Home Blog Page 180

YouTube To Stream Sports, News, Documentary Emmy Awards This Month

John Mamola
-
0
YouTube To Stream Sports, News, Documentary Emmy Awards This Month

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is taking its Emmy ceremonies to YouTube. The Sports, News, and Documentary Emmy Awards will stream live across three nights in late May.

What We Know: The 47th Annual Sports Emmy Awards air May 26. The News & Documentary Emmy Awards follow on May 27 and 28. All three shows begin at 7:00 PM EDT and stream on the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) YouTube channel. This year’s ceremonies cover sports, news, and documentary categories — three distinct recognition tracks under one expanded digital umbrella.

What They Said: Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS “Partnering with YouTube at this level for the first time allows us to put these ceremonies directly into the environment where so much of today’s journalism and storytelling already lives. The work we’re honoring isn’t confined to traditional platforms anymore. Neither is the audience.”

Brandon Feldman, YouTube’s Director of News, Civics & Podcast Partnerships “The most vital and compelling journalism today is happening on YouTube, driven by both established newsrooms and a new generation of independent voices.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether this YouTube partnership is a long-term fixture is still unknown. Historically the show has not been provided for mass broadcast outside the Academy’s website.

What It Means: By streaming the ceremonies on YouTube, there is more opportunity for the ceremonies to be seen by more people. Typically, industry types would follow the winners on social media or stream the program on the Academy’s website. However, this opportunity could provide the ceremony to expand reach within the YouTube algorithm.

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.

Rhode Island Radio Legend Giovanni Calls It a Career — For Real This Time

Bethany Kent
-
0
Rhode Island Radio Legend Giovanni Calls It a Career — For Real This Time

A Providence radio icon is hanging up the headphones. Giovanni, known off-air as Daniel Centofanti, has officially retired from afternoons at iHeartMedia’s WWBB (B101)/Providence and WCIB (Cool 102)/Falmouth, MA.

What We Know: Giovanni’s radio journey spans an extraordinary 52 years. He spent 25 of those years in mornings at Cumulus Top 40 WPRO (92 PRO FM), retiring after that legendary run.

Then, in January 2025, iHeartMedia coaxed him back for afternoons at B101 — an 18-month encore he clearly relished.

With Gio’s departure, Adam Rivers now handles afternoons at WWBB, while veteran Jeffrey T. Mason takes over afternoons at WCIB. Rivers also serves as Director of Programming & Brand Strategy for iHeartMedia Top 40. As well as holding PD/on-air roles at WKSS/Hartford and WKCI/New Haven.

What They Said: I spoke to Gio this morning, who shared this with Barrett Media, “In my 52 years in radio I can’t complain about anything. I’ve done every shift, one in particular for 25 years (mornings) worked with some of the best in the business and really had a good time.

After my time at WPRO-FM I thought I was done, then the folks at B101 asked me to do afternoons and play all those songs from the 80’s etc and just be a DJ again. I jumped at that because I wanted to scratch that itch while I had the chance. Anyone on radio will fully understand what I mean.

From all the years and all the program directors and fellow jocks, I really had fun. Now I need to hang up the headphones and let the next generation take over for real.

I wish I could thank everyone who’s crossed my path but it might take another 52 years so I’ll just say thank you to everyone especially the listeners who even to this day stop me and say hi and how they appreciate having me around.”

B101 honored Gio on Instagram, calling him “the legend” and thanking him for his contributions to the station.

What Remains Unclear: Whether Giovanni stays truly retired this time remains to be seen. His first retirement didn’t stick, after all. Additionally, no word yet on whether his departure opens further lineup shifts across iHeartMedia’s Providence cluster.

What It Means: Giovanni’s exit marks the end of a truly rare career in local radio. It signals a full generational handoff at two heritage stations. His story is a reminder of what great air talent means to a 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.

Jeff Bezos: ‘You Have to Work Hard to Make a Living in the News Business’

Garrett Searight
-
0
Jeff Bezos: ‘You Have to Work Hard to Make a Living in the News Business’

Jeff Bezos has received some criticism for layoffs at The Washington Post in recent months. He says there’s more than meets the eye.

What We Know: The Washington Post has undergone a series of layoffs in recent months. Much of the outlet’s sports staff was slashed, as were the majority of photographers. While speaking with CNBC‘s Squawk Box, he shared insight into what has gone right and wrong for the outlet.

What They Said: “What went wrong is we did not adapt. The news business, if you go back to the 90s, the local monopoly newspaper was the greatest business in the world. It was the printing press. The Washington Post had 70% of households in the Washington metro area. And it made money hand over fist. We live in a completely different environment now. Now you have to work hard to make a living in the news business.” -Jeff Bezos

What Remains Unclear: How the staffing cuts have affected the bottom line of The Washington Post. Bezos asserted during the interview that the outlet has more staffers now than when he originally purchased it. He noted that while there have been some cuts, it hasn’t affected the reporting of the outlet.

What It Means: Jeff Bezos went a step further and argued that he doesn’t want The Washington Post to “be a charity.” He balked at the idea of the outlet being a “public trust.”

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.

Rickey Smiley Reacts With Gratitude After Radio Hall of Fame Induction

Bethany Kent
-
0
Rickey Smiley Reacts With Gratitude After Radio Hall of Fame Induction

Rickey Smiley is headed to the Radio Hall of Fame. The comedian and morning show host will receive the great honor this October in Chicago.

What We Know: The Radio Hall of Fame revealed its Class of 2026. Smiley, who hosts mornings through Urban One and Reach Media, earned his spot alongside seven other inductees. Of the inductees, six come from votes from more than 950 industry professionals, and two choices from the Nominating Committee. The classes formal induction will be October 8 at the Fairmont Hotel Chicago.

What They Said: Radio Hall of Fame Co-Chair Kraig Kitchin offered this: “Our congratulations to each of our 2026 Inductees, on this well-deserved recognition. Each of these inductees has performed at the highest levels for a sustained period of time to make our industry that much more impactful to listeners and advertisers as a result. I’m thrilled to see them properly recognized by this announcement and the forthcoming Induction ceremony this October.”

On his show today, Smiley reflected on the grind: “We really work hard man. It’s hard to get up early in the morning. Radio is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. And in order to do radio, you have to go to bed at night, you have to have some discipline. Some structure. You gotta work hard. You gotta work on the weekend. Everyone that gave me the opportunity, I’m just really appreciative.”

What Remains Unclear: The Radio Hall of Fame did not disclose the official vote totals. Further programming or tribute details surrounding the October ceremony have yet to emerge publicly.

What It Means: Smiley’s induction underscores that personality-driven radio still commands deep respect. His recognition alongside executives like iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman confirms both on-air talent and industry leadership matter equally. Together, this class signals the Radio Hall of Fame is honoring radio’s full scope.

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.

Vox Media Split Into 2 Companies After James Murdoch Purchase

Garrett Searight
-
0
Vox Media Split Into 2 Companies After James Murdoch Purchase

James Murdoch is purchasing a large portion of Vox Media. That acquisition splits the company in two.

What We Know: James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems company is acquiring New York Magazine, the Vox Media Podcast Network, and Vox for $350 million. He’ll have the Vox Media name and brand going forward. A new independent company under a new name will combine the remaining outlets. They include SB Nation, The Dodo, The Verge, Eater, and Pop Sugar, among others.

What They Said: “Separating into two distinct companies best sets up our brands, shows, businesses, talent, and teams to continue to lead and prosper in the changing media landscape. Each company will be better positioned to grow within a focused portfolio of complementary businesses. Lupa’s investments in Tribeca Enterprises and Art Basel reflect the same belief in culture, creativity, and talent that defines New York Magazine, Vox, and the podcast network, a business that has become our fastest-growing over the past five years.” -Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff

What Remains Unclear: When the deal will officially be completed. Bankoff estimates that the deal will officially be complete in four to six weeks. The new independent company’s name also remains unknown. Staffing levels and any potential changes at those outlets are also unclear.

What It Means: Vox Media has been trying for a sustained length of time to sell. It hadn’t been shy in its hopes to split the company. It believed there was a greater value in two separate companies. It’s also interesting that Bankoff will serve as CEO of the Lupa Systems side of the company. His experience in operating the brand will be valuable to the new company.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Boomer Esiason Credits Teammates, WFAN Leadership for Radio Hall of Fame Selection

John Mamola
-
0
Boomer Esiason Credits Teammates, WFAN Leadership for Radio Hall of Fame Selection

WFAN morning co-host Boomer Esiason is heading to Chicago as an inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame this October. The sports radio veteran learned Wednesday morning he is part of the 2026 class. He shared his thanks for being recognized as one of the industry’s all time greats.

What We Know: Eight honorees were selected by a voting panel of more than 950 industry professionals, and two by the Nominating Committee. The inductees included Esiason, Dennis Green (COO Sun & Fun Media – Key Networks), Shotgun Tom Kelly (60’s on 6 – SiriusXM Radio), Helen Little (WLTW – New York City), Bob Pittman (Chairman/CEO iHeartMedia), Rickey Smiley (Urban One – Reach Media), Charlie Van Dyke (former national DJ), and Fred Winston (Former WLS-Chicago).

What They Said: Boomer Esiason on the honor “Thank you to the Hall of Fame voters for voting me in. When Chris Oliviero [Audacy Market Manager New York City] told me, I never thought this was going to be the case. I never thought my wildest 19 years ago when I started here, that was going to be part of this whole thing. It’s due in large part to a lot of people.”

Boomer Esiason on his success belonging to others as well “I’ve had great teammates, and it’s a great place. I love the job. I love the fact CBS Sports Network has been along for the ride. As well as MSG was along for the ride for a while there at the beginning. So, been very fortunate to be able to sit in this chair and love every minute of it. Hopefully people have enjoyed most of it.”

Boomer Esiason on the early guidance of former WFAN Program Director Mark Chernoff “Mark Chernoff, he would come into my office every morning when he was here, and we would sit and talk baseball literally for 20 minutes. I looked forward to those talks, because he was very knowledgeable. Of course, son running the Cleveland Indians. He was a big part of the initial success of Boomer and Carton. Quite frankly, if it wasn’t for him and Chris Olivero thinking that me and Craig could have made it together. There’s no way in the world that I’d be sitting here today.”

What Remains Unclear: The official vote count was not revealed by the Radio Hall of Fame.

What It Means: This honor validates what sports radio insiders have argued for years. Esiason arrived at WFAN without traditional radio training, yet ultimately built a career that outlasted nearly everyone who doubted him. Esiason’s induction is well deserved and his longevity in a market defined by success is proof.

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.

SiriusXM Adding Show Hosted by John Kasich to P.O.T.U.S.

Garrett Searight
-
0
SiriusXM Adding Show Hosted by John Kasich to P.O.T.U.S.

SiriusXM continues to expand its offerings on P.O.T.U.S. It is scheduled to debut a new show from an experienced Republican politician.

What We Know: Former Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) will host The John Kasich Show each Saturday. The weekly show will air from 11 AM to Noon. The show’s debut is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd. There will be encore editions of the show on the Sunday lineup for the SiriusXM news/talk channel.

What They Said: “There’s too much shouting and not enough listening in our country right now. I’ve always believed in unity over division, personal responsibility, service to others, and the ability of everyday Americans to make a difference. This show is about slowing things down, having honest conversations, and creating a place where people can reflect, find clarity, and focus on what still unites us in a noisy world.” -John Kasich

What Remains Unclear: It is unclear if the program will air live or if Kasich will pre-record the weekly content. Former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) will appear on the inaugural episode.

What It Means: SiriusXM has beefed up its P.O.T.U.S. lineup with a wide variety of voices. Kasich’s experience as a U.S. Representative, Governor, and Republican presidential candidate will bring an interesting perspective to the channel. He joins the likes of Stephen A. Smith, Chris Cuomo, Michael Smerconish, Julie Mason, and Dan Abrams, among others, on the channel.

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.

NFL VP of Broadcast: Streaming Agreements Are Long Term Decisions, Not Money Grabs

John Mamola
-
0
NFL VP of Broadcast: Streaming Agreements Are Long Term Decisions, Not Money Grabs

The NFL is not chasing streaming platforms despite criticism and concern the league is moving more away from broadcast. Mike North, the league’s VP of Broadcast Planning, recently appeared on The Schrager Hour to pull back the curtain on how the NFL decides where its games land.

What We Know: The release of the NFL schedule saw games shift to Wednesday’s in week one and twelve. It also saw broadcast pick up additional games that were originally on ESPN, but left as part of the acquisition of NFL Network. The NFL has intentionally placed games on streaming platforms where audiences already spend time, according to North. Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and others each earned their packages by proving large-scale viewership. Notably, North confirmed YouTube remained an active bidder deep into the placement cycle for the 2026 season. Ultimately, Netflix secured the Wednesday night Thanksgiving package over YouTube and others.

What They Said Mike North on how the NFL chooses which streaming platforms to partner with “We’re not breaking new technology here. We’re going to places where our fans already are. We talked about Amazon. They’re doing broadcast level television viewership numbers. Everybody’s got Amazon, right? We all need paper towels. Everybody’s got Netflix, we all watch Stranger Things. We’re going where the people are, we’re fishing where the fish are. This is where the fans tell us that they’re ingesting their content now. Why wouldn’t live sports be part of that content?”

Mike North believes the league’s intentions with streaming platforms are not short-term “These are all 10-20-30 year decisions. I don’t think anybody’s just grabbing the money and running. I think this is all about sustained future health of this league. Right now, it’s working. If it starts to look differently on that little graph on that line chart, we’ll adjust.”

What Remains Unclear: While the NFL continues to hold a hard stance on the amount of games on broadcast networks, the future is still debatable. With the league reportedly seeking upwards of a 50% rights increase from their broadcast partners, several networks could be out of the bidding. The NFL rights deals all have opt-outs following the 2029 season, with ESPN the lone outlier with the 2030 season. No details were also shared on why YouTube chose to not agree to a game broadcast this upcoming season.

What It Means: According to North, the NFL is playing the long game with streaming platforms. However, it will be interesting to see if higher rights costs wet the appetite for streaming platforms to continue paying. If NFL product is not bringing in enough added subscribers to the platform, while networks continue to evaluate the cost of doing business with the NFL. The league could be in a pickle where no one will either desire nor afford the rights fees it feels it commands. If that were to come to pass, that would affect a league where the majority of revenue for teams is dependent on league media rights.

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.

World News Tonight Sees 13% Ratings Growth During Chinese Summit Week

Garrett Searight
-
0
World News Tonight Sees 13% Ratings Growth During Chinese Summit Week

The meetings between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping dominated the nightly newscasts last week. ABC’s World News Tonight led the way in the ratings.

What We Know: World News Tonight aired live from China on Tuesday through Thursday last week. NBC Nightly News aired live from the country from Tuesday through Friday. CBS Evening News was broadcast from Taiwan after anchor Tony Dokoupil reportedly experienced visa issues. The meetings between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping dominated the coverage for the week. During the week, the ABC News broadcast led the overall viewership category, as well as the key Adults 25-54 demographic.

What The Numbers Show:

Program Total Viewers Adults 25-54
ABC World News Tonight 7,889,000 962,000
NBC Nightly News 5,970,000 831,000
CBS Evening News 3,806,000 503,000

Each of the nightly newscasts saw ratings growth compared to the same week in 2025. That week last year was the first full week following the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Program May 11, 2026 Total Viewers May 12, 2025 Total Viewers % Change
ABC World News Tonight 7,889,000 6,966,000 ↑ 13.2%
NBC Nightly News 5,970,000 5,465,000 ↑ 9.2%
CBS Evening News 3,806,000 3,766,000 ↑ 1.1%

What Remains Unclear: How much of an impact the change in Nielsen’s measurement had on the overall viewership totals for the week of May 12th.

What It Means: The broadcasts from China showed interesting results. Despite year-over-year ratings growth, all three networks declined from the prior week. One could guess that it isn’t welcome news after the resources utilized to uproot the programs and take them to the Asian nations last week.

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.

Chuck Damico Named Program Director of Philadelphia’s WXTU-FM by Beasley

David Hill
-
0
Chuck Damico Named Program Director of Philadelphia’s WXTU-FM by Beasley

Chuck Damico is adding a third Philadelphia radio brand to his portfolio. He takes over as Program Director of WXTU-FM effective May 23, 2026.

What We Know: Damico currently leads WMMR-FM and WMGK-FM in Philadelphia. His expanded role adds oversight of WXTU-FM, one of the country’s top Country radio stations. He steps in following the retirement of longtime Brand Manager and Program Director Mark “Razz” Radziewicz. Beasley Media Group made the announcement Tuesday.

What They Said: Beasley Philadelphia VP and Market Manager Paul Blake praised the move. “Chuck is an exceptional programming leader with a deep understanding of the Philadelphia market,” Blake said. Chief Content Officer Justin Chase added that Damico’s strategic vision makes him a strong fit. Damico called the opportunity an honor, saying he looks forward to building on Razz’s legacy.

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether Beasley plans to hire additional programming support across the three stations. No details emerged about Radziewicz’s official last day. Furthermore, no changes to WXTU’s format or on-air talent were mentioned. The scope of Damico’s day-to-day responsibilities across all three brands has yet to be defined.

What It Mean: This move signals Beasley’s confidence in consolidating programming leadership in a single, trusted voice. Damico now oversees three major Philadelphia brands across rock and country formats. That’s a significant responsibility in one of the nation’s top radio markets. Ultimately, his success will depend on maintaining momentum while managing the demands of three distinct audiences.

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.

1...179180181...2,766Page 180 of 2,766