Home Blog Page 200

Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Shows of 2025

Jason Barrett
-
0
Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Shows of 2025

Welcome to day six and week two of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we shift our focus to the Top 20 Country radio shows. All results from this series are available on our website. The Nooner newsletter also has the information each day in your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X to stay updated.

The remaining schedule of releases is down below the images. Once this series ends, I will record videos discussing the entire process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes live.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 53 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Two hundred and thirty three (233) Country radio shows appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

The Bobby Bones Show. Premiere Networks’ widely popular show repeats as the winner in this category. Congrats to Bobby, his crew and all involved with iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks on the well earned recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Country radio voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Shows of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • The Bobby Bones Show won this category for the second straight year but the race was much closer. Only fourteen (14) points separated Bones and B-Dub Radio. Bobby Bones received a category best thirteen (13) first place votes to secure the win.
  • Spots 21-25 went to Rachel Ryan, Josh, Rachael & Gunwald, Riggs, Katelyn & Erica, Joey & Nancy and a tie for 25th place between Kelly Ford and Marty Brooks.
  • The closest contest saw Jesse & Anna hold off Andie Summers by two (2) points for 15th place.
  • Of the Two Hundred and Thirty Three (233) shows to earn votes, twenty three (23) received at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • Tuesday March 3 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Wednesday March 4 = BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors

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.

Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Program Directors of 2025

Jason Barrett
-
0
Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Radio Program Directors of 2025

Welcome to day six and week two of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today, we shift our focus to the Top 20 Country Program Directors. All results from this series are available on our website. The Nooner newsletter also has the information each day in your inbox at 12pm ET. We promote results across social media too. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X to stay updated.

The remaining schedule of releases is down below the images. Once this series ends, I will record videos discussing the entire process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes live.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Some shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series features 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 53 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Eighty eight (88) Country program directors appeared on ballots submitted by our voters this year. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

Tim Roberts of 99.5 WYCD in Detroit. Audacy’s Country Format Captain earns his first category win after finishing 4th last year. Congrats to Tim and his staff on the well deserved recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Country radio voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Country Program Directors of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Tim Roberts won a tight race to secure the category win. Roberts finished two (2) points ahead of Mike Preston, who finished one (1) point ahead of last year’s winner Marci Braun. The top three spots were separated by a mere three (3) points. Tim Roberts scored the most first-place votes this year with five (5).
  • Spots 21-25 went to Gregg Swedberg, Ashley Wilson, Steve Stewart, JoJo Turnbeaugh, and Dawn Santolucito.
  • The closest contest saw Mike Preston edge Marci Braun by one (1) point for 2nd place.
  • Of the Eighty Eight (88) programmers to earn votes, twenty one (21) received at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • Tuesday March 3 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Wednesday March 4 = BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors

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.

HBO Max, Paramount+ to Merge Into One Platform, Says David Ellison

BNM Staff
-
0
HBO Max, Paramount+ to Merge Into One Platform, Says David Ellison

Many questions have abounded following the news that Paramount Skydance has become the winning bidder for Warner Bros. Discovery. But one question has already been answered about the future of HBO Max and Paramount+.

While there are still regulatory issues needing to be ironed out before an acquisition becomes official, Paramount Skydance leaders have started sharing their vision for how the company will operate.

During an investor call on Monday morning, it was revealed that the HBO Max and Paramount+ streaming platforms are expected to become one under Paramount Skydance ownership.

“We do plan to put the two services together, which today gives us a little over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers,” Paramount CEO David Ellison said. “We think that really positions us to compete with the leaders in the space.”

During the call, Ellison said that HBO will continue to “operate with independence,” and will continue creating premium content for the 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.

560 KBLU Ceases Operations Nearly 90 Years

BNM Staff
-
0
560 KBLU Ceases Operations Nearly 90 Years

After nearly 90 years in Yuma, Arizona, 560 KBLU has ceased operations and gone silent.

At 6:30 PM on Saturday evening, the station went silent as El Dorado Broadcasters ended the news/talk format.

560 KBLU can trace its roots back to KYUM, which began on March 3, 1940, before later merging with daytime-only 1320 AM KBLU in 1967. That merger was officially approved in 1969 by the FCC.

The station aired a mostly nationally syndicated lineup. Its morning show, however, was helmed by Russ Clark.

Clark has revealed he’ll continue to host a daily morning show. He’ll continue to helm the program on Facebook Live. The first edition of his live digital video show debuted on Monday morning.

The end of 560 KBLU comes as El Dorado Broadcasters struck a deal to sell its Yuma cluster in November for $375,000 to K-Love Inc. Country 95.1 KTTI and Classic Hits 100.9 The River were included in the deal, but the news/talk station was not.

El Dorado Broadcasters purchased the cluster, including 560 KBLU, in 2007. It had previously been owned by Clear 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.

WFAN’s Keith McPherson Set To Make National Radio Debut On FOX Sports Radio

BSM Staff
-
0
WFAN’s Keith McPherson Set To Make National Radio Debut On FOX Sports Radio

WFAN’s Keith McPherson will step onto a national stage this week, accepting a two-night role that places him alongside one of sports radio’s most recognizable debate voices.

The former WFAN evening host is scheduled to co-host The Odd Couple on FOX Sports Radio Wednesday and Thursday with Rob Parker, marking his first national radio appearance since transitioning away from a full-time schedule in New York late last year.

The opportunity represents a notable moment in McPherson’s evolving career. After four years anchoring nights at WFAN, he announced late last year he would step down from his full-time role as host on the New York sports talker to prioritize some personal matters.

He emphasized at the time that the move did not stem from termination or an expired contract, describing it instead as a necessary shift designed to create better balance at home while leaving the door open for occasional fill-in appearances. McPherson has hosted several weekend shifts on WFAN since his announcement.

Now, he re-enters the spotlight through a nationally syndicated program that thrives on strong opinions and personality-driven exchanges. The Odd Couple, which airs across the country on FOX Sports Radio, has built its brand on energetic debate and cultural awareness within the sports landscape.

Parker’s sharp delivery and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom create a format that demands preparation, confidence and chemistry from whoever occupies the co-host chair.

McPherson brings experience shaped by one of the country’s most demanding media markets. During his tenure at WFAN, he cultivated a loyal audience by blending New York sports passion with conversational pacing tailored to modern listening habits.

McPherson responded to a social media post featuring the announcement with a simple message of “let’s get it.”

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 Signs MLB Insider Jeff Passan To Multi-Year Extension

BSM Staff
-
0
ESPN Signs MLB Insider Jeff Passan To Multi-Year Extension

ESPN is further strengthening its baseball coverage after reaching a multi-year contract extension with Senior MLB Insider Jeff Passan, a move that also includes the launch of a new baseball podcast in partnership with Omaha Productions.

The agreement keeps Passan in place as one of the company’s most visible and authoritative voices on Major League Baseball, while also giving him a new platform to deepen storytelling and leverage the insider access that has defined his reporting across television, digital and audio properties.

As part of the expanded role, Passan will host an ESPN baseball podcast produced in conjunction with Omaha Productions, the media company founded by Peyton Manning, which has steadily increased its footprint in sports media through partnerships that blend personality-driven programming with strong editorial backing.

Passan, who joined ESPN in 2019, said the extension reflects both professional fulfillment and an opportunity to innovate within the sport he has covered for nearly two decades.

“I came to ESPN seven years ago hoping to spend the rest of my career telling stories to the biggest and most passionate audience in the sports world,” Passan said. “I’m extraordinarily lucky to work with a team of great reporters, editors, producers, hosts and analysts. And I can’t wait to deliver an entirely new kind of baseball show for those who love the best game in the world.”

The new podcast further broadens Passan’s presence across a portfolio that already includes regular appearances on ESPN.com, The Pat McAfee Show, SportsCenter, Get Up, Baseball Tonight, Pardon the Interruption, ESPN Radio and ESPN’s social platforms, where he frequently breaks news and provides context on trades, contract negotiations and league developments.

Burke Magnus, ESPN president of content, described Passan as one of the most respected journalists covering the sport and emphasized the strategic value of expanding his reach through an owned audio product.

“Jeff is one of the industry’s leading journalists and most-respected voices in baseball,” Magnus said. “We’re delighted that Jeff will expand his presence at ESPN with his own podcast and continue to lead our breaking news coverage of MLB.”

Since arriving from Yahoo Sports, where he spent 13 years building a national profile, Passan has become synonymous with ESPN’s MLB news cycle, often driving conversation with scoops and long-form features that examine the business and human sides of the game.

His work has earned significant recognition, including the Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting in 2022 for a 2021 story on San Francisco Giants outfielder Drew Robinson. Additionally, the National Sports Media Association named him National Sportswriter of the Year in both 2021 and 2023.

Beyond daily reporting, Passan is also the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Arm: Inside the Billion-Dollar Mystery of the Most Valuable Commodity in Sports” and co-author of “Death to the BCS.” This year, he and his family established the Rich Passan Sports Writing Scholarship, aimed at supporting aspiring sports journalists.

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 Adding Marcus Lemonis As Business and Economic Contributor

BNM Staff
-
0
Fox News Adding Marcus Lemonis As Business and Economic Contributor

Fox News has announced it is adding businessman and entrepreneur Marcus Lemons as a contributor, sharing his analysis on business and economic issues for the outlet.

Lemonis is no stranger to Fox. He previously hosted The Fixer, a reality series focused on helping struggling small businesses, for the FOX broadcast network. It also featured encore presentations on the Fox Business Network and on FOX Nation.

He also helmed The Profit for CNBC, which earned Critics’ Choice and Reality Television Award nominations during his run leading the program.

Marcus Lemonis is currently the executive chairman and CEO of Beyond, the company that owns Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby brands, among others. He also previously served as the CEO of Camping World before stepping down from that role earlier this year.

A noted philanthropist, Marcus Lemonis has given millions to women and minority entrepreneurs, and charities fighting global hunger and increasing salaries for local educators, among a variety of other initiatives.

The 52-year-old is scheduled to make his first appearance as a Fox News contributor on Monday afternoon, during The Big Money Show alongside Taylor Riggs, Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg, and Jackie DeAngelis on Fox Business Network at Noon.

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.

Bob Costas Considers His Role at NBC Sports More “Show Pony” and Not “Workhorse”

BSM Staff
-
0
Bob Costas Considers His Role at NBC Sports More “Show Pony” and Not “Workhorse”

Veteran broadcaster Bob Costas says his return to NBC Sports represents less of a comeback and more of a carefully timed final act, one shaped by opportunity, legacy and the chance to close his career where it first reached national prominence.

During a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Podcast, Costas explained that network executives initially contacted him roughly two years ago, suggesting that both sides wait until several major rights negotiations played out before formalizing anything.

“They thought they had a good shot at the NBA, and they got it. They thought they had kind of a shot at baseball, and they’re surprised that they did get it. They knew that they had the 28 L.A. Olympics, which I could contribute something to at domestic Olympics,” said Costas. “It makes sense. So this gives me a chance to hit some grace notes and tie the proper ribbon around it and feel good about the closing chapter.”

Costas returned to NBC Sports late last year, bringing one of the most accomplished careers in American broadcasting back to the network where much of his legacy was built. NBC Sports has already announced Costas will serve as host of the network’s Sunday Night Baseball pregame show. The network says that will lead into games airing on NBC and simulstreamed on Peacock.

The move reunites Costas with NBC nearly six years after his formal exit from the company following an unparalleled four-decade run.

Importantly, Bob Costas described his role in careful terms. He made clear that he does not plan to serve as the day-to-day driver of the division. Speaking with Jim Rome, Costas said he now sees himself as a “show pony” rather than a “workhorse.” The remark reflected both his self-awareness and NBC’s current leadership structure.

“The workhorse of NBC Sports is Mike Tirico. I have passed the baton to him, just as Jim McKay metaphorically passed it to me,” said Costas. “I’m happy to be the middleman in a string that involves three pretty good broadcasters.”

The remarks signal a broader understanding of sports media’s evolution. Marquee voices often shift from centerpiece to contributor over time. Even in reduced roles, they provide credibility and historical context. They also add narrative framing that newer formats sometimes lack.

NBC Sports recently announced a special Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presentation featuring Costas alongside Doug Collins, Mike Fratello, Jim Gray, Hannah Storm, Isiah Thomas and P.J. Carlesimo for a March 3 NBA broadcast.

Costas will handle play-by-play alongside Collins and Fratello, with Gray reporting courtside, while Storm hosts NBA Showtime on Peacock with Thomas and Carlesimo serving as studio analysts.

He acknowledged that today’s media ecosystem moves faster and fragments more sharply than in past eras. Still, he argued that signature events such as the Olympic Games benefit from seasoned perspective. He believes experienced voices add depth when layered onto modern production.

Perhaps most tellingly, Costas emphasized that NBC stood alone as a viable destination for this phase of his career, explaining that no other opportunity would have drawn him back into a structured network role.

“I don’t think anything at this point would have brought me back, except this opportunity to write a gratifying last chapter, where it should be written with NBC,” said Costas.

For NBC Sports, the arrangement provides a respected voice for select tentpole events without altering its current leadership hierarchy. For Bob Costas, the opportunity carries a personal dimension. He views it as a deliberate and well-timed conclusion on familiar ground. The role allows him to contribute meaningfully. At the same time, he recognizes that leadership has passed to others.

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.

WPHM Moving to 105.5 FM and 1450 AM in April

BNM Staff
-
0
WPHM Moving to 105.5 FM and 1450 AM in April

WPHM in Port Huron, Michigan, has announced it plans to shift its signal from 1380 AM to 1450 AM and 105.5 FM in April.

On April 6th, the 1380 AM signal will be turned off. The station is largely moving away from its news/talk station.

During The Paul Miller Show on Monday morning, Radio First General Manager Scott Shigley said the news and reasoning behind the move.

“Every radio station has towers, and every radio station has a license. We have a lot of programming across our stations, and some of it just really isn’t focused,” said Shigley. “And one of the things that we’re going to do is we’re going to make Paul available, not only to an AM audience, but we’re going to make you available on an FM dial too.

“We are going to take the WPHM call letters, and we are going to move it down the dial to 1450. The reason for that is because 1450 is also attached to 105.5 FM. So now we’re going to be able to offer The Paul Miller Show on an FM to an FM audience as well as AM, and we feel like that is a really, really important thing for us to be able to do.”

Shigley added that the current rock, country, and folk music format featured on the 1590 AM and 92.7 FM signals in the market will then be added to WPHM from 10 AM throughout the remainder of the day.

Currently, 1380 AM WPHM airs nationally syndicated news/talk shows like The Brian Kilmeade Show, The Guy Benson Show, Will Cain Country, and Coast to Coast AM. It also airs Bleck & Abdalla from Westwood One Sports, as well as FOX Sports Radio in the evening hours.

Following the signal shuffle, the cluster will have three stations: QCountry 107, 96.9 WBTI, and 105.5 FM/1450 AM WPHM.

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.

Netflix’ Ted Sarandos Says Future Remains Bright Despite Dropping Out of Warner Bros. Bidding

BSM Staff
-
0
Netflix’ Ted Sarandos Says Future Remains Bright Despite Dropping Out of Warner Bros. Bidding

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is addressing the company’s failed pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery, and he is doing so with the same direct tone that has long defined his public commentary on the evolving media landscape.

During an interview with Bloomberg, Sarandos characterized the competing bidder that ultimately secured the deal as “unusual” and even “irrational,” signaling clear frustration over how the process unfolded while also projecting confidence in Netflix’s strategic position moving forward.

“It’ll be fascinating to see the next steps,” said Sarandos. “I’m confident in our future that we’re not impacted by all that. In fact, maybe it’s to our advantage. But I hope I’m wrong for the sake of the industry.”

Sarandos acknowledged the irregular nature of the competition and suggested that outside factors influenced the trajectory of the sale. Even so, Sarandos emphasized that Netflix remains well positioned regardless of the outcome.

He argued that the company’s long-term strategy does not hinge on any single acquisition and could ultimately benefit from staying disciplined while others stretch beyond traditional valuation models.

Political noise also entered the conversation, when Sarandos was asked whether public pressure from President Donald Trump may have rattled shareholders at Warner Bros. Discovery.

“It’s a lot cheaper to make noise than it is to actually raise your bid,” Sarandos said. “So they tried that path first. Once it was clear that we weren’t in the CNN business, it was a lot less interesting. He didn’t care that much more about our deal.”

Ultimately, Sarandos said Netflix operated within a clearly defined valuation framework and refused to deviate from it, even as the bidding intensified. The company submitted what he described as a tight offer range and later shifted to an all-cash structure in an effort to streamline the process, yet leadership determined that exceeding those parameters would undermine the disciplined approach that has fueled Netflix’s sustained growth.

“I’m happy where we got in and happy where we got out,” said Sarandos. “We knew right away, when we got the notice on Thursday that they had a superior offer and the details of that deal. We knew exactly what we were going to do.”

For a company that has built its brand on calculated risk-taking, the decision underscores a willingness to walk away when the numbers no longer align with long-term objectives, reinforcing Sarandos’ belief that patience and fiscal restraint can sometimes offer more competitive leverage than winning a headline-grabbing auction.

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...199200201...2,648Page 200 of 2,648