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Why Finding the Next Great Radio Host Has Become a Challenge

Peter Thiele
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Why Finding the Next Great Radio Host Has Become a Challenge

Since the beginning of radio, the search has been on for the next great talent. In today’s radio business environment, this has become a perplexing problem, and there is a reason for it. The ability to identify and develop talent has been somewhat forgotten.

Corporate debt has kept long-in-the-tooth talents in their jobs in key positions because of concerns over billing. When a news talk host leaves, there can be a huge challenge in keeping endorsements and ratings contiguous.

If a main player either resigns, retires, or is asked to look for future endeavors, the task can be monumental. If the host has been a long-time fixture in the market, advertisers may remain on that show at the beginning of the new show. If the results are not strong, many clients may disappear. The ratings likely will see the same result.

Frequently, stations attempt to find a host who will do a similar type of show. That is unfair to the station, the audience, and most of all to the new talent. I have always believed in hiring the most talented candidates who are focused on your station’s format. I once was in a building with a show that replaced a couple of legends. This was immensely unfair to everyone involved. The hosts were not news talk veterans, and they were simply put in a place where they were a poor fit.

You have seen this before — the previous show was not doing the exact show that the audience demanded. The previous show worked because of the longevity and talent of the previous hosts.

Frequently, market managers know they will lose some revenue and ratings, but understand that the new show is cheaper. There is a lot of hope in these situations. The most important thing is to fill the shoes of the legend with something that is modern and new. I get it — corporate offices are not fans of declining revenue. I understand fully. If a station meets or exceeds sales goals, everyone benefits. But how do you find that talent? Smaller markets are not developing hosts the way they did even a decade ago.

Frequently, this leads to bringing in talent that is completely unaware of the market and the regionalism that connects with the audience. If you are in a PPM market, the ramp-up seems quicker for a host to establish themselves.

In a diary market, it is a long slog — 18 to 24 months. When I added Clay Travis and Buck Sexton to replace Rush Limbaugh, it was 24 months before that show started doing well in the ratings. I worried that I had made a mistake in my particular market. I loved Clay and Buck, but I was patient, and the show eventually worked.

If your station is investing in a new local show, this may be the case. Is the show good? Is the talent working hard? Does the program director know how to coach news talk talent? I have seen market managers take control of the coaching.

Most often, that is not a good situation. Let me give a veteran take — when I started in radio, many market managers had transitioned to sales from programming. The market manager realized that they wanted to make more money. Those market managers frequently kept their programming brain in action. If your market manager is young, they may not have the programming chops. As long as the boss knows the truth, and there is an active program director in place, the new show will have the coaching necessary to grow into the role.

I will say that hosts who come from smaller market situations are better at retail radio than a local newspaper columnist or a large-market-only host. One of the reasons that Sean Hannity has done so well is that he came up through small market experiences. He was allowed to make mistakes and learn how to connect with listeners. Sean did remotes at local eateries — he was the big man on a little campus.

I know a terrific host who is a Northeast guy like Hannity. This guy is super talented, but he grinded it out in the big market until he got his shot. He did well, but he was not very good at shaking hands and kissing babies. This is a real skill. Can the host work the room and make listeners or clients feel special? This skill is more important now than ever.

So, if you are looking for that great host, they may sound great on their demo. They may have certain intangibles—energy, voice, opinion, and entertainment. If the new host doesn’t connect with the audience, you are in real trouble.

How do you develop a new host who has either limited radio experience or is transitioning from another format? You need to allow them to try things out. These people need to make mistakes. These people must also be themselves. You cannot hire the retiring legend’s cheap copy.

Likely, if you have a host who has been on your station for 30 years, the audience may have aged with them. You need to fill the funnel with something new and take the pain. Get new clients. Find a host who is sales-friendly and is not there just for their air shift. Realize that your new host will need to be supported with a pat on the back. These people will be unsure of themselves and will likely be blamed by some in sales if a client drops them. It’s okay.

If you have made the right hire, this host will help your sales team bring on new clients or increase revenue opportunities with established clients. It just takes time. I know that when budget headwinds are hurting the bottom line, it’s tough to take risks. No risk, no benefit.

If you are in the dating pool — or were in it — if you don’t ask that person out for an appetizer, you will never get that date. Sure, some will turn you down. But it is a risk worth taking. When Elon Musk was talking investors into backing SpaceX, there were many risks—but the rewards were worth it.

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.

Recognizing Three of Radio’s Most Impactful Coaching Trees

Kevin Robinson
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Recognizing Three of Radio’s Most Impactful Coaching Trees

Part of the postscript to Indiana University’s improbable National Championship title run is the coaching legacy. Under IU Head Coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana University rose to the top of the national stage in just two short seasons. Indiana’s title story is a reflection of how a strong coach and a winning culture can quickly transform a program into a clear winner.

Coach Cignetti is just one of many branches on the “coaching tree” of Hall of Fame coach Nick Saban. In the history of college football, Saban has arguably built the deepest coaching legacy. His Alabama teams were crowned National Champion six times, after winning his first title at LSU. Saban’s “coaching tree” includes Cignetti and two other National Championship coaches—Kirby Smart and Jimbo Fisher. Oh—and add Cignetti’s opponent in last week’s game, Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal, to that tree as well.

Radio has its own “coaching trees.” These are programming giants and towering figures who dominated their eras while developing generations of programmers, consultants, and talent who went on to shape the industry.

If you are a recent addition to our business, it is wise to study the strategic and tactical minds of the legends who came before you.

Bill Drake

Bill Drake was one of the most influential figures in American Top 40 radio of the last century. Drake was a blue-chip consultant and programmer whose ideas reshaped Top 40 radio in the 1960s. He began his radio career in the 1950s in Atlanta and later San Francisco, where his music-first strategy took shape, featuring tight playlists and minimal on-air chatter.

Drake later met Gene Chenault in Fresno, where they formed Drake-Chenault Enterprises. The firm syndicated a streamlined Top 40 format known as “Boss Radio.” The programming featured the legendary Drake Drum in the legal ID. Also a cappella jingles from the Johnny Mann Singers, and strictly structured clocks which were unheard of in the 1960s.

The Drake-Chenault format quickly turned underperforming stations into winners across major markets. This included Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Detroit.

Drake’s “coaching tree” influenced a generation of program directors and radio talent, many of whom became legends themselves.

Ron Jacobs—Program Director at KHJ—helped launch the Boss Radio sound in Los Angeles and produced The History of Rock and Roll, radio’s first long-form “rockumentaries.”

Bill Watson served as National Program Director under Drake and Chenault, carrying forward the Boss Radio principles.

Jhani Kaye, a later-generation Drake disciple, studied Drake’s programming philosophy and cited his influence while programming K-EARTH in Los Angeles.

Additional programming understudies on Drake’s “coaching tree” include Mike Phillips (K-EARTH), Paul Drew (KFRC), Ted Atkins (KHJ), and Sebastian Stone (KFRC). Many of Drake’s programmers later became respected consultants themselves.

Talent who embraced Drake’s tight content construction included Robert W. Morgan, the morning personality at KHJ during the Boss Radio years. Also The Real Don Steele, the station’s afternoon drive host, and Shotgun Tom Kelly, who later replaced Steele at K-EARTH in the 1990s. Each mastered the rapid-fire energy of the Boss Radio format.

Bill Drake taught me the power of a short music list, the impact of tight break construction, and the ear-grabbing magic of strong, well-written imaging.

Lee Abrams

Nearly the polar opposite of Bill Drake is Lee Abrams. One of the most influential figures in American radio. Abrams pioneered the use of audience research to guide music and format decisions on FM radio at a time when talent largely dictated programming.

In the early 1970s, Abrams founded Burkhart/Abrams with Kent Burkhart, which quickly became a major force in radio consulting. The firm is credited with creating Album Oriented Rock (AOR) specifically for FM radio, then distributing the format to hundreds of stations nationwide.

As the first employee and Chief Programming Officer at XM Satellite Radio, Abrams designed programming for 150 unique channels and helped establish satellite radio as a major audio platform.

Abrams’ genius extended well beyond radio. He later served as Chief Innovation Officer for The Tribune Company, where he reimagined strategies for television stations, cable networks, and newspapers.

Lee Abrams’ unique communication style, combined with groundbreaking creative vision, made him one of a kind. He recognized that listener culture mattered as much as demographics. Abrams has consulted for more than 1,000 radio stations and major media brands, including MTV, Rolling Stone, and Disney.

The influence of Lee Abrams is reflected in both format and talent.

Jarl Mohn programmed Abrams’ AOR format at WLRS-FM in Louisville under the name Lee Masters. He later served as General Manager of MTV and VH1, founded E! Entertainment Television, and led National Public Radio as President and CEO for nearly a decade.

Lee Michaels became a longtime partner, top programmer, and AOR format developer within Burkhart/Abrams/Michaels/Douglas & Associates, as the firm was later renamed.

Dave Logan also played a major role at Burkhart/Abrams/Michaels/Douglas & Associates. He programmed KFOG-FM in San Francisco, WCBS-FM in New York, and worked with Abrams on the development team at XM.

Abrams also played a significant role in the major-market careers of Howard Stern and Steve Dahl.

My first exposure to Lee Abrams came at WLRS-FM in Louisville. As a young talent, I didn’t understand the value of a consultant until our first meeting. In a conference room packed with programming talent and leadership, Abrams entered. He jumped onto the table and with his signature Afro floating through the air shouted, “Think outside the box? Where we are going there is no box.” That moment stays with me like it was yesterday.

You may not have heard of our first two examples—Bill Drake and Lee Abrams. You have, however, certainly heard of our final example.

Mike McVay

Mike McVay is a longtime consulting leader with more than four decades of broadcasting experience. He is best known as President of McVay Media Consulting, where he works with talent on content creation, programming strategy, coaching, and media development across radio, podcasting, streaming, and digital platforms.

From his early radio beginnings in the American South to today, Mike has built a “coaching tree” that resembles a giant redwood. More than four decades have passed since he formed McVay Media, during which time he has guided stations across the Americas, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.

For nearly a decade, Mike served as Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, overseeing more than 500 owned and operated stations. He developed national content and scaled syndicated systems across the Cumulus Radio platform.

Mike’s trophy case is extensive. He has been recognized with honors from Radio Ink, the Rockwell Award, the Innovation in Music & Media Award, the Worldwide Radio Summit Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. He is also a NAB National Radio Award honoree.

The list of programmers and talent Mike has mentored is vast.

Programming professionals who have passed through Mike’s orbit include Charlie Cook, Harv Blain, Dave Lang, Holland Cooke, and dozens of others—along with many reading this today.

Listing every individual Mike has coached would require a separate article. Household names include Delilah, John Tesh, Soledad O’Brien, Reba McEntire, Hall & Oates, and Robin Meade.

My first encounter with Mike McVay’s greatness came more than 30 years ago. While considering the McVay Media team for our Buffalo franchise, we traveled along Lake Erie to meet Mike at his Cleveland headquarters. His extensive library of manuals—covering everything from production to promotion to presentation—was impressive. On the way to dinner, I played what I believed was a fantastic promo for our AC brand. When it ended, Mike paused and said, “it’s too long.”

He was right.

Consider the “coaching tree” you are part of today. Also consider the “coaching tree” you have grown throughout your career. No one scales the mountain of success alone. Take time to thank those who helped you along the way.

Our business is competitive, but it is also about lifting others through shared knowledge. Among the inspiring quotes from Coach Saban is:

“Leadership is about making those around you better, and helping them reach their full potential.”

Our charge is to light—and then pass—the torch.

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 informed right in your inbox.

How More Than a Decade Leading Breitbart News Helps Alex Marlow Hit the Ground Running with Salem Radio Network

Garrett Searight
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How More Than a Decade Leading Breitbart News Helps Alex Marlow Hit the Ground Running with Salem Radio Network

Alex Marlow does not hedge when he talks about knowing his audience. Years spent inside the engine room at Breitbart News have sharpened that instinct, and they are now shaping the next chapter of his career as a national radio host with Salem Radio Network.

Marlow’s confidence is rooted less in ambition than in repetition — learning what conservative listeners want by serving them, day after day, across multiple platforms.

“I’ve always loved audio,” Marlow said. “I’m an audio guy, and I’m kind of agnostic within the audio space. I like it all.”

That affection for sound has followed him since his earliest days commuting around Los Angeles, where traffic forced a choice between zoning out or tuning in.

“So it was either I go brain-dead or I start loving talk radio, and thank God, literally, thank God, I always loved talk radio,” Marlow said.

That immersion never stopped. Marlow said he was consuming talk radio as a teenager, discovered early podcasting through Dennis Prager and Adam Carolla, and even experimented with making his own shows in college. Audiobooks, earbuds, and spoken-word content became constant companions.

“I generally always have something in my ears,” Marlow said. “I’ve always been inclined to create in that way.”

That creator instinct eventually found structure at Breitbart News, where Marlow rose from entry-level work in Andrew Breitbart’s basement to editor-in-chief of one of the most influential conservative media brands in the country. “I have to be a generalist because I run a big newsroom,” the Breitbart News editor said. “We’re battle-tested.”

That experience, he believes, gives him a rare understanding of conservative audiences — not as a demographic, but as a living, evolving community.

Marlow’s years running Breitbart have required him to curate breaking news, analyze political shifts, and anticipate which stories resonate. “I believe I’m as good of a curator and analyst of the news as you can find,” Marlow said. “That’s my number one comparative advantage.” He credits that newsroom discipline for teaching him how to move quickly, prioritize clarity, and avoid wasting a listener’s time.

Radio, however, has always been his first love. Marlow previously spent seven years at SiriusXM Patriot, eventually hosting morning drive. After stepping away, he still felt the pull.

“I want to have my own branded show,” Marlow said. Early in 2024, a major syndicator explored the idea with him, but no deal materialized. The instinct remained, and so did his affinity for Salem Media, whose conservative lineup he had followed for decades.

“I’ve always loved Salem in particular because of their faculty of hosts,” said the Salem Radio Network said, referencing the company’s long-standing branding. Marlow’s relationships within that orbit run deep. Larry Elder was his first boss. Hugh Hewitt became a mentor. Charlie Kirk was a close friend. Dennis Prager was an early influence. It made Salem feel like home, even when there was no immediate radio opening.

For the past year, Alex Marlow focused on podcasting exclusively, building an audience while staying close to the Salem ecosystem. When an opening finally emerged, it came under tragic circumstances.

“It was bittersweet for me,” Marlow admitted.

His show, launched earlier this year in the 12-1 PM ET window, had previously belonged to Prager, sidelined by a catastrophic injury that left him paralyzed, and Kirk, who was assassinated in broad daylight.

“When you hear that you’re next in line for that time slot, I’ve always had an approach in life that it’s next man up,” said The Alex Marlow Show host. That mindset, he said, mirrors how he runs Breitbart’s newsroom.

Opportunity does not erase loss, and Marlow made clear the transition was not celebratory. Still, he believes he can honor both men while building something new. He believes he can honor both Dennis Prager and Charlie Kirk in the way in which he’ll style his show. That includes embracing the live audience.

“The live element I find to be incredibly exciting,” Marlow said.

The show will lean heavily on news, guests, and tone. Marlow said his Rolodex spans nearly two decades of conservative politics and culture, reaching from Trump world to Hollywood.

“I think we’re going to have a great variety of guests,” he said. Humor will also be a priority. “I tend to run very optimistic,” Marlow said. “I genuinely believe America’s best days are in front of us.”

That optimism is personal as much as ideological. Marlow pointed to his family and faith as grounding forces, shaping how he approaches the microphone. His background at Breitbart reinforces that confidence.

“I went from working in Andrew Breitbart’s basement as a glorified errand boy to being editor-in-chief of a historically significant website,” Marlow said. The lessons from Andrew Breitbart — speed, fearlessness, clarity — remain central to how he operates.

Gratitude punctuates Marlow’s outlook. He credited Breitbart News for trusting him with its newsroom and Salem for believing he belongs behind the microphone. “I’m grateful to the audience for giving me a try,” Marlow said. “I commit to the audience that I will not waste your time.”

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.

CNN Found A Match for Scott Jennings in ‘Politics Girl’ Podcaster Leigh McGowan

Garrett Searight
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CNN Found A Match for Scott Jennings in ‘Politics Girl’ Podcaster Leigh McGowan

CNN has no shortage of political voices, but when Scott Jennings and Leigh McGowan share the screen, something different happens.

The network suddenly feels less like a panel discussion and more like an event. That matters in a media environment where attention is the most valuable currency and the hardest thing to garner. Pairing these two more often would be a smart, intentional move rather than a happy accident.

Let’s start with the obvious. Scott Jennings is smug. That is not an insult. It is a defining on-air characteristic. Jennings projects confidence that borders on arrogance, and he does so unapologetically. He believes he is right, he arrives prepared, and he usually knows where the argument is headed before anyone else at the table figures it out. That combination is why CNN keeps going back to him.

Jennings also understands television. He does not just argue to win the point. He argues to control the moment. His timing is sharp, his delivery is polished, and his body language often signals that he is already a step ahead. For viewers who lean right, he is reassuring. For viewers who do not, he is frequently infuriating. Both reactions are valuable.

Enter Leigh McGowan. Every time she appears on CNN, it is hard to look away. She brings a similar certainty, but channels it through a very different lens. McGowan does not hedge. She does not soften her convictions to make them more palatable. She believes her arguments are superior, and she presents them with urgency and moral clarity.

When McGowan is matched with Jennings, the temperature changes instantly. The exchange feels less scripted and more combustible. Neither is there to play defense. Neither is interested in conceding an inch. They are aghast at each other’s worldview, and neither hides it particularly well. That tension is riveting television.

This is not about shouting matches or cheap theatrics. It is about contrast. CNN has spent years searching for ways to make its political programming feel urgent without feeling chaotic. Jennings and McGowan offer chaos, and I frankly want more of it. They exude similar confidence while standing on opposite sides of the ideological divide. The friction is authentic.

It also helps that both are skilled communicators. These are not unserious voices chasing viral moments. They come armed with facts, framing, and an understanding of how their arguments will land. The sparks fly because both know exactly what they are doing.

CNN should lean into this pairing. Not occasionally. Not as a novelty. Make it a feature. Viewers remember moments when television makes them feel something, and this is one of those rare combinations that consistently delivers.

I have said before that Scott Jennings feels like the part of CNN’s future. He understands the network, the format, and the role he plays within it. Now I want to see that future tested and sharpened alongside Leigh McGowan. Put them together more often and let the audience watch the clash.

In a crowded political media landscape, chemistry still matters. CNN has stumbled onto something that works. The smart move is not to overthink it, but to embrace it.

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Scott Sharp Named New Morning Show Host At Z-93 Dayton

BMM Staff
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Scott Sharp Named New Morning Show Host At Z-93 Dayton

Connoisseur Media is reinforcing its commitment to live, local radio with a familiar voice returning to a prominent role in Dayton. The company announced that Scott Sharp has been named the new morning host on Z-93, marking a homecoming for a broadcaster whose career has long been tied to the Gem City.

Sharp will lead The Morning Z with Scott Sharp, airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning immediately.

Sharp’s return represents another strategic step by Connoisseur Media as it continues to invest in local personalities and community-focused programming. The move aligns with the company’s broader philosophy that live, local content remains essential for audience connection. This is especially true during high-visibility dayparts like morning drive.

“I am beyond excited to be back on the Morning Z on the legendary Z-93,” said Sharp. “Being live every morning from 6 to 10 allows us to take things to the next level and focus on what’s happening NOW in Dayton. The music you remember, the station you remember and now the fun you remember, LIVE every morning on Z-93”

With decades of experience in the Dayton market, Sharp brings a deep understanding of the community and its listeners. That local insight is expected to shape the tone and direction of The Morning Z, which blends familiar music with conversational segments centered on what is happening across the region.

Z-93 Program Director Joel Murphy said Sharp’s enthusiasm and brand connection made him a natural fit during the station’s relaunch. He noted Sharp’s commitment to listeners and advertisers. Murphy added that Sharp’s passion for the market positions the morning show as a key driver of the station’s next growth phase.

Sharp said returning to Z-93 is meaningful because it allows him to reconnect with the audience live each morning. He emphasized being responsive in real time. The format focuses on current conversations and local moments. It also pairs them with music tied to the station’s legacy.

Listeners can tune in to The Morning Z with Scott Sharp weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Z-93.

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Dirty Mo Media Announces ‘Sons & Daughters’ Podcast To Debut March 4

BSM Staff
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Dirty Mo Media Announces ‘Sons & Daughters’ Podcast To Debut March 4

Dirty Mo Media is expanding its audio footprint in 2026, unveiling a slate of new programming that builds on one of the most recognizable podcast networks in motorsports and sports media. The company announced several new shows are set to join its lineup, with Sons & Daughters becoming the first officially revealed addition.

The new weekly podcast will debut March 4 across all major podcast platforms, with new episodes released every Wednesday. A series preview is already available through Dirty Mo Media’s digital channels, including YouTube and its official website.

Hosted by veteran broadcaster Shannon Spake, Sons & Daughters will focus on deeply personal conversations with prominent figures from sports, music, and entertainment. Rather than centering on accomplishments alone, the series will explore formative experiences, family influences, and pivotal moments that shaped each guest’s path.

The announcement continues an active period of growth for Dirty Mo Media, which already features established shows such as The Dale Jr. Download, Bless Your ‘Hardt, Door Bumper Clear, and Actions Detrimental.

Company president and executive producer Mike Davis described the coming year as a turning point for the brand.

“We are planning an ambitious year of new programming, new verticals, and more opportunities to engage with the Dirty Mo community,” Davis said. He added that while additional projects will roll out over the next several weeks, Sons & Daughters represents the first step in that broader strategy.

The show has already spent several weeks in pre-production and has recorded early episodes. Initial guests include Hall of Fame basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and ESPN personality Marty Smith, signaling the range of voices the series intends to feature.

Davis emphasized that Spake’s own background made her a natural fit to lead the project. While audiences widely recognize her for her on-air work across NASCAR, the NBA, and college sports, he noted that her personal journey adds depth and credibility to the conversations the show aims to deliver.

Spake currently serves as a reporter and host for NASCAR on TNT and covers the Charlotte Hornets on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. Her career also includes significant roles at FOX Sports and ESPN, where she worked on SportsCenter and as a sideline reporter for major college football and basketball broadcasts.

According to Spake, the podcast is designed to go well beyond surface-level interviews. She said the goal is to highlight the people and experiences that shape success long before public recognition arrives, while creating space for honesty and vulnerability from both host and guest.

Dirty Mo Media indicated that additional programming announcements tied to its 2026 slate are forthcoming.

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UFC 324 Celebrates Historic Debut on Paramount+ With 5 Million Streaming Views

BSM Staff
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UFC 324 Celebrates Historic Debut on Paramount+ With 5 Million Streaming Views

Paramount+ is celebrating a landmark moment for its live sports strategy following the debut of UFC 324, which delivered the largest exclusive live event audience in the streaming platform’s history.

The event, held Saturday, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, generated nearly five million streaming views and reached more than seven million households, according to Adobe Analytics and Nielsen Media. Paramount+ said UFC 324 also reached more homes than any live UFC event in nearly a decade when factoring in combined linear, broadcast, and streaming distribution.

The performance marked a significant validation of Paramount’s decision to offer UFC numbered events without a traditional pay-per-view charge. Subscribers in the United States and Latin America were able to access the full card as part of their standard Paramount+ subscription, removing a long-standing barrier for casual and price-sensitive fight fans.

Highlights included veteran lightweight contender Justin Gaethje defeating rising U.K. star Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision in a back-and-forth bout already being discussed as an early Fight of the Year candidate. The win earned Gaethje the Interim Lightweight Championship and positioned him for a potential showdown with undefeated titleholder Ilia Topuria.

From a metrics standpoint, the main card averaged 4.96 million live streaming viewers, while peak concurrent streams reached 5.93 million globally. Paramount+ reported a total global reach of 7.18 million households, a figure that does not account for co-viewing in shared settings.

UFC 324 also delivered outsized engagement across social platforms. The event ranked as the most social program of the night across broadcast, cable, and streaming, generating 5.5 million social interactions tied to the main event alone.

It became the most social exclusive telecast in Paramount+ history and trended as the No. 1 topic on X worldwide for six consecutive hours. Mentions of the event totaled 186,000, representing a 127 percent increase compared to UFC 323.

Paramount attributed part of the success to its “Paramount One” promotional strategy, which leverages the combined reach of the Paramount and Skydance portfolios. Marketing efforts included integrations across CBS platforms and cross-promotion with hit scripted series such as Landman, creating multiple entry points for audiences unfamiliar with UFC programming.

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Hans Olsen Announces Upcoming Departure From KSL Sports Middays

BSM Staff
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Hans Olsen Announces Upcoming Departure From KSL Sports Middays

Hans Olsen is stepping away from daily sports radio after nearly two decades on the air in Utah. The longtime KSL Sports host announced on social media that Friday will mark his final day in a full-time, mid-day role, closing a 19-year run that helped shape the station’s identity and its connection with local listeners.

Olsen said he is leaving radio to join GBS Benefits, a national employee benefits and insurance consulting firm, while still maintaining a limited presence in sports media.

“I’m stepping away from daily sports radio to join GBS Benefits,” Olsen wrote. “GBS Benefits is one of the top benefit firms in the country and I’m joining one of the strongest teams.”

Olsen said he will work alongside Gordon Brown, Jeff Kluge and Christian Kunz, describing himself as “the squeaky fourth wheel” on a team he believes is well positioned to help businesses manage rising healthcare and pharmaceutical costs. In the post, Olsen emphasized innovation and cost control as central parts of his new role, while inviting business owners to reach out directly.

Although his daily radio schedule is ending, Olsen made clear that his voice will not disappear entirely.

“I’ll still be calling BYU games with the legend Greg Wrubell and contributing on The Zone during the football season. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead,” said Olsen.

Olsen’s departure marks the end of a significant era at KSL Sports. He has worked in Utah sports radio since 2006 and has co-hosted the midday program Hans & Scotty G since 2014. Alongside Scott Garrard, the show became a staple for fans looking for opinion-driven discussion, access-driven reporting and an unmistakably local perspective on college and professional sports.

Before entering broadcasting, Olsen built a résumé rooted in football. Raised in Weiser, Idaho, he starred as a state champion wrestler and all-state football player before signing with BYU, where he played from 1996 through 2000. His playing career continued in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons.

That background helped shape Olsen’s on-air style, blending firsthand experience with an analytical approach that resonated with listeners. Over time, his voice became closely associated with Utah sports radio’s midday hours, particularly as KSL Sports expanded its digital and on-air footprint.

In his announcement, Olsen expressed gratitude for the relationships formed along the way, specifically thanking Garrard and longtime producer Loyd Cole for more than a decade of collaboration. He also acknowledged the audience that followed him through multiple stops and formats.

“Thank you for 19 years of listening,” Olsen wrote. “You’ve all blessed my life.”

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Seattle Red 770 AM Adds The Scott Jennings Show to Daily Lineup

BNM Staff
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Seattle Red 770 AM Adds The Scott Jennings Show to Daily Lineup

The Scott Jennings Show is coming to Seattle Red 770 AM. The Salem Radio Network show will be heard from 8-10 PM on the Bonneville International news/talk station.

The show will replace The Mark Levin Show in the daily lineup at Seattle Red.

“Scott Jennings is a fearless communicator with unmatched credibility,” said Seattle Red 770 AM Program Director Jason Antebi. “His experience, intelligence, and no-nonsense delivery make him a strong addition to our primetime lineup. Scott doesn’t just react to the news — he shapes the conversation and arms listeners with insight they can use.”

In addition to his work on Salem Radio Network, Scott Jennings is also a prominent figure on CNN, especially on primetime broadcasts where he shares his analysis from a conservative political perspective.

“I’m thrilled to join the lineup at Seattle Red! My mission is to debunk liberal narratives, bring forward blockbuster news-making conversations, and give the audience a daily dose of common sense,” said Jennings. “Can’t wait to be part of this terrific station!”

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Bill O’Reilly to Return to Show on Monday Following Internal Bleeding Concerns

BNM Staff
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Bill O’Reilly to Return to Show on Monday Following Internal Bleeding Concerns

After announcing he would be absent from his No Spin News show, Bill O’Reilly is set to return.

The former cable news host revealed in an article published on his website that he would be back hosting his digital video program on Monday.

“I am absolutely stunned by the reaction to my medical situation,” said O’Reilly. “You can do a lot of thinking while sitting in a hospital for four days. A hereditary condition involving internal bleeding took me down temporarily. I hope. I have the best medical team led by Dr. Ira Jacobson, trying to keep me on the field.”

O’Reilly continued by noting his appreciation for the support following his announcement.

“When I announced a short medical work pause, I did not expect the enormous outpouring of concern.  Yes, a few usual suspects tried to damage me and my family further, and karma will deal with them. The good news is that the haters are far outnumbered by benevolent people.”

Last week, O’Reilly was mum on details, simply noting that he would be stepping away from his show to deal with the then-unspecified illness. He has been hosting his No Spin News show since leaving Fox News in 2017.

In addition to helming his own program tonight, Bill O’Reilly is scheduled to appear as a guest on NewsNation’s On Balance with Leland Vittert tonight at 9 PM ET.

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