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Radio Talent Help: Responding Matters More Than You

Kevin Callahan
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Radio Talent Help: Responding Matters More Than You

Over the past two days, I had the pleasure of speaking with different air talents who are aggressively looking for work. For the purpose of this conversation, it does not matter what company they worked for or what round of layoffs they were part of. What matters is a specific phrase that came up during all of the calls.

In our business right now, everyone is time starved. We are all wearing three or more hats, managing multiple clusters, and trying to keep up with an endless inbox. However, the single biggest gift you can give to another human being right now is remarkably simple: your time.

As author Rick Warren famously put it, “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back.” Psychologist Philip Zimbardo echoed that exact sentiment, writing, “The greatest gift that you can give to others and to yourself is time. Embrace the gift of time whether you give it or receive it.”

The Silent Inbox

During my conversations this week, the personalities said something to me that stuck:

“I’m just happy you responded to my request for your time.”

They shared stories of sending out dozens of emails that disappear into the corporate void. They left voicemails that go unreturned. And they reached out to industry colleagues only to be met with total silence.

Now, I know we are all doing more than we ever have before. I know your calendar is packed from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. But taking just five or ten minutes to talk to someone who is out of work and trying to find a path forward is incredibly easy. Furthermore, it carries immense weight.

How to Give Time in Easy Ways

Giving your time does not mean you have to offer everyone a job. Nor does it mean you need to clear an entire afternoon for an in-depth career audit. Sometimes, giving your time simply means validating another person’s value in a moment when they feel invisible.

Here are a few simple, low friction ways to give your time to colleagues and pros looking for their next step:

  • Acknowledge the Message: If you get an email or LinkedIn message from a talent looking for work, do not ignore it. Instead, send even a three-sentence reply saying, “I don’t have an opening right now, but I received your demo, appreciate your work, and will keep my ears open.”
  • The 10-Minute Sanity Check: Offer a brief ten-minute phone call. Let them bounce an idea off you, ask about market trends, or get feedback on a fresh aircheck. That short conversation can reset their confidence for the entire week. Above all, let them do most of the talking.
  • Pass the Line: If you know a PD or GM in another market who might be hiring, take thirty seconds to forward the talent’s info with a quick personal note. Connecting two good people takes almost zero effort on your end. Yet it can completely change the trajectory of someone else’s career.
  • The Courtesy Pass for Sales: Outside of unsolicited, automated sales pitches on LinkedIn (I do not answer those either), taking five seconds to reply to a real vendor saves everyone time. Try responding with a simple, “That’s not something we can use right now,” “I couldn’t possibly get budget approval for that,” or “Check back in six weeks to see if our needs change.” This lets them move on without endless follow-ups.

Answering the Call

We talk a lot in this industry about family, mentorship, and preserving the future of local radio. But culture and community are not just built on stage at industry conventions. Instead, they are built in the everyday moments when nobody is watching.

The next time a message pops up in your inbox from a personality looking for a hand up, will it go unread? Pick up the phone, write the quick email, and share a small slice of your day. Time is finite. However, using a tiny piece of yours to help someone else is the easiest gift you will ever give.

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 All The Smoke Is Proof Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson Have Found Their Second Act

John Molori
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Why All The Smoke Is Proof Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson Have Found Their Second Act

The All the Smoke podcast, hosted by ex-NBA stalwarts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, bills itself as a show that “will dish on the latest news and drama from on and off the court without boundaries.” The description does not do it justice. Barnes and Jackson were really good basketball players who played in an era when toughness was still a requisite. However, All the Smoke goes far beyond basketball commentary.

As players, Barnes and Jackson did not win any popularity contests. In fact, they were considered two of the toughest and most ornery players in the league. Barnes and Jackson played hard and pushed the rules, as well as their opponents’ patience, to the limit. They were the type of players you hated to play against or simply just hated.

That attitude and fearlessness are now available for your viewing and listening pleasure on All the Smoke.

Barnes and Jackson are making an impact. They’ve had some tremendous guests on the show, including Harold Reynolds, Jeff Passan, Cecil Fielder, Barack Obama, Charles Barkley, Will Ferrell, Michelle Obama, Horace Grant, Keyshawn Johnson, Dusty Baker, Cheryl Miller, Mike Epps and many more top-flight personalities from the sports and entertainment world.

Depth And Context

Be warned: If you decide to tune in to All the Smoke, the program is certainly no-holds-barred. Bare-knuckled commentary and a few F-bombs will be dropped. I have no issue with this because it fits the context of the program. Barnes and Jackson are not there to shock you. But if you listen, they might just educate you.

This duo has one hell of a good time on the show, but there is also a real depth to All the Smoke.

In addition to possessing vibrant, and sometimes virulent, attitudes, both Barnes and Jackson have developed really good interview skills. Many of their guests are peers from their NBA playing days, but they do not miss a beat when they step outside their hoops comfort zone. In July, they broadcast a show from the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia. These guys know sports and have the ability to communicate sports.

Moreover, they have that same communicable knowledge of life’s ebbs and flows.

All the Smoke is presented in a laid-back setting, but the topics are often anything but comfortable. Barnes and Jackson delve into every aspect of sports, from game plans to off-field issues. They frequently offer their respective takes on news headlines and social justice issues as well. The pair makes no bones about their political stances and has absolutely zero agendas. Barnes and Jackson made a few bucks in their playing days, so they are hardly doing this for the cash.

I cannot speak for their initial goal. But if it was to create a podcast with a different look, feel and temperament, All the Smoke fits the bill.

Barnes and Jackson are not going to ask stock questions. They are going to go off the grid with real talk. They do not always get responses as direct as the questions, but at least they have the guts to ask.

Unexpected Twists

Don’t get me wrong, All the Smoke is not all about serious stuff. Barnes and Jackson love to have fun with a show topic. They did just that on an episode that featured top-flight guests like Deion Sanders, Ice Cube, Eric Dickerson, Sammy Sosa and Dominique Wilkins. Did they talk to these A-listers about memorable interceptions, movies, touchdowns, home runs or baskets? No, the topic was about athletes who had the best and worst Jheri Curls in the 1980s and 1990s.

The interviews were highlighted by Deion Sanders once again boasting about his curl, “It looked wet, but it was dry!” Just awesome.

Barnes and Jackson challenge conventional viewpoints and offer new perspectives and options for thought. This is not your run-of-the-mill sports podcast. You are not going to get scores, game highlights or the same repetitive analysis. All the Smoke is atypical and presents a distinctive attitude.

While this pair resides squarely on the razor-sharp edge of sports talk, they are still all about heart. Barnes and Jackson were teammates on the 2007 “We Believe” Golden State Warriors, an eighth-seeded team that upset top-seeded Dallas in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. That team was led by Don Nelson, the Hall of Fame coach and five-time world champion player with the Boston Celtics, who passed away on August 9.

Barnes and Jackson recorded a special version of All the Smoke to talk about that team and remember Nelson.

All the Smoke finds its truth in the hosts themselves. Both Barnes and Jackson have experienced the ups and downs of basketball and life, with on- and off-court issues in their careers. They have ridden high on winning teams and been at the center of controversies and legal issues. In short, they have lived. They are human, with the same flaws and foibles we all possess.

If you watch All the Smoke, you may not agree with, or even like, Barnes and Jackson. But you will realize that these are two very intelligent, provocative and articulate men.

Truly Unique

We live in an age of copycat media. If something works on one network or platform, you can bet that something similar is going to be on three or four others within the next few weeks. All the Smoke tosses this cookie cutter to the floor and steps on it. The style, look, sets and hosts are quite singular. Barnes and Jackson don’t BS anyone about anything.

They also share a lot of cool ‘What If’ stories. One was about how superstar point guard Jason Kidd almost joined the San Antonio Spurs in the midst of the team’s championship dynasty. Jackson played in San Antonio at the time and interviewed Kidd about the move that never happened.

Barnes and Jackson are bold and brash, but when I watch All the Smoke, I see two guys who truly respect the games. They can sit and reflect on great sports moments while also bringing a level of realism and grit to the conversation. There is definitely an emotional and personal texture to the hosts’ rough edges.

As a guest on the show, Steve Kerr, Barnes’ former coach with the Warriors, told the story about Barnes bringing his twin sons to a Warriors team meeting. When Kerr announced the starting lineup for a game against San Antonio and it included Barnes guarding Kawhi Leonard, his twin boys stood up and started cheering for their dad. Kerr stated that it remains one of his favorite all-time memories.

Barnes and Jackson can be intimidating because they pull no punches and do not hesitate to debate interview subjects or each other. Still, big-name guests seem to want to be on the show and engage in conversation. Barnes and Jackson are media forces to be reckoned with, both with more than 1 million followers on Instagram. If you haven’t checked out their podcast, you should, just to see what All the Smoke is about.

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.

How Larry Mendte Found His Voice in Talk Radio on 710 WOR

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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How Larry Mendte Found His Voice in Talk Radio on 710 WOR

Since 1979, Larry Mendte has graced TV and radio airwaves across the United States. Winning countless awards and accolades, he is living proof that with passion and drive, anything can be accomplished.

His passion for media started as a little kid: “I’m told the story that [as a child] I used to get lost on purpose just so I could hear my name announced in the store.”

He added, “I used to watch the news, and I used to take media in. I used to call into radio stations when they had a contest, even though I didn’t know the answer, just to get on the air. So it seemed like it was something I was destined to do.”

Finding His Path in Radio

However, it wasn’t until college that Mendte received true direction. “When I went to college, I worked at the college radio station, and they got an internship in radio at the old WFIL radio. It was a top 40 station, but back then they actually had newsrooms, and they made me their reporter. During my internship, I got to anchor there a couple of times, and I loved it. And I decided then that’s what I want to do, but I think it was always in me.”

He quickly bounced around from market to market, starting in Eureka, California, and in less than 10 years he made it to New York. “I was only 27 at the time; they hired me as the weekend anchor at WABC in New York.”

But Mendte wasn’t long for local TV. He helped bring Access Hollywood to life in 1996 and later wrote notable feature pieces like “The Beanie Baby Soldier” and “The Children of 9/11.”

It wasn’t until later in Mendte’s career that he added commentary to his list of “can do’s.” “When I was hired at WPIX in New York, they had me doing commentaries, and they were played at all the Tribune stations and live TV stations. So it was like 30-some TV stations across the country, and I really loved it. Just loved it, doing the commentaries.”

Blending Storytelling and Opinion

This skill, combined with his incredible storytelling ability, gives Mendte a unique ability to captivate his WOR audience. “I think what we do in the radio, and I never would have guessed this at the time, is a nice conglomeration of [storytelling and opinion] together,” Mendte affirmed.

“The storytelling is extremely important. Understanding the story is extremely important. But having a strong opinion, and not being afraid to tell it, and to be able to tell it in an articulate way, is just as important.” He added, “And if I combine those two things with a wealth of experience from doing news all around the country, and probably seeing at least once before everything we talk about now, I think in a way the whole career was building to be able to do talk radio.”

Mendte believes, “Talk radio is in almost every way much freer than any of the television I did, [because] it’s building a story. We’re doing a commentary live on the air. Everything else I’ve been able to do, except for the live shots I did, I’ve been able to craft it. The crafting is immediate.”

Partnering with Curtis Sliwa on WOR Mornings

Today he’s not crafting his show alone. In March, Mendte, Tom Cuddy, and the WOR team welcomed Curtis Sliwa to the morning show. “It’s exceptional to have him as a partner. We get into a pretty heated argument probably once a day on the air [because] we disagree on a lot of things, and we have no problem playing that out on the air.”

Mendte went on to say, “But afterwards, sometimes we just smile at each other. Sometimes we keep talking about it, but it never carries on into the rest of the show or into the relationship.”

Mendte emphasized how important it is to speak with someone with a different opinion. The added bonus with Sliwa is the energy he brings to the mic. “Somebody asked me one time what it’s like co-hosting with Curtis,” Mendte recalled. “I said, ‘It’s like being in a rodeo, you just hold on.’ And that’s the way I felt. I mean, he knows so much. He talks so fast. He’s got a shtick down that he’s been doing for years and years. He’s forgotten more about radio and talk radio than I’ll probably ever learn at this point. But the fact that [we as a team] work [well and] organically.”

But there is a fine line the pair don’t want to cross. “So as long as we don’t go overboard, as long as it never becomes personal, and as long as people seem to like it, I think it’s an important part of the show. But we still joke around; there’s camaraderie, we agree on a lot of things.” What’s important for listeners to know is, “It’s always going to be an honest conversation with Curtis and I, who have a wealth of different experiences.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists

For those looking to follow in Mendte’s footsteps, he says, “Things have changed dramatically [since I started in the industry]. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is a drive.”

Mendte believes so long as you are motivated, you can become successful in media. Both he and his wife, Dawn Stensland-Mendte, who hosts a talk show on 1210 WPHT, are living testaments to this sentiment.

Except, it’s significantly easier now than when they were coming up in the industry. “People growing up today have the opportunity to do a story right now. They can take their phone and go do a story.”

Commending many independent journalists, like Nick Shirley, who are using social media to get stories out there, Mendte noted, “I am so jealous, and I’m so proud of them, and I think it’s a necessary evolution of journalism.” He added, “[Journalists today] have the opportunity to see a story and report it immediately and get the world to watch it. And that’s powerful. So if you want to do this, do 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.

Radio Programmers: Stop Settling, Be Like The Movies Today

Jim Ryan
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Radio Programmers: Stop Settling, Be Like The Movies Today

Nobody goes to the movies anymore, or do they?

The movie theater is dead and will never come back. At least that’s what we thought 6 years ago during the COVID pandemic. Just 2 years later, on May 27, 2022, Tom Cruise flew onto the big screen with “Top Gun: Maverick,” and suddenly there was a box office hit. Indeed, what a hit it was — grossing over 700 million dollars in ticket sales.

Movie Theaters Make a Comeback

In case you hadn’t heard, last weekend was record-shattering at movie theaters everywhere. The business that was totally over in 2020 set an all-time weekend record. Notably, the U.S. and Canada total gross was just over 426 million dollars. The premiere of the latest Spiderman movie led the charge. I was responsible for about $40 of that total. Parking near my local theater was impossible. Later, when I made the long walk to my car after the movie, several people almost came to blows trying to get my spot. Yes, it was that busy.

The dinosaur movie theater business has roared to life. Clearly, not everyone is sitting on their sofa watching Netflix. If you’re asking why, the answer is simple — compelling reasons exist to leave the house. It started with Tom Cruise and continues with Spiderman. Additionally, there’s an almost 3-hour rendition of Greek mythology in “The Odyssey.” These are movies that couldn’t wait for streaming release.

Radio Can Learn from the Movies

Some have the same perception of radio that they did for the movie theater. However, I believe — just like the movie business has grown — radio can grow too. We simply need to generate more compelling content. I’m not saying you need to emulate the Mancow stunt of 1993. That stunt stopped traffic on the Bay Bridge for a haircut in morning rush hour. It could land you in jail. Yet, why can’t we make some content that gets people talking? It’s time to take more chances.

Examples from America’s Largest Markets

Take a look at the two largest markets in America. The biggest show in New York this spring with adults 25-54 was the Breakfast Club. The outspoken Charlamagne Tha God does not do conventional radio. Significantly, even his interviews from Kamala Harris to Kevin Hart end up getting media coverage. This makes his brand bigger. In LA, it’s Woody on Alt or Klein and Ally on KROQ. While Woody’s antics are well known, Klein and Ally also depart from the norm. When Klein’s car was stolen, they tracked it live on the morning show until the vehicle was recovered. Furthermore, Ally got her IVF injections in the studio during their broadcast. Listeners could hear the real moment unfold. That content beats the heck out of another wreck on the 405. The audience was in on real life. Were they sure it would work? Probably not. But they took a chance and it did.

The Challenge Ahead

Now, more than ever, we have to stand out from the crowd. There is so much content available today. Consequently, you cannot afford to blend in or be like everyone else. I challenge every program director and morning show. Do this before the fall rating period begins. Regardless of format, create something truly memorable. Let’s give the audience something to talk about. People will think about radio and go out of their way to use us. You can take a chance by doing something big and different. Alternatively, you can wait for your parent company. Hope for a million-dollar marketing budget. I think my idea might be more realistic. Do for your brand what Tom Cruise and Spiderman did for the movies.

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.

Lee Harris Exits 77 WABC, Worldwide News Network

Garrett Searight
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Lee Harris Exits 77 WABC, Worldwide News Network

Barrett Media has confirmed Lee Harris is leaving 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network after a brief tenure with Red Apple Media. His departure comes less than three months after joining the company.

What We Know: Harris joined 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network in May. He was hired to help launch the new audio news operation following the end of CBS News Radio. Worldwide News Network began operations May 23rd, filling a void created by CBS News Radio’s shutdown. After less than six weeks, Red Apple Media elevated Harris to Senior Vice President of News and Programming. He took on additional responsibility for programming strategy and content development at 77 WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks.

John Catsimatidis tells Barrett Media a personnel issue arose between Harris and the company. Catsimatidis ultimately asked for Harris’ resignation, which he tendered on Wednesday.

What They Said: “I am outraged. And I am mad as hell because I treat all my people — I don’t care if it’s a dishwasher, I don’t care if it’s an executive — I treat them equally. And I care for them … Make sure he doesn’t come to me for a reference. I’ve got people that work here for 30 years, 35 years, 40 years. If you read my book, you’ll see that all our people are here a long time. I’m here to protect them.” -Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis

Harris, however, shared a different sentiment and tone.

“I had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running. He’s a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don’t. I’ve decided to go back to work on my suite of tech products for audio and news because, like John, I am devoted to the success of this industry.” -Lee Harris

What Remains Unclear: It is unclear who will step into the shoes vacated by Harris’ exit. It is also unclear who will run the day-to-day operations in the immediate aftermath of the departure. There is also a clear disconnect between how Harris and Catsimatidis view the departure, based on the statements each gave to Barrett Media.

What It Means: Harris is a radio legend and a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame. His departure marks a significant change for both 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network just months after Red Apple Media launched the network. Moreover, the timing comes after Harris had been given an expanded leadership role. That makes the move particularly notable for the company’s growing news operation.

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.

Beasley Media Group Reports 9.6% Revenue Decline During 2026’s 2nd Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Beasley Media Group Reports 9.6% Revenue Decline During 2026’s 2nd Quarter

Beasley Media Group reported lower revenue in the second quarter as traditional advertising remained under pressure. The company also highlighted progress in its push toward digital and higher-margin revenue.

What We Know: Beasley Media Group generated $44.1 million in net revenue during the second quarter, a 9.6% decline from the prior year. Meanwhile, digital revenue accounted for 26% of total revenue, while local advertising represented 74%. National advertising contributed another 13% of the company’s total revenue. Beasley has continued shifting its business toward digital and direct revenue as traditional advertising faces ongoing challenges.

What the Numbers Show:

Metric Q2 Revenue Change Direction
Net Revenue $44.1 million 9.6% ↓ ▼
Audio Net Revenue $32.5 million From $39.8 million ▼
Digital Revenue $11.7 million 11.6% ↓ ▼
Adjusted EBITDA $5.3 million From $4.7 million ▲

What They Said: “While second quarter results continued to reflect pressure across portions of the traditional advertising marketplace, we are encouraged by the progress we’re making in transforming Beasley into a more diversified, higher-margin media company. Our digital and local direct spot businesses continue to build momentum, our cost structure is significantly more efficient than it was a year ago, and we remain focused on improving the quality of our revenue. We believe these initiatives are creating a stronger operating foundation and positioning the Company for more consistent financial performance over the long term.” -Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley

What It Means: Beasley’s results underscore the continued weakness facing traditional radio advertising. However, the improved adjusted EBITDA gives the company a positive point amid declining revenue. At the same time, digital now represents more than one-quarter of total revenue, reinforcing management’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional audio advertising.

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.

Stephen A. Smith Praises Bob Iger’s Purchase Of Los Angeles Lakers: “Unbelievable”

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Praises Bob Iger’s Purchase Of Los Angeles Lakers: “Unbelievable”

Former Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger just bought the Los Angeles Lakers. Executive Josh Kushner joined him in the $12.5 billion deal. Stephen A. Smith praised the purchase by his former boss on SiriusXM radio.

What We Know: Iger and Kushner acquired the Lakers from Mark Walter for $12.5 billion, a record NBA valuation. Moreover, Walter had owned the team for barely 14 months, buying it from the Buss family for roughly $10 billion. Iger served two stints as Disney’s CEO spanning about 20 years before stepping down in March. Additionally, the deal still needs NBA Board of Governors approval. Following the news, Stephen A Smith celebrated his former boss for the purchase.

What They Said: (All quotes from SiriusXM Radio)

Stephen A. Smith on Bob Iger owning the Los Angeles Lakers: “The Los Angeles Lakers have a new owner. One’s name is Josh Kushner. The other owner is the greatest executive I have ever known. The former CEO of Walt Disney, whose name is Bob Iger. You can’t do any better than this if you’re the Los Angeles Lakers. You can’t do any better than this if you’re the NBA.”

Stephen A. Smith on working for Bob Iger: “I worked for this man for many years. He’s a mentor. I love him dearly. He is the best in the best executive I’ve ever known. I don’t give a damn what anybody says. Two stints at Disney, spanning 18 years. Their market cap was at about $51 billion dollars years ago when the man started. He departed, and it was over $252 billion. When you talk about me and where I am today, there’s nobody that I owe more gratitude towards than Bob Iger.”

Stephen A. Smith believes Bob Iger will be great for the Los Angeles Lakers: “The man is next level brilliant. A savant as a businessman, one of if not the greatest ever. The Michael Jordan of executives is what I call him. That’s how I feel about him. He is now the new owner for the Los Angeles Lakers. Unbelievable.”

What Remains Unclear: Questions regarding who stays and who exits under the new ownership remain. Also, a timetable for NBA approval of the purchase is unknown.

What It Means: Iger’s arrival signals a new era of star power for the Lakers. Moreover, he built Disney into an entertainment giant, and Smith believes he’ll do the same for basketball. In addition, the purchase also reflects the surging value of NBA franchises overall. In conclusion, Lakers fans now have two Wall Street-caliber owners guiding the franchise forward.

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.

Suno Inks Global Licensing Deal With BMG Music

David Hill
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Suno Inks Global Licensing Deal With BMG Music

Suno just inked a global licensing deal with BMG. The milestone signals growing industry acceptance for AI music generation platforms.

What We Know BMG’s pact with Suno covers both publishing and recorded music rights worldwide. Importantly, the agreement grants Suno approval for “prior use” of recordings in its training processes. Moving forward, the companies plan collaborative efforts to develop new experiences connecting artists and fans. Meanwhile, Warner Music remains the only major label to license with Suno to date.

What’s at Stake Artist and songwriter participation directly impacts Suno’s credibility and long-term viability. Specifically, these landmark deals establish revenue-sharing opportunities for creators alongside the platforms. Furthermore, new fan-artist connection models could fundamentally reshape music consumption and engagement patterns. Ultimately, user adoption hinges on fair economics and genuine creative choice in the terms.

What Remains Unclear Artist and songwriter reactions to the specific terms remain uncertain and unknown. Similarly, the competitive impact on platforms like Udio and Klay Vision is unclear. Additionally, long-term DSP consumption effects from AI-generated content haven’t fully materialized yet. Notably, questions persist about Suno’s licensed model launch timeline and market readiness.

What It Means Additional licensing agreements will likely emerge from other major industry players soon. Clearly, the music industry is shifting toward collaborative, authorized AI creation models. Furthermore, major labels increasingly recognize AI’s strategic role in music’s commercial future. Ultimately, this determines whether creators truly benefit from the AI innovation wave.

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.

Katie Nolan: Comments About WFAN’s Boomer Esiason Were Part of a Bit, Joke

John Mamola
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Katie Nolan: Comments About WFAN’s Boomer Esiason Were Part of a Bit, Joke

SiriusXM host Katie Nolan says her recent comments regarding Boomer Esiason was part of a bit and was just a joke. WFAN’s Craig Carton and Gregg Giannotti, she says, missed it completely in their responses.

What We Know: Nolan mocked Esiason on her Casuals podcast in late July. She called him her “arch-nemesis” and told him to “clean it up” in regards to some of his commentary. Nolan’s program played drops of Esiason as part of her comments. Moreover, the dig came after SiriusXM announced that WFAN and several other Audacy sports brands will be landing on SiriusXM beginning next month. Soon after, WFAN host Craig Carton criticized both Esiason and Gregg Giannotti for not clapping back. The following day, Giannotti explained his stance by saying that Nolan was not a “worthy opponent.” Nolan says the response to her initial commentary was unexpected, and the criticism following missed the tone of her initial comments.

What They Said: (All comments via Casuals)

Katie Nolan on the backlash her podcast received by WFAN talents over her comments about Boomer Esiason: “We have fun on this show. Okay, we’re just a silly, goofy little show. I saw a lot of people get very mad about the Boomer [Esiason] stuff. That I was like, did you miss that this was obviously a bit? But yes is the answer. They did. We were just joking, you guys. Who does this girl think she is that she gets to say? I’m like, she doesn’t. It’s the joke.”

Katie Nolan doesn’t understand why WFAN’s Craig Carton and Gregg Giannotti responded to it: “They don’t work here. They’re not going to run into us in the hallway. Nothing has changed. They still are WFAN. It was a joke. Whatever. Two hosts have now responded to us on that channel. I don’t know how to find WFAN. I don’t know what any of it was. But I’ve heard it’s crazy. So, love to all. I’m not sure what happened here. All I did was play old clips of what you said? I mean, if you didn’t like it, you should have said it.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not WFAN talent will respond.

What It Means: Nolan insists her comments were satire and a joke. In context, with a new partnership and Esiason’s high profile, it can be understandable how tone could be lost. However, WFAN has never shied away from any controversy. The two on-air responses from WFAN suggest the bit landed harder than possibly Nolan intended. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that sports-radio banter travels fast, and lands differently depending who’s listening.

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.

Clay Travis: Selling OutKick Didn’t Change My View of Business, It Reinforced It

Garrett Searight
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Clay Travis: Selling OutKick Didn’t Change My View of Business, It Reinforced It

Clay Travis says selling OutKick to Fox didn’t change what he wanted to do. Instead, the deal reinforced his belief that he was on the right path.

What We Know: Clay Travis discussed his decision to sell OutKick to Fox while appearing on The Sage Steele Show. Fox completed its acquisition of OutKick in 2025, with Travis later stepping away from the company. The sale gave Travis significant financial freedom, but he said that freedom didn’t change his desire to keep working. Instead, he viewed his reaction to the deal as confirmation that he had built a life he genuinely enjoyed.

What They Said: “People think, ‘Oh, what would happen if I won that lottery ticket?’ I feel like I did, and I feel like I had the ultimate thing to be grateful for, which was when I woke up the next morning, I wanted to keep doing exactly what I was already doing. That, to me, is a sign that you are living a life that you’re supposed to live. If you have this great fortune and you don’t have to go to work, you don’t have to do any more of what you are doing, and you still want to do it? Man, that’s awesome. That’s kind of how I feel every day.” -Clay Travis

What Remains Unclear: Travis didn’t detail what his post-OutKick plans would look like during the appearance. However, his comments suggest the financial windfall from the sale didn’t eliminate his interest in media. He also didn’t indicate whether he plans to launch another major business venture.

What It Means: Travis’ comments offer a different perspective on the OutKick sale. Rather than viewing the transaction as an endpoint, he sees it as an opportunity to continue pursuing work he enjoys. That could keep Travis active across sports media, digital content, and other ventures. Meanwhile, Fox continues developing OutKick as part of its broader digital media portfolio.

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