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How Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith’s Morning Drive Pivot Paid off Instantly at 97.1 The Fan

John Mamola
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How Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith’s Morning Drive Pivot Paid off Instantly at 97.1 The Fan

Everyone deals with change differently, and many are never truly prepared for it. In sports radio, the only constant is that change will occur at some point during a talent’s career. Last year, that change arrived at Columbus’ 97.1 The Fan, where the station set a new direction focused on the future of its content. Jonathan “T-Bone” Smith was part of that shift—one he ultimately felt was right for the moment.

Following a 12-year run co-hosting afternoon drive with Mike “Common Man” Ricordati, Smith embarked on a journey he never planned. He was named the new lead host of T-Bone & Tyvis, taking over morning drive. Less than a year after the transition, the program was recognized as one of the best in Barrett Media’s latest mid-market morning show rankings.

“I was encouraged, because I know that’s something that just doesn’t happen,” said Smith, whose program finished 8th in the latest Barrett Media mid-market morning show rankings. “It’s not a guarantee when you start a new program that people are going to click in and enjoy it.”

National recognition is nothing new for Smith. During his 12 years alongside Ricordati, their show earned multiple nods as one of the top afternoon programs in the country. As both a ratings and revenue driver in Columbus, Smith felt the show had accomplished everything it could for the station.

Change in the Air

Then, in early 2025, the opportunity for change surfaced for a second time. Smith said station management had previously inquired the idea of moving one of the hosts to a different daypart in years prior, but both he and Ricordati declined.

“It had been floated to us before. There was a chance to move one of us to a different daypart, and growing my role with the station,” explained Smith. “I don’t think Mike [Ricordati] had any desire to leave afternoons, and I don’t blame him for that at all. It was well before last year, but we talked about it. Mike always told me he didn’t want to hold me back from opportunity. But who wants to leave the good situation we had going.”

Following the first pass at potential changes to the program, the opportunity came about again in early 2025. Smith approached the concept differently a second time. While he had been content in afternoons, the second opportunity carried more weight.

“The other thought I had was they have already asked once before. I don’t know how many more times they’re going to ask,” said Smith. “At some point, it seemed very privileged to turn down being the one chair. Especially in mornings on a sports radio station I grew up listening to. I didn’t know how many more chances I would get to turn it down before they would move on and say never mind.”

Adapting to All Things New

T-Bone & Tyvis debuted in morning drive in May 2025 and quickly made an impact. The fall 2025 ratings book showed the program leading Adults 18-34 with a 10.2 share and Men 25-54 with a 17.4 share. It also finished first among Adults 25+ and Men 25+, with particularly strong margins.

The show’s success is rooted in its simple motto: football, food, and fun. Co-host Tyvis Powell, a former Ohio State player, kept that former Buckeye player connection to the audience. However, the move to mornings marked his first full-time daily role with the station, which presented some early challenges—ones Smith anticipated.

“There were a lot of things that I expected to be challenging. Obviously, working with a co-host that I hadn’t worked with previously for more than a couple of fill in shifts was one of them,” explained Smith. “I thought I would have to coach Tyvis a little, but it’s been pleasantly surprising. I think a lot of former athletes look at radio as a diversion. Something to do just because it’s there. Tyvis really views this as what he does now.”

Smith credits Powell’s eagerness to learn and adapt, noting that his co-host has pushed him to be sharper in their sports discussions. That shared competitive mindset has helped elevate both hosts and refine their approach to daily content.

Creating Two Morning Lanes

When 97.1 The Fan unveiled its lineup changes, it also introduced a new digital strategy featuring former morning host Bobby Carpenter. The station launched a YouTube-based version of Morning Juice. It was co-hosted by Carpenter and Jeff “Tito” Thitoff, airing simultaneously with T-Bone & Tyvis.

At the time, Carpenter openly questioned the move, framing it as something “they” wanted despite the show’s ratings success. Smith, however, viewed the situation differently. From his perspective, both programs could coexist and grow without conflict.

“There are people who watch on YouTube, but there are also a large number of people who have to drive to work. If I thought Columbus was a small town that only had a certain number of ears to fight for, I’d be more worried about that,” said Smith. “I don’t think we’re necessarily competing for the same audience.”

Smith believes the two shows offer distinct styles, reducing any overlap for listeners who move between them. He also emphasized that there is no tension between the programs.

“We’ll do the show that we do. Bobby and ‘Tito’ have their own way of talking sports that’s different than what we do,” said Smith. “We have a big enough connection to our audience in Columbus. There’s enough audience for both where it’s not taking away from one or the other. Where both can co-exist and grow.”

Content Balance

There is no denying the influence of Ohio State athletics in Columbus. As the flagship station for the Buckeyes, 97.1 The Fan naturally leans into that coverage. However, Smith believes there is a balance to maintain.

“The more someone chases the Ohio State audience, the less they get the general audience,” explained Smith. “People lose sight that Ohio State’s media environment is so saturated in so many different spaces. If you try to compete with all of that by having the same message board level arguments all year, that’s where you fatigue an audience.”

Even with a former Ohio State player as his co-host, Smith avoids building entire shows solely around the Buckeyes.

“We certainly used Ohio State to grab the audience, because who doesn’t like to hear about their favorite team. I think you have to be confident in your own ability to sell your audience on something that is more impactful and interesting,” explained Smith. “We are always looking for things that the vast majority of our audience can relate to at all times.”

The results reflect the approach T-Bone & Tyvis has taken in morning drive. For Smith, however, the success goes beyond ratings and rankings—it serves as validation that embracing change can lead to something even better.

“I view hosting mornings as a big responsibility,” said Smith. “It’s something that I look forward to doing long term… If I’m lucky enough to have another twelve years in a daypart, I’d be more than happy if it were in mornings.”

In a business where nothing stays the same for long, Smith didn’t just adapt to change—he made it work for him.

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.

How ESPN2, CBS Sports Network Set the Tone for the Arrival of March Madness

John Molori
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How ESPN2, CBS Sports Network Set the Tone for the Arrival of March Madness

NCAA Tournament basketball, aka March Madness, is upon us. This past week has centered on bracket breakdowns and tournament challenges. In fact, two shows that aired on Monday, March 16, focused entirely on that: NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown on CBS Sports Network and College GameNight: Tournament Challenge Marathon on ESPN2.

Both programs shared similarities, including analysis, former players and coaches, graphics, and information on the pairings for the opening rounds of the tournament.

Still, the differences in the two presentations were sharp.

ESPN2’s pre-tournament offering was hosted by Zubin Mehenti. It opened with a terrific video montage of past men’s tournament moments narrated by former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Images of Patrick Ewing, Bobby Knight, Jim Valvano, Christian Laettner, and many other tournament legends flashed on the screen. In the studio, Mehenti was joined by Malcolm Huckaby, Kevin Keatts, Sean Farnham, and Ron Slay. All four have tournament experience and bring unique insights into the highly anticipated games.

Right from the jump, the studio shot of the five panelists featured men’s first-round regional game schedules on the left side of the screen. Along with lower-third graphics displaying interesting notes and stats for each matchup. It created a visual spectacle for the college basketball fan.

College GameNight: Tournament Challenge Marathon aired on ESPN2 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., while NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown on CBS Sports Network ran from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Although the shows overlapped for an hour, their presentations differed significantly.

NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown delivered a much quieter analysis of the tournament, both visually and vocally. It featured host Brent Stover alongside analysts Wally Szczerbiak, Emeka Okafor, and Jon Rothstein.

The quartet also incorporated Mackenzie Brooks in a stand-up role, where she analyzed and predicted odds, numbers, and tournament trends. One of her more compelling moments came during a breakdown of Arizona’s potential run.

According to Brooks’ data, Arizona had a 98.3% chance to reach the Round of 32, a 75.2% chance to make the Sweet 16, a 50.7% chance to advance to the Elite Eight, a 31.6% chance to reach the Final Four, and a 17.8% chance to make the championship game—very intriguing numbers.

As I flipped back and forth between the two programs, several individual performances stood out.

Let’s start with Mehenti on ESPN2. He may not be one of ESPN’s flashiest personalities, but he is consistently pleasant, prepared, and professional. His hosting skills were tested on this show, not only with four panelists at the desk but also with ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg joining remotely.

Mehenti successfully managed the group, drawing on their playing, coaching, and media backgrounds to generate insightful commentary.

Brent Stover handled hosting duties for NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown. While stylistically different from Mehenti, he is equally engaging and watchable. Stover actively participates in the discussion. He sets up his analysts but also jumps into the conversation with his own opinions and predictions, creating a lively exchange. His style brings both humor and a bit of braggadocio to the broadcast.

CBS Sports Network analyst Wally Szczerbiak also stood out. To this point, he has delivered solid work as a basketball commentator. But on this program, he elevated his performance with confident and incisive analysis.

He demonstrated deep knowledge of the entire field, not just the top seeds. For example, Szczerbiak offered a strong evaluation of the Akron Zips, noting that the Zips consistently reach the NCAA Tournament despite not yet winning a game there. The 12th-seeded Zips face No. 5 Texas Tech in the Midwest Region’s first round on Friday, March 20. Szczerbiak also stated that Texas Tech head coach Greg McCasland ranks among the top five coaches in the country.

NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown provided solid visual variety. While it lacked the sensory overload of ESPN2’s presentation, it still delivered strong graphics, useful statistics, and several stand-up segments away from the desk.

College GameNight: Tournament Challenge Marathon featured a standout performance by Farnham.

The former UCLA player was sharp on air, offering enthusiastic takes while engaging in playful back-and-forth exchanges with Slay. Farnham’s “Game to Watch” in Round 1 stayed close to home, as he highlighted No. 10 UCF versus No. 7 UCLA, his alma mater. He emphasized that Tyler Bilodeau and Donovan Dent must be healthy for UCLA to compete effectively.

Farnham acknowledged the Bruins’ overall health concerns but noted that the Bilodeau-Dent duo can create problems for opponents.

Back on CBS Sports Network, Szczerbiak and Rothstein engaged in compelling exchanges as Szczerbiak made his regional picks. Rothstein played the antagonist, challenging several selections and player evaluations.

The dynamic was entertaining, although Szczerbiak’s reliance on in-hand notes during his predictions occasionally felt awkward. He might benefit from an elective course at the Dan Orlovsky School of Stand-Up Television.

While NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown took a more measured and in-depth approach, College GameNight: Tournament Challenge Marathon thrived on its fast-paced format, allowing each panelist to deliver quick-hitting insights.

Huckaby provided strong analysis of Tennessee’s Nate Ament as a player to watch in the Midwest Region. A graphic noted that Ament averages 17.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game to lead the Volunteers. Slay selected his best first-round matchup in the same region, highlighting No. 10 Santa Clara versus No. 7 Kentucky. He discussed lineup adjustments for Kentucky that have led to a more exciting style of play.

Meanwhile, Keatts identified the “Game That Needs to Happen” in the Midwest, pointing to a potential second-round matchup between Kentucky and No. 2 seed Iowa State. He highlighted Joshua Jefferson, the standout 6-foot-9 senior forward for Iowa State. He added that it would be embarrassing for a historically dominant program like Kentucky to lose in the second round.

Returning to NCAA March Madness Bracket Breakdown, Brooks examined trends in the 7 vs. 10 matchups: UCLA-UCF, St. Mary’s–Texas A&M, Miami (Florida)–Missouri, and Kentucky–Santa Clara.

Her analysis added meaningful depth to the program, offering valuable insights for casual fans, analytics enthusiasts, and bettors alike. Rothstein also broke down games in the South Region and provided second-round predictions. Additionally, the CBS Sports Network production team delivered effective bracket graphics that felt like a throwback—clear, concise, and colorful without unnecessary visual effects.

Although ESPN2 and CBS Sports Network approached their pre-tournament programming with distinct styles, both shows succeeded in their goals. Each provided an engaging and informative lead-in to the NCAA Tournament, capturing the essence of March Madness with both quality and depth.

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.

The Sports Radio Silence Is Louder Than the Criticism

John Mamola
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The Sports Radio Silence Is Louder Than the Criticism

This has been a busy week for former legends of sports radio brands. It’s also been a loud one. A week filled with shots taken at former homes, despite the success stories those same personalities still carry. Angelo Cataldi fired not once, but twice, at SportsRadio 94 WIP and some of its talent. Howard Eskin joined his former WIP teammate at the firing range. Joe Benigno followed suit, saying WFAN—where he still hosts a weekend program—will never be what it once was.

And on Wednesday, Kirk Minihane joined the chorus. He said he’s the last “game changing” talent WEEI has produced. That’s quite a statement, considering WEEI remains one of the more successful sports radio brands in the country—even while playing second fiddle to 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Yet as these criticisms have piled up, one thing has stood out even more than the comments themselves: silence. No meaningful pushback, strong rebuttals, or on-air responses. Sports radio, once again, takes the punches—and says nothing. Which raises a simple question: why? If there were ever a moment for sports radio to tell its story, this would be it.

Earlier this week, I wrote that legends who choose to criticize should also take responsibility for elevating the next generation. Legacy isn’t just about what you did behind the microphone. It’s also about how you represent the institution after you leave it.

Because let’s not forget—these same voices built their reputations by fighting.

From its earliest days, sports radio was treated like the ugly stepbrother of media. Dismissed. Overlooked. Laughed at in some circles. It was the outcast. The rebel. The little engine that could.

And yet, it kept pushing.

Because of figures like Cataldi, Eskin, Benigno, and Minihane, sports radio didn’t just survive—it carved out a powerful place in the industry. Today, it drives conversation, shapes narratives, and fuels entire ecosystems of content. Its DNA is embedded in sports debate television and some of the most successful podcasts in the world.

Without sports radio, do shows like Pardon My Take or New Heights even exist? Do athletes command the same level of attention and daily relevance? Everything starts somewhere. And sports radio started with people willing to challenge everything in front of them.

Which is why the current silence feels so out of place.

When today’s talent and brands are challenged—especially by their own alumni—the response is…nothing.

Again, why?

Are the current results really that fragile? Are WIP’s ratings outperforming what Cataldi delivered for three decades in mornings? Is WFAN’s reach bigger than it’s ever been? Even if the lineups look different, is the overall impact stronger?

At WEEI, maybe the ratings aren’t what they once were—but what about revenue, digital reach, and on-demand consumption? Those numbers matter, too. Let’s be honest: Nielsen doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. Some companies have already walked away from it and found success doing so.

So if the business is strong—and in many cases, stronger—why not say it?

For decades, sports radio thrived on confrontation. It didn’t shy away from criticism; it leaned into it. That edge is what built the format. That willingness to engage is what made it matter.

So if your own alumni are now the loudest critics, isn’t that exactly the moment to respond?

For all the conversations about “telling our story better,” there may not be a better opportunity than this one. This is the moment to highlight growth, point to audience expansion, and showcase revenue gains. To remind people just how influential the format has become.

Instead, there’s quiet. These weren’t random tweets thrown into the void. These were direct, intentional comments—spoken with clarity and context. And still, no real response.

Has sports radio lost its appetite for the fight?

Because this industry was never built on playing it safe. It didn’t grow by protecting feelings or avoiding headlines. It grew by challenging everything—teams, leagues, athletes, media peers, and even itself.

The same legends speaking out today didn’t build their reputations by staying quiet. They leaned into controversy, embraced the noise. They thrived in it. So why, when that same energy is directed inward, does everything suddenly go silent?

Have we reached a point where the strategy is simply to move on and hope the audience sorts it out?

Because if the product is stronger, the audience is larger, and the business is healthier than ever, then there’s nothing to hide from. Say it. Prove it. Own it.

This isn’t about disrespecting the past. It’s about defending the present and defining the future.

Because silence doesn’t protect the brand. It creates a vacuum—and in this business, someone will always fill it. Right now, that “someone” happens to be former voices with large platforms and strong opinions.

They’re shaping the narrative. That’s a dangerous place to be for a format that built its identity on controlling the conversation.

Sports radio has never been at its best when someone else is telling its story.

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.

How 93 WIBC Built a Younger Audience Without Losing Its Soul

Garrett Searight
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How 93 WIBC Built a Younger Audience Without Losing Its Soul

In a format where gray hair is practically a brand identity, 93 WIBC is doing something different. Program Director David Wood has helped turn one of Indianapolis radio’s most storied stations into one of the younger-skewing news-talk stations in the country. It didn’t happen by accident.

Wood’s been at it for a while. He’s been with 93 WIBC for 14 years. When he took over, he saw something that others might have missed — moving to FM hadn’t modernized the station. It had exposed how old it sounded.

“One of the things that I always thought is that actually being on FM in some ways exposed how old the radio station sounded,” Wood said. “So I set out to make sure that it sounded like a more modern FM station. Hiring great talent, having incredible news, being where people are from the standpoint of social media, being online, video, and things like that — keep us relevant.”

That 25-54 performance has become a calling card. It’s rare in news-talk, and Wood knows it. Being on FM helps. But the bigger driver, he argues, is a deliberate philosophy about what kind of people belong behind the microphone.

“Here’s what I say when I hunt for talent: I’m looking for entertainers, not advocates,” Wood said. “That’s the result we’ve got. It doesn’t mean that the talent can’t advocate for things, but understand that in radio, the storytelling and entertainment come first, along with the credible information.”

That distinction matters more than it might seem. Conservative talk radio is crowded. Listeners have endless options — podcasts, satellite, streaming. Wood knows 93 WIBC can’t just be another outlet delivering the same message in the same tone.

“You can get conservative politics alone anywhere — on other stations, in podcasts, on Fox News on SiriusXM, if that’s what you want a steady diet of,” he said. “But as a local radio station that really wants to reflect back to the audience, people aren’t talking about politics all the time themselves. I think that’s what attracts people to us — we do have a lot of personality.”

The lineup reflects that thinking. Tony Katz, Hammer & Nigel, Casey Daniels — they don’t sound like the same show wearing different clothes. That’s intentional. Wood describes it like programming a music station.

“All of our shows sound very different, but there are common threads through it,” he said. “Obviously, conservative politics is the common thread that runs all the way through the station. What I always say is you need to jump back and forth over that line with content, meaning you don’t get too far away from it. But it gives you permission to do other things, because you know you’re always going to come back to it. It’s sort of like a music station where you’ve got your core sound and then other music on either side of it.”

He sees the individual shows as proof of concept. Tony Katz is cerebral and intense. He also makes people laugh. Hammer & Nigel lean into comedy. They’re also sharp and opinionated.

“Tony is known as being intense, and it’s a high-information type of show,” Wood said. “But he’s also a very funny guy, a very good storyteller, and better at making use of audio in unique ways than you might expect. On the other hand, Hammer and Nigel are very funny, but at the same time very well informed, with strong opinions — and they don’t always agree.”

Wood even cited a telling piece of listener feedback. It captures exactly what he’s going for.

“There’s somebody I used to work with who would say, ‘I don’t agree with 90% of what Tony Katz says, but I love to listen to him, because he makes arguments that are well-reasoned and not just screaming or Democrat bad.’ It’s like, ‘I want to hear what he has to say.’ And on top of that, you just really enjoy his personality.”

That entertainer-first approach extends beyond the main hosts. It reaches into every corner of the station — including traffic.

“Because you can get traffic on your phone, if you don’t have a big personality doing your traffic, what’s the point?” Wood said. “We bring a lot of entertainment, even in the places where it may not be thought of as an entertainment daypart.”

There’s also a local pride component that runs deep. The call letters are nearly 90 years old. Several members of the staff grew up listening. That heritage shapes how Wood thinks about responsibility — especially when severe weather rolls through central Indiana.

“Most of the time, if we do something wrong, nobody dies,” he said. “If we get that wrong, there’s a chance somebody could die. So we’ve got to get it right.”

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.

Westwood One, Cumulus Extend Audio Rights Deal With NCAA

BSM Staff
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Westwood One, Cumulus Extend Audio Rights Deal With NCAA

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One will remain the audio home of NCAA championships after securing a multi-year renewal with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, continuing a partnership that has helped define how fans experience college sports on radio for more than four decades.

The extension ensures Westwood One keeps its role as the NCAA’s official network audio broadcast partner, preserving a relationship that dates back to 1982 when the network first aired the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Since 2005, Westwood One has carried every game of NCAA March Madness across a wide range of platforms, building a distribution model that blends traditional radio reach with modern streaming accessibility.

As part of the renewed agreement, Westwood One will continue to hold exclusive radio and digital audio rights for several of the NCAA’s premier championship events, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, the NIT and WBIT, along with the men’s and women’s College World Series. That portfolio reinforces the network’s position as a dominant audio player in collegiate athletics while ensuring consistent national coverage of marquee events.

NCAA Director of Championships, Digital Nate Flannery emphasized the importance of continuity in the partnership, pointing to Westwood One’s ability to deliver high-level coverage across multiple platforms while maintaining accessibility for fans nationwide.

“Westwood One has been an exceptional partner in bringing NCAA championships to fans across the country,” said Flannery. “Their long‑standing commitment to comprehensive, high‑quality audio coverage makes it possible for fans to experience the excitement of our championships wherever they are. We’re pleased to extend this relationship and continue providing access to NCAA events for millions of listeners nationwide.” 

Meanwhile, Westwood One President Collin Jones framed the extension as both a validation of the network’s reach and an opportunity to further enhance the presentation of college sports on audio.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the NCAA and continue bringing the power, passion, and pageantry of college sports to fans nationwide,” said Jones. “This renewed agreement reflects the unmatched reach of Westwood One’s audio network and our shared commitment to elevating the championship experience for athletes, schools, and listeners everywhere. The best moments in college sports are still ahead-and we can’t wait to deliver them.”

Although the core of the agreement centers on radio, the broader distribution strategy reflects how audio consumption has shifted in recent years, with fans increasingly turning to digital streams and mobile platforms. Westwood One’s coverage will continue to air on its extensive affiliate network while also being available through SiriusXM, its dedicated sports app, its website, and NCAA March Madness Live, ensuring a multiplatform presence that aligns with current audience behavior.

In an era where live sports rights continue to command significant value across television and digital ecosystems, the renewal underscores the enduring importance of audio as both a companion and primary experience for fans. By maintaining exclusivity across key championships, Westwood One not only preserves its legacy in college sports broadcasting but also positions itself to adapt as listener habits continue to shift.

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.

Fox News, Kalshi In Discussions For New Partnership

BNM Staff
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Fox News, Kalshi In Discussions For New Partnership

Fox News and the Kalshi prediction market platform are in discussions about a new partnership.

The two entities are in advanced talks that would include both Fox News and Fox Weather for the Kalshi platform, according to a report from Front Office Sports.

Currently, the overwhelming majority of trading on Kalshi comes from prediction sports markets. While it offers an array of political markets, it has struggled to gain traction in that space.

Fox News wouldn’t be the first cable news outlet partnering with a prediction market company. Kalshi has already established deals with CNN and CNBC. Meanwhile, Dow Jones, the parent company of The Wall Street Journal, has an agreement with Polymarket, as does Yahoo Finance.

The news that Kalshi and Fox News could be close to a partnership comes as both Kalshi and Polymarket have received an influx of investment dollars in recent months. Some investors have provided capital to the organizations that would value the companies at more than $20 billion, reports share.

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.

Kirk Minihane: I’m the Last “Game Changer” WEEI Produced

BSM Staff
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Kirk Minihane: I’m the Last “Game Changer” WEEI Produced

Former WEEI host Kirk Minihane didn’t hold back when discussing his former radio home, delivering a pointed critique of WEEI’s current lineup while dismissing any notion that he could someday return to the station under its present structure.

Speaking on Wednesday’s episode of The Kirk Minihane Show for Barstool Sports, the former WEEI host painted an unflattering picture of the iconic Boston sports radio brand, questioning both its relevance and its ability to cultivate compelling on-air talent in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

“I don’t listen to WEEI anymore,” Minihane said. “It’s amazing how bad WEEI is. It’s amazing how f***ing bad it is. I love reading about how irrelevant something is.”

That tone carried throughout the discussion, as Minihane — who co-hosted mornings at the station before his 2019 departure — argued that WEEI has failed to produce a transformative voice since his exit, framing himself as the last personality to meaningfully shift the station’s trajectory.

“Everybody at the station, WEEI, stinks on air right now,” he said. “I was thinking what was the last legitimate game changer that either station [WEEI, 98.5 The Sports Hub] produced? And I swear to God, it’s me.”

Moreover, Minihane suggested that the station’s struggles extend beyond individual shows, instead pointing to what he believes is a systemic inability to develop star-driven programming that resonates with modern audiences. While sports radio continues to adapt alongside podcasting and digital distribution, he argued that WEEI has not identified or nurtured a single standout voice capable of breaking through.

“Fourteen years ago, I started in the mornings. They have not developed a single person who somebody says I want to listen to this person,” Minihane said. “They [listeners] say I want to listen to sports radio — the two percent that listen to it — but they have not developed one star.”

In addition, Minihane dismissed any speculation about a potential return to the station, which is owned by Audacy, using sarcasm to underline his lack of interest in revisiting a corporate radio environment he no longer finds appealing.

“When I was driving back from Belmont Country Club, Mutt said to me, ‘Hey, has Audacy or Entercom reached out to you at all about coming back?’” Minihane said. “I was like, yeah, Audacy’s calling me three times a week to offer me a contract.”

He continued by joking that such a scenario would never materialize, adding, “I’m not a loser like your hero. The gambling guy [Craig Carton] who will crawl back. What a loser. He’ll come back whenever he wants..”

Ultimately, Minihane’s comments reinforce the divide between his current role in digital media and the traditional sports radio structure he once helped define. While also adding another chapter to his long-running critique of WEEI’s direction in a crowded Boston market.

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.

MLB Network Adds Kevin Kiermaier As Analyst

BSM Staff
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MLB Network Adds Kevin Kiermaier As Analyst

MLB Network is adding a recently retired standout to its on-air roster, as four-time Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder Kevin Kiermaier transitions from patrolling center field to breaking down the game in studio.

The network announced that Kiermaier will serve as an analyst across multiple studio programs throughout the 2025 season, marking his first full-time media role following a 13-year Major League career that concluded at the end of 2024.

His debut assignment is scheduled for March 25, when he joins coverage of Opening Night on MLB Tonight, working alongside Adnan Virk and Chris Young after the matchup between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.

From there, Kiermaier will quickly become a visible presence across the network’s weekday lineup, appearing on MLB Central and MLB Now during Opening Day coverage on March 26, before contributing to MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show later that week alongside a panel that includes Greg Amsinger, Dan Plesac and Harold Reynolds.

The move signals MLB Network’s continued emphasis on incorporating recently active players who can offer fresh perspective, particularly as the sport leans further into detailed analysis and player-driven storytelling. Kiermaier, widely respected for his defensive instincts and preparation, expressed enthusiasm about translating that expertise to a television audience.

“Joining MLB Network is a very exciting next step for me,” Kiermaier said. “I’ve always loved studying the game, especially on the defensive side, and this role gives me the chance to share everything I’ve learned over my career.”

His addition comes after a brief introduction to broadcasting earlier this year, when he appeared as a guest analyst across several studio programs during spring training. Network executives viewed those appearances as an early indication that his personality and insight would resonate with viewers.

“Kevin was one of the most respected teammates throughout his career, and we’re excited to add that voice to our coverage,” said Marc Caiafa, senior vice president of production for MLB Network. “He brings credibility, energy and a deep understanding of the game that will connect with fans.”

Kiermaier’s playing career began when the Tampa Bay Rays selected him in the 31st round of the 2010 MLB Draft, and he quickly developed into one of baseball’s premier defensive center fielders after debuting in 2013. He spent a decade in Tampa Bay before later stops with the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, where he capped his career with a World Series title in 2024.

Across 1,159 games, Kiermaier compiled 905 hits, 499 runs scored and 132 stolen bases while earning four Gold Gloves and the 2015 Platinum Glove Award, accolades that reinforced his reputation as one of the elite defensive players of his 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.

ESPN’s Matt Barrie Reportedly Replacing Laura Rutledge as SEC Nation Host

BSM Staff
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ESPN’s Matt Barrie Reportedly Replacing Laura Rutledge as SEC Nation Host

ESPN appears poised to make a significant adjustment to one of its most recognizable college football studio properties, as veteran broadcaster Matt Barrie is expected to step in as the new host of SEC Nation, according to The Athletic.

The move would place Barrie in a prominent role within the network’s Southeastern Conference coverage, replacing Laura Rutledge, who has guided the program for nearly a decade while balancing an expanding slate of high-profile assignments across both college football and the NFL.

Barrie arrives with a decorated background spanning studio hosting, play-by-play, and reporting. His experience aligns naturally with SEC Nation’s hybrid format. The program blends analysis, storytelling, and live campus energy each week during the season.

Over the course of his career, Barrie has earned 11 Emmy Awards along with three Edward R. Murrow Awards, underscoring both his versatility and credibility in the sports media space.

Before joining ESPN in 2013, Barrie worked as an anchor and reporter at KXAS-TV in Dallas. He handled weekend sportscasts and led coverage of the Cowboys, Rangers, and Mavericks. His work earned multiple honors, including a national Murrow Award and several Lone Star Emmys.

Earlier stops in Columbia, South Carolina, and Lawton, Oklahoma helped shape his on-air presence. He covered events ranging from college football bowl games to major championships. He also gained radio experience as a co-host on a top-rated local program.

Since arriving at ESPN, Barrie has taken on a wide range of assignments, including anchoring SportsCenter, calling college football games, hosting coverage tied to TGL and contributing play-by-play for the XFL. He has also hosted College GameDay on radio and expanded his portfolio beyond sports with his role as host of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Meanwhile, Rutledge will remain one of ESPN’s most visible personalities, continuing her daily duties on NFL Live while serving as a sideline reporter on Monday Night Football and major college football broadcasts.

Her role is expected to grow even further as ESPN prepares for its upcoming Super Bowl broadcast in 2027.

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.

The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit Welcomes Andie Summers, Anna Zap and Sean Copeland

Jason Barrett
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The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit Welcomes Andie Summers, Anna Zap and Sean Copeland

The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing continues to bolster its lineup. Tickets are on-sale here or thru the Summit session atop the website. 1-day, 2-day and 3-day passes are available.

The three-day conference features a full day of news/talk on Tuesday, June 30th. Sports media is the sole area of focus on Wednesday, July 1st. And we close things out with a full-day of Music Radio on Thursday, July 2nd.

If you work in the media industry as a talent, executive, programmer, manager, agent or behind the scenes professional in digital, sales, production, advertising, etc., this event is for you. We strive to celebrate, educate and challenge the industry by exploring important issues facing our business. In the process, we provide an opportunity for relationships to be formed and strengthened to help people grow their businesses and careers. Hopefully you’ll make time to join us.

Today, I’m thrilled to add three more talented professionals to our music radio lineup. The full list of speakers announced for the show so far can be found here.

Meet the Speakers

First, it’s my pleasure to welcome Andie Summers to the Barrett Media Audio Summit lineup. Andie has woken up country music fans since 1999. Her 25+ year career has included several awards, including the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Major Market Personality of the Year (TWICE!), the Academy of Country Music Award (ACM) for Major Market Station of the Year and a Gracie Award. Andie hosts The Andie Summers Show on 92.5 XTU in Philadelphia and is syndicated by Beasley Media Group on 102.5 WKLB-FM in Boston and Coyote Country 102.7 in Las Vegas. She joins our Country Radio panel which includes Audacy’s Tim Roberts.

Next, I am excited to announce Anna Zap is joining our lineup too. Anna is a former real estate agent, stand-up comedian, and high school English teacher, who found her true calling, radio. She has been entertaining audiences for over a decade and partnered with co-host Jay Raven in 2015 to launch The Anna and Raven Show. Together, they’ve received numerous awards and accolades. The show currently airs on nearly 80 stations across the country. Anna will lend her insights to our AC/Hot AC panel alongside Audacy’s Steve Salhany.

Our third addition will also be taking part in our AC/Hot AC panel. I’m thrilled to have Sean Copeland making the trip to NYC. Sean has been hosting The Sean Show on B105.7 in Indianapolis since 2011. He is also the station’s program director, which is owned and operated by Urban One. His perspective as someone who successfully performs multiple roles will help keep the conversation interesting and informative.

Additional Details

Businesses looking to be involved in the event as a conference partner are encouraged to contact at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com. She can let you know which opportunities are available. Attendees seeking lodging can book discounted hotel rooms at Hotel Hayden through the Summit section.

Our music summit will feature individual sessions on numerous formats along with big picture conversations involving executives, researchers and talent. An after party follows the show to put a bow on a great time in NYC. We hope to see you there.

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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