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Spotify Memberships Launch in 34 Markets, Creators to Keep 90% of Revenue

Jason Barrett
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Spotify Memberships Launch in 34 Markets, Creators to Keep 90% of Revenue

Spotify Memberships are officially here, giving podcast creators a new way to charge fans directly inside the app. The feature launches today in 34 markets, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

What We Know: Spotify first previewed Memberships at its Investor Day in May. Now, creators can offer exclusive audio or video, bonus episodes, fewer ads, early access, and archive access. They can also package those perks across multiple tiers and price points. Most importantly, creators keep 90% of the revenue they generate.

Fans on both Free and Premium plans can join from a show’s page and listen without leaving Spotify. Additionally, members display badges in episode comments, and creators can greet them with welcome clips. Creators also get targeted promotions, free trials, and analytics showing what drives sign-ups.

To qualify, shows need three episodes, 100 listeners or viewers, and 100 consumption hours over the past 30 days. Those shows must also use Spotify for Creators or Megaphone for hosting. Eligible creators can sign up today.

Launch partners include The Adam Friedland Show, Making Sense with Sam Harris, The Shawn Ryan Show, and Two Hot Takes. Meanwhile, YMH Studios is bringing Memberships to 12 shows across its network.

What They Said: “Memberships add another way for more creators to build their businesses on Spotify, in addition to advertising, sponsorships, and the Spotify Partner Program. Creators can build a recurring revenue stream directly from their fans while keeping 90% of the revenue they generate. They (creators) can also export member data, including contact information from fans who choose to share it.” – Spotify

What Remains Unclear: Spotify did not share suggested pricing or any minimum membership price. The company also didn’t say how many creators have signed up so far. Furthermore, there’s no timeline for expanding beyond the initial 34 markets. It’s also not clear how Memberships will work alongside existing Spotify Open Access paywalls.

What It Means: Memberships put Spotify in direct competition with Patreon, Supercast, and YouTube’s channel memberships. The 90% revenue share is aggressive, and it gives creators a reason to keep paying fans on Spotify. As a result, radio companies with podcast networks now have another direct revenue lever worth testing. That matters as programmatic ad dollars keep getting harder to count on.

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.

Xperi Adds Nearly 250 New Markets to DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal

Garrett Searight
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Xperi Adds Nearly 250 New Markets to DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal

Xperi has expanded its DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal, adding 246 markets and nearly 1 million vehicles. The expansion brings radio audience measurement to 173 previously under-measured small and mid-sized markets.

What We Know: The DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal now covers 550 markets across 49 states, with data from 7.7 million U.S. vehicles. Newly included markets include Grand Junction, Colorado; Altoona, Pennsylvania; Ithaca, New York; and Key West, Florida. Previously, many of these markets lacked reliable radio audience measurement. Each new market receives listening data from at least 1,600 vehicles. Additionally, Xperi has added weekday and weekend station rankings and enhanced shareable reports for Premium subscribers. Broadcasters can access the platform through a free standard tier or a paid Premium option.

What They Said: “Until now, reliable radio data has mostly been a ‘big-market’ advantage. The AutoStage Broadcaster Portal changes that by bringing actionable listening insights to broadcasters who have never had them. For example, a station in a smaller town of 20,000 people can now see its audience data with the same clarity as a station in New York or Los Angeles.” -Xperi Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships Joe D’Angelo

What’s At Stake: The expansion could help smaller-market radio stations compete for advertising dollars with stronger audience data. By providing detailed listening trends and geographic insights, DTS AutoStage gives broadcasters more evidence to demonstrate their reach and value to advertisers. As connected vehicles continue to shape in-car listening, broader measurement could also help radio stations make better-informed programming and sales decisions.

What It Means: The expansion gives smaller-market broadcasters access to audience insights that have historically favored larger markets. With daily listening data, hourly trends, daypart breakdowns, and geographic heatmaps, stations can better understand their audiences and demonstrate value to advertisers. Meanwhile, Xperi’s broader coverage could help broadcasters make more informed programming and sales decisions as connected vehicles reshape radio measurement.

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.

Premiere Networks Launches New Clay Travis Podcast

Garrett Searight
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Premiere Networks Launches New Clay Travis Podcast

Premiere Networks is launching a new podcast featuring Clay Travis, bringing back a concept from his FOX Sports Radio days. Animal Thunderdome will explore viral wildlife stories, discoveries, and debates in a weekly format.

What We Know: Animal Thunderdome originates from Travis’ former FOX Sports Radio show and reunites him with Danny Garite. The new podcast will focus on unusual animal encounters, wildlife discoveries, and stories highlighting conflicts between humans and animals. Premiere Networks will distribute the weekly program, extending the concept beyond its original radio run. The show’s focus on viral stories and unusual encounters gives it a subject matter that can appeal to audiences beyond traditional sports and talk radio listeners.

What They Said: “America has demanded that the ongoing battle between humans and animals not be ignored. Danny G and I are excited to reunite and share these unbelievable stories with listeners every week. We are here to save the humans!” -Clay Travis

“Clay and I had a blast with Animal Thunderdome on FOX Sports Radio, and I’m excited to take the madness to a whole new level with Premiere! There’s never a shortage of unbelievable man-versus-animal stories!” -Danny Garite

What Remains Unclear: Premiere Networks hasn’t announced the podcast’s premiere date, episode length, or distribution platforms. Additional details about the show’s production schedule and potential expansion into other formats also remain unknown.

What It Means: The launch gives Premiere Networks another personality-driven podcast built around an established radio concept. Meanwhile, Travis and Garite can revisit a format they previously developed together while reaching listeners who enjoy viral stories and wildlife-related debates. The weekly schedule also provides a recurring opportunity to build an audience around a subject that regularly generates attention across digital 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.

Jay-Z Reportedly Booking Himself To Headline Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show

John Mamola
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Jay-Z Reportedly Booking Himself To Headline Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show

Jay-Z will reportedly headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in Los Angeles this February. Notably, he’s also the man responsible for choosing the performer through a partnership with the NFL.

What We Know: According to Puck Media, Jay-Z landed the gig after Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber also received consideration. His company, Roc Nation, signed a $5 million-a-year deal with the NFL in 2019 to curate and produce the show. Then, in 2024, the league extended that partnership for five more years. Additionally, Jay-Z could formally announce the booking this weekend at SoFi Stadium. Neither the NFL nor Roc Nation has commented on the reporting.

What’s At Stake: With Jay-Z serving as Roc Nation’s founder and chairman, the company may have faced specific timelines to meet. With Super Bowl LXI set for Los Angeles and The Walt Disney Company broadcasting the game, plenty of artists would likely be eager to reach a global audience. However, with the booking, could Jay-Z be hinting at new material around the corner for promotion? Recent artists to perform include Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, and Rhianna.

What Remains Unclear: If Jay-Z is indeed choosing himself, it’s unknown what other performers will appear alongside him. It’s also unknown if Jay-Z will earn additional revenue for booking himself as the main act of the annual attraction.

What It Means: Ultimately, the move fits the mandate Roger Goodell gave Jay-Z: make halftime cool and win back casual fans. Plus, the rapper is on a stadium run marking 30 years since his Reasonable Doubt release. In July alone, he grossed more than $42 million across three Yankee Stadium shows on the east coast. Clearly, his chart drought hasn’t slowed demand for his live performances, but will it interest a Super Bowl audience worldwide?

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.

Gordon Deal Surpasses 325 Affiliates With 104.1 KMOX and 830 WCCO Additions

Garrett Searight
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Gordon Deal Surpasses 325 Affiliates With 104.1 KMOX and 830 WCCO Additions

Gordon Deal’s This Morning, America’s First News has surpassed 325 affiliates, adding KMOX in St. Louis and WCCO in Minneapolis. The expansion follows the end of Westwood One’s America in the Morning, with 20 new stations picking up Deal’s program.

What We Know: Distributed by Compass Media Networks, This Morning, America’s First News continues to expand its national reach. The program has added 20 affiliates following the conclusion of America in the Morning, which aired through Westwood One. Among the latest additions are 104.1 KMOX in St. Louis and 830 WCCO in Minneapolis. With those stations joining the lineup, Deal’s program now airs on more than 325 affiliates nationwide. Both stations are established news brands in their respective markets, giving the morning program additional exposure in major Midwestern cities.

What They Said: “It’s both humbling and motivating to grow listenership and find new partners. We promise to continue leading in the news space.” -Gordon Deal

“Gordon Deal is a great fit for KMOX, and our commitment to keeping St. Louis informed. He delivers smart, engaging coverage of the stories that matter, giving our listeners a strong start to their day.” -104.1 KMOX Brand Manager Steve Moore

“I remember being an ‘early adopter’ of Gordon’s content and shows way back to the Wall Street Journal Radio days, so I’ve been a big fan of his for many years. We are thrilled that this program is available for our fans at WCCO to wake up to…a comprehensive ‘scene-setter’ and primer for the day!” -830 WCCO Program Director Brad Lane

What’s At Stake: The additions of KMOX and WCCO give Deal a stronger foothold in two major markets. Deal and Compass Media Networks have an opportunity to build on that momentum and establish the show as a leading option for stations seeking syndicated morning news programming.

What It Means: The additions give Deal a larger footprint as stations seek morning news programming following the end of America in the Morning. With KMOX and WCCO among its newest affiliates, This Morning, America’s First News strengthens its presence in two major markets. The growth also demonstrates an opportunity for syndicated morning news programs to attract stations looking for established news 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.

Super Bowl LXI To Feature Star Wars Themed Alt-Cast For ESPN/Disney Big Game Lineup

John Mamola
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Super Bowl LXI To Feature Star Wars Themed Alt-Cast For ESPN/Disney Big Game Lineup

ESPN will stream an animated Star Wars version of Super Bowl LXI. The latest and final alt-cast for the network’s Super Bowl debut airs February 14, 2027, on Disney+, the ESPN App, Disney Channel and Disney XD.

What We Know: Star Wars Funday Football will recreate every play of Super Bowl LXI in real time, turning players into animated avatars. Additionally, Star Wars characters will sub in during key moments, and Anthony Daniels returns to voice C-3PO. Meanwhile, it is one of four alternate presentations ESPN and the NFL have announced so far. The others are Peyton and Eli on ESPN2, Pat McAfee’s Field Pass on ESPNU and NFL Network’s Playbook.

What’s At Stake: With ESPN broadcasting the first Super Bowl in network history, the network’s owner, The Waly Disney Company, is going all in. For the first time, there will be five different options to watch the biggest sporting event in America. The traditional broadcast featuring Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will air on ESPN/ABC. The ManningCast and Field Pass alt-casts will air on ESPN2 and ESPNU respectively. In addition to Star Ward Funday Football, ESPN will also present a Playbook alt-cast on the NFL Network.

What Remains Unclear: However, several key details are still under wraps. For instance, ESPN has not named the commentators who will call the animated broadcast. Likewise, ESPN has yet to reveal the visual settings or the full lineup of Star Wars characters. The network plans to share those details as Super Bowl LXI approaches. The biggest unknown is how will all these different presentations segment the viewing audience which traditionally has only one destination to watch.

What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN is using its first-ever Super Bowl to put its alt-cast playbook on full display. The animated game airs alongside the traditional Joe Buck and Troy Aikman call from SoFi Stadium. Moreover, the broadcast reaches more than 155 markets worldwide, either live or on demand. Finally, the timing lines up with Star Wars’ 50th anniversary and a restored theatrical re-release five days later. Whether or not all these added ways to consume the game drive additional audience is yet to be seen.

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.

Michael Robinson Apologizes For Jalen Hurts Comments Made On NFL Network

John Mamola
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Michael Robinson Apologizes For Jalen Hurts Comments Made On NFL Network

NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson has apologized to Jalen Hurts. The Monday mea culpa follows his on-air speculation about the Eagles quarterback’s blood clots and if they were real or not.

What We Know: Last Thursday, news first emerged of Hurts’ blood clots. That same day, Robinson questioned the severity of the condition on NFL Network’s NFL Gameday Kickoff. Then, following playing on Sunday, Hurts’ agent Nicole Lynn revealed Monday that the condition was graver than Hurts and the Eagles apparently knew. Hours later, Robinson posted his apology on social media.

What They Said: Michael Robinson (via X): “I want to sincerely apologize to Jalen Hurts, his family, the Philadelphia Eagles organization and fan base for my comments last Thursday (Oct. 15). They were unfounded and I never should’ve speculated on a health issue of a player nor his commitment to his team.”

What Remains Unclear: Officially, the Eagles have ruled Hurts out for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, questions linger over whether his treatment should have started sooner or if he should have played in London in Week 5, or even made the transatlantic flight. In addition, whether or not the NFL Network/ESPN takes action against Robinson for his commentary is unknown.

What It Means: For sports media, the episode highlights the danger of speculating on an athlete’s health. Robinson framed his theory as playing devil’s advocate, but context matters in full even if speculating about serious health issues. Yet that framing offered little cover once Lynn revealed the full picture. Ultimately, his swift reversal shows how quickly hot takes can collide with medical facts. We’ll see if Robinson remains a part of the NFL Network following his comments.

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.

MLB Playoff Ratings Boom: Brewers’ Sweep of Dodgers Tops 7.5 Million Viewers

Michael Krantz
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MLB Playoff Ratings Boom: Brewers’ Sweep of Dodgers Tops 7.5 Million Viewers

A Brewers sweep of the Dodgers didn’t keep MLB fans from tuning in. NLCS Viewership gave Fox and FS1 their best LCS numbers since 2015.

What We Know: Milwaukee swept Los Angeles to win the National League pennant for the first time in franchise history. Overall, the four-game series averaged 7,533,000 viewers, the best for any LCS on any network since 2015. That’s up 77% from the 2025 ALCS through Game 4. On FS1 alone, the clincher averaged 6,135,000 viewers, the most-watched LCS Game 4 since 2018 and up 107% from last year’s ALCS Game 4. The audience peaked at 7,322,000 viewers from 11 to 11:08 p.m. ET, according to Nielsen Media Research.

What the Data Says: (via FOX Sports PR)

Game / Metric2026 Viewers2025 ViewersYoY ChangeNetworkHistorical RankingPeak Viewership
NLCS Series Average (4 Games)7,533,0004,261,000+77%FOX / FS1Highest LCS average since 2015—
NLCS Game 4 (FS1 Only)6,135,0002,964,000+107%FS1Most-watched LCS Game 4 since 20187,322,000

What Remains Unclear: Fox didn’t say how streaming or out-of-home viewing shaped the totals, so the full picture remains unclear. Likewise, Nielsen’s 2026 methodology changes make year-over-year comparisons tricky.

What It Means: The strong ratings reinforce baseball’s value as a major television property. For FOX Sports, the year-over-year increase highlights the appeal of postseason baseball to advertisers and provides further justification for its investment in the sport. More broadly, the numbers suggest baseball can still attract substantial national audiences despite increasing competition for viewers. While Nielsen’s methodology changes complicate year-over-year comparisons, the results offer an encouraging sign for baseball’s long-term television prospects.

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.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Marks 35 Years With Big-Name Lineup and Charity Cause

Michael Krantz
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KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Marks 35 Years With Big-Name Lineup and Charity Cause

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas returns to the Kia Forum on December 12th. The 35th annual show features Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Sublime.

What We Know: Audacy’s KROQ will host the show in Los Angeles, and the lineup also includes Interpol, Joyce Manor, Julia Wolf, Almost Monday and The Linda Lindas. Tickets go on sale October 30 at 12 p.m. PT. Additionally, proceeds will support two local youth organizations: Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center. Founded in 1980 in Skid Row, Para Los Niños helps children and families through education, wellness, and advocacy. Meanwhile, the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center offers free after-school programs and low-cost summer programs.

What They Said: “Almost Acoustic Christmas has always been about the bands and their connection with our listeners. That’s what makes this show so special, and we’re incredibly grateful to the artists who take the time to be part of it. Celebrating 35 years of this together is pretty amazing. And to be able to give back to two great organizations supporting local youth makes it that much more meaningful.” –Kevin Weatherly, Senior Vice President of Programming, KROQ

What Remains Unclear:  KROQ hasn’t posted ticket prices or presale codes ahead of the October 30th on-sale date. Likewise, the station hasn’t revealed door times, start times, or set lengths for the bands. Those details won’t arrive until closer to event day. Finally, it’s unknown whether any surprise guests will join the headliners onstage.

What It Means: 35 years is a rare run for any live music tradition. It shows how much KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas matters to Southern California. Because the show has stayed rooted in Los Angeles, it’s become a yearly gathering for local fans. Meanwhile, the lineup pairs Foo Fighters, Weezer and Sublime with newer acts like Joyce Manor and The Linda Lindas. That mix gives alternative fans a chance to see multiple generations of bands on one stage. Plus, because the event raises money for local youth programs, ticket buyers also support families across Los Angeles.

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.

Yonni Rude Expands Role as Radio One Names New Houston Program Directors

Michael Krantz
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Yonni Rude Expands Role as Radio One Names New Houston Program Directors

Radio One Houston is reshuffling its programming leadership. Yonni Rude now oversees operations in both Houston and Dallas.

What We Know:  Radio One promoted Yonni Rude to operations manager for Houston and Dallas. Named Dallas operations manager in late September, he previously served as program director of Houston’s KBXX and KMJQ. Meanwhile, afternoon host Benjamin “Madd Hatta” Thompson succeeds him as program director of Houston’s Adult R&B “Majic 102.1” KMJQ. India “Queen Indy Bee” Brewton adds assistant program director and music director duties there. She already holds those roles at Dallas’ “105.7 R&B” KRNB.

At Houston’s Hip Hop “97.9 The Box” KBXX, morning host DJ J-Que becomes program director. Likewise, Theodore “Big Bink” Turner moves from program director of Dallas’ “97.9 The Beat” KBFB to assistant program director of KBFB and KBXX. Additionally, Hollyhood Bay Bay, who hosts afternoons at Dallas’ K104 KKDA, will also air on The Box in Houston. The Bay Bay Show will run weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m., starting Oct. 19.

What They Said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the programming efforts across both Houston and Dallas, working alongside the talented teams in each market to showcase the best voices, personalities, and content our cities have to offer.” – Yonni Rude

“Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes our vision, our talent, and the way we think about radio! These changes reflect our commitment to delivering fresh, relevant, and engaging content that speaks to the unique spirit of the communities we serve while continuing to push our brands forward.” –Doug Abernethy, Regional Vice President for Radio One

What Remains Unclear: Radio One’s announcement doesn’t say whether J-Que will keep hosting Good Morning H-Town as program director. Likewise, it doesn’t explain whether Bay Bay’s show will be simulcast from Dallas or tailored for Houston. Additionally, the company hasn’t detailed how Rude will split his time between both markets.

What It Means: Radio One is tightening programming oversight across its two biggest Texas markets. Promoting on-air veterans also signals a talent-first approach. Furthermore, Bay Bay’s arrival in Houston shows the company will move talent between clusters when it sees a fit. As a result, listeners in both cities could hear more coordinated branding and shared music strategies.

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.

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