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Barrett Media’s Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows of 2025

Jason Barrett
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Barrett Media’s Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows of 2025

Welcome to day two of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research. 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. Visit their website to learn how they can help your brand. Our thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today’s Top 20 series features a look at the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Shows of 2025. 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. Each category is 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. Results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting. 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 – A total of 320 show images featuring shows and program directors are presented during this series. 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, 32 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Shows and Program Directors.

One hundred and seventy nine (179) Rock radio shows 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 after #1 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…

Preston and Steve of 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia. The popular duo have now repeated as the top choice in the category. They are the first from any format to score back-to-back wins in the music radio Top 20 series. Congratulations to Preston, Steve and their WMMR crew on the well deserved recognition.

NOTE: Pierre Robert passed away in October 2025 but received a lot of votes for his body of work in 2025.

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

Additional Notes:

  • Preston & Steve finished sixty six (66) points ahead of Free Beer & Hot Wings to claim the crown once again. WMMR’s morning show also snagged a category best five (5) first place votes.
  • Spots 21-25 went to Mel Taylor, KiddChris, The Woody Show, Ashley O, and Alice’s Attic w/ Alice Cooper.
  • One (1) point decided two different races. Dave and Chuck the Freak nipped Chaz & AJ for 4th place and The 95 Rock WILL Morning Show slipped by Pablo for 16th.
  • Of the 179 Rock radio shows to earn votes, sixteen (16) received at least one 1st place vote.

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

  • Wednesday February 25 = BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Thursday February 26 = BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • 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 Active/Modern Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025

Jason Barrett
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0
Barrett Media’s Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025

Welcome to day two of Barrett Media’s Top 20 of 2025 in Music Radio presented by Strategic Solutions Research. 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. Visit their website to learn how they can help your brand. Our thanks to Hal Rood and Kevin Cassidy for supporting the Top 20 series and the entire music radio industry.

Today’s Top 20 series features a look at the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025. 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. Each category is 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. Results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting. 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 – A total of 320 images featuring shows and program directors are presented during this series. 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 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, 32 programmers, consultants, and executives voted on the Top 20 Active/Modern Rock Shows and Program Directors.

Sixty three (63) Rock radio 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 after #1 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…

Ryan Castle of 99.9 KISW in Seattle. This is Ryan’s first category win. He finished second last year. Congratulations to Ryan and the entire KISW team on the well earned recognition.

NOTE: Keith Cunningham exited 95.5 KLOS in November 2025 but received strong support for his 11-months of contributions. Rick Vaughn spent Jan-Sep with Cumulus Salt Lake City before returning to iHeartMedia. Ross MacLeod joined Alpha Media Portland in July 2025.

I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each Active/Modern Rock voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Rock Radio Program Directors of 2025.

Additional Notes:

  • Ryan Castle finished thirty eight (38) points ahead of Chuck Damico to earn the win. Castle finished tied with Damico and Derek Madden for the most first place votes in the category with three (3).
  • Spots 21-25 went to Aaron Roberts, Rob Rush, Justin Johnson, Mark ‘Ellwood’ Mailler and Borna Velic.
  • The closest contest was for 20th place. Ross MacLeod held off Aaron Roberts by one (1) point.
  • Of the 63 program directors to receive votes, fifteen (15) received at least one 1st place vote.

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

  • Wednesday February 25 = BM Top 20 Classic Rock Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • Thursday February 26 = BM Top 20 Adult/Classic Hits Radio Shows and Program Directors
  • 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.

Kenny Albert: Calling USA Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Game “Surreal”

BSM Staff
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Kenny Albert: Calling USA Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Game “Surreal”

When Kenny Albert reflects on calling the United States men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory, he does not immediately reach for superlatives. Instead, he describes the experience as “surreal,” a word that captures both the magnitude of the moment and the unlikely path that led him there.

During a recent appearance on Stugotz & Company, Albert detailed what it meant to handle the gold medal broadcast for NBC Sports after working seven Winter Olympics throughout his career. While legendary voices such as Doc Emerick and Gary Thorne previously handled iconic gold medal matchups, Albert has now called three consecutive Olympic finals himself.

“I’ve done the gold medal game now three straight Olympics, but the NHL players weren’t there the last two. So definitely a different feeling,” explained Albert.

That context framed this latest assignment differently. Albert said the way the tournament unfolded only added to the sense of disbelief once the United States secured gold. Having been part of multiple Olympic broadcasts without NHL participation, he recognized immediately how rare it felt to call a final featuring elite talent and historic stakes.

When comparing the game to other marquee events on his play by play resume, Albert did not hesitate.

“As far as the magnitude of it, and I’ve done Stanley Cup Finals. I did a Super Bowl, which was the international feed,” said Albert. “I think as far as the magnitude, definitely, the biggest for sure.”

The workload leading up to the final made the accomplishment even more remarkable. Albert revealed that the gold medal game marked his 24th broadcast in Milan over an 18-day stretch, covering both men’s and women’s competition.

“It was like Groundhog Day. You just got into the routine every day,” joked Albert.

Perhaps most surprising, Albert said he did not feel unusually nervous entering the gold medal matchup. In fact, he approached it as he would any other game in terms of preparation, timing and execution.

“Obviously, it was a lot bigger because was the gold medal game. But I wasn’t really nervous or anything like that. People asked me if I was nervous. Not really, because we had done 23 games,” said Albert.

That steady approach reflects Albert’s broader philosophy. Regardless of whether he is narrating an early-round matchup or a championship showdown, the preparation does not change. The Olympic gold medal game may stand as the pinnacle of his broadcasting career, but for Albert, excellence comes from treating every assignment with identical focus and discipline.

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.

Dr. Wendy Walsh Hosts Final Show on KFI-AM 640

BNM Staff
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Dr. Wendy Walsh Hosts Final Show on KFI-AM 640

After more than a decade hosting a weekend show on KFI-AM 640, Dr. Wendy Walsh has exited the iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk station.

Sunday was Walsh’s final show on the station. In a post on social media, Walsh shared that she was exiting her timeslot on the station “due to corporate budget cuts and layoffs.”

“For more than a decade, it has been my honor to share the science of love and interpersonal connections with you,” said Walsh. “Producer Kayla and I have enjoyed your calls and feedback, as well as sharing our enthusiasm for science-backed strategies for better human relationships. There is no more important time for us all to care about each other. The isolation epidemic is real. The fracture of the family has had a profound impact on mental health, and encroaching AI is causing delusions and misplaced attachments.”

The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show aired from 7-9 PM on the station. She shared that she’ll continue to offer her thoughts on love, dating, relationships, and everything in between on her social media channels.

It is unclear what programming will be inserted into the KFI-AM 640 lineup following Walsh’s departure.

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.

YouTube Reportedly A Favorite To Gain A 4-Game NFL Package

BSM Staff
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0
YouTube Reportedly A Favorite To Gain A 4-Game NFL Package

YouTube continues to expand its presence in live sports, and now the platform has emerged as a serious contender for a small but potentially meaningful NFL rights package that remains unsettled following the league’s broader agreement with ESPN.

According to Sports Business Journal, YouTube is in talks with the National Football League about four games carved out in the league’s equity agreement with ESPN. Negotiations remain ongoing, and multiple bidders are still involved. The final structure of the package has not been finalized. That includes which matchups and time windows will ultimately be part of the deal.

The four-game bundle may not represent a long-term fixture in the league’s media ecosystem. Instead, SBJ indicates the NFL could treat the offering as a short-horizon bridge while executives continue shaping a larger strategic vision for future distribution models.

In fact, several parties have expressed unsolicited interest in a package, reinforcing the sustained appetite for live NFL programming across both traditional and digital platforms.

YouTube previously tested its ability to handle a standalone National Football League broadcast. The platform streamed the season-opening matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs from Brazil last season. The Week 1 game drew 18.5 million viewers in the United States. It also attracted roughly 1.1 million additional international viewers. Those figures demonstrated that YouTube can scale live distribution beyond its core subscription base.

Meanwhile, the NFL’s growing international footprint continues to create scheduling flexibility.

The league is planning nine international games in 2026, a number that exceeds what NFL Network alone would typically shoulder. Although NFL Network is expected to retain a significant share of those contests, the expanded inventory opens additional windows for outside partners.

Beyond international games, the National Football League could carve out additional exclusive digital windows later in the season. The league has already experimented with that model. Recent streaming-only matchups have aired on Peacock and ESPN+.

In addition, National Football League officials could explore expanding the Black Friday footprint. The event currently features a single exclusive game on Amazon Prime Video. League executives may consider turning it into a broader, multi-platform showcase.

Neither the NFL nor YouTube have commented on the reporting by SBJ.

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.

Atlanta Braves Announce ‘BravesVision’ Option For Local Broadcasts

BSM Staff
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Atlanta Braves Announce ‘BravesVision’ Option For Local Broadcasts

The Atlanta Braves are taking full control of their local television future. On Tuesday, the organization unveiled BravesVision, a team-owned and operated multimedia platform that will serve as the official local television home of the club beginning with the 2026 season, marking a significant shift in how Braves baseball is produced, packaged and delivered across the Southeast.

By bringing production, sales, marketing, and distribution in-house, the Atlanta Braves gain full control of their broadcasts. The move places the franchise at the center of every creative and business decision. It also reflects a broader industry shift. More teams are pursuing autonomy as the regional sports network model continues to evolve.

“This endeavor will bring the most vital link to our fanbase — our television broadcast — back under the control of our organization,” Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller said in a statement. “Generations of Braves fans were raised watching games on a network that shared ownership with the baseball team. With BravesVision, we believe that we can present Braves baseball in new and innovative ways allowing us to expand and elevate our storytelling capabilities across all of our platforms.”

BravesVision plans to produce more than 140 regular-season games. It will also deliver expanded pregame and postgame coverage. That structure gives the Atlanta Braves direct control over on-air presentation. It also allows oversight of sponsor integration and digital extensions.

Distribution will follow a multi-pronged strategy designed to reduce friction for fans across the Braves’ six-state territory. Through direct agreements with cable, satellite, and streaming distributors, BravesVision will be carried by traditional video providers. Channel placement and availability will be announced once those agreements are finalized.

In addition, the service will stream on Braves.TV, Major League Baseball’s digital platform, allowing subscribers to watch all non-national exclusive regular season games without local blackouts. Fans will also have the option to purchase out-of-market access to follow every MLB team.

The team will continue its relationship with Gray Media, which will simulcast a select number of games over the air for free across Atlanta and the broader Southeast for a second consecutive season. Specific OTA matchups will be revealed prior to Opening Day. Gray Media’s involvement will extend beyond the regular season. The company plans to carry 15 Spring Training games in 2026 across 26 Southeastern markets, while streaming those contests free on Braves.TV for fans who register for an account.

The launch of BravesVision builds on what the Atlanta Braves call an expansive multimedia platform. That footprint includes the largest radio affiliate network in Major League Baseball. It also features a growing slate of short-form digital content. The organization boasts more than eight million social media followers.

National broadcasts will remain part of the picture as well, with appearances on partners such as FOX/FS1, ESPN, TBS, NBC/Peacock and Apple TV continuing under MLB’s existing agreements. The Braves had been with Main Street Sports Group before it collapsed earlier this 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.

Andy Hawk Elevated To Brand Manager 98 Rock, 96.9 The Eagle Sacramento

BMM Staff
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Andy Hawk Elevated To Brand Manager 98 Rock, 96.9 The Eagle Sacramento

Audacy has expanded the responsibilities of longtime Sacramento programmer Andy Hawk, naming him brand manager of 96.9 The Eagle (KSEG-FM) and 98 Rock (KRXQ-FM) while he continues to oversee ALT 94.7 (KKDO-FM), placing all three of the company’s rock-formatted stations in the market under a single strategic vision.

In the expanded role, Hawk will direct content strategy, talent development, imaging, operations and brand positioning for the heritage rock outlets, aligning them with broader corporate initiatives while maintaining distinct identities that have resonated with Sacramento listeners for decades.

The move gives him oversight of a cluster that touches multiple generations of rock fans, from active rock loyalists to alternative enthusiasts, at a time when companies continue refining how format brands compete for audience share and advertiser attention across broadcast and digital platforms.

“Andy’s smarts, passion and love for Sacramento make him the definitive choice to lead these two legendary brands into their next chapter,” Rock Format Vice President Ryan Castle said, noting Hawk’s deep ties to the region and his familiarity with the competitive landscape.

Castle added that Hawk understands the community’s pulse and is well positioned to guide the stations forward as listening habits evolve and audience expectations shift in a multiplatform environment.

For Hawk, the appointment represents both a professional milestone and a personal full-circle moment, as he grew up listening to the very signals he will now supervise.

“I’ve grown up with these stations and have worked alongside the programmers of KRXQ and KSEG for the last two decades,” said Hawk. “It’s truly an honor to get to lead these two massive Sacramento Brands.”

Hawk’s career trajectory reflects steady growth within the company and the format. He began as an intern at 98 Rock in 1997 before earning on-air opportunities that included hosting “Local Licks,” a program focused on regional music, and later serving as a traffic and weather anchor from 2009 through 2015.

That on-air foundation eventually transitioned into management when he assumed his first leadership role in 2016 as alternative regional brand manager, expanding his influence beyond a single daypart and into broader strategic planning.

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.

Josh Innes Blasts 97.1 the Ticket Host Mike Valenti for Commentary of Olympics Meaning Nothing

BSM Staff
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Josh Innes Blasts 97.1 the Ticket Host Mike Valenti for Commentary of Olympics Meaning Nothing

Detroit radio host Josh Innes isn’t backing down after 97.1 The Ticket’s Mike Valenti delivered a blistering critique of the United States men’s hockey team’s gold medal victory over Canada. Innes forcefully pushed back on Valenti’s dismissal of both the moment and the emotional reaction from fans who embraced it.

During Monday’s edition of The Mike Valenti Show with Rico on 97.1 The Ticket, Valenti took aim at what he described as over-the-top patriotism tied to Olympic competition. He argued that fans who suddenly morph into die-hard supporters during the Games are manufacturing outrage and meaning where little exists.

“If you’re unhinged about the Olympics, you’re a fool. You’re an effing fool, because they don’t mean anything. Nothing,” said Valenti. “You didn’t care. But now you want to cape up and act like you’re what Captain America. Did you carry a shield to work? Grow up, losers.”

Valenti went further with his criticism. He said fans are free to celebrate the victory. However, he argued he is equally entitled to question how the gold medal game ended. He specifically cited a potential three-on-three overtime format. In his view, that structure diminishes the achievement.

Comparing the celebration of this title to the reverence often reserved for the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, Valenti said enjoying the win is fine, but placing it alongside the “Miracle on Ice” is a bridge too far, likening it to calling a good steak dinner the best of all time when it simply “felt cheap.”

Enter Innes, now hosting mornings on 106.7 WLLZ in Detroit, who didn’t appreciate Valenti’s framing. In a sharply worded post on X, the former sports radio host said that while sports may not carry life-or-death consequences, they have certainly fueled lucrative careers for the very hosts minimizing their importance.

“Here’s the thing, nothing means anything. Sports means nothing. But, it’s made you a s**t ton of cash,” Innes wrote. “If it’s anything you enjoy, Mike and his chuckle puppet co host will s**t on it.”

While Valenti questioned the structural integrity of the gold medal finish and the reflexive comparison to 1980, Innes framed the critique as dismissive of the very passion that keeps sports radio thriving.

Ultimately, the debate reveals as much about talk radio strategy as it does about hockey history. It highlights how personality-driven commentary can reshape the narrative. Even a gold medal celebration can start a debate about what sports represent.

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.

CNN Sets State of the Union Coverage Plans

BNM Staff
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CNN Sets State of the Union Coverage Plans

CNN has announced its State of the Union coverage plans, with several of the network’s primetime talents included for the major news event.

Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper will anchor the network’s coverage on Tuesday evening at 8 PM ET. They will be joined by Kaitlan Collins and Kasie Hunt live from Washington. Cooper — who will be based in New York — will be joined by Abby Phillip, John King, David Axelrod, Kara Swisher, and former Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC).

Dana Bash will be at Statuary Hall inside the Capitol for interviews with those attending the speech, and on-the-ground updates throughout the evening. She’ll join Jake Tapper inside the CNN studios following the address. Manu Raju will be inside the House Chamber for the address, while Kristen Holmes will be stationed at the White House for live reporting.

Van Jones and Scott Jennings will be based in Saginaw, Michigan, where they’ll speak directly with voters and hear their reactions to the State of the Union address. The two will also lead a streaming broadcast on the CNN All Access subscription service from 8:30 to 11:30 PM ET.

Beginning at 12:30 AM ET, Abby Phillip will lead a panel for their commentary and analysis of President Donald Trump’s speech.

David Chalian will share instant polling data throughout the evening for CNN, while Daniel Dale will serve as the fact-checker throughout the network’s coverage.

The network will also provide coverage of the Democratic response from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).     

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 Announces 25-Game Slate Of Savannah Bananas Baseball Broadcasts

BSM Staff
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ESPN Announces 25-Game Slate Of Savannah Bananas Baseball Broadcasts

ESPN is making its largest commitment yet to Banana Ball, striking a 25-game exclusive agreement with the Savannah Bananas that will place the viral baseball entertainment brand across ESPN platforms and Disney+ throughout 2026, beginning February 28.

Under the new arrangement, every Bananas game will stream on the ESPN App and Disney+ for subscribers to the Unlimited plan, while more than 15 contests will also receive linear exposure across ESPN networks.

Select matchups will air on ABC, including what both sides describe as a landmark national showcase from Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., marking one of the biggest stages the Bananas have ever taken.

The expanded slate more than doubles last year’s 12-game package. It also deepens a partnership that began with the ESPN+ Original series Bananaland. That relationship included a handful of live telecasts in 2022. Since then, the Savannah Bananas have expanded their visibility across ESPN and Disney platforms. They have capitalized on sold-out shows, strong social media engagement, and a touring model that blends baseball with choreographed entertainment.

Brent Colborne, ESPN’s Vice President of Programming Content & Strategy, said the expanded distribution mirrors growing fan demand. He noted that audiences increasingly seek live events that blur traditional sports boundaries.

“This expanded agreement reflects the incredible growth and fan demand surrounding Banana Ball,” said Colborne. “From iconic football stadiums to classic ballparks, these events showcase the energy and creativity fans love. Delivered with the full reach and flexibility of ESPN, Disney+, and ABC.”

Owner Jesse Cole framed the deal as a pivotal step for Banana Ball’s next phase, which includes the launch of the Banana Ball Championship League featuring six teams.

“We are fired up to be teaming up with ESPN with our biggest partnership to date,” said Cole. “Banana Ball has grown massively on the platform over the past few years. Now, as we launch the Banana Ball Championship League with six teams and sold out shows all over the country, we couldn’t imagine a better partnership to grow the game.”

The schedule also integrates several high-profile Disney tie-ins designed to blur the lines between sports telecast and theme park experience.

On March 26, the Bananas will align a game at Angel Stadium against the Indianapolis Clowns with Savannah Bananas Day at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, creating a coordinated celebration across the ballpark and park grounds.

Two months later, Banana Ball will travel to Walt Disney World Resort, where the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will host games featuring the Party Animals and the Loco Beach Coconuts as part of a broader fan activation weekend.

Later in the summer, the tour will make a stop near ESPN’s Bristol headquarters with an event at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut, spotlighting the Party Animals and Clowns in a made-for-summer showcase that underscores ESPN’s emphasis on live experiential programming.

All 25 games will be produced by the Savannah Bananas organization.

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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