Olivia Rodrigo turned a Monday morning AAA radio hour into a festival announcement. The pop star used Cal State Northridge’s KCSN/KSBR — 88.5 The SoCal Sound — to unveil her all-women music festival.
What We Know: Rodrigo staged a one-hour “station takeover” on 88.5 The SoCal Sound, playing seventeen songs from artists on her festival lineup. She then announced “Daisy Chain Fields,” an all-women fronted festival set for August 29 in Irvine, CA. The full on-demand broadcast is available at TheSoCalSound.org.
What’s at Stake: The festival lineup blends pop heavyweights with emerging talent and legacy artists. Current stars Chappell Roan,Katseye, and Doechii headline alongside rising acts like Not for Radio, Die Spitz, and Quiet Light. Legends including the Breeders, Garbage, and Santigold will also perform, with guest appearances from Stevie Nicks, Karen O, and Sarah McLachlan.
What Remains Unclear: Ticket availability and pricing details have not yet been announced. Additionally, whether Daisy Chain Fields becomes an annual event or a one-time showcase remains to be seen. The festival website at DaisyChainFields.com currently offers limited details.
What It Means: Rodrigo used AAA radio — not social media — to make a major cultural announcement. That choice signals continued relevance for the format among younger, influential artists. For programmers, it’s a reminder that AAA remains a credible platform for breaking news that matters to music fans.
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.
It’s been five years since Clay Travis and Buck Sexton stepped into the shoes vacated by Rush Limbaugh’s death. They celebrated the milestone on Monday.
What We Know:The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show began on June 21, 2021. Currently, the show has more than 550 affiliates. Additionally, it has launched a podcast network since its inception. That network was launched in 2023 and features 8 different programs.
What They Said: “We’ve exceeded every goal — not just for the radio show, where we’ve added more than 130 new affiliates, but across podcasting and digital as well. We couldn’t be more thrilled.” -Clay Travis
“And the best part is, we’re just warming up. We have big plans on deck that we’re excited to share with our amazing audience — because that’s why we do this. It’s for them.” -Buck Sexton
“Clay and Buck have built a dynamic, high-impact brand of talk radio that continues to grow across multiple platforms and delivers unmatched results for our affiliate and advertising partners. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones together!” -Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott
What’s At Stake: The program has become insanely successful since its launch five years ago. It has finished at the top of the Barrett Media Top 20 in the national news/talk radio show rankings for the past three years.
What It Means: Anyone stepping into the slot vacated by Rush Limbaugh was bound to have an uphill climb. But Clay Travis and Buck Sexton have not missed a beat since launching the show.
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.
Morning drive has been the foundation of AM/FM Radio for decades. But new data from Crowd React Media shows that listening habits are changing.
What We Know: This is the third State of Media report issued by Crowd React Media. It surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults over the age of 18. The report details data from several media types, including social media and video games, in addition to TV, Radio, etc…
What the Numbers Show: 34% of respondents said that afternoon drive was their primary daypart. That has risen from 28% in 2024. Conversely, morning drive was at 52% in 2024. That has fallen to 40% in 2026. Additionally, those who identified as “frequent” radio users remained flat from 2025 to 2026. Those using AM/FM radio actually rose one percentage point from 2025 to 2026, at 76%. That figure has fallen since the 80% the medium garnered in 2024. When asked why they listen to local radio, 40% of those aged 18-34 said that local content is the key reason. That’s higher than the overall level (30%) and the 55+ crowd (20%).
What They Said: “What we are seeing is not audiences abandoning media. It is more subtle than that, and frankly more interesting. There is a growing anti-algorithm sentiment showing up in consumer behavior, and you can see it in the data before you see it in the think pieces. People are not logging off. They are just a little more tired, a little more checked out, a little less deep in the feed than they were a year ago. The formats that cannot be gamed by an algorithm or flooded with AI content are the ones holding their ground, and that is not a coincidence.” -Crowd React Media Vice President of Strategy Katie Miller
What Remains Unclear: What led to the overall increase in AM/FM radio usage. Crowd React Media did ask questions about the increase in afternoon drive listening, with many respondents noting that they were either working or exercising during the window.
What It Means: The data points are largely positive for the AM/FM Radio realm. It is especially interesting to see that younger listeners point to local content as the chief reason for why they tune into the medium.
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.
Clive Davis, one of the most influential executives in music history, has died. He was 94.
What We Know: Davis passed away Monday at his Manhattan home, according to Variety. He founded Arista Records in 1974 and later launched J Records. His career spanned six decades and touched virtually every corner of the pop music landscape. Few executives shaped the sound of American radio more profoundly.
What’s At Stake: Davis discovered Whitney Houston at 19 and guided her to superstardom. He also signed Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and Bruce Springsteen during his tenure at Columbia Records. His annual Grammy Week party became the industry’s most coveted event. The Recording Academy officially adopted it as a sanctioned function in 2009.
What Remains Unclear: Formal memorial plans have not yet been announced. The full scope of tributes from the artists he championed remains to be seen. His passing leaves a significant leadership void in music industry lore. No successor carries a comparable legacy across multiple major labels.
What It Means: Davis redefined what a record label executive could be. He combined sharp commercial instincts with a genuine love of music and artists. His three-act career — Columbia, Arista, and J Records — stands as a masterclass in reinvention. The industry loses not just a legend, but a standard-bearer.
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.
Linda Cohn is retiring from ESPN. The most prolific SportsCenter anchor in network history will sign off on June 30.
What We Know: Cohn joined ESPN in July 1992, hosting her first SportsCenter at 2 a.m. on July 11 of that year. She anchored her 5,000th edition in February 2016 and has added 650-plus more since. Beyond anchoring, she hosted, reported, called play-by-play, and contributed heavily to ESPN’s hockey coverage. She was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2017. To mark her farewell, she’ll appear across three SportsCenter editions on June 26 — at 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. ET.
What They Said: Linda Cohn: “When I look back, I have amazing memories of the shows I hosted, the games I reported on, the athletes I met and the outstanding colleagues I got to work with. I’ve always said I was a fan first and I’ve always tried to keep that top of mind when I was doing SportsCenter or anything else. But what I’m most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching SportsCenter, enter this business, and succeed in it. If my journey helped make that path a little easier for them, then that’s the achievement I’ll cherish most.”
Burke Magnus, ESPN President, Content: “Linda Cohn is a legend and a major part of the history of ESPN. She has brought enthusiasm, personality and her love of sports to our audience for more than 30 years and her contributions to ESPN both in front of and behind the camera would make a very long list. We wish her all the best in her retirement and sincerely thank her.”
What Remains Unclear: Cohn hasn’t detailed specific next steps. However, she’s signaling plenty lies ahead by announcing her YouTube channel earlier this month.
What It Means: Cohn’s departure closes a defining chapter in ESPN and SportsCenter history. While her workload has decreased in recent years, she’s been an inspiration for many that share the halls at ESPN. She has announced her own YouTube channel for more content coming at a later date. While her ESPN chapter is closing, I don’t expect it will be the last we hear from Cohn.
"What I'm most proud of is that my career lasted long enough for me to see little girls grow up watching @SportsCenter, enter this business & succeed in it."
After hosting 5,500+ editions of SC, legendary anchor @lindacohn is retiring from ESPN June 30
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.
Rece Davis is expanding his ESPN portfolio. The longtime college football host will make his Wimbledon debut later this month as part of ESPN’s on-site coverage of The Championships, Wimbledon.
What We Know: Davis has been with ESPN for more than 25 years. He’s most familiar as the Emmy Award-winning host of College GameDay. His Wimbledon role marks a notable shift — from football and basketball programming to one of tennis’ most prestigious stages. ESPN’s coverage runs June 29 through July 12, with Davis sharing hosting duties alongside Malika Andrews for Breakfast at Wimbledon on July 11 and 12 at 10 a.m. ET. According to a report by Sports Business Journal, Davis initially expressed his desire to contribute to Wimbledon coverage during contract negotiations last year, and ESPN content president Burke Magnus was agreeable.
What They Said: Rece Davis: “The prestige of Wimbledon in the universe of sports is unsurpassed. I’m thrilled to join our elite tennis team at ESPN that pours everything into making our coverage insightful, innovative and entertaining. It’s quite a privilege for me to get a chance to experience Wimbledon for the first time and share it with our fans.”
Linda Schulz, ESPN Vice President of Production: “Rece is a tremendous addition to our Wimbledon team. His experience and versatility have made him one of the most respected voices in sports television. Just as importantly, he has a natural ability to put people at ease and bring out the stories that resonate with fans. We’re excited for viewers to enjoy his energy and insight he brings to ESPN’s coverage from The Championships.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether this tennis role becomes a recurring assignment or remains a one-time opportunity.
What It Means: Chris McKendry was ESPN’s primary studio host for Wimbledon coverage last year. However, she has shifted to a play-by-play role starting with the 2026 Australian Open. Therefore, Davis fills the role left by McKendry. The move also comes amid a larger refresh in ESPN’s tennis coverage. The network added new talent like Andy Roddick into the fold. While having recently moving past longtime voices Pam Shriver and Brad Gilbert. For Davis, it’s a chance to broaden his brand well beyond football season. In addition to potentially opening a new lane in his already decorated career.
🎾 @ReceDavis expands his role with ESPN as he makes his debut hosting ESPN’s '26 #Wimbledon coverage
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.
The New York Knicks are NBA Champions for the first time since 1973. Let that sink in. Fifty-three years between titles for one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. The phrase “distance makes the heart grow fonder” applies. As the Knicks clinched their NBA crown, Alan Hahn had a front-row seat to the magic and mayhem that comes with history being made.
“It was amazing to see a championship run by a New York team where the entire city got behind them,” explained Hahn, who has covered the Knicks for the better part of the last 20 years. “Everyone was into this. It made New York City feel like a small town. We’ve never had that feeling where a whole city gathered around a single team.”
Hahn is New York through and through. Born on Long Island, he was raised to follow and play the game of basketball in Suffolk County. After graduating from college, he found his calling at Newsday, beginning in 1995. Over time, he began his beat covering the New York Islanders and Knicks. Hahn later expanded his media career into television and radio. He has been part of MSG Network’s Knicks coverage since 2012 and is also a host on ESPN New York.
This season was different. Unlike many of the past, Hahn reflected that this Knicks team represented the pinnacle of a budding energy that had been building over several seasons. For a fan base that expects disappointment, this year and this team changed a narrative unlike anything seen before.
“Once you understand your potential, you get the glow. Once you get that, you can’t be beaten,” explains Hahn, referencing the plot from 1985’s The Last Dragon in relation to the Knicks’ postseason run. “The Knicks got the glow. To be that close to it, for me, I’ve never covered anything close to that before. Game to game, you just expected them to win. That’s a feeling I’ve never had.”
Lasting Impact Of Knicks In Five
While the scene of New York flooding the streets to celebrate its championship team will last forever, the examination now begins. There will be books, clips, movies, and likely documentaries made about this Knicks championship season. All will examine not only why a city rallied around its hometown team, but also why the country became interested in tuning in at levels not seen this century.
“Knicks fans were always good about showing up to road games. However, I never saw it to this level over the past couple of years,” noted Hahn, who occasionally appears on Knicks broadcasts on MSG Networks in a fill-in capacity. “A lot of people around the country caught onto the vibe. I can’t explain it, but their style of play isn’t surrounded around a singular superstar… They’re entertaining.”
The vibes of the Knicks’ postseason run were measured, witnessed, and recorded in real time. However, even Hahn understands they likely won’t last.
“New Yorkers are inappropriately insufferable. Eventually, I imagine the rest of the country will just say enough of this and it will get back to normal,” joked Hahn.
An Aid Into Afternoon Drive
There are plenty of benefits that come from positive vibes and championships in any market. For Hahn, the Knicks’ run has helped him connect with the audience of ESPN New York in afternoon drive alongside Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg. Last January, Hahn took on the role of hosting in the daypart Michael Kay owned for nearly 20 years.
It’s not easy to replace a legacy talent on any radio station. The challenge involved inserting himself into a program where two-thirds of the cast remained intact. Add in the task of replacing Kay in a daypart regarded as sacred ground in New York sports radio, and the pressure only increased.
Even today, Hahn admits he still battles occasional imposter syndrome.
“A year and a half later I still feel like I’m trying to deal with it. Trying to not feel like I’m filling in for Michael [Kay],” explained Hahn. “I know people want to hear Michael, and that’s also in the back of my mind. However, being someone that has been connected to the Knicks like I have has helped a lot with the audience.”
The trio of Hahn, La Greca, and Rosenberg were not strangers. All three had shared the hallways of ESPN New York for years. While Hahn was covering the Islanders for Newsday, he developed a relationship with La Greca, who was hosting Islanders postgame programming at the time.
As Hahn notes, chemistry is everything when it comes to making a successful radio program work.
“Our relationships were critical for this to work with the three of us. Rather than if I was a total stranger and didn’t know them. I don’t know that would have worked,” said Hahn. “I do think our best is yet to come. We’re still a little rough around the edges. This show will be so much better with time.”
Balancing Multiple Roles
The most unique challenge of Hahn’s role on ESPN New York afternoons is maintaining a high level of performance while balancing his other responsibilities. Hahn is the Knicks’ pregame studio analyst for MSG Network while also working the sidelines for home games. Juggling afternoon drive in New York City along with those duties, Hahn admits, has been challenging.
However, it’s the experience he chose because he wanted the challenge. Hahn isn’t the only member of Don, Hahn and Rosenberg to split time between jobs. Both La Greca and Rosenberg also wear multiple hats. La Greca serves as the television play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils, while Rosenberg has expanded his duties with WWE and several podcast projects.
“If you had two hosts that did nothing but the show, and you were the one with all these extra roles. I would imagine those two hosts wouldn’t like that. Because we all understand it, we all support each other with it,” explained Hahn. “However, you got to have a work ethic and an ability to prepare to do it. Those are two of my best off-air strengths. I’m a worker, and I prepare.”
Hahn continues to be a student of the medium, always seeking advice from others. When it was announced that he would replace Michael Kay in afternoons, he sought guidance from people he trusted.
One piece of advice came from someone Hahn had admired from afar for a long time. He recalled a phone conversation with former WFAN host and current SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio host Chris Russo. Russo once dominated afternoon drive in New York alongside Mike Francesa, and their impact still influences talent today.
“The best advice he gave me was about being a listener and listening. That was great. Because when you start something new, you want to hit the ground running and impress everyone. He told me not to get caught up in proving myself and try to do too much,” says Hahn. “He told me to understand that Don [La Greca] and Peter [Rosenberg] had to be let out of the cage as well. If you let that happen, it will all work out and you’ll find your level. That was the best advice.”
Hahn notes that he received great advice from many people. That includes Kay himself, who shared that he should own the expert role he brings while also leaning on the expertise of others. Even 18 months into the role, Hahn continues to receive advice while navigating, alongside La Greca and Rosenberg, the right balance of content in afternoon drive.
Riding The Momentum
What helps more than anything are moments like the one the New York Knicks just provided. Making history while accomplishing a dream many felt would never happen.
The championship banner will eventually rise. The parade confetti put away for another day. The endless debates about where this team ranks among New York’s greatest champions are only beginning. But for Hahn, the lasting memory won’t be the final buzzer or the trophy presentation. It will be the feeling that came with it.
“I thought about writing a book about this experience, but I told myself no. Just leave it to those that have the time to do it right now,” said Hahn, who has authored five books, including several on the New York Knicks. “Maybe one day around the ten-year anniversary or after I retire. Right now, I’m just having too much fun. But I want to be part of the 30 For 30.”
For one unforgettable spring, the largest city in America felt like the smallest town in the country. Everyone was watching the same games, having the same conversations, and sharing the same dream. After 53 years of waiting, the Knicks finally delivered. And for a broadcaster who has spent much of his career telling New York’s sports stories, Hahn found himself at the center of one that generations will never forget.
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.
What We Know: Malloy stepped into a part-time fill-in role last July after a 32-year run at WKXW, mostly paired with Franco. Now, just 11 months later, he slides back into his old midday timeslot. His career began in 1976 at 1580 WRDI Hammonton, NJ, and included stops in Hartford and Philadelphia at WIP, Sunny 104.5 WSNI, and Kiss 100 WKSZ before landing at WKXW.
What’s at Stake: Malloy’s return signals that the Franco-and-Malloy brand still carries serious commercial weight for Townsquare. Meanwhile, his successor Eric “EJ” Johnson steps into an Operations Manager role with broader programming responsibilities across Townsquare New Jersey. Johnson also picks up weekend music shows and a fill-in talk role. Stability at a heritage Talk/Classic Hits station like NJ 101.5 matters greatly to advertisers and long-loyal listeners alike.
What Remains Unclear: No one has publicly explained what prompted Malloy’s relatively quick return after less than a year away. It’s also uncertain whether this new arrangement is long-term or a short-term fix. Additionally, Johnson’s full programming scope across the cluster still needs further definition.
What It Means: This move underscores how difficult it truly is to replace established talent with deep audience roots. Townsquare gets Malloy back in a proven role while simultaneously elevating Johnson into broader leadership. Together, both decisions reflect a confident, strategic bet on strengthening New Jersey 101.5’s long-term position in 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.
Fox News is adding Natalie Chuck as a new Los Angeles-based correspondent for the network.
What We Know: Chuck joins after most recently working as an investigative reporter for KMGH-TV in Denver. She exited that role in late April in advance of joining Fox News. Previous local TV stops include San Diego and Colorado Springs. In a note announcing her farewell from her position in Denver, Natalie Chuck shared her excitement for her next step.
What They Said: “I could not be more excited for this next chapter in my career and where it’s taking me!” -Natalie Chuck
What Remains Unclear: When Chuck will begin her duties with Fox News.
What It Means: Previously, Bill Melugin worked as a Los Angeles-based correspondent for Fox News. He shifted to a Washington, D.C.-based role last year, and has continued to see his star rise inside the organization. Chuck’s knowledge of the area from her time working in both Colorado and Southern California should help her hit the ground running.
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.
The Chicago Bulls have announced multi-year radio broadcast extension with Audacy. 104.3 The Score remains the Bulls’ flagship home across broadcast and digital platforms.
What We Know: Audacy and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to a multi-year, multiplatform radio broadcast extension. 104.3 The Score (WSCR-FM) will continue carrying all regular season and postseason games. Fans can also stream broadcasts via the Audacy app and The Score’s website. Moreover, the gameday crew continues to feature play-by-play voice Chuck Swirsky. Also color analyst Bill Wennington, and on-air host Alyssa Bergamini, plus pregame and postgame programming.
What They Said: Mitch Rosen, Vice President of Sports Programming, Audacy Chicago: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Chicago Bulls and remain the voice of Chicago sports fans. Our broadcast team of Chuck, Bill and Alyssa, paired with our talented production staff, consistently delivers a premier experience across the Midwest on all digital platforms. This extension is a testament to our strong, collaborative relationship with the Reinsdorf family and the Bulls’ front office.”
Ram Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Bulls: “We consider our broadcasts an essential part of the Bulls offering and a key component of our fan experience, and we know that The Score feels the same. That’s why we are excited to again extend our partnership and look forward to continuing to entertaining Bulls fans together.”
What Remains Unclear: The financial terms of the extension were not disclosed. The precise length of the deal also remains unannounced.
What It Means: The Chicago Bulls are one of the marquee franchises in the Windy City. In addition, reenforcing the Bulls media rights on 104.3 The Score is a key addition to the station along with the rights to the Chicago Cubs.
We're thrilled to announce we've reached a new multi-year agreement to remain the radio home of the Bulls! pic.twitter.com/Et1UaeZEjO
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.
