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ESPN Daytime Programming Earns Highest October Viewership Since 2015

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ESPN’s weekday daytime studio lineup recorded its strongest October in ten years, driven by year-over-year growth across all 10 shows in the 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Eastern window. The network averaged 424,000 viewers during daytime hours, marking a 13 percent increase from October 2024 and its highest monthly daytime audience since 2015.

The surge follows a strong September in which every individual studio show also saw year-over-year growth, positioning ESPN for one of its most successful early fall sports seasons in recent memory.

Among the highlights, Get Up drew an average of 464,000 viewers, its largest October audience since debuting in 2018. The Pat McAfee Show reached an average of 439,000 viewers, combining ESPN and YouTube metrics for its most-watched October ever. Meanwhile, First Take delivered an average of 524,000 viewers, its second most-watched October in the show’s eight-year history.

Legacy programs also posted strong gains. NFL Live and the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter each logged their best October in a decade, with averages of 443,000 and 502,000 viewers, respectively, both up more than 20 percent from the previous year. The network’s 5 p.m. SportsCenter also improved 16 percent year-over-year, registering an average of 446,000 viewers.

The NBA season kickoff contributed to audience growth for ESPN’s afternoon lineup. NBA Today drew an average of 331,000 viewers, a 26 percent increase from last year and the largest October audience for an ESPN NBA daily studio show since 2017. Additionally, Pardon the Interruption saw a 20 percent year-over-year increase, reaching an average of 720,000 viewers, while the 2 p.m. edition of SportsCenter hit an average of 312,000 viewers, its best October since 2020.

Outside of daytime, ESPN’s late-night 11 p.m. SportsCenter experienced a 45 percent jump from October 2024, totaling an average of 645,000 viewers, highlighting strong interest across the network’s broader programming schedule. The morning edition of SportsCenter also posted solid gains, drawing an average of 268,000 viewers, the highest October audience since 2019.

The combined results demonstrate ESPN’s ability to maintain audience engagement across multiple platforms, including linear television and streaming. With the NFL season in full swing and the NBA season underway, the network is positioned to sustain strong performance through the remainder of the fall sports calendar.

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Versant Announces USA Sports Division Housing WWE, NASCAR, WNBA and More

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Versant announces that USA Sports is officially joining the crowded TV sports arena, positioning itself as a major player in a media landscape increasingly defined by the battle for live, appointment viewing.

The newly launched division from Versant—the soon-to-be spun-off company from NBCUniversal—aims to build a broad portfolio of marquee sports rights, featuring everything from NASCAR and the PGA Tour to the Premier League, WWE, and the WNBA. Programming will primarily air across USA Network and Golf Channel, with CNBC expected to join the rotation on weekends beginning in 2026.

Altogether, the company said USA Sports will deliver more than 10,000 hours of live games and studio programming annually.

“Our new USA Sports brand and division name leans into USA Network’s decades-long reputation as a top national sports and entertainment network,” said Matt Hong, president of USA Sports, in a statement. “Our diverse portfolio of sports properties and programming across our platforms highlights top-tier global leagues and amplifies major events throughout the sports landscape. USA Sports has something for all sports fans across the country.”

The network programming includes a sizable commitment to women’s sports—an area that continues to see rapid audience growth. USA Sports plans to air around 1,000 hours of women’s sports coverage in 2026, featuring the WNBA, LPGA Tour, and League One Volleyball.

The new division borrows its name and spirit from USA Network, one of cable’s longest-running brands. Originally launched in 1977 under the leadership of Kay Koplovitz, USA Network has been a fixture in sports and entertainment for nearly five decades.

Versant, for its part, inherits a strong but traditional media lineup that leans heavily toward cable properties such as MSNBC, CNBC, E!, and Oxygen. With the spin-off, executives are seeking to diversify beyond linear television, exploring ventures such as newsletters, conferences, and other direct-to-consumer products designed to strengthen viewer engagement and brand identity.

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Mike McVay, Kelly Orchard Partner For Radio-Related Book on Mental Health

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Radio Hall of Famer Mike McVay and Kelly Orchard have announced plans for a new book related to the radio industry and the fear of failure.

Flipping the Format on the Fear of Failure is a project utilizing Orchard’s expertise — where she’s worked as both a psychotherapist and broadcaster — examining emotional intelligence and the effect positive leadership can have in the radio industry.

“This project captured my interest because of the human need that exists,” said McVay Media Consulting founder Mike McVay.

“People in our industry are facing more than ratings pressure; they’re facing uncertainty, stress, and burnout,” he added. “Kelly’s approach connects those realities to real, actionable tools.”

“Radio taught me how to lead, how to fail, and how to get back up,” said Kelly Orchard, M.A., LMFT. “I was raised in the business—my father engineered the first ‘Boss Radio’ broadcast at KHJ in Los Angeles—and those lessons shaped my work as a therapist. Now I get to give them back to the industry that raised me.”

Together, the duo is creating companion workshops and presentations to help companies and individual stations strengthen their mindset, communication, and culture.

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FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr Calls for an End to the Disney, YouTube TV Carriage Dispute

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Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr is calling on Disney and YouTube TV to resolve their ongoing carriage dispute that has left millions of viewers without access to ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks.

In a post on X, Carr said the two sides “need to get a deal done and end this blackout.” Adding that “people should have the right to watch the programming they paid for — including football.”

The blackout began at the end of October, when Disney and YouTube TV failed to reach new retransmission and carriage agreements before their previous deal expired. As a result, Disney-owned broadcast and cable networks were pulled from the Google-owned streaming TV platform. Leaving subscribers unable to watch major college football matchups, Monday Night Football, and other live sports and entertainment programming.

The public dispute has quickly escalated, with both companies blaming each other for the impasse.

YouTube TV claims Disney is demanding terms that would force price increases for customers. While Disney argues that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is leveraging its market power to “eliminate competition” and avoid paying “industry-standard” rates already accepted by other distributors.

Meanwhile, YouTube TV has attempted to ease subscriber frustration. Offering affected users a $20 credit and assuring customers that it is “working to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV.”

Carr’s involvement underscores growing frustration among policymakers as consumers increasingly find themselves. Caught in the middle of high-stakes disputes between major content providers and distributors. Though the FCC does not directly intervene in private retransmission negotiations. Carr’s comments reflect mounting public pressure on both companies to prioritize viewers over leverage.

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Mike Valenti “Hates” Gus Johnson Following Final Call Of Indiana, Penn State Going Viral

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Detroit sports radio host Mike Valenti unloaded on FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson this week, blasting what he called an over-the-top and “fake” final call during Indiana’s upset win over Penn State on Saturday.

On The Valenti Show with Rico on 97.1 The Ticket, Valenti devoted part of Monday’s show to expressing his growing frustration with Johnson’s style, saying the veteran broadcaster has become “a caricature” of himself.

“A network executive needs to sit him down and go, here’s the deal,” Valenti said. “You putz, you’re not the storyline — the game is.”

Valenti’s comments came in response to Johnson’s final moments on the FOX broadcast, when Johnson’s voice appeared to crack as he called Indiana’s game-winning touchdown avoiding overtime. Valenti wasn’t buying it.

“That was such a fake response,” he said. “He didn’t lose his damn voice. He faked it. He’s fake. His whole existence is fake. Shut up. The guy is nothing but a charlatan. What a fake-ass call. He ruins everything he touches.”

Valenti, who’s built a reputation for sharp, unapologetic sports commentary, said Johnson’s energy no longer adds excitement but instead overshadows the moment.

“He ruined the moment. He ruins everything,” Valenti continued. “I don’t dislike him — I hate him. He ruins everything. He has jumped so many sharks that it’s SeaWorld now. It’s ridiculous. He’s not even who he is anymore. There was a time he was a rising star, and now he is just… he’s a buffoon. He is a clown.”

For Valenti, Johnson’s approach represents a broader problem with how some broadcasters treat the game as a personal stage rather than a showcase for the athletes. He compared Saturday’s call to what might have been if handled by legendary voices of the past.

“Jackass, it was such a moment, man,” Valenti said. “Can you imagine a Brent Musburger or a Keith Jackson or a Brad Nessler? Imagine what that moment could have been. And instead, you get that.”

Johnson, who has been one of FOX Sports’ most recognizable voices for more than a decade, is known for his emotional, high-octane delivery and signature catchphrases. While many fans praise his enthusiasm, others — like Valenti — believe the act has worn thin in recent years.

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Marshall Adams, Longtime News/Talk Radio Programmer/Consultant, Dies

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Marshall Adams, the longtime news/talk radio anchor, reporter, programmer, and consultant, has died.

Adams worked at some of the largest and most influential news/talk stations in the country during his career. He spent time as the Program Director of KDKA in Pittsburgh, in addition to working as a news anchor at 740 KTRH in Houston, 1410 KQV in Pittsburgh, and as news director at WBT in Charlotte.

After a brief stint working for Cumulus Media, helping launch All News 106.7 in Atlanta, he launched Marshall Adams Media, a consulting firm specializing in all-news and news/talk radio.

As part of his role as an independent consultant, he produced programming for the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that provides complimentary quality-of-life services for active military members, veterans, and their families.

He is survived by his three children, Jordan, William, and Charlotte, his parents, Linda and Alan, and a brother, Brian.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 3 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Friends and family will be received from 1-3 PM in advance of the ceremony.

Marshall Adams was only 51.

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PickleJar, Local Radio Networks Form Partnership To Expand ‘Up All Night’ Syndication

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PickleJar Entertainment Group is expanding its national radio footprint through a new broadcast partnership with Local Radio Networks, naming the Michigan-based syndicator its national distribution partner for the overnight country show PickleJar Up All Night.

The deal marks a major step in PickleJar’s strategy. To grow its national presence and strengthen engagement between artists, fans, and stations through technology and storytelling. Under the agreement, LRN will oversee affiliate relations and distribution. Working directly with local and regional broadcasters across the U.S. to expand the show’s reach.

Originating from Nashville, PickleJar Up All Night airs weeknights and features hosts Katie Cook and Scott Gaines. The show blends artist interviews, live performances, and fan-driven interaction through the PickleJar Live App. A digital platform that integrates listener engagement tools, live event content, and social interaction for country fans.

Kristian Barowsky, President and Co-Founder of PickleJar Entertainment Group. She said the collaboration strengthens both the program’s distribution and its mission to connect audiences more closely with artists.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Local Radio Networks to take PickleJar Up All Night to stations across the country,” Barowsky said. “LRN’s infrastructure and broadcast expertise make them the ideal partner to help us deliver our vision of connecting artists, fans, and radio in new and meaningful ways.”

For LRN, the partnership represents a chance to enhance its slate of syndicated programming with a show designed for modern country radio audiences that crave authenticity and interactive content.

“Local Radio Networks is excited to work with PickleJar to syndicate Up All Night nationwide,” said Steve Swick, CEO of Local Radio Networks. “Together, we’ll create a new model for our Country music format affiliates. One that combines PickleJar’s innovative platform with LRN’s proven ability to deliver high-quality 24/7 programming to local broadcasters.”

The collaboration also opens the door for new joint projects. Both companies plan to co-develop additional country music programming and digital experiences. Ones that reflect the genre’s evolving landscape and the changing expectations of fans.

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How 3 News/Talk Radio PD’s Would Handle the Curtis Sliwa vs 77 WABC Situation

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The Curtis Sliwa vs 77 WABC saga continued this week, with both Sliwa and station owner John Catsimatidis commenting on the situation.

For the uninitiated, Sliwa is angry with the way Catsimatidis, 77 WABC, and hosts on the station talked about and covered his unsuccessful bid in the New York mayoral election.

Curtis Sliwa has said he’d never return to the brand, while Catsimatidis has stated that he’d welcome the longtime host back, noting that it’s his belief that the host likely said things from a place of anger after losing the election.

In an event, the topic has garnered plenty of attention in the news/talk radio space. Whether that has been good or bad attention is open to interpretation.

But a question arises from that attention: how would — or perhaps, should — news/talk radio leaders advise their brands, hosts, and employees to operate when a former employee is openly criticizing those associated with the station?

Barrett Media spoke to three well-respected Program Directors to understand how those leaders believe their brands and employees should operate in a similar situation. We granted the Program Directors anonymity to speak more freely on the subject.

Program Director 1

Program Director 1 leads a station in a major market.

This Program Director said they would encourage their hosts to talk about the situation, as long as the audience was still engaged.

“If the topic is compelling, I can’t tell my hosts not to talk about it,” they argued. “Especially if it has the chance to turn into great content that the audience is engaging with.”

They argued that the reason they would find that talk acceptable is because of the trust built between Program Director and talent.

“I — intricately — trust my talent to do the right thing, to handle a delicate situation properly, and to know when to pull the plug,” Program Director 1 said. “If you don’t, you should question why you have that person in the power chair in your studio to begin with. It isn’t ideal for a former employee to be so negative to us so publicly, but if that’s what the audience is talking about, we should be talking about it.”

When asked what their message would be to the former host talking negatively about the station, Program Director 1 said they’d operate out of genuine concern for their former employee.

“I would tell them that they need to think about what they’re doing to their own reputation,” this brand leader said. “Every company and every manager is different. Some might like that you’d be willing to say anything at any time. Others who might not be as familiar with you are going to write you off as someone they would never hire because of it.

Program Director 2

Program Director 2, like Program Director 1, leads a station in a major market.

Their sentiments, however, were different.

“We’re not talking about the inner workings of the station, what goes on behind the scenes, personnel decisions, or anything like that on (our station),” Program Director 2 said. “Nothing good comes from it.

“If we had a similar situation (to that of 77 WABC vs Curtis Sliwa), I would tell our guys, ‘Your feelings will get hurt, the old host’s feelings will get hurt, and we all look bad.’ That’s not smart, no matter how you slice it.”

This brand leader noted that they understand how difficult it would be to sit by while someone publicly lambasted the hosts and the station, but said that sometimes rising above the criticism is an important skill to master.

“When we have an angry text, email, call, or — sometimes we still get them — letters, I wouldn’t expect our hosts to be concerned about them. So why would you put stock in to what a disgruntled former employee is saying? You shouldn’t. Leave it alone.”

Program Director 3

Program Director 3 leads multiple stations.

That brand leader shared that they would advise their talent to stay away from the topic altogether.

“In my opinion, no,” the PD said when asked if they would suggest their hosts discuss a former host talking negatively about them. “I would just say persona non grata. He only got 5%, 7% of vote, or whatever he got. The most important thing for Curtis is to hear people say his name. Once you stop saying his name, that’s when he becomes not as important.”

Program Director 3 also added that they would advise Sliwa to stop speaking negatively about his past employer and colleagues.

“My belief is you never take a pee in the pool you’ve been swimming in,” they shared. “No personality is bigger than the brand. That has been proven over and over again by personalities moving from one station where they are usually popular to another station, ‘I want to stick it to the previous employer.’ It very rarely works, almost never.”

They added that when an exiting host attempts to burn bridges, they might not understand the other structures they set ablaze.

“I have had employees who have left my employ over time in ways that may have not been the most comfortable way to leave a station,” Program Director 3 said. “I’ve had them leave with total class, and I’ve had them burn everything down. The person who leaves with total class is the guy or gal who will always get a good word from me.” 

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Where Stephen A. Smith Missed His Shots Aimed at Michelle Beadle, Cari Champion

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Stephen A. Smith just proved some of his critics right without even knowing it. On Monday night, the ESPN First Take executive producer and lead talent spent over an hour taking shots like the “straight shooter” he claims to be. An hour filled with research, hints of sabotage, and a me-versus-you cavalier approach toward former colleagues’ words about his persona.

It’s impossible to play victim and yet have a God complex. That was the essence of Smith’s Monday night performance.

What he showed was not just expected—it was disappointing. I’d like to expect different, but unfortunately it’s impossible. For someone who stands by his record and the salary it commands, why worry about punching down when everyone else is punching up?

Reaching Smith’s level of success isn’t easy. He’s the face of an all-sports network without ever playing professional ball. He’s a writer, columnist, pundit, producer, author, host, and, occasionally, an actor. He has consistently taken on every role or opportunity presented—and kept asking for more.

His resume speaks for itself, and his checking account proves it.

Climbing to the top is hard. Staying there is harder. You become a target for contemporaries, critics, and fans alike, amplified by social media. Being a public figure is challenging, yet desirable. Achieving Smith’s success as a public figure is rare.

Smith slipped up during his hour-plus commentary, responding to recent remarks by former ESPN commentators Michelle Beadle and Cari Champion.

Bashing Beadle

Regarding Beadle, who last week said she is “praying” for Smith’s downfall after Smith’s latest “ambassadorship” with Papaya Gaming—a mobile gaming company that’s currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit accusing it of falsely marketing “games of skill” that were using unbeatable bots.

This wasn’t the first time Beadle shared her criticisms of Smith. She was critical in 2014 following Smith’s controversial commentary on domestic violence in the wake of Ray Rice’s assault of his now-wife, saying “I’ll never feel clean again” and “I’m now aware that I can provoke my own beating” following Smith’s comments.

For the record, Smith apologized for his remarks and served a one-week suspension for his comments on ESPN. Beadle told Front Office Sports that her feelings toward Smith date back to those comments, and she’s never forgotten them.

Since those comments, Smith’s star has risen at ESPN while Beadle took a buyout in 2019 from the network. She’s bounced from ESPN to several other networks to her most recent stop at SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio, where she was let go from the network after news surfaced her daypart would be replaced by… you guessed it. Stephen A. Smith.

Is it fair for Beadle to have those feelings toward Smith? Sure. We all have feelings toward people in our own lives for one reason or another. Beadle has just been more public than many others in sharing her thoughts. People are allowed to have opinions shaped by how they feel about another’s actions. That’s life.

Straight Shootin’

That’s where Smith errored in his commentary. At first, stating that he doesn’t know Beadle and has no personal or professional relationship with her at all, Smith said that Beadle is trifling, meaning unimportant.

If that’s the case, and using logic, any random podcaster could have said what Beadle said and would have gotten the same response from Smith.

The flex of Smith comparing his resume to Beadle’s doesn’t make Smith look any better either, stating he knows why Beadle is no longer with ESPN and knows why she hasn’t returned to ESPN or any other network since. He claimed ignorance in not knowing his time slot at SiriusXM would be taking over hers and then proclaimed her attitude on air at SiriusXM led to her firing from the company.

Smith is no executive. He has never hired or fired Beadle. Publicly claiming he “knows” put him—and his superiors—in a bad spot.

Is this the image ESPN wants from its top talent? A straight shooter who can’t keep the gun in the holster?

You can’t attempt to play victim by defending your work ethic and standing, then showcasing your God complex by peacocking your resume as a belief in your own superiority over someone else.

It didn’t stop with Beadle. The next twenty minutes of Smith’s tirade were dedicated to his former First Take teammate Cari Champion. The former ESPN host called out Smith for “not having the same smoke” for Michelle Beadle that she felt he showed toward herself and other women such as Michelle Obama or Jemele Hill.

Smith didn’t understand where Champion’s commentary was rooted but went on to take credit for her hire at ESPN from the Tennis Channel. Claiming he “stopped” Skip Bayless or “someone else” from interfering. What could have been a private conversation sounded like a king chastising a servant. Smith expects loyalty when he feels it’s deserved, asserting he was responsible for Champion’s success—not her. His comments stated as much.

Again, is this what ESPN wants from its top talent? Someone who can’t gauge when to hold back?

Stephen A. Smith didn’t just misstep on Monday night—he reminded everyone exactly why criticism follows him wherever he goes. Talent and success don’t exempt anyone (including Smith) from criticism, and no resume, salary, or airtime can shield you from looking small when ego overshadows judgment.

Smith acted when bigger men walk away and continue their mission towards success.

In the court of public opinion, the higher you climb, the harder the fall—and Monday night proved even a giant can stumble when pride takes the mic.

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How Dawn Davenport Remains a Trailblazer at 104.5 The Zone in Nashville

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It’s been nearly two decades for Dawn Davenport working in the city of Nashville. A city that, in those two decades, has seen growth in community leading to growth and interest in sports. For the past eight years, Davenport has been a trend-setting voice as a co-host of 3HL on Nashville’s top sports radio outlet, 104.5 The Zone.

“I never thought that I would be doing [sports] radio,” said Davenport. “I was interested in it and had no idea what it would turn into—if I would be good at it or even like it. Here we are, and I love it.”

Davenport was no stranger to Nashville sports fans when she arrived through the doors of 104.5 The Zone. She began her career as part of the morning show on local television affiliate WKRN as a sports and news anchor. While working behind the desk in Nashville, she also dabbled in sideline reporting for college football games on ESPN beginning in 2013.

She admitted the challenge of working a morning show was difficult in balancing work and personal life. When she got a call from former 104.5 The Zone programmer Brad Willis about joining a shifting weekday lineup, Davenport leaped at the opportunity.

“I had gone on the station often talking about college football or the Titans. So I thought, you know what—yeah, I think I might be interested in the opportunity,” recalled Davenport. “I might want a change.”

Growing With 3HL

Now entering her ninth year as co-host of 3HL alongside Brent Dougherty and Ron Slay with a freshly signed multi-year contract, Davenport couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.

“It’s the best chemistry I’ve ever had,” noted Davenport. “This has by far been the absolute best team I’ve ever gotten to work with. The personalities mesh, and all three of us bring something different.”

With the arrival of every football season, Davenport’s schedule becomes extremely busy. Causing stress as she balances multiple roles on television and radio along with her personal life. Now also halfway through her thirteenth season on the sidelines for ESPN’s coverage of the Big 12 Conference. Davenport explained that the chemistry she described, she leans on heavily during the football season.

“Having a three-person show and having men that are so supportive of me as a mom and as a professional helps so much,” said Davenport. “The balance is not easy. There are times where I feel like I’m a crappy radio teammate, college football teammate, mom, and wife. I don’t feel like I’m doing all of it well at the same time, but I think that’s normal.”

Work-life balance is just another struggle Davenport has had to overcome in her time working in both radio and television. She recalled that when she first began hosting programs on 104.5 The Zone, it took her some time to become comfortable sharing her opinion on air—something she hesitated to do while working in local television.

“My biggest challenge was feeling comfortable enough with giving my opinion. Backing it up while standing on it,” explained Davenport. “I had worked in jobs where your job was to be professional and unbiased. I don’t think I was very good at it in the beginning, so I was very careful with what I said and how I said it. And I was worried that I would piss too many people off. It took me about two years to be comfortable with saying what I thought.”

Female Presence in Sports Radio

At the time Davenport joined 104.5 The Zone, she was the first female full-time sports radio host in Music City—something she still considers an honor after other notable groundbreaking women made their mark on Nashville, from Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts to NFL Network host Sara Walsh.

However, since her arrival more than eight years ago, while there have been other full-time female additions, there have also been subtractions in the market—leaving Davenport still as the lone full-time female sports radio host remaining.

“I do love the fact that there have been others. It hasn’t been just me for the last nine years,” said Davenport. “This market has embraced females in the sports world. Like me, I never imagined that I could do radio. I don’t think a lot of females look at it [radio] as a viable career option in sports. It’s getting better, but I don’t think this market is against it at all.”

Davenport notes that there is still plenty of room in the industry to improve female representation in sports radio. While sharing that thought, she also understands that radio needs to market itself more as a trusted destination for women interested in entering sports media.

“Sometimes it’s finding that voice that wants to do it—that’s credible enough to step into that role,” explained Davenport. “This market is amazing in accepting a female voice in sports, but I was just reminded, seeing comments on social media about getting back in the kitchen. I deal with different things than Brent or Slay would deal with being a female voice in sports. You also have to be a female that’s okay with handling that.”

The Nashville Sports Fan

Since finding comfort in sharing her opinions on sports, Davenport has not been shy about using her platform. She’s a guiding voice for college and professional sports on 3HL, which broadcasts on the radio home of the Tennessee Titans—a team that has been through some lean years recently, but not one to control any narrative on 3HL from Davenport.

“I’m still in on Cam Ward. Why are we panicking? I’ve also been very vocal about firing Chad Brinker (Tennessee Titans President of Football Operations). Nobody has ever said what I can or cannot say on our show,” said Davenport. “I’ve never felt pressured to toe the Titans line, and that’s the beauty of our management team at 104.5 The Zone. They allow us to do what we do because we’re successful and people trust us.”

She admits that while she personally has not felt any pressure, Davenport cannot say that about everyone at the radio station. One thing that helps, she says, is her presence at Titans practices and games. While she’s the one firing on 3HL, she says it’s part of the job to own it in person at team facilities.

Davenport understands the role she’s serving in a growing market with no national presence in sports television or radio. Although the Titans and Predators dominate professional discussions, there is also a large contingent for collegiate conversation that isn’t served to local audiences through national platforms.

“This city is monstrous when it comes to sports fandom. This city deserves two FM sports radio stations, and there’s plenty of an audience,” said Davenport. “If you want to hear about your team, you must listen locally. If you want any coverage of your teams, then it has to be locally here in town.”

Aspirations for more are something Davenport admits she doesn’t have. Despite the challenges of finding balance during the football season and discovering new ways to grow in the offseason, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere other than Nashville, doing exactly what she’s been doing with the family of people who surround her.

“You always have aspirations to do more or move up, but I love my balance right now. I love my radio team, and I don’t want to go anywhere. There’s a love this city and the people here,” said Davenport. “I love that local family feel, and like the balance of football and radio. Pretty happy where I’m at.”

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.