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20 Brands In 20 Days: Elroy Smith Star 94.5 Orlando

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Elroy Smith Star 94.5 Orlando

Elroy Smith’s fingerprints are all over some of the biggest Urban stations in the country. From Boston to Chicago, Dallas to San Francisco, Smith has built a career on anticipating what listeners want before they do.

He is the Director of Branding and Programming for Star 94.5 in Orlando and several other Cox Media Group stations, and he is once again proving that great radio is part science, part soul.

He was the first to spin “Candy Girl” by New Edition, the first to take a chance on “Ice, Ice Baby” from Vanilla Ice, and the man behind the unlikely gospel-R&B crossover of Kirk Franklin’s “Why We Sing.”

His programming instincts have earned nods from artists like Alicia Keys and helped launch major careers, from Steve Harvey’s radio debut to mentoring Charlamagne Tha God.

Smith and Star 94.5 are today’s featured brand.

“Our overall premise is to zero in on community needs. That is one of the things that our minds always sort of click. How can we help that listener who has given their time, their energy, their ear to listening to Star 94.5?”

The principle is encapsulated in an acronym.

M.I.C. Music, Information, and Community.

“We make sure that we are playing the best R&B song or songs at every moment on the radio station. It could be an old school song, and we image that to make sure that people are like, oh my goodness, I got married to that song.

“Something from the 90s, which is a huge, huge focus for this radio station and of course music from the 2000s. We have a plethora of music. It’s so broad in terms of appeal.”

“If you look at the ratings, you’ll see that 18 to 34, the station does well, 6 plus, the station does well, 25 to 54, the station does well, and 35 to 54, the station does well. We’re generational. I like that because a single mom could be driving along and feeling confident that my daughter or son in the backseat can enjoy this radio station with me.”

“Everybody can play the hits. Everybody can play the biggest, the best hits. But what makes a radio station click is what happens between those songs that they can hear anywhere.”

To that end, the station avoids “shock content.”

“You can always keep the radio station at a good volume because we do not do shock radio or radio to offend our listeners.”

Information

Information is about relevant content that resonates with its target audience.

“If it pertains to the African-American community, which is our target, 25 to 54, we make sure that the personalities convey that information to them in between the hits. We are what I call the black CNN with music.”

Community

The station works hard at building community. Part of which includes community forums that reflect Orlando’s Black community. Events held in the station’s Stanley Steemer performance room tackle subjects ranging from domestic violence and mental health to police-community relations and wealth-building.

“We have started this whole new campaign, Jeff, where we once a quarter do a community forum at the radio station. We have this performance room, and once a quarter we will zero in on a community matter, like domestic violence.”

“Listeners come to this forum. They get dinner first, and then they hear panelists giving them hope. Giving them inspiration. We’ve done domestic violence, we have done mental health, police and the people. We had the police chief at the radio station facing our audience. I’m sure in the back of his mind, he’s thinking, I’m going into the lion’s den.”

“No, you were not in the lion’s den. You were in a safe space, Chief. And he felt so comfortable talking to this audience. Our audience raised their hands with respect and asked questions. It was a remarkable forum.”

“We’ve also done a forum on marriage beyond the vows. What do you do after you say I do? I do only lasts for what 10 seconds? There were married people in this room asking all sorts of questions, which was amazing. Another one we’ve done, living a debt-free life. Man, this place was packed.”

“We bring experts in, and we have one of our DJs hosting it. People walk away so inspired with hope. When you do those types of things, what happens is that you’re building your brand. It’s going to be hard to tear down this radio station because of these types of investments that we put into this brand that we call Star 94.5.”

For Smith, it is crucial to deliver quality content between the songs.

Leadership

Leadership is rooted in empowerment and dialogue.

“We just had a staff meeting yesterday, and I said to my team, I am not going to do a lot of the talking. I want the team members to talk. So, I gave everyone one an assignment.”

That included having Orlando market legend Monica May offering wisdom on evolving from personality to icon. To honoring the achievements of team members like Lorenzo “Ice Tea” Thomas. Smith turns meetings into forums for peer learning and mutual respect.

“I want everybody to become a star,” he says. “Not just the morning personality, not just the afternoon drive personality, but everybody.”

Standing Out

What goes into the making of a standout talent in the Urban AC format?

“One of the top things that I have seen that has made personalities into brands is the personalities who are able to share their life. I remember when I first started at Star, which was about four years ago. I told one of our DJs, I want you to open up.”

“One day, this personality came on the air and said her age. I’m like, oh my God! Wow, where did that come from? And I said to the person, that’s good stuff!”

“Another personality saying that, I’m married, I have a daughter, versus a personality saying, I am not going to share one thing about my personal life. That’s not a good thing.”

“Our core is female. And when a personality goes on to say, ‘Listen, I purchased this for my wife,’ or ‘this is how I treat my wife.’ Those females are leaning over, turning up the radio to hear this. There is an instant connection.”

Smith recalls a time when a personality came on air to share a diagnosis of diabetes. “I’ve never seen the phones ring like they were ringing. That’s what makes personalities great, when they share.”

“You have to talk as though you are talking to your best friend. Everybody just sounds like, ‘I’m just hanging out, talking to you.'”

Smith shared with me how building a community can lead to poignant, memorable moments, such as Star 94.5’s Daddy-Daughter Dance.

“This listener came up to me and said, ‘My daughter was assassinated when she was 24 years old, and we have taken our granddaughter in. Every year my granddaughter says, Grandpa, are you going to take me to the daddy-daughter dance?”

Next year will be their fifth dance. The station plans to honor them.

“Those types of stories are so real. Seeing fathers come out dancing with their daughters, having a blast, again, just builds the connection between the listener and the radio station. So my personalities know content is so important.”

Coaching

Constructive coaching is part of the culture for Smith and Star 94.5.

“Do not treat your shift as a shift. Treat it as a show. A shift is just reading the liners and saying, good night, I’m done. No, it’s not like that.”

“We look for the good, and we also look for the things they can improve. But one of the things I’ve learned is that if you get a personality to say, what would you do differently? They are now engaged. If it’s just one-sided, from my point of view, that’s not right, that’s no good. It’s a conversation, so they walk away feeling encouraged.”

The Future

How does the future look for Urban AC?

“If it’s just about the music and the music only, people can find that on YouTube or Spotify. If you’re not impacting the soul of that listener, you’re in trouble. To the point where we now refer to Star in one of our positioning statements as The Soul Of Orlando.”

The future also involves striking a careful musical balance.

“You’ve got to be careful not to sound so old, and you’ve got to be careful not to sound too new. It’s a balance where, when that listener turns on the radio, they should know the song instantaneously. We’re not anxious to break music.”

“We’re anxious to play songs that people can sing along to. When the average person goes to the radio, the first thing they want to find is a song that they know. And if they do, they end up singing along and being hooked.”

Smith acknowledges that there are times when new music can truly stand out.

“When Bruno Mars’ ‘Leave The Door Open’ came out, I said this thing is going to be a hit. Not thinking it was going to be a monumental hit. Why? It had a nostalgic feel.”

However, in the end, we return to where we began, with personalities and the station playing a vital role in the community.

“We do not hire liner personalities, we hire personalities. There’s a difference.”

“We try to present the radio station as a lifestyle radio station. We help organizations focus on children, health, education, and hunger – we do it all. We’re like Walmart. You come here and you get everything. You don’t have to go anywhere else.”

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 New Music Is the Lifeblood of Urban Radio

Ken Johnson
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Why New Music Is the Lifeblood of Urban Radio

I love music. It’s actually the main reason I got into radio. The music—then the personalities—are what have always driven this industry. As I mentioned in a previous piece, it was the music and how the personalities presented it that truly stood out.

For DJs, it’s about playing the music and watching how people respond—flocking to the dance floor—and seeing how long you can keep them there. Then there were the MCs, who hyped and sold the music and artists, making it feel even more special.

Somewhere along the way, though, playing new music became a negative. But how does a song become a hit if it’s never played? If you don’t play new songs, how will they ever have a chance? Every time I heard the phrase “play the hits,” I wanted to scream. Again, I ask—how does a song become a hit?

Now, I don’t really want to debate this. But one thing that can push a record toward hit status is marketing—or more accurately, awareness. But at the end of the day, the song still has to resonate. It has to connect—emotionally, culturally, or rhythmically, ideally, on multiple levels.

Music is subjective. But it’s supposed to be subjective for the listener, not necessarily the programmer. The goal for the PD is to find those songs that they feel will connect with their audience.

So what I really want to do here is encourage Urban program directors to actively seek out new music. With the explosion of TikTok, it seems the platform has been given more and more power to introduce new songs. Some will say “big” or “hit” songs come from social media. I absolutely agree with that. One of those songs is “Boots on the Ground” by 803 Fresh. Shout out to the 803.

Now, let me be honest, it’s not one of my favorite songs. Yet one of my philosophies as a programmer has always been: If my listeners like it, I love it.

I love discovering great new music that I hope becomes a hit. I’ve always said new music is the lifeblood of Urban radio. We see this play out often with arguably the two biggest icons in music today—Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The Swifties and the BeeHive flock to new music every time their favorites drop an album.

But the times we’re programming in now aren’t artist-centered, they’re song-centered. And that can be problematic for radio. Can you imagine a station built on one-hit wonders? No shade, but can you sustain a format on Ini Kamoze, Cali Swag District, and 803 Fresh alone?

Who knows—these artists could have another social media hit next week to add to their music offerings. And I do appreciate their contributions to music and culture. What I’m saying is, we need to be open to artists who have a body of work. Those who really lean into the format, not just a viral moment. That’s what will help sustain Urban music—and hopefully, Urban radio.

We should be actively searching for those artists across mainstream, adult, and gospel formats. The podcaster in me loves this, too, because the stories behind those artists can be just as compelling as their songs.

I’d love your thoughts. Feel free to reach out on social media or by email.

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 YouTube Propelled Smart TVs Past Smart Speakers as a Preferred Podcast Platform

Garrett Searight
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How YouTube Propelled Smart TVs Past Smart Speakers as a Preferred Podcast Platform

Smart speaker ownership has plateaued since 2021. Smart TV usage, however, has risen dramatically, and YouTube has been a big winner and big driver in that trend.

33% of Americans owned a smart speaker in 2021. Since then, that figure has only risen to 35%.

In 2022, data from Edison Research suggested that 47% of smart speaker owners purchased the product with the intent to listen to podcasts with it.

Interestingly, 31% of weekly podcast consumers said they used smart speakers to listen to podcasts in 2021. That figure, despite the slight uptick in smart speaker ownership, has dropped to 20% in the latest data released by Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.

The podcast space hasn’t retracted in listenership. In fact, those calling themselves monthly podcast consumers have risen 14 points — up to 55%.

Where did those 11% points go, then? YouTube. And more importantly, YouTube on smart TVs.

In 2021, 70% of television households featured at least one smart TV. In 2025, that figure has risen to 82%. Additionally, 32% of weekly podcast consumers say they use their smart TVs for podcast listening. That figure is higher than laptops and smart speakers, and only trails smartphones.

The ubiquity of smart TVs has been a major driver in the consumption change.

“Everybody has this device that is pretty easy to use to access something besides linear television or cable, and YouTube is right there, up front,” said Signal Hill Insights President Paul Riismandel. “So now it’s a really easy, simple way to access YouTube and possibly access it in a way where it’s more like when you would watch TV.

“Think about how people have consumed linear television. There’s a lot of TV that is kind of listening viewing. If you think about news programming, people who stay glued to CNN, Fox, or MSNBC throughout the day, are they sitting there watching, or is it kind of on and they’re paying attention? They’re listening, and they’re going about their day. Same thing with a lot of daytime talk. A show like The View: are people sitting there watching the same way that they watch a drama? Or do they have it on while they’re doing other things. And that’s what we know a lot about podcasting, is that people use podcasting to accompany other activities.”

Riismandel added that now, smart TVs have the ability to operate similarly to other devices, which helps in podcast consumption.

“People are, to some extent, conditioned to use it that way,” he said of smart TVs. “So podcasts, and very specifically podcasts on YouTube, I think, fit very well into that niche.”

In the Cumulus Media/Signal Hill Insights Download data from Spring 2025, 39% of weekly podcast consumers say they are using YouTube as their primary platform. Those users, unsurprisingly, are overwhelmingly more likely to use smart TVs than those who call Spotify or Apple Podcasts their primary platform.

While it would be logical to think that the uptick in smart TV usage could be the reason for a complete plateau of smart speaker ownership, Riismandel wasn’t so sure.

“I’m not certain the two have a relationship,” he shared. “Smart speakers plateaued awhile ago. (Smart speakers) are one of these things that, for whatever reason, hasn’t attracted mainstream acceptance. There’s a segment of people who like to have smart speakers and have adopted them and used them.

“And there’s a bunch of people that just aren’t very interested in them, is what really seems to be the case,” he continued. “I think that there are probably, at least some folks, who are uncomfortable with the fact that the device is listening and they don’t really want that.”

Smart speakers were introduced as a new, futuristic-style gadget when they first hit the market. In some aspects, the technology hasn’t ever gotten over that hump, with Riismandel pointing out that some people “aren’t really sure what to do with them, for lack of a better way to put it.”

But there is no ambiguity on how users should operate a TV. The technology hurdle of a smart TV is drastically smaller for the average person than implementing a smart speaker into their lives.

So, simply put, the general public simply deferred to their TVs.

It is important to note that while YouTube has a firm grasp on the use of podcast consumers utilizing Smart TVs for their listening/viewing, dwarfing the next closest challenger — Spotify — by a 69%-7% margin, it doesn’t hold a monopoly on the podcast space as a whole. Smart TV usage for podcast listeners is still in the minority, despite its rise in prominence in recent years. Less than a third of podcast consumers are utilizing smart TVs for their consumption.

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.

Danny Parkins Fills in for Nick Wright on ‘First Things First’ the Day Following FS1 ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation

BSM Staff
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Danny Parkins Fills in for Nick Wright on ‘First Things First’ the Day Following FS1 ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation

In the wake of the FS1 cancellation of three of its weekday programs, the conversations have now shifted to what’s next for a number of the laid-off talent from FOX Sports. With the network pulling the plug on Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, there is still no word on which talent will remain with the network and who is leaving. However, today, Danny Parkins returned to the FS1 airwaves, filling in for Nick Wright on First Things First.

Parkins has served as co-host of Breakfast Ball alongside Mark Schlereth and Craig Carton since the show’s inception in August of last year. He left his position hosting afternoon drive on 670 The Score in an emotional final show with co-host Matt Spiegel on August 16 of last year.

Although Parkins did not address Breakfast Ball’s cancellation, he tweeted he will be filling in for Nick Wright for the next couple of days as Wright calls the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table.

So far, there has been no official word from FOX Sports on which talents the network plans to keep following the news on Monday. Nevertheless, Parkins’ appearance on Tuesday filling in for Wright may be a sign that he will be sticking with the network.

Importantly, the FS1 shakeup comes less than a year after network executives, under the guidance of then-EVP Charlie Dixon, reshaped the daily lineup to appeal to younger and more digitally engaged viewers. Consequently, this swift course correction highlights the volatility of sports television programming in an evolving media landscape.

What is known is that The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First featuring Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes will remain in their current time slots. Meanwhile, FS1 is expected to fill the vacated hours with new programming in the coming months, though no announcements have been made about what shows may replace the outgoing lineup.

Barrett Media attempted to reach Parkins for comment, but he has not responded to correspondence.

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.

Red Apple Media Names Bert Goldman Chief Technology Officer

BNM Staff
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Red Apple Media Names Bert Goldman Chief Technology Officer

Red Apple Media has announced the appointment of Bert Goldman as the company’s new Chief Technology Officer.

It marks a return to 77 WABC, as Goldman previously worked at the station when he spent time as the Corporate Vice President of Engineering at ABC and Disney’s Radio Division. He also previously worked at Nationwide Communications and Shamrock Broadcasting, among others, during his more than 50-year career in the industry

“As Red Apple Media continues to enlarge its footprint in radio, we recognized a need for an engineering specialist with insights that will bolster our growth strategy as we identify properties for our expansion,” stated Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis. “Bert’s experience made him the perfect choice.”

“I’m eager to come home to 77WABC and join Red Apple Media as it enters its next growth phase,” said Goldman. “John has revived AM Talk Radio with big-name hosts and created renewed excitement for broadcast radio overall.”

Bert Goldman remains active in the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Radio Systems Committee as an engineering and broadcast technology expert.

“Bert has the major market experience we were looking for to help us take Red Apple Media to the next level,” said Red Apple Media President Lopez. “He’s worked with some of the biggest broadcasting companies in the industry. He understands our goals and will help us get there.”

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.

Gilbert Arenas Reveals He’s Been in Talks With Joy Taylor for a Year

BSM Staff
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Gilbert Arenas Reveals He’s Been in Talks With Joy Taylor for a Year

In the wake of FS1 canceling three of its weekday programs, the conversation has now shifted to what’s next for several members of the laid-off talent at FOX Sports. With the network pulling the plug on Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, there is still no official word on which talent will remain with the network and who will be leaving. While we await those details, former NBA guard and podcaster Gilbert Arenas says he’s hiring.

During a recent episode of his No Chill Gil podcast, the former NBA star revealed that he’s been in talks with Joy Taylor about joining his podcast for the upcoming football season.

“Joy’s a great host. We’re looking at her for the football side,” said Arenas. “We’ve been behind the scenes talking for the last year.”

According to a report by The Athletic, Taylor’s contract had expired, and the network ultimately decided not to renew it after she spent nearly a decade there. Taylor was also named in a lawsuit filed against the network by two former employees who accused former programming executive Charlie Dixon of sexual battery. Taylor denied the allegations against her in the lawsuits, stating she told one of the former employees to “get over it.”

Dixon left the network in late April.

Furthermore, Arenas shared his perspective on the recent cuts at FS1, attributing them to the network’s failure to secure any of the NBA broadcasting rights. He expressed confidence that the displaced talent will be able to bounce back quickly.

“I would love to add him (Paul Pierce),” said Arenas about potentially adding Pierce to his podcast. “I would love to have him on our show.”

In addition, Arenas, likening himself to an underdog, explained why now is the time to recruit the former FS1 talent to his roster.

“I can tell you this. As an underdog, we better move on some of them. We can’t just look at this and be like ‘eh,’” said Arenas. “There are some moves that need to be made because these guys are going to go somewhere and they are going to get a home. That will change the landscape of shows. I’m already on it as soon as I seen it.”

As of now, there has been no official word from FOX Sports on which talents the network plans to retain following Monday’s news.

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

The ‘Anna & Raven’ Show Extends Morning Footprint to AL, SC

BMM Staff
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The ‘Anna & Raven’ Show Extends Morning Footprint to AL, SC

The “Anna & Raven Show” has signed on at Mix 103.3 WMXS Montgomery, AL and Live 93.5 WARQ in Columbia, SC, for mornings.

Show co-host Anna Zap said, “We’re beyond excited to bring our show to Montgomery and Columbia! We love getting to know our audience, and we can’t wait to connect with these two amazing communities.”

Raven added, “Whether it’s trending stories, real-life dilemmas, or just having a good laugh, we’re here to make mornings fun — and we’re thrilled to be part of the daily routine in Alabama and South Carolina.”

At Mix 103.3, Program Director Paul Horton gives up the morning slot with a transition to afternoons.

Horton said, “Mix 103.3 needed a new morning show that would resonate and entertain our listeners for their morning routine and drive. And boy, did we find it with ‘The Anna & Raven Show!’ We are so excited to have Anna & Raven join the team and help bring Mix 103.3 up to a whole new level. We love the fact that Anna & Raven are interactive and engaging with our listeners. And their social media presence will help bring more potential listeners to Mix 103.3!”

At Live 93.5, where the show replaces “Brooke & Jeffrey,” Program Director Croghan said,  “Smart, funny, and built for real connection! Anna & Raven are bringing fresh energy and engaging moments that our listeners will love. We’re excited to welcome them to the Midlands and can’t wait for Columbia listeners to connect with them.”

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.

‘Thank a Teacher’ Campaign Launches Across iHeartRadio

BMM Staff
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‘Thank a Teacher’ Campaign Launches Across iHeartRadio

iHeartMedia has launched a new nationwide campaign, “Thank a Teacher,” in partnership with longtime collaborator DonorsChoose. The initiative aims to spotlight and support public school educators as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Running through August 29, the campaign invites listeners to nominate standout public school teachers who go above and beyond for their students. DonorsChoose will review all submissions to confirm that the nominees are current U.S. public school educators.

Throughout August, iHeartRadio stations will feature nominated teachers on-air in local markets. In September, five educators will be randomly selected to receive $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards to support classroom needs.

“Every year, millions of educators spend their own money to fill gaps in classroom resources to ensure that their students have the tools they need to succeed,” said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia. “Many go even further. Offering emotional support to students facing challenges both inside and outside the classroom. iHeartRadio’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ aims to shine a light on the quiet and positive work happening in classrooms across the country. And to offer a very public thank you to the teachers who are doing so much.”

To drive awareness, iHeartMedia has committed $500,000 in public service announcements across its portfolio of radio stations. The PSAs will promote DonorsChoose and encourage listeners to support public school classrooms by donating at DonorsChoose.org.

“Public school teachers are about to launch the back-to-school season. And they’re doing everything they can to prepare their classrooms for students,” said DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier. “iHeartRadio’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ is making sure that educators feel appreciated for going the extra mile, especially as they work hard to get students what they need to kick off a new school year.”

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.

Mark Schlereth Speaks Following ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation at FS1

BSM Staff
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Mark Schlereth Speaks Following ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation at FS1

With FOX Sports pulling the plug on three of its weekday programs on FS1 yesterday, reaction is beginning to trickle out from those involved in the decisions made by FOX Sports. While details on who will go and who will stay remain unclear, former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth shared his reaction to the news following the cancellation of his show, Breakfast Ball.

Although Schlereth was sad to see the cancellation of the program, he remained upbeat about the opportunity.

“They cancelled our show Breakfast Ball yesterday. Listen man, life is good. All is good,” said Schlereth. “I got an opportunity to do something that I didn’t know I’d ever get to do. I’m so grateful to all the people at FOX. Danny Parkins and Craig Carton have become lifelong friends. What an unbelievable ten months.”

On Monday, FOX Sports officially pulled the plug on The Facility, Speak, and Breakfast Ball as part of a major shakeup to its FS1 weekday lineup. As a result, the network will retain The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First, while pivoting away from shows that struggled to generate consistent viewership since launching in August and September of last year.

Schlereth, who is also part of a morning show on sports radio station 104.3 The Fan in Denver, was the lead host on Breakfast Ball alongside Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.

“To Carton my partner. To Danny Parkins, my partner. Thank you guys so much,” said Schlereth. “Sorry we couldn’t make it work out.”

Mark added that it’s unsettling having an apartment in New York City and a house on the market in Denver but he’s hopeful that everything works itself out.

The FS1 shakeup comes less than a year after network executives, under the guidance of then-EVP Charlie Dixon, reshaped the daily lineup to appeal to younger and more digitally engaged viewers. Consequently, this swift course correction highlights the volatility of sports television programming in an evolving media landscape.

Schlereth joined FOX Sports in 2017 after 16 years at ESPN following a 12-year career in the NFL. While serving as a game analyst on NFL on FOX broadcasts, Schlereth also hosted a weekday radio program on Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan alongside co-host Mike Evans. Additionally, the former NFL lineman told Barrett Media he struggled with the role of the lead host for some time when the show was constructed in August of last year.

Despite the cancellation, Schlereth has maintained a positive outlook moving forward.

“Life marches on, sometimes you get punched in the gut,” said Schlereth. “It’s all good.”

In closing, Schlereth expressed gratitude to those who reached out following the news, regardless of their tone.

“To everybody who watched on FS1, who supported me and reached out to me, thank you so much. I appreciate it. For all the people who celebrated me getting fired and our show ending, I thank you guys too,” shared Schlereth. “One thing I’ve learned in this business. You want 50% of the people to love you, and 50% of the people to hate you. As long as you’ve got that ratio, things are good. You’re doing your job.”

As for his future with FOX Sports, Schlereth said he expects to continue calling games on FOX TV for the NFL, though he isn’t quite certain of that just yet.

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.

Fox News Strikes Licensing Deal with ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

BNM Staff
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Fox News Strikes Licensing Deal with ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

For the first time, Fox News is licensing a podcast, as it has struck a new deal with the Ruthless podcast.

The podcast features hosts  Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook and Shashank Tripathi, who will all join Fox News as contributors.

“We are thrilled to take Ruthless to the next level through this strategic partnership,” a joint statement from the hosts said. “There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”

The Ruthless podcast has grown to be one of the top programs in the space, especially in the younger male demographic in recent years.

Fox News has expanded its New Media division to feature opinion and non-news podcast programs, with an eye on featuring greater investment in the space in the future. As part of the expansion, the network has revealed that Fox News Digital President Porter Berry will oversee the new division, which will also include the network’s social media suite.

“The FOX News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the Ruthless deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said.

“We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for,” she continued. “Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening FOX News Digital.”

The addition of the Ruthless podcast comes after FOX Corp., the parent company of Fox News, acquired digital entity Red Seat Ventures earlier this year.

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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