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NAB Opens Crystal Radio Award Entry Window

Garrett Searight
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NAB Opens Crystal Radio Award Entry Window

The NAB has opened nominations for its annual Crystal Radio Awards, recognizing radio stations for outstanding community service.
Stations can submit their nominations through October 31st, with 10 winners to be announced next March.

What We Know: The NAB opened the nomination window Thursday morning for the Crystal Radio Awards. The awards recognize radio stations that demonstrate outstanding community service efforts during the past year. Stations have until October 31st to submit their nominations for consideration. The awards will be presented during a ceremony at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 2nd, 2027.

What They Said: “For decades, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have celebrated radio stations for their exceptional year-round commitment to serving their communities. A panel of judges representing the broadcast industry and community service organizations will review applications and select 50 finalists and 10 winners.” -National Association of Broadcasters

What’s At Stake: The Crystal Radio Awards give stations an opportunity to highlight the work they do in their local communities beyond their regular programming. Additionally, the recognition puts a spotlight on stations that have made community service a consistent part of their operations throughout the year. With 50 finalists selected from the nominations, stations will have an opportunity to receive national recognition before the 10 winners are announced.

What It Means: The Crystal Radio Awards is one of the most meaningful prizes a station can win. It highlights the best in commitment to local communities and charities. The 2027 awards will continue a decades-long tradition of highlighting radio’s role in serving local communities.

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.

Inside The NBA Adds Five More Scheduled Shows During 2026-207 NBA Regular Season

John Mamola
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Inside The NBA Adds Five More Scheduled Shows During 2026-207 NBA Regular Season

Inside the NBA is getting a bigger regular season role on ESPN and ABC. The TNT Sports-produced show will make 25 appearances during the 2026-27 season compared to the 20 announced at the beginning of last season.

What We Know: Ernie Johnson returns as host alongside Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The 25 dates mark a jump from the 20 regular season windows ESPN announced last season. Additionally, coverage opens October 21-22 and runs weekly through the season’s first four weeks. Meanwhile, NBA Tip-Off pregame coverage starts one hour before ESPN tipoffs and 30 minutes before ABC games.

What’s At Stake: ESPN has not stated officially that this will be the last year of the current makeup of the program. TNT Sports has also not officially confirmed either. Analyst Charles Barkley has said on multiple occasions that this will be the final year for both himself and Ernie Johnson on the program. If true, it will be interesting to see how the show is comprised if it continues.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not released the show’s postseason schedule yet. Instead, the network will announce those plans, including the conference finals and NBA Finals, later in the season. Notably, the new slate does not list ABC’s NBA Sunday Showcase, which Inside the NBA preceded sometimes last season.

What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN is leaning harder on its most popular studio asset in year two. Moreover, the show now anchors opening week, Christmas Day and seven NBA Saturday Primetime windows on ABC. As a result, Inside the NBA looks less like a guest and more like an ESPN fixture. Meanwhile, NBA Countdown and NBA Today, both hosted by Malika Andrews, remain part of the lineup.

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Matt Siegel Opens Up About His Kiss 108 Firing: I Had ‘a Personality Flaw’

Garrett Searight
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Matt Siegel Opens Up About His Kiss 108 Firing: I Had ‘a Personality Flaw’

Matt Siegel is opening up about the moment that ended his four-decade run at Kiss 108. The former Boston radio host now says he regrets how he handled the 2021 controversy.

What We Know: Siegel mocked Demi Lovato after the singer announced in 2021 that they were changing their pronouns. The comments ultimately led to Siegel’s firing from Kiss 108 after more than 40 years in Boston radio. Now, while appearing on The Boston Globe’s Say More podcast, Siegel discussed the incident and the events that followed. He explained that his program director warned him during a commercial break not to continue discussing the topic. However, Siegel said he pushed forward and rejected the warning. Looking back, he said he wishes he had handled the situation differently.

What They Said: “We go to a break. The phone rings, and it was my boss, the program director, who never called during the show. He was very laissez-faire about my work. Never called. He calls and he goes, ‘Don’t go there. Do not go there.’ Believe me, if I could have that to do over? Oh my God! I just went the other way. ‘Don’t tell me what to do. I know what I’m doing.’ And, obviously, I didn’t know what I was doing!

“Looking back on that moment, there’s no question it was just some kind of personality flaw. I made a bad choice. I got mad. All I had to do was say, ‘Ok, boss. I’ll talk about something else.’ You know how many times I’ve looked back on that day? Like a million. I had this thing in my head of ‘Don’t tell me what to do. I’m Matty in the Morning. Don’t tell me what to do.’ I’m an idiot.” -Matt Siegel

What Remains Unclear: Siegel’s comments don’t provide additional details about the internal decision to end his tenure at Kiss 108. Likewise, he didn’t identify how management handled the situation immediately afterward.

What It Means: Siegel’s latest comments mark a significant reflection on the incident that abruptly ended his Boston radio career. More than five years later, he has taken responsibility for ignoring his boss’s warning and said he has repeatedly revisited the decision. His remarks also provide additional context about what happened behind the scenes before his departure from Kiss 108.

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.

Grayson Williams Departs 93.3 WFLS for Role Outside of Radio

John Mamola
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0
Grayson Williams Departs 93.3 WFLS for Role Outside of Radio

Grayson Williams has exited the morning show at Connoisseur’s WFLS (99.3) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is leaving radio to become marketing aanager at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

What We Know: Williams joined WFLS in January 2024, co-hosting mornings alongside operations manager Ian Rambo. Before that, she worked as a sales assistant at SummitMedia in Richmond. Meanwhile, Rambo is hosting solo as he ramps up the search for her successor. Still, Williams will continue doing weekend and fill-in work at the station.

What They Said: Grayson Williams (via Facebook): “I love each and every single one of you. Thank you for letting me tell you all the details of my entire life and making me feel loved by SO many strangers that quickly became friends. I have no idea whose idea it was to give me the power of a microphone a few years ago but every second on the airwaves has been a blast. Massive thank you to WFLS and all the people who made it possible for me to live a 13 year old, Chick Fil A headset wearing, theater girl’s dream.”

What Remains Unclear: However, WFLS has not named a permanent co-host for Rambo. Additionally, the station has not shared a timeline for its search.

What It Means: Ultimately, WFLS loses a familiar morning voice after nearly three years. However, Williams lands at a major new regional employer. As a result, WFLS keeps a friendly link to the area’s newest major tourism draw.

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.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson Asked to Stay Following Paramount Skydance/WBD Merger

Garrett Searight
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CNN CEO Mark Thompson Asked to Stay Following Paramount Skydance/WBD Merger

CNN CEO Mark Thompson is expected to remain with the network after Paramount Skydance completes its Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
David Ellison has asked Thompson to stay as the companies prepare to combine their news operations.

What We Know: Paramount CEO David Ellison has asked Thompson to remain at CNN once the merger closes. Thompson currently serves as chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide and oversees the network’s global operations. The discussions haven’t produced a new agreement yet, but Ellison has reportedly expressed interest in keeping Thompson in charge. Meanwhile, Ellison has reportedly told CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss that she won’t have a role at CNN after the deal closes. The news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal‘s Joe Flint.

What’s At Stake: Thompson’s continued leadership could shape how CNN operates under Paramount Skydance ownership. Ellison has previously discussed combining aspects of CNN and CBS News, making the leadership structure important as the companies integrate. At the same time, the deal will bring CNN alongside CBS News within the same corporate structure.

What Remains Unclear: Thompson hasn’t finalized a new agreement with Ellison, leaving questions about how long he’ll remain and what authority he’ll have. The companies also haven’t publicly detailed how they’ll integrate CNN and CBS News. Furthermore, the final leadership structure could change as Paramount Skydance completes the merger.

What It Means: For now, Thompson appears positioned to remain CNN’s top executive despite the ownership change. However, the decision keeps the network’s future leadership structure in focus as Paramount Skydance prepares to take control of Warner Bros. Discovery.

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.

Nexstar Teams With DAZN On Bringing 15 Indiana Pacers Games To Local Television

John Mamola
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Nexstar Teams With DAZN On Bringing 15 Indiana Pacers Games To Local Television

Nexstar Media Group and DAZN are teaming up to air 15 Indiana Pacers games on local broadcast TV. Plus, each game will stream for free on DAZN.

What We Know: The simulcasts tip off October 23 against the Dallas Mavericks. WTTV (CBS) and WXIN (FOX) in Indianapolis lead the lineup, alongside WTVW (CW) in Evansville and WCIX (MyNet) in Champaign. Meanwhile, DAZN has built a local NBA network this offseason, adding the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Spurs and Grizzlies. Like the Pacers, the Spurs and Grizzlies will also have games on over-the-air TV.

What They Said: Matthew Rosenfeld, Executive Vice President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division: “We are thrilled to partner with DAZN to give Indiana Pacers fans more ways to watch and support their team. Serving local viewers is at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership combines the reach of local television with the convenience of streaming, making Pacers basketball accessible wherever and however fans choose to watch.”

Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group: “This partnership gives local fans of the Indiana Pacers greater choice and access, by making 15 of
the team’s games free-to-view. Together with Nexstar, we’re making it easier for more basketball fans to watch the Pacers live, while delivering a richer streaming experience on DAZN throughout the season.”

What Remains Unclear: Nexstar plans to add stations in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. However, the company has not named those stations yet. Instead, Nexstar says it will share more details in the coming weeks.

What It Means: For fans, the deal combines free local TV with a streaming-first model. Beyond the 15 free games, the rest of the season requires a paid DAZN subscription. Subscribers also get expanded pregame and postgame shows, highlights and original programming. Ultimately, DAZN is using broadcast partners like Nexstar to fill the gap left by the collapse of regional sports networks.

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.

Fox Business Sets New Lineup After Maria Bartiromo’s Departure

Garrett Searight
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Fox Business Sets New Lineup After Maria Bartiromo’s Departure

Fox Business is reshaping its weekday lineup following Maria Bartiromo’s departure last month. Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg, and Taylor Riggs will lead the network’s new morning show.

What We Know: Big Money in the Morning will replace Mornings with Maria beginning Monday, October 12th, airing from 6-9 AM ET. The program features Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg, Taylor Riggs, and Barron’s Josh Schafer. The Bottom Line, featuring McDowell and Brenberg, currently airs at 6 PM ET, but Fox Business will move those two hosts into morning drive.

Meanwhile, encore episodes of Larry Kudlow’s program will occupy the 6 PM ET hour. The Big Money Show, which airs from 12-2 PM ET, will also add a rotating group of co-hosts featuring Cheryl Casone, Marcus Lemonis, and Lou Basenese alongside Jackie DeAngelis. Additionally, Fox Business will launch Claman’s Power Players on Friday nights from 7-7:30 PM ET, with Liz Claman hosting.

What They Said: “We’re excited to bring viewers fresh programming from a seasoned team of journalists, offering expert insight and analysis on the forces shaping the economy and driving business news. FOX Business remains committed to delivering compelling business news, market analysis, and conversation throughout the day, and these changes will further strengthen our weekday lineup.” -Fox News Media President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace

What Remains Unclear: Fox Business hasn’t detailed whether the rotating co-host arrangement for The Big Money Show will become permanent or will be a temporary feature.

What It Means: The changes give Fox Business a new morning lineup while expanding the roles of several familiar network personalities. At the same time, the network is adding another original program with Claman’s Friday evening show.

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.

65% of Podcast Consumers Follow 3 or Fewer Shows, Sounds Profitable Data Says

Garrett Searight
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0
65% of Podcast Consumers Follow 3 or Fewer Shows, Sounds Profitable Data Says

Podcast consumers are following a limited number of shows while new listeners continue entering the medium. Sounds Profitable’s latest research also shows YouTube dominating podcast consumption.

What We Know: The findings come from the first part of Sounds Profitable’s The Podcast Landscape 2026, which focuses on core podcast metrics. The study surveyed 5,473 U.S. adults in August and found that 55% had consumed a podcast during the previous month. Among monthly podcast listeners, 24% regularly follow three shows, while 26% follow two and 15% follow only one. Combined, 65% of monthly listeners regularly follow three shows or fewer.

What The Numbers Show: Podcasting continues to attract new consumers, with 34% saying they began listening to podcasts less than one year ago. That figure increased from 28% in 2025. Meanwhile, YouTube remains the most widely used platform for podcast consumption, with 63% saying they used the service for podcasts during the past 12 months. Spotify followed at 33%, while Netflix reached 21% in its first year carrying podcasts. Apple Podcasts was used by 15% of podcast consumers.

What Remains Unclear: The data shows how many shows consumers regularly follow, but it doesn’t establish how frequently listeners consume each program.

What It Means: Podcasting continues to expand beyond dedicated podcast apps as consumers increasingly find shows on broader video and streaming platforms. YouTube’s lead remains substantial, while Netflix‘s early presence suggests podcast consumption could continue spreading across traditional entertainment services. At the same time, the rise in new listeners gives publishers another opportunity to turn casual consumers into regular followers.

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.

Former 98.7 The Bull Portland PD Dylan Salisbury Heads to Saginaw

David Hill
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Former 98.7 The Bull Portland PD Dylan Salisbury Heads to Saginaw

Dylan Salisbury has a new home in Mid-Michigan. The former 98.7 The Bull and Live 95.5 Portland PD now leads MacDonald Broadcasting’s Saginaw cluster.

What We Know: Salisbury will program Country 98.1 KCQ (WKCQ), Adult Hits 97.3 Joe FM (WMJO) and Soft AC 104.1 The Bay (WSAG/WSAM). In addition, he will host mornings on 98 KCQ. Most recently, he programmed Country 98.7 The Bull (KUPL) and Top 40 Live 95.5 (KBFF) in Portland. Previous stops include 98.9 Magic FM, 99.5 ZPL, 107.5 KISS FM, 106.3 KFRX and 101.3 KDWB.

What They Said: Owner and CEO Kenneth MacDonald Jr. praised Salisbury’s “combination of programming experience, creativity and passion for radio.” He added that Salisbury knows how to “build a brand, connect with an audience and develop great talent.” Meanwhile, Salisbury called it “an honor” to lead the group, including “the legendary WKCQ.” Ultimately, he promised to “build something special here in Mid-Michigan.”

What Remains Unclear: MacDonald has not named who will round out the on-air lineup. In fact, Salisbury and the company are still searching for a full-time on-air talent. Interested candidates can send a résumé, a short MP3 of recent air work and salary expectations to jobs@macdonaldbroadcasting.com. Additionally, neither side has detailed any programming changes for the three brands.

What It Means: Just four months after his Portland exit, Salisbury is back in a programming chair. Moreover, pairing PD duties with mornings on 98 KCQ signals a hands-on approach. For MacDonald, the hire puts a seasoned CHR and Country programmer at the center of its Saginaw operation. Ultimately, it’s another sign that radio still rewards its proven talent.

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Charles Barkley: NBC Sports “Full Of S**t” In Promotion Of Michael Jordan’s Presence On Network

John Mamola
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0
Charles Barkley: NBC Sports “Full Of S**t” In Promotion Of Michael Jordan’s Presence On Network

Charles Barkley says NBC Sports oversold Michael Jordan’s presence on its NBA coverage last season. Still, the Inside the NBA analyst wants Jordan’s voice to remain part of the conversation.

What We Know: Barkley made the comments during an appearance on In The Trenches with Damien Woody. Last season, NBC added Jordan as a special contributor, a move many viewed differently from the role the network ultimately gave him. Instead of game analysis, Jordan’s contributions came from five pre-recorded segments split from one interview with Mike Tirico. Then, in late August, Front Office Sports reported Jordan’s role would end after one season.

What They Said: (All quotes via In The Trenches with Damien Woody):

Charles Barkley says NBC Sports oversold Michael Jordan’s presence on the network: “I would love to see him get more involved in the game. I thought that NBC was full of s**t the way they did it. They sold it a little different. Like wait a minute, Michael’s [Jordan] wearing the same clothes for six months. I was like, wait, let me go back and look. Michael’s been wearing the same outfit all season. They sold a bill of goods.”

Charles Barkley says Michael Jordan’s voice should be included in coverage of the NBA: “I would love to see him do that once a month. The questions they were asking him, they probably did the interview in September. There’s a lot of more important stuff they could ask him that’s happening in season. To give him one hour a month would have been a better way to do that instead of saying MJ’s [Jordan] back in the NBA and do one damn interview in September.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether or not Jordan will return for any future appearances on network coverage of the NBA. It’s also uncertain if Barkley will stand on his words if this will be the final season of his presence on Inside the NBA.

What It Means: Ultimately, Barkley’s frustration centers on the delivery, not on Jordan himself. Fans expected fresh insight, but they instead got repeated footage from one sit-down. The inclusion of Jordan simply didn’t match the hype his presence commanded. However, for networks, the lesson is simple: a marquee name demands a consistent presence and a more timely one.

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