NBCUniversal closed its Milan Cortina Winter Olympics coverage with a massive audience Sunday morning, as Team USA’s 2-1 overtime win against Canada in the men’s hockey gold medal game delivered one of the most-watched early start sporting events in American television history.
According to Nielsen Big Data + Panel figures and Adobe Analytics digital data, 20.7 million average viewers tuned in across NBC, Peacock and USA Network for the dramatic finish, with the audience peaking at 26.0 million on NBC and Peacock at 10:52 a.m. ET when Jack Hughes buried the game-winner in overtime.
The window between 10:45 and 11 a.m. ET averaged 26.0 million viewers as play-by-play voice Kenny Albert delivered the decisive call that secured the United States’ first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since 1980.
Across NBC and Peacock alone, the 8:15-11 a.m. ET broadcast averaged 18.6 million viewers, setting a record as the most-watched sporting event ever to begin before 9 a.m. ET in the United States.
In addition, the matchup now stands as NBC Sports’ second most-watched hockey telecast of all time, trailing only the USA-Canada gold medal game at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, which drew 27.6 million viewers with a mid-afternoon puck drop that proved more favorable for domestic audiences.
Streaming once again played a significant role in the overall delivery, as NBC Sports recorded its largest hockey streaming audience on record outside of NFL coverage. Peacock led the way with an average streaming audience of 3.7 million viewers, underscoring the platform’s continued growth as a primary Olympic distribution outlet and reinforcing NBCUniversal’s multiplatform strategy for premium live sports.
NBC Sports President Rick Cordella called the gold medal showdown a fitting exclamation point to what the company branded as its “Legendary February,” a stretch that also included coverage of the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game.
Cordella praised the athletes and organizers while highlighting the internal effort required to deliver 17 days of Olympic competition to more than 215 million Americans across NBCUniversal’s portfolio.
The network also extended the momentum beyond the live window, as NBCUniversal quickly made the full replay available on Peacock, scheduled an encore presentation on USA Network later Sunday afternoon, and aired a condensed two-hour version on NBC stations following late local news.
Those additional telecasts combined to reach another 2.1 million viewers, adding to the game’s already historic footprint.
With media rights to the Olympic Games secured in the United States through 2036, NBCUniversal will next turn its focus to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles while preparing for future Winter Games stops in the French Alps and Utah.
GOLDEN FINISH — USA-Canada Olympic Men’s Gold Medal Hockey Game Delivers Audience Milestones
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KSEV 700 AM in Houston has announced it is adding The Craig Collins Show to its daily lineup.
The program will air from 6-7 PM each weekday. It will take over the first hour of The Joe Pags Show, which previously aired from 6-9 PM on the station.
“How awesome is it to be at the same radio station I remember reading about in The Way Things Ought To Be! I can’t wait to get started,” said Collins. “A big thank you to Bonny, Russell and the entire team at KSEV!”
Previously, Collins has worked at outlets like 93 WIBC and WGN Radio. He’s been a fill-in host for Tony Katz, Dana Loesch, and Chad Benson throughout his career.
The Craig Collins Show will begin airing on KSEV 700 AM on Monday, March 9th.
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Atlanta sports radio host Steak Shapiro used his Tuesday edition of The Steakhouse on 92.9 The Game to deliver a sweeping endorsement of NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico, arguing that Tirico’s closing message following Team USA’s overtime win against Canada for Olympic gold elevated him into rarefied air among sports broadcasters.
As Shapiro framed it, the setting could not have been more dramatic. The final athletic moment of the Games came on a sudden-death goal that secured the United States’ 12th gold medal in men’s hockey, before Tirico was tasked with guiding viewers out of NBC’s coverage from Milan.
In Shapiro’s view, what followed was not merely competent hosting, but something approaching broadcast mastery.
“Mike Tirico. The final moment of the Olympic Games in Milan. The final athletic moment was a overtime goal by the United States to capture their 12th, the most gold medals in USA history,” Shapiro said. “And then this guy, who I would say now is the pantheon of the greatest broadcasters ever, and I think he surpassed Costas who did the Olympics for years. Tirico is good at everything.”
Shapiro’s comparison to Bob Costas was deliberate, as Costas long served as the face of Olympic coverage for NBC. However, Shapiro contended that Tirico’s versatility across football, golf and global events has separated him from his predecessors, particularly in moments that require both command and restraint.
While Shapiro acknowledged that extemporaneous commentary is a daily requirement in radio, he emphasized that the Olympic stage magnifies every syllable. Tirico’s remarks, delivered live as millions watched worldwide, struck him as spontaneous yet fully formed, a balance few achieve when attempting to summarize weeks of competition and the broader meaning of sport itself.
“It’s like the Beatles writing a perfect song. Off the cuff. No question. That is extemporaneous,” Shapiro said. “Let’s try to wrap it up. Let’s try to coalesce our thoughts. We do this every day in radio, and we don’t always do it well… We’ve done 10,000 hours of talking off the cuff, but not like that, not wrapping up with millions and millions of people trying to encapsulate not only the Olympic games, but what sports can mean.”
For Shapiro, the most impressive element was that Tirico did not allow the magnitude of the moment to overwhelm his delivery. Instead, he provided what the host described as 58 seconds of flawless broadcasting, combining natural cadence with the gravity the occasion demanded.
“That was 58 seconds of perfect broadcasting that should be held out for any young person that ever thinks about what it sounds like to be natural and speak off the cuff and bring the gravitas of the moment to life,” Shapiro said. “I’ve heard it once or twice listening to it again. That was just brilliant.”
In an era dominated by viral clips and instant analysis, Shapiro suggested Tirico’s sign-off will endure as a teaching tool, not simply a highlight, reinforcing why NBC continues to entrust him with its biggest stages.
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For the first time since it began collecting data, Edison Research figures show that podcast listening surpassed spoken-word formats on AM/FM radio.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, time spent listening to podcasts rose to 40% of all spoken-word listening time. AM/FM Radio spoken word audio time finished the quarter at 39% of listening, according to the Share of Ear study from Edison Research.
When the study first began in 2015, 75% of Americans listening to spoken word audio were with AM/FM Radio. At that same time, only 10% of spoken word audio was spent listening to podcasts.
Those figures have continually inched closer, getting to as close as six percentage points in 2023 before (43% AM/FM Radio-37% podcasts), before the gap widened in favor of terrestrial radio in 2024.
Spoken word audio listening accounts for 25% of all daily time spent with audio, the Edison Research study shows.
The Edison Research Share of Ear study focuses on Americans aged 13+ and their daily, weekly, and monthly listening habits.
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Scott Van Pelt took a moment on SportsCenter Monday night to honor a friend, offering pointed praise for Mike Tirico’s closing commentary after the United States defeated Canada to capture gold in men’s hockey.
The veteran ESPN anchor, who rarely veers into overt commentary about broadcasters, made it clear that Tirico’s final words on NBC Sports transcended a typical sign-off and instead became part of the moment itself. Speaking directly to viewers, Van Pelt reflected not only on the magnitude of the victory but on the responsibility that comes with narrating history in real time.
“He’s been my friend for decades and he’s been great at what he does for longer,” Van Pelt said. “But what he did on Sunday I believe moves him to a place occupied by one person in our business – him. The message is one thing. How you deliver it is another. And the moment is the truly elusive thing. And this was a singular moment in time.”
Van Pelt emphasized that while many broadcasters can articulate pride or perspective, very few can marry tone, timing and context in a way that feels inseparable from the event itself.
In his view, Tirico accomplished that rare feat as the country absorbed a victory over its most familiar hockey rival.
The United States-Canada matchup already carried decades of tension, history and respect, yet Van Pelt suggested that Tirico understood the broader canvas. Rather than leaning solely into celebration, he framed the outcome within a narrative that resonated beyond the rink, capturing what the win meant on a national stage without losing sight of sportsmanship.
Van Pelt continued by painting the scene that Tirico faced in the closing seconds of the broadcast.
“A Sunday morning in America in winter, with the entire nation watching,” Van Pelt said. “Mike was able to finish telling this remarkable story in a way I truly believe only he could, elevating this craft to its pinnacle and somehow being equal to a moment that will be remembered for all time here in the United States of America.”
For Van Pelt, the significance extended past personal friendship. He framed Tirico’s commentary as an example of what the best in the business strive to achieve: meeting a massive cultural moment with words that neither overshadow nor undersell it. The anchor described the performance as one that stands alone, not because of volume or theatrics, but because of precision and authenticity.
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Candace Owens has teased a documentary series based on Turning Point USA CEO and the widow of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk.
In a post on social media on Monday, Owens shared that she would not host her podcast on Tuesday as regularly scheduled.
Instead, she shared a nearly two-minute-long video of a teaser trailer for a project she’s calling The Bride of Charlie.
In the teaser, a clip of Erika Kirk saying, “My aunt used to tell me, ‘Never do something you don’t want on the front page of the newspaper.'”
Based on clips shown in the trailer, it appears as if Candace Owens will attempt to link Erika Kirk with financial misconduct, as well as potentially linking Kirk to sexual misconduct allegations in Romania.
Following the release of Candace Owens’ teaser trailer, many took to social media to lambast the podcaster for continuing her crusade against Kirk. Many used the term “evil” to describe the actions taken by the former Daily Wire host.
Pure, unadulterated, fucking evil. Who in God's name would put a woman whose husband was brutally assassinated in front of the entire world through this?
I am so upset by this, I am just so deeply sorry Erika and her family have to be put through this. https://t.co/RutcKHVSUQ
This is disgusting behavior. I’m not sorry for her. She’s beyond pity. I’m sorry for those of you who bought into her bullshit and now cannot admit to yourselves how deceived you have been. Untether yourself from this grifter! pic.twitter.com/ci7iVuZDYL
Honored to have been included in the @RealCandaceO documentary/exposé. There is nothing more fascinating and compelling than the truth focused. Onward! https://t.co/TppJxz97pM
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CBS News has announced its plans for President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil will anchor the show from Washington on Tuesday night, before leading the network’s primetime coverage of the event beginning at 9 PM ET.
Joining Doukoupil are Margaret Brennan, chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, senior White House correspondents Weijia Jiang and Ed O’Keefe, chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, and chief Washington analyst Robert Costa.
Anthony Salvanto will contribute to the network’s coverage with new polling about President Trump’s speech and his current approval numbers.
On the CBS News 24/7 streaming platform, the coverage will begin at 5 PM ET, with Major Garrett hosting a special edition of his Takeout podcast. The network’s coverage will also include The Free Press senior editor Will Rahn, CBS News contributor Reihan Salam, and reporters Nikole Killion, and Caitlin Huey-Burns.
Michael Wallace will anchor coverage of the event for CBS News Radio. He’ll be joined by Linda Kenyon and Stacy Lyn on Capitol Hill, while other CBS News correspondents and contributors will provide analysis on the radio network.
The network will also provide coverage of the Democratic response from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).
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.
Welcome to day 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. Visit their website to learn how they can help your brand. Our thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Today’s Top 20 series features a look at the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows of 2025. All results from this series are available on our website. We also encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter to receive the information in your inbox each day at 12pm ET. Each category is promoted across our social media pages too including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.
The full schedule of releases is listed down below the images. After this series is done, 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. Results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.
#2 – Music radio is a massive space. 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 – A total of 320 show images featuring shows and program directors are presented during this series. 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, 32 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Shows and Program Directors.
One hundred and seventy nine (179) Rock radio shows appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection after #1 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…
Preston and Steve of 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia. The popular duo have now repeated as the top choice in the category. They are the first from any format to score back-to-back wins in the music radio Top 20 series. Congratulations to Preston, Steve and their WMMR crew on the well deserved recognition.
NOTE: Pierre Robert passed away in October 2025 but received a lot of votes for his body of work in 2025.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Active/Modern Rock voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Rock Radio Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Preston & Steve finished sixty six (66) points ahead of Free Beer & Hot Wings to claim the crown once again. WMMR’s morning show also snagged a category best five (5) first place votes.
Spots 21-25 went to Mel Taylor, KiddChris, The Woody Show, Ashley O, and Alice’s Attic w/ Alice Cooper.
One (1) point decided two different races. Dave and Chuck the Freak nipped Chaz & AJ for 4th place and The 95 Rock WILL Morning Show slipped by Pablo for 16th.
Of the 179 Rock radio shows to earn votes, sixteen (16) received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Wednesday February 25 = BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
Thursday February 26 = BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
Friday February 27 = BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
Monday March 2 = BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
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.
Welcome to day 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. Visit their website to learn how they can help your brand. Our thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Today’s Top 20 series features a look at the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025. All results from this series are available on our website. We also encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter to receive the information in your inbox each day at 12pm ET. Each category is promoted across our social media pages too including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.
The full schedule of releases is listed down below the images. After this series is done, 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. Results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.
#2 – Music radio is a massive space. 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 – A total of 320 images featuring shows and program directors are presented during this series. 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 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, 32 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Shows and Program Directors.
Sixty three (63) Rock radio program directors appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection after #1 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…
Ryan Castle of 99.9 KISW in Seattle. This is Ryan’s first category win. He finished second last year. Congratulations to Ryan and the entire KISW team on the well earned recognition.
NOTE: Keith Cunningham exited 95.5 KLOS in November 2025 but received strong support for his 11-months of contributions. Rick Vaughn spent Jan-Sep with Cumulus Salt Lake City before returning to iHeartMedia.Ross MacLeod joined Alpha Media Portland in July 2025.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Active/Modern Rock voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Ryan Castle finished thirty eight (38) points ahead of Chuck Damico to earn the win. Castle finished tied with Damico and Derek Madden for the most first place votes in the category with three (3).
Spots 21-25 went to Aaron Roberts, Rob Rush, Justin Johnson, Mark ‘Ellwood’ Mailler and Borna Velic.
The closest contest was for 20th place. Ross MacLeod held off Aaron Roberts by one (1) point.
Of the 63 program directors to receive votes, fifteen (15) received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Wednesday February 25 = BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
Thursday February 26 = BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
Friday February 27 = BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
Monday March 2 = BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
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.
When Kenny Albert reflects on calling the United States men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory, he does not immediately reach for superlatives. Instead, he describes the experience as “surreal,” a word that captures both the magnitude of the moment and the unlikely path that led him there.
During a recent appearance on Stugotz & Company, Albert detailed what it meant to handle the gold medal broadcast for NBC Sports after working seven Winter Olympics throughout his career. While legendary voices such as Doc Emerick and Gary Thorne previously handled iconic gold medal matchups, Albert has now called three consecutive Olympic finals himself.
“I’ve done the gold medal game now three straight Olympics, but the NHL players weren’t there the last two. So definitely a different feeling,” explained Albert.
That context framed this latest assignment differently. Albert said the way the tournament unfolded only added to the sense of disbelief once the United States secured gold. Having been part of multiple Olympic broadcasts without NHL participation, he recognized immediately how rare it felt to call a final featuring elite talent and historic stakes.
When comparing the game to other marquee events on his play by play resume, Albert did not hesitate.
“As far as the magnitude of it, and I’ve done Stanley Cup Finals. I did a Super Bowl, which was the international feed,” said Albert. “I think as far as the magnitude, definitely, the biggest for sure.”
The workload leading up to the final made the accomplishment even more remarkable. Albert revealed that the gold medal game marked his 24th broadcast in Milan over an 18-day stretch, covering both men’s and women’s competition.
“It was like Groundhog Day. You just got into the routine every day,” joked Albert.
Perhaps most surprising, Albert said he did not feel unusually nervous entering the gold medal matchup. In fact, he approached it as he would any other game in terms of preparation, timing and execution.
“Obviously, it was a lot bigger because was the gold medal game. But I wasn’t really nervous or anything like that. People asked me if I was nervous. Not really, because we had done 23 games,” said Albert.
That steady approach reflects Albert’s broader philosophy. Regardless of whether he is narrating an early-round matchup or a championship showdown, the preparation does not change. The Olympic gold medal game may stand as the pinnacle of his broadcasting career, but for Albert, excellence comes from treating every assignment with identical focus and discipline.
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.
