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The Epstein Files Are Consuming Donald Trump and the Media Is Fueling the Blaze

Lauren Ashburn
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The Epstein Files Are Consuming Donald Trump and the Media Is Fueling the Blaze

The media coverage of Jeffrey Epstein’s relationship with Donald Trump is intense, polarized and growing greater every day, with many – including those on the right – pushing for increased transparency of the Epstein Files. The White House is downplaying the significance and blaming the Democrats, calling it a hoax. 

But Trump wound up having to accept what he had been fighting to suppress in the face of certain defeat. 

In a striking reversal, Trump changed his tune at the last minute and urged lawmakers to call for the release of more Epstein files, saying on Truth Social, “DON’T CARE.” 

The president caved in the face of relentlessly negative TV coverage and, for the first time, jumped on the train leaving the station because he was getting steamrolled by his own party. 

The House passed the measure to release the files 427-1 and the Senate quickly blessed it as well. 

Newly released emails – at least 23,000 of them – dominate headlines, even pushing the 43-day end to the shutdown to the bottom of the news cycle. And that’s hard to do.

On NBC Wednesday at 10:14 pm, cameras were trained on the president. “Let’s go now live to the White House on a historic day where President Trump is signing a bill just passed by the house to end the longest government shutdown in history.” 

At 11 pm on MS NOW’s  The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, the shutdown news was nowhere to be found. “We have to be ready for a really really big and crazy news day tomorrow. Because Donald Trump is going to want to change the subject…away from those Jeffrey Epstein emails about him.” 

It’s clear that O’Donnell, and others, have no intention of letting him do that. 

Trump and his team have been pushing back hard, calling the file uproar  a Democratic-inspired “hoax.” And it’s dividing the MAGA media into two camps: Those who increasingly want more Epstein files released and those who don’t. Who in their right mind wants to vote to keep the sexually charged files secret heading into an election year?

Trump has acknowledged that he and Epstein were friends, but he broke off the relationship and denied knowing about trafficking of underage girls (though by then he had served time for sexual abuse). Newly released emails contradict his stance. Some in the conservative media world are arguing that the emails show Trump did nothing wrong. 

In a striking reversal, Trump changed his tune at the last minute and urged lawmakers to call for the release of more files, saying on Truth Social, “DON’T CARE.” The president caved in the face of relentlessly negative TV coverage and, for the first time, jumped on the train leaving the station because he was getting steamrolled by his own party.

On CNN, Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast, said, “It’s a sign just how weak Donald Trump is,” adding that it was “a real change from a month ago.” 

It seems true that he’s lost his footing, again, on this one. Trump almost never changes his mind. And this time he really had no choice when looking at the number of Republicans planning to vote to release the files. 

In the Oval Office, taking questions from reporters, it took almost until the end of the news conference until someone asked about the most talked about story. Were they afraid of his response? Last week he yelled at a reporter who asked about Epstein, “Quiet, quiet!”

When asked by an MS NOW reporter  whether he would sign a bill to release all files, he said, “I’m all for it.” Yet clearly he wants the issue to go away. “Let the Senate look at it. Let anybody look at it. But don’t talk about it too much, because, honestly, I don’t want it to take away from us. It’s really a Democrat problem.”

A strong thread among conservative media hosts is that the release of the emails is politically motivated. Some go as far as to say that Trump might have been informing on Epstein – acting as a “mole” or “rat.”

Fox isn’t shying away from covering the release of the files. At the top of The Five,  Jesse Waters let loose. “You want it, you got it. No smoking gun.” He added:  “Not a single victim has come forward and said Trump has done anything.” 

Liberal Harold Ford reminded the group that the president campaigned on releasing files in 2024, and he hopes the administration can get back to “full transparency.” 

Kayleigh McEnany, a former Trump press secretary, said the American people wonder, “What the hell is he hiding?  It is a fair question.” 

Greg Gutfeld said the real takeaway is the awareness of how the media and Democrats work. “It’s not what’s in the files, it’s what will be distorted…the ravenous press, they’re pathetic and they’re desperate for relevance, will take anybody and destroy them.” I don’t think all of us are quite that morally repugnant. 

On Fox’s Special Report, Brit Hume said, “I think these files are going to turn out to be a dead end, and it’s not a good idea for the president to be opposed to releasing them.” And he said Trump was backed into a corner. “He decided to tell Republicans to release the files because he thought he’d rather get in front of the parade than be dragged behind it.”

MS NOW host Nicolle Wallace said the move showed that “Trump is following his party, not leading” and that it’s a “weird” place for him. “Donald, they are onto you.” 

And MS NOW anchor Katy Tur summed up the whole controversy pretty succinctly. “It’s just so gross.” No way I’m going to argue with that.

Megyn Kelly addressed Epstein’s sex crimes on her radio show. “There’s a difference between a 15-year-old and a five-year-old, you know?” And she questioned whether the word “pedophile” was appropriate. 

Seems like she’s hedging her bets, not wanting to go up against Trump which, for most others in the MAGA universe, has never gone well.  She’s facing blistering attacks. The Daily Show host, Josh Johnson, questioned how she was ever a lawyer. “Everyone knows there is a big difference between a 15-year-old and a five-year-old. But everyone also knows there is never a good reason to be talking about that difference.”

Epstein’s many survivors fervently want the files released. They see it as a crime of sex trafficking against teenagers and want the public to view this through a human lens, saying they had promising futures that were stolen from them. 

In a newly-released, riveting, yet painful TV ad, victims face the camera holding signs: “I suffer so much pain.” Women flash on the screen quickly giving their ages, saying, “I was 14, 16, 17.” Others plead for transparency. “This is me when I met Jeffrey Epstein.” “It’s time to shine a light into the darkness.” “It’s time to bring secrets out of the darkness.”

Many of the survivors joined together on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday, calling for transparency, holding up those same pictures – one saying she voted for Trump but his handling of the furor had become a “national embarrassment.” MS NOW and CNN carried the one-hour event live. Fox, however, did not, and instead focused on ICE raids in North Carolina, and other news.

The recent email dump does not portray journalists in a favorable light, to say the least. In one 2015 email, reporter and author Michael Wolff dished out advice to Epstein. 

Wolff said he expected CNN to ask Trump a question about their relationship at an upcoming Republican presidential debate. Epstein asked how he should handle it. 

“I think you should let him hang himself,” Wolff wrote. “If he says he hasn’t been on the plane or to the house, then that gives you a valuable PR and political currency. You can hang him in a way that potentially generates a positive benefit for you, or, if it really looks like he could win, you could save him, generating a debt.”

Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich lamented the way Wolff cultivates sources. “He goes much farther than most journalists would. It paints a bad picture of my industry,” he said on MS NOW. 

Seriously, what kind of game is Wolff playing? Is he the predator’s consigliere?

Another email shows Landon Thomas, a New York Times reporter who profiled Epstein but later started tripping him off to what other journalists were doing, was fired by the paper for violating ethical standards after soliciting a $30,000 donation for a Harlem cultural center. Kudos to Leibovich and other journalists for calling out their own. 

The media narratives underscore how the Epstein files are being used as a tool in partisan battles. Those on the right argue it’s a Democratic distraction, while critics on the left cry lack of transparency. And the victims are lost in the dustup. 

The administration has taken a lot of political heat grappling with a mess of Trump’s making. Instead of clearly addressing the Epstein issue from the beginning, Trump continues to find himself in a big media swirl of controversy, which takes away from his attempts to talk about the economy and other kitchen-table issues. 

The pressure to downplay the Epstein saga prompted Trump to lash out at the media after a female reporter raised the issue on Air Force One.

“Quiet, Piggy,” he declared. It was hardly his finest hour.

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.

Joe DeCamara is the Bridge Connecting Philadelphia’s Sports Past and Future at 94WIP

John Mamola
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Joe DeCamara is the Bridge Connecting Philadelphia’s Sports Past and Future at 94WIP

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. It’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Where the Liberty Bell stands, and a deep-rooted calling for sports reigns supreme. Few markets around the country have a fandom as passionate as the Philadelphia sports fan—something Joe DeCamara understands every weekday morning on Audacy’s SportsRadio 94WIP.

“I don’t think people nationally understand how engrained sports are in the Philadelphia sports culture,” noted DeCamara. “It has such deep roots. It’s longstanding, and intense.”

DeCamara is the voice that commands the attention of the Philadelphia sports fan every morning. Sharing the latest storylines surrounding any of the five Philadelphia professional teams. Those roots he speaks of have run deep for many generations, providing moments of greatness. Moments that DeCamara has captured in his new book, The Best of Philly Sports: Amazing Moments and Stories in Philadelphia Sports History.

Sharing History With a New Generation

The concept was simple: sharing the most impactful stories from the long history of Philadelphia sports for the next generation.

“I was talking to my nephew who was about ten years old at the time. He’s a big sports fan. We were talking about basketball, and I referenced ‘Dr. J,’” explained DeCamara. “He had absolutely no idea what I was talking about… I saw his incredibly confused look and then asked him if he knew who ‘Dr. J’ was, and he didn’t.”

Using that conversation along with a moment of discovery while cleaning his mother’s home, the idea came to light—using a discovered book on the greatest athletes of the twentieth century, written in the 1970s, as an example. The concept for a historical record of the greatest Philadelphia athletes ever offered in sports was born.

Over the years, what began as a fifty-chapter concept grew into a sixty-six-chapter final draft. Filled with short stories sharing the tales of Philadelphia legends, teams, and moments.

“I remembered the conversation with my nephew and thought I could write this book for younger fans who are big Philly sports fans,” said DeCamara. “I did set out to write it primarily for younger fans, but it also is something I wrote stylistically that can work for adults as well. It’s not Green Eggs and Ham.”

The content of The Best of Philly Sports: Amazing Moments and Stories in Philadelphia Sports History takes the reader on a journey through time. With later chapters referencing stories about moments and figures in earlier chapters of the book. From Stanley Cups to Super Bowls, and the personalities that stood out in between. DeCamara provides the reader with his perspective on the moments that will live on forever.

“I expanded it to what I thought would be the right stuff to be included in the book,” said DeCamara. “Then the Eagles won a Super Bowl, and won another Super Bowl. So things kept growing over time as things developed… It’s gratifying, and I’ve been very happy with the response from people so far.”

Replacing A Legend

The Pennsylvania native has made sports radio his calling for the past quarter-century. The last nine years spent at Philadelphia’s top sports radio station hosting programming alongside former NFL fullback Jon Ritchie. After a successful seven years locking down the midday time slot on the station, DeCamara was elevated to mornings in 2023 with the retirement of legendary Philadelphia host Angelo Cataldi.

“I was aware of the responsibility to be the host for WIP in the mornings, to follow Angelo [Cataldi] and keep the ratings super high. I welcomed that responsibility,” said DeCamara. “It was a little daunting in the beginning because you understand the weight and magnitude of it—the responsibility to the radio station and the company [Audacy], also to the city of Philadelphia listeners and fans. I felt that and am very happy how things have gone.”

Cataldi served more than three decades with 94WIP. Becoming a name synonymous with sports radio in Philadelphia—a ratings and revenue success story, and impactful talent that greeted audiences all around the city.

DeCamara noted the toughest part of the transition even two years later is still mastering the hours of being a morning drive host. However, he also values the many benefits the daypart provides to reinforce success.

“Structurally, the show is still pretty similar. We are very fortunate, though, to have an unbelievable base of guests on a weekly basis, which we didn’t have on the midday show,” said DeCamara. “There are elements of the show that didn’t exist in middays. It makes the conversation more compelling, and it’s up to us to make it as good as possible for the audience.”

During the football season, The WIP Morning Show features weekly exclusives with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. Along with Eagles greats Jason Kelce, Dick Vermeil, and Ron Jaworski, among others. The A-list roster provides a unique opportunity to bring fans closer to the game daily.

“I also knew it would be very important for me to be me, and our show to be our show, as opposed to any prior iteration,” said DeCamara. “I’m happy I approached it that way and always will.”

Evolution of Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia has experienced a recent run of success. The Philadelphia Eagles have won two Super Bowls in the past decade, while the Phillies have made the postseason for four straight seasons, including a division title and one National League championship. Make no mistake: football runs deep in the lifeblood of the Philadelphia sports fan, which DeCamara has seen evolve with success.

“The intensity of Philadelphia sports fans is essentially the same as ever, but with one exception,” said DeCamara. “The Eagles finally winning a Super Bowl relieved the intensity somewhat among fans. But people still get fired up when things don’t go well, as they always have.”

DeCamara notes conversations on his program have shifted from living day to day to more big-picture discussions, where a loss on Tuesday ties into broader conversations about the long-term impact. Choosing not to guide the audience on the roller coaster of emotions makes every day the biggest day.

“Ratings are higher when teams are good. That’s clear,” notes DeCamara. “The reality is, whether the teams are good or not, there’s always something to talk about.”

94WIP is no stranger to a successful business model. The radio station is the flagship station for both the Eagles and Phillies, which draws massive amounts of listeners to the brand throughout the year. While competitors in the market continue to punch up at the success model of how 94WIP frames their conversations, DeCamara remains focused on hosting his program the only way he knows.

“It’s very simple. I say what I think, either good or bad, about the teams and the players,” said DeCamara. “It’s very easy for me to give my opinion and give out the phone number to connect with people. I do the show the way I think it should be done. With passion, intensity, intelligence, and creativity.”

Entering his tenth year with 94WIP and third hosting morning drive, DeCamara has no plans to slow down anytime soon. He still feels the thrill of being the voice that determines the conversation of the day for one of the top sports radio brands in the country—meeting and greeting listeners in any way he can, but remaining humble and recognizing the blessing of the opportunity.

“I love it,” exclaimed DeCamara. “Am I still really super psyched to do the show daily? Absolutely. I consider myself remarkably fortunate to be in the position I am—to be involved with our show, radio station, and our community… I just absolutely love it.”

To purchase Joe DeCamara’s book, The Best of Philly Sports: Amazing Moments and Stories in Philadelphia Sports History, click here.

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.

Could More Money, Less Work Cost Stephen A. Smith and ESPN

John Mamola
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Could More Money, Less Work Cost Stephen A. Smith and ESPN

There’s an old saying: you never know what you’ve got till it’s gone. Throughout life, we tend to undervalue the important things for other items in our world that are less meaningful but cost us more. In media, success is based on the impact or value a personality brings to the table. Currently, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sits at the top of the food chain for the network he represents.

The man draws attention in traditional and digital media. Every word he utters, his detractors wait to use for their own gain. He’s built a media empire that appeals to audiences on television, podcasting, satellite radio, and beyond. His own media empire I might add.

On Tuesday, Smith had to refute reports that he wasn’t “removed” from ESPN’s NBA Countdown program. He clarified that he decided he no longer wanted to do the show. It was negotiated as such in his most recent contract. However, at a reported $20 million per year, is Smith proving he’s worth the price tag for ESPN?

As a former programmer, you always want to place your best talent in the most opportune places to win. Using my personal example, my highest-rated on-air talent was placed to host our NFL game day programming. He brought in the highest cume, largest revenue, and biggest level of interest. ESPN used to do that with Smith. He hosted First Take and was a regular on NBA Countdown for years.

The Risk Taken

Networks make decisions on their investment in talent. ESPN decided to still sign him despite his desires to do less with ESPN and more with outside ventures. Smith is now a one-tool player at ESPN. He’s the host of First Take, who will make random appearances on other ESPN programming “if they need him to,” as he said in his opening segment on SiriusXM yesterday.

This is a risk taken by Smith, which could cut into the value he brings to the network. It’s rare for a talent who is signed to a massive contract to publicly state he took more money for less work from the company cutting the check.

Typically, that’s a joke among friends, yet Smith is not shy about boasting of his luxury.

Smith worked hard for his money; that’s not debatable. He took on opportunities when others didn’t and was always willing to go the extra mile if needed for many years. He was at one time cut from ESPN, but his focus and determination to stay the second time around has paid off. We should all be so lucky to share in that drive.

The risk is in the data. What if NBA Countdown does better in 2025–2026 than it did with Smith on the broadcast? Does that data mean that maybe the value of Smith’s presence, which earned him that fresh paycheck, was all smoke and mirrors?

Make no mistake about it. First Take continues to see higher viewership this year than in previous years. However, we’ve seen the data with the new metrics from Nielsen. All shows that are sports-focused have benefited from the change in methodology.

Just this past October, with the heights of MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL all coming together, First Take saw a 3% increase in viewership year-over-year. Get Up rose 12%, and The Pat McAfee Show elevated by 12%. First Take continues to be the second or third most viewed daily program on the network, despite the gains in audience and price tag.

A price tag that doesn’t pay Smith for any presence in the network’s MLB or NHL coverage at all. A rare appearance on NFL coverage for Monday Night Football, and NBA coverage “if needed.”

Where Is the Direction

A casual observer of Smith since signing his deal with ESPN earlier this year could say that Smith is no longer interested in growing at ESPN. Instead, he’s more focused on growing his brand on satellite radio and digital media, with a potential presidential run lurking in his future. While I don’t feel Smith would be an ideal candidate for either party, he’s not been shy about his aspirations.

You have to wonder about the people who signed Smith at ESPN, if they feel he’s worth the amount they’re shelling out for his presence on one show. A show that is growing, but not at the pace of his other ventures where he’s creating more attention for a different audience.

I’ve called Stephen A. Smith the greatest entertainer in media today. Is ESPN taking advantage of that? Stephen A. Smith is.

At some point, the question shifts from whether Smith is maximizing his opportunities to whether ESPN is maximizing him.

When a network hands its most valuable performer the freedom to choose his lanes, it also hands over leverage it may never get back. And if the company isn’t careful, it may one day realize it didn’t lose Stephen A. Smith to another network — it lost him by letting him define the terms of how much he was willing to give.

Smith will always command an audience, but the real evaluation isn’t just his talent — it’s ESPN’s stewardship of it. By allowing him to narrow his focus with the network while broadening his brand elsewhere, the network has essentially bet that First Take alone is worth the investment and the only take needed from Smith.

Maybe they’re right. But if the ratings, the data, or the next big moment suggest otherwise, the mistake won’t be Smith’s reduced workload. It could be ESPN’s willingness to give their top star more say in what he won’t do than what they actually need him to do.

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.

Behind the Scenes of the Warped Tour Revival: Kevin Lyman on Tickets, Fans and the Future

Mike Gunz
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Behind the Scenes of the Warped Tour Revival: Kevin Lyman on Tickets, Fans and the Future

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to once again experience the “Return of the Warped Tour. The third and final installment of this year’s historic rock/pop rock/emo festival saw such tremendous successes that they’ve already announced more tour dates. An expansion into other countries next year is planned as well!

“When [fans] came in, we wanted to make sure that it felt like the county fair. The lifestyle county fair, and I think we’ve accomplished that,” Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman explained during our recent conversation. This year the Warped Tour celebrated its 30th Anniversary, and its return after a five-year hiatus.

The return of the festival not only resulted in great ticket sales amidst the rock/rock adjacent genre’s current resurgence, but more importantly, a pivotal and important turning point within the live event music industry.

“One third of people were experiencing either their first concert or Warped Tour!” Lyman continued.

Realize, Pivot, Adapt [Or Die]

Warped Tour’s successes are especially remarkable during the country’s current economically challenged times that so many fans, especially younger ones, are currently facing. With limited disposable income, fans are thinking a lot harder about what they will spend their hard-earned money on. That was something that Lyman made sure was well known before bringing back this year’s festival.

“A lot of kids grew up during the pandemic and they weren’t exposed to live shows. All of a sudden we have ‘Inflation’ being a new word, high percentages on credit cards and more.”

“People might not know the economics behind this, but things got very expensive after Covid. It wasn’t just the artists. It was the staging, the insurance, and the security. There were and are a lot of protocols. To explore [and delve back into the live music event industry] it was hard at first,” the punk rock festival founder continued.

The Warped Tour Return

That is until Lyman spoke with Insomniac live events and productions when discussing the possibility of bringing back the Warped Tour.

“As someone who has always been ‘let’s go for lowest, lowest, lowest price for fans [so they can experience the event],’ when I began speaking with Insomniac, it was the first time in my life that there was a party that said, ‘Let’s do it for $20 cheaper!”

“It was really cool to be approached by Insomniac at first. But we had to make sure that people felt like they were at Warped Tour when they came thru the door. I was even a bit neurotic about it at first,” added Lyman, who can frequently be seen sporting an orange construction vest in the lead up to the music festivals while also helping out where needed – from stage setups to making sure water bottles are fully stocked throughout the weekend.

“I wanted to make sure that this year’s Warped Tour had all the merch booths, the charities, the activations,” Lyman continued.

Insomniac was fully onboard, shared the same vision and needless to say, it worked.

All three of the Warped Tour festivals sold out and had hundreds of thousands of fans in attendance.

Where Experience Matters

One thing that I’ve noticed throughout my 15+ years in music broadcasting and the music world is that this rock/alt-rock/emo music genre, previously mocked and even brushed aside by many radio program directors. The ‘powers that be,’ can’t be denied anymore.

You don’t have to listen to me, just look at what the Grammys did with this year’s nominees!

“We knew that coming back to Warped Tour and playing in Florida was going to be special. We had no idea that it was going to be one of the most memorable shows of our whole career,” Yellowcard lead singer Ryan Key said after the band performed in front of an electric Orlando crowd on Saturday.

“There was definitely an over saturation of bands after the pandemic hit because everyone wanted to tour all the time, however now many bands are being smarter about it,” Workshop Management founder and Mayday Parade / Matt Nathanson manager Josh Terry told me.

“I’ve always said I’m in the band business. I don’t care about the music industry. I’m here to support bands. The music industry [as a whole] is a joke. Over time, the music industry has done a lot of different things that don’t really benefit the artist themselves,” Terry explained.

“There’s lifers about this. There are definitely some people that truly care about the music. When you bring all those people together, success for everyone can be there!”

“I think instead of thinking short term about how much profit you’re going to ascertain, it’s about the longer picture. Think about the merch, people want more for their buck right now. It’s a hard time for the economy. Bands have to approach it that way,” said Terry.

Fans From All Over

While hosting the Warped Tour kickoff party on Friday night, I had the opportunity to welcome fans onstage. They came from Manchester, England, Canada, Savannah, Georgia, New Jersey and Orlando, Florida.

Some had been attending Warped Tour for over a decade. They praised Warped for not only shaping their music tastes, but their culture, friend group, lifestyle and identity. Meanwhile others were just excited to experience firsthand the “Warped aura” that they had heard so much about.

However, despite Warped Tour’s successes, Lyman, who has been doing live shows and productions for over three decades, continues to be realistic in this day and age.

Is LIVE Music Currently in a Good Spot?

“I think the music industry is at a 6 [out of 10] right now as far as the return of the live event industry,” said Lyman.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great festivals out there. Everyone has their own spirit and economic models. And if those models don’t work out, that’s okay. You can be cordial and friendly still.”

“It’s going to take a bit. There are great people that are helping out from the business side, but there’s also the local element of it that has helped make this type of music and live music exciting again.”

“There’s great music and emo music particular nostalgia out there right now. I felt that we need to look forward to the future of the music, the community and what’s next,” Lyman continued.

Gunz at the Warped Tour courtesy of The Gunz Show on X

This year’s Warped Tour festivals were a perfect balance of the best of the old and what I’d consider the best of the new. Lyman’s lineups included massive bands like All time Low, Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Falling In Reverse, and A Day To Remember.

“Bands like The Paradox, Honey Revenge,” have really helped bring in that next generation of fans, Lyman continued.

Throughout their three festival weekend dates this year, one thing has now been proven. Without a doubt, this music is here to stay. Warped Tour specifically is setting the standard for what other festivals [many who are losing money] should try to emulate.

That is, if the other music genres can (Sorry, rap music).

Thoughts? Comments? Tweet me @TheGunzShow or email TheGunzShow@gmail.com.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Why KIDO’s Kevin Miller Believes A Thanksgiving Promotion Shows the Power of AM Radio

Garrett Searight
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Why KIDO’s Kevin Miller Believes A Thanksgiving Promotion Shows the Power of AM Radio

If you stumbled upon a Boise-area Walmart this week, you’d be likely to see KIDO morning host and Program Director Kevin Miller dressed up in a turkey costume outside the entrance.

“Miller’s Mission” is a charitable endeavor by the Townsquare Media news/talk station to collect turkeys and other non-perishable food items for needy families and the Boise Rescue Mission Ministries.

And for six straight days, Miller is stationed outside the Walmart for 12 hours, hosting his radio show and imploring the community to support the charity he once utilized himself.

“Unfortunately, as a broadcaster, we all go through a tough time,” Miller said. “Literally in 2008, 2009, I was unemployed. I was laid off, but didn’t look like I was going to get another job. I had my mother giving me her Social Security checks to allow me to make my house payment before I got another job. It took me five years to recover from that. And if I didn’t have that, I would have ended up in the shelter.

“So therefore, when I moved out to Idaho, I lived in the shelter for seven days. That was the start of the first Miller’s Mission, where I would just go out and I would do the show, and then I would do laundry, and I would go through everything that the guests did.”

Miller shared that in the first year of the promotion, the station raised 20 turkeys. In year 15, they’re expecting 2,000 turkeys.

Kevin Miller added that the event has become synonymous with the KIDO brand, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I think it’s crucial for the brand, because, we’re out there fighting digital every day. The people in Idaho, fortunately, the AM band is still very strong here. And when they can see and touch their personalities — or my little local show — it’s a community. It’s very (Paul) Finebaum, if you will. I worked with Paul years ago, and I picked that up from him. Just having that old-time country feel in the age of digital, it humanizes the station. It gives it personality, gives it perspective, intertwined with the national hosts, as well as Fox News.”

Miller shared that he always views the event — which utilizes the catch phrase of “Give a turkey, don’t be a turkey” — as proof that the AM band is still a powerful tool.

“It’s inspiring because — say what you want about bigger rating services — to see the amount of money and the passion and people caring, it really strengthens our resolve,” he admitted. “It’s not easy taking an entire radio station to a living, breathing Walmart parking lot, and then having the HVAC put in and all this stuff. We try to make it as fancy as possible to have the element of being out in the fold. But radio isn’t dead. AM is not dead. They have legislation, but all you have to do is look through the great talent throughout the country, and we know that that spirit lives, whether it’s Idaho or Indiana.”

Being out in the community is a hallmark of KIDO.

“You have to go out into community, show them your face, show them you care, and sometimes you have to listen, which may be uncomfortable,” Miller said. “But when you listen, you truly get the information, and the ammunition you need to make an informed decision to actually build a better community. That may sound Pollyannaish, but that really is what it’s about. It’s not being that voice, but meeting that face behind the voice, even if you have a face for radio,” he joked, noting that his body type fits incredibly well inside the turkey costume he’s trademarked during the promotion in years past.

Miller concluded by noting that the event also not only allows him and KIDO to better connect with the community, but it allows him to build goodwill with listeners in person and show off the personality that makes him a Boise-area favorite.

“Sometimes you can take yourself too seriously. I grew up on Rush Limbaugh. I love Rush Limbaugh. But I’m not Rush, I’m Kevin Miller. And Kevin Miller is a self-deprecating guy that is relatable,” he shared. “You find so many people that can relate to that. It will help you build an audience. Obviously, it has to be legitimate, but you have to take that chance. And it’ll work out.”

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.

News/Talk Radio Hosts Carry the Weight — But Do Their Bosses Even Notice?

Garrett Searight
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News/Talk Radio Hosts Carry the Weight — But Do Their Bosses Even Notice?

There’s a burden that comes with hosting a news/talk radio show. It’s heavy, constant, and often overlooked by the people who sit above the hosts on the org chart. If you’ve never cracked a mic at 6 a.m. after four hours of sleep, you may not understand the weight.

And far too many leaders in this industry don’t.

Hosting a show is hard. It’s not just “talk for three or four hours and go home.” The job is a full-day commitment disguised as a part-day shift. Listeners hear the finished product. They hear the polished opinion, the tight segment, the well-thought-out interview, or the pointed monologue.

What they don’t see is the hours of prep that shape it. They don’t see the constant consumption of news. They don’t see the pressure to stay sharp, the anxiety over finding a fresh angle, or the daily need to deliver something unique.

Sometimes, I wonder if news/talk radio brand managers, program directors, market managers, or company executives see it, either.

Being at the top of your game is not a three-hour task. It’s a lifestyle. It follows you on your phone, during dinner, and long after the studio lights go dark. The host who sounds “on” at 9 AM has usually been “on” since sunrise.

And the job has gotten harder.

We’ve pushed hosts past the point of being “just radio hosts.” They now need to be quasi-sales assistants in an effort to help grow revenue. Some companies now demand that the hosts become digital content producers by throwing up stories on the website in hope they somehow go viral. Others now expect hosts to churn out podcasts, produce video shows, be active on social media, create newsletters, or other special digital programming, and appear at as many events as possible.

And those hosts do it because they want to stay relevant. They do it because the industry wants to squeeze every ounce of content out of them. And they do it because they’re trying to build income streams that aren’t tied to a single radio contract.

Radio doesn’t always reward loyalty. That’s the unspoken truth.

So hosts diversify. They build their own ecosystems. They build audiences that move with them. It makes sense for them.

It also puts stations in a tough spot because it forces a real question: Is all of this worth it for the host? When every extra hour feels like a second job, and every additional platform feels like the thing that will finally burn them out, you start to see why many question the long-term value.

Some marquee news/talk hosts make great money. They’ve earned it. They’ve built massive brands that carry stations, clusters, and sometimes companies. But not every big-market or mid-market host is living like that. Plenty are doing heavy lifting while watching executives cut costs and celebrate “efficiencies.” And the hosts wonder when it’s their turn to see the upside.

Because here’s the truth that leadership needs to grasp: if pay doesn’t come up for the talent that drives the product, the format will lose those people. Not “may.” Will.

You can only keep talent with promises and passion for so long. Eventually, they’ll jump to podcast networks, streaming video, independent platforms, or subscriber-supported shows where the financial upside is clearer and the creative freedom is greater. And if they leave, they’ll take their audience — and in some cases, advertisers — with them.

Listeners don’t care where they get their favorite content. They care that they get it. They don’t care if a host is on AM radio, YouTube, Spotify, or a subscription app. If anything, they might prefer the place where they can pause, rewind, or skip commercials. If your host leaves for a digital platform and the listeners follow, you’re stuck trying to rebuild something that may not be rebuildable.

That’s a bad situation for any format. But for news/talk, it’s especially dangerous.

This format thrives on personalities. Listeners connect with hosts in an intensely personal way. They develop habits around them, trust them, and rely on them. When a station loses that voice, it loses more than talent. It loses identity. Momentum. Stability.

Executives like to say “talent is our greatest asset.” But assets cost money. Assets need investment. Assets aren’t magically replaced when they walk away.

News/talk radio needs to start treating hosts the way sports fans demand their teams treat franchise players. If you want a star to stay, you pay them. If you want them to give you more than the job description, you pay them. And if you want them to carry an entire brand, you pay them.

Otherwise, the burden you’ve placed on them becomes too heavy. The ambition that once fueled them turns into resentment. And the opportunity outside of radio becomes too tempting to ignore.

The hosts know it. The listeners know it. And it’s time the bosses acknowledge it before the format loses the people who make it matter.

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.

Disney, ESPN Announce Second ‘Dunk the Halls’ Animated NBA Game on Christmas Day

BSM Staff
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Disney, ESPN Announce Second ‘Dunk the Halls’ Animated NBA Game on Christmas Day

Disney, ESPN and the NBA are bringing their holiday-themed alternate broadcast back to Christmas Day with the second edition of Dunk the Halls, a real-time animated presentation of the Cleveland Cavaliers–New York Knicks matchup. The unique telecast airs December 25 at noon ET on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney Channel, Disney XD and the ESPN App, while a traditional broadcast will be available on ABC, ESPN, Disney+ and the ESPN App.

The collaboration again leans on Sony’s Beyond Sports technology, which transforms live player tracking data into a fully animated NBA game in real time. This year’s version revisits a virtual “Main Street, U.S.A.” inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, delivering a holiday backdrop filled with snow, decorations and new surprises.

Iconic Disney characters — Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale — will return to the sidelines. However, the most notable addition is Stitch, who joins the broadcast for the first time and quickly becomes the centerpiece of the storyline. His mischievous energy drives several elements throughout the show, including a revamped halftime Christmas Parade in which floats led by Mickey & Minnie, Donald & Daisy, Goofy & Pluto and Stitch compete for “Best Christmas Parade Float.”

Daisy Duck will again handle sideline reporting duties, conducting a special interview with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Meanwhile, Santa’s elves will reprise their roles as camera operators, and Santa himself will pilot ESPN’s “SkyCam.” Disney characters will also participate in pregame and halftime segments, including decorating a massive Christmas tree.

As with the inaugural edition last year, players from both teams will appear as animated versions of themselves, tracked live via Beyond Sports visualization and Hawk-Eye Innovations optical technology. Every dunk, layup and pass mirrors what is happening simultaneously inside Madison Square Garden.

Drew Carter and ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt return to the animated broadcast booth. Both will once again appear in the show’s animation style and wear Meta Quest Pro headsets as part of the telecast’s virtual-reality component. The traditional ABC/ESPN broadcast will feature Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke and reporter Jorge Sedano.

Dunk the Halls continues ESPN’s push into alternative broadcasts and real-time animation, building on previous projects such as Marvel’s 2021 Arena of Heroes NBA alt-cast. The company has expanded these efforts across additional sports as well. ESPN recently announced Monsters Funday Football for Monday Night Football on December 8 and plans to produce animated NHL and WNBA games during the 2025-26 season as part of its new agreement with Beyond Sports.

All five NBA Christmas Day games will air across ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App.

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.

Netflix Announces Christmas Day NFL Broadcast Teams

BSM Staff
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Netflix Announces Christmas Day NFL Broadcast Teams

Netflix is celebrating the Christmas holiday streaming an NFL doubleheader featuring two marquee NFC rivalry matchups. The Dallas Cowboys will face the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Detroit Lions meeting the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The streaming company announced CBS Sports will handle game production, while NFL Media will oversee pregame, postgame and halftime studio coverage. The move marks the second straight year Netflix has carried the league’s holiday slate after its debut last season.

As the platform expands its live sports footprint, Netflix plans to lean heavily on a roster of familiar NFL voices. Ian Eagle and his son, Noah Eagle, will return to call the action along with Netflix Sports Club host Kay Adams. Former NFL stars Drew Brees, Manti Te’o and Nate Burleson will also be part of the on-air team.

Additionally, Netflix is adding Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Commanders running back Austin Ekeler and WWE Superstar Seth Rollins to its holiday lineup. The company said the expanded cast is designed to deliver a blend of traditional football analysis and entertainment-focused storytelling.

The Christmas Day schedule will also serve as a showcase for several of Netflix’s football-related projects. Quarterback, the streamer’s follow-up to its successful sports docuseries franchise, features Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Last year’s Receiver highlighted Vikings star Justin Jefferson and Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown — two key figures in this year’s holiday matchup.

Netflix’s ongoing relationship with the Cowboys will also be on display. The platform is preparing to roll out America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys, along with Deion Sanders’ newly announced series PRIME TIME and Season 2 of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Last year’s inaugural NFL Christmas Gameday delivered historic viewership for the company. According to Netflix, the Chiefs’ win over the Steelers and the Ravens’ blowout victory against the Texans became the two most-streamed NFL games ever in the United States, averaging more than 26.5 million domestic viewers and more than 30 million globally.

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.

Connoisseur Media Announces Promotions, Appointments at 101 KXL, 101.9 KINK, Live 95.5, and 98.7 The Bull

BNM Staff
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Connoisseur Media Announces Promotions, Appointments at 101 KXL, 101.9 KINK, Live 95.5, and 98.7 The Bull

Connoisseur Media has announced a series of appointments and promotions for its brands in Portland.

At 101 KXL, the company has named Grant McHill as the new Program Director. He’s served as the station’s News Director for the past decade.

“As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond,” McHill said. “I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”

Elsewhere, Kendall Stewart has been named as the Assistant Program Director of 101.9 KINK and Live 95.5. Stewart will also helm middays on Live 95.5, after most recently serving in a similar capacity at The Current in the Twin Cities.

“I’m beyond thrilled to join the Connoisseur Media family and be part of the creative energy behind KINK and Live 95.5!” Stewart said. “I can’t wait to dive in and be part of the radio magic happening every day at these amazing stations. Portland, let’s go!”

Jamie Tanchyk is also expanding responsibilities at 98.7 The Bull. He’ll now serve as Music Director for the station, in addition to hosting middays.

Furthermore, Connoisseur Media Portland Operations Manager Ross MacLeod will take over the role of Program Director of 101.9 KINK.

“These moves today will ensure our Portland stations are stronger than ever,” MacLeod said. “I’m excited to be part of these teams.”

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.

Audacy Elevates Chase Daniels to Vice President of Programming in Cleveland

BNM Staff
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Audacy Elevates Chase Daniels to Vice President of Programming in Cleveland

Audacy has announced the elevation of Chase Daniels to the role of Vice President of Programming for the Cleveland cluster.

Daniels has been with the cluster since 2023, originally joining as Operations Manager.

In his role, he oversees 92.3 The Fan (sports), 98.5 WNCX (classic rock), Star 102.1 (AC), and Q104 (Hot AC), while serving as the Brand Manager for the latter two stations.

“Since arriving in Cleveland almost 3 years ago, Chase has concentrated on our brands, our execution, and our team with hopes of building on the great foundation that was already in place,” said Audacy Cleveland Senior Vice President and Market Manager Jeff Miller.

“His relentless focus on being the best, along with consistent coaching and leadership, has led to significant growth for individuals and our four stations,” Miller concluded.

Daniels originally joined Audacy in 2013 in the Indianapolis market. He later worked in Madison before joining Cleveland in March 2023. He has also worked in Atlanta and Jacksonville, among other stops.

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.

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