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Donna and Steve Are Providing a Different Type of Radio Syndication

Mike Stern
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Donna and Steve Are Providing a Different Type of Radio Syndication

It might be hard for Barrett Media readers who follow non-music radio to imagine a talk show being syndicated to music radio stations. Most talk radio stations are politically focused. Even if they aren’t discussing partisan politics, they are very news driven and talking about subjects that the majority of music radio stations actively avoid.

There is however an exception to every rule. Hubbard Radio’s myTalk 107.1 in Minneapolis is different. The station has an entire schedule filled with talk shows that aren’t talking about politics. Instead, they are focused on lifestyle and entertainment news. Generating 12 hours of original programming each day led to a larger discussion. What else could be done with all that material?

The Program Director of myTalk 107.1, Amy Daniels, explains, “We were trying to figure out how to better use and distribute the 12 hours-a-day of fresh, entertaining, and original content that myTalk produces. We were podcasting it, but there had to be more options than just local radio broadcast and podcast.”

The team had a meeting to discuss ideas. One had been on Daniels’ mind for more than a year, syndication.

Leaping Into Radio Syndication

Once they found a partner in Skyview Networks, they launched a weekend version of the Donna and Steve show. The program airs weekdays from 9am to noon, tailored for music radio stations. With an initial list of about 12 affiliates, they started the process of learning how to take the content and make it work for a completely different format. “We were cutting the talk segments down from 10-12 minutes to between 30 and 90 seconds,” Daniels explains.

That much editing wasn’t an easy task. It got exponentially more complicated too when Patti Marshall, Managing Director of Branding and Content for Hubbard Cincinnati and Julie Evans, Program Director of Mix 94-9, approached them about creating a daily version of the show.

“At the time we had one and a half people. We had to listen to each show, harvest the raw audio clips, edit them down to time, upload and administer the show. Now it was going to go from sixteen to ninety-six required segments a week,” says Daniels.

It was a tall order, but they made it work and eventually hired Grant Wenkstern as full-time Executive Producer. Now they’ve built out processes and a workflow that enables them to deliver fresh, relevant pop culture segments to music-based affiliates six days a week.

The mechanics are interesting but, throughout the history of syndication, the content must be great for the project to work. Host Donna Valentine says the show plays an important role in listener’s lives, providing the opposite of most talk radio shows. “We are here as an escape from hard news, politics, sports, and religion. Our content is mostly light and non-political. If we ever go against those expectations, we will get emails from listeners slapping our hands.”

Co-Host Steve Patterson takes that one step further. He points out a key difference between their show and most other talk-based products. “I think sometimes political talk radio shows feature a lot of disagreement that ends up dividing people. Whereas our pop culture, lifestyle-based show features a lot of differing opinions and light-hearted disagreements but in a way that is relatable, humorous, and brings people together.”

The Benefits of Expansion

Often when shows go into syndication the content and vibe can change causing problems. In this case, both Daniels and Valentine feel the content needed for syndication has improved the original show.

“We are more focused and better at not getting off topic,” Valentine says. “We are aware of the need to keep things clean because the stories we discuss need to be on the shorter side for music stations.”

Ironically, Daniels also says the content has improved but for almost the opposite reason. “Patti Marshall and Julie Evans wanted segments that showed off Donna and Steve’s chemistry and personalities.” That required the segments running a little longer than they had for the original weekend show. “The only advantage any of us have over AI is to be authentic, entertaining, and human. Donna & Steve are all of that, but they needed more time to highlight those qualities in each segment.”

At the receiving end in Cincinnati, Marshall says the show sold itself. “Donna & Steve have such an authentic chemistry, warmth, and relatability. They sound like real friends having real conversations that are funny and emotionally intelligent without trying too hard. It felt like a show that could live inside our brand naturally.”

It’s early but so far, according to Evans, the response has been great. “Listener feedback has been really positive. People mention how genuinely funny they are and how the show has become part of their daily routine.”

Evans says they have been working hard to integrate the show into the Mix brand. “We integrate Donna and Steve into our on-air imaging, promos, website, and contesting so listeners feel like they’re truly part of the Mix 94.9 family, not ‘outsiders,’” she says. “We also make a point to feed them local stories, events, and contest information so they can play off Cincinnati-specific content on air.”

Patterson says they still talk about local Minneapolis stories in specific show segments that don’t go out to affiliates. But that localism is also about connection. “Our highest priority is delivering content that feels relatable and connects with listeners, no matter where they are. When listeners connect with the hosts they’re listening to, they feel close to them. Connection supersedes location ten times out of ten.”

Looking to the Future

Daniels succinctly sums up the team’s future goals as, “World domination.” More specifically she says the plan is to get the show in front of as many stations as possible. “We think they’ll agree that there’s not enough time or money in the world to replicate what these two deliver every single day. It’s important to thank Skyview Networks, Hubbard EVP of Programming and Audience Development Greg Strassell, and the team at Mix 94.9 in Cincinnati for their patience and faith in us.”

She adds that myTalk 107.1 is in a unique position. It can help with one of radio’s biggest issues, stations that lack compelling content. “In radio we’re all looking for talent but not looking to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop and manage it.”

Daniels added, “myTalk 107.1 is the only pop culture and entertainment talk radio station in America. We have three other shows that are also primed to deliver listeners for music radio. In an environment where we are all doing more with less, we can provide the humor, authenticity, smarts, and lovability that stations need to stand out, and it can all be done for barter.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

9 Creative Email Sign-Offs That Add Personality to Professional Emails

Bob Lawrence
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9 Creative Email Sign-Offs That Add Personality to Professional Emails

You and I have been signing off on emails in the same-old traditional ways we used when snail mailing letters or writing memos on a typewriter for over 30 years now. For younger folks, a typewriter was a machine we old fogies used and put your paper in manually to type a letter without a computer or smart device.

I still sign mine in a few traditional ways. They include, “Thanks much, Sincerely, Best regards, Best, or Warmest regards”. It’s taken me decades to see it as an overlooked piece of business real estate. We spend a lot of time and paragraphs trying to sound smart, professional, helpful, or at least competent. But then we slap on something as mundane and meaningless as, “Regards” like we’re all starring in a 1997 office drama.

As the world has changed, it dawned on me that this line of a correspondence hasn’t progressed at all. We all watched working remotely blur the lines between professional and personal with digital communication. Now more conversational than ever, and best of all, people seem to appreciate a little spark of personality. Lord knows many people could use as much help as possible.

Let me be the first to welcome you to this millennium’s era of the “creative email sign-off.”

What’s unique about these signoffs are that they attempt to be somewhat humorous or light-hearted and for the record, these won’t work for every situation. Nor do I take responsibility for the other party’s response. It’s best to try them on friends first!

For example, you probably don’t want to close an HR complaint (or any email to HR) with “Stay spicy.” But for everyday messages, team chats, or any interaction where you already have established some sort of relationship, a playful sign-off can turn a forgettable email into more of a connection. So, without delay, here are some new, entertaining options that people are increasingly using and why they may work well.

The Top 9

Sending productivity vibes – This could be perfect when you’re emailing colleagues or trying to motivate your team. While tongue-in-cheek, it’s still positive. Plus, as a manager I would hope everyone needs some extra productivity vibes.

May your inbox be light – A reference to “The Hunger Games,” this is an amusing blessing of sorts for anyone who understands the pain we all have on Monday mornings. It’s relatable, universal, and just dumb enough to earn a smile.

Off to refill my coffee… wish me luck – This one highlights your personality without going off the deep end. It’s perfect for someone like me who understands the daily caffeine struggle. (5 cups a day here!)
“Proceeding with questionable confidence.” Great for friendly teams and those with whom you have a great relationship. It helps lighten the mood when you’re working through horrible tasks together. I probably wouldn’t send this to your boss.

Trying my best, as always – Dry humor at its finest. This may work well with colleagues who enjoy a little self-deprecation. I recommend using this one sparingly. The reply I would send back would be very Yoda-ish… “Do or do not, there is no try.”

P.S. If there’s a typo, let’s pretend it’s a feature – For those times when you’re barreling through way too much stuff on your list and typing way too fast for your own good. This gives you room to be human without sacrificing professionalism. I do remember these on smartphone emails a lot.

May your Wi-Fi never buffer – Here’s a modern-day offering for a modern-day problem, although as the world shifts to fiberoptics, we have fewer issues with this. It’s still good for teams who work remotely and have crumby internet service providers.

Signing off before I say something I’ll have to explain later – I love this. It highlights personality and is one of the most playful but isn’t too risky. That said, I would avoid using it with someone you don’t get along with as it can be taken the wrong way, so use sparingly!

Bravely clicking ‘Send’ – A perfect closer for complicated emails, or anything you’ve spent a lot of time writing. We have all hit “send” too soon on an email and know the sinking feeling after reading it again and finding errors, but it’s already gone! Thanks goodness iPhone has a delay feature that prevents sending immediately after hitting send. Mine is set to 3-weeks!

Catch you on the other side of this inbox – A fun, cute sign-off that notes what we all experience with communication in today’s world. It feels like a little wink without the emoji, don’t you think?

What I like about creative email signoffs is that they inject some humanity into a form of communicating that often feels cold and automated. It takes the AI of the equation and inserts more of YOU. I remember messages that make me laugh, or at least smile. I believe that a humorous, fun signoff ends your email by adding personality to your professional identity.

As we get set to launch 2026, let’s make a resolution to ditch “Sincerely,” or “Best,” and step up our digital signature game. Maybe we should try this first in text messages. Do pick your moments wisely. Maybe save “Stay perfect” for the coworkers who truly get you.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Curtis Sliwa Speaks Out on WABC, John Catsimatidis’ Role in 2025 Mayoral Race

BNM Staff
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Curtis Sliwa Speaks Out on WABC, John Catsimatidis’ Role in 2025 Mayoral Race

Former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa expressed frustration over the role WABC and Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis he felt played in his 2025 campaign, claiming they pressured him to drop out and misrepresented his affiliation with the station.

Speaking while filling in on The Mark Simone Show on 710 WOR, Sliwa reflected on his experiences running for mayor in both 2021 and 2025, emphasizing a lack of support from WABC and its leadership.

“Going into this election cycle, early on I made it very clear that I would seek the Republican nomination, a run for mayor again, as I did in 2021. By the way, with no help from WABC back then, none,” Sliwa said. “People should know that the orders came from management and ownership that you were not to talk about Curtis Sliwa when he was running for mayor. In fact, you were not to interview Curtis Sliwa back in 2021. There was a big sign in the newsroom. Let’s just say there was no excuse for that.”

Sliwa also criticized Catsimatidis for publicly supporting rival candidates while privately giving the impression he backed Sliwa.

“I wasn’t supported by anybody there at WABC running for mayor. Although they weren’t insulting, they weren’t personally attacking me, the owner and operator, John Catsimatidis was supporting Eric Adams. Everyone was under the impression that he was supporting me because he would say, ‘Oh, we’re family here,’” Sliwa said.

According to Sliwa, pressure escalated earlier this year when former Governor Andrew Cuomo considered dropping out of the mayoral race.

“Boy, did they ratchet it up. The Masters of the Universe, the billionaires, John Catsimatidis, owner and operator, who was the maestro of the orchestra that was constantly banging a drum that Curtis Sliwa had to drop out. Had to drop out for the good of the city,” Sliwa said. “I remember he was saying, ‘Oh, I’m gonna leave. I’m gonna sell my businesses. I’m down in Florida.’ The moment Zohran Mamdani was announced the winner on November 4, all of a sudden he was saying, ‘Oh, we got to work with the mayor, oh, for the good of the city.’”

Sliwa singled out WABC host Greg Kelly for publicly advocating for other candidates during the primary as ordered by station management.

“During the primary, the Democratic primary, he was actually advocating to his listeners that they support Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. Yeah, him. And then in the end, through the directions of John Catsimatidis, the owners and operators and managers at WABC, he spoke the party line,” Sliwa said.

Finally, Sliwa addressed what he called a misperception that he remained tied to WABC while campaigning.

“First and foremost, the image that went out during the campaign is that I was an employee of WABC. I was on leave from WABC. I was part of the dysfunctional family. No. When you leave to run for office, you’re gone. You don’t get pay, you don’t get benefits, you don’t get anything. You’re no longer an employee of WABC, but they created that impression, like somehow John Catsimatidis was still pulling my strings that he could command me to drop out. Hey, how did that work out?”

The comments are Sliwa’s first comments since the public falling out with Red Apple Media Owner John Catsimatidis during his New York City mayoral run.

Catsimatidis says he “recommended” that Sliwa exit the race to lead more voters to independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in favor of now-Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani. Sliwa accused WABC of favoring Cuomo and betraying him and told Sid Rosenberg on-air, “You will never see me ever in the studios of WABC again, never, no matter how this election turns out.”

While Catsimatidis expressed his belief that Sliwa would come back to WABC after the election, Sliwa has yet to appear on the airwaves as of yet. Sliwa’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions between political candidates and the media outlets they once worked for, raising questions about impartiality, influence, and the blurred lines between journalism and corporate ownership in New York City politics.

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.

Kevin “KFC” Clancy Says Podcasts Are Now Video First, Dismisses Criticism of Barstool Sports Deal With Netflix

BSM Staff
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Kevin “KFC” Clancy Says Podcasts Are Now Video First, Dismisses Criticism of Barstool Sports Deal With Netflix

Kevin “KFC” Clancy addressed the company’s recent partnership with Netflix on the final episode of KFC Radio, discussing the platform’s exclusive video distribution of select podcasts and the move away from YouTube.

Last week, the streaming giant announced a multi-year partnership with Barstool Sports that will bring video versions of three of the brand’s biggest podcasts — Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast, and Spittin’ Chiclets — exclusively to Netflix beginning in early 2026

The move to Netflix has sparked some backlash among Barstool Sports fans, particularly regarding paywall concerns. Clancy responded candidly, noting the broad accessibility of the streaming service. “People are like, it’s behind a paywall. It’s not, bro. If you do not have Netflix in America in the year of our Lord 2025, you’re not like a human,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a very small group of people who are in unfortunate economic circumstances, and I’m not talking about that. I’m sure there’s people who can’t afford the $9.99 a month, and those people can be mad.”

Clancy addressed the recent decision to make the wildly popular Pardon My Take podcast available on Netflix, a move that effectively ends its free YouTube distribution. He emphasized that, despite the video-centric approach, the core audio experience remains intact.

“This is an audio product that you do listen to in the car. Then the video was sort of like a bonus behind the scenes. Oh, I can just put a face to the name, and I can see how they operate and all that sort of s**t. Now, I think it needs to be like a visual show, clips and video pictures and all that. But if, at its heart, you can enjoy Pardon My Take as it was intended to be created, and pretty much at its fullest extent on audio for free.”

Clancy framed the shift as part of a broader evolution in podcasting itself. “We have evolved, and I think new content should be video first. Now, I think video first. And certainly going forward, if you’re starting something, you need to make a video product,” he said. “It’s almost become the opposite. Make a video product, strip the audio, put it on Apple and Spotify. It’s almost going to lose some of its luster because you’re referencing things that need to be visual. But you can go listen if you’re in the car.”

The transition reflects a growing industry trend where major podcasts embrace video-first production and exclusive streaming deals. Clancy’s remarks suggest Barstool sees long-term value in creating shows that work visually. Also while preserving their audio appeal for traditional listeners. For Barstool, the Netflix partnership is not just about distribution—it’s a strategic move aimed at expanding the audience and redefining how fans engage with its content. While also securing business for future growth.

KFC Radio is not the only Barstool branded program coming to an end. Last month, Kirk Minihane also announced the immediate end of the Kirk Minihane Show on the platform. That decision came just a week after Minihane revealed an indefinite leave of absence, citing personal struggles.

Both Clancy and KFC Radio co-host John Feitelberg have other projects in the works for beginning in 2026.

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NBC Sports Names SportsDesk Reporters for Upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports Names SportsDesk Reporters for Upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games

NBC Sports has announced its SportsDesk reporters for the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Cortina, and Livigno, led by veteran journalist and commentator Mary Carillo, marking her 14th NBC Olympics assignment and 17th overall.

Carillo will be based in Milan, which hosts figure skating, speed skating, short track, and ice hockey events. She will be joined by NBC News chief White House correspondent and “Weekend TODAY” co-anchor Peter Alexander. Also joining are two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech, Olympic figure skating bronze medalist Adam Rippon, and NBC News correspondent Anne Thompson.

Reporting from Livigno, home to freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions, will be NBC News correspondent Sam Brock.Meanwhile, NBC News NOW anchors Gadi Schwartz and Savannah Sellers will cover Cortina. Alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, skeleton, and luge competitions are scheduled there. The Opening Ceremony is set for Feb. 6, 2026, on NBC and Peacock.

The SportsDesk team will cover events across multiple venues throughout northern Italy and contribute to features across NBCUniversal’s platforms. This coverage coincides with Italy hosting the Winter Olympics in Cortina for the second time. Overall, Italy has hosted four Winter Games: Rome (1960), Turin (2006), and Cortina (1956).

Alexander, reporting from Milan, is on his fifth Olympic assignment, having covered Beijing (2008, 2022), Vancouver (2010), and Rio (2016). A Walter Cronkite Award recipient, he celebrated 20 years at NBC News in 2024.

Sam Brock returns for his third Olympics assignment. A national correspondent based in New York, Brock has been with NBCUniversal since 2012 and won an Emmy for his work in local news.

Carillo brings decades of Olympic experience. She hosted the 2010 Vancouver and 2008 Beijing Games. She also called tennis gold medal matches and produced a 20-year figure skating retrospective at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Recently, she was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the Contributor category.

Ezra Frech, making his NBC Olympics debut, will become the first Paralympian to serve as a Winter Games commentator for NBC. Frech won two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and continues his track and field career at USC.

Adam Rippon returns for his third Olympics assignment with NBC, having previously contributed at the 2024 Paris and 2020 Tokyo Games. Rippon won bronze in figure skating at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

Cortina reporters Schwartz and Sellers bring extensive experience across NBC News platforms. Schwartz is covering his fourth Olympics, while Sellers is covering her second. Anne Thompson, a seven-time Emmy winner, completes the Milan team with her seventh Olympics assignment.

NBCUniversal, which holds U.S. media rights through 2036, will broadcast the Winter Games on NBC and Peacock, with the Paralympics scheduled for March 6-15, 2026.

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.

BetMGM Network Host Femi Abebefe Departs ‘You Better You Bet’ as Show Transitions to Westwood One Sports

BSM Staff
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BetMGM Network Host Femi Abebefe Departs ‘You Better You Bet’ as Show Transitions to Westwood One Sports

Femi Abebefe, co-host of the BetMGM Network’s popular sports betting program You Better You Bet, announced his departure from the show during his final episode Wednesday, confirming he will not join co-host Nick Kostos on the program’s upcoming move to Westwood One Sports next week.

In an on-air statement, Abebefe acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, describing it as beyond his control.

“It’s not my decision to be honest and to be frank, like it’s disappointing, it sucks. I’m gonna be completely honest about that, but that’s the business that we’re in,” he said. “A lot of people would love to do what Nick [Kostos] and I do. To hang out with your friends and talk about sports for a living. It’s the greatest job, in my opinion. I absolutely love it, but this is one of the downsides of that job. I leave with no ill will towards anyone.”

Abebefe, who joined You Better You Bet in 2024, reflected on his 16-month tenure with gratitude, emphasizing the unique experience the show provided.

“I love what this show was all about, and doing this for the last 16 months. Although I wish it was for much, much longer than that, has been a real treat for me in my career, and I really do appreciate that,” he said.

The announcement comes as Westwood One Sports prepares to relaunch You Better You Bet with Kostos leading the program on its new network. In October, Audacy and Cumulus Media announced the merger of Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network as extension to the partnership between Audacy and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the sole distributor of both Audacy owned networks.

The host also expressed appreciation for the program’s audience, highlighting the competitive media landscape and the time listeners spent with the show.

“There’s so many options that you guys have out there. Whether it’s sports betting, content, traditional sports media, like other things, news, politics, whatever. We have so many options that we can choose to entertain us in 2025—now we’re about to be 2026—the fact that you guys spend, even if it’s 15 minutes or if it’s for the entire show, like I really am appreciative of that, and for everyone welcoming me in,” Abebefe said.

While he will not be part of the Westwood One relaunch, his tenure on the show is still remembered. He was known for engaging analysis, camaraderie with Kostos, and a strong connection with listeners navigating the expanding sports betting industry.

No further details were provided about Abebefe’s next professional endeavors. His comments suggested he remains appreciative of the experience. He also appears open to future opportunities.

The new Westwood One Sports weekday schedule is as follows beginning December 29:

  • 6am – 9am: Drake C. Toll
  • 9am – Noon: You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos
  • Noon – 3pm: Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla
  • 3pm – 6pm: The Jim Rome Show
  • 6pm – 11pm: BetMGM Tonight with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle
  • 11pm – 3am: WWO Sports Tonight — Lynnell Willingham (Mon-Wed), Josh Graham (Wed-Fri)

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Ebro Darden: I Wouldn’t Do What Charlamagne tha God, Stephen A. Smith Have Done To Get Big Deals

BMM Staff
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Ebro Darden: I Wouldn’t Do What Charlamagne tha God, Stephen A. Smith Have Done To Get Big Deals

Former Hot 97 morning show host Ebro Darden is once again drawing a clear line between financial opportunity and personal principle. During a recent episode of “The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show” on YouTube, Darden addressed the topic of high-profile media contracts and why he has never pursued — or accepted — deals similar to those signed by some of the industry’s biggest names.

In doing so, he cited recent agreements involving Charlamagne tha God and ESPN star Stephen A. Smith as examples of paths he has consciously chosen not to take.

Darden was direct in explaining his stance, acknowledging that major paydays often come with expectations he is unwilling to meet.

“Listen, there were things that Charlamagne was willing to do that I would have never done. Never,” Darden said. “That’s how you get to those big bags. It’s the same with Stephen A. Smith, though. When Disney wants to give you money like that, you got to do a dance I ain’t willing to do.”

Charlamagne tha God recently secured a long-term extension with iHeartMedia that further solidified his role as one of the most influential voices in audio and digital media. Meanwhile, Smith’s blockbuster contract with ESPN reinforced his position as the network’s top personality and one of the highest-paid figures in sports media.

Both deals were widely celebrated as examples of personal brands translating into enormous corporate value.

However, Darden framed those agreements less as aspirations and more as cautionary tales for creators who value autonomy. He made clear that his comments were not meant as criticism of Charlamagne or Smith, but rather as an explanation of why his career trajectory has differed from theirs.

Throughout his career, Darden has built a reputation for blunt honesty and cultural commentary that often challenges institutional norms. From his time leading Hot 97’s morning show to his broader work across music, media and digital platforms, he has consistently emphasized independence over corporate alignment.

Ebro in the Morning ended on Hot 97 earlier this month. The morning show began in 2012. Darden returned to mornings after previously working the timeslot from 2004 to 2007. Rosenberg has been with the station since 2007. He also hosts afternoons on ESPN New York alongside Don La Greca and Alan Hahn. Laura Style, who also works for SiriusXM, joined the show in 2013.

The departure of the morning show is the latest in a long line of changes happening at HOT 97.

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Connoisseur Media Names Rod Day New Market Manager for Alaska Operations

BNM Staff
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Connoisseur Media Names Rod Day New Market Manager for Alaska Operations

Connoisseur Media has named Rod Day as Market Manager for its Alaska operations, tapping a familiar and experienced executive to oversee the company’s Anchorage-based properties.

Day assumes the role effective immediately, returning to a market where he previously held several senior leadership positions and built a long track record of operational and revenue growth. The appointment reflects Connoisseur Media’s continued focus on strengthening leadership across its regional clusters while positioning its stations for long-term performance.

Day’s familiarity with both the Alaska market and the evolving media landscape made him an attractive fit for Connoisseur Media as it looks to expand collaboration and maximize growth opportunities across platforms.

“I’m truly thrilled to be joining the Connoisseur Media team and working alongside leaders who have such a clear vision for our business,” Day said in a statement. “It’s also incredibly exciting to return to a market I love, one that I believe has endless potential. I can’t wait to get to know each member of the Anchorage team and work together to achieve not only their personal goals, but the goals we have for the entire team.”

With more than two decades of experience in audio, broadcast television, and digital media, Day brings a diverse background that includes roles as founder and CEO, multi-market General Manager, and senior executive overseeing major ABC, FOX, and CW affiliates in Alaska. Throughout his career, he has been credited with driving sustained revenue gains, increasing market share, and implementing sales strategies designed to adapt to changing media consumption habits.

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw praised Day’s leadership style and market knowledge, pointing to his experience building teams and improving performance across multiple media formats.

“Rod is exactly the kind of leader we want guiding our Alaska operations,” Warshaw said. “His passion for the Anchorage market, experience in broadcast and digital platforms, combined with his ability to build strong teams and elevate performance, makes him an outstanding fit. We are excited for the energy, vision, and expertise he will bring to our Alaska properties.”

As Market Manager, Day will oversee day-to-day operations, sales performance, and strategic initiatives for Connoisseur Media’s Alaska properties, with a focus on strengthening relationships with advertisers, listeners, and the Anchorage community.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Pulled ‘60 Minutes’ CECOT Story Accidently Streams on Canadian TV App, CBS News Turmoil Continues

BNM Staff
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Pulled ‘60 Minutes’ CECOT Story Accidently Streams on Canadian TV App, CBS News Turmoil Continues

A pulled 60 Minutes segment examining the treatment of detainees deported from the United States to El Salvador surfaced online this week after a technical error by a Canadian broadcaster, intensifying internal and external scrutiny of CBS News leadership.

The nearly 14-minute report, removed from the CBS broadcast schedule just hours before it was set to air Sunday, appeared briefly on Global News’ streaming app in Canada. While both CBS and Global News aired the episode on television without the segment, the Canadian network mistakenly uploaded the wrong version to its app. That allowed viewers to access the unaired report before it was quickly removed.

Clips from the segment soon circulated widely on social media.

The report focused on detainees transferred to El Salvador’s Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, known as CECOT. The high-security prison has drawn international criticism. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi interviewed Luis Munoz Pinto, a Venezuelan college student. He said he was deported despite having no criminal record. Pinto spent six months in U.S. immigration detention while awaiting an asylum decision.

In the interview on 60 Minutes, Pinto described severe physical abuse by prison guards. He alleged that he was beaten, slammed against walls and suffered a broken tooth while detained. He also recounted scenes of overcrowding and illness inside the facility, describing blood, screams and detainees becoming physically ill under extreme conditions.

CBS News has not publicly commented on the leak or the circumstances surrounding the segment’s removal.

Sara Fischer at Axios reported Monday that the 60 Minutes team reached out to press officials at the White House, State Department and DHS. All provided on the record comments to CBS News journalists’ for the story. However, none of their comments made air.

CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss told staffers on Monday the 60 Minutes piece was pulled because it “wasn’t ready.” According to reporting by The New York Times though, Weiss requested multiple changes and pushed for the inclusion of an interview with Stephen Miller or another senior Trump administration official. Weiss reportedly argued that much of the reporting had already appeared elsewhere and needed further development.

Alfonsi disputed that assessment in a leaked email to colleagues, stating the story had passed extensive editorial review. She wrote that the segment had been screened multiple times and approved by both CBS attorneys and Standards and Practices. Pulling it at the last minute, she said, was “not an editorial decision” but a political one.

Internally at CBS, the decision has sparked tension. Across social media and the media industry, reactions are mixed as well.

An internal email from correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi said Weiss was handing President Donald Trump a “kill switch” for any reporting deemed inconvenient. Defenders of Weiss argue that she should be able to demand more reporting on stories in her role if content is lacking new information or viewpoints from both sides.

The leaked segment has reignited questions about independence, decision-making and transparency at CBS News, seen as one of television journalism’s most storied outlets.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Is It Fair for the Radio Goodbye To Become the Only Memory for Your Next Manager?

John Mamola
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Is It Fair for the Radio Goodbye To Become the Only Memory for Your Next Manager?

Saying goodbye is the toughest thing to do in your career. It’s not easy, and there’s no way to truly prepare for it, whether the decision is made by yourself or by someone else. Emotions pour out because radio is a passion-fueled career choice. No one gets on the radio just to pay the rent. There’s love for the format, passion for the industry, and connections that matter through the medium.

I’ve been on the goodbye side twice in my over twenty years in sports radio—once by choice, the other not. Reading Jason Barrett’s column on Monday about how you say goodbye matters more than you know was correct. It was a reminder that words matter, people are always watching, and how you navigate change shows how you handle the utmost pressure situations.

However, there was one passage I didn’t agree with that JB pointed out. Barrett said that talent are sometimes so focused on their show that they don’t look at the full scope of the business. I ask you, is it fair for managers, who hold the keys to a potential next step, to always hold all talent to that level of expectation in the moment? Which is often the most vulnerable of times.

When news came out about the consolidation of the Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network into the new Westwood One Sports network, people were on edge. Two networks full of talented people, both on air and behind the scenes, were all looking over their shoulders, wondering what would happen next.

Radio Is an Emotional Business

I’ve been in those buildings—it’s not fun. Worries about the future, a shrinking job market, and financial and career implications all compounded, especially with the holidays approaching. From an outsider’s perspective, the formation of the Westwood One Sports network seemed rushed and hastily assembled to meet the December 29 launch date.

It was bitter for many involved, and not everyone took it well in their goodbyes.

Several BetMGM Network talents said they felt blindsided by the news on their own programs and spent weeks promoting their own platforms for listeners to follow after their departures. Zach Gelb delved into his back-and-forth with what he understood his future to be with the new network. Many other talents affected by the news found no solace in the decisions made and were never criticized for how they handled their goodbye messaging.

Should they also have been more focused on the full scope of the business?

Do I believe Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata were thinking about the full scope of the business in their final moments on WFAN? Do I believe Doug Gottlieb was considering his potential future during his last segment? I don’t think any talent, in those final moments of scheduled airtime, is focused on how their words could elevate or damage their future in the industry.

Yet former Infinity Sports Network host Bart Winkler was referenced as taking a bridge too far with his closing remarks. I watched Bart’s final segment the morning after it aired.

Did he say that the listeners of the Infinity Sports Network were an afterthought? Was there questioning of the need for a new network? Did Winkler say radio will die if the people in charge continue to make decisions based on how to do things cheaper and more efficiently?

The answer is yes to every single one of those questions.

However, to hold Winkler (or any other talent) to account for those comments is a little unfair, in my opinion. Before Winkler said those things, he spent time talking about how the audience saw him as genuine, which he considered as the ultimate compliment. Personality and honesty with the audience mean more than any box score or feature interview on a program. He thanked his management team, affiliates, and the overwhelming listening audience for allowing him the opportunity to just be himself.

Winkler closed by saying, “I don’t know what’s next for me. But I know that whatever’s next is because I am me. I got here because I’m me. That is my last wish for everyone. Be you. Don’t be fake, be genuine. I never regret anything about anything because I did it as me.”

Isn’t that what the audience demands of talent? Do managers want personalities who aren’t living their lives through the programming they provide? Would it have been more accepted if those comments had been on a podcast instead of the network itself?

Jason Barrett is right: it’s about the next opportunity. While he received a number of texts from decision makers about the comments, there was a lot of talent online complimenting Winkler for them—former teammates, sports media talents, and personalities alike. Winkler won’t be applying for jobs with those who shared their support online, but his comments also shouldn’t be a dead stop on his career.

Words Shouldn’t Always Have Consequences

Saying goodbye is never something any talent truly prepares for. Each talent chooses a different way to send off their listeners in those final moments. Some choose gratitude, and others choose bitterness. In the end, I can feel empathy for a talent who chooses either. It’s their decision, and one they choose to live with.

Can others? I would never expect every single manager to feel the way this former manager feels about Winkler’s closing chapter. We are all different, but we must answer for how we react. I chose to remain quiet, thankful, and reflective. Others took the route I did, others did not. They still found work in the industry, and I did as well.

In the end, the hard part is now over. The goodbyes are done, and the emotions of the moment are past tense.

The burden carried by every talent who didn’t continue with the new Westwood One Sports network is now off their shoulders. Working for months knowing your future was likely coming to an end should be commended and celebrated. That’s loyalty for the industry. It shows the passion those who didn’t make the cut continue to have for this industry.

That should be the lasting memory of the last moments of those from the Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network.

At the end of the day, saying goodbye isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about honoring the craft, the audience, and the passion that brought you here in the first place. There’s no single “right” way to do it, and there shouldn’t be.

What matters most is authenticity, gratitude, and the courage to face change head-on. The chapters may close, but the dedication, talent, and resilience of those who’ve left will continue to echo in the industry long after the final sign-off.

That, more than anything else, is the legacy worth remembering.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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