Civic Media has announced a new regional morning show featuring Brian Noonan and Jamie Martinson across several stations.
Daybreak with Brian and Jamie will be heard from 6-9 AM. Noonan joined Civic Media earlier this year after previously working at 620 WTMJ, before departing in April 2025. The new morning show will air on 1100 WISS, 1230 WXCO, 1580 WMDX, and 540 WAUK.
The All News, All Morning show on 540 WAUK in Milwaukee, however, will remain in the daypart.
Meanwhile, The Stephanie Miller Show will air across the company’s stations from 9-11 AM, with The Thom Hartmann Show airing from 11 AM to 2 PM. The Jeff Santos Show will join the lineup from 2-5 PM.
“We’re excited to refresh our programming with the addition of new radio shows and a continuous stream of digital content that meets audiences wherever they are,” said Civic Media Vice President of Product Aaron Carreno. “This growth reflects our commitment to delivering fresh voices, diverse perspectives, and engaging storytelling across every platform. By strengthening both our on-air and digital presence, we’re creating more opportunities for our community to connect, discover, and stay informed—anytime, anywhere.”
With the changes in afternoon drive, John Peterson and Gordy Young have exited the company after just over 3 months in the daypart.
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NBC News has announced its plans to provide coverage of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address scheduled for Tuesday.
Beginning at 9 PM ET, NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas will lead the network’s coverage of President Trump’s speech, as well as the Democratic response from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).
Joining Llamas are Meet the Press’ Kristen Weelker, anchor Hallie Jackson, Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander, and Chief Capitol Hill Correspondent Ryan Nobles. Nobles will report from the House chamber, while Julie Tsirkin will be at the National Statuary Hall, and Sahil Kapur and Scott Wong will be at the Capitol.
Furthermore, Garrett Haake, Gabe Gutierrez, and Monica Alba will report for NBC News from the White House.
Streaming coverage for NBC News will begin at 4 PM ET on the NBC News NOW streaming platform. Kristen Welker will lead a special edition of Meet the Press NOW at 4 PM ET, with Hallie Jackson NOW airing from 5-7 PM ET in advance of an episode of Top Story with Tom Llamas from 7-8 PM ET.
Throughout the evening on the NBC News NOW, Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki will share recently collected data from the polling approval numbers for President Trump, as well as key items for the midterm elections. Welker will lead the streaming platform’s coverage and post-speech analysis on NBC News NOW.
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Sports radio AM/FM radio stations featuring play-by-play and sports talk are posting significant gains in revenue, station count and streaming consumption, according to new research released by Westwood One, with Nielsen and Edison data reinforcing the format’s accelerating momentum across multiple audience and advertiser metrics.
Over the past decade, the number of sports-formatted AM/FM stations has climbed 14%, while revenue shares, as measured by Miller Kaplan, have surged 38%, signaling both format expansion and stronger monetization at a time when many legacy media categories are fighting audience erosion.
The growth means sports radio now reaches roughly one in six American men, giving advertisers scale alongside a highly concentrated, male-skewing audience with measurable buying power.
Streaming performance is where the format’s dominance becomes even more pronounced. Nielsen’s PPM data shows sports ranks highest in streaming share among adults 18-34 and 25-54, outperforming every other AM/FM format in those demos.
Among persons 18-34, sports posts a 3.7 overall AM/FM share, including over-the-air and streaming, yet commands a 13.9% streaming share, nearly four times its total audience share.
Among adults 25-54, sports delivers a 5.1% total share, but its streaming share jumps to 14.2%, almost triple its overall performance. Even among persons 35+, the format’s 5.4% total share doubles to 11.4% in streaming.
While digital growth stands out, over-the-air listening remains foundational.
Edison Research’s Share of Ear study reports that 61% of all U.S. sports audio time spent occurs on AM/FM radio, followed by podcasts at 27% and SiriusXM at 12%. In-car listening accounts for 57% of over-the-air sports radio time spent, though when streaming is included, listening splits evenly between home and car at 47% each.
Midday leads all dayparts at 33% of listening, with morning drive at 29% and afternoon drive at 24%, underscoring the format’s all-day relevance.
Westwood One’s national play-by-play portfolio has mirrored the broader format surge. Nielsen reports audiences for Westwood One’s NFL prime-time broadcasts have grown 26% over the past decade, while its NCAA March Madness coverage reaches 20 million Americans annually, according to Nielsen studies.
Advertisers are also taking notice, particularly as research from MRI-Simmons shows sports AM/FM radio listeners demonstrate higher levels of sports engagement than comparable television audiences for both the NFL and college basketball.
That engagement translates into commercial impact. Ranked third in household income among 24 AM/FM formats, the sports audience has seen income levels rise 17% since 2020 and over-indexes across major purchase categories, from automotive to financial services and quick-service restaurants.
A new Quantilope study adds another dimension, finding sports AM/FM listeners are more interested in artificial intelligence and more willing to pay for AI services than the total U.S. population.
Taken together, the data paints a clear picture: sports AM/FM radio is not only expanding its audience footprint, it is delivering attentive, purchase-ready consumers across broadcast and streaming platforms, reinforcing its position as one of audio’s most durable and commercially potent formats.
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ESPN New York host Chris Carlin believes NBC Sports anchor Mike Tirico continues to perform at the highest level of the industry without receiving the widespread recognition that typically accompanies such assignments, particularly after Tirico wrapped his latest Olympic hosting duties.
Speaking Monday on Bart & Carlin, Carlin told listeners that Tirico’s versatility and preparation separate him from many of his peers, especially in moments that demand both command of the stage and sensitivity to the magnitude of the occasion.
“This is where Mike Tirico is brilliant,” Carlin said. “He does not get the credit that he deserves.”
Carlin framed his argument around the sheer scope of Tirico’s recent workload, noting that the broadcaster handled the Super Bowl before quickly pivoting to Olympic coverage overseas. That transition, Carlin explained, requires far more than simply boarding a plane and stepping in front of a camera, because the expectations surrounding each event differ dramatically in tone, audience and subject matter.
“He went and he did Super Bowl. That’s the biggest event in this country,” Carlin said. “Then you get on a plane, you go to Milan. Your first night there, you better damn well have that U.S. curling team. Now you better know what the hell’s going on in skeleton. The amount of work that was involved for that guy and the grace with which he handles himself is incredible.”
According to Carlin, Mike Tirico’s range sets him apart. He can transition from football’s biggest stage to lesser-known Olympic events with equal command. Carlin said that flexibility reflects deep preparation and genuine respect for each sport. Rather than relying on one specialty, Tirico adapts seamlessly. Carlin argued that adaptability is essential when hosting the Olympics. The global event demands clarity across diverse storylines and athletes unfamiliar to casual viewers.
Carlin also highlighted Tirico’s sign-off following the U.S. men’s hockey game Sunday afternoon, describing the moment as an example of how a seasoned broadcaster can elevate a national broadcast without overshadowing the athletes themselves.
“That’s brilliant,” Carlin said. “That could not have been said better to really explain what that meant. It’s not taking away from anything that’s happened before, and not comparing it. It’s what this moment was for, everyone to sit and enjoy and root on the same team.”
Carlin’s comments underscored a broader point about modern sports broadcasting, where viral moments and forceful opinions often dominate headlines. In contrast, he argued that Tirico’s impact stems from consistency, preparation and an instinct for when to amplify a moment and when to let it resonate on its own.
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ESPN has secured a multi-year agreement with former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, bringing the 2003 US Open champion into its tennis broadcast lineup as the network continues to deepen its roster ahead of a busy summer on the sport’s biggest stages.
The former American star will contribute to both match analysis and studio programming, beginning with coverage surrounding Wimbledon, as ESPN positions itself to deliver expansive storytelling and technical breakdowns across its tournament portfolio.
“Simply, I’m always just a massive fan of tennis. I’m very excited to join the ESPN tennis team and look forward to covering the two biggest tournaments in the world,” said Roddick.
Roddick retired from professional tennis in 2012 after a 13-year career defined by one of the most dominant serves of his era and a competitive fire that carried him into multiple major finals against some of the sport’s all-time greats. During his run on tour, he reached four Grand Slam championship matches, including three appearances at Wimbledon and another at the US Open, while collecting 32 ATP singles titles and five Masters 1000 trophies.
From 2002 through 2010, he finished inside the ATP’s year-end top 10 rankings in nine consecutive seasons, a stretch that underscored his consistency in an era headlined by historic rivals.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to the team. ESPN has long led the way in delivering in-depth tennis analysis, and with several recent talent additions, we’ve further strengthened our coverage,” said Linda Schulz, ESPN Vice President of Production. “Andy brings a distinctive, energetic, and highly relevant voice that will elevate both our studio and match coverage.”
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Roddick played a central role in helping the United States capture the 2007 Davis Cup title, further cementing his place among the most accomplished American players of his generation. In 2017, the International Tennis Hall of Fame recognized his career with induction, marking another milestone that reflects both his on-court resume and his broader impact on the sport.
With Wimbledon approaching and the US Open looming later this summer, ESPN adds not only a decorated champion to its airwaves but also a recognizable American voice capable of resonating with longtime fans and newer viewers alike.
ESPN has reached a multi-year deal with 2003 #USOpen champion & former World No. 1 Andy Roddick
Roddick will serve as an analyst for both match & studio coverage of The Championships, #Wimbledon & the US Open starting in 2026
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Welcome to Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 for 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. We appreciate Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Our Music Radio Top 20 series begins with a look at the Top 20 Alternative Shows of 2025. You can see all results from this series on our website but I highly encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter. Each day at 12pm ET our newsletter will be delivered so professionals can enjoy the results. We will also support the series across our social media platforms including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.
The full schedule of releases is down below the images. Once the series is done, I’ll record videos discussing the key takeaways and process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted on 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, 26 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Alternative Shows and Program Directors.
One Hundred and Eleven (111) Alternative radio shows appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. Executives were asked to consider the following criteria when voting: Quality of Shows (ear test), Ability to Entertain-Inform-Connect Across Multiple Platforms, Ratings Success, Originality, Industry Buzz and Clearance (national shows). We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection after 1 and up to 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…
Elliot in the Morning of DC 101 in Washington D.C.. This is Elliot’s first category win after finishing fourth last year. Congratulations to Elliot, the morning crew and the entire DC 101 team on the well deserved recognition.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Alternative Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Elliot in the Morning narrowly edged Klein & Ally by five (5) points to score the category win. The two shows tied for the most first place votes with four (4).
Spots 21-25 went to Sluggo, Julia, Dallas Osborn, The Mo! Show, and Kenzie.
The closest battle saw Ian Camfield nip Andy Hawk by two (2) points for 11th place.
Of the One Hundred and Eleven (111) shows to earn votes, thirteen (13) received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Tuesday February 24 = BM Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
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 Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 for 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. We appreciate Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.
Our Music Radio Top 20 series begins with a look at the Top 20 Alternative Program Directors of 2025. Results during this series will be available on our website but I highly encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter. Each day at 12pm ET our newsletter will unveil the results. We will then support it promotionally across our social media platforms too including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and/or X.
The full schedule of upcoming releases is listed down below the images. After the 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, 26 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Alternative Shows and Program Directors.
Fifty six (56) Alternative 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…
Lisa Worden of ALT 98.7 in Los Angeles. iHeartMedia’s SVP of Rock & Alternative finished second last year so this marks her first category win. Congratulations to Lisa and her team on the well earned recognition.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Alternative voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Alternative Program Directors of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Lisa Worden finished forty three (43) points ahead of Kevin Weatherly to earn the top spot. However, Weatherly did record the most first place votes in the category with five (5).
Spots 21-25 went to Kevin Begley, Nik Rivers, Steve Craig, Phillip Kukawinski, and Gordon Mays.
The closest battle saw Jeremy Pritchard hold off David Moore for 17th place by one (1) point.
Of the 56 program directors to receive votes, fourteen (14) received at least one 1st place vote.
Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Tuesday February 24 = BM Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
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.
The debate over the NBA’s national standing compared to the NHL resurfaced Monday on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, as Lima argued that, despite persistent criticism, pro basketball remains in a far stronger position than hockey across the country.
For weeks, sports media conversations have centered on perceived problems surrounding the NBA, including load management, regular-season intensity and fluctuating ratings. Yet Lima suggested that even the league’s most mocked storylines underscore its relevance.
“What has everybody had fun doing over the last three weeks?” Lima said. “Make fun of the NBA, right? And kill the NBA because of the many reasons. Justifiable — you don’t even hear me making excuses on a lot of those things that people crush the NBA for. But then we’ll get to the Stanley Cup, and it’ll get a sixth of the rating that the NBA Finals get.”
Lima clarified that he was not dismissing hockey’s on-ice product. He praised the intensity and drama of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Instead, he centered the debate on national visibility and sustained media conversation. In those areas, he argued the NBA holds a clear edge over the NHL.
“The NBA is so much healthier,” Lima said. “The thing that everybody makes fun of is exponentially healthier than the NHL.”
His comments came as the NHL attempts to carry momentum from the Winter Olympics into its playoff push. International competition, especially games featuring the United States and Canada, generated significant buzz and drew strong engagement from fans who do not regularly follow the league.
Lima acknowledged the energy surrounding Olympic hockey, calling it “appointment viewing” and questioning how often sports truly provide that kind of must-watch moment.
“That was awesome,” he said. “Appointment viewing yesterday. And in sports, how much appointment viewing do you truly get like you got yesterday?”
However, he expressed uncertainty about whether the NHL can convert that attention into long-term growth. While Olympic matchups can introduce new names and create temporary excitement, Lima questioned whether those impressions will linger once the focus returns to the grind of the regular season and early playoff rounds.
“Are we going to get together and go, ‘What’s wrong with the NHL? Crisis in the NHL!’” Lima said. “I just think the NHL is where it’s at. … But they need to capitalize on this now. And I don’t know if the NHL will ever be able to do that.”
Ultimately, Lima’s argument centered on scale. The NBA, he contended, dominates national debate cycles, fuels daily programming across television and radio and commands significantly higher championship ratings, even when critics highlight its flaws. Meanwhile, the NHL, though compelling at its peak, still fights for broader relevance beyond its core markets.
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.
The Broadcasters Foundation of America has announced the recipients of its Leadership Awards, Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award, and its Chairman’s Award honorees, set to be announced at its annual breakfast in April.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, at 7 AM in the Beethoven Room of The Encore Resort, the Broadcasters Foundation will present the awards during the NAB Show in Las Vegas.
The 2026 Leadership Award honorees are:
Heather Cohen, President, The Weiss Agency
April Carty-Sipp, Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs at NAB
Michael J. Hayes, President, Hearst Television
Mike Hulvey, President & Chief Executive Officer, Radio Advertising Bureau
Chad Matthews, President, ABC-Owned Television Stations
Alissa Pollack, Executive Vice President, Global Music Marketing, iHeart
The Leadership Awards are given annually in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at large.
Meanwhile, WABC Radio and Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis has been named as the 2026 Lawry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award honoree. That honor is given annually to “an individual in broadcasting whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.”
Finally, the 2026 Chairman’s Award honoree is Deborah Norville. The longtime host of Inside Edition, Norville also spent time working at NBC News, CBS News, and ABC Radio. The Chairman’s Award is given to “an individual in recognition of their contribution to the broadcast industry.”
Those attending the NAB Show can attend the complimentary breakfast and awards program. Registration is strictly required, and can be done online by clicking here.
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.
Horse racing is one of the most followed sports in the world, meaning that it is little surprise that there is a wide range of podcasts available based on the subject.
That is equally unsurprising given the sheer number of people starting podcasts in this modern day. However, a wide range of options isn’t a negative, as it will only further the options available to a fan of the sport.
Knowledge is king when it comes to racing, as bettors look to find out more about runners on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. You can find out more about the prep series here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/road-to-the-derby/
But, what goes into creating a high-quality racing podcast, and what are some of the outstanding options available to fans of the sport?
The sector burst into life in the early 2000s. Apple quickly recognized it in 2004 when the latest iTunes update improved accessibility. However, it wasn’t until 2006 when a career path for podcasters became more apparent, as the commercial success of a show hosted by Ricky Gervais set the world-record for the most downloaded show.
The most notable tipping point came via true-crime show Serial, which saw podcasts gain mainstream and global popularity. Nowadays, all smartphones are compatible to play podcasts, creating a diverse selection of content choices, with some event putting their shows on YouTube in video format, creating somewhat of a television program in the process.
Why Are Racing Podcasts So Popular?
Gathering information is largely the key to a successful podcast, meaning that it is no surprise that racing options have excelled. Information is important for fans of the sport, as it enables bettors to make more knowledgeable selections on big races throughout the year.
Leading shows are able to get desired guests, who drop useful exclusives surrounding the plans with their leading runners. Meanwhile, tipster style shows are also incredibly popular. These do an excellent job of increasing excitement levels ahead of major races in the calendar, with preview nights typically gaining more numbers than most.
However, at the heart of every successful podcast is information, with racing fans always looking for every stat and trend that could impact the chances of a runner in a big race.
Most Popular Racing Podcasts
There is a saturated market for horse racing podcasts in this modern day, with virtually every bookmaker and expert being involved with at least one. However, few are able to offer a more neutral assessment at the latest news on track than Nick Luck Daily.
This shows has world-respected guests daily, with key information surrounding the biggest news stories in the sport on offer to keep avid fans in the loop surrounding key developments. Unlike other offerings, Luck’s podcast focuses heavily on factual information, with limited betting insights on offer.
Therefore, it is typically a podcast that many avid fans will listen to on their commutes to work to ensure that they are up to date with the most important news.
Other popular options include At The races with Steve Byk, and the Final Furlong Podcast. Both of these shows focus more on a betting angle, sharing tips ahead of major weekend races. The Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast is a common favorite among American racing fans, with the host able to get major jockeys and trainers on his show for in-depth and exclusive interviews.
What Makes a Good Racing Podcast?
With a growing number of podcasts entering the racing market weekly, it is easy to argue that only the most informative are able to stand the test of time. Shows that offer the listener something important have the most weight, whether that be an exclusive interview with a leading trainer or jockey, or pinpointing a key demographic targeted at getting the support of bettors.
With the latter, it’s likely that only podcasts with a track record of producing winners on a regular basis will rank high among fans. Although shows that specialise on finding value outsiders may also prove popular, as the vast majority in the sector will typically flag up short-priced values that experts listening could have found by themselves.
Therefore, the vast majority of leading racing podcasts will have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that they have the best sound quality possible. Being accessible to a listener is also vitally important, with the leading shows regularly available on a weekly basis on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
