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Sports Media’s Criticism of Lynn Jones’ Conduct Showcases a Giant Hypocrisy

Jason Barrett
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Sports Media’s Criticism of Lynn Jones’ Conduct Showcases a Giant Hypocrisy

You probably were not familiar with Lynn Jones prior to Sunday. The Jacksonville Free Press reporter though is top of mind now across the entire sports media industry.

Following Sunday’s Jaguars-Bills playoff game, Jones offered compassion, support and positive words of encouragement to Jaguars Head Coach Liam Cohen during his postgame press conference. Her remarks showcased everything that’s right about humanity. I don’t know how anyone could hear what she said and not become a card carrying member of the Lynn Jones fan club.

Once her remarks were made, the video went viral. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter applauded Jones for her uplifting comments. Many across the sports media industry took exception to Adam’s praise, calling out the Jacksonville reporter’s conduct, some suggesting she acted more like a fan than a reporter.

How Jones spoke to Cohen after a heartbreaking loss was what we hope to see from coaches consoling players. It’s what every parent hopes to convey to their children when they experience life’s ups and downs. We just don’t expect to hear professional coaches receiving uplifting pep talks from media professionals.

And that’s where this issue gets complicated.

Being a great human being is a different discussion than a reporter’s code of conduct inside of a press room. Jones was credentialed to cover the game as a media professional. Her behavior, though well intentioned and classy, was not consistent with traditional journalism rules and expectations. The criticism that followed across social media from media members was not surprising.

Lynn Jones’ career in broadcast journalism runs over three decades long. She is the Associate Editor and Sales Team Manager for the Jacksonville Free Press, and has experience hosting and producing television too. She is also the President of the local Northeast Florida National Association of Black Journalists and has received and been nominated for several professional and community awards for her journalism and advocacy work in Jacksonville. In other words, she is a respected member of her community and knows how the business works.

When I first saw the video, my instant reaction was to take Jones to task. I was raised in the media to follow the unwritten rules such as ‘you don’t root in the press box, you don’t wear a jersey to the game, and you present yourself in a neutral manner when talking to coaches and players’ about the game’. The job is to gather facts and separate emotion from what matters to the public.

But the more I thought about the issue, the more I saw a major hypocrisy across the media business. This is a case of ‘but journalism has always been done this way’. Who says it has to be done that way? Better yet, who is the final decision maker on what is and isn’t acceptable in a press room? Is journalism required to remain married to rules of the past and unable to evolve?

It’s 2026 not 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996 or 2006. The media world is very different now. I don’t expect many to agree with me but I’m going to showcase how hypocritical some things in our business are.

First, if you host a podcast or radio or TV game/show or write content online or in print, you are a member of the media – period. You are not different than Lynn Jones. You may have a different role, but you represent an outlet, and deliver information and opinions to an audience. If we’re going to follow the old standard that many hold sacred, and you go to a game and enter the locker room, I’m supposed to believe that you are neutral, professional, and emotionally separated from the team, its players, and the final result.

But if I listen to you or read you, is that what I would see or hear? No. I’m going to hear you cheering for wins, showing emotion over losses, interviewing players and coaches, see you wearing team shirts, caps or jerseys, and interacting with fans via calls and texts. If I follow you on social media, I’m going to see your remarks during each game. I may even see photos of you hanging out with people close to the organization, and in some cases, you may bet on the team and post selfie videos going crazy after they win.

Am I supposed to forget all of that and trust you to be neutral, detached, and an unbiased media member simply because you’re inside the press room rather than your studio or sitting on your couch?

Being a passionate fan and supporter of the people inside of a locker room doesn’t make you less credible or incapable of asking tough questions. Ariel Helwani is one of the best interviewers in the industry. Just because he loves the Buffalo Bills and showcases that fandom doesn’t mean he wouldn’t hold a Bills coach or play accountable if they screwed up.

Some of the folks shown below love their local teams too. They have strong connections to their audiences. Fans know how they feel about different players, coaches, and teams because they wear their hearts on their sleeves over wins, losses, and organizational decisions. These folks stand in the same rooms as Lynn Jones. They’re all professionals. The difference, many hold in what they’re thinking and feeling in those rooms to satisfy press room etiquette. Jones decided that she’d rather show support for Liam Cohen than worry about unwritten media room rules and industry perceptions.

Inside most stadiums or arenas you’ll find a play-by-play announcer and analyst for two teams. They spend 3-4 hours relaying what’s happening and unapologetically root for the home team to win. While their passion spills across the airwaves, press members often sit in the next room, reminded to stay quiet and neutral. Many of these announcers work for the franchise, and are beloved because of how invested they are in the team. Yet if they go downstairs to the postgame press conference, they’re considered professional because they did their cheering away from the players and coaches and Lynn Jones is not because she did it to their face during a season ending interaction? Huh?

Some will argue ‘but play-by-play announcers’ aren’t journalists. To that I would answer, ‘neither are talk show hosts, so why are they up in arms over this?’ Furthermore, if that is accurate, why do many hosts act like reporters at press conferences?

On Saturday night, I saw a video of Marc Silverman of ESPN Chicago with WWE superstar Seth Rollins. Both are huge Chicago Bears fans. They shared their excitement over the Bears incredible come from behind victory from inside of a Chicago suite. Marc was fired up and said in the video ‘let’s win it all’ showcasing his Bears fandom. Because it was done in a suite at the stadium and posted on social, that makes it acceptable, but if Marc went downstairs inside the same building to where the coaches and players were, he’s supposed to act like he’s not excited and remain neutral? Do we want media professionals to be real or inauthentic?

I saw a few media folks mention that Jones should have offered her remarks privately to Cohen. That would have created less attention. While that may be true, why is it ok for a reporter to present one’s self in a fan-like manner privately in the press room but not with the camera’s rolling? We either expect reporters to be story focused and disconnected emotionally or we don’t.

Most of the criticism I saw on this issue came from experienced folks. Most were above 45-50 years old. Do you think the next wave of broadcasters who grew up on social media, legal sports betting, and personalities on video/audio expressing their fandom are going to operate the way others in journalism did previously? Like it or not, everything evolves.

In case you didn’t notice, the internet and social media changed everything. Barstool Sports, OutKick, The Ringer, Pat McAfee, etc. made it cool to record videos on an iPhone, be seen in a t-shirt or tank top, share a personal love for certain teams and players, and riff on topics for however long or short as they wanted to. They didn’t worry about operating out of a professional studio, wearing certain clothing, fitting a format or limiting personal fandom. The audience and the industry adapted to them.

Which raises another question, who exactly is the ‘media‘ now inside the press room? These rules were installed and enforced by print journalists when newspapers ran the show. Radio/TV and independent digital outlets have greater influence now. Take for instance tonight’s game in Pittsburgh between the Steelers and the Texans. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it was shutting down last week. Who’s the market’s leading outlet now? That answer can easily be debated, which shows that it’s no longer a case of print calling the shots. Even the White House now invites digital outlets into the press room.

If the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship, do you think Stephen A. Smith wouldn’t be slapping high fives with Jalen Brunson and the rest of the team on the court and in the locker room? Would Mike Greenberg not be shown on camera hugging New York Jets players if they finally won the Super Bowl? Both men are well respected, accomplished professionals who unapologetically share their fandom on television. We accept it because they host shows and are seen as personalities, not reporters, even though both previously did that job.

How about when we see ex-players turned broadcasters on ESPN, FOX Sports, Amazon, NBC and CBS hugging players on the sidelines or buttering them up during pregame or postgame interviews. That’s considered OK and not a journalistic violation because they played the game, have friendships, and are considered analysts and personalities not journalists. Jason Kelce, Pat McAfee, Richard Sherman, Rodney Harrison or Gronk can show love and support and we deem it acceptable but if a sideline reporter or network insider does it that’s considered unacceptable? Don’t many of these folks work for the same outlet and stand on the same field?

I don’t expect many minds to change from this column. If you take an objective look though, you’ll find that some of these issues are silly. They are out of touch with the current media landscape.

Just because a media member displays passion for a team or offers words of encouragement to a coach during an emotional moment, doesn’t make them less credible or incapable of asking tough questions or holding people accountable. Distrust in the media is already at an all-time high. A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

More people today know Lynn Jones as a woman of high character because of how she addressed Liam Cohen. That will earn her greater trust from her readers and a closer relationship with the franchise she covers. The only ones bothered by it are folks holding on to declarations of the past. Maybe it’s time we modified a few of these unwritten rules.

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

Stephen A. Smith Must Reel in His Straight Shooter Persona Before It’s Too Late

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Must Reel in His Straight Shooter Persona Before It’s Too Late

Stephen A. Smith labels himself a “straight shooter.” It’s the branding of his own production company and the SiriusXM radio show that he hosts on POTUS channel 124. Smith frames himself as a no-nonsense talent, giving you what he believes and why he believes it, no matter how you feel about it. His performance has led him to great riches and fame. He’s the face of ESPN, a potential presidential candidate, and one of the most recognizable entertainers in media.

At times, he even portrays himself as a solitaire ambassador.

Smith has never been shy about responding to critics. A simple search of “Stephen A. Smith fires back” reveals a long list of personalities who have become content for him. Many label him “Screamin’ A” for this very reason; he doesn’t know when to stop. If there was ever an example that should prompt Smith to reconsider this approach, it’s his latest target: former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Keith Olbermann.

For those too young to know who Keith Olbermann is, here’s a quick CliffsNotes version. Then again, are CliffsNotes still around?

Olbermann was an early ESPN anchor on SportsCenter from 1992 to 1997, with a brief pause in 1993 when he joined ESPN2. He was a poet of the medium, blending pop culture with sarcasm while presenting sports highlights in a way few ever had. The intelligence and skill set Olbermann displayed led him to prominent roles in cable news and additional stops across sports television outside of ESPN.

He is a three-time Edward R. Murrow Award winner and is widely regarded as one of the defining voices in ESPN’s history. Over his career, Olbermann had three separate stints with the network.

Over the past decade, Olbermann has largely drifted into obscurity, using social media to share political opinions and scattered thoughts on media. He has not held a network role since 2020, which marked his final tenure at ESPN hosting SportsCenter and calling MLB play-by-play.

Last week, Olbermann posted a critical message on social media calling for ESPN to fire Smith over his commentary surrounding the Minneapolis incident in which an ICE officer shot and killed a woman in her vehicle.

In the aftermath of 37-year-old Renee Good’s death, Olbermann said he was speaking for “a lot of people who actually built the place” when calling for Smith’s firing. The former SportsCenter anchor said Smith was “damaging the brand in a way his on-air cartoon character could never approach.”

Smith fired back by saying he was “sick of your pathetic ass.” The anger was unmistakable, with sweat beaming down his face. Smith admitted he had never said a negative word about Olbermann before, but he was done holding back.

Once again, the “straight shooter” was out of his holster.

From LeBron James to Michelle Beadle, Marcellus Wiley, and several others over the past year, Smith has shown little hesitation when challenged publicly. The man who has come to symbolize First Take always needs the last word.

The question is why.

Smith sits at the top of the mountain in sports media, and some would argue media in general. When you’re at that level, why continue to respond to those punching up? There is nothing to gain for someone who already possesses everything his critics want. Attention he has. Patience, however, appears to be fading.

When Smith took a break last July, he sent a clear message to his critics in his parting remarks.

“I kind of like being pissed off too. It makes me feel good,” said Smith. “I don’t believe I’ve told enough people to kiss my ass.”

Does that approach actually strengthen the Stephen A. Smith brand, or does it simply inflate the “straight shooter” ego he has built? In public work, criticism is unavoidable. How you respond to it defines you. I receive criticism for my work and have for more than twenty years.

Rather than barking back at individuals or outlets, I internalize the criticism and address it privately. The result is growth. I am better because of the motivation critics provide.

Smith’s public responses, however, reveal fragility. Is this about ego or clicks? Does calling Michelle Beadle’s attitude “evil” enhance Smith’s stature? Does labeling Marcellus Wiley a “hater” and a “liar” elevate his credibility? And does dismissing Keith Olbermann as a “pathetic ass” and referencing his “fat self” reflect positively on Smith or the brands tied to him?

Is any of this good for Stephen A. Smith, ESPN, SiriusXM, or anyone connected to him?

We live in a reactionary society and an attention economy. What Smith is doing with his reactions to critics is driving attention. It’s just business—or what society has chosen as content.

The downside is that Smith is exposing his insecurities in public view. His profile towers over many former ESPN colleagues now attempting to reclaim relevance. By engaging them, he grants access to a spotlight that is already his. Why allow those punching up to share your exposure? Isn’t staying on top about refusing to play at their level?

Smith’s future ambitions remain unclear, but his approach has stayed consistent. It has propelled him to heights few could imagine. His work ethic over two decades at ESPN is unquestionable. Still, as wealth, reach, and responsibility grow, one lesson becomes unavoidable: quality matters more than quantity.

Smith no longer needs to be the caricature critics mocked years ago. He is king of the castle until ESPN decides otherwise. Eventually, someone will eclipse what he has accomplished at the network he calls home. When that happens, will Smith be the one punching up?

Stephen A. Smith has reached heights few in media ever will. His voice is unmistakable. His reach is enormous. Yet the true measure of influence isn’t how loudly you respond to critics; it’s how effectively you shape the conversation on your own terms.

If Smith can balance his fire with focus, the “straight shooter” persona can evolve from reactive to revered. The next chapter isn’t about proving anyone wrong—it’s about proving himself right.

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.

Adult Hits by the Numbers: How the Format Stacked Up in 2025

Mike Stern
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Adult Hits by the Numbers: How the Format Stacked Up in 2025

Over the last few columns, I’ve taken a dive under the hood of Classic Rock and Classic Hits to see what’s going on with the music in each format. Now it’s time to complete the cycle by looking at what’s happening in the Adult Hits format and, finally, compare all three.

I built the analysis using Mediabase’s full-year statistics for each format’s airplay in 2025 to look at which artists received the most spins.

I also pulled archived numbers for 2024 (the previous year), 2020 (five years earlier), 2015 (10 years earlier), and 2000 (25 years earlier) to look for changes.

Here’s what stood out to me:

The Big Six

As it stands today, there are six very consistent core artists for Adult Hits stations: Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, Queen, Journey, Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel.

They have been in the top six, in that order, for two years running and also made up the top six five years ago in 2020, just in a different order.

However, not all artists in the top six are created equal.

The top two, Michael Jackson and Aerosmith, each broke 130,000 total spins in 2025, while no other act topped 95,000. That’s a sizable gap between the top two and the other four.

The Up and Comers

Looking to the future of the format, there are two candidates who could potentially break the dominance of the existing top six: Guns N’ Roses, whose presence has grown steadily since 2015, and Green Day, which follows a similar trajectory. Not far behind are the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Alanis Morissette.

There were also debuts in the Top 100 this year from Ozzy Osbourne (likely for unfortunate reasons), The Offspring, Eminem, and Weezer. More on this coming up.

Adult Hits Artists2025 Rank2024 Rank2020 Rank2015 Rank
GUNS N’ ROSES791225
GREEN DAY9122226
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS16333644
ALANIS MORISSETTE22425065

Adult Hits vs Classic Hits

Looking at the formats through this lens of most-played artists also helps outline the differences between Adult Hits and Classic Hits.

The key similarity is each format’s basis in Classic Rock. The main overlap is with artists like Journey, Queen, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, and Fleetwood Mac. It’s notable, though, that in both formats some Classic Rock acts, like John Mellencamp and The Eagles, are steadily falling down the ranker.

The big difference, mentioned above, centers on a willingness to embrace the nineties, where Adult Hits is much more adventurous. As noted above, Green Day is #9 for Adult Hits but only #69 for Classic Hits. There are similar splits for Alanis at #22 versus #56, and Nirvana, which is #19 at Adult Hits but not in the Top 100 for Classic Hits.

Classic Hits, instead, is choosing to hang on to more acts from before the eighties. The Beatles (#32), Beach Boys (#74), Creedence Clearwater Revival (#59), and Stevie Wonder (#68) aren’t the highest-ranking acts, but they add a flavor that isn’t part of the Adult Hits mix.

The other major division is how much each format values pure pop acts. Classic Hits includes more of this sound as well.

ArtistClassic Hits Rank ’25Adult Hits Rank ’25
Madonna311
Whitney Houston2667
Paula Abdul78n/a
Lionel Richie93n/a

Adult Hits vs. Classic Hits vs. Classic Rock

When you put the three formats side by side, there are only three artists — Aerosmith, Queen, and Journey — that are in the Top 10 in all three formats. While there are other similarities and shared artists, this look really illustrates each format’s unique profile:

Adult Hits: With the Top 100 including artists from more than 40 years of music, this format is by far the broadest, with the most room to stretch musically. It has also gone the farthest in embracing the nineties. That means the widest audience appeal demographically, but also the biggest challenge when it comes to definition in listeners’ minds.

Classic Hits: Featuring the fewest pure rock acts and the most eighties pop, this format is essentially a single-decade format. Yes, other artists and decades get played, but the format is so centered on the eighties that it is probably the best defined of the three, while also being the least flexible when tastes change.

Classic Rock: While the format has evolved over time to include nineties music, it is the narrowest of the three, focused heavily on guitar-driven music. That gives it the least width when it comes to finding an audience, but it likely generates the most passion among the listeners it does find.

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at the unique nuances of the three formats. It seemed like a great way to set the stage for a new year. Now let’s get 2026 rolling and get some ratings.

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.

Why Fox News Ratings Rising in 2025 Should Be Cause for Concern at CNN and MS NOW

Garrett Searight
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Why Fox News Ratings Rising in 2025 Should Be Cause for Concern at CNN and MS NOW

Fox News enters 2026 with momentum that few cable news organizations can match.

After posting an 11% increase in primetime ratings and a 16% rise in total day viewership in 2025 compared to the prior year, the network finds itself in a position of strength that feels both earned and sustainable.

Those numbers stand out for an important reason. They came in a post-presidential election year. Historically, cable news audiences retreat once ballots are counted, and the national temperature cools. That didn’t happen here. Instead, Fox News grew its audience even as the news cycle became noticeably calmer than the chaos of 2024.

And make no mistake — 2024 will be remembered as one of the most tumultuous, headline-driven years in modern American history. Cable news thrives in moments like that. What it usually doesn’t do is grow once the storm passes.

Yet Fox News did exactly that in 2025.

That performance sends a clear message. Viewers aren’t tuning in only when the country is on edge. They’re building habits around the network. In an era where audience loyalty is becoming increasingly rare, that matters more than ever.

If MS NOW and CNN harbor hopes of closing the gap and returning to within striking distance of Fox News in the cable news race, 2026 doesn’t appear likely to be their year. The early calendar alone suggests otherwise. January arrived with military action in Venezuela pushing foreign policy back into daily headlines. Soon after, the ICE shooting in Minneapolis ignited a national debate that shows no signs of cooling off.

That’s before factoring in what still lies ahead. The midterm elections are coming. A State of the Union address looms that promises to be anything but routine. And hovering over all of it is a Trump White House that operates with a never-a-dull-moment approach to its messaging. For a network built to cover politics aggressively and continuously, those conditions are ideal.

Equally important is what Fox News isn’t dealing with right now. There’s no primetime identity crisis. No sense of scrambling to find the next big thing. Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld remain firmly in place, anchoring a lineup that viewers recognize and trust. That consistency is a competitive advantage, especially when rivals continue to experiment with formats and personalities.

Television audiences value familiarity. They reward predictability when it comes to tone and point of view. Fox News understands that dynamic, and it shows up in the ratings. When viewers know exactly who they’ll see at 8 or 10 PM ET, they’re far more likely to return night after night.

The result is a network that isn’t simply capitalizing on breaking news. It’s benefiting from long-term audience habits. That’s how year-over-year growth happens when it isn’t supposed to.

Fox News doesn’t need to reinvent itself to win 2026. It simply needs to keep doing what it’s been doing. The ratings growth from last year suggests the audience is responding, even without the intensity of a presidential race.

If that’s the floor, the ceiling this year could be much higher.

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.

An Experience of a Rock Band’s 50th Anniversary Is One That Lasts a Lifetime

Terrie Carr
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An Experience of a Rock Band’s 50th Anniversary Is One That Lasts a Lifetime

Rush, Triumph, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister. These rocking bands are celebrating their 50th anniversaries with tours and tunes. WOWZA!

They are some of the most in-demand concert tickets in the “QUEUE” (which I have been in) that you will find—or NOT find! Fans are hungry, excited, and ready.

I’m not ashamed to say that I plan on seeing the aforementioned bands this year. Big tours with even bigger catalogs. Songs drive the tour bus. Your catalog sustains you, even with a member change here or there. Fifty years as a band? That’s a celebration in itself.

Rush is one of my favorite bands of all time—yes, there are “Girls For Geddy.” They shocked fans in the announcement of their 50 Something Tour in early October 2025. What started as a handful of dates has grown to an expansive 58-date tour extravaganza across North America.

It marks their first since R40—10 years ago—and the first since the death of their drummer Neil Peart in 2020. There is not a ticket to be found. Trust me, I know.

Triumph soon followed announcing their 50th Anniversary Tour in December with much fan excitement. A return to the road for the first time in 30 years. All three original members—Rik Emmet, Gil Moore, and Mike Levine—in attendance, stating on social media—“Our fans have always been the heart of Triumph. Their energy, their belief, and the way they embraced the positivity in our music have carried us for fifty years,” the group said. “We’ve always said these songs were meant to bring people together – and that’s exactly why we’re coming back now. We knew there was still a chapter left to write.”

They are also bringing out guitarist Phil X (Bon Jovi) and Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz from Slash’s band The Conspirators. Does anyone seem to care that this legendary power trio is bringing out some “extra” helping hands?

Not in the least—let the games begin! Triumph tickets? Another tough get.

Bottom line: bands want to play their songs. Fans want to hear them. The constant stress of everyday life calls for more concerts, more “LOUDINGS” (that’s an outing, only LOUD). More music community, and time travel.

Experiencing your favorite band brings you back to a simpler time. Playing those songs again? Well, it just doesn’t get much better than that. 50 years is a long time. If not now—never.

One of my favorite hit-making rock machines that is also celebrating their 50th with a tour and new music is 38 Special.

The band is back with a new album—“Milestone”—released in 2025, their first in over 20 years. I recently caught up with the band’s leader and founding member Don Barnes, who talked about their 50-year legacy and the “Muscle and Melody” that sustained them. Which solidified their place in the great touring band column, and has taken them beyond the “Wild Eyed Southern Boys” we first saw on MTV.

Don discusses the band’s 50-year legacy with me, including why it’s so important to sing the songs that mean so much to the fans. He also covers how they choose a setlist, their massive MTV success, and the new release. Here’s a taste…..

*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*

Terrie Carr – In the video for your new tune All I Haven’t Said, you guys look like you all still really like each other!

Don Barnes – Oh we do! We roll on down the road together and all still like each other, even the crew. We are one family. I’ll go backstage and I love to hear the guys—they are all cracking up and laughing. It’s still a good place to be. Nobody is envious of the other person. We are all one unit—one team—still a family. A career is hard to sustain that long. You have to keep your standards high, be brutally honest with each other—it’s not easy to do.

TC – All I Haven’t Said is your first single from Milestone, your first new record in 20 years. Is it still important to put out new music? Is the sequencing (of a record) still important to you? A top-to-bottom endeavor that tells a story?

DB – Yes, all of that. Jim Peterik (Founder of the band Survivor and 38 Special co-writer who wrote some of the band’s biggest hits like Caught Up In You, Hold On Loosely, Rockin’ Into the Night and Fantasy Girl) said, a great project doesn’t start with song ideas, it starts with a phone call. A reason, a purpose to do a song.

We have this 50th anniversary coming up and my agent asked, “what do you plan on doing?” I told him we can get a brand new set to which he replied, “are you thinking about a new album?” I thought that’s a daunting task because you are putting in a lot of songwriting time.

We did it in phases. I used to do it in the studio at the hotel around the corner and punch the clock. Work 8–10 hours, play some ping pong, and it would be done. This one was done touring 100 cities a year and carving out some time to do some tracks. We went to Will Turpin’s (Collective Soul) studio, did some songs, some shows. Then we came back and did some more.

TC – That keeps you fresh though, right? Recording your experiences that may not have happened? Better this way than all at once.

DB – You’re right. When we went in this time and the mics were set up, it made for a real organic feel. There’s a realness to the songs and a groove. Our 50th anniversary is a milestone, so I couldn’t think of a better thing to call it than—38 SPECIAL—MILESTONE. We’ve had so much success with our sound, there’s no reason we can’t update that sound to a 2026 version that can’t be successful for us again.

TC – I’ve heard you describe the band as “Melody and Muscle.” Explain?

DB – Muscle and Melody. You’ve got that strong guitar in your face attitude and a good story over the top. We felt it was a simple formula, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Now we are trying to take that into the future.

38 Special heads out on their “50 YEAR LEGACY TOUR” in February, and I’m excited when they hit my NJ market in June for the “Rock, Ribs and Ridges” festival in Vernon, NJ. Come on—38 Special tunes and BBQ? Count me in!

Check out my full interview with Don Barnes on my Carr Stereo YouTube Channel and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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.

With Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, and Candace Owens Feuding, News/Talk Radio Hosts Share Their Thoughts

Garrett Searight
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With Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, and Candace Owens Feuding, News/Talk Radio Hosts Share Their Thoughts

Listen to any recent show from Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Mark Levin, or Candace Owens, and you’ll likely hear shots fired from one to the other.

Those conservative podcasters have been taking aim at one another, with Shapiro and Carlson, Shapiro and Owens, Kelly and Levin, Kelly and Shapiro, Levin and Carlson, and Owens and Levin all trading barbs in recent weeks.

The arguments have ranged from charges of anti-Semitism to reactions to questions abounding following the murder of Charlie Kirk, Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, and virtually everything else under the sun. Hardly a day goes by that there aren’t personal insults — following criticism of the other’s stances on a given item — hurled during a given podcast episode.

Some in conservative media have remained silent on the topic. Others have dipped their toes into the waters on social media, sharing their displeasure with the situation. Barrett Media spoke with two nationally syndicated news/talk radio hosts to gauge their feelings about the topic.

Erick Erickson said his nationally syndicated show’s data shows that there just flat out isn’t much interest in the drama related to conservative political infighting.

“We have researched who my audience is, and it is 30 and 40-something parents, who want to know what the news of the day is, so they can go back to their lives,” Erickson said. “They listen to me to know what’s going on in the world. They do not care about the soap opera. I don’t care about the soap opera. And it is a soap opera … I don’t care about it. I don’t talk about it. My audience wants to know what’s actually happening in the world that matters to them and none of that matters to them.”

Erickson admitted that he is concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism from some members of conservative media, like those embracing Nick Fuentes.

He added that he believes the in-fighting stems from the hosts being egged on by social media followers, with those podcasters losing sight of what actually matters.

“My prevailing theory on this is that everyone doing it has become captured by Twitter,” Erickson said. “And the conversations on Twitter, I think, are poisoning a lot of conservative media. If you start talking about this Twitter stuff on talk radio, your audience is like ‘I don’t even know what you’re talking about.'”

Barrett Media spoke with another nationally syndicated news/talk host — who did not wish to be identified, specifically pointing to the conduct of fans of Candace Owens in the process — about the situation.

This host shared that they believed that Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens were in the wrong for their embrace of anti-Semitic stances and figures like Fuentes. They backed Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro, before agreeing with Erickson.

“We try to put together a show every day that is informative, entertaining, and engaging,” the nationally syndicated host said. “Where does talking about why some of the biggest conservatives in podcasting are bickering with one another fit into that? It doesn’t, so it’s never on our radar. On X? Yes, my X audience might care what I have to say, because the bickering happens there. But taking online arguments to my show isn’t going to be of the utmost importance for me or the audience.”

They added that they don’t believe anyone — whether it’s the audience, Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Mark Levin, or the conservative moment — wins when there’s public mudslinging.

“I don’t think it’s our job to influence the midterms. But this doesn’t help, if you believe it is our job to do so,” they concluded. “I’ve always tried to rise above tarnishing the reputation of fellow conservatives in the media. It’s something I hope these folks learn, too. Sooner rather than later. We’ll all be better off when this is over.”

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How Much Would You Pay For Radio In a Connected Car?

Dr. Ed Cohen
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How Much Would You Pay For Radio In a Connected Car?

I watched a video presentation about connected cars from November’s asi conference while writing last week’s column. This has always been an area of interest to me. During my time at Arbitron, I was heavily involved in trying to figure out ways to obtain large data sets from vehicle infotainment systems.

The presenters noted that at least one European manufacturer, Opel, does not include any sort of infotainment system or radio in one of their new models. It’s the 2025 Opel Frontera SC, the least expensive version of the small SUV, which comes with a “smartphone station”. Apparently, you load an Opel app on your phone, place the phone in the docking station in the car, and it becomes the infotainment system. Want a “traditional” infotainment system? Move up to the Elegance edition of the Frontera and pay more.

The US situation is different. Some manufacturers no longer include AM radios in their vehicles, notably Tesla, but Elon Musk’s company is not alone (I see you Volvo, BMW, Polestar, and other EV manufacturers). When Ford announced that AM radio would no longer be available in F-150s, the howl from broadcasters could be heard across the land. The NAB has worked hard to gain passage of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require AM in cars. However, I’m not aware of any US models that do not include an FM radio.

Europe has moved in a different direction to deal with OEMs and where radio appears in the dash. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) started an initiative called Radio Ready. Announced at WorldDAB Automotive in Madrid last June, the initiative has been joined by many private European radio broadcasters including Bauer, NRJ, and RTL as well as the Association of European Radios, which represents private broadcasters at the EU in Brussels. Commercial Radio and Audio, the group representing Australian commercial radio, has also joined in.

Radio Ready’s goal is to keep radio in a prominent position on the dashboard. Per the EBU, the initiative started with four principles:

  • Radio in the car must be easy to use, starting with the push of a button.
  • Radio should not just be easy to find, but impossible to miss.
  • Radio should be focused and personalized. Smart suggestions based on prior listening are fine as long as data collection policies are transparent.
  • Radio comes as a package meaning both public and private broadcasters should be found in the same place.

Based on what I’ve read and viewed, it’s morphed just a bit. Bauer’s press release after the Madrid conference listed three more succinct principles:

  • Radio should be prominent and convenient
  • Radio apps should be discoverable
  • Voice assistants should be reliable

The asi presentation noted that radio should also remain free. There was a stated concern that automakers, aggregators, or others might attempt to bundle reception of free radio stations into a subscription system along with other audio sources. When I heard this, I thought of cable TV. I’m old enough to have been around before cable existed when one picked up free local TV signals off-air with rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna, much as radio has from the outset. Eventually, we paid for access to what was once free.

Isn’t it wonderful when radio broadcasters, private and public, get together for a worthwhile initiative to help the industry? I’ve read enough trade press in this country expressing concerns that the car is the last redoubt of radio strength. Many fret the future, with competition from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or systems designed by the OEMs designed to highlight audio sources other than broadcast radio. The Europeans and Australians have come together to push a vision with simple principles and a single voice.

Why can’t North American broadcasters do the same and be a part of Radio Ready? Perhaps I’m missing something. It looks like a worthwhile initiative that could involve the NAB, RAB, NPR, and any other radio organization. I can’t see where one company or group would be better off than another in the push to maintain radio’s strength in the car. I only see positives.

If you’d like to view the presentation given by Bauer and SR (Sveriges Radio of Sweden), check out the video below. Start at 51 minutes in to view the presentation. It’s worth your time. Then think about how we can become Radio Ready in the US.

Let’s meet again next week.

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Matt Ryan Departs CBS Sports for Role With the Atlanta Falcons

BSM Staff
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Matt Ryan Departs CBS Sports for Role With the Atlanta Falcons

Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan is leaving his role as a CBS Sports analyst to return to the Atlanta Falcons in a newly created executive position, marking a significant career shift from broadcasting back to the franchise he helped define for more than a decade.

The Falcons announced Saturday morning that Ryan has been named President of Football. A role that places him in charge of all football operations for the organization. He will report directly to owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank and work in coordination with Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles. The move comes as Atlanta searches for a new head coach and general manager. Both positions will report to Ryan once filled.

Ryan’s departure from CBS Sports ends a three-year run in television that followed his 15-season NFL playing career. After leaving the field, Ryan worked as a game analyst before moving to the studio on THE NFL TODAY. He provided analysis alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson. CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Ryan’s leadership and contributions. He said the former quarterback brought the same professionalism to broadcasting that defined his playing career.

For Atlanta, the hire represents a return to familiar leadership at a pivotal moment. Blank said Ryan’s knowledge of the modern NFL, combined with his understanding of the Falcons organization and market, made him a natural fit for the position.

Ryan assumes the role immediately and is expected to be heavily involved in shaping the franchise’s next phase. This begins with the selection of its top football decision-makers.

While Ryan acknowledged his appreciation for his time at CBS Sports, he emphasized that his connection to Atlanta never faded.

“While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity,” said Ryan via a statement.

Ryan spent 14 seasons with the Falcons after being selected third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He became the most accomplished player in franchise history. Ryan led Atlanta to five playoff appearances, two NFC Championship Games, and a Super Bowl berth. His 2016 season marked a peak, earning first-team All-Pro honors and the franchise’s first NFL MVP award.

Beyond the field, Ryan earned recognition for his community impact, including being named the Falcons’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2016. Along with his wife, Sarah, he remains active in Atlanta-based charitable initiatives. The family continues to reside in the metro area.

Although Ryan acknowledged the learning curve that comes with moving into football operations, he said he understands the weight of the role and is prepared for the challenge.

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.

Stephen A. Smith Responds to Keith Olbermann’s Call for ESPN To Fire Him: “I’m Sick of Your Pathetic Ass”

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Responds to Keith Olbermann’s Call for ESPN To Fire Him: “I’m Sick of Your Pathetic Ass”

Stephen A. Smith forcefully pushed back against former ESPN personality Keith Olbermann on Friday after Olbermann publicly called for ESPN to fire the longtime First Take star over his commentary on a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota.

He addressed the criticism during an episode of his Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith YouTube show, delivering an unfiltered response that escalated an already tense media dispute. Olbermann had argued on social media that Smith’s comments regarding the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good were harmful to ESPN’s brand and should result in disciplinary action.

Instead of backing down, Smith turned his attention directly toward Olbermann, accusing the former SportsCenter anchor of hypocrisy and professional bitterness.

“Literally trying to get me fired,” Smith said. “It’s time for ESPN to fire Stephen A. — he’s hurting the brand. He’s damaging the brand. Coming from you?”

Smith continued by questioning Olbermann’s credibility within the media industry, suggesting that his longtime adversarial approach had cost him professional relationships and standing. Smith accused Olbermann of “napalming bridges” throughout his career, including during his time at ESPN, and said the criticism reflected personal resentment rather than principled disagreement.

“Who looks more like a cartoon character than you? Keith Olbermann, you can’t run five feet with your fat self,” explained Smith.

The exchange stems from Smith’s earlier remarks on his podcast in which he stated that, from a legal perspective, the ICE officer involved in the Minnesota shooting appeared justified. While Smith acknowledged the tragedy of the situation and raised questions about whether lethal force was necessary, the comments drew swift backlash online.

Olbermann, a frequent critic of ESPN and its talent, responded by urging the network to sever ties with Smith, claiming he was now doing reputational harm beyond his on-air persona. Olbermann wrote that he was speaking on behalf of individuals who “built the place,” a reference to ESPN’s earlier era.

Smith, however, dismissed the criticism as performative outrage and said he was finished tolerating Olbermann’s public attacks.

“I’m sick of your pathetic ass,” Smith said during the episode. “I really, really am. You’re a 66-year-old — barely with any friends. Who the hell knows what’s going on in your life?”

The dispute places ESPN in the middle of a highly public feud involving two of the most recognizable — and polarizing — figures in media. Smith is less than a year into a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN, signed in March 2025. He also hosts programming for SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and produces politically focused content outside of ESPN.

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.

Don La Greca Signs Multi-Year Extension With ESPN New York

BSM Staff
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Don La Greca Signs Multi-Year Extension With ESPN New York

Don La Greca’s voice has been part of ESPN New York since the very beginning. On Friday, La Greca has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to continue as a co-host of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, ESPN New York confirmed to Newsday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.The deal solidifies La Greca’s role as the veteran anchor of the afternoon program alongside Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg. The show marked its first anniversary earlier this year.

La Greca’s relationship with ESPN New York dates back to Sept. 3, 2001, when he became the first on-air voice heard when the station launched. He later rose to prominence as a key member of The Michael Kay Show, where he spent more than two decades.

In addition to his radio responsibilities, La Greca recently landed an added role as play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Networks.

“Don La Greca has been a cornerstone of ESPN New York for decades,” ESPN executive vice president and executive editor Dave Roberts said in a statement to NewsDay. “His passion and credibility have helped define our local coverage. We’re excited to have him remain a central part of our programming.”

The new deal will push La Greca’s tenure with ESPN to roughly 25 years, a milestone he does not take lightly.

Speaking with Barrett Media in October, amid uncertainty about his future with the station. La Greca said he would weigh his options if offered a new deal.

“I’m a 57-year-old father of seven-year-old twins. So, time is as important to me as money. In a lot of ways, it’s even more valuable than money,” explained LaGreca. “As I weigh my options of staying or going, it’s all about what’s best for my family.”

Now with a new multi-year extension complete, La Greca is looking forward to the challenge of continuing both roles together.

“When I was growing up, I wanted to do play-by-play and host a show,” he said to NewsDay. “To be able to do both, and to do them at this level, is incredibly humbling.”

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