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If Nike Can Reboot Its Slogan, Radio Should Too

Phil Becker
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If Nike Can Reboot Its Slogan, Radio Should Too

I live near Nike’s headquarters, a swoosh-shaped temple in Beaverton where creativity is currency.

Every few months, I plot ways to sneak into the Nike Employee Store, that mythical paradise of half-price sneakers and zero sales tax. It’s not about the discount; it’s about the feeling. The limited access. The belonging. (But it’s also about the discount.)

And that’s the real story here: belonging. What radio can learn from a brand bold enough to remix one of the most famous taglines ever written.

(Props where they’re due. Wieden+Kennedy, the best ad agency on the planet and, like Nike, proudly Portland based, dreamed up Just Do It.)

From “Just Do It” to “Why Do It?”

Since 1988, Just Do It has been Nike’s signature, three words that turned sneakers into symbols and ads into action. (It was also my dad’s answer to 90% of my childhood complaints. The other 10% got “because I said so.”)

But now, Nike flipped the script with a new global campaign: Why Do It?

The launch film, narrated by Tyler, The Creator, opens with a string of important questions:

“Why do it? Why make it harder on yourself? Why chance it? Why put it all on the line?”

In a perfectly designed press release, Nike says the pivot is designed to meet a new generation where they are: a world of pressure, distraction, and constant noise. Why Do It? doesn’t abandon action; it reframes it around purpose.

It’s not “just because.” It’s “justified because.”

Legacy Slogans. Legacy Audience. Legacy Results.

Let’s be honest: most radio stations are running on rhetorical “well-tested” fumes. They sound safe. Familiar. Low risk. “#1 Hit Music Station.” “The Best Mix.” “Stay Connected.” “City name, music type, laser noise.” They sound safe. Familiar. Low risk. But here’s the problem: everybody says them.

When a hundred stations claim “#1,” it stops differentiating and starts diluting. It’s background noise with better compression. Worse, most of these taglines aren’t connected to any strategy. There’s no proof point, no execution, no listener benefit. The imaging says one thing, the brand does another, and the audience feels nothing.

Meanwhile, Nike, a global household name with billions in equity, looked at their tagline and said, “It’s time to evolve.” So if they’re refreshing that, what makes you think that artist drop is so untouchable? Here are five lessons for radio from Nike.

Lesson 1: Re-examine Your Rallying Cry

Nike didn’t change Just Do It because it stopped working. They changed it because it risked becoming words. Even that kind of marketing brilliance can fade into the background of its own success.

When a message gets too familiar, people stop hearing it.

Ask yourself:

  • Does our slogan reflect who we are now?
  • Does it communicate what listeners value, not what we value?
  • Could it apply to any station anywhere?

If the answer is yes, then you don’t have a slogan. You have a safety blanket wrapped in a jingle.

Lesson 2: Create the Employee-Store Effect

My Nike Employee Store obsession isn’t about sneakers. It’s about limited access. (But it’s also about a sneaker obsession.) The moment someone hands you that golden guest pass, you’re part of something other people want in on. Build, not through volume, but through value.

  • Offer truly exclusive content. Keep it off the air (I know, blasphemy) and use it to create new fans.
  • Build a listener “platinum” tier with actual perks, not prizes that didn’t get picked up in the last 30 days.
  • Turn your current fans into part of your process: polls, programming input, playlist curation.

Give me 25 people who love my brand over one out-of-demo PD complaining about his shrinking promo budget and stewing in a “reply all” email loop.

Lesson 3: Back That Thang Up

Nike’s new campaign isn’t a tagline swap. It’s live activations, social storytelling, athlete partnerships, emotional context. Every touchpoint reinforces the same idea: know your why. (Somewhere, Simon Sinek is smiling.)

Now contrast that with radio, where the “#1 Hit Music Station” runs 20 promos a day begging for app downloads and Facebook follows, but can’t explain why it’s #1.

Your brand promise needs receipts:

  • If you say “#1,” show the data or listener proof.
  • If you say “Stay Connected,” demonstrate it through social integration, live updates, or real-time engagement.
  • If you say “The Best Mix,” show how your curation, hosts, or audience involvement makes it the best.

Words only work when your actions echo them. (Pretty sure I first heard that from someone I was dating.)

Action Items for Programmers

Audit your slogan. Would a listener repeat it back if you weren’t on-air? If not, start over.

Find your “Why.” What purpose do you serve beyond playing songs or reading headlines? What emotion do you own?

Activate the message. Build a campaign or promotion that proves the slogan in action—not just in copy or AI listener drops. (Yeah, I said it.)

Reward belonging. Create your own “employee store” moment: loyalty tiers, private events, exclusive audio, video, and merch drops. Make listeners feel in.

Align your talent. Every host should live, breathe, and believe the slogan. It’s not a liner; it’s a lifestyle.

Measure impact. Track recall, brand perception, and emotional connection. If it’s not moving listeners closer, it’s just a commercial about yourself that nobody wants to hear.

The Final Lap

Nike could’ve kept printing T-shirts and cashing checks. Instead, they asked a bigger question: why? Because staying iconic means staying curious. Listeners don’t need another “Best Mix.” They need a brand that stands for something, a place that makes them feel seen, inspired, or included.

So maybe it’s time to retire the safe line and start your own campaign. Go from Just Do It to Do It Better.

With passion, purpose, proof.

PS: To my friends over at W+K and Nike, if you ever need someone to help build the next great story between a brand and its believers, I live five minutes away and can be bribed with a guest pass to the Employee Store. Besides, your founder was a Phil too, so clearly you’ve got a good track record with us.

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

The Grammys Agree That Rock Is Back, With Work Left To Be Done

Mike Gunz
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The Grammys Agree That Rock Is Back, With Work Left To Be Done

Make no mistake about it, the current “Rock Resurgence” isn’t just a moment. It is a turning point. The Recording Academy’s latest Grammys nominations agree.

For the first time in the modern music streaming era, fans of rock, pop rock and alternative music, were head over heels about the fact that this year’s Grammys nominations included the most “newer” artists and bands for the genre’s most popular awards.

The Perfect Mix

For years the Grammys Rock categories have been filled with some of rock’s biggest names.

You all know them: Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, etc.. They’d have an occasional nod to a newer artist, (Greta Van Fleet) but it was few and far between.

To be fair, this year did follow that to an extent.

The Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Album categories included the likes of artists such as Deftones, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure and more greats. Congratulations to them. They all deserved their nominations.

What was different this year however, was that the Grammys adapted with the times. They understood the modern day Rock & Alternative music resurgence that’s happening.

Bands like Turnstile, Yungblud, Sleep Token are some of the most popular next generation rock artists in the world right now. Each were handsomely rewarded with multiple nominations each.

Dave Rath of Blue Grape Music and the Exclusive Independent A&R for Turnstile says that the Grammys are realizing what rock fans and the rock industry have been screaming for years.

“I think it was only a matter of time before the Grammy voters paid closer attention to what is going on in the rock word,” said Rath.

“The energy was too strong to be ignored. The energy around rock has been bubbling under for the last decade. There is seemingly a new genre bending, boundary pushing album being released every week these works,” he continued.

“I am obviously thrilled with the recent Turnstile recognition, especially that the album has spanned multiple genre nominations. We need to see some of these new trail blazing bands come home with trophies though. It’s time for this era of rock music to take center stage!”

In Turnstile’s case, they were the first band ever to be nominated in the Rock, Alternative, and Metal categories in a single year!

Three genres… in this day and age?!

2026 may well be remembered as the year the Grammy Awards finally took notice of not only the current, but the future of rock and alternative music and set a new standard and definition of what “Rock” music actually is.

So What Changed?

Make no mistake about it, the Recording Academy has set a new standard for what “Rock” music should be and radio and other music platforms should pay attention.

The Academy’s willingness to go up and beyond legacy acts by nominating multiple newer bands for the first time should signal to the rock media and and industry that the stereotypical “Rock” isn’t the same for the younger generation.

It’s multi-genre.

The Academy has accepted that.

There’s a reason why Turnstile is nominated in three different genres for their Never Enough album. They transcend stereotypical music boundaries with this new wave of music listeners.

The Grammys shockingly recognized that.

The New Standard

I’m not talking about getting rid of the old for the newer bands, obviously.

In fact, quite the opposite.

“I think the rock movement has also been sparked by the death of Ozzy Osbourne, and as the classic saying goes, you don’t know what you got until it’s gone, and artists are ready to pay that tribute to a pioneer of a genre, look at Yungblud,” longtime band manager Thomas Gutches explained. Gutches has managed rock bands such as Beartooth for over a decade now.

He has a point.

Yungblud has been one of the biggest rising stars within the rock-adjacent world in recent years thanks to not only his constant touring, but his ability to bring his role model (and friend), Ozzy Osbourne’s inspired music to his younger fans, many of whom have never heard anything like that before.

Guess what? It’s worked. The 28-year-old has two Grammy nominations this year to prove it including Best Rock Song.

Modern Rock Didn’t Fit The Label

The Recording Academy might not have even realized just how significant their actions were to the broader alternative rock world this past week.

They did what many others within the rock world should have.

They’ve made the Grammys relevant for a new generation of rock fans by adapting instead of gatekeeping.

Something many others could learn from!

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

How TV News Stories About SNAP Won the Ratings War and Ended the Government Shutdown

Lauren Ashburn
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How TV News Stories About SNAP Won the Ratings War and Ended the Government Shutdown

The government shutdown is on the verge of being over, and the media’s focus on those who are suffering, without the use of the SNAP program, played no small role. 

Almost 42 million Americans are without payments from the SNAP program providing food aid to low-income people. President Trump is calling it a government shutdown issue. Democrats are calling it such things as “dumbfoundedness of cruelty,” and a “devastating” loss for the country. 

As stories go, this one is a doozy of a “right versus wrong” fight playing out nonstop on the airwaves. As expected, most media coverage vigorously frames SNAP funding as a human crisis, not a budget fight, as the administration claims. 

“Largely, when you talk about SNAP, you’re talking about largely Democrats. But I’m President, I want to help everybody. I want to help Democrats and Republicans.” He added, “All the Democrats have to say is let’s go…all they have to do is say the government is open. They’ve become a radical left party…they’ve lost their minds.” 

The showdown will come to an end more quickly than anyone imagined. In a stunning development, seven Democrats broke with their party, along with independent Angus King of Maine, in a vote to reopen the government, including three bills to fund SNAP benefits. The House is very likely to go along.

The cynic in me believes halting food stamps – when there are contingency funds to pay for at least half of the benefits – is a tactic used to gain power in a negotiation. And if so, it’s illegitimate and cruel. But it doesn’t mean the administration’s side should be ignored or disparaged on mainstream news networks. 

CNN anchor Erica Hill, filling in on The Source with Kaitlan Collins, chided Trump for “jetting off to Florida” for the weekend as millions of Americans couldn’t get money to pay for food, because of the shutdown. 

MSNBC’s Jen Psaki said the decision to cut the program immediately impacted tens of millions of Americans. She interviewed Skye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which calls itself a nonpartisan, national legal organization that promotes democracy.

“This administration must make these payments and the administration is fighting tooth and nail to deprive 40 million Americans of their food.” She cited cyclical employment and low wages as reasons people can’t make ends meet.

On CBS’ Face the Nation, when they reported the Trump administration told states that they must “immediately undo any steps” to release SNAP money, Democratic Maryland Governor Wes Moore pushed back hard. 

“There is a chaos and it is an intentional chaos that we are seeing from this administration and where they have money for everything.” He added, “They got money to fight wars. They got money for ballrooms. They got money for everything, but when it’s to supporting the people, that’s now when they are crying, well, we are broke and that’s not what the law requires us to do.”

His argument points out that threatening financial penalties against the states, at least nine of them that want to use their own money to provide food stamps, makes it appear that his goal is to stop SNAP at all costs. The justifiable coverage of this move points out that the president is using this tactic to force the Democrats to cave.

In a show of balanced reporting, later in the program, Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia praised the Trump administration. “We have to make sure we’re protecting our people…we have 270,000-plus people on SNAP, but once again, there’s one reason why — they’re not getting the resources. It’s because people are insisting on adding all these new pieces on top of just a bill to keep the government open.”

The irony of this argument is that Morrisey allocated state funds to food banks to help meet demand during the SNAP disruption. And, he said he is prepared to call the Legislature into a special session to appropriate additional funds to ensure West Virginians do not go hungry.

On Fox News, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was brought on to talk about the crisis and said when she posted a previous interview on the network about the same issue, 40 million people watched. She talked about the level of fraud in the program being “astounding,” and said data show illegal aliens are receiving SNAP.  The USDA had initially said that there were contingency funds available for SNAP in the event of a shutdown but later declined to use them.

In a punishing lack of human empathy, and an example of one-sided journalism, Newsmax anchor Rob Schmitt called food insecurity an illusion. “Why is it that we are subsidizing food for people that weigh 300 pounds? I mean, my Twitter feed is full of some of the heaviest people I have ever seen screaming about SNAP benefits.” 

Nowhere was the human toll angle reported more clearly than in local news. Media Matters, a left-wing media watchdog group, rounded up interviews from the states where as many as one in five people rely on SNAP. 

On WLEX in Lexington, Kentucky, a mother said, “How many bills can you neglect paying to buy food?”

On a rival Kentucky station, another mother lamented, “My babies, they get fed at school, but they come home and they rely on meals to fill their bellies at home. So, it’s stressful.”

It’s these kinds of stories that show the value of local news in covering national tragedies. Reporters hammer home how devastating a halt in SNAP benefits is for Americans who rely on the program for food. It’s a needed service to bring to light the inexorable pain felt by lower-income people. And it shows why local news, especially in rural areas, needs to be funded. 

Polls have also fallen along party lines. One conducted by a left-wing think tank shows that voters are highly in support of SNAP and want Trump to continue providing benefits. Some 78% of those polled hold a “favorable” opinion. No surprise there from a group that “supports a new generation of progressives.”

A poll by Feeding America, a group seeking donations to help hungry families, found the majority believe the lack of funding will increase hunger, drive people to food banks, and force families to skip meals. Also, no surprise.

What the coverage makes crystal clear is that Trump won, getting what he wanted, which is an end to the shutdown that he can blame on the Democrats. While the stories understandably focus on hungry families, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck, the president achieved his goal, whether the press likes it or not.

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.

Can News/Talk Radio Create Its Own Version of the All Christmas Music Format Flip?

Garrett Searight
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Can News/Talk Radio Create Its Own Version of the All Christmas Music Format Flip?

News/talk radio has long relied on personality, immediacy, and authority to draw in listeners. Yet in an era where attention is fragmented across podcasts, streaming music, and social media, I can’t help but wonder if our format could benefit from something more overt — something that gets people talking, tuning in, and, frankly, leaning into the station.

Think of it like the All Christmas format in music radio: polarizing, yes, but undeniably effective at building excitement, community, and ritual.

Millions of listeners eagerly await the moment the first jingle hits. Others actively avoid it for weeks. Either way, the conversation happens. The question is: can news/talk radio create its own version of that “event,” its own gimmick?

The idea of a gimmick can feel uncomfortable for a format that prides itself on seriousness and credibility. News/talk radio isn’t supposed to chase trends. It’s supposed to inform, debate, and engage.

But let’s not confuse gimmick with fluff. What we’re really talking about is an attention-getting, tribe-building element — something that turns listeners into a community. Maybe it’s a limited-time phone call marathon in November and December. Maybe it’s a rotating guest roster that dares to break the mold, or a week where only certain types of voices — or maybe all voices — are allowed on the air. There are countless ways to experiment without compromising integrity.

One of the reasons All Christmas works is because it’s predictable yet exciting. It signals to listeners: this is happening now, and you want to be part of it. Could news/talk radio create a similar rhythm? Could we give listeners something to mark on their calendars, something that interrupts the monotony of our daily schedules in a meaningful, memorable way?

Right now, many stations differentiate only by host style, local coverage, or commentary tone. That’s effective, but it’s incremental. A real gimmick — a real ritual — could be transformative.

Of course, there’s risk. Some listeners will hate the idea. Some will tune out. But some will embrace it fiercely. The same polarization that makes All Christmas polarizing could work in our favor. It sparks conversation, debate, and buzz — the lifeblood of a format that thrives on being in the public discourse. It’s not about gimmicky stunts for their own sake as much as it’s about creating a reason for people to choose news/talk radio over everything else. To turn casual listeners into loyal fans who spend more time listening and maybe even bring friends along.

I don’t have the answer yet. Perhaps there isn’t a single gimmick that works universally for news/talk radio. Maybe every station has to find its own approach. But I do think the question is worth asking — and worth experimenting with. What can we do that separates us not only from other stations, but from other formats entirely? What can we offer that becomes a cultural moment, a must-hear event, or even a beloved ritual in the way All Christmas is for music radio?

If we ignore this question, we risk becoming background noise. If we lean into it thoughtfully, creatively, and authentically, we might just discover a new layer of engagement. News/talk radio doesn’t need to chase gimmicks blindly, but it shouldn’t shy away from innovation either. The stakes are too high to play it safe —and the potential rewards, if we get it right, are enormous.

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.

Stingray To Acquire TuneIn in $175 Million Deal, Expanding Global Digital Audio Reach

BSM Staff
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Stingray To Acquire TuneIn in $175 Million Deal, Expanding Global Digital Audio Reach

Stingray Group Inc. have announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire live audio streaming pioneer TuneIn Holdings, Inc., in a transaction valued at up to $175 million. The deal underscores Stingray’s push to expand its digital audio footprint and strengthen its advertising offerings.

Under the agreement, Stingray will pay $150 million at closing. Plus an additional $25 million 12 months after closing, contingent on performance. The acquisition will be financed in part by a $150 million term loan under Stingray’s renewed credit facility.

The transaction is subject to TuneIn shareholder approval, regulatory clearance, and customary closing conditions, with completion expected by year-end 2025.

The acquisition is poised to combine Stingray’s extensive music and video distribution infrastructure with TuneIn’s robust platform. Which reaches more than 75 million active listeners monthly. TuneIn offers access to over 100,000 radio stations, podcasts, music channels, news, sports, and audiobooks across more than 200 platforms and connected devices. Including more than 50 in-car audio systems in over 100 countries.

“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Stingray’s journey to further strengthen its position as a global leader in audio entertainment and digital advertising sales,” said Eric Boyko, Stingray’s president, co-founder, and CEO. “We are crafting an unmatched audio ecosystem by merging Stingray’s technology and content distribution capabilities with TuneIn’s expertise in monetization, advertising technology, and diverse content offerings.”

Boyko highlighted the deal’s potential in the automotive sector, where both companies have strong existing integrations.

“This aligns perfectly with our strategy to meet listeners wherever they are — at home, in the car, or at retail locations,” he said. “Together, we are poised to redefine audio for a connected world, delivering extraordinary value to our listeners, content partners, and advertisers.”

The transaction will provide advertisers access to a highly engaged global audience while broadening Stingray’s digital audio advertising platform. Analysts expect the combined entity to surpass $400 million in pro forma revenue. Solidifying Stingray’s role as a key player in the growing digital audio advertising market.

Richard Stern, co-chairman and CEO of TuneIn, said the partnership will accelerate the company’s growth. “Stingray is the ideal partner to propel TuneIn’s next chapter,” Stern said. “Our global reach and advanced advertising capabilities, combined with Stingray’s audio and video distribution, create a significant growth opportunity. Joining forces allows us to deliver the world’s best audio content to listeners everywhere while providing new avenues for advertisers.”

Following the acquisition, TuneIn will continue to operate under its existing brand. Maintaining its presence as a leading platform for live and on-demand audio.

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.

Izzy Mitchell Elevated To Program Director at 95 Triple X

BMM Staff
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Izzy Mitchell Elevated To Program Director at 95 Triple X

Vox AM/FM is investing in the next generation of radio leadership with the promotion of Izzy Mitchell to Program Director for its flagship Top 40 station, 95 Triple X.

Mitchell, a 2025 graduate of Emerson College, currently serves as the station’s midday host. She will officially step into her new programming leadership role in January 2026, when she also transitions to hosting afternoons from 2 to 7 p.m.

Vox AM/FM Operations Manager Ted Richards said the company is confident that Mitchell’s blend of creativity, drive, and modern perspective will strengthen the Triple X brand in a competitive market.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Izzy to our management team,” Richards said. “I couldn’t be more excited to have one of the brightest young talents joining 95 Triple X. The station has a proud history, but I’m confident Izzy’s winning attitude will help us connect with listeners in new and creative ways. This is an amazing opportunity to bring in the next generation of talented radio leaders. Izzy is just who we need.”

In her expanded position, Mitchell will oversee all aspects of the station’s daily operations. Including content strategy, sound design, promotions, audience engagement initiatives, and relationships with record labels. Her new responsibilities place her at the center of one of New England’s most recognizable CHR brands. Which continues to evolve under Vox AM/FM’s regional leadership.

Mitchell’s promotion reflects her rapid rise in broadcasting. In addition to her on-air role at 95 Triple X. She has served as program coordinator and host for Emerson College’s WERS-FM in Boston and recently completed a podcast operations internship with CNN.

For Mitchell, taking the reins at the station she grew up listening to is both a professional milestone and a personal full-circle moment.

“To be trusted with leading the station is an incredible honor,” Mitchell said. “I’m excited to build on what makes 95 Triple X special and keep it a real part of the community. To be the voice Vermonters and New Yorkers hear on their morning carpools, late-night drives, and weekend getaways. I grew up listening to the radio in Vermont. To be part of that now feels a lot like coming home.”

WERS Brand Manager Ken West also praised Mitchell’s promotion. Saying her leadership skills and personality will resonate quickly with both staff and listeners.

“We’re incredibly proud of Izzy at WERS and know she’s ready for this incredible opportunity,” West said. “Her leadership skills, fun personality, and natural ability to connect with audiences will immediately shine through to Triple X staff and listeners.”

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.

Marcellus Wiley on Stephen A. Smith, Michelle Beadle Feud: “About Damn Time”

BSM Staff
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Marcellus Wiley on Stephen A. Smith, Michelle Beadle Feud: “About Damn Time”

Former ESPN and FOX Sports personality Marcellus Wiley is weighing in on the ongoing back-and-forth between Stephen A. Smith and Michelle Beadle — and he’s not surprised it’s finally playing out in public. Wiley worked with both Beadle and Smith in some capacity during his sports media career, and provided some insights on the behind-the-scenes of how the two worked with staff and management during his time with ESPN.

On his Hydration Situation podcast, Wiley said he believes both former ESPN colleagues are finally dropping the act and addressing the long-standing tension that many inside Bristol already knew existed.

“They keeping it real. And this just the beginning,” Wiley said. “I am not rooting for drama. I’m rooting for honesty, and that’s why I know the drama is coming, because enough of them sitting on these eggshells, and enough of them lying to everybody like, how cool we are… We are taking the gloves off — about damn time.”

Wiley, who previously shared the screen with both Beadle and Smith at ESPN, described Beadle as a “natural talent” who commanded respect within the building but admitted her principled personality often clashed with others behind the scenes.

“People used to walk around [and] had to coddle Michelle Beadle. They kind of walked around on eggshells around her,” Wiley said. “She was so good at what she did, she commanded that type of attention and respect… but she was also principle-based and comfortable. So you know what that means — production meetings, oh, Michelle was gonna be Michelle.”

According to Wiley, Beadle’s straightforward nature sometimes created friction, especially when it came to Smith’s influence on programming.

“Stephen A. Smith, in the show, on the show, any information from him? It’s not happening,” Wiley added. “And people, once again, were all coddling her until it got to a point where it’s like, is it worth it?”

Still, Wiley cautioned against what he called “unfair attacks” on Smith, noting that his drive and work ethic often get mischaracterized as ego.

“Why are people attacking Stephen A. Smith for being the man when he wants to be the man?” he asked. “People attack him because he wakes up and wants to make his bosses money… He’s waking up thinking about how can I get work done that’s going to be profitable for all of us.”

As for Beadle’s recent claim that she is “praying” for Smith’s downfall, Wiley didn’t mince words.

“Who says that?” he said. “Michelle Beadle knows how much I love her, but I love the truth more. Who says that? And Stephen A. Smith is sitting there like enough’s enough — and I get it.”

For Wiley, it’s not about choosing sides. It’s about transparency — and for the first time in years, he says, both are finally saying what they really feel.

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.

Pat McAfee Defends Interview On ESPN With President Donald Trump

BSM Staff
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Pat McAfee Defends Interview On ESPN With President Donald Trump

United States President Donald Trump made an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Veterans Day, joining the former NFL punter for a conversation that blended politics, sports, and McAfee’s trademark energy.

During the wide-ranging segment, Trump discussed topics ranging from college football’s evolving landscape under name, image, and likeness rules to the NFL’s new kickoff format, the Ryder Cup, and the World Cup. The interview reflected the intersection of sports and culture that has become a hallmark of McAfee’s program. Following the interview with the President, McAfee addressed viewers who might criticize the decision to host a sitting president on a sports talk show.

“I would like to say though, for the media people that are going to be mad about that happening, that’s the President of the United States,” McAfee said. “It’s Veterans Day. He’s the Commander-in-Chief. Obviously, if we’re going to have the opportunity to talk to him, we’re going to.”

McAfee also revealed that he reached out to former President Barack Obama to appear on the program in honor of the holiday.

“As soon as we found out this was an opportunity, I reached out to President Obama as well and his team to potentially come on,” he said. “Because of scheduling and conflicts, they were very kind and obviously sent incredible hope for the veterans and were thankful… but because of his schedule, he wasn’t able to do that. But I did reach out.”

For his part, Trump leaned into the moment with humor. “I’m only joining you because I hear you say such nice things about me from your very large audience,” Trump said. “I’ve always heard you’ve said such nice things. When people say nice about me, I join. When they don’t say nice about me, I take a pass.”

The appearance marked another example of McAfee’s growing influence across the sports media landscape. Since joining ESPN in 2023, The Pat McAfee Show has blurred the lines between sports talk, pop culture, and current events, attracting a wide range of guests — from NFL stars and college coaches to celebrities and now a sitting president.

The conversation, airing on a day dedicated to honoring service members, underscored McAfee’s willingness to tackle big moments in unconventional ways.

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.

CNN to Stream Dana Bash-Led Conversation on Political Violence From Site of Charlie Kirk Assassination

BNM Staff
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CNN to Stream Dana Bash-Led Conversation on Political Violence From Site of Charlie Kirk Assassination

CNN has announced plans to livestream a conversation between sitting senators centered on political violence from the site of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

On Wednesday at 5 PM ET, Dana Bash will moderate a discussion between Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Curtis (R-UT) about the need to confront political violence and the mission to restore civil discourse in the United States.

The discussion will be held at Utah Valley University in Orem. The college campus is where Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September while speaking at an event held by the organization.

“In the wake of that devastating moment, Senators Kelly and Curtis will come together in front of impacted students to discuss the importance of bipartisan civil discourse and explore how constructive dialogue can help bridge America’s deepening political divides,” the network says of the upcoming event.   

On Political Violence: A Bipartisan Conversation with Senators Mark Kelly and John Curtis will be available only to subscribers of CNN’s All Access.

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.

Paramount Skydance Plan Streaming Price Hikes With Increased Content Spending

BSM Staff
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Paramount Skydance Plan Streaming Price Hikes With Increased Content Spending

Paramount Skydance is signaling a dual strategy: investing heavily in content while raising prices for its Paramount+ streaming service. The company disclosed its plans in a Q3 2025 shareholder letter, noting that the changes are designed to enhance value for consumers while supporting ongoing investments in original programming and acquisitions.

Starting January 15, 2026, U.S. subscribers will see increases across both Paramount+ tiers. The ad-supported Essential plan will rise $1 to $8.99 per month, while the ad-free Premium tier will climb $1 to $13.99 per month. Annual plans also are going up, though they still offer a monthly cost savings: Essential will be $89.99 per year ($7.50/month), and Premium $139.99 per year ($11.67/month).

These increases follow prior hikes in August 2024 and are part of a broader strategy that includes recent announcements of upcoming price adjustments in Canada and Australia.

“These changes will fuel continued reinvestment in the user experience and deliver an even stronger slate of programming for our customers in the year ahead and beyond,” David Ellison wrote in the shareholder letter.

Paramount+ has been bolstering its content portfolio aggressively. Among recent deals is a seven-year, $7.7 billion exclusive rights agreement with UFC. Making Paramount+ the home for the MMA promoter’s events. Ellison also highlighted the company’s five-year, $1.5 billion partnership with “South Park” co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. According to the letter, the series was the top driver of subscriber acquisition in Q3 2025.

Even after the price hikes, Ellison said, Paramount+ remains one of the most competitively priced streaming services in the U.S. Its library includes originals such as Landman and Tulsa Kin and franchises like South Park and Star Trek. Also films including Mission: Impossible and The Naked Gun, CBS staples like Tracker and Survivor, and exclusive sports content including Sunday NFL games and UEFA Champions League coverage.

The price increase comes after Skydance Media completed its $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global in August. For 2026, Ellison said the company expects to make incremental programming investments exceeding $1.5 billion. This budget covers UFC rights, Paramount+ originals, third-party content licensing, and a planned ramp-up to 15 films annually.

Paramount+ closed September 2025 with 79.1 million subscribers, up from 77.7 million in Q2. Revenue for the streaming service surged 24% year-over-year to $1.04 billion. Contributing to $2.17 billion in total direct-to-consumer revenue for Q3. Adjusted operating income in the pre-close period was $105 million (12% margin) and $235 million (18% margin) post-close.

Beginning in Q4 2025, Paramount Skydance will report only paid Paramount+ subscribers, excluding those on free trials. At the end of Q3, free trial subscribers totaled 1.2 million.

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

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