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Why Bluey and The Big Bang Theory Prove Classic Rock Radio Hits Don’t Burn

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A lot of music research fielded for radio stations includes a score for burn. This supposedly gives respondents a chance to express whether they are tired of hearing a song on the radio. But rarely do those researchers consider what Bluey or The Big Bang Theory can say about music.

Having seen a ludicrous amount of research over the years, I can’t begin to tell you the countless hours I’ve spent arguing with Program Directors, and in some cases, research professionals, about the value of that measurement because there are several problems with it.

For starters, we overreact to how the number is expressed. When we see a song with a burn score of 30%, we want to panic, failing to realize that means just three out of any ten people are tired of the song while the other seven are not.

But this resonates with station employees because it confirms their own bias. People working at the station hear so much of the programming that they get tired of certain songs, but their experience isn’t typical of how listeners consume the on-air product.

Top 40 is probably the format most concerned with burn, and in that case, it can be legit because sometimes new songs listeners don’t like will show up in research with a decent score but high burn. That’s a crucial piece of the puzzle. The other formats that are overly concerned are Classic Rock and Classic Hits because they play a limited library of older songs. They must be burned out. People must be tired of hearing them. Right?

The simple fact is big hits do not burn. And today, my proof comes from outside the industry.

The chart below shows the top ten most-streamed shows of last year according to Nielsen. While everyone may have been talking about Pluribus, The Pit, or Heated Rivalry, it’s not what they were streaming.

SHOW MINS (BILLIONS) EPISODES MIN/EP

1Bluey45.2154294M
2Grey’s Anatomy40.9245590M
3Stranger Things39.9541947M
4NCIS36.9449774M
5SpongeBob      SquarePants34.35323106M
6Bob’s Burgers34.08302113M
7Family Guy33.3745573M
8The Big Bang Theory32.45281115M
9Law & Order: SVU26.7658346M
10Criminal Minds24.1535967M

Beloved Bluey comes in first, which you can dismiss as something used to pacify children, and Stranger Things’ big final season catapulted it into the top three.

Beyond that, it’s all classic shows. Not as old as Classic Rock songs, perhaps, but when police procedurals, medical dramas, and adult animation dominate the top ten, it’s a reminder that hits don’t burn, not on television and not on the radio.

This chart is also a reminder of the power of artists with deep catalogs. Beyond being comfortable, part of what keeps some of these shows in the top ten is the sheer number of episodes available for viewers, much like the number of AC/DC songs available to play on Classic Rock stations.

I’m willing to guess that there are popular episodes of shows like The Big Bang Theory that get streamed more often, along with secondary and tertiary episodes that get occasional plays to keep things fresh.

But the main point here is this: when you say burn, I say Bazinga!

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.

96.5 KOIT Rebrands as ‘Alysa 96.5’ to Honor Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu

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The Bay Area’s top-rated station is making a bold move to honor an Olympic champion. 96.5 KOIT is rebranding as “Alysa 96.5” on Monday, February 23rd. The tribute celebrates hometown star Alysa Liu.

The programming stunt follows Liu’s gold medal performance at Milano Cortina 2026. Moments after her win, she looked into the camera. “What is up Bay Area!” she shouted.

The clip quickly went viral across the region. Fans embraced the 20-year-old’s pride in Oakland.

Liu captured women’s singles gold on February 19th. She became the first American woman to win Olympic figure skating gold in 24 years. The victory ended a drought dating to Sarah Hughes at Salt Lake City 2002.

The Richmond native trains at Oakland Ice Center. Her roots remain firmly planted in the East Bay.

KOIT leadership said the temporary rename felt natural. The station wanted to match the energy surrounding Liu’s win.

“Alysa Liu has made the entire Bay Area proud,” said Brian Figula, Director of Programming Operations. “We wanted to celebrate her historic achievement in a way that reflects just how much she means to this community.”

Listeners can stream Alysa 96.5 at KOIT.com.

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.

Wichita Radio Legend Greg “The Hitman” Williams Dies Following Cancer Battle

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The radio industry lost a legend on Saturday morning. Longtime Wichita host Greg “The Hitman” Williams passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer.

“The Hitman” built his reputation over a four decade period. He’d spend 25 of those years on the air at Power 93.5 and 103.7 KEYN. He also held the title of brand manager at KEYN. Listeners knew him for his energy and authenticity. Colleagues knew him for his love of radio.

In March 2025, Audacy cut Williams during what he called a “massive” layoff. Several employees lost their jobs in the restructuring. He shared the news publicly and thanked supporters for their encouragement.

Less than two months later, doctors diagnosed him with stage four metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. The rare cancer had already spread extensively. The diagnosis changed everything for Williams and his family.

Williams entered the hospital on January 28 as his condition worsened. Doctors later released him to recover at home. His family stayed by his side during his final days.

Audacy released a statement following Williams’ death.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Greg ‘The Hitman’ Williams,” the company said. “For more than four decades, Greg was a true Wichita legend. He connected with listeners through his energy, authenticity and genuine love of radio. He made every broadcast feel personal. His impact extended throughout our community. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.”

Greg “The Hitman” Williams leaves behind a powerful legacy in Wichita radio circles. In addition to his four-decade commitment to radio, Williams prioritized his bond with the audience and built a reputation for treating every break like it mattered.

Those looking to show support for Williams’ family can contribute through a GoFundMe established to help with medical expenses and related costs.

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.

Hotel Door Numbers That Keep Guest Navigation Effortless

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Hotels are designed to welcome people who do not know the building. Guests arrive at different times, often tired or in a hurry, and expect to find their room without asking for help. Clear door numbering is one of the simplest ways to meet that expectation. When room identification is logical and easy to read, corridors become understandable and movement feels natural.

Door numbers in hotels are not decorative details. They are part of the operational system that supports guest independence and reduces unnecessary interaction with staff. When numbering works well, guests move confidently, and hotel teams can focus on service rather than directions.

Reliable hotel door numbers from Bsign are created to support this clarity by combining readable design with durable production methods.

Why Door Numbers Matter For Daily Operations

Every hotel corridor is a sequence of small decisions. Guests need confirmation that they are on the right floor, walking in the correct direction, and stopping at the correct door. Door numbers provide that confirmation instantly.

Functional hotel door numbers help to:

  • reduce confusion during check-in and late arrivals;
  • limit repeated questions at the front desk;
  • support smooth movement during peak hours.

When numbering is consistent, guests trust the system and rely on it without hesitation.

Placement That Guests Expect

Correct placement is essential for door numbers to perform their role. Guests instinctively look for numbers at a specific height and location. When signs appear exactly where expected, orientation feels effortless.

In well-organized hotels, door numbers follow the same placement rules on every floor. This consistency allows guests to recognize the pattern after seeing only one or two doors. Any deviation from that logic immediately creates doubt.

In larger properties, door numbers work together with corridor signs and elevator indicators, forming a single navigation system rather than isolated elements.

Materials Selected For Hotel Use

Hotel door numbers are exposed to constant contact, frequent cleaning, and long-term use. For this reason, production focuses exclusively on wood, stainless steel, and acrylic glass — materials that maintain clarity and structure over time. All door numbers are produced as wall-mounted or desk-mounted elements, ensuring safe installation without interfering with movement or accessibility.

Technical Details That Improve Reliability

Precision production plays a key role in long-term performance. CNC laser cutting ensures uniform dimensions across entire floors and buildings. Permanent UV printing keeps numbers readable despite repeated cleaning.

Each number is handcrafted and finished individually, maintaining consistent quality even in hotels with hundreds of rooms. For greater accessibility, Braille can be added upon request, allowing room identification to support inclusive navigation without altering the numbering system. These technical choices reduce maintenance needs and help signage perform reliably year after year.

“Minimalist rectangular wall sign with a white background, black frame, and raised black typography”

By 2026, hotel guests expect interior navigation to be intuitive. Clear door numbering is no longer a bonus feature but a basic requirement of well-managed hospitality spaces.

When hotel door numbers are readable, durable, and logically placed, they quietly support the guest experience. People reach their rooms without stress, staff spend less time giving directions, and daily operations run more smoothly.

Effective hotel door numbers do not draw attention to themselves. Their success is measured by how easily guests find their way — calmly, confidently, and without interruption.

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.

Gambling Advertising in Broadcast Media: Where Is the Line?

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Turn on the radio during a weekend game or flip through cable news at night, and the same shiny promise keeps popping up: a quick bet, a fast thrill, and maybe a jackpot. During a recent casino review, industry watchers praised the vibrant graphics of Winhero that come paired with a generous cashback bonus. For fans of online slots, the best online casino highlighted during last year’s expo soon became the focus of another detailed casino review. Even a small craft-beer television show slipped in a mention of the neighborhood casino during a halftime break. All of these shout-outs sit inside broadcasts that reach millions, including teens and casual viewers who never asked to see them.

So where is the line between harmless promotion and risky persuasion? Understanding how gambling advertising works on air, why it feels so constant, and what rules try to rein it in can help communities decide when “enough” is really enough.

Public Concern and Advertising Boom

Sports books and online casinos weren’t always ubiquitous on airwaves – in some countries gambling spots could even be rare or prohibited altogether! Now these establishments enjoy widespread media attention thanks to new media technology that makes gambling accessible across multiple devices, increasing viewership with digital advertisements that don’t break through in mainstream newsfeeds or with targeted banner ads placed between late-night shows on cable or broadcast television.

As governments eased tax rules to collect more revenue and broadcasters sought out sponsors to replace declining ad revenues, betting markets saw an explosion. Every second break during prime-time matches brought odds or free-bet codes that drove betting revenue higher – leading to massive booms for both. Parents express concern, youth advocates express alarm and experienced bettors dismiss them by saying the advertisements only represent legal products; research demonstrates otherwise. Studies from the UK, Australia and US all link heavy exposure with earlier first bets and deeper beliefs that wagering is an “accepted” part of sport.

Even adults who never intended to gamble report feeling “left out” when nonstop ads suggest everyone is getting in on the action. Public concern raises pressure for lawmakers and regulators to set clearer boundaries before enthusiasm escalates into widespread harm. Broadcasters welcome the extra money, yet some executives privately acknowledge feeling unease about current ads’ volume and tone.

Regulation Frameworks Vary by Region

Rules regulating gambling commercials differ as much from country to country as their native accents do. Spain enforces a watershed for ads before midnight while Australia uses loud warning voice-overs with “gamble responsibly” slogans before banning live odds during play. United Kingdom soccer matches enforce a whistle-to-whistle embargo while some U.S. states employ voluntary industry codes; each system seeks to balance personal liberties against public health considerations while still leaving some loopholes open for criticism of officials or lack thereof.

Digital radio channels don’t fall under clock-based bans, enabling operators to shift campaigns there instead. Cross-border satellite TV services often pass unfiltered spots into countries with stricter laws without filtering; this has the effect of undermining local controls while at the same time incurring enforcement budget costs.

Enforcement budgets play an equally crucial role. Fines that burdened small stations might seem inconsequential to global sportsbooks and encourage repeat offenses; nontraditional platforms like podcast sponsorships and team-branded betting apps fall even deeper into this gray zone, often being subject to marketing standards rather than broadcast law. Parent and operators both find this inconsistency frustrating; unclear rules allow both overreach and exploitation. Comparing existing frameworks demonstrates their success is determined by multiple measures: clear time limits, child-safe content filters and meaningful penalties.

Protecting Vulnerable Viewers

Teenagers, problem gamblers and people living under financial strain are likely to feel drawn toward flashy betting messages that appeal to them. Studies suggest that colorful mascots, upbeat music and promises of “risk-free” bets activate similar reward centers in young brains as video games or social media likes do. Due to this overlap, regulators often target content which blurs the distinction between gaming and gambling – for instance Ireland now prohibits cartoon characters in sports book ads while Ontario prohibits language suggesting guaranteed wins.

Beyond creative restrictions, time placement remains key. Studies show that many teenagers watch live sports far later. Therefore, advocates call for event-specific bans rather than clock-based ones; no betting ads during any match in which most of the audience members are under 25. Complementing these rules are helpline numbers and on-screen reminders of deposit limits which provide at-risk viewers with immediate tools for seeking help or opting out. Advocacy groups support classroom programs teaching probability and real odds which aim to inoculate young viewers against harmful advertisements before glossy commercials reach them; early research indicates such lessons reduced risky intentions by nearly 33%.

Finding a Balanced Future

Plotting out gambling advertising’s future on broadcast media is like shooting at moving targets; no single stroke will do. As technology develops and changes how the bets reach both ears and eyes – from smart-speaker jingles to shoppable TV overlays – finding balance will take time, though. Experts advise following a principle-driven strategy instead of jumping on every new format: ads should not target minors, mislead about odds or be disruptive of other messages. Regulators find updating policies easier when the core ideas form the backbone. Public surveys also demonstrate that many fans prefer clearer ads over outright bans on them.

At the same time, broadcasters, leagues and betting firms can share anonymized viewership and betting spike data to identify early warning signals of troubled gambling environments. Studies can then guide calibration based on studies related to saturation ads, viewer well-being or revenue figures gathered during future studies; should wagers surge among teens after an offer promotion then flexible rules with shared accountability can allow societies to keep entertainment exciting without turning it into routine entertainment.

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.

Taryn Hatcher Not Retained by NBC Sports Philadelphia for Upcoming Phillies Season

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NBC Sports Philadelphia is moving forward without an in-stadium reporter for Phillies broadcasts in 2026, as Taryn Hatcher’s contract with the network expired at the end of last year and the position she held has since been eliminated.

According to a reports by the Philadelphia Business Journal and the The Philadelphia Inquirer, Hatcher will not return after seven years with the regional sports network.

The decision reportedly coincides with a broader structural shift inside the company rather than a simple talent swap tied to on-field coverage. Hatcher has updated her social media profiles to not include references to NBC Sports Philadelphia in her bio.

Hatcher joined NBC Sports Philadelphia in 2018 and gradually became a consistent presence on Phillies telecasts, working alongside play-by-play voice Tom McCarthy and analyst John Kruk. In addition to her baseball duties, she contributed coverage across the network’s portfolio covering the other three professional teams.

Fans became aware of the changes when the network distributed its spring training broadcast plans and did not include Hatcher among the listed on-air personnel. A separate account from Crossing Broad suggested that conversations between Hatcher and the network explored a potential freelance arrangement that would have given her flexibility to pursue additional opportunities while remaining part of the Phillies broadcast team in a limited capacity. Those discussions ultimately did not produce an agreement with her contract running expired at the conclusion of 2025.

Hatcher worked primarily home games and serving as an intermediary between the clubhouse and the broadcast booth last season. No word on if the network will replace her role. Hatcher has not released any comment about her departure.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Bob Lawrence Announces Upcoming Retirement From Radio Business

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After more than 50 years in the radio business, Bob Lawrence has announced plans to retire from the industry in the near future.

Currently, Lawrence is serving as the Saginaw Market Manager for MacDonald Broadcasting.

During his tenure in the business, Bob Lawrence has worked in a variety of roles. He worked in on-air roles in markets like Philadelphia, St. Louis, San Diego, and San Francisco before moving to executive roles at the Radio Advertising Bureau and with Saga Communications, Seven Mountains Media, and Broadcast Architecture, among others.

“It’s truly a momentus day personallly, as I announced my impending departure from MacDonald Broadcasting and retirement from the business for which I have been so very passionate,” Lawrence wrote. “I’m truly proud of all I’ve accomplished throughout this wonderful career that has filled nearly half a century in the blink of an eye.”

Lawrence, who writes a weekly column for Barrett Media in addition to his work with MacDonald Broadcasting, says he hopes to continue writing in his retirement.

“I will definitely try to write the novel I have had living inside my head for several years,” said Lawrence. “We certainly want to see our children and grandchildren more often and just enjoy one another for whatever time God grants us moving forward together.”

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.

WGR Expands Coverage to Rochester on 95.7 FM

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Audacy is extending the footprint of its Buffalo sports powerhouse into a neighboring market, announcing that WGR Sports Radio will expand into Rochester through WROC-FM. A move designed to unify Western New York’s sports conversation under one dominant audio brand while preserving a localized presence for listeners in Monroe County and surrounding communities.

Beginning at 11 p.m. ET on February 22, WROC-FM will rebrand as WGR Rochester, carrying a substantial portion of the WGR Sports Radio lineup that has long served as a hub for Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres coverage, while maintaining its existing call letters and layering in Rochester-specific programming to ensure the station reflects the distinct identity of its new audience.

The announcement comes on the heels of Audacy’s recently revealed FM simulcast expansion of WGR Sports Radio in Buffalo, underscoring a broader strategy to amplify the brand’s accessibility and relevance at a time when regional sports loyalty remains strong across media platforms and distribution channels.

Audacy executives framed the Rochester expansion as a hybrid model that merges brand recognition with local authenticity, an approach that aims to capitalize on the established credibility of WGR Sports Radio while giving Rochester listeners a daily destination that speaks directly to their teams, storylines and community touchpoints.

Under the new structure, mornings in Rochester will begin with The Jeremy and Joe Show, followed by The Northtown Automotive Extra Point Show hosted by Sal Cappaccio, before transitioning into an hour dedicated to Sabres coverage that keeps hockey central in a market deeply invested in the franchise’s trajectory.

At 1 p.m., Gene Battaglia will anchor The Sports Bar, a Rochester-focused program designed to spotlight local athletics and issues unique to the city, creating a bridge between Buffalo-centric coverage and the stories unfolding closer to home. Schopp and Bulldog will then carry listeners through the afternoon drive, delivering the opinion-driven analysis that has defined the WGR brand for years.

Tim Wenger, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Buffalo and Rochester, said the company sees clear alignment between Buffalo’s professional sports presence and Rochester’s fan base.

“We know how deeply connected Rochester listeners are to Buffalo-area teams, and this expansion allows us to serve that passion while preserving meaningful, local sports talk and engagement,” said Wenger. “With the launch of WGR Rochester, our reach now more fully covers the Rochester market and further cements WGR as Western New York’s sports giant and voice of the fans.”

By extending WGR’s programming into Rochester while keeping WROC’s call letters intact, Audacy positions the station as both a regional connector and a hometown outlet, a balancing act that reflects broader trends in sports radio where scale and specificity must coexist to drive engagement and loyalty.

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FanDuel Sports Network Layoffs Underway As Atlanta Offices Set To Close

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FanDuel Sports Network is preparing to shutter its metro Atlanta footprint, a move that will eliminate dozens of jobs and further reshape the regional sports television landscape at a time when teams and distributors continue recalibrating long-term media strategies.

According to multiple reports, Main Street Sports Group, owner of FanDuel Sports Network, has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice in Georgia. The filing outlines plans to permanently close its offices at Colony Square and on Pleasantdale Road. Both sites have supported network operations tied to NBA and NHL broadcasts.

According to the filing, 74 employees will be affected by the shutdown, representing the full staff at both locations. This development signals a significant operational reset in one of the country’s most active regional sports markets.

The WARN notice indicates that layoffs would occur as part of the complete wind-down of those worksites, though leadership has stopped short of calling the reductions final.

In a statement provided to CBS News Atlanta, CEO David Preschlack emphasized that the network intends to continue televising NBA and NHL games while evaluating its next steps.

“While final decisions have not been made, we have issued WARN notices to employees, as required by law, in connection with potential workforce impacts that could occur in the coming months,” Preschlack’s statement reads. “Any and all aspects of the WARN notices can be revoked at any time. We remain committed to transparency and fair treatment of our employees.” 

The staffing cuts come just weeks after the Atlanta Braves ended their rights agreement with Main Street Sports Group. The team cited missed payments under the existing contract. At the time, the franchise acknowledged reports surrounding the network. It also said it had prepared for a potential separation. The Braves framed the move as the start of a new era in team broadcasting.

The company’s current structure dates to 2024. That year, Main Street Sports Group acquired the former Bally Sports regional networks. The purchase followed Diamond Sports Group emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Following the restructuring, Diamond Sports Group rebranded as Main Street Sports Group. It moved its channels under the FanDuel Sports Network banner. The shift aimed to stabilize distribution relationships and rebuild advertiser confidence. The regional sports network model continues to face pressure from cord-cutting and rising rights fees.

Where Atlanta Braves games will ultimately air remains unclear. However, Major League Baseball has previously stepped in to handle production and distribution for clubs that exited regional sports network agreements.

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Ryan Ripken Added to Baltimore Orioles Broadcast Team on MASN

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When Orioles fans settle in this season, a familiar last name will once again echo through Baltimore baseball broadcasts, though this time it won’t come from the batter’s box or the infield dirt at Camden Yards. Ryan Ripken, son of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., will join the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) television booth as a color commentator for select Orioles games during the 2026 campaign.

The opportunity marks another chapter in the Ripken family’s longstanding connection to the franchise and positions the younger Ripken in a visible media role tied directly to the club synonymous with his last name.

Ripken is scheduled to make his television debut today during the Orioles’ Grapefruit League opener, working alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown.

While spring training broadcasts often serve as experimental spaces for teams to evaluate on-air talent, MASN’s decision to bring Ripken into the rotation reflects a broader strategy of blending baseball lineage with contemporary media sensibilities.

Unlike his father, whose record-setting durability defined a generation of Orioles baseball, Ryan Ripken carved out his own path within the sport before pivoting to broadcasting. He spent seven seasons as a minor league first baseman, navigating the developmental grind that shapes many professional careers but rarely guarantees a major league payoff.

That experience, however, now provides a layer of clubhouse credibility and player perspective that television executives increasingly value in modern baseball coverage.

After stepping away from playing, Ripken transitioned into media, building a digital presence through The Ryan Ripken Show, a YouTube program that has attracted more than 24,000 subscribers. In addition to his online platform, he has developed a following on Baltimore sports radio, frequently filling in as a host on 105.7 The Fan.

The combination of digital reach and terrestrial radio exposure has allowed him to cultivate a voice distinct from his father’s legacy while still leaning into the credibility that accompanies the Ripken name.

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.