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Kennedy Elsey Wins 2026 MIW Airblazer Award

David Hill
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Kennedy Elsey Wins 2026 MIW Airblazer Award

Kennedy Elsey accepted broadcasting’s most prestigious women’s honor yesterday. The MIX 104.1 Boston co-host now joins an elite group of industry leaders.

What We Know Kennedy, co-host of the Karson & Kennedy morning show, received the MIW Airblazer Award during the Talentmasters MSBC Luncheon in Cleveland. The honor recognizes women driving meaningful impact in radio and their communities. Previous award winner Karen Carson selected Kennedy for the distinction. The award has recognized female radio excellence since 2015.

What’s at Stake This award highlights radio’s commitment to advancing female leadership. Female radio personalities continue shaping broadcast media’s future. Industry recognition elevates women’s contributions to mainstream conversations. Awards like the Airblazer inspire the next generation of female broadcasters.

What Remains Unclear We don’t yet know who will nominate next year’s recipient. The MIW hasn’t announced plans to expand the award’s reach. Future initiatives to support female radio talent remain undisclosed. Additional partnerships beyond Talentmasters MSBC could emerge.

What It Means Kennedy joins an impressive lineage of honorees spanning a decade. The recognition underscores Boston radio’s continued prominence in national conversations. This signals MIW’s expanded focus on major market personalities. Her selection reinforces that women’s voices matter in broadcast media.

The Airblazer Award’s recipient list includes Delilah (2024), Dana Cortez (2023), Patty Steele (2022), and others. Each honoree championed radio while making tangible community differences. Kennedy’s selection reflects her years building Boston’s media landscape. The award validates her influence beyond traditional ratings measurements.

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.

Clay Travis Planning New Sports Media Outlet

Garrett Searight
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Clay Travis Planning New Sports Media Outlet

Clay Travis appears poised to launch another sports media venture. The former OutKick founder has already lined up at least two familiar voices.

What We Know: Clay Travis is preparing to unveil a new sports media outlet after ending his involvement with OutKick. Travis founded OutKick before selling the company to FOX Corp. in 2021 for what he has said was $100 million. Earlier this year, he signed a new agreement with Fox News that officially concluded his role with the brand. Meanwhile, Travis has quietly assembled pieces for his next venture. During a conversation with Barrett Media earlier this year, former OutKick hosts Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow confirmed they’ll participate in the upcoming platform. However, neither they nor Travis disclosed additional details about the operation. It also remains unclear which other media personalities could join the outlet before its official launch.

What They Said: “We will be a part of a media platform that will be massive. That’s coming with the announcement in a few weeks, or a few days. In the meantime, we’re going to go ahead and produce content and be ready to go.” -Jonathan Hutton

What Remains Unclear: Travis hasn’t announced the platform’s name, launch date, ownership structure, or distribution strategy. Likewise, no programming lineup or talent roster has been confirmed. Hutton and Chad Withrow have not been officially revealed as members of the new outlet. It’s also unknown whether the venture will focus exclusively on sports or expand into news, politics, and culture.

What It Means: Travis has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to build media brands with loyal audiences. Therefore, another startup immediately draws attention across the sports media landscape. His previous success with OutKick gives the project instant credibility, while the involvement of Hutton and Withrow suggests familiar programming could anchor the launch. As more details emerge, the industry’s attention will likely shift toward who else joins the venture and how it intends to compete in an increasingly crowded digital sports media market.

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.

Urban Contemporary Radio Icon Harvey Stone Passes Away

David Hill
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Urban Contemporary Radio Icon Harvey Stone Passes Away

Harvey Stone, legendary KBLX President and General Manager, died August 4, 2026. He transformed Urban Contemporary radio for 31 years.

Yet Stone’s influence on San Francisco’s broadcast landscape and the national radio industry extends far beyond headline statistics. His tenure at KBLX represents a pivotal moment when minority-owned radio proved it could outcompete major broadcast clusters.

What We Know Stone led KBLX from Inner City Broadcasting’s 1981 acquisition through Entercom’s 2012 purchase. During this span, he converted a struggling station into one of the country’s most successful independent operations. Born in Cleveland, he was recruited by the Sutton family with one simple question: “Can you fix this station?” His answer—”Only if you let me”—set the tone for everything that followed. He developed KBLX’s signature Quiet Storm format, blending contemporary R&B, smooth jazz, and mellow instrumentals into the station’s memorable “Soft and Warm” identity.

What’s at Stake Stone fundamentally challenged how national advertisers perceived Urban radio audiences. He demonstrated buying power and loyalty in markets that many brands overlooked. This shift changed perceptions of minority-owned radio in boardrooms across America. His success proved that community-focused stations could achieve top-market rankings without massive corporate resources.

What Remains Unclear The industry now faces critical questions about KBLX’s creative direction without its founding visionary. Furthermore, no clear successor to Stone’s mentorship approach has emerged in modern radio. Additionally, the viability of community-centered Urban formats in today’s consolidation landscape remains uncertain. Finally, how the Stone Soul Picnic continues shapes the broader conversation.

What It Means Stone’s passing marks the end of an era for authentic Urban Contemporary radio leadership. Consequently, the industry loses a bridge between corporate broadcasting and community-centered operations. His 2015 Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame induction recognized decades of innovation and influence. More importantly, his philosophy that “music has no color” remains a guiding principle for future generations.

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.

Ben Shaprio: I’ve Been Trying to Get on The View For A Decade

Garrett Searight
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Ben Shaprio: I’ve Been Trying to Get on The View For A Decade

Ben Shapiro still hopes to appear on The View. He called The View his “dream booking” during a recent podcast appearance.

What We Know: Ben Shapiro revealed his longtime desire to appear on The View while joining Bill O’Reilly on the We’ll Do It Live! podcast. Although the conservative commentator has frequently criticized the ABC daytime program, he said he’d welcome the opportunity to sit down with co-hosts Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sunny Hostin for a discussion. Meanwhile, The View has faced criticism in recent months from conservatives who argue the show rarely invites guests representing the political right, fueling broader debates about ideological diversity on daytime television.

What They Said: “I’ve been trying to get on The View for years. That is a dream booking for me. There’s nothing I would love better than to have a conversation with Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sunny Hostin. I’m a bit of a hate-watching fan of The View. So I would definitely appreciate a booking slot. But that has never been in the offing. I’ve spent 10 years trying to get myself booked on The View.” -Ben Shapiro

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether ABC has ever formally considered Shapiro as a guest or whether conversations about a potential appearance have taken place behind the scenes. Likewise, neither The View nor the network has publicly addressed his latest comments.

What It Means: Shapiro’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension between conservative media figures and mainstream television outlets. However, they also suggest he views The View as a valuable forum for reaching audiences outside his traditional base. If the show eventually extends an invitation, the appearance would likely generate significant attention from viewers across the political spectrum.

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.

Megyn Kelly: I Believe Tucker Carlson Would Actually Consider Running for President

Garrett Searight
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Megyn Kelly: I Believe Tucker Carlson Would Actually Consider Running for President

Megyn Kelly believes Tucker Carlson could rethink his political future. However, Tucker Carlson continues to insist he has no interest in running for office.

What We Know: Earlier this week, Carlson unveiled a 10-point policy platform outlining the policies he’d like to see enacted. The announcement followed reports that he met with former Republican lawmakers who discussed the possibility of creating a new political party. Megyn Kelly argued that Carlson’s growing frustration with the Republican establishment could eventually lead him to consider seeking office. Meanwhile, Carlson has repeatedly rejected that idea and has consistently said he has no interest in running for any elected position. Even so, the speculation has intensified because of Carlson’s policy rollout and the reported conversations about a potential third-party movement.

What They Said: “I got to tell you, I disagree. I haven’t talked to him directly about it, but I believe Tucker is so disgusted at the neocons and what’s happened within the Republican Party that, for the first time, I think he actually would consider it.” -Megyn Kelly

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether Carlson’s policy agenda signals a broader political strategy or simply reflects his views on the country’s direction. Likewise, neither Carlson nor anyone reportedly involved in the discussions has announced plans to launch a new political party. Whether those conversations will develop into an organized effort also remains uncertain.

What It Means: Kelly’s comments will likely add to speculation surrounding Carlson’s political ambitions, even as he continues to dismiss the possibility of a campaign. His policy platform has already sparked discussion about his influence within conservative politics. If interest in a third-party movement grows, Carlson will almost certainly remain at the center of those conversations, regardless of whether he ever becomes a candidate.

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.

UMG Sells Spotify Stake, Artists Pocket $130 Million

David Hill
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UMG Sells Spotify Stake, Artists Pocket $130 Million

Universal Music Group is selling half its Spotify stake. Meanwhile, artists stand to pocket roughly 28% of proceeds.

What We Know: UMG sold just under one-third of its planned 50% stake through June 2026. Specifically, the company grossed $465 million from those sales. Back in April, UMG announced the full stake sale plan. Notably, Taylor Swift’s 2018 contract guarantees artists receive non-recoupable distributions from any share sales.

What’s at Stake: Artists could collect approximately $130 million from current proceeds. Importantly, this distribution offers musicians a rare direct benefit from major label asset sales. The approach challenges traditional industry structures. Going forward, the arrangement sets a potential precedent for future deals.

What Remains Unclear: The exact percentage of artist proceeds remains unconfirmed. Additionally, Spotify hasn’t announced whether it will repurchase additional shares. Industry insiders debate which other major label contracts contain similar clauses. Ultimately, the full financial impact on artist payments stays uncertain.

What It Means: This sale fundamentally shifts how major labels share investor upside with creators. Consequently, artists gain unexpected leverage through contractual protections. Further, the precedent may influence future negotiations across the industry. Indeed, the music industry’s financial model continues to evolve.

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.

Pat McAfee: Mike Tomlin Will Be An “Asset” For Football On NBC Sports

John Mamola
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Pat McAfee: Mike Tomlin Will Be An “Asset” For Football On NBC Sports

Pat McAfee gave Mike Tomlin’s TV debut a thumbs up. The former Steelers coach earned rare early praise from a demanding critic.

What We Know: Tomlin joined NBC after parting ways with the Steelers in January, closing a 19-year run as head coach. Meanwhile, he replaced Tony Dungy on the Football Night in America desk, joining Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett and Devin McCourty. During Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game broadcast, Tomlin interviewed Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and endorsed successor Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. He also skipped the traditional necktie, opting for a more relaxed look.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Pat McAfee Show)

Pat McAfee on Mike Tomlin’s debut on NBC Sports: “I think his entire life he’s been preparing to do the role that he’s about to do… I’m going to be honest. Every single time he was on a microphone, the reason why he got that head coaching job is because when he’s talking, he’s unbelievable. That is a huge part of being a head coach and of leadership. But obviously for television.”

Pat McAfee on Mike Tomlin not wearing a tie for his debut on NBC Sports: “I appreciate the fact he came in there no tie. Listen, I get it. I will do the thing. But I’m not doing a tie… I appreciate that he said I will dress up, but I’m not going full puppet here because we don’t need him. We need Coach Tomlin to be exactly who Coach Tomlin always is.”

Pat McAfee on why Football Night In America is successful: “That’s a great show. Football Night in America has the ratings it has because everybody wants to watch a recap and also wants to watch Sunday Night Football. But also, they don’t like abuse that audience. That show would get a huge number regardless. They don’t abuse the that right. They actually produce incredible stuff, so we appreciate them doing that. And he [Mike Tomlin] is going to be an asset to football this year.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Tomlin sticks with broadcasting long-term remains uncertain, given persistent speculation about a coaching return. Viewership data for the annual Hall of Fame Game is unknown.

What It Means: McAfee’s endorsement carries weight across sports media circles. Furthermore, it signals that Tomlin’s transition from sideline to studio is already resonating with peers. As a result, NBC gains instant credibility for a rebuilt Football Night in America crew. Ultimately, Tomlin’s early reviews suggest he potentially found a second calling. For a debut, overall feedback has been very positive.

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.

Chuck Oliver Reflects on Decision To Shift Focus Away From Chuck & Chernoff at 680 the Fan

John Mamola
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Chuck Oliver Reflects on Decision To Shift Focus Away From Chuck & Chernoff at 680 the Fan

Chuck & Chernoff is ending after 18 years on the air at 680 The Fan in Atlanta. Chuck Oliver made the call himself, and explained the decision to shift more focus to the Chuck Oliver Show moving forward.

What We Know: Dickey Broadcasting confirmed Kincade & Chernoff debuts Aug. 31, running weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. The show will pair Matt Chernoff and the returning John Kincade, who just stepped down from his morning show position at 97.5 The Fanatic. Meanwhile, Chuck Oliver shifts to other roles at 680 The Fan. Additionally, he’ll dedicate himself fully to The Chuck Oliver Show across the Southern Sports Today Network.

What They Said: (All quotes from 680 The Fan)

Chuck Oliver on departing Chuck & Chernoff on 680 The Fan: “I knew I couldn’t do both shows for another football season. It’s an insane schedule, and I think you do it for so long, and it just kind of becomes what you do. It’s a silly, insane schedule. I have fought that with stubbornness. That’s my superpower: stubbornness and obstinance. So, I lost that battle after 12 years, and I just I can’t do both shows anymore.”

Chuck Oliver on why he wanted to close Chuck & Chernoff the right way: “This show was really important to me. I think it’s important to a lot of other people…I wanted there to be time for it to be handled the right way. Usually what happens is either the host quits and there’s a middle finger. Or the host gets fired and there’s a middle finger. It’s a scrubbing of a website, and then the show just disappears. I don’t want that to happen to this.”

Chuck Oliver on the opportunity to continue hosting The Chuck Oliver Show on 680 The Fan: “That show’s never had a host dedicated just to it. Whenever I was watching the Hawks [or] the Falcons on a Sunday morning. When I had so many other things to do, I would think I just can’t do this. So, at the end of the season, when we had that conversation. Part of my motivation is so that the Chuck Oliver Show can have a dedicated host for at least the first time.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not any additional changes will be made with production staff for either show is unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, Oliver trades a grueling dual-show grind for full ownership of one built around him. For 680 The Fan, meanwhile, the shift clears room for Kincade’s return to afternoon drive. Listeners lose dynamic and consistent pairing, but they gain a more focused Chuck Oliver Show going forward as well as Kincade who spent twenty years previously with the brand.

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.

Cam Newton: Speakeasy Should Avoid Using “Organic” in YouTube Growth Defense

John Mamola
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Cam Newton: Speakeasy Should Avoid Using “Organic” in YouTube Growth Defense

Cam Newton is challenging Emmanuel Acho’s defense of Speakeasy as an “organic” podcast. The former MVP says Speakeasy’s audience growth isn’t as organic as Acho claims.

What We Know: Acho recently said Speakeasy was “better produced” than Shannon Sharpe’s Nightcap, prompting Newton’s response. Notably, Speakeasy’s YouTube channel began in 2016 as FS1 programming helped build the subscriber count. FS1 cancelled Speak, and The Facility in 2025 leading Acho to arrange a take over the FS1 owned YouTube channel. As a result, Acho inherited the channel with an already built audience. That’s the rub that bothered Newton as he explained on his own 4th & 1 podcast.

What They Said: (All comments via 4th and 1 Podcast)

Cam Newton says Speakeasy has not created an audience fully organically: “This is the word that really gets tricky. Organically. Build your audience organically. Build your studio organically. Some say, “Hold on, hold on, hold on.” Those numbers came from ‘Speak’ and ‘Undisputed.’ Some would say the name [Speakeasy] was generated because it wasn’t so much different than speak easy. Where y’all get that name from? It’s so cool. Speak. Easy.”

Cam Newton on how SpeakEasy and Shannon Sharpe can’t say they built their audiences organically on YouTube: “Yeah, good business is what Shannon [Sharpe] has been doing. Good business is also what Speakeasy has been doing. But it gets tricky when you use the word organic. That’s my big thing. Don’t say organic. They can’t use that. It’s a lot of GMO.”

Cam Newton defends how he grew his audience versus Speakeasy and Shannon Sharpe: “I never bought a follower. I ain’t never bought a like. I never bought a subscriber. Never did none of that. So much so, I don’t negotiate my deals. So don’t sit up here and tell me organic when I know you’re not organic.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Acho’s on-air praise of Nightcap sparked genuine rivalry or friendly ribbing between the two. Also uncertain is will there be a response to Newton’s criticism by either program.

What It Means: Newton’s criticism lands perfectly on the difference between organic and inherited. Acho has admitted previously that he took over channels with audiences already built. All three podcasts have worked to build their own audience either with assistance from outside parties or not. However, Newton’s point of organic does raise some eyebrows in success measured following taking over channels with already built subscriber counts.

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.

Lachlan Murdoch: 400 New Fox News Advertisers Powered Record Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Lachlan Murdoch: 400 New Fox News Advertisers Powered Record Quarter

Fox News delivered another strong quarter. The network remained central to the company’s latest financial update.

What We Know: Fox Corp. reported record quarterly and annual revenue for Fox News Media during its fiscal fourth quarter, which corresponds to the calendar year’s second quarter. Executives credited continued audience leadership and expanding advertiser demand for the division’s financial performance. Fox News continued to lead all cable networks in both total day and primetime viewership during the quarter. The network’s audience strength helped generate record revenue for Fox News Media during both the fiscal fourth quarter and the full fiscal year. Additionally, Fox Corp. said the platform added 400 new advertisers over the course of the year, underscoring continued demand from marketers despite broader challenges across the television industry.

What They Said: “While our sports calendar had the most attention in the quarter, Fox News remained the leader in live news. Finishing the quarter and the year at both the most-watched cable network in total day and in fine time while continuing to reinforce its leadership position with market share levels well ahead of all of its competitors combined. This robust audience engagement combined with the addition of another 400 new advertisers to the platform during the year helped drive record revenue of Fox News Media in both the fourth quarter and the fiscal year.” -FOX Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch

What Remains Unclear: The company didn’t break down how much of the advertiser growth came from television, digital, or other Fox News properties.

What It Means: Fox News remains one of Fox Corp.’s most valuable assets. Furthermore, sustained ratings leadership and advertiser expansion position the network to remain a key financial engine as traditional television continues to evolve

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

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