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DAZN Reportedly Still Pursuing Purchase Of Main Street Sports Group

BSM Staff
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DAZN Reportedly Still Pursuing Purchase Of Main Street Sports Group

DAZN’s long-rumored interest in acquiring Main Street Sports Group remains alive, according to new reporting from The Sports Business Journal. The reported interest remains as the clock continues to tick toward a critical funding deadline that could determine the future of dozens of professional teams’ local media rights.

According to the report, DAZN has stayed in communication with Main Street Sports Group and Major League Baseball after what previously appeared to be a stalled pursuit. With Main Street needing new capital by the end of the month, those conversations have taken on added urgency.

DAZN is tentatively scheduled to meet with MLB next week to evaluate the long-term outlook of baseball’s media rights landscape. At the center of those talks is whether owning Main Street — and the local rights to as many as nine MLB clubs — could position DAZN favorably as the league prepares to launch a national streaming package beginning in 2028.

That meeting could prove decisive, particularly if DAZN concludes that a durable partnership with MLB is unlikely and elects to walk away.

Meanwhile, uncertainty has spread beyond baseball. Main Street’s portfolio also includes 20 teams across the NBA and NHL, many of which are bracing for potential disruption. None of those clubs received scheduled rights fee payments on January 1, and Main Street has asked them to accept a 20% reduction while deferring payments until the second or third quarter.

The report states if DAZN agrees to act as a guarantor by February 1, league sources believe operations could continue largely uninterrupted for all 29 teams across the three leagues. However, the nine MLB clubs involved have indicated they will exit without new financing in place by that date, especially with the regular season approaching.

Among NBA and NHL teams, skepticism runs high. Sources tell SBJ privately believe Main Street could shutter by February 1, leaving full-season payments unresolved. Under that scenario, leagues have contingency plans ready.

The NBA would likely steer its affected franchises toward local over-the-air or direct-to-distributor partners while also making games available to in-market fans through League Pass. The NHL would emphasize a similar over-the-air approach, building on recent experiments with free, ad-supported platforms.

Despite ongoing discussions, doubts persist about whether DAZN will ultimately rescue Main Street. Both MLB and the NBA are planning national direct-to-consumer offerings by 2028 and 2027–28, respectively, which could limit the long-term value of a Main Street acquisition unless teams agree to extensions.

Complicating matters further, several markets served by FanDuel Sports Network face added risk if marquee teams depart, potentially triggering contractual issues with distributors and opening escape clauses for remaining franchises.

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.

iHeartMedia’s 1430 The Buzz Extends 40-Year Agreement With Tulsa Drillers

BSM Staff
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iHeartMedia’s 1430 The Buzz Extends 40-Year Agreement With Tulsa Drillers

The Tulsa Drillers and iHeartMedia are adding another chapter to one of Minor League Baseball’s longest-running broadcast relationships, extending their radio partnership through the 2026 season.

The organization announced that all 138 Drillers games during the upcoming campaign will again air live on AM 1430, The Buzz, continuing a connection that now spans four decades.

The agreement marks 40 consecutive years of collaboration between the Drillers and iHeartMedia. While also solidifying the station’s role as the team’s flagship radio home for a 22nd straight season.

Consistency has been a defining feature of the iHeartMedia partnership, and that theme extends to the broadcast booth. Dennis Higgins will return as the official Voice of the Drillers for his 18th season with the club. He brings more than 35 years of broadcasting experience, including work at the Major League Baseball level with the San Francisco Giants. His career has also been recognized locally, as he was named Oklahoma Sportscaster of the Year in 2017.

Drillers broadcasts will again be available across multiple iHeartMedia platforms. This ensures fans can follow the team in Tulsa or while listening from afar. In addition to live radio coverage on AM 1430 The Buzz, games will stream on the official Minor League Baseball app and the iHeart app. Each broadcast will typically be preceded by a 15-minute pregame show, offering listeners analysis and context before first pitch.

AM 1430 The Buzz serves Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma as a 24-hour iHeartMedia sports radio station. It is also an affiliate of Fox Sports Radio. Its daily lineup is anchored by nationally recognized programs. These include The Dan Patrick Show and The Herd with Colin Cowherd. The station blends local sports coverage with prominent national voices.

The continued presence of Drillers baseball strengthens the station’s local identity while providing reliable access to the region’s Minor League Baseball team.

The upcoming season’s radio schedule will begin on Thursday, April 2, when the Drillers open their campaign against San Antonio.

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Molly Qerim Lands First Role Following First Take Exit With Zuffa Boxing

BSM Staff
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Molly Qerim Lands First Role Following First Take Exit With Zuffa Boxing

Molly Qerim is returning to a national sports stage with her first high-profile assignment since departing ESPN, landing a key hosting role with the newly launched Zuffa Boxing.

According to a report by Front Office Sports, Qerim will serve as the desk host for Zuffa Boxing’s inaugural event, which takes place Friday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streams exclusively on Paramount+.

The move signals a notable reentry into live event television for Qerim, who spent more than a decade as the face of ESPN’s weekday debate programming.

Qerim will anchor studio coverage alongside former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver, boxing insider Mike Coppinger, and longtime reporter Mark Kriegel. The broadcast booth will feature a veteran trio, including Joe Tessitore, Max Kellerman, and former world champion Andre Ward. Heidi Androl will handle ringside reporting duties.

For Qerim, the assignment also marks a professional reunion with Kellerman. The two worked together for years on ESPN’s First Take, where Qerim moderated debates and steered conversations through some of the network’s most visible and polarizing moments.

She exited the show last year, closing a chapter that firmly established her as one of the most recognizable hosts in sports media.

Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, blending combat sports infrastructure with global entertainment ambitions. Oversight of the project includes influential figures such as Saudi official Turki Alalshikh, WWE president Nick Khan, and UFC president and CEO Dana White.

Zuffa Boxing recently signed a five-year agreement with Paramount, which already serves as UFC’s exclusive media partner. Friday’s debut card provides a competitive showcase designed to introduce the brand to boxing fans. The main card features Callum Walsh against Carlos Ocampo, Misael Rodriguez facing Austin Deanda, and Julian Rodriguez squaring off with Cain Sandoval. Preliminary bouts begin at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+.

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How Scott Rizzuto Found Success in the Gateway to the West at 105.7 The Point

Mike Stern
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How Scott Rizzuto Found Success in the Gateway to the West at 105.7 The Point

People are different in the Midwest, and those qualities run deep in St. Louis. The area is known for people who are practical, hard-working, community-oriented, and, more than anything else, incredibly loyal. Even people transplanted to the city often adopt those traits. While you can debate whether that is nature or nurture, you won’t find a better example than Scott Rizzuto, morning host on Hubbard Alternative 105.7 The Point.

A transplant from the East Coast, Rizzuto has not only settled in St. Louis but also mirrors the market and culture of the area. Talk to him, and you quickly hear how well he fits.

“I never thought I would be living in the suburbs of St. Louis,” said Rizzuto. “If you had asked me when I was fifteen if I thought that thirty years from now I would be living in Wildwood, Missouri I would have said ‘you’re crazy.’ I love it here and the station. I love working for (Operations Manager and Brand Content Director) Tommy Mattern and being a part of Hubbard broadcasting.”

Rizzuto realizes not everyone is that fortunate. Having management you get a feel that cares for you as a talent. He believes he’s in a good position with 105.7 The Point with the creative freedom that they allow. It’s something he never takes for granted, and doesn’t foresee giving up.

In fact, quite the opposite is true. Rizzuto is doing everything he can to stay right where he is, and it starts with another Midwestern trait, hard work. Even though his morning show has posted dominant ratings for many years, he continues to try to outwork everyone else.

“My alarm goes off at 2:30 and I’m out of the house by three. I’m usually the first one in the building, turning the lights on,” he explains. “I over-prepare. (Former morning show partner) Woody used to tell me, ‘You’re killing yourself,’ but I learned that work ethic from him.”

Jeff “Woody” Fife, host of The Woody Show, now finds himself syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks out of Los Angeles. When the conversation shifts to a mention of Woody, the common characteristic that comes up is loyalty.

Woody moved from afternoons to mornings at The Point in 2009, teaming with Rizzuto who was on nights at the time. The duo enjoyed a highly successful run until Woody left for Los Angeles in 2014. Since then, Woody’s syndicated show has aired in the market at times on competing stations.

This past November, however, the two reunited when The Woody Show was added to afternoons on The Point. For some hosts, adding another personality-driven show might cause concern or insecurity. Not here. The two have remained friends over the years, and Rizzuto welcomed his former partner back with open arms.

“He was huge when he was here and made his name in this market,” says Rizzuto. “When he left I wanted to make my own way and get out of that shadow. However, I also never shied away from talking about him or relating a memory.”

Rizzuto also points out key differences between the two shows. Possibly because of his early association with Woody, some people label Rizzuto a “shock jock,” but he says that description misses the mark.

“I’m not salacious to be salacious. That’s not what I do nor who I am,” explained Rizzuto. “When I was with Woody and he would say something outrageous I would sort of shrink into the corner.”

He says this not as a criticism of his former co-host, but explaining the moment in time. Rizzuto admits at the time he didn’t know how to host mornings, and didn’t know what was considered “shocking” for the daypart he now held.

While The Woody Show uses the tagline “insensitivity training for a politically correct world,” Rizzuto describes his program more moderately. Five people talking about what’s going on in their lives and in the city. Although the show avoids politics and anything too serious, Rizzuto has grown comfortable sharing opinions on the air believing that openness is a major part of what listeners hear.

“Even our opinions are not crazy. We have opinions that run the gamut but we’re not going over the line on purpose,” he said. “We’re just being ourselves. That’s what morning shows are, a chance to share opinions.”

That restraint reflects another Midwestern trait, practicality. If the show pushed too far, it wouldn’t enjoy the advertiser relationships Rizzuto has worked hard to build.

“When I go to an initial meeting with a client I always explain that this is a partnership. I appreciate them spending money and I’m giving them my listeners who will become customers. I always believe it’s going to be a win for everyone,” says Rizzuto.

That approach leads back to Midwestern loyalty and a deeper connection with partners and listeners alike.

“90% of the sponsors I deal with directly have been with me for ten or eleven years. I’ve been to weddings of kids of our sponsors,” explained Rizzuto. “We’re in the spot now where listeners say things like ‘I used to listen every morning with my dad when he was dropping me off for school.’”

Rizzuto admits that realization can be jarring from time to time. However the loyalty to his program and the many interactions with listeners who remain in St. Louis has led Rizzuto to not consider anything different.

“I love the city,” he explained. “My kids are from here. Cost of living is fantastic. I can get everything here that I get in any other city, and I’ve got a mile of woods behind my house.”

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.

Pat McAfee’s White House Broadcast Exposes ESPN’s Issue With No Creative Control

John Mamola
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Pat McAfee’s White House Broadcast Exposes ESPN’s Issue With No Creative Control

It’s hard to treat everyone the same when you’re in a managerial role. Typically, certain talents receive better treatment than others based on several factors. Big performers get perks, while the rest strive to reach their level. It’s nearly impossible to manage all talent the same way in any media environment. That’s where ESPN has struggled with its oversight, if any, of The Pat McAfee Show.

When the network gave up any creative influence on the program, it revealed a different side of ESPN that audiences had never seen. How could a brand allow creative freedom without guardrails at a network as large as ESPN? It was unique at the time and remains so today. The move set a precedent that large networks are willing to pay talent to “be them” and “do what they do best” rather than creating, building, and growing brands internally.

Now, that decision to give up any creative control is being tested again. The Pat McAfee Show announced plans to broadcast from the White House in conjunction with the UFC’s June 14 event. Will ESPN hold itself to the standards it previously established, or will it move forward because of a decision it already agreed to?

The honor of being showcased at the White House is nothing new. Teams, athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities have all graced the grounds of “the people’s house.” However, it’s no secret that the network has attempted to curb opportunities and content ideas tied to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in recent years, especially during the two elections of President Donald Trump.

Has ESPN visited the White House for a Final Four bracket the way it did during the Barack Obama administration? They sent the invite, but Trump declined.

Have several ESPN employees been suspended or left the company over political leanings or social media policies?

It’s no secret that ESPN has attempted to distance itself from the political lens as much as possible. Their message has been ESPN, not CNN. Sports, not politics. Games, not protests. Sports are cultural, while politics are real life.

That’s why giving up creative control is now an issue.

Last year, ESPN Radio and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum revealed to Outkick that in 2019 he pitched the idea of an exclusive interview with President Donald Trump. According to Finebaum, the discussion centered on Trump’s attendance at the upcoming LSU–Alabama game later that year. No politics, just sports.

“It was just about the idea of going to the White House to interview the President of the United States,” he said to Outkick. “And it wasn’t about politics, it was about, you’re coming to a football game. The biggest game of the year in college football, and I never exactly knew where the kill button came from, but it didn’t happen.”

A week after that interview with Outkick, Finebaum did not make his weekly appearances on First Take, SportsCenter or Get Up on ESPN. While the network denied allegations that Finebaum was suspended following the interview’s release, the absence was noticeable. Finebaum did, however, continue hosting his radio program on the SEC Network during that time and later resumed his weekly television appearances.

Still, the takeaway remains clear. Finebaum’s opportunity to interview the President of the United States at the White House in connection with a sporting event was denied.

In June, The Pat McAfee Show will broadcast live for two hours from the White House in connection with a sporting event. It also likely that Trump himself will make an extended appearance on the program, which airs on ESPN platforms.

Finebaum made his request in 2019. McAfee’s show is live in 2026. Has the standard changed, or did ESPN handcuff itself by giving up creative control?

McAfee is not an ESPN employee, while Finebaum is. However, both produce content for the network. If Stephen A. Smith made a similar request, would he be denied? What about Tony Kornheiser or Michael Wilbon? Would they receive the same response from ESPN brass?

Those are fair questions, and they highlight the situation ESPN has created for itself. It’s also not just about broadcasting from the White House or the near certainty of extended airtime with Trump. The business implications matter, too, especially when it comes to cross-promotion for the UFC and Paramount+.

The last time I checked, Paramount+ is a competitor of ESPN. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m confident I’m not.

During Thursday’s interview with UFC President Dana White, both McAfee and White delivered extensive cross-promotion for the launch of the “Paramount+ era.” ESPN television featured more than 20 mentions of Paramount+, including multiple moments in which White explained why the Paramount+ experience is better than what viewers previously had. You know, with ESPN.

Is it a new day? Sure.

Do late-night talk show hosts appear on competitors’ programs? Of course.

However, allowing a guest on your airwaves to explain why their new partner is superior to the relationship they once had with you is another matter entirely. Yikes.

Between Trump’s presence and the likelihood that the broadcast turns into a two-hour infomercial for Paramount+ in June, does ESPN have any say in the matter? That’s the dilemma the network now faces, and it traces back to control.

ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus has often said that McAfee wants open dialogue with ESPN leadership. Magnus has also been McAfee’s strongest defender despite the headlines McAfee generates for all the wrong reasons. Viewership has not declined. Revenue continues to grow, and influence sits at an all-time high.

But at what cost? It’s difficult to maintain one standard for many and a different standard for a select few.

This is what happens when a network chooses leverage over leadership. By giving up creative control, ESPN didn’t just empower a show. It limited its own ability to say no. Once “no” leaves the table, every decision becomes reactive instead of intentional.

The contrast with Finebaum isn’t subtle, and neither is the message sent to the rest of the ESPN roster. Some voices get guardrails. Others get carte blanche. That approach may make business sense in the short term, but it erodes internal trust and external clarity.

ESPN created this situation, and now it has to live with it. Once standards depend on who’s asking, they stop being standards at all.

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 Sports Franchise Owners Should Move Away From the Mic, and Stay in the Office

John Lund
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Why Sports Franchise Owners Should Move Away From the Mic, and Stay in the Office

Terry Pegula didn’t just fire his head coach — he accidentally hosted a masterclass in how to lose a sports press conference. The Bills owner walked to the podium this week and, within minutes, managed to say the refs basically stole the Denver game from Buffalo.

Then he turned around and said he fired his coach for losing that same game. Which is it, Terry? Did the officials do you dirty, or did your coach fail? You can’t play both sides and expect the room not to notice.

From a media standpoint, that’s a gift. Contradictions are content gold. Producers don’t even need to brainstorm segments when an owner starts arguing with himself in public.

Pegula kept going. He started explaining draft decisions, suggesting the coaching staff pushed for former second-round pick Keon Coleman. Translation? “Not my fault.” Except there’s a small problem — that wide receiver is still on the team.

You don’t publicly question a young player’s pedigree while he’s still trying to establish himself. That clip isn’t going anywhere. It’ll be replayed every time Coleman drops a pass. It’ll live on radio, on social, on debate shows.

That’s not honesty. That’s self-sabotage.

Fans know it. They remember draft night and remember the GM praising the pick. They remember the hype. You can’t rewrite history anymore. This isn’t 1996. Every quote is archived. Every contradiction is clipped. Pegula didn’t just lose control of the narrative — he handed it over like a party favor.

From a media lens, it was electric. From a leadership lens, it was chaos. This is what happens when owners talk.

They think they’re explaining. Fans hear excuses. They think they’re being transparent. Fans hear spin. And the media? We feast, chop it up and loop the audio. We build segments around every pause and side-eye. Owners don’t understand that once they step into the press room, they aren’t executives anymore — they’re content creators.

Which brings us to the GOAT of owner soundbites: Jerry Jones.

Nobody in sports has given the media more material than Jerry. Not a quarterback or a coach. Not even Antonio Brown. Every time Jerry opens his mouth, a segment producer somewhere smiles.

He doesn’t do interviews — he runs a weekly podcast without realizing it.

Contract negotiations? Jerry treats them like reality TV confessionals. One week he’s praising a guy like family. The next week he’s questioning commitment. Dak. CeeDee. Micah. Spin the wheel. It takes a full PR army to clean up Jerry every week.

“Let me clarify.”

“That was taken out of context.”

“He didn’t mean it like that.” Doesn’t matter.

The clip is the clip. There are no director’s cuts in sports media. Once it’s out there, it belongs to the internet. Jerry gives the internet a buffet. Is it entertaining? Absolutely. Is it good leadership? Not even close.

Who wants their contract negotiations handled through headlines or their boss freelancing leverage on morning radio? Who wants their future debated because ownership couldn’t stay quiet? Great for content. Terrible for trust.

And that’s the real issue: sports owners don’t understand their customers.

They’re brilliant at business. They buy franchises, build stadiums, close nine-figure deals. They live in boardrooms and private jets. Fans live in heartbreak. Owners see spreadsheets. Fans see third-and-two. You can’t corporate-speak a fanbase. They smell it instantly — especially now, when every word gets clipped, memed, and roasted within minutes.

That’s why ownership press conferences almost always backfire.

They think they’re calming things down. They end up lighting the match. Pegula’s press conference didn’t settle anything. It poured gasoline on every hot take in America. Suddenly it wasn’t just about the coaching change — it was about leadership, blame, culture, and whether the owner even trusts his own football people. Good luck landing a quality coach now.

Trust is everything.

I covered the 49ers when Jed York used to talk. A lot. It wasn’t helping anyone. He was part of every story, controversy, and coaching debate. Then something changed. He hired John Lynch. Empowered Kyle Shanahan. And here’s the magic trick — he shut up.

From a media standpoint? Boring. From a football standpoint? Brilliant.

No Super Bowl ring yet, but one of the most consistently good teams in the NFL. Deep playoff runs. Identity. Stability. That’s not an accident. That’s ownership getting out of the way. Less hands-on. More success. Funny how that works.

We’ve seen this movie before. Al Davis was a legend. A pioneer. Then late in his career, “Just Win, Baby” was replaced by “What the hell is he doing?” The Raiders became a circus.

Mark Davis should take notes. Fade back. Let Tom Brady be the face. Let football people talk football. Owners don’t need to be the star of the show. Don’t worry, they’ll hand you the trophy first on television in the end to feed your insatiable ego.

Because here’s the truth through a media lens: owners talking is fantastic content. Clicks. Ratings. Segments. It feeds the machine, keeps shows full, and gives columnists something to write about. I’m doing it right now.

Every time an sports owner grabs a mic, it sends a message: “I don’t trust the people I hired.” Coaches feel it. Players feel it. Front offices feel it.

Culture starts at the top. Messaging starts at the top. Trust starts at the top. When ownership panics publicly, everyone feels it — and the media smells blood. We clip it. Debate it. Drag it for days.

But fans? They don’t want to hear from you and don’t need your explanation nor your spin.

They don’t want to hear how out of touch you are. What do they want? Wins, accountability, competence. They want to believe the people running the team actually know what they’re doing.

Owners should own. Sign the checks. Build the facilities. Hire smart people and then trust them. Sit in your suite. Wave to the camera. Enjoy the shrimp cocktail. But stay away from the microphones.

Because while owners talking is great for content creators — myself included — it’s horrible for the football side of things. The best owners are invisible. The worst ones are trending.

So please, owners: less is more. Support publicly. Criticize privately. Stay rich, upstairs, and off the mic. Your fanbase doesn’t want to hear from you.

Even if we do.

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 Media Needs to Coach Up Its Stars Like Sports Does

Pete Mundo
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Why Media Needs to Coach Up Its Stars Like Sports Does

The start of 2026 has been littered with stories about media outlets clamoring for their next big star. TV and radio networks hit the reset button, bring in new faces, and consider where to find their next stars. Digital outlets are always tinkering and figuring out which moves to make to disrupt the industry and gain a leg up on competitors.

But there is a bigger-picture conversation that needs to be had to ensure those in charge are setting up their potential stars to succeed.

In the sports world, discussions have already begun about which network might land former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin stepped down as the Steelers’ head coach this month after a 19-year tenure. There’s obviously a wealth of knowledge Tomlin has amassed over his successful career that would be fascinating for millions of NFL viewers.

But does that mean he’s automatically an elite communicator who knows how to channel those insights and spell them out in a way that is informative, efficient, and ultimately entertaining? There are knowledgeable individuals in every industry in America who would not make for great television.

I’m not saying it can’t be Mike Tomlin. It may very well be, but it’s never a guarantee. For many casual fans, there’s a belief that a coach with Tomlin’s resume must be able to transition to the broadcast booth or set without any real understanding of what makes one successful in a completely different line of work, one that takes many years to develop.

On the political side, there was also some big news this week. Fox News signed Reince Priebus as a political analyst who will appear across all platforms. Reince certainly has experience in the media from his time as President Trump’s Chief of Staff during his first term, but will that automatically translate into pithy, relatable, and strong commentary that entertains viewers? He’s capable, but it remains to be seen.

None of this is meant to downplay the career successes of either individual or the decisions — or potential decisions — of networks. It’s more about respecting what it takes to be elite in this career. For too many on the outside looking in, there’s a sense that it’s as easy as turning on a microphone or having the camera light go red, and boom, you have a star.

There are certainly cases where that’s true, but learning how to effectively communicate to a mass audience and keep it engaged is its own skill set that is oftentimes overlooked, both inside and outside the industry. Familiar names can be an initial draw, but after that, they have to earn their keep with the audience.

The value that can be, and should be, placed on coaching up broadcasters can’t be overlooked either. Granted, all of us with a microphone have received awful advice from “coaches” in the business. But there are some elite ones out there who know how to make talent succeed, harness their skills, and develop them into excellent communicators.

In radio and TV, we no longer do enough of this in most cases. There’s no coaching. There’s limited feedback. And there are few other industries that would operate this way. Athletes are always looking for coaches to make them better. Politicians use advisers all the time to figure out how to deliver their messaging most effectively and to work on their own delivery. Musicians are constantly working on their craft and use voice coaches to make sure they’re doing everything in their power to be the best they can be. Heck, Bob in Accounting probably has someone mentoring him to grow and become a better accountant.

But for on-air TV and radio positions, we don’t seem to be doing it. It’s not just a disservice to those currently on the air. It’s a disservice to those we want to put on the air. We just assume they’ll be able to get it or figure it out. Some will. Some won’t. It’s our job to, just like athletes, put them in positions to win.

I’ll never forget hearing Colin Cowherd once explain that a successful radio host sounds like he’s rolled out of bed and is just starting to talk and opine on the biggest stories of the day, while actually spending hours preparing for each topic and segment. It’s that conversational tone, mixed with passion and energy, that can take broadcasters years to master. It’s a skill learned through doing and, yes, oftentimes, training.

And it’s important we don’t forget that as we look to the future, whether it’s in local radio or TV, at the network level, or in your next digital venture. We owe it to them. We owe it to our brands. And ultimately, we owe it to the audience.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Human Is the New Vinyl — And Rock Radio Can’t Afford to Forget It

Keith Cunningham
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Human Is the New Vinyl — And Rock Radio Can’t Afford to Forget It

A few things seem obvious: the audience doesn’t want to be duped. They want authenticity. And they’re starving for real connection. Rock radio, or as I like to call it, RockTernative, should be their home.

iHeartMedia may take a perceptual beating from insiders, but the company deserves credit for being ahead of the curve in trying to address America’s concerns over AI’s societal impact.

When the company sent out its Thanksgiving press release announcing its new companywide slogan, “Guaranteed Human,” it was picked up by industry media as if it were Howard Stern announcing a comeback to terrestrial radio.

As the country’s largest broadcaster and a bottom-line setter, this was an important announcement at an important time. It’s also something any other broadcaster could have done, but unless I’m mistaken, iHeart was first with such a bold, nationwide proclamation.

But slogans only go so far.

How the company operates and truly defines “Guaranteed Human” in a voicetracking and quarterly earnings environment — and what it all really means behind the scenes for programming, operations, and administration — is a discussion for another day.

Ultimately, it all comes back to the fans. They’ll be the ones driving the decisions America’s biggest brands make. The days of listeners simply accepting whatever they’re given are over. Meet humanity’s demands or be replaced.

Ironically, outside of the fear of being replaced, what I hear most about AI from fans is a fear of being misled — and a desire for real human connections with people they can trust, not digital hangouts with randoms who might be bots.

Being Human

So what does this mean for those of us in RockTernative?

It can mean several things, but it starts with something simple: just being human.

  • Share feelings and opinions
  • Own imperfections — don’t prerecord everything into perfection
  • Break some rules and be unpredictable at times
  • Answer phones, texts, and comments
  • Put listeners on the air
  • Go out and meet people
  • Write copy for 2026, not 1996
  • Don’t overhype
  • Put liners into your own words
  • Play real music and curate logs — don’t just auto-schedule them
  • Stop pretending you’re in Boise when you’re in Tampa

Those may seem easy, or even small, but they’re not. Collectively, they add up to a bigger picture that isn’t being painted at many brands. And time is running out. Listeners can see, hear, and feel their way through bullshit.

The audience is sending signals and giving radio the rope it needs. But if the human element in radio gets lost — even if only perceptually — that’s when the relevance and revenue ballgames end.

It’s Like Vinyl vs. Digital

RockTernatives won’t believe where the idea for today’s ramblings came from. Over the holiday break, I heard Matthew or Gunnar Nelson on the Marci’s Playground podcast say, “Human is the new vinyl.”

Yes, the Nelson twins. It’s a long story — but that line slays. It says a lot.

Why do people still love vinyl?

  • Nostalgia and memories of better times
  • Authenticity — real humans, real instruments
  • Imperfection: the hiss and crackle
  • Non-compressed sound with more range
  • Physical materials — liner notes, artwork, photos
  • The smell
  • Putting on a record requires intent and effort, not just a digital touch or scroll

All of that creates a real, human connection. Fans say they can hear the difference with vinyl, but most really can’t. What they mean is they can feel the difference.

AI and digital streaming, on the other hand:

  • Perfection — no off notes, no scratches
  • Ubiquity, often free
  • Compression that doesn’t breathe
  • Disposable — shareable now, forgotten by dinnertime
  • No physical presence
  • Emotionless — like an AI girlfriend that says she loves you, but you never feel it

AI isn’t bad. It will benefit humans in real ways. But AI will lose when it pretends to be human.

RockTernative Is Human

Rock music has always been created and performed by humans. Fans expect authenticity. The genre is a culture warrior — a defender of humanity that has raged against the machines, worn its heart on its sleeve, and refused to compromise. It’s no secret why rock typically leads in physical (vinyl) sales.

Early marketers taught us that if you need to announce that something is cool, it’s not really cool. RockTernative fits that bill. It doesn’t need a slogan promising to be human. It just needs to remain human and imperfect — like vinyl, like its iconic artists.

  • Dave Grohl isn’t going to use samples
  • Tom Morello won’t be silenced
  • Axl will still show up late
  • Maynard will remain a mystery

They’re imperfectly human.

We often don’t know whether today’s entertainment is AI-generated or human-made, but there’s something comforting about the authenticity of vinyl — just like knowing you’re dealing with a human, not a bot or an ultra-perfect, canned jock pretending to be down the street.

I’m not calling them RockTernative, but the Nelson brothers were right: the audience is tired of perfection and is looking for real connections they can trust. That’s why human is the new vinyl.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

How To Bridge the Radio-To-Social Media Gap for Veteran On-Air Talent

Bob Lawrence
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How To Bridge the Radio-To-Social Media Gap for Veteran On-Air Talent

If you’re a radio manager and have experienced a discussion with seasoned talent about embracing social media, you have learned firsthand that it can prove to be somewhat challenging. While most high-profile veterans see the benefits and have jumped on the social media bandwagon, there are many seasoned pros who haven’t.

They’re not necessarily resistant because they’re out of touch; they resist because it feels like the industry is piling more work on them for what they see as unimportant trends.

Over the years, social media has appeared noisy, temporary, and disconnected from what they have always done best. What we industry leaders should do is stop treating it like a checkbox that requires extra work and instead treat it like an extension of their already valuable skill set.

Talent tends to feel that a digital shift, in any form, is being pushed upon them to prove their relevance, when it’s really about protecting their sphere of influence.

One of the most effective ways to bridge talent’s radio/digital gap is to tie social content directly to radio’s true value. Local reach, community impact, and relatable connection through content.

For decades, radio personalities measured success by how many people they reached and how deeply they connected. Social platforms offer new metrics for those same goals. A comment from a listener across the country. A video or audio clip shared thousands of times. Even a message from someone who just discovered the show reinforces something veteran, seasoned talent already understands.

Content that resonates can travel. They already know that radio personalities were the first influencers via the first wireless device ever invented.

Something often overlooked in this quest is listener expectation. Today’s audience doesn’t separate “on-air” from “online.” They expect personalities to be accessible, responsive, and visible beyond their radio show.

When a listener hears something interesting or exciting but then can’t find the talent online, the relationship can stop dead in its tracks. Social media keeps that connection alive between shows, hours, and days when they’re not on the air.

For seasoned talent, this shouldn’t be about becoming an influencer. It’s about conversations that listeners want to continue to have.

It’s also critical to reframe what “content” really means. Many experienced radio folks hear the word content and imagine scripted videos, polished graphics, and preplanned segments. I’ve never believed that should be the assignment.

The best-performing radio content for social media is fast, nimble, and familiar. Whether it’s a recorded rant in the studio, or a quick video after an interview. It could be as simple as a clip of something listeners are already talking about. Seasoned talent already creates content every day. They just need to hit “record” before the red light goes off.

Let’s not forget to address fear, even if it’s unspoken.

I’ll admit that many of us who started on air did so because we had more sizable egos than average. At the same time, we also possessed quite a bit of insecurity. Those traits lead experienced talent to worry that social media exposes imperfections never before seen.

On the radio, talent has always operated inside a controlled environment. Social platforms, however, force us to be less predictable and can be unforgiving. That reality requires admitting imperfections, which leads to posting content they fear doesn’t meet their high standards.

In truth, those veterans need to understand that authenticity beats polish, and mistakes don’t end careers. Simple participation expands the reach and footprint of both the station and their own following. In other words, mediocrity is often better than no participation at all.

Training also matters, but it has to be practical.

I have seen management overwhelm talent with platform theory and algorithm jargon. Instead, show them proof. Walk them through examples of personalities and peers who’ve grown audiences, protected their careers, and opened new revenue streams through social media. When teams see others like them winning, skepticism turns into curiosity.

This process also shows how social content strengthens on-air performance. Hosts who engage online often arrive at the studio more informed about what their audience is reacting to in real time. Comments become show prep. DMs turn into caller topics. Viral clips create built-in talking points.

Instead of believing social media drains creative energy, talent begins to see that it actually feeds it.

From a business standpoint, this matters too. Advertisers increasingly buy people, not just spots. Talent with an active, engaged social presence brings added value to partnerships, promotions, and endorsements. Seasoned talent has always searched for new ways to increase revenue, and social media allows them to demonstrate influence in a way advertisers understand and find tremendously valuable.

Finally, leadership must model the mindset shift.

If social media is treated internally as a chore, talent will treat it the same way. However, when managers speak about it as brand-building, audience development, and career growth—and back that up with tools, time, and support—the tone changes.

Social success should be acknowledged the same way rating wins were.

At its core, this isn’t about forcing veteran radio talent to adapt to social media. It’s about reminding them that they’ve always been content creators. The platforms have changed, but the skills haven’t. The voices that shaped radio for decades still deserve to be heard and seen everywhere the audience lives.

The difference today is that we use both a microphone and a keyboard.

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

How Rachel Cruze Is Helping Carry Dave Ramsey’s Message Into the Next Generation

Garrett Searight
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How Rachel Cruze Is Helping Carry Dave Ramsey’s Message Into the Next Generation

Tune into The Ramsey Show on any given day, and you might hear any number of co-hosts paired up with longtime figurehead Dave Ramsey. Often, you’ll hear Rachel Cruze alongside the famed talk radio host. And if you’re a new listener, it might take you a while to realize that Cruze is his real-life daughter.

Over the past decade and a half, Rachel Cruze has grown into her role at Ramsey Solutions, helping move the company’s message through a variety of expanded digital aspects, as well as her role as joining The Ramsey Show as a co-host alongside her father.

Obviously, being the daughter of Dave Ramsey comes with both blessings and challenges. A self-identified “spender”, Rachel Cruze said that from an early age she felt drawn toward the work her father did. She began traveling and speaking with her father at 15. And she knew almost immediately that it was a field she wanted to work in.

“I remember enjoying — I guess you could say — his line of work,” she said. “I enjoyed speaking. And I remember someone telling me, ‘Remember that, Rachel, because that’s kind of an odd thing to love, public speaking.’ Most people hate doing that They dread it … I always loved being around what he was doing, and there was always kind of that infatuation with helping people and really seeing life change happen.”

Rachel Cruze noted that the job combines several aspects that she enjoys: traveling, talking with and meeting new people, and sharing the message that her father careful crafted through his own trial and error. And helping share that message has changed the lives of countless people.

“It was kind of that collision between really understanding that the message is needed, and I feel like I did have a set of gifts, I guess you could say, of being able to speak publicly,” she shared. “So it kind of all collided really after college.”

Despite growing up the daughter of a talk radio host, Rachel Cruze admitted it took her awhile to find her own voice on The Ramsey Show and with the company.

“I remember thinking — it may have been five years in, maybe after having my first baby — when I realized, ‘Ok, I have thoughts, and they actually may be a little different than my dad’s.’ He always was like, ‘Drive a hoopty car to get out of debt’ and all this stuff. And I’m like, yeah, but you can get a somewhat cute $5,000 car that’s all one color. He’d buy one that’s different colors and have it have a nickname, and I’m like, ‘No, most people don’t want to do that.

“So I remember having these side thoughts and realizing I’m not a balding 60-year-old man either,” she said with a chuckle. “I was a young mom, and I enjoyed shopping, I enjoyed clothes, and all of that. So just being comfortable with who I am, what I enjoy. And the great thing is, though, the values that we teach about money don’t change. I still believe in living on less than you make, not using debt as a tool, saving up, paying for things. All of that is true. But the way we go about it can look a little different, too. So I love pushing into that message.”

“It’s become one and the same now, but at the beginning I felt way more comfortable on social media and YouTube,” she admitted of her involvement in the flagship Ramsey Show. “Radio can be very intimidating. Learning how to listen to tone, speed, and understand the caller while also helping the audience is an art. It took a while to relax and enjoy it, but now it feels second nature.”

Dave Ramsey has made no secret about what the succession plan following him entails. He’s made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t want Ramsey Solutions to crumble after his retirement or death. Naturally, it would be easy to look at someone like Rachel Cruze to shoulder the overwhelming burden of carrying on that legacy.

But, Ramsey didn’t set up the succession plan that way. The company is utilizing several different names and faces — dubbed “Ramsey Personalities”, like Cruze, George Kamel, Ken Coleman, Jade Warshaw, and Dr. John Deloney — to help carry on the legacy and mission of the company.

Cruze says that, due to the foresight of her parents, she’s grateful that advancing the company forward doesn’t fall solely on her.

“I really don’t feel a ton of pressure, and I’m so thankful for that,” she shared. “I give mom and dad a lot of credit. They were really big on the idea that when I started working here, I had a higher calling to work here. That there was something in me that was bigger than just wanting to come. Because if it’s just you wanting to do it, that can fade pretty quickly. So there had to be this big calling, and I appreciate them pushing on that.

“Also, dad’s wisdom on not allowing me to be the one to carry it all has been huge. Looking back now, the Ramsey Personality model was such a gift. It’s such a gift to have multiple people carrying this message and even other messages, so it’s not all on my shoulders. Because of all of that, I really don’t feel this pressure.”

With the calendar flipping to 2026 and the rise of New Year’s Resolutions, Rachel Cruze shared that the content of her digital efforts does change at the start of the year. With people more focused on their finances and building wealth, it’s the perfect time to get back to the basics of sharing the Ramsey message with those finding the brand for the first time.

“We tailor content to starting out, wealth building, goals, and where to begin,” she said. “The flexibility of platforms allows us to be strategic while keeping the values the same. The new year definitely adds a different flavor.

“It’s hard at times to keep it fresh, which is why I’m thankful for a team,” she added of her content, which follows the basic “Baby Steps” principles created by Dave Ramsey. “We may be saying the same things, but for many people, it’s the first time hearing it. On pre-recorded shows, I think about that mindset. The Ramsey Show is caller-driven, which makes it energizing because every situation and story is different, even if the principles stay the same.”

Rachel Cruze said she’ll never get tired of hearing the impact that The Ramsey Show, her father, and her colleagues have made on people who have legitimately seen their lives change by listening to the messages shared through Ramsey Solutions content.

And with that as the company’s proverbial North Star, she believes that in the coming years, that influence will continue to be seen.

“I think we’ll continue to grow and make an impact,” she said of what lies ahead in the future. “My brother runs much of the operation day to day, and the team’s ability to not be scared of where the world is going is huge. I think Dave will still be on the air. I see us continuing what we do, just magnified.

“We’re seeing generational change. People call in who paid off their house at 28 because they grew up listening. When we talk about changing your family tree, we actually get to see that happen. A whole other generation is coming up wiser financially, and that’s exciting.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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