After 15 years, KUFO has returned to Portland, as Connoisseur Media has resurrected the rock brand on 102.9.
In 2011, KUFO transitioned to a news/talk format as 101 KXL, which was previously available on the AM 750 dial position.
But on Wednesday morning, the station officially relaunched after two days of stunting.
“This is an exciting day for rock fans in Portland,” said KUFO Program Director Ross MacLeod. “There’s nothing else like this in the market. KUFO is back to deliver the music people have been asking for — unapologetically. This station is built for listeners who want less clutter, fewer interruptions, and an incredible rock experience.”
“When you have a legendary brand like KUFO sitting dormant, it only makes sense to bring it back,” added SVP of Programming Keith Dakin. “The success of new bands like Sleep Token, Bad Omens, Pierce the Veil plus the resurgence of artists like Deftones, you see that there is a hole for guitar-driven, up-tempo, rock. No one in Portland is playing this type of music, so we thought, let’s bring back the station that did it so well originally.”
According to Connoisseur Media, the market had been without a dedicated rock station since the brand departed in 2011.
“Bringing back this mega rock brand was a true team decision, driven by our people here in the market who know our listeners best,” said Connoisseur Portland Vice President and Market Manager Mark Handwerger. “We listened closely to the community and trusted our instincts – it made the decision a no-brainer, this brand belongs on the air again! It’s exciting to revive something with so much history and give it a new life.”
The previous format on the station, a Rhythmic CHR labeled as We 102.9, garnered a 0.2 share in the most recent Nielsen ratings in the 6+ category.
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January was the second-best month for ESPN since 1996, but The Pat McAfee Show saw its best month ever on the network.
During the first month of 2026, the program averaged 575,000 total viewers between the linear and digital options. That figure marks a 15% increase compared to its previous record, which was set in December 2025.
The Pat McAfee Show saw its second-largest single-day audience since joining ESPN on January 19th when 915,000 viewers tuned into the program. That Monday followed the NFL Divisional Round, marked the day of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and was also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
That single day was a large one for ESPN, as the network’s morning show, Get Up, saw its third-best episode ever, reaching 697,000 total viewers. For the month, the show averaged an audience of 518,000, a 3% increase compared to its previous best month on record.
Similarly, First Take saw the third-best episode ever on January 19th with 894,000 viewers. The Stephen A. Smith-led program saw 6% year-over-year growth during January. It finished the month with an average of 598,000 viewers.
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New Walt Disney Company CEO Josh D’Amaro is a longtime employee of the company, and he believes that helps him navigate uncharted territory when it comes to AI.
D’Amaro, who was announced Tuesday as the executive tasked with succeeding Bob Iger next month, has spent 28 years with the organization.
And in an interview with David Muir on World News Tonight, D’Amaro said that the use of AI at the company is something that’s ancillary to the organization, not strictly fueling its growth and success.
“The reason this company is so special is because of how creative we are and the human beings that are generating that creativity — something that, in my mind, never gets replaced,” D’Amaro shared. “And in fact, this isn’t even theory anymore; this is real. AI is here, and it’s something we’re embracing.
“You’re seeing it supercharge these creatives in amazing ways,” D’Amaro said of the technology. “They’ve embraced artificial intelligence, and if you were to walk over to their studios today, you’d see them using AI, harnessing 70 years of history. This is when The Walt Disney Company thrives — when technology intersects with brilliant people and creativity — and we’re in that moment right now.”
During the discussion, Iger shared that he felt the weight on his shoulders felt slightly less with the appointment of Josh D’Amaro. But the incoming CEO said he now feels the gravity of the situation.
“The sense of responsibility that I have for this role and this company — of course, I feel the weight on my shoulders,” D’Amaro said. “And I think I should feel it. But I also feel so fortunate to be in a position to be the next steward for the brand as it moves into the next 100 years.”
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After 15 years in Tyler, Texas, Buddy Logan has exited afternoons at 101.5 KNUE.
In addition to hosting afternoons on the Townsquare Media country station, Logan also hosted the syndicated Radio Texas Live program.
He originally joined 101.5 KNUE in 2011. He began helming afternoon drive in 2019. Logan also hosted the daypart on other country stations inside the Townsquare Media portfolio.
In a post on social media, Logan revealed that he had exited the company. He shared his gratitude for those who supported him, 101.5 KNUE, and Radio Texas Live during his tenure.
“It’s been a lot of fun and more rewarding than I ever could’ve imagined when this all started. We built something special, I’ll always be proud of it, and I’m excited for the road ahead. To everyone who supported me, my family, and a little Texas and Red Dirt radio show that only a few believed could work in 2011, thank you.”
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After more than 30 years hosting a weekend show on KDKA in Pittsburgh, Chris Moore has announced he’ll be stepping away later this month.
On Sunday, February 15th, The Moore of Pittsburgh will air for the final time. He originally began the show in 1994.
“Having our meaningful discussions about world and local issues, as well as more mundane issues with you has been one of the highlights of my career,” said Moore.
Moore has earned several Emmy Awards for his work at Pittsburgh’s PBS station, WQED, and was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Gold Circle last year. He’s also been inducted into his alma mater’s — Grambling State University — hall of fame.
The longtime KDKA host shared that mobility and health concerns, combined with the recent winter weather, were the leading factors in his considering his future.
After 32 years on KDKA Radio, Chris Moore will host his last show later this month. Chris has been a local weekend staple since 1994, and he's given us countless hours of entertaining radio that made listeners smile, think and participate. https://t.co/4Hs6VAUsV8pic.twitter.com/7h55fetU2M
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A Second Circuit judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals has lifted an injunction against Nielsen from Cumulus Media.
On Tuesday, circuit judges John M. Walker, Barrington D. Parker, and Joseph F. Bianco ruled that the injunction from Cumulus be lifted after originally being granted in December by District Judge Jeannette Vargas.
That injunction being lifted now allows Nielsen to re-enact its policy of joining national ratings with the purchase of local market data, at least temporarily.
Cumulus alleged the practice by Nielsen was anti-competitive. The core of the dispute centered on Nielsen’s September 2024 Network Policy. Cumulus, which owns Westwood One, alleged that Nielsen was using its dominance in national ratings to force broadcasters to purchase local market data they might otherwise source from competitors like Eastlan.
Cumulus argued this constituted an illegal “tying” arrangement in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Without the court’s intervention, Cumulus claimed it faced “irreparable harm,” including potential financial ruin and damage to its reputation if it lost access to the Nationwide data essential for its advertising clients. Throughout the proceedings, Nielsen’s legal team pushed back hard, characterizing the lawsuit as a tactical move by a sophisticated company to lower its bills.
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Barrett Media’s Top 20 series for sports radio has reached the halfway point. Today, the focus shifts to the top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2025. Stay tuned to this website, our newsletters and X, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and/or Instagram to learn the results for the remainder of the series. After the Top 20 series is over, I will record a video discussing the key takeaways from this year’s results. That video will be posted on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe to be notified once it’s live.
As you review these results, please remember that they represent the collective feedback shared 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.
Important Information
#1 – These results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting.
#2 – We ask our voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. It forces us to spend a lot of time digging for images to highlight everyone. For that reason, there are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#3 – Our Major Market executive panel consists of thirty six (36) program directors and corporate executives from radio’s top broadcasting companies. They include Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Good Karma Brands, Bonneville, SiriusXM, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, Radio One, and a bunch of independently owned and operated radio stations. Our voting group is large because we want feedback from every part of the country. We also do that to assure the results don’t favor any one media group.
#4 – The criteria for our voters included the ear test, originality, multi-platform impact, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Keep in mind, our voters live in different cities, work for different companies, have different tastes, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
#5 –A total of 41 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Midday Shows category.
And the Winner Is…
98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak and Bertrand. Congrats to Scott, Marc and their entire crew on the well earned recognition. The win marks the fifth straight year and sixth time overall the show has been voted the best Major Market Sports Radio Midday show.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Zolak & Bertrand finished fifty eight (58) points ahead of Brandon Tierney & Sal Licata to score the first-place finish. The 98.5 Sports Hub midday show received a category best ten (10) first place votes, expanding their lead from last year.
Spots 21-25 belonged to Papa & Silver, Bump & Stacy, Kevin Sheehan,Polumbus, Hastings & DMac, and Jon Marks.
The closest contest saw The Michael Kay Show and Dover & Cecil edge Karsh & Anderson and Cellini & Dimino by three (3) points each.
Of the 41 shows to appear on submitted ballots, nine (9) received at least one 1st place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Thursday February 5 = BM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2025
Friday February 6 = BM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2025
Monday February 9 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2025
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries.Sign upfor our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
Barrett Media’s Top 20 series for sports radio has reached the halfway point. Today, the focus shifts to the top 20 Mid Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2025. Stay tuned to this website, our newsletters, X, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Instagram to learn the results for the remainder of the series. After the Top 20 series is over, I will record a video discussing the key takeaways from this year’s results. That video will be posted on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe to be notified once it’s live.
As you review these results, please remember that they represent the collective feedback shared 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.
Important Information
#1 – These results are based on 2025’s performance. 2026 changes have no effect on the voting.
#2 – We ask our voters to supply photos and logos to avoid headaches. Some comply, but most don’t. It forces us to spend a lot of time digging for images to highlight everyone. For that reason, there are no photo changes unless it involves a mistake. Thanks in advance for understanding.
#3 – Our Mid Market executive panel consists of thirty one (31) program directors and corporate executives from radio’s top broadcasting companies. They include Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Good Karma Brands, Bonneville, SiriusXM, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, Radio One, and a bunch of independently owned and operated radio stations. Our voting group is large because we want feedback from every part of the country. We also do that to assure the results don’t favor any one media group.
#4 – The criteria for our voters included the ear test, originality, multi-platform impact, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Keep in mind, our voters live in different cities, work for different companies, have different tastes, and value certain factors higher than others. This is not a perfect system but it’s one we feel good about using to showcase the industry’s best.
#5 –A total of 70 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the Mid Market Sports Radio Midday Shows category.
And the Winner Is…
Kentucky Sports Radio led by Matt Jones. Congrats to the entire KSR crew on returning to the top spot for the first time since 2022. The popular Kentucky based show was ranked #3 in 2024.
I want to thank Dylan Barrett for creating the artwork, and each voter who participated in the process. Now without further delay, here are Barrett Media’s Top 20 Mid Market Sports Radio Midday Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
Kentucky Sports Radio finished twenty six (26) points ahead of The Really Big Show to claim the first-place victory. KSR snagged the most first-place votes in the category with six (6).
Spots 21-25 belonged to Query & Company, Next Man Up w/ Jake Lyman, JT The Brick,Cody & Gold, and Josh & Swain.
The closest contest saw The Really Big Show nip Buck Reising by two (2) points for second place.
Of the 70 shows to appear on submitted ballots, twelve (12) received at least one first place vote.
BNM Top 20 of 2025 Remaining Schedule:
Thursday February 5 = BM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Afternoon Shows of 2025
Friday February 6 = BM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2025
Monday February 9 = BSM Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2025
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries.Sign upfor our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
The opportunity to play in the NFL is rare. Not everyone makes the cut. Far too often the dream of playing in the league is cut short. Football is not a forgiving game, and success requires a combination of dedication and sacrifice. Phillip Lindsay played in the NFL for his hometown team, the Denver Broncos. Three seasons at Mile High Stadium represented the dream of a lifetime. Unfortunately, time eventually ran out on his NFL career.
“You’re competing with other players around the league that want to take your spot,” said Lindsay. “It’s very cut-throat, but it’s rewarding… Just like anything else you have to devote your life to it.”
The Denver native lived the ultimate NFL dream. Growing up a Broncos fan, he chose to stay close to home and played four seasons for the Colorado Buffaloes. He then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Broncos in 2018 and was living that dream. Several years later, however, Lindsay found himself at a crossroads. Following several stops in the NFL and XFL, he decided it was time to walk away from playing and pursue a future in sports radio.
“It [radio] was a way for me to cope with getting away from football, and being able to talk about the game,” explained Lindsay, who co-hosts The Drive alongside Zach Bye on 104.3 The Fan in Denver. “You’re on the ‘dark side’ now, so it was different for me.”
Finding New Purpose
Lindsay’s decision to leave the NFL did not come easily. He had worked his entire life to reach a dream that remains unattainable for many. After his final season with the XFL’s Seattle Dragons, Lindsay said he was uncertain whether to continue playing anywhere that would have him or finally move on.
“I have my wife and kids. Plus, we were moving back and forth, and my son is getting older. At some point, you have to have stability,” noted Lindsay. “I’m talking to God one night and I gave myself a date. If somebody doesn’t come calling me by this date, then it’s a sign that I need to move on.”
Three days later, Lindsay received his answer. The call came from management at 104.3 The Fan in his hometown of Denver. While he was familiar with the station, he did not know much about its operation. After a few fill-in roles, Lindsay discovered that hosting a radio program was demanding. However, his passion for discussing football resonated on the air and caught the attention of station management.
In September 2023, Lindsay was announced as the new afternoon drive co-host on 104.3 The Fan alongside Bye, who had been elevated from middays with former Denver Bronco Brandon Stokley.
“Once football is done or it’s taken from you, it’s hard to transition and find something that you love to do,” says Lindsay. “In my head, I approached it as this may be my opportunity to shake off my identity as just a football player and see what else I could do in my life. That’s why I decided to take that leap and try radio.”
It Takes A Village
Lindsay’s move from the field to traditional sports radio feels less common today than in previous eras. Increasingly, former athletes gravitate toward podcasts, where they can leverage their playing resumes to generate attention and revenue while controlling their schedules.
For Lindsay, however, the appeal came from learning a craft he grew up listening to, even though he believed the podcast route could have been just as successful.
🔸🔹Broncos Country!! 🔹🔸quiet before the storm, enjoy the bye but also start your morning by tuning into Game Day Live on @9NEWS from 9AM- 10Am. Do the Broncos have what it takes to win it ALL! #BroncosCountrypic.twitter.com/GkI9jeNOQY
“I didn’t know how to do this. I grew up listening to radio, but I grew up listening to guys on the radio who have never been in the shoes of an athlete,” explains Lindsay. “Radio is a unique entity that you can only get by just listening. Podcasts are new and flashy, but radio you still have to work at it and abide by the rules of it.”
Following the announcement of his arrival at The Fan, Lindsay hit the ground running. After some early speed bumps during his debut, he credited program director Amanda Brown for helping him improve. Just as players need great coaches, Lindsay found the guidance he needed from Brown after her hire in November 2023.
Brown leaned on her experience guiding high-profile talent at ESPN Los Angeles. Lindsay said Brown connected him with talent coach Gerry Matalon, who spent 27 years at ESPN as a producer. With time, patience, and numerous airchecks, Lindsay began to see and hear the results of his work.
“I started to get confident in understanding what it takes to do radio. You have to have the reps. What can I do to be a better version of myself for my partner,” says Lindsay, comparing aircheck meetings to watching film with coaches. “I’m proud of myself. Definitely not a finished product. There is still work to be done.”
Navigating Criticism
One of Lindsay’s biggest challenges has been learning how to be critical when necessary. His guiding principle focuses on performance rather than the performer. Often, former athletes in sports media are viewed as protectors of the shield, avoiding criticism of former teammates and players.
Lindsay jokes about joining “the dark side” when discussing the balance he continues to navigate.
“When I first started, Jerry Jeudy [former Broncos wide receiver] saw I said something which seemed more like an attack. It caught a bunch of my former teammates off guard, because I’m supposed to be telling their story as well. I could have gotten my point across without feeling I had to belittle somebody,” explained Lindsay. “The players know they aren’t doing their thing… You do it with respect. You don’t just say whatever you want and go from there. To me, that’s not good radio.”
With nearly three years of experience in sports media, Lindsay’s perspective has evolved. While it is no longer simply “the dark side,” he understands the importance of professionalism and approach. Focusing on performance rather than the individual has served him well.
At 31, Lindsay continues adapting to an industry he never expected to enter. Sports radio came calling without warning, but he embraces the opportunity. He values being a guiding voice in the city where he grew up, covering teams he once played for. His roots, family, career, and life remain centered a mile high, with each day focused on preparing for the next.
“I would love to be here and do it as long as I can. I never look at what’s next for me. I’m always in the moment. Be where my feet are,” said Lindsay. “I’m not doing this just for money. That can come and go. Leaving a legacy for my kids is what it’s all about. I want to be one of the best to do it here in Colorado and go from there.”
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.
Super Bowl LX radio row in 2026 is a perfect example of the evolution of the concept. What began as a handful of sports radio stations has morphed into a collection of sports radio, media, podcasts, influencers, and sponsored content that often houses the biggest stars of the week. When brands like Bounty and Toyota have larger setups, more mass appeal, and producing content of their own for an unknown audience. It’s fair to question what is radio row all about now and moving forward?
Navigating the row for a second day, one singular conversation kept coming up among most I spoke with, a conversation that typically stays inside station walls back home. Is the trip still worth it? When I spoke with Mike Francesa, who many credit with inventing the concept, he admitted feeling depressed about what radio row has become.
Radio row is not what it once was. No one disputes that. However, for those who make the annual trek, especially when their local team isn’t involved, the cost is reaching a point that many simply can’t justify moving forward.
Super Bowl radio row is about more than what gets produced at the tables. There are opportunities at Super Bowl Opening Night every Monday before the game. Media parties offer the chance to run into familiar faces outside the convention hall. This year also includes the Pro Bowl Games, now held on site at the Super Bowl location.
Another cherry on the Super Bowl sundae.
What’s been missing in recent years is the once-in-a-lifetime access radio brands used to enjoy during Super Bowl week. Too often, radio row features the same familiar rotation of celebrities filling grids and segments across the country. Stations spend months planning guest appearances, often with no guarantees anything meaningful will come together.
103.5 The Fan Radio Row (Barrett Media)
Even when access is secured, star power is limited. Unless you know the right “runner” or already have a relationship with the celebrity, most stations are shut out. Nearly every guest arrives with something to sell, focused on pushing product to the widest possible audience.
It’s impossible for every celebrity to sit down with every outlet, and many are available for only an hour or two. National brands like SiriusXM, FOX Sports Radio, and ESPN will always receive first priority. Longtime radio row attendees are left with the B-list, the C-list, or no list at all.
That reality explains the premium placed on national brands over local sports radio outlets, even though they operate on the same platforms. Selling the “why” becomes difficult when outcomes are already predetermined by people who don’t understand your individual brand.
So why go?
For stations without a team in the game, the value of radio row is supposed to be twofold. First, it allows stations to put a local spin on the biggest sporting event in the world. Second, it creates opportunities for marquee moments that add prestige to a show and a station.
But for many stations, the shared celebrity of the week has become the only certainty. Another annual conversation with a former athlete, a college prospect, or a reality show contestant. Another segment built around stem-cell research, socks, or a BBQ sauce brand tied to someone your audience might vaguely recognize.
It’s no longer about the people who impact the game, raise excitement, or offer insight into your local franchise.
“It’s just too many people and feeding off the same people. It had lost the spontaneity it once had,” explained Mike Francesa.
Francesa’s words ring true, and they reflect the reality many sports radio brands face. Is the trip worth repeating the same conversations simply to push the same products back home? Is it worth giving away airtime for sponsor messaging that generates no direct revenue for the station?
So again, why go?
San Antonio Star Radio Row (Barrett Media)
The decision comes down to what you can deliver on the air that you can’t already do from your home studio. Results and revenue have to justify the cost. Can you land a guest who moves the meter? Can you create digital content that actually drives engagement rather than just fills space?
When radio row becomes more about filling chairs than creating appointment listening, the value fades. If it’s no longer about producing unique content for your digital audience at the biggest event of the year, the question answers itself.
The event still offers opportunities across multiple platforms. But if access remains the same year after year and costs continue to rise, what’s truly new or exciting?
Radio row didn’t lose its value overnight. It lost its purpose by inches. When the biggest week on the NFL calendar becomes about occupancy instead of moments, the math stops working.
The Super Bowl will always be worth covering. Radio row will always attract brands chasing relevance and visibility. But relevance today isn’t measured by square footage or guest count. It’s measured by impact.
That’s why more sports radio brands are starting to look elsewhere. It’s also why fewer tables appear each year and familiar logos disappear. When opportunity favors big builds and national appeal over loyal local audiences, the question becomes unavoidable.
Does showing up in person still deliver something you can’t do better, cheaper, and more creatively from home?
In the end, radio row isn’t judged by guest lists or social posts. It’s judged by return. If the cost outweighs the content, the access, and the revenue, the conclusion is clear.
Coverage without impact isn’t exposure.
It’s overhead.
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.
