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Approaching The Summit: Mitch Rosen, 104.3 The Score

John Mamola
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Approaching The Summit: Mitch Rosen, 104.3 The Score

Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event June 30-July 2 share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the big apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website.   

Mitch Rosen is the Vice President of Programming for 104.3 The Score in Chicago and oversees BetMGM content with Westwood One Sports. He joined Audacy in 2005 after beginning his radio career at WGN Radio in 1988. Since Barrett Media launched its annual BSM Top 20 Program Directors rankings, Rosen has consistently finished near the top of the list for major markets while helping maintain 104.3 The Score’s status as one of the country’s premier sports radio brands.

Rosen has been an attendee and speaker at numerous Barrett Media Sports Summits and is speaking on July 1st. He spoke with Barrett Media from his office in Chicago, IL. 

*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.* 

John Mamola: What are you looking forward to as far as attending the summit later this month? 

Mitch Rosen: I’m really looking forward to the large number of formats, brands, verticals, and people from all areas of industry coming together. It’s smart to bring all facets of media together for one conference. Furthermore, I’m also looking forward to seeing some of our colleagues whom we don’t get to see in person often. 

John Mamola: Looking at your specific focus. What do you hope attendees take away from the session you’ll be participating in? 

Mitch Rosen: I think any panel is valuable at the Barrett Media Summit. It’s what you as a participant take away. For that reason, my advice would be to look at the panel and speaker schedule, then focus on your interests. Also, possibly focus on what is outside your comfort level. 

John Mamola: Through attending and viewing previous iterations of the Barrett Media Audio Summit, how has the event evolved over the years? Do you have a favorite moment from years’ prior? 

Mitch Rosen: The Mike and The Mad Dog reunion in New York years ago was fascinating. I always enjoy the Barrett Media awards ceremony. It’s always fun to honor the current leaders, and past leaders in the industry. Also, Jason [Barrett] always lines up keynote speakers are terrific for witnessing. 

John Mamola: Entering the Summit, what do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges the industry faces today? 

Mitch Rosen: I think as an industry we have to continue to alert consumers. In addition to commercial partners, sports partners, and everyone who consumes sports media about the power of sports audio. It’s free, interactive, direct, local, and live. If we can do that, we will continue to find a path to victory.  

Purchase your tickets to the 2026 BSM Summit here, and for more information 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. 

Ryan Leaf Named Lead Analyst for Pac-12 Football Inaugural Season on USA Network

John Mamola
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Ryan Leaf Named Lead Analyst for Pac-12 Football Inaugural Season on USA Network

USA Sports has named Ryan Leaf as its lead game analyst for Pac-12 Conference football on USA Network. The assignment marks the network’s inaugural season of conference coverage, launching this September.

What We Know: Leaf brings deep Pac-12 roots to the role. He was a standout quarterback at Washington State, leading the Cougars to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1997. He was drafted second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. On the media side, he co-hosts The Opening Drive on SiriusXM NFL Radio, calls games for Westwood One Sports, and has worked as a college football analyst for The CW, ESPN, and the Pac-12 Network. In addition, he will also call select Pac-12 basketball games on USA Network.

What They Said: Ryan Leaf: “I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead USA Sports’ inaugural season of Pac-12 coverage. USA Sports has made a big investment in myself and in the Pac-12. They want to be the authentic home for the conference with the biggest games week-in and week-out. I have witnessed Commissioner Gould’s leadership first-hand over the past two years. I’m excited to help showcase the bold, new era of the Pac-12 to a national audience on USA Network starting this September.”

Jeff Behnke, EVP of Sports Production at USA Sports: “We’re incredibly excited to have Ryan join the USA Sports team in our first season of Pac-12 coverage on USA Network. Ryan’s extraordinary career at Washington State, paired with his intimate knowledge and passion for the conference, will offer viewers one-of-a-kind insight and elevate our team’s coverage across the board.”

What Remains Unclear: Leaf’s full broadcast team is currently uknown. Additionally, details on his role beyond football — specifically the scope of his basketball assignments — remain limited.

What It Means: Ryan Leaf is a perfect hire for this role. With his deep knowledge of the conference and experience playing at the highest level. Moreover, this will give USA Sports an immediate boost in interest. The five-year deal between USA Sports and the Pac-12 signals a long-term commitment. For Leaf, it’s a high-profile platform to anchor his continually growing broadcast career.

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.

Video Podcast Time Virtually Mirrors Audio-Only Podcasts, New Edison Research Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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Video Podcast Time Virtually Mirrors Audio-Only Podcasts, New Edison Research Data Shows

Edison Research’s Podcast Consumer 2026 Study has been released. It shows interesting data about the shifting winds in the space.

What We Know: Podcast listening and viewing have shifted in recent years, according to the Edison Research data. Of those Americans who have ever consumed a podcast, 57% said they have both listened to and watched one. Weekly consumption has grown to 45% of the U.S. population. While 21% of those consumers say they exclusively use audio-only, 2% respond similarly to video shows.

What the Numbers Show:

Year Audio Only Without Video Video You Actively Watch While Listening
2023 89% 73%
2024 84% 76%
Q3 2025 78% 82%
Q1 2026 80% 78%

What They Said: “Video podcast consumption is the changing variable here. Audiences are finding video podcasts. And in some cases, new or formerly audio-only podcasts are finding video audiences … For the first time, video podcast consumption outpaced audio consumption in Edison Podcast Metrics … Both types of consumption are virtually the same. There’s a lot of it. There’s a lot of people who listen to audio only. And there’s a lot of people who watch actively.” -Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick

What It Means: The investment in the video space continues to show dividends for the industry. Despite that investment, it is interesting that audio-only consumers are more than 10x those who only use video programs.

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.

CBS Sports Adds Kyle Long To ‘The NFL Today’ Program

John Mamola
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CBS Sports Adds Kyle Long To ‘The NFL Today’ Program

Days after it was reported that CBS Sports would be adding Russell Wilson to their talent roster, the network officially adds one more name to the list. Former NFL lineman Kyle Long joins Wilson as the two new additions to CBS Sports’ NFL Today programming.

What We Know: Russell Wilson and Kyle Long are joining The NFL Today on CBS Sports. They will work alongside Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and host James Brown. Wilson brings a 14-year NFL resume that includes a Super Bowl championship. Also ten Pro Bowl selections, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He also threw for 46,966 yards and 353 touchdowns during stops in Seattle, Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York. Long, meanwhile, moves into a full-time role after appearing on the show last season. He has also contributed across CBS platforms since 2020.

What They Said: CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant on Kyle Long: “Kyle brings an infectious energy, relentless passion and deep knowledge of the game and is not shy about sharing his opinions. He has earned this opportunity and we’re proud to elevate him to a full-time role on The NFL Today. We’re excited for this new team at the desk to kick off NFL Sundays on CBS.”

CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant on Russell Wilson: “Throughout his career, Russell Wilson has been a winner, both on and off the field. We’re thrilled to add a Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks to our roster. Russell’s preparation and leadership set him apart and we look forward to the perspective and insight he will bring to the studio straight from the field.”

What Remains Unclear: The network has not revealed any specific segment roles or featured duties for either analyst. It’s also worth noting that Long retired from the NFL for a second time in 2022 after a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. How his shift from occasional contributor to full-time desk presence resonates with viewers remains.

What It Means: Following the departure of Matt Ryan, CBS Sports wanted to restore a five-person desk on its signature pregame show. I remain skeptical that the move signals a transition away from Bill Cowher or a larger role for Nate Burleson. However, both additions qualify as major hires for the network. Adding a marquee quarterback in Wilson gives The NFL Today a credible on-field voice fans will recognize immediately. Elevating Long signals the network sees real long-term value in his personality and football acumen.

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.

Former X Head Of Content Brett Weitz Named CEO of All-Sports Social Media Platform BZZR

John Mamola
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Former X Head Of Content Brett Weitz Named CEO of All-Sports Social Media Platform BZZR

BZZR has named Brett Weitz as its new Chief Executive Officer. The verified all-sports social media platform is positioning itself as a unified destination for live sports and fan conversation.

What We Know: Weitz brings substantial media experience to the role. He most recently served as Global Head of Content, Talent, and Brand Sales at X, where he built content strategies for 600 million monthly users and secured premium partnerships with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Before that, he led TBS, TNT, and truTV at WarnerDiscovery, reaching nearly 200 million viewers. BZZR, which launched in April 2026, already counts over 700 creators on its platform and has established notable influence in the sports content space.

What They Said: Brett Weitz, CEO of BZZR: “Social media and sports content are at a cultural inflection point and fans want more than just highlights. They want connection, community, and conversation, without the noise and distractions that come with most platforms. BZZR is the first all sports platform built entirely around that reality. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of sports, culture, and content, and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to help grow this platform into an All Sports/No Noise destination.”

Jeff Bookout, Founder and Chairman of BZZR: “As the industry shifts from the traditional regional sports network model toward direct-to-consumer streaming; Brett brings the rare combination of platform expertise, content vision, and media relationships needed to capitalize on that shift. Under his leadership, BZZR will accelerate its expansion into live game streaming. Not simply as a media product, but as a powerful driver of fan acquisition. Also engagement, and creator growth across the platform.”

What Remains Unclear: Specific league and streaming partnership deals have not yet been announced. It’s also unknown how quickly BZZR’s proprietary AI platform — the Sports Graph — will scale. The platform’s planned investment in women’s sports is unknown as far as timeline. Whether BZZR can meaningfully compete in an increasingly crowded sports media landscape remains an open question.

What It Means: Weitz’s hire signals BZZR is ready to accelerate. His deep relationships across leagues, social media, and network & streaming platforms give BZZR credibility it needs to grow. This move puts the very young platform firmly on the industry’s radar.

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.

Jesse Garcia Named Program Director of K105 in Fort Wayne

David Hill
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Jesse Garcia Named Program Director of K105 in Fort Wayne

Jesse Garcia is adding a second market to his programming portfolio. Federated Media has named him Program Director of country station K105 (WQHK) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

What We Know: Garcia takes on the K105 role while retaining his programming duties at sister country station B100 (WBYT) in South Bend. He has led B100 for more than 16 years, building it into one of the region’s strongest country brands. He also hosts weekday afternoons there. A Southern Illinois University graduate in Radio & Television Broadcasting, Garcia has worked across Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Colorado.

What They Said: Kyle Guderian, Federated Media’s Director of Operations, made clear this move was deliberate. “Jesse has built an incredibly strong country brand in our South Bend market, and he’s earned this opportunity in Fort Wayne,” Guderian said. “He knows the format, he knows our company, and he knows how to connect with listeners.” Garcia called the assignment energizing, saying he looks forward to getting connected with the Fort Wayne community.

What Remains Unclear: Federated Media has not announced whether Garcia will eventually take on a full-time presence in Fort Wayne. It is also unclear how his dual-market responsibilities will affect his afternoon on-air shift at B100.

What It Means: This move signals Federated Media’s confidence in Garcia’s ability to manage multiple markets simultaneously. Rather than hire externally, the company promoted from within — a telling sign of organizational trust. For K105, it means continuity and stability under a proven country programmer. Fort Wayne listeners should expect a sharper, more defined brand direction ahead.

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.

Barstool Sports’ ‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ Awarded Spotify Bronze Creator Milestone Award

John Mamola
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Barstool Sports’ ‘Spittin’ Chiclets’ Awarded Spotify Bronze Creator Milestone Award

One of hockey’s most dedicated podcasts just got some hardware to show for it. Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets was one of 13 shows worldwide recognized with Spotify’s Bronze Creator Milestone Award for Q1 2026.

What We Know: The Bronze award acknowledges podcasts that have surpassed 100 million all-time streams on Spotify — or 50 million in emerging markets. Spittin’ Chiclets joins a diverse global class of honorees for Q1 2026. This includes The Tim Dillon Show, The Basement Yard, and Modern Wisdom, among others. Meanwhile, Spotify’s Silver Creator Milestone — earned at 250 million streams — went to just two shows this quarter: Diary of A CEO with Steven Bartlett and German comedy Dick & Doof. Notably, no podcast earned a Gold Award this quarter; only six shows have ever hit that 500 million stream threshold.

What The Data Shows: (According to Spotify Milestone Creator Hub)

BARSTOOL SPORTS PODCASTS EARNING SPOTIFY CREATOR MILESTONE AWARDS (Since 2025)

PodcastAwardDate
Pardon My TakeSilver Milestone AwardQ4 2025
Spittin’ ChicletsBronze Milestone AwardQ1 2026

What Remains Unclear: Exact final figures were not released for the quarter.

What It Means: The Creator Milestone Award program, launched by Spotify last year, is quickly becoming a meaningful benchmark in podcasting. Beyond the plaque, honorees receive placement in a curated Spotify spotlight hub and inclusion in an out-of-home campaign in Los Angeles. For Spittin’ Chiclets, the recognition further cements hockey audio content as a legitimate force in global streaming.

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.

Paramount Executive: UFC Audience on Paramount+ Is 15 Years Younger Than Average Audience on Platform

John Mamola
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Paramount Executive: UFC Audience on Paramount+ Is 15 Years Younger Than Average Audience on Platform

Paramount’s seven-year UFC media rights deal is already reshaping the streaming platform’s audience composition. According to a Paramount executive, early data reveals UFC viewers on Paramount+ skew significantly younger than the platform’s existing base.

What We Know: Paramount and UFC reached a landmark seven-year media rights agreement, bringing live events to Paramount+. The deal represents one of the most significant sports streaming partnerships in the platform’s history. Paramount has been actively monitoring viewership data since UFC content launched. Notably, Paramount+ has not yet released specific subscriber figures tied to UFC programming.

What They Said: Efrain Miron, head of content strategy and licensing for Paramount direct-to-consumer (via The Hollywood Reporter): “One of the things that’s been really cool about seeing this UFC audience show up — which again is not a monolith, but it’s the audience so far that has shown up — is that we have found that on average, the folks watching UFC on Paramount+ are 15 years younger than our average audience before UFC, so for us that’s a massive unlock.

We also then observe what they are watching when they show up on the platform. So far, some of those signals have been really interesting. You have a lot of crossover with the South Park audience, so that’s been interesting for us. So then we take all that information and we say, okay, how do we make sure that when this audience shows up so they’re getting the right recommendations on the service?”

What Remains Unclear: Paramount has not disclosed how many new subscribers UFC content has directly generated. Additionally, long-term retention of this younger audience remains an open question. Whether UFC viewers will migrate beyond combat sports and South Park (as noted) into broader Paramount+ content categories is still emerging.

What It Means: It should not be so surprising that younger viewers watch UFC content. The sports tends to skew to a younger audience with it’s toes dipped in marketing from many influencers online. The biggest question that remains is does the UFC have sustained staying power to draw more people to the product on Paramount+. With events such as the UFC Freedom 250 coming up at The White House, these type of events provide unique opportunities to do that. For Paramount, this early data validates the long-term investment.

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.

Fox News Leads Cable News Counterparts in May Ratings

Garrett Searight
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Fox News Leads Cable News Counterparts in May Ratings

The May cable news ratings period has concluded. Fox News, as has become tradition, was on top of the overall landscape.

What We Know: Fox News finished the month as the top cable network in both primetime and total day ratings. It also finished May as the highest-rated May during a midterm election year in its history. The Five remained the top-rated show in all of cable news. It finished the month with 3.6 million viewers on average. Jesse Watters Primetime was second with an average of 3.1 million viewers. The top show for MS NOW during the month was The Rachel Maddow Show, which earned an average of 2 million viewers. Erin Burnett OutFront led CNN with 738,000 total viewers. Newsmax was led by Rob Schmitt Tonight‘s average audience of 320,000. NewsNation’s top program was Cuomo, with 235,000 total viewers.

What the Numbers Show:

May 2026 Cable News Primetime Total Viewership

Network May 2026
Fox News 2.4M
MS NOW 942K
CNN 633K
Newsmax 194K
NewsNation 146K

May 2026 vs. April 2026 Cable News Primetime Total Viewership

Network May 2026 April 2026 Change
Fox News 2.4M 3.2M ▼ -25.6%
MS NOW 942K 1.5M ▼ -37.2%
CNN 633K 929K ▼ -31.9%
Newsmax 194K 230K ▼ -15.7%
NewsNation 146K 192K ▼ -24.0%

May 2026 vs. May 2025 Cable News Primetime Total Viewership

Network May 2026 May 2025 Change
Fox News 2.4M 2.4M ▼ -1.4%
MS NOW 942K 803K ▲ +17.3%
CNN 633K 405K ▲ +56.3%

What Remains Unclear: We don’t know what led to the ratings downturn in May compared to the prior month. It is also unclear how the changes in Nielsen measurement affected the overall ratings from May 2025 to May 2026.

What It Means: Despite the month-over-month declines, the news is still largely positive for Fox News. The figures are also very positive for MS NOW and CNN compared to the prior year. However, the dominance of Fox News is on display in those numbers. The fact that it more than doubles the next closest competitor can’t be overlooked.

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.

Stephen A. Smith Added to Star-Studded News Media Lineup at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit

Jason Barrett
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Stephen A. Smith Added to Star-Studded News Media Lineup at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit

Last night on social media I mentioned that we had a big addition to announce this morning. I’m sure this guy is still riding high following last night’s New York Knicks Game 1 NBA Finals victory. He spoke at our sports summit in 2024 and was fantastic. This time, he’s entering the news media arena on Tuesday, June 30th. More on that in a second.

The full schedule for the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is now available. Visit the Summit section and you’ll see it directly above the Speakers. I have a few final announcements still to make but this shows you what’s planned for all three-days. Putting this event together has been challenging but to do great things, that’s usually what’s required. My thanks to every single speaker who is making time to be a part of the show. If you haven’t secured a ticket yet, support the show and your industry, and come learn with us. Go here to secure your seat.

Today’s speaker announcement is a big one. It is my pleasure to welcome Stephen A. Smith to the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit. Stephen A. will sit down for a 1 on 1 conversation on Tuesday, June 30th at the SVA Theatre in New York City. He takes the stage from 3:50 to 4:30pm — the final session prior to the Premiere Networks Awards ceremony.

Stephen A. needs no introduction. He’s been highly successful on sports television, radio, in print, and as a business owner. Since branching out into politics, he’s generated massive amounts of buzz and attention digitally, on radio at SiriusXM, and as a contributor on NewsNation. His brand has grown so strong that he’s even been encouraged to run for President, though he’s said that’ll have to wait. Stephen A. Smith is no longer just a sports media personality. He is one of the most significant voices in American media — period.

For news media radio professionals, this session will give you a lot to think about. Stephen A. will discuss extending his reach into news, the risk-reward of doing so, managing pressure and high expectations, finding your voice, handling criticism and scrutiny, what he sees/hears working in news/talk, and where he believes the industry is heading — including his own career.

Building sustainable individual authority isn’t easy, but Stephen A. Smith has done it well. Understanding how he did it — what it takes to do it — is worth the price of admission on its own.

Some of the strongest voices and executives in the business are taking part in the News Media Summit on June 30th. Closing it with Stephen A. Smith is what I had in mind when we started building this year’s show. A special thank you to Stephen A. for making time to be a part of it.

But That’s Not All

The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit is also excited to welcome Audacy New York’s VP of News and the Brand Manager of 1010/92.3 WINS, Ben Mevorach. In addition, WJR Program Director Ann Thomas, Hubbard Minneapolis VP/Market Manager Dan Seeman are joining the lineup. Additional names will be revealed later next week. Then we’ll wrap up announcement season with our final awards recipients.

I want to welcome Skyview Networks as our News and Music registration partner for the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit. My thanks to Steve Jones, Andrew Kalb and Renee Smith for their support. 27 companies are now supporting this year’s conference. We could not pull this off without every single one of them.

The Summit runs June 30-July 2 starting with the news media show on Tuesday, June 30th. Sports media is the focus on Wednesday, July 1st. Music radio then takes us home on Thursday, July 2nd. Tickets are still available but hotel rooms at Hotel Hayden are full. For additional nearby options, go here. We look forward to seeing you in New York City this summer.

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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