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Coleman Insights and Greater Public Launch Public Radio Underwriting Study

David Hill
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Coleman Insights and Greater Public Launch Public Radio Underwriting Study

Coleman Insights and Greater Public are teaming up on a new research study. It focuses on the state of underwriting in public radio.

What We Know: The two organizations will debut The State of Public Radio Underwriting at the Public Media Growth Conference in Chicago, July 8-10. Coleman Insights will recruit participants at Booth 22. After the event, researchers will conduct one-on-one online interviews with underwriting and sponsorship professionals nationwide. Findings will be released exclusively through a fall webinar.

What’s at Stake: Public radio underwriting revenue faces mounting pressure from shifting advertiser expectations and growing competition. Digital sponsorship opportunities are expanding, but stations aren’t always equipped to capitalize. Team structure, training gaps, and measurement challenges compound the problem. Without better data, stations risk leaving significant revenue on the table.

What Remains Unclear: The study hasn’t launched yet, so specific findings aren’t available. It’s also unclear how many stations will participate or how broadly the results will apply. Whether smaller markets will be proportionally represented remains an open question.

What It Means: This research arrives at a critical moment for public media sustainability. Coleman Insights President Warren Kurtzman says the underwriting environment is evolving quickly. Stations need practical, research-backed strategies to strengthen revenue performance. This study could provide exactly that kind of roadmap.

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 on Potential TV News Future: ‘If the Right Offer Comes Along, I’d Do It’

Garrett Searight
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Stephen A. Smith on Potential TV News Future: ‘If the Right Offer Comes Along, I’d Do It’

Stephen A. Smith is one of the busiest men in media. Could he add another component — like a cable news TV show — to his future? He didn’t shoot it down.

What We Know: Smith has made appearances on Fox News, ABC News, CBS News, and NewsNation in recent months. While speaking at the Barrett Media Audio Summit on Tuesday afternoon, Smith said he does have an interest in the medium.

What They Said: “I’m never going to be one-dimensional. If the right network came along with the right offer, I would do it. But it can’t be at the expense of the things that I love doing. What has shocked me is how much I have enjoyed doing political talk, doing my show on a Sirius XM every Wednesday night. When I get off the air, I can go at least two more hours, I got that much more to say. I always feel like, ‘Damn it. I have more to say. The show’s over.’ Every Wednesday night. I didn’t expect that.

“When I think about doing a news show, I fantasize about having a platform where I have folks from both sides of the aisle, and we’re just talking. Yeah, I’m gonna give my opinions. Yeah, you’re gonna see me with my opening monologue. And I’m gonna bring the pain, make no mistake about it. Do I think I could do a new show? You damn right I can. With ease, I might add. It ain’t hard, not for me.” -Stephen A. Smith

What’s at Stake: Smith is a powerful voice in both sports and his show with SiriusXM. His political show continues to grow and create impact. It’s undeniable that he’d create buzz on cable news.

What It Means: Smith did note that the current state of cable news doesn’t appeal to him due to its partisan nature. However, his openness to the medium shows he’s open to virtually every opportunity as long as it makes business sense for him and the company.

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.

Q102’s Mollie Watson Departs Hubbard’s WKRQ Cincinnati

David Hill
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Q102’s Mollie Watson Departs Hubbard’s WKRQ Cincinnati

Mollie Watson is leaving Q102. Sixteen years at the Cincinnati Hot AC station come to a close today.

What We Know: Watson exits Hubbard’s WKRQ “Q102” in Cincinnati after sixteen years on the air. She has co-hosted “The Hot List” alongside Jennifer Fritsch and Tim Timmerman during the 10am hour, and she’s anchored solo from 11am to 3pm. Watson recently took on a new role as Associate Director of Strategic Growth at Cincinnati Animal Care, a position she had been juggling alongside her radio duties. Her final show airs today, starting at 10am with Fritsch.

What They Said: Watson reflected on her run in personal terms. “What started as a dream internship became one of the greatest chapters of my life,” she said. “I’m so grateful for my amazing coworkers, the listeners who welcomed me into their lives every day and the countless memories I’ll always carry with me. Thank you for every laugh, every conversation and every moment we shared. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next soon.”

What Remains Unclear: Watson hasn’t said where she’s headed next, though her comments suggest an announcement is coming soon. It’s also unclear whether her departure stems from her growing commitment to Cincinnati Animal Care or reflects a separate opportunity entirely. WKRQ has yet to announce replacement plans for the 10am and midday shifts.

What It Means: Watson’s exit reshapes Q102’s weekday lineup at a station that built loyalty around her voice for sixteen years. Meanwhile, her dual-career pivot toward animal welfare work highlights a broader trend of radio talent diversifying beyond traditional on-air roles.

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.

Audacy CEO Kelli Turner on Potential Future Sales: ‘Everything Has a Price’

Garrett Searight
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Audacy CEO Kelli Turner on Potential Future Sales: ‘Everything Has a Price’

On Monday, Audacy announced it was selling its St. Louis cluster. Audacy CEO Kelli Turner says there could be more moves like that on the horizon, if the deal is right.

What We Know: Hoffmann Media Group purchased the St. Louis cluster from Audacy. Included in the sale are 96.3 R&B, 97.1 FM Talk, Y98 (Hot AC), Hot 98.7 (Hip Hop), 102.5 KEZK (AC), and 104.1 KMOX (news/talk). In a memo to staffers, Audacy CEO Kelli Turner said the company wasn’t looking to offload the cluster. While speaking at the Barrett Media Audio Summit on Tuesday afternoon, Turner shared insight into the company’s thought process when it comes to potential deals in the future.

What They Said: “Everything has a price in life. Even our stations. People talk about radio as an X times multiple business. It’s gonna be four times that. If that came out of the woodwork? Who knows? I’m not expecting that. But I think it’s hard for anyone that’s a business person not to be open for business for the right situation. St. Louis happened to fit the bill. That’s kind of how we thought about it.” -Audacy CEO Kelli Turner

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms for the deal between Audacy and Hoffmann Media Group have yet to be disclosed. It is also unclear if any other potential sales are in the works for Audacy.

What It Means: Turner’s insight is the natural thought process for a company of its size. It would be illogical to rule out any potential sale if another entity wanted to pay a bunch of dollars for a specific brand or cluster. It sounds like a wise strategy to never say no to a potential deal if the situation is right.

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.

Ryan Gaydos Promoted To Deputy Editor Fox News Digital Sports, OutKick

John Mamola
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Ryan Gaydos Promoted To Deputy Editor Fox News Digital Sports, OutKick

Fox news has announced that Ryan Gaydos has been promoted. The longtime Fox News Digital editor now leads sports content overseeing Fox News Digital sports and OutKick.

What We Know: Gaydos has worked for Fox News Digital since 2014, most recently as Senior Editor. In that role, he led coverage for the Fox News Digital Sports team across the NFL, college football, MLB, NBA and NHL. He’s covered multiple Super Bowls, the NFL Draft and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He has now been named Deputy Managing Editor for Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick, expanding his oversight to both properties under the Fox umbrella.

What They Said: Ryan Gaydos (via X): “Today, I was officially named Deputy Managing Editor for Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick. All I wanted to do with my life was to write about sports and I never imagined it would take me this far. The team with me is second to none. Now, we ball.”

What Remains Unclear: Fox News has not released an official statement outlining his new duties. Moreover, whether Gaydos will directly manage staff across both Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick remains unknown.

What It Means: The promotion points to tighter integration between Fox News Digital Sports and OutKick. Since joining Fox News Media, OutKick has steadily shared resources with its sister outlets. In addition, elevating a decade-plus veteran like Gaydos suggests leadership wants experienced hands guiding that convergence. For Gaydos, it caps a steady rise since 2014 and underscores Fox’s continued bet on sports content.

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.

840 WHAS Adds Leland Conway to Middays

Garrett Searight
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840 WHAS Adds Leland Conway to Middays

840 WHAS is adding a former voice, Leland Conway, after making a change to its lineup.

What We Know: Conway is leaving 600 KOGO to return to 840 WHAS in Louisville. Previously, Conway hosted late afternoons on the iHeartMedia San Diego brand. It marks a return to Louisville for Conway. He hosted from 9 AM to Noon on 840 WHAS from 2014 to 2020. Now, he’ll host the 10 AM-Noon timeslot. Between stints on WHAS and KOGO, he hosted on 630 KHOW in Denver. Other stops in his career include WRVA in Richmond and WLAP in Lexington. At KOGO, Lou Penrose is hosting from 3-6 PM, with The Erick Erickson Show taking the 6-8 PM timeslot.

What They Said: “I’m excited to announce that I’m heading back to the Kentucky airwaves and back home to the crew at 840 WHAS! The Leland Conway Show is back from 10:00 a.m. to Noon ET, and I honestly couldn’t be more grateful … I can’t wait to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and spend a little time with you every day. Thanks for all the support over the years. It truly means more than you know.” -Leland Conway

What Remains Unclear: What led Conway to depart 600 KOGO for 840 WHAS. Conway is based in Wyoming, meaning he won’t be moving from one market to another.

What It Means: The appointment of Conway to the daypart in Louisville comes after former morning host, Nick Coffey, was included in the widespread cuts at iHeartMedia. However, a Kentucky native and former Louisville voice in Conway keeps the station with a local voice. As part of the shift, Tony Vanetti is hosting on 840 WHAS from 6-8 AM solo, before being joined by Dwight Witten from 8-10 AM.

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.

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Considering a Possible Future in Politics

John Mamola
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Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Considering a Possible Future in Politics

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy opened up about a potential mayoral bid. Portnoy made the comments during a Fox News Channel interview.

What We Know: Portnoy told Fox News he has no formal political background. However, he pointed to his charitable work in New York City as relevant experience. The Barstool Fund and his support of local pizza places came up specifically. Portnoy has never held public office or run a campaign before.

What They Said: (All quotes from Fox News Channel)

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy on possibly running for Mayor of New York City: “If I was going to run, it would be here. Can I win here? I have no idea. I don’t know the demographics, where they’re getting out votes. There’s a lot of people who like me in New York City. I know that. I’ve done a lot of good in New York City when I wasn’t in politics. Whether it’s the Barstool Fund, pizza places, so it wasn’t for show. I’ve had a real job. I’ve done real things, unlike these clown politicians who have never had a job and never been in the real world for a day. But the people voting for these people that just won are like these young, white, Ivy League-ish, elitist women. It’s like, who are they? They’ll never vote for me. They’ll never believe in common sense.”

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy on weighing a decision to run for public office: “Depending on what day you catch me in Nantucket when I roll out of bed, I have a nice ocean view, and it’s like why do I want to ruin my life and get involved in this mess because I know what comes with it, but sometimes I do feel like it’s my duty. I can’t turn away. I feel like I could make a change, maybe I do run in politics. So I don’t know, depends on the day you catch me. But let me say this: I spend a lot of my day losing my mind on what’s happening right now, especially in New York.”

What Remains Unclear: Portnoy admitted he doesn’t know enough about NYC voter demographics yet. Meanwhile, no timeline exists for an official campaign announcement. It’s also unclear whether Portnoy would run as an independent or align with a party.

What It Means: With Dave Portnoy admittingly taking a step back from his role with Barstool Sports as a creator, a path to politic could be a next step. Ultimately, Portnoy’s comments suggest a celebrity-driven run remains possible, not confirmed. Therefore, political watchers should treat this as exploratory rather than official. Meanwhile, his criticism of current officials signals a populist, anti-establishment pitch.

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

Bob Stroud Hosts Final “Ten at 10” On WDRV Chicago

David Hill
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Bob Stroud Hosts Final “Ten at 10” On WDRV Chicago

Bob Stroud signed off his final “Ten at 10.” The longtime Chicago rock voice is heading toward retirement.

What We Know: Stroud hosted his last “Ten at 10” on Hubbard Classic Rock’s 97.1 The Drive (WDRV Chicago/96.9 WWDV Zion IL). He launched WDRV’s Classic Rock format in 2001 as its first on-air voice. Stroud stepped back from middays in June 2022 but kept hosting “Ten at 10,” “One 45 at 1:45,” and Sunday’s “Rock and Roll Roots.” That Sunday show debuted in 1980 and traveled with him across six Chicago stations before landing at WDRV.

What’s at Stake: Stroud’s exit closes a 25-year chapter at WDRV and a 46-year run on Chicago airwaves. His final “Ten at 10” featured songs chosen for personal meaning, not just chart impact. The segment doubled as a retrospective on what Stroud called “a long line of rock and roll dreams coming true.” Therefore, the moment carried weight beyond a typical countdown.

What Remains Unclear: Hubbard hasn’t named a replacement for “Ten at 10” or “One 45 at 1:45.” Additionally, the future of “Rock and Roll Roots” remains undetermined. Whether Stroud stays involved with WDRV in any capacity wasn’t addressed publicly.

What It Means: Stroud’s departure marks the end of an era for Chicago classic rock radio. Meanwhile, WDRV must now navigate its identity without the host who built its sound from day one. Consequently, listeners and programmers alike will watch closely how the format evolves post-Stroud. His legacy, however, remains tied to nearly five decades of rock radio in the market.

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.

Isaac Carree Joins KISS 104.1 to Host “Morning Inspiration” in Atlanta

David Hill
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Isaac Carree Joins KISS 104.1 to Host “Morning Inspiration” in Atlanta

KISS 104.1 lands a gospel music legend. Isaac Carree joins Atlanta’s airwaves this fall.

What We Know: KISS 104.1 (WALR) has hired award-winning gospel artist Isaac Carree to host “Morning Inspiration” weekdays from 5 to 6 a.m. He’ll also anchor “Sunday Morning Inspiration,” a four-hour Sunday block running 8 a.m. to noon. Carree brings more than 30 years of music industry experience to the role. His background includes a run as standout soloist with John P. Kee & New Life Community Choir, plus co-founding the celebrated group Men of Standard.

What They Said: Michael Saunders, Director of Branding and Programming, called the hire a natural fit. “We are excited to welcome Isaac Carree to the KISS 104.1 family,” Saunders said. “His voice, his spirit, and his ability to connect with listeners align perfectly with what our audience expects from us—especially in moments that call for inspiration and comfort.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify a launch date for either show. It’s also unclear whether Carree will continue other media or recording commitments alongside this new role. Meanwhile, no word yet on additional programming changes at the station tied to this hire.

What It Means: Carree’s arrival strengthens KISS 104.1’s identity as Atlanta’s home for R&B and inspiration. Gospel programming remains a powerful draw for listeners seeking faith-based content paired with music. Therefore, pairing a Billboard-charting artist with weekday and Sunday inspiration blocks could deepen listener loyalty. Ultimately, this move signals Cox Media Group’s continued investment in spirit-driven local programming across its radio portfolio.

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.

Steve Czaban Returns To Milwaukee Sports Radio July 6 On Audacy’s 105.7 The Fan

John Mamola
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Steve Czaban Returns To Milwaukee Sports Radio July 6 On Audacy’s 105.7 The Fan

A new morning show is coming to Milwaukee sports radio beginning on Monday July 6. Steve Czaban is making his return to Milwaukee sports radio alongside Josh Albrecht. The show is part of a lineup shake up which also saw the conclusion of Inside Wisconsin Sports featuring Albrecht and Trevor Thomas.

What We Know: The Steve Czaban Show with Josh Albrecht debuts July 6 on 105.7 The Fan in Milwaukee. The program will also air across the Wisconsin Sports Network, broadening its reach beyond a single market. Listeners can tune in weekdays from 8-9 a.m. central time. This is Czaban’s first return to Milwaukee sports radio since being part of the 97.3 The Game format flip with iHeartMedia in October 2025. Also as part of the announcement, Albrecht will host Wisconsin Sports Wake Up Call weekdays from 6am-8am with a member of the Wisconsin Sports Network co-hosting from 7am-8am.

What They Said: Steve Czaban (via X): “Summer of Czabe is over! Gonna be great to get back at it, Milwaukee!”

Trevor Thomas on the end of Inside Wisconsin Sports on 105.7 The Fan (via X): “In March, our broadcast partner, Midwest Communications/WNFL, at our request, notified Audacy Milwaukee/WSSP that a change was being made and Inside Wisconsin Sports would no longer be offered to the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network in its current form come summer. By notifying Audacy Milwaukee in March, this granted management at WSSP more than 3 months to work on what was next for them in morning drive, all while Inside Wisconsin Sports continued broadcasting live from Green Bay every day leading up to the change, and will do so moving forward after the change.”

What Remains Unclear: Any details about added duties outside of the one-hour show for Czaban is unknown. Also, any terms of the agreement is also unknown.

What It Means: Steve Czaban has a ton of market brand value. From with his success in weekly hits at 102.9 The Hog and mornings at 97.3 The Game. A return to the Wisconsin Sports Network is a home run addition to the network with coverage surrounding the state. This launch reshapes Milwaukee’s morning sports radio lineup heading into July. Inside Wisconsin Sports, featuring Albrecht and Trevor Thomas, wrapped its final broadcast earlier today. Consequently, Albrecht shifts into a new on-air partnership while staying within the same network.

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.

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