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How Far is News/Talk Radio From Trying a Completely AI-Generated Format?

Perry Michael Simon
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How Far is News/Talk Radio From Trying a Completely AI-Generated Format?

Yeah, so, you’ve probably heard about the AI formats created by a group of radio veterans, complete with AI jocks and turnkey, generic “radio” produced by computers, removing the human connectivity element from a medium built on exactly that.

If you’re a music jock, you may think your days are numbered, and you may be right, but you should have known that by now and planned accordingly. Let’s be honest with ourselves, too: if you owned radio stations right now, you’d probably be seriously considering replacing live or even voice-tracked programming with an AI format, because we’re experiencing late-stage mass media, and every dollar you save is welcome. That doesn’t speak well of the radio industry, but it’s the truth, whether you like it or not.

Most of my radio career revolved around news, talk, and sports radio, and when I heard about this format thing, I wondered whether anyone is looking at AI spoken-word formats. The pitch to station owners might be irresistible: no more talent costs, no more inventory given to syndicators, just (ostensibly) serviceable talk programming or news wheels and more inventory to sell—not that they’re selling what they have now, but it’s the potential that sells the idea. Could it happen? When? And what would it sound like?

First answer: yes, it could happen. AI already enables anyone to create deep-fake videos; creating a “host” who would suck up material from websites and social media, spit out monologues, and even interact with callers can’t be far behind. There are already plenty of news aggregators using AI to “write” stories and social media posts.

There’s no reason there couldn’t be an AI sports format based entirely on Xitter posts, although the result might violate indecency rules unless they can filter out Philadelphia, New York, and Boston sports takes.

On a technological basis, there’s nothing preventing a spoken-word AI format from being created, and, these days, business seems to run on the philosophy that if it can be done, it will be done, even if it SHOULDN’T be done.

When will this happen? I’m surprised nobody’s announced an AI talk format yet. You KNOW someone’s going to try it. Wouldn’t radio station owners be happy to take AI talk formats, where you can pick your political stance and the kinds of topics you want, and just let the computer generate the entire package? The answer is, obviously, yes.

Will it sound good? We don’t know yet, but I think it’ll be terrible. Talk radio is as much about the host’s personality as it is about politics. I suppose there are listeners who just want to hear someone—anyone—talking about the news, but personality is what radio always offered and podcasts offer today. Would you rather hear an entertaining, trusted (for better or worse) host regurgitating talking points or a computer simulating a human voice regurgitating talking points? Wait, that doesn’t sound good either way. Let it suffice to say that, in theory, humans are better at this kind of thing than AI.

For now, at least. I’m not convinced that AI is going to be the goldmine investors are touting, and I’m not sold on AI being undetectable. But the average person may not be able to tell the difference between a real person’s voice and a synthetic voice, and we know that there’s a large number of people who don’t care, as long as they hear things that confirm their opinions.

However, human hosts can judge which way public opinion is turning faster and better than AI, and, well, how do you train an AI platform to be entertaining and relatable? And what kind of professional in any field would voluntarily train AI to ultimately take their job, no matter how much money they’re offered?

I suppose everyone has a price, like the comics who went to Riyadh, but I don’t think AI companies will pay life-changing money for talk radio people.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, remember, it’s not just music radio in the crosshairs. AI is coming for you, too. Proceed accordingly.

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.

When The Music Dies, Where Is Radio? 

Terrie Carr
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When The Music Dies, Where Is Radio? 

It’s been a tough week in music. D’Angelo, Ace Frehley and Sam Rivers are gone. Tough indeed. With my history in rock radio, I’m going to touch on the death of the iconic Spaceman, Ace Frehley.

I have been an on air personality for more than half my life. I’ve reported more rock deaths than I want to remember. Freddie Mercury, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Gregg Allman, Chris Cornell, Eddie Van Halen, Bowie, and Ozzy just to name a few. 

The days of putting fans on the air, giving an open forum for grief, memories, and the nostalgia and joy it brings has always been an important part of the on air experience. But the job description has changed significantly.

The Loss of Ace Frehley

This week we suddenly lost Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley at age 74 after a fall at his New Jersey home. Ace was still actively touring, fun to follow on social media-grocery shopping, playing his guitars (shout out to Perry who followed him around and had a blast doing it), and released a fantastic solo album in 2024: 10,000 Volts. He was also being honored with his former Kiss bandmates as part of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. 

The news of his death shocked fans. When it became public late Thursday afternoon, fans worldwide started their tributes, me included. I had a connection with Ace over the years (especially in the past two years). He joined on the air and last year hosted an episode of the “Home Shopping” style internet show – “Talk Shop Live”- which we filmed live from Ace’s New Jersey home. He was always fun to work with and kept me on my toes. For a Kiss kid and rock fan like me, this is a huge loss.

Ace was a character. He made for great radio because he was highly unpredictable and such a kind soul. He was also still passionate about making music with his producer and good friend Steve Brown (another Jersey guy from the band Trixter). He’d open his home to us for filming, making sure I took any guitar off the wall I wanted (I chose a 1978 classic and a few others). He even gave me his Kiss gold and platinum records to ‘hold” which was so much fun.

Ace was a man of the people. Conventions, tours, meet and greets and fans, he was out there, always accessible. A member of one of the most iconic pop culture bands of all time, he inspired so many guitarists to pick up the instrument and changed their lives and the course of music. It seems every rock fan has an “Ace” story.

When an iconic rocker that has been a part of our lives for 50 years dies, where is radio? It’s supposed to be the ultimate community. The first social media. It’s supposed to comfort and connect. Unfortunately waiting in the wings, most of the time not until “later”.

The Passing of Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit

Let’s also reflect on the shocking death of Limp Bizkit bassist, Sam Rivers. He was an amazing bass player and with the bands recent comeback, certainly top of mind with fans. The news of his passing was shared by Limp Bizkit through their Instagram account. They wrote “he was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.”

Again, the non-stop tributes began to pour in. On social media. I immediately started scanning the dial and looking through my phone but found nothing. Where was the music? The mentions? The memories?

I’ve mentioned this issue to countless friends in the industry and the feeling seems to be that it’s not really important these days. I’ve been told, “people don’t get their news from the radio anymore”. 

Really? I beg to differ.

Radio personalities have been guiding fans through grief, loss and the past forever. People need human connection more than ever. Radio staffs have gotten smaller, but listeners don’t know that. It’s our job to still inform especially during moments like these. 

You may not be Live but you can be Local. Remember these phrases, “Live and Local”, “Timely and Topical”? They used to rule the radio airwaves but barely exist anymore.

Radio stations today are not stocked with talent ready to jump on the air live at a moments notice with “breaking news”. As a former PD, I  know the harsh reality. I also know if you have no “death plan”, you better get one and fast.

Not only are aging icons disappearing, but let’s face it, artist deaths or breaking news can appear at any time. We just saw that this weekend with Sam Rivers. Earthquakes and major floods happen at a moments notice too (more common now in NJ – who knew?). When they happen, you have to be ready.

“DON’T LOOK DUMB!” – “Take Control and Do Something”. 

What Can You Do?

Life Events will not go away. My social media feeds are still flooded with photos, tributes and memories to Ace. Not only from fans, but from artists in every age bracket, musical genre, and demographic. And now Sam Rivers too. 

Rock radio fans care: In your demo, and in your format. These are your people. Here’s how you help them.

#1 – Designate a Go-To Gal/Guy – It’s tiring hearing “there is no one in the building and shows are pre-recorded”. Most staff have some sort of “home device” they can log into. Designate your “go to guy/gal” well in advance, and let them know to be ready. Within the hour, switch shifts, and get it done. Break the news, gather the fan community and stay relevant. Update your voice tracks.  

#2 – Write The Web Story – Have one of your top talent or the PD take over your website and write something from “their” point of view. The last time they saw this artist. Why this band is their favorite. Here is an interview I did way back when. Check out this video I found on our YouTube.

The website needs to reflect the on air talent the listeners depend on. Not some strange author. Generic stories don’t cut it when music is involved. Music touches us. It needs a personal connection.

#3 – Social Media Posts – Have your jock who does the immediate posting ask the fans about their favorite show. Best memories? Do the fans have a photo with the artist? Have them send it in. Ask your jock to make a video and post it announcing the artist’s death.

Update your socials immediately, and stay on them with your fans. Designate the people who engage the best and start engaging!

Be There For Your Listeners During Tough Times

Radio jobs come with responsibility. In the technological world we live in, it’s not hard or incredibly time consuming to be there for your fans. Don’t let social media kick your butt. You control the narrative. Throwing in an occasional song doesn’t cut it when it comes to connection. People make the difference.

We are losing artists and it will unfortunately continue. A part of our lives, our musical journey. our Rock and Roll DNA. When the next situation happens, will you be ready?

This quote given to me from Ace’s final solo album producer, collaborator and friend Steve Brown the day of Ace’s death sums up the Spaceman best.

“Ace Frehley was my first guitar hero in 1978. He was the reason I started playing guitar. Kiss and Ace were a huge part of my musical journey. There would be no Trixter without his influence.

“Later on in life I became good friends with Ace and had the please of working with him on his last ever album 10,000 Volts. Writing songs and producing with Ace was one of the greatest experiences of my life. We had so much fun creating music together, but most of all being two east coast guys who loved their families and friends and we had so much fun cracking jokes!

“One of my favorite memories was when Ace joined my family for father’s day with his girlfriend Lara. He was a part of our family. A great guy, with a lot of love in his heart. Ace will be missed by the world, but thank god his musical legacy will live on, forever. God bless Paul “Ace” Frehley.”

Rest Easy Spaceman. Thank you for the great memories, for supporting radio, and for touring longer than you should have. Godspeed to Sam Rivers too, gone way too soon at the age of 48. 

Fans care when people like Ace and Sam leave their lives. Radio, the ultimate social media community should care and show it as well.

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.

Stephen A. Smith Believes Former Athletes Face Becoming Targets With Success in Sports Media

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Believes Former Athletes Face Becoming Targets With Success in Sports Media

Veteran ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith says former athletes entering sports media face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating criticism and maintaining their instincts.

Speaking on The Pivot podcast with Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder, Smith emphasized that success in broadcasting often invites scrutiny, and that athletes must adapt to a new set of professional expectations.

“You’re gonna have to understand that you’re doing big things,” Smith said. “This podcast is doing big things. That makes y’all a target because, unfortunately in this world, on far too many occasions. People’s definition of happiness is bringing others down to their level of misery instead of elevating themselves to your level of satisfaction, contentment, happiness, etc. And when you’re that kind of target, you have to see before you act.”

Smith noted that the transition from professional athlete to commentator is particularly difficult. Because former players are often asked to suppress the instincts that once made them successful.

“One of the things that as athletes, I think is incredibly unfair to y’all. Y’all made y’all livelihoods in your lives, not totally, but to some degree, based off instinctually, your ability to act instinctually,” he said. “Then you get away from the game, and you’re discouraged from doing exactly the thing that made you successful. You’re surrounded by people who have an authority over you that have no concept of that because they didn’t do what y’all do. But what you got to remember is it’s okay, because it’s an indication that it’s time to start anew.”

The ESPN analyst also stressed that criticism is an inevitable part of success in media, and that former athletes must learn to manage it without losing focus.

“We got purpose, and I know that, and so I’m telling you, remember that, because they gonna come,” Smith said. “The more you climb, the more successful you are. They gonna come to get you. You understand. And it’s gonna take everything. Sometimes you gonna be shaking because you want to go at some people so bad, and you got to refrain.”

Smith’s insights reflect a broader trend in sports media, where former athletes are increasingly valued for their firsthand experience but are also subjected to intense scrutiny. Ultimately, Smith argued that success in sports broadcasting requires preparation, resilience, and the ability to embrace new challenges. While former athletes may face unique hurdles, he said, they also have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and make a lasting impact in media.

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.

Technical Analysis Tools for the Stock Market: What Traders Should Know in 2025

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Technical Analysis Tools for the Stock Market: What Traders Should Know in 2025

Trading has always been about making sense of patterns and signals in the market. In 2025, the tools available to traders have grown far beyond simple price charts and basic indicators. Modern software for stock analysis allows you to see how orders move through the market, where volume builds up, and which levels attract the most activity. With the right stock market analysis tool, traders can better understand what drives price changes and make decisions based on clear, structured data rather than guesswork.

Why Technical Analysis Still Matters in 2025

Some argue that artificial intelligence and quantitative models will replace traditional chart reading, but technical analysis remains as relevant as ever. Why? Because it provides structure. Human traders and algorithms alike respond to support and resistance, trendlines, and volume patterns.

The difference now is the depth of analysis available. What was once limited to moving averages and oscillators has expanded into heatmaps, footprint charts, and real-time order book visualization. For modern traders, technical analysis isn’t just about lines on a chart—it’s about interpreting market behavior at the micro level.

The Evolution of the Stock Market Analysis Tool

A stock market analysis tool used to mean a charting platform with basic indicators. Today, a modern technical analysis tool for stock market trading has evolved into a full ecosystem of advanced features designed to capture every layer of market activity. Instead of offering just moving averages or oscillators, platforms like ATAS integrate order flow, volume profiles, and cluster charts that reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. Traders in 2025 expect their tools to deliver this kind of depth and clarity, giving them insights that go far beyond traditional charting.

  • Order flow visibility: See who’s buying and selling in real time.
  • Volume profiles: Identify the price zones where the most activity occurs.
  • Cluster charts: Break down trades inside a single candlestick.
  • Custom automation: Build alerts, bots, and strategies around your own logic.

This shift reflects the reality that markets are more fragmented, with liquidity spread across multiple venues. To compete, traders need analysis tools that consolidate data and reveal hidden opportunities.

Order Flow Stocks: The Hidden Driver of Price Action

One of the most important innovations in technical analysis is the ability to track order flow stocks in real time. Unlike traditional indicators that lag, order flow shows who is active right now.

What Traders Can See With Order Flow:

  • Market depth: The number of buyers and sellers at each price level.
  • Aggression: Which side is crossing the spread to get filled.
  • Absorption: When large players hold the line and absorb liquidity.
  • Iceberg orders: Institutional buying or selling hidden within smaller trades.

For example, a stock might look flat on a candlestick chart. But zooming into order flow could reveal heavy buying pressure just under resistance — a sign of a potential breakout. Without this layer of insight, a trader might miss the setup entirely.

Must-Have Tools for Stock Analysis in 2025

To stay competitive, traders should know the essential tools that make up modern software for stock analysis. Let’s break down the most important categories:

1. Footprint Charts

These show volume at the bid and ask within each candle. They allow traders to spot imbalances, absorption, and areas of strong institutional interest.

2. Volume Profile Analysis

Instead of focusing only on price, volume profiles highlight where the most trading occurs. These “value areas” often act as strong support and resistance levels.

3. Depth of Market (DOM)

The DOM displays the real-time liquidity at every price level. Traders use it to gauge whether there’s hidden buying or selling pressure.

4. Custom Indicators

From moving averages to algorithmic signals, customizable indicators let traders tailor their platform to fit unique strategies.

5. Multi-Asset Coverage

The best platforms cover not just equities but also futures, options, and crypto. Traders can cross-reference order flow across markets for more complete decision-making.

Choosing the Right Software for Stock Analysis

Not every platform offers the same depth of data. Beginners may be fine with basic charting, but serious traders will need professional-grade features.

That’s where platforms like ATAS software for Stock Analysis come in. ATAS is designed specifically for order flow and volume analysis. It offers:

  • Cluster charts for inside-the-bar detail.
  • Footprint visualization to see buyers vs. sellers.
  • Volume profiles that pinpoint high-activity levels.
  • Easy integration with major global exchanges.

What makes ATAS stand out is that it balances power with usability. Beginners can get started quickly, while professionals can dive deep into advanced features without hitting roadblocks.

Stocks for Traders: Matching Tools to Strategy

The best tool depends on your trading style. Let’s look at how different types of stocks for traders align with modern analysis tools:

Day Traders

  • Rely on real-time order flow and DOM data.
  • Need instant alerts when liquidity shifts.
  • Benefit from cluster charts that show hidden imbalances.

Swing Traders

  • Use volume profiles to define strong entry zones.
  • Track order flow to confirm breakouts or reversals.
  • Lean on multi-day analysis for trend confirmation.

Long-Term Investors

  • Use technical analysis to time positions within fundamentals.
  • Volume profiles help spot accumulation or distribution phases.
  • Heatmaps and cluster charts add context to large institutional moves.

Options Traders

  • Track order flow to gauge whether implied volatility is supported.
  • Use DOM data to spot sentiment shifts.
  • Rely on cross-market analysis (stocks vs. futures) for hedging.

The Balance Between Tools and Human Skill

While technical analysis tools are more advanced than ever, they’re not a substitute for human decision-making. A tool for stock analysis shows possibilities, but traders must apply discipline.

  • Discipline: Even the best signals can’t prevent emotional trades.
  • Risk Management: Stop losses and proper position sizing remain essential.
  • Contextual Awareness: News, macro trends, and sentiment still matter.
  • Adaptability: Markets evolve; strategies must evolve too.

Think of analysis software as the most advanced map you’ve ever seen. But you’re still the one behind the wheel.

What to Expect Next: The Future of Stock Market Analysis Tools

By 2025 and beyond, traders can expect software for stock analysis to grow even smarter. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

  • AI-driven predictive models: Platforms that forecast where liquidity will form and additional tools, like Gemini-Powered Nest Cam, Doorbell, and Google Home Speaker.
  • Cloud-based workspaces: Sync your custom setups across multiple devices.
  • Mobile-first platforms: Full-featured analysis on the go.
  • Smart alerts: AI assistants that notify you when unusual order flow emerges and
  • Community-driven tools: Traders sharing strategies, templates, and signals within the platform.
  • Security and compliance focus: Stronger data protection as more traders move to cloud-based solutions.

The future is about accessibility and intelligence. Tools won’t just show you what’s happening — they’ll guide you toward where opportunities might develop.

Conclusion

Technical analysis remains one of the most powerful ways to understand market behavior, and in 2025, it’s only becoming more advanced. From order flow stocks tracking to volume profile analysis, traders have more ways than ever to spot opportunities.

Choosing the right stock market analysis tool is about more than features—it’s about matching technology to your strategy. Platforms like ATAS make this process easier, offering professional-grade insights without overwhelming traders.

At the end of the day, success comes from the combination of human skill and the right software for stock analysis. In the fast-paced world of trading, those who adapt, adopt, and master these tools will be the ones who thrive.

Is It Possible To Stay Private Online Anymore?

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Is It Possible To Stay Private Online Anymore?

Online privacy keeps shifting because rules, apps, and devices keep shifting. A setting that worked last month can leak after one update. The useful answer isn’t absolute. Perfect invisibility is unrealistic yet practical privacy is still within reach with steady habits and a few chosen tools.

What “private” really means

Secrecy tries to hide that something exists; privacy limits who sees it, how long it’s stored, and what can be inferred. That shift moves the goal from fantasy to risk control. For most, the win looks like smaller ad profiles, fewer location breadcrumbs, and payment trails that reveal less than they used to.

Questions about access sit beside that goal. Services gate content by region or network, and travelers want consistent logins. In gambling, readers sometimes ask how to access casinos with a VPN when a platform allows it and the account rules are clear. Using a VPN can help restore access to casino sites that block certain territories, but compliance still depends on the operator’s terms and verification policies. A vetted list clarifies what “VPN-friendly” means, so expectations match the terms before deposits or identity checks happen.

How tracking actually follows you

Three channels explain most tracking: identifiers, metadata, and habits. Identifiers include logins, device IDs, and cookies. Metadata covers IP address, time, and rough location. Habits show up through repetition. Combine those streams and you get a fingerprint that holds even when one signal goes quiet.

Some of this is easier to blunt than it used to be. Modern browsers isolate or block third-party cookies. Mobile operating systems ask for permission before sharing location, contacts, or motion data. None of that yields a cloak, but together those settings cut passive collection to a manageable level.

Practical steps that move the needle

Start with the big wins. Use a browser with tracking protections on by default and set a short history window. On the phone, prune app permissions and turn off background refresh when it serves no purpose. Turn on two-factor authentication, ideally with an authenticator app or a hardware security key rather than SMS.

Account hygiene matters. Create unique passwords with a manager and rotate credentials after breach notices. Review connected apps in Google, Apple, and social accounts; remove access you no longer need.

Networks, IP addresses, and location

Your network path leaks more than most people expect. Home internet ties traffic to a household. Mobile data rotates through carrier gateways yet still maps to a subscriber. Public Wi-Fi exposes device names and unencrypted requests. A virtual private network can hide your IP from sites and your activity from the local provider, but it does not make you anonymous to the VPN. If you use one, choose a trustworthy service, test for DNS and WebRTC leaks, and avoid logging in to high-risk accounts during the session.

When the stakes are higher, use stronger layers. The Tor Browser routes traffic through volunteer relays so a destination cannot easily connect identity to origin. Tor does not fix sloppy account reuse or logged-in browsing, yet it adds resilience when the threat model includes network observers.

Payments, receipts, and the paper trail

Payments reveal patterns regardless of browser privacy. Cards generate itemized records. Bank transfers do the same. Minimize the trail by favoring merchants that support privacy-respecting options and keeping receipts in a separate email, so financial history doesn’t mingle with everyday searches. If your bank offers one-time virtual cards, use them for trials or low-trust vendors.

Cryptocurrency narrows links between identity and spend only when handled deliberately. Addresses persist on public ledgers, and analytics can cluster activity. Gains come from wallet hygiene—fresh addresses, careful notes, and separation between identities—not from the asset alone.

What the law can and cannot do

Privacy law won’t erase what’s already collected, but it grants rights and sets incentives. You can request access to your data, ask for deletion, or opt out of certain uses. Companies must document what they collect and why. For plain-English summaries, see the Federal Trade Commission’s privacy guidance. For civil-society toolkits and action steps, the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s privacy resources provide clear guides and tools.

When a company cooperates, you get faster responses and cleaner exports. When it stalls, the paper trail improves your odds with a regulator. Either way, the law gives levers, not miracles.

Social graphs and the human factor

Many leaks come from hurried clicks, precise locations in posts, and “quick surveys.” The fastest fix is behavioral. Slow down. Question prompts. Compartmentalize identity. Use different emails for shopping, forums, and banking. Mask the phone number where possible. Consider an alias for public profiles when a real name serves no purpose.

Revisit what friends can tag. Photo tags and contact uploads can rebuild a social graph even with strict settings. Limit who can see connections and disable auto-tagging. That change can shrink exposure more than switching browsers.

Work and school devices

Managed devices follow policies you don’t control. Admins can log traffic, push updates, and audit apps. Treat those machines as single-purpose and keep personal browsing on hardware you own. If a shared computer is unavoidable, use a non-admin profile and clear sessions when done.

Remote work adds another wrinkle. Meeting platforms often save transcripts and recordings by default. If hosting, set retention rules and access lists. If joining, assume the session is recorded and move sensitive details to channels that support encryption and granular permissions.

A privacy plan you can actually keep

Sustainability beats intensity. Pick a handful of actions and repeat them monthly. Example: run a permission review on the first Sunday, rotate one high-value password each quarter, and export an archive of a main social account twice a year. Make privacy routine, the way backups or desk cleanups run on a schedule.

Before a trip or a major life change, do a quick tune-up. Log out of dormant accounts, set device PINs, enable remote-wipe options, and store recovery codes safely. Those ten minutes deliver more peace of mind than any toggle buried three menus deep.

Where the line is today

The question isn’t “Can anyone be invisible?” The better test is: can personal moments, purchases, and locations stay out of strangers’ dashboards without turning life into an obstacle course? With a realistic plan and steady habits, yes. It is possible to narrow the footprint, control who sees what, and use the internet without donating every detail.

No single tool grants invisibility, yet layered choices build resilience. Set boundaries with accounts and devices, be selective with networks, and rely on laws and settings that favor your side. That is modern privacy: not a cloak, but a set of levers to pull whenever the default asks for too much.

Charles Barkley Feels the NBA Has Treated Fans Poorly With New Media Rights Deals

BSM Staff
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Charles Barkley Feels the NBA Has Treated Fans Poorly With New Media Rights Deals

NBA legend Charles Barkley voiced sharp criticism of the league’s new media rights agreements during the Bruce, Barkley & Basketball Golf Classic earlier this week, suggesting the league is prioritizing revenue over fan accessibility.

The NBA is set to begin their new 11-year media rights deals with The Walt Disney Company, Comcast Corporation and Amazon under commissioner Adam Silver reportedly worth a collective $77 billion over the term. The added exposure for the league moving games to Prime Video and NBC/Peacock is what concerns Barkley the most.

“One of my biggest concerns is we have sh*t on the fans so much moving the games to NBC and Amazon,” Barkley said to reporters, referencing the NBA’s newly restructured broadcasting arrangements. “Fans are gonna have a hard time finding the games because we’re all gonna be on different nights now. But they just took the most money, they didn’t care about the fans, which it is what it is.”

Barkley’s comments come as the NBA’s multi-year media deals, which officially begin this season. They have drawn attention for their complexity and potential impact on the average viewer. Under the agreements, a broader range of national games will be split among Amazon Prime, ABC/ESPN, and NBC platforms.

To address the concern, the NBA announced today the launch of a Tap to Watch will serve as a direct pathway for fans to tune into games through the NBA’s own digital channels — including the NBA App, NBA.com, and team websites — as well as through national broadcast partners ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. Nearly all local broadcasts will also be integrated into the system.

Barkley however still believes the focus for the league is not on the fans.

“The money is ridiculous,” Barkley said, acknowledging the financial success of the deals. “I get it. But what about the fans who’ve been supporting the game for decades?”

Barkley’s program Inside the NBA will be airing this season on Disney platforms (ESPN/ABC) throughout the season. Under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN through which TNT Sports will continue to produce the show. According to Tim Corrigan, ESPN’s senior vice president of sports production, despite moving under the network umbrella, the plan is for Inside the NBA to remain filmed from its longtime Atlanta studio with the original cast, music, graphics producer, director, and support staff.

The Hall of Famer, known as much for his candid opinions as his on-court achievements, expressed concern that the changes could alienate longtime followers who are less familiar with streaming services or who rely on traditional cable packages. He also emphasized that the league’s pursuit of maximum financial gain should not come at the expense of accessibility.

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.

Cumulus Media Files Lawsuit Against Nielsen Alleging Radio Ratings Monopoly

BNM Staff
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Cumulus Media Files Lawsuit Against Nielsen Alleging Radio Ratings Monopoly

Cumulus Media has taken its frustrations with Nielsen to federal court, accusing the audience measurement giant of using its dominance in radio ratings to suppress competition and inflate prices across the industry.

The Atlanta-based broadcaster filed its lawsuit in Manhattan federal court this week, alleging that Nielsen has violated federal and state antitrust laws by tying together the sale of its national and local radio ratings products. In short, Cumulus claims Nielsen forces media companies to buy expensive local audience data they may not need in order to gain access to the national ratings that networks like its subsidiary Westwood One rely on.

Nielsen, whose ratings data play a key role in determining the value of audio advertising, quickly dismissed the lawsuit’s allegations. In a statement to Reuters, the company called the complaint “entirely without merit” and said it would “respond accordingly.”

Cumulus, however, argues that Nielsen’s sales structure has created a stranglehold on how radio’s value is measured — and who can afford to measure it. The broadcaster says Nielsen’s policy effectively raises prices, degrades quality, and prevents alternative measurement firms from gaining a foothold in the marketplace.

The complaint further claims that the policy impacts “hundreds of millions of dollars of commerce” across the radio industry. Cumulus maintains that advertisers and broadcasters alike are being squeezed by reduced choice, higher costs, and slower innovation as a result.

Westwood One, Cumulus’s national network arm and the official audio partner of the NFL, depends heavily on reliable national ratings data to secure ad sales and sponsorships. By linking those national numbers to unnecessary local market purchases, Cumulus says Nielsen is leveraging its market power to force companies into paying more than what’s fair or reasonable.

“Cumulus is suing over anticompetitive conduct that we believe is unlawful and damaging,” the company said in a statement to Reuters. “We’re taking this step to protect our business, our advertisers, and the broader radio industry.”

For decades, Nielsen’s ratings have been the currency of both radio and television advertising. But as audio consumption has diversified into streaming, podcasts, and digital platforms, broadcasters have voiced growing concerns about whether the company’s methods and pricing still reflect today’s competitive landscape.

Cumulus, which owns and operates nearly 400 radio stations in more than 80 markets nationwide, is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order barring Nielsen from continuing what it describes as unfair and anticompetitive business practices.

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.

Glenn Beck: AI Can Ensure ‘Golden Age of Radio is Still Ahead’

BNM Staff
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Glenn Beck: AI Can Ensure ‘Golden Age of Radio is Still Ahead’

Glenn Beck made an appearance in Fort Wayne at the legendary WOWO on Friday afternoon and shared optimism about the future of radio.

Beck’s appearance was part of WOWO’s 100th anniversary celebration. As part of his appearance, it was part of the debut of a new studio center and presentation area for WOWO, with state-of-the-art upgrades to the heritage brand.

While speaking with Fort Wayne’s Morning News host Kayla Blakeslee, Beck was asked about his career, considering that he’s approaching the 50th anniversary of his start in broadcasting.

“If people choose what WOWO is doing, the Golden Age is still ahead,” Beck said. “We’ve become content manufacturing. It’s assembly lines. And with AI, it’s only going to get worse. I’ve consulted with some of the biggest people in the radio industry, and said, ‘You have to use AI, but don’t use it the way people are starting to use it. You’re just using it to assemble things and replace people.'”

Beck added that he’s invested millions in researchers over his career, and is continuing to invest in AI products that he’ll share more details on in January.

However, he said, utilizing AI has allowed him to hire more people, not downsize.

“We’re not firing people. We’re hiring more people because we can do things we were never able to do,” he shared. “If you use AI that way, you’re going to turbo and the future is very bright. If you use it the way everybody’s going to start using it, where it’s just taking a test for you and it’s telling you all the answers, you’re not thinking, you’re not creating, it’ll destroy you. It’s just a choice of which one do you want to be.”

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93.7 the Fan Host Andrew Fillipponi To Have Nipples Pierced Paying off Bet Regarding Pittsburgh Steelers

BSM Staff
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93.7 the Fan Host Andrew Fillipponi To Have Nipples Pierced Paying off Bet Regarding Pittsburgh Steelers

93.7 The Fan afternoon host Andrew Fillipponi is taking accountability after losing a high-profile on-air bet tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. Before the game, Fillipponi boldly wagered that he was so confident the Steelers would win, that if they didn’t, he would get his nipples pierced. He even declared the score would be 38-3 and backup QB Mason Rudolph would gain time on the field.

When the Steelers lost, Fillipponi quickly found himself on the hook for a promise that caught the attention of listeners across Pittsburgh. He discussed the payoff on his Friday program on 93.7 The Fan.

“I wanted to say it’s all Mike Tomlin’s fault, but it’s not. It’s my fault,” Fillipponi said on the air Friday. “I’m the stupid a** that said, ‘Oh, this game is going to be different.’ I’m the moron who said, ‘Oh my god, no Joe Burrow and now Trey Hendrickson is out. They’re not going to lose this game.’ Sure, the Bengals can’t run the ball. I’ll go do something asinine and pop off and shoot my mouth. Make some kind of BS wager that I’ll never have to worry about paying off. Sure, I’ll get my nipples pierced. What difference does it make?”

Despite the embarrassment, Fillipponi isn’t backing away. In fact, he’s using the wager as an opportunity to raise money for a meaningful cause on 93.7 The Fan.

“It is going to happen before this month is over,” Fillipponi said on 93.7 The Fan. “What we’re trying to work out right now is where it’s going to happen. But this is absolutely going to be something where the freaks out there, who are sadists, who want to see me in pain and agony, are going to be able to do this somewhere, in person.”

According to Fillipponi, the event will be open to the public, with an admission fee that will be donated to a breast cancer charity. The timing, he noted, is intentional — aligning the lighthearted bet payoff with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“There will be an admission price,” he added. “However, that admission price, I’m very pleased to say, is going to go to a breast cancer charity, because we are talking about nipples, and it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So there is actually some good that is going to come out of this.”

As for how he’ll handle the piercing itself, Fillipponi made it clear there will be no shortcuts.

“There’s no funny business here,” he said on The Fan. “I’m going to do it without numbing agents. It’s going to happen live. I need some help, possibly, from you out there on finding a professional out there who, with tender love and care, pierces nipples and has an outstanding resume — a better resume than Mike Tomlin on Thursday Night Football.”

While the bet may have started as a moment of impulsive radio bravado, Fillipponi is leaning into the bit — turning what could have been a humiliating punishment into a community-driven charity event.

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NFL Films Denies Leaking Bill Belichick Video Shown On ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out’ Episode

BSM Staff
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NFL Films Denies Leaking Bill Belichick Video Shown On ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out’ Episode

NFL Films issued a statement on The Pat McAfee Show denying any involvement in the production or leak of a video featuring former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick that appeared on the latest episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out.

During Friday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, host Pat McAfee read the statement on air, clarifying the organization’s relationship with Belichick and the production behind the video. The clip, which went viral after being shown on Torre’s program. Reportedly came from footage associated with an unaired project titled Coach.

“NFL Films did not produce ‘Coach’ with Bill Belichick. NFL Films did not edit the show. NFL Films did not shoot the show. NFL Films did not – and does not – own the show,” the statement read. “As a matter of convenience to him, NFL Films allowed Coach Belichick and the production team from Underdog to use our studio for his ‘Coach’ show because he was already here in his capacity as talent on Inside the NFL.”

The statement continued, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Belichick and the NFL Films brand while denying any connection to the leaked material.

“NFL Films has a longstanding relationship with Bill Belichick based on trust and mutual respect. Built over many years of working together. We have absolutely no reason to believe that this footage leak came from NFL Films or from any employee of NFL Films,” the statement concluded.

The leak drew wide attention across sports media and social platforms. Sparking questions about how the footage surfaced and whether it was tied to official league production. Torre’s program, which has gained traction for its investigative tone and behind-the-scenes reporting, aired the video as part of a broader discussion about Belichick’s future and his visibility following his departure from the Patriots.

Following the reading of the statement, McAfee offered his perspective on Torre’s approach to sports journalism. Praising his willingness to pursue complex and often sensitive stories.

“This guy currently has a lot of questions about a lot of stuff happening around the sports world,” McAfee said. “We’re, like, very impressed by the fact that Pablo Torre is just going all in like this. It is on everything. It’s like he’s uncovering stuff that I think has been around me for a long time. I think he’s only going to continue to do those things like we are. I don’t want to speak for everybody in Thunderdome, but like, this guy’s courage is wildly impressive.”

The video itself showed production meetings between Belichick, Jordon Hudson, and other staff members discussing graphic design and other items of a production called Coach, which was an Underdog Fantasy production shot at NFL Films’ studios.

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