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Pepsi Falls, Dr. Pepper Rises And A Rock Radio Lesson

Keith Cunningham
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Pepsi Falls, Dr. Pepper Rises And A Rock Radio Lesson

Dear Pepsi: Do What Rock Does

Dynasties Fall, Champions Get Back Up

Dr. Pepper is the new Pepsi, literally and figuratively.

There sure is a lot of noise about Cracker Barrel, but there’s a more profound brand story unfolding.

Ask people to name the #2 soft drink brand in America, and Pepsi would be the runaway winner.  Wrong.

For Decades, Pepsi was Coke’s runner-up. Then, headlines said Pepsi slipped to #3. Days later, deeper data tells a more ominous story — Pepsi sits at #4, behind Dr. Pepper and Sprite (another Coca-Cola brand).

For many, this is “who-cares” news.  For strategy nerds like me, it’s case-study stuff.

  • Who’s getting fired?  Should they get fired? 
  • What happened?  How’d it happen?
  • Did Pepsi get quiet? Did Dr. Pepper get smarter?

Champions Get Knocked Down

Deep breath. It’s inevitable — champions get knocked down.

  • Ali hit the mat.
  • The Patriots lost perfection.
  • Radio titans aren’t always #1 – The Men’s Room and Stern have been bruised, X96 and KUPD have stumbled, 91X and WJJO know ups and downs.

But champions get up and back into the fight.

Coca-Cola won’t lose its #1 crown any time soon, but Pepsi is an all-time champion brand. 

Will they bounce back and keep that title for generations to come? 

Why Pepsi’s Fall Matters

After such a long, consistent run in what has historically been a steady and predictable category, a two-rank drop probably isn’t just bad luck or because a few trucks didn’t make their shipments.

There’s more to it.

It’s not my case to solve, and unless someone’s sending me a check, I’m not offering ideas. (For the record, they don’t include putting Sydney Sweeney in an ad.) I don’t, though, expect a wild knee-jerk from Pepsi — like we’ve unfortunately seen at Radio over the past few decades.

A down quarter and an entire department can be on the hot seat.

In Rock Radio, it’s not uncommon to go from first to third, second to sixth, back to first or second. Movements are triggered by many things — panel churn, brand pivots, personnel change, music slumps, new competition, and marketplace conditions. 

Rock Radio’s Playbook

Pepsi may treat this as a short-term slip, but there’s no guarantee. The trendline suggests otherwise. To get back on the mantle of title contender, the brand needs to find its inner Rock Roots and remind itself what it was like to be dangerous.

To be the challenger no one wants to face.

Rock has swagger, edge and fight. Walk into any cluster of multi-format brands and you’ll feel it. Even the AC folks and spreadsheet bandits want to hang out in the “Rock corner.”

In our RockTernative galaxy, when a brand gets punched in the face, what happens?

Whether it’s WRIF or Axl Rose, Rock doesn’t stay down. It gets up, fights back, and does whatever it takes.

  • Regroup
  • Reload
  • Return fire

That can mean anything from doing data dives on research, micro-targeting, library tweaks, modifying clocks, personnel moves, marketing, etc. Sometimes, uncontrollable marketplace or Nielsen factors suggest holding steady — but doing nothing is rarely the answer.  Even simple actions like sharpening focus or officially letting the troops know the fight just got more serious count as doing something.

Lessons for Pepsi

Leading and bounce-backs are not done with guesswork. The point is to reassess and determine why you got smacked. 

  • Self-inflicted laziness and mistakes?
  • Cutting budget? 
  • Out-marketed?
  • New threats?
  • Uncontrollable outside factors?

I don’t know the “whys” of Pepsi, but at least for now, Dr. Pepper is the new Pepsi, literally and figuratively.

Pepsi doesn’t need a pumpkin-spice soda or a new dose of weird. They need to remember what it felt like to be Dr. Pepper — the underdog, scrappy, hungry, and dangerous.

Falling to #3 or #4 isn’t the problem. Staying there is.

Whether RockTernative or Soda, real champions get up, answer the bell, and win the next round.

Cheers!

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.

Big D & Bubba: Hall of Fame, Authenticity, and Radio Today

Jeff Lynn
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Big D & Bubba: Hall of Fame, Authenticity, and Radio Today

Nationally syndicated radio hosts Big D and Bubba are two of the most likable guys in Country radio. Just as authentic on the phone as they sound on “The Big D & Bubba” morning show.

I featured them in a previous Barrett Media feature, but since then, among other things, the duo has been inducted into the 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame cohort. So, I circled back and spoke with them about the milestone, what keeps their show ticking, and how they navigate the changing landscape of radio in 2025.

A Surreal Moment

Big D recalls the surreal moment they learned about their Hall of Fame induction.

“We had a call with Heather Froglier. (K-FROG San Bernardino, CA PD) We didn’t know what it was about; we had no clue. When she dropped the news on us, I think we were both looking around like who’s filming this. We were feeling like we were being punked, like we were being pranked. It was shocking. I still remember that moment very well. It was really, really cool. I would say it was just an honor to be listed.”

“With a bunch of people that we see as radio royalty in some aspects, and to be able to be in conversation with some of them in any aspect is just a blessing. So, it’s all grand, man. We’re excited for it.”

Bubba added about personal significance.

“I’ll second what Big D said. The fact that our kids were there to see that. We leave before they go to school or wherever they’re going in the mornings. For years, we weren’t there in the morning. Where’s Dad?’ while they were waking up to just Mom at home. We were out trying to entertain people, and it paid off. We were inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. It was mind-blowing.”

The Secret to Longevity: Authenticity

When asked what makes their show work, Big D summed it up in one word.

“Authenticity. It’s one word. That’s all it takes. People can tell more than ever if you are full of baloney or not. From day one, we’ve always just been who we are. And I think that’s the success of the show.”

Bubba agreed, noting that storytelling is essential.

“I think Big D is a great storyteller. Authenticity is the key. We just show up and talk about our lives and our listeners’ lives. Somebody calls in with a problem. We all discuss it. We air it out and work through things together. That’s the authenticity, the reachability.”

Big D highlighted how rare that level of listener interaction has become in an era dominated by pre-taped shows.

“A caller can call in and be on our show, and we can have conversations and work out whatever that problem is over a couple of minutes or an hour if it’s a big deal.

Bubba added, “And Jeff, when you’ve got a partner like Bubba, there are stories for days. Anyone can be a great storyteller when Bubba walks in and goes, ‘You’re not going to believe what happened.’”

Staying Real in the Age of AI

The topic of artificial intelligence inevitably arose, and Big D had some insightful thoughts.

“With AI, we will have a listener call in on the show, and we will write a song about them right then and there. But most of the good content needs to come from you. It needs to come from an experience that you alone have because that’s not replicable.”

Bubba acknowledged the significant shift in the industry.

“It’s going to get to the point, Jeff, where we’re like, ‘Hey, we’re real people. We’re not AI. We’re humans.’ And that’s not a joke. That’s going to happen. You’re not going to get away with ‘Oh, we’re live and local.’ It’s going to be, ‘We’re alive and local.'”

Keeping it Topical: Parody Songs and Cracker Barrel

The show thrives on current events, and I was scolded for missing the show this morning and a conversation with “Uncle Herschel.”

“You missed us. We called Uncle Herschel, Mr. Herschel. We talked to him on the phone and just got to see what he’s been up to. He was very happy to be coming out of retirement. He was back. He was like, ‘Yeah, I really want this.’ It was a little premature. He told us what’s in the barrel. Beer, he said, it was beer. And so yeah, we had a great conversation with him.”

What about Taylor and Travis?

“Well, we got invited to the wedding. We posted our invitation to the wedding. It’s on our social media, and it’s getting lots of traction, thousands and thousands of people. Some people get the jokes, some people don’t. It doesn’t matter. They just got to get out there and yell at each other in the comments.”

Evolving Roles and the Chemistry of the Show

When asked about defining roles on the show, Bubba explained that each member’s personality naturally shapes their contribution.

“As far as the definition for the roles of the show, I mean, we’re just us. I’m kind of goofy, a little more high-strung. Big D is Big D. He’s very lovable and even-keeled and snarky, like sniper humor. Carson has the girl-power kind of thing going. Garrett is the Gen Zer. And then we’ve got Schaefer, who’s kind of like the gatekeeper to all things Classic Country and the Opry. So, we have everything coming from different directions. We didn’t have to define characters because we’re all already characters. And we’re all always evolving. Our show changes probably every six months. It’s never the same.”

Big D added, “Life evolves around us. Why would you not evolve with it? We’re what’s happening. We are the mouthpiece of what everyone else is living in their cars.”

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.

What News/Talk Radio Can Learn from the Pumpkin Spice Latte Craze

Garrett Searight
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What News/Talk Radio Can Learn from the Pumpkin Spice Latte Craze

Every fall, the pumpkin spice latte reclaims its crown as the unofficial drink of the season, and news/talk radio can take a lesson from it.

Starbucks built an empire on a flavor profile that not only fits the time of year but also generates anticipation, nostalgia, and a flood of free publicity.

For nearly two decades, competitors have scrambled to put their own pumpkin spice-flavored drinks or snacks on the menu. Yet no matter how many try, Starbucks is still the one synonymous with the pumpkin spice latte. They own it.

That’s where the lesson kicks in for news/talk radio. Too many stations and brands look at their competitors and think, “We should do that too.”

It’s easy to mimic what appears to be working across town, especially when you see the ratings or revenue. But the reality is that if your competitor owns a lane — whether that’s a star host, a news-heavy format, or a distinct portion of a local audience — you’ll never overtake them by serving a weaker copy of the same product. Just ask Dunkin’, McDonald’s, or Krispy Kreme about their pumpkin spice experiments. Consumers still connect the product with Starbucks, and every other option feels like a knockoff. Do you want to feel like a knockoff option? I would certainly hope your answer to that question isn’t “Yes!”

This fall, though, something interesting is happening. Brands like Popeyes and Sonic aren’t fighting for scraps of pumpkin spice attention. Instead, they’re rolling out caramel, apple, and caramel apple items, too. It’s smart, because caramel apple is a fantastic fall flavor, as well. The nostalgia, the seasonal tie-in, the cozy vibes. It’s all there. But that lane isn’t owned by anyone. Starbucks doesn’t have a stranglehold on caramel apple. These brands are giving consumers another way to celebrate the season without asking them to settle for a “pumpkin spice latte, but not from Starbucks.”

News/Talk Radio can learn a lot from that. If your competition owns the pumpkin spice of your market, don’t waste time playing second fiddle. Instead, find your caramel apple. That could be a new way of telling local stories, a fresh approach to political conversation, or a talent who connects with audiences in a way the other station never could. Listeners don’t want a copy of what they already have. They want something that feels unique, authentic, and worth their time.

For years, stations have leaned on familiar formulas. If the heritage news/talk station has a lineup of conservative voices, the competitor builds a similar roster, or tries to outflank the local station by cramming its lineup full of nationally syndicated shows with star power and name recognition. That’s the radio equivalent of offering a pumpkin spice latte and wondering why everyone still goes to Starbucks.

Finding your caramel apple means identifying the open space. Maybe it’s a morning show that blends humor with headlines instead of wall-to-wall political commentary. It might be a younger voice who brings a different cultural perspective to the news cycle. Or it could even be leaning harder into community engagement when the other stations only hit the big national stories. There’s always a lane to own—you just have to be willing to step away from the pumpkin spice obsession.

Another overlooked point is timing. Starbucks doesn’t just have the pumpkin spice latte; they mastered the rollout. Fans count down to August when it returns, because Starbucks conditioned them to expect it. News/Talk Radio stations need to consider whether they’re building that same sense of anticipation. A major local event, an annual on-air fundraiser, or even a special content series can become a listener’s “fall tradition,” but only if you stick with it.

Consistency also matters. No one remembers the pumpkin spice muffins or bagels from other chains because they didn’t last. The pumpkin spice latte is always there. That reliability builds equity in the product. In the same way, your station can’t treat new ideas as one-offs. If you identify your caramel apple, you have to commit. Give it time to take root. Build it into your brand DNA so that listeners eventually identify you with it as strongly as they identify Starbucks with pumpkin spice.

Radio is full of smart, creative people who too often let fear drive decisions. The safe move is to copy what works somewhere else. But safe rarely leads to dominance. The stations that stand out are the ones willing to zag when everyone else zigs, and the brands that stop trying to steal pumpkin spice and start perfecting caramel apple.

If Starbucks taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing wrong with owning a lane so completely that everyone else looks silly trying to compete. If Popeyes and Sonic teach us anything this year, it’s that there’s always another lane waiting to be owned. For news/talk radio, the choice is simple: you can keep chasing pumpkin spice, or you can find your caramel apple.

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.

Erick Erickson Appreciates the Chance to Gather With the News/Talk Radio Industry at the BNM Summit

Garrett Searight
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Erick Erickson Appreciates the Chance to Gather With the News/Talk Radio Industry at the BNM Summit

The annual BNM Summit is set to take place in New York next week. Nationally syndicated host Erick Erickson has been a fixture at each of the events.

There’s one simple fact that keeps Erickson coming back to the BNM Summit year after year.

“I actually think it’s really important to get like-minded people together in a room to discuss trends and what works and what doesn’t, and get the thoughts of people,” he shared. “It’s a great networking opportunity for people. In-person gatherings, I think — particularly as we’re all more and more isolated in the digital age — are actually something we should all prioritize.”

The Erick Erickson Show is nationally syndicated through Compass Media Networks. That puts him at a disadvantage to other hosts who are syndicated with companies like Westwood One or Premiere Networks, as their parent companies own hundreds of radio stations across the country.

And having the ability to learn about what is working at smaller stations and syndicators around the country is an appealing proposition to Erickson.

“How do you get and build credibility with the station owners who are used to going to Premiere and Westwood One? You think you got a great product, and you wanna be on the radar,” Erickson said of what he hopes to learn most at the 2025 edition of the BNM Summit.

He added that he’s looking forward to sharing ways that news/talk radio stations can evolve beyond simply reacting to whatever President Donald Trump-related items are in the news cycle on a given day.

“I feel very strongly that conservative talk is making a mistake by being tied so dominantly to Washington and Trump, because he’s got three more years,” admitted Erickson. “The world is going to go on. There’s a lot of stuff out there in the country happening. (I want to) see if I can persuade the people who may be conservatives on talk (radio), you don’t necessarily need to be non-stop Trump and Washington. We’re gonna bore a lot of people who might otherwise listen if we talk about other stuff, too.”

Erickson is a conference creator in his own right. The Gathering — which Erickson launched in 2009 — had nearly 1,000 attendees at its 2024 version. He shared that he enjoys the ability to both learn and share at the BNM Summit, while also getting ideas for his own conference aimed at conservative voters, politicians, and media members in advance of his latest event.

“I do like to see what other people are doing with their conferences, but also, I come in I think with way more sympathy and ‘How can I help you at your conference?’, he joked. “‘Cause I know what a pain in the butt they are to pull off.”

Tickets for the 2025 BNM Summit are on sale now. More information about speakers at the Summit is available here.

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 NFL on FOX Broadcast Teams: A Breakdown

John Molori
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The NFL on FOX Broadcast Teams: A Breakdown

The 2025 NFL on FOX game announcer teams are stacked with veteran broadcasters, rising stars, and intriguing newcomers. As we await the start of the NFL season, one thing we know is that the overall production values of every FOX NFL broadcast will be slick. There will be telling graphics, multiple camera angles, and always a dash of newfangled technical wizardry.

The broadcast teams for the upcoming season reflect FOX’s West Coast, Hollywood feel, with big-name former players and polished broadcasters.

The lead team for FOX features Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play, Tom Brady doing color, and two top-notch sideline reporters in Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi. It is refreshing to watch and listen to Rinaldi without crying. The reporter par excellence made a name for himself at ESPN with deep and often tear-jerking feature stories. Rinaldi is a seasoned reporter who adds substance to his sideline work.

Andrews remains in that top tier of NFL sideline reporters. She is a true multimedia and multidimensional star, going back to her terrific work as the best-ever cohost of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Similarly, Burkhardt is the ultimate TV play-by-play announcer. He is ultra-professional, ultra-prepared, and ultra-personable. Burkhardt has taken over FOX’s number-one play-by-play slot from Joe Buck seamlessly. He has the right tenor and temperament for football. He eschews needless dramatics but knows how to call a key moment.

What To Expect From Tom Brady Year Two

If Tom Brady puts half the work into broadcasting that he did as a football player, expect a big leap in performance this year. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give Brady a 6 last year. His pacing was inconsistent. His voice inflection rose too high, and he spoke far too quickly in almost every game that he called.

They say that the game of football slows down for a quarterback as his career lengthens. Let’s hope the same thing happens for Brady as a broadcaster in 2025. Brady’s football knowledge is unquestioned, but he needs to slow down and pick his spots better. You cannot just show up with a starry name and football knowledge and be great on air. My guess is that Brady has done the work and will improve.

The one thing that I do not like about Brady in the FOX booth is the fact that he is part of the Las Vegas Raiders’ ownership group. There was a lot of debate on this last year, and I am on the side that says if you are affiliated with an NFL team in any way, you should not be calling the broadcast. I do not question Brady’s personal integrity, but I just think it’s wrong.

Another one of FOX’s 2025 NFL game crews features Joe Davis on play-by-play, Greg Olsen on color, and Pam Oliver as sideline reporter.

Davis brings a solid football voice. It is a coup for him to be paired with Olsen and Oliver. The truth is that if not for Brady signing with FOX, Olsen would still be on that number-one team with Burkhardt, Rinaldi, and Andrews. Olsen took to television quickly and easily. He communicates the game well, employs humor, and is adept at tapping into his knowledge as an excellent former tight end in the league.

What can you say about the consistently solid Pam Oliver? She’s an absolute trailblazer in the world of sideline reporters and is on the Mount Rushmore for that broadcasting position. Oliver has been the very best at what she does for decades. She shows no signs of slowing down at all.

A Deep Bench at FOX Sports

One of the most intriguing broadcast teams for the NFL on FOX in 2025 features Kevin Kugler on play-by-play, color analyst Daryl Johnston, and sideline reporter Allison Williams.

Williams brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm. She joined FOX Sports in 2022 and has served as a sideline reporter on college football broadcasts. She also had a lengthy run at ESPN working college football and basketball. I like her style, and I think she will flourish working with Kugler and Johnston.

Like Davis, Kugler is a guy who should be more of a household name in football play-by-play. I like his approach to broadcasting and the way he sets up his color-commentating partner. In Daryl Johnston, he has one of the best in the game. The sartorially splendid Johnston always brings his A-game, just as he did as a fullback with the Dallas Cowboys during the team’s 1990s championship glory years. It will be interesting to see how the chemistry between Kugler, Johnston, and Williams plays out during a broadcast.

As if his work covering the NHL playoffs was not enough, Kenny Albert brings his immense talent to FOX’s 2025 football broadcasts. He will work alongside color analyst Jonathan Vilma and sideline reporter Megan Olivi.

Albert is the ultimate pro, and that deep voice lets you know that football season is here. Olivi, who has shined covering UFC and the world of MMA, has a chance to follow in the footsteps of Andrews and Oliver. She brings a lot of grit and energy to the broadcast. On various networks and media platforms, Vilma has always been an exciting listen as a commentator. Vilma was a terrific linebacker during his NFL playing career. He brings that same intensity and vigor to a broadcast.

It is hard to match the experience of the FOX NFL game crew featuring play-by-play announcer Chris Myers, color analyst Mark Schlereth, and sideline reporter Jen Hale.

While they may be billed as FOX’s fourth- or fifth-string crew, they are all first-string talents. Myers is an absolute staple on sports television, going back to his days at ESPN. With that unique voice and raised-eyebrow slant toward a game, Myers is one of the most unique voices in football. He is terrific at pinpointing important moments in a game. He is also unafraid to interject his own opinions and comments into the broadcast.

Schlereth’s Breakfast Ball show on FS1 no longer exists, but his talent as a football analyst remains. I’ve been a longtime fan of Schlereth and his unabashed, direct, yet professional and measured style of commentary. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and brings that pedigree and experience to a broadcast. Schlereth was an offensive lineman by trade. He explains to fans the in-depth intricacies of football as well as anyone.

Hale is the most versatile member of FOX’s 2025 NFL broadcast team. In addition to her fifteen seasons as an NFL sideline reporter for the network, she has been on FOX & Friends Weekend and Fox Live Now. Hale has also covered the NBA, Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show, and WKC Agility Championship for FOX. She worked for TNT and wonderfully hosted UNDISPUTED on FS1 in 2022 and 2023. The trio of Myers, Schlereth, and Hale might just be my favorite FOX broadcast crew this season.

Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, and Kristina Pink comprise another NFL on FOX broadcast crew.

You can add Amin’s name to what could be the best group of NFL play-by-play announcers in the business. Amin brings a refreshing, contemporary, and unique style to his play-by-play performances. Similarly, Sanchez has totally impressed me with his ability to discuss and disseminate information about the game. His stints as a guest on FS1’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd have been outstanding. There is a very relaxed and calm approach that Sanchez brings, whether it is in the studio or the broadcast booth.

Amin and Sanchez will work well with Pink, another one of FOX’s terrific sideline reporters. Like Andrews and Oliver, she is a real pro—a respected reporter who brings real information when called upon during a game. Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino round out the FOX NFL crew as rules analysts. I have never been a fan of the referee-turned-broadcaster thing, but with the increased use of replay, it has become essential. Both Pereira and Blandino know what they are doing. They have a long history of expertise in the rules of the game.

FOX’s 2025 NFL broadcasts should be quite entertaining thanks to a bevy of established stars and future foundational talents. The network truly features a gaggle of glossy gridiron gabbers with glamour, glitz, and glibness.

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 Watch: Sean Hannity, Fox News

Garrett Searight
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The Watch: Sean Hannity, Fox News

No one in cable news is as established as Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Literally. No one in the history of the medium has hosted more episodes of a cable news show than Sean Hannity, who has spent nearly three decades in front of the camera at Fox News.

With that being said, I’ve taken a while to get to Hannity in my list of shows to profile in this space because there’s a duality that comes with Sean Hannity that I find both fascinating and frustrating. It’s been born out of my experiences of seeing him on Fox News as a kid, watching him as a teenager who was interested in politics, and now as a grown adult.

I sat down to watch a recent episode of his primetime program to see if what I perceived was actually true.

And, in this case, perception is reality.

Sean Hannity’s monologues are unmatched in cable news. Nobody lays out an argument, frames a story, and provides an emotional connection to his audience quite like Hannity. His ability to take the day’s news, boil it down to its essence, and then tell you exactly why it matters to you, the viewer, is something that even his fiercest critics quietly acknowledge. Hannity doesn’t meander. He doesn’t get lost in nuance. He gives you a clear narrative, anchored in passion and repetition, that leaves little doubt about what you just heard and why it matters.

That clarity is what makes Hannity’s monologues so effective. He knows his audience and, more importantly, he knows how to speak to them. It’s not that he overwhelms you with facts and figures—though he certainly uses them—but rather that he connects those facts to emotions, values, and beliefs. Hannity isn’t just delivering the news; he’s framing a worldview. That’s why his monologues land the way they do. They feel personal, like he’s in your living room making sure you understand the stakes.

But if Hannity is the best at monologues, he might simultaneously be the worst at interviews. Watching him conduct a one-on-one isn’t just frustrating — it’s often downright uninformative. Hannity’s biggest issue is that he rarely seems interested in what the guest has to say. Instead, he wants the guest to validate what he just said. A typical Hannity question isn’t “What’s your perspective on this?” but rather “Don’t you agree that this is exactly what’s happening?” That’s not curiosity. That’s confirmation-seeking.

It’s the kind of interviewing that produces the same canned responses, over and over again. “That’s right, Sean.” “Yes, you’re correct, Sean.” It doesn’t matter if the guest is a sitting senator or some low-level nobody in the grand scheme of things, the goal is always to reinforce the monologue you just heard. And while it makes for great branding — Hannity remains the center of gravity in plenty of conversations — it doesn’t make for compelling television when the goal should be to extract insight or perspective from someone else.

Compare Hannity’s interviews to those of a Bret Baier or a Jake Tapper, and the contrast is stark. Baier and Tapper can press, challenge, and extract actual news. Hannity, on the other hand, often uses interviews as an extension of his monologue, a chance for someone else to repeat back what he’s already told the audience. That makes the interview segment more of a victory lap than an opportunity to break new ground.

And yet, this duality is part of Hannity’s success. His audience tunes in as much for his take as for anything else. The interviews don’t need to be revelatory; they just need to reinforce what Hannity already established. From a broadcast perspective, though, it’s impossible not to recognize the gap: the best monologue in cable news, paired with some of the worst interviewing on the same stage.

That combination — brilliance on the front end, weakness on the back end — might be what makes Sean Hannity such a fascinating case study. He’s proof that you can be elite in one area of cable news and completely deficient in another, and still end up being one of — or perhaps, the — biggest names in the entire industry.

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.

A Seamless Business Strategy: The Power of Integration in the Window Industry

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A Seamless Business Strategy: The Power of Integration in the Window Industry

Success in today’s fiercely competitive business environment is frequently based on a company’s capacity to provide a value proposition that extends beyond a single product. Consumers are more picky than ever and demand not only quality but also a smooth and dependable experience from beginning to end, and industries are overflowing with options. One industry where this idea is particularly applicable is the window industry. The best business models combine manufacturing and installation, even if most companies only do one. From the manufacturing floor to the last installation, this all-encompassing strategy builds a strong competitive advantage based on efficiency, quality assurance, and client trust.

Localized manufacturing is where this integrated model starts. A company can maintain a high degree of quality control from the very beginning by producing windows near the market they serve. By adapting the building materials and techniques to the region’s unique climatic challenges, it reduces the possibility of flaws and performance problems. This geographic closeness also lowers shipping expenses and logistical challenges, allowing a business to provide its customers with factory-direct pricing. Building a strong, local identity and reaffirming a commitment to the community it serves are more important to a business than simply cutting costs.

The strategic combination of installation and production is a major differentiator in this market. This idea is perfectly illustrated by the process of windows manufacturing and installation in Ottawa. In an area characterized by hot, muggy summers and bitterly cold winters, the functionality of a window heavily relies on its design and flawless installation. By ensuring that the product is installed by the same team that manufactures it, an integrated business model helps to avoid the communication breakdowns and inconsistent quality that can occur when a third-party contractor is involved. The customer has a single point of accountability thanks to this smooth process, which also ensures that the product is installed precisely, optimizing its long-term durability and energy efficiency.

This integrated approach directly leads to a stronger brand reputation and increased customer satisfaction. From the first consultation to the follow-up after installation, a company can offer a consistent and dependable experience when it has complete control over the process. Customers find peace of mind knowing that the same professionals who constructed their windows also ensure their correct installation in their homes. This degree of trust is priceless and frequently results in favorable word-of-mouth recommendations, which are essential to any flourishing company. An integrated model gives a company the assurance to stand behind its workmanship and product that a disjointed system just cannot provide.

The business model used by companies known for Canadian Choice Windows in Ontario is a well-known illustration of this successful tactic. The idea of being both the manufacturer and the installer has been the foundation of these companies’ success. By managing the entire supply chain, they guarantee the manufacture of every window to the highest standards and the installation by qualified, in-house professionals. This model enables them to provide extensive warranties that cover both the materials and the installation, in addition to ensuring a better product and a more effective process. This powerfully demonstrates their confidence in their own end-to-end process.

Canadian Choice Windows

In conclusion, a comprehensive strategy that places a premium on quality, efficiency, and customer trust is more important for business success in the modern era than simply having a satisfactory product. This entails adopting a fully integrated strategy and going beyond a conventional model for the window industry. The case of windows manufacturing and installation in Ottawa, as well as the larger market for Canadian Choice Windows in Ontario, offers a clear example of how commanding the entire value chain can create a strong reputation and promote long-term expansion. It’s a business lesson that extends well beyond the fenestration industry: when a company fully owns its product, from conception to flawless execution, true value is created.

Stablecoins in Media: Instant Payments for Global Content Creators and Broadcasters

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Stablecoins in Media: Instant Payments for Global Content Creators and Broadcasters

The media industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. Every minute, creators and broadcasters are producing content for global audiences around the world. However, while it has been easy for the media industry to share its content around the world, the financial industry has not been able to keep the same pace. 

Some international payments are still slow, expensive, and full of limitations for small creators and even large broadcasting companies. But a new wave of the newest crypto coins is helping change that. Some coins are helping with payments, others with subscriptions or faster transactions. 

Among them, stablecoins are especially useful because they are steady in value and let creators get paid quickly and safely. These coins have been designed to keep a steady value and are tied to traditional currencies like the US dollar, unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. By offering fast and reliable transactions, they now have the potential to shape how content creators and broadcasting organizations worldwide send and receive payments.

Why Stablecoins Matter in the Media Industry

Stablecoins have made a very fundamental shift in how content creators get paid. Unlike volatile coins like Bitcoin, stablecoins are usually stable and therefore prevent overnight value loss. This reliability matters because the traditional cross-border payments are always longer, some of them take days before they can be completed, they also charge high fees, and suffer from banking hour restrictions. 

In 2024, the total transfers using stablecoins reached $27.6 trillion, exceeding what Visa and Mastercard processed together. This has shown how fast their growth is when it comes to real money movement in the industry. Now, media companies like YouTube, TikTok, and other independent broadcasters could use these stablecoins to settle payments instantly, simplify payouts across borders, and also cut through the outdated bank network.

Benefits for Content Creators and Broadcasters

Stablecoins have several advantages that can directly benefit media professionals in the industry. Firstly, because of stablecoins, settlement speeds will improve dramatically. Unlike before, when payments could take days, they can now arrive in a matter of minutes, which would ease cash flow and also reduce stress for creators, broadcasters, and even crew members. 

Secondly, stablecoins now help to save costs. On average, cross-border fees are usually around 5-10% of the total transaction amounts, but using stablecoins can reduce those costs up to 80-95%, and sometimes they are even brought down to mere cents. This is a huge win for creators receiving money from another part of the world where they are. 

Thirdly, these digital tokens can be used at any time. Unlike banks that have opening and closing hours, stablecoins are not restricted in any way. They work around the clock and operate globally, which allows payments to go through at any place or time as long as the person has a wallet. Another benefit of stablecoins is that they can now enable new revenue models. Their smart contracts enable programmatic payments like royalties, subscriptions, or even revenue splits. All of these can be automated with accuracy and transparency.

Challenges of Using Stablecoins as Payouts in Media

Even though stablecoins are a perfect solution to payment issues that the media industry is facing, there are still a few challenges that should be taken note of. One key issue that stablecoins face is regulatory uncertainty. Different countries are still seeing stablecoins differently. 

Although countries like the US recently passed the GENIUS Act, this established licensing and reserve requirements for US stablecoin issuers to help build trust and legality. However, the market is still shifting slowly globally. For example, China is considering introducing its own yuan-backed stablecoins for international transactions as well. 

Another concern that stablecoins have is infrastructure access. Though stablecoins are readily available to all, there are many creators, especially in emerging markets that still lack digital wallets or still face high on and off-ramp costs when converting to and from local currencies. 

There is also the issue of technical risks. Some stablecoin systems have briefly lost their stability, and this has been a source of concern. Though some asset-backed options like USDC are considered safer, transparency and audits are still very important. Smart contract vulnerabilities and wallet hacks are also major concerns that present security risks if they are not managed carefully.

Organizations That Have Adopted Stablecoin Payments

There are several media-related companies that have recently shown interest in using stablecoins as a means of payment for creators. Meta (owner of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp) is now exploring using stablecoins like USDC and USDT to pay content creators globally. 

This is a transition from their earlier internal crypto efforts, the Diem project, which is now aiming for a more practical integration. Worldpay has now partnered with BVNK to offer near instant stablecoin payouts to their clients across 180+ markets. This will help to pay creators, sellers, and marketplaces without needing to handle cryptocurrency directly. 

MasterCard now supports multiple stablecoins across its network.  Creators and freelancers can now receive payments in stablecoins at over 150 million merchant locations with security, fraud protections, and even chargeback rights. In Europe, DWS, with Galaxy Digital and Glow Traders, has helped to launch EUR-backed stablecoins under EU approval. 

There is also news that big corporations like Amazon, Walmart, PayPal, Uber, and even Bank of America are planning to issue or are already issuing stablecoins to reduce fees and earn interest from reserves.  Goldman Sachs has seen a “summer of stablecoins” emerging and has predicted that regulated coins like USDC could grow 40% by 2027.

How to Properly Use Stablecoins For Instant Payments in the Media Industry

To be able to seamlessly bring stablecoins into media operations, organizations need to follow a proper framework. Firstly, offer both traditional bank payments and stablecoin as payout options. This flexibility allows creators everywhere to receive payments in a way they trust. 

Next, choose well-backed, regulated stablecoins like USDC or USDT, and then work with dependable on/off ramp partners who simplify conversion into local currencies. Then integrate smart contracts, which allow you to make real-time, automated payments all without delays. It is also very important to offer user-friendly wallet tools and onboarding so that creators, including those who are unfamiliar with crypto, can safely store and convert their funds. 

For the legal part, staying compliant with laws like the GENIUS Act, the EU’s MiCA, or guidelines in the local markets is important. Finally, implement a robust risk management plan. Use multi-signature wallets, regular audits, and redundancy in infrastructure to protect payments from hacks, depegging, or system downtime.

Final Thought 

Stablecoins are ready to transform how payments are made in the media industry to creators and broadcasters. They offer speed, transparency, and save costs globally, which helps to free creators from bank delays. With smart integration, awareness of regulations for different countries and regions, they can become a dependable payment plan for the media industry. 

YouTube, FOX Reach Short Term Extension In Carriage Dispute

BSM Staff
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YouTube, FOX Reach Short Term Extension In Carriage Dispute

Millions of YouTube TV subscribers have avoided being in the dark for the opening weekend of college football, for now. YouTube announced late Wednesday a short-term extension in the streaming platform and network’s ongoing carriage dispute.

YouTube posted an update via their social media channels announcing the extension.

“We’ve reached a short-term extension with Fox to avoid service disruption for YouTube TV subscribers while we work on a new agreement,” said YouTube in a statement. “We’re committed to advocating on behalf of our members and will keep you posted on our progress.”

Fox has yet to comment on the short-term extension.

On Monday, YouTube TV posted that it is “actively negotiating” with Fox to reach “a fair deal for both sides.” In a blog post on their press site, the company warned, that if no agreement is reached by Wednesday, subscribers could lose access to all Fox-owned networks. That includes FOX Sports, FS1, and the Big Ten Network—channels carrying some of the sport’s most highly anticipated Week 1 matchups.

“We are working diligently with the team at Fox to reach an agreement,” wrote YouTube in a post on Monday. “We know this uncertainty is frustrating, and if Fox content becomes unavailable for an extended period of time, we will provide our members with a $10 credit.”

The potential blackout is particularly significant given Fox’s strong college football rights portfolio which kicks off on Saturday. The network is scheduled to broadcast several key contests this weekend, headlined by the noon clash between the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Fox also holds broadcast rights for Big Ten and Big 12 programming, meaning fans relying on YouTube TV could be cut off from a large portion of the sport’s national coverage.

Fox’s programming isn’t limited to college football. A blackout would also affect Major League Baseball’s late-season slate and the start of the NFL, which kicks off next month. This would also affect access to Fix business and news channels as well.

The standoff comes just weeks after Fox launched Fox One, its direct-to-consumer streaming service priced at $19.99 per month. It also comes with new data showing YouTube has now spent half a year as the leading company in share of TV viewing in the United States — and its lead grew in July.

The streamer had 13.4 percent of all TV use for the month, according to Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge for the July period (which covered June 30-July 27). It held a four-point lead over second-place Disney (9.4 percent), up from 2.8 percentage points (12.8 percent for YouTube, 10 percent for Disney) in June.

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.

Skip Bayless Announces New Football Program Alongside Gilbert Arenas, Aqib Talib and Jay Gruden

BSM Staff
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Skip Bayless Announces New Football Program Alongside Gilbert Arenas, Aqib Talib and Jay Gruden

Skip Bayless has found his next debate stage. The longtime sports television personality is joining Gilbert Arenas for a new football show produced by Underdog, the company behind Arenas’ digital basketball series Gil’s Arena. The program, titled The Arena: Gridiron, will launch next Tuesday and air three times per week.

The news was first reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.

Bayless will be joined by Arenas, former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib, and former NFL coach Jay Gruden. Former NFL players Gerald McCoy and Cody Kessler will serve as guests, while social media influencer Kinsey Wolanski has been tapped to host for the new program.

“I’m not exaggerating to you,” Bayless told The Athletic. “I’m telling you, the God’s truth, I’m more on fire for this than I have ever been.”

The show marks Bayless’ return to the debate format he helped define at ESPN and FOX Sports. After 14 years working alongside Stephen A. Smith on First Take and seven years paired with Shannon Sharpe on FS1’s Undisputed, Bayless left FS1 last year. He has since been searching for what he described as a new partner who could challenge him and energize him.

“I’m back in the saddle in the debate arena. I live for this. I love this,” Bayless explained.

The current plan is for Underdog to rebrand Arenas’ digital platform as The Arena presented by Underdog, expanding its content beyond basketball. Founded just five years ago, Underdog has quickly gained traction in the sports entertainment space, with Arenas emerging as one of its marquee personalities.

Bayless acknowledged to The Athletic that both Arenas and Talib bring complicated histories to the new venture. Arenas was charged last month with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal investigators. He has pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.

“They have no concerns,” Bayless said of Arenas’ legal issues. “I’ve talked to Gil. He has no concerns. He believes he did nothing at all wrong, except rent out his space, and I believe in him.”

Talib, meanwhile, stepped away from broadcasting after being present during the fatal shooting of a youth football coach by his brother in 2022.

Bayless had launched his own YouTube branded show called The Skip Bayless Show following his exit from FS1. Currently the channel has over 243,000 subscribers with Bayless providing his commentary on the sports headlines of the day.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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