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Why the Potential Return of Dan Bongino Comes at the Perfect Time

Garrett Searight
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Why the Potential Return of Dan Bongino Comes at the Perfect Time

Dan Bongino is apparently preparing to re-enter the news/talk radio and podcast space, and the timing could hardly be better.

After months away from the microphone, his return feels less like a comeback tour and more like a well-timed reset. The conservative media ecosystem is louder, angrier, and more fractured than it has been in years. That chaos creates opportunity for someone who knows how to navigate it.

This is almost the perfect moment for Bongino to jump back in. Conservative media is currently consumed by high-profile infighting.

Ben Shapiro. Tucker Carlson. Mark Levin. Candace Owens. Megyn Kelly. Each commands a sizable audience, and each has taken shots at others on the same ideological team. The disagreements are public, personal, and relentless. For listeners, it has become a daily food fight.

Dan Bongino has spent years operating in that environment. He has never been shy about confrontation. He says what he thinks, even if it costs him allies. He stirs the pot without pretending otherwise. He also calls out people he believes are hurting the movement, regardless of their status or reach. That reputation matters right now, when many conservative consumers are unsure who is speaking honestly and who is playing to the crowd.

Unlike newer voices, Bongino does not need to find his footing. He already understands the rules of engagement. He knows how quickly alliances shift. And he knows how to criticize without sounding scripted. He knows how to fight without losing his audience. In a moment defined by division, experience is a valuable currency.

There is also a built-in audience advantage waiting for him.

Bongino’s listeners have been without their regular fix for more than nine months. That absence matters more than people realize. When you like something, being without it only sharpens the appetite. It does not matter if it is a podcast, a radio show, or your favorite candy. Time away makes the craving stronger.

So when Bongino returns, there will be a real thirst for his commentary. His audience has been without his voice for a long stretch. That gap has not been fully replaced. This is no disrespect to Vince Coglianese or anyone else who stepped into the role. Filling time is not the same as filling demand. Familiarity builds loyalty, and Bongino earned plenty of it before stepping away.

The second reason for renewed interest may be even more compelling. There will be an expectation that Bongino brings insider knowledge with him. Any blowhard can sit behind a microphone and complain about what is working or failing. That space is already crowded. What separates and elevates voices is experience.

Dan Bongino has been in the weeds at the FBI. He has done the dirty work. He has seen how decisions are made, and how quickly narratives change. If you know where the bodies are buried — metaphorically, that is — you carry credibility that cannot be manufactured. Sharing those experiences, even selectively, is a powerful card to play with an audience hungry for it.

Listeners will tune in expecting more than hot takes. They will expect texture. They will expect stories that feel informed, not recycled, and analysis rooted in firsthand exposure, not just social media trends. That expectation raises the bar, but it also elevates the show.

What remains unclear is what his return will actually look like. Will Bongino reclaim his old timeslot on Westwood One? Will he focus strictly on podcasting and bypass traditional news talk radio altogether? Is there a different, “hybrid” model that blends both worlds? For now, those answers are unknown.

What does feel certain is that Bongino is coming back to the game. The current conservative media world is noisy, divided, and searching for direction. That environment plays directly to his strengths.

Timing matters in media. This one feels just about 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.

How Bomani Jones Ensures ‘The Right Time’ Is Time Well Spent for His Loyal Audience

John Mamola
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How Bomani Jones Ensures ‘The Right Time’ Is Time Well Spent for His Loyal Audience

Bomani Jones understands the value of an audience. For more than 25 years, his career has spanned nearly every medium in sports media. From hosting talk radio in North Carolina to more than two decades with ESPN, Jones has built a loyal following—an audience that remains devoted as he enters his third year hosting The Right Time with Bomani Jones under Wave Sports + Entertainment’s umbrella.

“With ESPN, podcasting was always a secondary kind of business for them,” said Jones. “Wave comes from a different place, and it was always attractive to go there in the first place. They trust me with my content. On their end, they know how to sell it. For me, it’s gone as good as I expected.”

The Right Time was not new for the Atlanta native. The podcast began during his ESPN Radio tenure and became his property after ESPN declined to renew his contract in 2023. Since then, Jones has made it the central focus of his work for those who have always been there.

“At this point in my career, I am most focused on creating content that serves the audience that has been the most loyal to me for over 25 years,” explained Jones. “You’re still leaning on the people who are most dedicated to you. For me, that’s the people that I think most about.”

Finding What Works

That focus did not come easily. While many podcasters chase new listeners, Jones remains committed to his existing audience. When his HBO program, Game Theory with Bomani Jones, was canceled after two seasons, the experience left a lasting impression on his path forward.

“I had to figure out what I’m doing this for,” explained Jones. “It’s really hard to simply hold onto the audience that you already have.”

The challenge was complex. Without ESPN or HBO’s platforms, Jones had to find new ways to engage an audience that already knew him well. Staying fresh is challenging but not impossible.

After leaving ESPN and HBO, Jones took a pause to reflect and reassess his approach as an independent creator.

“The key for me; my energy is the part I can control,” noted Jones. “I found out that I didn’t sound the way that I used to. It’s not that I was sounding old, but I didn’t have the fire that I had at different points. I needed to go find that part again, and re-assess what I enjoyed about doing it and how to get to a place where I was excited about the work that I was doing.”

Now, nearly three years later, The Right Time continues to grow. Jones chooses not to obsess over metrics, but the numbers he hears are rising—especially on YouTube.

With more than 102,000 subscribers and an average of 783,000 views last month, according to Social Blade, Jones credits his success to his honesty.

“The most important thing always is does your audience believe you,” said Jones. “Does your audience believe that you mean the things you say. It’s not about do they believe that you’re right all the time, but it is do they trust the sincerity of your words.”

Podcast Industry Evolving

Jones’ connection to his audience extends to engaging with his community on social media. He pays close attention to social media and comments regarding his content, always with an eye on engaging with those who give him their time. Jones says he treats his podcast as an opt-in product—listeners who actively choose to engage, on any platform.

As much as Jones focuses on his loyal following, content discovery continues to evolve. With video becoming a bigger piece of the podcast format, Netflix’s exclusive partnerships with The Ringer, Barstool Sports, and iHeartMedia have caught his attention. Jones sees Netflix as a logical platform to experiment with putting once-free video content behind a paywall, though he cautions about its potential implications for creators.

“If somebody comes to a creator and says ‘we want to put your work behind a paywall but we’re using your work to try to attract people to pay for our service’, that would be something people [creators] should worry about,” explained Jones. “I don’t know if I would turn on Netflix to go watch my podcast… but it’s worth seeing if people do.”

Whether Netflix’s move into podcasts succeeds remains to be seen. The interest itself signals industry growth. As the market expands, profitability becomes harder. Jones knows the challenge of growing an audience firsthand from 25 years of experience.

For new creators, the task is even tougher. Competition for attention is always intense in a crowded market. Jones often advises students and aspiring sports media professionals that navigating a space that values celebrity over substance can be challenging.

“If someone told me that they’re going to start a podcast, I’d tell them don’t do it like mine,” said Jones. “Your best path trying to cut through today is hosting a podcast about something in particular. Then marketing it on social media with that niche audience. There’s no easy answer. The concern is once they get success, there’s so many people already where the profits level off to zero because it’s so crowded.”

Reflections On ESPN

Many seeking his advice know Jones from ESPN, where he was a fixture on ESPN Radio and appeared regularly on Highly Questionable and Around the Horn. He made 561 appearances on Around the Horn starting in 2010. Regarding the show’s cancellation in May 2025, Jones was not surprised ESPN has yet to announce an official replacement.

“I’ve worked around ESPN for the better part of about twenty years. Never assume there’s a plan,” said Jones. “It seems very clear to me that Burke Magnus didn’t like Around the Horn. And if you tell most people that get to be in charge, change whatever you want and get rid of the show you didn’t like. You’d probably do it, and that appears to be what happened.”

Jones believes there may have been an initial plan for a replacement, but his personal radio experience shapes his outlook.

“The fact that I worked in radio leaves me numb to decisions like that,” joked Jones. “Radio is full of people who were on top of their game one day and then walked out the next day by security. The idea that a show [Around the Horn] that had a long run of success, and somebody changed it for the sake of change. It doesn’t surprise me in the least.”

Jones overall views his ESPN tenure positively, valuing the audience and opportunities it provided. At the same time, he remains candid about the network since his departure. That honesty and authenticity is what he feels continues to resonate with his audience.

“I truly enjoy and love being at the center of this community. Creating something that people can continue to bond around,” said Jones. “We’re all part of something. It is more important for me at this point in my career to maintain the fact that these people feel a part of something.”

For Bomani Jones, The Right Time is always the next time. Maintaining a focus on ensuring the time his loyal audience allows him is time well spent.

“I don’t have to chase an audience or dollars. I’m fortunate in that regard,” noted Jones. “What I would like to do with that measure of privilege that has been afforded to me, is to be there for this community that has made it all possible.”

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.

Tony Dokoupil’s CBS Evening News Debut Shows Just How Unforgiving the Anchor Chair Can Be

Lauren Ashburn
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Tony Dokoupil’s CBS Evening News Debut Shows Just How Unforgiving the Anchor Chair Can Be

Tony Dokoupil’s long-awaited first weekday primetime newscast as the newly-crowned anchor of CBS Evening News was — there’s no polite way to say it — a bit of a (expletive) show. 

The broadcast quickly went sideways when, in a rare moment of live-TV self-awareness, Dokoupil openly acknowledged just how badly things were unraveling in real time.

“To other news now. To Governor Walz, no we’re going to do Mark Kelly. First day, big problems here. Are we going to go to Kelly…We’re doing Mark Kelly, possibly demoted from his retired rank as captain in the Navy.”

Whew, that was painful to watch. And, it wasn’t the only time he stumbled.

His first few minutes in the anchor chair, once held by the fabled Walter Cronkite, seemed like a pretty regular newscast. Anchor tossing to reporters in the field, anchor interviewing guests on screen. And then, most likely through no fault of his own, he had no idea where he was going.

Most likely, and to be fair,  this wasn’t entirely his fault. As a former anchor, I can tell you what this looked like: the control room rolling the wrong video, producers barking conflicting instructions into his ear, last-second changes blowing up the rundown. Live television is unforgiving, and when it goes wrong, it goes wrong fast.

Still, the mistakes always land on the face the audience sees. That’s the brutal reality of the anchor chair. It’s the anchor’s job to check, recheck, and triple-check the script order – especially on night one.

NBC’s recent rollout of Tom Llamas as evening news anchor went off without a hitch. CBS’s… not so much. Let’s hope, for them, it’s not a harbinger of things to come. The last-rated broadcast newscast – trailing leader ABC by more than three million viewers – is trying to claw its way out of the basement. This was not a promising start.

On a positive note, he seemed relaxed and in control at other times. In a not-so-anchor-like move, he added his opinion about how the Venezuelan invasion helps the U.S., “if at all.” 

“When you zoom out a bit, you can actually see the outlines of an answer,” Doukopil declared. “Russia, China, and Iran have been building a presence in Venezuela, a base of power and influence in the hemisphere. With Maduro now out, that base of power and influence could be out too.”

Plus, his demeanor was affable, and he struck a provocative tone at the end of the broadcast, talking about a group of middle-aged and elderly who made a nude calendar trying to raise money to reduce taxes. It was a far cry from his immediate predecessors, John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who couldn’t find chemistry and tanked the ratings.

Dokoupil’s roll-out video, posted days before he took over the helm of CBS Evening News, set off a media wildfire after making a controversial comment comparing himself favorably to Cronkite. Critics called the remark “foolish,” viewing it as dismissive of the network’s storied standards.

Dokoupil, who had been the co-host of CBS Mornings, kicked off his tenure abruptly on CBS Evening News on Saturday’s broadcast with a three-segment showdown with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. It was a bold and decisive move to grab a high-profile administration official intimately involved in the Trump administration’s decision to bomb Caracas and capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd – to his credit, blowing out the plan to unveil Dokoupil days later.

But, the criticism of the questions was swift and damning, even as some praised the importance and timelines of the interview. Some media critics argued that Dokoupil gave Hegseth a free pass, letting him spin the administration’s talking points while failing to ask hard-hitting questions expected of CBS anchors. 

One media commenter described the segments as “mostly turned over to Secretary Hegseth” by not asking key questions about the legality of the raid and President Trump’s controversial promise to bring in American military troops to occupy Venezuela. Softball journalism, critics cried. 

But here’s where I blow the whistle. While I understand the concerns expressed, Dokoupil pushed Hegseth on several fronts. He did ask him if the administration planned to put troops on the ground, whether Congress would be involved going forward (unlike during the airstrikes and stunning capture of Maduro), and whether the mission was about freedom or oil. 

But most importantly, he stressed the point of the raid against history: He asked if this maneuver – with Trump and Marco Rubio saying they’ll run the country – regime change!– echoes the period twenty years when the U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein, based on faulty assurances about weapons of mass destruction, turning into an endless quagmire that cost 4,500 American military people their lives, and another 32,000 wounded: “Many of the president’s own supporters tonight are wondering, how is this, this time around, going to be different, and how is it in the U.S. interest?”

It’s also a reminder of Teddy Roosevelt-style, big-stick attacks, when gunboat diplomacy meant seizing anyone you wanted.

Media personalities like former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, now something of a crank, mocked Dokoupil’s interview on his podcast, suggesting he acted more like a “chief propagandist” than a hard-hitting anchor, framing his approach as too cooperative with Hegseth and the administration’s narrative.

TV Insider’s social media critic also complained that Dokoupil didn’t challenge Hegseth. “@tonydokoupil is the latest member of Trump’s state-run media team. Giving @PeteHegseth 20 mins of softball questions on the evening news? Walter Cronkite is rolling over in his grave right now.”

But many media liberals have their own agenda, believing that Bari Weiss, the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, is pushing the operation to the right. She describes herself as a “radical centrist.” 

Dokoupil’s transition into the evening anchor chair itself has attracted criticism, not just for the content of the interview but for the strategy he signaled. Some critics claim he tried to appeal to audiences who distrust legacy media and that this may shape how interviews like Hegseth’s are conducted.

In a promo video, Dukoupil made this pronouncement: “On too many stories, the press has missed the story…we put too much weight in the analysis of academics or elites and not enough on you.” And that set off a firestorm of criticism from those on the left. Bravo’s host Andy Cohen wrote: “Listening too much to experts? WTF.” 

TheWrap highlighted Dokoupil’s adaptability, noting that the early broadcast debut, moved up for the dramatic breaking news in Venezuela, “was actually a better launch than anything else we could have come up with.”

The verdict? Dokoupil may have ruffled feathers with a Cronkite comparison and faced the predictable storm from the left, but his handling of Hegseth shows he’s willing to challenge power, even if one of the administration’s chief spinners tried to dodge the questions.

As for Monday’s performance, it was a chaotic launch that underscored just how far CBS Evening News still has to climb. CBS can only hope this was a bad night, not a bad omen.

When he signed off, Tony Doukopil told viewers: “I can’t believe they let me keep that line.” A nice touch, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who smiled.

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.

The NFL Signals Their Future Plans by Placing Bears/Packers on Prime Video

John Mamola
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The NFL Signals Their Future Plans by Placing Bears/Packers on Prime Video

At 45 years old, it’s hard to imagine a more die-hard Chicago sports fan than myself. My lifetime has included as many championships as gut-wrenching seasons. I’ve watched the greatest of all time lace up sneakers and seen century-old curses become extinct. This weekend, the Chicago Bears face the Green Bay Packers in the NFL playoffs—and many fans aren’t happy about it.

On Sunday night, during halftime of the Sunday Night Football game between Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the NFL dropped an atom bomb on the league’s oldest rivalry. Playoff football in Chicago against Green Bay…on Prime Video. Yes, the most anticipated game of the weekend, featuring two of the NFL’s marquee franchises, is behind a paywall.

Bears and Packers fans across the nation were outraged—but the move was a sign of things to come. With the NFL signaling openness to renegotiating media deals earlier than expected, putting the top Wild Card game on a streaming platform is a warning shot to traditional partners.

The NFL is the king of sports media. Its games keep networks viable, sports radio alive, and podcasts profitable. Media devotes more resources to covering the NFL than any other sport. Budgets are set, jobs hinge on revenue goals, and the stakes are high.

Why? Interest in the NFL has never been greater. In 2025, sports accounted for 96 of the 100 most-watched shows—tying a record. Last year, 92 of the top 100 were football-related, including 84 NFL games.

With the playoffs approaching, networks were salivating. The coveted game was Bears-Packers, a rivalry as old as time. Chicago enjoyed a magical season with comeback after comeback. Could they beat their archrival two out of three times and who would be the lucky one to broadcast the action?

FOX Sports had the coveted Sunday 4:25 p.m. America’s Game of the Week slot. CBS offers the early window fans expect on a typical NFL game day. NBC, ratings darling of the NFL, would have been a natural home. ESPN’s Monday Night Football, steeped in tradition, remains iconic. Also, didn’t the NFL just acquire a stake in ESPN?

None of those were what the NFL decided on.

Instead, the NFL went with Prime Video—behind a paywall, outside the traditional network structure, with a clear eye on future business. Streaming exclusives aren’t new: the Chiefs-Dolphins playoff game appeared on Peacock in 2024, and last year Prime Video hosted Ravens-Steelers. But Bears-Packers is different. The teams alone move the needle in a way those games didn’t.

Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times reports the NFL’s goal is simple: streaming must play a major role in the next round of media rights deals. Prime Video’s deal has sparked other agreements with Netflix, YouTube, and Peacock for exclusivity.

And Prime Video is succeeding. In fact, it had its best year in Thursday Night Football history, with viewership up 16% from last season, averaging 15.33 million viewers. The demos are younger, and the model points to the industry’s future.

The NFL signed an 11-year, $111 billion media package in 2021, running through the 2033 season. ESPN has an extra year, and the league retains an opt-out after 2029–30. By favoring Prime Video, the NFL rewarded it’s newest weekly partner while signaling its priorities for the future.

What does this mean for other network partners? It’s a wake-up call: viewers continue to cut cords, streaming subscriptions are rising, and the NFL sees an untapped revenue opportunity. The league is the last to truly cash in.

The NBA streams games on Peacock and Prime Video. MLB moves games to Netflix and Peacock. The NHL has a boatload of games on ESPN+. The NFL has the fewest games but the biggest opportunity. Bears-Packers on Prime Video shows what’s possible. Could CBS place more games exclusively on Paramount+? NBC on Peacock? FOX One and ESPN direct-to-consumer also hint at possibility for new deals. Netflix and YouTube are potential partners.

Don’t get it twisted: NFL greed doesn’t benefit the NFL fan. It’s business. Prime Video got its back scratched, and now Amazon will likely pay more in the next media rights cycle.

The NFL has been, is, and will always be in the driver’s seat. Media rights costs will rise. Networks can’t risk losing football because consumers could potentially balk at the price. For fans, Bears-Packers behind a paywall is a gut punch—but make no mistake: the NFL isn’t just serving football; it’s shaping the future of sports media.

Networks should take notice. Timing is everything, and the NFL is already signaling its playbook for the next wave of agreements.

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.

Has Modern Music Lost the Path To Being Unforgettable for the Listener?

Mike Gunz
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Has Modern Music Lost the Path To Being Unforgettable for the Listener?

As the clock ticked down toward midnight on New Year’s Eve and yours truly was in charge of the music on the Bluetooth speaker for a party of around 60 people, this year’s celebration felt different. Despite playing various hits from the past year, nothing was really catching on. Pockets of people would know the chorus of one song, but then immediately have a blank look on their face when I’d play the next song, even if it was considered “bigger” and “more popular.”

Then it dawned on me: Current listening habits have all but eliminated the shared listening experience.

But why do modern hits feel smaller, even when the data and numbers say they’re bigger? After all, statistically more people are listening to music, and for longer periods of time, thanks to streaming platforms.

The answer has to do with how music is being consumed, backed by an algorithm that constantly force-feeds you more of the same. Call it the “Stay In Your Lane” music mindset, and it’s proving that a song’s reach does not necessarily translate into true popularity.

No Single Listening Experience

In the past, music hits were imposed. Today, they must be chosen.

For example, during MTV’s TRL era, an entire generation of music fans had to sit through other genres while waiting for their favorite music video to play. With that experience, however, came exposure to other genres, artists, and yes, even those annoying choruses that still resonate to this day.

If you were a fan of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, you could still rap the lyrics to Eminem’s Without Me, or Nelly’s Hot In Herre.

Notorious B.I.G.’s Mo Money Mo Problems would be followed up by the Spice Girls’ Wannabe, and you’re damn right you knew the lyrics to both.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ Music Experience

Today’s experience is different because music consumption is so fragmented.

With platforms like TikTok, playlists, and algorithmic radio, a song can be very popular in certain circles without becoming a cultural standard that everyone sings together. This is much different than when radio, MTV, and fewer platforms meant listeners were exposed to a wide variety of sounds and genres.

That’s why a Taylor Swift fan can look clueless when they hear a Bad Bunny song, despite both artists being the biggest in the world.

Music fans of the same age can have barely any overlap in what they hear or are exposed to. Yes, popularity still exists, but it’s spread out instead of concentrated, and it’s designed that way for quick, algorithmic success by the platforms.

With music cycles becoming much shorter thanks to social media, songs can peak fast but be replaced even faster. This limits a song’s ability to become ingrained in the culture the way it once did.

That’s why it feels like there are fewer massive songs, even though, by the numbers alone, modern tracks are bigger than ever before.

Never Say Never

That’s not to say we won’t ever have another massive song where “everyone knows the words.” (During my New Year’s Eve DJ experience, for example, Chappell Roan’s Hot To Go! had nearly everyone doing the song’s dance.)

However, the number of songs able to burst into globally recognized superstardom will be far fewer and farther between in the future. The good news is that because music is so readily available now, listeners can hear and be exposed to any song, format, or genre they want.

They’ll just have to take the initiative to do so, because the current structure isn’t going to do it for them.

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 Newsmax’s Mike Carter Went From Overnight Radio Shifts to Covering the White House

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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How Newsmax’s Mike Carter Went From Overnight Radio Shifts to Covering the White House

“The first time I ever spoke to President Donald Trump was before he was even running for president in 2015,” Newsmax White House Correspondent Mike Carter reminisced about his humble career beginnings.

The young Carter had just left his marketing job at iHeartRadio and was working as a radio producer before heading to the Newhouse School at Syracuse University for his graduate degree.

“Trump had called in because he was planning on running in the New Hampshire primary, and we had him as a guest on our morning show,” Carter, a former NBC Page, said at the time. “I couldn’t believe that this guy was running for president.” Now, 10 years later, Carter is speaking with POTUS 45/47 every other week, but it took a lot of sacrifice and hard work to get there.

“[After graduate school] I started in Colorado Springs for an ABC station, then moved to Lafayette, Louisiana,” Carter recalled. “I was like a news and sports reporter, kind of splitting my week up covering local news, PTA meetings, house fires, etcetera, for part of the week, and then LSU football, the Saints, and New Orleans the other half of the week.”

But Carter wanted to be back in New York, so he took a part-time role working overnights as a radio producer for SiriusXM. He was crashing on a friend’s couch when he first heard about Newsmax.

“So I applied and became a booker for The Chris Salcedo Show,” Carter remarked.

Hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Carter started doing stories on his phone during his time off. “The first story I did was when I went out to Staten Island. They were having a protest there over all the restaurants in New York being closed during the pandemic.”

He said, “There was this one place that was staying open and fighting the city policy to remain closed during the pandemic. So I shot video on my phone, recorded a little stand-up, and then I presented it to the network.”

The package made air that day. Shortly thereafter, Carter became the first correspondent Newsmax had in New York.

What separates Carter from his contemporaries is the way he tells a story. “It’s not just what’s happening, but why is this happening? And I think not enough news talks about why things are the way they are.” He added, “People can have their points of contention with either a Democrat regime or a Republican one, but what you can’t really argue with is ‘This person feels this way, and that’s why they’re doing the things that they’re doing.’”

The “why” factor is something Carter says he is always thinking about. He often develops questions to ask President Trump to get to the heart of “why.” He also listens to the “Mount Rushmore” of journalistic voices in his head.

“These aren’t just any old voices,” Carter said. They should be the voices of “people that you respect in your line of business, and people whose work you follow, and that you can kind of pick and choose different things from those people that will help you find your own path.”

One of Carter’s “Mount Rushmore” voices is the legendary Bob Dodson. A former NBC reporter, Dodson is not just someone Carter grew up watching; Carter also took a class taught by Dodson while in graduate school. “First, he would capture your attention with something that was maybe a little bit offbeat,” Carter said. “And that’s something that I really like to do.”

But for aspiring media personalities, Carter notes it’s not all glitz and glamour. There is a labor-of-love aspect to the industry, and by love, he means waiting.

“There’s a lot of waiting when you’re covering the president. A lot of the time, reporters are waiting. You’re waiting for a press briefing to begin. You’re waiting for an Oval Office meeting to begin.” He added, “If you’re traveling with the president, you’re in the press pool. A lot of times you’re in a van, sometimes for several hours, waiting for the president to arrive.”

“So a lot of it is just waiting for access to speak to the most powerful man on Earth, and you’re hoping that it’s a good day and he feels like talking to folks when he gets off the plane,” Carter said.

Proud of how far he has come in his career, the Newsmax correspondent said, “I’ve literally flown around the world covering Donald Trump, and it’s been an experience that I’m constantly thinking back on and thinking to myself, ‘Wow!’”

On a personal note, working with Mike Carter was always a pleasure. His ability to pivot when an element or package isn’t flawless is likely because he’s been in a producer’s shoes before. Carter’s packages are often witty because he knows a bit of humor can go a long way with the audience. He’s able to quell even the angriest of divas and has always kept his head steadfast on the task at hand, even as the building around him is proverbially on fire.

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.

Michael Reagan, Son of Ronald Reagan and Founding Newsmax Analyst Passes Away

BNM Staff
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Michael Reagan, Son of Ronald Reagan and Founding Newsmax Analyst Passes Away

The media industry has lost a familiar and influential voice. Michael Reagan, a founding Newsmax analyst and longtime columnist for Newsmax.com has passed away. The eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman was 80 years old at the time of his passing.

Reagan carved out his own place in conservative media as a commentator, syndicated radio host, and bestselling author. He remained deeply connected to the legacy that shaped his life.

From the earliest days of Newsmax, Reagan was more than a contributor. He was a visible believer in the mission, lending his name, his perspective, and his energy to a growing network that would eventually become a major player in cable news and digital media. His presence helped establish credibility and momentum at a time when Newsmax was still defining its voice and reach.

In a statement, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy reflected on Reagan’s impact.

“Michael Reagan was far more than a political commentator. He was the living embodiment of his father’s legacy, and throughout his life he worked tirelessly to carry forward Ronald Reagan’s torch for freedom, family, and faith.”

“Michael approached everything he did with extraordinary enthusiasm and energy. He deeply loved his family and his country. We at Newsmax will miss him greatly and will never forget the role he played in helping build Newsmax into one of the nation’s newest and most influential media outlets.”

“The Reagan family has lost a devoted husband and father, America has lost a great patriot, and I have lost a dear friend. May God hold him close to His heart. Rest in peace, Michael Reagan.”

Colleagues and audiences alike knew Reagan for his enthusiasm and conviction. He spoke with clarity, often drawing on personal history while never shying away from the responsibility that came with carrying one of the most recognizable names in American politics. Those who worked closely with Reagan say he took the greatest pride in his family and his country.

For the broader media landscape, it’s the end of a career defined by loyalty to principles and persistence in message. As Ruddy noted, America has lost a patriot, the Reagan family has lost a devoted husband and father, and Newsmax has lost a foundational figure whose influence will not be forgotten.

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Glenn Beck Releases First Podcast Episode Fully Produced By AI

BNM Staff
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Glenn Beck Releases First Podcast Episode Fully Produced By AI

Glenn Beck has unveiled a podcast episode completely crafted by his proprietary AI.

Dubbed as “Glenn A.I.”, the first episode of the podcast shares commentary from Glenn Beck on the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, and the reaction from the political left.

The podcast episode was released in conjunction with another Artificial Intelligence project featuring the created image and voice of President George Washington reacting to the same subject matter.

The full podcast monologues come after Beck had teased AI projects that he had been working on late last year.

In early December, the longtime news/talk radio host aired a portion of an interview he did with the AI-created Washington. Showcasing that he could give specific prompts to the digital creation to adjust its language, among other things.

Beck’s AI initiatives are part of the new foundation he launched called The Torch. It’s dedicated to preserving American history and education surrounding the topic.

The full podcast — which, as of this publication, is unlisted on YouTube — of the AI-created version of Glenn Beck is available below.

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Sactown Sports Names Allen Stiles New Afternoon Co-Host on ‘The Drive Guys’ Beginning January 12

BSM Staff
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Sactown Sports Names Allen Stiles New Afternoon Co-Host on ‘The Drive Guys’ Beginning January 12

Sactown Sports 1140 is reshaping its afternoon lineup with the addition of a familiar and proven voice. The Sacramento-based sports radio station announced that Allen Stiles will join The Drive Guys with Kevin Gleason as a full-time co-host beginning Monday, January 12, expanding the show’s perspective during one of the most competitive dayparts in sports radio.

The move pairs Stiles with Kevin “Whitey” Gleason, a long-established presence in the Sacramento market. It signals the station’s commitment to deepen local connections and strengthen its afternoon drive lineup. The Drive Guys airs weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. It serves as a flagship program for fans of regional and national sports.

“Friday will be my last day on the midday show,” said Stiles during the announcement made earlier today on The Carmichael Dave Show. “Just want to thank you, and appreciate everything.”

Stiles is already a well-known personality among Sactown Sports listeners. He currently hosts The Allen Stiles Show, which runs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. His transition into the afternoon drive expands his role within the station for his analysis and personality.

As to who will be replacing Stiles in middays, the station will reveal that news later this week.

Sacramento Kings play-by-play voice Kyle Draper served in afternoons along with Gleason from 2023 till last month. There has been no official word on if he will be a candidate for the open midday timeslot.

Stiles continued to share his thoughts on the move to open his program on Tuesday.

“It’s an extremely fortunate opportunity for me. I’m really excited about it,” said Stiles.

From a programming standpoint, the pairing brings together two broadcasters with distinct styles. Gleason’s decades of experience covering Sacramento sports are complemented by Stiles’ energetic delivery and approach to sports talk. Together, the duo is expects to offer layered conversations that balance opinion, insight, and accessibility.

The show’s focus will remain centered on the Sacramento Kings and San Francisco 49ers, while continuing to cover the NBA, NFL, and major national storylines. The addition of Stiles underscores Sactown Sports 1140’s broader strategy of investing in local talent and strengthening its core lineup as competition for audience attention continues to intensify across platforms.

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98.7 The Bull Adds Jeff “JR” Ramsey, Jake Byron, Mallory Santic to Morning Drive

BMM Staff
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98.7 The Bull Adds Jeff “JR” Ramsey, Jake Byron, Mallory Santic to Morning Drive

A new morning show team has been assembled at 98.7 The Bull in Portland, as Jeff “JR” Ramsey, Jake Byron, and Mallory Santic will take over the time slot.

The move marks a return for Byron, who previously spent a decade at the station before departing last year. It’s the third time he’s worked at 98.7 The Bull and is back in the daypart he spent time in previously.

“Connoisseur Media is making possible what I only dared to dream: a return to the daypart I called home for 15 years,” said Byron. “I am so proud and excited to be part of 98.7 The Bull once again!”

Meanwhile, Ramsey joins after working in Portland, Maine at Q 97.9. He previously spent time working in markets like Nashville and Denver, among others.

“I’m fired up, grateful, and beyond excited to wake up with Portland every weekday morning on 98.7 The Bull!” Ramsey said.

Santic is a radio newcomer. A social media influencer, she is most recognizable from her time on the reality dating show Love Island.

“I’m so excited to be part of launching a new morning show on 98.7 The Bull,” said Santic. “I love Portland, I love country music, and I can’t wait to start mornings with listeners and connect with the city we call home.”

The new morning show on the Connoisseur Media country station will begin on January 20th.

“When you can take two people who grew up here and love 98.7 The Bull and add another great radio talent, you have the recipe for the perfect morning show for country fans in Portland,” said Ross MacLeod, Portland Operations Manager.

“Connoisseur Media, since our purchase of Alpha, has been going from market to market to add a stronger local presence,” said Senior Vice President of Programming Keith Dakin. “We believe that for radio to thrive in 2026, we have to be a major part of our communities, and having a strong morning show like this is a giant piece of the puzzle.”

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