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Pod Save America, Dan Bongino See Top 5 Finishes in Triton Digital June Rankings

Garrett Searight
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Pod Save America, Dan Bongino See Top 5 Finishes in Triton Digital June Rankings

Political podcasts dominated Triton Digital’s June rankings. Several familiar news voices like Pod Save America and Dan Bongino maintained strong positions in the weekly downloads race.

What We Know: Triton Digital released its June rankings for the Top Podcasts By Weekly Average Downloads category. The results showed strong performances from several news and talk-focused programs, including Pod Save America and The Dan Bongino Show. Dan Bongino’s program landed among the top-performing podcasts, while multiple political shows remained competitive throughout the month.

What the Numbers Show: Pod Save America ranked second in weekly average downloads, falling one spot from the previous ranking. Meanwhile, The Dan Bongino Show finished third overall. The Global News Podcast climbed three spots to fourth, showing continued interest in international news coverage. Additionally, The Bulwark Podcast moved up one position to number seven. Political analysis podcasts also saw notable movement. Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar jumped eight spots to 10th, while The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show ranked 13th after dropping two positions. Similarly, The Charlie Kirk Show fell eight spots but remained in the top 15 at number 14. Armstrong & Getty On Demand gained one position and finished number 15.

What Remains Unclear: Triton Digital’s data doesn’t reveal listening time, subscriber growth, advertising results, or how each podcast performs across platforms beyond downloads.

What It Means: The June rankings reinforce the strength of political and news podcasts in the audio marketplace. However, the competition remains fluid, as several programs experienced significant ranking changes. As podcast publishers continue to chase loyal audiences, download momentum will remain an important measure of success.

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.

Josh Pate, ‘Bussin With the Boys’ Teaming for New College Football Program on ESPN This Fall

John Mamola
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Josh Pate, ‘Bussin With the Boys’ Teaming for New College Football Program on ESPN This Fall

ESPN is deepening its college football bench. A new Friday program will pair Josh Pate with Bussin’ With The Boys hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, according to a report by Front Office Sports.

What We Know: According to the report, the new show airs Friday afternoons, often from campus sites tied to College GameDay. A specific time slot hasn’t been set yet. Pate appeared regularly on Get Up last season, while Compton and Lewan also joined ESPN studio programming around the same time. In January, reports surfaced that ESPN president of content, Burke Magnus, was looking to do more work with college football programming this coming fall.

What They Said: Josh Pate on discussions with ESPN about more ways to collaborate (via Barrett Media – March, 2026): “Everyone sat down around the camp fire and realized we all love this. We all want more of it. Let’s work it out, and we’re in the process of doing that right now. Those are the people that I want to be in business with for a long time. You cross your fingers that they feel the same about you. But we talked about a lot of exciting concepts and ideas that are still up in the air right now. I strongly believe we’ll get something worked out for the upcoming season.”

What Remains Unclear: Exact details of the new program are uknown. ESPN has not responded to Barrett Media for confirmation or comment. More specifics should surface as kickoff nears.

What It Means: This new venture for ESPN is different than the ones previously seen by the network. Instead of inserting independent talent into network studio programs, this is a network building a show surrounding independent talent. A far cry from a licensing deal that the network has used in the past. However, the play couldn’t be better. The talents identified are top talents for college football fans. For Pate, it’s another expansion beyond On3 and Yahoo Sports. For Bussin’, it’s further proof their post-Barstool rise keeps compounding, following a recent NASCAR show launch too.

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.

Julie Talbott Says AI Won’t Replace Radio Creativity

David Hill
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Julie Talbott Says AI Won’t Replace Radio Creativity

Julie Talbott sees opportunity where others see disruption. The President of Premiere Networks says radio’s future has never looked more exciting.

What We Know: Talbott oversees more than 100 radio programs and services at Premiere Networks. She has led the company since 2014, building on a career that spans advertising, syndication, and affiliate relations. Recently, she was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Her perspective on both AI and distribution carries serious industry weight.

What They Said: “For me, there are few administrators anymore in our business, and so I view AI as an administrative tool,” Talbott said on the Chachi Loves Everybody Podcast by Benztown. “I always challenge the folks in my departments — what are the three tasks taking up too much of your time? Let’s identify those and see if AI can reduce the grunt work. I want it as an administrative tool, not to replace anything. You’ve got to check every single thing it ever prints out.”

What Remains Unclear: How quickly broadcasters will adopt AI in administrative roles remains an open question. Additionally, Talbott acknowledged that monetizing new distribution channels is still the industry’s biggest unsolved challenge. “There are so many avenues of distribution, and that is really exciting,” she said. “We just need to monetize better.”

What It Means: Talbott’s framing offers a practical, grounded roadmap for radio operators navigating AI anxiety. Rather than fearing replacement, she encourages leaders to use AI strategically — freeing up talent for creative work. Furthermore, her optimism about distribution signals that radio’s evolution is far from over. For broadcasters willing to adapt, the opportunity is real.

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 news in your inbox.

Connoisseur Media Reshuffles Bay Area Programming Leadership

David Hill
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Connoisseur Media Reshuffles Bay Area Programming Leadership

Connoisseur Media is reorganizing its West Coast radio operations. The moves affect stations across the Bay Area and Portland.

What We Know: Brian “Fig” Figula steps into a new Regional Operations Manager role for the Bay Area. He’ll oversee stations in San Jose, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Additionally, Figula takes on day-to-day programming for MIX 106.5 (KEZR) and 98.5 KBAY. Meanwhile, Jim “Jazzy” Archer picks up KBLX in San Francisco and Live 95.5 (KBFF) in Portland, while continuing to program 99.7 NOW. In Portland, Ross MacLeod adds 98.7 The Bull (KUPL) to his existing duties.

What They Said: SVP Programming Keith Dakin voiced strong confidence in the new structure. “Fig, Jazzy, and Ross are talented programmers who understand their markets,” he said. “They know how to put the right people in the right positions.” Furthermore, Dakin called the moves a direct response to the company’s continued West Coast growth.

What Remains Unclear: It’s uncertain how the transition of KUFX to the digital-only K FOX brand will perform longer-term. Also, the release doesn’t address whether additional staffing changes are coming. Chris Jackson joins MIX 106.5 as midday host, though his previous role wasn’t specified.

What It Means: Connoisseur is clearly centralizing its programming leadership across key West Coast clusters. This structure allows experienced programmers to manage multiple stations simultaneously. For the industry, it reflects a broader trend of consolidating programming oversight at the regional level. Ultimately, it positions Connoisseur competitively in two major markets.

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 Gruden To Call Play-By-Play For Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Game

John Mamola
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Jon Gruden To Call Play-By-Play For Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Game

Jon Gruden is heading back to the broadcast booth. The former Buccaneers coach will call play-by-play Tampa Bay’s August 22 preseason game.

What We Know: Gruden spent seven seasons as Buccaneers head coach, winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. He also logged 10 years in ESPN’s Monday Night Football booth. Now, he’ll join Rondé Barber for WFLA-TV’s call of the Buccaneers-Chiefs preseason matchup at Raymond James Stadium. The move comes after regular preseason announcer Chris Myers hit a scheduling conflict.

What They Said: Jon Gruden: “I’m really excited about this Buccaneers team and the upcoming season. It’s going to be a real thrill to be in the stadium again calling the game with one of the greatest Bucs ever! Hope to see you there!”

Rondé Barber: “I’ve been fortunate to spend the last 14 years calling Buccaneers preseason games with Chris Myers. A conflict in his schedule opened the door to do something a little different in our second preseason game. Rather than go with another traditional play-by-play partner, I jumped at the chance to team up with my Super Bowl-winning coach, Jon Gruden. It’s a unique opportunity to share the booth responsibilities with someone who sees the game the way I do and brings incredible passion, insight, and knowledge of the Buccaneers. I’m looking forward to having some fun with my guy, JG, and hope everyone enjoys the broadcast when the Bucs take on the Chiefs on Saturday, August 22.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s not yet known whether this marks a one-time return or a broader broadcasting opportunity for Gruden. Additionally, how duties will split between Gruden and Barber hasn’t been detailed.

What It Means: Jon Gruden gets his wish. Earlier this month, Gruden hinted that he’d love the opportunity for the play-by-play role. Even in a one-off opportunity. This pairing reunites two Buccaneers Ring of Honor members and Super Bowl champions in one booth. Consequently, it marks Gruden’s first game call since leaving MNF in 2017. Furthermore, the matchup itself is a rematch of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl XL win over Kansas City. As a result, nostalgia and fan interest should run high heading into the season.

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.

SiriusXM to Launch Dedicated WWE Radio Channel

Garrett Searight
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SiriusXM to Launch Dedicated WWE Radio Channel

SiriusXM is launching WWE Radio as its new dedicated channel for wrestling fans. The channel will bring WWE programming to listeners nationwide.

What We Know: WWE Radio will debut Monday, July 27th, on SiriusXM channel 156. The channel will combine daily wrestling shows, live event broadcasts, and podcast content. It will feature live play-by-play coverage of WWE Premium Live Events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. Additionally, SiriusXM will provide select audio simulcasts of WWE’s weekly flagship programming. The launch arrives ahead of SummerSlam, where WWE Radio will deliver its first live event broadcast on August 1st and 2nd from Minnesota. Vic Joseph and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T will call the action for listeners. The channel will also include programming from Busted Open, Notsam Wrestling Live, Cheap Heat Live, and other wrestling shows. Moreover, WWE Radio will feature select WWE podcasts, including programs hosted by Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker, and Stephanie McMahon.

What They Said: “We’re excited to bring the WWE Universe closer to all of the in-ring action at WWE’s biggest events on SiriusXM, beginning with wall-to-wall coverage of SummerSlam in Minnesota.” –WWE Hall of Famer Booker T

“The WWE Universe is always looking for new ways to engage with WWE, and our partnership with SiriusXM will deliver exclusive access, original programming and live event coverage that brings fans closer to the action wherever they are.” -WWE Executive Vice President Alex Varga

“We are thrilled to team up with WWE to launch the most comprehensive wrestling audio platform in the industry.” -SiriusXM Senior Vice President of Sports Programming, Content Marketing, and Partnerships Jared Fox

What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM and WWE have not disclosed whether WWE Radio will expand beyond its current channel lineup. The companies also have not shared future plans for additional original programming.

What It Means: The launch strengthens SiriusXM’s position in sports audio while giving WWE another platform to reach its audience. As wrestling fans continue seeking more live and on-demand content, WWE Radio creates a centralized destination for coverage, analysis, and storytelling.

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.

Brendan Carr: ABC Refusal to Air Trump Speech Will Come Up in FCC Hearings

Garrett Searight
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Brendan Carr: ABC Refusal to Air Trump Speech Will Come Up in FCC Hearings

FCC Chair Brendan Carr added new scrutiny to ABC’s broadcast decisions. His comments could influence the network’s ongoing license review.

What We Know: The FCC’s Brendan Carr said ABC’s decision not to air President Donald Trump’s White House speech earlier this month will likely become part of the agency’s review of the network. ABC News, alongside NBC News, did not carry the address on its broadcast network last week. Meanwhile, some lawmakers have called for the broadcast licenses of both networks to be revoked over that decision. The FCC is already requiring early renewal proceedings for ABC’s owned-and-operated station licenses, and Carr has repeatedly questioned whether the company is operating “in the public interest.” During a Wednesday press conference, he said he’s “sure” the decision not to air Trump’s remarks “are going to be points raised in that proceeding.”

What They Said: “I think that when you have the president of the United States standing inside the White House delivering an important speech, I think that’s something that broadcasters should be carrying.” -FCC Chair Brendan Carr

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how much weight ABC’s programming decision will carry during the license renewal process. The FCC hasn’t indicated whether the issue alone could affect the outcome. Likewise, ABC hasn’t publicly addressed whether it plans to respond directly to Carr’s latest remarks.

What It Means: Carr’s comments further connect editorial programming decisions with an active FCC licensing proceeding. As a result, broadcasters will likely watch the ABC case closely because its outcome could shape future debates over public interest obligations, presidential coverage, and how far federal regulators should weigh newsroom decisions during license renewals.

Chris Cuomo to Host NewsNation Town Hall on AI

Garrett Searight
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Chris Cuomo to Host NewsNation Town Hall on AI

NewsNation is dedicating two primetime hours to artificial intelligence’s growing influence. Chris Cuomo will moderate a live town hall featuring prominent technology and science voices.

What We Know: NewsNation will air The Future is Now: A NewsNation Town Hall on Tuesday, July 28, from 8-10 p.m. ET. Cuomo will lead discussions about how artificial intelligence could reshape health, jobs, space, travel, and everyday life. The event will feature astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Prof G Media founder Scott Galloway, television host Mike Rowe, medical futurist Dr. Dan Kraft, longevity researcher Bryan Johnson, Axios senior AI reporter Madison Mills, and Toborlife Robot CTO George Ekas. Additionally, humanoid robots will appear live from the network’s New York City studio. The special will air before encore presentations at midnight and 3 a.m. ET.

What They Said: “The future of your health, money, safety, space, even your job, AI is changing everything. Faster than anyone expected.” -Chris Cuomo

What Remains Unclear: NewsNation hasn’t detailed the town hall’s format or disclosed how much time each guest will receive.

What It Means: Artificial intelligence remains one of the media industry’s most discussed topics. By assembling experts from science, business, medicine, journalism, and entertainment, NewsNation is positioning the event as a broad conversation instead of a narrowly focused technology special. As AI continues influencing nearly every industry, the network is betting viewers want practical discussions about what those changes could mean in their daily lives.

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.

David Samson Unsure About Return To ‘Nothing Personal’ Program Following Family Tragedy

John Mamola
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David Samson Unsure About Return To ‘Nothing Personal’ Program Following Family Tragedy

David Samson is stepping back once more. Speaking for the first time since the passing of his daughter, Kyra, the Nothing Personal host announced an indefinite hiatus Thursday. One month after his daughter Kyra’s death.

What We Know: Samson first left the show last September, citing a serious but then-undisclosed family illness. He later returned on a reduced schedule while his daughter, Kyra, battled glioblastoma. Kyra passed away on June 24. Now, following her passing, Samson has announced another hiatus, this time with plans to walk Spain’s El Camino de Santiago.

What They Said: (All quotes via Nothing Personal with David Samson)

David Samson on the support he’s received since the passing of his daughter, Kyra: “The toughest part about all of this is that what people are trying to do to be helpful, it’s been so beautiful. [Producer] Matthew Coca from day one has been a rock for me. My partner has been a rock for me. Dan [Le Batard], everybody at Meadowlark [Media], DraftKings, friends, family, my sisters, my mother who had to bury a child as well and now a grandchild. The thing is, no one knows what to say. Thoughts and prayers that comes up. I can’t imagine. That comes up a lot. I have no words. That comes up. There are no words. I don’t want you to imagine. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. But what’s been the most helpful to me has been knowing that everybody’s life has moved on, but they won’t forget Kyra.”

David Samson on stepping away from Nothing Personal with David Samson: “I realized that what I need to do is disappear. That’s my plan. My plan is to go on this walk [El Camino] tomorrow and to figure out what does it mean for the show to go on? What does it mean to live in a way that would make Kyra happy? What does it mean to be a father, to be a friend, to be a host? I thought I had every answer. It turns out, folks, I didn’t have any bout anything.”

David Samson thankful for the professional support he’s received: “I don’t know when I’ll be back exactly, but I want to thank Meadowlark, Bimal [Kapadia], and Stuart [Epstein] and Jenni [Rutherford] and Dan [Le Batard]. Everybody at Meadowlark, DraftKings, and CBS. The tolerance you showed, the understanding that you’ve shown me to figure out what next means. It’s been meaningful to me in ways that are hard to express my commitment to you going forward. You’ll hear from me or you’ll hear from Coca when I’m back. One minute at a time.”

What Remains Unclear: Samson admitted Thursday he has no timetable for his return.

What It Means: Samson’s exit highlights the personal toll this journey with his daughter has taken him on. We wish David and his family the best during this traumatic time in their lives. Moreover, given the loyalty Samson has built over many years, fans seem likely to wait. If you wish to make a donation to The Kyra Fund in supporting research treatments for Glioblastomas, click 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.

Tucker Carlson Tells Stephen A. Smith: News Media Has Its Priorities Wrong

Garrett Searight
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Tucker Carlson Tells Stephen A. Smith: News Media Has Its Priorities Wrong

Tucker Carlson shared his vision for stronger journalism. Stephen A. Smith gave him the platform to explain it.

What We Know: Tucker Carlson appeared on Stephen A. Smith’s SiriusXM show Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith and argued that the media should refocus its priorities. Rather than centering coverage on controversial personalities with limited influence, Carlson said journalists should devote more attention to scrutinizing those who wield real power. His comments reflected a broader criticism he’s made throughout his media career, contending that news organizations often miss their core responsibility when they chase outrage instead of accountability. As audiences continue to fragment across television, streaming, podcasts, and social media, Carlson suggested that a renewed emphasis on holding powerful institutions accountable would better serve both journalism and consumers.

What They Said: “We should get back in the media into the habit of criticizing the powerful. And I know everyone’s upset about some 27-year-old gay kid, Nick Fuentes. ‘Oh, he says naughty things.’ Yeah, I agree. Whatever. But who cares? What we should care about is when powerful people misuse their power to hurt the innocent.” -Tucker Carlson

What Remains Unclear: Carlson didn’t identify which media outlets or journalists he believes have abandoned that mission. It’s also unclear whether he sees that shift as a problem across the entire industry or among specific organizations. Additionally, he didn’t outline how newsrooms should balance accountability reporting with audience demand for culture and political controversy.

What It Means: Carlson’s comments highlight a debate that continues across television, radio, and digital media. Many outlets compete for attention by covering polarizing personalities and viral moments. However, Carlson argued that long-term credibility depends on challenging powerful institutions instead. Whether media executives embrace that philosophy remains uncertain, but the discussion underscores the ongoing tension between audience engagement and journalism’s watchdog role.

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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