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How Much Would You Pay For Radio In a Connected Car?

Dr. Ed Cohen
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How Much Would You Pay For Radio In a Connected Car?

I watched a video presentation about connected cars from November’s asi conference while writing last week’s column. This has always been an area of interest to me. During my time at Arbitron, I was heavily involved in trying to figure out ways to obtain large data sets from vehicle infotainment systems.

The presenters noted that at least one European manufacturer, Opel, does not include any sort of infotainment system or radio in one of their new models. It’s the 2025 Opel Frontera SC, the least expensive version of the small SUV, which comes with a “smartphone station”. Apparently, you load an Opel app on your phone, place the phone in the docking station in the car, and it becomes the infotainment system. Want a “traditional” infotainment system? Move up to the Elegance edition of the Frontera and pay more.

The US situation is different. Some manufacturers no longer include AM radios in their vehicles, notably Tesla, but Elon Musk’s company is not alone (I see you Volvo, BMW, Polestar, and other EV manufacturers). When Ford announced that AM radio would no longer be available in F-150s, the howl from broadcasters could be heard across the land. The NAB has worked hard to gain passage of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, which would require AM in cars. However, I’m not aware of any US models that do not include an FM radio.

Europe has moved in a different direction to deal with OEMs and where radio appears in the dash. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) started an initiative called Radio Ready. Announced at WorldDAB Automotive in Madrid last June, the initiative has been joined by many private European radio broadcasters including Bauer, NRJ, and RTL as well as the Association of European Radios, which represents private broadcasters at the EU in Brussels. Commercial Radio and Audio, the group representing Australian commercial radio, has also joined in.

Radio Ready’s goal is to keep radio in a prominent position on the dashboard. Per the EBU, the initiative started with four principles:

  • Radio in the car must be easy to use, starting with the push of a button.
  • Radio should not just be easy to find, but impossible to miss.
  • Radio should be focused and personalized. Smart suggestions based on prior listening are fine as long as data collection policies are transparent.
  • Radio comes as a package meaning both public and private broadcasters should be found in the same place.

Based on what I’ve read and viewed, it’s morphed just a bit. Bauer’s press release after the Madrid conference listed three more succinct principles:

  • Radio should be prominent and convenient
  • Radio apps should be discoverable
  • Voice assistants should be reliable

The asi presentation noted that radio should also remain free. There was a stated concern that automakers, aggregators, or others might attempt to bundle reception of free radio stations into a subscription system along with other audio sources. When I heard this, I thought of cable TV. I’m old enough to have been around before cable existed when one picked up free local TV signals off-air with rabbit ears or an outdoor antenna, much as radio has from the outset. Eventually, we paid for access to what was once free.

Isn’t it wonderful when radio broadcasters, private and public, get together for a worthwhile initiative to help the industry? I’ve read enough trade press in this country expressing concerns that the car is the last redoubt of radio strength. Many fret the future, with competition from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or systems designed by the OEMs designed to highlight audio sources other than broadcast radio. The Europeans and Australians have come together to push a vision with simple principles and a single voice.

Why can’t North American broadcasters do the same and be a part of Radio Ready? Perhaps I’m missing something. It looks like a worthwhile initiative that could involve the NAB, RAB, NPR, and any other radio organization. I can’t see where one company or group would be better off than another in the push to maintain radio’s strength in the car. I only see positives.

If you’d like to view the presentation given by Bauer and SR (Sveriges Radio of Sweden), check out the video below. Start at 51 minutes in to view the presentation. It’s worth your time. Then think about how we can become Radio Ready in the US.

Let’s meet again next week.

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Matt Ryan Departs CBS Sports for Role With the Atlanta Falcons

BSM Staff
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Matt Ryan Departs CBS Sports for Role With the Atlanta Falcons

Former NFL MVP Matt Ryan is leaving his role as a CBS Sports analyst to return to the Atlanta Falcons in a newly created executive position, marking a significant career shift from broadcasting back to the franchise he helped define for more than a decade.

The Falcons announced Saturday morning that Ryan has been named President of Football. A role that places him in charge of all football operations for the organization. He will report directly to owner and chairman Arthur M. Blank and work in coordination with Falcons President and CEO Greg Beadles. The move comes as Atlanta searches for a new head coach and general manager. Both positions will report to Ryan once filled.

Ryan’s departure from CBS Sports ends a three-year run in television that followed his 15-season NFL playing career. After leaving the field, Ryan worked as a game analyst before moving to the studio on THE NFL TODAY. He provided analysis alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson. CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Ryan’s leadership and contributions. He said the former quarterback brought the same professionalism to broadcasting that defined his playing career.

For Atlanta, the hire represents a return to familiar leadership at a pivotal moment. Blank said Ryan’s knowledge of the modern NFL, combined with his understanding of the Falcons organization and market, made him a natural fit for the position.

Ryan assumes the role immediately and is expected to be heavily involved in shaping the franchise’s next phase. This begins with the selection of its top football decision-makers.

While Ryan acknowledged his appreciation for his time at CBS Sports, he emphasized that his connection to Atlanta never faded.

“While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity,” said Ryan via a statement.

Ryan spent 14 seasons with the Falcons after being selected third overall in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He became the most accomplished player in franchise history. Ryan led Atlanta to five playoff appearances, two NFC Championship Games, and a Super Bowl berth. His 2016 season marked a peak, earning first-team All-Pro honors and the franchise’s first NFL MVP award.

Beyond the field, Ryan earned recognition for his community impact, including being named the Falcons’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2016. Along with his wife, Sarah, he remains active in Atlanta-based charitable initiatives. The family continues to reside in the metro area.

Although Ryan acknowledged the learning curve that comes with moving into football operations, he said he understands the weight of the role and is prepared for the challenge.

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Stephen A. Smith Responds to Keith Olbermann’s Call for ESPN To Fire Him: “I’m Sick of Your Pathetic Ass”

BSM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Responds to Keith Olbermann’s Call for ESPN To Fire Him: “I’m Sick of Your Pathetic Ass”

Stephen A. Smith forcefully pushed back against former ESPN personality Keith Olbermann on Friday after Olbermann publicly called for ESPN to fire the longtime First Take star over his commentary on a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota.

He addressed the criticism during an episode of his Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith YouTube show, delivering an unfiltered response that escalated an already tense media dispute. Olbermann had argued on social media that Smith’s comments regarding the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good were harmful to ESPN’s brand and should result in disciplinary action.

Instead of backing down, Smith turned his attention directly toward Olbermann, accusing the former SportsCenter anchor of hypocrisy and professional bitterness.

“Literally trying to get me fired,” Smith said. “It’s time for ESPN to fire Stephen A. — he’s hurting the brand. He’s damaging the brand. Coming from you?”

Smith continued by questioning Olbermann’s credibility within the media industry, suggesting that his longtime adversarial approach had cost him professional relationships and standing. Smith accused Olbermann of “napalming bridges” throughout his career, including during his time at ESPN, and said the criticism reflected personal resentment rather than principled disagreement.

“Who looks more like a cartoon character than you? Keith Olbermann, you can’t run five feet with your fat self,” explained Smith.

The exchange stems from Smith’s earlier remarks on his podcast in which he stated that, from a legal perspective, the ICE officer involved in the Minnesota shooting appeared justified. While Smith acknowledged the tragedy of the situation and raised questions about whether lethal force was necessary, the comments drew swift backlash online.

Olbermann, a frequent critic of ESPN and its talent, responded by urging the network to sever ties with Smith, claiming he was now doing reputational harm beyond his on-air persona. Olbermann wrote that he was speaking on behalf of individuals who “built the place,” a reference to ESPN’s earlier era.

Smith, however, dismissed the criticism as performative outrage and said he was finished tolerating Olbermann’s public attacks.

“I’m sick of your pathetic ass,” Smith said during the episode. “I really, really am. You’re a 66-year-old — barely with any friends. Who the hell knows what’s going on in your life?”

The dispute places ESPN in the middle of a highly public feud involving two of the most recognizable — and polarizing — figures in media. Smith is less than a year into a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN, signed in March 2025. He also hosts programming for SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and produces politically focused content outside of ESPN.

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Don La Greca Signs Multi-Year Extension With ESPN New York

BSM Staff
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Don La Greca Signs Multi-Year Extension With ESPN New York

Don La Greca’s voice has been part of ESPN New York since the very beginning. On Friday, La Greca has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to continue as a co-host of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, ESPN New York confirmed to Newsday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.The deal solidifies La Greca’s role as the veteran anchor of the afternoon program alongside Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg. The show marked its first anniversary earlier this year.

La Greca’s relationship with ESPN New York dates back to Sept. 3, 2001, when he became the first on-air voice heard when the station launched. He later rose to prominence as a key member of The Michael Kay Show, where he spent more than two decades.

In addition to his radio responsibilities, La Greca recently landed an added role as play-by-play voice of the New Jersey Devils on MSG Networks.

“Don La Greca has been a cornerstone of ESPN New York for decades,” ESPN executive vice president and executive editor Dave Roberts said in a statement to NewsDay. “His passion and credibility have helped define our local coverage. We’re excited to have him remain a central part of our programming.”

The new deal will push La Greca’s tenure with ESPN to roughly 25 years, a milestone he does not take lightly.

Speaking with Barrett Media in October, amid uncertainty about his future with the station. La Greca said he would weigh his options if offered a new deal.

“I’m a 57-year-old father of seven-year-old twins. So, time is as important to me as money. In a lot of ways, it’s even more valuable than money,” explained LaGreca. “As I weigh my options of staying or going, it’s all about what’s best for my family.”

Now with a new multi-year extension complete, La Greca is looking forward to the challenge of continuing both roles together.

“When I was growing up, I wanted to do play-by-play and host a show,” he said to NewsDay. “To be able to do both, and to do them at this level, is incredibly humbling.”

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Audacy SVP of Programming Michael Martin Stepping Down as Brand Manager Alice 97.3

BMM Staff
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Audacy SVP of Programming Michael Martin Stepping Down as Brand Manager Alice 97.3

Audacy is set to adjust its brand leadership structure in San Francisco. The company announced senior executive Michael Martin is transitioning away from a key local role while expanding his focus nationally. Martin will step down as brand manager of Alice 97.3 at the end of the year, according to internal communication.

The move allows Martin to focus fully on his corporate role as Audacy’s Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives.

Audacy San Francisco Senior Vice President and Market Manager Kieran Geffert confirmed Martin will remain brand manager through December. The move ensures continuity and an orderly transition.

“We’re grateful for Michael’s 16 years of leadership and the passion he’s brought to Alice, and all of our brands,” Geffert wrote. “His programming vision, artist partnerships, signature events, and steady leadership have been integral to Alice’s trajectory over the years.”

Martin’s history in the Bay Area extends well beyond Alice 97.3. For two decades, he led several of Audacy’s top San Francisco stations, including KLLC, KMVQ, KITS, and KRBQ. His work has consistently blended audience-driven programming with strong artist engagement and event strategy.

Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano highlighted Martin’s long-standing impact on the company’s local success.

“Michael has been a valuable contributor to the success of our San Francisco brands for almost two decades,” Sottolano said. “In his SF role, he has led highly rated shows and award-winning on-air talent and brought artists such as Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and John Mayer to the city by the bay.”

Sottolano added that Martin’s influence has been felt on and off the air. He has helped elevate Audacy’s brand profile in one of the nation’s most competitive media markets.

As Martin steps away from daily local brand oversight at year’s end, his national responsibilities continue to expand. In his SVP role, he works closely with Audacy’s format leaders and events teams. He helps guide music strategy, artist relationships, and large-scale initiatives across the company’s nationwide footprint.

“Michael will continue in his role as SVP, Programming and Music Initiatives and continue to collaborate with our format leadership and events teams across the country,” Sottolano said.

Audacy has not yet announced plans for new leadership at Alice 97.3.

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.

CNBC Moving Morgan Brennan From Closing Bell: Overtime to New Early Morning Show

BNM Staff
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CNBC Moving Morgan Brennan From Closing Bell: Overtime to New Early Morning Show

CNBC is making a change in its daily lineup, moving Morgan Brennan from the Closing Bell: Overtime afternoon program to her own early morning show.

In a post on social media, Brennan revealed that Friday will mark her final day helming the show alongside John Fortt and Scott Wapner before starting her own new show later this month. Fortt will also be exiting the program on Friday afternoon.

“I am getting my own show on CNBC!” Brennan shared. “Starting January 26th, join me at 5 AM, as we set the teon for the day and deliver news and analysis you will need to hit the ground running.”

She added that the hour is a unique one, as the program broadcasts in both Europe and Asia during trading hours, while U.S. financial markets are preparing to open.

Morgran Brennan did note, however, she was sad to be leaving Closing Bell: Overtime — which airs from 4-5 PM ET — after working so closely with her colleagues since joining the show in February 2023.

“I am deeply grateful to that team for their incredible ideas, energy and expertise these past few years together,” Brennan said. I could not be more excited about what comes next!”

Morgan Brennan originally joined CNBC in 2013.

Beginning on Tuesday January 20th, Melissa Lee and Michael Sanotli will take over Closing Bell: Overtime. Jon Fortt is set to anchor a new show focused on tech leadership. According to a memo from CNBC Editor-in-Chief David Cho obtained by Barrett Media, that program is “still in development and more details will be shared soon.”

Other moves for CNBC include Brian Sullivan moving from U.S. Markets Edition to now co-anchoring Power Lunch alongside Kelly Evans. Meanwhile, Frank Holland will leave Worldwide Exchange on Friday, January 23rd to become the new anchor of U.S. Markets Edition.

“These moves allow us to refresh our lineup and place our anchors in positions that maximize their impact,” wrote Cho.

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David Cone Departs ESPN As MLB Analyst

BSM Staff
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David Cone Departs ESPN As MLB Analyst

David Cone’s run as a national analyst at ESPN has come to an end. ESPN confirmed a report from Front Office Sports that Cone was departing the network after serving the last several years in the Sunday Night Baseball booth.

“We appreciate David’s many contributions to our Major League Baseball coverage and wish him the best,” a network spokesperson said to Front Office Sports.

The decision for Cone’s departure was reported largely driven by structural changes rather than performance. ESPN’s recent decision to opt out from its long-held Sunday Night Baseball package in favor of a slate of midweek MLB games created logistical challenges.

Balancing those new commitments with Cone’s prominent role on the New York Yankees’ YES Network became increasingly difficult.

At the same time, ESPN is reportedly reassessing its baseball presentation following the rights shift, including its on-air talent. Cone’s exit appears to be part of a broader reset as the network redefines how it covers the sport. Especially without a weekly Sunday night broadcast. With Sunday Night Baseball now shifting to NBC, there may be a case where Cone becomes part of NBC’s new baseball lineup.

Cone joined ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball booth in 2022, teaming with play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech and analyst Eduardo Pérez. The trio delivered a mix of analytics, storytelling, and on-field perspective during broadcasts. Cone earned praise for detailed breakdowns of pitching mechanics and game strategy.

Over 17 Major League seasons, Cone compiled a 194–126 record with a 3.46 ERA and 2,668 strikeouts. He won five World Series titles, including one with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. Cone added four championships with the New York Yankees from 1996 to 2000. He also won the American League Cy Young Award in 1994.

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NBC Sports Announces 2026 Sunday Night Baseball, MLB Sunday Leadoff Schedule

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports Announces 2026 Sunday Night Baseball, MLB Sunday Leadoff Schedule

NBC Sports is set to return with a robust season of Major League Baseball in 2026. The schedule is headlined by reigning MVPs Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, storied division rivalries, and the 2025 postseason clubs across a stretch of five consecutive Sunday nights.

The schedule, which runs from March 26 through the end of the regular season, blends primetime broadcasts, special holiday events, and exclusive Peacock streaming. MLB and NBC announced a three-year media rights agreement in November following ESPN opting out of their former media rights agreement with MLB.

The network’s slate includes 27 primetime games, featuring Sunday Night Baseball and marquee holiday matchups on NBC and Peacock, plus 34 afternoon broadcasts. Highlighting the afternoons are 18 MLB Sunday Leadoff games on Peacock, most starting at noon locally. A dedicated whip-around show follows the Leadoff contests to check live action across the league.

In addition, a special final-day whip-around will air Sunday, September 27, on both Peacock and NBCSN. Additionally, one out-of-market game per day will be streamed nationally on Peacock, offering fans a season-long, coast-to-coast viewing experience.

The schedule also features a patriotic July 5 Star-Spangled Sunday, with all 15 MLB games presented nationally on Peacock.

NBC will provide exclusive coverage of the entire Wild Card round. Announcing plans to air eight to 12 postseason games across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. This expansion of Sunday Night Baseball lets NBC offer year-round primetime sports on the same night each week. This goes alongside its established Sunday Night Football (NFL) and Sunday Night Basketball (NBA) broadcasts.

The 2026 season kicks off with the Los Angeles Dodgers raising their championship banner. Their primetime opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 26 is the only primetime game on Opening Day. That day also features a 1 p.m. ET matinee with 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates visiting Juan Soto and the New York Mets.

Sunday Night Baseball officially debuts on March 29 at 7 p.m. ET with a matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners.

Midseason events will spotlight rising talent, including early MLB Draft coverage on July 11 and the All-Star Futures Game on July 12.

The full Sunday Night Baseball, MLB Sunday Leadoff, and Star-Spangled Sunday schedule is listed below via NBC Sports.

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77 WABC Adding Drivetime Market Reports From John Terrett

BNM Staff
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77 WABC Adding Drivetime Market Reports From John Terrett

77 WABC has announced it is adding twice-daily financial market reports anchored by John Terrett to its daily programming.

The reports will air in both morning and afternoon drive, delivering updates from key financial stories and providing market intelligence to New York news/talk radio listeners.

“More than ever before, listeners need clarity on what’s happening on Wall Street,” Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis said. “John (Terrett) has been a guest on my Sunday program, The Cats Roundtable, many times, and his exceptional understanding of the financial world arms listeners with the knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions.”

The morning report will center on pre-market activity, while the afternoon report will provide an update on the developments of the day.

“I am delighted to join the Red Apple family and look forward to reaching listeners across America with valuable insights that will help them maximize their investments,” said Terrett. “I want to thank John (Catsimatidis) for this wonderful opportunity.”

John Terrett has a long history of working in financial media. He’s previously spent time at outlets like the BBC, Al-Jazeera America, and CNBC, among others.

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Big Loud Records Tabs Stacy Blythe, Jordan Pettit as Co-Presidents

BMM Staff
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Big Loud Records Tabs Stacy Blythe, Jordan Pettit as Co-Presidents

Big Loud Records has named Stacy Blythe and Jordan Pettit as Co-Presidents, the company announced. Blythe, a Big Loud veteran who joined the label in 2015, moves into the role from her position as Executive Vice President of Promotion, effective immediately.

Pettit, previously Vice President of Artist & Industry Relations at Opry Entertainment Group, will join Big Loud on February 2. Both executives will report to Big Loud partners Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman.

The leadership appointments place Blythe and Pettit at the helm of all label operations, including artist development, A&R, promotion, marketing, merchandise, strategic planning and special projects. The move underscores Big Loud’s continued expansion and global ambitions as it seeks to build on its record of modern country innovation. Blythe will maintain oversight of the promotion team as part of her new responsibilities.

“Stacy has been integral to Big Loud from the very beginning,” England said. “Her vision, dedication and leadership have been key to shaping both our culture and our success. Adding Jordan’s expertise and extensive industry experience brings fresh perspective and energy to the team. Together, they position Big Loud for an exciting future.”

Blythe expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting her long history with the company and the significance of teaming with Pettit.

“This next chapter is especially meaningful because I’ve grown alongside the team here from day one,” she said. “Big Loud has always prioritized bold ideas and an artist-first approach, and our focus will be on strengthening collaboration across the company as we continue to grow.”

Pettit says he is honored to join Big Loud’s leadership. “I have long admired the Big Loud team for its impact on Nashville and the global music scene,” he said. “Being part of this organization, supporting its roster of artists and creatives, is a true privilege.”

The dual appointments highlight Big Loud’s commitment to combining homegrown leadership with new industry insights.

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