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Phil “PK” Kukawinski Departs Louisville’s ALT 105.1

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Phil “PK” Kukawinski Departs Louisville’s ALT 105.1

Phil “PK” Kukawinski has exited Connoisseur Media’s ALT 105.1 in Louisville after seven years with the brand. He had served as Program Director and evening host since March 2019.

Kukawinski played a key role in shaping the station’s alternative identity during his tenure. In addition to overseeing programming, he maintained an on-air presence in evenings, helping connect the brand with its core audience.

Kukawinski announced the departure via his social media channels.

Before joining ALT 105.1, Kukawinski held similar programming responsibilities with Times-Shamrock Communications, contributing to Alt 92.1. He also worked as a programming assistant at 89X CIMX, a heritage brand in the alternative space.

Earlier in his career, Kukawinski served as a music director and freelance writer for AOL Radio, where he focused heavily on indie music. That experience helped establish his reputation for discovering and supporting emerging artists.

A graduate of Oakland University with a degree in communication, Kukawinski built a strong foundation for a career in radio programming and content development. His departure follows a period of transition for the Louisville station.

ALT 105.1 changed ownership after Connoisseur Media acquired Alpha Media in the fall of last year, prompting shifts across multiple markets.

It remains unclear what Kukawinski’s next move will be.

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.

Audacy Layoffs Continue, New Regional Leadership Structure Announced

BNM Staff
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Audacy Layoffs Continue, New Regional Leadership Structure Announced

A round of layoffs at Audacy is underway, with the radio company seeing changes at the programming and leadership levels.

If you or someone you know is affected, please email John@BarrettMedia.com and Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.

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

Affected Employees

In Houston, the Frito and Katy Morning Show — hosted by Tucker “Frito” Young and Katy Dempsey — has exited at 100.3 The Bull, Barrett Media has confirmed. Young and Dempsey joined the station in January 2025. Previously, they won the 2024 CMA Award for Major Market Personality of the Year, as well as a Marconi Award in 2021. They worked at Y100 in San Antonio before joining the Audacy Houston country brand. Young addressed the news in a Facebook post.

In Cleveland, traffic reporter Joe Czekaj has announced his exit. “I very much loved working for Audacy (WNCX, 92.3, Star 102, and Q 104) and after 7 years with them, I was informed today that my position has been eliminated,” Czekaj wrote in a post on social media. “Thank you to all who tuned in and for the immense support over the years. I’m not sure where I’ll go from here.”

In Seattle, Emma 94.1 and Hot 103.7 Assistant Program Director Doug Duin has departed. He also served as the Music Director of Emma 94.1. He joined Audacy in 2022 after previously spending nine years working in a variety of capacities at crosstown iHeartMedia Seattle.

Matt McAllister shared on Instagram that his run with 100.7 The Wolf in Seattle and 107.9 KMLE in Phoenix has ended. He didn’t disclose whether his co-hosts Gabe Mercer and Ron Koons were also exiting or continuing on.

Additionally, in Seattle, Digital Sales Manager Linda Hansen has exited.

In Riverside, Vicki Pepper-McDonel exits after 13 years at K-Frog 95.1. Pepper-McDonel served as a traffic reporter, public affairs director as well as some fill in shifts and weekends. Her previous stops include several stints across southern California including KUZZ FM in Bakersfield and the former KZLA in Los Angeles.

In Philadelphia, Sportsradio 94 WIP Eagles reporter Devan Kaney is out. Kaney has been with the station since 2022, regularly co-hosting WIP’s morning show alongside Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie. She also took over as the station’s sideline reporter on the Eagles’ radio broadcast late in the 2024 season, following Howard Eskin’s abrupt exit.

Kaney said she intends to remain in the Philly market, and will continue as weekend anchor at Fox 29 in Philadelphia.

Elsewhere in Pennsylvania, Maria D’Antonio has exited middays at Y108. Radio Insight was first to report the news. D’Antonio was with the radio station for more than a decade. In a post on Facebook she expressed her appreciation for her listeners, shared how much she’s loved working in radio, and acknowledged that this wasn’t how she wanted her career to end. With her future unclear, she’s planning to spend time with family and friends as she figures out what’s next.

In Hartford, David Simpson exits his position as afternoon drive talent at Lite 100.5. Simpson has over three decades of experience, including programming and on-air stints in Providence, Boston, and New York.

In Baltimore, Digital Sales Manager Jessica Fessler has departed the company.

In Atlanta, Digital Sales Manager Marcos Pieras has exited.

Restructuring of Market/Regional Leadership

Audacy has also announced plans to do away with Market Managers. Now, the company will utilize Regional Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents, and Senior Vice Presidents/Sales leaders.

In a memo to staffers obtained by Barrett Media, Audacy CEO Kelli Turner unveiled the new structure.

“We’ve made enormous progress over the past year in positioning Audacy for a strong and sustainable future in a fast-changing business and world,” Turner wrote. “Today, to better capture opportunities, scale success, and sharpen our competitive edge, we are putting in place a regionalized sales organization.

“The five regions under our Regional Presidents are now supported by a new group of Regional Vice Presidents. These RVPs will oversee a group of markets designed to scale opportunities and drive revenue growth. Along with the recent change of having Brand Managers reporting into Format Vice Presidents, this is the right approach for our business today and especially for tomorrow.

The new sales structure is built to preserve our deep local roots while removing historical “market walls” that sometimes limit collaboration and reach. It empowers our teams to unlock new local and national budgets, streamline processes, and focus relentlessly on what we do best: driving results for clients and serving our communities.”

Currently, the Regional Presidents at Audacy are:

  • Jeff Federman (West Region, including: Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento)
  • Mark Hannon (East Region, including: Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit)
  • Claudia Menegus (Southeast Region, including: Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Greensboro)
  • Debbie Kenyon (Central Region, including: Detroit, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee)
  • Chris Oliviero (Chief Business Officer)

The new Regional Vice Presidents are:

  • Dan Barron (Greensboro, Greenville, New Orleans, Memphis, Chattanooga)
  • Matt Bewley (Miami, Orlando, Gainesville)
  • Sarah Frazier (Austin, Dallas, Houston)
  • Kieran Geffert (San Diego, Riverside, San Francisco, Seattle, Sacramento)
  • Micah Goldberg (Denver, Portland, Las Vegas, Phoenix)
  • Pete Kowalski (Detroit, Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Cleveland)
  • Roxanne Marati (Kansas City, St. Louis, Wichita)
  • Brian Rooney (New York, Boston, Hartford, Springfield)
  • Dave Scopinich (Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Wilkes-Barre)
  • Michael Spacciapolli (Norfolk, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Rochester)

Turner added that in spite of some employees moving on from market manager roles, they have been reassigned to other positions. She also addressed the downsizing taking place around the company.

“These decisions are never easy or made lightly, and we are handling this process as respectfully and professionally as possible,” said Turner. “There is a lot of change inside our company, in our industry, and in the world. And I know that can be unsettling. I am grateful for everyone’s continued dedication and focus. Together, we are accomplishing a lot, and I’m confident we have a clearer, more effective structure and path to continue to win. Thank you for all your amazing work.”

Market Manager Changes

With Audacy introducing a new SVP of Sales role, multiple sources tell Barrett Media that Tracy Brandys has accepted that position in Baltimore. Meanwhile in St. Louis, Becky Domyan will not be assuming the role. Sources tell Barrett Media that she has announced that she is stepping down and exiting the company.

Key leaders in Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta are transitioning to different roles too.

Longtime Atlanta boss Rick Caffey steps into the created role of Chairman. Caffey is expected to advise the Atlanta cluster and focus on growing the Urban format for both listeners and clients. Part of his new role includes working closely with Urban Format Vice President, Skip Dillard.

In addition, Chicago Market Manager Kevin Cassidy will reportedly be involved with ‘special company projects’ according to multiple sources. Details on what that will specifically entail were not clear.

Furthermore, Barrett Media has learned that Mike Thomas will step into the position of SVP Programming in Boston. The role change includes joining Mitch Rosen and Chris Kinard as Sports Format Vice President. Prior to becoming Audacy Boston’s Market Manager, Thomas excelled in programming the sports format. He helped build and lead 98.5 The Sports Hub to massive success before exiting to lead ESPN 1000 in Chicago. How his job change affects Ken Laird moving forward is unclear, though sources tell Barrett Media WEEI would like to retain him.

In Greenville, Senior Vice President and Market Manager Steve Sincropi has departed after more than 12 years with the cluster.

Meanwhile, in Richmond, Senior Vice President and Market Manager Bennett Zier will remain with the organization, Barrett Media has learned..

Additional Recent Developments

The layoffs come after the company has announced moves in its upper management ranks.

Last week, Senior Vice President of Programming and Music Initiatives Michael Martin announced he’d step down. Friday, May 1st will be Martin’s final day. He originally joined the company in 2009. While working in San Francisco, he’s led Alice at 97.3 FM, 99.7 Now, and Live 105.

Additionally, Philadelphia Market Manager and Senior Vice President David Yadgaroff announced his intention to retire later this year. His final day will be in late May, concluding a 36-year run with the company.

Detroit Senior Vice President and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon received a promotion earlier this week. She added oversight to Chicago, Cleveland, Madison, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis, among others, as the Central Region President.

*This is a developing story.*

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 Conclave Sets Date for Final Event and Online Celebration

BMM Staff
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The Conclave Sets Date for Final Event and Online Celebration

The Conclave, the long-running radio and audio industry event, has announced the dates for its final event, as well as an online event to celebrate its legacy.

Conclave 45: The Last Conclave is set for September 15th through the 17th. The final event will be held in Minneapolis.

“This final gathering represents both a culmination and a celebration — bringing the industry together one last time for the signature learning, networking, and idea-sharing experience that has defined The Conclave for half a century,” the organization said.

To register for the event, click here.

Additionally, on Friday, April 17th, an online event will be held to remember the previous iterations of the event. That online event will begin at 2 PM ET.

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.

Fox News Adds Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez as Contributor

BNM Staff
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Fox News Adds Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez as Contributor

Fox News has announced it has added Francis Suarez as a new contributor, focusing on legal and political analysis.

Suarez served as a two-term mayor of the city of Miami. He served from 2017 to 2025. He also served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 2022 to 2023. His father, Xavier Suarez, also served as mayor of the Florida city.

A Republican, Suarez launched a Presidential bid in 2024. He ended his campaign after he failed to qualify for the first primary debate.

Before serving as mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez worked as a lawyer. Currently, Suarez is the President of Alpha Wave Global, an investment firm with nearly $30 billion in assets.

Francis Suarez is slated to make his debut as a Fox News contributor on Thursday evening. His first appearance will be on Special Report with Bret Baier at 6 PM ET.

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.

HBO Max, truTV To Host Final Four Alt-Cast During Michigan, Arizona Match Up

BSM Staff
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HBO Max, truTV To Host Final Four Alt-Cast During Michigan, Arizona Match Up

The voices of one of college basketball’s most influential groups will return to the spotlight during Final Four weekend. Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball’s famed Fab Five will reunite for a special alternate broadcast of the national semifinal matchup against Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball on Saturday, April 4. The presentation will air on truTV and HBO Max, while the traditional game broadcast will be available across TBS, TNT and HBO Max.

All five members of Michigan’s iconic 1991 recruiting class plan to appear together on-site in Indianapolis. The gathering marks one of the few times the group has reunited publicly in more than 30 years.

Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson will be featured throughout the alternate telecast. Adam Lefkoe will host the broadcast, guiding discussion and reactions as the game unfolds.

The altcast format will lean into conversation and storytelling. The Fab Five are expected to provide real-time analysis, behind-the-scenes memories and reflections on their historic run in Ann Arbor. The approach mirrors other personality-driven broadcasts that have gained traction across major sports events.

Michigan’s Fab Five reshaped the sport when they arrived as freshmen in 1991. The group blended elite talent with cultural influence, helping redefine how college athletes were viewed both on and off the court. Their baggy shorts, black socks and unapologetic confidence became part of basketball’s broader identity.

On the court, the results matched the attention. Michigan reached back-to-back national championship games in 1992 and 1993, cementing the Fab Five’s place in NCAA history. Although a title eluded them, their impact has endured across generations.

Saturday’s alternate presentation aims to tap into that legacy while offering viewers a different way to experience the Final Four. The combination of nostalgia, personality and live game reaction could appeal to both longtime fans and newer audiences.

The Fab Five broadcast will follow the first national semifinal between Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball and UConn Huskies men’s basketball, which is scheduled for a 6:09 p.m. ET tip.

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 Radio Reportedly Targeting Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf As Replacement For Clinton Yates

BSM Staff
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ESPN Radio Reportedly Targeting Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf As Replacement For Clinton Yates

ESPN Radio appears to be closing in on its next weekday lineup move following the recent departure of Clinton Yates.

According to a report from Front Office Sports, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf are currently viewed as the leading candidates to take over the 10 a.m. to noon ET window. While momentum appears to be building, a deal has not yet been finalized but discussions reportedly are ongoing.

ESPN has declined comment to Barrett Media on the reporting.

Both Jones and Medcalf are already part of the network’s radio lineup. The duo co-hosts a weekend program, giving ESPN a level of familiarity and on-air chemistry to build from if the move becomes official. Promoting internal talent would also align with the company’s recent approach to roster adjustments across its audio platform.

Jones currently hosts Kentucky Sports Radio, a program that airs on multiple stations throughout the state of Kentucky, including 630 WLAP in Lexington and outlets in Louisville. However, his current show occupies the same midday timeslot ESPN is looking to fill. Jones also signed a five-year extension with iHeartMedia in February of 2025 which extends through 2029. Both of which could be affecting current discussions.

Meanwhile, Medcalf offers deep reporting experience and a long tenure with ESPN. He joined the company in 2011 as a contributor before transitioning into a full-time role covering college basketball in 2013. Over the years, he has expanded his presence across ESPN platforms, including radio, television and digital.

The opening was created after Yates wrapped up his run with the network last week. Yates joined ESPN in February 2016 and served as a columnist and commentator across various ESPN programs, in addition to hosting his daily radio show from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Yates’ program, Clinton & Friends, debuted on ESPN Radio in January of last year after Mike Greenberg stepped down from his daily Greeny program following a five-year run.

Currently, ESPN Radio is rotating through several different pairings of talent in the interim.

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 Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

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iHeartMedia Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

iHeartMedia has announced it has appointed Ann Marie Licata as the CEO of its Mutliplatform Group, which includes the company’s 860 radio stations.

The division also includes the Markets Group, the live events and sponsorships business, the radio networks businesses like Premiere Networks and TTWN, and the Enterprise Business Development Group.

With the new structure, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott and Enterprise Development Group Julie Donohue will report directly to Licata.

Additionally, Bernie Weiss will now serve as the President of the Markets Group. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment,” said iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. “In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses — including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service — as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. 

“We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms,” Pittman concluded.

“We have a diversified business at iHeart, with our Multiplatform Group, the Digital Audio Group and the Audio and Media Services Group, and we’re very pleased that Ann Marie has taken on the responsibility for the Multiplatform Group at such an important time for the company,” added iHeartMedia President and COO Rich Bressler.

Conal Byrne will continue to serve as the CEO of the Digital Audio Group for iHeartMedia. Mark Gray will continue as CEO of the Audio and Media Services CEO.

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.

Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

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Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

NewsNation has announced plans for an Easter Special helmed by network host Chris Cuomo.

The Mystery of Easter is set to broadcast on Saturday, April 4th at 8 PM ET. The show features Cuomo in Israel as he attempts to find out concrete answers to what happened to Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

Included in the special is Chris Cuomo speaking with biblical scholar and author Michael Licona. Part of the discussion hinges on the theory that Christ was not given a formal burial.

“In antiquity, you’re correct, that the Romans typically did not allow a crucified or condemned person who had been executed by them to receive a proper burial,” Lincona said of the theory. “But the Romans, in order to keep peace with people they had conquered, would often allow them to maintain some of their customs. And we have evidence that they did this in Jerusalem.”

An encore presentation of the NewsNation special featuring Chris Cuomo will air on Easter Sunday at 12 PM ET.

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 Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

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ESPN Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

ESPN has finalized its Major League Baseball broadcast team for the 2026 season, assembling a mix of veteran voices and fresh perspectives across television, radio and digital platforms. The network will rely on a trio of familiar play-by-play announcers in Karl Ravech, Jon Sciambi and Mike Monaco to headline its game coverage.

Each will call games throughout the season as part of ESPN’s national schedule. Kevin Brown is also slated to handle select assignments.

In the booth, ESPN will feature a wide range of analysts. That group includes Eduardo Pérez, David Ross, Doug Glanville, Jessica Mendoza and Todd Frazier. The network also adds former pitcher Adam Ottavino as both a game and studio analyst, continuing a relationship that began with guest appearances in recent years.

Ottavino is scheduled to make his season debut on May 7. He will be part of the broadcast when the San Diego Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals.

Reporting duties will again be led by Buster Olney, who remains ESPN’s primary on-site presence for marquee games. Meanwhile, Jeff Passan continues in his role as senior MLB insider, contributing breaking news and analysis across multiple platforms.

ESPN’s season coverage begins with a high-profile showcase on Jackie Robinson Day. Joe Buck will call the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. He will be joined by analysts Ron Darling and Orel Hershiser, with Olney reporting from the field.

In addition, ESPN will originate Baseball Tonight from Dodger Stadium for the event. Ravech, Pérez and Glanville will be part of the coverage, alongside Tim Kurkjian, who will contribute throughout the season.

Studio programming remains a central component of ESPN’s baseball strategy. Kevin Connors will handle hosting duties for Baseball Tonight, while Ravech will appear on select editions. Kurkjian’s role will extend across multiple studio shows, offering analysis and commentary.

Digital coverage will continue to play a major role. ESPN.com’s MLB team includes Olney, Passan and Kurkjian, along with reporters such as Jesse Rogers and Alden Gonzalez. Prospect and draft analysis will again be led by Kiley McDaniel.

On the audio side, ESPN Radio retains its position as the national home for MLB broadcasts. Sciambi, Ravech and Roxy Bernstein are among the play-by-play voices. Glanville returns as the lead analyst, while Kurkjian will also contribute.

ESPN Deportes will round out the company’s coverage with Spanish-language broadcasts and studio programming throughout the season, further expanding the network’s reach to a broader audience.

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.

New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

BMM Staff
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New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

US 96.3 host Hannah Lane is making the move from the Jackson, Mississippi country station to join New Country 96.3, the Cumulus Dallas country station.

Lane originally joined US 96.3 in Jackson in October 2023. Most recently, she’s been paired with Gordon “Gordo” Hultengren in morning drive.

During her tenure, Lane helped lead US 96.3 to the top honor in the social media category at the 2025 Mississippi Broadcasters Association Awards.

In a post on social media, Hannah Lane announced the move. She also shared her excitement for the new chapter of her career, and her appreciation for the audience at US 96.3.

“I will be moving to Dallas, Texas next Saturday,” Lane wrote. “I still can’t believe I get to write these words to all of you. Mississippi and all of you will always mean more to me than I can explain.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know a single person. Not one,” Lane continued. “I just had a dream, boxes, and a whole lot of faith that somehow this place would become something special in my story. And it did. It became that because of each and every one of you.”

Hannah Lane will begin her tenure on New Country 96.3 in Dallas on Monday, April 13th.

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.

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