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John Zimmer to FCC: End Local Radio Ownership Caps

Garrett Searight
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John Zimmer to FCC: End Local Radio Ownership Caps

There has been plenty of talk about the FCC ownership caps in local television in recent months. Zimmer Communications President John Zimmer wants that same focus on local radio ownership.

What We Know: As part of the 2022 Quadrennial Review, the Zimmer Radio President said he would like to see ownership limits eliminated. It isn’t a new statement from Zimmer. In 2019, the company petitioned the FCC for modernization of the ownership caps. Additionally, Zimmer’s comments align with the NAB’s, which has continually lobbied for ownership deregulation. The NAB has stated that it helps local broadcasters compete with tech giants in the advertising and content spaces.

What They Said: “Radio broadcasters compete with streaming music platforms and podcasters that didn’t exist then and that now reach audiences anywhere and everywhere through smartphones and other digital devices that no one had in the last century … If permitted under FCC rules, Zimmer Radio would invest in more stations. … The same competitive forces that have already devastated local newspapers now seriously threaten broadcasters and their services to local communities.” -John Zimmer

What It Means: As companies watch the Nexstar Media Group-TEGNA merger and subsequent court battles, things have been largely quiet on the radio front. That potentially could be changing if others in the industry echo similar sentiments shared by John Zimmer. It’s something we’ll watch closely in the coming days, weeks, and months following a large broadcaster get-together at the NAB Show in Las Vegas late last month.

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.

92.9 The Wave and 97.3 The Eagle Promote Barry McKay and Jerry Hoyt

David Hill
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92.9 The Wave and 97.3 The Eagle Promote Barry McKay and Jerry Hoyt

Max Media of Coastal Virginia makes two big programming moves. Barry McKay and Jerry Hoyt each earn well-deserved promotions.

What We Know: McKay moves from middays at 97.3 The Eagle to Program Director/Brand Manager and afternoon host at 92.9 The Wave. Meanwhile, Jerry Hoyt steps into the Assistant Program Director role and takes over middays at The Eagle. Together, these moves reflect Max Media’s commitment to developing talent from within its own ranks. Both promotions take effect immediately.

What’s They Said: Keith Barton, Vice President and General Manager of Max Media, didn’t mince words. “Barry was the obvious choice to take on Program Director and afternoon host duties for WTWV 92.9 The Wave,” he said. Barton added: “We’re thrilled to have Jerry step into the midday role and Assistant Program Director responsibilities at 97.3 The Eagle.”

What Remains Unclear: McKay has not yet detailed his specific programming vision for The Wave publicly. Furthermore, Max Media has not announced a replacement for his former Eagle midday slot. How he balances on-air duties alongside programming responsibilities also remains an open question.

What It Means: Max Media didn’t go hunting outside. They rewarded the people already delivering inside the building. Hoyt brings more than a decade of cross-functional experience across production, engineering, IT, and on-air. McKay adds eight years in the market and something you can’t manufacture: real audience connection. She knows the station, the listeners, and what works. These aren’t just promotions. It’s a signal. Confidence in the bench. Stability in the building. And a reminder that sometimes your best hire is already on staff.

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Skip Bayless to Reunite With Stephen A. Smith on ‘First Take’ This Friday on ESPN

John Mamola
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Skip Bayless to Reunite With Stephen A. Smith on ‘First Take’ This Friday on ESPN

Two sports media icons are reuniting. Skip Bayless will appear on ESPN’s First Take this Friday alongside Stephen A. Smith, first reported by Front Office Sports and confirmed by ESPN.

What We Know: According to the reporting, Bayless’ appearance is billed as a one-time show. It marks the first time both men have shared ESPN airwaves since June 2016. Meanwhile, First Take has seen notable departures since Bayless last appeared on the program. Smith’s former co-hosts Max Kellerman exited in 2021, Shannon Sharpe departed in 2025, and longtime moderator Molly Qerim also departed last year.

What They Said: Skip Bayless on his chemistry with Stephen A. Smith via The Arena (February): “No one has ever quite matched the chemistry that maybe God above gave us. Can’t teach it, or coach it. It just worked, and it was entertaining, and enlightening. It was just fun.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Friday’s appearance becomes something more is still an open question. However, Smith has a proven track record of turning guest appearances into recurring roles. However, with Bayless’ ties to several other projects of his own, could Bayles be included in the mix with weekly appearances by Cam Newton, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo among others for the upcoming football season.

What It Means: There is no doubt that Smith and Bayless on-camera chemistry is still there. However, it’s been ten years since the two joined each other on stage on ESPN. The audience has changed, as has the expectation. However, with networks truly leaning into the nostalgia of the past, this appearance by Bayless could be ESPN’s attempt at the same. It would be interesting to see if Bayless performs well, and with David Roberts stepping down in late August. Could this be Mike Foss’ first big addition to the First Take regular contributor roster if he takes the reigns for Roberts?

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Bill Macky Joins Quartz Hill Music Group as SVP of Promotion and Marketing

David Hill
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Bill Macky Joins Quartz Hill Music Group as SVP of Promotion and Marketing

Quartz Hill Music Group has added an experienced promotion executive. Bill Macky joins as Senior Vice President of Promotion and Marketing to leads radio strategy for both Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records.

What We Know: Macky brings more than 30 years of entertainment industry experience. Most notably, he spent 13 years as Vice President of Promotion at Black River Entertainment. There, he helped Kelsea Ballerini earn seven number one hits. Beyond Black River, his label resume includes MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, and several independent labels. Furthermore, before entering the label system, Macky spent 16 years in radio with stops in Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Bakersfield. That radio background gives him firsthand insight into how programmers think. Going forward, he’ll report directly to Founder and President Benny Brown, Paul Brown, Jason Sellers, and Ash Bowers. Meanwhile, VP of Promotion Will Robinson and Director of Promotion April Rider have both exited after six years with the company.

What They Said: Bill Macky: “My thanks to Benny, Paul, Jason, and Ash and their entire staff for this opportunity and their belief in me. We’re going to build something great! Quartz Hill Music Group has an outstanding roster of artists with so much potential! I’m looking forward to helping them bring these incredible artists to Country Radio and their fans. Let’s GO!!”

Benny Brown, QHMG Founder and President: “I am excited to have Bill joining our Quartz Hill Music Group family! He’s worked with some of the best of the best in Nashville and has had great success at each step in his career. As our QHMG family continues to grow, Bill will be an important part of our efforts to help our artists achieve their dreams!”

What Remains Unclear: Quartz Hill has not disclosed the circumstances surrounding Robinson and Rider’s departures. Consequently, whether their exits connect directly to Macky’s arrival or reflect a broader restructuring remains an open question. Furthermore, the label has not outlined how promotion responsibilities will shift following the two departures.

What It Means: In Nashville promotion, relationships are the product. Macky built many across MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Black River, and multiple independents. That represents decades of earned trust with program directors. Moreover, his radio background deepens those relationships further. Consequently, the Quartz Hill roster now has a genuine shot at being heard.

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.

WKRP Officially Welcomed on Cincinnati Radio

David Hill
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WKRP Officially Welcomed on Cincinnati Radio

A beloved TV call sign has landed on a real FM signal. WKRP Owner Jeff Ziesmann acquired the call letters in April from a low-power Raleigh station

What We Know: The station plays rock and pop songs from the ’60s through the ’80s — the same era the TV show celebrated. Meanwhile, the brand is recognized nationwide, particularly among older generations who grew up watching the 1978–82 CBS sitcom. No greater Cincinnati broadcaster had ever used the WKRP call letters before Monday’s launch.

What they said: Jeff Ziesmann, WKRP Station Operator: “The presentation will be a tribute to the TV show — not a parody of a 40-year-old TV show that aired for only four years.”

What Remains Unclear: Will WKRP nostalgia translate to ratings, or just buzz? The station reaches from Cincinnati to Dayton — solid coverage, but competitive terrain. Furthermore, leaning on a 45-year-old TV show carries real risk if it skews the audience too old. Ziesmann insists this is “an attitude, not a parody” — but executing that line is harder than drawing it.

What It Means: Independent operators rarely get a marketing gift this size handed to them. Therefore, how Ziesmann and partner Randy Michaels use it will be telling. If WKRP proves that a recognizable brand can move the needle for local radio, others will follow. Ultimately, this is a case study worth watching closely — because the idea is smarter than it might first appear.

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.

Pebbles Leaves HOT 96.9 Boston Morning Show to Grow Positively Pebbles Brand

David Hill
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Pebbles Leaves HOT 96.9 Boston Morning Show to Grow Positively Pebbles Brand

Pebbles is stepping away from the morning show at Beasley Media Group’s HOT 96.9 in Boston. Her next chapter centers entirely on expanding the Positively Pebbles brand.

What We Know: Pebbles has officially departed her daily morning show duties at HOT 96.9. Throughout her run, she earned a Gracie Award for her Voices with Pebbles public affairs program. Additionally, the Massachusetts Association of Broadcasters named her Broadcaster of the Year in 2023. The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame also counts her among its inductees.

What They Said: Pebbles: “I’m incredibly grateful for the years I’ve been able to spend connecting with our listeners every morning. This next chapter allows me to put even more energy into Positively Pebbles – a platform all about connection, sharing real stories, making a meaningful difference, and shining a light on the good in the world.”

Mary Menna, Vice President and Market Manager: “Pebbles has been an integral part of HOT 96.9 and a powerful voice in the Boston community. Her passion, authenticity, and commitment to making a difference have resonated deeply with listeners, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow and inspire through her Positively Pebbles Podcast and Weekly Newsletter.”

Scott Morello, HOT 96.9 Program Director: “Few people lead with the kind of authenticity and heart that Pebbles does. That is why she has built such a meaningful connection with our audience. While she will be greatly missed in mornings, her impact on HOT 96.9 and the community is undeniable. We look forward to seeing her expand the Positively Pebbles brand and continue inspiring audiences in new ways.”

What Remains Unclear: HOT 96.9 has not yet named a replacement for the morning show. Furthermore, the station has not outlined how the show’s format may evolve going forward. What shape Positively Pebbles ultimately takes beyond its current platforms also remains to be seen.

What It Means: Pebbles joins a growing list of bankable talent leaving traditional radio behind. That trend deserves attention. When talent with established audiences walk out the door, stations don’t just lose a show. They lose trust, loyalty, and years of community investment that no one rebuilds overnight.

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.

KSL NewsRadio Adds ‘Brightside’ to Midday Lineup

Garrett Searight
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KSL NewsRadio Adds ‘Brightside’ to Midday Lineup

KSL NewsRadio is adjusting its early afternoon lineup. Brightside makes its debut on Monday, with changes for Maria Shilaos in the process.

What We Know: KSL Brightside is set to air weekdays from 1-3 PM. That moves Maria Shilaos — who previously hosted Midday with Maria from 12-3 PM — down to hosting only Utah’s Noon News from 12-1 PM. The new program will be seen on YouTube from 12-1 PM before airing on KSL NewsRadio from 1-3 PM. Ethan Millard and Alex Kirry will anchor the new program. Most recently, Kirry had been hosting afternoons on sports talk sister station 97.5 KSL Sports Zone. Millard had been working as a financial advisor since exiting the previous iteration of the show — The Nightside Project — in 2022.

What They Said: “The Nightside Project drew a remarkably loyal audience, including a generation of young listeners who used the show as their entry point into the news and the world around them. Those listeners are adults now, and we know they’re hungry for the kind of smart, engaging, and genuinely fun conversation people have come to expect from Ethan and Alex.” -KSL Vice President Sheryl Worsley

What Remains Unclear: What this means for Maria Shilaos and the rest of the KSL NewsRadio lineup. While she previously hosted a three-hour show, a daily “Best Of” version aired from 7-9 PM in the station’s lineup. With Shilaos now focusing on a one-hour afternoon news program, it would seem likely that additional changes will be coming to the KSL NewsRadio schedule in the near future.

What It Means: The move marks another extension of Bonneville’s commitment to digital content. A YouTube exclusive show, followed by a two-hour show on the heritage news/talk station, shows a commitment to reaching younger audiences. It also keeps local programming on the station from 5 AM to 11 PM daily, which is something few stations can say. It’s especially impressive for a station in a market like Salt Lake City (#27).

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.

New York Yankees Radio Voice John Sterling Dies At 87

John Mamola
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New York Yankees Radio Voice John Sterling Dies At 87

Legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling has passed away at the age of 87. WFAN’s Boomer & Gio show made the announcement early Monday morning.

What We Know: Sterling’s passing comes just two years after retiring from broadcasting New York Yankees baseball games. He spent 36 seasons as the Yankees’ radio play-by-play voice — one of the longest tenures in baseball broadcasting history. His streak of 5,060 consecutive regular-season games called remains a remarkable feat. Sterling retired permanently following New York’s 2024 playoff run.

What They Said: WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti: “Definitely brutal news this morning. John [Sterling] was as good as it gets. He entertained us for so many years. We had so much fun with him. He was everything that a play by play man should be. His love for his audience, the sport, the Yankees, and delivering it in a way that was truly his own.”

WFAN’s Boomer Esiason: “He loved the sport, and loved the Yankees. He loved it so much that he lasted as long as he did. There are many times where he could have retired and he didn’t. He stayed right there. I’ll tell you, there were moments where he was just amazing.”

What Remains Unclear: While official cause of Sterling’s passing is yet to be known, Sterling has faced multiple health challenges in recent years. This included a heart attack in January, and a blood infection in 2020. Frequent travel difficulties also contributed to his 2024 retirement decision.

What It Means: Sterling’s career stands as one of sports radio’s most enduring legacies. Beyond baseball, he called games for the Nets, Islanders, Braves, and Hawks. Furthermore, his induction into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact.

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.

NBC Posts Largest Kentucky Derby Audience Ever with 19.6 Million Viewers

Jason Barrett
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NBC Posts Largest Kentucky Derby Audience Ever with 19.6 Million Viewers

NBC Sports delivered a record-setting audience for the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The broadcast averaged 19.6 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, according to preliminary data.

What We Know: NBC Sports set a new benchmark with its Derby coverage. The 19.6 million average audience is the event’s highest on record. Viewership peaked at 24.4 million viewers during the final stretch. Golden Tempo secured a narrow win in that window. The peak audience rose 12% from last year’s 21.8 million. That also marks NBC’s largest Derby peak ever. Peacock contributed significantly too, delivering a 1.3 million Average Minute Audience, up 36% year-over-year.

What The Numbers Show:

Event TitleRating (2026)Cume (2026)YOY (vs. 2025)
2026 Kentucky Derby19.6M24.4M peak17.7M avg / 21.8M peak ⬆️

What Remains Unclear: Final Nielsen numbers arrive Tuesday, so minor adjustments could follow. Golden Tempo’s trainer Cherie DeVaux hasn’t said yet if her horse will run the Preakness Stakes. That decision will have a major effect on interest in the Preakness Stakes on NBC/Peacock.

What It Means: The Derby reinforces the value of live sports. Large audiences still gather for major, unscripted moments. Streaming growth adds another layer. Among the Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby is consistently the ratings leader. When a horse has a chance to win all three, ratings for the Belmont Stakes can come close to the Derby. This is why Golden Tempo’s decision to run the Preakness is critically important NBC/Peacock executives.

The 151st Preakness Stakes on NBC and Peacock takes place at 4pm ET on Saturday, May 16th. Coverage begins at 1pm ET on Peacock and NBCSN.

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.

WABC Radio, Red Apple Audio Networks Launch The Worldwide News Network, Lee Harris Named VP of News

Jason Barrett
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WABC Radio, Red Apple Audio Networks Launch The Worldwide News Network, Lee Harris Named VP of News

WABC is going global. Red Apple Media Owner and CEO John Catsimatidis announced the launch of The Worldwide News Network — a 24/7 audio news platform built for worldwide distribution.

What We Know: Radio Hall of Fame inductee Lee Harris signs on as Vice President of News for WABC Radio and The Worldwide News Network. Harris brings 30 years of newsroom leadership — including morning anchor duties at 1010 WINS and a role as Director of Integrated Operations for NewsNation. WABC Radio currently reaches all 50 states and 178 countries.

What They Said: John Catsimatidis: “Today’s digital technology gives us the power to deliver the truth instantly, not just across America, but across Europe and around the globe. The Worldwide News Network is the natural next step in building a global destination for fair, balanced, no-nonsense news people can trust.”

Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC Radio: “Audio news consumption is no longer confined by geography, signal strength, or time zone. Listeners want immediate access to credible reporting wherever they are, whenever news breaks. Lee is one of the most respected and accomplished news professionals in the business, and there is no one better equipped to help build this operation into a global audio news force.”

Lee Harris: “John Catsimatidis has never thought small, and this venture is no exception. The Worldwide News Network is an ambitious, forward-looking news platform designed for how people consume information today. I am thrilled to join Red Apple Media and WABC Radio at such a transformational moment and help build a news organization with both national strength and international reach.”

What Remains Unclear: Although the announcement is significant, Catsimatidis and his team have not yet confirmed launch timing or affiliate partnership details. Furthermore, the bigger question is which network local stations will choose to fill the void left by CBS News Radio — WABC, Fox News Radio, ABC News Radio, NBC News 24/7, Talk Media Network, Compass Media Networks, or Bloomberg.

What It Means: WABC Radio already thrives in New York City and now seeks to compete on a global stage. As a result, hiring Lee Harris signals serious intent. He brings credibility, presence, and exceptional news judgment to the operation. Additionally, the move positions Red Apple Media as a formidable global audio news competitor at precisely the right moment.

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