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The MeidasTouch Podcast Tops The Joe Rogan Experience For Top Spot on YouTube Podcast Charts

BNM Staff
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The MeidasTouch Podcast Tops The Joe Rogan Experience For Top Spot on YouTube Podcast Charts

The Joe Rogan Experience has been at the top or near the top of the YouTube podcast charts. This week, the show was bested by The MeidasTouch Podcast.

For the first time in the relatively short history of the YouTube podcast rankings, MeidasTouch earned the top spot.

During the month of July, TheMeidasTouch Podcast has seen its standing grow as it has continually uncovered videos of past comments made by President Donald Trump, his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and one particular video where Epstein pleads the fifth when asked if he’d ever been with Trump and underage women.

Last week, the podcast featuring three brothers — Ben, Brett, and Jordan Meiselas — finished third in the rankings.

The Joe Rogan Experience finished the week as the second most-watched podcast for the third consecutive week.

The top 10 programs on the digital video platform for the week of July 21st were:

  • The MeidasTouch Podcast
  • The Joe Rogan Experience
  • Kill Tony
  • Rotten Mango
  • The Diary Of A CEO
  • 48 Hours
  • The Why Files: Operation Podcast (All of ‘Em)
  • Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
  • Brian Tyler Cohen
  • Shawn Ryan Show

Other notable movers include Tucker Carlson dropping four places to 15th overall, while Megyn Kelly also slipped backward by three positions to 24th.

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.

Marty McFly Launches ‘McFly and The Ride’ Syndicated Show

BMM Staff
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Marty McFly Launches ‘McFly and The Ride’ Syndicated Show

Country radio veteran Marty McFly has announced a new syndication partnership with Radio Resources to distribute McFly and The Ride, a personality-driven show aimed at delivering authentic, local-feeling radio content to stations nationwide.

McFly, known for his long-standing career across multiple major markets, is bringing his signature style and voice to a show designed to feel like a homegrown extension of any station’s brand. The program is built to plug into local communities while providing strong promotional opportunities and tangible sales support.

Joining McFly on the show is longtime co-host and best friend Stew James, along with singer-songwriter Morgan Alexander, who contributes music-driven features and original creative content.

“We are partners with stations in every aspect of local success,” McFly said. “McFly and The Ride is built with local stations in mind — their listeners, their promotions, their revenue, their community. This is not a plug-and-play show. It’s a living, breathing extension of their brand. We are all from small towns where we are still very active in those communities and on the radio. The show has been on WGSQ Cookeville since 1998.”

McFly and James – Photo Courtesy Radio Resources

The show’s format is intentionally flexible, giving affiliates the ability to integrate local content—whether through short-form breaks or full-length programming. Stations can slot the show into mornings, middays, afternoons, or evenings as needed.

A key feature of the rollout is the Local Station Revenue Division, led by Stew James. The group works directly with affiliates to execute non-traditional revenue (NTR) opportunities, helping boost local sales through sponsored content and station-specific promotions.

“We’re not just handing over a show,” said James. “We’re partners for the GM, the sales team and the PD — we’re in it with you.”

Radio Resources Chief Development Officer Rich O’Brien added: “Marty McFly is the kind of personality who doesn’t just do talk breaks… he connects with listeners like an old friend, bringing energy, heart and authenticity to every show. We are excited to work with McFly and The Ride Radio Show.”

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.

Shannon Sharpe No Longer With ESPN

BSM Staff
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Shannon Sharpe No Longer With ESPN

Just weeks following a civil lawsuit filed against former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe being settled outside of court, ESPN has made a decision on Sharpe’s future at the network. The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand was first to report that ESPN has decided to cut ties with Shannon Sharpe and his role on First Take.

Sharpe has not been seen on ESPN since April, when he decided to step away from the network to focus on the civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims that the former NFL star sexually assaulted, harassed, and committed battery against her.

ESPN has confirmed the report to Barrett Media but did not provide comment.

Sharpe was just a year into a multi-year extension with ESPN, which he signed in 2024 to expand his role on First Take following his departure from FOX Sports and Undisputed with Skip Bayless. The 57-year old football hall of famer has remained to produce and distribute his Shay Shay Media podcasts including NightCap and Club Shay Shay while remaining off of ESPN.

Sharpe denied the allegations placed against him back in April through his representation and several social media posts. Nevertheless, Sharpe decided to step away after making a statement on his social media accounts in April.

“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe noted. “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.”

In response, ESPN released a statement in April following the posts made by Sharpe.

“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” said ESPN via a statement.

There had been much speculation about Sharpe’s future on ESPN following his voluntary departure. First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith told the BigBoyTV podcast in May that he knew Sharpe couldn’t stay on the air following the lawsuit being filed, but was hopeful for an outcome that allowed Sharpe to return to the network. Former ESPN commentator Dan Le Batard noted in June that Sharpe would likely not return to the network.

“I think we can reasonably assume that,” Le Batard said in June. “Shannon Sharpe would like it to look like he has a chance to return. I don’t know that you can be Disney and allow any of what happened there.”

Sharpe has not publicly commented on the lawsuit nor his departure from ESPN.

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.

CNN Getting Into Live Event Space With New ‘Global Perspectives’ Series

BNM Staff
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CNN Getting Into Live Event Space With New ‘Global Perspectives’ Series

CNN is launching a new event franchise titled Global Perspectives, aimed at convening global leaders, innovators, and visionaries to explore emerging challenges and opportunities in regions shaping the future.

The inaugural edition, Global Perspectives: On Africa, will spotlight the continent’s expanding economic influence and role in global innovation and partnerships.

Set to take place in London on November 3rd, the event will feature CNN Chairman and CEO Sir Mark Thompson and include sessions moderated by prominent CNN journalists such as Christiane Amanpour, Richard Quest, Zain Asher, Jim Sciutto, and Larry Madowo.

Confirmed speakers include World Trade Organization Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Ibrahim Foundation Chair Dr. Mo Ibrahim, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola, and Google Africa Managing Director Alex Okosi, among others.

“We’re living in a time of rapid, dynamic change, re-shaping the global economic and political landscape every day,” said Ellana Lee, CNN’s Group SVP and Global Head of Productions. “Global Perspectives is designed to gather those shaping change, facilitating smart, meaningful conversations with CNN’s outstanding journalists to deepen our audiences’ understanding of an evolving world.”

The event will be among the first held at the new Chancery Rosewood Hotel. Content and interviews from the event will be distributed globally across CNN platforms and featured in a special program airing on CNN International.

CNN International Commercial’s SVP James Hunt added, “Global Perspectives provides brands with a unique opportunity to extend their partnership with a new event activation.”

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.

Nielsen Strikes Deal for SAG-AFTRA to Continue Utilizing Streaming Data

BNM Staff
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Nielsen Strikes Deal for SAG-AFTRA to Continue Utilizing Streaming Data

SAG-AFTRA has renewed its agreement with Nielsen, extending its use of the company’s streaming content measurement services. The labor union, which represents more than 160,000 media and entertainment professionals, first partnered with Nielsen to independently measure U.S. viewership data for original streaming programming.

The deal centers on Nielsen’s Streaming Content Ratings service. The dataset allows SAG-AFTRA to analyze program performance across multiple streaming platforms. According to the union, this information has become a key resource in tracking and enforcing the streaming bonus provisions included in the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contract.

“As an independent arbiter of viewership for the best TV and movies in the world, we’re thrilled to continue the partnership,” said Nielsen CEO Karthik Rao. “We provide the most accurate, trusted, and accredited streaming data for our clients.”

SAG-AFTRA officials have said that Nielsen’s measurement helps supplement the first-party data received directly from streaming services. This combined approach gives the union a clearer, more objective picture of how content is performing.

“With the pace of change in our industry and the additional metrics we are now tracking, having the Nielsen streaming data to underpin the first-party data we receive has been both essential and highly effective,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

Nielsen’s data provides a consistent methodology for measuring performance across different platforms. SAG-AFTRA says that consistency has helped strengthen its forecasting and analysis as the industry continues to evolve.

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.

Kira Lew Exits The Big 97 WOKQ Morning Show After 9 Years

BMM Staff
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Kira Lew Exits The Big 97 WOKQ Morning Show After 9 Years

Kira Lew is stepping down as morning co-host at Country “The Big 97” WOKQ in Portsmouth, NH.

She has co-hosted “Kira and Logan in the Morning” since 2019. Lew said in a blog post that she was expecting her second child and a move to Boston for her husband’s job as factors in the decision.

Lew wrote, “After 9 years of setting my alarm at 4:30 am (or what I like to call the crack of stupid), my time as your morning show host on 97.5 WOKQ is coming to an end.”

Adding, “Calling it a job doesn’t really feel right, since it has been so much more than that. For the past 9 years, I have lived my life out loud into a microphone for thousands of people to hear. And we have been through a lot together.”

Lew left the door open to other creative opportunities.

“I know my creative soul won’t be able to rest for long, but the truth is I’m excited to not know what I’m going to do next. Am I terrified? Of course! But excited at the same time.”

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 Machine 20’ Adds Stars Ahead of Grand Prix Weekend

BMM Staff
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‘Big Machine 20’ Adds Stars Ahead of Grand Prix Weekend

The Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group has added Carly Pearce, Aaron Lewis, and The Jack Wharff Band to the performance lineup for its upcoming Big Machine 20 concert, scheduled for August 29 in downtown Nashville.

The event marks the label’s 20th anniversary. While at the same time, serving as the official kickoff to the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix. Part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship weekend.

They join a growing list of performers that include The Band Perry, RaeLynn, Danielle Peck, Danielle Bradbery, Jack Ingram, and rising artist Preston Cooper. Additional guest appearances are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The concert will also include the fifth annual Freedom Friday. It honors military members, first responders, police, fire personnel, and other frontline workers. According to organizers, last year’s Freedom Friday drew over 118,000 attendees.

Founded by Scott Borchetta on September 1, 2005, Big Machine Label Group has sold more than 226 million albums and achieved 186 No. 1 singles.

The label’s artists have received 76 Grammy nominations, 54 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 28 Country Music Association Awards, among others.

The anniversary event aims to highlight the label’s two-decade history in Country music while tying into Nashville’s INDYCAR Championship weekend festivities.

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.

ESPN Tops Digital and Social Rankings in June

BSM Staff
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ESPN Tops Digital and Social Rankings in June

ESPN once again flexed its dominance across digital and social platforms in June, reaching a staggering 193.6 million unique fans, according to the latest data from Comscore. The network’s total digital reach equated to 69.1% of all U.S. adults—nearly 7 out of every 10—cementing ESPN as the top-performing sports media brand across digital for the month.

The total audience figure includes fans reached through ESPN Digital, YouTube, and social platforms. The continued surge in digital traffic marks another milestone in the network’s push to expand beyond traditional television and into the ever-evolving world of mobile and social content consumption.

In the mobile space, the ESPN app attracted 25.7 million unique fans in June, outpacing its closest competitor more than sevenfold and eclipsing the combined total of the next nine non-ESPN sports apps. ESPN Fantasy also performed strongly with 2.6 million unique fans, earning the No. 1 spot among all fantasy sports apps, up 8% year-over-year.

Social engagement was another major highlight, with ESPN Social notching 555 million fan interactions across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. That figure averages out to 18.5 million engagements per day, extending ESPN’s streak to 48 consecutive months as the top sports brand in social media interactions.

The continued strength in digital and social performance is a testament to ESPN’s evolving content strategy, which emphasizes real-time engagement, mobile-first experiences, and multi-platform storytelling.

As the network prepares for the upcoming NFL and college football seasons, its robust digital footprint puts it in a strong position to dominate fan engagement across every screen. Whether through breaking news, fantasy tools, or viral content, ESPN’s numbers show it remains the go-to source for sports fans in the digital era.

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.

Altitude Sports Radio Adds Westwood One on FM, Jim Rome on AM

BSM Staff
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Altitude Sports Radio Adds Westwood One on FM, Jim Rome on AM

Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM is set to bring even more high-profile sports content to the Denver airwaves. The station announced it will become the Mile High City’s new home for Westwood One’s coverage of the National Football League starting with Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.

The agreement gives Altitude access to a comprehensive slate of NFL broadcasts, including marquee matchups such as Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, the International Series, Thanksgiving Day tripleheader, Christmas Day game, the full playoff schedule, and Super Bowl 60.

“Altitude Sports Radio is thrilled to welcome Westwood One to our lineup,” said Program Director Kevin Shockey. “They’re the gold standard for broadcasting games nationally and the power of the NFL is unmatched. Every local sports fan should have 92.5 FM as the first preset saved on their car radio.”

The deal further solidifies Altitude’s position for live sports programming. Between Westwood One’s NFL coverage, existing rights to the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, plus college football and basketball, the station is on pace to carry nearly 300 live games over the next 12 months.

The Westwood One broadcasts will debut on Altitude Sports Radio on Thursday, September 4, with the NFL’s traditional season-opening game. This year’s matchup features the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting longtime rival Dallas Cowboys.

Beyond the NFL, Altitude’s partnership with Westwood One will bring additional major sporting events to its listeners. That includes coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Women’s Final Four, Men’s Frozen Four, and several marquee golf championships.

Altitude is also expanding its weekday programming lineup on its sister station, Altitude Sports 950 AM. Beginning August 4, the station will add The Jim Rome Show to its daily schedule from 3-6 p.m. MT. Rome joins The Dan Patrick Show (7-10 a.m. MT) and The Herd with Colin Cowherd (10 a.m.-1 p.m. MT), giving 950 AM a trio of the most recognizable names in national sports talk radio.

Rome is replacing Altitude Sports 950 AM airing of Covino & Rich, and an hour of The Odd Couple from FOX Sports Radio.

Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM (KKSE-FM) and Altitude Sports 950 AM (KKSE-AM) serve as the flagship radio homes for the Nuggets, Avalanche, Rapids, and now the NFL through Westwood One.

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.

64% of Ad Supported Audio Listening Spent with AM/FM Radio, New Nielsen and Edison Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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64% of Ad Supported Audio Listening Spent with AM/FM Radio, New Nielsen and Edison Research Data Shows

If you’re planning a media buy in today’s fragmented landscape, the latest data from The Record — a quarterly audio report powered by Nielsen and Edison Research — offers a clear look at how audiences are spending their listening time, especially to AM/FM Radio.

In the second quarter of 2025, AM/FM Radio accounted for 64% of all daily time spent with ad-supported audio, far ahead of podcasts, streaming audio, and satellite radio.

That figure offers a stark reminder that even as digital options multiply, the dominance of traditional radio in the ad-supported space remains virtually unchallenged.

Edison Research’s “Share of Ear” data shows that while consumers are spending an average of 3 hours and 50 minutes per day with audio content across all formats, nearly two-thirds of that time on ad-supported platforms is still going to AM/FM Radio.

Podcasts captured 19%, followed by streaming audio services at 14%, and satellite radio with just 3%.

The generational breakdown adds further context. Among listeners aged 35 and up, AM/FM Radio takes a massive 71% of ad-supported audio time. Even among the younger 18-34 demographic, where newer formats like podcasts tend to thrive, radio still commands 45% of the listening pie.

Podcasts draw 32% from that younger group, but the numbers reinforce the staying power of AM/FM Radio with core audiences advertisers often covet.

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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