”

Tensions between current and former WFAN hosts spilled back onto the airwaves Monday morning, as Gregg Giannotti delivered a pointed and, at times, personal response to criticism from Brandon Tierney during an appearance on the station last week.

Speaking on Boomer & Gio, Giannotti addressed Tierney’s recent claim that Giannotti had been a “bad teammate,” pushing back forcefully while also questioning the circumstances that led to Tierney’s return to the station. Giannotti said he had been told Tierney pushed aggressively behind the scenes to secure airtime tied to discussion about St. John’s Red Storm, despite previously criticizing the station publicly.

“I was told that BT [Brandon Tierney] pressed very hard to have a St John’s appearance on the radio station. [He] pressed star program director Ryan Hurley very hard to get on the radio station. The radio station that he thinks stinks now,” said Giannotti. “He really had to get on the radio station to talk St John’s because I guess WFAN still matters. But it doesn’t on his podcast.”

Beyond the booking itself, however, Giannotti took particular issue with Tierney’s characterization of his behavior during a past on-air prank, which Tierney cited as evidence of poor teamwork.

Giannotti rejected that notion outright, arguing instead that the situation highlighted a broader issue with Tierney’s approach to the medium, including an inability to embrace humor and self-awareness in a format that often relies on both.

“He said that I was implying that he was drinking with the team and that’s being a bad teammate. His take on that is exactly the reason why he couldn’t cut it here,” noted Giannotti about Tierney, who left WFAN in December following a lineup change. “He is someone who takes things way too seriously. He can’t laugh at himself, and he doesn’t get it. If he did, and showed a little bit more personality and could laugh at himself, maybe he would have had more success here.”

The criticism escalated as Giannotti defended his own reputation within the industry, pointing to relationships built during previous stops, including at CBS Sports Radio. He maintained that colleagues and producers he has worked alongside would describe him as collaborative and supportive, while alleging that Tierney’s own working relationships were far more strained.

“Everybody that worked for Brandon [Tierney} couldn’t stand him. So if you want to go down the road, we’ll go down the road,” said Giannotti. “People hated working with that guy. He’s the bad teammate. He would trash his producers, and would belittle them. So don’t tell me I’m a bad teammate, because you can’t take a joke.”

Giannotti continued by revisiting Tierney’s prior tenure in national radio, claiming that leadership decisions at the time reflected dissatisfaction with Tierney’s on-air performance. He described being brought into a prominent role as part of a course correction, emphasizing that entertainment value and audience connection remain central to success in the format.

In addition to targeting Tierney, Giannotti directed frustration toward Ryan Hurley, criticizing the station’s decision-making process in granting the appearance.

“Our program director [Ryan Hurley] is also a bad teammate for putting him on and caving in that situation. Being essentially a marshmallow speed bump. That was ridiculous. Should have never happened. Honestly, like, if you had any balls at all, you would say no,” said Giannotti. “[WFAN] gave you an opportunity to goodbye shows, and promote your stuff. Then you go on and you co-sign dumb ass Joe Benigno’s comments. Now we’re gonna let you back on the radio station to promote St John’s because you begged? More decisions like that, he [Hurley] won’t be around at all. Ridiculous. Have the backs of the people that are here.”

Neither Tierney nor Hurley publicly responded to Giannotti’s remarks as of Monday afternoon.

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.

Mark Levin Denies Report He’s Leaving Westwood One, Fox News for White House Role

BNM Staff
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Mark Levin Denies Report He’s Leaving Westwood One, Fox News for White House Role

Mark Levin has the ear of President Donald Trump. That doesn’t mean he’s leaving Westwood One and Fox News, though.

An AI-generated report on Facebook claimed that Mark Levin would be leaving his shows and media roles to work as a Department of Homeland Security Advisor with the Trump administration.

Levin has thrown cold water on it.

In a post on social media, Mark Levin called the reporter a complete fabrication.

“There’s some article out there that I am leaving Fox and joining the White House,” said Levin. “It’s utterly false. Now, back to regular programming.”

The denial from Levin comes days after President Donald Trump shared his public support for “The Great One” amidst his ongoing feud with the likes of Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson.

“Mark Levin, a truly Great American Patriot, is somewhat under siege by other people with far less Intellect, Capability, and Love for our Country,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Mark is Tough, Strong, and Brilliant, hence the nickname, ‘THE GREAT ONE,’ conceived by our MAGA friend, the wonderful Sean Hannity, after years of dealing with Mark in Legal, Media, and other capacities … He is a true Conservative, and Intellect, far smarter than those who criticize him but, above all, he is a man of Great Wisdom and Common Sense who truly loves our Country.

“When you hear others unfairly attack Mark, remember that they are jealous and angry Human Beings,” continued Trump. “Those that speak ill of Mark will quickly fall by the wayside, as do the people whose ideas, policies, and footings are not sound.”

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.

CNN Early Start Host Rahel Solomon Announces Exit

BNM Staff
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CNN Early Start Host Rahel Solomon Announces Exit

Rahel Solomon, the host of CNN Early Start, has announced her intention to leave the network at the end of the week.

Solomon joined CNN in 2022 after previously spending three years working as a correspondent for CNBC.

To conclude CNN Early Start on Monday morning, Solomon revealed that she would depart the network at the end of the week.

“I have decided that this will be my last week at CNN,” Solomon said. “More to come on what’s next for me. But I’m really excited about this next chapter for now. A huge, huge thank you to the team here on Early Start. we have covered some major breaking news during our hours, and I am so proud to have worked alongside you to the larger team here at CNN. I’m going to be cheering you on. I look forward to watching it has been such an honor, truly, to serve as a business correspondent for CNN. I have covered everything from inflation to the job market and everything in between. It has been an honor. It has been a privilege.

“I’m going to be here through the week, with Friday being my last show,” Solomon concluded. “So this is truly not goodbye, but see you soon for now.”

CNN has yet to announce who will take over the program following Rahel Solomon’s departure. CNN Early Start airs from 4-6 AM ET.

In a statement, the network shared its support for Solomon’s exit.

“We are grateful to Rahel for all her contributions to CNN over the past four years and are supportive of her decision,” said a CNN spokesperson. “We wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

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.

PGA Tour CEO: New NFL Rights Deals Could Leave Little Money for Everyone Else

BSM Staff
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PGA Tour CEO: New NFL Rights Deals Could Leave Little Money for Everyone Else

As media companies continue to recalibrate their strategies around live sports, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp offered a candid assessment of a marketplace facing both sustained demand and growing financial tension.

Speaking on CNBC, Rolapp described a sports rights ecosystem that remains highly valuable but increasingly complicated due to shifting economics and the looming influence of the NFL.

“The media market is interesting right now for sports,” Rolapp said, pointing to decades of consistent growth that have positioned live sports as one of the most dependable assets in the content economy.

However, he emphasized that broader changes across the media landscape have introduced new unpredictability. These include consolidation and evolving distribution models not previously seen.

“Because of the changes in media, the pressures on the media business, and consolidation, and ultimately because my old employer, the NFL, is going to go out and do a new deal. There’s a little bit of uncertainty on the future of sports rights.”

That uncertainty, Rolapp noted, becomes even more pronounced when factoring in the NFL’s next round of media rights negotiations. With the league already commanding a significant share of annual rights fees, its future deals could reshape how remaining dollars are allocated across other leagues and properties.

Rolapp framed the current U.S. sports rights market at roughly $30 billion annually, with modest projected growth. Within that structure, the NFL alone accounts for approximately $12 billion per year, a figure that could rise substantially if the league achieves its stated goal of doubling its media revenue.

If that scenario plays out, Rolapp suggested, it could tighten the financial flexibility for other leagues competing for partnerships with broadcasters and streaming platforms.

“The issue is the U.S. sports market, which is the biggest market on Earth,” Rolapp said. “If the NFL grows at that scale, it just doesn’t leave a lot of money out there for everybody else.”

At the same time, media companies themselves are navigating a complex transition from traditional linear television to direct-to-consumer streaming models. While streaming has created new opportunities for distribution and audience engagement, it has also introduced additional cost pressures and uncertainty around long-term profitability.

Rolapp acknowledged that many companies are still working through that evolution, which in turn affects how aggressively they can pursue premium sports rights.

“Given the pressures on current media companies, who are now transitioning from linear to streaming and still navigating that. We’re not through that,” he said. “That just creates a bit of uncertainty in that market. It’s finite. It’s not infinite.”

Despite those challenges, Rolapp made it clear that leagues cannot afford to remain static. He stressed that long-term success will depend on a dual focus: strengthening connections with existing fans while also expanding reach to new audiences in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.

“Anybody who’s in the sports business, if they’re not looking at their product and trying to figure out how to make it more appealing to core fans, but also how to grow new fans, they’re not in a good spot,” Rolapp said.

As the next phase of media rights negotiations approaches for all leagues, Rolapp’s comments underscore a central reality for the industry: even as demand for live sports remains strong, the battle for rights — and the resources to secure them — is entering a more constrained and strategic era.

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.

CRS 26 Hits All The Right Notes in Nashville

Jason Barrett
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CRS 26 Hits All The Right Notes in Nashville

CRS 26 is in the books and after making a strong impression last year, I wondered if the second time would be as impressive. It was even better. Between the attendance, access, passion, and connections, it’s a great week with a ton to gain if you work in the music or radio business. But there’s also so much happening that it’s impossible to take it all in, even with Stephanie Eads and I attending different events.

Last year when I traveled to Nashville, I didn’t know what to expect. Barrett Media was unknown to many in the music industry so my top priority was getting to know people and just observing. This year, we had a lot more relationships and a better gameplan. We even brought Dylan Barrett to capture Top 20 reactions and produce some video showcasing what makes the week great. Stay tuned to our social media pages for more on that soon.

Because there’s so much to unpack, I’ve split my feedback into four categories: Performances, Sessions, Meetings, and Misses. I am beyond impressed by the work RJ Curtis and the CRS team does to bring this event to life in the room, throughout the city, and across social media. The relationship between the Country Music industry and Country radio is unique and special. I hope all involved understand and appreciate what they have. These events don’t exist in other formats. It’s a great week in one of America’s best cities (Nashville), and I’ll be back for CRS 27 on March 17-19, 2027. To catch up on what you missed, click here to view all of the sessions.

The Performances

  • Bailey Zimmerman played the Totally Private show for Audacy at the Hard Rock Cafe on Tuesday night. Stephanie Eads and I were fortunate to have a front row seat for it. Bailey’s energy, likeability, and connection with the crowd made the event a hit for all in attendance. Turning the event into a promotional opportunity for listeners was smart. The winners were from Detroit and were into the show from start to finish. My thanks to Suzanne Wolfe, Fred Bennett, Andrea Burtscher and Katie Neal for the hospitality including the studio tour afterwards. Katie’s set is very comfortable and the fireplace adds a nice touch. I can not confirm or deny that I signed the Katie Neal bathroom journal.
  • B-Dubs‘ Suite Sounds event on Wednesday night was one of my favorites of the week. Matt Cooper and Aaron Watson both sounded great and set the tone for a fantastic evening. But the performance LOCASH delivered showcased why they’re one of Country radio’s most fun, and entertaining bands. If you haven’t seen them and get a chance to catch them live, don’t pass it up. It’s nonstop energy, fun, laughs, great songs, and just an overall, good time.
@locashmusic

We turned the suite into a party with our guy @B-Dub 🍻

♬ original sound – LOCASH
  • BMG knocked it out of the park with Jason Aldean‘s #1 hits celebration. Stephanie, Dylan and I were in front of the stage, debating turning in early because we were physically exhausted. But the lights went on, Blake Shelton appeared, and we stuck it out, and were glad we did. The decision to bring all of the songwriters who helped Aldean on stage for a group photo was classy. The surprise performances by Alabama and Travis Tritt were excellent, but the highlight was the Florida Georgia Line reunion. Let’s hope that isn’t a one time deal.
  • Big Loud did an excellent job showcasing their artists during the week. I stopped by the Big Loud room multiple times to catch live performances and conversations with Hardy, Ashley Cooke and Stephen Wilson Jr.. This photo by Grover Collins during the week certainly stood out. Dave Kirth and his team couldn’t have been more accommodating. I appreciated the hospitality.
  • The MCA showcase at the Ryman Auditorium was once again spectacular. Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, Parker McCollum, Vince Gill, and Tyler Hubbard were outstanding, but I personally enjoyed Kassi Ashton. Before playing the song Bitches, Ashton said ‘this is not going to play on your station but I’d be willing to bet this will play in your house‘. Her swagger, sound, and command of the room stood out. Also making a strong impression was Miranda McDonald. Her quick wit, candor, self-deprecation, and clever writing makes the introductions fun and original. It’s easy to focus on the music and artists but the right host matters. McDonald has nailed it every time I’ve been in attendance.

The Sessions

  • I saw Joe D’Angelo speak in 2022 about Xperi‘s approach to measurement, and was an early believer. Since then, Xperi has gotten stronger as prior methods lose steam and radio groups seek new ways forward. Juan Galdamez spoke at CRS this year on behalf of Xperi and was great. He shared that over 6 million vehicles in the US now supply radio consumption data to Xperi’s DTS AutoStage. That represents 12 automotive brands from 302 markets with data available to stations within hours. I hope the advertising industry is paying attention. Many across radio are already sold.
  • Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy of Strategic Solutions Research did a marvelous job with their case study for the Country format. The session highlighted the reasons to promote being human, the deep connection the format has with its audience especially the lyrics, radio’s need to focus better on streaming, and why new country isn’t exactly the answer for growing the audience. Cassidy pointed out that 70% of those surveyed wanted a mix of new and older songs. Only 24% wanted new country, and only 6% wanted classic country. The survey was part of a a two-phase study that included 1,500 people.
  • I enjoyed Mojo‘s participation in the session Pitch Please: Everyone is in Sales. I even joked with him afterwards that he spoke in soundbites to make my job of quoting him easier. He shared a few gems that every talent should steal. They included, If you are a talent and you don’t have endorsements it’s not because your sales team didn’t sell you, it’s because you didn’t sell you, and It used to be ‘what does the job pay’ but now it’s ‘what can I make the job pay’? Mojo also covered why unscheduled calls or facetimes with clients go further than prepackaged videos and last attempt calls to save business. He reminded the room ‘don’t just be the closer for the client, be the person that opened the door too‘.
  • AI was a regular topic on Friday and I thought Phil Becker‘s session provided great takeaways. Too many industry pros focus on the AI on-air threat and ignore how it can help other areas of their business. That’s a huge mistake. Becker shared specific examples of apps and what they provide, prompts he uses to create memorable content, and explained how brands can use them to elevate performance and user experience. His key points centered around understanding that AI is a tool to help.
Phil Becker presenting a session on AI at CRS 26
  • Speaking of Phil Becker, his session with Woody, Katie Neal and Greg Beharrell was fantastic. Why Playing it Safe is the Death of Your Radio Career had great organization, production, and props thanks to collaboration with Jimmy Steal’s Collective Heads. Woody’s Dear PD letter was something every programmer should read. Katie’s remarks about programmers being risk-averse was one I connected with. She shared how John Foxx risked his career and handled the noise in NYC after putting her on the air when she was working in the sales department. The session produced regular laughter thanks to Greg Beharrell’s unique commentaries and his exceptional chemistry and timing with Becker. Adding to the fun was an air horn for calling out cliches, and confetti to signal the end. It was the most entertaining session of CRS 26.

The Meetings

  • Meeting new people is one of the best parts of CRS, and Stephanie and I had the pleasure of grabbing lunch on Friday with Kevin Herring and Raffaella Braun of Triple Tigers. As many across the Country format already know, they are awesome people who work with some incredible artists. As someone who appreciates attention to detail, I loved their choice of featuring two Ella Langley ‘Choosin’ Texas’ hats, one in Longhorns colors and the other in Aggies colors. It’s the little things like that which stand out. Kevin’s Jerky Boys impression of Sol Rosenberg is pretty strong too. Just a great conversation with two quality people who know and love the industry.
  • Speaking of meeting new people, Stephanie, Dylan and I had the pleasure of meeting Brent Smith of Shinedown. That was my personal highlight. I’ve loved the band for over 20 years and have seen them live 6-7 times. I had no idea Brent was at CRS nor did I expect him to be. When Stephanie has her people juice (Tequila) though, she makes a lot of friends. Fortunately she met Stephanie Hagerty, who was awesome, and granted access to one of rock’s best vocalists. I’ve always appreciated how Brent has spoken up for radio and the role it has played in Shinedown’s success. He couldn’t have been cooler. I’ve already told Steph, we’re attending Shinedown’s July 18th show in Albany, NY.
Dylan and Jason Barrett, Brent Smith of Shinedown, and Stephanie Eads
  • It was great catching up with Maynard, Phil Becker, Mike Preston, Alissa Pollack, Greg Beharrell, Greg Clancy, Mark Starling, Ashley Wilson, Nathan James, Jeff Kapugi, Mike Moore, Brian Michel, Travis Daily, Chuck Armstrong, Greg Strassell, Julie Talbott, Mike McVay, Peter Tripi, Heidi Raphael, Bud Walters, Dana Withers, Tim Satterfield, Angie Ward, Katie Miller and many others during our four day stay. Given the access to Country radio’s key decision makers, every upcoming country radio talent should be here. Talent in this business is important but it’s also subjective. One PD sees trash where another sees treasure. If you package skill and strong relationships, you’ll likely go further. But that requires knowing people beyond an email address and social media profile. Face time at shows like this is invaluable for career advancement.

The Misses

  • CRS received great sponsorship support and attendance from Radio Networks/Vendors (ex:Harker Bos Group, Neil Wilson Voiceovers, Premiere/Compass/Infinity/Skyview Networks, Benztown) and the Music industry but where were the radio companies and their top executives? Some groups held offsite private events, which is great, but why wouldn’t iHeart, Audacy, Cumulus, Hubbard, Cox, Connoisseur, Townsquare, SiriusXM and others have a strong marketing presence here? A few groups even had format program directors not attend or cut trips short. That’s like not sending a sports programmer to the Super Bowl. It’s short sighted.
  • Adding to the first point, Big Loud, Curb, Big Machine, MCA, BMG, Triple Tigers, Sony and Warner all sponsored CRS. Other artist management groups did too. Radio can’t ask the music industry for bigger shows, stronger access to artists, and first dibs on new releases, and then not support events that matter to them. Too often the radio industry shoots itself in the foot by not marketing itself. If you don’t promote your business to existing partners, future partners, and current/future employees, you’ve only got yourself to blame when negative perceptions become reality.
  • I know the Bones family have a new addition so attending this year wasn’t possible for one of Country radio’s biggest stars. However, I didn’t see Bobby Bones at CRS last year either. Given that he’s Nashville based, I was surprised by that. If you’ve ever seen Bobby speak publicly, he’s great. Whether his absence is his own choice or the agenda committee’s, I hope that changes next year. Country radio’s most popular personality should be involved in the format’s biggest event.
  • There were informative sessions for radio professionals, conversations with artists about their music, AI tips, fantastic research, broader discussions, and amazing performances, but not everything between radio and the music industry is stellar. I heard more candor and open examination of issues between programmers and music executives last year. We need more of that. Growing each other’s businesses comes from a deeper understanding of what’s holding each side back.
  • Many have political opinions but I’m a believer that there’s a time and place for everything. This is a Music/Radio conference not a showcase for personal agendas. Out of respect, I’ll pass on calling someone out by name but an early morning networking meeting shouldn’t start with a commentary on women being superior to men and explaining that the world would be a better place and we wouldn’t be at war if women ran the country. Why create division with anyone when people are there to unite?
  • Barrett Media had a steady presence at CRS, but a dedicated staff member is needed to capture what’s happening on-site in real time. I will make sure next year’s coverage of the show is even stronger for our readers.

Closing Comments

CRS is a great event. What RJ Curtis and his team do for the industry is important. It deserves radio’s full support. On a personal note, I appreciate all of the positive feedback on what we’re doing at Barrett Media. It’s easy to view stats that show people click your content but when you hear people express which stories resonated, and offer ideas and opinions on how to make it better, it shows they’re paying attention.

The hardest thing about covering music radio is that I want it to rival our sports and news coverage and be 10 years mature despite being less than 2 years old. We are not in this space to exist, we’re in it to make a mark. But just as you learn when building radio brands or launching artists, steps have to be taken before you can run. I’d love to hire more people to strengthen our coverage but we have to be smart, not reckless with our growth plan. I want to cover these industries for years to come, and that requires patience. The more we build relationships and trust, produce quality original content, create ideas that celebrate, educate and challenge the industry, work with the right partners, and hire staff who can make a difference, the better we’ll be in the long run. It just takes time.

That said, we’ve assembled a strong group of Music Radio writers at Barrett Media. They know the game, the players involved, and offer exceptional, unfiltered opinions and insights based on years of experience. We also highlight professionals across the industry and try to provide a deeper understanding of who they are, what they’re about, where they’ve been, and how they see the business evolving. As we grow, you’ll see the content get richer, deeper, and bigger. This is a long-term play for us, not a quick detour into new territory.

My focus now shifts to building the Barrett Media Audio Summit June 30-July 2, 2026 in New York City. This is our first show that includes a full day of music radio. If you work in the music/radio industry, I hope you’ll join us. Tickets can be purchased here.

In addition, after 13 interviews, I’m narrowing our search for a new Music Radio Editor to 4 finalists this week. The talent pool is strong, which is both exciting and challenging. I’m hoping to hire someone in April to make our music radio coverage stronger.

Finally, I’m looking for a weekly Country Radio columnist. If you have format experience, strong writing skills, know and enjoy what we do, and can offer opinions and insights that challenge and educate format pros, email me at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.

CRS 26 may be over but I’m already looking forward to CRS 27. You should be too! Country radio is the focal point of the conference, but the event offers something to everyone regardless of format. All you need is a ticket and an open mind. You’ll gain plenty and find it to be worth your time.

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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