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Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows of 2025

Jason Barrett
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Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows of 2025

Day four of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research is upon us. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

The next category to earn our attention in the Top 20 series is Adult/Classic Hits. A reminder, all results from this series are available on our website. We also encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter to receive the information in your inbox each day at 12pm ET. All results are promoted across our social media pages too including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.

The full schedule of releases is listed down below the images. After this series is done, I will record videos discussing the entire process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes live.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series showcases 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 33 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors.

One hundred and fifty seven (157) Adult/Classic Hits radio shows appeared on ballots submitted by our voters. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

Broadway Bill Lee of WCBS-FM in New York City. The popular and uniquely talented longtime host earns top billing for a second straight year. Congratulations to Bill, PD John Foxx and all involved with WCBS-FM in NYC on the well deserved recognition.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Adult/Classic Hits voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Broadway Bill Lee finished comfortably in front of Gary Bryan by seventy (70) points to earn the win. Lee also recorded a category best five (5) first place votes.
  • In spots 21-25 were JT Springer, Steve Stuart, Joanna, Jason & Ben, Rick Stacy, and Tall Cathy.
  • The closest contest saw Jenny Law edge Corinna Delgado by two (2) points for 12th place.
  • Of the One Hundred and Fifty Seven (157) shows to receive votes, twelve (12) earned at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • Friday February 27 = BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Monday March 2 = BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Tuesday March 3 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Wednesday March 4 = BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors

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.

Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Program Directors of 2025

Jason Barrett
-
0
Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Program Directors of 2025

Day four of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research is upon us. Strategic Solutions Research is celebrating its 20th year providing strategic research, music testing and personality content testing for clients in the US and in 22 countries. Please reach out and give a special thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

The next category to earn our attention in the Top 20 series is Adult/Classic Hits Program Directors. A reminder, all results from this series are available on our website. We also encourage you to subscribe to The Nooner newsletter to receive the information in your inbox each day at 12pm ET. All results are promoted across our social media pages too including Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X.

The full schedule of releases is listed down below the images. After this series is done, I will record videos discussing the entire process for music, sports and news. Those videos will be posted to the Barrett Media YouTube page. Make sure you subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes live.

Important Information

#1 – These results represent the collective feedback provided by our industry voters. Barrett Media does not vote in this process. Our role is to assemble the group, collect the votes, and present the information. Voting is based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the final results. Think of it like an MVP race in sports – voters vote on last season’s performance.

#2 – Music radio is a massive space. Shows appear on lists in multiple formats. Programmers run stations in different cities and formats. Changes occur under the radar and without stations updating key information. That makes it difficult when trying to issue proper credit to deserving programmers, hosts and/or brands. We try to get it perfect, but we’re human, and mistakes do happen. If you notice an error, please email Jason@BarrettMedia.com so we can fix it.

#3 – This series specifically focuses on United States terrestrial music radio shows and programmers. Shows and brand leaders with Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, SiriusXM, YouTube, podcasts and programming outside the United States are not included.

#4 – This series showcases 320 images of radio shows and program directors. There are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. We understand you may not like the way your left shoulder looks in a photo but such is life. Thanks in advance for understanding.

The Voting Process

A record One Hundred and Ninety Two (192) program directors, corporate executives, and format consultants were involved in this year’s voting. That beat last year’s mark of 173. Like always, there were a few who didn’t weigh in who I’d have loved to include but overall, the support was outstanding. THANK YOU!

Be advised that our voters represent the following companies: iHeartMedia, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Beasley Media, Cox Media Group, Townsquare Media, Hubbard Radio, Bonneville, Radio One, Connoisseur Media, SummitMedia, Saga Communications, MediaCo., Buck Owens Production Company, Pamal Broadcasting, Times-Shamrock Media, Stephens Media Group, Guaranty Media, Lotus Communications, Cromwell Media Group, Midwest Communications, One Putt Broadcasting, Griffin Media, plus numerous consultancies. We involve a large group to assure input is received from all areas of the country and to prevent the results from favoring any one company.

Though 192 voters are involved, the number of people voting on each format is lower. This is by design. We want experts from each format voting on what they know best. Depending on their role and expertise, some vote on all eight formats, others vote on as little as one. For this category, 33 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors.

Fifty eight (58) Adult/Classic Hits program directors appeared on ballots turned in by our voters. We use a point system for this process with a 1st place votes equaling 20 points, and each selection between #2-#10 earning two points less. It’s not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.

And the Winner Is…

Todd Cavanah of WLS-FM in Chicago. This is Todd’s first category win. He finished third in last year’s series. Congratulations to Todd and the entire WLS-FM team on the well deserved recognition.

NOTE: Gregg Swedberg moved into a strategic advisor role in October after 34 years with iHeartMedia Minneapolis and K102. His contributions in 2025 though were recognized by our voting committee.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Adult/Classic Hits voter who participated in the voting process. Now without further adieu, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Program Directors of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Todd Cavanah won a close race over last year’s winner Chris Ebbott. The leader of WLS-FM finished nine (9) points ahead to land the win. Both Cavanh and Ebbott scored five (5) first place votes, tied for tops in the category.
  • Ranked 21-25 were Rick Thomas, Sean Stevens, Chris Sargent, Paul Kelley, and Michael LaCrosse.
  • Ron Allen, Rick Stacy and Keith Kennedy held spots 16-18. One (1) point separated each position.
  • Of the Fifty Eight (58) programmers to receive votes, eleven (11) earned at least one 1st place vote.

Barrett Media’s Music Radio – Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:

  • Friday February 27 = BM Top 20 Urban/Hip-Hop Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Monday March 2 = BM Top 20 Country Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Tuesday March 3 = BMM Top 20 AC/Hot AC Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Wednesday March 4 = BM Top 20 CHR/Top 40 Radio Shows and Program Directors

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

ESPN Extends Media Rights Agreement With the Horizon League

BSM Staff
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ESPN Extends Media Rights Agreement With the Horizon League

After nearly four decades of working together, ESPN and the Horizon League are extending a relationship that dates back to the late 1980s, announcing a new multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement designed to preserve the conference’s national visibility while expanding its digital footprint across ESPN’s ecosystem.

The renewed agreement keeps ESPN’s linear networks as the television home of the Horizon League men’s basketball semifinals and championship. The deal also includes six regular-season men’s games and the women’s basketball championship. The arrangement reinforces a consistent postseason presence. That exposure has helped shape the conference’s brand during March.

“We are thrilled to continue to provide major experiences for our incredible student-athletes through our continued relationship with ESPN,” said Horizon League Interim Commissioner Chris Neuman. “The significant exposure on ESPN’s platforms provides us a tremendous opportunity to showcase our nearly 4,000 student-athletes in great competition throughout the year.”

Equally significant, the deal ensures at least 500 Horizon League events will stream annually on ESPN’s digital platforms. The model began during the 2014-15 academic year. Since then, it has expanded as audiences migrated to the ESPN App and other streaming products.

From ESPN’s perspective, the renewal represents both continuity and strategic alignment, as Director of Programming and Acquisitions Mallory Kenny noted that the network values its long-standing ties to the conference and sees opportunity to further elevate the stories of its athletes and campuses while strengthening a partnership that now stretches into a fourth decade.

“ESPN is excited to continue its commitment to the Horizon League. This new agreement underscores our dedication to showcasing the success of Horizon League student athletes and member institutions, while expanding the reach of their stories to sports fans across our platforms,” said Kenny. “Our relationship with the conference has grown steadily over the years, and we are eager to strengthen that as our collaboration enters its fourth decade.”

Beyond game distribution, the new deal maintains ESPN’s role as the home of 15 Horizon League championship events each year and preserves revenue opportunities tied to commercial inventory and sponsorship assets in select contests, elements that remain vital as conferences seek diversified income streams in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

The collaboration traces its roots to 1988, when ESPN carried the Midwestern Collegiate Conference men’s basketball championship game, a broadcast that helped launch what would become one of the network’s longest-running conference partnerships outside the Power Five structure.

Looking ahead, the conference is preparing for additional growth, as Northern Illinois University is set to join the Horizon League on July 1, 2026, expanding membership to 12 institutions and potentially broadening the geographic and competitive scope of the league’s ESPN offerings.

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.

Chris Berman: NFL 10% Stake in ESPN Will Not Control Network Coverage of League

BSM Staff
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Chris Berman: NFL 10% Stake in ESPN Will Not Control Network Coverage of League

Chris Berman doesn’t see a 10% ownership stake as a muzzle. During an appearance on the CNBC Sport Podcast with Alex Sherman, the longtime ESPN anchor addressed concerns surrounding the NFL’s acquisition of a minority stake in the network, pushing back on the idea that the league’s investment will dictate coverage or soften criticism.

“Ten percent, what does that mean?” Berman said. “I don’t think the NFL — OK, if we’re gonna own 10%, here’s the handbook. Here’s the three pages that thou shalt not, and then thou shalt. I don’t think that happens. If it did, I’d be really disappointed in the league as much as I am our place for agreeing. But that’s not the way it goes.”

While the optics of the NFL owning part of a major media rights partner have sparked debate, Berman suggested the concern is more theoretical than practical.

ESPN has long maintained a close business relationship with the league through Monday Night Football and expansive studio and digital coverage, and Berman indicated that a minority equity position does not automatically change the editorial mission inside Bristol.

“The lines have been blurred,” he said. “In a lot of ways this is an obvious whoh! The NFL owns ESPN by 10%. I don’t think that has a stake at all. I’m not saying it’s a bad question. Let’s see how it goes. Over two years, all of a sudden, we can’t say he dropped the ball? I’m kidding, right?”

Berman joked about altering language to avoid saying a player “fumbled,” underscoring what he believes would be an absurd level of interference.

“No, I don’t think so,” he added. “I’d be shocked if it was any dictation in that way.”

His comments reflect confidence that ESPN’s credibility remains intact even as media companies and leagues grow more intertwined financially. For Berman, the proof will be in the day-to-day coverage, not in speculation about hypothetical guardrails.

The conversation also turned to the league’s long-discussed 18-game regular season and why it has yet to materialize. Berman pointed to the January 2023 cardiac arrest suffered by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin as a pivotal moment in the public discourse around player safety and league expansion.

“I don’t know this for a fact,” Berman said. “We might have seen it [18-game regular season schedule] by now if Damar Hamlin [doesn’t happen]. There was a quiet down point, because they were talking.”

He noted that any schedule expansion would require extended negotiations with the NFL Players Association, particularly with the current collective bargaining agreement running through 2030 or 2031. Owners may see additional inventory and revenue, but the league must also weigh player health, public perception and long-term labor stability.

“None of those things get accomplished unless you have three or four years of ‘we gotta get the players. Let’s redo our deal,’” Berman said, adding that the optics of pushing for more games amid a player health crisis moment would have not been good for the league.

“After that, the public outcry. You want them to play more games? The NFL is not blind, those optics would have been horrible,” said Berman.

For now, Berman appears confident on both fronts: that ESPN’s journalism will stand on its own and that the NFL will move cautiously when it comes to adding more wear and tear to its players.

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.

News Podcasts Second Largest Category During 4th Quarter, New Triton Digital Data Shows

BNM Staff
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News Podcasts Second Largest Category During 4th Quarter, New Triton Digital Data Shows

Triton Digital has released its 2025 fourth-quarter U.S. Podcast ranker, and the data shows that listening for news podcasts remained strong in the quarter.

News podcasts were the second most-listened-to genre during October, November, and December. The genre accounted for 26.7% of all podcast listening for the quarter.

The top podcast category by reach during the timeframe was comedy at 40.9%. Rounding out the top three was Society & Culture at 23%.

“Podcasting has become appointment media in moments that matter, from sports seasons and cultural milestones to end-of-year reflection and planning,” said Triton Digital Senior Vice President of Measurement Products and Strategy Daryl Battaglia. “What we’ve seen from Q4 is not just seasonal listening – it’s sustained, intentional engagement tied to real-world behaviors. These insights give marketers a sharper lens into how and when podcast audiences are most receptive, and where smart investments can drive meaningful results in 2026.”

The Ramsey Show was one of the top movers in the fourth quarter rankings from Triton Digital. It saw a 36-position increase to finish the window at 25th overall in the Demos+ rankings. The Shawn Ryan Show also saw a strong increase, moving up 38 places to finish the quarter in 27th position.

“Each quarter, Triton Digital’s Ranker tells a clearer story about how podcast audiences are evolving – and why audio deserves a central role in modern media plans,” Battaglia added. “The data from Q4 2025 proves that podcasting isn’t just resilient; it’s influential, measurable, and increasingly essential for brands looking to connect with engaged audiences at scale.”

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.

Glen Kuiper To Call San Francisco Giants Radio for Spring Contest Versus Team USA

BSM Staff
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Glen Kuiper To Call San Francisco Giants Radio for Spring Contest Versus Team USA

Glen Kuiper is set to return to a major league broadcast booth nearly three years after his dismissal from the Oakland A’s, as the veteran play-by-play voice will handle radio duties for the San Francisco Giants during Tuesday’s exhibition matchup against Team USA at Scottsdale Stadium, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Kuiper, who spent more than 15 seasons as the television voice of the A’s before the organization fired him in May 2023 for uttering a racial slur during a pregame broadcast, will call the Giants’ spring exhibition on radio in what amounts to his most visible assignment since the incident that abruptly halted his tenure in Oakland.

The Chronicle reported that Kuiper could also serve as a fill-in option on regular-season Giants radio broadcasts, signaling that the club appears open to reintegrating the longtime broadcaster into its on-air rotation.

The incident that led to Kuiper’s dismissal unfolded during a pregame show when he referenced a visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and appeared to stumble over the word “Negro,” with the mispronunciation coming across on air as a racial slur.

Kuiper immediately expressed regret and later maintained that the comment was accidental, yet the A’s suspended him indefinitely the following day and ultimately terminated his contract roughly two weeks later.

In a statement released after his firing, Kuiper apologized and questioned whether a single mistake should outweigh two decades of work, writing that he would “always have a hard time understanding how one mistake in a 20-year broadcasting career is cause for termination,” while also expressing confidence that future opportunities would emerge.

Kuiper has remained active through digital projects and live events rather than traditional team broadcasts. Over the past year, he has hosted postgame shows at Oracle Park’s Gotham Club alongside his brother, longtime Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper, and he has produced content through a YouTube-based platform titled “The Glen Kuiper Show,” where he has continued to analyze the Giants and Major League Baseball.

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.

Salem Radio Network White House Correspondent Greg Clugston Departing For College Faculty Position

BNM Staff
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Salem Radio Network White House Correspondent Greg Clugston Departing For College Faculty Position

Longtime Salem Radio Network White House correspondent Greg Clugston has announced he’s departing the organization for a new role outside the industry.

Clugston is set to join the faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University in its Division of Modern Language, Literature, and Communication. He’ll officially take the position on July 1st, 2026.

Greg Clugston is currently in his 30th year of covering the White House. At IWU, he’ll teach audio and broadcast courses. He’ll also serve as an advisor to the university’s student-led media initiatives.

“Returning to a university setting allows me to share my practical experience in Washington, D.C., with the next generation of media professionals,” Clugston said. “There’s a critical need to equip students with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate today’s challenging and fast-moving media environment. I look forward to partnering with Indiana Wesleyan University in preparing students to be effective communicators and trustworthy professionals who pursue excellence through faith, honesty, and integrity.”

“The consummate professional whose solid coverage will be sorely missed by our Washington Bureau and by our listeners nationwide,” said Salem Media Vice President of News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup.

Tradup added that Clugston was a member of the White House travel pool and often reported on the White House from Air Force One.

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

Stephen A. Smith Says He’s Not Interested in a Grudge With Lebron James

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Says He’s Not Interested in a Grudge With Lebron James

Stephen A. Smith says he still believes LeBron James attempted to potentially hurt his career, but the veteran ESPN personality insists he has chosen growth over grudges as he reflects on a yearslong rift with one of the NBA’s most powerful figures.

During an appearance on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Smith addressed the tension directly, stopping short of detailing specific actions yet making clear he feels confident in his assessment. “I can’t talk about it,” Smith said. “I’ve never talked about it, and I won’t. Other than to say, I know that to be true, and that is unfortunate.”

Smith added that his belief was reinforced when James appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, a program that airs after First Take, and discussed him publicly. In Smith’s view, choosing that particular platform carried symbolic weight because it created a direct programming adjacency that amplified the criticism. He characterized the move as disrespectful and suggested it validated concerns he had previously kept private.

The friction between the two men intensified in March 2025, when James approached Smith courtside during a nationally televised Los Angeles Lakers game, a moment that quickly circulated online and fueled speculation about deeper animosity. At the time, Smith publicly downplayed the encounter, framing it as a father reacting defensively, yet he later acknowledged feeling blindsided by both the timing and the optics of the confrontation.

James, whose decorated career has spanned the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers, has long operated under intense media scrutiny, including pointed analysis from Smith on leadership, legacy and team performance. Smith conceded that his commentary may have affected James in ways other critics have not, potentially contributing to the superstar’s reaction.

“I might have affected him in ways that other people haven’t, and that might have provoked him to do whatever,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, I just know that I’m 58 years old, and I’m not interested in walking around bitter and with a grudge.”

Although Smith maintained that he has known about “several things in the past,” he emphasized that he has moved beyond dwelling on them.

“Like I said, I moved past it,” he explained, underscoring a desire to focus on his work rather than revisit perceived slights.

In recent months, Smith has made a conscious effort to keep his analysis centered on basketball performance and league storylines instead of personal friction, signaling that he wants to avoid escalating a dispute that already commands national attention. He also acknowledged James’ broader impact, noting the four-time champion’s contributions to the sport and the community.

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.

Nexstar Media Group Sees 13% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 4th Quarter

BNM Staff
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Nexstar Media Group Sees 13% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 4th Quarter

Nexstar Media Group has reported its 2025 fourth-quarter financial results, and the company saw a dip in overall revenue during the period.

During the period, Nexstar reported just under $1.3 billion in net revenue. That represented a 13.4% decrease compared to the same window in 2024. For the entirety of 2025, the company’s revenue fell 8.5% overall.

The company noted that the $199 million decline in the fourth quarter can largely be attributed to a significant drop in political advertising related to the presidential election in the prior year. Advertising revenue during the quarter rested at $549 million, down 27.6% year-over-year. While the company was off $209 million from 2024, it noted that political advertising dropped from $233 million in 2024 to $21 million in 2025. Non-political advertising, meanwhile, rose 4.5%.

“Nexstar delivered another quarter and year of solid financial results, while taking bold steps to better compete with big tech and big media by reinforcing our position as the nation’s leading local broadcasting company through our proposed acquisition of TEGNA Inc. In Q4 2025, we completed all outstanding 2025 renewals with our distribution partners and achieved better-than-expected growth in non-political advertising revenues,” said Nexstar Media Group chairman and CEO Perry Sook.

“In 2025, NewsNation achieved its strongest year ever for news programming viewership bolstered by our commitment to fact-based, unbiased reporting. Benefiting from our sports programming strategy, The CW exceeded financial expectations for the year and ended 2025 as the 10th most-watched and second fastest growing ad-supported network overall,” continued Sook.

The company earned $720 million in the fourth quarter from distribution revenues.

Its Adjusted EBITDA was $433 million, down from $628 million the prior year.

Included in the Nexstar Media Financial results was a statement from Sook stating that the company believes that it’s proposed merger with TEGNA will receive regulatory approval later this year.

“Our 2026 plan includes closing our acquisition of TEGNA, capitalizing on the political advertising opportunities presented by the mid-term elections, and continuing to optimize our business operations across the company, all of which we anticipate will contribute to shareholder value creation,” said Sook.

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

The Herd w/Colin Cowherd Adds New Tampa Bay Affiliate On Florida Alumni Radio 1010AM

BSM Staff
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0
The Herd w/Colin Cowherd Adds New Tampa Bay Affiliate On Florida Alumni Radio 1010AM

Beasley Media Group is adding one of sports radio’s most recognizable national voices to its Tampa Bay lineup, announcing that The Herd with Colin Cowherd will debut Monday, March 2, 2026, on WJBR, Florida Alumni Radio 1010 AM.

The show will air in it’s weekday timeslot of Noon to 3 p.m. ET and additional distribution across 92.1 FM in Hillsborough County, 103.1 FM in Pinellas County and 104.7 HD2.

The move aligns the Beasley-owned Tampa cluster with FOX Sports Radio, which syndicates the program nationally. It gives the market a high-profile midday show built on opinion and personality. The format also leans into headline-driven storytelling. For a station targeting passionate local and alumni-focused fans, the addition signals intent. It reflects a strategy to blend national perspective with regional energy in a competitive media landscape.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd launched in September 2015 with FOX Sports Radio. Since then, it has grown into one of the most widely consumed sports talk brands in the country. The show’s expansion has been driven by long-form interviews and strong editorial commentary. It also maintains a steady presence across digital platforms.

Cowherd, who entered the Radio Hall of Fame in 2025, has cultivated a style that leans heavily on narrative framing and cross-sport comparisons, elements that frequently spark debate well beyond traditional radio audiences.

The program was recently removed from the 95.7 WDAE lineup as part of the stations move from 95.3FM to 95.7FM and a return to local programming in The Herd’s daypart.

According to network-provided metrics from multiple measurement partners, The Herd with Colin Cowherd has surpassed 800 million podcast downloads over several years. The show has also generated billions of video views across digital platforms. Those platforms include X, Facebook, and YouTube. The figures highlight how modern sports talk extends beyond terrestrial radio. Much of today’s conversation is driven by on-demand and social clips.

“We’re excited to bring The Herd to WJBR,” said Cowherd. “Tampa is one of the best sports cities in America – passionate fans, championship teams, and nonstop storylines. I’m looking forward to being part of the daily conversation and connecting with listeners across the market.”

Ron deCastro, vice president and market manager for Beasley Media Group Tampa, described the addition as a meaningful step in enhancing WJBR’s weekday lineup.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Colin Cowherd and The Herd to WJBR,” said deCastro. “Colin’s strong opinions, insightful interviews, and national perspective will provide our listeners with premium sports content every weekday afternoon. This addition further strengthens our lineup and underscores our commitment to delivering the very best in sports programming to Tampa Bay.”

Justin Chase, Beasley’s chief content officer, framed the move as both a programming upgrade and a broader strategic play. Emphasizing Cowherd’s ability to generate must-hear moments that travel seamlessly from broadcast to podcast to social feeds. Where audience engagement increasingly determines a show’s overall impact.

With The Herd now set to occupy the midday window, Beasley strengthens its sports platform in Tampa Bay at a time when audience habits continue to evolve, wagering that a multiplatform brand anchored by a polarizing and proven host can command attention across radio dials, mobile apps and social timelines alike.

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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