Home Blog Page 22

Celina Martinez Joins Tino Cochino Show as New Co-Host

Michael Krantz
-
0
Celina Martinez Joins Tino Cochino Show as New Co-Host

The YEA Media Syndicated Tino Cochino Show is adding Celina Martinez as co-host. She replaces Serina Perez, who exited earlier this month.

What We Know: Martinez is joining the show as co-host. She currently hosts middays on iHeartMedia’s “106.1 Kiss-FM” KHKS in Dallas, where she’s spent the past four years. Additionally, she also hosts evenings on 104.5 Latino Hits in San Antonio. Before Dallas, she spent three years at iHeartMedia Tucson, where she hosted middays on 92.9 The Bull and afternoons on 93.7 KRQ. Martinez fills the opening left by Serina Perez, who exited earlier this month after a six-year run. The news was first reported by RadioInsight.

What They Said: “To say that I’m grateful for this opportunity is an understatement. Ever since I started my radio career seven years ago, I’ve dreamed of being part of a team, and joining The Tino Cochino Show is truly a dream come true. I’m so excited for the opportunity to connect with our audience across the country and bring my own personality, humor, and perspective to a show that already has so much of it. I can’t wait to see what we create together!” -Celina Martinez

“The success of this show has always been built on personality, chemistry, and authenticity. Celina brings all three. She has a natural confidence, a fresh perspective, and an energy that I think is going to connect with our audience in a big way. We’re at a really exciting point in the evolution of this brand. We’re expanding what we create, how we create it, and where people can experience it. Having the right people in place is everything, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Celina to the team. We’re not interested in repeating yesterday’s success. We’re focused on building tomorrow’s.” -Tino Cochino

What Remains Unclear: The report doesn’t say when Martinez will make her debut on the show. Additionally, it also doesn’t address whether she’ll step away from her iHeartMedia roles in Dallas and San Antonio immediately. Neither YEA Media Group nor iHeartMedia has publicly detailed the transition timeline.

What It Means: What It Means: Martinez’s move to The Tino Cochino Show highlights the growing role of syndicated programming in radio. For YEA Media Group, adding her could strengthen the show’s appeal and bring a fresh dynamic. The hire also highlights how market-level talent can find a path to national platforms.

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.

Spotify Cracks Down on AI Music, Removing Over 50 Million Tracks

Michael Krantz
-
0
Spotify Cracks Down on AI Music, Removing Over 50 Million Tracks

Spotify AI-generated music removals reached more than 50 million tracks this year. The streaming giant says it’s protecting listeners and human artists.

What We Know: Spotify pulled the tracks from its curated recommendations so far this year, according to a statement Tuesday. Last year, by comparison, the company removed 75 million tracks for serious or repeated rule violations. To find the AI content, Spotify studied which songs listeners frequently skipped or ignored over the past six months. Those tracks consistently overlapped with AI-generated audio. The platform then combined that listener feedback with metadata and third-party detection tools, and updated its recommendation system to surface such content less often.

What They Said: “Earlier this year, we looked closely at the tracks listeners were skipping, ignoring, or telling us they didn’t want to hear. A clear pattern emerged: these tracks were consistently ones identified as slop or spam. Over the past six months, we’ve made numerous updates to our recommendation system to remove slop and spam, and surface more music made by authentic, human artists. Our editors hold the same standard and don’t program content identified as slop or spam. Since we made these changes, we’ve seen a marked decrease in listener concerns about this content showing up in recommendations.”-Spotify statement

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how much AI-generated music still sits on the platform, since removal from recommendations doesn’t mean removal from the service. Listeners may still find those tracks through search. Spotify also admits that AI detection technology has limits. Meanwhile, generative AI keeps evolving, so spotting suspicious tracks could get harder.

What It Means:  Spotify’s crackdown could mark a turning point for streaming. If it works, the platform could improve music discovery. Moreover, it could strengthen ties with artists and labels, and protect royalties from fraudulent streams. Additionally, it may push Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube Music to tighten their own safeguards. The real test is separating legitimate AI-assisted art from spam without penalizing independent musicians.

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.

2026 Marconi Radio Award Winners Announced by NAB

Jason Barrett
-
1
2026 Marconi Radio Award Winners Announced by NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) handed out the 2026 Marconi Radio Awards Tuesday night in New York City. Radio’s top personalities, shows, leaders and brands filled the Edison Ballroom to learn who earned recognition as this year’s best.

What We Know: The NAB honored winners in 23 categories after revealing the finalists in July. Houston and Boston led the night with three wins apiece. Deja Vu of Compass Media Networks hosted the show. Multiple presenters guided different parts of the program in a fast paced and time efficient manner.

In Houston, KKBQ took Country Station, KRBE won CHR Station and KOVE claimed Spanish Language Station.

Meanwhile, Boston’s WBMX won Major Market Station, and its morning show, Karson & Kennedy, earned Major Market Personality. WEEI then added Sports Station of the Year, its sixth Marconi in the category and first since 2018.

Additionally, WIVK in Knoxville earned Legendary Station. Julie Koehn of Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN won Legendary Radio Manager. Elsewhere, WCBS-FM won Classic Hits Station, and Miami’s WHQT took Urban Station.

Finally, WTOP’s Joel Oxley received the NAB National Radio Award.

What They Said: Several winners used their speeches to make the case for radio. Karson Tager opened up about breast cancer battles that hit the show, including Kennedy’s 2022 diagnosis. He said those hard days showed him why listeners tune in.

“They want to laugh, they want to forget, which is what we did, and what we still do every day on this show.” -Karson Tager

Meanwhile, Julie Koehn, a 41-year industry veteran, reminded the room that nobody gets anywhere alone. She also credited listeners who donated thousands of coats to WLEN’s coat drive.

Another bright spot and optimistic tone was struck by this year’s recipient of the National Radio Award. “This business has a really, really bright future. I truly believe that.” -Joel Oxley

The Winners List:

CategoryWinner
Legendary StationWIVK-FM, Knoxville, Tenn.
Legendary Radio ManagerJulie Koehn, Lenawee Broadcasting (WLEN-FM, Adrian, Mich.)
Network/Syndicated PersonalityThe Bob & Sheri Show, NOW! Media
Major Market PersonalityKarson & Kennedy, WBMX-FM (MIX 104.1), Boston
Large Market PersonalityKaren Dalessandro, KSLX-FM, Phoenix
Medium Market PersonalityRon Olson & Karen Perrin, WRVR-FM, Memphis, Tenn.
Small Market PersonalityChris Lawrence, WCHS-AM, Charleston, W.Va.
Major Market StationWBMX-FM, Boston
Large Market StationWYXB-FM, Indianapolis
Medium Market StationWYCT-FM, Pensacola, Fla.
Small Market StationKBHP-FM, Bemidji, Minn.
Adult Contemporary StationKBIG-FM, Los Angeles
Best Radio PodcastPurple Daily, SKOR North (KSTP-AM), St. Paul, Minn.
CHR StationKRBE-FM, Houston
Classic Hits StationWCBS-FM, New York
College StationWRRC-FM, Rider University, Lawrenceville, N.J.
Country StationKKBQ-FM, Houston
News/Talk StationWSB-AM, Atlanta
Religious StationWGTS-FM, Washington, D.C.
Rock StationWIYY-FM, Baltimore
Spanish Language StationKOVE-FM, Houston
Sports StationWEEI-FM, Boston
Urban StationWHQT-FM, Miami

What It Means: Local service drove many of the night’s best moments. For example, KBHP’s acceptance centered on its coverage after 110 mph winds tore through Bemidji, Minn. Similarly, WEEI pointed to its Jimmy Fund Radiothon, which has raised more than $87 million for cancer research and treatment.

Small Market Personality winner Chris Lawrence of WCHS in Charleston, W.Va., also delivered a standout speech. His remarks about loving his job, taking pride in what he does for 36 years and counting, and being blessed to work for a local ownership group that cares about serving its community produced a standing ovation.

Likewise, Atlanta’s WSB credited live and local programming on a signal that dates back 104 years. Rider University’s WRRC, the College Station winner, involves 125 students at a school of just 2,800. The message was clear. Radio’s winners still earn their trophies in their own communities. In addition, the future of radio is on college radio so start hiring the next crop of broadcasters. The industry now shifts to NAB Show New York, which runs Wednesday and Thursday at the Javits Center.

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.

Tracy McGrady Signs Multi-Year Extension with NBC Sports

John Mamola
-
0
Tracy McGrady Signs Multi-Year Extension with NBC Sports

Tracy McGrady is staying with NBC Sports. The Hall of Famer signed a two-year deal that also folds in his off-court businesses.

What We Know: McGrady joined NBC in July 2025 as a studio analyst on a one-year deal as the network welcomed back coverage of the NBA. Since then, he has worked NBA Showtime alongside Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, and Vince Carter. Now, he returns to the desk across NBCUniversal, Peacock, and NBCSN. Additionally, Peacock will stream select Ones Basketball League games, while McGrady and Carter will tape Cousins live with NBC.

What They Said: Tracy McGrady (via LinkedIn): “I signed back with NBC Sports for two years, and this deal includes my businesses off the court. I’ll be back on the desk across NBCUniversal, Peacock and NBCSN. Peacock will also stream select Ones Basketball League games. Vince and I will do live tapings of Cousins with NBC, and we’re looking at what we can do together with ABCD Camp. A big part of my job on TV is talking about the game, and when I got done playing I didn’t want to only talk about it, I wanted to actually put it to action. So for NBC to look at what we’re building and want to grow it with us, that lets me know they believe in the vision.”

What Remains Unclear: However, McGrady did not disclose financial terms. Likewise, his post offered no schedule for Ones Basketball League streams on Peacock. Meanwhile, the two sides are still exploring a partnership with ABCD Camp. Finally, the post did not include any comment from NBC Sports.

What It Means: Ultimately, the deal signals NBC’s confidence in McGrady after reviews for NBA Showtime’s debut season. Over the summer, McGrady told Front Office Sports he would love to return. Now, NBC is investing in his business ventures, too. As a result, the network gains content well beyond the studio desk.

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.

Rob Wagman Joins SonicTrek Media to Lead New Contemporary Christian Format ‘Manna’

Jason Barrett
-
0
Rob Wagman Joins SonicTrek Media to Lead New Contemporary Christian Format ‘Manna’

SonicTrek Media is moving into Contemporary Christian radio. The company has tapped veteran programmer and consultant Rob Wagman to lead Manna, its new localized CCM format.

What We Know: Manna is SonicTrek’s seventh format. It pairs the company’s localization technology with real personalities, local content, and market-specific music. Sparkle, a longtime personality at Top 40 WSSX and Country WIWF in Charleston, anchors the format. She also spent time at Christian outlet WLFJ (His Radio).

Meanwhile, Wagman brings a mix of mainstream and Christian radio experience. He worked in Alternative, Top 40, Urban, and Classic Rock in markets including Tampa, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. In 2013, he joined KFSH in Los Angeles. From there, he became Network Program Director for WAY-FM, helping the network grow ratings and fundraising. Additionally, Wagman built localized music charts and research for Christian, Country, and Pop programmers.

What They Said: “What excites me about Manna is that we’re using today’s technology to create something deeply human and authentic. Our personalities are real people of faith. The stories and testimonies are genuine.” –Rob Wagman

“Rob understands both sides of this equation – great radio and the mission behind Christian radio.“ –Joel Denver

What Remains Unclear: SonicTrek did not name any launch affiliates for Manna. The company also did not disclose pricing or a debut date.

What It Means: Christian radio has long leaned on national networks and syndicated programming. Manna pitches owners a local-sounding alternative without the cost of a full programming and talent operation. As a result, stations with underperforming signals now have another AI-assisted option to weigh. The launch also continues a steady stream of SonicTrek moves over the past year.

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.

U2 Slated For Halftime Of NFL’s First Thanksgiving Eve Game

John Mamola
-
1
U2 Slated For Halftime Of NFL’s First Thanksgiving Eve Game

U2 will headline the NFL’s first-ever Thanksgiving Eve halftime show. The iconic band performs November 25 when the Green Bay Packers visit the Los Angeles Rams on Netflix.

What We Know: The NFL announced the booking on Tuesday, adding another marquee act to its holiday slate. U2 will take the stage at SoFi Stadium, which also hosts Super Bowl LXI in February. Notably, the band headlined the Super Bowl XXXVI halftime show in 2002, months after the 9/11 attacks. Additionally, U2 and Green Day performed before the Saints’ 2006 Superdome reopening on Monday Night Football.

What They Said: Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix: “There’s a reason U2 has headlined stadiums for decades: they don’t just perform, they deliver iconic moments audiences remember forever. We’re thrilled that they’ll bring that same magic to the NFL stage on Netflix. It’s going to be an unforgettable night for football fans and Netflix members worldwide.”

What Remains Unclear: However, the NFL has no revealed if any cameo appearances will also be happening with the performance. Also, whether or not U2 could make any scheduled media appearances to promote the performance on Thanksgiving Eve. The NFL has not committed to a Thanksgiving Eve game moving past this season.

What It Means: Ultimately, the booking extends a long tradition of star power during Thanksgiving football. Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey and Shaboozey have all delivered memorable halftime moments on Thanksgiving Day. Similarly, Netflix has prioritized halftime spectacles, landing Beyoncé in 2024 and Snoop Dogg in 2025. Moreover, the timing works for U2, which releases its sixteenth album, Carnaval de Luz, on November 13.

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.

Candace Owens to Jeremy Boreing: Release My Daily Wire Firing Document

Garrett Searight
-
0
Candace Owens to Jeremy Boreing: Release My Daily Wire Firing Document

Candace Owens is asking Jeremy Boreing for permission to publicly release the document outlining her termination from The Daily Wire. The exchange renews a long-running feud between the conservative commentators more than two years after her departure.

What We Know: Owens left The Daily Wire in March 2024 after publicly clashing with co-founder Ben Shapiro. Since then, she and Boreing have repeatedly traded barbs over the circumstances surrounding her exit. On Monday, Owens challenged Boreing to let her release the document listing the reasons for her termination after he accused her of lying. Boreing responded that he no longer works for The Daily Wire and has no authority to enforce or access her company documents. He added that Owens has access to the records herself and questioned why she hasn’t released them. Boreing also argued that the information wouldn’t materially change what the public already knows about her departure.

What They Said: “Hey Jeremy, since you are now accusing me of lying and/or having brainwashed my audience regarding the reasons I was fired from the Daily Wire— why don’t you simply grant me permission, publicly, to drop the document where you listed the reasons for my termination. It’s been 3 years.” -Candace Owens

“It’s all just one big manipulation. If it were in Candace’s interest to ‘drop the document,’ she would. What stops her? Decency? Fear of lawsuits? Egyptian planes? Certainly nothing in those documents materially changes what is already in the public record. I have not been shy about the reasons I fired Candace. The video of my speech to the DW staff that day leaked long ago. I am not ashamed of having fired her. I’m proud of it. She has spent every day since proving me right. She has devoted herself to slander and lies for fame and money. She relishes trying to ruin the lives of others. She is one of the worst actors in public life, and one of the worst people I have ever known. She is not only a liar, but a serial liar.” -Jeremy Boreing

What Remains Unclear: Owens hasn’t publicly released the document, and it’s unclear whether she plans to do so. Boreing’s response also leaves open whether any legal or contractual restrictions could affect the document’s release. Neither the full contents of the document nor any new details about the termination have emerged from the exchange.

What It Means: The latest dispute keeps Owens’ departure from The Daily Wire in the public conversation. Although Boreing maintains that the reasons for her firing are already part of the public record, Owens’ challenge could renew interest in the company’s internal account of the split if she releases the document.

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.

Kirk Minihane: Dave Portnoy Ended ‘The Unnamed Show’ Because He Was Challenged on Politics By Me

John Mamola
-
0
Kirk Minihane: Dave Portnoy Ended ‘The Unnamed Show’ Because He Was Challenged on Politics By Me

Kirk Minihane says Dave Portnoy dodges political debates with anyone who might challenge him. Moreover, the Barstool Sports host believes that reluctance ended The Unnamed Show last year.

What We Know: Portnoy launched The Unnamed Show in January 2024 alongside Minihane and former NHL player Ryan Whitney, but ended the program last November. However, Minihane stepped away from Barstool in November 2025, citing mental health concerns. He has since returned to The Kirk Minihane Show. Meanwhile, Portnoy has made frequent appearances on Fox News to discuss political matters. He also confirmed earlier this year the reasoning behind the show’s cancelation. Those Fox News appearances led to Minihane discussing the end of The Unnamed Show as rooted in Portnoy’s desire to avoid political discussion on Barstool programming because of clip culture online.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Kirk Minihane Show):

Kirk Minihane says Dave Portnoy won’t talk politics with anyone who could challenge him on topics: “I think Dave’s [Portnoy] a big p***y about it because he won’t go on anybody who challenges him. He’ll go on Fox News and get his d*** sucked. But he goes one by one with Kirk Minihane, and he melts. He literally said it to me. He said I can’t do The Unnamed Show anymore, because I can’t handle you.”

Kirk Minihane on Dave Portnoy talking politics on FOX News: “We got a boss [Dave Portnoy] who’s like, ‘I don’t want to do The Unnamed Show anymore because I don’t want to talk politics. And I’m [on] fu****g Fox News talking on every fu****g political show in the world. Idiot.”

What Remains Unclear: First, it remains unclear whether Portnoy will respond to Minihane’s claims. Additionally, no official reason for the show’s end has surfaced despite Portnoy and Minihane discussing the topic. It is also unknown whether The Unnamed Show could ever return as it was one of Barstool’s most popular podcasts.

What It Means: Ultimately, the remarks reignite a potential feud between two of Barstool’s most prominent personalities. Beyond that, Minihane is openly questioning whether his boss can handle political pushback. As a result, Portnoy’s Fox News appearances could face added scrutiny because of Minihane’s public criticism of them. Still, the pair has clashed publicly many times before. They could do it again.

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.

Laurie DeYoung to Co-Host The Kramer Show on Mix 106.5 This Week

Garrett Searight
-
0
Laurie DeYoung to Co-Host The Kramer Show on Mix 106.5 This Week

Laurie DeYoung will join The Kramer Show on Mix 106.5 this week. The Country Radio Hall of Famer will co-host alongside Steve Kramer from Wednesday through Friday.

What We Know: DeYoung spent nearly four decades hosting morning drive on 93.1 WPOC in Baltimore. During that time, she became a familiar voice to generations of listeners and established herself as a fixture in the market’s country radio landscape. Now, she’ll join Kramer for three days on Mix 106.5, bringing two longtime Baltimore radio personalities together on the same program. DeYoung’s appearance will run Wednesday through Friday, with Kramer continuing to host his regular show alongside her.

What They Said: “Some people work in Baltimore radio. Laurie is part of Baltimore radio history. People didn’t just listen to her. They grew up with her, raised their families with her, and made her part of their mornings. Getting to welcome her into our studio is a pretty incredible moment. For years, we were trying to get people to choose between our shows. This week, they get both of us. I can’t wait to see where the conversations go.” -Steve Kramer

What Remains Unclear: Neither the length of DeYoung’s appearances beyond the three-day run nor whether the collaboration could lead to future guest-hosting opportunities has been established. Additional details about the topics the pair will discuss during the broadcasts also haven’t been announced.

What It Means: DeYoung’s return to the microphone alongside Kramer offers Baltimore listeners an opportunity to hear two established radio voices together. After spending nearly four decades in WPOC’s morning show, DeYoung brings a deep connection to the market and its audience. Meanwhile, the three-day pairing allows Mix 106.5 to unite listeners familiar with both personalities, creating a shared experience for audiences who previously followed their respective shows.

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.

Joe Thomas Brings 1240 WTON Back to the Air After Nearly a Year

Garrett Searight
-
0
Joe Thomas Brings 1240 WTON Back to the Air After Nearly a Year

Joe Thomas’ 1240 WTON has returned to the air after nearly a year of silence. The Staunton, Virginia, AM station resumed broadcasting just before its temporary authorization expired.

What We Know: 1240 WTON had been silent for nearly a year after the station was evicted from its transmitter site. However, the station continued broadcasting through its 101.1 and 98.9 FM signals in the market during the AM outage. Thomas purchased 1240 WTON in 2024, prompting his departure from WCHV, the Saga Communications news/talk station in Charlottesville, where he had spent much of his career. In addition to owning the Staunton station, Thomas hosts First Thing Today for Talk Media Network. The station’s FM repeaters allowed it to maintain a broadcast presence while its AM signal remained off the air.

What They Said: “Staunton, Virginia’s 1240 AM WTON has come back from the dead! Silent since being evicted from their transmitter site one year ago, and surviving via an STA on their two FM repeaters in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, their transmitter sprung back to life one day before the STA expired! Ask my high school teachers, all my projects were done just in the nick of time!” -Joe Thomas

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear what steps Thomas took to restore the AM signal or whether the station has secured a permanent transmitter site. Additional details about the station’s technical operations and its plans for the future haven’t been announced.

What It Means: The return of 1240 WTON restores the station’s AM signal after an extended period of silence. Meanwhile, its FM repeaters helped preserve its presence in the market throughout the outage. The timing also offers a reprieve for Thomas, whose station returned to the air just before its temporary authorization expired.

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.

1...212223...2,870Page 22 of 2,870