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What Miami’s Broadcast Changes Reveal About the Future of TV and Radio

Perry Michael Simon
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What Miami’s Broadcast Changes Reveal About the Future of TV and Radio

If you follow broadcasting people and groups on social media, you might have heard of some changes taking place on the television and radio dials down here in South Florida.

Let’s see if I can make it short and simple: on TV, ABC moved from its longtime affiliate WPLG (Local 10), which didn’t want to pay what ABC wanted, to a subchannel of Fox affiliate WSVN and a low-power station on channel 18 to create ABC Miami 18 and 7.2. WPLG has added a ton of local news to fill the hours of network programming it lost. That’s all anyone needs to know.

Meanwhile, on radio, Audacy gave up on its quixotic mission to make the Alternative format work in a decidedly non-rock market and flipped its WSFS (104.3 The Shark) to a simulcast of Sports WQAM. Again, that’s all anyone needs to know.

The news reports and marketing of the television switch made it all seem quite complicated, but all people who care need to know is that Abbott Elementary and the various Bachelor(ette) shows are on 18, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune stayed put on 10, and we can all live happily ever after.

The changes came up at dinner the other evening, when friends asked me to explain what was going on. As I opined about reverse compensation and Sunbeam and Berkshire Hathaway and digital television, it dawned on all of us at once that none of this matters to anyone in Gen Z, or, really, anyone under the age of, say, 50, because linear broadcasting is not how an increasing percentage of viewers and listeners get their entertainment or information. Most people don’t know ABC from CBS, Fox from Fox News, ESPN from ESPN2, ESPNews, or ESPN8 The Ocho.

A lot of them aren’t even watching television, not on the appliance of that name, at least. There are several reasons flat-panel TVs are so cheap these days (I just replaced my office set for a couple hundred dollars), but one reason is that if you’ve become used to watching shows, movies, and even sports via streaming on your smartphone, the big screen isn’t necessary except for events like the Super Bowl.

Older folks are the ones who watch linear TV and, more and more, linear radio. As new generations come along, they’ll join the category of people who watch shows, not networks or channels, get their music from on-demand services and the dreaded algorithms, and news from social media – with newspapers headed for extinction, it’s not surprising that everyone at our dinner table has canceled our Miami Herald subscriptions. No need for it.

This doesn’t have to be bad news for those toiling away in broadcasting or the news media. Yes, jobs in traditional media are getting scarcer (wishing all the best to the many folks let go by Beasley last week; you won’t be the last), but the public still wants content, even if it’s not on a particular linear channel at a pre-determined time.

Listeners may not want DJs talking up (and over) songs, but that only means that if you’re a DJ, you might need to find something behind the scenes – Production? Sales? Marketing? – that will exist whether or not the broadcast stations exist. If you OWN stations, well, no business is without risk of obsolescence. I’ll save the lecture on the evils of private equity for another time.

And, yes, some stations and channels and networks will find ways to survive. The TV networks are, as WPLG management bitterly pointed out, distributing their shows through their streaming services in competition with their local affiliates. That’s not good for the affiliates, but the networks are adapting to changing media consumption habits. Mom-and-pop radio operations can keep going if, and only if, there are enough local businesses (that weren’t wiped out by Walmart and online retail)  to support them. It’s not a totally lost cause, but the future remains iffy.

TL;DR: The entertainment and information industries are moving from a system built on scarcity and linear distribution to abundance and on-demand delivery to phones. Stations and networks are increasingly irrelevant, and that means people employed in the industries have to develop different skills and alter their career goals. “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is on channels 18 and 7.2 in Miami now. I think that covers everything.

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.

Beasley Cuts: Magic 98.3 PD Debbie Mazella Exits

BMM Staff
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Beasley Cuts: Magic 98.3 PD Debbie Mazella Exits

Beasley Media Group cuts continue to come to light as Barrett Media has learned that AC Magic 98.3 WMGQ New Brunswick, NJ, PD Debbie Mazella has been let go.

She announced the news on her Instagram account, writing, “After 18 years, yesterday was my last day at Magic 98.3. I received a phone call that lasted only a minute, and I was told I was being let go due to a RIF.”

Mazella added, “It wasn’t just me; several other super talented and passionate people were also told they would no longer be programming their stations or be on the air.”

As we reported earlier, 105.5 WDHA PD Terrie Carr was also dismissed from the New Jersey cluster.

Mazella concluded, “Thank you for all the love and support- I will miss being on the air with you every day.”

If you have been impacted by Beasley Media layoffs, please reach out to jeff@barrettmedia.com

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.

Terrie Carr Exits 105.5 WDHA Dover After 30-Year Run

BMM Staff
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Terrie Carr Exits 105.5 WDHA Dover After 30-Year Run

After 30 years with 105.5 WDHA in Dover, NJ, Program Director and Midday Host Terrie Carr is out at the Beasley Broadcast Group station.

Carr made the announcement Saturday morning on her Facebook page.

“Yesterday, I received a one-minute phone call that my ‘services’ were no longer needed as PD and Midday host at 105.5 WDHA. We also lost many talented members of our team, which makes it even harder,” she wrote.

“I have loved every moment of the thirty years that I have been a part of your midday. My relationships with listeners and advertisers runs deep and I am planning on keeping it that way,” Carr added.

While she did not share specifics about her next move, Carr hinted that details were coming soon regarding the launch of something new.

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.

Mike Missanelli Out at 97.5 the Fanatic

BSM Staff
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Mike Missanelli Out at 97.5 the Fanatic

Mike Missanelli is out after his latest stint at 97.5 The Fanatic came to a close Friday, ending a tenure that lasted just under a year after his high-profile return to the station’s airwaves in August 2024. Beasley Media Group confirmed the move in a statement Friday afternoon to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Friday was Mike’s last day at the station,” said Heidi Raphael, the company’s chief communications officer to the Insquirer. “We are grateful for his contributions to the station and our listeners, and we wish him all the best.”

Missanelli had been hosting the midday show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., primarily alongside co-hosts Ray Dunne and until recently Bill Colarulo. According to Raphael, Dunne will serve as interim host with a rotating cast of contributors filling in for the foreseeable future.

Colarulo, a lawyer-turned-broadcaster, had already transitioned to afternoons earlier this summer. In June, he joined NBC Sports Philadelphia analyst Ricky Bottalico for the launch of Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo, part of the station’s continuing effort to strengthen its lineup.

Speaking with Barrett Media in June, Colarulo discussed his time working alongside Missanelli and Dunne.

“It’s helpful to have that number two now in addition to Ray (Dunne) because we’re not as reliant on callers, so it allows that back-and-forth more,” said Colarulo. “I think Mike could do it without a co-host, but I think with the way the station and the direction they’re going, it would probably make more sense to put someone there.”

The sudden nature of his departure mirrors his previous exit from 97.5 The Fanatic in May 2022. That move ended a 15-year run in afternoon drive, during which Missanelli became one of the most recognizable voices in Philadelphia sports talk. At the time, he called the end of that era “surreal” and later told The Philadelphia Inquirer he was pushed out by management.

After that separation, Missanelli made it clear he had no plans to retire, sparking months of speculation about his next move. His surprise return to The Fanatic last summer was positioned as a fresh start in a different daypart, with the veteran broadcaster bringing his experience and familiarity to a midday audience.

While Beasley made the announcement of Missanelli’s departure, the specific circumstances surrounding his exit were not immediately disclosed.

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.

KSHE 95 St Louis Named Official Rock Station of Missouri

BMM Staff
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KSHE 95 St Louis Named Official Rock Station of Missouri

KSHE 94.7, St. Louis, known to generations of rock fans as “KSHE 95,” has been formally declared the Official Rock Radio Station of Missouri.

The designation became law under HCS SCS SB 348, which was approved on June 24, 2025. It will take effect officially on August 28. The move marks a rare moment where a local radio station receives statewide recognition for cultural and historic impact.

For State Representative Bill Lucas (R-DeSoto), the legislation was personal. Lucas grew up listening to KSHE and approached the station in March about making it the state’s official rock outlet. The station worked closely with him, providing historical documents, quotes, and even logo assets to help advance the bill.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized by the state of Missouri in an official capacity,” said Marty Linck, KSHE Brand Content Director. “It’s surreal that the station I grew up listening to and now work for has achieved such status.”

KSHE has long held a special place in St. Louis radio and beyond. The station is widely recognized as the longest continually operating rock station in the United States. Having first embraced the rock format in 1967. It had launched the year prior as a classical station, with a twist: the original deejays were women, prompting the founders to call it KSHE — pronounced “kay she.”

From there, the station built a legacy around its “real rock radio” mantra. Over the years, KSHE 95 became more than just a frequency. It turned into a cultural institution, creating a rock museum, a café, and one of the most recognizable mascots in radio: Sweetmeat, the sunglass-wearing, cigar-chomping pig.

The station’s reach extended far beyond Missouri. In 1987, Rolling Stone readers voted KSHE the Best Medium Market Radio Station in the country — a nod to its blend of local swagger and rock credibility.

Sweet Meat

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.

Vince McMahon To Take Part in TMZ Special on Hulk Hogan

BSM Staff
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Vince McMahon To Take Part in TMZ Special on Hulk Hogan

Former WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon will be a part of a new hour-long television special on FOX will explore the life, career, and complicated legacy of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan is set to premiere Tuesday, August 12, marking the first major televised retrospective since Hogan’s death on July 24 at the age of 71.

Produced by TMZ and spearheaded by longtime executive producer Harvey Levin, the documentary promises a candid and in-depth look at the man born Terry Bollea, who helped transform professional wrestling into a mainstream entertainment juggernaut during the 1980s and beyond.

The special features a blend of voices from inside and outside the ring, offering a multifaceted perspective on Hogan’s influence and controversies. Appearances include longtime friend and Rocky III co-star Sylvester Stallone, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and several WWE Hall of Famers such as Mick Foley, Bill Goldberg, Jimmy Hart, and Mark Henry.

According to an official release, the special will highlight how Hogan “changed pop culture forever.”

As for McMahon’s appearance, it will be his first televised interview in some time as the former WWE chairman as remained out of the public eye since the Janel Grant lawsuit became public. McMahon did share his thoughts on Hogan’s passing via social media following the announcement of his passing.

In an effort to bridge Hogan’s legacy across generations, the special also includes commentary from current WWE Superstars like Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Jacob Fatu. Their appearances reflect the continued reach of Hogan’s larger-than-life persona in today’s wrestling landscape.

TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan airs from 8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and will stream the following day on Hulu. Viewers will also be able to access the special via Fox.com, Tubi, and cable and satellite On Demand platforms. The special is executive produced by Levin, Ryan Regan, Don Nash, Charles Latibeaudiere, and Jess Fusco. Susan Favre is listed as co-executive producer.

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.

Drew Brees Believes He’s a “Top Three Guy” if He Returned to an NFL Broadcast Booth Today

BSM Staff
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Drew Brees Believes He’s a “Top Three Guy” if He Returned to an NFL Broadcast Booth Today

Drew Brees isn’t ready to close the chapter on his broadcasting ambitions—especially when it comes to calling NFL games from the booth. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show Friday, the former Super Bowl champion reflected on his short-lived stint with NBC Sports, pushing back on the perception that his brief time on the air marked a failed attempt at life after football.

“I get the perception that somehow I failed at being a broadcaster,” Brees said. “I got two opportunities to broadcast NFL games, and they were eight weeks apart. I did one game in New Orleans for Thanksgiving and one playoff game.”

Despite the limited reps, Brees maintains confidence in his ability to excel in the booth.

“I have so much respect for the guys doing it right now,” he said. “But I’d step in the booth right now and be a top-three guy—without question. And give me a few years, I could be the best.”

Brees signed with NBC in 2021 and was initially positioned as a rising star in the network’s broadcast pipeline. While he did get on-air reps calling Notre Dame football and appearing on Football Night in America, his real passion—calling NFL games—wasn’t fully realized.

The 13-time Pro Bowler cited his deep understanding of the game and unique quarterback perspective as tools that would serve him—and audiences—well.

“I love talking about the game. I feel I have an insight to the game that is pretty unique given my playing experience. I see the game in a totally different way,” Brees added. “Even when I watch now, I feel like there’s so much more to add. At the end of the day I’m going to wait for the right opportunity and hopefully it comes along.”

Brees parted ways with NBC after just one season, a decision he says was entirely his, based largely on family and coaching commitments that conflicted with the network’s travel demands.

“I departed because I wanted to spend more time with my kids on weekends, coaching ball,” he said. “It didn’t work flying to Connecticut every week while also doing Notre Dame games. It was my decision to step away from NBC, it was not theirs.”

Though he emphasized his appreciation for NBC and named several executives and producers who supported him, Brees made it clear the narrative that he was pushed out is false.

“They wanted me back,” Brees said. “I think it got reported a little bit differently, and now that’s somehow become the narrative. It could not be further from the truth.”

Now, Brees will get a fresh opportunity this Christmas as part of Netflix’s foray into live NFL broadcasting. While the exact assignment is still to be announced, he sees it as a meaningful step back toward the broadcast role he’s always wanted.

“I’m appreciative of Netflix giving me the opportunity,” he said. “That’ll be a lot of fun.”

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.

Podcasts Now Equal AM/FM Radio in 18 to 29 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Podcasts Now Equal AM/FM Radio in 18 to 29 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

A new milestone in audio consumption has been reached. Edison Research’s latest Share of Ear study reveals that podcast listening among 18- to 29-year-olds now accounts for the same share of daily audio time as AM/FM radio — 14% each.

It’s a significant benchmark for the podcasting industry. When Share of Ear launched in 2014, AM/FM radio held more than a 7-to-1 listening advantage over podcasts in this younger demographic.

Over the past decade, that gap has steadily narrowed, and Edison Research’s new data confirms that younger audiences are now just as likely to spend time with podcasts as they are with traditional broadcast radio.

Despite this parity in daily time spent, AM/FM still reaches a slightly larger portion of the 18-29 audience on a daily basis. However, Edison emphasizes that in the ad-supported audio space, both platforms now hold equal value for marketers trying to reach younger consumers.

While the growth of podcasting has been notable across all age groups, the study points to 18- to 29-year-olds as the leading edge of that shift. Still, both AM/FM radio and podcasting trail behind streaming music and YouTube, which dominate total audio time spent in this age bracket.

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.

Townsquare Media Names Marty Jeff Director Country Content

BMM Staff
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Townsquare Media Names Marty Jeff Director Country Content

Townsquare Media has upped Marty Jeff to Director of Country Content and Programming. Jeff is currently Director of Content for the company’s Albany, New York cluster and Brand Manager PM Driver for Country 107.7 WGNA.

He will succeed Doug Montgomery, who retired this past May. (BMM 5/15)

Jeff said,” I’m beyond thrilled to step into this role for Townsquare. I’m especially excited to work alongside our talented programmers and incredible local stations across the country as we continue to grow our brands, deepen our connection with listeners, and champion the artists who make this format so special. Huge thanks to Kurt Johnson, Jared Willig, and our leadership crew for the belief and opportunity. I’m truly excited for what lies ahead!”

Kurt Johnson, Townsquare SVP/Content and Programming, added, “We are thrilled to have Matty take the reins of our Country stations. With his experience, creativity, and deep love for the format, he’s a natural choice to lead our Country brands into the future.”

Jeff joined WGNA in 2015 and rose to the position of Director of Content in 2020.

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

Joy Taylor Says Pending Lawsuit Had Nothing To Do With Firing From FS1

BSM Staff
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Joy Taylor Says Pending Lawsuit Had Nothing To Do With Firing From FS1

Joy Taylor is setting the record straight on her departure from FOX Sports and FS1’s program Speak, firmly denying that an ongoing legal matter had any influence on the network’s decision to cut her show.

Speaking candidly on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast — her personal platform — the former FS1 host acknowledged she couldn’t discuss the specifics of the lawsuit yet due to its ongoing nature, but she made clear that the changes at FOX had nothing to do with the situation.

“I will say that situation and that suit had nothing to do with the changes that happened at FS1,” Taylor said. “I think from a logical standpoint, everyone can just look and see what the changes were — three shows were cut.”

Taylor was among a group of on-air talent impacted by significant programming shifts at FS1, which included the cancellation of Speak, Breakfast Ball, and The Facility.

“Three shows were let go and a massive sports network shifted into a really aggressive, different direction,” said Taylor. “That was a decision that I’m positive they didn’t come to lightly. They had many discussions about it over an extended period of time.”

According to Taylor, decisions of that scale are well above the talent level and rooted in broader business strategy.

“Those types of deals take years to put together,” she explained. “There’s a lot of signatures that have to be on the bottom line — people that have way more money than I do made those decisions.”

Taylor noted she was disappointed to be the headline of all the changes at FS1, considering the number of people affected.

“The headline of the changes was frustrating because there were three shows let go,” said Taylor. “It was sort of made to seem like I was the only person that was no longer going to be there, which obviously is not true. There was a lot of really big talent from the network that they moved on from, but it also was a lot of people behind the scenes.”

Taylor emphasized that the move reflected a larger directional pivot by FOX Sports executives rather than any individual performance or external legal entanglement.

“What happened was not just, you know, ‘Joy Taylor is no longer at FS1,’” she said. “Three shows were let go, and a massive sports network shifted into a really aggressive, different direction.”

In her view, it’s part of an industry-wide evolution — a response to the changing landscape of how sports content is consumed.

“The business is shifting a lot,” Taylor said. “Everyone in the network space is trying to create this bridge between the digital space and the linear space… Traditionally, a linear-built show doesn’t really work on social or the digital space. Similarly, digital content doesn’t translate directly to linear.”

While the transition away from FOX may have seemed sudden to fans, Taylor said she’s received strong encouragement from peers within the industry.

“I’m getting calls from good friends of mine in the business… and they’re like, ‘Thank God. You’re finally free. Fly, bird,’” she shared. “Give the world your personality and your thoughts, because that’s really where you thrive the most — being yourself.”

Now, Taylor says she’s embracing the opportunity to speak more freely in a space with “not that many rules,” a shift she welcomes as she moves forward in the evolving sports media 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

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