There is a lot of history in sports media circles when the call letters WFAN are brought up. Historical in nature launching the sports talk radio format. Tales of Mike & the Mad Dog, Don Imus, Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling among others. Greg Gumbel, Ed Coleman, Mike Lupica, Craig Carton, and so many more names have at one time called WFAN their home. In 2007, a new name was added to the roster of talent that walked the halls of historical sports radio outlet. His name was Boomer Esiason.
“I think back to when I first did a couple shows initially to see whether or not I would be interested in the job,” said Esiason. “He is a friend of mine, Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo. I did one morning with him. I walked out of the studio and said I wanted to shoot myself.”
Just a decade removed from his fourteen-year career in the NFL. The former Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets quarterback found a passion for broadcasting. He worked calling Monday Night Football on ABC for a couple of years then moving to the radio broadcast booth with Westwood One.
After seven seasons in the booth with the NFL’s radio partner, Esiason became interested in hosting on WFAN. After some discussions with program director Mark Chernoff and vice president of programming Chris Oliviero, Esiason auditioned for the role. Following co-hosting programs with Russo, Cris Collinsworth, and Monica Crowley, Esiason was named the co-host of a new morning drive program on WFAN featuring Craig Carton.
“The first six weeks of me and Craig [Carton], I was really struggling. I was trying to figure out what the hell Craig was doing. He never really sat me down and said, ‘Hey man, this whole thing is about entertainment and it’s an act.’” explained Esiason. “That’s what made it so fun for me working with him. Every day I had no idea what to expect. That’s why he is such a talented radio voice.”
Finding A Path at WFAN
As the replacement for the legendary Don Imus, Boomer & Carton launched in September of 2007 on WFAN. For a decade, the program was destination morning radio drawing attention from sports fans in New York and around the country. A blend of sports, laughs, and culture that set a new standard for mornings in “The Big Apple.”
“That’s what the key to longevity is,” said Esiason. “Liking what you do for a living and liking people that you work with. You look forward to it every day.”
Esiason was no stranger to the sports talk radio format before entering the doors of WFAN. As a player, he says he was a frequent listener of 700 WLW hosts Gary Burbank and Bob Trumpy. He credits the influence of those legendary names from the Cincinnati blowtorch that led him to considering a role with radio following his career in the NFL.
“700 WLW had a big impact on me,” noted Esiason. “That’s where I got hooked on sports talk radio. It was in Cincinnati. It wasn’t here in New York.”
After a decade together dominating morning drive on WFAN, Esiason found himself in a quandary. His partner, Carton, announced his resignation from the radio station in 2017 following being arrested on federal securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges. The sudden shock not only left Esiason with questions of the show’s future, but also the station as well.
“When Craig resigned, they [WFAN] offered me, and they thought I was going to go to the afternoon. The afternoon would’ve put me in a completely different set of circumstances. Al [Dukes], Jerry [Recco] and Eddie [Scozzare] were completely against that,” explained Esiason.
Following three months of hosting solo in morning drive and a rebrand of the show as The Morning Show with Boomer, WFAN tabbed Gregg Giannotti as the new co-host in the daypart in January of 2018.
“Gregg Giannotti is extremely talented and well informed. His sense of humor is a little bit closer to mine than Craig’s was,” noted Esiason. “His impersonations are spot on and funny. Sometimes it catches me off guard just like Craig [Carton] would catch me off guard with some of the crazy stuff he would do. The laughter that I get working with them, if laughter is good for the soul, it’s what’s good for my soul.”
Leaving The NFL Today
For many of Esiason’s nineteen years hosting mornings on WFAN, he also doubled as an analyst on CBS Sports’ The NFL Today while calling play-by-play broadcasts on Westwood One.
In 2018, Esiason decided to step away from the radio calls on the national NFL radio syndicator. Then in 2024, Esiason announced he was stepping away from his role on CBS Sports’ flagship NFL pre-game show. During this time, the former NFL quarterback also stepped away from Showtime’s Inside the NFL as well.
Esiason says not having the pressures of the added work has been “liberating” for himself in his approach to morning drive on WFAN.
“Over the last six years, I tried to back off a lot of things. Finally letting go of The NFL Today wasn’t an easy thing,” explained Esiason. “Now I can really focus on the radio show, and it feels great. I have a lot more energy now during the football season on the air, which is good for us.”
Since his decision to leave The NFL Today, Esiason says he watches regularly his former teammates on the program. He noted he was very impressed with J.J. Watt’s debut in the booth calling the week one matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Esiason also noted the continued growth of Matt Ryan who replaced Esiason last season on The NFL Today.
“I think he does a terrific job,” said Esiason of Matt Ryan on CBS Sports. “He’s really well-versed in what’s going on in the NFL today and I couldn’t have picked a better guy to sit in my seat. It’s his seat now and hopefully he’ll hold onto it for as long as I did.”
A Craig Carton Return to WFAN?
With his current focus solely on making Boomer & Gio the top sports talk program at WFAN, Esiason said he would be “supportive” to another return of Carton to the sports radio brand. While there is always some speculation of another return by Carton, following FOX Sports’ decision to cancel Breakfast Ball earlier this summer, the news sparked online rumor and interest in the topic.
In speaking with Barrett Media last week, Carton said he’s open to having a conversation about a potential return to WFAN.
“If the opportunity arose where WFAN would want to bring me back, I would certainly answer that phone call,” said Carton to Barrett Media last week.
As for Esiason, he’s a big believer in second chances.
“If they want to put him back on the radio and he wants to come back, he’s going to come back because he’s just too talented not to,” said Esiason. “I wouldn’t be surprised if someday he’s back on WFAN somewhere. It has to be a place where he has to have the biggest impact. So that would be in mornings or afternoons, it’s not middays.”
Solidifying a Legacy
Despite the rumor and speculation, Esiason was glowing about the amount of fun he continues to have hosting mornings on WFAN into year 19. He said it’s been a blessing to work with the same production crew for the entirety of his time in mornings, while feeling appreciative for the time together with both Carton and Giannotti in the daypart.
At 64 years old and as active as ever, Esiason sees the 18th hole on the golf course. He mentioned he plans to continue hosting on WFAN till he’s “at least 68 years old.” However, things can always change as Esiason has had to pivot already several times in his historic run at WFAN.
“You never know what happens in life and you never know where you’re going to be,” explained Esiason. “As we speak right now, I’m still enjoying the hell out of it. Loving every minute of it and love working with the guys I’m working with.”
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 do you follow your favorite sports team? On the surface, it seems like a simple question. In reality, the answer is getting more complicated by the day. No matter the league or region of the country you live in, every sports fan now has a different routine.
The days of grabbing the local paper for box scores or listening to a fiery columnist take shots at the home team are long gone. Even sports radio, once the daily companion of fans, has been pushed more into the shadows by talent slashing and replaced by the consumer with podcasts and on-demand shows.
The new wrinkle in fandom is much more basic: where do I even watch the game?
News broke this week that Netflix is officially entering the sports rights business with Major League Baseball. Starting in 2026, the streamer will exclusively carry Opening Day’s Yankees–Giants matchup. For Netflix subscribers, that’s one more perk. For sports fans in general, it’s another bill to pay.
Fans already use Netflix for NFL coverage, WWE, boxing, and soon, the Women’s World Cup. Adding baseball to the mix sounds logical from a business perspective. But for viewers, it’s yet another platform to juggle.
What About the Fan?
This is the modern reality of fandom—David versus Goliath, with fans fighting the rising costs and scattered broadcast deals of billion-dollar leagues.
Sports rights have become so attractive to every player in broadcasting. The leagues are not shy about attempting to squeeze every drop out of anyone willing to pony up the fee.
The NFL is the highest-viewed television property in America right now. It dominates sports culture from August through February. Nothing else comes close to touching the aura it holds over the nation.
Yet Roger Goodell, with multiple seasons left on his rights agreements, hinted at the idea of renegotiating as soon as next year. A clear sign the league wants to cash in while the market is red hot. From a business standpoint, it makes perfect sense. But is the fan really considered in those conversations?
Remember when cable gave you everything in one place? Fans hated the price back then, but compared with today’s fractured system, cable suddenly looks like the “good old days.”
The Issues With Baseball
Baseball’s challenge is even more glaring. Commissioner Rob Manfred has pushed for rules and initiatives to make the game more appealing and easy to find. But with every new rights deal, fans face more confusion. Which service carries tonight’s game? How many subscriptions do I really need?
Netflix doing business with Major League Baseball was a no-brainer for both parties. Netflix can add another sport to its growing live-event portfolio, and Major League Baseball gets worldwide reach on the platform. From a business perspective, great. For fans, it’s one more password to remember, one more charge on the credit card, and one more hoop to jump through just to watch their team.
The Opening Day contest between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants to open the 2026 season will be exclusively streamed on Netflix. Crediting Bryan Fischer of Sports Illustrated, that means (as of now) New York Yankees games will be found on the following networks next season: YES Network, Prime Video, FOX Sports, ESPN (likely), TNT Sports, Apple TV+, NBC (likely), Peacock (likely), and now Netflix.
That’s nine different places for Yankees fans to find their baseball next year. “Home broadcast” hardly describes it anymore.
Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm in most markets around the country. I live in Tampa, FL, and to watch the Tampa Bay Rays I need FanDuel Sports Network, FOX Sports (FS1), Apple TV+, MLB Network, and TNT Sports. The list keeps growing, and the cost right along with it.
There Is Risk in Reward
Leagues absolutely have the right to chase the richest deals. But do they fully understand the risk of alienating the very people who drive the product?
For many fans, attending games is already too expensive. Watching from home should be the next-best option. Instead, the constant shuffle between services threatens to wear fans down to the point of walking away.
That’s why we have sports bars, right?
The same rule applies to sports bars, they feel the pinch too. How often have you shown up to watch a game only to find the bartender can’t locate it—or doesn’t even know which app carries it?
The fragmentation isn’t just baseball’s problem. The NBA is spread across RSNs, NBC, Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN, and NBA TV. The NHL lives on RSNs, ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu, TNT Sports, and NHL Network.
Where to watch NBA action this season ⬇️
Season-long national games: ▪️ Mon: Peacock ▪️ Tue: NBC/Peacock ▪️ Wed: ESPN ▪️ Fri: Prime Video
Additional weekly national games starting midseason: ▪️ Thu: Prime Video ▪️ Sat: ABC | ESPN | Prime Video ▪️ Sun: ABC | ESPN | NBC/Peacock pic.twitter.com/eZgo8viuEX
Let’s not even think about what the NFL might have up its sleeve for the next round of rights deals.
So where does it all end?
We’ve heard it before, and for some time now: it’s becoming more expensive and harder to give your favorite team the devotion of your fandom. The leagues have not been shy about testing fan loyalty with the structure of these broadcast rights deals. None of these agreements make it truly easier to be a fan of your favorite team.
Does sports fandom carry with it a loyalty of unlimited value? Or will fans reach a point where, instead of paying to tune in, they will tune out?
Is attendance up across sports? Yes.
Are television ratings up across sports? Yes.
Is the price to attend and watch up across sports? Yes.
Will there be a breaking point where fans begin to turn on paying more while getting less?
Every new broadcast deal brings us closer to finding out.
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.
Every league, every studio, every streamer is chasing the same thing: the potion that keeps people hooked, entertainment nicotine. They all try something: Netflix’s true crime, the NBA’s global stars, Apple’s endless content churn. But the NFL? They already own it.
They’ve bottled the secret formula, and Roger Goodell isn’t waiting — he’s doubling down. Betting over $100 billion isn’t a gamble. It’s a statement.
Goodell told CNBC this week: “I think our partners would want to sit down and talk to us at any time, and we continue to dialogue with them. I like that opportunity. Obviously, it’s not going to happen this year, but it could happen as early as next year.”
So as early as 2026, the NFL commissioner wants to reopen contracts that already guarantee the league $111 billion through 2034. Why? Because the NFL isn’t gambling.
The formula is as sure as Joe Montana in the Super Bowl, Adam Vinatieri kicking in the snow, or the 1972 Dolphins going undefeated. There’s no guessing, no hope — just pure, proven results.
Football isn’t just entertainment — it’s a ritual, a fix, an addiction. And the numbers prove it.
Nothing Else Is Watched More
In 2024, 72 of the top 100 U.S. broadcasts were NFL games. The Super Bowl drew 127.7 million viewers, the most in American history. Ads sold for $7 million a pop, and they still got snapped up faster than pumpkin spice lattes on an October morning. Financially, the league hauled in $23 billion. The average team? Worth $7.1 billion. The Cowboys? Over $13 billion.
That’s not fandom. That’s Wall Street in shoulder pads.
Other leagues flood the zone. Baseball: 162 games. Basketball: 82. The NFL? Seventeen chances. Each game is a double espresso shot — concentrated, high stakes, no filler. Sundays are the caffeine drip. Mondays, the nightcap. Thursdays, the bonus hit.
Fall doesn’t start until football kicks off, and the ritual extends far beyond the field. Fantasy leagues, tailgates, trades, streaming stats, highlight reels — it’s a full-season lifestyle, a cultural heartbeat that keeps fans coming back week after week.
Each moment is another scroll of TikTok, another “just one more” that turns into three hours gone. Sports isn’t just watched anymore — it’s consumed. It’s habit-forming content delivered live, socially, and digitally in ways other entertainment simply can’t replicate.
Football isn’t just a show; it’s the sticky center of the fall routine, the appointment-viewing glue holding a distracted and divided country together.
Through three weeks of the 2025 season, the NFL averaged 20.8 million viewers per game across TV and digital platforms — up 4% from 2024 and 17% from 2023. Playoff games routinely draw over 30 million, Thanksgiving games over 40 million, and the Super Bowl? America’s most-watched program every year. Advertisers pay premiums because the NFL delivers consistent, proven numbers — rare in a fragmented landscape where most content flickers and fades.
The NFL Continues To Grow
Sure, there are minor risks: subscription fatigue, strained TV partners unsure of their futures, unfavorable league issues, or a recession. But compared to everyone else’s struggles? That’s background noise.
While other leagues chase scraps, football taps black gold.
The NFL routinely beats other sports’ playoff games with Thursday night ho-hum matchups. Baseball tinkers, hoping pitch clocks keep attention. The NBA prays social clips convert casual scrollers into fans. Hollywood throws billions at superhero sequels. Most wells sputter. The NFL keeps striking.
Sports betting is barely tapped. International games continue to expand to more countries, but the biggest growth market — the world — is mostly still wide open. Goodell thinks worldwide pigskin domination is in the cards someday. Football is uniquely American, but the empire potential is global.
The NFL doesn’t need to chase the world; it just has to plant more flags, turn new eyes into lifelong fans, and let the obsession do the rest.
Roger Goodell’s “gamble”? Not a gamble. The potion works. No one else has cracked the code. Coffee, TikTok, pumpkin spice, Taylor Swift tickets — simply habits. Football? An obsession, an addiction, a craving. A pull we can’t resist.
Roger Goodell and the NFL know it. That’s why a $111 billion move may grab headlines, but the NFL wouldn’t be ripping up those checks without knowing something better, bigger, and — most important to them — greener was in the works.
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.
The Toast to 10 series, presented by Premiere Networks, is a month-long look back at 10 years of Barrett Media. Throughout the month, you’ll hear from those who have shaped the company, managed and created content, read the site, and partnered with the brand between 2015 and 2025, sharing how they’ve seen it play a role in covering the media industry and educating, celebrating, and challenging the business.
Barrett Media serves all aspects and sections of the media industry. In navigating our Toast to 10 series, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with programmers, talent, producers, and current and former writers about the impact that Barrett Media has had over the past decade.
Today, we elevate that conversation to the executives, sales leaders, and advertising branches of the media industry. Leaders who continue to face head-on challenges of generating revenue, managing budgets, and finding avenues to increase reach and return on investment. These are the fields that many have played on over the past ten years, with several continuing to dominate in their lane.
With Barrett Media’s north star being to serve the industry through education, celebration, and challenge. I was curious what the response would be regarding the impact of Barrett Media for those who don’t crack a mic, front face on camera, or help program the shows you consume and love. These are the warriors of the conference calls, business meetings, late lunches, and early dinners. The ones who wake up with a renewed sense of helping clients achieve new goals and managing buildings into a new generation.
This was an education for me in understanding how this important and vital section of the media industry consumes and utilizes the daily content that Barrett Media produces.
Jill Albert / Direct Results
Jill Albert (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Jill Albert is the CEO of Direct Results, a radio marketing agency based in Venice, CA. They specialize in customizing each marketing campaign to meet goals and objectives for individual advertisers. In her role as CEO, Albert stresses delivering clear, measurable, and repeatable results for every client.
Albert has been a big fan of the Barrett Media brand since she discovered it in 2019. What attracted her was the level of information it provided but with a human touch, something she considers “wildly refreshing” in the current times.
“Jason Barrett’s team reports on timely topics transparently, good and bad, providing a credible source and opinion,” said Albert. “[Barrett] throws in your face what you should want to know and what you need to know to be accountable to get stronger, smarter, and more effective every day.”
When asked what content stands out, Albert said she is a consumer of it all. She prefers the daily news stories and talent profiles along with stories on industry trends that provide several points of view.
“It feels like a thousand stories hit my email daily. Barrett [Media] is timely, relevant, honest, and opinionated,” notes Albert. “Bottom line—I trust the information, and reading this source provides me with most of the information I need to be up-to-date on news stories, programming changes and trends, threats, and opportunities.”
In her appearance as a panelist at the Barrett Sports Media Summit, Albert recalled the event and its level of importance to the industry. While the networking was a plus, the discussions far outweighed it in significance to all tentacles of the industry.
“I found the event to meet core values important to our business: honesty, passion, community, integrity. Jason [Barrett] brings people together day after day, month after month, for a decade now,” said Albert.
Looking ahead at the future of Barrett Media, Albert is encouraged to see how the brand has morphed into more sections of the industry. As evolution continues to impact the day-to-day for us all, she says Barrett Media will continue to be a trusted source for coverage.
“Barrett is my go-to when news breaks. Jason and the team are smart, informed reporters that have a heart and soul and tell the story,” said Albert. “Stories of success, conflict, and passion—how radio is investing in talent and programming to be relevant. How broadcasters are inventing and developing new ideas that are making an impact. Stories of talent breaking the mold to entertain, surprise, delight, and lead.”
Gordy Rush / Guaranty Media Ventures
Gordy Rush (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Gordy Rush is the vice president and general manager for Guaranty Media Ventures in Louisiana. A savvy radio veteran with over 25 years in the industry, he still serves on the air as the sideline reporter for the LSU Tigers football radio broadcasts. In between managing the day-to-day for Guaranty Media and roaming the sidelines in Death Valley, Rush is an advocate for Barrett Media daily.
“I began reading Barrett Media’s sports publication the very first day it launched. I’ve known Jason Barrett for a number of years. I’ve always respected his insight and perspective on the media industry,” said Rush. “His understanding of both the business and content sides of sports broadcasting is second to none. That trust made it an easy decision to follow the site from day one.”
Rush came to know Jason Barrett through attending several industry events over the years. Through growing familiarity with Barrett and Barrett Media, he stated that the two share many of the same professional connections and values. Rush considers Barrett Media more than just another publication. He feels it’s a trusted voice within a network he’s proud to be a part of.
“Barrett Media’s content is a valuable resource for me and my team. I particularly enjoy the opinion pieces, breaking news, and interviews with professionals across Jason Barrett’s network,” noted Rush. “The commentary often sparks internal conversations and helps guide our thinking around programming and content strategy. Knowing the voices behind the stories—and having a personal connection to Jason—makes the content not just informative, but meaningful. It’s a trusted part of our media toolkit.”
An admitted radio lifer. Rush was quick to point out the coverage of the sports radio industry as a major strength of the Barrett Media brand. His relationship with Jason Barrett gained his trust in the input and forward-thinking perspectives provided by Barrett Media.
Rush has been a frequent attendee at the annual Barrett Sports Media Summit as well as the Barrett News Media Summit. He’s had the opportunity to participate both as a speaker and moderator and holds the annual events in high regard.
“These events consistently attract top-tier talent and decision-makers from across the industry,” said Rush. “All you have to do is look at the quality of the speakers and the people in the audience to know this is where you need to be. It’s a gathering of professionals who truly understand the business. Outside of CES, Barrett Media Summits are the only content-focused conferences I feel are essential for us to attend.”
Looking ahead to the next decade of coverage from Barrett Media. Rush said he hopes the brand continues to evolve as the industry does.
“Jason has always had a strong sense of where the business is headed. I expect Barrett Media to mirror that trajectory—publishing content wherever audiences consume it. The brand is already active on short-form video, TikTok, and X, which shows a clear understanding of modern content distribution,” said Rush. “I trust Jason [Barrett] will continue to follow the leaders in our industry to the next platform and beyond. Staying ahead of the curve is what makes Barrett Media such a valuable resource.”
Ken Brady / 1010XL
Ken Brady (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Ken Brady is the general sales manager at 1010XL in Jacksonville, FL. He’s currently in his 12th year at the helm of the flagship radio station of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brady said he began following the Barrett Media brand about eight years ago. Drawn to Jason Barrett’s experience and reputation for having “his finger on the pulse of the business,” Brady says the information Barrett Media continues to provide him and his team in Florida serves the reader in many ways.
“I love to read what the writers feel about industry happenings. No matter the good—like how to coach or harness better—or bad, like how to deal with layoffs. There are always nuggets to pull from the reading,” said Brady. “This is not limited to just sports. As a former N/T GSM, his group of writers there do an excellent job as well.”
He considers Barrett Media a great resource for discussions on the important issues surrounding all arms of the industry. Brady believes Barrett Media serves its readers by not fearing tackling the big issues with insight and thought from experienced people with backgrounds in and around the industry. This, he said, leads to validation and trust. Knowing that the product being delivered comes from a place of knowledge.
Some recent articles and columns by Barrett Media stood out to him as strong examples of that very notion.
“Jason [Barrett]’s article on Charlie Kirk was moving and well thought out,” said Brady of the recent piece. “His reaction to AI and digital also is well thought out and provides indications of what is possible and what is coming.”
Brady said he continues to marvel at the growth he has seen at Barrett Media since he began following the brand in 2017. It’s admirable, he added, because the brand has remained true to the original mission statement set by Jason Barrett. It remains a resource of thought for the industry to consume.
With a decade past and moving into the future, Brady has high hopes for what’s to come. He also has a desire to see more range from what Barrett Media already presents.
“I would like to see more sales-oriented articles, thoughts, and exchanges,” noted Brady. “This is an area that continues to be increasingly important. How can sales and programming continue to work together to appeal to the audience and the revenue needs of our industry?”
Dan Seeman / Hubbard Broadcasting
Dan Seeman (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Dan Seeman is the vice president and region manager at Hubbard Broadcasting in Minnesota. While Barrett Media celebrates a decade with its Toast to 10 series, Seeman just recently celebrated his twentieth anniversary with Hubbard. His career began as an intern at WLOL, the top CHR radio station in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Over the years, Seeman worked his way up through the ranks in promotions, marketing, sales, and management.
He has led his brands to multiple NAB Crystal Awards and several Marconi Awards in his career. However, sports radio remains at his heart. Seeman worked alongside Jason Barrett on crafting what would eventually become SKOR North, Hubbard’s sports podcast network. It set a standard for how sports radio stations across the country build unique content for a digital audience.
“I’ve known Jason a long time, so I think I was a reader from the very beginning when the email was focused on sports radio and content,” noted Seeman.
Seeman is a daily consumer of Barrett Media content. He particularly enjoys the columns that comment on industry news with a perspective on growing sports and talk radio.
“I also enjoy the interviews with industry leaders, particularly the market managers,” said Seeman. “It’s great to see they are up against the same headwinds that we are, and I think there is valuable insight in how they are meeting the challenge.”
The one asset Seeman appreciates the most about Barrett Media’s coverage is depth. The effort to provide context for clarity when news arises, both in reporting and in commentary.
“Jason’s staff of writers and columnists dig into the stories and provide opinions and perspectives on how to avoid pitfalls and grow the business,” said Seeman.
Seeman has been a frequent attendee of the Barrett Sports Media Summits. He considers the trip every time he attends to be as valuable as the last. Whether on his own or as a panelist. The level of discussion at the Summits, he said, reinforces the evolution Barrett Media has undergone since its inception just a decade ago.
Although his mind is always focused on the future and how digital evolves. Seeman noted he’d enjoy seeing more coverage of the podcasting realm in the future of Barrett Media. A section of the industry that doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Sandy Cohen / Union Broadcasting
Sandy Cohen (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Sandy Cohen is the vice president of sales for Union Broadcasting in Kansas City. In the “Chiefs Kingdom,” Cohen’s role is to develop and collaborate with local and national sales teams on projects creating and implementing successful custom audio, digital, and social video campaigns surrounding sports marketing partnerships. It is a big job that Cohen has managed successfully for the last quarter century.
Cohen says the main reason he has followed Barrett Media since the very beginning has been the passion he shares with the team.
“Jason and the staff all have a passion for the business. Everyone is informative, opinionated, and thought-provoking. I am passionate about our business and enjoy what I do for a living. To goal is I want my teams to be the best they can be,” said Cohen. “I like to learn and feel that Barrett Media provides education and entertainment for myself and my team.”
A daily consumer of Barrett Media content, Cohen loves to find ways to integrate the articles or columns from the site into weekly sales meetings at Union Broadcasting. He believes there are nuggets of information that can always be shared to educate his team and provide new ideas, which stimulate quality conversations in the meetings.
“I lean toward sales because that is my day-to-day responsibility,” noted Cohen. “However, I learn from the programming pieces included in the headlines because without great programming and ideas, there are no sales.”
Along the same line of thinking, Cohen recalled a column by former Barrett Media staff writer Dave Greene that pointed out the daily habits of top media sellers in the industry—a peek behind the curtain that Cohen continues to utilize even today.
“They map out their schedules, block time for prospecting, setting up meetings, follow-ups, and administrative work. Top performers in media are like top performers in any field. They practice constantly, are disciplined, build structure, create a plan, and relentlessly focus on what matters,” recalled Cohen of Greene’s column. “The best reps treat their time like it matters and ignore the distractions. Time is the most valuable asset that we all have.”
Cohen has been a frequent attendee and speaker at the Barrett Sports Media Summits over the years. He noted he’s attended every year post-COVID since 2021. Over time, Cohen has observed the Barrett Media brand expanding into other sections of the industry. Providing windows of opportunity to learn from the challenges of others.
“Barrett Media covers so much ground, just like we all do in our evolving industry,” said Cohen. “I have always known that Jason and his team have a passion for sports. It is nice to see the expansion to other formats—news and music, other media segments. Everyone is in the content business, so it makes sense to expand the reach of what Barrett Media is covering today. We can all learn from each other regardless of format and media.”
His only advice for Barrett Media? “Keep doing what you do,” said Cohen. “I love the broad coverage: radio, digital, social media, events, other industries, and more. We are in the entertainment and content delivery business. Keep informing us of trends and balance as much as you can between programming and sales. Thank you for all you do.”
Marsha Landess / Radio One
Marsha Landess (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Marsha Landess is the vice president and general manager at Radio One in Charlotte, NC. She oversees all aspects of the six-station cluster in Charlotte as well as the company’s four-station cluster in Richmond, VA. Landess met Jason Barrett for the first time in 2021 when he served as a consultant for Radio One’s sports radio outlet WFNZ.
“He has so much knowledge and experience of what worked and had not worked that I immediately became a big fan. He always has great advice and direction,” said Landess.
Landess noted that when she arrived in 2021 to take over as regional vice president and general manager in Charlotte, working alongside Jason Barrett led her to follow his work at Barrett Media more frequently. Today, she is a daily consumer of Barrett Media content. Saying the attractiveness of being an easy read that highlights what’s trending is easily digestible.
“I also like the perspective it brings to news stories and trends,” said Landess. “We often share highlights with each other and our team.”
Noting the fast-paced news cycle we currently live in. She appreciates how Barrett Media presents its content. Short and to the point, while providing depth and knowledge from those with experience in the industry. One annual highlight that stands out to Landess is the Barrett Media Top 20 lists, which populate every January and February.
“We really like the Top 20 each year. It is great to see who is doing great things and to be recognized for their hard work,” said Landess. “It also helps us to look further. See what those stations are doing and help us to grow to be even better! Also, our team is very excited when they are recognized for all the amazing work they do. We are a competitive group, in a good way. We like to see our stations and teammates grow in rank!”
Landess says she feels the passion that comes through in the writing from everyone who contributes to Barrett Media. Providing perspective with fresh ideas and knowing where things are working can help the industry rise to new heights. She noted her attendance at both the Barrett Media sports and news summits. Which she says always bring great ideas and energy to attendees.
“It is great to step away from the day-to-day. Spending time with other broadcasters who also have a passion for learning more about how to make our stations, our listeners, and our advertisers more successful,” noted Landess.
Now a decade old, Landess hopes Barrett Media continues to evolve with the ever-changing world of broadcasting. She hopes the industry remains open to new ideas on ways to innovate and be everywhere with the consumer.
Mike Thomas / Audacy
Mike Thomas (Toast To 10 Series: Canva Creation, Social Screenshot)
Mike Thomas is the senior vice president and market manager for Audacy in Boston, MA. He comes from a family of radio royalty—his father worked as a general manager and in sales within the radio industry, which led not only him but also his brother and sister to pursue their own successes in radio.
Thomas noted he got to know Jason Barrett when he was programming 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. He attended the very first Barrett Sports Media Summit held in Chicago, and from there the relationship continued to grow.
“Jason [Barrett] has done an excellent job of filling a void in our industry,” said Thomas. “Nobody was covering sports radio until Jason created Barrett Media.”
What stood out to Thomas about Barrett Media compared to other sources was the sheer volume of information the brand provides daily. While the day-to-day can keep a programmer’s mind occupied, he notes that Barrett Media allows him a window to catch up on trends, news, and perspectives from those in and around the industry.
“I have always been a reader of the trade magazines. Going back to when they would show up in the mail,” said Thomas. “It is a smart career decision not to get too caught up in what is happening within your own building. Or you lose sight of what is happening in the industry. I’m an information junky. Sports, music, news—I want to know what is going on. Not only in my market but also around the country. My daily dose of Barrett Media helps me know what is happening. It provides valuable information on trends and things I can use professionally and to coach my team.”
Thomas said he truly enjoys stories and perspectives surrounding shifts in the industry. For example, the change to a three-minute qualifier by Nielsen was a seismic shift in how the radio industry is currently measured. These types of pieces, provided by Barrett Media, are the ones that immediately stand out for sharing internally with his team at Audacy.
As Barrett Media has evolved, Thomas credits Jason Barrett’s forward-thinking approach for finding new avenues to appeal to more audiences.
“To expand beyond just sports but still maintain a focus on sports radio was a great decision,” said Thomas. “There is not another publication like Barrett Media on a daily basis.”
When asked what he hopes will be included in the next decades of coverage at Barrett Media. Thomas highlighted a major hurdle traditional radio will face in the near future.
“I look forward to learning about the true turning point for radio, when everything is delivered over the internet. That day is coming, in my opinion,” said Thomas. “Towers that sit on expensive land and transmitters that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase and maintain…will go away. That will be interesting to watch unfold in the hypothetical pages of Barrett Media.”
This chapter of Barrett Media’s Toast to 10 series was a fascinating and enlightening one for this former programmer. I have always respected those who serve the industry off the mic but remain as vital to the collective success as anyone. The walls that used to divide programming and sales are no longer as rigid, as both are co-equally dependent on each other for the future of the industry.
I really appreciated hearing the perspective of those who walk the streets and hit the cold calls, alongside others who have elevated to the office level through their career journey. Their feedback provided a window into how important Barrett Media’s coverage is to their day-to-day work and where they hope the brand moves in the next decade. Thank you to all those who shared their voices as Barrett Media continues to celebrate a Toast to 10.
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.
Welcome back to Hits on the Horizon. We are now 3 months away from Christmas. Let that sink in for a moment! With no more time to waste, let’s jump right in with some ear candy you should be considering if you program a music radio station.
In the Top40/Hot-AC world, here’s a few to have on your radar. Ed Sheeran’s “A Little More” from the new album “Play” is a fun groove with a good hook. It captured about 2.3 million streams nationally this week. This next song will get attention and reaction from your audience fairly quickly. Laufey’s ”Lover Girl” sounds like a throwback to many years ago. It had 4 million streams nationally this week. One more to get your ears on is Jackson Wang’s “Let Loose”. I really like the hook on this song.
Moving to Rock and the “active” side be sure to check out The Violent’s “Bad Blood”. This song rocks and has a solid hook. It’s getting some radio love so far from Sirius XM’s Octane channel. Next is a song getting a bit of Alt love, but could work well for AAA and maybe even cross to Adult Pop. That’s Braison Cyrus’ “Know This”. Before you ask, yes he is Miley’s brother. Don’t sleep on this one. It’s very catchy and well written. Radio love in the alt world is coming from WJMZ in Greenville SC, and WROX in Norfolk.
One more for the week that caught my ears is Medium Build’s “Last Time”. His real name is Nicholas, and his voice at time reminds me of Paul Simon. This is a cool song with a good hook and it’s earning radio love at The Current in Minneapolis, KTBG in Kansas City, and WYMS in Milwaukee.
Shifting to Country, Laci Kaye Booth’s “Luck Of The Draw” has been stuck in my head all week. It’s just a good song with a strong hook. Walker Hayes’ “Next Wife” is next, and features the lyrics “If you were my ex-wife and I saw you at Walmart and I was with my next wife, it would be so hard!” It’s fun and catchy.
Let’s move to world of Rhythm next where Cardi B’s “Magnet” is getting love from “Urban One” stations in Washington DC, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Richmond and Indianapolis. Sirius XM’s The Heat is also showing love to the song. One other that should be on your radar is Ella Mai’s “Tell Her”. It had 2.4 million streams nationally this week plus radio love from Radio Free 102.3 KJLH in Los Angeles and Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul.
That’s my collection of ear candy for you this week. Happy listening!
Every September, Apple announces its latest round of aluminum-and-glass temptation. Millions of people worldwide suddenly discover that their one-year-old phone has become completely obsolete.
Enter the iPhone 17 and all its variations along with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — devices designed for professionals, creators, fitness junkies and, of course, the die-hard fans who upgrade more often than they ch5nge the batteries in their TV remote.
For executives and high-flyers, the iPhone isn’t just a phone. It’s a lifestyle accessory. The iPhone 17 is thinner and faster. Of course, it’s really shiny. My wife calls anything new and shiny “a sparkly.” I’m embarrassed to say, she’s a diehard Samsung fan and has the Galaxy 25 Ultra. Make no mistake; our marriage is in turmoil because of it.
This new Apple “must-have” is truly perfect for inconspicuously sliding onto the conference table so everyone knows who’s running this darn meeting! Pair it with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and you’re basically saying, “I’m too busy closing deals to carry around anything less than the best.”
Sure, last year’s phone still works just fine. I mean is there really a measurable difference? It doesn’t matter! Just imagine trying to close a big deal while holding an iPhone 16. How embarrassing!
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is marketed to ultra-athletes, mountain climbers, and marathon runners. In reality, it will mostly be used to count steps from the recliner to the fridge. Still, the new health sensors and longer battery life give fitness lovers the peace of mind that, should they ever accidentally wander into the wilderness, their watch can track every heroic calorie burned. Ok – it does actually have satellite calling capabilities! I’d be more impressed if got satellite TV.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17’s camera upgrade means gym selfies will be in 48MP clarity — because if your biceps look good in portrait mode, they must be growing.
Look, some folks don’t need a reason. They had the iPhone 17 in their cart before Tim Cook finished saying, “Good morning!” For them, specs are just trivia they’ll recite later to friends who didn’t upgrade. “Oh you still have the iPhone 16. Hmm Sorry.”
They’ll smugly explain the 120Hz refresh rate at brunch, as if anyone else can see the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz while scrolling through Chihuahua puppy photos. But hey — owning the newest iPhone is their love language.
Influencers and content creators will buy the iPhone 17 because it’s basically their office. Better cameras, faster processors, and smoother uploads mean more TikToks, more reels, more likes. The 24MP selfie cam? That’s not vanity — that’s tax deductible.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds another layer of brand polish: “Look, followers, I care about health and aesthetics.” It’s wearable “wellness marketing”.
Finally, there are the ecosystem devotees — the ones who already own the MacBook, iPad, AirPods, HomePod, and probably named their dog “Siri.” For them, not upgrading would feel like betrayal.
These are the legendary annual upgraders. Their iPhone 16 hasn’t even had time to lose battery capacity, yet they’re already planning its retirement. They don’t ask, “Do I need it?” They ask, “What color should I get this year?” Owning the newest iPhone isn’t a purchase — it’s a sacred ritual, like carving a turkey on Thanksgiving or complaining about airline Wi-Fi.
The iPhone 17 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 aren’t just gadgets; they’re lifestyle markers. For professionals, it’s productivity. For athletes, it’s performance. Creators value it for content. And for the yearly upgrader, think Fiddler on the Roof. It’s tradition.
Because at the end of the day, Apple doesn’t just sell phones and watches — it sells the feeling that last year’s model was embarrassingly inadequate. And for millions of people, that’s worth at least $1,199 (plus tax and Apple Care.)
Oh – and just for the record. I am one of the annual upgraders. I picked up my iPhone 17 Pro Max at the Apple Store on release day last week. Yeah – I’m not really sure why and frankly, I don’t care. I just wanted it. I have to admit though, my wife is probably right, I’m an idiot.
Last week, Batya Ungar-Sargon debuted a new weekend show on NewsNation, with her program, Batya, airing at 4 PM ET.
In the first edition of the show, Ungar-Sargon spoke with Megyn Kelly about the death of Charlie Kirk, as well as the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.
What a time for a first week.
But the cable news show from Batya Ungar-Sargon has been a long time coming. She said there were several things that made now the right time for her to join the upstart cable news network.
“NewsNation is the fastest-growing cable channel with a diverse viewership that looks a lot like the American people,” she said. “In an age of polarization, NewsNation is bringing people together by creating content for the vast majority of Americans who aren’t extremists, are sick of the rage bait, and want us to find common ground as Americans.
“NewsNation somehow manages to reproduce the intimacy of local television but for a national audience, which, together with its commitment to fairness, is where the trust from its audience comes from,” Ungar-Sargon continued. “I could not be more honored to be a part of the NewsNation family.”
NewsNation has billed itself as a non-partisan network in an attempt to differentiate itself from the cable news competition. That distinction was an imperative one to the new host.
“It is extremely important to me to be able to speak to people who agree with me as well as people who don’t, so I’d say it’s really important!” she shared.
Ungar-Sargon is no stranger to the media space. She’s previously served as the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek, as well as working as a contributor at outlets like The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Daily Beast, and The Free Press, among others.
Additionally, she’s written a pair of books, Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America’s Working Men and Women and Bad News: How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy.
After getting the debut program under her belt, including the wide-ranging discussion with Megyn Kelly, Batya Ungar-Sargon says she has a firm grasp on what qualities she hopes the program imparts to viewers.
“Civil discourse and vigorous debate in the pursuit of common ground,” she stated, adding that “More unites us than divides us as Americans, and we have to keep that front-of-mind.”
The first show of any new program, whether it’s a radio show, podcast, YouTube video, or a cable news program nationally televised, is always a difficult thing to tackle. And that initial episode already has Ungar-Sargon thinking about what she learnt from the hour-long episode.
“(I learned) how important your team is,” she said of her colleagues at NewsNation. “They are the real magic here!”
She added that she’s identified what some future challenges might be for the program going forward, as well.
“I think finding the right balance between serious and fun segments is going to be the main challenge,” she said.
In the book “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, the titular white whale serves as an elusive creature. Not easily caught, the character is often used as a metaphor for something that one aspires to eventually reach or catch.
In media, nearly every host or interview has a “white whale” guest they dream of landing, whether it be for selfish reasons — like being a fan of that person’s work — or the hope that they can extract some nugget of information no one else has even been able to get out of them. Others, meanwhile, might view that elusive interview subject as wanting the chance to interview an enigmatic figure that could potentially be misunderstood by others.
But the point remains: everyone has that one person they’d like to interview someday.
When asked who her “white whale” guest is, Batya Ungar-Sargon had a succinct answer.
“I’d really love to interview Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.”
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.
The TV industry is experiencing significant challenges. It can rise like a phoenix from the ashes and restore trust with the American public if smart decisions are made. Not everyone running big outlets will do that though.
CNN’s revenue has dropped $400 million in the last three years. Ratings are low, staff has been cut, and a bunch of people have been moved to Atlanta. Even Kaitlan Collins has done double duty, anchoring her own show and serving as the network’s Chief White House Correspondent. That alone isn’t enough to save the network.
Then there’s Nexstar, which is trying to buy TEGNA, and playing a dangerous game of appeasing the government. How do they do this? By taking the programming on ABC—which you’ve paid for—and replacing it with something else. Politics aside, Nexstar is a distributor. They should not be blocking shows.
A distributor’s job is to deliver what you ordered. Think about it like this: you go to your local beer guy and order Sam Adams Summer Ale. When the delivery comes, you receive Pineapple White Claw instead. They are going to get a phone call from you because it’s not what you ordered.
You ordered ABC? You should get it in full, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with Jimmy Kimmel’s political stance. It is what you ordered — ABC with a side of poor judgment.
What’s the most ironic thing about FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s threats on ABC? For those who forgot their history, it is the fact that the network began because the federal government changed regulations to create more competition. The same agency that created you may now pull your license. That’s like when your mother would say to you as a kid, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it.” It makes no sense.
ABC (and this Kimmel problem) would not exist if NBC Blue had not been split from NBC Red in 1942. If those 1942 FCC regulators saw what this industry has become, not only would they be subdividing all of these large media groups, but the industry would also be better off.
Today, there is very little competition. The suits have bought everyone up, and are now blatantly controlling what you see. This is not what the media is supposed to do. Controlling what you see is not free speech.
Big corporations are no longer providing the service news organizations were meant to provide. The industry is supposed to serve the public, not try to make as much money as possible before bleeding itself dry because they’ve created echo chambers that aren’t profitable.
More importantly, big media has completely neutered local stations’ ability to cover the news that matters most to their area. Many local stations are so hyper-focused on national news because they don’t have the resources to cover local news anymore. What’s crazy is local news has more of a direct effect on everyday people than national news.
To paraphrase Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka (because the others who portrayed the famed candy man were terrible): “It’s all there, black and white, clear as crystal! You stole Americans’ trust, and bumped into the political ceiling, which now has you hostage, so you get nothing! You lose! Good day, sir!”
The only way to come back from all of this is to break things up and stand on your own. Be small but think big. The way to rise from the ashes of this burning industry is to be neutral, keep it local, stay fully staffed, and — most importantly — keep big business and political gamesmanship out of your newsroom.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Beasley Media Group is bringing a familiar voice back to Philadelphia sports radio as the company announced that Jon Marks will host Middays with Marks on 97.5 The Fanatic beginning September 29. The show will air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Marks is no stranger to The Fanatic. He began his career producing the Sports Radio 950 Morning Show from 2006 to 2008 before becoming executive producer and co-host of The Mike Missanelli Show. From there, Marks spent several years behind the mic on multiple Fanatic programs, including Gargano in the Morning, Jon and Sean with Sean Brace, Bruno and Marks with Tony Bruno, and Baldy and Marks with Brian Baldinger.
After leaving The Fanatic in 2016, Marks joined 94 WIP, where he co-hosted Marks and Reese with Ike Reese from 2017 to 2023. During that run, he also launched the nationally syndicated Jon Marks Show on CBS Sports Radio. Further cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in sports media.
Beasley executives pointed to that track record when reintroducing Marks to The Fanatic’s lineup. Paul Blake, vice president and market manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia, said Marks brings instant credibility.
“Jon Marks is a proven leader and a trusted voice in Philadelphia sports,” Blake said. “His credibility, passion, and connection with our audience will be instrumental in driving The Fanatic’s continued growth and success in the market.”
Program Director Scott Masteller echoed that sentiment, calling Marks the right fit at the right time.
“We are thrilled to have Jon Marks take over middays at The Fanatic,” Masteller said. “Jon’s talent, credibility, and connection with Philadelphia sports fans are second to none. His energy and insight make him the perfect fit to lead our midday lineup.”
For Marks, the move represents more than just a new time slot. It’s a return home.
“I’m beyond excited for this opportunity,” Marks said. “Philadelphia is the best sports city in the country, and the fans here are as passionate as they come. To be able to talk sports with them every day in this new time slot is an honor. I can’t wait to bring that same energy and passion to middays on The Fanatic.”
The decision also comes at a time when competition in Philadelphia sports radio remains fierce. WIP has consistently dominated the market, but The Fanatic continues to carve out a loyal audience. Adding a familiar voice like Marks, who has history on both sides of the dial, could provide the station with a valuable spark.
With the addition of Middays with Marks, Beasley is betting that one of its most familiar names can help The Fanatic strengthen its position in a crowded and passionate Philadelphia sports landscape.
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.
As President Donald Trump prepares to sign a bill to keep TikTok available in the United States, new data suggests that the platform is a growing news discovery avenue for U.S. audiences.
According to data released by Pew Research, 20% of all U.S. adults now regularly get news on TikTok. That figure is a meteoric rise from just 3% in 2020. No social media platform studied by the company has shown faster growth in that category.
Unsurprisingly, those finding news on the platform are largely under the age of 50.
43% of survey respondents between the ages of 18-29 said they regularly get news on TikTok, up from 39% in 2024 and 32% in 2023. Meanwhile, those aged 30-49 also saw a rise, but not nearly to the heights of the younger demographic. 25% of those 30-49 said they regularly get news on the digital video platform, up from 15% in 2023.
Older audiences are also seeing an increase, but to much smaller levels. Of the survey respondents aged 50-64, only 10% shared they’re using TikTok as a news platform, up from 7% in 2023.
(Illustration: Pew Research Center)
In 2020, only 22% of TikTok users said they were getting news on the platform. However, that figure has grown to 55% of all users in 2025. That finish puts TikTok on par with apps like X, and Truth Social, and above competitors like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Rumble, among others.
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.
