LeBron James and ESPN are reportedly closing in on a documentary deal. The project would chronicle LeBron James’ time in Philadelphia in a style that resembles Michael Jordan’s The Last Dance.
What We Know: According to The Athletic, talks are advancing in securing a documentary agreement with James, 41, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this month. This is expected to be his final NBA stop. ESPN reportedly plans to have a camera crew capture his time with the team. The series would also pull from rookie-year footage NBA crews have shot throughout his career, including unseen material.
What’s At Stake: ESPN has been documenting LeBron James career since broadcasting games while he played in high school. The amount of access that ESPN has had over two decades should provide a deep look into James’ career. Whether or not Omaha Productions will be involved as a partner of ESPN is unknown.
What Remains Unclear: Financial terms haven’t surfaced, nor has a timeline for when the documentary would be finished or air.
What It Means: If this concept was in the works ahead of time, you have to wonder how much ESPN worked with James during his free agency search. There’s been much speculation regarding how ESPN went about reporting James’ free agency. Especially accusations regarding withholding information because of how it could have affected teams, fanbases, etc. One could assume that this documentary was part of the negotiations with any NBA team since it’ll be a singular player with added media presence and access that teams must grant.
LeBron James and ESPN are closing in on an agreement for a behind-the-scenes documentary series that will be similar to Michael Jordan’s “The Last Dance,” according to industry sources.
BTS just boycotted the 2027 Grammys. The K-pop supergroup won’t submit its track ARIRANG to the Recording Academy.
What We Know BTS announced the decision through a Korean-language social media statement. The group’s label, Hybe, clarified this isn’t a company-wide boycott. The 2027 Grammys introduced a new category: Best Asian Pop Music Performance. This category targets K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop artists with meaningful Asian-language content.
What’s at Stake K-pop has historically struggled for Grammy recognition. BTS performed at the awards three times (2020-22) yet received zero nominations in both 2024 and 2025. Critics in South Korea view the new category as segregation, not inclusion. The decision signals frustration with how the Recording Academy treats Asian acts.
What Remains Unclear BTS didn’t specify its exact reasons for the boycott. Industry observers debate whether the group speaks for all K-pop or just itself. Hybe left the door open for future Grammy participation. The label’s measured statement suggests potential reconciliation down the line.
What It Means This move demonstrates K-pop’s growing industry power and confidence. The boycott could pressure the Recording Academy to reconsider its entire category structure. Stray Kids, Tomorrow X Together, and other acts might follow BTS’s lead. ARMY fans (BTS’s passionate fanbase) publicly celebrated the stance on social media.
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Linda Cohn thinks ESPN’s leaking information problem isn’t a mistake. She believes it’s the network’s choice as she sat down for an interview with former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast.
What We Know: Cohn retired from ESPN in June after more than three decades at the anchor desk. She and former SportsCenter colleague Neil Everett discussed the recent network’s layoffs on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast. The cuts hit over 150 staffers, including Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech and David Lloyd. Cohn argued ESPN’s PR team let Clark’s story eclipse everyone else affected, but also shared her concerns about the amount of leaked information ahead of the network’s execution of the layoffs.
Linda Cohn on ESPN not caring to be better about not leaking information about layoffs: “When you’d hear things, or you hear things through the grapevine that something is going to go down, my first gut instinct is always like, “It’s there must be a method to this madness that they do.” It’s intentional. It’s not an accident because it keeps happening. This is not a one and done situation. So I haven’t really given it much thought, other than you know it’s business as usual. You would think they would have learned how to prevent the leak. So if they hadn’t learned that, it tells me they don’t want to learn it, and that they were intentionally responsible for it.”
Linda Cohn believes the handling of Ryan Clark’s departure overshadowed everyone else cut: “The way they handled the Ryan Clark situation that got all the headlines. So a guy like Karl Ravech, who, by the way, I haven’t talked with in years. We used to be friends. It was an afterthought. He was there 33 years. He was the heartbeat of their baseball coverage, and it was an afterthought. It was like, oh, by the way, Karl Ravech is laid off. Oh, by the way, David Lloyd, a guy I worked with a lot on SportsCenter. It became an oh by the way, the other people and the 150 other people who are behind the scenes. That got me really pissed off.”
Neil Everett on hot take culture leading to overshadowing of others who departed ESPN: “That’s the hot take part of this. What’s happened? The guy with the hot takes on the hot take show becomes the hot take. Whereas David Lloyd, who just nicest guy in the building, talented beyond all belief. He just goes and does his job on SportsCenter, which used to be appointment viewing. Then when it’s time for him to go and Karl Ravech, who did SportsCenter and batting lead off on baseball. Well, baseball’s out, Karl’s out. There’s no hot take with those guys, but there’s a hot take with the football player.”
Neil Everett on the changing culture of ESPN: “What are we doing? Pat McAfee betting on you know where LeBron’s going to go because he’s got the info from Shams [Charania]. I mean it’s like come on. It’s a different game than the one we played. So, we’re not playing it anymore and good luck to those that are playing it. Don’t piss into the wind and tell me it’s raining.”
What Remains Unclear: Neither Cohn nor Everett offered proof that ESPN leaks staff news on purpose. The podcast didn’t address whether ESPN’s PR team has changed procedures since the layoffs occurred.
What It Means: Layoffs are never easy. Moreover, when employees are finding out about their departure before being told by the network. That’s a problem. Cohn’s comments push the leak criticisms last week even further, framing it as deliberate rather than careless. That reading, if accurate, suggests ESPN prioritizes headlines over consistent, respectful communication with staff. Together, their remarks showcase how talent hope to be treated when the end comes without any actions done by the employee to deserve it.
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SiriusXM delivered higher revenue and earnings during the second quarter. The company also reported improving subscriber trends and stronger profitability.
What We Know:SiriusXM reported 33 million subscribers, with its monthly churn improving 1.4% during the quarter. It reported second-quarter revenue of $2.160 billion, up from $2.138 billion during the same period last year. Subscriber revenue increased modestly, while advertising revenue posted a stronger gain. Meanwhile, the company reduced operating expenses by nearly $85 million, helping drive higher profitability. Net income climbed to $245 million, and adjusted EBITDA reached $691 million as management continued executing its strategy to improve operating performance and strengthen its subscription business.
What the Numbers Show:
Metric
2026 2nd Quarter
2025 2nd Quarter
% Change
Subscriber Revenue
$1.638B
$1.629B
🟢 ▲ 0.6%
Advertising Revenue
$454M
$432M
🟢 ▲ 5.1%
Total Revenue
$2.160B
$2.138B
🟢 ▲ 1.0%
Total Operating Expenses
$1.688B
$1.773B
🔴 ▼ 4.8%
Net Income
$245M
$205M
🟢 ▲ 19.5%
Adjusted EBITDA
$691M
$668M
🟢 ▲ 3.4%
What They Said: “Since resetting our strategy, we’ve been focused on building a stronger, more durable SiriusXM, and our second quarter performance demonstrates that strategy is delivering meaningful results. We achieved positive second-quarter self-pay net additions for the first time in four years, strengthened engagement and retention across our subscriber base, and continue to build momentum by delivering premium content and experiences that deepen our connection with listeners while creating new opportunities for advertisers.” – SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz
What It Means: The results suggest SiriusXM’s efforts to stabilize its core subscription business are beginning to gain traction. Additionally, advertising revenue outpaced subscriber revenue growth, providing another positive signal for the company’s diversified business. Lower operating expenses also expanded profitability, giving SiriusXM greater financial flexibility as it invests in programming, technology, and advertising solutions. While subscriber growth remains an important long-term focus, the latest quarter indicates the company is making measurable progress toward improving both financial performance and listener engagement.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have a new streaming home. DAZN will become the team’s exclusive local broadcast partner starting this summer.
What We Know: DAZN will launch a team-branded subscription service this summer, giving fans direct access to Timberwolves games and content. Additionally, 15 games will stream free this season. Coverage spans Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, with partial reach into Kansas and Wisconsin. The NBA will produce all local game broadcasts, including pregame and postgame coverage. In addition, the news follows DAZN partnering with the YES Network and MSG Networks for those network’s streaming platform on Wednesday.
What They Said: Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx CEO Matthew Caldwell: “Our commitment to the best possible fan experience is what drives everything we do. With DAZN, we’re delivering on that promise, bringing Timberwolves basketball directly to fans through a modern streaming experience that expands reach with 15 free games and meets fans wherever they are.”
Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group: “The Timberwolves are one of the most exciting young franchises in the NBA. With an incredibly passionate fanbase, we are honored to be their exclusive regional home starting next season. Giving fans an easy way to watch the team they love. The NBA is one of the most popular leagues in the world and the Timberwolves are an indelible part. Bringing a team of this caliber onto DAZN is an amazing addition to our growing U.S. sports portfolio. We can’t wait to start serving Timberwolves fans as the team prepares for another incredible season.”
“The Timberwolves are one of the most exciting young franchises in the NBA, with an incredibly passionate fanbase,” said Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN Group. “We are honored to be their exclusive regional home starting next season and to give fans an easy way to watch the team they love. The NBA is one of the most popular leagues in the world and the Timberwolves are an indelible part.”
What Remains Unclear: Pricing for the new subscription service is unknown. Meanwhile, exact details on the promised interactive features, like live chats and polls, are still forthcoming. It’s also unclear how existing cable subscribers will transition to the new platform.
What It Means: This deal signals DAZN’s continued push into U.S. sports, following its NFL and NHL ties. For Timberwolves fans, though, it means simpler access to games across multiple devices. Ultimately, the partnership reflects a broader shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming in regional sports following the collapse of Main Street Sports.
NEWS: @Timberwolves and @DAZN Launch New Direct-to-Fan Streaming Offering
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MIW launches its fourth annual mentorship program today. The Speak Up! initiative honors late Media Staffing Network founder Laurie Kahn.
What We Know Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio opened applications for Speak Up! beginning July 30 and continuing through August 28, 2026. The year-long program pairs one emerging female leader from small- and medium-market radio stations with accomplished female broadcast mentors. Additionally, the selected candidate receives executive coaching from Media Staffing Network’s certified coaches. Past recipients include Presleigh Bearden (2025), Jessica Williams (2024), and Mary Zukin (2023).
What they said MIW President Sheila Kirby emphasized the program’s lasting impact: “Honoring Laurie Kahn’s legacy means creating opportunities for women to grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and gain the confidence to pursue the next step in their careers.” Meanwhile, Media Staffing Network President Lisa Fields stressed the importance of investing in emerging talent. “Laurie believed that investing in people was one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our industry,” Fields explained.
What Remains Unclear The announcement doesn’t specify the mentorship timeline beyond indicating it’s a year-long commitment. Furthermore, details about selection criteria or target experience level stay vague. Also, specifics about networking events or formal training modules remain unclear beyond one-on-one coaching.
What It Means This program signals the radio industry’s sustained commitment to developing female leaders across all departments. The partnership underscores how established organizations champion emerging talent while keeping founders’ legacies alive. Finally, programs like Speak Up! help narrow leadership gaps by providing underrepresented groups with direct access to experienced mentors and professional connections.
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At the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit, Ryan Spoon, President of Yahoo Sports said his brand’s goal is to make you a smarter sports fan. I love that line. It’s something we strive to deliver to media professionals here on this website. Our mantra is to educate, celebrate and challenge, and inform and explain what’s happening and why it matters to media professionals.
That simple approach is why millions of sports fans have loved ESPN, sports writers, sports insiders, and on-air personalities for decades. The ability to gain access to critical information, share it, and examine and debate it is what makes fans feel smarter. They become more interested in watching, listening, reading and engaging. Take a quick gander at X, IG, Facebook, etc. and you’ll find millions of people following reporters like Adam Schefter and Shams Charania. People do so because of their abilities to deliver insightful and valuable information.
But what happens when information is withheld, controlled and/or influenced by teams, individuals, and companies? How does it alter the perception of journalists and the brands they represent? It could become a serious problem if the current patterns continue.
The Key Issues
John Mamola did an excellent job yesterday detailing the issues surrounding the coverage of the Kyle Shanahan story. Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard said he knew about 15% of the details and didn’t think it was worth rushing out the story. I agree that leaping in without additional information isn’t smart. But Kawakami had 11 days. He shared on X that if it was a trade or firing he would’ve made more calls.
Why wasn’t the 49ers Head Coach being involved in a serious accident worth looking into further? Tim also tweeted that same day, “49ers report to training camp today. I think there’s going to be some news later this morning.” That suggested that he knew the Shanahan story was about to drop.
Tim has never been a carry the water for a franchise type of guy. He’s candid, ruffles feathers, and is a damn good writer. He’s a good guy too. But choosing to not look into this story deeper from someone as respected locally as Tim is was perplexing.
More disappointing though was what Adam Schefter said during a conversation with Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio. Adam said, “the 49ers did a great job at keeping things quiet” and pointed to July being a quiet time in the NFL. He mentioned that Sean McVay knew about the accident and alluded to it during interviews. Except there’s one major problem – Sean McVay is not an NFL reporter. Adam is. Just like the 49ers, Sean is going to seek to keep the news about himself, his team, and his colleagues private. It’s the reporter’s job to uncover it, not the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.
By the end of today, all NFL camps will be open.
– What happened with Kyle Shanahan? – What's the 49ers plan with moving forward with camp and potentially the regular season? – What team is @AdamSchefter keeping an eye on during camp? – Do we need to look at Kansas City… https://t.co/bSTyYfnY9Ypic.twitter.com/R4qmFPmiXz
I have been a huge Adam Schefter fan for over a decade. I believe he is the best in the business, and I will remain a fan moving forward. Adam’s work is top notch and he’s a class act of a human being too. But that remark surprised me. I have never heard a reporter congratulate a team for keeping important information private, especially when it’s the type of information a reporter is paid to uncover. I realize Kyle Shanahan’s accident was scary, and the story is sensitive. However, the 49ers should have told fans that their head football coach suffered a serious injury. When a reporter knows that information and waits to publish it one minute after the team does, it creates the impression that the reporter serves the team or league instead of the public. Until Adam made that comment, I had never viewed him that way.
The way this was reported and discussed by Schefter, Kawakami, Chris Simms and local San Francisco media members raised serious questions about media members being truthful with their audiences. Having worked in San Francisco, I knew about KNBR’s image among local fans of being a mouthpiece for the Bay Area teams. We took advantage of that perception during my time at 95.7 The Game. To think that there won’t be some franchise protectors in the media isn’t realistic. To have nobody in town though or across the country share vital information about a massive story like this brings everyone’s credibility into question.
The LeBron James Saga
To make matters worse, Shams Charania created another issue. ESPN’s NBA insider sat down with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul and revealed that he knew the Cleveland Cavaliers met with LeBron James weeks ago. When Max Kellerman asked Shams why he didn’t report it, he cited the information being off the record, adding that he couldn’t report it ethically.
Hang on. I understand the pickle Shams was in here. He didn’t want to burn a source over a sensitive situation. Let’s say for argument sake that the source was LeBron James. If he expected to get anything from LeBron in the future, he had to prove he was trustworthy. I get that. But this begs the question, what is and isn’t fair game to report then?
Shams reveals LeBron James DID meet up with the entire Cavs front office in Akron early July during his Free Agent process 👀
Shams didn’t want to report the news because it was off the record
What if Shams learned that LeBron James had a serious drug problem. LeBron would prefer that information remain private. Would Shams hold that back too? What if LeBron has major issues with Joel Embiid and didn’t want it known because it could hurt his image. Would Shams not share that? How about if a month into the season LeBron told Shams ‘off the record’ that he regretted returning and planned to retire in December. Would Shams wait until LeBron was ‘ready’ to announce it?
Better yet, is Shams going to provide the same courtesy next offseason to unrestricted free agents Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard? Do Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo get similar treatment if they elect to decline their player options and explore other situations?
Truth vs. Protection
Does anyone think Michael Jordan wanted the public to know about his gambling issues in the 1990’s? Did Brett Favre want the world to know about his addiction to painkillers? What if Alex Rodriguez controlled the way the media presented his public image during his playing days? Barry Bonds and many other MLB players didn’t appreciate reporters linking them to steroid scandals. They’d be in the Hall of Fame if journalists hadn’t done their job.
What if when Thurman Munson died the Yankees fanbase had to wait 11 days to find out. Is that cool? What if the media sat on the Chris Benoit story for 11 days out of respect to the WWE and those close to Benoit. Is that OK?
You may say “JB, some of those are extreme situations.” Fair enough. Let’s just go back to last week. What if ESPN chose not to disclose its recent layoffs for two weeks? Would that be alright? What if police and the Wisconsin media kept the news of Tony Romo’s arrest private for 11 days because the story created a tough PR situation for CBS? Is that acceptable?
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tony Romo told cops he was on his way to meet his grandma and grandpa when he was pulled over and ultimately busted for OWI … newly released body camera footage shows. pic.twitter.com/visfkPfxGT
The things we learn about teams and players become public knowledge because reporters are doing their jobs. They uncover details that are sensitive and important. They risk losing relationships because they understand that the information comes first. Their responsibility is to serve the public not protect teams, leagues, players, coaches and executives.
The Same Challenges Exist Elsewhere
Radio groups do this stuff too. They let people go, say nothing, and hope the news will vanish. Or if they have a bad revenue performance, they’ll share one or two positives with publications they own or have influence over to try and convince the advertising industry it’s sunny when it’s raining. Companies are always going to try to hide important information. It’s a reporter’s job to uncover it.
I’m not saying it’s easy. I deal with similar conflicts. I have relationships with consulting clients, advertising partners, personalities, agents, and numerous media professionals. But I’m also the company owner. My role is different from that of a reporter. I have to make judgment calls that are in the best interest of our entire business. I’ve never claimed to be a reporter. Sometimes we uncover and report news. Sometimes we don’t. We offer experienced perspectives and industry news, recognizing that our reporting will occasionally create tension. I am comfortable with what I put my name on and willing to defend it when others take exception.
If we do go with information on a breaking story, I consider all facets before I press send. When you cover an industry daily with hundreds of brands and thousands of people involved who compete against each other, many with different opinions and agendas, it is impossible to keep everyone happy. I prefer having healthy relationships and highlighting the wins, but people make mistakes and operate in ways that raise questions sometimes. We can’t avoid those issues. That’d be no different than a reporter turning a blind eye to an NFL head coach suffering serious injuries in a car accident. If we make a few enemies, attract a few critics, or create a few uncomfortable moments because of that approach, so be it. Those reactions prove we’re doing our job instead of letting outside influences control our decisions.
And therein lies the problem for Adam, Shams, Kawakami and others. They are not in the owner seat. They are in positions to serve the public. But suddenly a shift is taking place where writers and reporters withhold information. They are prioritizing relationships with leagues, teams, and individual sources over the public’s interest. That decision gives fans reasons to doubt whether they are receiving the full story.
The Other BIG Issue
Another problem in this instance involves the impact of sports gambling. What if a heavy bettor wagered $1 million on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl on July 21? Would that person have placed the same bet if they had known the franchise’s head coach suffered a serious accident a week earlier? Maybe not. Will the casino or betting app refund that bettor after new information comes to light? No.
When reporters or teams withhold information that could affect people’s finances, they create a gray area and fuel distrust among the people who depend on that information. That reality creates a challenge unlike any media outlets and journalists have faced before. How long will it take before someone loses a significant amount of money because a reporter withheld critical information and then blames that reporter or the brand they represent? If you think that sounds far-fetched, I know of multiple situations where people showed up at workplaces intending to harm on-air talent.
"It felt like everybody was sitting on a story that had to do with an NFL head coach who was involved in a car accident. This is a big deal!"
What if a bettor was considering dropping millions on LeBron re-signing with Cleveland. The information Shams had on that story literally influences how many people would wager. Yet the reporter with access to vital information, chose to withhold it. That creates division with the public. Some will be happy they didn’t invest in King James returning to Cleveland. Others will be furious that the insider they trust most wasn’t transparent with the public and cost them.
The same applies to the public buying tickets, merchandise, investing in television/streaming packages, etc.. If for instance my made up example of LeBron tipping off Shams that he might retire early was real, isn’t that information important to a 76ers fan who is considering buying tickets, a jersey, an upgraded television/streaming package to watch LeBron play? Who deserves the blame if a reporter and a media brand hold back key information and people learn those details later?
In Closing
When you consider that leagues now do business with betting companies and own stakes in the media companies that cover them, it creates concern that they will pursue and expect greater control. When reporters publicly acknowledge withholding important information and congratulate teams for keeping stories quiet, they expose a serious problem in sports journalism. Nobody in the sports media business who values the truth should feel good about reporters failing to report the Kyle Shanahan or LeBron James stories in real time.
The good news is that the door is wide open for competing outlets to lean in to reporting. Reporters who have a desire to uncover the truth, have more platforms and access than ever to make their names by relaying what they learn. The bad news is that the ones we love and trust most are giving us reasons to question if they work for us or the people they cover.
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I listened to a conversation with Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. He discussed how AI will improve our lives and accomplish amazing things, such as curing cancer. However, the interviewer posed a critical question that resonates with many in broadcasting today: what about the people who will lose their jobs to AI? Dimon responded without hesitation, stating that displaced workers will need to pursue training for jobs that AI cannot do. Those positions include skilled trades like HVAC, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.
Consider the financial reality. An electrician in New York who belongs to the union (Local 3) earns a base salary of approximately $133,000 annually, before overtime. Most union electricians in New York earn around $200,000 annually when overtime is included. Furthermore, benefits include health, dental, and vision care, plus a 401K and pension plan. I have hired countless people in radio over forty years, and honestly, very few made that kind of money. Additionally, that union electrician enjoys significantly more job security than most radio positions.
Alternative Career Paths
It makes sense to consider a different career path instead of pursuing on-air roles. I was a disc jockey in Detroit during the 1980s. I loved music, and the workload felt manageable. I’d complete a four-hour shift, voice a couple of spots, and head home. While I was a good format jock, I realized early on that I would never host a morning show in New York or Los Angeles or become top talent. Consequently, I decided to pursue a programming career instead. I dedicated my time to listening to great radio stations, networking with industry professionals, and learning Arbitron methodology. And studied how to achieve maximum rating credit. I made many mistakes along the way, yet I learned from each one. Though I was never the smartest person in the room, I outworked most others in mastering the craft. I was blessed with some remarkable successes. The career change paid off.
When it comes to entertainment, the very best achieve massive success. Most, however, struggle or fail. Taylor Swift is worth billions, while others perform for tips in mediocre bars. ESPN will pay Pat McAfee millions while firing lesser talent to meet budget constraints. iHeartRadio released morning shows in many markets yet continue to pay Elvis Duran and Bobby Bones substantial sums. Consider Howard Stern: he is only working one day per week starting in September, yet he continues to earn more than anyone else in the industry.
Making Yourself an Asset
Perhaps today is the day to stop worrying about the next round of reductions in force (RIFs). Instead, choose a new career path, or alternatively, find ways to make yourself more valuable to your current employer. Ask yourself: are you winning in your target demographic for your daypart? Even if you are #1, you can do more. Jon Zellner of iHeartRadio pointed out at the Barrett Media Summit that endorsement spots—where talent builds a client relationship—are least likely to be canceled by advertisers. Therefore, consider going out with your sales department and generating revenue. Ultimately, success depends on financial contribution. If your name is attached to dollars, you become an asset.
A large social media following also holds significant value. Bru from Audacy performed better than Argentina at the World Cup Final while filming in the stadium for Michelob Ultra, resulting in valuable social media endorsement opportunities. If you are on-air talent, why not learn music scheduling software? You could support your brand manager, who is likely programming multiple stations simultaneously. Additionally, volunteer to work with the promotion team. This effort helps make your station and personal brand more visible and successful in your market. Every department at every station is understaffed. Raising your hand and taking initiative makes you more integral to the business.
Understanding the Real Problem
Many in the radio industry blame layoffs on those heading media companies. However, Bob Pittman is not responsible for your potential job loss. Over $20 billion in debt was incurred when private equity overpaid for Clear Channel (now iHeartRadio) in 2008. I know this firsthand—I was there. The people responsible for that ill-advised deal departed long ago. Bob has spent years attempting to dig out of this financial hole. Substantial reductions were, and remain, necessary. While Ryan Seacrest’s voice remains nationwide, many local shows were cut. iHeartRadio eliminated talent they deemed no longer important.
If you want to avoid the next round of cuts—and yes, there will be more—you need to make yourself more valuable to your employer. Or perhaps consider leaving show business altogether for the job security offered by union electricians. Local 3 does offer excellent benefits.
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Nothing is ever a straight line when it comes to navigating a career path in any line of work. There’s no manual to truly prepare anyone for the twists and turns that lead to their destination. Oftentimes, that destination changes by choice or by force. For Ron Slay, following a standout career at the University of Tennessee, he embarked on a 13-year professional basketball career that took him across Europe and other parts of the world.
Little did he know that 23 years after leaving Knoxville, Slay would become part of one of the most successful afternoon drive programs in sports radio, based just down the road from where he once dominated the floor for the Volunteers.
“Media was nowhere near on the radar for me. I’m glad it opened up,” said Slay.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer is one-third of the highly successful 3HL on Cumulus Media’s 104.5 The Zone in Nashville. For the past five years, Slay, along with co-hosts Brent Dougherty and Dawn Davenport, has been a guiding voice for Tennessee sports fans every afternoon.
A Second Act Pivot
Following his playing career, Slay searched for his next step. His goal was to remain in the game by shifting his focus to coaching. However, despite inquiring about opportunities for some time, he received little feedback. Then, after participating in a media tour for former athletes returning to campus to complete their degrees, Slay became interested in pursuing a career in radio.
“I started working in the shadows at 950 WAKM. They gave me an opportunity to do a drive time hour in Franklin, Tennessee with no commercials,” explained Slay. “For two years, I was doing an hour of sports talk straight talking. This was how I was being baptized into the industry.”
Slay departed WAKM when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, shifting his focus to podcasting. He launched the Boom Boom Room podcast on Facebook, which led to early morning appearances on 99.1 The Sports Animal in Knoxville. Over time, Slay said he wanted an outlet where his voice could reach a larger audience.
“My brother Ramon Foster always told me that if there’s an opening, I’m going to tell them to come and get you,” says Slay. “A year goes by, and then a slot opened up to volunteer for at the Zone. I filled in for about five months on every show on The Zone, then it took off and they offered me my first contract. Never looked back.”
In April, Slay signed his second multiyear extension with 104.5 The Zone, ensuring he continues building on the success of the past five years.
“I’m loyal to a fault at times, but I’m huge with loyalty. I thought the opportunity The Zone gave me with 3HL, it was only right to continue on,” said Slay. “Being part of a team, you know when you have something special. This is one that feels special top to bottom. It was a no brainer, and I was extremely excited to stay home and keep my talents at The Zone.”
Building Legacy At Home
Slay is a proud Volunteer. Born and raised in Tennessee, he has become a representative of the state’s rich sports culture. He said he couldn’t envision himself doing sports radio in another market or with another team. That same passion he’s also become a witness to by listeners more times than he can count.
“The interactions that we get out and about around town. I get all types of walks of life coming up to me. I can’t believe all these types of people listen to the show,” noted Slay.
3HL succeeds because of its inclusive approach. The show features three people with different backgrounds, upbringings, genders, races and life experiences. That diversity allows the hosts to engage in meaningful conversations while still having a laugh or two along the way.
Slay believes the show’s makeup is essential to its success, allowing listeners from the barbershop to the boardroom to find someone they relate to.
“That’s what separates us and makes our program special. When you put us in the same room, it comes across the airwaves but also out and about,” said Slay. “You want to have a voice for everyone that’s listening. Old, young, kids, white, and black. We have that dynamic for sure, and that was my pitch coming in. If you allow it, we had an opportunity to do something special here in the city with homegrown talent that can pull in a new listener every day.”
Despite any show’s makeup, chemistry is what ultimately defines it. Each personality brings unique strengths and perspectives to 3HL. Making it work requires trust, accountability and coaching. For Slay, his basketball background and years of playing under accomplished coaches laid the foundation for how he approaches sports radio.
From airchecks to social media, Slay credits Brand Manager Paul Mason for helping shape his growth. Equally important, he said, is the trust among the show’s hosts to have honest conversations with one another.
“Paul does a great job with all of us. He has relationships with us both individually and as a team. He has no problem picking up the phone and be open with constructive criticism. That’s laid the foundation for what we have with 3HL,” explains Slay. “Now, we’re to the point where we can coach ourselves as a team and pull no punches with each other. That’s the trust we’ve grown into having with one another.”
That open communication also reflects Nashville itself, according to Slay. While the city is synonymous with country music, it is equally passionate about its sports teams and the opinions surrounding them. Even as professional sports have grown in the city, college athletics remain deeply rooted in its identity.
“Nashville is full of pride and opinion. The pride of wanting to be represented, and the opinion that everyone has with sports,” said Slay. “You grew up in sports here regardless of if you went to college or not, because there was such a buzz. Now, the city has become a melting pot with more opinion coming in and everyone wants to share it. That’s why people have been flocking to The Zone for some time now.”
Aiming For More In Music City
Even in his mid-40s, Slay remains a relative newcomer to the industry. Just five years into his full-time role at 104.5 The Zone, his success has created additional opportunities. In recent years, he has added analyst duties with ESPN and SEC Network, contributing to their college basketball coverage.
While many former athletes gravitate toward television or launch independent podcasts after their playing careers, Slay has seen firsthand what sports radio can provide.
“Personally, I like the competition and challenge of sports radio. If you jump into media with just your name, it’s only going to get you to the room. What are you going to do when you get there? What serves you is the work,” says Slay. “Sports radio is all about doing the work every single day, and you still get to scratch that itch by being a part of the biggest moments in sports. It’s a different stage, but the lights are just as bright.”
Despite his success in both radio and television, Slay still hopes to one day fulfill his coaching aspirations.
“It would take a lot to move me from what I’m doing. I’m not giving it up, but I love this space [radio],” said Slay. “I only had one coach hit me back to have a conversation. That was Bruce Pearl. He’s the only coach that called me back, but it just so happened I was already in the media space with The Zone when we found time to talk. Bruce is my guy, always will be.”
Slay’s path to sports radio was never part of the original game plan. He envisioned life on the sidelines as a coach, not behind a microphone leading one of the nation’s top afternoon sports talk shows. Yet that’s often how the best careers are built—not by following a script, but by recognizing opportunity when it appears and putting in the work to maximize it.
Five years after arriving at 104.5 The Zone, Slay has become far more than a former Tennessee basketball star with name recognition. He’s developed into one of sports radio’s emerging personalities, earning the trust of listeners, teammates and management through preparation, authenticity and an unmistakable passion for the craft. Whether coaching eventually calls or not, he’s already found another team where he belongs. Judging by the continued success of 3HL, Ron Slay’s next chapter in sports media appears to be only getting started.
CBS News made headlines again this month, and 60 Minutes sits right in the middle of it. Bari Weiss added four new correspondents to the program’s roster, and the mix says a lot about where she wants to take the broadcast. Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips make up the new class, and only two of them come from a traditional TV reporting background.
That imbalance is the story here, in my opinion. Toboni and Phillips have logged real time in front of cameras, chasing stories and building the instincts that live and taped broadcast work demands.
Douthat and Junger haven’t. Douthat spent his career at The New York Times writing opinion columns. He has said openly that he feels awkward on camera. Junger built his name as an author, best known for The Perfect Storm.
None of that makes them bad hires on its own. But it does raise a fair question: can a writer become a broadcaster just because someone decides they should?
A Tough Ask, Wrapped in Good Intentions
Weiss hired an executive producer without TV experience. Now she’s leaning on writers and podcasters to carry one of the most storied names in broadcast journalism. That’s not necessarily a mistake — but it’s a leap.
Mitch Hedberg had a great bit about this exact tension, comparing it to a cook who worked hard to master the kitchen, only to get asked if he can also farm. The skills don’t always transfer, no matter how good someone is in their original lane.
Douthat is a sharp writer and a rigorous thinker. Junger has produced work that shaped how a generation understood war and disaster.
Neither fact guarantees either man can carry a 60 Minutes segment the way past correspondents once did. Broadcast storytelling asks for a different set of instincts — pacing, presence, the ability to draw a subject out on camera rather than on the page. Those instincts are built through repetition, not talent alone.
Still, I want to be careful here. And fair.
Unorthodox Isn’t the Same as Ill-Fated
Unorthodox and ill-fated aren’t interchangeable, even though people often treat them that way. Ill-fated is only applied in hindsight, after a decision has already gone wrong. Unorthodox just means a choice breaks from the norm, and plenty of unorthodox choices in media history have paid off. Weiss might be onto something. Toboni and Phillips give the new class real reporting depth, and their presence suggests Weiss isn’t abandoning broadcast fundamentals entirely.
Even so, legacy programs carry more risk than most. 60 Minutes begins Season 59 with its brand resting on a very specific kind of credibility. Viewers expect polish, precision and a correspondent who can hold a room without ever losing control of it. Asking four newcomers, two without any broadcast background, to hit that mark right away is a significant bet.
Weiss clearly wants to reshape the program, and that’s fair — it’s her job. CBS News hired her to make exactly these kinds of calls. My concern isn’t the ambition. It’s the assumption that talent in one medium automatically carries over to another. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. Audiences notice the difference fast.
The next several months will tell us a lot. Every new segment featuring Douthat, Junger, Toboni, or Phillips will get measured against the correspondents who came before them, fairly or not. That scrutiny isn’t going away, and neither is the pressure it puts on Weiss’s early tenure at CBS News.
I don’t know yet whether these hires will look smart a year from now. Nobody does. But I do know the magnifying glass is already out, and 60 Minutes rarely gets a quiet season to figure things out. Weiss’s CBS News tenure may end up defined by how this particular gamble plays out, for better or worse.
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