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Reflecting on Radio, Accountability, and Change As I Sign Off

Ken Johnson
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Reflecting on Radio, Accountability, and Change As I Sign Off

When something ends — a job, relationship, school year or project — you inevitably spend time reflecting. As my time writing for Barrett Media comes to an end, I’ve found myself doing just that, reflecting on the articles I’ve written and, of course, the subject matter.

When I started this run, I told myself — and stated in the first article — I didn’t want this to be a “hate on radio and music today” column. I wanted it to be more about thoughts, ideas and reflection for those doing the work today. Maybe even a little reminiscing about Urban radio — what it’s become and what it could or should be. I don’t believe this is a generational thing where younger people are simply doing their own thing while a bunch of older radio folks complain about how things are versus how they used to be.

I actually have an appreciation for young ideas, just as I think some radio people before me did. Where the frustration sometimes comes in — both for those who came before and those still in it now — is when younger people don’t realize that what they’re doing has a foundation built on what came before. Outside of the use of AI, there is almost nothing truly new in all radio and music. Boy bands, R&B bad boys, record-setting women in R&B — none of it is new. Someone has always done it before. That’s not limited to our industry; that’s life.

Yet, it’s been difficult to find encouraging conversations about radio.

Most of my discussions center on Urban radio, but I’ve had enough conversations about general market radio to know there’s plenty of discontent to go around. It’s become a double-edged sword. People in radio — or radio-adjacent — know my relationship to the medium. They often launch straight into what they see as its negatives. Those who aren’t aware of my background, when talking about entertainment, tend to focus on social media, YouTube or streaming shows — not radio stations, shows or personalities.

I’ve had more conversations about whether small-dog-versus-big-dog videos on social media are AI-generated than I’ve had about anything happening on the radio. Radio just isn’t creating anything exciting. That wasn’t always the case. Howard Stern, Tom Joyner and others used to own the proverbial water cooler.

Recently, someone lamented to me about how bad a syndicated show sounded. They called out the topics, features and overall conversation. While I didn’t disagree with the assessment, I didn’t put all the blame on the on-air talent. There was a time when local program directors weighed in on syndicated content. The experienced programmers oversaw these shows at the network level. I was one of them during my time with ABC Radio Networks. That experience keeps me from placing sole responsibility on the people in the studio.

It’s hard not to be critical of radio sometimes, because it feels like accountability is missing. Outside of maintaining ratings strong enough to support ad revenue, that often seems to be the only bar. But that, too, isn’t new. Radio as we knew it has been sliding since 1996 — but that’s another podcast.

I don’t think I’ve held any radio programmer more accountable than I would hold myself if I were in their seat. Having worked as both a corporate and station programmer, I know it’s not easy to sail against the wind. In moments like that, I go back to something a friend and programmer once said to me — words I later learned came from a childhood hero: “Be like water.” Water takes the shape of the container it’s in.

My “be like water” moment is my podcast production company and network. I hope you’ll check us out via the Mean Ole Lion Media app. We feature credible hosts and meaningful conversations on a wide range of topics relevant to Black, Brown and beyond audiences.

My thanks to Jason and Barrett Media for giving me this outlet to expand my voice in a medium that was new to me. Thank you to everyone who read, commented and reached out along the way. I appreciate you and hope we stay in touch.

You can reach me at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com or on LinkedIn.

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.

How ‘This Is Football’ Showcases a Master Class in Intelligent Interviewing on ESPN

John Molori
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How ‘This Is Football’ Showcases a Master Class in Intelligent Interviewing on ESPN

ESPN and Omaha Productions’ This is Football, hosted by Kevin Clark, is a unique mix of interviews, stories, and anecdotes. Moreover, it is a vehicle for Clark to showcase his skills as a rising media star. I caught the December 11, 2025, ESPN2 version of the show and really liked the brief but very cool open, with high-tech graphics and football images moving across the screen.

This is Football is not just another fluff interview show. Clark obviously puts time into his questions and show prep. He truly is one of the new wave of talents across the football media landscape – casually dressed, slightly unshaven, and always ready for a raucous good time on air.

The contemporary feel that characterizes This is Football has become the new normal across multimedia platforms. Gone are the days of the suited-up, tie-wearing, straight-laced, cookie-cutter host. NFL Network has taken this route with a lot of its fantasy programming, and ESPN has followed suit. It’s actually quite similar to when ESPN first launched ESPN2 in 1993 and had personalities like Suzy Kolber, Keith Olbermann, and Stuart Scott dressed in extremely casual clothes – a departure from the suit-and-tie SportsCenter personalities.

This new look is clearly an attempt to capture a younger audience, one that loves football but is not stodgy, curmudgeonly, or trapped in the past. I think the impact of Barstool Sports is important to mention here. The “guy you want to have a beer with” personality on television works. Clark takes this to another level by adding a ton of knowledge, background, and depth.

His first guests were Hall of Fame offensive lineman Joe Thomas, joined by Jackson Cantwell, this year’s Gatorade National High School Player of the Year and the first ever offensive lineman honored with the award.

Cantwell attends Nixa, Missouri, High School and has already committed to play football at the University of Miami. Clark asked him how he felt being on the show with Thomas, and Cantwell said that he was “on cloud nine” and that he has watched a lot of footage from Thomas’s career with the Cleveland Browns. Thomas called Cantwell “a generational talent” and said that he had been following the young lineman’s career since middle school.

Clark, himself, is a University of Miami grad who previously worked for the Sun-Sentinel newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, and The Ringer. He brings a vast array of experience across different sports to This is Football.

To me, Clark is first and foremost an interviewer. He clearly enjoys delving into athletes’ backgrounds, asking unique questions, and truly listening to their answers.

One of the great things about This is Football is that it allows Clark to do lengthy interviews. This is not a quick blurb-and-sound-bite show. Clark talked to Thomas and Cantwell for the first half of the show, bringing the program to its first break almost fifteen minutes into the telecast. I like this.

The long interview is truly a lost art on television. Even so-called long-form features on national programs often run no more than five to seven minutes. Clark has the time and space to ask questions, offer follow-ups, and react to the guests’ answers.

After the break, Clark featured another excellent interview with ex-Chiefs, Bills, and Jaguars offensive lineman Mitch Morse.

Clark’s first question to Morse was fantastic. He didn’t just ask him about his former teams. Instead, he referenced an anecdote where, after winning one of their AFC West Championships in Kansas City, actor and Chiefs fan Paul Rudd came into the KC locker room. Morse humorously recalled giving Rudd an AFC West championship hat and related that the actor behaved like a “4 year-old,” so authentically excited to be there and get the hat.

Morse hosts the Monday Mornings with Mitch podcast. It was his first ever appearance on This is Football, a feather in Clark’s hat for opening the doors to new media talent heretofore unknown by mainstream viewers.

Clark seamlessly segued to a question on what has been wrong with the Chiefs in 2025. Morse responded that the team’s offensive line has been decimated with injuries, a huge part of their failures this year. Morse gave a brutally honest answer, saying that he really could not pinpoint one particular reason why the Chiefs have fallen so far this year.

He then shared a neat story about Andy Reid from the 2015 season. The Chiefs had lost five games in a row, and Reid told them to relax because he knew how to fix their issues. KC then ran off a long winning streak. This is a first-hand warning to those who think the Chiefs are done competing for Super Bowls. With Reid at the helm, this team is going to reshape, reload, and be a championship contender again very quickly.

This is Football is a basic studio show. There are no highlights from coaches or players. It’s basically Clark’s deal. If he’s not right, the show is not right. Thankfully, he is usually right. Clark is marvelously prepared with a list of questions that go beyond the usual “What do you think?” or “How do you feel?” He gets in-depth and specific when doling out a question to a guest. He also taps into that guest’s strengths.

With Morse, he asked about the Bills, getting some real talk from someone who played for that team. One question he asked Morse was that if the Bills were to win the Super Bowl this year, what would be the reason. It wasn’t just a stock, trite, hackneyed question, and Morse really had to think about his answer – a sure sign of a good query. Morse responded that the Bills need to let Josh Allen be Josh Allen and do the things that only he can do. He also stated that they need to be more explosive on defense.

This actually played out in the Bills’ win over the Patriots three days later. Allen ran and threw for the victory, and the defense basically shut down New England in the second half.

The interview morphed more into just a really nice conversation between Clark and Morse. The exchange even led to a funny story about Morse being ill for a game in 2023 and, let’s just say, having an accident during that game. Clark was beside himself laughing, especially at the fact that Morse went into the blue medical tent to get cleaned up and refreshed – great intimate stuff.

If you want to learn something you didn’t already know, check out This is Football. It truly is a unique and entertaining exchange of thoughts – not just question, answer, question, answer. In short, Kevin Clark gives a master class in thoughtful and intelligent interviewing, resulting in candid and interesting responses.

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.

How Politics Prepared Marc Lotter for the Newsmax Morning Spotlight

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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How Politics Prepared Marc Lotter for the Newsmax Morning Spotlight

Nearly a year ago, Newsmax viewers woke up to a new host on Wake Up America. What started as a childhood dream for then-conservative commentator Marc Lotter became a reality in the most surprising way.

“I always had kind of a call for performing, whether it was announcing Little League baseball games as the PA announcer or something along those lines,” Lotter told Barrett Media.

The son of a police officer, Lotter’s father was the head of the Crime Stoppers program in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It required the elder Lotter to be on local TV often. “And I remember having to go to the local ABC station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where my dad was going to be on set and interviewed either prior to or after one of my baseball games,” Lotter recalled.

Sitting in the newsroom, watching the newscast preparations, Lotter realized, “This is what I want to do for my living.” A few years later, his parents moved so Lotter could attend a high school that had a TV operation.

This experience helped the then-aspiring TV anchor realize one thing. “If I was going to be a network television anchor, I needed to know something about politics.” So he went to Ball State University, double majoring in broadcast journalism and political science.

The dream of becoming a network anchor would have to wait, however. Lotter bounced around from town to town, rising through the ranks from writer to associate producer and, in multiple cities, executive producer. This all changed in 2002.

“I was executive producer at the CBS affiliate in Atlanta, Georgia,” Lotter remarked. “The opportunity was going to come to get promoted again, but I would have had to move again. By that time, my daughter was in first grade. I think she’d lived in four or five different cities by then. And I really just didn’t want to keep moving.”

So he came home to Indiana, where he was able to flex his political science knowledge a little more than he did in the TV world. “It was a great move for my family, for my daughter,” Lotter noted, but there was definitely a change in mindset.

“My very first day in the office in my new job in politics, we came to the end of the day, and I remember going to one of my young staff people and asking, ‘Well, how do we know when it’s time to leave?’ And they looked at me like they were very confused, like, ‘Why is he asking us this question?’”

Then Lotter realized, “For the previous 12 or 13 years of my career, my anchors thanked you for joining us today, thanked you for bringing us into your homes, asked you to watch, and told you we’d be back tomorrow morning, or tomorrow afternoon, or tomorrow night. So I’d always had this very nice, clean break. In the real world, outside of media, you don’t have that.”

It was one of a few notable differences outside of the media world. One thing that didn’t change was knowing who your audience is. “So you have to learn to tailor your messages,” Lotter stated.

His life in politics took Lotter to the governor’s office and even the White House. Spending more than a decade in TV news allowed him to “translate [press releases] into, ‘How can I use that information, those skills, to better the Republican Party or the candidates that we were supporting?’”

After ending his tenure in the White House, Lotter made his way back to the TV screen, this time as a commentator. “After the 2024 election, the administration was coming together for President Trump. I realized that I’d been doing a lot of television, both at Newsmax as a fill-in person and as a commentator, and with other networks.”

Waiting in Reagan National Airport to head home to Indiana, Lotter was reading an ESPN story that struck him with such motivation that it changed the course of his career.

“It was about Indiana football coach Kurt Cignetti. All of his mentors were telling him not to go to Indiana, because it’s not a good football school. It’s a career killer. It’s not where you want to go. You shouldn’t do it.” But Cignetti didn’t see it that way, nor did Lotter. “And [Cignetti] took a chance on himself, a belief in himself, and obviously took the job at Indiana, did great things at Indiana, and got this massive new contract.”

Inspired, Lotter decided to text Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy.

“Sitting there in the airport, waiting to board my flight, and saying something along the lines of, ‘Now that the election is over, I’ve been doing a lot of fill-in work. I’d love to get an opportunity to talk to you at some point in the future about what, if any, role you might see for me at Newsmax someday down the road.’”

Lotter expected to get a generic text back, but instead he got a phone call. “He called me maybe five minutes later and offered me the job at Newsmax on the spot,” Lotter rejoiced.

“I literally — it moved me to a tear — because I realized at that moment, right then and there, sitting at Reagan National Airport, that the dream that that little 12-year-old, 13-year-old kid had, sitting in his Little League baseball uniform, had just come real.”

For those looking to follow one or all of Lotter’s media paths, he suggests first to “get into the arena.” Lotter noted, “Whether it is politics or media, you may have a goal of a job you want down the road, but you have to get yourself into the newsroom, or into the campaign, or into the office.”

Second, “taking the opportunity to expand your knowledge,” Lotter effused. “Had I gone on the air, or even just stuck with my television career as it was playing out, I would not nearly be as prepared had I not taken a 20-year diversion into politics and government.”

“It gives me a background that I think very few other people offer, and it gives it additional context.” Lotter’s parting words of advice were, “Don’t be afraid to take that job that has nothing really to do with what you think you want to do, because A, you might find out you like something better. But even if you do find yourself back on that original dream track, it gives you a level of background, knowledge, and experience that maybe somebody else in your field doesn’t have.”

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.

Dan Bongino Stepping Down From FBI Position

BNM Staff
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Dan Bongino Stepping Down From FBI Position

Former nationally syndicated radio host Dan Bongino has announced that he’ll be leaving his position with the FBI early next year.

Bongino departed his radio show and podcast with Westwood One in March to assume the role of Deputy Director of the FBI.

In a post on social media, Bongino revealed that he would be departing his role as Deputy Director of the FBI.

“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.

“Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” Bongino continued. “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

Bongino had been plagued by reports surrounding his future in recent months. He reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Epstein Files to the point that he nearly exited the department earlier this year.

In recent days, reports suggested that Bongino was preparing to exit the FBI, which had previously denied.

After Dan Bongino exited his Westwood One show, the program was assumed by Vince Coglianese. Bongino did not opine on what his future will include upon his exit from the FBI in January.

President Trump was asked about Bongino’s departure and praised his performance with the FBI. He added that he believes Bongino would like to return to hosting his show. No word yet on if Westwood One plans to resume its partnership with Bongino or how they’d incorporate him into their lineup.

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.

YouTube Secures Exclusive Agreement To Stream ‘The Oscars’ Beginning in 2029

BNM Staff
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YouTube Secures Exclusive Agreement To Stream ‘The Oscars’ Beginning in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has struck a landmark distribution agreement with YouTube that will fundamentally reshape how the Oscars are delivered to a global audience.

Under a new multi-year deal, YouTube will hold the exclusive worldwide rights to the Oscars beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029 and running through 2033. The agreement positions YouTube as the future global home of the Academy Awards and significantly expands access to one of entertainment’s most iconic live events.

Starting in 2029, the Oscars will stream live and free on YouTube to more than 2 billion users worldwide. In the United States, the ceremony also will be available to YouTube TV subscribers. The coverage will extend beyond the televised broadcast. YouTube will carry red carpet arrivals and behind-the-scenes programming. It will also feature Governors Ball access. Additional exclusive content tied to Hollywood’s biggest night will be included.

Accessibility is a central focus of the partnership. YouTube plans to support the Academy’s growing international audience. It will offer closed captioning in multiple languages. Audio tracks will also be available. These efforts will help the Oscars reach viewers across regions and cultures in real time.

The deal also expands YouTube’s role as a year-round destination for Academy programming. Through the official Oscars YouTube channel, film fans will receive exclusive worldwide access to a broad range of Academy events and initiatives.

That slate includes the Governors Awards and the Oscars nominations announcements. It also covers the Oscars Nominees Luncheon and the Student Academy Awards. The Scientific and Technical Awards are included as well. Additionally, there will be a variety of filmmaker and Academy member interviews. Educational programming, podcasts, and additional film-focused content will also be part of the offering.

Beyond live events and original programming, the partnership incorporates Google Arts & Culture as a digital extension of the Academy’s mission. The initiative will provide global access to select Academy Museum exhibitions and programs, while also helping digitize portions of the Academy Collection. The archive is the largest film-related collection in the world, featuring more than 52 million items spanning cinema history.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said the collaboration reflects the organization’s increasingly global outlook.

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” they said in a joint statement. “This partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible while honoring our legacy.”

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions” and emphasized the platform’s ability to inspire new generations of creators and film fans while preserving the event’s storied tradition.

The new agreement does not immediately impact the Oscars’ current broadcast arrangements. The Academy’s domestic partnership with Disney’s ABC will continue through the 100th Oscars in 2028. Disney’s Buena Vista International will also continue handling international distribution.

Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will enter a new era. This era will be driven by global streaming scale and digital engagement. It will also feature expanded access through YouTube.

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.

VERSANT Announces Partnership With Rory McIlroy Launching New Production Venture

BSM Staff
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VERSANT Announces Partnership With Rory McIlroy Launching New Production Venture

GolfPass, part of the Digital Platforms & Ventures portfolio of VERSANT, has announced a long-term extension and expansion of its flagship partnership with global golf star Rory McIlroy, solidifying one of the most visible athlete-platform relationships in the sport.

Under the new agreement, McIlroy will remain the global face and partner of GolfPass through 2038. The extension reinforces GolfPass’ premium positioning in the golf marketplace while signaling a deeper commitment to original content, fan engagement, and multi-platform growth.

As part of the expanded deal, VERSANT and McIlroy are launching Firethorn Productions. It is a new media and production label. The label will create original content rooted in modern golf culture. The venture will be jointly operated by McIlroy’s business partners and VERSANT leadership. Projects will span documentary and long-form storytelling. They will also include branded commercial campaigns and live fan experiences. Additional efforts will cover special events and digital activations. Distribution will occur across GolfPass, Golf Channel, and other VERSANT properties.

“Rory has been the ideal partner since the inception of GolfPass,” said Will McIntosh, President of Digital Platforms and Ventures for VERSANT. “This extension not only preserves the connection between our brand and one of the most respected athletes in the world; it unlocks entirely new paths for creativity, commerce, and fan engagement.”

McIlroy’s management echoed that sentiment, framing the deal as a natural next step rather than a simple endorsement renewal.

“Rory’s partnership with GolfPass has always been about elevating the game and creating meaningful experiences for golfers everywhere,” said Sean O’Flaherty, Managing Director of Rory McIlroy Inc. “This next chapter deepens that mission. The launch of our new production venture and the continued alignment with GolfPass opens the door for new storytelling, new innovation, and new ways for fans to connect with Rory and the game of golf.”

Since GolfPass launched in 2019, McIlroy has been central to the platform’s identity. His involvement has helped shape its instructional programming. It has also influenced entertainment offerings. He has improved the overall membership experience. His role has anchored some of the service’s most successful campaigns. That presence has been credited with driving both brand credibility and global subscriber growth.

The timing of the announcement also comes as McIlroy’s profile reaches new heights. Fresh off his fifth major championship victory and the completion of the career Grand Slam earlier this year, McIlroy enters the next phase of the partnership with increased global visibility and influence.

For VERSANT, the deal represents more than a long-term athlete agreement. It reflects a broader strategy centered on premium sports storytelling, digital-first engagement, and deeper relationships with top-tier talent.

By extending its alignment with McIlroy, GolfPass strengthens its strategic position. The launch of Firethorn Productions further supports that effort. GolfPass is not only a membership platform. It is becoming a growing content engine. The brand sits at the intersection of golf, media, and lifestyle.

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.

FCC Removes ‘Independent Agency’ Label From Website After Chair Brendan Carr Says It Is Not Independent

BNM Staff
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FCC Removes ‘Independent Agency’ Label From Website After Chair Brendan Carr Says It Is Not Independent

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sat before a Senate Oversight Hearing on Wednesday, and made statements that led the organization to change language on its website in the process.

While being questioned by Senators, Carr was asked if the FCC was an “independent agency” by Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).

The pair clashed when Carr failed to give a simple “yes” or “no” answer.

When Carr answered the question, he denied that it was independent.

“The FCC is not an independent agency, formally speaking,” Carr said, before being interrupted by the Senator.

Following his statements, Axios media reporter Sara Fischer shared screenshots of the FCC website showing that the statement of the FCC’s mission had been changed less than a half hour after the comments from Carr were made.

Before Carr’s statements, the subsection under “The FCC’s Mission” title on its “About Us” page read: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.”

However, following the statements from Brendan Carr, the word “independent” had been removed from the Commission’s website.

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.

Riley Gaines Inks Contract Extension with OutKick, To Expand Show with Fox News Media

BNM Staff
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Riley Gaines Inks Contract Extension with OutKick, To Expand Show with Fox News Media

OutKick has announced it has entered into a new contract with Riley Gaines in conjunction with Fox News and its growing suite of digital podcasts and video shows.

As part of the deal, her Gaines for Girls podcast will be rebranded as The Riley Gaines Show beginning on January 7th. At that date, the show will join the stable of digital shows like Ruthless and Will Cain Country.

“I started this journey of simply saying men shouldn’t play in women’s sports and OutKick and FOX News Media have supported me from day one,” said Gaines. “They provided me a platform to bring national attention to the transgender issue in sports and ignite change that will forever protect women living out their dreams in athletics. I’m beyond excited to launch my new show that will cover a variety of topics and highlight the stories of women who are fighting alongside with me.”

“Riley has been an instrumental voice on OutKick, across FOX News Media, and for women across this country,” said Fox News Digital President and Editor-in-Chief Porter Berry. “I am thrilled that she will be part of our new expansion and provide a unique and fresh perspective on everything from culture trends to current affairs and continue to be a leading voice for young conservative women.”

Gaines will release new episodes of her podcast every Wednesday and Friday on both YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

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.

All The Smoke Productions Announces Several Executive Promotions

BSM Staff
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All The Smoke Productions Announces Several Executive Promotions

All The Smoke Productions (ATSP) announced that former NBA player and company co-founder Jelani McCoy has been named Chief Strategy Officer, alongside promotions for director of operations Christina Mizzi to Vice President, Operations & Production, and flagship series producer Dylan Dreyfuss to Vice President, Content & Partnerships.

The moves come as the production and creative agency expands its reach across sports and entertainment.

Since its founding in 2024, ATSP has grown into a multi-platform content powerhouse, building a network of more than 20 million engaged fans. The company’s portfolio includes weekly digital series such as All The Smoke, ATS Unplugged, Hall of Game, The Art of Ward and Ring Champs, which collectively highlight its ability to deliver both long- and short-form content across sports and culture.

As Chief Strategy Officer, McCoy will oversee ATSP’s brand development across platforms. He will guide strategic growth using data, analytics, and emerging business opportunities. A co-founder and executive producer of All The Smoke, McCoy continues to contribute creatively. He is also charting new paths for the company’s expansion.

The company’s growing presence in combat sports extends through ATS FIGHT. Its work goes beyond storytelling to premium coverage of major boxing events. This year, that included the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown. This week features the highly anticipated Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bout on Netflix.

Dreyfuss, promoted to Vice President, Content & Partnerships, will continue producing the flagship program. He will also spearhead new intellectual property development. Additionally, he will manage a growing roster of partnerships, including DraftKings and iHeartMedia. Under his leadership, ATSP has set industry standards in digital audience growth, social content and creative strategy.

Mizzi, now Vice President, Operations & Production, will oversee ATSP’s headquarters in Marina Del Rey. She will manage the company’s production operations as they scale. Her responsibilities include live events, studio operations, and out-of-house production. She ensures that ATSP maintains its creative and operational standards amid rapid growth.

Matt Barnes, ATSP CEO, praised the leadership team, saying, “Christina, Dylan and Jelani have been instrumental in building All The Smoke Productions into the creative force it is today. Their leadership, vision and passion have elevated our entire company, and these promotions reflect the impact they’ve made on our culture, our content and our growth.”

COO Brian Dailey added, “What sets ATSP apart is the people behind it. Jelani, Christina and Dylan each bring a tireless work ethic, inspiring passion and world-class expertise to their craft. Together, they are helping lead our expansion in cutting-edge content, brand-building, distribution and reach.”

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.

Silver Tribe Media Acquired By Intitial Group

BNM Staff
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Silver Tribe Media Acquired By Intitial Group

Silver Tribe Media, the digital media management and production company, has been acquired by Initial Group, the two companies have announced.

Silver Tribe Media was founded in 2021 by CEO Michael Klein and COO Jack Rose, who originally met while working togeter at CAA’s Sports Media Group. Under their direction, the company has grown to include clients like Omaha Productions, Hapro Studios, Dirto Mo Media, The Volume, and more.

With the acquisition, Silver Tribe Media will rebrand as Initial Digital.

“Silver Tribe has quickly become the foremost partner for talent and brands looking to build modern, durable digital businesses,” said Initial Group CEO Michel Pratte. “The expertise of Michael, Jack, Jen, and the entire team has proven to be deeply strategic and impactful in helping ambitious talent and modern media brands amplify their connection with global audiences.

“Bringing Silver Tribe into Initial reinforces our mission to partner with representatives and clients who value alignment with a future-facing, talent-centered organization, designed to create new opportunities across our family of companies and the broader entertainment community we value and endeavor to support,” Pratte added.

“As we enhance our digital footprint, we need the right operational engine—and every ambitious individual with a public platform and enterprise needs deep expertise as they solidify their own direct-to-fan relationships,” added Initial Group COO Eric Taitz. “Silver Tribe brings proven monetization tools, world-class relationships, and production infrastructure that strengthen how we support talent and scale digital-first businesses across our platform.”

With the rebrand to Initial Digital, Klein will serve as the President of the new division, with Rose working as COO. Jen Simmons will serve as the Chief Content Officer.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Initial Group to continue building a modern-age entertainment platform to support talent and brands,” said Initial Digital President Michael Klein and Initial COO Jack Rose. “Joining Initial allows us new opportunities as we continue the work we’re most passionate about: helping talent and brands build sustainable, long-term businesses. Our high-touch, day-to-day partnerships remain unchanged but are now bolstered by the infrastructure and collaborative opportunities available across the entire Initial platform.”

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.

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