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Magnum Media Buys 3 Wisconsin Stations

Garrett Searight
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Magnum Media Buys 3 Wisconsin Stations

Magnum Media is expanding its Wisconsin radio footprint. The company has agreed to acquire three radio stations in Sparta and Trempealeau.

What We Know: Magnum Communications, Inc., part of Magnum Media, has reached an agreement to acquire WCOW-FM in Sparta, WKLJ-AM in Sparta, W271CM, and WFBZ-FM in Trempealeau from Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting Co., Inc. The companies will file an application with the Federal Communications Commission to complete the transaction. Sparta-Tomah Broadcasting’s cluster represents the company’s remaining media holdings. Following the acquisition, Magnum Media will operate six full-power AM stations, 14 full-power FM stations, and 18 FM translators across Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota, and northern Illinois.

What They Said: “In June, when my Dad was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame, he spoke in the video about WCOW being the very first radio station he was ever in at age 4. His uncle, Len DeSomer, was an announcer at WCOW in 1967. On top of that, my Mom and Dad sat with Pink Rice at the first WBA dinner they attended in 1990.” – Magnum Media’s Reid Magnum

What Remains Unclear: Neither company has disclosed the purchase price or an expected closing date. In addition, Magnum Media hasn’t announced whether staffing, programming, or station branding will change after the FCC reviews and approves the transaction.

What It Means: The acquisition strengthens Magnum Media’s presence in western Wisconsin by adding heritage brands with established audiences and industry recognition. Furthermore, the deal preserves the stations under Wisconsin ownership while expanding Magnum Media’s reach across the Upper Midwest.

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.

Disney Absorbs TikTok Creators Into Streaming Strategy Push

David Hill
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Disney Absorbs TikTok Creators Into Streaming Strategy Push

Disney and TikTok just launched a global content-sharing partnership. The deal brings fan-created videos directly to Disney+ through a new streaming experience.

What We Know Disney and TikTok announced their first-of-its-kind global collaboration on Wednesday. The partnership brings curated, fan-created TikTok content to Disney+ in a new section called “Verts.” Initially launching in the U.S., the platform will feature short-form videos showcasing characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises. Furthermore, participating creators will grant access to assets from hundreds of films and series across Disney’s massive library.

What They Said According to Asad Ayaz, Chief Marketing and Brand Officer at Disney, “The best storytellers are fans first—that has always been true at Disney, and today, fans are celebrating our stories in entirely new ways.” Meanwhile, TikTok’s Global Head of Entertainment Dawn Yang reinforced the creator-first approach: “Their creativity extends the life of films and shows into conversations that fans discover and share.” Additionally, both companies will operate a joint Disney Creator Ambassador Program. This tiered initiative rewards creators with exclusive events, career development pathways, and increased visibility on the platform.

What Remains Unclear The timeline for international market expansion hasn’t been announced. Revenue-sharing details between Disney and TikTok remain undisclosed. Additionally, specific content moderation standards for the “Verts” section haven’t been disclosed. Notably, the deal’s impact on subscriber growth remains to be measured.

What It Means This partnership signals a major strategic shift—streaming platforms increasingly recognize fan-created content’s value in driving engagement. Data shows nearly half of surveyed viewers discovered movies and shows on TikTok, then watched them elsewhere. Therefore, Disney+ gains organic discoverability while TikTok creators access premium IP. Meanwhile, younger audiences expect participatory entertainment experiences. Ultimately, this collaboration transforms passive viewers into active storytellers across platforms.

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.

Throwback Nation Expands Daily to Three Connoisseur Media Stations

David Hill
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Throwback Nation Expands Daily to Three Connoisseur Media Stations

Throwback Nation with Tony Lorino launches daily on three Connoisseur Media stations. The syndicated show now reaches Minnesota, Iowa, and Texas markets simultaneously.

What We Know: Classic hits and AC formats now carry Throwback Nation in evening slots across three distinct markets. River 105 (KRBI-FM) in Minnesota, Superhits 102.7 (KYTC) in Iowa, and 97.5 K-Lake (KLAK) in Texas join the network. Throwback Brands CEO Tony Lorino and Skyview Networks’ Andrew Kalb spearhead this expansion initiative. The partnership reinforces both organizations’ commitment to traditional radio’s growth trajectory.

What’s at Stake: These three markets represent meaningful opportunities for advertiser reach and engagement. Additionally, the stations gain fresh programming to energize evening audiences. Meanwhile, Throwback Nation continues building its national footprint and affiliate base. Consequently, Skyview Networks benefits from expanded revenue opportunities across multiple formats.

What Remains Unclear: The companies haven’t announced timelines for additional Connoisseur station additions. We don’t currently know whether more stations will follow this rollout. Furthermore, management hasn’t disclosed specific performance expectations for these new affiliates. Additionally, future syndication plans beyond Connoisseur remain unannounced at this stage.

What It Means: Connoisseur’s investment demonstrates genuine confidence in Throwback Nation’s audience appeal and sustainability. The move signals that compelling host-driven programming still drives affiliate interest today. Beyond this trend, traditional radio continues attracting quality syndicated content despite industry headwinds. Notably, classic hits and AC formats increasingly embrace personality-driven programming strategies.

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.

Cumulus Media Gives Up 560 AM Signal in San Francisco

Garrett Searight
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Cumulus Media Gives Up 560 AM Signal in San Francisco

Cumulus Media has ended a century of broadcast history in the Bay Area. The company surrendered the 560 AM San Francisco license to the FCC.

What We Know: The decision officially closes the chapter on a signal that traced its roots to 1925. The station shifted frequencies several times before landing at 560 AM in 1929. It adopted the KSFO call letters in 1935 and carried them until 2024, when Cumulus Media moved the KSFO brand and programming to 810 AM. That happened after the end of both 810 KGO and 810 The Spread. The 560 signal then became KZAC and simulcasted the new KSFO briefly. However, it went silent in March 2025. Although Cumulus later told the FCC it was negotiating a sale, no transaction materialized before the company surrendered the license.

What’s at Stake: The move permanently ends one of Northern California’s longest-running radio licenses. Over nearly 100 years, the station evolved from middle-of-the-road programming to Adult Standards, Oldies, and eventually Talk. After KSFO and KGO came under common ownership, the station became synonymous with Conservative Talk for decades.

What Remains Unclear: Cumulus hasn’t publicly explained why negotiations to sell the station failed. It’s also unknown whether any prospective buyers expressed serious interest before the license was surrendered or whether economic conditions ultimately made a sale impractical.

What It Means: The surrender reflects the difficult economics facing many standalone AM signals. While the KSFO brand continues on 810 AM, the retirement of the historic 560 license underscores how operators increasingly prioritize stronger signals and sustainable business models over preserving legacy facilities.

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.

ABC News Staffers Vote to Unionize with Writers Guild of America East

Garrett Searight
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ABC News Staffers Vote to Unionize with Writers Guild of America East

ABC News digital employees unanimously voted to unionize. The vote expands union representation across ABC News.

What We Know: Employees at ABC News’ digital division voted unanimously to join the Writers Guild of America East following an agreement with management on the recognition process. The approximately 50-member bargaining unit includes digital reporters, editors, video producers, and social media producers working across ABCNews.com and the network’s social platforms. The union election was counted on Friday, July 31. WGA East already represents unionized employees across the network’s television operations and said both sides held productive discussions leading to voluntary recognition. Digital employees also said they want a voice as the news industry continues evolving and noted they’ll join hundreds of ABC News broadcast colleagues and thousands of other Disney employees already represented by unions.

What They Said: “The WGAE has represented unionized workers at ABC News since the 1960s. We appreciate that management engaged in productive conversations for recognition, and we look forward to winning union protections for ABC News’ digital staff.” -WGAE President Tom Fontana

What Remains Unclear: Neither the company nor the union has outlined a timeline for negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement. It’s also unknown which workplace priorities will top the bargaining agenda beyond securing union protections. Additionally, ABC News hasn’t publicly detailed how the new bargaining unit could affect newsroom operations or future staffing decisions.

What It Means: The unanimous vote reflects continued labor organizing across digital media as employees seek a greater role in shaping workplace policies during a rapidly changing industry. Because WGA East already represents many ABC News television employees, the addition of digital staff creates broader union representation under one organization. The move also adds to the union’s growing footprint across broadcast, cable, streaming, radio, and digital news organizations.

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.

KNBR Adds John Lund to Middays, Greg Papa and Greg Silver Exit

John Mamola
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KNBR Adds John Lund to Middays, Greg Papa and Greg Silver Exit

Changes are happening again at KNBR. The radio station is changing up middays in a move that is sure to generate local reaction. John Lund is returning to the station to host the timeslot solo.

What We Know: John Lund’s return signals the end of Greg Silver and Greg Papa’s show. Lund teamed with Papa for most of his Bay Area tenure from 2011-2024. KNBR laid him off in November 2024, moving Silver into his spot. After losing his job, Lund relocated to Arizona. He has been doing part time work since for Westwood One and Arizona Sports. Lund is expected to host the midday show on KNBR starting August 10th. He will continue his relationships with Westwood One and Arizona Sports.

Greg Papa has battled leukemia over the past year. The situation forced Papa to be away from the show. He has not been on the air in months following a return in September of last year. The Bay Area legend recently told the San Francisco Chronicle that he hoped to make a return to his daily KNBR program. Sources tell Barrett Media that if Papa’s health improves KNBR would have interest in a reunion.

Silver joined KNBR in 2023. In addition to working with Papa on the midday show, he has also hosted postgame coverage for Cal football. Greg is the son of accomplished sports writer and reporter Mike Silver. No word on Silver’s status moving forward on Cal programming.

KNBR’s parent company, Cumulus Media are undergoing layoffs today. People in different markets, brands and divisions have been affected.

What’s At Stake: KNBR is in a difficult position here. From a PR standpoint it’s tough to part ways with a show, especially when one of its lead hosts is battling leukemia. If Papa is unable to work after months on the sidelines though, the station does have to provide a solution to excite listeners and advertisers. Adding Lund is a positive as he adds local familiarity and a lengthy relationship with Papa.

With recent reports of tension between KNBR and the San Francisco Giants organization, prior issues in the programming department, and the loss of popular hosts in recent years such as Tom Tolbert and Paul McCaffrey, the brand’s stability and direction are going to be questioned. Restoring local confidence, team relationships and lineup consistency should be top priorities.

What Remains Unclear: Papa’s future as voice of the San Francisco 49ers remains unclear. Last year the team utilized multiple play by play announcers. No word yet on the team’s plan for the 2026 NFL season. This is the first time Greg Papa has been a free agent. Doctors have given him clearance to host shows from his home studio starting in late-July. Whether he appears on KNBR, other local outlets or elsewhere remains to be seen.

What It Means: KNBR has featured three different midday lineups in roughly 20 months. That creates whiplash for listeners. Papa’s ongoing health battle and absence from the radio station unfortunately created a large challenge for Cumulus. The company and station felt a decision needed to be made for the business of the brand. The best possible outcome is Papa’s health improves, and a future reunion with KNBR and Lund follows. We wish the best to Greg in his battle, and to Lund and KNBR in creating stability in middays.

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.

Michael Wilbon Believes Stephen A. Smith Is No Longer A Journalist

John Mamola
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Michael Wilbon Believes Stephen A. Smith Is No Longer A Journalist

ESPN Pardon the Interruption co-host Michael Wilbon says Stephen A. Smith stopped being a journalist years ago. Wilbon delivered the blunt assessment in a new interview with Awful Announcing‘s Brandon Contes.

What We Know: Wilbon spent decades as a columnist at The Washington Post before ESPN turned him into a Pardon the Interruption fixture alongside Tony Kornheiser. Smith similarly built his name as a Philadelphia Inquirer beat writer before ESPN reshaped him into a debate-show star. Wilbon still calls Smith “like a little brother,” insisting the friendship isn’t the issue. However, he argues Smith’s current role has drifted far from that early reporting foundation.

What They Said: (all quotes via Awful Announcing)

Michael Wilbon believes Stephen A. Smith is not a journalist any longer: “Stop. You’re not a journalist anymore. You’re not doing what you did at the Philly Inquirer. Stop, dude. I know what you did there because I was shoulder to shoulder with you at press row and press boxes and practice. Yes, practice. Stop. No, Stephen A. [Smith]’s a show. He’s the show. He knows it. He wants to be the show, and he’s doing a damn good job at it. That’s what he wants to be.”

Michael Wilbon says journalism is more about showing up following criticism: “Stephen A is like a little brother to me, and he’s been there for 30 years. [You’re] Not a journalist anymore. You gotta go to practice. You gotta show up when you write that column that’s negative about the first baseman. Your ass better be at the cage the next day, that’s journalism.”

Michael Wilbon says he’s not a journalist either: “I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m a journalist. I ain’t going to allow him if he was sitting with me to say, “Oh yeah, Wilbon, I’m a journalist.” No, you’re not. Not anymore. You may go to elements of it when you need to. You can recall it. But stop. They ain’t paying you that much to be a journalist. They’re not.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Smith will respond publicly to Wilbon’s remarks. Wilbon’s response is to the numerous times that Smith has said he still considers himself a journalist.

What It Means: Make no mistake about it. Michael Wilbon and Stephen A. Smith are not just colleagues but also friends with roots that extend many decades. Wilbon’s commentary is simply calling it like he sees it. Whether or not the commentary turns into further debate relies on Smith leaning into his “show” character or not.

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.

Jon Marks On Decision To Shift To Morning Drive On 97.5 The Fanatic: “Not An Easy Decision”

John Mamola
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Jon Marks On Decision To Shift To Morning Drive On 97.5 The Fanatic: “Not An Easy Decision”

Jon Marks is heading to mornings on 97.5 The Fanatic beginning August 17. The shift for Marks was explained during his midday program today on the Philadelphia radio station.

What We Know: Beasley Media Group is promoting Marks from middays to morning drive, pairing him with Andrew Salciunas on the station’s 6-10 a.m. show. The pairing fills the seat left open after John Kincade’s exit following his July 31 broadcast. Meanwhile, Ray Dunne moves from midday producer to on-air co-host, joining Sean Brace for the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. slot. Marks signs off middays next Friday, handing the reins directly to Dunne. Marks discussed the move to mornings and the difficulty with making the decision today on The Fanatic.

What They Said: (All quotes from 97.5 The Fanatic)

Jon Marks on making the decision to move to mornings on 97.5 The Fanatic: “It was not an easy decision at all. I felt like it was what’s best for the station, and it’s what’s best for you two guys as well. You guys will put on a great show, and I know you’re going to pick up right where I leave off next Friday when I sign off and Ray, you take over. But it was not an easy decision, and not one I took lightly either.”

Jon Marks says he couldn’t say no to morning drive this time around: “Being this wasn’t the first time they’ve offered me mornings in the last few years, and I said no last time. To say no again, that would have been it. They’re not going to keep asking. Working with Andrew [Salciunas] is very exciting. So, I said yes. I said yes, knowing that I was going to be leaving one of the one of the better shows that I’ve worked on.”

Jon Marks says moving to mornings with Sean Brace was not brought up: “Andrew [Salciunas] was designated as the morning show host as John [Kincade] was leaving. There was never really a conversation about any of that. It was do you want to join Andrew in the mornings? I said yes.”

Jon Marks on how mornings will not affect his work/life/family balance: “This doesn’t really affect anything but my sleep. It doesn’t really affect my family. My wife will have the kids in the morning. But for the most part, she takes the kids to school every day anyway, except in a pinch. This doesn’t do anything to my family. Honestly, the midday schedule really worked with my schedule. It was great, and I really enjoyed it”

What Remains Unclear: The new morning show doesn’t have an official on-air name yet. Marks also didn’t go into detail on how long the conversations about shifting to mornings went.

What It Means: You can tell Marks had a difficult decision to make. A year after rejoining the Fanatic and welcoming Brace as his full time co-host in March, he contemplated this move heavily. This change reflects internal promotion rather than an outside hire. Moreover, a trust that program director Scott Masteller has in Marks to lead the station on a daily basis.

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.

Scripps to Eliminate More Than 250 Jobs in Streaming Pivot

Garrett Searight
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Scripps to Eliminate More Than 250 Jobs in Streaming Pivot

Scripps is eliminating 268 positions as it reshapes its local news strategy. The company will also shift toward a 24/7 streaming-first news model.

What We Know: Scripps announced Tuesday that it will cut 268 jobs as part of a broader transformation designed to align the company with changing audience habits. The workforce reduction accompanies a move away from traditional broadcast dayparts and toward continuous local news streaming. Initially, about a dozen smaller markets will launch 24/7 local news streams. That strategy will then expand across the company’s station portfolio. Meanwhile, linear television newscasts will continue, but stories will be published when they’re ready instead of waiting for scheduled broadcasts. Scripps is also centralizing digital news production through a new hub model while consolidating operations in select duopoly markets. Additionally, the company plans to expand its use of automation and internally developed AI tools to reduce production work. That strategy is expected to put more journalists into community reporting.

What They Said: “These decisions are being made in service to a mission that is too important to let fade because we weren’t willing to do the hard work of evolving.” -Scripps President/CEO Adam Symson

What Remains Unclear: Scripps hasn’t identified which positions or markets will be affected by the 268 layoffs. The company also hasn’t detailed how quickly every station will transition to the streaming-first model or whether additional staffing changes could follow. Executives are expected to provide more information during Friday’s earnings call and companywide town hall.

What It Means: The changes represent one of the clearest signs yet that groups view streaming as their primary growth platform. Rather than organizing newsrooms around fixed broadcast schedules, Scripps is betting audiences will consume local news continuously. If successful, the strategy could influence how other broadcast groups balance traditional television with digital-first distribution.

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.

Spotify Testing Podcast Ad Skip Button for Premium Users

David Hill
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Spotify Testing Podcast Ad Skip Button for Premium Users

Spotify is testing a skip-ahead button for podcast ads. This includes ads Spotify itself sold to advertisers.

What We Know Spotify Premium has always removed ads between music tracks. However, podcast ads embedded by creators have remained untouched for Premium subscribers. This distinction exists because creators deliver podcasts to Spotify with sponsorships already baked in. The skip button would finally give listeners control over these embedded ad breaks.

What’s at Stake Advertisers paid premium rates specifically for non-skippable podcast inventory. That guarantee shaped the entire podcast sponsorship economy. Podcast creators built business models around predictable sponsor commitments. If listeners skip ads easily, those revenue assumptions crumble. Meanwhile, Premium subscribers finally get what they’ve long demanded.

What Remains Unclear Will Spotify customize skip lengths like PocketCasts does? When does this feature roll out broadly? How will Spotify handle advertiser compensation? The company hasn’t officially announced anything yet. PodNews broke the news, but Spotify remains quiet.

What It Means The podcast monetization model Spotify built its content strategy around faces real disruption. Listeners gain power they never had before. Creators and advertisers lose the protection that made podcast sponsorships attractive. Spotify now sits awkwardly between selling ad inventory and letting users skip it.

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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