Shane Collins is back in Dayton as the new afternoon host at K99.1FM, marking a return to his old stomping grounds.
Collins previously worked at the Cox Media Group country station from 2010-2014 in afternoon drive.
Most recently, Collins served as the Operations Manager and Program Director of Q103.1 in Louisville under both Cox Media Group and SummitMedia ownership groups.
Collins had been out of the radio business since exiting SummitMedia in February 2018. He was reconnected to the industry, format, and K99.1FM brand by longtime program director Nancy Wilson.
He takes the timeslot previously held by Jake Ryan, who held the position since Collins’ 2014 departure.
“I’m moving on to other opportunities,” Ryan said while announcing his departure. “It’s been a great 12 years. Wow, since my kid’s been in diapers. We’ve been doing this a long time together. I want to thank everyone at K99.1FM … Thank you ver much for making this a memorable experience.”
Shane Collins will be heard from 2-7 PM on the Dayton country station.
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Beasley Media Group has announced it has named Kevin LeGrett its new Chief Business Officer.
LeGrett joins the company from iHeartMedia, where he served as the President of iHeartMedia Sports. He originally joined the company in 2010 as its Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing nearly 50 markets.
He later moved to Los Angeles as a Market President for the company in 2015, later adding oversight of locales like Austin, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, and San Diego, among others.
In 2021, Kevin LeGrett moved to his role as President of iHeartMedia Sports, helping coordinate the company’s properties.
Additionally, he has spent time working at other companies like CBS Raido and Citadel Broadcasting.
“I’m excited to join Beasley Media Group at such an exciting time,” said LeGrett. “Beasley’s commitment to local communities, strong culture, and forward-thinking approach to media – especially its transformation across digital, streaming, and multiplatform platforms – aligns perfectly with my passion for building innovative, integrated solutions that drive real impact for advertisers and listeners alike. I’m excited to help lead the next chapter of growth.”
In his new role with Beasley Media Group, Kevin LeGrett will align the company’s business operations across its broadcasting and digital operations.
“Kevin’s deep experience across broadcast, digital, experiential, podcasting, and sports makes him uniquely qualified to lead our revenue strategy,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. “His proven ability to scale platforms, grow teams, and deliver results on both a national and local level will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and innovate for our clients and communities.”
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Connoisseur Media has announced it has named Sommer Frisk as its Market Manager for the Palm Springs cluster, with regional leadership responsibilities in Salt Lake City and Alaska.
Previously, Frisk worked as the Vice President and Market Manager at Cumulus Media in Ventura, California. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the media industry.
“I get to live in a beautiful area, lead amazing teams, work alongside Tina Murley’s fearless leadership, and execute Jeff Warshaw’s bold, forward-thinking vision for media,” said Frisk. “When the stars align like this, you don’t hesitate—you get to work.”
In her new role, Frisk will oversee the full Palm Springs radio cluster, while adding oversight to the company’s brands in Alaska and in Salt Lake City.
“Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family,” said Connoisseur Media Senior Vice President of the Western Region and San Francisco/San Jose Market Manager Tina Murley. “As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”
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ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network and other assets from the league have been granted approval by government regulators.
The Department of Justice and other antitrust organizations completed their reviews of the transaction and signed off on the deal.
As part of the deal, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in the network. The network is now 72% owned by Disney, 18% by Hearst, and 10% by the NFL.
“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. “As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”
ESPN reported that viewers of NFL Network won’t see any changes until April, when NFL Media employees will officially become ESPN employees. NFL Network will be included in the direct-to-consumer product, while NFL RedZone will be distributed by ESPN to cable and satellite companies.
Meanwhile, NFL Network will continue to air seven league broadcasts in 2026. Four of ESPN’s games, including the overlapping Monday Night Football games, will be seen on NFL Network. ESPN will then add another three additional game broadcasts to air on NFL Network.
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Bleav has announced the appointment of Jonathan Dianora as Vice President of Sales and Revenue Operations for the company.
Dianora joins after previously serving as the Director of Revenue Partnerships for CNN Audio and Warner Bros. Discovery. He also has spent time at Acast and iHeartMedia working in advertising sales, ad technology, and integrated marketing, as well as other roles.
“Bleav has built an extraordinary platform that allows us to provide difference-making opportunities across audio and video for our advertising partners,” said Dianora. “I’m really excited to jump in and team up with Bron and the crew to help brands build deeper connections with our engaged audience, unlock authentic creator partnerships that convert, and deliver high-impact campaigns that drive real results.”
In his new role, Dianora will oversee the advertising partnerships and the company’s revenue strategy as it continues to expand its content offerings.
“Jonathan is a proven leader in the audio and digital media space, and we’re excited to bring someone of his caliber to Bleav,” added Bleav founder Bron Heussenstamm. “Jonathan’s deep experience with brands, his sharp insight into the creator economy, and his proven track record will be instrumental as we remain steadfast in our goal to build the world’s premier partnership platform for creators and hosts—empowering them to maximize reach, revenue, and impact.”
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As Basketball Night in America made its debut on Sunday evening, a familiar face returned to the NBA on NBC as Bob Costas made his first appearance on the network’s coverage in nearly a quarter-century.
To begin the program, Costas made a tongue-in-cheek reference.
“And as I was saying, back in 2002, welcome to the NBA on NBC,” he said with a wry smile.
He continued by noting the network’s long history with the league.
“The last time the NBA was on NBC, Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers were finishing off a sweep of the Nets to complete a three-peat,” said Costas. “I hosted it, and the great Marv Albert called it. As you may already have noticed, on occasion, this season will remind you of NBC history with the league, including the return of John Tesch is round ball rock Mike to Rico’s conversation with Michael Jordan, and now and then a flashback to some of the unforgettable moments from the 90s and early 2000s but for the most part, the focus is on a new generation of teams and a new generation of stars presented by a new generation of broadcasters.”
He then tossed to the more permanent host of Basketball Night in America, Maria Taylor.
Bob Costas appears on NBA on NBC coverage for the first time since 2002!
The appearance of Costas to begin the program for NBC Sports comes days after he was announced as the new host of the network’s MLB coverage, which is set to begin later this year.
Costas will make his on-air debut with NBC’s new primetime Major League Baseball package on March 26, when the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET, marking MLB’s lone primetime game that evening.
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77 WABC has announced a new weekend show hosted by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY).
The Pulse of the People will air on Sundays at 5 PM ET, with the debut episode taking place on February 1st.
The new show comes on the heels of Cuomo falling in the race for mayor of New York City to Zohran Mamdani.
“This is a moment when our country has rarely felt more divided, politics more polarizing, and public discourse more toxic,” Andrew Cuomo said. “The Pulse of the People is about cutting through the noise and the rancor to have real, substantive, fact-based conversations about the issues that actually affect people’s lives. I’ve spent my career focused on making government work and getting results, and that’s the same straightforward, problem-solving approach I’ll bring to this program.”
The one-hour program will give “gives listeners the opportunity to share their views, concerns, and experiences — from Albany to New York City” the station said.
“Today on WABC Radio, we are introducing a new program, The Pulse of the People, hosted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo,” said Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis. “The show will focus on listener calls and open discussion about the issues, concerns, and views of New Yorkers. WABC Radio believes in bipartisan conversation and thoughtful discussion of solutions, and we invite listeners to tune in and be part of the discussion.”
“77WABC has a long history of bringing voices from every level of government to our audience, including former governors, mayors, and leaders from federal, state, and city government,” added Red Apple Media President Chad Lopez. “Our station serves as a platform for informed discussion, diverse viewpoints, and meaningful listener engagement. The Pulse of the People builds on that tradition by expanding opportunities for the public to participate directly in conversations about the issues that matter most to New Yorkers.”
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Barrett Media’s Top 20 series for Sports Radio starts with the Top 20 National Sports Radio Shows of 2025. Stay tuned to this website, our newsletters and X, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and/or Instagram to learn of the results for Sports Radio’s Major and Mid Sized market winners. At the conclusion of the Top 20 series in March, I will record a video discussing the entire process. That video will be posted on the Barrett Media YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe so you’re notified once the video goes 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. That explains why shows from the Infinity Sports Network, FOX Sports Radio, etc. are on the list despite no longer being on the air in 2026.
#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 executive panel consists of forty three (43) 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 company.
#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 90 shows were eligible for voting consideration in the National Sports Radio Shows category.
And the Winner Is…
For the third straight year and fourth time total since we started this series, our voters have selected The Dan Patrick Show as the Top National Sports Radio Show of 2025. DP finished ahead of The Herd with Colin Cowherd to earn the victory. DP and Colin have occupied the top 2 slots in this category for most of the past decade. Congrats to Dan, Paul, Todd, Seton, Marvin and all involved with Fox Sports Radio on the well earned recognition.
In addition, this was a big year for SiriusXM. Mad Dog Sports Radio snagged 4 of the top 9 slots this year. The company also had three other shows land on the Top 20. In what will go down as a first since we started this series, a wrestling radio program cracked the Top 20. Congrats to all involved with Busted Open. A highly popular and exceptional show, it was cool to see Dave and his partners be recognized for their performance.
Finally, Infinity Sports Network was replaced by Westwood One in late-December, but the network didn’t go out quietly. Two of their shows earned spots in the Top 20: Maggie & Perloff and The Zach Gelb Show. They may not air at this time on national sports radio but for Maggie, Andrew and Zach, it’s cool to know their work was valued by those in leadership positions.
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 National Sports Radio Shows of 2025.
Additional Notes:
The Dan Patrick Show cruised to a sixty seven (67) point victory over The Herd with Colin Cowherd thanks in part to a category best nineteen (19) first place votes.
Spots 21-25 belonged to Moving the Chains, The Odd Couple, GameNight, Ben Maller and Amber & Ian.
The closest contests saw D.A. and Babs and Full Ride slip by Unsportsmanlike and Moving the Chains by two (2) points each.
Of the 90 shows eligible displayed on voter ballots, eight (8) received at least one 1st place vote.
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AUDITORY FX is expanding its footprint in the radio imaging space with the release of Sonic Survival Kits V2, a new audio effects library designed for producers navigating an increasingly competitive and fast-paced audio landscape.
The latest release builds on the momentum of the original Sonic Survival Kits, which debuted in 2019 and helped establish AUDITORY FX as a value-driven option for stations, podcasters, and production teams seeking high-quality imaging without premium pricing.
According to a company release, Version 2 reflects both the evolution of production demands and the feedback gathered from users over the past several years.
The new library includes 309 total audio tracks, positioning it as a comprehensive toolkit rather than a niche add-on. More than 100 music beds anchor the package, with timed cutdowns and separate mix-outs designed to streamline workflow.
In addition, the collection delivers over 200 effects, which AUDITORY FX describes as “survival-ready” elements built for daily use in promos, sweepers, and branded content.
Steve Stone, a nationally recognized voiceover artist and audio producer, created the library and continues to serve as the creative force behind AUDITORY FX. Stone said the brand’s mission remains focused on accessibility without sacrificing quality.
“At AUDITORY FX, we take great pride in crafting high-quality, affordable radio imaging tools tailored for the most demanding producers in the industry,” Stone said in the announcement.
Rather than chasing novelty, Sonic Survival Kits V2 appears designed to emphasize versatility, offering producers tools they can deploy repeatedly across formats and dayparts.
The library is available as an instant digital download and delivered as a single ZIP file. Users receive both 24-bit/96 kHz and 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV formats, allowing for flexibility across broadcast and digital environments.
AUDITORY FX also includes a buyout and royalty-free license, removing usage barriers for commercial applications. To support adoption, the company has introduced the library at a special introductory price of $89, a move consistent with AUDITORY FX’s emphasis on affordability.
More information about Sonic Survival Kits V2 is available at auditoryfx.com.
For many Americans, the Super Bowl is more than just the game itself. It comes with concert events, a global halftime show, and commercials never seen anywhere else, all paired with endless dips and drinks at home. For six decades and counting, the NFL’s Super Bowl has represented the largest slice of Americana this country holds close to its chest.
It is also big business. This year, a 30-second Super Bowl ad can cost up to $10 million, a new record and $2 million more than last year. For perspective, during Super Bowl XXXV, 25 years ago, the highest price tag was $2.2 million. That figure would not even get a company into the conversation today.
With that kind of money involved, rules matter. Like any major sporting event, the NFL and its broadcast partners prohibit certain categories of advertising due to controversial subject matter. While the full list is not public, common sense applies. You are not going to see the Marlboro Man scrolling PornHub in a Super Bowl advertisement. Last week, reports surfaced that prediction market commercials have joined that prohibited list. That raises a fair question: Is this about controversy, or is it about control?
I am not a legal expert on prediction market trading. What is clear, however, is that prediction markets represent another way to wager on sports outcomes, which places them squarely adjacent to sports gambling. Some may dispute that comparison, but the logic mirrors the moneyline offered by sportsbooks everywhere, which asks the same question without explicitly spelling it out.
Chances are, you have already seen ads for prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood. They have appeared on televisions, mobile devices, and nearly every social feed imaginable.
The concept itself is straightforward. Prediction markets are federally regulated and allow users to trade on yes-or-no outcomes of real-world events. That includes sports, and the structure closely resembles stock trading. Unlike sportsbooks, prediction markets do not require state-by-state approval. Instead, they fall under the oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That regulatory difference has real consequences. Prediction markets have already begun cutting into sportsbook revenue. According to ESPN.com, Citizens equity research analyst Jordan Bender estimates Super Bowl betting at U.S. sportsbooks will drop 2% year over year. Why, prediction markets are a big reason.
The numbers back that up. On championship weekend alone, more than $79 million was traded on the winner of the AFC Championship Game at Kalshi alone.
Not surprisingly, sportsbooks have responded by developing their own versions of prediction markets to navigate regulatory gray areas. In the process, the American Gaming Association no longer counts DraftKings or FanDuel among its members.
That context makes the NFL’s decision to prohibit prediction market advertising particularly intriguing.
In December, NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller submitted written testimony to the House Committee on Agriculture expressing “concerns regarding the potential impact of sports-related events contracts on the integrity of our games,” especially in states where sports betting remains illegal.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell echoed that sentiment at a Genius Sports event. “That’s not something we’re about to enter into,” Goodell said, noting the league would not participate in prediction markets without a regulatory framework. He also emphasized the league’s desire for greater comfort regarding risks to competitive integrity.
Yet FanDuel and DraftKings already offer prediction-style products. Both companies will flood Super Bowl broadcasts with advertisements. If prediction markets pose such a threat, why are those companies still welcome?
Their sportsbooks are not legal in every state either. I live in Florida, where Hard Rock Bet is the only option, yet I still see constant FanDuel and DraftKings ads. Meanwhile, recent FBI arrests tied to gambling-related scandals have only heightened concerns about integrity across sports.
Anyone who believes those issues will stop here is not paying attention.
Which leads to the uncomfortable question. Is this really about integrity, or is it about money?
The NFL is the most powerful sports brand in the United States and shows no signs of slowing down. Even so, it does not accept advertising dollars from major prediction market platforms like Kalshi or Robinhood.
Other leagues do. Major League Soccer and the NHL have partnerships in place. So do major media organizations, including CNN, CNBC, Yahoo, and The Wall Street Journal.
We’re honored and proud to be named the Official Prediction Market Partner of the NHL.
That leaves a few possibilities. Perhaps the NFL is protecting existing partnerships. Maybe it is prioritizing clients already inside the tent by not accepting revenue from a intrusive competitor. Or maybe it is signaling that exclusivity comes at a higher price for their existing client, and newcomers need not apply.
That may explain why the prohibited advertising list remains private. A public list would require consistency and regular updates. Flexibility allows the league to adjust as business interests evolve without public knowlegde.
If prediction markets were truly unacceptable, the NFL would sever ties with sportsbooks that operate similar products. Instead, it continues to welcome their advertising dollars while shutting out competitors.
The league’s integrity argument also rings hollow when history suggests that game-fixing is inevitable. MLB and the NHL have already faced those realities recently. As legalized betting expands and prediction markets become mainstream, the risks will follow.
The NFL does not need prediction market money. It is already the richest league in professional sports. Still, drawing a hard line against prediction markets while embracing sportsbook partners that provide the same offering during the Super Bowl feels less like principle and more like positioning.
Seen through that lens, the decision looks strategic. Prediction markets are acceptable when they fit neatly within existing relationships, but problematic when they threaten the league’s preferred business model.
That contradiction invites scrutiny.
In a Super Bowl defined by billion-dollar deals and tightly managed partnerships, the line between integrity and economics has never been thinner.
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