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Why Top NFL Betting Sites Rival Traditional News Outlets

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Why Top NFL Betting Sites Rival Traditional News Outlets

The way fans consume NFL coverage is evolving. Traditional sports outlets, television networks, newspapers, and radio stations once dominated the conversation around the league. Today, they share the stage with platforms that a decade ago were rarely considered part of the media ecosystem: online betting sites.

What began as a hub for odds and wagers has evolved into a robust, information-driven ecosystem that millions of fans treat as a primary source of news.

As the NFL season unfolds, fans are not just tuning in to pregame shows or scrolling through beat reporters’ feeds. They are opening betting apps, refreshing lines, and digesting matchup previews written by analysts whose job is to understand the game at its most granular level.

In this media landscape, betting sites no longer sit on the sidelines; they rival and, in many cases, surpass traditional outlets in speed, insight, and influence.

Betting Sites as Real-Time Newsrooms

One of the biggest reasons betting platforms challenge traditional media is speed. NFL news travels quickly, but in the betting market, information moves faster. Odds shift instantly when a quarterback tweaks a hamstring in practice or when weather conditions threaten to change the outcome of a game.

Fans have noticed. Rather than waiting for a sports desk to publish an article, users can watch the betting markets react in real time.

The line movement itself becomes a form of breaking news. For example, if the point spread suddenly narrows, fans will have noted that insiders expect a key player to sit the game out. That information is newsworthy, and betting sites deliver it seconds before a push notification from a traditional outlet arrives.

This responsiveness positions top NFL betting sites as live barometers of the league. They don’t just report the news after the fact; they reflect it in real-time through constantly updated odds and markets.

Depth of Analysis That Matches Media Giants

Traditional outlets pride themselves on expert analysis, but betting sites are catching up quickly. Many employ teams of statisticians, data scientists, and former coaches who break down games, not only for wagering purposes but also to educate and inform fans about the game.

A betting platform preview does more than list point spreads. It delves into third-down conversion rates, red-zone efficiency, turnover margins, and advanced statistics, such as expected points added (EPA). This depth of analysis rivals, and sometimes exceeds, the coverage fans receive from beat writers or network commentators.

Importantly, this material is free. While some mainstream sports outlets lock premium content behind paywalls, betting platforms know their business thrives on volume. Site owners know that the more fans engage with detailed previews, the more likely they are to stay on the platform. That incentive drives a steady flow of accessible, high-level NFL analysis for both casual fans and stat-obsessed readers.

Why Fans Trust Top NFL Betting Sites

Trust is a currency in sports media, and betting sites have earned it in surprising ways. Traditional journalism often faces accusations of bias, whether from team loyalties, network partnerships, or editorial slant. Betting platforms, by contrast, live or die on the strength of accuracy.

Fans gravitate to top NFL betting sites not just for the chance to wager, but because those platforms provide transparent, data-driven insights. The numbers don’t play favorites. If a team is struggling, the market reflects it. If a backup quarterback changes the game’s outlook, the odds shift accordingly. That objectivity resonates with fans who want analysis grounded in measurable reality rather than narrative spin.

In this way, betting sites position themselves as more than transactional platforms. They become trusted sources of the latest NFL information, where credibility is derived from the precision of the numbers.

Betting Sites Drive New Forms of Fan Engagement

The NFL thrives on engagement, and betting sites supercharge it. Fans no longer watch a Sunday afternoon slate as passive spectators; they engage as informed participants. By following markets, tracking props, and studying line shifts, they deepen their understanding of the league’s inner workings.

This type of engagement has ripple effects for traditional media. Sports talk radio, for example, now incorporates betting lines into discussions as often as box scores. Television panels discuss over/unders as shorthand for fan expectations. The language of betting has become an integral part of football culture, and platforms that provide this information are at the heart of the conversation.

Moreover, betting sites offer interactive dashboards, mobile notifications, and customizable alerts that make them feel like news apps in their own right. Fans are not just reading updates; they are tracking, responding, and sharing them in real time.

The Influence on Broadcast Narratives

It is not just fans who follow betting markets; broadcasters and journalists do, too. Pregame shows reference point spreads and props as part of their storytelling, while in-game commentary often notes how outcomes affect expectations set by the market.

This interplay demonstrates the growing symbiosis between betting platforms and traditional outlets. Rather than ignoring them, broadcasters now treat odds as shorthand for context. If a 10-point underdog scores early, commentators highlight how drastically it could reshape expectations. Betting data becomes a narrative device, helping explain the stakes in ways that fans immediately understand.

In practice, this means betting sites are not only rivaling traditional outlets, they are shaping the very narratives those outlets broadcast.

Betting Sites as the Future of NFL Coverage

The trajectory is clear: betting platforms are not just supplementing NFL coverage; they are becoming central to it. As fans demand faster updates, deeper analysis, and interactive tools, betting sites are uniquely positioned to deliver. Traditional outlets remain essential for storytelling and cultural coverage, but they no longer have a monopoly on NFL news.

The rise of betting sites signals a broader transformation in how fans consume sports information. Data and immediacy matter more than access and narrative. Fans want to see the numbers, track the changes, and make their own conclusions in real time.

The Evolution of Access

The NFL is still America’s most powerful sports property, and the way fans follow it continues to evolve. Where newspapers and television once set the agenda, betting sites now share the role of primary newsrooms. Their speed, analytical depth, and objectivity give them credibility and influence that traditional outlets simply can’t ignore.

The increasing popularity of betting sites shows no signs of slowing down, and for the modern NFL audience, that may be the clearest signal yet of where the future of the sports media lies.

Fox News Sees More Than 1 Billion YouTube Views During 3rd Quarter

BNM Staff
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Fox News Sees More Than 1 Billion YouTube Views During 3rd Quarter

The third quarter of 2025 has come and gone, and Fox News has reason to celebrate after a strong performance on YouTube during the three-month period.

According to Emplifi, Fox News earned 1.1 billion video views on YouTube between July, August, and September. That topped all news brands on the platform, with MSNBC being the next closest challenger, with 848 million video views.

CNN earned 627 million views, while NBC News led network news brands with 424 million video views. ABC News wasn’t far behind at 359 million views, while CBS News featured 163 million views.

Additionally, Fox Business earned 166 million views on YouTube during the quarter.

During the month of September, Fox News featured 408 million video views. That represented a 94% year-over-year increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

ESPN, Fox One Direct-To-Consumer Bundle Launched

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ESPN, Fox One Direct-To-Consumer Bundle Launched

ESPN and FOX Corporation have joined forces to offer sports fans a new subscription option that combines both networks’ streaming services. The ESPN, FOX One Bundle, priced at $39.99 per month, allows subscribers to access content from ESPN and FOX One directly through their respective apps. Giving fans more flexibility and value.

The new offering brings together two of the leading sports subscription services. Promising comprehensive live sports coverage and premium content from top leagues. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to enhancing the fan experience. Delivering content where audiences are increasingly consuming it—directly, on-demand, and on mobile devices.

Subscribers to the ESPN, FOX One Bundle will gain access to a wide array of sports across multiple platforms. ESPN’s coverage includes the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, WWE, UFL, SEC, ACC, Big 12, college football including the College Football Playoff, and 40 NCAA championships, including women’s basketball. International soccer is also featured, with LALIGA, Bundesliga, NWSL, and FA Cup coverage. Tennis fans can follow the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open, while golf enthusiasts gain access to the Masters, PGA Championship, PGA TOUR, TGL, and LPGA events. The service also covers Little League World Series baseball and softball, the Premier Lacrosse League, and more.

FOX One subscribers can expect coverage of the NFL, MLB, FIFA World Cup, college football conferences including the Big Ten, Big 12, and Mountain West, and college basketball from the Big Ten, Big East, Big 12, and Mountain West. Other offerings include NASCAR, INDYCAR, NYRA events including the Belmont Stakes, UFL, LIV Golf, and both domestic and international soccer, such as Concacaf, CONMEBOL, FIFA, Liga MX, MLS, and UEFA competitions.

Fans can sign up for the bundle via stream.espn.com, FOXOne.com, or through account management sections of existing ESPN or FOX One subscriptions. After subscribing, ESPN content streams through ESPN platforms, while FOX content is delivered via FOX One. The bundle is exclusively available with ESPN Unlimited, and cannot be combined with Disney+ or Hulu.

The launch marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of sports media. Where networks are increasingly pursuing direct-to-consumer models to reach viewers who prefer streaming over traditional cable. By consolidating premier sports programming under one subscription, ESPN and FOX aim to meet the demands of a growing audience of digital-first sports fans.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Vernon Davis Launches ‘The Next Role’ Podcast With Cumulus

BSM Staff
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Vernon Davis Launches ‘The Next Role’ Podcast With Cumulus

Former NFL star and Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis has officially joined the Cumulus Podcast Network with the launch of his new podcast, The Next Role with Vernon Davis, a show dedicated to career reinvention and personal transformation.

The podcast combines cinematic storytelling with in-depth conversations. Exploring the journeys of athletes, artists, comedians, and entrepreneurs who have navigated major career transitions. Episodes examine the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual processes behind reinvention, highlighting the courage it takes to break barriers, embrace risk, and explore uncharted territory.

“I created this show to highlight the courage it takes to reinvent yourself. Especially after a career in the spotlight,” Davis said in a statement. “Partnering with the Cumulus Podcast Network gives me the platform to amplify these powerful stories. To connect with listeners who are navigating their own transitions. I’m excited to bring these conversations to life and inspire others to embrace their next chapter.”

The podcast’s first episode, released today, features former NFL star and 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee Delanie Walker. Future guests include comedian and actor Rickey Smiley, producer and motivational speaker DeVon Franklin. Also comedian and “Roastmaster General” Jeff Ross, actor Danny Trejo, NFL legend Jerry Rice, and model, actress, and entrepreneur Eugena Washington.

New episodes will drop every Thursday and are available on major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and YouTube. As part of Westwood One’s portfolio, the Cumulus Podcast Network will handle exclusive distribution, marketing, and monetization for the series.

“Vernon Davis brings a rare blend of authenticity, creativity, and drive to the podcast space,” said Collin Jones, president of Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network. “His journey from the NFL to Hollywood and beyond is compelling. The Next Role captures that spirit of reinvention that resonates with so many. We’re proud to welcome Vernon to the Cumulus Podcast Network and look forward to supporting his vision as he continues to inspire and engage audiences.”

Produced by Real 85 Productions, The Next Role with Vernon Davis is executive produced by Davis alongside Emmy-nominated filmmaker Joslyn Rose Lyons and Henry Penzi, with DeShon Hardy serving as producer.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Premiere Networks Signs Kevin Cirilli for ‘Hello Future’ Podcast

BNM Staff
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Premiere Networks Signs Kevin Cirilli for ‘Hello Future’ Podcast

Premiere Networks and journalist Kevin Cirilli have partnered with iHeartPodcasts to launch a new daily program, Hello Future with Kevin Cirilli, effective immediately.

Cirilli, founder of the multimedia platform mtf.tv’s meet the future, will host the podcast, which explores emerging science, technology, and the choices shaping tomorrow. Episodes cover topics from Mars and UFOs to flying cars and “civilization starter kits,” aiming to engage listeners curious about the future.

This week, Cirilli welcomes Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb to discuss comet 3I/ATLAS, alien technology, and the future of space exploration.

He also speaks with Rich Cooper, Vice President of Strategic Communication and Outreach for Space Foundation, about America’s $1 trillion space economy and the strategic importance of space investment. Veteran space journalist Leonard David joins to discuss the recent U.S. congressional hearings on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and their implications.

“Working with iHeart and Premiere Networks has been an out-of-this-world experience,” Cirilli said. “Their commitment to the future of storytelling is something that feels like a breath of fresh air for me and I couldn’t be more grateful and humble to be working with such an awesome team of people. Who knows – maybe one day I’ll get to broadcast the show from space.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome ‘Hello Future’ to the network,” said Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott. “With years of experience as a journalist covering global affairs, technology and policy, Kevin has the unique ability to connect the dots between science and the future for listeners who crave bold ideas and fresh perspectives on what’s ahead.”

“Kevin represents a new generation of journalists—bold, innovative, and deeply connected to the world around him,” added iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of News, Talk, and Sports Chris Berry. “His daily podcast is much more than today’s headlines; it is a roadmap to the future.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Todd McShay: Paul Finebaum Is a “Rat”, Perfect To Be a Politician

BSM Staff
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Todd McShay: Paul Finebaum Is a “Rat”, Perfect To Be a Politician

Former ESPN college football insider Todd McShay has finally publicly detailed his long-simmering frustration with former ESPN teammate Paul Finebaum, centering on the handling of the Jalen Carter situation during the 2023 NFL draft buildup.

Speaking candidly on his The McShay Show podcast, McShay described the incident as the “final straw” in a professional relationship he had long respected.

“The final straw was the Jaylen Carter situation,” McShay said. “I’ll never forget. I don’t even know why, but it was on in the background, and someone called in [on the Paul Finebaum Show] about Jalen. I watched him sit there and talk about me like he didn’t even know me.”

McShay’s discontent stemmed not only from Finebaum’s commentary but from the lack of direct communication. He described a missed opportunity to clear the air, which he felt could have mitigated the public backlash.

“Paul could have texted me. Paul’s producer could have texted me. In fact, I was waiting for someone from that show to call me and say, ‘Hey, the show just ended. We realize this is a bigger thing. Can you come on the show tomorrow?’ And I probably would have gone on and blasted him,” McShay explained.

He added that Finebaum’s approach left him exposed to criticism across Athens, media outlets, social platforms, and message boards.

“It didn’t feel good knowing that all of Athens was after me, and that people around the media landscape were blasting me,” McShay said. “I was all over message boards and social media. Some of it unfairly disparaging Jalen Carter and the proof situation.”

Highlighting a perceived lack of loyalty, McShay criticized Finebaum’s handling of the situation and questioned his integrity.

“Paul knew nothing about this situation. He made a call maybe to two people who were going to help protect their guy, and he stirs more s**t up,” he said. “When I say he’s an all-time coward, that’s why I say it. When I say he has no loyalty, that’s why I say it. To be honest with you, I think the guy’s a rat. And so he’s perfect to be a politician.”

Despite his frustration, McShay noted that he had previously tried to maintain professionalism, even involving ESPN executives to express his concerns.

“It was bad enough the first time around, and I texted and called executives. I was pissed. They talked me off the ledge like, ‘That’s just Paul. He shouldn’t have done it, but next play.’ And so I did. I moved on,” McShay said.

He also acknowledged that disagreements and personality conflicts are common in large organizations. “There were some things I didn’t like at ESPN, and it wasn’t a corporate thing, and it wasn’t the top executive. But there were some people there that I didn’t like, and I think that’s common for anyone with experience in a corporation,” he explained.

With McShay’s contract officially over as of October 1, McShay’s comments provide a rare inside look at the dynamics behind ESPN’s on-air interactions and the challenges faced by analysts navigating high-profile controversies. For McShay, the Jalen Carter situation crystallized longstanding issues, culminating in a blunt assessment of one of college football’s most influential media voices.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Michelle Rutkowski Named 93XRT Brand Manager

BMM Staff
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Michelle Rutkowski Named 93XRT Brand Manager

93XRT has turned to a Chicago native to guide one of the city’s most iconic radio brands into its next chapter. The Audacy station announced that Michelle Rutkowski has been named Brand Manager, effective October 13.

Rutkowski, who succeeds Laura Duncan, will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and branding for the station. Duncan, who has led the station since 2020, will depart November 3.

In announcing the move, Audacy Chicago Senior Vice President and Market Manager Kevin Cassidy praised both women for their work.

“We are excited to welcome Michelle to the WXRT family,” Cassidy said. “Her deep knowledge of the format, along with the strength of her relationships across the region were the drivers of her consistent success in Milwaukee. We look forward to her replicating that performance on behalf of WXRT. I would also like to recognize the immense contribution that Laura Duncan made during her tenure. She hands Michelle the keys to a finely tuned muscle car.”

For Rutkowski, the position marks both a career milestone and a homecoming.

“This iconic station has influenced me so much as a listener and shaped my deep love of music, and as a programmer who strives for the level of excellence that WXRT has delivered for decades,” she said. “It’s an absolutely euphoric experience to be welcomed back to my beloved hometown to continue the legacies of those who made WXRT the revered Chicago treasure that it is. I would like to thank Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Kevin Cassidy for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Rutkowski arrives with more than 20 years of radio experience. She began her career in Chicago at WKQX and WLUP before heading north to Milwaukee in 2006, where she joined WLUM. She quickly moved from nighttime personality to Music Director and Programmer, before expanding her responsibilities in 2016 to oversee multiple stations, including WLDB and FONZ.

Most recently, Rutkowski served as Vice President of Programming and Operations for Milwaukee Radio Alliance. In that role, she oversaw several formats and was instrumental in the 2024 launch of Froggy, a new country outlet highlighting emerging artists.

Her track record in Milwaukee, combined with her Chicago roots, made her a strong candidate to succeed Duncan at WXRT. The station has long been a cornerstone of the city’s alternative and rock identity, and Rutkowski now steps into a role that blends heritage with innovation.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Ben McDonald: “Wasn’t Aware” ESPN Had A Contract With Hockey

BSM Staff
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Ben McDonald: “Wasn’t Aware” ESPN Had A Contract With Hockey

The MLB postseason is underway, and with the NHL regular season starting next week, ESPN attempted to use its national baseball coverage to build some early momentum for its Oct. 7 opening-night tripleheader. But the cross-promotional effort fell flat when one of the network’s own analysts, Ben McDonald, admitted on-air that he had no plans to tune in.

During ABC’s October 1 broadcast of the San Diego Padres-Chicago Cubs game, play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown introduced a promotional read for the NHL’s Opening Night slate. The package includes the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers raising their banner against the Chicago Blackhawks, followed by Penguins-Rangers and Avalanche-Kings.

Brown asked his broadcast partner Ben McDonald if he was ready for the Panthers to pursue a “three-peat.” The former pitcher — who works Orioles games for MASN and was enlisted by ESPN for postseason coverage — gave an answer that startled many.

“If you say so, I mean good luck to them. Are you asking if I’m going to be watching?” McDonald replied. When Brown suggested that, as an ESPN employee, he would surely be tuning in, McDonald doubled down: “There is zero chance I’ll be watching. I’m just going to be honest with you.”

The exchange, which was met with laughter in the booth, didn’t land quite as ESPN executives might have hoped. Brown closed the segment by joking, “OK, thanks man. We’ll be watching. Thanks for the ratings boost.”

By Thursday morning, McDonald was already doing damage control. Appearing on FS1’s Wake Up Barstool, he explained that his comments weren’t meant to disparage hockey or ESPN’s rights package. Instead, he admitted he simply wasn’t aware of the network’s NHL deal and would naturally prioritize playoff baseball over early-season hockey.

“As far as the hockey stuff goes, when that thing popped up on the screen, I didn’t even know ESPN had the hockey contract,” McDonald said. “If I have a choice between the beginning of hockey season and October baseball, I’m probably leaning slightly towards playoff baseball to be honest with you.”

It didn’t take long for reaction to surface elsewhere following McDonald’s comments. John Buccigross, one of ESPN’s top NHL voices, fired back on X with a pointed reminder of McDonald’s baseball résumé: “Zero is also how many postseason innings Ben McDonald pitched in his MLB career.”

Later in the broadcast on Wednesday, ESPN’s baseball crew again read the same NHL promo during the Red Sox-Yankees broadcast. This time, the commentary ended in silence.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

It’s Time for News/Talk Radio Hosts to Use AI For Content

Garrett Searight
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It’s Time for News/Talk Radio Hosts to Use AI For Content

There’s no denying it: news/talk radio hosts today are standing at a crossroads, and the path forward involves AI.

Artificial intelligence has become an insanely powerful tool to create content, not by cloning a host’s voice, but by replicating the voices of others.

Imagine Rush Limbaugh in 1998, with the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal dominating headlines, having access to this technology. The possibilities would have been staggering — reading transcripts, simulating statements, creating mock interviews with anyone involved in the scandal, and crafting segments that brought context and entertainment in ways that were previously impossible. AI can’t replace the host. But it can amplify the show’s ability to entertain, provoke, and engage.

For decades, news/talk radio has thrived on immediacy and originality. Hosts who excel are those who can react to the news in real time, injecting insight, humor, and personality. AI, used intelligently, can expand those strengths.

The first obvious application is content research and preparation. Imagine an AI that can instantly summarize a 60-page congressional report, highlight the most controversial quotes, and suggest ways to discuss them on-air. This is more than convenience, it’s a game-changer. Hosts can focus less on digging through minutiae and more on crafting sharp commentary, and producers can create tighter, more compelling shows without sacrificing accuracy.

Second, AI can simulate the voices of public figures, historical figures, or virtually anyone you want for illustrative purposes. For instance, I voice the Barrett Media Minute on our social platforms each day (shameless plug.) And everyone once in a while, Jason Barrett will send me the script for the day, with an AI version of Snoop Dogg reading the script to get a good laugh.

Using AI isn’t about cloning the host — it’s about creating compelling segments that bring discussions to life. Picture a segment where the host juxtaposes modern political statements with historical speeches, using AI to recreate the cadence and tone of leaders from the past. Or, in the spirit of our Limbaugh example, imagine AI recreating statements or behind-the-scenes moments from Bill Clinton or other key figures during the scandal. The audience experiences content in a vivid, almost cinematic way, while the host remains the guiding voice. It’s an interactive, immersive storytelling tool that adds layers to discussion, not replaces it.

Some skeptics argue AI is a gimmick or a shortcut. They worry about authenticity and the risk of alienating listeners. But the truth is, every technological advancement in news/talk radio — from satellite feeds to digital editing and automation to syndication — was once seen with suspicion. The hosts who embraced innovation thrived. Those who resisted watched their audiences drift toward competitors willing to experiment. AI is no different.

It’s not about replacing insight or gut instinct, because those will always be supremely unique abilities held by the most talented voices in the field. It’s about supercharging the show with new capabilities, giving hosts more freedom to explore ideas, craft sharper arguments, and entertain audiences in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

There’s also a competitive reality to consider. If a host isn’t using AI, someone else is. A station across town could leverage the technology to create content that’s more compelling, faster, and more shareable. That matters in a media environment where attention is currency, and listeners have endless options. Every minute a show lags in relevance is a minute listeners may spend elsewhere.

By integrating AI intelligently, hosts can maintain their edge, surprise and delight audiences, and create a brand that’s not just informative, but memorable.

In the end, refusing to use AI in news/talk radio is a choice — a punt that hands creative opportunity to competitors. Those who embrace it don’t lose their voice. They multiply their impact. AI allows hosts to research faster, create immersive segments, and engage or entertain audiences in unprecedented ways. The tools are here.

The only question is whether hosts will use them to keep their shows vibrant, innovative, and essential — or watch someone else do it first. In a world where content wins listeners, the stakes are clear: be creative, entertaining, and engaging, or risk losing the audience before the show even begins.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Rock’s Resurgence: Why Twenty One Pilots’ Success Should Wake Up Radio

Mike Gunz
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Rock’s Resurgence: Why Twenty One Pilots’ Success Should Wake Up Radio

Sometimes all one has to do is, “Trust the process.” That’s especially true with Billboard 200 latest #1 band, Twenty One Pilots. They find themselves atop the chart with their latest “Breach” album, a decade after the band’s 2015’s Blurryface album took the top spot.

What makes this one feel so much different, however?

Pilots’ impressive debut signifies a stage dive of a reminder to those within the music broadcasting industry that yes, an Alt-Rock band can debut #1 in 2025, with record-breaking numbers to justify their cause, even without initial radio support.

Breach not only took the top spot, but they did so in stunning fashion. 200,000 album-equivalent sales (169K of which were pure album sales) makes it the biggest Rock Album debut on the charts since Tool’s 2019 Inoculum. Pilots pathway to #1 also included a record-breaking 72K of vinyl sold in their debut week. That’s the most for a rock band since Billboard began recording the figure.

Yet, their single “City Walls” currently sits at #83 on the Hot 100 and hasn’t cracked Top 20 on Rock Radio nor Top 15 on Alternative Airplay. Alternative Airplay has been very supportive of TØP throughout the years and I predict will be in the weeks ahead.

Is Radio Serving the Future or Preserving the Past?

“You guys showed up bigger than ever. You did this. Buying vinyl, or a box set, or going to listening events, or streaming and telling other people. thank you so much,” said Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots on X.

Joseph continued, “This is the most proud I’ve ever been to be a part of this band. If you only knew how many industry people are confused might now. Wait, what? Yeah. We did.”

Twenty One Pilots’ duo of of lead singer Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun were not only able to take the #1 spot in impressive fashion with Breach, but they did so in a way that other bands within the Alt-Rock/Rock/Pop Rock genres can learn from.

Mike Easterlin, former President of Fueled by Ramen praised TØP’s album debut while telling me “it is a true testament to their evolution, resilience and the deep bond they’ve built with fans around the world. Even more than a decade in, they continue to grow and redefine themselves. It’s proof that their story is still very much being written.”

With Breaches being a much more rock-heavy album than their previous works, and the exceptional first-week success, former Billboard music journalist Chris Payne explains that we may be seeing a contradiction that may need correction when it comes to the rock ecosystem.

“Rock has enjoyed a really nice cultural resurgence in the 2020s, without much help from radio. Streaming, social media, digital storytelling so to speak, that’s more what drives this stuff now, and Twenty One Pilots have always been really good at those things,” Payne explained.

“So have Sleep Token and Ghost, the other rock bands who had #1 albums on the Billboard 200 this year. People just glance at the first few spots on the Hot 100 or Billboard 200 and don’t see rock bands, so they’re only getting part of the story.”

No Hit Single, No Problem?

I’d argue that now is as good of time as ever for rock radio to embrace the new movement that Gen-Z and millennial fans have created. They are literally screaming that they want more of it, as three #1 rock albums this year alone proves. Perhaps even more importantly, rock fans are one of the few genres that are showing up not only digitally but with physical sales as well.

Sumerian Records President Shawn Keith told me what this new era of rock music means for both bands and radio.

“I always tell bands to not change [your] authenticity to fit on any format that doesn’t want you. Make music that is so undeniable that they’re forced to play you to remain relevant. In music, the artists that are not changing themselves to become popular are the ones that are leading the genres. Rock music is one of the only genres that is largely driven by passionate fans. If it’s real, the world will feel [it].”

Sumerian Records President Shawn Keith

Turnstile Has Been Turning Heads

One band that is setting the genre’s new standard is Turnstile. The viral-band known for their unbelievably energetic live show have single-handedly had a direct impact on rock music’s resurgence. Not only are they enjoying a sold out headlining tour that music fans are raving about, but their previous album “BLACKOUT” earned them a Grammy nod and 75+ million streams and headlining festival stages. They are accomplishing all of it with minimal radio airplay.

Multiple industry sources told me that they don’t understand why Rock radio isn’t leaning into Turnstile and “making it theirs.”

Rock Radio’s Opportunity to Lead Again

This isn’t a knock on radio. As someone who has spent years championing new music on the air, I don’t take this lightly.

Instead, I believe this is a monumental and historic time for Rock and Alternative Radio.

For the first time in decades the rock genre is back on a mainstream front. It’s not only scalable, but allows for an opportunity for radio to educate newer listeners about the rock genre which only enhances the station’s brand and identity.

For their part, Alternative Airplay has been much more willing to play newer bands. The result has been a rating increase in many markets, such as Chicago’s WKQX-FM.

Genre-Blending and Overlap Isn’t An Excuse Anymore

There will always be the debate about whether “Rock” is “ROCK.” That will never go away. Just ask the Emo/Pop Punk music scene.

Does Gen-Z have any any idea how to define what “Rock” music is? Absolutely not. Have you seen the viral videos of them trying to figure out how a cassette goes in a tape player?

But the fact of the matter is, although Gen-Z’s definition of Rock may not be up to some programmers’ standards, it’s time to put aside what some view as rock radio’s gatekeeping. Leave the debating to the next time you’re at the bar with your music buddies.

A snapshot of Gen Z Media Habits courtesy of Edison Research’s ‘Gen Z Audio Report‘

“The future of rock is not trying to recapture the past, but in adapting to the present and influencing the future,” writes OurMusicWorld.com‘s Barbara Green.

For my radio programmer friends out there, I absolutely understand that there are limitations and constraints you have to deal with, along with the “Unknown.”

Well, Gunz is here to tell you that the Unknown isn’t UNKNOWN anymore.

Imagine what could happen if radio took the lead on bands like these, not just followed them. That’s an exciting future I’d love to be a part of both within the industry and as a music fan.

The success stories of Turnstile, Sleep Token and yes, Twenty One Pilots, are presenting the opportunity. The only question is – will radio run with it? 

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