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Approaching the Summit: Ken Charles, 95.5 WSB

Garrett Searight
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Approaching the Summit: Ken Charles, 95.5 WSB

Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event, June 30-July 2, share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the Big Apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website. 

Garrett Searight: You’ve been a regular at our Summits. What value do you derive from being in the room?

Ken Charles: The value number one is networking. It’s an opportunity to get in a room with really smart people from all over the country. A lot of us don’t travel. There aren’t conventions like what Barrett does. This year is even better because now we’re going to be in a room not only with some of the smartest in news and news/talk, but sports guys and music guys. The opportunity to meet, to network, and learn from the best of the best is extraordinarily important to our growth. And also our ability to learn new things, see new things, and hear about things from people we respect, who may look at the same things, but see them differently. That is so important to what we do. Being able to do that is one of the unique propositions that Barrett does, that no other convention in the world does. Nobody gets all the formats together. So that’s exciting.

GS: You’ve participated in panels in the past. What makes a panel at this conference unique from others?

KC: (Jason Barrett) puts a great group of panels together that are cutting edge, are unique, and cover topics we’re all thinking about but may not say out loud to our friends, colleagues, or others. So when we get to sit in a room, and we see some of those people answering questions that we’ve thought about, it’s really helpful to put it in perspective when we go back to our radio stations.

GS: How much does attending the Summit allow you to think of things in a different light?

KC: Sometimes I feel like all of us are in a bubble. You’re in your radio station, you’re focused on your news, you’re focused with your talk guys, you’re focused on all the things you do. And it’s not until you get into a room with other people who do the exact same thing that you do that you find out the challenges you’re going through every day — with recruitment, with coaching, with the million and one other things that face us every day — they’re going through, too. So knowing that, learning that, and sharing that is just psychologically a benefit. Knowing you’re not alone.

GS: How important is it to have that opportunity, even if it is just once a year, to meet with some of the best and brightest in the format and have those conversations?

KC: Listen, if I could do it four times a year, I would. But none of us can. And none of us do. So, because it is once a year, it makes it a must on my calendar that I’m going to be there every year. Because it is my chance to do all of those things. People aren’t going to the NAB the way they used to. Those sessions aren’t designed for what Barrett’s doing. Some of the other conferences for news/talk are nowhere near as broad or as forward-thinking as the Barrett conferences. It’s a shame it can’t be more. But the fact that it is once a year is way better than not at all.

GS: What are the things specifically that you’re hoping to look more closely at and learn more about this year?

KC: AI has got to be at the top of the list, like it is for everybody. We’re all seeing versions of it. We’re all playing with versions of it. I really want to talk to some people and share some best practices. What tools are they using? What tools aren’t they using? In our newsroom, we’re not using it on air. But for some of the talk prep, for some of the things we do off the air, for some of the things that don’t make air, AI has been an eye-opening, interesting experiment in doing certain things. I want to find out who’s doing what and what successes they’ve had. And also what cautionary tales they have to share. So I think AI is absolutely number one.

Number two is recruitment. It is a huge challenge to recruit. Not only in the big markets but the small markets, because the places we used to recruit from — whether it’s in Atlanta or New York or Chicago and LA — those smaller markets either have staffs that are a tenth of the size that they were even five years ago, or the people that are there aren’t moving because their spouses have great jobs and the kids are in school. So I really want to talk to people about recruitment. What they’re doing. What out-of-the-box things they’ve done to find their next generation of hosts, producers, and news people. Because it is probably the biggest challenge that affects our industry today, outside of AI, which is more down the road than it is at this moment.

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.

What a Real Nielsen Radio Diary Participant Thinks About the Process

Dr. Ed Cohen
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What a Real Nielsen Radio Diary Participant Thinks About the Process

Last week, James Cridland’s Radioland blog had a piece, “Inside an Australian Radio Diary.” A research interviewer visited his home for a different survey and, when chatting with the person, mentioned the radio diary. He was given one! Of course, it wouldn’t count in a survey, but we had the opportunity to see the current Australian radio diary, the counterpart to Nielsen.

The Aussie diary uses station stickers. The diarykeeper places the stickers for their stations on a flap. Below the sticker, you can check off the time — quarter hours are prelisted — and going across, you get the “where” (home, car, work, elsewhere), the “how” (AM/FM, DAB, Phone/tablet, PC/laptop, smart speaker, other), and a check box for headphone listening. Seems thorough and easy for a paper diary, but James mentioned that 80% of the diaries in the Australian system are now filled out online, so the paper diary is becoming a relic in the land down under.

I’ll go James one better, speaking with an actual diarykeeper while the individual was in the survey! Trust me, it wasn’t that exciting, but this non-random sample of one is enlightening.

A Nielsen Diary From the Inside

If you’re in the radio business, your friends and family know it. The person involved is my brother, and when he received a letter from Nielsen, he quickly texted me. His household was in the diary survey last week (May 21–27) in a TSA county, which means that his listening has little effect other than being added to Nationwide.

Nielsen likes his household. About four years ago, he was sent a mailing noting that a Nielsen representative had tried to visit his household but didn’t reach anyone. That was true ,because he lives in a gated community, which keeps both the riffraff and Nielsen out. Eventually, he filled out a survey, which yielded $20 some time later. In 2023, he was in the diary service.

This time around, he received a mailing complete with a crisp dollar bill, followed by a voicemail to let him know the diaries would be arriving at his home very soon. Sure enough, the diaries showed up on time, along with one more dollar bill for each household member. While my brother is younger than me, he is also in the white senior citizen group — not exactly a demo that concerns Nielsen with respect to survey proportionality. By the way, Nielsen knew the makeup of his household. Incentives and the number of diaries were correct.

He’s never been part of the media business but was a chief financial officer. And CFOs are not known for being profligate. CFOs also put a value on time. He was outraged at the thought of filling out a seven-day radio diary for a measly dollar. In fact, if he wasn’t related to a former Arbitron/Nielsen vice president who has been around radio his entire career, he would have trashed the diary. At my request, he filled it out, so I’ve helped Nielsen’s response rates this spring. Still, he balked at the idea of carrying the diary around along with a pen to write down entries.

He just purchased a late-model used vehicle — a fine German marque — which included a free trial of satellite radio. For that reason, his limited amount of listening was to SiriusXM. This caused some initial confusion, as he didn’t bother to read the instructions. His comment was, “I saw AM and FM and didn’t know where to put satellite listening,” so I referred him to the instructions, which clearly state that satellite listening should be included, along with an example.

What the Nielsen Radio Diary Gets Wrong

Another point he made was the range of income in the demo question. The highest level of annual income in the diary is $75K+ and probably hasn’t been updated since last century. I told him that some of us tried to get that changed probably 15–20 years ago. But the IT bandwidth wasn’t available. Perhaps you read about the recent settlement between the hotels in New York and the hotel workers’ union. Over the life of the contract, the average union hotel housekeeper in New York City will earn around $100,000 per year. When hotel housekeepers are in the top income bracket, you know the response categories are grossly outdated. I’ve not seen the income question in the online mSurvey. Perhaps more categories are offered, but unless the paper diary is updated, the income data will continue to be useless in many markets.

He asked why he was required to answer the demo questions — race/ethnic, income, education, etc. — noting the lack of a “no answer” option. I told him he could leave them blank.

As I write this, he has dutifully filled in the diary. He’s checked off the “no listening” box on days he didn’t use a radio. He’ll have mailed back his survey by the time you read this. I think his wife’s diary ended up in the trash while the accompanying dollar went in his pocket. His overall impression? “Why would anyone do this for a dollar?” I did suggest that if someone in his household was in a different demographic group, the payout would be larger. “$20?” Uh, no.

I’m not blaming Nielsen for minimal diary incentives. No survey company can pay people for what their time is worth, and survey research doesn’t operate that way.

Still, the Nielsen radio diary can be improved. The Aussies offer more listening categories. That concept was tested perhaps 20 years ago by Arbitron — AM, FM, Satellite, Internet, Other — and it worked. The problem was that the change would have required an end-to-end revamping of the IT and reporting systems, a no-go. It’s 2026. The large proportion of the country measured by the diary system is probably understating listening that’s not AM or FM broadcast.

The net here is that Nielsen executed correctly. And as a qualitative research study, these results are not projectable. But if you work in a diary market, this is what drives your success. And understanding how a real diarykeeper approaches the task matters.

Let’s meet again next week.

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.

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner Hopes For Conclusion To Situation With Dan Le Batard: “Everyone Is Tired Of This Bulls**t”

John Mamola
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Jon “Stugotz” Weiner Hopes For Conclusion To Situation With Dan Le Batard: “Everyone Is Tired Of This Bulls**t”

FOX Sports Radio host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner went public Friday with his side of a story that has lingered for nearly a year. Weiner responded to recent comments from his former radio partner, Dan Le Batard, about his continued absence from The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz since last year.

What We Know: Stugotz’s separation from the Le Batard Show and Meadowlark Media began last year. This followed the company extended its partnership with DraftKings. The new agreement did not include Stugotz’s two podcasts. Subsequently, Weiner launched Stugotz and Company and God Bless Football as his independent programs sponsored by FanDuel. He also landed a nationwide syndication agreement with FOX Sports Radio as the afternoon replacement for Doug Gottlieb.

Meanwhile, Weiner’s name remains on Meadowlark’s flagship show, despite him not appearing since last summer. Le Batard has been criticized for not revealing any details of why ‘Stugotz’ continues to not be a part of the program. Le Batard addressed the situation Thursday, saying the silence has been “crushing” for him. Weiner responded to his comments hoping for a resolution soon.

What They Said: (All quotes from Jon “Stugotz” Weiner via Stugotz & Company LIVE via Fox Sports Radio)

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner on why he hasn’t appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show this year after promising nine appearances: “I thought I was going to do nine shows. I should have updated the audience. My apologies for not doing so. But it came with one condition. I sent that condition over to Meadowlark [Media] and their answer was no. So, if you’re wondering why I never did those nine shows, it came attached with one condition for me that Dan said no to. That’s it.”

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner confirms he does not have a contract with Meadowlark Media: “I will tell you that they offered me a deal. An extension to my current deal. I countered and one of the counters was asking Dan [Le Batard] to come on this show and they said no. In fact, what they said to me was this. We need Stu [Stugotz] to show up to a couple of shows to show that he’s going to play ball before we agree or discuss any of this. And I said to them, 20 plus years, I’m not agreeing to show up and do a couple of test shows because you guys want to see that I’m nice. Get the hell out of here.”

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner does want to find a way to appear together with Dan Le Batard: “I want to try to work this stuff out so me and Dan can get back on the air together because I heard what Dan said yesterday. There’s a part of me that wants that as well. I want it for me, and for him. I want it for the show. And mostly I want it for the audience.”

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner pushed back on Le Batard’s claim of offering support for his independent projects: “One of the other things he [Dan Le Batard] said is that he helped me with this. He did not. Dan did not help me with this. Okay? Helping me with this would be doing it within the confines of the company that I helped build. Again, that was not afforded to me. And no one over there helped me with any of this. This was done on my own.”

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner on his relationship with Dan Le Batard: “I don’t know. I know Dan [Le Batard] said he loves me. I love Dan despite all of this, and have respect for what it is that he and I built together. We’re probably on the Mount Rushmore of radio of sports radio shows throughout the course of history.”

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner says he will attempt one more time to meet to Le Batard to figure things out: “My hope is Dan [Le Batard] and I will meet up or we’ll speak on the phone and we’ll try to hash this out. But if we continue to have the same god damn conversation that he and I have been having now for almost a year. I’m telling you, I’m getting pretty close to giving up. So, I’m going to give it one more try here. I’m going to try to connect with Dan this weekend. Either in person or on the phone, and hopefully we will get to some sort of resolution. I think I need it, he needs it, and I know the audience needs it. I think everyone’s tired of this bullsh**t.”

What Remains Unclear: The specific condition Weiner attached to his promised nine appearances was not revealed. He described it only as something fair and shareable. But said he will not detail it further until he speaks with Le Batard directly. Additionally, whether this weekend’s proposed conversation actually takes place remains unknown. As does whether Le Batard will acknowledge what Weiner calls “the truth” about how their split unfolded.

What It Means: As a witness to the back and forth between the two personalities, there is a mix of business and personal friction which neither will fully admit. ‘Stugotz’ has referenced in the past the separation has hurt him. Le Batard’s words also frame that emotion. Ultimately, both men feel full transparency runs risk for each other at the current moment. I’d expect both to remain silent until that risk is fully gone. Unless the two sides reach an agreement soon, the breakup of a two-decade partnership may become permanent — and far more public.

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.

Sports Illustrated Layoffs Underway Affecting Several Legacy Writers

John Mamola
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Sports Illustrated Layoffs Underway Affecting Several Legacy Writers

Sports Illustrated is cutting staff again. Several prominent writers are out as Minute Media is undergoing a reported 12% of its workforce.

What We Know: According to reporting by Front Office Sports, several veteran writers such as Greg Bishop and Michael Rosenberg have been laid off. Baseball writer Stephanie Apstein also confirmed her departure after nearly 15 years with the brand. College reporter Mike McDaniel, and writers Madison Williams, Stephen Douglas, and editor Kyle Koster were also let go. In total, a reported 10 to 15 people were affected. Parent company Minute Media is reportedly cutting 12% of its global workforce — approximately 60 positions in total. This mirrors previous rounds of reductions at the outlet.

What They Said: Several of those laid off revealed the news via social media.

Greg Bishop: “When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was write cover stories for Sports Illustrated. I loved every day I got to do that — for more than 12 years. I’m part of the layoffs today. Now I’m standing on the side of the highway, holding a cardboard sign. It says: WILL WRITE FOR FOOD.”

Michael Rosenberg: “This morning, I had my favorite kind of meeting: a short one. I was laid off during that meeting, but life is about tradeoffs, and look at me now, just a few hours later. The sun is out, the sky is blue, and I’m using this stupid website again.

When I was a kid, I dreamed of writing for Sports Illustrated. I am grateful that I got to do it for 14 years, and that SI let me go before I started eating the press meals at next month’s U.S. Open. Life has been good to me in so many ways.

Thank you to everybody who read anything I wrote for SI. Thank you to the sources and subjects who trusted me. Especially, thank you to all of the colleagues who helped elevate my work, saved me from myself, and made me feel like I was part of a great team. That’s one of the best feelings a human can have, and I look forward to experiencing it again.

Stephanie Apstein: “Eight days shy of my 15th anniversary at Sports Illustrated, I’ve been informed that I’ve joined the extensive ranks of writers laid off from there. I loved my time at SI, I’m very sad to see it end and I’m eager to do the best work of my career elsewhere. Thank you for reading.”

Mike McDaniel: “After 4.5 years at Sports Illustrated, I was informed this morning that I am being laid off. Would love to continue writing about what I’m most passionate about – college athletics. But truth be told, I’m open to anything.”

What Remains Unclear: It also remains unknown whether additional cuts are forthcoming. There are several reports that a failed acquisition of Indian company VideoVerse appears to be a driving factor for these cuts by Minute Media.

What It Means: Layoffs and Sports Illustrated has unfortunately become two words far too familiar with each other in recent times. This is yet another alarming sign for one of sports media’s most iconic brands. SI has endured repeated layoffs and ownership turbulence under Minute Media’s watch.

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.

UMG Rejects Ackman’s $64 Billion Takeover Bid

David Hill
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UMG Rejects Ackman’s $64 Billion Takeover Bid

Bill Ackman wanted Universal Music Group. UMG’s board said no — unanimously.

What We Know: Pershing Square Capital Management submitted an unsolicited, non-binding proposal on April 7, 2026, valuing UMG at $64 billion. The board reviewed the offer with outside financial and legal advisors. After that review, directors concluded the bid “fundamentally and materially undervalues UMG.” The rejection was swift, decisive, and unanimous.:

What They Said: Board Chair Sherry Lansing stood firmly behind leadership. Meanwhile, Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge kept his focus forward: “We remain committed to leading the industry by attracting the world’s top talent, deepening fan engagement globally, and driving innovation. Central to that mission is fostering an environment that champions human creativity, protects artists, songwriters, and entrepreneurs, and expands opportunities for growth and success.” The message was clear — UMG isn’t for sale at that price.:

What Remains Unclear: Ackman hasn’t publicly responded to the rejection yet. It’s still unknown whether Pershing Square will revise and resubmit a higher offer. Additionally, UMG has not disclosed what valuation it would actually consider fair. That uncertainty keeps this story alive.

What It Means: UMG is signaling confidence in its standalone trajectory. The board cited strong shareholder support for its decision. Furthermore, Grainge’s comments suggest the company plans to offer investors deeper performance insights going forward. Simply put, UMG believes its best days — and best valuation — are still ahead.

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.

Coleman Insights Sets Podcast Trailer Study Webinar

Garrett Searight
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Coleman Insights Sets Podcast Trailer Study Webinar

A new research-backed session from Coleman Insights aims to help podcast creators build trailers that actually convert listeners — and it’s coming June 3.

What We Know: Coleman Insights, partnering with Nova Entertainment, Pantheon Media, and Earbuds Podcast Collective, will host a free webinar titled “Podcast Trailers: A Playbook for Producing Successful Teasers” on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern. The session draws from a study of 500 U.S. podcast listeners, examining what audiences remember from trailers and which creative elements drive intent to listen.

What’s At Stake: A podcast trailer is often a creator’s first — and most critical — impression on potential listeners. Trailers that don’t connect can mean lost audiences before a show even gets a chance.

What Remains Unclear: It’s not yet clear whether the research will be made publicly available after the event.

What It Means: The session analyzes four real trailers — High Scrollers, Better Than Yesterday, Superfan Diaries, and Binge or Cringe — spotlighting key differences in storytelling, structure, and emotional impact. The findings challenge common assumptions and offer actionable guidance for creators, marketers, and media professionals looking to sharpen their promotional strategy. If the research holds up, it could meaningfully shift how the industry approaches trailer production going forward. Those interested in attending the free webinar can register by clicking here.

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.

KVJ and WRMF: The Accidental Stars of Florida’s Most Viral Traffic Stop

David Hill
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KVJ and WRMF: The Accidental Stars of Florida’s Most Viral Traffic Stop

A Florida deputy cited an adaptive athlete for texting with her right hand. She doesn’t have one. Oh, and KVJ morning show was rolling the whole time.

What We Know: On February 11, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over Katie Thomas — known online as @slightlyoff.balance — along North Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Beach. He claimed she held her phone in her right hand. Thomas, born with a limb difference, immediately raised her arm to show the obvious problem. The bodycam footage went viral with millions of views — and sharp-eared listeners noticed WRMF‘s KVJ morning show playing clearly as the deputy stepped out of his patrol car.

What’s at Stake: The citation — $116 for a first offense — was dismissed May 27 at the deputy’s own request. However, the real story for radio fans is the soundtrack. KVJ were mid-show when this awkward stop unfolded. Furthermore, this isn’t the first time KVJ has appeared in viral law enforcement footage. Apparently, WRMF has quietly become the unofficial station of South Florida’s finest.

What Remains Unclear: Whether the deputy realizes he inadvertently gave WRMF its best promotional moment of 2025 remains unknown. No word yet on whether the show, or anyone at the station has officially claimed their cameo. Additionally, how many other patrol cars across Palm Beach County are tuned to 97.9 is still undocumented.

What It Means: Simply put, KVJ didn’t need a marketing budget for this one. The show landed in front of millions of viewers without buying a single impression. For WRMF, it’s validation that their morning show resonates well beyond the breakfast table — all the way into patrol cars, traffic stops, and now, internet history. Morning radio doesn’t get better earned media than this.

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

Stephen A. Smith Defends Himself Following the Standards of Journalism as a Reporter

John Mamola
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Stephen A. Smith Defends Himself Following the Standards of Journalism as a Reporter

ESPN’s loudest voice says journalism still drives him. First Take host Stephen A. Smith told The Financial Times that he continues to follow the standards of journalism in his on-air approach. This quote follows recent criticism of Smith’s recent back and forth with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

What We Know: Stephen A. Smith sat down with the Financial Times and made his journalistic identity clear. Smith rose from covering high school sports at the New York Daily News to NBA beat reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer before becoming ESPN’s most dominant on-air personality. Still, critics have followed his rise. Most recently, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown publicly challenged Smith’s standards, calling him a “clown” and accusing him of using his platform for clickbait rather than credible reporting. That exchange escalated Smith to seemingly warn Brown to end his commentary over potentially gathering and exposing information about Brown publicly. That warning by Smith has been labeled a threat by many in sports media circles.

What They Said: Stephen A. Smith on his approach to his work on air: “I’ve always conducted myself in a way that upholds the standards of journalism. I don’t go on the air and run off at the mouth. I research, and have sources all over the place. I’m still a reporter.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Smith’s Financial Times remarks will quiet his critics is uncertain. Also the timing of them. Were these remarks made before the ongoing feud with Brown or after the matter?

What It Means: Ultimately, this moment carries weight beyond one feud. Smith, a former newspaper beat reporter, helped pioneered the sports debate show format — and that blueprint reshaped how sports media operates today. Therefore, his claim of journalistic integrity is not just personal. It speaks directly to the standards, or lack thereof, that the entire industry now measures itself against. It’s hard to say if Smith’s comments are reflective of the moment with his feud with Brown. However, if Smith is withholding information on Brown and using that information as a threat to quell tensions between the two. That’s not matching the words Smith uttered to The Financial Times.

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.

CNBC Adds Ken Brown as Managing Editor of Digital and Editorial Strategy

Garrett Searight
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CNBC Adds Ken Brown as Managing Editor of Digital and Editorial Strategy

CNBC is adding to its digital leadership team. Ken Brown is officially joining the network as Managing Editor of Digital and Editorial Strategy.

What We Know: Ken Brown comes to CNBC after previously working at The Information. He also previously worked at The Wall Street Journal. During his time at The Information, Brown helped expand coverage of AI and the rise of data centers. At CNBC, he’ll help shape the network’s digital strategy. He’ll also work with the television division to ensure that the digital arm is equipped with the best content. Brown’s first day on the job is scheduled for Monday, June 8th.

What They Said: “Ken will also help accelerate our digital strategy and sharpen how we cover the forces reshaping business, markets and the economy. From the capital demands of AI and the pace of innovation to the resurgence of dealmaking, major shifts are rapidly transforming industries. We see enormous opportunity to deepen our reporting, break more news, and grow our audience around these stories. Just as importantly, Ken brings a creative and collaborative approach to the relationship between television and digital. He will partner closely with TV editorial leadership to ensure CNBC’s greatest strengths — our journalism, personalities, access, and analysis — have a powerful presence across digital platforms and resonate with digitally native audiences.” -CNBC Editor-in-Chief David Cho

What Remains Unclear: Who Ken Brown will report to in the corporate structure of CNBC.

What It Means: CNBC continues its digital push. Now, it has a leader tasked specifically with ensuring its ambitions continue to grow in the space.

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.

iHeartMedia, SiriusXM Merger Talks Reportedly Have Stalled

John Mamola
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iHeartMedia, SiriusXM Merger Talks Reportedly Have Stalled

Reported merger discussions between iHeartMedia and SiriusXM have hit a wall. According to the New York Times, early-stage talks have stalled after both sides failed to reach an agreement.

What We Know: Discussions about a potential deal first surfaced last month with neither company confirming the reported discussions. The merger was seen as a way to combine assets in the audio podcast space between two of the top three podcast production companies and distributors. Together, the two companies would have formed a major audio powerhouse. However, sources tell the New York Times that both sides couldn’t find common ground but talks could resurface.

What’s At Stake: If a merger were to happen, iHeart would reportedly add access to its top-tier podcast talent across SiriusXM, creating another distribution hub. SiriusXM gains a larger megaphone for its podcast product through free, over-the-air radio. Both companies benefit from shared content strategy and programmatic advertising, which could help stabilize revenue for both long term. Instead of competition against one another, teaming together would easily create a behemoth to battle Spotify for podcast distribution/consumption dominance.

What Remains Unclear: It’s uncertain whether negotiations will resume. Additionally, both companies now face questions about their individual paths forward. Following the reporting, both companies stock fell on the market. Meanwhile, it was reported that veteran music industry mogul Irving Azoff and Apollo Global Management were offering to assist with the merger initially. Would they still have a role in any future talks if they resurface.

What It Means: This development leaves both companies navigating a challenging landscape alone — for now. Broadcast and satellite radio are both under serious pressure from streaming, but winning in the podcast space. Without a merger, each must independently continue to figure out how to stay competitive in that space as video continues to cut into podcast consumption.

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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