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The Death of Hulk Hogan Proved News/Talk Radio Can Be More Than Just Politics

Garrett Searight
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The Death of Hulk Hogan Proved News/Talk Radio Can Be More Than Just Politics

At times in this space, I’ve advocated for news/talk radio hosts to realize that there are plenty of subjects to discuss outside of politics. And that presented itself on Thursday with the death of Hulk Hogan.

It wasn’t even the first time this week that news/talk radio hosts had the chance to step outside their usual lanes, as rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died, too.

But it proved the notion that I’ve long held: that news/talk isn’t strictly conservative political talk. It isn’t sitting in front of a microphone and complaining that the Democrats are trying to ruin America, or that not everyone on planet Earth is doing enough to support Donald Trump.

News/Talk Radio is often defined by those conversations. But it doesn’t have to be. It can be defined by having the conversations that everyone is having.

I’ve used the anecdote before that if I were to belly up to my local bar on Thursday night, the chances that someone would say “How about Columbia University having to pay the Trump administration $200 million? Wild, huh?”

But you know what they would be talking about? Hulk Hogan dying. Their memories. His legacy. What he meant to the wrestling business. Whether he was a decent actor or not. Where they were when he beat Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III. An argument about who was more famous than he was in the 1980s could easily ensue.

And that, to me, is what news/talk radio should be. The conversations that everyone is having. The conversations that welcome as many listeners as possible. It’s never been lost on me that many of these hosts will complain that any given person, brand, or retailer is “alienating half of the country” when they take a stand one way or the other…and then do the exact same thing themselves every single day.

There’s absolutely, undeniably, without a shadow of a doubt a place in the news/talk space for conservative political talk. Make no mistake about it, that’s not the point I’m trying to make. But should the entire news/talk genre be dedicated to that style of talk show? In my view, no. Maybe I’m dead wrong, but I can’t help but see the rise of podcasting and think that a narrower lane, not wider, is the right way to operate going forward.

Point blank, there are often topics that transcend formats, genres, and the like. And, truthfully, they happen more frequently than we’d like to admit. But the news/talk radio industry often has a one-track mind: politics, politics, politics. Oh, and a little bit of culture wars mixed in.

It doesn’t have to be that way. It doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. Not everything has to be about budgets, legislation, and what happens inside the walls of Congress.

I will say: I was insanely proud of the industry on Thursday afternoon as I jumped from show to show, listening as several programs addressed the news of The Hulkster’s passing.

Tony Katz essentially threw out the show sheet for his Tony Katz Today program when the news first came out. Chad Benson at SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville spent extensive time on the topic, and delved into everything related to Hulk Hogan — both the good and the bad — in his conversation. The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show made the death a focal point of the first hour on the air to their millions of listeners. And that’s just a small sampling of what stood out.

There were so many interesting angles being taken that I had never thought of considering by hosts who usually dedicate an inordinate amount of time to the happenings inside the beltway of the nation’s capital. And it wasn’t just limited to on the air, either. I saw dozens of photos, videos, and links sharing details of the wrestling champ and Hollywood actor’s career, legacy, and death from news/talk stations percolating each social media platform I used.

There is a whole wide world of content possibilities out there. The news/talk radio format doesn’t always accept or embrace those avenues. But when culturally relevant items happen — like the death of Hulk Hogan — the format is at its best when it pounces on those opportunities.

For someone who has pounded the table saying news/talk radio needs to be more than just politics, I was proud of the industry’s reaction to the death of Hulk Hogan.

Well done. Keep it up. Hopefully, someday, an opinion piece like this one won’t be needed, because it will have been the M.O. for the best hosts in the game. The range of the news/talk radio medium is much deeper than most think. Highlight it. And watch the ratings and revenue figures rise in the process.

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.

Hits On The Horizon: The Weeknd, Lady Gaga And Thomas Rhett

Jim Ryan
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Hits On The Horizon: The Weeknd, Lady Gaga And Thomas Rhett

As July gets ready to turn to August next week, let’s examine the good-for-your-ears candy for your listening pleasure this week!

In the Top 40/Hot AC world, which may very likely get Alternative love first, has to be the new one from Lola Young / “D&aler. It’s a great follow-up to “Messy” and should grab your attention instantly!

Next up, I really like Lady Gaga / “Garden of Eden,” which has roughly 44 million streams. The song is catchy with lyrics such as “I could be your girlfriend for the weekend, you can be my boyfriend for the night!”

Two more to quickly mention that I think deserve your attention, Clare Leslie / “Passenger Seat” and Jackson Wang / ‘Made Me A Man’, which is already getting love from KIIS / LA!

Moving into the Country space this week. Luke Combs” Back In The Saddle” is out today and sounds like a hit to me!

Three others I’m really liking and need your attention if you program Country radio.

Thomas Rhett ft. Jordan Davis / “Ain’t A Bad Life” has great lyrics and a catchy hook! Next up, Old Dominion/ “Making Good Time,” which is getting early support from K102 in Minneapolis. Very solid, and your ears will be pleased.

Last listen for this week is for Hudson Westbrook/ “Funny Seeing You Here” very strong hook on this one!

From the ROCK world this week, I have a few choices for you.

Sublime/ “Ensenada,” which is getting nice love from Alt 94.7 in Sacramento in the Alternative space, but I also heard this week on WMMR/ Philadelphia!

Three Days Grace / “So Called Life” is a solid effort and deserves your ears on it for consideration.

Then from the AAA space Jeff Tweedy/ “Enough” whose voice reminds me strongly of George Harrison! Well written and catchy, and snagging early love from KCMP/ Minneapolis and WXRT/ Chicago.

From the Rhythmic/Dance world this week, a couple of tracks to listen to and consider include The Weeknd / “Baptized in Fear,” which is a cool song from an incredible artist.

Also really liking Jon Keith / “Eyes On Us” which has a great groove.

Last listen for the week comes from the DANCE world, Two Friends ft. Corbin Besson / “No One Else” very strong track that will for sure get you moving! 

Have a great weekend and enjoy the ear candy!

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.

Who Replaces Rich Eisen on the Infinity Sports Network?

John Mamola
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Who Replaces Rich Eisen on the Infinity Sports Network?

When it was announced that Rich Eisen will be making his return to ESPN this fall, there were several questions that I had. I wrote about this a couple of months ago but am still awaiting some answers. I asked: was the partnership with Eisen a warning shot at The Pat McAfee Show and their partnership with ESPN? The logic would say that with both shows being independent contractors with the network, could the network choose who they want on ESPN’s main channel if McAfee’s controversial headlines became too much for the network to support?

The other question I had was the forgotten one by the network at the time. Rich Eisen’s show is currently syndicated on hundreds of sports radio stations around the country. His name carries weight in the space. Why not improve your ESPN Radio lineup by adding Eisen to the mix?

We got that answer this week, but that leads to the next question: who replaces Rich Eisen on Westwood One and Infinity Sports Network?

It’s a question I have yet to hear many speculate on, especially since it’s been less than a year since Eisen’s program began airing on the Infinity Sports Network. The NFL Network host just started on the network in January of this year and is already leaving town for its crosstown rival.

Stacking the Competition Head-To-Head

Currently, the Infinity Sports Network houses Maggie & Perloff, Reiter Than You, The Zach Gelb Show, and Eisen’s program in weekday prime. You can surely debate the strengths of that lineup in a head-to-head battle between Infinity, FOX Sports Radio, and ESPN Radio.

Many would consider Infinity third prize in the race.

FOX Sports Radio has the titans ESPN Radio once had in Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd. Both have supreme name value in the attention economy on a daily basis.

ESPN Radio adding Eisen gives them a massive boost to a lineup that has struggled to gain attention for many years. UnSportsmanlike is the third or fourth morning show attempt since Mike & Mike signed off in 2017. The network has yet to truly find an impactful player in the space since Cowherd departed in 2015 and Dan Le Batard departed in 2020.

You could surmise that the Infinity Sports Network is already playing from behind, but now there is an opportunity to cut into the conversation and make an impactful move. It’s the sports radio free agency period, and it’s time to make a massive signing.

Craig Carton – Former FS1 / Former WFAN

Craig Carton is a free agent following the cancellation of Breakfast Ball on FS1. While FOX Sports hasn’t made his release official (yet), he was almost immediately rumored to be making a return to WFAN once news broke of Ball’s cancellation.

Carton has a massive resume of success in the industry. He causes disruption, grabs attention—all while being just enough brash as he is entertaining. With no current real estate at WFAN, the easy move would be to slide him back into the Audacy family with a midday show slot from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and have his arsenal at the ready in case there does become an opportunity at WFAN.

Tony Reali – Former ESPN Around the Horn Host

Tony Reali is easily sports media’s top free agent and is willing to talk to anyone. He’s a media darling with a great sense of enthusiasm and compassion that is missing in much of sports radio today. Has Reali ever ventured into sports radio before? No, but with his sense of curiosity, do you think he would not fit the bill?

In the age of licensing deals that networks are shelling out now, why not get exclusivity to Reali’s brand for three hours every weekday, where he could also branch out into other avenues—which is amazing cross-promotion for your product on the Infinity Sports Network.

Signing Reali would bring major star power to a lineup that severely lacks it, and it would demand attention in the industry.

Mike Valenti – Afternoon Drive 97.1 The Ticket – Detroit

I tried to consider a host from the Audacy umbrella who I feel has outgrown their market and deserves a shot at national radio. Scanning the country, a few names come to mind. However, the first name that stands out is Mike Valenti.

The 44-year-old talker hosts afternoons on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit. He’s a ratings giant, somewhat controversial, and grabs your attention every day. As a frequent consumer of his product, I don’t think he would take the opportunity if offered, in my opinion. While he may be flattered, he does enjoy being a big fish in the 313 pond.

He lacks social presence, which could take him out of consideration because the role will require it. I’ve always appreciated Valenti’s approach to his craft: truth and no B.S., but all about entertaining the audience.

Dan Bernstein – Former 670 The Score Host

This one may be a long shot following his dismissal from 670 The Score, but the noise created by Dan Bernstein’s return to radio would cause a seismic shift in the industry. Over 30 years behind the microphone in one of the biggest markets in the country, Bernstein was a major part of The Score’s success story for the last quarter-century and would fit the role as an opinionated attention driver for a network that needs attention.

The business side of the equation could be tricky—as a former Audacy employee who was fired from the company, could they lure him in following his dismissal? Would Bernstein even consider returning to radio instead of going the independent media route—or media at all?

He’s been silent since March, but would be a fascinating play for the Infinity Sports Network if they so choose.

Elevating From Within the Walls of Infinity Sports Network

Promotion from within could be the most logical answer for the Infinity Sports Network. Understanding the network came to a partnership with Eisen on airing his program, maybe the desire to spend the same amount of money or more on recruiting an outside voice may not be in the cards at all. Could they elevate Bill Reiter to noon to 3 p.m. from his 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. slot? Of course—and especially now with Reiter stepping away as a featured columnist with CBS Sports. Would Zach Gelb be an option? As a sports radio lifer who commands a strong digital presence, he could fit the bill. The issue with elevation is you need to shuffle the deck in other areas, which could mean promotions for some others on the network as well.

The point being: this is an opportunity to make the Infinity Sports Network better through subtraction. Eisen will no longer be airing as part of the network on New Year’s Day, and affiliates need answers on direction. They depend on their partner to provide them the best option available for their own viability in their individual markets.

What a great time to get creative and think outside the box. Create noise and embrace disruption.

Will they? I guess it’s just another question waiting to be answered.

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.

Concerts Over Cash: Country Radio’s Secret Weapon

Jeff Lynn
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Concerts Over Cash: Country Radio’s Secret Weapon

Rethink everything you thought you knew about contesting on Country radio. For years, it has been “Cash is King.” And it’s not a $500 gift card or even a trip to Nashville. It’s something far more personal and more emotional: it’s concert tickets.

It makes perfect sense. In fact, I had an experience trying to purchase concert tickets last week that drove this home for me.

For major country artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, or Lainey Wilson, the average ticket price has ballooned to a level that would make nearly anyone think twice. Add in service fees, parking, gas, and maybe a babysitter, and you’re looking at a $600 night out for a couple. Minimum.

Or in my particular case $1,600 for two to see Paul McCartney at Allegiant Stadium. While Vegas might not be the best market to judge ticket prices with the plethora of shows, the high cost rings true across the country.

Emotional Currency Over Financial Currency

Remember the days when you’d say “win $1,000” and the phone lines would blow up. Something shifted over the past few years. Part of it is due to COVID-19 and the recovery from it. Part of it is that people are experiencing high prices for everyday necessities.

People have started prioritizing experiences over money. When you’ve been working overtime, juggling bills, and trying to make rent, a concert ticket to see your favorite artist becomes a symbol of escape. It’s personal. It’s unforgettable.

Listeners don’t talk about the time they won $100 from a midday trivia contest. But they do tell their friends about the time they saw Carrie Underwood live, for free, thanks to their local Country station. They post about it. They tag the station. They become ambassadors.

When a listener gets a ticket to see someone they’ve loved since they were 14, you’re not just filling a prize slot. You’re making a lifelong listener.

Contesting = Connection

Country radio has always been about community. Contesting, when done right, becomes an extension of Country radio’s authenticity.

It’s not just what you give away — it’s how you give it away.

I recall a moment in a sales meeting where I was pressured into giving away pizzas on air. I looked at it as a small, insignificant prize that wasn’t worthy of my morning show. I was wrong.

I’ll never forget the moment I ran into the listener who won a pizza. He approached me and shook my hand with a tear in his eye. His family had been going through a particularly tough financial time.

He told me how that pizza had been such a treat. It was something that they couldn’t afford, and the family had gathered for dinner, bonding over and enjoying each other’s company while sharing that pizza.

You never know.

They hear their local Country station giving away a large pizza during the 5 o’clock drive. They call in. They win. And suddenly, tonight is a little less stressful. The kids are excited. There’s laughter in the house, and there’s one less meal to worry about.

Is it flashy? No. Is it meaningful? Absolutely.

Radio’s Differentiator in a Streaming World

Spotify doesn’t give away tickets to see Luke Bryan. Apple Music doesn’t hand you a free pizza on a Wednesday night. YouTube doesn’t surprise your kid with a backstage meet-and-greet for Dan + Shay.

Streaming may have endless music, but it doesn’t have you. It lacks the local personalities, community feel, and prizes that genuinely matter to listeners living paycheck to paycheck.

Contesting is one way to leverage that local connection.

It’s Not Just a Prize. It’s a Story.

When contesting is done with care and creativity, you create stories that, in turn, build a brand.

  The trucker who hears about a Blake Shelton giveaway pulls over, wins, and then sends photos from the show with tears in his eyes.

  The teenager who wins waterpark tickets for her little sister and posts the whole day on TikTok, tagging your station every step of the way.

  The grandma who calls to win a gift card and ends up sharing how she hasn’t bought herself a meal out in months — and your jock sends her one extra just because.

Branding Moments That Create Loyalty

If you are still doing caller number nine. It’s time to evolve. Make it personal and make it matter. Make that memory and connection.

Lastly, listen to your listeners. What do they need? What would surprise them? What would make their day just a little better?

Country radio is an emotional format.

Give them something to talk about. Better yet, give them something to feel.

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.

Why The Time Was Right for Torrey Snow to Leave WBAL NewsRadio and Go Digital

Garrett Searight
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Why The Time Was Right for Torrey Snow to Leave WBAL NewsRadio and Go Digital

Late last month, WBAL NewsRadio host Torrey Snow departed his afternoon show after more than five years with the station.

After joining the station in 2019, Snow was added to afternoon drive in 2020. But all good things must come to an end, and Snow made the difficult decision to step away from the program he built during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a conversation with Barrett Media, Torrey Snow said it was the right move at the right time for him and his family.

“I’m at a stage in my life where I have to really start thinking about my family,” said Snow. “I’ve got kids headed to college, things like that. So ultimately, that was when I started thinking that maybe — given the direction of things — I might need to start thinking about what an alternative plan looks like.”

Despite exiting afternoons, Snow remains affiliated with WBAL NewsRadio as a fill-in host. He shared that he was adamant that he wanted to keep that door open with the station, despite leaving his afternoon show.

“It was just a business decision for my family at that point in time,” he added. “That was the priority: if there needs to be a transition, how do we do it in such a way that there’s still a nice, healthy relationship to show how grateful I am to WBAL … I loved the show right up to the end. I put 110% into the show.”

Snow looked back on his tenure as afternoon host at WBAL fondly, calling it one of his career highlights.

“It is probably going to be my proudest accomplishment that I stepped into a role during a very difficult time,” said Snow. “It was during COVID that I started, and I was literally broadcasting from my bedroom, which had challenges of its own. But in the midst of all of that, the fact that I was able to come away — and leave that time slot in a really dominant position — is something I’m extremely proud of.”

Despite making the decision to leave news/talk radio behind for his family’s sake, Torrey Snow joked that he couldn’t stay away from media.

“Once you get the broadcast bug, you just stay bitten by it. It never actually goes away,” he said.

That’s why he launched Snow in the Know, a YouTube channel featuring his thoughts, ideas, and policy advocacy in the greater Baltimore region.

“One of the challenges is an observation I’ve made is that while traditional broadcast forms of media will always be around — and I’m certainly counting on that being the case when I reach retirement age — there’s an urgent need for digital media communications, especially from rational voices,” said Snow. “The algorithms reward extreme content, and anyone familiar with X or YouTube can attest to how that content is distributed.

“I really believe it’s important to develop a presence on those platforms. Launching my own channel isn’t something I’m counting on to pay the bills or cover a mortgage, but I do hope it grows into something meaningful. Ideally, we can create an online platform where people can consume the same kind of content they got on The Tory Snow Show but now get it on Snow in the Know.”

While having your own digital program offers a blank canvas, Torrey Snow admitted that “it is a double-edged sword.”

“The great thing about traditional talk radio is that you can focus entirely on the show, and you have a built-in infrastructure,” he shared. “There’s also a built-in audience to some degree, so all you really have to do is focus on content. The trade-off is that — when it comes to topic selection and the things you can explore — much of that is governed by the news cycle. You have less control.

“Moving to a digital platform — and producing content far less frequently — is a big shift. There’s a major difference between talking for 20 hours a week and doing a one-to-one-and-a-half-hour podcast,” he continued. “With the podcast, I have a lot more control over what I talk about. I can choose subjects I’m passionate about. I don’t feel as much pressure to stay locked into the news cycle. Sometimes the news cycle is fun to engage with, but other times it can take you in directions you don’t really want to go. You’re just a passenger on that train … Working at WBAL was very comfortable, reliable, and steady. You have less control, but in return, you get more security.”

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.

20 Brands In 20 Days: Skip Dillard 94.7 The Block, New York

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Skip Dillard 94.7 The Block, New York

New York’s 94.7 The Block WXBK is much more than a Throwback station. It’s a cultural home base for Gen X and older Millennials raised on Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and Notorious B.I.G.

The station is the vision of Skip Dillard, Brand Manager and Audacy’s Vice President of R&B, Rhythmic AC, and Throwback Formats. 94.7 The Block is today’s featured brand.

“The Block is really, truly a Throwback radio station,” Dillard says. “That’s a music format focused on the ’90s and early 2000s, Hip-Hop and R&B vibe for the block in New York. That’s the era where New York contributed probably the largest amount of contemporary music. You’re talking about Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., and numerous other artists.”

Aside from New York, Throwbacks has seen success in markets like Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Miami.

“It makes you feel good. It makes you want to dance. It’s all the music that many of our listeners know and love and grew up with.”

Nostalgia fosters community and expands demographic reach.

“You reach Latinos, you reach white, you reach Black, you reach everyone else because of the just universal appeal of the music. From Tupac to Rihanna, these songs are part of people’s lives.”

Curated Like Classic Rock but Cooler

I asked if my perception that Throwbacks was programmed like a Classic Rock or Classic Hits station was accurate.

“It’s basically like a Classic Rock or Classic Hits format, just curated with different music. I think there’s more of a community and local focus. And because of the nature of the music, the format does tend to skew younger. We convert a larger amount of our audience between 25 and 54 than traditional Classic Hit stations. So that’s a win-win for the sales department as much as it is for us.”

As far as the coalition balance of Throwbacks, it isn’t one size fits all.

“We tend to be a bit more male on The Block here in New York. About 58 to 59% male. In other markets, it might be 65% female. It depends on the market and the music. New York is a hip-hop town, so we’re going to play more of it.”

Like any gold-based format, the challenge is keeping it fresh.

“Testing, testing, testing. Music tests are a big part of it. We also have mix DJs that were very popular at the clubs at the time or other radio stations at the time.”

Those DJs do more than spin the hits; they bring cachet and connection. Ted Smooth, DJ Scratch (Wu-Tang Clan’s DJ), and Coco Chanel (DJ for Salt-N-Pepa) are just a few of the influential names involved.

It also provides a way to slide in songs that might not fit regular rotation but still have an ‘oh wow’ factor.

“You can throw them in the middle of a mix, and they sound pretty darn good.”

“Our DJs not only play the ‘oh wow’ records, but they’re also huge influencers. They can tell the audience, ‘Hey, you love what I do, I’m back on the radio.’”

Being Present In The Community

In a market as large and geographically diverse as New York City, The Block can still connect on the street.

“You absolutely can still make that one-on-one connection on the ground. New York is a very location-type city. We have a concert in two weeks over in Harlem outside the Apollo Theater. We’ll have our DJs, nationally and internationally known artists there. And we’ve done it every summer since The Block’s been on.”

The Block goes deeper than just connecting through concerts and music.

“We’re partners with the New York Urban League. We’re doing a men’s health initiative in Newark, New Jersey, this weekend. These stations, regardless of their makeup, are still very, very community-oriented.”

Digital Is Also A Focus

The local focus includes a digital strategy that includes artists.

“Instagram is our key driver. That’s where we’ve had the most engagement. Collabs with artists and organizations have been huge.”

The Block has a studio partnership with the Hard Rock Hotel in Manhattan.

“We had Chuck D from Public Enemy. We’ll have Jermaine Dupri in a couple of weeks. We also have a performance space in our building, and we use long-form content for Facebook with excerpts on IG and other platforms.”

While the station is rooted in Throwbacks, it occasionally plays new music when it makes sense, particularly when it comes from artists who defined the era.

“Some surprisingly, pleasantly, have new projects. Even though we’re a Throwback station, we’ll give them a little play while they’re in on the air. It inspires other artists to still be active.”

Photo 94.7 The Block Facebook

Creating the Next Generation

With radio’s diminished farm system I asked Dillard how young people can hope to break into the business.

“If Ryan Seacrest walked through the door today, he would not get the deal he was able to get 15 years ago. You have to have a mindset like an entrepreneur. You’re sharing your brand with us. You’re sharing your creativity, your uniqueness. Once that mindset is there, you have to think about what makes you unique, authentic, and can cut through the clutter.”

Dillard suggests being well-read as an advantage.

“Talents that are very successful know how to use their words. They know the power of words. They’re obsessive readers. I try to out read everyone.”

He cites Bill Clinton as an example of someone who could speak fluently on any topic because he always read ahead.

“When I’m at a reception or a fundraiser or whatever, I don’t feel like I’m out of place. You’ve got to truly be well-informed.”

Why He Still Loves Radio

Over the years, Dillard’s passion for radio has not diminished.

“Radio is still a great business. It’s more expensive to operate than ever, but I got into it to serve people, help people, reach and touch people.”

“I was always fascinated by why people are emotionally attached to this box. What makes radio so attractive when it’s at its very best? That’s always been my driving reason for being here and wanting it to thrive, not just survive.”

Listen to 94.7 The Block 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.

How Brian Figula Guides 98.5 KFOX in a Unique Bay Area Radio Market

Charese Fruge
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How Brian Figula Guides 98.5 KFOX in a Unique Bay Area Radio Market

Brian Figula is Director of Programming Operations at Bonneville in San Francisco. He programs KBLX, KUFX and KOIT. He’s been in the business for over 25 years and in the Bay Area since 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile. As a veteran of the Rock format, I wanted to start off with his thoughts on the biggest story of the week, the loss of Rock Icon Ozzy Osbourne.

“The passing of Ozzy hit all of us hard this week at 98.5 KFOX,” says Figula. “It brought back memories of working in Rock radio in the mid-90s, spinning new tracks from Ozzmosis. We played ‘See You On The Other Side’ today, and it really hit me. Ozzy’s gone. To me, he’ll always be the artist who brought metal to the masses. A true icon. See you on the other side, Ozzy.”

According to Figula, the Bay Area is one of the most complex media markets in the U.S. “In the nine-county metro (one is embedded), every county is so unique and so diverse,” he explains.

“For example, in Santa Clara County, 39% of the population is Asian American. Nielsen places Asian American panelist data into ‘Caucasian/Other,’ where Hispanic (25%) data is broken down individually. The most successful stations find ways to build content coalitions that all communities can engage with.”

“Our stations build up, connect, inform and celebrate families and communities,” says Figula. “It’s part of the core purpose at Bonneville. We survey our audience annually to understand the needs in the community. We then build an impact plan.”

“In 2024, our audiences overwhelmingly told us that they want to assist in fighting hunger. We’ve raised nearly 40,000 meals with various events to assist families in the Bay Area.”

In addition to finding ways to serve the community, Figula says locking in ways to maximize content distribution and identifying new revenue streams is a top priority for the stations. “At the same time, keeping our radio brands fully engaged and top-of-mind is key.”

To master the station’s priorities, hiring A+ talent is a key part of the strategy.

“When seeking talent for our stations, we’re seeking people who create unique content that relates to our target audience and generates results on-air and online,” says Figula. “What’s also important is seeking individuals who are open to change, willing to grow and accept constructive criticism.”

“When it comes to the music, the formats that I program are primarily gold-based, and we share a lot of that with our direct competitors. It’s critical to keep a fresh playlist, aircheck talent regularly, be on top of trends both on and off air and engage offline. I was in Michigan a few weeks ago and ran into an Ozzy tribute band.”

“Ozzy was playing Birmingham for his final show with Black Sabbath, so I connected with the tribute band’s management for a video interview for our 98.5 KFOX digital platforms. Fresh and relevant. Little did I know exactly how relevant it would be this week.”

When it comes to the new three-minute Nielsen rule, “It makes measurement more inclusive of shorter listening occasions, leading to higher listening and more effective advertising placement,” Figula explains. “We haven’t changed much, we’re just even more cautious of stop set placement and monitoring competitors.”

As for what’s missing in the business right now, Figula says, “What’s missing is an investment into radio. Yes, we need to explore new revenue opportunities and ‘fish where the fish are swimming’ (YouTube, etc.), but we also need to keep the radio foundation strong and compelling. It’s what will grow our other ‘channels’ (podcasts, video, etc.). It starts with great talent and a clear strategy, then maximizing all digital opportunities.”

Follow Brian Figula on LinkedIn:

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Ratings Roundup: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Tops All of TV for 10th Straight Week

Garrett Searight
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Ratings Roundup: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Tops All of TV for 10th Straight Week

The Lead

There’s a narrative that news is dying. Tell that to ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, which has served as the most-watched program in all of television for 10 consecutive weeks.

The week of July 14th marked another ratings victory for the nightly newscast, which continues to best competitors NBC Nightly News and CBS Evening News. The show averaged 7.3 million viewers for the week, which is the slightest increase compared to the previous week.

During the 10-week run as the top-rated program, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir has featured at least 7 million total viewers on average each week.

Additionally, the show earned more than 1 million viewers from the Adults 25-54 demographic, finishing with 1.037 million viewers from that sector during the week of July 14th. It has only reached that 1 million milestone four times during the 10-week stretch.

In fact, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir actually averaged more viewers than the MLB All-Star Game, which was broadcast on FOX. It marks the second time ever that the newscast saw more viewers than the Midsummer Classic, dating back to when the Nielsen electronic database was created in 1991.

Both NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas and CBS Evening News saw slight dips in their week-over-week ratings. The NBC News show saw a decline of less than 1%, down from 5.616 million viewers to 5.583 million.

CBS Evening News, meanwhile, dropped from 3.874 million to 3.775 million, a decline of 2.6%.

NBC News averaged 838,000 viewers from the key demographic — eclipsing the David Muir-led program on Tuesday night in the category — while CBS News averaged just under 500,000 from the Adults 25-54 sector during the week.

Fox News Most-Watched TV Channel Since Memorial Day

Fox News has been on a ratings tear lately, and that continued during the week of July 14th.

In primetime, Fox News averaged 2.4 million, making it the most-watched cable or broadcast network for the week. It marks an ongoing theme for the network, which has topped broadcast counterparts like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC during the month of July. The network averaged 2.8 million viewers during weekday primetime during the week of July 14th.

Going back to Memorial Day, Fox News is the highest-rated network, averaging just under 3 million total viewers in that window.

The Five led the network as its highest-rated program, with 3.5 million viewers on average. Meanwhile, Special Report with Bret Baier saw 2.6 million viewers throughout the week, with Hannity averaging 2.5 million viewers, and The Ingraham Angle finished with 2.4 million on average.

Gutfeld! Extends Lead Over Late-Night Counterparts

With the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert dominating the news cycle at times this week, a magnifying glass has been placed on the ratings from the genre.

Fox News’ Gutfeld! averaged 2.8 million viewers during the week of July 14th. Colbert’s program averaged 2 million viewers.

Competitors like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon were well behind the other two programs, with Kimmel’s show on ABC averaging just over 1 million viewers, while Fallon’s program finished with 991,000 total viewers.

Additionally, Late Night with Seth Meyers, which airs after The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on NBC, averaged 706,000 total viewers for the week.

It is worth mentioning that Gutfeld! begins more than 90 minutes earlier than the broadcast network late-night shows. The Greg Gutfeld-led show begins at 10 PM ET, while the network programs begin at 11:35 PM ET, except for the Seth Meyers show, which begins at 12:35 AM ET.

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94.3 The Shark Plans Weekend Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

BMM Staff
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94.3 The Shark Plans Weekend Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark WWSK is honoring Ozzy Osbourne following the legendary frontman’s passing on Tuesday, at the age of 76. The station will air a special tribute beginning tomorrow at 5 p.m. and continuing through Sunday at 9 p.m., celebrating Osbourne’s music, legacy, and larger-than-life persona.

“Here at The Shark, we know that Ozzy wasn’t just a voice, he was a revolution,” said Program Director Rob Rush. “Everyone has an Ozzy story and a song that makes them love Ozzy all over again, and this weekend, we’re diving deeper into his catalog. Those cuts you love and those you don’t always hear, but should. He pushed boundaries, defined generations, and that influence runs deep in every corner of our playlist. Our tribute is about honoring that fearless spirit.”

With Osbourne’s death marking the end of a five-decade chapter in rock history, the station’s programming will reflect not only the hits, but the deep cuts, fan favorites, and forgotten gems.

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‘Mason & Ireland’ Sign Multi-Year Extensions With ESPN LA

BSM Staff
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‘Mason & Ireland’ Sign Multi-Year Extensions With ESPN LA

ESPN today announced a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of the long-running ESPN Los Angeles (710 AM) show Mason & Ireland.

The duo has hosted the wildly popular Mason & Ireland show on ESPN LA since 2008, but had worked together previously on-and-off in other stops since 1992.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John,” said David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like Mason & Ireland in the market or in sports radio.”

Under the new extensions, Mason & Ireland will continue to bring an engaging mix of analysis, insider perspectives, and lively debates on the biggest stories in LA and beyond.

Notably, the duo’s chemistry has led to the program becoming the longest-running sports radio show in Southern California.

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue this amazing ride with ESPN and our loyal listeners,” said Steve Mason. “It’s an honor to do what I love every day with people I respect and a city I love.”

Before joining ESPN LA, Steve Mason built a successful career in both radio and television. In particular, Mason is well known for his work on The Late, Late Radio Show with Tom Snyder & Steve Mason, as a broadcaster for seven Olympic Games, and for his red-carpet coverage from the Academy Awards. Known for his bold opinions and infectious enthusiasm, he is also a die-hard Los Angeles sports fan who isn’t afraid to stir the pot with hot takes and friendly debates. Steve Mason is represented by John McConnell of Workhouse Media.

“I’m incredibly thankful to continue our run. If you would have told me 20 years ago that Mason and I would get to talk sports, on ESPN Radio, in Los Angeles, for more than two decades–I would have called you crazy,” added John Ireland. “Those kind of runs rarely happen in radio. But my dad used to tell me: “you have Irish luck–take advantage of it.” And the truth is, we’ve been ridiculously lucky to work here with people we love, and to do it for a great audience.”

Meanwhile, Ireland will also be entering his 15th season as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Prior to teaming up with Mason, he was a reporter for KCAL 9 and an anchor on Fox Sports Net West. A multiple-time Emmy Award winner in sports television, he is also a multiple-time recipient of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Irv Kaze Award for best sports radio talk show host.

Furthermore, Mason & Ireland were inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame last year. The pair, along with longtime LA Lakers Spanish broadcaster Jose ‘Pepe’ Mantilla, had their official ceremony after being named to the Hall of Fame back in 2021. However, the ceremonies were delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

The Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame features some of the biggest names in the history of broadcasting, including Vin Scully, Dick Enberg, Chick Hearn, and Keith Jackson.

ESPN LA serves as the radio flagship for the Los Angeles Kings, Rams, Lakers, LAFC, and USC athletics.

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