Veteran programmer Rick Vaughn is heading back to iHeartMedia, taking on the role of Senior Vice President of Programming in Salt Lake City.
The move marks a homecoming for Vaughn, who spent 15 years with the company before departing for Cumulus Media a decade ago.
Vaughn has been a familiar name in the Salt Lake City market. For the past 10 years, he served as operations manager and program director at Cumulus Media Salt Lake, overseeing CHR outlets Power 94.9/101.9 and Rock 101.1.
His return to iHeart signals a full-circle moment in a career that has stretched across some of the country’s most competitive formats and markets.
Before joining Cumulus, Vaughn’s resume included an extensive run with iHeart. He led programming for rhythmic CHR KGGI in Riverside, CHR brands in Hartford, San Diego, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Atlanta. He also programmed alternative WRDA Atlanta, expanding his portfolio across formats and demonstrating versatility in driving both ratings and brand growth.
In addition, Vaughn held leadership roles with Beasley at Philadelphia’s Wired 96.5 and earlier in his career spent time in Idaho, Spokane, and Phoenix. That experience, spanning large and mid-sized markets alike, has contributed to his reputation as a programmer who can adapt to evolving audiences while maintaining station identity.
“This is an incredible opportunity to help shape the future of iHeart Salt Lake City,” Vaughn said in a statement. “iHeartMedia is committed to excellence, innovation and growth, and I’m excited to return to the iHeart family to collaborate with such a talented team, create compelling content, engage listeners across every platform, and deliver outstanding results for our advertising partners.”
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Netflix is stepping into live sports in a major way, with Major League Baseball handing the streaming giant its Opening Day spotlight. According to a report in The Athletic, Netflix will exclusively stream the New York Yankees’ March 25, 2026, opener against the San Francisco Giants.
The primetime matchup will serve as the first game of the season and the streamer’s first live MLB broadcast. It is the only contest scheduled that day, with the rest of the league opening the following afternoon.
The move is part of a reported three-year rights package between MLB and Netflix that is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. While the league declined comment. Sources told The Athletic the deal will also give Netflix rights to the Home Run Derby and a share of MLB’s showcase regular-season games at special locations. That includes events such as the “Field of Dreams” game, “MLB at Rickwood Field,” and the new “MLB Speedway” matchup, which debuted this past August.
Fox Sports, which previously carried those games, may retain some event broadcasts moving forward.
The deals come after ESPN chose to opt out of the final three years of its previous contract in February. That package, worth $550 million annually, included Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby, and playoff rights. In response, MLB split the rights among multiple partners.
Netflix and NBC/Peacock picked up key pieces. NBC/Peacock will become the new home of Sunday Night Baseball, carry the first round of the playoffs, and stream late Sunday morning games—replacing Roku, as previously reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Peacock is also expected to carry one or two special event games annually.
Exact financial terms for the new agreements are not yet known. Sources tell The Athletic the combined MLB-Netflix and MLB-NBC/Peacock packages are expected to land in the $225 million to $250 million per season range.
Meanwhile, ESPN is set to stay heavily involved. The network will license MLB.TV’s out-of-market package and five local team in-market packages while also adding 30 exclusive national weekday games. ESPN’s new deal is projected to total the same $1.65 billion that was lost from its original opt-out.
For Netflix, the Opening Day stage marks a significant expansion into live sports. The company already secured the rights to the World Baseball Classic in Japan next spring, underscoring its broader global ambitions.
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Jamie “Tanch” Tanchyk is making a return to his old stomping grounds in Albany, joining 100.9/107.1 The Cat as the country station’s new late-night host.
Tanchyk — works as the midday host at 98.7 The Bull in Portland, known as “JT” on the Connoisseur Media country station, where he’ll continue while voicetracking nights from 10 PM-2 AM on The Cat — previously spent eight years in the market. He previously worked at Top 40, Rhythmic, and AAA stations in Albany before departing to work as Assistant Program Director and afternoon host of The New Hot 103.7 in Seattle in 2014.
In his return, Tanchyk thanked Pamal Broadcasting Director of Operations and Programming Kevin Callahan for the chance to return to his former market.
“Kevin shared his strategic vision for The Cat’s talent line-up and I knew I had to be a part of it,” Tanchyk said. “I’m excited to share that I’m stepping into the prestigious role of the Capital Region’s ‘ringleader of good times and bad decisions,’ weeknights from 10 PM-2 AM. I can’t wait to split the Uber on the ride home from McGeary’s with the 518! Big thanks to Kevin Callahan and Pete Kelly for the opportunity!”
He is not the only former Albany DJ returning to the station. Marissa Lanchak is also joining 100.9/107.1 The Cat as the station’s midday host.
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New York Mets play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen expressed concern Tuesday over Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw missing a game to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. The service for Kirk, a conservative activist and outspoken Cubs fan, was held Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Shaw was notably absent as the Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds, a game they lost 1-0.
It was not immediately clear why Shaw missed the game. Only after the contest did it emerge that the player had traveled to Arizona to attend Kirk’s service, with the Cubs granting him permission to do so. During Tuesday night’s Mets-Cubs broadcast on SNY, Cohen addressed the situation, voicing his discomfort with the timing.
“Shaw had Cubs world in a tizzy this weekend when he was not here for the Cubs game with the Reds,” Cohen said. “A game they lost one-nothing, and in which his lack of presence was felt. It was later revealed that he had been given permission to attend Charlie Kirk’s funeral. And I don’t want to talk about any of the politics of it, but the thought of leaving your team in the middle of a race for any reason other than a family emergency really strikes me as weird.”
Shaw, speaking to reporters before Tuesday’s game, addressed his decision to attend the service. He described Kirk as “one of the biggest Cubs fans” he had ever met and recalled meeting him in Arizona. Shaw added that he had maintained regular contact with Kirk prior to his death. While Shaw acknowledged the competitive timing, he emphasized the personal significance of paying respects to Kirk.
The comments of Cohen sparked a number of members in the media to share their thoughts on Cohen’s words.
"Matt Shaw saw his friend get shot and killed…his wife requested that he be there and Gary Cohen’s got a problem with that because the Cubs are in a pennant race?" – Gregg Giannotti took issue with Gary Cohen questioning Matt Shaw attending Charlie Kirk's memorial service pic.twitter.com/QEXL3iktsn
Gary was wrong for sure and should apologize for his callous remarks, but NO Mets fans are refunding tickets or boycotting the team – They are on the road the rest of the season and if they make the playoffs they will again be on the road in the wild card round.
Gary cohen took a day off after his Great Dane Lily the family dog died this year and I have no issue with that and Matt Shaw took off with permission after his friend was murdered but Cohen found that weird? #ErikaKirk the widow invited him personally. #CharlieKirk@Cubshttps://t.co/FoeOQBgPq3
WOW: Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen calls it “weird” that Matt Shaw left his team to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial. Shaw was a close friend, invited personally by Erika Kirk.
How insensitive. Shaw’s decision was about faith and friendship, not baseball. pic.twitter.com/CSSboFU7TJ
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Selecting the right digital marketing partner represents one of the most crucial business decisions facing modern law firms. With 75% of lawyers considering their website to be the most effective marketing tool and 50% of legal firms prioritizing SEO as their top marketing investment, the stakes for choosing the correct search engine optimization partner have never been higher.
The digital landscape for legal services has transformed dramatically in recent years. Today’s potential clients begin their search for legal representation online, making search engine visibility essential for practice growth. Working with a specialized SEO agency for law firms becomes vital because legal marketing requires unique expertise.
Why Generic Marketing Agencies Fall Short
Legal marketing presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge and experience. Generic marketing agencies often struggle to deliver effective results for law firms due to several critical limitations that impact campaign success and compliance.
Compliance and Ethics Knowledge
Legal advertising regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction and practice area. Agencies without legal industry experience may inadvertently create marketing materials that violate bar association rules or state advertising regulations, potentially exposing law firms to disciplinary action.
Keyword Competition Understanding
Legal keywords represent some of the most expensive and competitive search terms across all industries. Terms like “personal injury lawyer” or “criminal defense attorney” require sophisticated strategies that generic agencies may not possess.
Content Expertise Requirements
Creating effective legal content requires understanding complex legal concepts, terminology, and client needs. Successful law firm SEO depends heavily on content that demonstrates genuine legal expertise and authority, something generic agencies often struggle to deliver. These agencies frequently produce shallow content that fails to meet the standards that both search engines and potential clients expect from legal professionals.
YMYL Content Standards
Google classifies legal content as “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) content, subjecting it to heightened quality standards. Agencies unfamiliar with YMYL requirements may create content that struggles to rank well in search results.
Essential Qualifications to Evaluate
Industry Experience and Track Record
When evaluating potential SEO partners, examining their experience within the legal industry provides crucial insights into their ability to deliver results for your practice. The complexity of legal marketing demands agencies with demonstrated success in navigating unique challenges specific to law firms.
Look for agencies that can provide detailed case studies showcasing their work with law firms similar to yours in practice area, market size, and geographic location. These case studies should include specific metrics such as:
Keyword ranking improvements for competitive legal terms
Organic traffic increases with conversion data
Lead generation metrics showing actual client inquiries
Revenue attribution demonstrating ROI from SEO efforts
Timeline documentation showing realistic expectations for results.
Request references from current and former legal clients, and conduct thorough conversations about their experiences. Ask specific questions about communication quality, project management, results delivery, and overall satisfaction with the partnership.
Technical Expertise and Service Offerings
A comprehensive SEO agency should offer a full spectrum of services necessary for legal marketing success. The complexity of modern search engine optimization requires agencies with deep technical knowledge across multiple disciplines.
Core Technical Services Required:
Website auditing and optimization for speed, mobile responsiveness, and user experience
Local SEO management, including Google Business Profile optimization and citation building
Content strategy and creation with legal expertise and YMYL compliance
Link building campaigns using white-hat techniques and legal industry connections
Technical SEO implementation covering schema markup, site architecture, and crawlability.
Advanced Capabilities to Seek:
Conversion rate optimization to maximize the value of organic traffic
Analytics and reporting systems providing transparent performance tracking
Reputation management for online reviews and brand protection
Integration capabilities with legal practice management software and CRM systems.
Evaluate each agency’s approach to these services and their ability to customize strategies based on your specific practice areas and target markets.
Pricing Models and Investment Considerations
Law firm SEO pricing varies significantly based on multiple factors, requiring careful evaluation to ensure appropriate investment allocation. Understanding different pricing models helps law firms make informed decisions about their marketing budgets and expected returns.
Monthly retainer models: You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 per month to a lawyer SEO agency, with costs varying based on market competition, practice areas, and campaign scope. Retainer relationships provide consistency and ongoing optimization but require long-term commitment for optimal results.
Hourly rate structures: Some agencies offer hourly billing ranging from $75 to $200 per hour, suitable for specific projects or limited scope work. This model works well for law firms needing particular expertise without ongoing campaign management.
Project-based pricing: One-time projects such as website audits, technical optimizations, or content creation may range from $1,000 to $30,000, depending on complexity and scope. This approach suits firms with specific needs or internal marketing capabilities.
Performance-based options: While some agencies offer performance-based pricing tied to rankings or traffic increases, proceed cautiously with these arrangements. Such models may incentivize short-term tactics that could harm long-term search performance.
Factors Affecting SEO Investment Levels
Factor
Low Impact ($3K-5K/month)
Medium Impact ($5K-10K/month)
High Impact ($10K+/month)
Practice Area Competition
Elder law, estates
Family law, business law
Personal injury, criminal defense
Geographic Market
Small cities, rural areas
Mid-size metro areas
Major metropolitan markets
Current Website Status
Well-optimized existing site
Some optimization needed
Complete rebuild required
Campaign Scope
Local SEO focus
Regional expansion
National presence
Content Needs
Minimal new content
Regular blog posts and pages
Comprehensive content library
Understanding these factors helps law firms set realistic budgets and expectations for their SEO investments. Effective SEO can bring a 526% ROI on average, making it a highly profitable long-term investment when properly executed.
Evaluating Agency Communication and Reporting
Transparency and Reporting Standards
Effective SEO partnerships require consistent communication and transparent reporting to track progress and justify investment. Evaluate potential agencies based on their reporting capabilities and communication standards.
Essential Reporting Elements:
Keyword ranking tracking for target terms with historical data
Organic traffic metrics, including sessions, users, and conversion data
Local search performance showing map pack rankings and local traffic
Content performance analysis, measuring engagement and conversion rates
Competitive analysis updates tracking your position relative to competitors.
Communication Frequency Standards:
Weekly progress updates during initial campaign phases
Monthly comprehensive reports with analysis and recommendations
Quarterly strategy reviews and goal-setting sessions
Immediate notification of significant changes or issues.
Account Management and Support Quality
The quality of ongoing account management significantly impacts campaign success and client satisfaction. Evaluate agencies based on their support structure and client relationship management approach.
Key Support Considerations:
Dedicated account manager assignment versus rotating team members
Response time commitments for questions, concerns, and urgent issues
Strategic consultation availability beyond basic reporting and updates
Training and education to help your team understand SEO principles and results.
Regular strategy sessions should focus on adapting campaigns based on performance data, market changes, and evolving business goals. Strong agencies provide proactive recommendations rather than simply executing predefined tasks.
Technical Infrastructure and Tools
SEO Tools and Technology Stack
Professional SEO agencies invest in comprehensive tool suites that enable detailed analysis, monitoring, and optimization. Understanding an agency’s technology stack provides insights into their capabilities and commitment to delivering results.
Essential SEO Tools:
Enterprise analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Semrush, Ahrefs)
Rank tracking software for monitoring keyword positions across multiple locations
Technical audit tools for identifying and resolving website optimization issues
Content optimization platforms for improving on-page SEO and readability
Link analysis tools for monitoring backlink profiles and identifying opportunities.
Advanced Technology Capabilities:
Local SEO management systems for multi-location practices
Conversion tracking integration with legal practice management software
Automated reporting systems providing real-time performance dashboards
Competitive intelligence tools for monitoring competitor strategies and market changes.
Website Ownership and Asset Control
Clarify ownership rights for all digital assets created during the partnership, including website improvements, content, and optimization work. Some agencies attempt to retain control over client assets, creating potential complications if the relationship ends.
Critical Ownership Questions:
Website and hosting control: Who maintains administrative access?
Content ownership rights: Can you retain and use the created content?
Analytics account access: Do you maintain direct access to performance data?
Social media account management: Who controls profiles and credentials?
Domain and DNS management: How are critical technical assets handled?
Ensure contracts clearly specify that your law firm retains ownership of all digital assets and can access them regardless of the ongoing agency relationship status.
Making the Final Selection Decision
Develop a systematic approach for evaluating agency proposals to ensure comprehensive comparison and optimal partner selection. Consider both quantitative and qualitative factors when making your decision.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria:
Strategy comprehensiveness: Does the proposal address all aspects of your SEO needs?
Timeline realism: Are projected timelines reasonable based on industry standards?
Budget alignment: Does the pricing structure match your investment capacity?
Performance metrics: Are success measurements clearly defined and achievable?
Risk mitigation: How does the agency address potential challenges and setbacks?
Qualitative Assessment Factors:
Cultural fit with your firm’s values and communication style
Industry reputation among legal professionals and marketing peers
An innovative approach to staying current with SEO best practices and algorithm changes
Scalability potential for growing with your practice expansion needs.
Contract Terms and Partnership Structure
Negotiate contract terms that protect your interests while providing the agency with sufficient time and resources to deliver results. SEO campaigns require sustained effort over extended periods, making contract structure particularly important.
Important Contract Considerations:
Performance benchmarks with specific, measurable goals and timelines
Termination clauses allowing reasonable exit options for both parties
Asset ownership provisions ensuring your firm retains control of digital properties
Scope change procedures for adapting strategies based on market conditions or business changes
Confidentiality agreements protecting sensitive firm information and client data.
Most successful SEO partnerships require a minimum commitment of 6-12 months to achieve meaningful results, as search engine optimization benefits compound over time through sustained effort and optimization.
Long-term Partnership Success Strategies
Setting Realistic Expectations
Successful SEO partnerships begin with realistic expectations about timelines, results, and the ongoing nature of search engine optimization. Understanding the gradual nature of SEO progress helps maintain positive working relationships and appropriate investment perspectives.
Typical SEO Timeline Expectations:
Months 1-3: Technical optimizations, content strategy development, and initial improvements.
Months 4-6: First significant ranking improvements and organic traffic increases.
Months 7-12: Substantial progress toward target keywords and measurable ROI.
Year 2+: Sustained growth, market leadership positioning, and expanding keyword coverage.
Most law firms see results within 3-6 months, with major ranking improvements occurring within 12 months, though competitive markets may require longer investment periods for optimal results.
Ongoing Collaboration and Optimization
Effective SEO partnerships require active collaboration between law firms and their agencies. Regular communication and strategic input from both parties optimize campaign performance and adapt to changing market conditions.
Best Practices for Partnership Success:
Regular strategy meetings to review performance and adjust tactics
Content collaboration leveraging your legal expertise for content creation
Market intelligence sharing about industry trends and competitive changes
Performance monitoring through shared dashboards and reporting systems
Continuous education about SEO principles and digital marketing trends.
Maintain realistic expectations while demanding accountability for results and transparent communication about challenges and opportunities. The most successful law firm SEO partnerships combine agency expertise with firm knowledge to create comprehensive strategies that drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage in an increasingly digital legal marketplace.
Salem Media Group has announced the promotion of Linnae Young and Jamie Cohen to new senior leadership roles inside the company.
After 27 years with the organization, Linnae Young has been elevated to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. She previously worked as the sales team leader for Salem Media Reps, before becoming the Vice President of the West Region for the company, in addition to serving as the Executive Vice President of Revenue Development and West Markets Broadcast Operations.
“Linnae is a proven builder of teams and revenue streams,” said Salem Media CEO Dave Santrella. For nearly three decades she has delivered results across every part of Salem’s business, and she has the rare ability to connect vision with execution. As we move into a ‘One World’ selling environment, Linnae is exactly the leader we need to unlock new opportunities across all of our platforms and deepen our service to advertisers. Her leadership will be central to accelerating Salem’s growth.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Cohen has been with the company for seven years, originally joining the in-house marketing agency, Salem Surrond. He later served as the Senior Vice President of Broadcast Digital.
“Jamie has been one of the key architects of Salem’s digital transformation,” said Santrella. “In just seven years, he took a $6 million business and scaled it to over $40 million—proof of both his vision and his execution. This new role gives him the mandate to break down silos and unify all of Salem’s digital assets under one strategy. With Jamie at the helm, Salem is positioned not just to compete in the digital marketplace, but to lead as a fully integrated media company.”
“These promotions reflect more than individual achievement—they represent the future of Salem Media,” Santrella added. “By elevating leaders like Linnae and Jamie, we are reinforcing our commitment to growth, innovation, and advancing talent from within. This is how we honor Salem’s legacy while positioning ourselves to thrive in the next chapter of media.”
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Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry will add “analyst” to his résumé this season, Prime Videoannounced, as the veteran point guard joins the streaming platform’s NBA coverage. Lowry will make select appearances on NBA on Prime throughout the 2025-26 season, with expanded responsibilities expected in the future.
“I’m excited to start the next chapter of my basketball journey with the Prime Sports team,” Lowry said in a statement. “The talent they’ve assembled is incredible, and together we’ll deliver something fresh and special for basketball fans worldwide. It’s an honor to be part of this from day one, and I’m committed to sharing the insights I’ve gained from my career through NBA on Prime for years to come.”
Lowry, who entered the NBA in 2006, has long been recognized as one of the league’s premier point guards. He helped lead the Toronto Raptors to the franchise’s first NBA championship. Lawry earned six NBA All-Star selections, and contributed to the U.S. national team’s gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games. Now with the 76ers, where he signed during the 2023-24 season, Lowry provides veteran leadership both on and off the court.
Prime Sports Head of On-Air Talent Amina Hussein emphasized that Lowry’s role will bridge his experience as an active player with his emerging on-air presence.
“We look forward to Kyle’s contributions to our team both this season as an active player and in the future,” Hussein said. “His authentic personality and deep understanding of today’s game will offer viewers unique analysis as we deliver NBA coverage that celebrates the game, and educates fans around the world.”
NBA on Prime kicks off Friday, Oct. 24, with a doubleheader featuring the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks. That will be followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers. Pregame coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET, with halftime coverage broadcast live from Amazon Studios in Culver City.
Beyond the doubleheaders, Prime Video will connect games with The Crossover, a program designed to bridge coverage between marquee matchups. Every game night will conclude with NBA Nightcap, a one-hour postgame show featuring player interviews and in-depth analysis. Lowry’s presence is expected to complement this coverage. Offering viewers a perspective rooted in firsthand experience at the highest level of the sport.
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WFAN and Jomboy Media have teamed up yet again. In an announcement posted on social media, WFAN co-host and producer Shaun Morash will be the new co-host of the Talkin’ Giants podcast on Jomboy Media, hosted by Justin Penik. The announcement comes weeks after the two media brands revealed a partnership to air a weekly show featuring select content from Jomboy Media on WFAN in New York City.
In making the announcement, Penik expressed his excitement for Morash to join the podcast in a co-host role.
“Shaun Morash of WFAN is going to be the next co-host with me,” said Penik on X. “He’s going to join me on game recaps on Sundays whenever the Giants play to give a reaction, and we’re going to go live on YouTube. He’s also going to join me at the back end of the week for game preview shows as well.”
Morash shared the news via his social media platform, also expressing his excitement about joining Jomboy Media.
“I am linking up with Jomboy Media, and I am now going to be the co-host of Talkin’ Giants with Justin Penik,” wrote Morash. “Looking forward to the Jaxson Dart era. Come join us every week, everywhere podcasts are available!”
The WFAN co-host and producer clarified that the new venture will not change his role with the Audacy radio station.
“Shaun being part of the main afternoon drive show on a network like WFAN, which is recognized around the world, is awesome,” said Penik. “What we’re going to do together is be fans. We’re going to live and die with every game. We’re going to live and die with every moment. And I hope you’re there with us.”
Morash began his ascent at WFAN in New York City as a part-time producer and board operator. His big break came in 2013 when the company launched CBS Sports Radio, now called the Infinity Sports Network. Morash was hired as the producer for the national network’s overnight show, hosted by Damon Amendolara. He was named the afternoon drive producer on WFAN in 2023.
Some Career News. I am linking up with @JomboyMedia and I am now going to be the co host of Talkin’ Giants with @JustinPenik. Looking forward to the Jaxson Dart era come join us every week everywhere podcasts are available!
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With local advertising projected to hit almost $170 billion in 2025, AM/FM Radio is the fifth largest beneficiary of that advertising revenue.
According to the latest forecasting from BIA Advisory Services, $12.3 billion of local advertising will be spent with AM/FM Radio and digital aspects of the medium. Of that figure, $2.3 billion is spent with radio’s digital offerings.
That rests behind $16.3 billion earmarked for over-the-air and digital television, $32 billion for PC/laptop advertising, $36.8 billion in direct mail, and $39.6 billion in mobile advertising. Without political advertising, over-the-air television is expected to see a 24.9% decrease in local revenue in 2025.
“The main takeaway — in terms of trends from all of that information — is that radio is still a very important ad platform,” BIA Advisory Services Vice President of Forecasting and Data Analysis Senan Mele said. “64% of U.S. adults listen to traditional radio, and over half of them tune in to AM and FM stations every day, averaging over 12 hours per week.”
The largest sectors spending money with terrestrial radio and radio digital products are Investment & Retirement Advice ($518 million), Quick-Service Restaurants/Fast Food ($499 million), Supermarket/Grocery Stores ($441 million), Commercial Banking ($430 million), and Hospitals ($403 million).
Real Estate Development (+8.2%), Mattress Stores/Sleep Centers (+2.3%), and Direct Life Insurance Providers (+2.2%) have all seen year-over-year increases in AM/FM Radio spending.
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ESPN College GameDay has entered a new era without Lee Corso, and longtime analyst Kirk Herbstreit believes the transition has gone about as smoothly as anyone could hope for. Speaking about Corso’s retirement on the SI Media Podcast, Herbstreit acknowledged how impossible it would be to fully replace a figure who helped define the show for nearly four decades.
Yet, he pointed to Pat McAfee as the personality who has embraced the responsibility of closing the program and giving fans a jolt of energy before kickoff.
“I think Pat’s done a pretty good job. We have the celebrity, we do all the picks, and then he does some kind of version of his own stamp on making the pick,” Herbstreit said on the SI Media Podcast. “We’re never going to have — hey, why don’t you put the headgear on? That’s it. I mean, Lee Corso was the headgear. But I think he’s done a pretty good job of capturing that moment.”
For years, the show’s signature finale centered on Corso’s headgear picks. A tradition that turned into one of college football’s most recognizable television moments. After health challenges limited Corso’s appearances in recent seasons, ESPN faced the delicate question of how to evolve the ending of a program that draws millions of viewers each Saturday morning following Corso’s retirement earlier this season.
Yet, Herbstreit also acknowledged the personal and professional void left by Corso.
“The toughest part is just not having him around,” he said. “Not so much on the show, which is obvious, but Friday meetings… he’d bust on us about something little, like stealing potato chips or just messing around… Those little things are no longer there. That to me is something I miss personally because we had a very strong relationship. The show’s vibe is still talking about the games, but not having him there is just different.”
Herbstreit praised the current team for filling the space with strong personalities, including McAfee and analyst Nick Saban. “Nick gets misunderstood,” he said. “People see him dancing or smiling, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ But we know him on a different level than people are used to seeing him standing at the Alabama podium and you know yelling at the media. He’s got a really good personality and is doing a great job fitting in with our crew.”
Since joining full time in 2022. McAfee has generated conversation both for his over-the-top personality and the way he interacts with fans on site. While some traditionalists initially wondered if his style would mesh with a broadcast that had thrived for decades, GameDay has continued to post strong ratings, and the live crowds remain as vocal as ever.
According to Herbstreit, that speaks to McAfee’s ability to be authentic without forcing the issue. For ESPN, striking that balance between honoring Corso and embracing McAfee has been crucial. With college football’s media landscape more competitive than ever, GameDay’s ability to stay relevant relies on both tradition and reinvention. Herbstreit sees McAfee as the right person to help thread that needle.
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