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Costco Already Selling Halloween Decorations — Is Radio Ready?

Kevin Robinson
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Costco Already Selling Halloween Decorations — Is Radio Ready?

On July 6th, reports stormed the internet that Costco was the first “big box” operation to set out Halloween decorations for sale. Smart move. Halloween ranks #2 on the list of holidays on which American families spend the most.

Last July, we warned radio not to sleep on holiday prep in the summer. It’s easy to mentally drift during hot summer afternoons. The smartest programmers, however, will be sharpening their calendars for the rest of the year.

If you think it’s too early to start planning for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s — or even Labor Day — take a look at the retail world. Big box stores are already mapping out holiday inventory, marketing campaigns, and merchandising strategies for the fourth quarter. They know success in November and December is determined in July and August. Radio should take the same approach.

Back-To-School: Don’t Wait

Your Back-To-School planning should have been completed in June. Teachers are already planning the return to classrooms this month. Although not a traditional “holiday,” the money invested in Back-To-School spending would rank it — above Halloween — as the second most expensive seasonal event in the U.S., topping out at $40 billion per year.

With that in mind, here are additional ideas still worth developing and executing in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2026.

Labor Day

  1. The Working American Salute

We have clients run this program year-round. Listeners nominate teachers, nurses, and first responders for daily prizes. Post photos on social media featuring the nominees.

  1. The Top 125

Keep America’s 250th Celebration alive with a listener-driven Top 125 American artists countdown. Play two songs by each artist over Labor Day weekend, creating a Top 250 song playlist.

  1. Three-Day Weekend Playlist

Have listeners build the station’s “Official Labor Day Weekend Playlist” through voting and requests. Then salute a different American worker who helped build the playlist throughout the long weekend.

Halloween

  1. The Haunted Sound Challenge

Morning shows play horror movie clips. Listeners identify the clips for passes to local haunted houses, forests, or corn mazes. The scarier, the better.

  1. Monster Mash Music Weekend

This is a tried-and-true radio promotion. Most programmers think it’s overused — but not the audience. Highlight songs with spooky titles or themes, and allow listeners to vote bracket-style for the ultimate Halloween anthem.

  1. Ghost Story Expert

Bring in a paranormal expert to discuss the creepiest experiences and haunted house stories. Instagram and Reddit are full of them. Have listeners add their own local lore. Everyone has a story. Post photos to your social media platforms.

Thanksgiving

  1. Turkey Drop

Recreate the iconic WKRP Turkey Drop — only this time, do it at a football field or parking lot with paper turkeys. Each turkey would have a number or QR code attached for a different sponsor prize. Get several sponsors involved. TV media would love this.

  1. Thankful Thursday

This is always a heartwarming promotion. Invite listeners to recognize someone they appreciate, with selected stories winning dinner gift cards or grocery certificates.

  1. Strange Family Recipe Exchange

So many listeners and on-air talent have dishes they only make at Thanksgiving. Many families have their own traditions. Listeners submit their unique holiday recipes to be featured on-air, online, and on social media. Invite them to bring their interesting family food to the station and create online videos of air talent trying it.

Bonus: On-Site Promotions That Are Always in Season

Additionally, consider these evergreen on-site activations:

  • Branded holiday selfie stations at parades and concerts.
  • Sponsored charging stations – affordable on Amazon – at festivals and parades.
  • QR-code treasure hunts that drive listeners to sponsors and station apps.

Here’s another one that will sneak up on you!

Election 2026

More money will be spent on the midterms than any other election cycle. Promote voter registration deadlines, early voting locations, mail ballot information, and poll worker recruitment opportunities. Big money for your cluster awaits.

Here’s a list of special days and months you can bookmark using the National Days Calendar – here – or encourage your talent to stay current with Chase’s Calendar of Events – here. Plenty of partnership ideas can be found on the website and inside the book.

Winning holiday promotions hit three goals:

  • Creating listener memories – and therefore ratings
  • Generating social media content across the cluster
  • Providing sponsorship and revenue opportunities

Brands that win the 4th quarter are the ones planning in July. The calendar isn’t slowing down, so neither should you. Open the whiteboard, gather the team, and get to work — now.

Special thanks to client stations for ideation and the creative minds behind the promotional efforts of Midwest Communications, Federated Media, Leighton Media, Midwest Family of Companies, Saga Communications, and CPR Promotions’ Paige Nienaber (among 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.

Did CNN Call Scott Jennings a Liar Over His Mitch McConnell Comments?

Garrett Searight
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Did CNN Call Scott Jennings a Liar Over His Mitch McConnell Comments?

CNN and Scott Jennings found themselves at the center of a media firestorm last week, and the fallout says as much about our current news cycle as it does about the network itself. Jennings claimed he’d spoken with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for roughly 20 minutes by phone, a revelation that came just days after online rumors suggested the senator was incapacitated in the hospital. His account did plenty to quell the darkest of those rumors, even if it didn’t answer every lingering question about McConnell’s condition.

Then CNN weighed in. The network released a statement clarifying that Jennings, as a political commentator, isn’t a full-time employee or journalist for CNN. His account of the call, the statement continued, reflects his own experience and doesn’t constitute CNN reporting. That’s it. That’s the whole controversy in a nutshell.

Social media, naturally, ran wild with it. Some read the statement as CNN admitting it couldn’t corroborate Jennings’ story. Others took it as proof that the network was distancing itself from a “lie.” Critics piled on, questioning why CNN would let an unverified commentator go on air at all if it wouldn’t stand behind his words. It became a referendum on trust in media, all sparked by a few sentences from a network spokesperson.

I read it differently. CNN wasn’t saying Jennings lied. It was saying it hadn’t independently confirmed that McConnell is well enough to talk for 20 minutes. Those are two very different claims, and conflating them does a disservice to everyone trying to make sense of this story.

A Distinction Worth Making

There’s a meaningful difference between a contributor’s personal account and a network’s verified reporting, and that distinction matters here. Correspondents carry the CNN name into every live shot and every script. Commentators like Jennings, meanwhile, offer opinion and analysis — not confirmed fact-gathering. Consequently, holding them to the same evidentiary standard doesn’t really make sense.

Should CNN’s correspondents be held to a different bar than its commentators? Absolutely. Should Jennings face consequences if he’s spreading falsehoods? Absolutely, too. But therein lies the problem: nobody has proven he did that. Even if he had, I doubt we’d ever see definitive proof one way or the other. McConnell’s team has stayed remarkably quiet throughout this entire saga, and that silence is what’s fueling the speculation in the first place — not CNN’s careful wording.

Notably, subsequent developments have only complicated the “CNN threw him under the bus” narrative. McConnell’s office eventually released a statement and photo confirming he’d suffered a fall and developed mild pneumonia, details that lined up with what Jennings had described. Jennings then took something of a victory lap on social media, which suggests his account wasn’t nearly as reckless as critics claimed.

Why This Matters Beyond One Statement

This episode says less about Scott Jennings and more about how quickly a routine clarification gets weaponized into a scandal. CNN’s statement was, frankly, boilerplate network-speak — the kind of disclaimer outlets issue constantly to separate opinion talent from newsroom reporting. However, in today’s climate, even boilerplate gets treated as a bombshell.

Critics on both sides used the moment to advance their own narratives. MAGA-aligned voices framed it as CNN abandoning its own talent. Others framed it as proof that cable news is short on substance and long on spin. Neither take grapples with the more mundane truth: networks issue these disclaimers all the time, and this one wasn’t remarkable until the internet decided it was.

Is that a sign of where American journalism is headed? Maybe. I won’t pretend to have a definitive answer, and I’m not sure I’m the correct person to come to that determination, either.

What I do know is that treating a standard clarification as an admission of dishonesty sets a dangerous precedent — one where every hedge, disclaimer, or caveat gets recast as a controversy. That’s not good for CNN, for Jennings, or for anyone trying to figure out what’s actually happening with Sen. McConnell’s health.

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 Reportedly Cutting Good Morning Football’s Syndicated Edition After Two Seasons

Jason Barrett
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ESPN Reportedly Cutting Good Morning Football’s Syndicated Edition After Two Seasons

ESPN is planning to end the syndicated version of Good Morning Football, according to Front Office Sports. An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment.

What We Know: The syndicated edition was known as GMFB: Overtime. It launched two years ago as a two-hour extension of NFL Network’s flagship morning program. Sony Pictures Television distributed it. The show aired on the Roku Channel and various local affiliates. Fox owned-and-operated stations were among those carrying it. ESPN acquired NFL Network earlier this year as part of its NFL deal. It is choosing not to renew the syndication for a third season. The core version of Good Morning Football will remain on NFL Network. The current cast includes Jamie Erdahl, Kyle Brandt, and Manti Te’o.

What’s At Stake: Good Morning Football is approaching its 10th anniversary having launched in August 2016. The syndicated version extended the show’s reach beyond NFL Network to streaming and local broadcast audiences. Pulling it reduces the program’s overall footprint at a moment when ESPN is still determining how to integrate NFL Network content into its broader programming strategy heading into the 2026 NFL season.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not disclosed the specific reasons behind its decision. Nobody knows yet whether another distribution arrangement will replace the syndication. It also remains unclear whether ESPN plans to consolidate NFL Network morning programming under a different format.

What It Means: ESPN’s decision signals how it plans to manage the NFL Network library it acquired this year. Eliminating a two-season-old syndicated extension suggests the network is rationalizing distribution rather than expanding it. Whether that affects the show’s talent, reach, and future will become clearer as integration continues.

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Scotty Kay Expands to KSON San Diego Afternoons

David Hill
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Scotty Kay Expands to KSON San Diego Afternoons

Scotty Kay is adding another market to his afternoon lineup. The Audacy Country host is expanding to 103.7 KSON San Diego starting Monday.

What We Know: Kay currently hosts afternoons at WUSN Chicago and 102.9 The Wolf KMNB Minneapolis. He also anchors Sunday middays across all of Audacy’s Country outlets. Previously, he held afternoons at 107.7 The Wolf WLKK Buffalo before that station flipped to Sports. At KSON, he fills the slot vacated by Kimo Jensen, who retired in June.

What They Said: Kay made his enthusiasm clear on Instagram. He wrote, “San Diego… I can’t wait to laugh with you every afternoon starting Monday on 103.7 KSON. I know I have some big shoes to fill following the amazing Kimo, and I’m incredibly honored to join such a talented, passionate team at such a legendary station.”

What Remains Unclear: It is unknown whether Kay’s expanding role reflects a broader Audacy strategy to consolidate Country talent across markets. Additionally, no announcement has been made about how his Buffalo absence will be filled or whether that shift is permanent.

What It Means: Audacy is leaning into its hub-and-spoke programming model in Country. Kay — who started at iHeartMedia CHR Kiss-FM Chicago as “Special K” before co-hosting mornings in Atlanta and Dallas — now voices three markets daily. His WUSN tenure dates to 2019. KSON is one of Country radio’s most storied brands, and placing a proven in-house voice there signals confidence in Kay’s ability to connect beyond the Midwest.

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.

B103.9 Fort Myers Taps Choff Hoffer for Morning Show

David Hill
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B103.9 Fort Myers Taps Choff Hoffer for Morning Show

B103.9 (WXKB) Fort Myers has a new morning voice. Sun Broadcasting has tabbed Christian “Choff” Hoffer to lead the station’s 6–10 a.m. weekday shift alongside co-host Marija Puidak.

What We Know: Hoffer fills the morning seat vacated by Jason “Budman” Paige, who departed in May. He currently pulls double duty — hosting nights at Hot AC 96.9 WINK-FM Fort Myers and afternoons at CHR Z99 (ZFZZ-FM) in Grand Cayman. Previously, he spent three years on nights at CHR 94.7 Hits-FM (WYUL) in Chateaugay, NY. Earlier stops include iHeartMedia Country B93.7 (WBCT) and CHR 104.5 WSNX in Grand Rapids from 2017 to 2020.

What They Said: Hoffer marked the occasion on social media. “My radio journey started in Grand Rapids, MI about a decade ago when @stickradio gave me my first shot on the air,” he said. “Since then I’ve held numerous day parts at a ton of great stations around the US, Canada, and beyond — but starting today I officially get to begin earning my morning show stripes. We are brewing up an epic show to wake SWFL up proper from 6–10am Monday–Friday.”

What Remains Unclear: No word yet on any additional changes to B103.9’s overall lineup. It is also unclear whether Hoffer will eventually step away from his roles at WINK-FM and Z99 as the morning show builds momentum.

What It Means: This is a significant step for Hoffer. Morning radio is the highest-profile daypart, and landing the chair marks a clear career milestone. For B103.9, the hire brings continuity — Hoffer is already embedded in the Fort Myers market. Together, he and Puidak now have the opportunity to build something with real staying power in Southwest Florida.

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.

Brendan Carr: Broadcasters Can Move Content to YouTube If They Don’t Like FCC Regulations

Garrett Searight
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Brendan Carr: Broadcasters Can Move Content to YouTube If They Don’t Like FCC Regulations

Brendan Carr defended the FCC’s authority over broadcast television. He argued Congress established unique obligations for broadcasters.

What We Know: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appeared on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street to explain why broadcast television remains subject to public interest requirements that don’t apply to cable networks, podcasts, or streaming platforms. Carr emphasized that the agency doesn’t decide what programming outlets should air. Instead, he said the FCC enforces standards that Congress established specifically for broadcasters using the public airwaves. He also pointed to online platforms as examples of outlets that operate outside those broadcast-specific rules.

What They Said: “Well, we don’t (make programming decisions). We don’t on cable. We don’t on podcasts. But what Congress has said is that if you are on this one unique medium, there are special public interest obligations. And it’s OK if the broadcaster doesn’t like it. In fact, there was a late-night show not that long ago that decided to take a segment that they otherwise would put on broadcast TV and put it on I think either YouTube or another online streaming service. And that’s fine. That doesn’t violate any FCC rule or regulation. But Congress ultimately put these rules in place, and we’ve got to enforce them.” – Brendan Carr

What Remains Unclear: Carr didn’t identify the late-night program he referenced or indicate whether the FCC is considering additional enforcement actions involving broadcasters. Likewise, he didn’t address whether Congress should revisit the decades-old public interest framework.

What It Means: Carr’s comments reinforce the FCC’s position that broadcast television occupies a distinct regulatory category. As streaming, podcasts, and digital video continue to compete for audiences, broadcasters remain subject to obligations that their online competitors don’t face. His remarks also signal that the agency intends to continue enforcing those longstanding requirements unless Congress changes the law.

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Mike Golic Jr: Opportunity To Return to ESPN Radio “Invigorated” His Father

John Mamola
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Mike Golic Jr: Opportunity To Return to ESPN Radio “Invigorated” His Father

Mike Golic Jr. is excited to be returning to ESPN Radio. He’ll do it alongside his father, Mike Golic Sr., starting next month. The reunion is one that Golic Jr. says has invigorated his father to return to a place where he helped build a legacy.

What We Know: ESPN announced that Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. will co-host a new weekday morning show, The Golics. The program debuts Monday, August 3, airing 10 a.m. to noon ET. Golic Sr. spent 25 years at ESPN before departing in 2020, while Golic Jr. previously worked there from 2015 to 2022. Both are returning under a new multi-year agreement, following stops at DraftKings and FanDuel Sports Network. Golic Jr. discussed the upcoming return to ESPN Radio as an opportunity to go back to something familiar.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Audible with Stew, Bruce, & Ralph podcast)

Mike Golic Jr on how much a return to ESPN Radio was important for his father Mike Golic: “He’s got a legacy there already. He’s left an indelible mark on sports radio, sports media. I knew that impact was going to be big. But I think he was really excited and invigorated about the opportunity and about the chance to go back to something that feels familiar and something that he knows so well with a lot of people that we trust and still care about.”

Mike Golic Jr on how his father didn’t harbor any negative feelings towards ESPN Radio: “The good news with my dad is he’s never [held] grudges, or drama. He doesn’t the hold things back. He’s an old school face to face guy. If he has a problem with someone, he’s going to address it straight up there and now, and not let it linger. There weren’t a lot of bad feelings that had to be parsed through going back here [ESPN]. There wasn’t a lot of that because I think he’s always handled his business the right way. I think he’s always prided himself on doing that. It’s allowed these conversations now going back to be really fun.”

Mike Golic Jr is thankful for another shot to work alongside his father at ESPN Radio: “I got the ESPN as a 26 year old. Understandably the nepotism conversation, and all that stuff. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I walked in with a good attitude, wanted to work hard and make the most of it. A decade later, professionally I think I have a deeper appreciation for all that. But then, just personally, as a 37-year-old who now has been handed two hours a day I get to spend with my dad. At a time where life gets busy, everyone naturally kind of grows and expands as families. From that standpoint, I think, [it’s] more powerful than I recognize.”

What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t detailed how scheduling conflicts might affect the show long-term. Golic Jr. still serves as TNT Sports’ lead game analyst for Big 12 football. Consequently, questions remain about how he’ll juggle both roles once the season begins. Additionally, ESPN hasn’t confirmed whether either Golic will make regular TV appearances beyond radio.

What It Means: Ultimately, the reunion brings back one of sports media’s most recognizable father-son pairings. For ESPN, it signals renewed investment in weekday radio following recent lineup shifts. For the Golics, meanwhile, it marks a rare professional second act built on family. Therefore, how the show performs early will likely shape ESPN’s approach to future radio partnerships.

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12 States Launch Lawsuit to Stop Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Garrett Searight
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12 States Launch Lawsuit to Stop Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Paramount Skydance’s planned Warner Bros. Discovery takeover faces a legal challenge. A coalition of 12 states argues the $110 billion deal could harm competition.

What We Know: California, New York, Washington, and nine other states filed a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The attorneys general argue the merger would reduce competition across theatrical film distribution and cable television markets. The coalition claims the combined company would control a significant portion of major film releases. Additionally, the states argue the merger would create a 27% share of the cable market by combining Warner Bros. and Paramount’s operations. The states asked the companies not to complete the transaction before the lawsuit concludes. They also said they plan to seek a temporary restraining order.

What They Said: “The unlawful merger of these two entertainment behemoths would lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately, audiences on every sofa and movie theater seat in the U.S.” -California AG Rob Bonta

What Remains Unclear: It remains uncertain whether the lawsuit will delay the merger’s closing timeline. Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery have not indicated whether the legal challenge will change their plans.

What It Means: The lawsuit adds another obstacle for Paramount Skydance as it attempts to complete one of the largest media transactions in recent years. However, the companies could still move forward if they overcome the antitrust concerns raised by state officials.

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Heidi Raphael Named President and CEO of NYSBA

David Hill
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Heidi Raphael Named President and CEO of NYSBA

Heidi Raphael is leaving Beasley Media Group for a major new role. The New York State Broadcasters Association has named her its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

What We Know: Raphael succeeds David Donovan, who has led NYSBA for 15 years. Donovan isn’t going far, however. He’ll stay on to direct government relations and advocacy efforts in Albany and Washington. Raphael brings more than 30 years of broadcasting and communications experience. She most recently served as Chief Communications Officer at Beasley Media Group, and before that, spent over two decades rising to SVP of Corporate Communications at Greater Media.

What They Said: Caroline Beasley offered a warm send-off for her departing executive. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Heidi for nearly a decade, and she has become not only a trusted colleague, but also a valued friend,” said Beasley. “While we will miss her tremendously, I couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter, and I know she will lead the New York State Broadcasters Association with the same passion, integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment that have made her such a treasured member of the Beasley family.”

What Remains Unclear: An exact start date for Raphael has not been announced. Additionally, it’s unclear who will succeed her as Chief Communications Officer at Beasley Media Group. Meanwhile, the full scope of Donovan’s restructured role still hasn’t been detailed publicly.

What It Means: This is a significant leadership shift for one of the nation’s prominent state broadcast associations. NYSBA represents more than 700 television and radio stations across New York. Raphael’s deep advocacy background and industry relationships position her well. Furthermore, her Western New York roots add a personal dimension to what is already a notable homecoming.

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.

Cumulus Elevates John Lewis to Regional Vice President in West Florida

Garrett Searight
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Cumulus Elevates John Lewis to Regional Vice President in West Florida

Cumulus has promoted John Lewis to Regional Vice President for additional markets. The move expands Lewis’ oversight across the company’s Florida and Alabama operations.

What We Know: Cumulus Media announced Lewis will now oversee its stations in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola. He’ll continue leading Cumulus Huntsville and Cumulus Chattanooga, while supporting the company’s radio and digital brands. Lewis joined Cumulus in 2009 and has spent 17 years with the company. Previously, he served as Vice President/Regional Market Manager for Cumulus Chattanooga and Cumulus Macon, GA. He also held market leadership roles in Albany, Pensacola, Lexington, and Memphis.

What They Said: “John is a proven leader when it comes to building a positive culture with a foundation of measurable results. I am pleased that in his expanded role, he will share his deep experience and knowledge with our terrific teams in Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola.” -Cumulus Media Senior Vice President of Operations Mark Sullivan

“I’m honored and excited to work with the Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach teams. Having spent a couple of years early in my career with Cumulus Pensacola, it’s especially meaningful to return. With outstanding teams, great brands, and a strong track record of success, I look forward to building on that momentum and helping both markets reach their full potential.” -John Lewis

What Remains Unclear: Cumulus hasn’t announced any additional leadership changes connected to Lewis’ expanded responsibilities. The company also hasn’t outlined specific initiatives for the Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola markets.

What It Means: Lewis’ expanded role gives Cumulus another experienced executive overseeing multiple markets. Additionally, the promotion highlights the company’s focus on leaders with experience across broadcast and digital operations.

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