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Is FOX Sports Radio’s Afternoon Shakeup the Latest Tale of Building the Industry’s Future?

John Mamola
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Is FOX Sports Radio’s Afternoon Shakeup the Latest Tale of Building the Industry’s Future?

The news didn’t come as a shock. When Doug Gottlieb announced he would step away from his daily program on FOX Sports Radio, very few, if any, were left asking questions. Gottlieb was entering his second season as head coach of the men’s basketball team at Wisconsin–Green Bay, and when he took the position in May of 2024, many assumed his days at the network were numbered. The role required a level of focus and attention he likely had never faced before.

To his credit, Gottlieb tried to do both. That effort deserves acknowledgment. Ultimately, however, his future outweighed his present and even his successful past. He recognized that his growth potential was greater in college basketball than in syndicated national sports radio.

Who replaces him remains an unknown commodity. Jon “Stugotz” Weiner is the new afternoon host on FOX Sports Radio beginning in 2026. The move raises a familiar question: Is this another example of broadcast companies leaning on the past instead of committing to the development of the next generation?

I touched on this earlier in the month while writing about Craig Carton’s return to WFAN, the same station that once attempted to lure Weiner for its open program director role. Too often, local sports radio stations across the country abandon long-term development plans in favor of what once worked. They reach back into the same bag of tricks, hoping history will repeat itself.

That trend extends beyond local sports radio.

Nationally syndicated networks operate much the same way. Gottlieb himself built a career across CBS Sports Network, ESPN Radio, and FOX Sports Radio. Colin Cowherd has worked at FOX and ESPN. Dan Patrick followed a similar path. Even Mike Greenberg returned to ESPN Radio after the end of Mike & Mike. The recycling of familiar voices has become common practice at every level of the industry.

This isn’t a criticism of the executives making these decisions. It’s an observation about perception. Too often, the message sent is that building for the future isn’t as important as protecting the present. Meanwhile, the younger audiences the industry claims to covet continue to age and migrate to new platforms, while the audience sports radio was built upon steadily ages out.

That’s what makes the hire of Weiner so interesting.

For more than two decades, Weiner thrived as a co-host alongside Dan Le Batard. From 790 The Ticket in Miami to ESPN Radio’s national stage and now Meadowlark Media, he played the role perfectly. He was the ideal complement, a reliable B working seamlessly with a strong A.

Earlier this year, Weiner began charting his own course. He reduced his appearances on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, despite the show continuing to use his nickname as part of its branding. He hasn’t appeared on the program since July and launched Stugotz & Company, a podcast built around guest-driven conversations without filters or time constraints. The project leaned heavily on the loyalty of the established Le Batard audience to establish his own personal momentum.

In the six months since stepping away from Meadowlark’s flagship show, Weiner has quietly built his own podcast network. He hosts God Bless Football with producer Mikey A and a rotating cast of guests, along with Stugotz & Company and Stugotz & Hochman which follows a similar format. The effort has produced tangible results, including more than 13,000 YouTube subscribers and a title sponsorship from FanDuel.

That progress caught the attention of FOX Sports Radio, which tabbed Weiner as the afternoon follow-up to Colin Cowherd.

There’s no denying FOX Sports Radio values name recognition greatly. Weiner built his by spending two decades attached to Le Batard. He excelled as the B, but this move requires him to become the A. That transition isn’t easy, regardless of experience.

The A role demands authority. It’s the voice listeners tune in to hear when the biggest stories break. For most of his career, Weiner reacted, responded, and amplified. Now, he must drive the conversation. Whether he can command attention at that level remains to be seen.

Still, the larger issue isn’t Weiner.

The move once again highlights how rooted the industry remains in its past. Contrast this with Westwood One Sports, which announced their lineup set to debut Monday. Instead of leaning on a familiar industry name, the network made a calculated bet on the future by hiring Drake Toll. Young, ambitious, and multi-platform savvy, Toll blends experience from the Savannah Bananas and the Locked On Podcast Network to reach an evolving audience. The same can be said about the additions of Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla among other names on the new network.

That’s a different kind of thinking. It’s disruptive by design with a focus on meeting the audience of tomorrow.

The addition of Weiner to the FOX Sports Radio lineup isn’t the problem. It’s a symptom. It reflects an industry increasingly hesitant to take risks, fearful that developing new voices could jeopardize ratings, revenue, or affiliates today for the chance of more impact down the road.

The irony is that the next generation isn’t waiting to be invited in. They’re already building audiences on platforms traditional radio barely acknowledges. At some point, the sports radio industry must stop recycling old playbooks and start drawing new ones. The industry can’t continue rotating the same voices while wondering why its audience keeps aging out. In the attention economy, risk isn’t optional. It’s required.

If sports radio doesn’t embrace that reality, it won’t just lose relevance. It’ll lose its future.

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

The Elves of RockMas

Keith Cunningham
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The Elves of RockMas

Santa Claus is the headliner — deservedly so. But behind St. Nick and the Mrs., there are elves. Without those hard-working little legends:

  • Toys wouldn’t get made.
  • Santa’s sleigh would be on blocks.
  • Forget about Mrs. Claus’ cookies.
  • And who would be wrapping all those presents?   

Whether you’re a Christmas celebrater or not, let’s honor the Elves of RockMas. These are our unsung heroes who make it possible for the biggest, baddest and loudest Santa’s to take center stage.

Say Hello to Your Elves

Malcolm Young: Arguably the most locked-in rhythm guitarist ever. Hanging in the shadows, in front of all the Marshalls — so Angus could be out front shredding legendary licks.

Levi’s & Marlboro: They’ve been there since the early days. The smell, look, vibe. The undefeated dress code and aroma of Rock.

Taylor Hawkins, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear: The unsung co-pilots who allowed Grohl to fly to icon status. Three monster players, three key roles, all combining forces in one unstoppable band.

The Sound Crew: The team that hears everything, makes off key sound like art, and still gets blamed when the band plays it wrong.

Sharon Osbourne: We can argue she’s a Santa on her own — but she saved the Prince of Darkness from himself and for all of us. Without her, Ozzy’s legacy might’ve ended in 1982.

The Fashionistas: Someone has to apply the eyeliner, spike the hair, and coordinate the outfits that make the misfits look like stars. (Honestly, have you seen some of them without makeup?)

Brendan O’Brien & Rick Rubin: Their fingerprints are all over Rock history. Imagine if some of those records had other producers. Would Ten, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, or Licensed to Ill even exist as we know them?

Drugs & Alcohol: Don’t do them. But they helped fuel some legendary riffs and unforgettable moments — and they rarely get any credit. History only remembers the songs, not the hangovers.

Chad Smith: One of the greatest Rock drummers of our generation who somehow never gets credit for being one of the greatest Rock drummers of our generation. Nine out of ten Rock drummers couldn’t survive a 90-minute Chili Peppers set, night after night.

Magazines: Remember them? Rolling Stone, Circus, Kerrang! — and the others that cranked out glossies (and still do online) waiving the RockTernative flag.

Alex Van Halen and Michael Anthony: I don’t play bass, but Eddie would have been great with even me on bass — try keeping up with that rhythm section and you’ll see how they kept it locked-down so Eddie could rewrite the history books on what great guitar sounds like.

The Lawyers: They killed a lot of great songs before they were ever written, but they also kept guys like Axl out of jail so they could show up late and afford to buy yachts and trash hotel rooms.

The Roadies: No credit, no sleep, no problem. The miracle workers who hang from the rafters and cram an eight-hour set up into a three-hour blitzkrieg — just in time for the sold-out crowd to arrive.

Izzy Stradlin: Many were never quite sure if he belonged at Woodstock or in Guns ‘N Roses. Slash gets the credit, but Izzy’s rhythm creativity and chops!? Masterful.

AI & DigiTools: Love ‘em or hate ‘em, but not every killer riff is just six strings and an amp these days. The machines have earned their spot in the band.

Radio: Raise a pitcher to the Rock radio talent and programmers who put their passion on display and keep the fuse lit for generations to come.

The Girls: We can’t forget them. The groupies who follow the bus, give money, and listen to stories of loneliness on the road. And then the fans in the crowd like Sydney Sweeney who every guitar player tosses a pick towards. I’m willing to bet most of Rock’s heroes would be working construction if it weren’t for the girls.

The Last Word

There are heroic elves everywhere but let’s leave some cookies and milk for some Classic Elves too who cleared the early roads. Tom Hamilton, Mick Ronson, Keith Moon, the Zeppelin Johns, Charlie Watts, Robby Krieger, MTV, VH-1, etc.. I could be here until next Christmas naming all the elves of Rockmas.

If you’re a radio talent or leader, don’t forget your elves this season. The ones behind the curtain in the workshop make you look good and make it all come together.

Have a very Merry, Hairy and Loud Christmas Season.

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.

Donna and Steve Are Providing a Different Type of Radio Syndication

Mike Stern
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Donna and Steve Are Providing a Different Type of Radio Syndication

It might be hard for Barrett Media readers who follow non-music radio to imagine a talk show being syndicated to music radio stations. Most talk radio stations are politically focused. Even if they aren’t discussing partisan politics, they are very news driven and talking about subjects that the majority of music radio stations actively avoid.

There is however an exception to every rule. Hubbard Radio’s myTalk 107.1 in Minneapolis is different. The station has an entire schedule filled with talk shows that aren’t talking about politics. Instead, they are focused on lifestyle and entertainment news. Generating 12 hours of original programming each day led to a larger discussion. What else could be done with all that material?

The Program Director of myTalk 107.1, Amy Daniels, explains, “We were trying to figure out how to better use and distribute the 12 hours-a-day of fresh, entertaining, and original content that myTalk produces. We were podcasting it, but there had to be more options than just local radio broadcast and podcast.”

The team had a meeting to discuss ideas. One had been on Daniels’ mind for more than a year, syndication.

Leaping Into Radio Syndication

Once they found a partner in Skyview Networks, they launched a weekend version of the Donna and Steve show. The program airs weekdays from 9am to noon, tailored for music radio stations. With an initial list of about 12 affiliates, they started the process of learning how to take the content and make it work for a completely different format. “We were cutting the talk segments down from 10-12 minutes to between 30 and 90 seconds,” Daniels explains.

That much editing wasn’t an easy task. It got exponentially more complicated too when Patti Marshall, Managing Director of Branding and Content for Hubbard Cincinnati and Julie Evans, Program Director of Mix 94-9, approached them about creating a daily version of the show.

“At the time we had one and a half people. We had to listen to each show, harvest the raw audio clips, edit them down to time, upload and administer the show. Now it was going to go from sixteen to ninety-six required segments a week,” says Daniels.

It was a tall order, but they made it work and eventually hired Grant Wenkstern as full-time Executive Producer. Now they’ve built out processes and a workflow that enables them to deliver fresh, relevant pop culture segments to music-based affiliates six days a week.

The mechanics are interesting but, throughout the history of syndication, the content must be great for the project to work. Host Donna Valentine says the show plays an important role in listener’s lives, providing the opposite of most talk radio shows. “We are here as an escape from hard news, politics, sports, and religion. Our content is mostly light and non-political. If we ever go against those expectations, we will get emails from listeners slapping our hands.”

Co-Host Steve Patterson takes that one step further. He points out a key difference between their show and most other talk-based products. “I think sometimes political talk radio shows feature a lot of disagreement that ends up dividing people. Whereas our pop culture, lifestyle-based show features a lot of differing opinions and light-hearted disagreements but in a way that is relatable, humorous, and brings people together.”

The Benefits of Expansion

Often when shows go into syndication the content and vibe can change causing problems. In this case, both Daniels and Valentine feel the content needed for syndication has improved the original show.

“We are more focused and better at not getting off topic,” Valentine says. “We are aware of the need to keep things clean because the stories we discuss need to be on the shorter side for music stations.”

Ironically, Daniels also says the content has improved but for almost the opposite reason. “Patti Marshall and Julie Evans wanted segments that showed off Donna and Steve’s chemistry and personalities.” That required the segments running a little longer than they had for the original weekend show. “The only advantage any of us have over AI is to be authentic, entertaining, and human. Donna & Steve are all of that, but they needed more time to highlight those qualities in each segment.”

At the receiving end in Cincinnati, Marshall says the show sold itself. “Donna & Steve have such an authentic chemistry, warmth, and relatability. They sound like real friends having real conversations that are funny and emotionally intelligent without trying too hard. It felt like a show that could live inside our brand naturally.”

It’s early but so far, according to Evans, the response has been great. “Listener feedback has been really positive. People mention how genuinely funny they are and how the show has become part of their daily routine.”

Evans says they have been working hard to integrate the show into the Mix brand. “We integrate Donna and Steve into our on-air imaging, promos, website, and contesting so listeners feel like they’re truly part of the Mix 94.9 family, not ‘outsiders,’” she says. “We also make a point to feed them local stories, events, and contest information so they can play off Cincinnati-specific content on air.”

Patterson says they still talk about local Minneapolis stories in specific show segments that don’t go out to affiliates. But that localism is also about connection. “Our highest priority is delivering content that feels relatable and connects with listeners, no matter where they are. When listeners connect with the hosts they’re listening to, they feel close to them. Connection supersedes location ten times out of ten.”

Looking to the Future

Daniels succinctly sums up the team’s future goals as, “World domination.” More specifically she says the plan is to get the show in front of as many stations as possible. “We think they’ll agree that there’s not enough time or money in the world to replicate what these two deliver every single day. It’s important to thank Skyview Networks, Hubbard EVP of Programming and Audience Development Greg Strassell, and the team at Mix 94.9 in Cincinnati for their patience and faith in us.”

She adds that myTalk 107.1 is in a unique position. It can help with one of radio’s biggest issues, stations that lack compelling content. “In radio we’re all looking for talent but not looking to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop and manage it.”

Daniels added, “myTalk 107.1 is the only pop culture and entertainment talk radio station in America. We have three other shows that are also primed to deliver listeners for music radio. In an environment where we are all doing more with less, we can provide the humor, authenticity, smarts, and lovability that stations need to stand out, and it can all be done for barter.”

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.

9 Creative Email Sign-Offs That Add Personality to Professional Emails

Bob Lawrence
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9 Creative Email Sign-Offs That Add Personality to Professional Emails

You and I have been signing off on emails in the same-old traditional ways we used when snail mailing letters or writing memos on a typewriter for over 30 years now. For younger folks, a typewriter was a machine we old fogies used and put your paper in manually to type a letter without a computer or smart device.

I still sign mine in a few traditional ways. They include, “Thanks much, Sincerely, Best regards, Best, or Warmest regards”. It’s taken me decades to see it as an overlooked piece of business real estate. We spend a lot of time and paragraphs trying to sound smart, professional, helpful, or at least competent. But then we slap on something as mundane and meaningless as, “Regards” like we’re all starring in a 1997 office drama.

As the world has changed, it dawned on me that this line of a correspondence hasn’t progressed at all. We all watched working remotely blur the lines between professional and personal with digital communication. Now more conversational than ever, and best of all, people seem to appreciate a little spark of personality. Lord knows many people could use as much help as possible.

Let me be the first to welcome you to this millennium’s era of the “creative email sign-off.”

What’s unique about these signoffs are that they attempt to be somewhat humorous or light-hearted and for the record, these won’t work for every situation. Nor do I take responsibility for the other party’s response. It’s best to try them on friends first!

For example, you probably don’t want to close an HR complaint (or any email to HR) with “Stay spicy.” But for everyday messages, team chats, or any interaction where you already have established some sort of relationship, a playful sign-off can turn a forgettable email into more of a connection. So, without delay, here are some new, entertaining options that people are increasingly using and why they may work well.

The Top 9

Sending productivity vibes – This could be perfect when you’re emailing colleagues or trying to motivate your team. While tongue-in-cheek, it’s still positive. Plus, as a manager I would hope everyone needs some extra productivity vibes.

May your inbox be light – A reference to “The Hunger Games,” this is an amusing blessing of sorts for anyone who understands the pain we all have on Monday mornings. It’s relatable, universal, and just dumb enough to earn a smile.

Off to refill my coffee… wish me luck – This one highlights your personality without going off the deep end. It’s perfect for someone like me who understands the daily caffeine struggle. (5 cups a day here!)
“Proceeding with questionable confidence.” Great for friendly teams and those with whom you have a great relationship. It helps lighten the mood when you’re working through horrible tasks together. I probably wouldn’t send this to your boss.

Trying my best, as always – Dry humor at its finest. This may work well with colleagues who enjoy a little self-deprecation. I recommend using this one sparingly. The reply I would send back would be very Yoda-ish… “Do or do not, there is no try.”

P.S. If there’s a typo, let’s pretend it’s a feature – For those times when you’re barreling through way too much stuff on your list and typing way too fast for your own good. This gives you room to be human without sacrificing professionalism. I do remember these on smartphone emails a lot.

May your Wi-Fi never buffer – Here’s a modern-day offering for a modern-day problem, although as the world shifts to fiberoptics, we have fewer issues with this. It’s still good for teams who work remotely and have crumby internet service providers.

Signing off before I say something I’ll have to explain later – I love this. It highlights personality and is one of the most playful but isn’t too risky. That said, I would avoid using it with someone you don’t get along with as it can be taken the wrong way, so use sparingly!

Bravely clicking ‘Send’ – A perfect closer for complicated emails, or anything you’ve spent a lot of time writing. We have all hit “send” too soon on an email and know the sinking feeling after reading it again and finding errors, but it’s already gone! Thanks goodness iPhone has a delay feature that prevents sending immediately after hitting send. Mine is set to 3-weeks!

Catch you on the other side of this inbox – A fun, cute sign-off that notes what we all experience with communication in today’s world. It feels like a little wink without the emoji, don’t you think?

What I like about creative email signoffs is that they inject some humanity into a form of communicating that often feels cold and automated. It takes the AI of the equation and inserts more of YOU. I remember messages that make me laugh, or at least smile. I believe that a humorous, fun signoff ends your email by adding personality to your professional identity.

As we get set to launch 2026, let’s make a resolution to ditch “Sincerely,” or “Best,” and step up our digital signature game. Maybe we should try this first in text messages. Do pick your moments wisely. Maybe save “Stay perfect” for the coworkers who truly get you.

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.

Curtis Sliwa Speaks Out on WABC, John Catsimatidis’ Role in 2025 Mayoral Race

BNM Staff
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Curtis Sliwa Speaks Out on WABC, John Catsimatidis’ Role in 2025 Mayoral Race

Former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa expressed frustration over the role WABC and Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis he felt played in his 2025 campaign, claiming they pressured him to drop out and misrepresented his affiliation with the station.

Speaking while filling in on The Mark Simone Show on 710 WOR, Sliwa reflected on his experiences running for mayor in both 2021 and 2025, emphasizing a lack of support from WABC and its leadership.

“Going into this election cycle, early on I made it very clear that I would seek the Republican nomination, a run for mayor again, as I did in 2021. By the way, with no help from WABC back then, none,” Sliwa said. “People should know that the orders came from management and ownership that you were not to talk about Curtis Sliwa when he was running for mayor. In fact, you were not to interview Curtis Sliwa back in 2021. There was a big sign in the newsroom. Let’s just say there was no excuse for that.”

Sliwa also criticized Catsimatidis for publicly supporting rival candidates while privately giving the impression he backed Sliwa.

“I wasn’t supported by anybody there at WABC running for mayor. Although they weren’t insulting, they weren’t personally attacking me, the owner and operator, John Catsimatidis was supporting Eric Adams. Everyone was under the impression that he was supporting me because he would say, ‘Oh, we’re family here,’” Sliwa said.

According to Sliwa, pressure escalated earlier this year when former Governor Andrew Cuomo considered dropping out of the mayoral race.

“Boy, did they ratchet it up. The Masters of the Universe, the billionaires, John Catsimatidis, owner and operator, who was the maestro of the orchestra that was constantly banging a drum that Curtis Sliwa had to drop out. Had to drop out for the good of the city,” Sliwa said. “I remember he was saying, ‘Oh, I’m gonna leave. I’m gonna sell my businesses. I’m down in Florida.’ The moment Zohran Mamdani was announced the winner on November 4, all of a sudden he was saying, ‘Oh, we got to work with the mayor, oh, for the good of the city.’”

Sliwa singled out WABC host Greg Kelly for publicly advocating for other candidates during the primary as ordered by station management.

“During the primary, the Democratic primary, he was actually advocating to his listeners that they support Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. Yeah, him. And then in the end, through the directions of John Catsimatidis, the owners and operators and managers at WABC, he spoke the party line,” Sliwa said.

Finally, Sliwa addressed what he called a misperception that he remained tied to WABC while campaigning.

“First and foremost, the image that went out during the campaign is that I was an employee of WABC. I was on leave from WABC. I was part of the dysfunctional family. No. When you leave to run for office, you’re gone. You don’t get pay, you don’t get benefits, you don’t get anything. You’re no longer an employee of WABC, but they created that impression, like somehow John Catsimatidis was still pulling my strings that he could command me to drop out. Hey, how did that work out?”

The comments are Sliwa’s first comments since the public falling out with Red Apple Media Owner John Catsimatidis during his New York City mayoral run.

Catsimatidis says he “recommended” that Sliwa exit the race to lead more voters to independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in favor of now-Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. Sliwa accused WABC of favoring Cuomo and betraying him and told Sid Rosenberg on-air, “You will never see me ever in the studios of WABC again, never, no matter how this election turns out.”

While Catsimatidis expressed his belief that Sliwa would come back to WABC after the election, Sliwa has yet to appear on the airwaves as of yet. Sliwa’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions between political candidates and the media outlets they once worked for, raising questions about impartiality, influence, and the blurred lines between journalism and corporate ownership in New York City politics.

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.

Kevin “KFC” Clancy Says Podcasts Are Now Video First, Dismisses Criticism of Barstool Sports Deal With Netflix

BSM Staff
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Kevin “KFC” Clancy Says Podcasts Are Now Video First, Dismisses Criticism of Barstool Sports Deal With Netflix

Kevin “KFC” Clancy addressed the company’s recent partnership with Netflix on the final episode of KFC Radio, discussing the platform’s exclusive video distribution of select podcasts and the move away from YouTube.

Last week, the streaming giant announced a multi-year partnership with Barstool Sports that will bring video versions of three of the brand’s biggest podcasts — Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast, and Spittin’ Chiclets — exclusively to Netflix beginning in early 2026

The move to Netflix has sparked some backlash among Barstool Sports fans, particularly regarding paywall concerns. Clancy responded candidly, noting the broad accessibility of the streaming service. “People are like, it’s behind a paywall. It’s not, bro. If you do not have Netflix in America in the year of our Lord 2025, you’re not like a human,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a very small group of people who are in unfortunate economic circumstances, and I’m not talking about that. I’m sure there’s people who can’t afford the $9.99 a month, and those people can be mad.”

Clancy addressed the recent decision to make the wildly popular Pardon My Take podcast available on Netflix, a move that effectively ends its free YouTube distribution. He emphasized that, despite the video-centric approach, the core audio experience remains intact.

“This is an audio product that you do listen to in the car. Then the video was sort of like a bonus behind the scenes. Oh, I can just put a face to the name, and I can see how they operate and all that sort of s**t. Now, I think it needs to be like a visual show, clips and video pictures and all that. But if, at its heart, you can enjoy Pardon My Take as it was intended to be created, and pretty much at its fullest extent on audio for free.”

Clancy framed the shift as part of a broader evolution in podcasting itself. “We have evolved, and I think new content should be video first. Now, I think video first. And certainly going forward, if you’re starting something, you need to make a video product,” he said. “It’s almost become the opposite. Make a video product, strip the audio, put it on Apple and Spotify. It’s almost going to lose some of its luster because you’re referencing things that need to be visual. But you can go listen if you’re in the car.”

The transition reflects a growing industry trend where major podcasts embrace video-first production and exclusive streaming deals. Clancy’s remarks suggest Barstool sees long-term value in creating shows that work visually. Also while preserving their audio appeal for traditional listeners. For Barstool, the Netflix partnership is not just about distribution—it’s a strategic move aimed at expanding the audience and redefining how fans engage with its content. While also securing business for future growth.

KFC Radio is not the only Barstool branded program coming to an end. Last month, Kirk Minihane also announced the immediate end of the Kirk Minihane Show on the platform. That decision came just a week after Minihane revealed an indefinite leave of absence, citing personal struggles.

Both Clancy and KFC Radio co-host John Feitelberg have other projects in the works for beginning in 2026.

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.

NBC Sports Names SportsDesk Reporters for Upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports Names SportsDesk Reporters for Upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games

NBC Sports has announced its SportsDesk reporters for the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Cortina, and Livigno, led by veteran journalist and commentator Mary Carillo, marking her 14th NBC Olympics assignment and 17th overall.

Carillo will be based in Milan, which hosts figure skating, speed skating, short track, and ice hockey events. She will be joined by NBC News chief White House correspondent and “Weekend TODAY” co-anchor Peter Alexander. Also joining are two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech, Olympic figure skating bronze medalist Adam Rippon, and NBC News correspondent Anne Thompson.

Reporting from Livigno, home to freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions, will be NBC News correspondent Sam Brock.Meanwhile, NBC News NOW anchors Gadi Schwartz and Savannah Sellers will cover Cortina. Alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, skeleton, and luge competitions are scheduled there. The Opening Ceremony is set for Feb. 6, 2026, on NBC and Peacock.

The SportsDesk team will cover events across multiple venues throughout northern Italy and contribute to features across NBCUniversal’s platforms. This coverage coincides with Italy hosting the Winter Olympics in Cortina for the second time. Overall, Italy has hosted four Winter Games: Rome (1960), Turin (2006), and Cortina (1956).

Alexander, reporting from Milan, is on his fifth Olympic assignment, having covered Beijing (2008, 2022), Vancouver (2010), and Rio (2016). A Walter Cronkite Award recipient, he celebrated 20 years at NBC News in 2024.

Sam Brock returns for his third Olympics assignment. A national correspondent based in New York, Brock has been with NBCUniversal since 2012 and won an Emmy for his work in local news.

Carillo brings decades of Olympic experience. She hosted the 2010 Vancouver and 2008 Beijing Games. She also called tennis gold medal matches and produced a 20-year figure skating retrospective at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Recently, she was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Contributor category.

Ezra Frech, making his NBC Olympics debut, will become the first Paralympian to serve as a Winter Games commentator for NBC. Frech won two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and continues his track and field career at USC.

Adam Rippon returns for his third Olympics assignment with NBC, having previously contributed at the 2024 Paris and 2020 Tokyo Games. Rippon won bronze in figure skating at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Cortina reporters Schwartz and Sellers bring extensive experience across NBC News platforms. Schwartz is covering his fourth Olympics, while Sellers is covering her second. Anne Thompson, a seven-time Emmy winner, completes the Milan team with her seventh Olympics assignment.

NBCUniversal, which holds U.S. media rights through 2036, will broadcast the Winter Games on NBC and Peacock, with the Paralympics scheduled for March 6-15, 2026.

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.

BetMGM Network Host Femi Abebefe Departs ‘You Better You Bet’ as Show Transitions to Westwood One Sports

BSM Staff
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BetMGM Network Host Femi Abebefe Departs ‘You Better You Bet’ as Show Transitions to Westwood One Sports

Femi Abebefe, co-host of the BetMGM Network’s popular sports betting program You Better You Bet, announced his departure from the show during his final episode Wednesday, confirming he will not join co-host Nick Kostos on the program’s upcoming move to Westwood One Sports next week.

In an on-air statement, Abebefe acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, describing it as beyond his control.

“It’s not my decision to be honest and to be frank, like it’s disappointing, it sucks. I’m gonna be completely honest about that, but that’s the business that we’re in,” he said. “A lot of people would love to do what Nick [Kostos] and I do. To hang out with your friends and talk about sports for a living. It’s the greatest job, in my opinion. I absolutely love it, but this is one of the downsides of that job. I leave with no ill will towards anyone.”

Abebefe, who joined You Better You Bet in 2024, reflected on his 16-month tenure with gratitude, emphasizing the unique experience the show provided.

“I love what this show was all about, and doing this for the last 16 months. Although I wish it was for much, much longer than that, has been a real treat for me in my career, and I really do appreciate that,” he said.

The announcement comes as Westwood One Sports prepares to relaunch You Better You Bet with Kostos leading the program on its new network. In October, Audacy and Cumulus Media announced the merger of Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network as extension to the partnership between Audacy and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the sole distributor of both Audacy owned networks.

The host also expressed appreciation for the program’s audience, highlighting the competitive media landscape and the time listeners spent with the show.

“There’s so many options that you guys have out there. Whether it’s sports betting, content, traditional sports media, like other things, news, politics, whatever. We have so many options that we can choose to entertain us in 2025—now we’re about to be 2026—the fact that you guys spend, even if it’s 15 minutes or if it’s for the entire show, like I really am appreciative of that, and for everyone welcoming me in,” Abebefe said.

While he will not be part of the Westwood One relaunch, his tenure on the show is still remembered. He was known for engaging analysis, camaraderie with Kostos, and a strong connection with listeners navigating the expanding sports betting industry.

No further details were provided about Abebefe’s next professional endeavors. His comments suggested he remains appreciative of the experience. He also appears open to future opportunities.

The new Westwood One Sports weekday schedule is as follows beginning December 29:

  • 6am – 9am: Drake C. Toll
  • 9am – Noon: You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos
  • Noon – 3pm: Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla
  • 3pm – 6pm: The Jim Rome Show
  • 6pm – 11pm: BetMGM Tonight with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle
  • 11pm – 3am: WWO Sports Tonight — Lynnell Willingham (Mon-Wed), Josh Graham (Wed-Fri)

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Ebro Darden: I Wouldn’t Do What Charlamagne tha God, Stephen A. Smith Have Done To Get Big Deals

BMM Staff
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Ebro Darden: I Wouldn’t Do What Charlamagne tha God, Stephen A. Smith Have Done To Get Big Deals

Former Hot 97 morning show host Ebro Darden is once again drawing a clear line between financial opportunity and personal principle. During a recent episode of “The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show” on YouTube, Darden addressed the topic of high-profile media contracts and why he has never pursued — or accepted — deals similar to those signed by some of the industry’s biggest names.

In doing so, he cited recent agreements involving Charlamagne tha God and ESPN star Stephen A. Smith as examples of paths he has consciously chosen not to take.

Darden was direct in explaining his stance, acknowledging that major paydays often come with expectations he is unwilling to meet.

“Listen, there were things that Charlamagne was willing to do that I would have never done. Never,” Darden said. “That’s how you get to those big bags. It’s the same with Stephen A. Smith, though. When Disney wants to give you money like that, you got to do a dance I ain’t willing to do.”

Charlamagne tha God recently secured a long-term extension with iHeartMedia that further solidified his role as one of the most influential voices in audio and digital media. Meanwhile, Smith’s blockbuster contract with ESPN reinforced his position as the network’s top personality and one of the highest-paid figures in sports media.

Both deals were widely celebrated as examples of personal brands translating into enormous corporate value.

However, Darden framed those agreements less as aspirations and more as cautionary tales for creators who value autonomy. He made clear that his comments were not meant as criticism of Charlamagne or Smith, but rather as an explanation of why his career trajectory has differed from theirs.

Throughout his career, Darden has built a reputation for blunt honesty and cultural commentary that often challenges institutional norms. From his time leading Hot 97’s morning show to his broader work across music, media and digital platforms, he has consistently emphasized independence over corporate alignment.

Ebro in the Morning ended on Hot 97 earlier this month. The morning show began in 2012. Darden returned to mornings after previously working the timeslot from 2004 to 2007. Rosenberg has been with the station since 2007. He also hosts afternoons on ESPN New York alongside Don La Greca and Alan Hahn. Laura Style, who also works for SiriusXM, joined the show in 2013.

The departure of the morning show is the latest in a long line of changes happening at HOT 97.

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Connoisseur Media Names Rod Day New Market Manager for Alaska Operations

BNM Staff
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Connoisseur Media Names Rod Day New Market Manager for Alaska Operations

Connoisseur Media has named Rod Day as Market Manager for its Alaska operations, tapping a familiar and experienced executive to oversee the company’s Anchorage-based properties.

Day assumes the role effective immediately, returning to a market where he previously held several senior leadership positions and built a long track record of operational and revenue growth. The appointment reflects Connoisseur Media’s continued focus on strengthening leadership across its regional clusters while positioning its stations for long-term performance.

Day’s familiarity with both the Alaska market and the evolving media landscape made him an attractive fit for Connoisseur Media as it looks to expand collaboration and maximize growth opportunities across platforms.

“I’m truly thrilled to be joining the Connoisseur Media team and working alongside leaders who have such a clear vision for our business,” Day said in a statement. “It’s also incredibly exciting to return to a market I love, one that I believe has endless potential. I can’t wait to get to know each member of the Anchorage team and work together to achieve not only their personal goals, but the goals we have for the entire team.”

With more than two decades of experience in audio, broadcast television, and digital media, Day brings a diverse background that includes roles as founder and CEO, multi-market General Manager, and senior executive overseeing major ABC, FOX, and CW affiliates in Alaska. Throughout his career, he has been credited with driving sustained revenue gains, increasing market share, and implementing sales strategies designed to adapt to changing media consumption habits.

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw praised Day’s leadership style and market knowledge, pointing to his experience building teams and improving performance across multiple media formats.

“Rod is exactly the kind of leader we want guiding our Alaska operations,” Warshaw said. “His passion for the Anchorage market, experience in broadcast and digital platforms, combined with his ability to build strong teams and elevate performance, makes him an outstanding fit. We are excited for the energy, vision, and expertise he will bring to our Alaska properties.”

As Market Manager, Day will oversee day-to-day operations, sales performance, and strategic initiatives for Connoisseur Media’s Alaska properties, with a focus on strengthening relationships with advertisers, listeners, and the Anchorage community.

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