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From Billboard to Bots: A Guide to Finding Real Hit Songs

Jim Ryan
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From Billboard to Bots: A Guide to Finding Real Hit Songs

When I had my first music director job in Detroit, I used to call the Harmony House record stores and get their top 20 selling singles and albums each week. After I built a relationship with one of the stores and they reported that the new Prince song was #1, I was told why it was a hit song.

Seems the Warner Bros. promotion guy gave the store “clean” or non-promotional copies of the single, so they would hype the report to the radio people who called. I was shocked… data manipulation.

When the Data Was Dirty From the Start

The story only got worse. When I confronted the Warner rep, he told me that the labels were even using people in their offices to call studio lines and request their latest releases.

So, for those of you programming gold off 80’s Billboard charts, just know some of those chart positions were dictated by what the record companies wanted. But yes, Prince was a real hit artist; he just needed a little help getting started.

Streaming Fraud: The New Version of an Old Game

Fast forward to today, when I’m reading about manipulation of streaming and social media data. One company even promoted that they could provide those services on their website.

Companies that promise guaranteed streams usually rely on things like bot networks, click farms, or incentivized listening loops. That directly violates the terms of the streaming platforms.

Over time, the fallout can include removal of fake streams and loss of royalties tied to those plays. However, in the short term, it can dupe a programmer looking for reliable data and a breakout hit.

Why Callout Research Is Only Part of the Answer

What we are left with is callout. For those who have it in their budget, you know that can sway from week to week even more than the Nielsen ratings. It’s all about the sample. A handful of respondents in a metro of millions is bound to produce wobbles.

Research companies are subjected to the same issues as Nielsen — finding people willing to participate. In a world where you get a survey every time you visit a restaurant or make a purchase, companies who provide sample for research vendors are struggling.

Callout is also an ongoing tribute to the established hits that are quickly recognizable with a short hook. Unfamiliar songs do not usually score well.

The Safest Way to Find a Hit Song

So how do you find new music? We all know playing a bad song is a bigger tune-out than playing commercials. The best strategy is to proceed with caution.

When in doubt, leave it out. You’re only going to get hurt in Nielsen by what you program; rarely will listeners miss a new song on your station. A handful of superstars are the only exception to that rule.

Let the Big Stations Do the Heavy Lifting

Monitor the biggest stations that have the most to lose by playing stiffs.

Take Z100 in New York or KIIS in LA — they are not going to play a bad song 100 times a week. Just because they add a new release doesn’t mean it’s a hit. A song with 20 spins a week may never get played when their listeners are awake. But for a song to make power on any highly rated top 5 market station, there is research involved.

If a song starts on WKSC in Chicago, moves to power, and gets added to WBBM and WTMX, you’ve got a hit.

Why Mediabase May Be Your Most Valuable Tool Right Now

While I hate to advocate for a barter product, Mediabase may end up being the most valuable tool in today’s environment. Certainly not for their charts, but for the data on the stations you should be monitoring. All of us want to be leaders.

But unless you have the resources of a station like Z100, it’s much safer to be a follower.

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’s Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro Delivered a Masterclass in Playoff Hockey Broadcasting

John Molori
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ESPN’s Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro Delivered a Masterclass in Playoff Hockey Broadcasting

NHL playoff hockey might just be the most exciting spectacle in sports. With ESPN’s Mike Monaco and Ray Ferraro in the booth, it becomes even more electrifying.

This is exactly what happened in Game 2 of the second-round matchup between Philadelphia and Carolina, with the Hurricanes holding a 1-0 edge in the series. The game remained tense and tight throughout, but the third period and overtime turned into a pressure cooker. Monaco and Ferraro served as the perfect narrators for this terrific contest as Philadelphia clung to a 2–1 edge when the third period began.

Monaco continues to place himself in that upper echelon of hockey broadcasters, alongside Sean McDonough and Kenny Albert. His strong voice, accurate calls, and pacing are second to none.

Ferraro has built a reputation as a magnificent ice-level reporter and analyst. But it was a real treat to have him in the booth, where viewers could hear more of his insights and intelligence. To me, Ferraro is the Mike “Doc” Emrick of color analysts. An unmistakable voice, wonderful turns of phrase, and deep analysis.

Monaco and Ferraro work extremely well together, with Rolex-level timing. By no means a small feat when broadcasting hockey.

Time And Flow

Unlike other sports, hockey leaves little space for the color analyst to comment on a given play. Most play-by-play announcers, including Monaco, call a game as if it is on radio. Narrating every play and each name that touches the puck.

There is no set time for the analyst to speak. In basketball, the analyst can comment after a bucket and before play crosses the center line. In football, there is ample space for analysis after each play. Baseball provides nothing but time.

Ferraro excels at delivering a great deal of information in a short window, while Monaco sets the scene and captures the emotion of playoff hockey. Although his voice seldom rises to a shriek, it carries a consistent power.

Monaco also does a good job of blending statistics with the action on ESPN.

As third-period play moved rapidly up and down the ice, he noted that Flyers goalie Dan Vladar had 16 saves in the second period, tying his season high for any period. Ferraro commented on the number of penalties in the game—ten in the first two periods. This is quite rare in playoff hockey, where officials usually allow athletes to play more freely.

Painting The Picture

ESPN’s production values enhanced Monaco and Ferraro’s words with terrific shots of both benches and the crowd. I especially liked the many close-up, ice-level shots of the players. We see the sweat, blood, glares, anger, and intensity of these competitors up close.

The graphics were also used wisely. When Philadelphia’s Porter Martone had a scoring opportunity, a graphic immediately noted that the right winger had zero points in the previous four games following a nine-game point streak.

Hockey announcers tend to develop their own lingo, and Monaco is no exception.

I love some of his descriptions, such as saying a player is “lurking along the blue line.” He also does a nice job of revisiting key points of the game while the action continues. It takes skill to mix in data, personality, and even humor while still tracking the live play. Monaco does this expertly without falling into the traps of self-promotion or frivolity.

As the third period moved past the halfway point with Philadelphia still leading 2-1, a graphic revealed that this was the first postseason game this year in which Carolina had trailed. It also noted that the Hurricanes recorded 23 comeback wins during the regular season. Sure enough, with 8:39 remaining, Carolina’s Seth Jarvis tied the game with a blistering shot past Dan Vladar.

Monaco’s voice rose to meet the moment. He then laid back and allowed the rabid Carolina crowd to take over, creating a marvelous playoff atmosphere. On the replay, Ferraro pinpointed that the Flyers were beaten in the middle of the ice and highlighted the slick assist by Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers.

Penalties continued to influence the game as the teams went 4 on 4 with a little more than five minutes remaining in the third period. Carolina and Philadelphia battled through the final minutes, leading to the ultimate in NHL playoff hockey. Overtime.

Free Hockey For All

The brisk, physical play carried into the extra period. Monaco and Ferraro matched the intensity, going back and forth with the action. In perfect synergy. Monaco told us what was happening, and Ferraro explained why it was happening.

This was words and music on ice.

From a visual standpoint, some of my favorite moments came from the close-up shots of both head coaches on ESPN. Carolina’s Rob Brind’Amour and Philadelphia’s Rick Tocchet, former Flyer teammates, were two of the most intense NHL players ever. That same intensity remains evident. You could tell both coaches would trade their coats and ties for jerseys and sticks without hesitation.

Adding to their nerves were the many scoring chances each team generated in overtime. Monaco and Ferraro shared a collective excitement as they described the action. With 6:45 to play in overtime, Carolina’s Eric Robinson nearly ended the game on a wraparound shot. Shortly after, Philadelphia center Luke Glendening had a similarly golden opportunity from the left faceoff circle.

As the tension mounted, Ferraro astutely noted that many players get too excited and “trigger-happy” in these moments. Often leading to costly offside calls.

With 3:30 left in overtime, Monaco offered another strong nugget, noting that Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen had made 31 consecutive saves. At one point, Monaco stepped outside his traditional role and sounded like a fan, exclaiming, “How good is playoff hockey?”

Just when a second overtime seemed inevitable, Taylor Hall ended the contest with a nifty goal, giving Carolina a 3-2 win and a 2-0 series lead. Monaco was all over the call, bellowing, “Taylor Hall wins it in Game 2!”

His call was sharp and accurate, but in truth, anyone who watched this game joined the Hurricanes in the winners’ circle. It was the conclusion of rhythmic announcing, telling statistics, and compelling camera work.

Monaco, Ferraro, and the ESPN crew brought viewers into the arena and onto the ice to experience the full power and passion of playoff hockey.

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.

Magellan AI Promotes Jim Ballas to President of Measurement

Jason Barrett
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Magellan AI Promotes Jim Ballas to President of Measurement

Magellan AI is making moves. The company has promoted Jim Ballas to President of Measurement

What We Know: Ballas joined Magellan AI in 2022 as GM of Measurement. Since then, he built the division into a core business driver. Most notably, he led the March 2026 launch of Broadcast Radio Attribution. That product lets brands evaluate radio campaigns alongside podcasts, streaming audio, and connected TV in one unified view. Additionally, Magellan AI just expanded its partnership with iHeartMedia. That deal leverages iHeartMedia’s simulcast data to connect broadcast radio exposure to measurable outcomes — including web visits, leads, and purchases. Furthermore, attribution reporting through that data is available exclusively to advertisers working with iHeartMedia. Going forward, Ballas oversees strategy, product development, and growth across the entire measurement operation.

What They Said: Cameron Hendrix, CEO and Co-Founder of Magellan AI: “Jim has been instrumental in building Magellan AI’s measurement business into what it is today. From expanding attribution into broadcast radio to scaling tools that help advertisers make smarter decisions across their media mix, Jim’s vision and leadership have been central to our growth. Promoting him to President, Measurement reflects the importance of this business and our confidence in Jim to lead it.”

What Remains Unclear: Magellan AI hasn’t detailed its product roadmap under Ballas’s expanded leadership yet. Furthermore, the company hasn’t outlined plans to grow its broadcast radio measurement footprint beyond the iHeartMedia partnership. The industry will watch closely for additional updates.

What It Means: Radio has consistently struggled to prove its value alongside digital. Consequently, these two developments together matter more than either one alone. Magellan AI isn’t just building analytics — it’s building an infrastructure that gives radio sellers a credible seat at the advertiser’s table. Moreover, the iHeartMedia partnership puts real scale behind that argument. For anyone buying or selling audio advertising, pay attention to what Magellan AI does 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.

Sony Music Pursues Multibillion-Dollar Recognition Music Takeover

Bethany Kent
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Sony Music Pursues Multibillion-Dollar Recognition Music Takeover

Sony Music Group is pursuing a landmark acquisition. The target is Recognition Music Group, and the stakes are enormous.

What We Know: As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Sony is in active talks to acquire Recognition Music Group. The deal would primarily transfer publishing rights for iconic artists — including Justin Bieber, Neil Young, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

This follows major deals like Primary Wave’s acquisition of Kobalt and BMG’s purchase of Concord.

What The Numbers Show: Valuations vary widely, with Bloomberg citing $3.5–$4 billion and Billboard reporting a figure closer to $2 billion. Neither figure is confirmed.

What Remains Unclear: The deal has not been finalized. Final pricing remains a major unknown, with estimates ranging by nearly $2 billion. It’s also unclear which specific catalog assets are included beyond publishing rights. Additionally, a timeline for closing hasn’t emerged publicly.

What It Means: This acquisition would further consolidate Sony’s dominance in music publishing. Major catalog rights continue attracting institutional money at a rapid pace.

For the broader industry, the deal signals that premium music assets still command extraordinary valuations.

Whoever lands Recognition gains leverage over some of the most valuable songs in modern history.

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.

Warner Bros. Discovery Reports 1% Revenue Decline in 2026’s First Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Warner Bros. Discovery Reports 1% Revenue Decline in 2026’s First Quarter

Warner Bros. Discovery has released its 2026 first-quarter financial results. Overall, the company saw a slight decrease.

What We Know: Total revenue for Warner Bros. Discovery reached $8.9 billion during the quarter. Distribution revenues were largely unchanged, while streaming subscribers helped offset any losses there. Additionally, losses were offset by Paramount Skydance paying Netflix the $2.9 billion due after the streaming giant was unable to complete the deal to purchase the company.

What the Numbers Show:

Segment 2026 2025 % Change
Distribution $4,906,000 $4,886,000 –%
Advertising $1,847,000 $1,980,000 ↓ 7%
Content $1,887,000 $1,866,000 ↑ 1%
Other $253,000 $247,000 ↑ 2%
Total Revenues $8,893,000 $8,979,000 ↓ 1%

Total Adjusted EBITDA was $2.2 billion, up 5% from the $2.1 billion it ended during the same quarter in 2025.

What They Said: “We’ve said consistently that we’re living through a period of historic disruption in media and entertainment … Each segment of our business is demonstrably more nimble and better positioned for future success than when Warner Bros. Discovery was formed. That’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented team of 30,000 plus colleagues who have remained focused and relentless in pushing Warner Bros. Discovery forward.” -CEO David Zaslav

What It Means: The company still puts a large value on HBO Max and will continue to do so. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav says that he believes HBO Max will surpass 150 million global subscribers by the end of 2026. Zaslav said that the company sees “nothing but strong growth ahead for HBO Max.” It’s also positive news for Paramount Skydance, who still hopes to acquire WBD later this year, pending regulatory approval.

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.

Elle Duncan to Craig Carton: Russini-Vrabel Story Doesn’t Define Women Broadcasters

Jason Barrett
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Elle Duncan to Craig Carton: Russini-Vrabel Story Doesn’t Define Women Broadcasters

Elle Duncan is pushing back hard on the idea that Dianna Russini’s situation makes it tougher for women in sports media. Instead, she says the real problem is the men who were never going to respect women’s work in the first place.

What We Know: Craig Carton spoke with Duncan about the reported relationship between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini and its potential effect on younger women trying to advance in sports broadcasting. The question suggested that old stereotypes about how women get jobs in the industry could increase. Duncan immediately rejected the premise. She believes tying one situation to the broader female workforce is not only wrong, it is dangerous. In addition, Duncan says accusations about women earning roles through looks, diversity initiatives, or “nefarious things” long predate this specific story. In her view, critics simply use each new controversy as fresh ammunition. They are not reassessing women’s credibility, just confirming beliefs they already held.

What They Said: Elle Duncan, Netflix: “If you are chauvinistic enough to associate the actions of one and apply them to all women, and you were never going to take a woman seriously anyway on her job, you were always going to minimize why she got that role.”

What Remains Unclear: Duncan’s stance raises important questions for the industry. Will executives and decision makers quietly let incidents like this shape hiring or promotion choices? Are there male and female voices in newsrooms who still believe one woman’s actions stain the entire gender? Additionally, how do young women process the online backlash around stories like this, even if they agree with Duncan’s logic? The tension between public perception and private confidence remains unresolved. So does the role social media plays in amplifying bad-faith narratives.

What It Means: Duncan’s core message to sports media professionals is blunt. Don’t treat one controversy as a referendum on every woman in the business. Carton deserves credit for raising the question. He also gave Duncan room to explain why gossip or groupthink shouldn’t overshadow performance. Moreover, Duncan is urging women on-air and behind the scenes to demand merit-based judgment and reject collective blame.

Elle Duncan shared her thoughts on The Craig Carton Show. The full conversation can be seen below.

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.

Amy Howe Departs As FanDuel CEO

John Mamola
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Amy Howe Departs As FanDuel CEO

FanDuel has parted ways with CEO Amy Howe after five years. President Christian Genetski will now lead the nation’s top sportsbook.

What We Know: Howe took the helm in 2021, steering FanDuel through a dramatic expansion in sports betting. She became one of few women executives in the gambling industry. Notably, she championed responsible gaming, refusing stadium ads and NIL deals with college athletes. Following the news, shares of FanDuel parent company Flutter dropped Wednesday afternoon — continuing a troubling slide of nearly 60% over the past year.

What They Said: Amy Howe in a company email announcing her departure: “As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with a combination of gratitude and tremendous pride for what we’ve accomplished together as the industry leader in online gaming. After more than five unforgettable years, the time has come for me to step away from FanDuel and begin a new chapter.”

Flutter CEO Peter Jackson: “I would like to thank Amy for her contribution to Flutter and FanDuel, and recognize the impact she has had on the business since joining in 2021. We wish her every success for the future. Within the US business we have also narrowed ownership of the drivers of sportsbook performance. These changes will sharpen focus on US sportsbook, strengthen the connection between our US and International operations, and fully leverage the Group’s expertise and strategic ambition.”

What Remains Unclear: The exact circumstances behind Howe’s departure remain unknown. Furthermore, Flutter’s February 2026 guidance missed Wall Street expectations, adding pressure to an already struggling stock. As its predictions market grows, the company faces pressure to prioritize that business over expanding sports betting operations.

What It Means: Howe was the right choice for the time. With states continuing to legalize sports gambling, FanDuel needed a focused leader of balancing growth with responsibility. Howe helped provide that growth. However, new challenges now face the company as prediction markets attract customers in states without legalized sportsbooks. New CEO Christian Genetski brings more than a decade of company experience. Plus a fresh vision for capturing both sportsbook and prediction market users.

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.

97.1 The Fan Los Angeles Announces Daytime Lineup Launching May 18

John Mamola
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97.1 The Fan Los Angeles Announces Daytime Lineup Launching May 18

Audacy has announced the lineup for its new Los Angeles based FM sports outlet. The 97.1 The Fan lineup consists of names that are recognizable with followings based in the Los Angeles area.

What We Know: Los Angeles is getting its first-ever FM all-sports radio station. Audacy updated the official launch date of 97.1 The Fan to May 18 at 6:00 a.m. PT with a full weekday lineup. Three live and local shows will anchor the schedule. Derek Fisher, Cody Decker, Brock Vereen, Alex Curry, Doug McKain, and Bill Reiter lead the on-air talent.

What They Said: Brand Manager Andrew Williams “Los Angeles is a sports powerhouse with a deep connection between teams, fans, and culture, and this new lineup brings together championship-level personalities, veteran player perspective, and sharp analytical expertise. We’re building a full-scale, live and local LA sports network that brings sports to the FM dial and across multiple platforms to meet our audiences where they are. We’re excited to give fans an unparalleled listening and viewing experience that’s as entertaining and authentic as it is insightful.” 

What Remains Unclear: Weekend programming and additional daypart plans have not yet been announced. Additionally, the station has yet to announce any rights partnerships with local teams. It’s also unclear whether any simulcast television components will accompany the launch. However, the station will be live streamed on YouTube and Twitch video platforms.

What It Means: In speaking with sources, there is still a lot to uncover about the full makeup of what 97.1 The Fan will bring. For instance, could Audacy shift the broadcasting rights to the FM play by play events to the brand from it’s sister station 93.1 Jack FM. Also, there’s no evening programming listed on the release from the company. By shifting the launch date to May 18, that will allow station management to arrange their plans for the evenings so they can encompass a full 6am-10pm live and local feel. Overall, the roster is a blended mix of sports talk talent with personalities that fit an LA vibe. Will be interested to see what this means for Cody Decker’s podcast with Michelle Beadle as well.

Weekday Daytime Lineup:

  • 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PT: “Derek & Decker” with Derek Fisher and Cody Decker 
  • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT: “Brock & Alex” with Brock Vereen and Alex Curry
  • 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT: “D-Mac & Reiter” with Doug McKain and Bill Reiter

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.

Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 Surpasses 600 Affiliates

Bethany Kent
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Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 Surpasses 600 Affiliates

Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 has hit 600 affiliates. The Countdown keeps on climbing.

What We Know: Premiere Networks confirmed this week that Casey Kasem‘s American Top 40 has crossed the 600-affiliate threshold. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s 93.7 The River in Sacramento marks the landmark addition. Starting May 10, the station will air American Top 40 – The 80’s on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon PT. Furthermore, the show carries deep historical roots — Kasem created it originally in 1970. Additionally, listeners can still access its original broadcast form spanning 1970 through 1988.

What They Said: Peter Tripi, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales for Premiere Networks, credited the show’s staying power. “This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of Casey Kasem and the timeless appeal of American Top 40,” he said.

Tripi added: “These classic shows continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, and we’re thrilled to welcome 93.7 The River as the latest station to bring this iconic countdown experience to its listeners.”

What Remains Unclear: How much larger can the show reasonably expand? 600 stations is a big number. There are no new details yet about potential expansion into new markets.

What It Means: 600 affiliates is a meaningful number for any syndicated property. It shows that classic-format radio programming still holds commercial value in today’s fragmented audio landscape. This milestone reinforces the franchise’s position as one of syndication’s most durable brands.

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.

Ramsey Network EVP Blake Thompson to Retire

Garrett Searight
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Ramsey Network EVP Blake Thompson to Retire

After 30 years working for Ramsey Solutions, Ramsey Network Executive Vice President Blake Thompson is set to retire later this year.

What We Know: Thompson was hired as the original producer of Dave Ramsey’s radio show in 1996. Since then, he has overseen the show’s growth and ascended to the role of Executive Vice President of The Ramsey Network. The Ramsey Network has grown from The Ramey Show to now feature 10 podcasts and more than 1,000 employees. Ramsey Network Vice President Hank Fuerst will succeed Thompson as the lead for the network.

What They Said: “I chose years ago to prepare for this transition. That decision allowed me to invest in (Hank Fuerst), ensure the team is where it needs to be, and gradually hand over more responsibility. I learned from Dave that if you give someone too much responsibility too quickly, it can backfire. I’m fully supportive of the next generation getting their opportunity and building on the work they’ve done. This is a win-win for me to step aside and pursue my next chapter while they continue to grow and succeed with the network.” -Blake Thompson

What It Means: It’s the end of an era at Ramsey Solutions. Thompson tells a famous story of when Dave Ramsey informed 99.7 WTN that he planned to syndicate his show. Engineers asked who would handle the technical operations. Ramsey pointed at Thompson and said, “He will.” From there on, Thompson has been a pivotal figure in helping create Ramsey’s empire.

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