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Vinny DiMarco Out as Good Karma Brands Market Manager New York City

BSM Staff
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Vinny DiMarco Out as Good Karma Brands Market Manager New York City

Changes are underway in New York City. Barrett Media has learned that Vinny DiMarco is no longer serving as market manager for Good Karma Brands. DiMarco posted to his personal LinkedIn profile, marking the end of his tenure with the company after serving as market manager since January 2022.

According to sources, DiMarco was cut from the company last month. Currently, Good Karma Brands Executive Vice President Emily Dillinger is serving as the interim market manager.

Neither DiMarco nor Good Karma Brands responded to requests from Barrett Media on the matter.

Before arriving as market manager in New York City, DiMarco served as senior director of sales for ESPN Audio partnerships. In that role, he managed the day-to-day operations of an expanded sales group while also overseeing radio affiliate relationships.

Additionally, DiMarco oversaw the recent launch of 880 ESPN New York last year, as the Walt Disney Company’s agreement with Emmis Communications for the use of the 98.7 FM signal expired. As a result, Good Karma Brands opted to end the local marketing agreement and moved forward without an FM signal airing ESPN New York content.

Nevertheless, the 1050 AM frequency for ESPN New York has continued to air the ESPN Radio Network slate of shows, thereby retaining the presence of ESPN New York across both frequencies.

Vinny DiMarco (Via LinkedIn)

In speaking with Barrett Media’s Demetri Ravanos in 2022 as part of our Market Managers series, DiMarco explained his history with Good Karma Brands before arriving to work for the company.

“I had exposure to these guys for a number of years and got to know them pretty well prior to accepting this role and moving into this role. So I had a lot of experience with them and knew what kind of company it was and knew what the people were all about and the culture,” said DiMarco in 2022. “It was really a pretty easy decision for me to move over when they acquired New York.”

At this time, neither Good Karma Brands nor ESPN has posted an opening for the vacant position.

Meanwhile, ESPN New York remains the radio flagship of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

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 Radio Ratings Grow By Nearly 20% in Spring 2025 After Updated Qualifying Time

BNM Staff
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Nielsen Radio Ratings Grow By Nearly 20% in Spring 2025 After Updated Qualifying Time

The latest Nielsen Radio Ratings for Spring 2025 have been released, and the results show a substantial surge in AM/FM radio listening, largely attributed to a key change in measurement methodology.

According to Nielsen, overall listening is up significantly across all major demographics and dayparts, with the most dramatic increases seen on nights and weekends.

Among adults 25-54, average quarter-hour (AQH) audiences in Portable People Meter (PPM) markets jumped 19% compared to Fall 2024. The surge is consistent across all demos, with AQH audience growth ranging from 17% to 19%. Total U.S. AM/FM radio listening, as projected by Nielsen and diagramed by Cumulus Media’s Pierre Bouvard, rose by 7%.

The audience boost follows a critical change in how Nielsen credits radio listening. Beginning in January 2025, the company adjusted its PPM methodology to credit listening sessions of at least three minutes—down from the previous five-minute requirement.

Nielsen revealed that 23% of listening occasions fell within that three-to-four-minute window and would have previously gone unmeasured.

Westwood One’s VP of Research, Scott Anekstein, analyzed the Spring 2025 PPM data across 48 markets, finding that the update led to notable improvements in all key metrics.

Importantly, despite increased listening levels, format shares remained remarkably stable—a sign that growth is broad-based and not limited to specific content genres.

The implications are significant. First, AM/FM radio’s lead over linear TV in key demos is likely to widen, particularly in the 18-49 and 25-54 segments.

Second, advertisers can expect stronger campaign delivery, with 2025 post-buy analyses projected to outperform 2024 media plans. Third, as reach improves, so too does AM/FM’s standing in media mix modeling.

Perhaps most impactful for marketers: shorter ad breaks are proving more effective. Nielsen’s analysis of nearly 18 million commercial breaks found that two-minute ad pods retain 99% of their lead-in audience, compared to 85% for six-minute breaks.

With the new three-minute qualifier, stations can implement shorter, more frequent breaks—boosting both audience retention and ad effectiveness.

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 She No Longer Has “Joy for the Business” in First Comments Following FS1 Cancellation

BSM Staff
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Joy Taylor Says She No Longer Has “Joy for the Business” in First Comments Following FS1 Cancellation

Former FS1 host Joy Taylor is stepping away from the daily sports media grind — at least for now — and she’s doing so with a degree of transparency rarely seen from high-profile personalities. During an emotional appearance on Higher Learning Podcast, Taylor spoke candidly about the emotional toll of her recent departure from FOX Sports, revealing that it’s shaken her passion for the business and shifted her long-term outlook.

“I gotta be honest with you,” Taylor said. “The f****d up part about this year, and I don’t know if I’m going to get it back, is the experience this year has taken away my joy for the business.”

Although she acknowledged her continued commitment to short-term obligations, Taylor said her exit had a deeper effect on how she views her career moving forward. She described a creative fatigue that goes beyond the normal ebbs and flows of a demanding media schedule.

“The work of it all, it doesn’t feel the same. The dream now is to just disappear,” she said. “It doesn’t feel exciting. Like the big dreams seem like… I’m going to do it, but I’m not as excited about it.”

Yet her comments weren’t only about disillusionment. Taylor also discussed a shift in ambition — one that leans toward producing and building for others, rather than remaining front-facing.

“I started as a producer because that’s how you start in the business. I do like making things. I enjoy that process,” she explained. “Whether it’s my show or other people’s shows, or movies or whatever I enjoy the process of creating and making things. Not being front-facing allows you the space to still create but not have this responsibility.”

That responsibility, Taylor said, is uniquely heavy for someone in her position.

“In a lot of ways, I am the only me. And that’s a lonely experience,” she said. “There’s not a lot of comps, if any, to what it is that I do in the space I’m in. That requires a lot. And it’s a responsibility to the next generation. Somebody else very high up in the business, I was telling them about this, and they said the same thing but in a different way. They were like you can’t do that, you’re not allowed to do that.”

Despite the speculation her comments may generate, Taylor reassured listeners she’s not stepping away just yet.

“Don’t get excited. I’m not doing it right now,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll be bothering you for a few more years… especially the male lonelies.”

Even with that clarity, Taylor’s exhaustion — physical, emotional, and creative — was evident.

“I’m exhausted. But I’m not exhausted from things I want to be exhausted from,” she explained. “I’m not leaving. But one day I’m going to shave my head and disappear.”

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 Chuthakieo Joins Dick Clark Productions As CCO

BMM Staff
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Mike Chuthakieo Joins Dick Clark Productions As CCO

Dick Clark Productions is adding a major player to its executive team. The company announced today that Mike Chuthakieo has been named its first-ever Chief Commercial Officer.

In the newly created role, Chuthakieo will oversee all commercial strategy and revenue generation for the company, including brand partnerships and the expansion of DCP’s intellectual property across media platforms. He’ll report directly to CEO Jay Penske and officially steps into the role on July 28, 2025. He’ll be based in Los Angeles.

“Mike brings a wealth of expertise in accelerating business growth for iconic brands and forging groundbreaking, innovative partnerships,” Penske said. “His broad experience across a diverse range of platforms makes him a key addition to our team and the ideal leader to help guide our next phase of global expansion.”

Chuthakieo arrives at DCP with over 20 years of experience spanning media, entertainment, and advertising. Most recently, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at 88rising. There, he led the company’s global commercial operations. Driving sponsorship and monetization efforts for significant events, including the Head in the Clouds music festival.

Before that, he held key leadership roles at Pinterest, Pandora, and MySpace. He helped to build advertising businesses from the ground up at each platform. His background also includes experience in adtech, sports marketing, and agency work. Giving him a wide-ranging view of how to build and scale commercial operations.

“I’ve long admired Dick Clark Productions for its rich legacy of shaping culture through live event programming,” Chuthakieo said. “I’m excited to join the team and expand the potential of these legendary properties while exploring new opportunities for growth in today’s dynamic media landscape.”

DCP is behind some of the biggest televised live events in the industry, including the Golden Globes, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

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.

WGAV/WAUB Anchor Greg Cotterill Dies

BNM Staff
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WGAV/WAUB Anchor Greg Cotterill Dies

Longtime Finger Lakes region news reporter and anchor Greg Cotterill, who worked at WGVA and WAUB, has died.

Cotterill had most recently served as the morning news anchor at WGVA and WAUB in Central New York. In addition to his work with the FLX Local Media stations, Greg Cotterill also worked at Hobart College and William Smith College for more than 20 years, where he mentored students, produced sports broadcasts, and managed the daily operations of the schools’ radio stations.

“We are deeply saddened by Greg’s passing,” said FLX Local Media President and CEO Alan Bishop. “His loss leaves a significant void not only in our newsroom but across the entire Finger Lakes community. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

“Greg was a pillar in the local news community,” said FLX Local Media News Director Lucas Day. “If it was happening in the Finger Lakes and Greg heard about it, chances are he was on the scene reporting. He had a great ability to not only keep our listeners informed every day about the news that was important to them, but also could tell a story through the lens of his camera and share it with our readers on Finger Lakes Daily News. He was a tremendous photojournalist!”

“Greg was very proud of the acknowledgment our team received,” Day added. “He wore his medallion the entire ride home and talked about how he hoped we’d be back next year. He truly loved what he did, and his energy was contagious.”

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.

BIN Moves to 92.1 FM in Norfolk as 105.3 Goes All Christmas

BMM Staff
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BIN Moves to 92.1 FM in Norfolk as 105.3 Goes All Christmas

iHeartMedia Norfolk has moved the Black Information Network (BIN) to a new home. Announcing that the 24/7 all-news service dedicated to the Black community is now airing on 92.1 WHBT-FM. The format shift displaces Urban 92.1 The Beat. At the same time, expanding BIN’s reach on a more prominent FM signal in the market.

Previously airing on WNOH-FM 105.3, BIN continues to be available through the iHeartRadio app.

Meanwhile, 105.3 has flipped to an all-Christmas format under the branding “Christmas 105.3,” currently stunting with continuous holiday music.

“BIN has become a vital voice in communities across the country, and we’re proud to continue that trusted news and perspective here in Norfolk,” said Denene Moore, Market President for iHeartMedia Norfolk. “This move ensures that our listeners have access to the stories that matter most, told through a lens that reflects their experiences and voices.”

Launched by iHeartMedia in 2020, the Black Information Network is the nation’s first and only all-news audio network focused on news from a Black perspective.

Its programming includes national and local news, politics, health, education, finance, and culture. Delivered by a team of Black journalists and thought leaders committed to empowering and informing their audience.

The move allows 105.3 to reset its brand as speculation grows over what will follow the seasonal format.

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.

NPR and PBS Received $20 Million in Donations After Funding Cut, New Estimates Show

BNM Staff
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NPR and PBS Received $20 Million in Donations After Funding Cut, New Estimates Show

More than $1 billion marked for NPR and PBS has been cut from the federal budget in recent weeks. New estimates show that the funding being slashed has led to an influx of donations to the public media brands.

The Contributor Development Partnership, which analyzes media fundraising efforts, estimates that 120,000 donors have pledged $20 million in funding in the past three months, when it became increasingly clear that the funding cuts would be enacted by Congress.

“It is still early, and we hope the support will continue to grow,” Contributor Development Partnership President and CEO Michal Heiplik told The New York Times. “Next few weeks will be telling.”

Overall, donations to NPR and PBS are an estimated $70 million higher at this stage than they were in the same time frame during 2024.

“It is great to see the community respond as it shows how much appreciation (and need) there is for public media,” Heiplik added. “Now we need this level of support to continue as we reinvent the infrastructure impacted by loss of federal funding.”

Last week, the Senate passed $9 billion in federal spending cuts, including more than $1 billion in cuts to NPR and PBS.

The passed legislation would remove $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That figure represents what the CPB was slated to receive over the next two budget years.

The vote to pass the cuts was split largely along party lines. Those voting against the move included all Senate Democrats, who were joined by Republican Sens. Susan Collins (ME) and Lisa Murkowski (AK).

Cuts to NPR and PBS come after a new Harris Poll survey shows that 66% of Americans believe that public radio should receive federal funding. The support isn’t limited to only one side of the political aisle. 77% of self-identified Democrats responded favorably to federal funding continuing to NPR. Meanwhile, 58% of Republicans responded similarly.

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

The Big 89 WLS Rewinds Time with Top 40 Legends Saturday

BMM Staff
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The Big 89 WLS Rewinds Time with Top 40 Legends Saturday

The Big 89 WLS, Chicago, is turning back the dial this Saturday night and celebrates its rich Top 40 legacy with a special event that promises to be “the fastest two hours on radio.”

From 10 p.m. to midnight CT Saturday (7/26), “WLS Unwound: Personalities of the MusicRadio Years” will bring together some of the most iconic names from the station’s historic Top 40 era. The two-hour broadcast will be hosted live from the station’s lakefront studios in Chicago.

Among the scheduled guests are Tommy Edwards, Chuck Knapp, Catherine Johns, Chuck Buell, and Jim Kerr. Names that defined an era when WLS was branded as “The Rock of Chicago” and served as the soundtrack of the Midwest.

These legendary voices will reunite to share memories and swap stories. At the same time, revisiting the on-air magic that made WLS a giant in the Top 40 radio world. The show will also include a collection of vintage audio clips. Revisiting the era that helped solidify the station’s reputation as a trailblazer in the Top 40 format.

WLS historian Scott Childers will helm the evening. The man who wrote the book on the station. His knowledge of the station’s history is complemented by firsthand accounts from those who were there.

Archiving duties fall to “Radio’s Best Friend” Art Vuolo. Behind the scenes, Ted Gorden Smucker, Bill Shannon, Tim Larson, Travis Bravo, and Kipper McGee are coordinating production.

Listeners across the country can tune in via AM 890 or stream the event online.

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.

Fred Toucher Blasts Celebrities for Taking Over the Podcasting Space

BSM Staff
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Fred Toucher Blasts Celebrities for Taking Over the Podcasting Space

There has been much debate about Time Magazine’s recent list of the Top 100 Best Podcasts of All Time, which was released earlier this week. Reactions poured in from those who made the list—and perhaps even more from those who didn’t. Fred Toucher of Toucher & Hardy shared his perspective on the rankings during his Friday program on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub.

In his commentary, Toucher offered a candid view on how celebrities are using podcasting to rake in millions, land spots on lists such as the one from Time Magazine, and, in his opinion, take away opportunities from younger, emerging broadcasters.

“What scares me about podcasting isn’t that everyone has a microphone, it’s that celebrities have microphones,” said Toucher. “Celebrities will d**k around and make an hour-long podcast, then they get $10 million that should have gone to some kid. Sirius should have spent that $10 million on a bunch of young broadcasters that they made stars.”

Furthermore, the Boston sports talk host criticized celebrities for siphoning money from traditional and satellite broadcasters—funds he believes could be better used to nurture and develop fresh talent. He called out celebrities such as Dax Shepard and several comedians, accusing them of lacking creativity while producing content that, despite its simplicity, is widely consumed and heavily financed.

“The laziness of, ‘We’re just going to sit in a room and talk to other comedians.’ You dopes consume that and then act like it’s somehow reinvented the wheel,” said Toucher. “Wow, that’s crazy. Audio that’s been prerecorded. I thought they stopped that with eight tracks. This is the future. Get out of here.”

Additionally, Toucher admitted that he listens to only a few podcasts, though he emphasized that the ones he does follow are created by professional hosts who work hard to develop original material. He contrasted this with what he views as lower-effort productions—such as New Heights featuring Jason and Travis Kelce—specifically criticizing a recent episode that broke down the movie Pretty Woman. According to Toucher, the segment blatantly borrowed from Bill Simmons’ style at The Ringer.

“They can’t even come up [with their own material]. They’re stealing, they’re stealing from The Ringer,” explained Toucher. “You rip off artists, you con artists, you pieces of garbage. No one says that to them? They can just go around? No one to hold to no standard anymore. There’s no one to call you out?”

In total, six podcasts were recognized by Time Magazine in the sports category of its Best Podcasts of All Time list. You can read more here.

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

Lawmakers Question Whether Paramount/Skydance Merger ‘Should Be Investigated’

BNM Staff
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Lawmakers Question Whether Paramount/Skydance Merger ‘Should Be Investigated’

On Thursday evening, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger between Paramount and Skydance. But not everyone was thrilled about the approval.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has stated that she’s planning on launching a Congressional investigation into whether or not the parties were guilty of bribing the Trump administration to push the deal through.

“Bribery is illegal no matter who is president. It sure looks like Skydance and Paramount paid $36 million to Donald Trump for this merger, and he’s even bragged about this crooked-looking deal. I’ve been ringing the alarm bell for months, launching a Senate investigation into possible corruption, and this merger must be investigated for any criminal behavior.

“It’s an open question whether the Trump administration’s approval of this merger was the result of a bribe,” she concluded.

Warren’s comments come after Paramount — the parent company of CBS — settled a lawsuit brought forth by Donald Trump, in which he alleged the CBS News program 60 Minutes selectively edited its interview with Democratic opponent Kamala Harris to help her win the 2024 presidential election.

Despite many legal experts calling the lawsuit frivolous, the network and company reached a $16 million settlement with Trump to drop the case. Trump has subsequently stated that the settlement is for $16 million in cash, as well as a $16 million commitment from the company to air PSAs and advertisements, but he did not go into further details.

The approval from the FCC did not mention any commitment to broadcast PSAs or advertisements, despite the comments from the President.

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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