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Eutopia Credits Hard Work and New York Pride for SiriusXM Success

Bethany Kent
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Eutopia Credits Hard Work and New York Pride for SiriusXM Success

Eutopia makes radio sound easy. She says that is the trick. Behind every smooth break sits hours of work that listeners never see. Today, the New York native speaks to a national audience on SiriusXM. However, her road there took patience, detours, and heavy preparation. When we caught up, we chatted about what shaped her and what she tells newcomers. Her answers keep returning to one idea: effort comes first.

Hard Work Hides Behind the Easy Sound

Eutopia grew up on the radio. “Every individual I listened to made being on the radio sound like the easiest thing ever,” she says. Years later, she knows why.

“That’s because they weren’t just great at the personality part, they were extremely great at the hard work part,” she says.

Working behind the scenes showed her the details. “Prepping hours before a shift. Dropping everything to fill-in for someone,” she says. She also points to live shows with tiny crews. “Hosting a live broadcast when it’s just you and 3 other people there and making it sound like 3000 people are there.”

Then she names the toughest example. “Cracking the mic minutes after receiving horrible news and still giving 100%,” she says. That lesson stuck. “Working behind the scenes shaped my work ethic and I am truly grateful for that.”

A Phone Operator Job Opened the Door

Her first on-air gig did not start with a big break. Instead, it started at a desk. “Me being a phone operator in NYC led to me getting my first on air gig in Oklahoma,” she says.

That move eventually pointed her home. In her words, it “led me back to NYC which led me to SiriusXM.”

That chain taught her to value every step. “Don’t dismiss any of your experiences and invest in your professional network,” she says. She also adds a practical warning. “Maintain relationships with the right people. You’ll find out who those people are quickly.”

Oklahoma Built Her Confidence

Tulsa and Oklahoma City mattered more than she realized. “It’s really beautiful that my time in T-Town and OKC actually prepared me for SiriusXM without me knowing it,” she says. She describes the lesson with humor. “Once you can rock the mic in a state where you can hardly pronounce any of the towns but you still connect with the people, you feel like you can make it anywhere, especially where you’re from,” she says.

Then she explains the payoff. “That time gave me the confidence to come back to NYC.”

Looking back, she sees the full picture. “Oklahoma prepared me to connect with folks outside of my city on a daily basis,” she says. Later, SiriusXM asked for the same skill on a national scale.

Waiting Taught Her to Study the Station

Format changes demanded new skills. To adapt, Eutopia studied each station before she got the job. That homework took time. “Most on air gigs I got took months or even years before I officially got hired,” she says.

However, the wait gave her an edge. It “allowed me to learn the flow and feel of the format and station while impatiently waiting to be hired,” she says.

She admits her mood back then was less positive. “Let me be clear, I wasn’t grateful at the time but today I truly am,” she says. Now she sees the value. “I am so grateful for the amount of time it took me to get hired for every gig.”

A National Audience From Minot to New York

National reach still amazes her. “Connecting with a national audience is such a blessing,” she says. Then she shares a favorite example. “It blows my mind that not only do I have radio homies in NYC but now I have people in Minot, North Dakota because of SiriusXM.”

Airtime at that level also reinforces a belief. “Being on air on a national level continuously reminds me that music is a universal language and it can connect folks from all over,” she says.

Of course, New York still shows up on her shows. “There are times when I’m on my NY ish (Knicks in 5),” she says. Yet she believes that pride helps. “That’s why our subscribers connect with me because I always put on for my city while showing tons of love to other cities.”

One Voice Across Two Channels

Eutopia hosts on both Heart&Soul and SiriusXM Fly. At first, she planned to change her sound for each channel. “I thought I had to be more laid back on Heart&Soul and more energetic on SiriusXM Fly,” she says.

She’s even noticed a pattern. “I discovered that some SiriusXM listeners listen to me on both channels,” she says. That discovery changed her approach. “Once I learned that it set me free to just do me.”

The result, she says, is “a balance of high energy and chill vibes.”

Acting Made Her a Better Interviewer

Acting reshaped her interviews. “Acting made me a better interviewer,” she says. She explains the gap it filled. “I’ve always had a gift of gab and could hold down a conversation. But I wasn’t the greatest listener.”

Acting changed that habit. “Acting has taught me to be less selfish, more intentional and how to actually listen to someone while talking to them,” she says.

Her early work looked different. “In my baby Eutopia days I’d over prep,” she says. In those interviews, “all I wanted to do was ask every question I prepared.”

Today, her approach has shifted. “Now I prep and vibe because I truly listen to whomever I’m interviewing instead of just fully focusing on my intentions and questions,” she says.

Advice: Stay You and Keep Growing

Her advice for newer talent is direct. “Keep being you and find ways to continually grow,” she says. She knows growth can sting. “I have been blessed with the opportunity to be extremely uncomfortable while being ‘Eutopia’ at every station I’ve worked at.”

Still, she values that feeling. “That discomfort always gave me the opportunity to grow and become a better version of ‘Eutopia,’” she says. In other words, she treats discomfort as a signal to improve.

Still Believing in Local Radio

Eutopia loves the medium that raised her. “I fell in love with terrestrial radio as a kid, so I will always believe in its potential and greatness,” she says.

When asked what she believes terrestrial radio should be focused on today, first, she said, they should “continue to focus on their community.” Next, they should “continue to invest in local on-air talent and hire them for the right day parts while evolving with the times.”

If stations do that, she sees a bright outlook. In her view, “terrestrial radio can still be an effective and successful media outlet.”

The Takeaway

Eutopia’s story shows that talent opens the door, but work keeps it open. She prepped, waited, studied, and listened. Meanwhile, she stayed true to her city and her sound. For anyone starting out, her path offers a plan. Value every job. Learn every format. Build real relationships. Above all, keep growing.

Where to Hear Eutopia
Monday through Friday: SiriusXM Fly, Channel 50, noon to 6 p.m. ET
Saturday: Heart&Soul, Channel 48, noon to 6 p.m. ET
Sunday: Heart&Soul, Channel 48, The Ladies Night Mix, midnight to 2 a.m. ET

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

CBS, 60 Minutes and the New York Post: A Journalism Ethics Reckoning

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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CBS, 60 Minutes and the New York Post: A Journalism Ethics Reckoning

Intent to commit election fraud, or a radical way to expose a flawed government system? Regardless of how you want to politically classify James O’Keefe and Cam Higby, their actions have created a Machiavellian-like consequentialist idea for us in the news world — and these two are not the only ones facing this moral dilemma.

Do the ends justify the means?

For those unfamiliar, O’Keefe and Higby filmed themselves in full burqas, speaking with fake accents and misrepresenting their identities while interacting with election judges during Minnesota’s primary elections. Their efforts were meant to expose gaps in the state’s voting rules and laws.

It is extremely important to note in your reporting:

  1. No ballots were cast by O’Keefe or Higby during this “social experiment.”
  2. They did not sign any document saying they were who they said they were.
  3. The identities they used belonged to real North Star State voters, who had no knowledge that the pair were parading around exposing the flaw in the system.

The ethical question for us as journalists is this: Do the ends justify the means? Is it okay to expose a flawed system by actively participating in that system? This moral question stretches far beyond the “independent guerrilla journalism” we are seeing on social media and can be seen across legacy media. There is no better recent example than the latest story out of CBS.

CBS’ Ethical Problem

On Sunday, 60 Minutes aired an immigration story about a dad who was deported to Ghana because it was unsafe for him to return to his home country of Mali. According to a New York Post report, 60 Minutes knowingly left out the fact that this deportee lied on his immigration documents, which is the real reason he no longer resides in the United States.

CBS News is not alone in knowingly manipulating the facts. I’ve written countless pieces about how outlets leave out or selectively present facts to help support their point or appease the guy signing their paychecks. Even worse, some are so overworked that facts are accidentally “forgotten.” But again, the question is: Do these ends justify the means?

The Once Simple Answer is Getting More Complicated

If you asked any self-respecting shoe-leather journalist back in 1960 whether the ends justify the means, they would almost always say yes. This is because the means were the same across the board — find the facts, report the story. Today, what should be a simple idea (report the facts and find the story) has exploded into political narratives and clickbait gobbledygook.

In the case of CBS, no, the ends don’t justify the means. Knowingly misleading your audience to fulfill a narrative you want won’t work. It’s not journalism; it’s political activism — and that line is beginning to blur.

Turning to O’Keefe and Higby: I would classify them as political activists, but they are doing more journalism than CBS! With the laws that Minnesota has, I really don’t see a better way of exposing a flawed system than showing it firsthand.

Both sides of the political aisle are dirty, and if O’Keefe and Higby were to expose some bad Republicans or problems with voting in red states, I’d be all for calling them journalists. But quite frankly, I haven’t seen that from their work. Don’t get me wrong, this is good work and can be considered political journalism, but it’s not journalism in the form our founding fathers wanted.

A Solution to a Modern Moral Dilemma

America’s free press has several liberties that we all sometimes take for granted. But the question “Do the ends justify the means?” is missing one key factor: intent. Is your work intended to present proof of a problem? Is it offering a solution? Or are you just making noise?

It’s clear O’Keefe and Higby are hell-bent on exposing problems within the American system. Their ends justify the means. Meanwhile, with CBS, the intent is less clear. Were they purposefully misleading the audience? The New York Post says yes, they were.

The question we all need to be asking ourselves is simple: What is the intent behind my work? Am I exposing an issue within the system? Am I presenting all the facts, even if some are a hindrance to my point? Am I offering a solution to the problem I am exposing?

As a journalist, your answers to those questions should be yes. So do the ends justify the means? They can — if you have the right intent.

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.

Scarier Than Halloween: The All-Holiday Music Flip Is Here

Kevin Callahan
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Scarier Than Halloween: The All-Holiday Music Flip Is Here

It is the final week of October. Neighborhoods are lined with carved pumpkins, TV networks are running horror marathons, kids are preparing for a massive sugar rush, and dads are stealing peanut butter cups during every commercial break.

Yet for air talent across the country, the scariest sound in the world right now is not the roar of a chainsaw, the howl of a werewolf, or the creak of a haunted house door.

It is the distant, unmistakable hum of a cryogenic chamber powering down in an underground vault as Mariah Carey begins her annual defrost.

While the rest of the world worries about ghosts and goblins on October 31, on-air personalities are staring into the abyss of Monday morning. That is when stations across America throw the master switch like Dr. Frankenstein and flip to 24/7 holiday music before the Halloween candy has even settled in the bowl.

The Ratings Machine vs. the Sleigh Bell Hallucination

Let us be completely clear about one thing: From an executive programming standpoint, flipping to all-holiday music early is a brilliant tactical maneuver. It is a proven cume booster, a streaming powerhouse, and a massive holiday revenue magnet for our sales teams. We love the strategy, we love the listener spike, and we love the fourth-quarter billing.

However, sitting in a studio through two straight months of nonstop jingle bells is an endurance test unlike anything else in modern media.

There is a psychological threshold every host eventually crosses. You can only rock around the Christmas tree so many times before your grip on reality begins to loosen. By day four, you start having vivid, feverish dreams about Frosty the Snowman tapping menacingly on the studio window. By week two, you hear faint sleigh bells chiming while you are trying to brush your teeth at home in the dark.

Then, by mid-November, even the most composed morning host is on the verge of pulling a full Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. You know the exact scene: eyes darting wildly, hair disheveled, pacing the floor while screaming for a padded room and a bottle of Tylenol.

‘Tis the Season to Check on Your Talent

When your station transitions into holiday cheer, talent coaching looks completely different. Your personalities are not just executing a format; they are acting as the emotional shock absorbers for an endless parade of snowmen, reindeer, and roasting chestnuts. By week three, they feel personally betrayed by Santa and trapped inside the endless emotional loop of Wham!

For program directors and brand managers, this is the time to prioritize the well-being of your creative team.

First, acknowledge the absurdity together. Do not pretend that playing the exact same version of “Santa Baby” for the 17th time this week is high art. Laugh about it in your daily 15-minute huddle. Giving talent permission to smile at the repetitive madness relieves tension and keeps morale remarkably high.

Second, encourage them to find fresh human connection between the 12 different versions of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” When a music log is completely locked into festive holiday favorites, the on-mic breaks become the true heartbeat of the station. Coach your hosts to tell real holiday stories: the burnt pumpkin pies, the chaotic airport security lines, the ridiculous family traditions, and the inevitable antics of the holiday “Drunkle.” If you do not have that story, look around, because it might be you. That emotional authenticity is what transforms a holiday jukebox into an irreplaceable local companion.

Third, guard against operational burnout. If talent is pulling double duty, covering tracking shifts, or cutting commercial packages alongside the holiday marathon, step in. Bring in extra coffee, stock the break room, and make sure your team gets a breather before Thanksgiving hits full throttle.

The Light at the End of the Chimney

The annual all-holiday flip is one of the most profitable, audience-expanding traditions in broadcast history. It brings millions of casual listeners into our ecosystem and creates memories that stick with families for generations.

So enjoy the candy corn while you still have it. Embrace the holiday ratings surge. But as that frozen vault opens and Mariah Carey hits that high note on November 1, do not forget to walk down the hall, poke your head into the studio, and check on your team.

Make sure Clark Griswold is still smiling, hand your talent a fresh coffee, and remind them that we are all surviving the North Pole together.

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.

Harv Blain: Radio Consulting Done Right Starts With Relationships

Mike Stern
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Harv Blain: Radio Consulting Done Right Starts With Relationships

It’s not just radio. There are many industries where “consultant” is considered a dirty word. But speaking from more than a decade of personal experience on the matter, I believe when consulting is done right, it can be a valuable service, especially given the way today’s radio industry is structured.

One of the best in the business is Harv Blain. He’s been a part of Vallie Richards Donovan Consulting for more than 27 years and had his own business before that. He agrees effective consulting can be beneficial for a station and believes it starts with having a relationship that goes beyond radio.

“With a lot of clients, you’ve worked with them for so long you know the Program Director’s kids and remember when the first one got married. You know all about that stuff and that kind of personal relationship is helpful in actually getting things done.”

Part of building those relationships is being involved regularly, not occasionally. “I visit some clients every four to six weeks. So, it’s not like Harv’s coming here with a big list of things we need to do. We’ve set goals and are working toward accomplishments, which is a lot different from flying in once a quarter.”

Keeping the Strategy on Track

During those visits, Blain’s role revolves around making sure the station stays on target. “We’re there to keep the strategy on track. That should be the number one thing we do. That means guiding, coaching, nurturing, and even talking people off the ledge, sometimes,” Blain says. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t roll up his sleeves and dive in. “Educating, interpreting data, and being creative are also all very important.”

Weathering the Nielsen Storm

One of the biggest things Blain can do for a station often involves helping it weather the tropical storm known as the Nielsen ratings. “Nielsen is the most unreliable thing ever. So, it’s important stations understand the need to watch trends. You can’t panic over one month, one book, or a series of monthlies,” he says.

He believes the best way to understand Nielsen results is to learn how the sausage is made. “I think having a basic understanding of how ratings are compiled — both in PPM and diary — is very important,” Blain says. “What do P1 and P2 mean? How is time spent listening calculated? How are all these things put together to make a quote-unquote report card for how the radio station is doing?”

But even with that knowledge, ratings will fluctuate. What matters, Blain says, is focus. “What we can do is make the product as strong as we can, song to song, element to element, and put together a playlist and a station that gets people to return on a frequent basis. They need to know what they’re going to get when they tune in. When you go to McDonald’s, you know what you’re going to get. When you come to this radio station, you need know that too.”

Decades in the Trenches

Beyond the strategic focus, Blain brings value to stations by simply drawing on his long years of experience. Over the course of his career, he’s seen so many unique situations that he can help with almost anything. “We’ve been in the trenches at a number of stations as they went through everything from format takeovers to, recently, a well-known morning show host who took her own life. With everything we’ve seen over the years, we generally will have had some experience somewhere that can help.”

Of course, Blain’s breadth of experience can also land him in some unexpected situations, such as helping out with two Latin Tropical-formatted stations. “I don’t know what the music is saying, but I can read M Scores and a chart. And I can still talk about the basics like are we rotating the music properly? Because there was a time that there were like, 30 A’s,” Blain says. “In this case it’s about bringing some simple basics that we all know to a different format.”

Lessons From Overseas

While the Latin Tropical stations are in the U.S., Blain’s consulting work extends overseas as well. That affords him unique experiences that provide perspective on what’s happening here in the States. “I recently went to Greece, and I felt like I got in a time machine and traveled back fifteen to twenty years. There’s no concept of voice tracking, commercial loads have a limit with minimum added value, and perceptual and music testing is still seen as a necessity.” But not all foreign markets are the same. For example, he says London and Paris are more similar to America — “they are very corporate.”

But seeing those operations is a good reminder of some universal truths that he brings back to clients in the States. “Something I see from guys in other countries is that they are there for the community. There’s a focus on doing things that help the listeners in some way. Reminding them we’re their champion; we’re trying to do good things for you. I think sometimes we lose that, in the U.S.”

Staying on the Brand Path

Further diversifying his worldview, Blain has also spent the last 10 years as lead in-store music curator for a number of brands, in categories ranging from fast food to hardware stores and more. Selecting the music played at brick-and-mortar locations starts with determining what the brand wants to portray from an overall sound perspective. “We want to play the hits, and have the customers feel good about being in this particular shopping experience.”

A good experience can mean taking subtleties into account that might not be obvious at first. “We do one of the biggest jewelry retailer companies and we have to be disciplined to what that brand is portraying. Even though there are tons of huge hits that would sound good in their stores, many are about a relationship that’s gone astray. I don’t think the customers want to hear that sort of song playing while contemplating an expensive diamond engagement ring,” Blain says. “You have to stay on the brand path, which is something radio stations need to remember as well.”

Making the Case for All-Christmas

As we hit the beginning of November, it’s a busy time for Blain, who is also one of the country’s leading experts at executing the all-Christmas format. He believes the format will be as big as ever this season.

“2001 was probably the biggest year for all Christmas music. We had just experienced 9/11 and people were searching for comfort and nostalgia, which is exactly what Christmas music delivers,” explains Blain. “And I’m not trying to make a political statement, but this year, with the war, the cost of gas, the uncertainty around the election and jobs, I think the format is going to be highly successful.”

But for anyone who is still skeptical about the idea of going all-Christmas, Blain recalls a unique spin he once put on the recommendation. “I suggested to a client that we should go all-Christmas music on an AC radio station, and the manager wasn’t sure about it,” he remembers. “My response was, guys, I’m Jewish and I get it. You should go all-Christmas. It will be a great thing for your audience, and it’ll create a benchmark for the future of this radio station. End of story.”

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

ESPN Executive Peter McConville Departs After More Than Three Decades at the Network

John Mamola
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ESPN Executive Peter McConville Departs After More Than Three Decades at the Network

Longtime ESPN executive Peter McConville is leaving the network. The network’s Vice President of Production announced his exit in a heartfelt post on LinkedIn.

What We Know: McConville joined ESPN in 1995 as a studio researcher, working primarily on SportsCenter. Then, in 1998, he became the first ESPN researcher to move into production. Over the years, he produced SportsCenter, ESPNews, Cold Pizza and Baseball Tonight, among other shows. Most recently, he oversaw the 7 a.m. ET SportsCenter, Get Up and First Take. McConville became vice president of production in 2024. That played a pivotal role in producing and overseeing some of ESPN’s most prominent studio shows and events over his three-decade career with the company.

What They Said: Peter McConville (via LinkedIn): “For more than three decades, I’ve been immensely fortunate to build a once-in-a-lifetime career around the things I love most: developing talent, building teams, shaping content, and helping shows reach their full potential. I don’t take that rarity for granted. From the countless people I’ve worked alongside to the projects and challenges that pushed me to grow, my time at ESPN has shaped me both professionally and personally. To my talented colleagues, thank you. The relationships and experiences will stay with me long after this chapter closes.”

Peter McConville (via LinkedIn): “While I leave ESPN with enormous gratitude and boundless affection, I am equally energized by what lies ahead. Exciting opportunities await. I look forward to sharing my skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for storytelling wherever authenticity is desired. I am eager to connect with people who want to deliver compelling and meaningful content, supported by teams that enjoy working together.”

What Remains Unclear: However, McConville did not reveal his next destination. Likewise, ESPN has not named a successor. He also did not share a final date with the company.

What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN loses more than three decades of institutional knowledge and production experience. Furthermore, McConville shaped several of the network’s signature studio programs. His path from researcher to producer also opened a new door inside Bristol. Meanwhile, ESPN’s weekday morning lineup, including Get Up and First Take, now faces a leadership change.

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.

Michael Kay Defends Pat McAfee From Critics Saying He’s “Thin Skinned”

John Mamola
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Michael Kay Defends Pat McAfee From Critics Saying He’s “Thin Skinned”

ESPN New York host Michael Kay says Pat McAfee faces far too much criticism. Furthermore, Kay argues critics have no right to judge how McAfee handles that criticism.

What We Know: Kay made the comments Thursday on The Michael Kay Show. His remarks follow a turbulent week for McAfee. Before College GameDay, a University of Utah Instagram video showed students mocking McAfee as corny and creepy. McAfee later said the clip made him uncomfortable, and the school apologized. Last night, McAfee reacted to the video, explaining that he has struggled to navigate threats made online.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Michael Kay Show):

Michael Kay says critics need to stop being hard on Pat McAfee so much: “People got to let up on this guy [Pat McAfee]. If you don’t like him, fine. You don’t like him. The hatred that he receives for a guy who really has done unbelievable things in this business, and is smart enough that he owns his content too. We’re going to criticize him for being thin-skinned? Maybe he doesn’t like being criticized by people he knows couldn’t do his job.” 

Michael Kay says successful people in media should read what’s written about them: “People that say he’s [Pat McAfee] thin-skinned and that he reads everything about him. You’re all full of it. I’m speaking from experience. I laugh when people in my business say, “Well, why do you even read the critics?” What kind of loser are you?  Let’s say you were on Wall Street, and you decided you weren’t going to read the Wall Street Journal. Or you didn’t read Charles Gasparino and the Post or anything like that. You didn’t read it. If you’re in your business, you should read what people are saying about you because maybe they have something good to say.” 

Michael Kay says Pat McAfee is a massive success story in media: “Pat McAfee is grilled every single time he opens his mouth. Maybe he’s not your cup of tea, but he’s built one heck of a career. He’s making a truckload of money, and he’s on every major portal that ESPN has. Monday night football, College GameDay, and then he has his show, which he owns. Brilliant businessman and knows exactly about the zeitgeist of this country. But we’re going to tell him that he shouldn’t be thin-skinned?” 

Michael Kay is amazed by the amount of hate that Pat McAfee receives: “I can speak to the fact I am thin-skinned. I don’t know if Pat McAfee is, but it’s amazing the hatred that Pat McAfee gets. Because people might not like the way he does his job, which happens to be unbelievably successful. Who in our business has had the success that this guy’s had?” 

Michael Kay believes Pat McAfee isn’t looking for publicity: “You know why you don’t do any interviews anymore? He [Pat McAfee] doesn’t need to. He’s at the top of his profession. People do so many interviews because they want publicity. They want publicity. They want their name out there. He doesn’t need his name out there. He’s doing just fine.” 

What Remains Unclear: So far, it’s unclear whether McAfee will respond to Kay’s defense. Meanwhile, McAfee addressed the Utah controversy Wednesday in a lengthy social media post. However, critics argue that post misrepresented what the Utah video actually said. Additionally, McAfee’s relationship with Utah remains uncertain after he vowed never to return.

What It Means: Notably, Kay’s stance marks a shift in tone from January. Kay, who has been a critic of McAfee in the past, is now backing his ESPN colleague as the backlash grows. Kay knows from personal experience the stresses and pressures of being in the public eye. Ultimately, the debate over how McAfee handles criticism shows no sign of slowing moving into another weekend of College GameDay.

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.

SummitMedia Names Matt ‘Brodie’ Lesley Brand Manager Over Entire Knoxville Cluster

Garrett Searight
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SummitMedia Names Matt ‘Brodie’ Lesley Brand Manager Over Entire Knoxville Cluster

SummitMedia has named Matt “Brodie” Lesley the new brand manager for its four Knoxville stations. He’ll also bring his energy to middays on 100.3 The Wolf.

What We Know: Lesley joins SummitMedia after seven years as program director and afternoon host for 104.7 WNOK in Columbia and Mix 97.7 in Myrtle Beach. During that time, he also served as a music curator for iHeartMedia CHR stations in Austin, Cincinnati, and Fresno. In Knoxville, he’ll oversee programming for Classic Rock 93.1, 100.3 The Wolf, Star 102.1, and Hot 104.5. The four stations cover classic rock, country, adult contemporary, and contemporary hit radio, respectively. In addition to his programming responsibilities, Lesley will host middays on 100.3 The Wolf.

What They Said: “I’ve gone country! I’m excited to start this new chapter with SummitMedia and WCYQ and help bring great country radio to East Tennessee. Plus, these Smoky Mountain views will never get old!” -Matt “Brodie” Lesley

“Brodie is a smart programmer, an outstanding air talent, and a proven leader who knows how to build strong brands and connect with listeners. He’s a great fit for our Knoxville team, and we’re excited to have him leading these four stations while bringing his energy to middays on 100.3 The Wolf.” -SummitMedia Executive Vice President of Programming John Olsen

What Remains Unclear: SummitMedia hasn’t announced whether Lesley’s appointment will lead to additional programming changes at any of the four Knoxville stations. The company also hasn’t detailed any changes to the stations’ existing on-air lineups.

What It Means: Lesley’s appointment gives SummitMedia a programmer with experience across multiple formats and markets. Moreover, his new role puts him in charge of four distinct brands while keeping him connected to listeners through his midday show on 100.3 The Wolf.

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.

SiriusXM WWE Radio Listenership Up 20% From Launch Of Re-Branded Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7

John Mamola
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SiriusXM WWE Radio Listenership Up 20% From Launch Of Re-Branded Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7

WWE Radio is gaining ground on SiriusXM. Listening has climbed nearly 20% since the channel’s July launch and rebrand, according to CEO Jennifer Witz on today’s company earnings call.

What We Know: SiriusXM shared the figure Thursday during its third quarter earnings call. WWE Radio took over channel 156 on July 27, replacing Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7. Busted Open Radio still anchors the daily lineup. Additionally, the channel now carries WWE podcasts, weekly show simulcasts and live event calls. WWE Radio recently moved up to Channel 93, placing it alongside other major sports programming including new local sports radio properties via Audacy.

What They Said: SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz: “Sports is another powerful driver of fandom. Uniting passionate communities around live programming and hometown teams. Listening to WWE Radio has grown nearly 20% since its July launch and rebrand. While monthly active sports listeners increased 4% year over year across our connected car and streaming platforms. Among 360L subscribers, average time spent listening to sports grew 7% year over year, demonstrating deeper engagement.”

What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM did not disclose a raw audience number for WWE Radio compared to Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7. Likewise, it did not say how much growth came from SummerSlam, the channel’s first live event broadcast. Financial terms of the WWE partnership also remain private.

What It Means: For SiriusXM, the numbers support its bet on fan-driven sports content. With heavy promotion from the WWE, it should come as no surprise to see increased usage and listening to the channel. The channel is marketed in all WWE programming and social media, plus includes high profile personalities from the company. As a result, WWE Radio could become a template for future brand-backed channels.

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.

Ernie Johnson Explains The Timing Of His Inside the NBA Retirement Announcement

John Mamola
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Ernie Johnson Explains The Timing Of His Inside the NBA Retirement Announcement

Ernie Johnson is opening up about the timing of his Inside the NBA farewell. On Thursday, he said fairness to his colleagues drove the early announcement of his retirement in a message posted Wednesday.

What We Know: Johnson revealed Wednesday that 2026-27 will be his final season hosting the TNT Sports-produced show. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and became the program’s host one year later. Since then, he has anchored 37 seasons, including the show’s move to ESPN. Then, on Thursday, he joined The Dan Patrick Show to explain his thinking and whether or not he believes that Charles Barkley will follow him into retirement.

What They Said: (all quotes via The Dan Patrick Show):

Ernie Johnson on why he chose to announce his retirement now: “I just wanted to get it out there. I didn’t think it would be very fair to spring something like that on somebody at the end of the season to say, “Oh, by the way, this is my last game.” I want them to be able to prepare for that and make plans for the future.” 

Ernie Johnson on being asked plenty about his future with Inside the NBA: “I actually kind of got tired of people asking me if I was going to keep doing the show. Chuck [Barkley] came out during the summer and said, “Yeah, Ernie and I have done a ton.” He and I talked about it, so that wasn’t like wrong. But it was like nobody’s heard from me, and so I just decided to let everybody know.” 

Ernie Johnson on whether he believes Charles Barkley is also retiring: “I don’t know. We have talked about it, but it’s not my place to tell anybody what Charles [Barkley] is going to do. Because no one ever knows what Charles is supposed to do. Nobody knew last night he would have trouble talking about it, which kind of got me right here.” 

Ernie Johnson on how the announcement was planned to air on ESPN: “I didn’t know what was going to happen. All we knew was we’re going to do the statement. We’re going to start the show. Probably show a few tweets. Let the guys weigh in. Go to break. I didn’t know that it was going to grip him [Charles Barkley] like that. But that tells you a lot about the four of us because we love each other. It was a moment.” 

Ernie Johnson on when he first felt it was time to retire: “I had planned a few years ago, I thought it’s time. A couple of years ago, especially when we lost the NBA, I thought it was over. [But] as a way to say to ESPN and TNT, thank you for sticking with us and trying to make something work, I’ll do a couple of years of doing that. But the whole combination of stuff that that kind of said let’s do two years, and now let’s turn the page.” 

Ernie Johnson on the reaction to his announcement: “The outpouring of messages and love from people was staggering. My phone was smoking. It wasn’t just the texts that I was getting. On social, all these people were saying all this nice stuff. You kind of realize maybe the place that Inside the NBA has in a lot of folks’ lives, especially basketball fans.” 

What Remains Unclear: Still, Charles Barkley’s next move is anyone’s guess. Johnson said the pair have discussed it, but Barkley’s decision belongs to Barkley alone. Moreover, Johnson admitted he never expected Barkley to grow emotional on Wednesday’s show. Of course, Barkley has repeatedly tied his own exit to Johnson’s in media interviews.

What It Means: Ultimately, Johnson said he nearly walked away when TNT lost its NBA rights. Instead, he stayed two more years to thank ESPN and TNT for keeping the show alive. Now, the flood of fan messages shows how much the program means to viewers. Consequently, his final season should double as an extended farewell tour.

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

Stephen A. Smith Expanding SiriusXM Political Show for 2026 Midterm Elections

Garrett Searight
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Stephen A. Smith Expanding SiriusXM Political Show for 2026 Midterm Elections

Stephen A. Smith is expanding his SiriusXM role ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The host will lead three consecutive evenings of political discussions next week.

What We Know: Smith will host Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith live from SiriusXM’s Washington, D.C., studios next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Each broadcast will air from 6-8 PM ET in front of a studio audience. Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, and former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, are expected to appear during the three-night stretch. CBS News correspondent Robert Costa and political strategist Frank Luntz will also join the discussions. The broadcasts expand Smith’s presence on SiriusXM as the country approaches the November midterm elections.

What’s at Stake: The midterms will put control of Congress in focus, creating an opportunity for Smith to examine the political landscape with guests from both parties. Sununu and McAuliffe bring experience in state government, while Costa and Luntz offer perspectives on national politics and voter sentiment. Additionally, the live audience format could bring more interaction to the conversations.

What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM hasn’t detailed which guests will appear on each night or whether additional political figures will join the broadcasts. The company also hasn’t outlined whether the expanded schedule will extend beyond the three-night event.

What It Means: Smith’s three-night run gives SiriusXM a dedicated platform for political conversations during a key stretch of the election cycle. By bringing together Republican and Democratic voices alongside political journalists and strategists, the broadcasts could offer listeners multiple perspectives on the races shaping control of Congress.

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

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