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Surviving Death by Meeting: A Halloween Horror Story for Radio

Kevin Callahan
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Surviving Death by Meeting: A Halloween Horror Story for Radio

It starts with a ping. A calendar notification pops up, casting a cold shadow over your afternoon: an unscheduled “quick sync.” You step inside Conference Room B, the heavy door clicks shut, and the flickering lights hum. As the host opens a blank deck, the horrific truth hits you. Like a victim trapped in a nightmare with Freddy Krueger, you are conscious, paralyzed, and watching your afternoon slowly get sliced to pieces. (Insert Psycho shower-scene sound effect here.) Okay, I am no Stephen King, but the carnage is real.

Welcome to October in media, where the scariest thing in the building is not a Halloween mask. It is the creeping, oozing horror of Death by Meeting.

The Monster with Many Hats

In broadcast media, time constraints go far deeper than hitting a commercial log or music post time. Everyone sitting around that table is a Monster with Many Hats. Your program director is hosting a show, editing video for Reels, writing promo copy, analyzing research, and building sales packages. Your morning host is managing social channels, writing station imaging, and cutting podcast audio. Nobody has an hour to waste sitting in a chair.

When a pointless meeting drags on like Jason Voorhees stalking a victim, it slaughters the vital creative time your team needs to produce great content. Like a succubus in a suit, a bad meeting drains the life force out of creators, leaving behind brain-dead zombies shuffling down the hallway muttering about status updates.

The Cauldron of “Meeting Stew”

In his classic book Death by Meeting, author Patrick Lencioni identified the exact monster haunting our office hallways: Meeting Stew. Look into the bubbling cauldron of a bad meeting, and you will see the gruesome ingredients:

  • Three cups of cold 8 a.m. coffee.
  • An eye of stale status updates that should have been an email.
  • A pinch of unsolicited opinions from people with zero stake in the outcome.
  • A handful of dead-end rants about things nobody in the room can fix.
  • A heavy dose of vague corporate strategy with zero actionable direction.

The 15-Minute Huddle vs. the Mad Scientist Lab

There is a much better way to run an operation. Taking a cue from Gary Vaynerchuk, I keep our weekly programmer meetings capped at 15 minutes. We get in, address immediate friction, align on expectations, and get out. The only exception is when we bring in a guest speaker, host a learning workshop, or audition a new resource for the cluster.

Now, do not confuse a tactical meeting with a brainstorming session. Brainstorming is a completely different beast.

Brainstorming is the Mad Scientist laboratory. It is where you harvest raw brain matter, let wild ideas mutate, and feed the creative monsters in your building. True brainstorming takes time and unhinged exploration, and it produces multiple bizarre concepts before you find the gold. But unless you are strapped to an operating table in Dr. Frankenstein’s lab assembling a new creative monster, make it a strict practice to cap your operational huddles at 15 minutes.

Four Silver Bullets to Slay the Beast

To protect your multi-hat creators from operational zombies, every meeting host must bring four weapons into the room:

  1. The Map (A Pre-Distributed Agenda): Walking into a room without an agenda is running blindly into a dark basement in a slasher movie. If you cannot state the exact issue to resolve in two sentences, cancel the invite.
  2. The Stake (Defined Goals): What specific outcome slays the demon? If the goal is merely “to discuss,” you are trapping your team in a haunted house where nobody escapes.
  3. The Silver Bullet (Single Action Owners): In horror flicks, saying “somebody should check that noise” gets everyone slaughtered. Name one specific human to own each action item, or watch it die.
  4. The Ticking Clock (Time-Bound Deadlines): A deadline without a clock is just a ghost story. “As soon as possible” carries no power. Lock in a firm, time-bound due date and hold the line.

Banish the Monsters and Free Your Talent

Meetings do not have to be a nightmare. When executed with intention, they feature real tension, honest debate, clear stakes, and a satisfying resolution.

Before you send out another calendar summons, ask yourself whether you are building a productive 15-minute huddle, opening the Mad Scientist lab, or just stirring another pot of Meeting Stew. Respect your team’s sanity, demand clear agendas, assign single owners to time-bound goals, and let your creators escape back to doing what they do best: building killer content for your audience.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Miller Night Football Reveals the Chaos Behind Dennis Miller’s Monday Night Football Run

John Molori
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Miller Night Football Reveals the Chaos Behind Dennis Miller’s Monday Night Football Run

It was as grand an experiment as there has ever been in sports television. In 2000, ABC Sports took an iconic television staple and turned it on its ear. The current HBO and HBO Max film Miller Night Football chronicles the tumultuous move that put comedian Dennis Miller in the Monday Night Football (MNF) booth alongside Al Michaels and Dan Fouts.

To understand the gravitas of this decision, one must put the times in perspective. In 2000, there was no Thursday Night Football or Sunday Night Football. MNF was the lone prime-time source for the NFL. Adding Miller to the booth was nothing short of shocking.

Miller’s football experience consisted of being a longtime Steelers fan and a former ESPY Awards host. That was the resume. At the time, Monday Night Football was in a ratings nosedive. ABC Sports chief Howard Katz and newly hired MNF producer Don Ohlmeyer were looking to recapture the glory days when Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford and Don Meredith manned the MNF booth.

After considering the likes of Tony Kornheiser, Billy Crystal and Rush Limbaugh, Miller was deemed the ideal remedy for the ailing telecast. Before a game had even been played, Katz and Ohlmeyer had already succeeded in restoring interest in MNF. Media critics and commentators were all over the story.

Changing The Game

Miller Night Football, directed by Jeff Cameron and produced in partnership with NFL Films, brilliantly offers a vivid and candid look at the Miller phenomenon. The production features interviews with Michaels, Fouts, Katz and Miller himself. It also includes discussions with Miller’s SNL castmate Dana Carvey and MNF sideline reporter at the time Melissa Stark.

The former Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor made his debut on July 31, 2000. It was the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, which pitted the 49ers against the Patriots. Miller was admittedly nervous but wasted no time putting his mark on the show. When discussion turned to Patriots running back J.R. Redmond’s minor groin surgery, Miller quipped, “I’m not sure there is such a thing as minor groin surgery. Anybody has a sharp instrument around my genitalia, I’m thinking it’s major.”

Miller said the joke was his way of feeling out the audience and seeing how far he could take his brand of humor.

Ohlmeyer, who passed away in 2017, convinced Katz to go with Miller because, as Michaels said in the film, “When you have an element of danger, it’s exciting.” Indeed, Miller took television danger to a whole new level. Instead of singing Willie Nelson’s “The Party’s Over,” à la Meredith, Miller ended a one-sided game by saying it was time to “blow dry Ted Koppel’s hair,” referring to the then-host of Nightline, which aired after MNF.

He said Colts head coach Jim Mora “stole Burt Bacharach’s hair.” Also, Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas “throws his body around like a Chinese acrobat with an inner ear problem.” Let’s also not forget Raiders head coach Jon Gruden “looks like Sting with a toothache.” In a funny moment in the film, Miller revealed that after one of his trademark arcane references, Michaels hit his mute button and asked, “What the f**k are you talking about?”

Short Lived Entertainment

Much of this fun ended after the 2000 season, and it was largely Miller’s own fault. Instead of focusing on how to best bring his humor to the game, he tried to become more football literate. He even spent time at Chargers training camp with then-head coach Norv Turner. In addition, Ohlmeyer left MNF, and Fred Gaudelli was hired to replace him.

Gaudelli wanted to move Miller to a halftime role, essentially doing a football version of Weekend Update that looked back on Sunday’s games. Miller ended up staying in the booth, but his attempts to talk X’s and O’s did not fly. I interviewed Gaudelli a few years later, and he told me:

“The great thing about Howard Cosell is that he never had the need to be in the inner circle of sports. The way a Dennis Miller works is to stay out of the circle and take jabs at the game,” said Gaudelli. “The problem is that if you are making a joke about an area where your two booth partners have insight, you can’t get away with the jokes, so you have to come into the inner circle. Once you are in the inner circle, you lose that unique perspective that got you hired in the first place.”

Miller Night Football details MNF’s continued ratings decline in 2001. That season would end up being Miller’s last. When John Madden expressed an interest in leaving NFL on FOX and joining MNF, the die was cast. Both Miller and Fouts were, as Miller put it, “whacked.”

For the 2002 season, Madden would join Michaels in a two-man booth, while Gaudelli remained as MNF producer.

In the end, Dennis Miller did not become a great football broadcaster. What he did do was briefly bring back the luster of Monday Night Football in all its brilliant glory. MNF has never been just about football. At its best, it has always been just as much about entertainment or, as a philosophical Miller said at the end of the film, “It’s showbiz, folks.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Kenny Smoov Shares What’s Next After 21 Years at 92Q Nashville

Bethany Kent
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Kenny Smoov Shares What’s Next After 21 Years at 92Q Nashville

Kenny Smoov signed off from 92Q Nashville on Sept. 4 after 21 years on the air. He is not slowing down. Instead, he is building his next move on his own terms.

Smoov spent 23 years with Cumulus Media and served eight years as Vice President of Urban stations. Cumulus eliminated his position as part of a nationwide downsizing, and the company filed for bankruptcy in March. Even so, Smoov left with gratitude, a head full of ideas and a new show on the way.

A Career Built Across the South

Smoov’s path to Nashville ran through many markets. He worked in Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas and finally Tennessee. Along the way, he led WQQK and WNFN as Program Director. He hosted the Kenny Smoov Morning Show for seven years. He also entertained listeners nationwide on Westwood One afternoons.

A Farewell with Grace

Smoov described his final weeks at 92Q in positive terms. He had time to say goodbye to the many parts of the operation he handled.

On Sept. 4th, city leaders filled the studio for a farewell party. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson and Davidson County Clerk Sharon Hurt all stopped by.

Looking back on his last show, Smoov focused on impact. “I was like, wow! I did something while I had the seat,” he said. “I made an impact, and that’s what everyone in radio should be trying to do: impact your individual markets.”

Still, the exit stung. He expressed “I was disappointed that it came to an end over things I couldn’t control — economic headwinds, operational downsizing. I’m disappointed that the entire business is suffering right now.”

Community Work That Mattered Most

When Smoov looks back, one project stands above the rest. He is proudest of the Hope Station Radiothon. “Getting this amazing organization connected to our brand is the example of being good community partners and using our reach to help,” he said.

Smoov is proud to have contributed to the organization because “single working moms across Tennessee benefit from what the Hope Station’s does.” According to the 501(c)(3)’s website, they “provide financial assistance to single, working mothers whose income disqualifies them for government assistance, and mental wholeness support to any single mother and their minor children.” A noble cause, indeed.

Natural disasters also tested the station. When tornadoes tore through Nashville and nearby towns, Smoov saw a need to be more vocal about where help was going. Relief arrived a little slowly in the part of town the 92Q signal serves. So the station used its reach to get people help faster. It also rallied listeners who escaped the storms to pitch in.

As a result, volunteers showed up with electric saws, food and water. “Nashville is the most generous big city you will ever live in,” Smoov said. “We take care of our own here. Nashville responds like that.”

Beyond local relief, Smoov also led during a national moment. After the killing of George Floyd in 2020, he wrote and voiced a statement for Cumulus. He expected it to run only on the company’s Urban stations. Instead, it aired on more than 400 stations nationwide.

The scale overwhelmed him. He credited Cumulus leaders for backing the message. “Brian Philips and Mary Berner are about doing what’s right during tough times,” he said. Leading in that moment, he added, was an honor.

A Digital Vision for Radio

Looking ahead, Smoov believes radio’s next phase is digital. In the past he has said that he wanted to be out front leading creative as radio moves into a new space. When asked what this would look like, he said it’s “the digitization of our business. The effective use of AI for content building — over the air, online, and on the streets. Meeting the consumers where they are with compelling content that engages and then moving that audio through a content pipeline that effectively lands in their hands daily.”

Why Urban AC Should Open Up

Smoov has a clear stance on music. He believes Urban AC needs more melodic Hip Hop, and he backed that view with action this year. In February, he cheered nearly 20 Urban AC stations for playing T.I.’s “Let Em Know.” He also noted that people 35 and older had posted more than 1 million videos celebrating the song.

He put it bluntly in a LinkedIn post that month. “Dismissing rap hit makers is a shovel of dirt on the future of the format,” he wrote.

Smoov believes change will take courage. “It’s going to take more courageous programmers to speak up in their weekly calls, requesting one-on-one meetings with their Format Captains and Content Chiefs,” he said.

He also laid out what a song needs. “Melodic Hip Hop with good singing hooks, proper song premise, awesome chart placement, research (if available), and high duplication with Mainstream should be considered for airplay on Urban AC,” he said.

In his view, the payoff is clear. “It puts highly relevant songs your audience already knows on your station and gives your brand a hip factor,” Smoov said.

Moreover, he believes programmers underestimate the audience. “Today’s 40-year-old is as hip and vibrant as ever,” he said. “They still get outside and turn heads when they do. Don’t sleep on Auntie and Unc. They still got it, and they love a lot of the Hip Hop songs I mentioned.”

A Homecoming on Facebook Live

Fans can still find Smoov. He and Sissy Brown are doing their show online. He said “we started the show on Facebook Live, so it’s a bit of a homecoming. In today’s marketplace, a radio signal is simply one of many ways for listeners to connect with a Talent Brand. You have YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, podcasting. If you have talent and understand how to build brands, coming off the air signal does mean your paycheck and health insurance go away. Your brand equity and talent are still sitting there waiting to be activated. Get to work!”

Nashville Brown LLC and What Comes Next

Next, Smoov plans to grow his company Nashville Brown LLC. “Nashville Brown LLC covers a lot of things,” he said. “Entertainment Services, Consulting, DJ Services. I’ve had it for a while, and now I’m just expanding the reach of what we do.”

The company’s motto sums up his mindset. “Brown Belongs Everywhere!” he said.

He would return to a company, but only for the right job. “The position needs to be challenging, rewarding, and something that would keep me locked in,” Smoov said. Pay is not the draw. “Money is not my primary motivator,” he added. “I really just love the game and making a difference wherever I am located.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Smoov also has a plan for young radio pros. It starts with ownership. “Build your brand on multiple platforms,” he said. “Have an LLC to place those brand ventures under. You need to fully own what you have created.”

Next comes attitude. “Go to work every day to absorb as much knowledge about what we do as possible,” Smoov said. “You should be a sponge. Volunteer for jobs that grow your brand and reach.”

Likewise, he wants young talent to think long term. “Everything ain’t about money right now,” he said. “Your money is your youth and your ability to position yourself later in your career.”

Finally, he stressed a safety net. “Stack up,” Smoov said. “Have enough put away so that you can sit at home for months without working and not sweat it. You just may have to do that.”

Final Takeaway

Smoov’s exit stung, but he is moving fast. He leaves 92Q with a long record of community work and a clear view of radio’s future. Meanwhile, he plans to build his brand across streaming platforms and through Nashville Brown LLC. Above all, he wants other radio pros to follow his example. Make an impact while you have the seat.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Jesse Watters, Michael Knowles Headline First Crop of America Fest 2026 Speakers

Garrett Searight
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Jesse Watters, Michael Knowles Headline First Crop of America Fest 2026 Speakers

Turning Point USA has revealed the lineup for America Fest 2026, featuring prominent conservative media figures and political leaders. Jesse Watters, Michael Knowles, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt are among the scheduled speakers.

What We Know: America Fest 2026 will take place December 17th through the 20th at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual Turning Point USA event will feature a broad lineup of conservative voices, including Fox News host Jesse Watters, Daily Wire commentator Michael Knowles, and Leavitt. Other scheduled speakers include Brandon Tatum, Riley Gaines, Benny Johnson, Jack Posobiec, Andrew Kolvet, Jeremy Boreing, and Matt Gaetz. The gathering brings together figures from conservative media, politics, and activism.

What’s at Stake: America Fest provides Turning Point USA with an opportunity to bring prominent conservative personalities together and engage younger audiences. Moreover, the event gives speakers a platform to discuss political issues, media coverage, and the direction of the conservative movement as the country approaches another election cycle.

What Remains Unclear: Further details about the event’s schedule, individual speaking times, panel discussions, and additional guests remain unclear. The organization may reveal more programming information as the festival approaches.

What It Means: The lineup underscores Turning Point USA’s continued emphasis on connecting conservative political figures with influential media personalities. With recognizable names from Fox News, The Daily Wire, and online commentary, America Fest 2026 is positioned to attract attention across the conservative media landscape.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Dan Patrick “Disappointed” by Stephen A. Smith’s Handling of Lane Johnson’s Mental Health Comments on First Take

John Mamola
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Dan Patrick “Disappointed” by Stephen A. Smith’s Handling of Lane Johnson’s Mental Health Comments on First Take

Dan Patrick says he’s disappointed in Stephen A. Smith and First Take. On Thursday, he criticized their handling of Lane Johnson’s mental health as a reason for why the future hall of fame football player decided to retire.

What We Know: Patrick addressed the issue during Thursday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show. Wednesday, Smith initially attempted to tie Johnson’s decision to Philadelphia’s struggles, but mocked Johnson’s use of mental health as part of his reasoning why he was retiring. However, colleague Kimberly Martin raised concerns that Smith was making light of the situation prompting Smith to backtrack and clarify his comments minutes later. Smith later said on his SiriusXM radio program that viewers didn’t understand his point. Thursday morning, Smith apologized for his comments, but Patrick still weighed in on the original commentary on First Take.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Patrick Show):

Dan Patrick is upset about how the whole discussion regarding Lane Johnson’s mental health was handled on First Take: “I was more disappointed in the people on the set. You’re hearing this. You should call him out on this. Then Stephen A. put it on the audience. Hey, you’re the one that may have misconstrued this. No, you didn’t put it in the correct context, or maybe you did, and you’re wrong in what you did. You were very flippant about Lane Johnson’s mental health condition.”

Dan Patrick says Stephen A. Smith should never joke about mental health: “Don’t joke about that [mental health]. I would say you’re better. I don’t know if you are. You want clicks? Great. You’re going to make fun of Lane Johnson. But I want to watch the whole thing in context. But you can’t joke about mental health, not with somebody who has talked about mental health.”

Dan Patrick is disappointed by Stephen A. Smith’s actions: “I’m just disappointed. You got a platform. Use the platform not to belittle somebody who says, “Hey, mental health issues.” Then come back and blame it on your audience that you’re the ones who didn’t understand what I was trying to say.”

Dan Patrick says sports talk hosts shouldn’t question mental health: “I didn’t think I’d be talking about it. I don’t want to talk about other shows, but mental health? What are we doing? You want to talk about the Eagles’ offensive line. Talk about the Eagles’ offensive line. Talk about moving forward. And mental health and football, and you’re going to question that?”

Dan Patrick still doesn’t understand what Stephen A. Smith was trying to get at: “He’s a future Hall of Famer, and you’re going to belittle him? Then blame us because you’re the one that didn’t portray this, present this in the way that you should have? If that’s what you were trying to do. I still don’t know what you were trying to do. Talk about the Eagles’ offensive line. That’s all. Don’t talk about somebody’s mental health.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown if Smith will respond to Patrick’s criticism. Also, Johnson nor the Eagles have commented on the matter.

What It Means: Ultimately, Patrick’s criticism highlights a growing debate over how sports talk handles mental health. Moreover, it carries extra weight because Patrick admitted he dislikes discussing other shows. For Smith, the episode adds scrutiny to a debate format built on provocative takes. Still, Patrick’s message to hosts was clear: stick to football, not players’ mental health.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Joel Oxley: WTOP’s Core Mission Hasn’t Changed Despite Radio’s Evolution

Garrett Searight
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Joel Oxley: WTOP’s Core Mission Hasn’t Changed Despite Radio’s Evolution

WTOP General Manager Joel Oxley has spent nearly three decades leading the Washington news station through a changing media landscape. As he prepares to conclude his career, Oxley reflected on how radio and advertising have evolved.

What We Know: Oxley discussed those changes during an appearance on the NAB’s AirTime podcast. His appearance coincides with his receipt of the 2026 NAB National Radio Award, recognizing his contributions to the industry. Oxley will wrap up nearly 30 years as WTOP’s General Manager. Meanwhile, Declan Moore has already stepped into the role as his successor.

What They Said: “Distribution used to be really radio, TV, print, and outdoor, and that was it. That was the media landscape, and WTOP was AM only. Now, it’s AM, FM translators, HD, websites, streaming, podcasts, and social media. There are just so many different things that you have to be effective on to make sure that you’re reaching the consumer where they are. Our advertising revenue when I started was 90% from ad agencies. Now, it’s 85% direct, so there’s been a really big difference in how business is done as well.

What hasn’t changed, though, and never will, is that it’s really essential to consistently have a compelling product across all platforms that works for advertisers. You’ve got to have something that people want to come to and consume, and it’s got to provide results.” -Joel Oxley

What Remains Unclear: Oxley hasn’t publicly detailed what comes next after his departure from WTOP. However, his transition marks the end of one of the longest leadership tenures at a major U.S. radio station.

What It Means: Oxley’s comments underscore how dramatically radio has expanded beyond its traditional broadcast signal. Still, he believes the core mission remains unchanged: build compelling content, reach audiences wherever they consume media, and deliver results for advertisers.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

College GameDay Forced Inside This Saturday Due To Hurricane Isaias

John Mamola
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College GameDay Forced Inside This Saturday Due To Hurricane Isaias

ESPN’s College GameDay is moving indoors for Alabama’s showdown with Georgia. Hurricane Isaias forced the show off the Quad and into Coleman Coliseum.

What We Know: The University of Alabama confirmed the venue change ahead of Saturday’s broadcast. Additionally, former Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young will serve as the guest picker. Meanwhile, kickoff against Georgia remains set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Additionally, the university said it will not allow overnight camping at the coliseum. Instead, fans can begin lining up at the north and east entrances at 5:15 a.m. Saturday. Doors will then open 15 minutes later, at 5:30 a.m. Furthermore, the school said its official social media accounts will announce any game changes.

What’s At Stake: With the magnitude of the game itself, several high profile people were planning on attending the game itself. President Donald Trump previously stated he planned to be in attendance for the game. However, he is reportedly consulting with government officials about that possibly now due to the hurricane. If the game was to be postponed, there is no projected make up date as of yet.

What Remains Unclear: However, the storm’s exact impact on Saturday’s game is still uncertain. The university said it continues monitoring weather forecasts. Additionally, it remains to be seen how the indoor setting affects GameDay’s audience. The show is in the middle of a record-breaking viewership over the first five weeks of the college football season.

What It Means: Ultimately, the move strips GameDay of one of its most recognizable backdrops. Still, a packed basketball coliseum could deliver the energy the show depends on. Moreover, Young’s return gives ESPN a homecoming storyline in a marquee week. For Alabama, meanwhile, the priority remains keeping fans safe throughout the weekend.

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David Ellison on Mark Thompson’s Future at CNN: ‘We Want Stability’

Garrett Searight
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David Ellison on Mark Thompson’s Future at CNN: ‘We Want Stability’

Skydance CEO David Ellison has offered a vote of confidence in CNN Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Mark Thompson. His comments come as questions about Thompson’s future follow Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

What We Know: Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery earlier this week, giving the company ownership of CNN. As part of the transition, questions surrounded Thompson’s future with the network. However, Thompson struck a deal to remain with CNN under a new title as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief. Ellison has now indicated the company wants stability at the news organization and supports Thompson’s leadership. His comments came during an appearance on CNBC on Thursday morning.

What They Said: “He’s done a phenomenal job. And we also, given everything everyone’s been through, we want stability. We believe in editorial independence across the news organizations. We think CNN is a remarkable brand.” -Skydance CEO David Ellison

What Remains Unclear: While Ellison expressed support for Thompson, the new leadership structure at CNN remains a work in progress. Skydance has emphasized editorial independence, but Thompson will operate within a company undergoing significant changes. Additionally, it remains unclear how the network’s strategy will evolve under its new ownership.

What It Means: Ellison’s comments provide Thompson with an important show of support as Skydance begins its stewardship of CNN. Moreover, the emphasis on stability and editorial independence could signal that the company doesn’t intend to make sweeping changes to the network’s newsroom leadership immediately. For Thompson, the remarks offer additional clarity after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his position.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

YouTube Keeps Top Spot For Most-Used Sources Weekly For Podcasts

John Mamola
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YouTube Keeps Top Spot For Most-Used Sources Weekly For Podcasts

YouTube is still the top spot for U.S. podcast consumers, according to new Edison Research metrics. Meanwhile, Netflix is already carving out a foothold of its own.

What We Know: Edison Research’s Q3 2026 Podcast Metrics from SSRS once again ranks YouTube first among U.S. weekly podcast consumers. Behind it, Spotify places second at 17%, while Apple Podcasts sits third at 9%. Notably, Netflix ranks seventh, with 3% naming it their most-used podcast platform. For comparison, Edison’s October 2024 U.S. reading had YouTube at 31%, compared to 27% for Spotify and 15% for Apple Podcasts.

What The Data Shows: (via Edison Research)

What Remains Unclear: With YouTube gaining more stream and Netflix beginning to make its own impact, the data shows how video-first platforms are earning more users. It remains unknown which titles are most popular with the survey. Also, with Spotify and Apple also having video options for podcasts, the difference in audio versus video consumption was not listed.

What It Means: For creators, the takeaway is clear: video matters. In fact, YouTube’s sustained lead makes it the default destination for new shows. Meanwhile, Netflix adds another video-first rival worth watching. As a result, audio-first platforms face growing pressure to adapt as well as creators to pivot to video first models.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Comments Regarding Lane Johnson’s Mental Health

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Comments Regarding Lane Johnson’s Mental Health

Stephen A. Smith opened Thursday’s First Take with an on-air apology to former Philadelphia Eagle Lane Johnson. The ESPN commentator said he made light of mental health while discussing Johnson’s retirement a day earlier.

What We Know: Johnson announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. In his statement, the two-time Super Bowl champion said he needed to focus on his mental health. Smith then discussed the news on Wednesday’s First Take, and his comments prompted a wave of feedback. By Thursday, he opened the show by addressing the fallout directly.

What They Said: (All quotes via First Take):

Stephen A. Smith apologizes for his comments about mental health in relation to Lane Johnson’s retirement: “I messed up. By the way, for those of you out there looking right now, this is not ESPN. This is not somebody forcing me to make an apology. Nobody did that. Nobody can do that. Here’s the reality of the situation: I was wrong. When you’re an adult and you’re a man, you have to admit that you were wrong. I was wrong to Lane Johnson. I was wrong to the Philadelphia Eagles. Plus, I messed up because I made light of the issue of mental health when that was clearly not my intent. I shouldn’t say clearly; it was not my intent, but it wasn’t made clear enough.”

Stephen A. Smith acknowledges mental health is a real issue: “As much as I owe the apology to Lane Johnson and to the Philadelphia Eagles, it does not stop there. Mental health obviously is an incredibly serious issue. I know it, and went through it myself. I know a lot of people who have gone through it.”

Stephen A. Smith hopes his words would prevent anyone from seeking help: “There’s a lot of people in this country and in this world that are going through mental health issues. The biggest regret that I have for all of this is the fact that it may have given people that wanted to open the door to seek help a reason to pause and hesitate and not do so. I can’t emphasize enough how sorry I am about that, because it is a real issue.”

Stephen A. Smith admits it takes courage to acknowledge a person needs help: “It takes courage for the Lane Johnsons of the world to speak up the way that he did to Jake Glazer in 2021. When he first revealed all that was going on with them. It takes courage for people out there struggling who have mental health issues to come forward. To acknowledge that they are really struggling and that they need help. For me, although it was not my intent to come across as making light of that reality is my biggest regret.”

Stephen A. Smith says he’s not perfect: “I do over 950 hours of live content a year. I’ve made mistakes before. I apologized. I’m making mistakes now. I’m going to apologize. If I do it in the future, I’ll apologize again. The bigger issue is to make sure to bring attention to the fact that mental health is a real, real thing. Over the last 24 hours, with the inordinate amount of people that have spoken to me, that reminded me of my struggles and the courage it takes to come forward and to acknowledge I really need help. It’s made me better.”

What Remains Unclear: It also remains unclear whether Johnson or the Eagles will respond publicly. Although he made his apology on First Take, it remains to be seen if he will share the same apology with his SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio audience.

What It Means: Ultimately, the moment showed how quickly hot takes can collide with sensitive subjects. Smith noted that he does more than 950 hours of live content a year. Still, he framed the episode as a chance to spotlight mental health, citing his own struggles. For a show built on strong opinions, that message carried unusual weight. Yet, it was good to see Smith look internally after a day pointing the finger at others for misunderstanding what he was trying to say.

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