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What the Coldplay Couple Teaches About Office Relationships in Radio

Peter Thiele
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What the Coldplay Couple Teaches About Office Relationships in Radio

The past few days have been filled with online memes and on-air jokes about two executives being caught on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. And rightfully so.

10-15% of people meet their future spouse or long-term partner at the workplace. If you are married or engaged in a long-term relationship, meeting the next love of your life at the office is a bad thing.

I happen to like Coldplay, but I’ve never thought of them as mood music. I don’t think turning on this band would create moments of intimacy. Perhaps I’m wrong on this, but they are no Usher.

Normally, this column explores trends for improving your show or station. I want to be in the business of protecting you, your wallet, and your family. There is nothing more exciting than new love. The rush of feelings from a new relationship can be quite addictive. But this isn’t real life. In any relationship, there are ups and downs.

I don’t know the two people caught on the kiss cam, but I’m guessing they’ll soon be hiring attorneys over their moment — or moments — of indiscretion. Part of the cool stuff about being an on-air personality is that people know who you are. If you’ve never had an enamored listener from time to time, you’re probably doing this wrong. Heck, I know a couple of people who married listeners. One former co-worker even married a prize pig. Best thing ever for station promotions. I told him his wife won the biggest prize of all.

Radio people are generally not overly attractive. Have you seen a picture of me? Look at it carefully, I’m not a good-looking man. This isn’t a dig on the creative forces in this industry, but you’re likely unappealing to look at.

Now that I’ve insulted you, if you’ve been in this career for any time at all, you know people who’ve gone through a few marriages. Marital stress is a real problem in our industry. You’ll likely be moving, and many spouses can’t handle this. When I was early in my radio career, I often had “the talk” with any woman I was seeing. One woman told me she couldn’t live more than an hour away from her mother. That was our last date.

If your marriage is under stress, being a public figure can create additional issues. Also, working in an office where you interact with great people can present the opportunity to jump-start an affair. If you are married, this can be more than just a disaster. You could lose a large portion of your life savings. You may have to sell the house and split the spoils. If you have kids, you’ll be forced to navigate child support, visitation, and possibly alimony.

If you end up marrying your office fling, how can you trust each other? Whichever person in the new relationship was married when the romance began, the other person should have serious doubts about the long-term viability of the relationship.

If you re-read your employment agreement or contract, you’ll likely find language that used to be called a “morals clause.” If you are a radio personality, you may actually lose your job over an affair that becomes public.

Astronomer’s now-former CEO Andy Byron likely had a morals clause in his contract, and the focus of his affection, HR executive Kristin Cabot, likely had the same. This was horrific for their careers. GMA3’s T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach lost their jobs over an affair. I know of a program director who almost lost everything after being confronted by his market manager about an affair with a staffer. That program director survived, and as far as I know, is still married to the spouse he cheated on.

You are a powerful member of the media. You’re likely quite attractive to co-workers and listeners. If you let your guard down, you could easily lose everything.

I want you to protect yourself. Your career could be in serious jeopardy if you get caught up in a romantic relationship with a co-worker or a listener—especially if you’re married. Divorce, like Megan Rapinoe, is not a good time.

There are many problems in life. There’s no such thing as a perfect marriage. New love is a high like meth. For the record, I’ve never used meth. But from stories I’ve read and heard, it’s quite the sensation. New love can be just like that.

Don’t lose your career and your family. Radio jobs aren’t growing on trees. If you love what you do professionally, be forewarned: letting a moment of lust ruin everything around you is not worth it.

Now, if you’re in a bad marriage, try to fix it. Sometimes that’s impossible if your spouse doesn’t see the problem or refuses to change. Address your personal life situation before you fall into a professional and personal abyss.

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 Melissa Forman Lights Up Mornings on 93.9 Lite FM Chicago

Kevin Robinson
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How Melissa Forman Lights Up Mornings on 93.9 Lite FM Chicago

Chicago’s Gold Standard for Adult Contemporary is 93.9 Lite FM. For nearly 37 years, 93.9 Lite FM has generated monster ratings with discipline, consistency and investing in local talent.

This fall will mark the 25th year they will deliver record Nielsen numbers with their All-Christmas programming strategy – often posting double-digit numbers and double-digit leads over competitors.

It was told when we competed against them in the 1990s, then-owner Viacom invested over a million (!!) dollars each year in marketing alone. Our team at Oldies 104.3 WJMK only beat them twice. Both times in the summer book and at Infinity Broadcasting, that ‘didn’t count.’

The 93.9 Lite FM DNA is so strong. They thrive on digital and social media platforms for their branding outreach.

In the three and a half decades they’ve been in the format, only once – regrettably – have they booted the “Lite FM” audio logo. In 2013, they adopted the 93.9 My FM moniker but returned to “Lite FM” with the slogan “Relaxing Favorites” a few years later.

93.9 Lite FM has tinkered with their slogan, framing their music as with sell lines such as “Lite Favorites,” “More Variety From The 80’s and Now,” “Relaxing Favorites” and just this May, 93.9 Lite FM parked “Relaxing Favorites” in favor of “More Music, More Variety”—no matter as the 93.9 Lite FM powerhouse is immune to slogan addiction.

We wrote about slogan addiction in April. Read that piece – HERE.

Through the waves of iHeart staff reductions, 93.9 Lite FM has maintained its strong local personalities. Robin Rock has held down middays – several stints over 25 years- and Program Director Mick Lee has locally helmed afternoon drive for over a decade.

Anchoring the morning show is long-time host Melissa Forman. She was something of a unicorn in 2001 when she first hosted AM Drive before leaving for a successful television stint, only to return seven years later. Female-led Adult Contemporary morning shows 25 years ago were the exception.

Now, successful female-led morning shows are in Los Angeles (KOST – 103.3 – The Ellen K Morning Show), Houston (The Dana Cortez Show) and dozens of other smaller markets. We need to open our thinking to place talented female leads in mornings with our future openings.

We had a recent conversation with Melissa Forman, who is on her second tour of duty with 93.9 Lite FM.

Kevin Robinson – Tell us about you and your radio path from the beginning to Chicago.

Melissa Forman – Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I listened to the greats like John Records Landecker and Jonathan Brandmeier and then heard Patty Hayes. That was the first time I heard a female as a full show host on WCKG.”

Then, when I went to school at the University of Illinois in Champaign, I heard a morning show called “John and Maura,” and they were just so good. I would wake up in the morning and hear what they were doing. Then at 10 O’clock, they would say goodbye, and I thought, “That’s the job I want!”  They get off at 10 am, and I thought they sipped cocktails all day. I was so wrong. I didn’t realize how much work went into it. A light bulb went off. I thought, “THIS is exactly what I want to do!” 

Then I went on to intern for them, and The Simpsons had just come out. I was in a production meeting, and they said it was going to be really big. The station was trying to find someone who could emulate the main character Bart’s voice for commercials. 

I thought it sounds like my Aunt Lindy (in Bart’s voice) ‘who kinda sounds like this’. Somehow Bart Simpson suddenly came out of me. It was gangbusters, and I was doing Bart’s voice in a bunch of commercials. 

After graduation, John and Maura left, and I got Maura’s job the week after. My dream job. They paired me up with Jerome Ritchie, who did a Homer to my Bart. We stayed together for five years, then Jerome went to do television. 

When you and I met (note – we interviewed Melissa to pair with John Landecker at Oldies 104.3 in Chicago, but it didn’t work out), it was the hardest decision of my life. I had not fully developed as a talent and had few skills in editing and running a board. I turned it down because I felt I needed to go to another market to sharpen my skills. I wasn’t Chicago–ready. So, I spent every Saturday morning in Champaign at 6 am for a year and a half in the studio learning all of the equipment. I felt that upped my game! 

From Champaign, I went to Cincinnati to work at Jacor’s Mix 94.5 for almost three years. With my boyfriend in Chicago and me having more experience, I thought I’d put a tape together and try to get back home. In the station editing bay, I ran into a guy named Harry Legg who was also putting together a tape. 

After meeting Harry, he said, “Melissa, I’ll never ever forget you.” About a year later, they were starting a station in suburban Chicago called Kiss FM. Someone called me and said that I need to send my tape for a morning show opening to Kiss FM and to the Assistant Program Director.  His name was Harry Legg.

How many Harry Legg’s are there besides my own two legs? So, I sent it, and that moment brought me back to Chicago, partnering me with George McFly.  After that, someone from Lite FM heard me and I got a call to join them.

KROB – What’s your best day in radio – and why?

MF – Oh, there are so many. I was trying out bands for my wedding, and my producer, as a joke, brought in Dennis DeYoung of Styx. He sang “Babe” first. I love him so much. In the studio, Dennis played a bunch of songs as a ‘try-out’ for my wedding band.  It was great. 

Also, it was not a great day, but it was memorable. In Champaign, we were doing a live show from a hot air balloon, and we started going down FAST in a chemical wasteland. We actually asked if we should go down LIVE or stop the broadcast. Thankfully, the pilot pulled up at the last minute!

KROB – What would you say or advise emerging talent on your role in getting into radio today?

MF – Learn all the social media and marry them a lot. Whatever I do on-air, I place or continue online. Do it yourself. Don’t farm it out to someone. Don’t rely on someone else. Learn how to do everything. If the station blew up tomorrow, I could put together a full-blown show by myself.

Make it about the listener as though you opened a door and let the listener in. Podcasting and TV are outward-focused. Radio is a two-way street between you and the listener. Make them feel included and create a fun, safe place to be. Make your show about things that connect us. Food, pets, goofy stories, and let the listener tell THEIR story! On air AND online.

KROB – If you could host a show with any guest, living or dead, who would it be—and what would you talk about?

MF – That’s a great question. I think it would be amazing if Princess Diana and I could sit down and ask her everything. What really happened in her marriage and her life? That would be a great show.

Melissa Fun Facts:

  • The first woman to host both AM Drive and PM Drive simultaneously in a major market
  • Sat in all 17,000 seats at University of Illinois Memorial Stadium for charity
  • Discovered while interning in Champaign, Illinois, with Saga Communications after doing a spot-on Bart Simpson impersonation (see above)
  • Raised over half a million dollars single-handedly for local charities
  • Lived for four days in a shopping mall as a radio stunt
  • Went over six G’s on-air in a fighter jet

Follow Melissa on social media on Facebook at Melissa Forman, @Melforman on Instagram, @MelissaForman on Twitter(x), and @Melforman on Threads.

We can all learn from the drive and passion Melissa Forman brings to radio daily, after more than three decades on the mic.

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.

Is OutKick the “Loser” in the FOX Sports, Barstool Sports Partnership?

Demetri Ravanos
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Is OutKick the “Loser” in the FOX Sports, Barstool Sports Partnership?

FOX’s strategy is pretty transparent. Adding Dave Portnoy to Big Noon Kickoff is a move to appeal to, and hopefully steal, some or most of the audience that Pat McAfee has brought to ESPN’s College GameDay in recent years.

Transparent doesn’t mean bad. It’s really smart. How do you combat a cult of personality? With a bigger cult of personality. And with all due respect to the Big Noon cast, I don’t see anyone on that show that people will ride for the way McAfee’s fans ride for him. Portnoy brings influence over a group that has college football fans in it, but it also has a lot of people that don’t care about college football and will tune in just for him. That is added audience, which is a prized possession in the media business.

Barstool wins. It gets more eyeballs, a nice new revenue stream, and a new platform for its content and advertisers. FOX wins because Portnoy is instantly the biggest star on Big Noon Kickoff, and, well, something has to go on FS1.

Do you know who loses? OutKick.

Maybe “loses” is a strong word here. The deal between FOX and Barstool doesn’t cost OutKick anything, but it does send a very clear message: OutKick can’t do for FOX what Barstool does.

Cost vs Benefit

Media executives have been stuck in CYA mode for a long time. Investment is risky. Cutting costs is the only safe way to impact the bottom line.

That’s what makes passing over OutKick a little shocking to me. FOX owns that site and its content outright. OutKick founder Clay Travis was doing regular segments on Big Noon Kickoff. Perhaps you remember that really weird bus.

And look, for all I know, Travis will continue to be on Big Noon Kickoff, but if the goal of the deal with Portnoy really is to have a Big Ten fanboy on the show, why would it continue to make room for a proud fan of the SEC?

The bigger shock may be the FS1 show. That network has cycled through so many shows, and very few of them have made a real impact. Almost none of them have put a dent in ESPN’s weekday lineup.

It would have been so easy and so much cheaper to take any of the OutKick talents and slide them into the slots vacated by the three shows FS1 recently canceled. Prioritizing costs over potential benefits would have made sense. History tells you there isn’t a high ceiling for the network’s talking head shows, but credit to Eric Shanks and Mark Silverman, who saw an opportunity to change that.

Is OutKick Still A Sports Brand?

When FOX acquired OutKick, Travis touted his company as the perfect bridge between FOX’s sports programming and its über-popular cable news network, and at the time, I thought he was right—no pun intended. OutKick served up a little bit of sports and a whole lot of culture war axe grinding. It was sports content following the FOX News playbook.

But in recent years, sports has been de-emphasized by OutKick. The brand still has Dan Dakich’s Don’t @ Me and OutKick Hot Mic with Jonathan Hutton and Chad Withrow, but those shows stay in the digital space.

When FOX brings OutKick to TV, it has been almost exclusively on FOX News. Travis is a guest with the entire primetime lineup, Tomi Lahren does the same, and Riley Gaines pops up in studio during the afternoons. Travis has even said in the past that he expects more OutKick content to be on the network in the future. And in a recent interview with Semafor, he said that OutKick was not a competitor to Barstool—the reasons were about political content, not sports.

So maybe FOX Sports bosses didn’t weigh OutKick vs. Barstool when thinking about what comes next for FS1. Maybe no one had to make the argument that the benefits of Barstool outweigh the cost savings of OutKick. Maybe they looked at OutKick and didn’t see a real sports brand anymore.

Recategorization Not Remorse

The deal with Barstool doesn’t say anything about the way FOX feels about its purchase of OutKick. I would argue that the brand plays an important role for FOX. It gives the company a platform with strong reach to grow future FOX News talent and gives FOX News talent with potential a place to get more reps and grow into a TV star.

Even if OutKick is no longer doing what it was initially acquired to do, it still has value. That value is just not in the sports space. It’s a recategorization. It doesn’t mean FOX is showing signs of buyer’s remorse.

I do wonder where it leaves OutKick in the eyes of FOX bosses long-term, but it’s genuinely just a wonder. I don’t know enough to have an opinion or make a prediction. Maybe the whole “bridge between news and sports” idea was just branding from Travis, and the vision for OutKick has always been about FOX News.

Travis started out as a sports talent. OutKick started out as a sports brand. But Travis isn’t a sports talent anymore. Even if he still talks about sports on his website, his biggest reach is on Premiere Networks’ conservative talk radio lineup. He may not be as popular as Rush Limbaugh, but to a lot of people, I’d bet seeing him talk about sports in 2025 is as strange as seeing Limbaugh on ESPN was in 2003. Travis and OutKick are synonymous, so it makes sense that the brand identity makes that transition right along with its founder.

Barstool can do things for FOX that Clay Travis and OutKick can’t. That’s no shade to anyone involved. Barstool can deliver a P1 audience that very few others can.

If we’re saying that OutKick is a “loser” in this deal, it’s only because we’re shocked. FOX chose to focus on benefits instead of costs. I don’t think I’m the only one that will say “I didn’t see that coming,” and I don’t think we’d be talking this way if the network announced that a new OutKick show was sliding into the vacant morning slot on FS1.

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 Fresh Imaging Is Critical on Hot AC Radio Stations

Jim Ryan
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Why Fresh Imaging Is Critical on Hot AC Radio Stations

How Frequently Should Hot AC Stations Freshen Imaging—And Why It’s Ultra Important

In a world of short attention spans and endless entertainment options, a radio station’s imaging isn’t just its calling card—it’s its lifeline. Imaging, whatever you call it —IDs, Liners, Sweepers, Stabs, jingles —they are the branded audio elements that communicate a station’s personality, values, and promise to the listener.

While the music and personalities draw people in, it’s the imaging that shapes their impression of the brand. That’s why refreshing it frequently isn’t just a best practice—it’s a competitive necessity. Now, I’m going to say this, and some may raise an eyebrow at this thought.

You don’t need ten categories of imaging with 20 to 30 pieces in each category. What you do need is a few categories effectively positioned in the clock. Too much imaging combined with talent talk breaks and commercial loads can make the listener feel that there are too many interruptions to the music. It’s a balancing act that you must strive to master. But that statement does not take away from the purpose of this article.

Why Imaging Matters More Than Ever

In the digital age, listeners have more choices than ever. Whether it’s streaming platforms, podcasts, or satellite radio, there’s no shortage of audio content. That makes consistency and distinction critical for traditional radio. Imaging provides that edge. It tells listeners instantly who you are, what mood you’re setting, and why they should care.

The tone, pacing, and messaging of imaging separate a hot, fresh, must-hear station from a sleepy, stale one. Effective imaging keeps the station sounding current, reflects the cultural mood, and delivers brand values in a quick, punchy way. You would think that programmers would always have their imaging divided into specific categories that are meticulously plotted out in the clocks for optimal exposure for each category, but that, in my experience, has not always been the case.

First and foremost, decide the number of categories you want. Then decide how many times each will appear in each clock you have. That in turn will give you the optimal number of pieces for each category. That is the easy part! Now, how often should it be freshened?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A goal of refreshing and rotating core imaging elements every five to eight weeks is a great target. The truth is, some elements, such as a quick station ID, can have 200 to 300 spins, with more frequent tweaks for active promotions, attitudinal imaging, seasonal events, or music cycles.

Those need constant attention. The funnier, more irreverent pieces or those that reflect pop cultural moments may only get 50 to 100 spins or even way less. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  • Topical and Promo Imaging: Change weekly or as needed. Anything tied to contests, events, or time-sensitive themes (like summer break or back to school) should be updated constantly. Freshness here makes the station sound live and local.
  • Positioning Liners and IDs: Rework every quarter. The brand’s overall voice shouldn’t change often, but the way it’s expressed should evolve. Even slight tweaks in verbiage or sound design can make a big difference.
  • Specialty Show Imaging: Update seasonally. Specialty weekend or nighttime programming should feel like an event. A new coat of imaging gives these shows importance and makes them stand out.
  • Sound Design (FX, beds, voiceover style): Reassess at least twice a year. Listener tastes evolve. What sounded “cutting edge” six months ago may now feel played out.

Why Frequent Imaging Updates are a MUST!

  • Prevents Listener Fatigue
    Especially with the funnier, more attitudinal pieces, which will burn quickly. Listeners can feel the energy drop when the imaging gets repetitive. Fresh imaging keeps the station dynamic, unpredictable, and fun to listen to.
  • Reflects Current Culture and Language
    The way we talk changes quickly. What was cool slang last season might now feel cringe. Imaging needs to match the current tone of your audience, especially in formats such as Hot AC. Smart updates help the station stay relevant and in touch.
  • Reinforces Brand Personality
    Every piece of imaging is a brand touchpoint. Updating liners gives your station a chance to emphasize new priorities—whether it’s “more feel-good throwbacks,” “fewer commercials,” or “the best summer soundtrack.” Consistent updates help reinforce and evolve the brand story.
  • Supports Promotions and Ratings Cycles
    Imaging should match the intensity of the station’s promotions calendar. If it’s a ratings period, your station should sound exciting, focused, and hungry. If it’s a soft ratings month, imaging can relax a bit or promote tune-in tactics for the next campaign.
  • Creates Appointment Listening
    New and topical imaging can tease upcoming content, shows, or music. Done right, imaging doesn’t just support the brand—it actively drives TSL.

Final Thought

Great Hot AC radio stations sound like they’re moving forward—even when the playlist hasn’t changed much. Imaging is how you give that sense of forward momentum. Regular updates keep your station sounding alive, in the moment, and built for now.

If your listeners know exactly what they’re going to hear every break, they’re not going to stick around. But if they’re constantly surprised, entertained, and reminded why they tuned in, you’re winning.

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: Gator Harrison, The Big 98 Nashville

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Gator Harrison, The Big 98 Nashville

Country radio in Nashville is fiercely competitive, but iHeartMedia’s The Big 98 WSIX stands out by being more than just a station. It’s part of the city. The Big 98 reflects the energy, resilience, and storytelling spirit that define both Nashville and Country music.

At the center of this vision is Senior Vice President of Programming/Nashville Gator Harrison. The Big 98 is today’s featured brand.

We ARE Nashville

Asked how he defines The Big 98’s identity and what sets the station apart in a fiercely competitive Music City landscape, Harrison doesn’t hesitate.

“97.9, The Big 98’s identity is exactly that of a Country music-loving Nashvillian. We love Nashville because we are Nashville since 1967 when ‘countrypolitan’ was launched on 97.9.”

“We share in the triumphs from the Music City Miracle to every star bar opening, but we’ve also been there through every tragedy, from the 2020 tornadoes to the Covenant School Shooting.”

“Country Music has this unique storytelling power to comfort or celebrate and, at times, simply help us escape. The Big 98 connects our listeners to artist access in creative, only-in-Nashville kind of ways. A Jellyroll Album Release Party where Jellyroll walks in.”

“An unexpected pop-up performance by Aldean inside Aldean’s, where our iHeartRadio Studios are located. Our love of Nashville and Country music shines through the people of The Big 98, from The ‘Bobby Bones Show’ to Brooke Taylor, to Wayne D & Tay, as well as Brady, McKiddy, & Granger Smith. The passion and professionalism of these people are unmatched. As far as differentiating, I think that burden falls to the other Country stations.”

Programming To A Blended Universe

“The Country music industry feels broader than it’s ever been with most music genres, Rock, Pop, AC, Folk representation all rolled in and defined as Country. We didn’t define it that way. Country music fans did. They are the gatekeepers telling us what they like vs what they love.”

“They like discovering new Country or an artist they’ve never heard of. We do too. They love the historical snapshots of how a song defined a past moment in their life. We do too. They may have grown up on Rock or Pop, but now have fallen in love with Country, enabling them to be more sonically accepting of these sounds, forging together their generation’s country. We agree.”

“We don’t pick songs we like and force feed them; we take the time to get to know Nashville, identify what they love, and not only give it to them, but share in it with them. If I created a radio station based on songs I love, we’d all be in trouble.”

Artist Discovery & Development

“97.9, The Big 98 loves introducing New Country to Nashville and opening the like/love conversation. Our current ‘On The Verge’ artist is Chase Matthew, a local Nashvillian. So, we’re loving the opportunity to tell his story on a deeper level and add gas to ‘Darlin.’ It’s definitely a LOVE story.”

“Our ‘Next Big Thing’ Shows connect our listeners to new artists like Hudson Westbrook, Austin Williams, & Maddox Batson live inside Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar.”

“Amy Brown hosts our Women of iHeartCountry Show weekly, highlighting new female artists like Madeline Edwards, Lauren Watkins, & Meghan Patrick. We’ve launched recent World Premieres from Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, & Miranda/Stapleton.”

“Ryan McKiddy hosts multiple New Country Shows devoted exclusively to New Country, including the Nightly News, Sunday Morning News, and The Next Big Thing playlist on iHeartRadio.”

“Wayne D & Tay hosts a ‘Country House Party’ at CMA Fest every year. In 2025, we brought in live shows from Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Gabby Barrett, Ashley Cooke, RaeLynn, and Alexandra Kay.”

“When I was a kid, I always fell in love with whatever music my big brother was into. The Big 98’s goal is to basically be that big brother.”


The Bobby Bones Show

“National people and local people all want the same thing. Tell me something interesting I can tell my friends to look smart and informed. Play me a new song that I will love. Make me laugh. Help me escape. Inspire me, challenge me, accept me, identify with me, etc.”

“I don’t care what city the TV Show ‘Severance’ is set in. I just know it’s good and I don’t want to miss an episode. That’s ultimately ‘The Bobby Bones Show.’ They’re so good I don’t want to miss an episode.”

“We’re blessed at The Big 98 because ‘The Bobby Bones Show’ is based in Nashville, and a lot of their lifestyle content is centered around the city of Nashville, but it’s also universal because it’s just their open, honest, raw life. Nothing fake or forced.”

Working with Bobby Bones

Harrison has great takeaways when asked about working with Bones.

“Bobby Bones has become a true friend and has taught me so many lessons. Never stop grinding. Failure can lead to success. Contentment can kill. I believe the biggest lesson Bobby has hopefully shown the entire industry is that you’re more than just your radio show or your radio station.”

“It’s only one creative outlet of your potential brand. What else can you create that will connect and resonate with an audience? Even better if it’s a different audience that can grow and broaden your brand.”

“Bobby has grown from an air talent to artist, comedian, podcaster, influencer, television host, collector, Pro AM Golfer, actor, and winner of Dancing with the Stars. And who knows what could be next. Never stop creating.

The Big 98 Cares

What does Harrison want the station’s listeners to feel most?

“The most important thing I want listeners to know about The Big 98 is that we care. We care about Country Music. We care about Nashville. And most importantly, we care about them. We see you. We support you. We need you. You matter. Every station has a voice, but what you say with your voice is what matters.”

Country-plus

Harrison believes that the micro labels in the format are not what is important. Instead, it is the connection.

“The style/type of country music resonating right now at The Big 98 is the lifestyle, well-crafted storytelling, singing what others won’t say. Embracing while challenging, music that matters. What style/type is that?”

Only in Nashville

For The Big 98, contesting is about the memory. It’s the photo, the handshake, the ‘I was there’ that glues listeners to the brand.

“Big 98 Big Shows connect listeners to the biggest stars on the biggest stages. Tennessee Native Morgan Wallen is selling out Nissan Stadium for a historic three nights. Kenny Chesney bringing his roadshow party to Nissan Stadium. Bobby Bone’s Million Dollar Show taking over The Ryman with Sam Hunt, Jon Pardi, Megan Moroney, and More.”

“And our hometown fam, Jelly Roll celebrating his historic national success with The Big 98 and a sold out show at Bridgestone Arena. If it’s Country Music in Nashville, from Broadway to Bridgestone, The Big 98 has your seat saved.”

“The Big 98 with our friends Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore, Gavin Adcock, and 4,000 Nashvillians packed the legendary Grand Ole Opry House for FRIENDSGIVING, raising money for St Jude. Wayne D connects Nashvillians to free tickets and exclusive access, serving as the in-arena host for The Nashville Predators and The Nashville Sounds.”

“Brooke Taylor & Tay Hamilton celebrated a Mom’s Night Out with Nashville moms at Jelly Roll’s VIP Room, ‘Buddy’s. We flew Nashvillians to Morgan Wallen’s first concert stop, Post & Jelly’s BIG A#S Tour, and our own iHeartCountry Music Festival. And we continue to give listeners a chance to add an extra $1K to their wallets 13 times a day.”

“It’s more than tickets and cash; our goal is to give Nashvillians an ‘Only In Nashville’ moment they can take with them the rest of their lives. People and passion.”

Familiarity drives the success of The Big 98

“Our People and their passion are why 97.9 The Big 98 is Nashville’s #1 for New Country. ‘The Bobby Bones Show’ is a nationally syndicated morning show calling Nashville and 97.9 The Big 98 home since 2012.”

“They’re a bunch of friends known for Pimpin’ Joy, No Fear Honesty, authenticity, and a passion for people as well as Country Music. Brooke Taylor is our At-Work Perk, obnoxiously optimistic with contagious positivity and an infectious smile you can hear.”

“Wayne D & Tay are our Drive Home Connected Friends with Nashville trends and Country Music’s biggest stars stopping by our iHeartRadio Studios on Broadway. Brady and Ryan McKiddy not only live, but are Nashville Nights. They’re always in search of Nashville’s next big thing, whether it’s on The Big 98 or at Winners/Losers Bar in Midtown

Listen to The Big 98 here.

Why NPR, SiriusXM and Others Need to Adopt a New Motto

Dr. Ed Cohen
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Why NPR, SiriusXM and Others Need to Adopt a New Motto

There were two major industry news items this past week, neither of which directly involved commercial radio, plus one earlier this month that did. Put together, the events including NPR, SiriusXM, and Audacy are part of a far broader trend.

First, unless you were living in a cave during the week, you heard about the recission of federal funds for public broadcasting. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise as the issue has been talked about for months and President Trump was firmly behind the legislation, cajoling wavering Republican members of Congress and senators to vote for it.

It was interesting to see both the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and National Public Radio (NPR) release last-minute studies showing broad support for public media. As a researcher, I tried to find out some of the specifics behind these studies, for example, the questionnaire wording, but there was little to see.

CPB’s study was conducted by Peak Insights, which is a Republican pollster (firms that do work for candidates or parties generally work for one or the other, but not both). Peak’s website lists clients including the National Republican Congressional Committee, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jeb Bush’s 2016 campaign, so the choice of a firm more closely aligned with the president was a smart move, even if it was ineffective.

NPR chose to use the Harris Poll, a well-known name in the survey world, currently owned by Mark Penn’s company, Stagwell. Previous owners (post-Lou Harris’ retirement) have included Gannett and Nielsen, yes, that Nielsen.

In both cases, support for public media came in well ahead of what the Pew Research Center found in March, and I discussed here in April. At the time, I castigated Pew for conflating the support for PBS and NPR into one question, which still showed only a plurality in favor of federal funding. Regardless, the best advice for both entities would have been to save their money.

If you’re interested, check out two very different approaches to public radio’s future. Uri Berliner, a longtime NPR editor whose bombshell revelations about bias in the NPR newsroom made headlines last year, offered his thoughts in The Free Press.

Meanwhile, Lance Venta, the publisher of RadioInsight, offered some excellent thoughts on how public radio could cut costs without cutting editorial staff.  Much like the one-word piece of advice given to Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate (“plastics”), Lance says “consolidation”.  I suggest you read both pieces.

Meanwhile, SiriusXM is back in the news with yet another attempt to add to their slowly declining subscriber base. This time, it’s an ad-supported tier at $7 per month. If you want some solid background, check out my good friend Roger Lanctot’s LinkedIn piece.

My take is that the FCC should be looking into this announcement. As I’ve said in the past, SiriusXM holds FCC licenses, just as your stations do. If part of the FCC’s role is to make sure that local radio remains a relevant medium, why allow a satellite broadcaster that is supposed to be national to compete with local radio stations for local ad dollars? The SiriusXM 360L platform may allow just that. The NAB Radio Board should be telling Curtis LeGeyt and the NAB staff to look closely at the potential effects on local radio revenue going forward.

Finally, an exciting announcement was the addition of Audacy stations on the iHeart Radio app. In 1953, Charles E. Wilson, then president of General Motors, was nominated by President Eisenhower to be Secretary of Defense. During his confirmation hearing, he was misquoted as saying “What’s good for General Motors is good for the country.”

At times, iHeart’s approach seems similar, in other words, “What’s good for iHeartMedia is good for the radio industry,” regardless of whether the rest of the radio industry agrees. Nevertheless, I think the industry needs to coalesce around one platform, even while stations offer their individual apps. If that platform is going to be the iHeartRadio platform, well, let’s get on with it.

All three of these events have an overarching theme, which is the continuing effect of consumers’ changing media habits. Having nearly all US radio stations on one platform may help. NPR needs to look at ways to cut costs without cutting services, something commercial radio has been doing for years (see Saga’s announcement last week about AI voiceovers replacing human voiceover talent as just the latest one) and SiriusXM appears to be throwing things at the wall in the hope that something will stick and allow their currently profitable enterprise to stay that way as the media world changes.

Instead of the NFL’s pathetic “Inspire Change” slogan on the boundaries of football fields, our mantra must be “Adapt to Change”.

Let’s meet again next week.

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.

1080 The Fan Adds FM Simulcast on 105.1 With Revamped On-Air Lineup

BSM Staff
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1080 The Fan Adds FM Simulcast on 105.1 With Revamped On-Air Lineup

Audacy is bolstering its presence in Portland’s sports radio scene, announcing that 1080 The Fan will now be simulcast on 105.1 FM beginning July 22. The move extends the station’s reach and improves accessibility as it continues to serve as the flagship for University of Oregon football, basketball, and baseball broadcasts.

The Fan will maintain its presence on 1080 AM, but the expansion to the FM dial represents a strategic step forward. Audacy Portland Senior Vice President and Market Manager Ryan Cooley called the move “long overdue,” adding that it’s all about enhancing the listener experience.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring The FAN to the FM dial,” Cooley said. “This move is long overdue and all about delivering a better listening experience for our audience with clearer sound and great content our fans know and love. For the first time in our history, our entire primetime on-air lineup will be 100% local and led by our new Brand Manager, Dusty Harrah, a native Oregonian.”

Harrah stepped into the Brand Manager role following the retirement of longtime PD Jeff Austin back in May. A Portland native and familiar voice to local listeners, Harrah’s journey with The Fan began in 2009 when he was hired as a part-time board operator—Austin’s first hire. Over the past 15 years, Harrah has worn nearly every hat at the station, including anchor, host, producer, and sideline reporter. He continues to serve as the sideline reporter for Oregon Ducks football broadcasts.

“As I put together a business plan and dove into what the role would be,” said Harrah in May. “It means I will give up, what I thought was my reason for being in radio, hosting a daily show. But, The Fan is special to me and so are the people who work for the station and in our building at Audacy Portland.”

Along with the FM expansion and recent leadership change, Audacy has unveiled a new weekday programming lineup that debuts tomorrow morning.

The Fan’s Morning show Dirt and Sprague will now air from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. PT, adding an extra hour of local content to start the day.

Immediately following is the launch of a new midday show, The Firm of Harris and Marang, hosted by Patrick Harris and Danny Marang, airing from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT.

Duck Insider with Joey Mac continues in its regular 1:00 p.m. hour, followed by The Fan Happy Hour with Luke Andersen from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon drive staple Primetime with Isaac and Suke remains in its 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. slot, and The Recruiting Show with Andrew Nemec will air Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ESPN Radio fills the overnight hours.

On weekends, The Fan will feature Golf in the Northwest with Jason Swygard and Sports Saturday with Joe Fischer and Rashad Taylor.

The FM simulcast, hyperlocal programming, and familiar leadership in Harrah mark a clear commitment by Audacy to double down on live, local sports radio in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most passionate markets.

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.

iHeartMedia Names Dan Lenz Market President in Milwaukee

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia Names Dan Lenz Market President in Milwaukee

iHeartMedia Milwaukee has announced Dan Lenz as its new Market President, overseeing brands like news/talk 1130 WISN, classic hits 95.7 Big FM, country FM106.1, sports talk 97.3 The Game and FOX Sports 920, and hip hop/R&B V100.7.

Lenz steps into the role after serving as Senior Vice President of Sales for the Milwaukee market. He has been with iHeartMedia since 2017 and will now oversee all aspects of the company’s operations in the area, including sales, programming, and partnerships. He will report to iHeartMedia Division President Nick Gnau.

The Milwaukee cluster includes a broad portfolio of local and national brands across multiple platforms. Lenz’s appointment follows a track record of leadership within the organization and familiarity with the market.

“Over the past two years, Dan has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance and a deep understanding of the market,” said Gnau. “His leadership as the sales lead has been instrumental to our success. We are confident that both our team and partners will benefit even more from his expanded role.”

Lenz expressed enthusiasm about the promotion and the opportunity to lead the Milwaukee market.

“I am incredibly excited and extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead at this level with iHeartMedia and the Milwaukee radio cluster,” said Lenz. “We will continue to do great things in the marketplace, support the community, and deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

Lenz’s appointment is effective immediately.

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.

Matt Mosley Announces Departure From ESPN Central Texas

BSM Staff
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Matt Mosley Announces Departure From ESPN Central Texas

Matt Mosley has announced he is departing his afternoon drive program on ESPN Central Texas, effective immediately. Mosley has spent the last eight years on the lineup for the radio station based in Waco, TX, and says he’s moving on to a new role, which he will reveal in the coming days.

Over the weekend, Mosley posted to his social media accounts, expressing gratitude for the opportunity at ESPN Central Texas.

“After a fun eight years, I have decided to leave ESPN Central Texas. This has been in the works for a while because of an exciting opportunity,” said Mosley via his Facebook page. “I lingered because the new owner/operator Gary Baxter (former Baylor legend) was extremely gracious and gave me a chance to be part of his new lineup. I’ll announce my new gig soon.”

Previously, Mosley joined ESPN Central Texas in 2016 following his departure from ESPN Dallas 103.3FM, where he hosted afternoons with Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw. In addition to his on-air work, Mosley also wrote for Texas Monthly Magazine and the Dallas Morning News while at ESPN Dallas. Ultimately, he made the move to Waco to join David Smoak, Gary Moss, and the team at ESPN Central Texas in 2016.

Furthermore, Mosley expressed appreciation to his supporters in a post on his personal Facebook page and shared his excitement about revealing his next destination.

“Thanks to our incredible listeners and sponsors,” wrote Mosley. “You guys have been unbelievable. I’ll see everyone soon.”

According to the station’s website, ESPN Central Texas has now replaced Mosley’s program with House of Football Gridiron Sports Talk airing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by GBE Central Texas Sports Fan Show from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mosley will continue to host the Doomsday Podcast alongside former ESPN reporter Ed Werder.

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

ESPN Elevates Flora Kelly To Senior Vice President, ESPN Research

BSM Staff
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ESPN Elevates Flora Kelly To Senior Vice President, ESPN Research

ESPN has elevated Flora Kelly to Senior Vice President of Research, a move that underscores the company’s continued focus on data-driven strategy and audience engagement across all platforms.

Kelly, who has been with the company since 2006, has steadily risen through the ranks after starting her career as a research analyst. Her promotion recognizes both her proven track record and her ability to guide ESPN’s measurement and forecasting capabilities through a time of rapid industry change.

“Under Flora’s leadership, ESPN Research is a go-to resource for sports insights and measurement for the company and across the industry,” said Chara-Lynn Aguiar, ESPN Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “The consistent high-quality work performed by Flora and her team ensures that we fulfill our mission to serve sports fans anytime, anywhere, as well as continue our evolution as the preeminent digital sports platform.”

Aguiar also emphasized Kelly’s personal journey within the company, calling her a standout example of ESPN’s growth culture. “Flora truly exemplifies the ESPN growth story,” she said. “We are extremely lucky to have Flora on, and leading, our team.”

Kelly assumed her current leadership responsibilities in 2023 when she was promoted to Vice President, overseeing ESPN Research. Since then, she has helped the department broaden its impact by aligning data, measurement, and forward-thinking strategy to support ESPN’s digital transformation. Her team has played a critical role in helping the network adapt to the evolving media landscape, from traditional TV ratings to cross-platform engagement metrics.

“As media and fandom continue to evolve at a rapid pace, the role of research has never been more critical—or more exciting,” Kelly said. “I’m thrilled to lead this incredible team as we continue to innovate how we understand our audiences, anticipate behavior, and define success in this rapidly evolving media landscape.”

In addition to her internal leadership, Kelly has become a visible thought leader in the industry. Her insights, often shared on social media through her account @ESPNFlora, have helped define how sports media approaches measurement, branding, and audience development.

A graduate of Hofstra University, Kelly later earned a master’s degree in social research from Hunter College. Over nearly two decades at ESPN, she has helped drive numerous high-profile initiatives and award-winning campaigns, establishing herself as one of the most respected voices in sports media research.

Her promotion signals a continued commitment by ESPN to blend data science with storytelling in ways that inform both business decisions and fan experience.

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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