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The Real Stakes of the Cumulus–Nielsen Antitrust Battle

Dr. Ed Cohen
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The Real Stakes of the Cumulus–Nielsen Antitrust Battle

Last week, I offered thoughts on Judge Vargas’ decision in the Southern District Court of New York to grant Cumulus an injunction against Nielsen, which is being appealed.

The discussion surrounded a comment in Rich Tunkel’s declaration to the court that Nielsen might have to retire Nationwide if the company’s “tying policy” can’t be enforced, which I suggested was both unlikely and would be harmful to the radio industry and Nielsen’s private equity overlords. This week, let’s consider another aspect of the case and Judge Vargas’ decision, specifically competition in the local market space.

Much as I’m not an attorney, I’m also not an economist, and I am grateful for both conditions. However, I’m always thankful for the courses we were required to take during my Ph.D. program at Michigan State. My first term included a First Amendment class during which Professor Murray required that we read Supreme Court cases. Later, as I wrote papers about broadcast policy, law review articles helped greatly. Some of these articles had more verbiage in the footnotes than in the body of the article, but you learned how to read legalese.

We also took Media Economics with the late Dr. Barry Litman, a brilliant if quirky media economist. Barry was always happy to talk economics, but we students also knew not to put him on our dissertation committees because he was tough. In other words, I can muddle my way through court decisions and economics. Paraphrasing Yogi Berra, “I’m smarter than the average radio person” in these areas, but there are experts who know far more than I do.

To start your week off on the right foot, let’s talk about antitrust law. I’m a capitalist, but without some sort of regulation, some capitalists will inevitably go too far in the pursuit of profits. As a result, Congress has passed laws to protect consumers — and the definition of “consumer” can include businesses as well — starting with the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890.

The Sherman Act didn’t outlaw monopolies but instead stopped companies from engaging in behavior that prevented other companies from competing. Sometimes, the market can support just one company. An often-used example is buggy whips. In the 19th century, people got around by horseback, and some had buggies. One needed a buggy whip to keep the horse or horses going where you wanted them to go, although I have zero buggy experience. I doubt any readers have a horse-drawn buggy at home today, but if you do, there is exactly one buggy whip manufacturer left from the good old days: the Westfield Whip Manufacturing Company of Westfield, Massachusetts, which traces its roots to 1884.

While a few other companies may manufacture something akin to a buggy whip, Westfield has a legal monopoly, a result of surviving a shrinking market, not by trying to force out competition.

The next law to pass was the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, which is the basis of Cumulus’ suit against Nielsen. One aspect of the Clayton Act is a prohibition on “tying” when this will lessen competition. Here’s the relevant text:

SEC. 3. That it shall be unlawful for any person engaged in commerce, in the course of such commerce, to lease or make a sale or contract for sale of goods, wares, merchandise, machinery, supplies or other commodities, whether patented or unpatented, for use, consumption or resale within the United States or any Territory thereof or the District of Columbia or any insular possession or other place under the jurisdiction of the United States, or fix a price charged therefor, or discount from, or rebate upon, such price, on the condition, agreement or understanding that the lessee or purchaser thereof shall not use or deal in the goods, wares, merchandise, machinery, supplies or other commodities of a competitor or competitors of the lessor or seller, where the effect of such lease, sale, or contract for sale or such condition, agreement or understanding may be to substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in any line of commerce.

If you read through that passage from 112 years ago, you’ll see the basis of Cumulus’ argument against Nielsen. By tying Nationwide, which Cumulus must have for Westwood One, to the purchase of local market data — even in markets where Cumulus does not want any data or wishes to use a competitor (Eastlan) — Cumulus believes Nielsen is in violation of the Clayton Act. Judge Vargas’ initial decision was that Cumulus has a solid case and may win on the merits when an actual trial takes place, assuming no settlement in the interim.

Further, Cumulus is claiming that if it does use Eastlan in some of its markets, then Nielsen’s “Subscriber First” policy — a practice that shows only Nielsen subscriber data to agencies — means that Eastlan subscribers, along with stations that don’t subscribe to any ratings service, will be at a major disadvantage.

Nielsen has a monopoly in national radio ratings, as it has the only product nationwide. It’s not an illegal one. Another company could challenge Nielsen in this market, but no entity has chosen to do so. However, Nielsen stands accused of using its monopoly power in Nationwide, a service that Cumulus believes it must purchase, to force Cumulus to buy Nielsen services it doesn’t want.

Nielsen’s claim is that this is a business negotiation. Nielsen wants to charge more, and Cumulus doesn’t want to pay more. The two sides could negotiate a mutually agreeable price, as has happened for decades, and the company believes this dispute should not end up in a court of law.

Antitrust is hard to prove and win. If you’ve been around a while, you may remember when AT&T was split into seven “Baby Bells” back in 1982 as part of an antitrust settlement. Microsoft changed some practices in 2010 because of an antitrust case brought against the company.

The radio industry is facing enough problems, some a result of so many options for the time and attention of consumers and others self-inflicted. In my view, for the sake of the industry and its future, Nielsen needs to relent, but I can’t see this happening while the company is owned by private equity.

Private equity’s typical modus operandi is to raise prices, cut costs to a minimum, and after some number of years, either sell the firm to another buyer or take it public, reaping a nice profit as well as rewarding those who put up a large percentage of the money to buy the company in the first place. Given those conditions, I can’t imagine the PE folks backing down unless they lose in court.

One other option: the industry needs to tell Nielsen Audio that they’re done with these practices and pricing and will support an alternative. Keep your fingers crossed.

Let’s meet again next week.

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.

Request Experiment By Ed Sheeran Is a Reminder Radio Shouldn’t Ignore

Mike Stern
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Request Experiment By Ed Sheeran Is a Reminder Radio Shouldn’t Ignore

Here’s a random thought for you to consider: maybe the oldest tricks in the book are there because they work best. Other, newer tricks might come and go, but the ones that accomplish what you need probably stay in the book and become part of the oldest-tricks list. Ed Sheeran might be proving that right now.

For example, let’s talk about requests. A time-honored tradition in radio that dates to the earliest days of the medium. It’s fun for the person making the request, and it humanizes the station for everyone else who is listening by letting them know the next song was picked by someone like them.

But over the years, with tighter playlists, reluctance to play anything that isn’t a bona fide smash hit, and reductions in the number of live talent in studios available to take requests, it seems like this trick has fallen out of the book.

Unless you ask Ed Sheeran. According to an article in Hypebot, Sheeran is launching a tour of New Zealand and Australia, and he is allowing fans to curate five songs in each night’s playlist. Prior to the show, there will be a number on screens in the venue that attendees can use to text in suggestions for songs they want to hear. The votes will be tallied, and the top five will be added to Sheeran’s set that night.

Even more interesting is that the requests don’t have to be Sheeran’s songs. According to his social media post announcing this wrinkle in his setlist, “whatever the song is, I will learn it before the show. So, surprise me.”

Now, I could easily run down the value of finding a way to integrate audience requests into your radio station, but Jeremy Young, who wrote the Hypebot article, did a lot of the heavy lifting for me. He listed a set of six reasons other artists should endeavor to do something like what Sheeran is doing. Here are a few that seem germane to our world:

Keeping Shows Dynamic: More than most, I know the argument for playing a tight list of hits. But I also know that finding ways to change it up, like taking some requests, can make a station sound much more vibrant.

Respect for the Audience: Taking requests is a way to subtly tell listeners that their voices do matter and increase their level of passion for the station. It also localizes your station when many others are running syndicated programming.

Creating Shareable Moments: Today, when everyone is a content creator, having your listeners post on their social channels about getting their request played is an excellent form of marketing.

Before the eyes roll or the hands are thrown up in frustration because there are limited people at the station who are already busy wearing four hats each, I would submit that taking requests is a light lift, especially considering the benefits you can reap in return.

In today’s world, there are so many ways to get song suggestions from listeners — text, email, mobile app, website, social media, and probably five more I’m not thinking of — that it’s hardly difficult. Nothing says they must be filled the moment they come in. Schedule the songs ahead of time and send a note back to the listener telling them when their song is coming up to create an appointment-setting opportunity for the requester and their friends and family.

So, whether it’s a daily feature at a certain time, a specialty weekend, or just something you integrate into your regular programming, it’s a good time to follow Ed Sheeran’s lead and pull out one of the oldest tricks in the book. It’s still in there for a reason.

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.

Worries Over the FCC’s Plans to Enforce Equal Time Rules Are Much Ado About Nothing

Garrett Searight
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Worries Over the FCC’s Plans to Enforce Equal Time Rules Are Much Ado About Nothing

The FCC doesn’t often wander into the late-night monologue or the daytime couch. At least it, used to not be a topic frequently discussed.

When it does, reactions tend to be louder than the actual policy shift. That’s exactly what happened after Chair Brendan Carr reminded broadcasters that equal time rules still apply when political candidates are interviewed.

At its core, the reminder was simple. If a program invites an active political candidate to appear, opposing candidates are entitled to comparable access. This isn’t a crackdown. It’s a restatement of rules that have existed for decades.

As long as late-night and daytime talk shows avoid booking active candidates, there’s very little to fear. Most of these programs already operate that way. Celebrities, authors, and cultural figures dominate bookings, not people running for statewide office.

So how prevalent is this issue, really? Are late-night and daytime shows routinely interviewing candidates in competitive races? Outside of a few high-profile Senate contests or presidential cycles, the answer is no.

That reality makes the current outrage feel disconnected from actual programming habits. These shows are not acting as weekly campaign stops. They’re entertainment franchises that occasionally brush up against politics through commentary.

Jimmy Kimmel framed the reminder as another attempt by Carr to silence him. Kimmel has plenty of reasons to be frustrated with the FCC chair. He’s also within his rights to believe political pressure is involved.

Still, this particular reminder isn’t aimed at one host. Equal time rules don’t care about punchlines or party affiliation. They apply based on candidate status, not tone or intent.

Sean Hannity approached the issue from the opposite direction. He argued that the equal time rule should be scrapped entirely. In his view, Americans should decide for themselves what is true or fair.

That position is understandable from a talk host’s perspective. Editorial freedom matters. But broadcast access for candidates is a different question.

Is it really against the public interest for candidates from both parties to reach millions of voters? If one side is given that platform, fairness demands the same opportunity for opponents. The answer there feels undeniably yes.

This also isn’t a new debate. The original waiver allowing The Tonight Show with Jay Leno more flexibility dates back to 2006. Broadcasters have enjoyed wide latitude ever since.

What the FCC is effectively saying now is straightforward. You’ve been operating with a lot of freedom. Just remember that it isn’t unlimited.

That’s not censorship. It’s regulatory housekeeping.

There’s also a tendency to overstate how often this rule would even be triggered. Most late-night appearances involve former officials, activists, or pundits. Those guests don’t qualify as candidates under the rule.

Daytime talk shows follow a similar pattern. Lifestyle segments and human-interest stories rarely collide with active campaigns. The theoretical risk far outweighs the practical one.

The reaction suggests a chilling effect that doesn’t match reality. No one is being forced off the air. No monologues are being pre-screened by regulators.

There are plenty of reasons to believe the FCC is incompetent. This isn’t one of them.

If anything, the reminder reinforces a basic principle. Broadcast licenses come with obligations. Equal access during elections is one of them.

Much of the current consternation feels like political theater. The rules haven’t changed. The landscape hasn’t shifted. Only the volume of the conversation has increased.

In the end, this looks like much ado about nothing. Late-night hosts can keep telling jokes. Daytime shows can keep booking guests. Just don’t turn the couch into a campaign stop.

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

The Business of Sports Betting: Why Did It Explode Over the Last Decade

Sponsored Post
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The Business of Sports Betting: Why Did It Explode Over the Last Decade

A single court ruling changed everything. On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal statute that had blocked states from authorizing sports gambling for 26 years. Nevada lost its monopoly. States lined up to pass their own laws. Money followed.

The numbers since then have been staggering. The American sports betting industry posted $13.71 billion in revenue during 2024, up from $11.04 billion the year before. Handle for the year reached $149.9 billion. As of February 2025, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting in some form. What was once a black market activity or a trip to Las Vegas became a phone app.

Before 2018, sports betting existed in America. It operated through offshore websites, local bookies, and informal networks. The Supreme Court decision did not create demand. It legalized existing demand and built a regulated infrastructure around it.

States saw revenue potential immediately. Commercial gaming operators paid an estimated $15.66 billion in gaming taxes in 2024, marking an 8.5% increase from the prior year. Legislatures that once avoided the topic now compete for operator licenses and tax dollars. The argument shifted from moral objection to economic opportunity.

Each state writes its own rules. Some allow mobile betting statewide. Others restrict wagers to physical casinos. Tax rates vary from single digits to over 50%. This patchwork creates arbitrage for operators and confusion for bettors, but the direction is consistent. More states legalize each year.

Stretching a Bankroll in a Crowded Market

Operators spend heavily on customer acquisition. Sign-up offers, deposit matches, and risk-free wagers have become standard tools in a competitive field. Sportsbook promo codes and bonuses incentivize new users to pick one platform over another, while referral programs and loyalty points reward those who stay. These tactics cut into operator margins but drive the volume that sustains the business model.

Bettors who shop around can reduce their own exposure. Comparing odds across sportsbooks, stacking welcome offers from multiple operators, and timing bets around promotional windows all lower the effective cost of wagering without changing the underlying risk.

Phones Changed the Game

Of the $149.9 billion wagered in 2024, 95% came through online platforms. The smartphone turned sports betting from an event into a constant possibility. A bettor can place a wager during a commercial break, at halftime, or between innings. No travel required. No cash needed.

Live betting accelerated this trend. Globally, in-play wagering commands a 59.58% market share. Bettors no longer commit to outcomes before games start. They react in real time. A quarterback throws an interception, and odds adjust within seconds. The bettor decides whether to act. This format keeps users engaged throughout events rather than waiting for final results.

The global sports betting market reached $100.9 billion in 2024. Projections put it at $187.39 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 11%. Mobile access drives much of this expansion across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Leagues Stopped Fighting and Started Partnering

Professional sports organizations once opposed legalized betting. They argued it threatened game integrity. That position reversed when money became available.

DraftKings now serves as an official sports betting partner of the NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA Tour, and UFC. MGM Resorts became the first casino operator to partner directly with the NBA, a deal reportedly worth $25 million over three years. These agreements bring advertising revenue, data licensing fees, and brand exposure to leagues that previously distanced themselves from gambling.

The partnerships work both ways. Sportsbooks gain credibility through league logos and official data feeds. Leagues gain new revenue streams and deeper fan engagement. A viewer who bets on a game pays closer attention to the broadcast. Networks benefit from higher ratings. Everyone gets paid.

The Math Behind the Business

Sportsbooks operate on margins. They set odds to guarantee a profit regardless of outcomes when betting is distributed evenly across both sides. In practice, imbalances occur, and operators adjust lines throughout the day to manage exposure.

The model depends on volume. Thin margins multiplied across millions of bets generate profit. Customer acquisition costs remain high because lifetime value per bettor runs into the thousands of dollars. Operators spend on marketing now to capture users who will wager for years.

Competition compresses margins further. When multiple books chase the same customer, promotional spending increases, and odds become more favorable to bettors. The market rewards scale. Smaller operators struggle to match the bonuses and advertising budgets of larger competitors.

What Keeps the Growth Going

Three factors sustain the expansion. First, states continue to legalize. Florida, California, and Texas represent massive untapped markets. When they open, national numbers will jump again. Second, betting products keep multiplying. Prop bets, parlays, same-game combinations, and micro-bets on individual plays all add options. Third, media integration deepens. Broadcasts now include betting lines on screen. Pre-game shows discuss spreads openly. The activity becomes normalized through repetition.

The business model has proven resilient through its first years. Revenue records fall annually. Handle increases. Operators remain profitable despite heavy promotional spending.

Looking Ahead

The sports betting industry built itself on legal permission, mobile technology, and league cooperation. None of these factors shows signs of reversal. States want tax revenue. Bettors want convenience. Leagues want partnerships. The alignment of interests makes contraction unlikely.

The market will mature. Promotional spending will decrease as customer bases stabilize. Consolidation among operators will continue. Regulation will tighten in some states and loosen in others. Through all of it, the core business remains straightforward. People want to bet on sports. Legal channels now exist to take that action. The decade since 2018 proved the demand was always there. The infrastructure finally caught up.

670 The Score Announces Passing of Longtime Host Terry Boers

BSM Staff
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670 The Score Announces Passing of Longtime Host Terry Boers

The Chicago sports media landscape is mourning the loss of Terry Boers, a pioneering voice from 670 The Score who helped shape sports talk radio in the city for more than two decades.

Boers was a founding figure at The Score, helping establish its tone and credibility during Chicago’s all-sports radio formative years. Known for his sharp wit and willingness to challenge convention, he became a central station personality. He was also a trusted voice for listeners who valued opinion-driven sports conversation.

“The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones,” said Mitch Rosen, Vice President, 670 The Score. “Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in the Score hallways.”

According to Rosen, the family has requested privacy, and no cause of death was disclosed.

During his 25-year run on Chicago airwaves, Boers shared the airwaves with many talents. He co-hosted afternoon drive alongside Dan Bernstein, a pairing that became one of the most recognizable shows in the market. Their dynamic blended humor, confrontation and insight, creating a program that consistently sparked conversation and helped define The Score’s brand.

In 2016, Boers announced his decision to step away from daily hosting, citing a combination of health concerns and personal reflection. In a column published on the station’s website at the time, he thanked listeners for their loyalty and acknowledged that the physical and mental demands of the role had become increasingly difficult. His final show aired Jan. 5, 2017, marking the end of an era for Chicago sports radio.

Although he retired from a full-time schedule, Boers never fully separated from the station he helped build. He made occasional appearances on the air and remained closely connected to former colleagues, many of whom continued to seek his perspective and company.

“Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person,” wrote Rosen.

Following the news of Boers’ passing, tributes and rememberances poured out online.

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.

SNY Award Winning Mets Director John DeMarsico Departing After 17 Seasons

BSM Staff
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SNY Award Winning Mets Director John DeMarsico Departing After 17 Seasons

A notable behind-the-scenes shift is coming to New York Mets television broadcasts this season, signaling the end of an era for one of baseball’s most acclaimed productions. Longtime game director John DeMarsico is departing SNY after 17 seasons overseeing Mets telecasts, including those featuring the widely respected booth trio of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling.

DeMarsico confirmed the move publicly in a post on X, bringing clarity to what will be a meaningful change for the network and its viewers.

“This wasn’t easy to write,” DeMarsico shared. “After 17 seasons with the Mets on SNY, my time directing games there has come to an end.”

During his tenure, DeMarsico became synonymous with the visual identity of Mets baseball. He helped shape a broadcast style that blended storytelling, pace, and cinematic flair. His work earned multiple Emmy Awards. It also elevated SNY’s coverage into one of Major League Baseball’s most praised local broadcasts.

“I was incredibly fortunate to help tell the story of this team for nearly half my life. After a lifetime of fandom that made the opportunity feel almost impossible when it began. From the very start, I believed deeply in the idea that baseball is cinema. I poured myself into that belief. Grateful for the trust to take creative risks in service of the game and the fans who embraced them,” he wrote.

From a creative standpoint, DeMarsico said his exit stems from broadcasts moving in a different direction. He did not elaborate on specific changes. He expressed gratitude for the trust he received to take chances and treat baseball as a visual art form. That philosophy resonated strongly with viewers for nearly two decades.

DeMarsico acknowledged that leaving has been emotionally challenging, describing Mets baseball and its surrounding community as central to his identity. He added that he has not yet determined his next professional move, marking the first time he has entered the industry without a clear destination.

“I’ve never been a free agent before,” he wrote. “I’m taking a breath, looking ahead, and carrying a lot of pride and gratitude with me.”

SNY has not commented on DeMarsico’s departure as of yet.

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.

Colin Cowherd: ‘Inside the NBA’ Feels Invisible on ESPN

BSM Staff
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Colin Cowherd: ‘Inside the NBA’ Feels Invisible on ESPN

FOX Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd is raising eyebrows across the sports media landscape after suggesting that ESPN’s use of Inside the NBA during its first year under the network’s umbrella may not be accidental. Following comments from Inside the NBA commentator Charles Barkley about wishing the program would have been on more in 2025, Cowherd hinted that the decision could reflect a quieter understanding between ESPN and the NBA.

Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the veteran broadcaster framed his comments carefully, repeatedly labeling them as conjecture rather than confirmed reporting. Still, the theory resonated because it touches on a familiar tension between leagues and the media partners who depend on access while also driving conversation.

“My feeling is, this is just conjecture. Is that ESPN has a great relationship with the NBA, and they said, Yeah, we’ll bring that show over. You won’t see it as much. Put it on the shelf a little bit,” explained Cowherd hinting that ESPN may be potentially attempting to cater to its partner.

While Cowherd stopped short of alleging direct pressure, he implied that the arrangement could be mutually understood rather than contractually mandated.

“You have these new deals, and there’s a lot of understandings that don’t have to be contractual,” said Cowherd. “David Stern didn’t like when people were critical of the NBA either. They’re very sensitive in the NBA.”

Beyond strategy, Cowherd questioned whether Inside the NBA still carries the same weight it once did. The show, long praised for its chemistry and unfiltered humor, previously felt unavoidable in NBA media coverage. Cowherd argued that its cultural presence has diminished, describing it as far less visible now than during its peak years.

“It felt very big at one time, and now it’s invisible. So I don’t know. I’m just saying conjecture,” said Cowherd.

The most pointed portion of Cowherd’s remarks focused on how the show’s tone has historically landed with NBA leadership. Cowherd referenced items he’s heard, over time, that some executives within the league office were uncomfortable with how Inside the NBA lampooned the league and, at times, individual players.

“There were people upstairs in the NBA office that didn’t like how they lampooned the league, and some of the players,” said Cowherd although not specifying any names. “NFL shows don’t make fun of the players. Why are we making fun of the players? I heard that before.”

That sensitivity, Cowherd added, is not new. He also suggested that figures closely associated with Inside the NBA, including Charles Barkley, may not fully see why the show’s role appears reduced. Cowherd argued that modern media deals often come with informal understandings that never appear on paper but still influence programming decisions.

Neither ESPN nor the NBA has publicly addressed Cowherd’s speculation. Inside the NBA is slated to return Saturday with three dates remaining in January. The program has only aired five times since the start of the 2025-2026 season.

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.

Sal Licata Reflects on Emotions of ‘BT & Sal’ Live Event Following WFAN Exit

BSM Staff
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Sal Licata Reflects on Emotions of ‘BT & Sal’ Live Event Following WFAN Exit

Sal Licata admitted he didn’t fully know what to expect when he walked on stage Thursday night for the BT & Sal Show event in front of a live audience at The Vogel in Red Bank, N.J. What unfolded, however, left a lasting emotional imprint that lingered long after the lights went down.

During the most recent episode of The Sal Licata Show, Licata reflected on the night, describing a mix of anxiety, nerves, and excitement that accompanied his return to a stage setting — one that felt especially personal given the show’s abrupt end on WFAN last month.

“I gotta tell you, it was incredible,” Licata said. “I don’t know what I was expecting. I was more anxious, nervous, also very excited to do a show in front of a live crowd. But I’ve never done one on my own like that.”

The event marked the first time Licata and Brandon “BT” Tierney had reunited publicly since their weekday show was removed from WFAN’s weekday lineup. While the duo spent more than two years together on air, Licata acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding the event made the night feel different from anything he had experienced previously.

“This was a show that no longer exists,” Licata explained. “To many extents, the show [BT & Sal] failed, at least in the people who put the show together and in their minds it wasn’t good enough to keep it on WFAN.”

Licata had not shared a stage or studio with Tierney in over a month. In addition, the event required listeners to purchase tickets and travel to New Jersey, adding another layer of uncertainty Licata admitted. Even so, the turnout exceeded his expectations.

“I hadn’t done the show with BT in over a month after doing shows together for two and a half years,” he said. “And you know, it’s in Jersey. You sell them tickets for it. Who knows about the prices? We really do appreciate everybody who drove down there.”

The emotional peak came before a single word was spoken on stage. Organizers opted to have Licata and Tierney enter through the back of the venue, walking directly through the audience as the show’s familiar opening music played.

“When the song hit, the place went nuts,” Licata said. “I’m not saying it was a ton of people. It was whatever, 400 people. I’m not even sure how many people there, but the place went nuts, and it was a weird feeling.”

That reaction, Licata said, reaffirmed the connection the show had built with its audience, even after its end. As the night progressed, the energy only intensified.

“The energy that we both felt with the intro and the crowd and walking through the crowd and high fiving everybody and thanking them for coming, and then getting up on stage and doing our thing,” Licata said. “I’ll tell you, I’m still kind of on a high from it.”

For Licata, the reunion was more than nostalgia. It was validation that the bond formed on the air continues to resonate, even when the show itself no longer exists.

Photos and videos of the event circulated online with appreciation for the event from those in attendance.

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.

Bill O’Reilly Gives Update Following Medical Absence Announcement

BNM Staff
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Bill O’Reilly Gives Update Following Medical Absence Announcement

Following an announcement that he’d be away from his media obligations due to medical issues, Bill O’Reilly has given an update on what the future looks like.

In an article published on his website, O’Reilly shared that he was on the mend and looking forward to returning.

“Greetings, No Spin Nation! Your tour guide is okay and recovering from some stomach stuff. We are open on the website and very happy the Greenland invasion is not happening, but Sri Lanka better watch it,” he joked. “Amazing good wishes have arrived here in New York City, and it’s hard to describe my gratitude.  I am planning a jail break out of the medical facility where there are more than a few Concierge Members. That’s major.”

He continued by noting that he’s already planning his first broadcast back.

“Working on the first broadcast back because there’s nothing else to do here except watch hysterical local TV news coverage about snow generated by global warming.”

Bill O’Reilly committed to providing another update on Sunday. O’Reilly has been hosting and producing his No Spin News show since his 2017 high-profile exit from Fox News. Additionally, he is regularly seen on NewsNation’s primetime show Cuomo alongside Chris Cuomo and Stephen A. Smith.

He also recently ended his nightly radio show on 77 WABC in New York. That station inserted Joe Concha into the 9-10 PM ET timeslot previously occupied by O’Reilly.

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.

KOOL 105 Morning Host Dom Testa Exits

BNM Staff
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KOOL 105 Morning Host Dom Testa Exits

KSE Radio announced that Dom Testa has exited KOOL 105, ending his time with the station. Dom Testa had been part of KSE Radio for 10 years and joined KOOL 105 in 2024 after a long run elsewhere in the Denver market.

Joel Clary, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Radio for KSE, addressed the move and Testa’s tenure with the organization.

“We are deeply grateful for Dom Testa’s contributions and the energy he brought to our airwaves,” Clary said. “Throughout his tenure, Dom has been a true professional, a trusted partner, and an integral part of our success. His dedication, expertise, and passion for connecting with audiences have left an indelible mark on our team and the community.

“Dom has been a tremendous resource and colleague, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Prior to arriving at KOOL 105, Testa spent nearly 32 years hosting the morning show on Mix 100. His move to the KSE sister station took place last year.

During his time at KOOL 105, Testa co-hosted mornings with Melissa Moore. Moore will continue in the weekday 6-10 a.m. MT slot.

The station said the change reflects a shift in programming focus. In recent years, Testa had broadcast remotely from Georgia.

“This change reflects KSE Radio’s strategic direction to strengthen local engagement and maximize opportunities with our valued media partners and advertisers,” Clary said. “By focusing on talent with deep local roots, we aim to deliver even more relevant and impactful content to our listeners.”

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