Terry Clifford retired in 2023 following a 37-year run as part of the morning and midday shows at WBEE in Rochester. Now, she’s returning to the airwaves with CJ Country.
Clifford will helm middays for CJ Country, which recently closed on its purchase of an AM signal and several translators that will cover the areas between Buffalo and Rochester in upstate New York.
“Terry has spent decades entertaining listeners across Rochester and beyond with her warmth, personality, and unmistakable voice,” the station said in a statement announcing her return. “Now she’s bringing that same energy to CJ Country, keeping you company through the middle of the day with the mix of old and new country you love. Whether you’ve listened to Terry for years or you’re meeting her for the first time, we’re excited to have her on board.”
Terry Clifford will begin her tenure with CJ Country beginning on Wednesday, April 1st. In a post on social media, she joked that it was not an April Fool’s joke, no matter how much she loves to play them.
She replaces Kelli Carson, who exited the daypart last year.
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Connoisseur Media Columbia has announced that it is flipping Live 93.5 to 93.5 The Bubble in the South Carolina market.
The name is a nod to the Soda City moniker applied to Columbia, South Carolina. The company says the station will be less focused on “format” and more focused on “a ‘feel good’ vibe, highlighting the big hits of the last 30 years.”
“One of our goals at Connoisseur Media is to create radio stations that sound and feel like the markets they are in,” said Connoisseur Media Senior Vice President of Programming Keith Dakin. “Columbia was missing a radio station that appeals to the thirty-something female and the music she grew up with, along with the big artists of today. And we liked the opportunity to create a name that felt fun and local.”
93.5 The Bubble will feature Anna & Raven in morning drive, Kenzie in Middays, Croghan in afternoons, and XYZ with Erik Zachary in evenings.
“We wanted to build something that feels as refreshing and fun as the name itself,” said Program Director Brendan Croghan. “93.5 The Bubble is packed with the hits people grew up with and the favorites they love today. It’s the kind of station you pop on and suddenly your whole day feels a little lighter.”
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Townsquare Media has unveiled its 2025 financial results, and the company reported an overall revenue decline during the year.
For the year, the company reported $427.4 million in net revenue. That figure represents a 5.2% year-over-year decrease compared to the $451 million it saw in 2024. However, with political advertising from the “unprecedented” levels seen in 2024 excluded, net revenue declined 2.8%.
Digital revenue for the organization grew by just under 1%, with digital advertising rising 1.6%. Broadcast advertising net revenue decreased by 12.6% and 8% with political advertising excluded.
Townsquare Media’s Adjusted EBITDA dropped 12.2% overall during the year.
“Importantly, due to our strong expense management, Adjusted EBITDA margins excluding political were constant year-over-year, despite revenue declines,” Townsquare Media CEO Bill Wilson said. “In addition, our full year net loss improved by $1.2 million year-over-year, to a net loss of $9.8 million.
“In 2025, Townsquare’s Digital business, which now represents 55% of the Company’s total net revenue and 56% of our total Segment Profit, was buoyed by the consistent strength of our differentiated programmatic digital advertising offering, including the success of our Media Partnership division (which we’re proud to announce has expanded from six to eleven partners in 2026), and the direct sales of our local owned and operated digital properties,” continued Wilson.
Wilson added that the company remains “confident in our ability to build shareholder value for our investors through long-term net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow growth, net leverage reduction, and future dividend payments.”
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After a brief but emotional absence from the program, Jamie Erdahl returned to the set of Good Morning Football on Monday morning, drawing a warm reception from colleagues and viewers following time away to deal with a serious family health situation.
Kyle Brandt opened the show by acknowledging Erdahl’s return, greeting the longtime host with a mix of humor and sincerity that has long defined the program’s tone.
Although Brandt began with a lighthearted remark suggesting that nothing noteworthy had occurred in the NFL during her absence, the moment quickly shifted toward appreciation for Erdahl’s presence and the energy she brings to the daily broadcast.
Brandt told his colleague that everyone associated with the show missed her and felt happy to see her back on set, while joking that the league had actually delivered plenty of news during the time she stepped away.
Erdahl responded with gratitude, smiling as she thanked Brandt along with fellow co-host Manti Teʻo and guest analyst Willie Colon, who joined the program during Monday’s broadcast.
Erdahl first revealed details surrounding her absence last week, explaining through social media that she stepped away from the show to address a deeply personal health situation involving a member of her immediate family.
While she chose not to disclose specific details about the circumstances, she acknowledged that curiosity among viewers had grown as the days passed without her appearing on the program.
In that message, Erdahl thanked leadership within the NFL for granting her the flexibility to remain home during the difficult stretch, adding that she planned to return to the broadcast the following Monday. Her message offered a brief but heartfelt explanation that resonated with many viewers who have followed her career across multiple football broadcasts.
Over the weekend, Erdahl also shared a brief glimpse into her emotional state through an Instagram story featuring a photograph of a flower arrangement accompanied by a message reflecting on difficult moments surrounded by support and compassion.
Since joining NFL Network’s flagship morning program, Erdahl has played a central role in shaping the tone of the broadcast, balancing analysis with personality-driven storytelling that helps the show stand apart within the network’s lineup.
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Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin reignited their feud over the weekend, with the pair trading lewd remarks at each other. President Donald Trump weighed in, too.
The two have traded insults in recent months. The issue between the two stems from Kelly’s support of Tucker Carlson, who Levin has clashed with over his stances on Israel and Iran, and her speaking glowingly of Nick Fuentes.
Levin and Kelly have lobbed shots at one another on social media, with the feud moving to a new level on Sunday.
In a post on social media, Mark Levin took issue with recent comments from Megyn Kelly, stating that she is showing her true colors by failing to condemn the synagogue attack in Michigan last week.
“Poor Megyn Kelly. An emotionally unhinged, lewd, and petulant wreck,” wrote Levin. “She’s completely revealed and destroyed herself. She’s everything people say she is, but much worse. Never an intelligent, thoughtful, or substantive comment. Utterly toxic.”
Poor Megyn Kelly. An emotionally unhinged, lewd, and petulant wreck. She’s completely revealed and destroyed herself. She’s everything people say she is, but much worse. Never an intelligent, thoughtful, or substantive comment. Utterly toxic.
Kelly responded by accusing Levin of being more obsessed with her than a stalker.
“Micropenis Mark Levin thinks he has the monopoly on lewd,” Kelly wrote. “He tweets about me obsessively in the crudest, nastiest terms possible. Literally more than some stalkers I’ve had arrested. He doesn’t like it when women like me fight back. Bc of his micropenis.”
Micropenis Mark @marklevinshow thinks he has the monopoly on lewd. He tweets about me obsessively in the crudest, nastiest terms possible. Literally more than some stalkers I’ve had arrested. He doesn’t like it when women like me fight back. Bc of his micropenis. https://t.co/7cl3Efc3N7
“Busy Sunday morning for Megyn Kelly. She wakes up and has ‘micrope*is’ on her mind,” he said. “Suffice to say, if it talks like a harlot, and posts like a harlot, it’s … well, you know the rest. Shalom!”
Following the trading of barbs, President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, supporting Mark Levin in the process.
“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. “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, whose ‘sway’ is much less than the Public understands, and will, now that they know where I stand, rapidly diminish. Other than for his wonderful wife and family, Mark Levin only cares and wants one thing, GREATNESS AND SUCCESS FOR AMERICA! Those that speak ill of Mark will quickly fall by the wayside, as do the people whose ideas, policies, and footings are not sound.”
Levin responded to Trump’s remarks with a glowing retort.
“Mr. President: I am beyond humbled by your words and graciousness in writing such a beautiful note and sharing it on Truth Social,” Levin said. “I am honored that you took the time to write it. Your courage, strength, and moral clarity are truly unparalleled. And your leadership has made our country and the world much safer. Both you and what you are doing deserve our support.
“And I will not be intimidated or bow to threats,” Levin continued. “Through your insight and steady hand, America has been made great again. It is an enormous honor to know you as my family and I do and call you, Mr. President, our friend. You’re one of a kind. Truly remarkable. Please be safe and God bless.”
Mr. President:
I am beyond humbled by your words and graciousness in writing such a beautiful note and sharing it on Truth Social. I am honored that you took the time to write it.
Your courage, strength, and moral clarity are truly unparalleled. And your leadership has made… pic.twitter.com/aYjG5S2Tyx
Megyn Kelly added that she believes Levin asked President Donald Trump to make the post supporting him.
“Micro penis Mark Levin is such a SMALL MAN he had to go beg the president for a pat on the head (in the middle of a war!) to make himself feel better about … well, you know,” Kelly wrote. “This, after one mean tweet about him – following his 111 (!) nasty, non-stop, personal, misogynistic attacks on me. (Fox has an OBSESSED HARASSER on its hands.) Just like all feckless, weakling bullies Micro can dish it out but he can’t take it. After just one post putting the so-called ‘great one’ in his place, he ran crying to Daddy.”
Micro penis @marklevinshow is such a SMALL MAN he had to go beg the president for a pat on the head (in the middle of a war!) to make himself feel better about … well, you know. This, after one mean tweet about him – following his 111 (!) nasty, non-stop, personal,…
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The New England Revolution have expanded their efforts to reach Spanish-speaking soccer fans in Massachusetts through a newly announced partnership with iHeartMedia that will place the club’s home matches on Boston’s leading Spanish-language radio station, Rumba 97.7 FM, beginning with the 2026 season.
Under the agreement, Rumba 97.7 FM will air all 17 Revolution home games throughout the upcoming Major League Soccer campaign. Fans across Metro Boston and the South Shore will also be able to stream the broadcasts online at rumba977.iheart.com and through the iHeartRadio app.
The partnership strengthens the Revolution’s multilingual broadcast strategy while creating new opportunities to connect with Boston’s rapidly growing Latino population. In addition to Spanish-language coverage on Rumba 97.7, the club already provides English and Portuguese radio broadcasts while all MLS matches remain available globally through Apple TV.
“In what promises to be an unforgettable year for soccer in New England, the Revolution are happy to partner with iHeartMedia and Rumba 97.7 FM – Boston’s leading Spanish-language radio destination – to bring the excitement of Major League Soccer to even more fans,” Revolution President Brian Bilello said in a statement announcing the collaboration. “Rumba’s passionate audience adds a powerful new dimension to our radio network. Together with Rumba 97.7, we’re excited to forge deeper and more meaningful connections with Boston’s vibrant and growing Latino community.”
Beyond the game broadcasts, the agreement also includes several community and cultural initiatives designed to strengthen the connection between the team and Spanish-speaking supporters. Among them is the Revolution’s annual Noche Latina e Hispana celebration, which takes place Sept. 19 at Gillette Stadium. A Rumba 97.7 DJ will appear as the featured in-house entertainment for the match as part of the festivities.
The partnership also opens the door for additional community programming across the Boston area, including youth soccer clinics and cultural events organized jointly by the station and the club.
“Rumba 97.7 is proud to be the official Spanish-language flagship station for all New England Revolution home game broadcasts,” said Eliseo Cierra, the station’s program director. “Together, Rumba and the Revolution will celebrate Latino culture in Boston through the fusion of music, community and fútbol. In 2026, Rumba 97.7 won’t just broadcast the games — we’ll join the Revolution in being an active, vibrant presence across the city, connecting fans and celebrating our community.”
The Spanish-language broadcast team will feature three familiar voices with decades of experience covering soccer in the region. Play-by-play announcer Omar Cabrera will lead the coverage alongside analysts Marcelo Briones and Juan David Rozo, who also handled the Revolution’s Spanish radio broadcasts during the 2025 season. Collectively, the trio brings more than 50 years of experience covering MLS and the club.
The new radio partnership arrives during a milestone year for the sport in the United States, as Foxborough prepares to host seven matches during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup between June 13 and July 9.
The Revs are teaming up with Rumba 97.7 FM! 🎧
Escucha todos los partidos en casa en la emisora #1 en español de Boston.
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Philadelphia sports radio host Jon Marks did not hold back when responding to recent criticism directed at SportsRadio 94 WIP by retired morning show legend Angelo Cataldi, delivering a pointed rebuttal that reflected frustration with the tone of Cataldi’s remarks about his former employer and colleagues.
Cataldi, who stepped away from his morning show in 2023 after a 33-year run that helped define Philadelphia sports talk radio, recently said he no longer listens to WIP because the current programming approach frustrates him and does not resemble the style that once drove the station’s identity. The longtime host also suggested the tone of Philadelphia sports radio has softened compared with the era in which his show dominated morning drive.
Marks, who also previously worked at SportsRadio 94 WIP, addressed those comments and expressed disappointment with how Cataldi publicly characterized the station and the people currently working there.
“I don’t have respect for his comments, and I’ve lost a lot of respect for him based on what he said about his former colleagues and his former radio station,” Marks said. “He essentially has his number retired by WIP. Thirty-three years, the franchise player for so many years, and he was treated very, very well.”
Marks continued by noting the success Cataldi enjoyed during his lengthy tenure and the support he received from management and coworkers throughout that run.
“He made a lot of money. He made a lot of money for the station. Everybody had great success,” Marks said. “His a** was kissed by management, by everybody, by the colleagues.”
The Fanatic host argued that the public criticism felt misplaced given the professional success Cataldi experienced during his time at the station and the respect he received throughout his career in Philadelphia radio.
Marks also took issue with what he viewed as a lack of appreciation for the current lineup of hosts and staff members working at WIP, emphasizing that those individuals continue to carry the station’s legacy forward in a competitive media landscape.
“Everybody kissed your a** and treated you so well, and you never reciprocated that towards anybody,” Marks said. “It’s been about you always. Really disappointing to hear these comments that you had.”
Marks added that the remarks surprised him because he expected Cataldi to show more respect toward both the station and the people currently representing it on the air.
“I thought you had more respect for the station,” Marks said. “I thought you had more respect for Joe [DeCamara] and Jon [Ritchie] and Joe Giglio and Spike [Eskin] and Jack [Fritz] and Ike [Reese] and everybody at the station right now. They deserve more respect than you gave them.”
The exchange underscores how conversations about Philadelphia sports radio often remain as spirited as the on-air debates that have defined the format for decades. While Cataldi’s influence on the market remains undeniable, Marks’ response highlights the tension that can emerge when prominent figures evaluate the direction of the industry after stepping away from the microphone.
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The most difficult thing in life is embracing change. You never truly prepare for it, and as we age, we often dismiss the new as never better than what once was. Sports radio is no different. With time, things evolve. People evolve, and expectations of products evolve.
Last week offered two reminders of how easy it is to romanticize the past. As we age, we tend to remember what was instead of embracing the present and looking ahead to what’s coming. WFAN’s Joe Benigno and WIP’s Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi used digital programs on YouTube to dismiss what their former sports radio homes have become. Benigno said WFAN will “never be what it once was,” while Eskin and Cataldi shared their disappointment in the current direction of their former radio station.
The irony is that both brands those legends criticized remain two of the healthiest in the sports radio industry today. They continue to post strong ratings, generate significant revenue, and expand their digital footprints in modern sports media. There’s no question that sports radio, as an industry, must do a better job telling the story of the audience it still holds. At the same time, former sports radio legends should also do a better job elevating their former homes instead of attempting to bury them.
I’m not naive enough to believe every sports radio legend gets a proper exit. The business has always been cutthroat, and few leave exactly the way they hoped. I can empathize the feelings that come with being cut or removed for any reason outside of your own control. The industry also has flaws, like any other, while it continues trying to position itself for an evolving audience.
When I was let go in November of 2024, my first comments centered around the slogan “support local.” It was my attempt to explain to my audience that without their support, local voices will likely disappear. There wasn’t bad blood or negative feelings about the station itself. The message was simply to continue supporting those who remained.
Every time I’ve spoken publicly about the station — both here and on social media — my goal has been to elevate and support the local sports radio voices in the community that I once called teammates.
I don’t have the devoted following that Joe Benigno, Angelo Cataldi, or Howard Eskin have, and I never will. But shouldn’t they be sharing that same message instead of blasting the station that once paid their bills and helped raise their profiles?
Retired legends should always be the biggest cheerleaders for the next generation.
That doesn’t mean they have to love every programming decision or every voice that replaces them. No industry veteran is going to agree with every direction their former employer takes after they’re gone. That’s unrealistic. But there’s a difference between constructive criticism and publicly declaring that a brand’s best days are behind it.
When people like Joe Benigno, Angelo Cataldi, and Howard Eskin say those things, they aren’t just sharing an opinion. They’re shaping perception. These are voices that helped build the credibility of WFAN and WIP over decades.
Listeners trust them. Younger hosts grew up listening to them, and respect them. When legends frame the present as inferior to the past, it doesn’t just criticize programming decisions — it undermines the very brands that helped make their own careers possible.
More importantly, it dismisses the people currently trying to carry the torch.
“The Phillies would lose a big playoff game and the next day the host would talk about how nobly they fought. That’s not the Philadelphia I was in. When you don’t win here, you should pay a price,” said Cataldi.
Could it be that the audience wants something different than it once did? Maybe an older audience desires what Philadelphia sports radio used to provide, but a younger audience may not.
How about instead of dismissing, more legends of the industry should be embracing.
Maybe they forget that every generation of sports radio has faced the same skepticism. When the loud, opinionated format exploded in the late 1980s and early 1990s, traditional broadcasters said it wasn’t “real radio.”
When debate-driven shows became dominant in the 2000s, some veterans complained the format had lost its substance. When digital platforms began taking a larger role over the past decade, critics declared the entire industry to be on life support.
Yet WFAN is still here. 94 WIP is still here. The format is still here and continues to make an impact.
The voices may change. The platforms may change. Audience expectations certainly change. But the appetite for passionate sports conversation — the foundation of sports radio — hasn’t disappeared.
If anything, it has expanded.
Today’s hosts aren’t just talking on terrestrial radio signals. They’re podcasting, streaming, creating video clips, interacting with audiences on social media, and building digital communities that extend far beyond the traditional listening experience.
The job has evolved. The platform has evolved. Audience habits have evolved. That doesn’t make the current generation worse. It simply makes them different.
If sports radio legends want their legacies to continue carrying weight in the industry they helped build, the best thing they can do is reinforce the value of the platform rather than diminish it.
There is power in saying, “The game has changed, but the place I helped build is still thriving.”
Because legacy isn’t only defined by what you did behind the microphone. It’s also defined by how you speak about the institution after you step away from it.
Sports radio will continue to evolve whether anyone likes it or not. New hosts will emerge, formats will develop, and platforms will rise. And someday, the people hosting shows today will find themselves in the same position — looking back at an industry that no longer operates exactly the way it did during their prime.
When that day comes, the smartest move won’t be to say the best days are behind us.
It will be to remember that the best thing a legend can do for the next generation is make sure the door stays open behind them.
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Each year, the same tired narrative pops up. Someone declares radio is dying. Others long for what was and label the present as inferior. In fact, Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi, and Joe Benigno just said it last week. They’re not alone either, others have said the same many times.
Some point to the rise of streaming, podcasting, video, and social media, ignoring how radio performs in those spaces. The industry takes bullets for a lack of revenue and ratings, layoffs, and low executive trust, things most consumers pay little attention to. People inside the industry or previously involved in it are often the most critical.
I’ve never understood that.
How often do you see television, advertising or social media professionals blasting their industries publicly? I’ll hang up and listen. Knowing what I know, I’ll be on hold for a while.
But those quick to devalue the radio business have likely never been to CRS. If they were, they might have a different point of view.
Last year I wrote that if someone doubts radio’s relevance, they should spend three-days in Nashville at CRS. The energy in the building is through the roof, and the music is outstanding. The conversations are sharp, and the networking is nonstop. More importantly, the people in the room want to be there and move the business forward. There’s a special connection between Country Radio and the Country Music industry, which is why I’m excited to make the trip once again.
What I’m Interested in Learning
This year’s seminar runs March 18–20. The programming agenda covers everything from audience research, listener perceptions, digital music strategy, emerging platforms and more. I’m especially interested in the sessions and workshops, especially Phil Becker‘s, who does a great job writing for us. The Digital Music Summit should be fascinating too and the live performances are always a hit.
You can learn from research presentations, panelists, and even hear the next big song during a showcase, but the biggest takeaway may come from a conversation with someone you didn’t expect to meet. That part can’t be ignored or undervalued. It matters at events like these.
The country format continues to evolve as streaming platforms, social media, and new discovery channels influence audience behavior. Radio still plays a huge role in breaking country artists, but our industry must adapt to how listeners consume music. Many of those issues will be explored at this year’s show.
One Big Question
Last year I left CRS wondering why similar events don’t exist for other formats. How cool would it be if the hip-hop community also created a 3-day event like this? Or if the rock radio industry built a show focused on collaboration and growth. It’d be awesome. But I’ve yet to see anything quite like CRS.
When I’ve asked folks in other formats they often cite expenses, the difficulty of uniting people, and a not as strong relationship with artists and labels in other genres. Those issues may be real, but making greater impact requires creating new ideas and solutions. Few will convince me otherwise that business wouldn’t improve if a similar event existed that united both sides of a format.
See You in Nashville
I’m looking forward to returning to Nashville this week. Stephanie Eads and Dylan Barrett are making the trip with me. I’m interested in connecting with as many people as possible, especially record label folks. If you’re attending, say hello or reach out in advance to schedule a meeting or meetup. Stephanie is managing our schedule and is reachable at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Barrett Media has covered music radio for less than two-years. You’ll see our influence continue to grow in the weeks, months and years ahead. Our columnists and Top 20 series have been well received, and our Music Radio Summit in NYC this summer, and the addition soon of a new Music Radio Editor will help us take further steps forward.
But as proud as I am of what we do, events like CRS are a massive production that few can pull off. The event not only features the biggest names in Country music, it helps format attendees become more informed, connected, and inspired. I know what goes into building events, and this is the best one I’ve attended in over ten years of covering the industry. It’s well worth your time.
CRS delivers a positive energy across the city, venues and hallways. Broadcasters are treated to great music, private and public events, face to face meetings with labels, artists, managers and business people, and those conversations and relationships help move business forward.
Country radio and the country music industry operate like a family more than a collection of competing businesses. Three days, countless conversations and ideas, and increased relationships await. Good luck to RJ Curtis and the CRS team on a successful event. We’re excited to attend and support the event.
More Speakers Join the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit
Last week we revealed a few speakers for our Music Show at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing. We’ll announce more names for the music conference this Wednesday. Today though, we have a few new additions to unveil for our Sports and News/Talk shows.
Starting with sports, I’m pleased to welcome back ESPN’s Vice President of Digital & Audio Production Justin Craig, 94WIP Brand Manager Rod Lakin, and 104.5 ESPN Program Director and Afternoon Host, Matt Moscona. In addition, I’m also thrilled to have Jake Asman joining us for a session on building an independent content business.
Switching to news, it’s my pleasure to have WGN Radio VP/GM Mary Sandberg-Boyle and Cumulus Media News/Talk format captain and 94.1 KCMO morning host and PD Pete Mundo returning to the show. I’m also looking forward to having WBT Radio Afternoon Host Brett Winterble in the building for the first time.
You can purchase Summit tickets and reserve your hotel room here. For sponsorship opportunities, email Stephanie Eads at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
Quick Hits
Kevin Callahan of Pamal Broadcasting wrote a fantastic piece on LinkedIn this week. If you haven’t read it, it’s worth your time. It focuses on local being an advantage but only if the content and personality are good.
Charlamagne tha God announced the Black Effect Podcast Festival is coming back on April 25th in Atlanta. For tickets, go here.
Last week on HOT 97, Noreaga appeared on Mornings With Mero. During the chat, he said ‘this is the first time in a long time New York radio sounds like New York‘. Former morning host Peter Rosenberg took exception and called it out on social media. I can’t blame Peter for being bothered. It came across as a cheap shot whether intended or not.
Man I peep a lot of people I love (like Nore) casually dropping subtle shots like this and it's absolutely bonkers. When it comes to New York people get real conservative about immigration lol. Dad from Brooklyn, moved here in 07. Married a New Yorker–Misshattan no less. Bought… https://t.co/IWAl5pqHBY
In a recent article, CNN revealed that Buzzfeed had substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a business. The digital outlet was at its peak in the mid-2010’s, boasting over 200 million monthly readers. Now, it reportedly had a net loss of $57.3 million in 2025. Ouch!
A tip of the cap to Clay Travis. Clay and his wife Laura made a $10 million dollar commitment to the Vanderbilt Law School to fund a number of key priorities. Among them include the First Amendment Clinic, the Law School’s “Respectfully Dissent” debate series, merit- and need-based scholarship aid, child care funding for student-parents, support services for student veterans, and the Law School’s ongoing building renovation. The Travis’ investment directly supports the university’s historic Dare to Grow campaign.
Arash Markazi‘s story on WWE’s Paul Heyman is excellent. Heyman was doing press for WWE 2K26 and offered his insights on the future of sports media. He shared how things in media change at a rapid pace, and evolving is vital to future success. What especially stood out was this quote from Heyman: “However you or I feel about it is totally irrelevant. I’m not the one driving the train. I can sit here and say, ‘Back in my day.’ But my day is forward. My day is today, tomorrow, next year., and five years from now. That train is leaving the station. I can either let it leave without me, or I can get on that train.”
Credit to Chris McMonagle of WFAN in New York. It’s one thing to talk sports alongside Craig Carton and earn praise for it. It’s another to belt out the chorus of Drops of Jupiter in front of Train’s lead singer Pat Monahan and earn respect for a job well done. That moment certainly had to feel better than the fake ad prank pulled on him by Craig.
Speaking of WFAN, former midday host Brandon Tierney just reached a milestone. In less than two full months on YouTube, Tierney just passed the one-million views mark. Well done, BT.
Congrats as well to Brodie Brazil who just reached 99,000 subscribers on YouTube. A super talented and underrated Bay Area host, it’s stunning to me that local sports television didn’t sign this guy for years to come. Regardless, he’s shown that the company/brand isn’t as important as the star creating the content.
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The supergroup has always been a magical combination of talent, usually for a record or two. Bands such as Asia, The Firm, or Velvet Revolver leave us with killer singles. They present a wow factor when we hear some of our favorite musicians playing together.
Supergroups traditionally encompass a few things. Killer musicians grouping together to make next-level noise. Now, they’re making a comeback.
These days, classic rock artists in particular are finding both creativity and comfort playing with “their friends.” There are some really solid bands emerging because of this. Making music that should not go unnoticed.
Two supergroups that are on my radar are both on the ever-growing “Frontiers Music” record label. A label that also features Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sammy Hagar, Journey among others.
Black Swan and Generation Radio.
Black Swan is a group featuring MSG vocalist Robin McAuley and Winger guitarist Reb Beach. The lineup also includes Dokken and Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson. Drummer Matt Starr rounds out the group. Starr has performed with Ace Frehley and Mr. Big.
Their third release, Paralyzed, came out a few weeks ago. If you are a fan of melodic hard rock with well-crafted songs and explosive playing, this one is for you. It’s a top-to-bottom return to hard rock. Songs like I’m Ready and When the Cold Wind Blows stand out as two of my favorite tracks on the album.
I had an in-depth chat with vocalist Robin McAuley on my Carr Stereo podcast about the freedom of choice as you enter a new phase of your musical career. Also, why he is so proud of this album.
Generation Radio will release their second album, Take Two, on April 17.
Generation Radio mixes some of the most incredible melodies, with a hook to jump over in every song. No surprise, as Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and Jason Scheff, longtime bassist for Chicago, combine their talents on a 12-song sophomore album. Scheff joined Chicago in 1985 at age 23. The project also reimagines some of their favorite melodic covers for live performance.
This supergroup also consists of Tom Yankton and Chris Rodriguez on guitar. Also the “pocket king,” legendary Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty, Clapton, Duran Duran, Average White Band, just to name a few), on drums.
There is an ease of art on Take Two. The harmonies, musicianship, and songwriting are so damn amazing. This talented band is also taking to the road, a ticket I hope I get the chance to buy.
I caught up with Jay and Jason from Generation Radio, who explained why the band is so important to them. The supergroup serves as a completely different creative vessel. They also discussed how Rascal Flatts based their craft on being fans of melodic hard rock. Plus, Jason tells a great story about teaming up onstage with Alex Lifeson for his RUSH moment.
There is a reason we have an affinity for a supergroup. The name alone says it all.
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