Home Blog Page 257

Why NFL Network’s ‘Path to the Draft’ Is the Clear Route To Follow Towards Draft Day

John Molori
-
0
Why NFL Network’s ‘Path to the Draft’ Is the Clear Route To Follow Towards Draft Day

It’s early April, and that means sports fans are on a path—one that leads to the NFL Draft beginning April 23.

For fans, players, and the media, the draft is really just the end of a long journey, so why not take a look at a program that reflects that idea: NFL Network’s Path to the Draft.

If variety is truly the spice of life, then Path to the Draft is an entire rack with extra paprika. The show, in its various incarnations, features many NFL Network personalities, along with interviews, stats, analysis, rumors, and insider viewpoints.

Potential player positions and pick prognostications seem to change weekly as we approach the draft in Pittsburgh. But while each of the three rivers remain frigid, the pre-draft chatter is white-hot.

I caught Path to the Draft this week with hosts Rhett Lewis and Cynthia Frelund, and I really liked this combination. With their shared enthusiasm and effervescence, Lewis and Frelund could easily be morning show hosts, yet both are football to the core.

With his square jaw and deep voice, Lewis looks the part of a Hollywood leading man, and he fills that role on NFL Network. Across a number of shows and alongside various analysts, he comes across as comfortable, articulate, and welcoming.

Meanwhile, Frelund has become an unlikely trailblazer in sports media. As NFL Network’s resident analytics expert, she focuses on trends, tendencies, and statistics, but she brings more than just numbers. She has developed into a talented on-air personality who stays in her lane while also veering left or right when warranted.

Path to the Draft began with quick video flashes of some of the top players, paired with broadcast sound from this past season’s games. Like the show itself, the open had depth. It wasn’t just about expected top pick Fernando Mendoza and other quarterbacks; it also featured other offensive players and defensive prospects.

Lewis opened the conversation with a look at the New York Giants, who hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft. An informative graphic showed what several draft experts think the Giants will do with that pick. Among the possibilities were linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State, his teammates wideout Carnell Tate and safety Caleb Downs, as well as Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

A timely graphic also displayed an X post from ESPN’s Adam Schefter stating that Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade, which could influence the team’s decision.

Deserved applause goes to the Path to the Draft production team. A subsequent video montage featured highlights of Jayden Daniels, who, in his rookie season of 2024, led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. Because of injury, Daniels was nearly invisible last year, but he is healthy now, and the video reminded viewers of the excitement he brings to the field. Another strong graphic showed the significant statistical drop the Commanders experienced in 2025.

Lewis did a nice job guiding the show’s content. He played to Frelund’s strengths with her numbers and projections while also engaging in solid repartee with analyst Brian Baldinger, who joined remotely.

A former NFL offensive lineman, Baldinger was a rough-and-tumble player who brings that same edge to his analysis. He is old school, in the mold of guys like Paul Maguire, Mike Ditka, and the late Art Donovan—big personalities who filled up the screen both literally and conversationally.

During a discussion of the Eagles and what they should do with the 23rd overall pick, Frelund suggested that Philadelphia could consider drafting a quarterback—not necessarily to replace Jalen Hurts, but to create potential trade value later.

Path to the Draft is not just a group of draftniks nerding out; rather, it blends team and player analysis with sound from decision-makers such as Giants head coach John Harbaugh and Raiders GM John Spytek.

Breaking news is also part of the show. Another X graphic, this one from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, reported that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was visiting the Carolina Panthers. That development is intriguing, especially considering the strides Carolina QB Bryce Young has made over the past couple of seasons.

Path to the Draft taps into the inherent intrigue that defines the NFL Draft. With rumors, innuendo, and endless possibilities, this is one of the few areas in sports journalism where opinion truly rules. No media personality fully understands how every team evaluates players, but both fans and media enjoy the speculation.

The show embraces that uncertainty and explores nearly every possible scenario. Lewis and Frelund contribute to that energy, and their upbeat approach makes them supremely watchable.

Later in the show, Baldinger and Frelund engaged in a strong back-and-forth about whether the Raiders should start presumed No. 1 overall pick Mendoza or newly acquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 1. After a break, new Titans head coach Robert Saleh praised his running back room, led by Tony Pollard. That discussion transitioned into whether Tennessee should consider drafting Notre Dame’s Love with the fourth overall pick.

While Baldinger acknowledged that Love would benefit any team, he argued that the Titans should resist the temptation and instead address the offensive line early. He understands the importance of trench strength, having spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a guard and center in Dallas, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia.

In an entertaining segment, Lewis, Frelund, and Baldinger offered three-word evaluations of some of the top running backs.

Baldinger described Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price as “fresh, sudden, and violent.” Frelund labeled Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson “hands, explosive, and elusive,” while Lewis used “frame, speed, and next” for Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. The 2026 draft is also rich in wide receivers, and Lewis projected six to go in the first round of his mock draft.

Following a lively discussion on that group, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell joined the show remotely for an interview. Terrell, a 2025 Third Team AP All-American and the brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., discussed having an offensive mindset as a defender—always looking to create turnovers and attack the ball.

The show also featured Baldinger’s signature segment, #BaldysBigBoys. In this installment, he highlighted Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter, jokingly calling him a “human eclipse” because he is so large that he “blocks out the sun.”

In the crowded landscape of pre-draft programming, Path to the Draft stands out for its variety and insight. The show doesn’t just tell viewers about the draft; it shows them through stats, sound, and substance. If the journey to the NFL Draft is a path, then Path to the Draft is clearly the route to follow.

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 a News/Talk Radio Fill-In Host’s Job Isn’t to Sound Like the Regular Host

Garrett Searight
-
1
Why a News/Talk Radio Fill-In Host’s Job Isn’t to Sound Like the Regular Host

News/talk radio has a fill-in problem, and it’s not the one most program directors think it is. The common assumption is that a fill-in host’s job is simple — sit in the chair, execute the regular host’s show, keep the audience comfortable, and don’t rock the boat. It sounds reasonable. It’s also wrong.

Here’s the thing: authenticity wins. We say it constantly in this industry, and we mean it. Listeners have an almost supernatural ability to detect when a host isn’t being genuine. They can feel the difference between someone who believes what they’re saying and someone who’s simply executing a format. So why do we turn around and ask fill-in hosts to perform inauthenticity on command?

When a fill-in host mimics the regular host’s style, they’re not serving the audience — they’re shortchanging it. Instead of getting a real voice with real conviction, listeners receive a carbon copy with none of the original’s earned credibility. That’s a bad trade for everyone involved.

The better approach is straightforward: be yourself. Do the show you actually believe in. Bring your perspective, your pacing, your instincts. If that means the show sounds different for a day or a week, that’s not a failure.

Now, here’s where the pushback usually comes in. “But the radio audience expects a certain thing from that timeslot.” Sure, they do. Audience expectation is real, and it shouldn’t be discounted. However, expectation isn’t a ceiling. The idea shouldn’t be that you play dress-up as the usual host. You need to be you. A confident fill-in host who owns their performance will hold an audience far more effectively than a hesitant one trying to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Think about the best fill-in performances you’ve ever heard. They weren’t the ones where the host disappeared into someone else’s identity. They were the shows where a talented broadcaster stepped up, took the mic, and delivered something memorable. That host didn’t apologize for not being the regular voice. They made you forget — briefly — that there was a regular voice.

If listeners push back on the way a fill-in presents a radio show, that reaction doesn’t automatically mean the fill-in got it wrong. It might simply mean there’s a difference of opinion about how the program should sound. And difference of opinion — isn’t that the entire backbone of the news/talk format? We ask our hosts to have viewpoints, defend them, and challenge audiences to think. It seems contradictory to then ask those same hosts to suppress their viewpoints the moment they’re sitting in for someone else.

The format demands genuine voices, not interchangeable ones. Every host who steps behind a microphone — regular or fill-in — carries a responsibility to be the best version of themselves, not the best approximation of someone else. That’s what builds careers. More importantly, that’s what builds audiences.

Program directors and talent coaches should encourage fill-in hosts to approach the opportunity with ownership. Give them the topics, give them the timeslot, and then get out of the way. Trust that a skilled broadcaster will find their footing and that listeners are adaptable. But most of all, trust the format.

Because at the end of the day, news/talk radio doesn’t need more imitators. It needs more voices — distinct, confident, and unapologetically themselves. Fill-in days aren’t a disruption to be managed. They’re an audition for anyone paying attention, and the best way to pass that audition is to show up as exactly who you are.

Do the show you believe in. That’s always the right call.

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 Prediction Markets Are Gaining Ground in Sports Media Coverage

Sponsored Post
-
0
Why Prediction Markets Are Gaining Ground in Sports Media Coverage

Sports media has always been built around moments. Final scores, standout plays, and postgame reactions have long shaped how fans consume coverage. But that model is shifting. Audiences now expect more than a recap. They want context before the game, insight during it, and a sense of what might happen next.

This change is being driven by a more engaged and informed audience. Fans are following games across multiple screens, tracking data in real time, and looking for ways to stay involved beyond watching. In this blog, we will look at why prediction markets are gaining ground in sports media coverage and how they are reshaping the way fans engage with sports content.

The Evolution from Reaction to Anticipation in Sports Media

For years, sports coverage followed a predictable pattern. Previews set the stage, games delivered the action, and postgame analysis broke down what had already happened. That structure still exists, but it no longer holds the same level of attention on its own.

Today’s audience is less interested in waiting for a recap. With highlights and updates available instantly, the focus of coverage has shifted toward anticipation. Fans want to see not just what happened, but how a game might unfold and how momentum could shift as it progresses. This has led to a rise in content that focuses on scenarios rather than summaries.

This shift is also tied to how fans consume sports. Many are no longer watching passively. They follow live stats, engage on social platforms, and react in real time. Media outlets have adapted by building coverage that feeds into that behavior, offering projections, live discussions, and forward-looking analysis that keep fans engaged from kickoff to final whistle.

Why Sports Media Is Leaning Into Predictive Framing

Prediction has become a central part of how sports stories are told, largely because of how audiences now consume content. Fans are no longer waiting for postgame analysis. They follow games in real time, track updates across multiple platforms, and look for insight that keeps them engaged throughout the viewing experience. Resources like FanDuel Research provide data and projections that feed this forward-looking approach.

To meet that demand, media coverage has shifted toward analysis that anticipates outcomes. Instead of focusing only on what teams have done, coverage now places equal weight on what they are likely to do next. This approach keeps the conversation active before and during games, giving audiences a reason to stay connected beyond the final score.

One clear example is football coverage. Discussions now feature win probabilities, projected game scripts, and scenario-based breakdowns. Analysts show how a matchup could shift due to early drives, injuries, or coaching decisions. These insights set the stage before the game and keep the conversation meaningful as it progresses. This shift toward probabilities, likely outcomes, and scenario-based storytelling mirrors how modern audiences follow sports, moving coverage from simply reporting results to guiding expectations.

How Prediction Platforms Are Reshaping Fan Behavior

As coverage has evolved, so has the way fans interact with it. In the past, engagement was largely limited to watching the game and reacting afterward. Now, fans are participating in real time. They often make their own calls on what will happen next, especially through tools like the FanDuel predictions app. This platform lets users engage with live scenarios, track outcomes, and stay connected to the action throughout the game.

Viewers are prompted with questions during broadcasts and digital streams, asked to consider outcomes, and encouraged to think through different scenarios as they unfold. Instead of waiting for analysis, they are part of it.

The appeal lies in involvement. When fans are asked to predict the next drive, the next score, or the outcome of a key play, they become more invested in the moment. It turns a sequence of plays into a series of decisions, each with its own level of anticipation. This shift has been accelerated by platforms that allow fans to actively participate in what might happen next, transforming traditional viewing into an interactive experience.

The Role of Data, Probabilities, and Real-Time Feedback

Prediction-driven coverage relies on a steady stream of real-time data. Metrics that were once limited to analysts, like win probability models, pace indicators, and efficiency stats, are now built into broadcasts and digital platforms. This gives fans a clearer sense of how a game is unfolding beyond the score.

A common example occurs in close football games. When a team faces a fourth-down decision late in the game, broadcasts show how win probability shifts if the team goes for it versus punts. That number often sparks immediate discussion. Analysts reference it and fans react in real time, framing the decision not just as a coaching choice but as a measurable swing in expected outcomes.

These tools do more than inform, they create a feedback loop. Data shapes the narrative, the narrative influences fan expectations, and fan reactions feed back into coverage. A sudden shift in win probability after a turnover or long drive doesn’t just update the numbers; it resets the conversation around momentum, pressure, and likely outcomes.

Why Prediction Markets Extend Beyond Traditional Bettors

While prediction tools are often linked to betting, their appeal extends far beyond that audience. Many fans engage with predictive content for the challenge, insight, or added involvement rather than placing wagers.

Fantasy players, for example, are accustomed to thinking in terms of projections and outcomes. Prediction markets though offer a way to apply that mindset to live games. Casual fans benefit too, as these tools provide a clearer framework for understanding what is happening and what might happen next.

Broader engagement trends support this shift. Data from the American Gaming Association shows continued growth in sports wagering participation across the U.S. Even without betting, fans are becoming comfortable with predictive concepts, making these markets a natural fit for media coverage and adding depth without requiring commitment.

Where Predictive Sports Coverage Is Headed

The rise of prediction markets reflects a broader shift in how sports are covered and consumed. Fans are no longer satisfied with static information. They expect content that evolves with the game and invites them to be part of the experience.

Looking ahead, predictive elements are likely to become a standard feature across sports media. From live broadcasts to digital platforms, the integration of data, interaction, and analysis will continue to shape how stories are told. For media outlets, the opportunity lies in using these tools to deepen engagement while maintaining trust. For fans, it offers a more active way to follow the sports they care about.

iHeartMedia Begins Round of Layoffs Affecting Management, Sales Staffs

BNM Staff
-
0
iHeartMedia Begins Round of Layoffs Affecting Management, Sales Staffs

iHeartMedia has begun a round of layoffs that includes management and sales departments throughout the company.

If you or someone you know is affected, click here to share your contact information with Barrett Media.

Barrett Media will continue to update this story as new information becomes available.

Affected Employees

iHeartMedia Denver General Manager Brenda Egger has exited the company. In 2021, she was named Region President for the Denver region, overseeing programming, business, and sales for 31 stations in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.

iHeartMedia Metro Division President Nick Gnau has departed. He was elevated to his role in 2023 after previously working as Community Division President.

Florida Region Multicultural Division Vice President of Sales Eddy Elguezabal has departed after just over a year on the job. He previously worked as the President/GM of TelevisaUnivision in Orlando and Tampa.

Jason Wilson, the iHeartMedia Area President for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, has also departed. He originally joined the company in November 2024 after spending nearly eight years with Cox Media Group.

Pete Norden, who worked as the Vice President of Sales at iHeartMedia Jacksonville, is also departing. He’s spent nearly 30 years with the organization in Panama City, Tampa/Sarasota, Charleston, and Jacksonville.

iHeartMedia Cleveland Director of Agency Partnerships and Digital Audio Douglas Trostler has exited. He joined the company in July of last year after spending just under four years working as the Director of Sales for the Midwest Region at Libsyn Ads.

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.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan Launching New Podcast with Omaha Productions

BSM Staff
-
0
ESPN’s Jeff Passan Launching New Podcast with Omaha Productions

ESPN is expanding its baseball coverage with a new audio venture featuring one of its most recognizable insiders.

The network announced that Jeff Passan will host a weekly podcast titled Sources Tell Jeff Passan, produced in collaboration with Omaha Productions. The show is set to debut April 14 across major podcast platforms.

Ahead of the official launch, ESPN will air a 30-minute preview special April 9 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS, giving viewers an early look at the format and tone of the program.

Passan said the goal is to match the current energy surrounding the sport with compelling storytelling and informed analysis. He noted the show will aim to serve both longtime fans and those newer to baseball.

“Baseball is having a moment, and we’re trying to make a show worthy of it,” Passan said. “There are so many incredible stories about the game to tell, and we’re going to do it in a way that makes fans smarter and makes them laugh, too.”

The debut episode will include interviews with standout pitchers Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. ESPN said future episodes will feature conversations with players, executives and other key figures from around Major League Baseball, with an emphasis on context and behind-the-scenes insight.

The addition of Passan’s podcast reflects ESPN’s continued investment in digital audio and on-demand content. Company executives believe his reporting style translates naturally to the format.

“Jeff is one of the most respected and snazziest dressed reporters in baseball, with an unmatched ability to break news and tell the stories,” said Mike Foss. “His voice, perspective and personality make him a natural fit for this format.”

Passan has become a central figure in ESPN’s baseball coverage. As senior MLB insider, he regularly contributes breaking news, longform reporting and on-air analysis across studio programming and digital platforms. This new role allows him to expand that presence while connecting more directly with fans.

Additionally, the partnership with Omaha Productions continues ESPN’s strategy of collaborating with outside content creators to broaden its reach. The company, founded by Peyton Manning, has played a growing role in sports media through alternative broadcasts and original programming.

Episodes of Sources Tell Jeff Passan will be released weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms. ESPN expects the show to become a regular destination for fans seeking both news and personality-driven coverage as the MLB season unfolds.

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.

Former 97.5 The Fanatic Host Mike Missanelli Arrested After Dispute With Fiancée

BSM Staff
-
0
Former 97.5 The Fanatic Host Mike Missanelli Arrested After Dispute With Fiancée

Former Philadelphia sports radio voice Mike Missanelli is facing legal trouble following an incident earlier this week.

According to court records obtained by NBC10 in Philadelphia, Missanelli was arrested Wednesday by the Lower Merion Police Department. Authorities charged the 70-year-old with simple assault and harassment stemming from a domestic dispute.

According to the record, police responded shortly after midnight to a residence on Dale Road in the Wynnewood section of Lower Merion Township. Officers were dispatched after a 911 call was placed and then disconnected, prompting a welfare check.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Missanelli outside the home. He told police that he and his fiancée had been involved in what he described as a “scuffle” during an argument.

According to the complaint, Missanelli said his fiancée struck him in the chest.

However, a different account emerged when officers spoke with the woman involved. She told police the couple had been arguing about their engagement when Missanelli allegedly struck her with an open hand on the left side of her face. Officers documented visible injuries at the scene.

The report noted fresh blood on the woman’s forehead, along with a laceration and swelling near her ear. Those observations were included in the criminal complaint supporting the charges. Missanelli is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 22.

Mike Missanelli departed 97.5 The Fanatic in August of last year, ending a tenure that lasted just under a year after his high-profile return to the station’s airwaves in August 2024. Previously, Missanelli had been with 97.5 The Fanatic for 15 years before his surprise exit in May of 2022.

As of Wednesday, no attorney had been listed in court filings to represent Missanelli, and it remains unclear whether he has secured legal counsel. Authorities have not released additional details about the incident according to NBC10.

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 Reveals Latest Health Update Following Abnormalities Shown In Recent Scans

BSM Staff
-
0
Dick Vitale Reveals Latest Health Update Following Abnormalities Shown In Recent Scans

Legendary college basketball voice Dick Vitale provided a concerning update on his health Wednesday, revealing that recent medical testing uncovered potential issues that require further evaluation.

In a statement released by ESPN, Vitale said doctors identified abnormalities following a series of exams, including a PET scan and multiple MRIs. As a result, additional testing has been scheduled to determine a clearer diagnosis.

“I’m hoping for the best and we will see what the roadmap looks like after an upcoming biopsy,” Vitale said. “As always, I plan to remain as active as ever and fight as hard as can be.”

The longtime broadcaster has struggled with his personal health in recent years. Vitale has been very public about his four battles with cancer since 2021, ranging from melanoma to lymphoma to vocal cord cancer. He explained to Barrett Media in October why he wanted his fight to be so public.

“The reason I made it so transparent: I did it because I knew it would help me raise money for kids. There’s nothing that means more to me right now than bringing a smile to a child’s face and their family’s faces,” explained Vitale to Barrett Media, whose Dick Vitale Gala has raised over $105 million for pediatric cancer research. “I wanted to inspire people not to quit and to keep battling. I feel good about that. It makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile with my life. I want to give back now more than ever because people have given me so much.”

Despite his personal health challenges, Vitale has continued to maintain a public presence and remain active around the sport. His resilience has become a defining part of his story, both on and off the air.

Beyond broadcasting, Vitale has also dedicated significant time to cancer research advocacy. He has long supported the The V Foundation, an organization committed to funding cancer research and improving treatment outcomes.

Vitale emphasized that mission again in his latest statement, pointing to the importance of continued funding and awareness.

“This is why I’m OBSESSED with the incredible work of The V Foundation,” he said. “We need to raise money and bring hope to the millions that are battling and suffering, especially the youngsters.”

For now, Vitale remains in a holding pattern as he awaits further testing. The upcoming biopsy is expected to provide more clarity on his condition and determine next steps. Given his history, Vitale’s latest update adds another chapter to a series of personal health challenges. However, his tone remained consistent with the optimism and energy that have defined his career.

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.

Stephen A. Smith: “There Are Many Folks Out There Who Want Me Done” At ESPN, SiriusXM

BSM Staff
-
1
Stephen A. Smith: “There Are Many Folks Out There Who Want Me Done” At ESPN, SiriusXM

Stephen A. Smith is pushing back against what he describes as a coordinated effort to remove him from the national spotlight. Speaking on his SiriusXM program, The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith said he is well aware of critics who want him off both ESPN and SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio.

He made it clear he is not concerned about those efforts.

“Things have happened in my life over the last year or so that you have a right to know,” Smith said. “There are many folks out there who want me done. They want me fired. They want me taken off the airwaves… Good luck with that.”

The comments come as Smith continues to draw strong reactions across sports media. His outspoken style has long made him a central figure in the industry. It has also placed him at the center of frequent criticism.

Rather than shy away, Smith said opposition motivates him.

“There’s nothing that gets me up more than adversaries,” he said. “I love it. It inspires me, it fuels me.”

However, he drew a distinction between public criticism and personal betrayal. These comments stem off the back and forth between Smith and All The Smoke co-founder Matt Barnes surrounding Smith’s recent comments about LeBron James and Memphis, which sparked widespread reaction.

Smith said he is less bothered by vocal detractors than by individuals he once trusted.

“I don’t hurt easy,” Smith said. “I will tell you what does hurt me; when I have people who smile in my face spanning years and led me to believe we were friends and then backstab me.”

Smith also suggested that some of the pushback is strategic. He pointed to what he described as efforts by current and former athletes to weaken his influence, while not referencing a single named individual.

“They want to make enough noise so enough people can turn against somebody like me,” he said. “Maybe, just maybe, you won’t listen to me. As a result, by not listening to me, it will dilute my impact, and I’d go away, so they won’t have to be concerned about me. Too late for that. I’m not going away.”

Despite the noise, Smith remains one of the most visible personalities on ESPN. He continues to anchor major programming and maintain a daily presence on SiriusXM. Neither company has publicly indicated any plans to make changes. Smith even addressed the possibility of losing one of his platforms. He argued that such a move would not silence him.

Instead, he said it could expand his reach.

“Imagine for a second that I’m no longer working for the Mouse [Disney],” Smith said. “Do you understand there would be no barricades? There would be no barriers. Do you understand? That would unleash me even more.”

That mindset reflects Smith’s broader approach to his career. He has consistently leaned into controversy rather than avoiding it. The strategy has helped him build a massive audience across television, radio and digital platforms.

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

Sid Rosenberg: ‘I’m Considering’ Running for Mayor of New York

BNM Staff
-
0
Sid Rosenberg: ‘I’m Considering’ Running for Mayor of New York

77 WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg is not a fan of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. So, he might challenge him in the next election.

During his show on Wednesday morning, Rosenberg said that he has repeatedly been asked by major Republicans in the city to run for the top office.

“Two different tables at this restaurant last night asked me to run for mayor,” Rosenberg said. “It is very nice.”

When asked by the station’s News Director, Noam Laden, if he would run for the office, Sid Rosenberg didn’t shoot it down.

“I’m considering it,” he admitted. “I guess I should say it this way: I would not not run based on somebody else. In other words, if they said, ‘You can’t be (NYPD Commissioner Jessica) Tisch,’ I don’t care. I don’t care who I’d be running against. If I decide to run, I’ll run, and I’ll win. I won’t get 7%, I can promise you that. I won’t get 7%,” he reiterated. “But it’s not going to matter who else is running.”

The statement about receiving 7% of the vote is a shot at former 77 WABC host Curtis Sliwa, who earned 7% of the vote as the Republican candidate in last November’s election.

Sid Rosenberg concluded by stating that he would need approval from his wife to seek the office. “Which we know is not going to happen,” Laden added.

Should Rosenberg seek the office, he’ll become the latest in a long line of 77 WABC hosts running for mayor. In addition to Sliwa, station owner and afternoon host John Catsimatidis sought the Republican nomination for the office in 2013. He received 40% support while falling to Joe Lhota. Midday host Greg Kelly has also previously shared he was considering a run for the office.

The next mayoral election in New York City doesn’t take place until 2029.

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.

Matt Barnes: The Old Stephen A. Smith Would “Slap The S**t” Out Of Current Day Smith

BSM Staff
-
0
Matt Barnes: The Old Stephen A. Smith Would “Slap The S**t” Out Of Current Day Smith

The ongoing feud between Stephen A. Smith and Matt Barnes has taken a more personal turn, as Barnes delivered a sharp and emotional response to Smith’s latest comments about him. Barnes, who has known Smith for more than two decades, framed his criticism through that history.

He said the version of Smith he first met early in his career differs greatly from the personality seen today.

“I’ve known you for over 20 years,” Barnes said. “And I know that the Stephen A. Smith I met in Philly…would’ve slapped the s**t out of this dude. … You was too cool, too down to earth, not with the bulls**t. But now you with a lot of s**t, and it’s more disheartening than anything.”

The latest chapter in their back-and-forth stems from Smith’s recent comments about LeBron James and Memphis, which sparked widespread reaction. Barnes pushed back forcefully, but he insisted his intent was not rooted in disrespect.

“I wasn’t trying to disrespect. I look up to you, but what you’ve been on is bulls**t. Plain and simple,” Barnes said. “When I say we, I’m talking about the former athletes that used to really confide and come holla at you. … Now we don’t even know you.”

Barnes also questioned what he sees as a shift in how Smith forms his opinions. He suggested that outside influences and recent media alignments have played a role in that evolution. In doing so, Barnes expressed concern that Smith’s current approach has changed how he is perceived by peers across sports and media.

“I just keep seeing…that the reason why you have such right-leaning opinions is because you get information from Bill O’Reilly’s information team,” Barnes said. “I don’t think you realize that there’s people that put you in that same category now. That’s what disappoints me, because I know you’re not that dude.”

Smith previously responded to Barnes defending his reporting and dismissing the criticism. He argued that covering James and other high-profile figures falls squarely within his responsibilities. Smith also challenged Barnes’ credibility that he provides on his own podcast.

Smith has long built his brand on strong opinions and debate. Meanwhile, Barnes has leaned into candid, player-driven discussions on All The Smoke. Still, Barnes made it clear that his frustration comes from a place of respect, not rivalry. He said he still views Smith as someone he once admired, which makes the perceived change more difficult to accept.

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.

1...256257258...2,772Page 257 of 2,772