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Point to Point Marketing, Strategic Solutions Podcast Study Finds 18% of Podcast Consumers Are Prime Prospects

Garrett Searight
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Point to Point Marketing, Strategic Solutions Podcast Study Finds 18% of Podcast Consumers Are Prime Prospects

The latest Podcast Study 2026 analysis identifies a path to turn engaged podcast consumers into Superfans. Point-to-Point Marketing and Strategic Solutions Research found that Prime Prospects already show many Superfan behaviors.

What We Know: The second webinar from Point-to-Point Marketing and Strategic Solutions Research examined findings from The Podcast Study 2026, which surveyed 1,205 U.S. podcast consumers. The study defines Superfans through both listening behavior and engagement, including daily full-episode consumption, at least five hours of weekly listening, valuing the host, and taking an additional action such as joining Patreon or buying merchandise. Superfans account for 17% of podcast consumers. However, researchers identified another 18% as “Prime Prospects.” These listeners already value hosts, report increasing consumption, and show a willingness to pay or participate. The analysis suggests the biggest opportunity lies in moving those listeners toward more frequent podcast use.

What The Numbers Show: Prime Prospects closely resemble Superfans across several engagement measures. Eighty-one percent follow podcasts on social media, compared with 79% of Superfans, while 69% would definitely join a free VIP Club from a favorite podcast. Additionally, 54% are willing to pay at least $5 per month, compared with 56% of Superfans. However, usage remains the biggest gap. Sixty-seven percent aren’t yet daily full-episode listeners, while 66% consume fewer than five hours of podcasts each week. Meanwhile, 90% reported at least one content execution issue that caused them to abandon a podcast. Too much meaningless talk at the beginning ranked as the most common problem.

What They Said: “One of the biggest opportunities in podcasting may be hiding in plain sight. Prime Prospects already act like Superfans. We walked through a tangible action plan to begin the conversion process. If you can move that group forward, you have the potential to significantly grow your Superfan base.” -Point-to-Point Marketing CEO Tim Bronsil

What It Means: The findings point to several ways podcast creators can convert Prime Prospects into more engaged listeners. Exclusive content, online communities, email, social media, video, and short samples all offer potential paths to deeper fandom. Notably, 55% of Prime Prospects say they finish more episodes when watching podcasts as video. Meanwhile, 63% say a short sample would definitely make them try a podcast. As a result, creators may not need to convince Prime Prospects to care about podcasts. Instead, they need to turn existing interest into stronger listening habits and deeper engagement.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Paul Finebaum Show Listener ‘Handsome Joe’ Credits The Program For Saving His Life

John Mamola
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Paul Finebaum Show Listener ‘Handsome Joe’ Credits The Program For Saving His Life

A longtime Paul Finebaum Show caller delivered an emotional moment on Friday’s program. “Handsome Joe” told Finebaum that listening to the show kept him alive after a work injury left him bedridden.

What We Know: The Paul Finebaum Show aired Friday from Starkville, Mississippi, on SEC Network. The broadcast came ahead of Saturday’s Alabama–Mississippi State game at Davis Wade Stadium. During the show, “Handsome Joe” was a guest on the program after driving to be on site for the show, and opened up about a dark stretch in his personal life. He detailed how he recovered from a difficult work injury. Specifically, he described going from 18-hour workdays to being stuck in bed. Yet, found comfort in the Paul Finebaum Show preventing him from committing suicide.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Paul Finebaum Show):

Paul Finebaum Show listener Handsome Joe on how the program saved his life: “I was thinking of suicide. That’s no joke. That’s how that’s how slow I felt. I was thinking about ending it all, and attempted it once. Just self pity. I’m used to working 18 hours a day to just [being] bedridden. Everybody else was busy, and I felt like nobody had time for me. But you somehow seemed like you did. I don’t think if it wasn’t for your show, I wouldn’t have been alive today. That’s facts.”

Paul Finebaum Show listener Handsome Joe on why he listens to the program: “I heard people calling in that reminded me a lot of me. You took the time to listen to these people. Some days, I would call in. You couldn’t always get in, but to me it just kept me going day to day because I just I could hear you tomorrow. That’s the way I think most people feel like you’re listening to a friend.”

Paul Finebaum Show listener Handsome Joe says listening to the Paul Finebaum Show is his escape: “I’ve been so busy working. When I was laid up and couldn’t get around at all, it just you know it took my mind off things. It’s kind of like watching the football game. You forget all your problems as long as the game is on.”

What It Means: Ultimately, the appearance by “Handsome Joe” shows how much sports talk radio can mean to isolated listeners. Moreover, for many fans, a familiar host becomes a daily companion. In fact, Joe’s story reflects the bond Finebaum has built with callers across the South for more than three decades. Consequently, moments like this remind broadcasters that someone on the other end is always listening.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Skydance CEO David Ellison Promises to Protect CNN News Independence

Garrett Searight
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Skydance CEO David Ellison Promises to Protect CNN News Independence

Skydance CEO David Ellison has reaffirmed his commitment to CNN’s editorial independence. His comments came as Skydance takes control of CNN and Warner Bros. Discovery’s other properties.

What We Know: Ellison spoke with CNN’s Anderson Cooper during a company town hall on Tuesday. He reiterated that his leadership team won’t interfere with CNN’s editorial direction. Instead, Ellison said he intends to support the network’s journalists as Skydance assumes control of the company.

What They Said: “I believe deeply in journalism,” Ellison said, adding that it’s a “vital part of our democracy.” He also promised “to support news independence” as he takes over the company. Meanwhile, Cooper’s participation in the town hall gave CNN’s longtime anchor an opportunity to question Ellison directly about the network’s future under new ownership.

What Remains Unclear: Ellison has now publicly committed to maintaining CNN’s editorial independence, but the company’s long-term plans for the network remain unclear. Skydance will oversee CNN alongside Warner Bros. Discovery assets including HBO, TNT, and other major properties. However, it remains to be seen how the new ownership structure could affect CNN’s programming, leadership, and business strategy.

What It Means: Ellison’s comments offer an early indication of how Skydance plans to approach CNN’s newsroom. Still, maintaining that independence could become a central test of the new ownership as the network navigates a politically divided audience and a changing media landscape.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

MS NOW Launches Road to the Midterms Series in Battleground States

Garrett Searight
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MS NOW Launches Road to the Midterms Series in Battleground States

MS NOW is taking its political coverage on the road ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The network will bring five programs to battleground states throughout October.

What We Know: As part of Road to the Midterms, MS NOW will air live broadcasts from five key states. Jen Psaki, Ali Velshi, Chris Hayes, Katy Tur, and Peter Alexander will each anchor from a different battleground. Psaki kicks off the series tonight, October 6th, from Portland, Maine, with The Briefing with Jen Psaki at 9 p.m. ET. She’ll focus on the Senate race between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic candidate Troy Jackson. Velshi follows October 13th from Columbus, Ohio, while Hayes broadcasts from Atlanta, Georgia, on October 14th. Tur heads to Austin, Texas, on October 20th, before Alexander concludes the series in Detroit, Michigan, on October 27th.

What’s At Stake: The broadcasts will spotlight several of the country’s most closely watched Senate and gubernatorial races. Meanwhile, MS NOW plans to connect its anchors with voters, candidates, and local voices in each state. The network will also examine how those contests could shape the balance of power in Washington.

What Remains Unclear: MS NOW hasn’t detailed whether the live broadcasts will expand beyond the five scheduled programs. The network also hasn’t outlined additional special programming tied to the series as Election Day approaches.

What It Means: The initiative gives MS NOW an opportunity to put its political personalities directly in the communities driving the midterm conversation. Additionally, reporters including Chris Jansing, Shawna Thomas, Nnamdi Egwuonwu, Will McDuffie, and Josh Einiger will provide on-the-ground coverage throughout the series.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Steve Berthiaume Departs Arizona Diamondbacks After 14 Seasons

John Mamola
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Steve Berthiaume Departs Arizona Diamondbacks After 14 Seasons

The Arizona Diamondbacks are moving on from Steve Berthiaume. Consequently, the club’s TV play-by-play voice of 14 seasons won’t return in 2027.

What We Know: Berthiaume departs as the longest-tenured play-by-play voice in club history. He arrived ahead of the 2013 season after 12 years at ESPN, hosting Baseball Tonight and anchoring SportsCenter. Throughout that run, analyst Bob Brenly served as his partner in the booth. Additionally, Berthiaume built a reputation for diligent prep and broadcasts that kept the focus on the field.

What They Said: Steve Berthiaume (via The Arizona Republic): “I’m obviously surprised and disappointed. As I told the Diamondbacks, I’m very appreciative to have had the opportunity to connect with our fan base these past 14 years. I’ve always tried to put the club first. I enjoyed my Arizona experience and I’m grateful to all my friends and colleagues in our broadcast group.”

Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks President (via The Arizona Republic): “His contract is up and we felt it was a good time to take a step back and re-evaluate our broadcasts. He was here 14 years and was a great DBack.”

What Remains Unclear: However, the Diamondbacks have not said how they plan to replace Berthiaume. Still, radio play-by-play broadcaster Chris Garagiola figures to be among the candidates. He joined the club in 2024. Furthermore, the club has not indicated whether additional changes are coming to its primary broadcast team.

What It Means: Ultimately, the decision closes the longest play-by-play chapter in franchise history. Hall’s comments also suggest the club wants a fresh look at its entire broadcast product. Meanwhile, Berthiaume enters the market with national ESPN credentials and 14 years of local experience. Consequently, he could draw interest from clubs and networks looking to fill play-by-play roles.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Meredith Andrade Takes Afternoon Drive at 99.5 QYK

Garrett Searight
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Meredith Andrade Takes Afternoon Drive at 99.5 QYK

Meredith Andrade is expanding her role across Beasley Media Group’s Tampa properties. She’ll add afternoon drive on 99.5 QYK while continuing her other two on-air roles.

What We Know: Andrade currently co-hosts Orlando & The Freak Show during morning drive on Wild 94.1 and hosts middays on classic hits Q105. Now, she’ll add afternoon drive on 99.5 QYK to her schedule. All three Tampa stations operate under Beasley Media Group. Andrade takes over the daypart from Kevin Cummings, known on air as KC, who spent the past two years hosting afternoons on the country station. Cummings recently exited the role.

What’s at Stake: The move gives Beasley a familiar local personality across three of its Tampa brands. Meanwhile, Andrade will hold prominent positions spanning morning, midday, and afternoon programming. The expanded presence could also strengthen her connection with listeners across Beasley’s portfolio.

What Remains Unclear: Beasley hasn’t disclosed whether Andrade’s addition will change her existing schedules at Wild 94.1 or Q105. The company also hasn’t detailed whether 99.5 QYK will make any additional programming changes following Cummings’ departure.

What It Means: Andrade becomes one of Beasley’s most visible personalities in Tampa with roles on three stations. Her addition also marks the latest change for 99.5 QYK following Cummings’ two-year run in afternoon drive.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Golden Globes Announces Three Sports Titles Eligible For Best Podcast Award

John Mamola
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Golden Globes Announces Three Sports Titles Eligible For Best Podcast Award

Three sports podcasts are in the running for the Golden Globes’ second Best Podcast award. Pardon My Take, New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce and The Bill Simmons Podcast all made the eligibility list.

What We Know: Thirty podcasts are eligible for the 84th Golden Globes, up from 25 last year. Notably, The Bill Simmons Podcast returns from the inaugural list. Meanwhile, New Heights joins as part of the expanded field. Golden Globes data partner Luminate compiled the list using audience reach, engagement, revenue and chart rankings.

What’s At Stake: This will be the second time the Golden Globes has honored a category for podcasting. Last year, the award drew criticism over no non-American based shows being nominated. The list still remains dominated by U.S.-based shows, potentially keeping alive questions about the international scope of a podcast prize.

What Remains Unclear: However, eligibility does not guarantee a nomination. It remains to be seen whether all three sports shows will submit before the deadline. The Golden Globes will announce nominations Dec. 7. Additionally, U.S.-based shows still dominate the list, an issue that drew UK industry criticism last year.

What It Means: Ultimately, sports audio has carved out a clear spot in a Hollywood awards race. Still, the three shows face crowded competition from The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy and SmartLess. Last year’s winner, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, is also back. Meanwhile, Nikki Glaser returns to host the January 10, 2027 ceremony.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Salem’s David Santrella, Townsquare’s Erik Hellum Appointed to NAB Radio Board

Garrett Searight
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Salem’s David Santrella, Townsquare’s Erik Hellum Appointed to NAB Radio Board

Salem Media CEO David Santrella and Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum has taken on a larger leadership role with the NAB Radio Board. David Santrella also returns to the board as the organization reshapes its leadership.

What We Know: Erik Hellum currently serves on the NAB Radio Board and has been named first vice chair of the executive committee. He represents the Southern Texas District and recently completed his term as board chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau. Hellum takes the seat previously held by Allen Power, who retired from Salem Media at the end of September. Meanwhile, David Santrella has been appointed to the NAB Radio Board for the New England District. Santrella previously served as chair of the NAB Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023. He also takes a seat previously held by Power.

What’s at Stake: Hellum’s promotion places an experienced radio executive in a key leadership position within the NAB Radio Board. His work with the Radio Advertising Bureau also gives him recent experience representing the industry’s advertising interests. Santrella, meanwhile, brings previous NAB leadership experience back to the board as radio broadcasters face continued shifts in audience behavior, technology, and advertising.

What Remains Unclear: The NAB hasn’t outlined how Hellum’s expanded role will affect the board’s priorities or whether Santrella will take on additional leadership responsibilities.

What It Means: The appointments create continuity following Power’s retirement while elevating two executives with extensive industry experience. Hellum will take on a more prominent role within the board’s executive committee, while Santrella returns to an organization he previously helped lead.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Skydance Officially Completes Merger of Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery

Garrett Searight
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0
Skydance Officially Completes Merger of Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery

Tuesday officially marked the completion of the Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The deal brings CBS, HBO, CNN, TNT, and several cable networks under one corporate roof.

What We Know: Skydance has officially completed its merger with Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, creating a massive media company spanning broadcast television, streaming, film, news, sports, and entertainment. As a result, CBS, HBO, CNN, TNT, and numerous cable networks now operate under the same corporate umbrella. The completed transaction follows months of regulatory review and negotiations over the future structure of both companies. Now, Skydance will oversee one of the largest collections of media brands in the industry.

What They Said: “Today is a historic day, not just for Skydance but for our entire industry. From the start, our ambition was to bring these two storied studios together and create a stronger competitor, with the talent, resources, and reach to tell great stories in every genre, on every platform, for audiences everywhere. Now that ambition is a reality. We’re grateful to everyone who made this possible – the employees, creative talent, and production teams of both companies, who worked tirelessly to get us here and inspire audiences around the world every day, as well as the advisors and partners who guided this transaction to completion. Our focus now turns to the future: building a company that empowers creatives, entertains audiences and rewards shareholders. We couldn’t be more excited to get to work.” -Skydance Chairman and CEO David Ellison

What’s at Stake: The combined company now has an expansive portfolio of television networks, streaming services, studios, and entertainment properties. Meanwhile, executives will need to determine how those assets work together while navigating an increasingly competitive media marketplace.

What It Means: The merger gives Skydance significant scale across traditional and digital media. Going forward, the company will face pressure to strengthen its streaming operations, manage its cable portfolio, and maximize the value of its major entertainment brands.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Emmy Awards Shifting From Broadcast To Streaming On Prime Video Beginning Next Year

John Mamola
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Emmy Awards Shifting From Broadcast To Streaming On Prime Video Beginning Next Year

The Emmy Awards are leaving broadcast television for the first time ever. Amazon Prime Video won exclusive rights to the telecast, starting next September.

What We Know: The Television Academy announced the six-year deal with Amazon. Starting next September, the telecast will stream free worldwide, with no Prime Video subscription required. Previously, the show rotated among ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC for three decades. Meanwhile, viewership fell from 16 million twenty years ago to 6.8 million on NBC this year.

What They Said: Cris Abrego, Chair of the Television Academy: “Television has never been more global, and the Emmys should be a celebration that the world can share. Now Prime Video audiences in more than 200 countries will be able to experience the Emmys live with no subscription required. Our broadcast partners have been tremendous stewards of the Emmys for many years, helping to build them into the cultural institution they are today. Having a dedicated home with Prime Video allows us to build on that legacy with unprecedented global reach and a broader commitment to the Television Academy and our mission throughout the year. Amazon shares our deep respect for the history of the Emmys and brings the investment, innovation and scale to help us shape their next chapter.”

What Remains Unclear: However, Abrego would not disclose how much Amazon is paying. Instead, he called it a “meaningful investment across the board.” By comparison, the four networks paid roughly $9.5 million annually, according to public filings. Additionally, next year’s show keeps its usual September date, though Abrego suggested that could change later.

What It Means: Ultimately, the Emmys become the second major awards show headed exclusively to streaming. The Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube in 2029. Furthermore, Nielsen found streaming captured 49% of U.S. TV viewing in July, compared to broadcast’s 19.5%. As a result, Amazon adds another tentpole alongside its NFL, NBA, and ACM Awards packages.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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