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Bill Macky Joins Quartz Hill Music Group as SVP of Promotion and Marketing

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Quartz Hill Music Group has added an experienced promotion executive. Bill Macky joins as Senior Vice President of Promotion and Marketing to leads radio strategy for both Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records.

What We Know: Macky brings more than 30 years of entertainment industry experience. Most notably, he spent 13 years as Vice President of Promotion at Black River Entertainment. There, he helped Kelsea Ballerini earn seven number one hits. Beyond Black River, his label resume includes MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, and several independent labels. Furthermore, before entering the label system, Macky spent 16 years in radio with stops in Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Bakersfield. That radio background gives him firsthand insight into how programmers think. Going forward, he’ll report directly to Founder and President Benny Brown, Paul Brown, Jason Sellers, and Ash Bowers. Meanwhile, VP of Promotion Will Robinson and Director of Promotion April Rider have both exited after six years with the company.

What They Said: Bill Macky: “My thanks to Benny, Paul, Jason, and Ash and their entire staff for this opportunity and their belief in me. We’re going to build something great! Quartz Hill Music Group has an outstanding roster of artists with so much potential! I’m looking forward to helping them bring these incredible artists to Country Radio and their fans. Let’s GO!!”

Benny Brown, QHMG Founder and President: “I am excited to have Bill joining our Quartz Hill Music Group family! He’s worked with some of the best of the best in Nashville and has had great success at each step in his career. As our QHMG family continues to grow, Bill will be an important part of our efforts to help our artists achieve their dreams!”

What Remains Unclear: Quartz Hill has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding Robinson and Rider’s departures. Consequently, whether their exits connect directly to Macky’s arrival or reflect a broader restructuring remains an open question. Furthermore, the label has not outlined how promotion responsibilities will shift following the two departures.

What It Means: In Nashville promotion, relationships are the product. Macky built many across MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Black River, and multiple independents. That represents decades of earned trust with program directors. Moreover, his radio background deepens those relationships further. Consequently, the Quartz Hill roster now has a genuine shot at being heard.

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.

WKRP Officially Welcomed on Cincinnati Radio

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A beloved TV call sign has landed on a real FM signal. WKRP Owner Jeff Ziesmann acquired the call letters in April from a low-power Raleigh station

What We Know: The station plays rock and pop songs from the ’60s through the ’80s — the same era the TV show celebrated. Meanwhile, the brand is recognized nationwide, particularly among older generations who grew up watching the 1978–82 CBS sitcom. No greater Cincinnati broadcaster had ever used the WKRP call letters before Monday’s launch.

What they said: Jeff Ziesmann, WKRP Station Operator: “The presentation will be a tribute to the TV show — not a parody of a 40-year-old TV show that aired for only four years.”

What Remains Unclear: Will WKRP nostalgia translate to ratings, or just buzz? The station reaches from Cincinnati to Dayton — solid coverage, but competitive terrain. Furthermore, leaning on a 45-year-old TV show carries real risk if it skews the audience too old. Ziesmann insists this is “an attitude, not a parody” — but executing that line is harder than drawing it.

What It Means: Independent operators rarely get a marketing gift this size handed to them. Therefore, how Ziesmann and partner Randy Michaels use it will be telling. If WKRP proves that a recognizable brand can move the needle for local radio, others will follow. Ultimately, this is a case study worth watching closely — because the idea is smarter than it might first appear.

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.

Pebbles Leaves HOT 96.9 Boston Morning Show to Grow Positively Pebbles Brand

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Pebbles is stepping away from the morning show at Beasley Media Group’s HOT 96.9 in Boston. Her next chapter centers entirely on expanding the Positively Pebbles brand.

What We Know: Pebbles has officially departed her daily morning show duties at HOT 96.9. Throughout her run, she earned a Gracie Award for her Voices with Pebbles public affairs program. Additionally, the Massachusetts Association of Broadcasters named her Broadcaster of the Year in 2023. The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame also counts her among its inductees.

What They Said: Pebbles: “I’m incredibly grateful for the years I’ve been able to spend connecting with our listeners every morning. This next chapter allows me to put even more energy into Positively Pebbles – a platform all about connection, sharing real stories, making a meaningful difference, and shining a light on the good in the world.”

Mary Menna, Vice President and Market Manager: “Pebbles has been an integral part of HOT 96.9 and a powerful voice in the Boston community. Her passion, authenticity, and commitment to making a difference have resonated deeply with listeners, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow and inspire through her Positively Pebbles Podcast and Weekly Newsletter.”

Scott Morello, HOT 96.9 Program Director: “Few people lead with the kind of authenticity and heart that Pebbles does. That is why she has built such a meaningful connection with our audience. While she will be greatly missed in mornings, her impact on HOT 96.9 and the community is undeniable. We look forward to seeing her expand the Positively Pebbles brand and continue inspiring audiences in new ways.”

What Remains Unclear: HOT 96.9 has not yet named a replacement for the morning show. Furthermore, the station has not outlined how the show’s format may evolve going forward. What shape Positively Pebbles ultimately takes beyond its current platforms also remains to be seen.

What It Means: Pebbles joins a growing list of bankable talent leaving traditional radio behind. That trend deserves attention. When talent with established audiences walk out the door, stations don’t just lose a show. They lose trust, loyalty, and years of community investment that no one rebuilds overnight.

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.

KSL NewsRadio Adds ‘Brightside’ to Midday Lineup

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KSL NewsRadio is adjusting its early afternoon lineup. Brightside makes its debut on Monday, with changes for Maria Shilaos in the process.

What We Know: KSL Brightside is set to air weekdays from 1-3 PM. That moves Maria Shilaos — who previously hosted Midday with Maria from 12-3 PM — down to hosting only Utah’s Noon News from 12-1 PM. The new program will be seen on YouTube from 12-1 PM before airing on KSL NewsRadio from 1-3 PM. Ethan Millard and Alex Kirry will anchor the new program. Most recently, Kirry had been hosting afternoons on sports talk sister station 97.5 KSL Sports Zone. Millard had been working as a financial advisor since exiting the previous iteration of the show — The Nightside Project — in 2022.

What They Said:The Nightside Project drew a remarkably loyal audience, including a generation of young listeners who used the show as their entry point into the news and the world around them. Those listeners are adults now, and we know they’re hungry for the kind of smart, engaging, and genuinely fun conversation people have come to expect from Ethan and Alex.” -KSL Vice President Sheryl Worsley

What Remains Unclear: What this means for Maria Shilaos and the rest of the KSL NewsRadio lineup. While she previously hosted a three-hour show, a daily “Best Of” version aired from 7-9 PM in the station’s lineup. With Shilaos now focusing on a one-hour afternoon news program, it would seem likely that additional changes will be coming to the KSL NewsRadio schedule in the near future.

What It Means: The move marks another extension of Bonneville’s commitment to digital content. A YouTube exclusive show, followed by a two-hour show on the heritage news/talk station, shows a commitment to reaching younger audiences. It also keeps local programming on the station from 5 AM to 11 PM daily, which is something few stations can say. It’s especially impressive for a station in a market like Salt Lake City (#27).

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.

New York Yankees Radio Voice John Sterling Dies At 87

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Legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87. WFAN’s Boomer & Gio show made the announcement early Monday morning.

What We Know: Sterling’s passing comes just two years after retiring from broadcasting New York Yankees baseball games. He spent 36 seasons as the Yankees’ radio play-by-play voice — one of the longest tenures in baseball broadcasting history. His streak of 5,060 consecutive regular-season games called remains a remarkable feat. Sterling retired permanently following New York’s 2024 playoff run.

What They Said: WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti: “Definitely brutal news this morning. John [Sterling] was as good as it gets. He entertained us for so many years. We had so much fun with him. He was everything that a play by play man should be. His love for his audience, the sport, the Yankees, and delivering it in a way that was truly his own.”

WFAN’s Boomer Esiason: “He loved the sport, and loved the Yankees. He loved it so much that he lasted as long as he did. There are many times where he could have retired and he didn’t. He stayed right there. I’ll tell you, there were moments where he was just amazing.”

What Remains Unclear: While official cause of Sterling’s passing is yet to be known, Sterling has faced multiple health challenges in recent years. This included a heart attack in January, and a blood infection in 2020. Frequent travel difficulties also contributed to his 2024 retirement decision.

What It Means: Sterling’s career stands as one of sports radio’s most enduring legacies. Beyond baseball, he called games for the Nets, Islanders, Braves, and Hawks. Furthermore, his induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact.

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.

NBC Posts Largest Kentucky Derby Audience Ever with 19.6 Million Viewers

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NBC Sports delivered a record-setting audience for the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The broadcast averaged 19.6 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, according to preliminary data.

What We Know: NBC Sports set a new benchmark with its Derby coverage. The 19.6 million average audience is the event’s highest on record. Viewership peaked at 24.4 million viewers during the final stretch. Golden Tempo secured a narrow win in that window. The peak audience rose 12% from last year’s 21.8 million. That also marks NBC’s largest Derby peak ever. Peacock contributed significantly too, delivering a 1.3 million Average Minute Audience, up 36% year-over-year.

What The Numbers Show:

Event TitleRating (2026)Cume (2026)YOY (vs. 2025)
2026 Kentucky Derby19.6M24.4M peak17.7M avg / 21.8M peak ⬆️

What Remains Unclear: Final Nielsen numbers arrive Tuesday, so minor adjustments could follow. Golden Tempo’s trainer Cherie DeVaux hasn’t said yet if her horse will run the Preakness Stakes. That decision will have a major effect on interest in the Preakness Stakes on NBC/Peacock.

What It Means: The Derby reinforces the value of live sports. Large audiences still gather for major, unscripted moments. Streaming growth adds another layer. Among the Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby is consistently the ratings leader. When a horse has a chance to win all three, ratings for the Belmont Stakes can come close to the Derby. This is why Golden Tempo’s decision to run the Preakness is critically important NBC/Peacock executives.

The 151st Preakness Stakes on NBC and Peacock takes place at 4pm ET on Saturday, May 16th. Coverage begins at 1pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN.

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.

WABC Radio, Red Apple Audio Networks Launch The Worldwide News Network, Lee Harris Named VP of News

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WABC is going global. Red Apple Media Owner and CEO John Catsimatidis announced the launch of The Worldwide News Network — a 24/7 audio news platform built for worldwide distribution.

What We Know: Radio Hall of Fame inductee Lee Harris signs on as Vice President of News for WABC Radio and The Worldwide News Network. Harris brings 30 years of newsroom leadership — including morning anchor duties at 1010 WINS and a role as Director of Integrated Operations for NewsNation. WABC Radio currently reaches all 50 states and 178 countries.

What They Said: John Catsimatidis: “Today’s digital technology gives us the power to deliver the truth instantly, not just across America, but across Europe and around the globe. The Worldwide News Network is the natural next step in building a global destination for fair, balanced, no-nonsense news people can trust.”

Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio: “Audio news consumption is no longer confined by geography, signal strength, or time zone. Listeners want immediate access to credible reporting wherever they are, whenever news breaks. Lee is one of the most respected and accomplished news professionals in the business, and there is no one better equipped to help build this operation into a global audio news force.”

Lee Harris: “John Catsimatidis has never thought small, and this venture is no exception. The Worldwide News Network is an ambitious, forward-looking news platform designed for how people consume information today. I am thrilled to join Red Apple Media and WABC Radio at such a transformational moment and help build a news organization with both national strength and international reach.”

What Remains Unclear: Although the announcement is significant, Catsimatidis and his team have not yet confirmed launch timing or affiliate partnership details. Furthermore, the bigger question is which network local stations will choose to fill the void left by CBS News Radio — WABC, Fox News Radio, ABC News Radio, NBC News 24/7, Talk Media Network, Compass Media Networks, or Bloomberg.

What It Means: WABC Radio already thrives in New York City and now seeks to compete on a global stage. As a result, hiring Lee Harris signals serious intent. He brings credibility, presence, and exceptional news judgment to the operation. Additionally, the move positions Red Apple Media as a formidable global audio news competitor at precisely the right moment.

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.

Barrett Media Sharpens Its Content, Newsletters, Video, and Social Media Today

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I’ve spent the past few weeks internally referring to Monday, May 4th as Barrett Media’s Grand Reopening. We recently hired two new music editors — David Hill and Bethany Kent — and announced a partnership with Yahoo Sports/Finance. Both of those moves make us better, but we’re not stopping there.

Today we’re introducing changes to improve our website, newsletters, videos, and social media.

Website and Content Changes

On the main page of our website, Features now sit on the left, Columns on the right, a Featured column anchors the middle, and two media industry news stories appear on the right. We’ve also eliminated BSM Staff, BNM Staff, and BMM Staff bylines entirely. Stories now display under each writer’s name. Furthermore, Music content will include news on labels and artists — not just music radio transactions.

Most importantly, we’re introducing a new format for how we present news. I’ve dubbed it The What System.

Starting today, all news stories will run 200-300 words and feature four key parts: What We Know, What It Means, What Remains Unclear, and a rotating fourth section — either What They Said, What’s at Stake, or What the Numbers Show. Stories involving ratings, contracts, or heavy data will use a chart to highlight What the Numbers Show. Stories with quotes will use What They Said to make comments easier to absorb. When neither applies, we’ll examine What’s at Stake.

Website visitors typically read 20% of text on a page. Axios has shared that 80% of their readers consume 350 words or less. Reviewing our story length and how much people consume made refining our strategy necessary.

Press releases and individual announcements are often one-sided. Our editors will go further — adding voice, context, and deeper examination. Industry leaders and professionals have limited time and deserve the full picture in a quick, digestible way.

Newsletter Changes

If you receive our Morning Edition, today’s version looks different. We now deliver the first column in its entirety. The articles that follow the lead story show the first three paragraphs. This gives readers more depth to decide if something is worth reading further. We’re also showcasing our advertising partners more prominently.

In June, The Nooner — our music newsletter — expands to five days per week. It’s currently distributed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It will also receive upgrades to strengthen the user experience.

The Evening Edition will undergo adjustments too in August. Until then, we’re tightening our story count to eight or less. Articles that don’t make the newsletters will still be available on the website.

Social Media Shift

Across all platforms, you’ll see more video and custom images. We’re also prioritizing posts that promote original columns, features, speakers, and brand announcements. News stories will be pushed by our writers, so follow them if you want that information. Otherwise, check the website or our newsletters.

Social platforms frequently change the rules but do tell you what works and what doesn’t. Nieman Lab recently shared how brands pushing link posts on X generate small reach and engagement. Meanwhile, Fox News uses links in fewer than 10% of posts and earns the third highest median engagement of all publishers studied. That research focused on X, but similar stories exist on Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

We don’t have millions of followers to justify using the wrong approach, so we’ll play the game the right way, measure the results, and adapt when the rules change again.

Video

Starting Monday, May 18th, Barrett Media is adding Quick Takes — one-minute or less video commentaries on topical industry issues, promoted across social media. Some topics will be covered on BarrettMedia.com. Some will not. John Mamola, Garrett Searight, David Hill, Bethany Kent, and I will each contribute weekly.

Through our involvement in Yahoo’s new Sports Business hub, our sports team will appear on Yahoo’s digital shows. In addition, we are planning to launch a Music/Radio video show later this summer. David Hill and Bethany Kent are expected to anchor it. The Jason Barrett Podcast will return in October. Dylan Barrett will produce, edit, and promote both shows alongside The 4-Cast and Barrett Media Minute.

Closing Comments

Building a great brand requires constant evaluation and adjustment. We’re making improvements to better serve and expand our audience and partnerships. Celebrating, educating, and challenging the media industry by examining issues across sports, news, music, and business remains our primary focus.

Thank you for continuing to support our work. We appreciate the time you spend each day reading, watching, and sharing our content. If you have feedback, email me anytime at Jason@BarrettMedia.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.

Why Gregg Bell Earned a Second Chance at Seattle’s 93.3 KJR

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It was just over a year ago when Seattle sports radio station 93.3 KJR announced a new host for its vacant midday timeslot. After nearly ten months of fill-in work by Tacoma News Tribune Seahawks beat reporter Gregg Bell, the station went in another direction. The iHeartMedia brand decided to welcome Marc James into the timeslot while Bell stayed with the station for his morning radio hits.

Fast forward 14 months, and another round of layoffs hit iHeartMedia. The radio station parted ways with James in the timeslot, raising questions about how to fill the role this time.

“Rich Moore [KJR Program Director] always told me that you never know and things could change,” said Bell about the months following the station’s decision to hire James in the daypart. “I was willing to do that, because I have a first job. It takes up a good bit of my time. It’s not like I was twiddling my thumbs waiting on KJR to call me back about a full time job.”

Bell said when the decision came down that James would be the selection for the daypart, he didn’t take it personally. Instead, he focused on continuing to provide quality coverage of the Seahawks for both the newspaper and the morning show on KJR.

As news broke about James’ departure last month, that dedication paid off with an offer to become the new voice of middays on KJR.

“When iHeartMedia made a decision that KJR had to trim a position, Rich Moore asked me if I wanted to host a 10am-12pm show. I wasn’t coming in from far away, because I was talking to him all the time,” said Bell.

The timing was quick and direct. Less than a week after James’ final show, KJR announced Bell as the new host for the midday daypart. Despite not signing a contract to fill the role, Bell moved forward with the opportunity, understanding the ever-changing nature of the business.

“I’ve been in business long enough to know it changes in a hurry. So, I made the decision to keep my head down and continue my work for KJR. Always doing what they asked me to do. To be a good team player, and that opportunities might come down the road,” explained Bell. “They did… I’ve been in the media business already, and I’m a little bit past having hurt feelings or a pouting stage.”

Bell said he understood why he was passed over in 2025 for James and noted that the two got along well during their time in Seattle.

Finding His Voice

Now, the interim has become permanent for Bell and producer Christopher Kidd as they hold down the daypart. While much of Bell’s background is rooted in sports journalism, his radio résumé lacks the experience many major-market talents possess. He said radio was never an aspiration in his youth. His only experience in the industry came from working play-by-play for lacrosse and basketball while a student at West Point.

“All my muses are in writing. I don’t have that realm of looking at other sports radio hosts and trying to emulate them,” said Bell. “I don’t habitually listen to sports talk radio when I travel covering the Seahawks, and don’t much listen at all.”

With his limited background in radio, Bell is leaning on his journalism experience to set himself apart.

“The value that you can bring as a first-person journalist who does his own reporting. Few outlets have that. So, I’m trying to capitalize on that as my niche for the listeners on KJR,” explained Bell. “Anyone can pontificate about anything they see on television, but how many of them have the experience I have with the teams and players? There’s fewer of that in sports radio than ever before.”

Bell is not a Seattle native, having grown up in the Midwest and Ohio Valley. He moved to Seattle in 1994 and developed a respect for those who came before him on the city’s legacy sports radio brand. For the past 12 years, Bell has been the lead voice covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune.

Storytelling on the Radio

His approach to this second opportunity in middays centers on blending that journalistic foundation with a human touch. He aims to share the stories of players beyond the box score, highlighting the people behind Seattle sports and connecting with fans on a deeper level.

“Everybody I cover has a why and a path how they got there. I’m trying to bring some of that to sports radio. Sometimes I feel like ‘The Lone Ranger’ doing that,” notes Bell. “I’m trying to raise that bar for the listener. To challenge them to learn more about the people they follow and pay to see the games. They’re more than just athletes.”

While the midday program adds to his workload, Bell said the newspaper remains his top priority. When breaking news occurs, there is an understanding with his publisher and editors that the paper will report it first before he brings it to the radio audience.

“My job primarily is first to the News Tribune. To his credit, Rich Moore understands that. In fact, he wants to promote anything involving me and the News Tribune. I appreciate that,” said Bell. “If something breaks on the air, I’m not prohibited from talking about it or reporting it on KJR. But I try to do it simultaneously with the paper either on social media. I do make a conscious effort to not talk about my stories until its published with the News Tribune.”

Because of the access Bell has built over time, balancing responsibilities between two outlets requires care. He said the plan for the upcoming season is to handle both roles full-time. Bell also credited efforts to broadcast his show from the Seahawks facility during game weeks, as well as from iHeartMedia locations after road games.

Growing the Next Generation

While Bell is excited about the opportunity, he is equally eager to provide a platform for his executive producer, Christopher Kidd. The two developed strong chemistry during Bell’s interim run prior to James’ hire and now have the chance to build on it.

“My goal, I want to give Christopher Kidd a large voice on the show. I want the show to be The Gregg Bell Show with Christopher Kidd,” says Bell. “He’s got a lot to provide to the program. I try to give him a lot of opportunity to do that. He’s been great for the transition so far, and understands what I’m trying to do.”

Bell said listener feedback during his second stint in the daypart has been overwhelmingly positive, especially with Kidd’s increased presence in the show’s content.

Still, Bell remains grounded in the realities of the business. Change is constant. Stability is never guaranteed. But this time, he isn’t waiting for the next opportunity.

He’s building one.

With a journalist’s perspective, a storyteller’s instinct, and a renewed shot in middays, Bell is working to carve out a distinct voice at KJR—one rooted not just in what happens on the field, but in the people behind it.

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.

Should Streaming Impact Radio Airplay on Classic Rock/Hits Stations?

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The world of streaming has added a whole new challenge to determining what songs to play on the radio. Stations that play new music must account for what tracks are being streamed and determine whether to add them to their playlist.

But for Classic stations, other than maybe the groundswell around Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” streaming hasn’t really impacted what gets played. But that may be changing according to a new article on Screen Rant written by Sarah Polonsky. She points out that seven Classic Rock songs are secretly dominating streaming in 2026.

With listeners likely exposed to these songs online we at least need to be conscious of these trends and really look at whether any of them warrant increased airplay. It’s not an easy equation. Each station’s unique competitive situation only muddies the water but here are the seven songs Polonsky outlines with related thought starters about potential airplay.

Blue Oyster Cult “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and Rush “Tom Sawyer”

According to Polonsky, Blue Oyster Cult’s track is being used as the soundtrack to millions of book vlogs and “late-night study streams.” Meanwhile Tom Sawyer has been prominent in a popular video game soundtrack and an air-drumming challenge. Add in the new tour and you have a recipe for streaming success.

Airplay Outlook: These songs are already the 67th and 19th most played songs at Classic Rock so far this year. They earn reasonable attention at Classic and Adult Hits as well. There’s no real decision to be made here.

David Bowie “Starman”

Even though the song isn’t in the movie, the success of Project Hail Mary is leading to a landslide of fan driven content about uplifting science fiction that often uses this song as the soundtrack. That exposure is serving as a gateway to the rest of Bowie’s music. He’s the second most searched Classic Rock artist of the year so far.

Airplay Outlook: The online exposure plus the fact that the song is likely somewhat familiar might make it worthy of secondary or tertiary airplay. More importantly it might warrant a fresh look at Bowie’s bigger hits with consideration to giving them more spins.

Fleetwood Mac “Silver Springs”

This song has overtaken “Dreams” as the most shared Classic Rock track on social media. Much of that is due to a trend known as the “Unresolved Cannon Event.” Strangely, that has led to the song being pushed into Gothic Folk playlists online as well. Despite all that it currently is receiving no notable airplay outside a few AAA spins.

Airplay Outlook: The growth of this song so far is being fueled by a trend that will surely end soon. There are so many big hits to play from this band, that this feels like it can be left online.

Credence Clearwater Revival “Who’ll Stop the Rain”

This song has become the theme of the “slow living” movement; people leaving city life for more rural options. On the strength of that trend this title is approaching half a billion streams. As far as radio, the song is currently receiving virtually no airplay while the artist is in the top 75 for both Classic Rock and Hits.

Outlook: The streaming profile on this band continues to be huge. This track is on Chronicle, their greatest hits package meaning everyone who has rediscovered this band has heard the song. It’s probably worth a few plays.

The Beatles “Yesterday”

Streaming for this song picked up around the announcement of the upcoming Beatles cinematic event. That led to it being featured on many playlists as well. On the radio the song is getting no airplay. The band though still plays a role at all three Classic Formats.

Airplay Outlook: This depends on what flavor of station you are. Hard Rocking Classic stations don’t have any call to go here. But Classic Hits stations and others than lean in that direction could do worse than giving this timeless classic a few spins.

Bonnie Tyler “Holding Out for a Hero”

Interest in this song is driven by a slow remix that has appeared in several superhero movies and shows. That has led to inclusion in other online trends. On Classic Hits stations this song gets a little play. However, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” receives airplay on both Classic and Adult Hits stations.

Airplay Outlook: Despite being a novelty from the Footloose soundtrack, the song might be relevant today. Classic and Adult Hits stations certainly play worse novelty songs to get “oh wow” reactions. It may be the moment for this one.

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.