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The Industry According To….Pat Paxton, Saga Communications

Keith Cunningham
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The Industry According To….Pat Paxton, Saga Communications

Thank you for checking out ‘The Industry According To’. This series runs each Tuesday, and features radio and record industry executives, managers, programmers, talent, artists, and professionals from all areas of the business world. For future guest considerations, email me at keithblackboxgroup@gmail.com.

Today we check in at the executive level with a veteran programming leader who understands how to build content at scale across large markets and also in smaller communities. For decades, he served as Chief Programming Officer at Entercom and Audacy — Pat Paxton.

Currently, Pat is the SVP of Content at Saga Communications, overseeing content teams across more than 100 brands in nearly 30 markets. I’m especially glad that he joined this series. So much industry attention focuses on PPM markets but there are far more non-PPM markets in the U.S. doing great radio and producing some of the industry’s biggest success stories.

So, let’s dive in.

What Has Really Evolved?

Keith: Your programming career spans decades. Since the ‘90s, what’s the most important programming evolution radio has made?

Pat: I think that’s a moving target as there have been several “most important” breakthroughs since the 90’s. Let’s go back 42 years to 1984 when the 12-12-12 ownership rule was implemented. No company could own more than 12 AM stations, 12 FM stations, and 12 TV stations. This was up from 7-7-7. In 1990 the FCC upped the radio limits to 36 nationwide, 18 AM’s and 18 FM’s. Then in 1996 the business changed dramatically with “Telecommunications Act of 1996” which still stands today allowing one company to own up to 8 stations in a market evenly split between AM and FM. This Act was one of the greatest disruptions our industry has ever seen and is now 30 years old and being challenged by many ownership groups. There may be more deregulation on the way.

Let’s look at technology. The advances we’ve witnessed have been astounding. While the internet was officially invented in 1983, it wasn’t widely available until the early to mid 1990’s. Think about how that changed our world. I’ll skip forward to today as we’re witnessing another life changing technological advancement with AI. You can love it or hate it, but there is no question that it has or will change how we all think and do our jobs.

The last advancement I’ll mention here happened in 2007, the year PPM was introduced by Arbitron. This one changed everything we thought we knew. Everyone from CEO’s to part-time announcers to sales assistants to engineers had to think about our industry differently.

What’s next? Who knows. There’s no question that we’re not finished evolving. I hope we never are.

Coaching Without Data

Keith: Many stations can no longer afford research, and some markets don’t even receive ratings. How do you coach programmers to know if they’re heading in the right direction when traditional data isn’t there as a guide?

Pat: Between Audacy and Saga, I’ve had the incredible pleasure of working in America’s largest and smallest markets. The one constant shared by successful programmers (we call them Directors of Content, some call them Brand Managers) is their passion for what they do. It’s the love of what they do. Their dedication and belief in what they do help them deal with both the best times and the worst times. They network with other successful programmers. They use what tools are still available such as Mediabase. Most importantly they get to know their audiences and communities better than anyone so they instinctively know what works and what doesn’t.

One of the things that I’ve learned since joining Saga is that there is some amazing radio being done in smaller markets. Incredibly talented people who could be working in major markets but choose not to. They choose to stay home and stay near family. They make a lifestyle decision. I think they are underappreciated and underestimated in our industry.  

Are We Overthinking?

Keith: The industry spends a lot of time debating radio’s future. But listeners just want something good to hear when they turn it on. Is the industry overthinking and spending too much time on the future instead of simply focusing on how a brand or show can sound better tomorrow — or is the balance about right?

Pat: Two issues relating to your question come to mind. First is we, as an industry, have an inferiority complex. This all started in 2001 when XM Radio was born, followed quickly in 2002 by Sirius. XM Radio debuted with a $100,000,000 marketing budget, primarily focused on the “Radio to the Power of X” campaign largely featuring talking points about why they were better than traditional radio. Our response? Zero. Zilch. We were getting beat up, repeatedly punched in the face. Many started to believe the hype.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Since then we’ve seen the rise of streaming media. You Tube, Spotify, Apple, and too many others to mention have also, in part, aimed their guns at us. They want our listeners, but just as important is that they want our revenue. They want our dollars. The question I often ask myself is that if we’re so irrelevant and standing on the footsteps of extinction, why does everyone keep coming after us? If I want to make nickels, I’m not going to try to squeeze nickels out of a rock. I’m going to go where the nickels are to do my nickel hunting.

Which leads to issue #2. Perception. Some of you buy this, some of you don’t. But my position is (and it’s backed up by facts and numbers) is that we have hundreds of millions of people who engage with us every single week. Remember, we live in an “impressions” based eco-system today. No longer is our radio cume good enough. If you look at, collectively, the number of people we touch and engage with every day (radio, mobile, social, podcast, video, etc.), you realize what an amazing story we have.

The problem is that those who control a lot of dollars simply don’t believe this. Many marketers are entranced by whatever the newest, shiniest thing is, and the money follows that thinking. I wish I had a game-changing idea on how to fix this. I don’t. All we can do for now is to continue to be a megaphone for the industry and continue to chip away at this false narrative.

How Important is Local?

Keith: You’ve long believed in “live and local.” It’s a key cornerstone of Saga’s philosophy. In an industry where downsizing is the norm and voicetracking is now decades old, how important is local really? Is it more important in some markets than others? What is the real cost of losing that local connection?

Pat: It’s really important to note that I would take great national content over bad local content every time. It’s not good enough to just be local. All content needs to be great, compelling, engaging, etc. Add to that a local spin that relates to your listeners and community and you’ve won.

This is especially true with Saga and many smaller markets where interacting with your listeners is so important. Some of the larger companies have adopted a national approach because they have the scale to do so. I get it and totally understand their position. However, that leaves an opportunity for us (Saga) to pivot away from national and be as local as humanly possible in everything we do. That doesn’t mean we don’t voice track. We do, but we insist that our voice trackers create shows for each specific station and market. We also aren’t afraid to use talented syndicated hosts in certain situations.

Again, I’d take great national over bad local any day. There have been situations where hiring someone to do great local wasn’t a feasible option. In these few instances, we’ll go with a national show with great content.

Content Strategy

Keith: Every company talks about “content strategy,” but what does that actually mean in your office on a Tuesday afternoon at Saga? What strategies are you developing and directing across all those stations and markets?

Pat: Probably our most important strategic initiative today is our approach to content distribution and production. I think everyone realizes that we need to be available everywhere our listeners are. But not everyone knows how to do that. We are seeing some pretty positive results so far with video creation, mostly for social media. We have more than a few examples of talent making videos that create millions of views. Add to that the engagement these posts generate and you wind up with some pretty impressive numbers that can then be monetized. Our industry happens to employ some of the best local influencers available. Why wouldn’t we want to take advantage of their local “star” status and generate even more likes and followers than what we could generate using radio only?

The More Difficult Revenue Puzzle

Keith: You’ve been responsible for helping guide revenue in highly ratings-driven markets. Now you also oversee many markets that aren’t rated but still have revenue expectations. Which situation is more challenging, and why?

Pat: Honestly, neither is easy. Both have challenges, but the challenges are different.  When I was at Audacy, it wasn’t so much about any individual market, but all about scale. How could we in programming help drive revenue across the board? Events are a good example. We could do one big show in New York, Detroit, or LA, and create millions of dollars in sponsorship revenue because we could scale similarly formatted brands to the event. It was a national, scaled play.

Saga, for the most part, is not as reliant on national dollars. We have a handful of PPM markets where ratings still drive significant revenue, but in many of our markets it’s more about the team. The GM, the sellers, the announcers, all use the relationships they’ve spent years developing to earn the trust of the local business community. Then we deliver. If we don’t do what we said we’d do, we lose that trust. Under promise and over deliver is always a good premise to work and live by.

The one area we all have to succeed in, no matter the market size, is digital. And the good news is that no other industry has the megaphone that we do to create digital demand. Our brands deliver unprecedented reach for our customers, one of which happens to be us! Creating awareness of our digital products and including our digital assets in every sales presentation are critically important. This isn’t to say digital is more important than radio. It’s not. But it has certainly become as important.

Los Angeles vs. Bucyrus, OH.

Keith: You’ve seen success in markets like New York and Los Angeles — “KRTH is #1 again.” What does programming success look like in a market like Bucyrus, Ohio? What makes the champagne bottles pop in a market like that?

Pat: It’s the recognition and satisfaction you get when you help your community. When you are thanked and appreciated by countless local residents for the fund drive you just did, for the community event you just put on, for keeping the community informed, for knowing you make a difference in countless lives. I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of many ratings “highs”…that adrenaline rush you get when you first download a book (assuming it’s good). I can honestly say that smaller markets experience the same kind of rush when doing something special for their communities. They feel the love. It’s very real.

Recruiting in 2026

Keith: When you need to fill an on-air position in a smaller market today, where are you looking? How are you finding and developing the next generation of talent for Saga?

Pat: Great question. It’s hard. We’ve had positions open for months before we found the right person. The traditional training grounds (overnights/weekends) are long gone. But, young people are still creating content. In fact they are doing it in record numbers. Social media and podcasting have created entirely new funnels with their ease of entry into content creation. The really good ones are not easy to find. But once you do, the value proposition we can offer them (massive exposure to their brand) is something that no one else can offer. Start by looking locally or regionally. You’re unlikely to convince influencers with millions of followers to come join your local morning show. But the ones with talent who are trying to build a following might just jump at the opportunity.

There are still plenty of young people interested in radio. Not as many as previous years, but they’re there. Many just need an opportunity…someone to take a chance on them like someone did for all of us years ago.

AI

Keith: AI clearly has the potential to help broadcast companies in several ways, but what’s one area you believe AI should just stay far away from radio?

Pat: AI personalities. I’m afraid of everything we put at risk, everything we lose, if we start replacing real personalities with AI. Listeners want engagement, companionship, and authenticity. It’s part of the relationship and commitment we’ve made to consumers, who in turn have chosen us to spend time with.

That said, I’m a big fan of AI. I use it all the time in both my personal and professional lives. I think it can be immensely useful in so many ways. But replacing personalities, to me, is a step too far.

Best Practices

Keith: Programmers often talk about Nielsen “Best Practices,” which some would argue hurt the listening experience. But you’re in a fascinating position: some Saga markets are Nielsen rated, some aren’t ratings-driven at all. Which Nielsen practices still matter in non-rated markets, and are there principles smaller markets follow that bigger markets may be overlooking?

Pat: Many PPM principles remain the same no matter the size the market. Reasons that cause tune out are mostly universal. When announcers talk about something no one cares about, people tune out. When a song is played that people don’t want to hear, consumers tune out. All the rules of music scheduling are the same in all markets. The art of programming applies in all markets. I used to use Media Monitors to find patterns driving tune out. We used this data to coach PD’s and talent.

For example, many personality driven rock morning shows felt they must have a sports person, or at least a detailed sports report because they are, after all, male focused brands. But the data shows that many male rock listeners don’t go to their favorite morning shows to hear about sports. There was consistent tune out when sports reports came on multiple rock morning shows. Another example was traffic reports on many music stations. Research might say that listeners want traffic reports, but tracking their behavior told a very different story. And, don’t even get me started on tune out that comes with morning shows interviewing comedians who went to bed an hour and a half ago.

I still use a lot of what I learned in markets where more tools were available, to coach PD’s and talent today.

Free Markets

Keith: You recently posted on LinkedIn about the difference between commercial media companies that compete in the free market and public media organizations that receive government funding. Your post wasn’t political, although some commenters tried to steer it into a left vs. right debate. From your perspective, what’s the core issue here? What do you think people outside (or even inside) the industry misunderstand about that dynamic?

Pat: Yea. I kind of hopped into a hornet nest with that one. It’s a moot point as Congress has already defunded public media. I had one point to make, and only one. It was totally apolitical. Federal funding for public media began in 1967. The “1967 Public Broadcasting Act” mandate was and is “to provide educational, non-commercial programming and serve underserved audiences.” There are many great arguments for and against federal funding of public media but I’m not sure anyone would argue that public media is “non commercial”. Just because they say “underwritten by” before a toned down ad does not make them non commercial. That premise was abandoned years ago.

Regarding “educational” programming, the original argument was made because there were limited news outlets and children’s programming available. Today I couldn’t even count the number of news outlets available. Between radio and TV there are left leaning outlets, centrist outlets, and right leaning outlets, and everything in between. There is quite literally something for everybody in todays free market. The same goes for children’s programming. PBS gave us Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers and other great shows for kids. But today there are a plethora of media outlets serving children 24/7. And if you prefer the public media productions, no problem because they are still available on PBS. Or go to You Tube. It’s all right there.

An argument often used by those to support federal funding for public media is that it represents only a small fraction of the total NPR/PBS budget. That brings up two points. First, if the money is so inconsequential, why is it such a big deal? Most of us have been asked to cut a far larger percentage of our budgets over the years.  Second is that the number that public media receives from taxpayers is $550,000,000. A year. I bet I could find a lot of non-public media CEO’s who would have no problem taking their share of that windfall.

Those of us in commercial media don’t get handouts. We have to survive on our own. If we don’t there are very real consequences as many of our colleagues have unfortunately experienced.

Finally, I have been swayed to the argument that there are communities that without public media would have no free media at all. For that I would carve out an exception. Public media goes after the same listeners and marketing dollars that commercial media does. To say that they are not competitors is simply not based in reality in 2026.

To be clear, I am NOT anti-public broadcasting. I think they do a great job in many ways. They have a place in todays world. I just don’t think tax payers should be funding them, creating an uneven playing field for the rest of us.

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 CBS News Radio’s End Says About Radio’s Future, According to Traug Keller

Garrett Searight
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What CBS News Radio’s End Says About Radio’s Future, According to Traug Keller

The shutdown of CBS News Radio has sparked strong reactions across the audio industry, and few voices carry as much weight on the topic as Traug Keller.

The longtime media executive, who previously led ESPN Radio and ABC Radio Networks, didn’t hold back when discussing the decision. Keller believes the end of CBS News Radio reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of audio’s value and warns it could signal deeper issues for the broader radio business.

“I immediately thought of my old friend Charlie Osgood and said, ‘God, he must be rolling over in his grave,’” Keller said. “It’s such a — I’m searching for the words because I’m old now — but the history is so rich, and as a vehicle to keep so many Americans informed over decades, to see it just evaporate like that was very sad. I guess my initial reaction was that I was profoundly sad.”

While the emotional response came first, Keller quickly turned to the business implications. He didn’t mince words when evaluating the move.

“I think it’s a bad decision,” Keller said. “I understand that the world is going digital, but I think the decision represented a chronic misunderstanding of the value of audio in this country. Big companies, mainly headquartered in either New York or Los Angeles, don’t understand that 90% of the country still gets informed and entertained by terrestrial radio. Never mind the other audio platforms that, as a news provider, you can be ubiquitous on and promote your brand.”

That disconnect, Keller argued, isn’t new. However, he believes it’s become more pronounced as companies chase digital growth at the expense of legacy platforms that still deliver.

“Radio has always had problems convincing advertisers to use the medium, even in its heyday,” Keller stated. “Because it’s invisible, it’s somehow not thought of, yet it informs people on all things — what to wear in the morning because of the weather, for example. It’s still a vital form of information. I point to 1010 WINS in New York and the ratings success it’s currently having. Look at WTOP in Washington. Look around the country at some of these heritage AMs that moved to FM and the success they’re having. Listenership is still strong. It’s still a very effective medium.”

Even more, Keller emphasized that networks like CBS News Radio served a larger strategic purpose beyond direct revenue.

“News providers like ABC News Radio or CBS still have a role to play and benefit their corporate parents because it’s an inexpensive way to extend the brand, market, and move people into the digital ecosystem,” the longtime media executive said.

Despite the challenges facing radio sales teams today, Keller insisted the medium’s core strength hasn’t changed. In fact, he pointed to one of its most enduring advantages — habit.

“Radio listening is habitual. Audio listening is habitual,” Keller said. “I point to my days at ESPN Radio and before that at ABC, where people listened to Tom Joyner, or Sean Hannity, or Paul Harvey, or Mike and Mike. Today, you’ve got others where listeners develop a relationship with the talent.”

That connection, he added, is exactly what advertisers are buying — even if the platform has shifted.

“Advertisers are using podcasts — the Joe Rogan phenomenon is not new,” Keller said. “It’s just Paul Harvey in his day, moved over to podcasts. It’s still audio. Radio still has that. The key to advertising success is to tap into the talent that millions of people are listening to every day. It’s the age-old story: one person telling another person about the value of a product.”

However, Keller acknowledged structural issues have made it harder for radio companies to fully capitalize on that strength.

“Because of deregulation and the financial position many large audio companies find themselves in, they are hindered from really developing the best talent,” Keller stated. “I think iHeart probably does the best job of that right now. But radio still has the goods. It just requires that constant drumbeat, and I grant it’s much harder today than it’s ever been.”

Even so, Keller pushed back on the idea that CBS News Radio couldn’t be financially viable. From his perspective, the bar shouldn’t have been profitability alone.

“The CBS Radio Network business should at least break even,” Keller said. “I have some knowledge of that from having run ABC Radio. They should be able to do that, even in today’s environment, without losing money, while also serving as an incredible way to inform and move people into the company’s digital platforms.”

That leads to a broader argument — one Keller believes executives may be overlooking.

“Yes, I think it can work as a loss leader,” Keller said. “We did this exercise at ESPN. We might have been making X dollars in profit, but in addition to that, we were providing tens of millions of dollars in value — the equivalent of what it would cost in paid media to deliver the same number of impressions. That added up to tens of millions of dollars in value.”

Given that math, Keller said the decision to exit the space raises questions.

“I’d be shocked if CBS Radio Networks was losing significant money,” Keller said. “If it was, then there’s something else going on.”

Looking ahead, Keller believes CBS News Radio may be the first of its kind to exit — but he hopes it won’t be the last lesson learned.

“I would say it’s probably the first,” Keller said. “The people making these decisions have to make hard choices, but they don’t give radio a second thought, and that will be their mistake.”

Still, Keller sees opportunity amid the disruption. In fact, he believes competitors — both traditional and digital — should move quickly to fill the void.

“I think this is a huge opportunity,” Keller said. “There are digital platforms that would be smart to look at the gap that’s been created. There’s still a need for audio content, whether it’s terrestrial radio, particularly FM, SiriusXM, or Spotify. There are real opportunities here.”

He specifically pointed to established brands with infrastructure already in place.

“There’s certainly an opportunity for a brand like ABC, which is already strong, to step it up,” Keller said. “It should be a wake-up call — or it won’t be. I don’t know that it will be ultimately for the CEOs of these companies, because they’re not thinking about radio. You need strong, smart advocates internally to make sure leadership understands the value being provided.”

Finally, Keller made it clear that replacing CBS News Radio wouldn’t be as difficult as some might think.

“That could be done in 90 days, easily,” Keller said. “You’d be able to hire experienced people from CBS. That wouldn’t be hard. You combine that with the news infrastructure you already have, and you could partner with an affiliator like Skyview (Networks). You could put this together without it being a heavy lift on your existing business, and get out there using the expertise in the marketplace. I’d say you could do it in three to four months.”

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

How Jack Diamond’s Journey Shows Local Radio Still Matters in a Digital Age

Kevin Robinson
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How Jack Diamond’s Journey Shows Local Radio Still Matters in a Digital Age

Radio is full of rapid changes. Hard to keep up some days. However, there is a rare breed of air talent. A “diamond in the rough” if you will, that has chosen to anchor itself to the craft for a lifetime. Their voices have become as familiar as family. The legacy they built is as enduring as the stations they helped define.

Legends like Scott Shannon, Eddie Volkman—better known to listeners as “Eddie” from Eddie and JoBo—and Ron Parker represent a lifelong commitment to radio, regardless of ratings and trends. All of these giants could have signed off long ago, taking with them a lasting legacy. Instead, their passion behind the microphone has kept them in the game longer than some readers of this column have been alive.

Then, there’s Jack Diamond. Few voices in radio are as generational as his. Jack built his career on a genuine love for the craft.

When he left radio in his hometown of Washington, D.C., he could have parked his headphones as he approached 60 years old. Nope. He’s still hosting mornings in Frederick, Maryland, without any sign of letting up.

We sent probing questions to Jack last week, and he delivered robust answers—the true mark of a great storyteller. Let’s explore this legend’s journey, the evolution of radio through his eyes, and the legacy he will eventually leave behind.

*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*

Kevin Robinson – Tell us about you and your radio path from the beginning to where you are today.

Jack Diamond – I feel like WKRP and I had so much in common early in my career.

I was very lucky to meet some people who worked in radio when I was 14, and I got to hang out with them. We visited some radio stations and met Don Dillard, who owned WDON, a daytimer in Wheaton, Maryland. The station was located in a strip mall right next to a Dunkin’ Donuts.

My dad was an eye doctor, and I went into work with him one Saturday morning right before Christmas. He stopped in at Dunkin’ Donuts, and the line was long. I asked if I could go visit the radio station next door. Don Dillard not only let me in, he said, “Come into the production studio and help me out. This is a tape cartridge. I just put a Coca-Cola commercial on it. When the red stop light comes on, push the start button and make sure it sounds OK.”

When I pushed that start button, the most amazing Christmas Coca-Cola jingle came out of those speakers. I was hooked. Don [Dillard] introduced me to his morning guy, Tom Cat, who was kind enough to let me hang around every Saturday morning for months.

When I was 16, I got a part-time job in radio over the summer on the day I got my driver’s license. I drove to Annapolis, Maryland, and was lucky enough, along with sheer enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, to land a part-time job at WNAV.

When the summer job ended, I was heartbroken.

Then I heard that Terry Steel was leaving our big local radio station, WINX. I called him on the request line and asked what advice he could give me to have a shot at getting a part-time job there. He said, “part-time, you should apply for my shift, 7 to midnight!”

This guy was so nice. He not only invited me to the radio station, he put me in the production studio to cut an audition tape using station copy, liners, and jingles. I got the job. Amazing!

I worked 7 to midnight during my junior year of high school, and in my senior year, I did afternoons from 3 to 7. I am so grateful to Terry and Pierre Eaton, the owner and general manager of WINX. Pierre said just go in there and have fun. I did, and I still am.

Then, Jay Clark at WPRO in Providence called and wanted to see if I wanted to do afternoons on a brand-new radio station they were putting on the air, WPRO-FM. I packed up my car, got a U-Haul, and headed north.

Gary Berkowitz was kind enough to make me the first jock on PRO-FM, 3–7 p.m. Then I headed to the West Coast.

I just had to get to Southern California, and my van blew up outside of Denver. So, I hitchhiked into town and got a part-time job at KIMN. Great companies—Capital Cities and Jefferson Pilot.

No full-time openings at KIMN came along, so I continued my radio odyssey. I headed back to the East Coast to program WDJQ in Baltimore. While there, I was offered an opportunity to program WJTO in Maine and to put a new 50,000-watt FM on the air.

I picked call letters and went to Dallas to do jingles at PAMS. WIGY and Y106, was born and became a real passion project.

I left to join WACQ in Boston to do mornings and was thrilled to get a phone call from Marc McKay to do 6 to 10 p.m. at the Big 68 WRKO. It was a wonderful experience working with some amazing talent. That included Charlie Van Dyke and someone you guys talked to recently—and I absolutely love—Dennis Jon Bailey!

After WRKO, Drake-Chenault offered me an opportunity to do mornings on KYNO and work on their automated national services. I met Bill Drake and Gene Chenault there and received a master class from the experience.

I also programmed WYRE after Steve Kingston left and helped the owner, Syd Able, put a new FM on the air, WBEY, Bay Country.

I had a close relationship with Vince Faraci of Atlantic Records. During this time at WYRE and WBEY, Vince and I talked about me joining Atlantic to handle mid-Atlantic promotion. It was a cool experience seeing the business from the other side and working with the legendary Ahmet Ertegun.

After a year, though, radio called loudly, and I joined program director Robert John at Infiniti Broadcasting, WIVY Y103 in Jacksonville, Florida. This marked my first big success as an air personality. I took everything I learned along the way—especially from guys like Jay, Gary, Drake, and others who were kind enough to guide me.

While in Jacksonville, I also started working in television part time doing TV weather and feature reporting. Then I hosted a daily late-morning show that proved to be a wonderful and symbiotic relationship throughout my career.

I liked Jacksonville so much that I decided to buy a radio station there. You know how you make a small fortune in radio? Start with a large fortune… I wisely moved back to being on-air.

Ray Quinn offered me mornings at Magic in San Antonio, where I also worked in TV for KENS. Then Rick Seidel at KNBR in San Francisco invited me to do afternoons.

I absolutely loved working for NBC. I might have stayed there forever, but the station—in fact, all NBC stations—were put up for sale. So when Don Benson called about joining 94Q and WQXI in Atlanta, I was thrilled.

Atlanta led to another amazing opportunity doing mornings at KSON for program director Mike Shepard and GM Clarke Brown.

Just as my two-year deal was ending in San Diego, Don Benson, Norm Schrutt, and Maureen Lesourd offered me an opportunity to come home to Washington and do mornings at ABC’s WRQX. It became an incredibly wild and wonderful 30-year run.

During that time, Jimmy Alexander joined our show, replacing Bert, whom I brought with me from San Diego. Jimmy and I became fast friends and partners. We’ve spent 30 years together and have been through everything in life together. Weddings, divorces, deaths, and the birth of wonderful children.

Jimmy is family and always will be a tremendous talent.

This was followed by mornings at Lite FM in Miami and mornings at WLS-FM in Chicago. It was truly an honor to work alongside this team. I’m grateful and thankful for their friendship and support: Greg Brown, Danny Lake, Robert Murphy, John Records Landecker, Dick Biondi, and an incredible producer and air talent, Dan Wolfe.

We returned to Washington, D.C., when Cumulus decided they wanted to put Mix 107.3 and the Jack Diamond Morning Show back on the air.

After Cumulus sold WRQX, WPLJ and others right at the start of COVID, Fred Manning of Manning Media invited me, Jimmy, and Lisa Anne to come up and help him out for perhaps six months or so.

Six years later, we are still here and having a blast!

The station is 106.9 The Eagle. We work out of studios in Frederick, located in a historic red barn, along with sister station Key 103. Fred believes in live, local talent, and both stations are very well staffed.

Kevin Robinson – How long have you been in the D.C. area, and what’s special about it for you?

Jack Diamond – I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and the suburbs. Being in the middle of the east coast, with three major airports, every possible sports team and concert venue, plus close proximity to the ocean and the mountains makes it a pretty perfect place to live.

Sure, the traffic can be absolutely dreadful but that’s true of most places. We are living in Frederick, home to incredible restaurants, beautiful scenery, rich history, and truly nice people. It’s a short drive to downtown D.C. or anywhere else in the Washington metro area we’d like to go.

Kevin Robinson – What’s your best day in radio—and why?

Jack Diamond – Here’s one true highlight and a reason to answer the phones, read every social media ‘comment’, and your text line.

One day during our show at Mix 107.3, a high school acquaintance called the request line and asked if we could talk for a few minutes. We weren’t really friends, just acquaintances, but I knew his name. He told me the story of how his son has cancer, and the medical community said there was nothing more they could do for him and sent him home.

He was 17 or 18 years old, and obviously it was heartbreaking to hear his story. They took him to Make-a-Wish, and he was grateful for the trip they offered, but he told his dad he didn’t want to “go on vacation and come home and die”.

So, he asked his son what he’d like to do, and his son said; “I’d like to rebuild a car with you like we did when I was younger.” His Dad asked me if I could help out.

I asked exactly how could we help, and he said; “Ideally we’d like to find a 68 Camaro to fix-up. Maybe convertible, in any shape. We’d like to try and get one that we can work on together, and get it pretty fast.” I told him we would be happy to do all we could if he would go on the air and tell his story.

The next day, he joined us on the air and told his story. Almost immediately, the phones rang. Someone had a frame. Someone else had a body, and someone thought they could locate a transmission. We did this for about three weeks, and we had every single part necessary to not only build a ’68 Camaro, but put it in concourse condition.

Several months later, they took the car on the road and entered it in car shows—most of which they won—all over the country. My high school friend called a few months later and said his son’s cancer was in complete remission. The doctors weren’t sure how, but they believed this project and that time with his dad had everything to do with it. The last I heard, he got married and had a child.

The power of listening, asking, and genuinely involving your audience. The power of purpose and love.

Kevin Robinson – Give us something that makes you successful. This could be prep, longevity, or behind-the-scenes of your show.

Jack Diamond – Never taking a listener for granted, always responding to them, and talking about things that are top of mind all play a big role. It’s also important to ensure that a large portion of what you do on the air and on social media is hyperlocal.

It makes a big difference. Involving listeners in your on-air discussions and posts strengthens that connection.

Having a cover band that opened for national acts and played club gigs, and fundraisers—especially outdoor, family-friendly ones—gave us the opportunity to perform the music we play on the radio.

It also gave us a chance to say hi to people during band breaks. Take pictures, talk, and hang out. It’s priceless. We also hosted sold-out New Year’s Eve parties every year, all-inclusive.

I will say that being on the air during September 11, the sniper shootings, and other unforgettable events—both happy and sad—gave us the opportunity to provide true companionship.

We became a voice of reason and a resource for listeners and businesses. During COVID-19, we created an “Open for Business” directory, inviting any business that was open to tell us about it on the air. We compiled all of the information online. Every restaurant offering curbside pickup, open pharmacies, service providers, doctors, and hospitals.

It was so successful that we are still doing it today. That’s local radio.

Kevin Robinson – What would you say or advise emerging talent or your role with getting into radio today?

Jack Diamond – Be absolutely curious about everything. Read, watch, listen to all of it and and ask a ton of questions. Find a way to create content that reflects you and push it on social media as much as possible.

Start a podcast or your own online radio show—even if that means eliminating music because of the cost. Try to find a local radio station and offer your unique content. Start on the street team. Offer to fill in. Get involved. Develop voice-tracking skills. Learn how to talk with a listener one-on-one and invite them to listen and participate. It’s worked for us. Perhaps it’ll work for them.

Jack Diamond is a living, active testament to a life dedicated to radio and the power of local radio.

Today, playlists are automated and attention spans are fleeting. Talent like Jack Diamond serves as a steady reminder of why radio still matters. It’s not just about the signal—it’s about the soul behind it.

For decades, Jack has enriched lives across America. As long as there’s a microphone in front of him and a local community to keep company, he’ll be on your radio.

For Jack Diamond, since his teenage years, radio has always been home.

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

Why News/Talk Radio Is Shrinking — and How to Fix It

Peter Thiele
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Why News/Talk Radio Is Shrinking — and How to Fix It

What is your growth strategy? I believe in this basic truth… we are either shrinking or growing. Whether this is in your personal life, your physical fitness, or your business, there is always a cycle of growth that should be pursued. It seems like radio is focused on protecting audience and revenue over growth, and that is bad for our industry.

I believe in addition. It is important, and for news/talk radio, there are many opportunities. This is a time for conquest, not for defeat. The hunger for compelling content has never been higher than it is now. Spoken-word podcasts are growing in a huge way, and we as an industry have been behind the eight ball. We repurpose our on-air content and call it a podcast.

What happens on your show — especially in morning drive, where everything is moving so fast — may not be completely usable. For the morning shows on the stations that I lead, my team is only putting up the most compelling content. These are shorter segments, and we have been seeing real growth.

The theory is this… most listeners want to catch that interview that they either missed or only caught a small portion of. Make it easy to find. Perhaps you had a segment that was funny or outrageous — let that stand on its own. Make those memorable segments easy to find, share, and consume.

Growth is built on more than a billboard. While a marketing budget is an awesome ally to growth, great content is the key. If your station or show is creating memorable moments, you will see growth. If your station or show delivers predictable moments that feed the P1s alone, you are in trouble.

One of the reasons that I enthusiastically encourage managers to develop a target listener is that it is a growth game plan. You cannot serve every demographic. It is a mission in failure. You cannot target the 65-plus crowd because it is a losing game. Every obituary is one less listener. There has to be more than just a “conservative person.”

Attend a Republican event. There are a handful of people. They are lovely people who likely love your station — but they are not your future. In the last decade, I had a corporate leader who really thought that joining the Lions Club was an opportunity to grow the platform in the market. After looking it up, the closest Lions Club was 30 miles away and outside the station’s metro area.

I asked the corporate leader if he was a member of a civic club. He wasn’t, but he knew that it was a big deal. If you are in the host space, you have likely been asked to speak to a Kiwanis or other civic group. The crowd is typically in their 70s and has been meeting regularly for the past 40 years. Civic groups have seen declining numbers for decades. Why? It is because they have not invited anyone new to the party.

This is not on purpose. If you ask them about declining numbers, they often will say that they would love new members. Here is why they don’t get them: the 40-year-old business owner doesn’t want to join a group with a majority of members the age of their parents. Hey, news/talk — if your focus is on pleasing the people who have been there since the ’90s, you will always be shrinking.

Ok, let’s talk about marketing. We are in the advertising industry. Radio develops imaginative and focused marketing campaigns for local clients. These businesses are growing. Why are radio station marketing campaigns so lame and ineffective?

To be fair, I was involved with a TV campaign that was amazing and raised the station’s cume measurably. I was also part of the worst TV ad in the history of radio. The worst TV ad in history had zero input from me. The market manager let the morning host design his own ad. It was horrifically bad.

I had an argument with the market manager over the ad. I told him that burning money in the street would be a better plan. The buy for the horrific ad was even worse. It was a six-week campaign that added zero cume. Your company may have a workshop for local businesspeople on how to promote their brands. Program directors and hosts — have you ever attended one of these to build a campaign on your station using the principles that work so well for advertisers?

We should always be openly focused on growing our base. I understand that anyone can turn on the radio at any time. I also know that if new or casual listeners do not have their expectations met, they are gone.

Our secret sauce is that we should be discussing Topic A. Following PPM data, the average listening occasion is approximately 13 minutes. If you are in a diary market, that is longer — but PPM is probably the most accurate data in this instance.

Why are people turning on your station? Often, it is just to hear what is happening in your community, state, nation, and world. If you are not discussing the big story, you are dead. Good luck getting that listener back. The Monday following the bombing of Iran, if the talk show host is discussing tax policy… they are not getting it.

Who are we? Why are we here? What is the strategy to grow your brand?

I am ending this article like an Elmore Leonard novel.

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.

74% of New Vehicles Now Feature HD Radio, 2026 Quu In-Vehicle Visuals Report Shares

BNM Staff
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74% of New Vehicles Now Feature HD Radio, 2026 Quu In-Vehicle Visuals Report Shares

Quu has released its 2026 In-Vehicle Visuals Report, and it shows an increase in HD Radio inclusion in new models.

According to the study, of the top 100 best-selling models in the U.S., 74% of 2026 models came equipped with HD Radio. That’s an increase from 2024, when the figure was at 70%, as well as compared to 2025, when it dipped to 67%.

HD Radio trails AM/FM Radio. 100% of new models were still equipped with terrestrial radio. 85% of new vehicles featured SiriusXM, down from 94% in 2025.

The Quu data shows that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay remained at 98%, identical to the past two studies.

“In our 3rd year, trendlines are emerging. Screens are everywhere in vehicles. Dashboards are getting smarter and more intuitive to use. Audio is now almost always paired with a visual,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “What listeners see impacts what they hear. For radio, the challenge isn’t availability—it’s discoverability. Ensuring sound is seen isn’t optional. It’s essential.”

While radio remains ubiquitous in new models, the ease in finding the medium has changed. According to the data from Quu, only 35% of new models feature a dedicated “radio” button. That’s down 36% from 2024 but up from the 26% seen in the 2025 study. However, only 10% of those buttons are actually physical buttons. The remainder is a touch-screen icon.

68% of new models surveyed display information on multiple screens. “The growing presence of large information displays in vehicles means radio is no longer just heard — it is seen,” Quu said of the findings.

Quu has scheduled a webinar to discuss the findings. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th at 3 PM ET. Joining the seminar are Newberry, McVay Media President Mike McVay, Xperi Senior Vice President of Global Broadcast Radio Joe D’Angelo, and Jacobs Media Vice President/General Manager Paul Jacobs and President Fred Jacobs. To register for the free webinar, click here.

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.

Dick Vitale Announces Fifth Diagnosis of Cancer

BSM Staff
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Dick Vitale Announces Fifth Diagnosis of Cancer

Veteran college basketball analyst Dick Vitale revealed Monday that he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time, sharing the news through a statement distributed by ESPN. Vitale, 86, said doctors confirmed melanoma that has spread to his lung and liver cavity following recent testing.

He added that he will begin immunotherapy soon and remains optimistic about his outlook.

“My oncologist informed me of the results, and while it’s another challenge, I’m ready to take it on,” Vitale said. “I plan on winning this battle.”

The Hall of Fame broadcaster noted last week that routine imaging raised concerns, prompting additional biopsies. He described the uncertainty surrounding those tests as difficult, echoing the anxiety many patients experience while awaiting results.

Vitale’s latest diagnosis adds to a lengthy and public battle with cancer. He first disclosed a melanoma diagnosis in 2021. Months later, he also revealed he was dealing with lymphoma. After treatment, doctors declared him cancer-free before another setback emerged.

In 2023, Vitale announced he had cancer on his vocal cords. The following year, he underwent surgery after doctors discovered cancer in his lymph nodes. Each time, he returned to remission and remained vocal about his journey.

Throughout those challenges, Vitale has used his platform to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. He said those efforts have generated more than $100 million for pediatric initiatives, with an additional fundraising goal set in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year, Vitale celebrated another milestone when doctors cleared him to return to broadcasting. He gradually resumed a limited schedule, calling select college basketball games. His return included high-profile appearances alongside Charles Barkley on both ESPN and Turner broadcasts. Vitale’s presence brought added energy to marquee matchups, a hallmark of his decades-long career.

Despite the latest diagnosis, Vitale struck a confident tone in his message. He pointed to his history of overcoming previous health battles as motivation moving forward.

“I’ve beaten melanoma, lymphoma, vocal cord cancer and lymph node cancer,” he said. “I’m determined to 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.

Howard Bryant Signs Content Development Deal With All The Smoke Productions

BSM Staff
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Howard Bryant Signs Content Development Deal With All The Smoke Productions

All The Smoke Productions is expanding its reach in the documentary space through a new partnership with veteran storyteller Howard Bryant.

The athlete-driven media company has signed a multi-project unscripted development deal with Hawley Road Productions, Bryant’s recently launched venture. The agreement signals a push into long-form storytelling, as ATS Productions looks to build on its growing footprint in sports and culture content.

“This is an incredible opportunity to do meaningful work,” Bryant said. “All The Smoke has the voice, credibility and reach to tell the stories that aren’t being told. Brian, Matt and I have discussed working together for years — now it’s time.”

The move represents a strategic step forward for the company, which has built its brand on candid conversations with athletes. By teaming with Bryant, ATS aims to translate that same authenticity into premium documentary and unscripted series.

Chief Operating Officer Brian Dailey said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term vision. He noted that ATS has always prioritized distinct voices and perspectives in its projects. Now, the company is looking to expand how and where those stories are told.

Dailey brings significant experience to the effort. During his time at Showtime Sports, he helped develop a strong basketball content portfolio. He also served as an executive producer on several notable projects, including Kevin Garnett: Anything Is Possible and Quiet Storm: The Ron Artest Story.

Meanwhile, ATS co-founder and CEO Matt Barnes emphasized the brand’s connection with athletes.

“All The Smoke has become a place where athletes know they can come to tell their stories, unfiltered,” said Barnes. “The huge response we saw with the launch of ATS Baseball just a few weeks ago validates our approach to authentic storytelling. Now, with Howard, we will take that same approach to the documentary space.”

Bryant’s background further strengthens the collaboration. He founded Hawley Road Productions in 2025 after a long tenure at ESPN and a leadership role at Meadowlark Media. His work in the documentary space has earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award for The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox. He has also contributed to projects with filmmaker Ken Burns and served as an executive producer on HBO’s Back on the Record with Bob Costas.

Founded in 2024, ATS Productions has quickly grown into a multi-platform brand. The company reaches more than 20 million fans through its digital channels and produces several weekly shows. Its flagship program, All The Smoke, features Barnes alongside fellow former NBA player Stephen Jackson.

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Marc Bertrand: Mike Vrabel’s Approach to Dianna Russini Controversy Is “Laughable”

BSM Staff
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Marc Bertrand: Mike Vrabel’s Approach to Dianna Russini Controversy Is “Laughable”

Boston sports radio host Marc Bertrand is turning up the heat on Mike Vrabel, criticizing how the New England Patriots head coach has handled a controversy involving Dianna Russini. During Monday’s edition of Zolak & Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Bertrand argued the situation will not fade anytime soon.

He pointed to the public nature of the story and the perception created by widely circulated images.

“It’s not going to go away,” Bertrand said. “It’s salacious and about a potential scandalous relationship. I’m sorry, but that TMZ stuff sells. It does, and that’s why the story is not going away. Everybody sees those photos and assumes one thing, and the statements from the two people involved directly contradict that. Nobody believes them.”

The controversy stems from reports that Russini is under internal investigation by The Athletic, which is owned by The New York Times. The review was reopened after photos published by the New York Post appeared to show Russini and Vrabel together at an Arizona resort. Both parties have denied any inappropriate relationship and have not commented on the matter since.

Russini has since been sidelined while the matter is reviewed. The Athletic previously said the images lacked context and described the interactions as public. Still, the optics have drawn widespread attention across both sports and media circles.

Bertrand said that attention makes Vrabel’s response even more important. Instead, he believes the coach made the situation worse with his initial public comments.

“Mike, you call it laughable,” Bertrand said. “It just screams of a level of arrogance that he thinks that we’re all stupid for thinking what we obviously thought seeing those photos. It’s laughable. No, it really isn’t. It’s actually logical.”

Vrabel, who has built a reputation for being composed on the sidelines, did not meet that standard in this case, according to Bertrand. He described the coach’s statement as rushed and poorly considered.

“That was an ill-advised statement,” Bertrand said. “This a panic move. That’s what that is, that screams he panicked. For a guy who’s so cool, calm and collected in the moment, in the heat of the moment, in a game situation. This statement screams he panicked.”

Bertrand went a step further, suggesting the response reflected a rare lapse in Vrabel’s typically steady demeanor.

“He should have taken a moment to maybe gather his thoughts on this one. He didn’t, and rushed into it. And I find his statement laughable. I find his approach in the aftermath of this to be laughable,” said Bertrand.

Throughout the segment, Bertrand emphasized that public perception now drives the story. He said many fans and observers have already formed conclusions based on the images, regardless of any statements to the contrary. Rather than addressing that perception head-on, Bertrand argued Vrabel has dismissed it. That approach, he said, risks alienating both fans and media in a market that demands transparency.

“You must take us all for a bunch of morons,” Bertrand said. “That’s where the arrogance comes into it… We’re all just a bunch of complete morons for thinking what we’re thinking about this. For what is looking pretty obvious, and you don’t want us to think anything about it. You want it to go away. Panic move.”

As the investigation into Russini continues, the Patriots remain in an uncomfortable spotlight. Bertrand’s comments reflect a broader criticism that the organization’s head coach has not controlled the narrative. Vrabel will also reportedly not be made available to the press ahead of the NFL Draft, so he could use the opportunity to address the matter further.

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Tony Katz Today Adds Affiliates in Detroit, Tampa

BNM Staff
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Tony Katz Today Adds Affiliates in Detroit, Tampa

Tony Katz Today has seen the addition of two affiliates in recent days.

The nationally syndicated show is now airing on 910AM Superstation in Detroit. The weekend version of the program has aired on the Kevin Adell-owned station for the past year.

“Expanding our presence in the Motor City is terrific,” said Katz. “Kevin Adell and the whole Superstation team have been highly supportive, and I’m thrilled to grow our footprint there.”

Meanwhile, the show has also been added to the daily lineup at NewsTalk 1040 AM/94.5 FM in Tampa. Additionally, Tony Katz‘s specialty weekend lifestyle show — Eat Drink Smoke — is also being added to the station’s offerings.

“This is a homecoming of sorts,” Katz said. “I met my wife in Tampa. And I still carry a Tampa area code. I appreciate Brad James bringing both Tony Katz Today and Eat Drink Smoke to the market. I can’t wait to smoke a cigar with the listeners of NewsTalk 1040.”

Tony Katz Today is distributed by Key Networks. Eat Drink Smoke is made available through Radio America.

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NewsNation to Carry California Governor Debate

BNM Staff
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NewsNation to Carry California Governor Debate

NewsNation has announced it will simulcast Nexstar Media Group’s coverage of the California Governor’s Debate later this month.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, NewsNation will broadcast Debate Night in California: The Race for Governor from 10-11 PM ET.

“We are proud to bring this important debate to the audiences of our national networks, ensuring that conversations shaping the future of California are accessible to viewers across the country,” said Nexstar Television Networks President Sean Compton. “Serving local communities is central to Nexstar’s mission, and we are honored to play a role in informing the electorate and supporting the democratic process.”

Leading up to the coverage, Chris Cuomo will host a special edition of his primetime program at 8 PM ET. On Balance with Leland Vittert will air live from San Francisco at 9 PM ET in advance of the debate. Katie Pavlich will host a special edition of her program at 11 PM ET, preempting Jesse Weber Live for that evening.

The debate is set to be broadcast from the KRON4 studios in San Francisco. It is scheduled to air on KTLA5 (Los Angeles), KSWB/KUSI (San Diego), KTXL (Sacramento), KGET (Bakersfield), and KSEE (Fresno).

Additionally, the debate will also be streamed live on The Hill. An encore presentation is set for 2 AM ET on NewsNation.

Candidates who have compiled at least 5% in Nexstar’s statewide poll will participate, including Republicans Chad Biano and Steve Hilton, as well as Democrats Katie Porter and Tom Steyer. The news of the debate comes after Democratic candidate Eric Swalwell announced he is suspending his campaign. Several women have accused him of sexual impropriety.

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