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Big Jim O’Brien Out at WCSX After 24 Years

Bethany Kent
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Big Jim O’Brien Out at WCSX After 24 Years

Beasley Media Group’s cuts of long-term radio folks continue. Detroit Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX has parted ways with longtime morning host Big Jim O’Brien.

What We Know: O’Brien’s departure ends a 24-year run in Detroit mornings. He joined WCSX in 2002 as executive producer and co-host under Ken Calvert. He later became lead morning host in January 2014. Before Detroit, O’Brien produced Calvert’s show at KVIL Dallas.

What They Said: O’Brien addressed fans directly on social media. “After an incredible run at WCSX, my time with the station has come to an end. I’m grateful to the listeners, teammates, clients, veterans, and Detroit community who allowed me to be part of their mornings for so many years. Detroit has been my home for 24 years, and I’m proud of everything we built together. More to come soon.”

What Remains Unclear: No replacement host has been announced yet. Additionally, Beasley has not publicly addressed the reasoning behind the move. It also remains unknown whether O’Brien will stay in Detroit radio. This afternoon, O’Brien did change his Facebook profile picture to a “Welcome To Michigan” sign, leaving some fans commenting if it meant he would be staying in the state.

What It Means: Beasley continues trimming veteran talent across its stations. O’Brien’s exit reflects a broader industry trend of cost-cutting over legacy. Hopefully for O’Brien, his loyal Detroit audience will follow wherever he lands next.

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.

Worldwide News Network Adds Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, Matt Pieper as Anchors

Garrett Searight
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Worldwide News Network Adds Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, Matt Pieper as Anchors

Worldwide News Network is building out its talent roster as it rapidly approaches its debut. Some former CBS News Radio members are part of the initial team.

What We Know: Worldwide News Network will debut at Midnight ET on Saturday, May 23rd. The network will provide newscasts at the top and bottom of every hour, seven days per week. With the end of CBS News Radio approaching, four former members of the network are joining Worldwide News Network. Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper are all joining the network’s team.

What They Said: “We are assembling top-tier journalists and building a modern radio news operation rooted in speed, authority, and facts — one that stations can rely on and listeners can trust.” -Worldwide News Network and WABC Radio Vice President of News Lee Harris

“There is a huge opening right now for credible, immediate, no-nonsense reporting. Listeners want to know what happened, why it matters, and what’s happening next. That’s the lane Worldwide News Network is taking.” -Red Apple Media, Red Apple Audio Networks, WABC Radio President Chad Lopez

“Our mission is to be the most trusted news gathering organization in media. We are creating a powerful, around-the-clock newsroom designed to compete at the highest level of broadcast audio news. Facts are what will drive the Worldwide News Network. We’re looking forward to our expansion in the European markets.” -Red Apple Media CEO/Owner John Catsimatidis

What Remains Unclear: If any other former CBS News Radio personnel will also be joining the start-up network. The network’s final broadcast is slated for next Friday, May 22nd.

What It Means: Red Apple Media is serious about competing in the space. That was already clear with the appointment of Lee Harris as VP of News. But the addition of strong voices like Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper shows how committed the company is to filling the void vacated by the end of CBS News Radio.

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.

Woodward Sports Network Shuffles Lineup, Moves Neal Ruhl to Mornings with Sean Baligian

Garrett Searight
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Woodward Sports Network Shuffles Lineup, Moves Neal Ruhl to Mornings with Sean Baligian

Changes are afoot at Woodward Sports Network in Detroit. New shows are coming to mornings and middays at the digital brand.

What We Know: Neal Ruhl is moving the Big D Energy show from the 11-1 PM timeslot to 8-10 AM. He’ll now be paired with Sean Baligian for the show. Baligian already helmed a morning drive program on the network. Crunch Time Sports will be heard from 11 AM-1 PM on Woodward Sports Network. That show is hosted by Jeff Iafrate and “Booner.” The new schedule begins on Monday, May 18th.

What They Said: “I’m really excited to be doing this with Neal Ruhl. We start Monday.” -Sean Baligian

What Remains Unclear: What, if anything, will air from 10 AM to 11 AM on the Woodward Sports Network. Previously, the shows aired from 8-10 AM, 10 AM-12 PM, 2-4 PM, and 5-7 PM. It is also unclear what former Detroit Red Wings star Darren McCarty’s future is with the network following the end of his show with Ruhl. Tom Mazawey, who previously co-hosted mornings with Sean Baligian, has also not been announced as part of the new lineup.

What It Means: Woodward Sports Network has seen steady growth since its founding. It has continuously reshaped itself when changes have been needed. Pairing up Ruhl and Baligian should prove to be a strong move in morning drive.

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.

WME Hires Two New Agents to Strengthen Contemporary Music Division

David Hill
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WME Hires Two New Agents to Strengthen Contemporary Music Division

WME has hired Barbara Frum and Michelle Martinez as agents in its contemporary music division. Kirk Sommer, the agency’s global head of contemporary music and touring, made the announcement Tuesday.

What We Know: Frum joins from Outer/Most Agency, where she specialized in international touring. She will work from WME’s Beverly Hills office, booking electronic, pop, and rock acts across Canada. Martinez arrives from CAA, where she represented Coi Leray, Key Glock, and Fivio Foreign. She will be based in New York.

What’s At Stake: WME is clearly investing in cross-disciplinary talent expertise. Frum’s background spans artist management, theatrical production, and international touring. Martinez brings a strong roster of emerging and established acts to a competitive booking landscape. Together, they strengthen WME’s footprint in both live touring and developing talent markets.

What Remains Unclear: The full scope of each agent’s client roster at WME has not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether Frum will maintain her independent production work alongside agency duties. Additionally, how Martinez’s former CAA clients will transition remains unconfirmed.

What It Means: The traditional booking agent playbook is changing. WME’s latest hires make that clear. By bringing in Frum and Martinez, the agency signals it wants agents who operate at the intersection of touring, strategy, and creative development. That’s a direct response to what artists increasingly demand — partners who understand the full business, not just the calendar. For WME, this isn’t a staffing move. It’s a strategic one.

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

Tony Reali Teases New Project Following Around the Horn, ESPN Exit

Garrett Searight
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Tony Reali Teases New Project Following Around the Horn, ESPN Exit

Following his 2025 exit from ESPN and Around the Horn, Tony Reali has teased a new venture.

What We Know: Reali has been largely mum after the final episode of Around the Horn aired on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. However, in a post on social media, Reali shared that he has a new project in the works.

What They Said: “25 years. 7,000 episodes of sports television. I loved every second of it. But when I signed off from Around the Horn in May, it opened up the door into the sunshiny world that looked nothing like the one I broke into. I…wanted to talk sports. But I also wanted to talk people. And how sports connect people. Sports debate? One great way to do it. But it’s not the only way. What’s next? Maybe a little of what you loved about (Around the Horn), but more the irresistible moments of sports and how they collide with our culture and connect with all of us in a real and unpredictable way.” -Tony Reali

What Remains Unclear: What the project will be. Reali didn’t give details on whether or not the project is solo or in conjunction with another company. A timetable for releasing the new venture is also unknown.

What It Means: Tony Reali has stayed out of the spotlight since ESPN canceled the long-running show he hosted. The time away has clearly allowed him to parse out what he wants to do. It sounds as if he’s coming back to the sports media space under his terms.

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.

WTOP SVP/GM Joel Oxley Announces Retirement Plans

Garrett Searight
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WTOP SVP/GM Joel Oxley Announces Retirement Plans

WTOP’s Joel Oxley has announced his intention to retire next year. He’ll exit after nearly 30 years with the Washington all-news brand.

What We Know: Oxley has been the Senior Vice President and General Manager of WTOP since October 1998. He originally joined the station in 1992 as a sales account and rose through the ranks to become the station’s lead executive. In addition to his work with WTOP, he also stewards the Federal News Network on 1500 WFED.

What They Said: “I have been here nearly 35 years. I have been GM for almost 28 years. Because we are in such a solid position, and because the best time for change is when you are doing well, and because I’m now 65, I feel that now is the time for me to hang up my cleats and retire so I can start the next chapter in my life. Please know this is 100% my decision. (Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Hubbard) has been extremely supportive about this. She asked me some time back to give her a year’s notice, which I did a few weeks ago. I will be here during the next several of months to help with the transition and will remain in an advisory/consulting role with Hubbard after that.” -Joel Oxley

“Joel’s leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to excellence have shaped this organization for decades. His impact on our people and our brands is lasting, and we are grateful for his remarkable service. We are also incredibly grateful that he is willing to continue offering his experience and expertise to the company once he steps away from leading WTOP-WFED’s daily operations and strategy.” -Hubbard Radio President/CEO Ginny Hubbard

What Remains Unclear: When Oxley’s official retirement date will be. It also remains to be seen who will take over the top job at one of the nation’s premier all-news brands.

What It Means: It’s the end of an era at WTOP. Joel Oxley has been a part of ownership changes, moves from the AM to FM dial, and virtually everything in between. He has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of the station and is widely regarded as one of, if not the, top executive in the news radio world. His departure will leave a large hole, but by giving a year to help find the next leader of the brand, he’s helping set up WTOP for long-term success.

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.

Urban One Reports 15.8% Revenue Decline During 2026’s First Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Urban One Reports 15.8% Revenue Decline During 2026’s First Quarter

Urban One reported its 2026 first-quarter financial results. Overall, the company saw a decline compared to the same 2025 window.

What We Know: Urban One has a wide array of holdings that play into revenue ebbs and flows. However, while many companies have reported digital revenue increases, Urban One showed a large drop.

What the Numbers Show:

Segment: 2026: 2025: Change:
Net Revenue $77.651 million $92.235 million -15.8%
Total Operating Expenses $79.866 million $90.137 million -11.4%
Net Loss -$3.101 million -$11.739 million +73.6%

The company’s Adjusted EBITDA dropped from $12.9 million during 2025’s first quarter to $4.7 million.

What They Said: “First quarter revenue was soft across all divisions, with TV down 18.5%, Digital down 33.5%, Radio down 6.4%, and Reach Media dropped by 17.0%. We had budgeted for a down-quarter in our Radio and TV divisions, but not at Reach Media and Digital … We are in a turnaround situation at Reach Media, where we continue to be impacted by a weak marketplace, key client attrition, and sales team re-building. Digital also had a soft first quarter, driven by weak advertiser demand, but second quarter is forecasted to be up, and there is optimism for the back half of the year based on the current sales pipeline.” -Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins

What Remains Unclear: How the recent purchases of KKDA and KRNB in Dallas will help or hurt the company’s overall revenue plans. It also remains to be seen when those two stations will officially join the Urban One portfolio. Initial expectations are for the deal to close during the third quarter.

What It Means: The first quarter is traditionally slow, so the revenue downturn isn’t surprising. Should similar numbers come through during the remainder of the year, especially with the 2026 midterm election approaching, then there will be cause for concern.

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

YouTube Announces Custom Sponsorships, Creator-Led Shows at 2026 Upfront

Garrett Searight
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YouTube Announces Custom Sponsorships, Creator-Led Shows at 2026 Upfront

YouTube’s Brandcast 2026, its branding for its advertiser upfront, took place on Wednesday night. There were two key announcements at the event.

What We Know: YouTube announced that custom AI-powered sponsorships will be available in the near future. The new functionality will allow users to dynamically insert advertisements into a desired moment. Additionally, new shows featuring Dwyane Wade, Trevor Noah, Kareem Rahma, Alex Cooper, Dude Perfect, and others, will hit the platform later this year.

What They Said: “For decades, the entertainment industry was built on a series of bets–programming shows based on formulas and focus groups and guessing at what would make an audience show up. At YouTube, we didn’t wait for a focus group. We built the stage and empower anyone with a story to find an audience.” -YouTube CEO Neal Mohan

What Remains Unclear: How YouTube will implement the new creator-led programming into the platform. It is unclear if there will be a special tab or hub for the content or if users will find it organically.

What It Means: YouTube is harnessing its power and scale in new ways. During the upfront, the company shared that 91% of all U.S. adults used the platform in November. That scale delivers advertisers for both creators and for the platform.

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.

Versant Reports 1% Revenue Decline During 2026’s First Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Versant Reports 1% Revenue Decline During 2026’s First Quarter

Versant has unveiled its first-quarter financial results. It reported an overall revenue decline during the period.

What We Know: The results were the first time Versant has unveiled first-quarter financial data as a standalone company. It also marks just the second-ever earnings release for the company. During the quarter, the company repurchased $100 million Class A shares as part of a $1 billion repurchase authorization.

What the Numbers Show:

Segment: 2026: 2025: Change:
Linear Distribution $1.006 billion $1.085 billion -7.3%
Advertising $368 million $388 million -5.2%
Total Revenue $1.687 billion $1.706 billion -1.1%
Adjusted EBITDA $704 million $757 million -7.0%

What They Said: “Our first quarter as an independent company marks an important milestone for Versant and reflects a solid start to the year. From day one, our teams have operated with urgency and delivered strong financial results, exceptional audience engagement, and impressive momentum in our Platforms business. We are executing our strategy by extending the reach of our brands, deepening our connection with audiences, and scaling our digital platforms. This performance across Platforms and our core brands reinforces our confidence in evolving the business over time and delivering long-term shareholder value.” -CEO Mark Lazarus

What It Means: The drop in linear distribution is the main source of Versant’s overall revenue decline. It’s hard to think that it will bounce back, as cable television usage continues to dwindle. The slight drop in advertising revenue is also notable. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, coupled with Versant’s cable channels being home to many events during the 2026 Winter Olympics, many analysts expected that segment to be higher than the result.

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.

97.5 The Fanatic Host Kevin Cooney Exits As Evening Programming Cut

Garrett Searight
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97.5 The Fanatic Host Kevin Cooney Exits As Evening Programming Cut

97.5 The Fanatic is making changes to its daily lineup. Those changes have led to the exit of Kevin Cooney.

What We Know: 97.5 The Fanatic is ending its weekday evening programming, including the Philly Sports Tonight show. The station’s local programming will end at 6 PM following the conclusion of Unfiltered with Ricky Botalico and Bill Colarulo. The station is expected to broadcast a two-hour “best of” show featuring the top moments from the morning, midday, and afternoon shows at 6 PM to replace the live program. Philly Sports Tonight aired sporadically due to the Fanatic’s live sports schedule featuring the 76ers and Flyers. The show was hosted by Kevin Cooney and Brendan Gunn.

What They Said: “I have decided to leave 97.5 The Fanatic to pursue other opportunities that may value my experience and knowledge of the market. It’s not an easy decision. I have so many friends that I have made there over the past 3 1/2 years. I wish them all well. As far as the next chapter: I don’t have anything set up yet. I still want to have the interactions with the people in this city that I love. To all those who I’ve gotten a chance to talk to on air since Dec. 22, I want to say thank you.” -Kevin Cooney

What Remains Unclear: If Brendan Gunn will also depart the station or be reassigned. Gunn has not made a similar public announcement.

What It Means: The move comes after both the 76ers and Flyers were eliminated from the NBA and NHL playoffs, respectively. That would mean that Philly Sports Tonight would be heard more frequently with the lack of live games eating up time in the schedule.

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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