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Red Hotline Globe: Why Authentic Air Talent Matters

Kevin Callahan
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Red Hotline Globe: Why Authentic Air Talent Matters

I can still remember sitting behind the board as an air talent. The red hotline globe would glow right after a break. Alternatively, I’d see it light up right after I played a song that wasn’t on the music log. I had a killer phoner to go with it, so the decision made sense at the time. I can still remember being written up by my PD Scooter for playing Biz Markie.

Granted, today it is much easier to clue your Program Director in on variances in the log. However, I certainly did not always make the best decisions back then. But I was incredibly lucky. When I stepped out of bounds, a PD, consultant, or General Manager took the time to advise me. They showed me how to consider more variables next time. Most importantly, they coached me through the moment while still allowing me to be myself. Does this still happen? It should!

That kind of guidance is what keeps creative passion alive in our buildings.

The Real Data Behind Personality

See any industry news feed and layoff announcements get top billing. Meanwhile, the real magic happening inside studios barely gets a mention. But when you look past the headlines at the latest numbers from Jacobs Media Techsurvey 2026 and Coleman Insights, the truth is clear. Personality is not an optional extra. It is the single greatest asset broadcast radio possesses.

In Techsurvey 2026, 56 percent of listeners reported feeling a deep personal connection with their local radio stations. They simply do not feel this connection with any other audio platform. In Country, that number jumps to 60 percent. Notably, in Hot AC, it climbs to 66 percent.

Furthermore, findings from the Coleman Insights Listener Truth Project confirm something important. During times of news cycle trauma and everyday stress, listeners intentionally turn to local radio. They seek an emotional sanctuary. Any stream can dish up music, but they cannot offer warmth, shared humor, connection, or a companion walking you through your morning routine. Additionally, radio gets you into the right headspace for work.

Takeaways to Fortify Your Career

The energy coming out of MSBC 38 in Cleveland offered direction for talent. Here are key takeaways for building a sustainable, long-term career:

Authenticity is a Superpower: Broadcast veteran Valerie Geller reminded talent that authenticity paired with the refusal to be boring is your ultimate weapon. Listeners want real, unfiltered human beings, not polished corporate announcers.

Focus on YOU over I: One of the most practical shifts from story building sessions is changing your on-air vocabulary. Instead of saying “I did this,” try “YOU know how it feels when.” Turning the lens onto the audience instantly transforms a broadcast into a shared conversation.

You Are the Brand: Your station call letters are important. However, you are the brand that listeners follow. Build your personal footprint across social media and local events. Doing so ensures your connection with the audience belongs to you.

Have Idea Sessions: This one isn’t from Boot Camp necessarily. The lost art of sitting around the programming department and creating crazy ideas can still happen. Find ways to get all the creative brains together. Then generate as many ideas as you can. Finally, pick one to develop and execute.

Keep Taking Big Swings

If my early days on the air taught me anything, it is this: on-air talent is built through trial, error, and trust. There is no growth if you are not allowed to try. You must learn from mistakes and trust leadership. There was always value in running ideas by the air staff, PD, and promo team. Similarly, you can still do that today, even if it looks like a Zoom call instead of pizza and beer from the sales manager.

Show up in your community. Furthermore, bring raw ideas to your PD. Additionally, focus on making your listeners the hero of every break. When you build an undeniable bond with your city, your connection with the audience can’t be replaced.

For PDs and leadership, your job is to encourage those crazy ideas. Embrace “How might we” collaboration, and let talent take the show outside the walls from time to time. The headlines might focus on cuts, but the audience is voting for connection. Therefore, lean into your humanity, own your craft, and pass along encouragement and all of those crazy ideas.

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.

Why the CW Network’s College Football Coverage Deserves Your Attention This Season

John Molori
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Why the CW Network’s College Football Coverage Deserves Your Attention This Season

If you think the 2026 college football TV schedule resides only on major networks like ESPN and FOX, you are mistaken. This season, The CW Network will broadcast 140 hours of regular-season college football beginning Saturday, August 29, with New Mexico at Florida State. CW coverage will run the gamut of conferences, including the ACC, Mountain West and Pac-12.

The CW has compiled an impressive roster of broadcasters for the 2026 season. Thom Brennaman will handle play-by-play for ACC football with Jason Cabinda as an analyst and Wes Bryant on the sidelines. For Mountain West football, Jack McMullen will handle play-by-play alongside Cody Kessler. They will work with Marshall Newhouse as a sideline reporter.

Pac-12 games feature Rick Allen as the lead play-by-play announcer. With Will Blackmon as a booth analyst and Michael Bumpus working the sidelines. Other members of the broadcast lineup working various Mountain West and Pac-12 games include play-by-play announcer Chris Fisher, analyst Isaiah Stanback and sideline reporter Brian Walters.

This is indeed a unique mix of talent. Lesser-known personalities alongside veterans like Brennaman. In addition, with major college football dominated by the SEC, Big 10, Big 12 and ACC, it will be nice to see coverage of games in the competitive Mountain West and the Pac-12. A conference that has lost some of its luster but still offers some strong programs.

Setting The Table

The CW’s college football games will be preceded by The CW College Football Countdown. The network’s pregame show hosted by Mike Yam alongside lead analyst George Wrighster.

Yam is fast becoming sports television’s version of Ryan Seacrest. The dude is seemingly everywhere. One minute, he is suited and tied at an anchor desk talking football on NFL Network. The next, he’s dressed casually in an easy chair talking hoops on NBA TV.

Forget Seacrest, Yam is the studio host version of ESPN/ABC play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough. His versatility in moving from sport to sport is outstanding. As an observer who appreciates the craft and art of hosting, I’m excited to watch Yam work CW college football.

While he has made his name covering professional sports most recently, Yam is no stranger to the college game.

Before making his mark at NFL Network, he served as a lead studio host for Pac-12 Network football and basketball for nearly a decade. Yam always brings his A-game to any assignment. His face and voice will be the first that viewers see and hear on CW college football coverage this year.

That’s a good thing for the network.

Fresh Faces, Notable Names

The 140 hours of coverage on The CW this year is the most in the history of the network. There is no doubt that Brennaman is the figurehead and face of the broadcast lineup. Once the top baseball play-by-play announcer for FOX Sports, Brennaman has seen the positive and perilous sides of sports broadcasting. He, of course, was mentored by his dad, Marty Brennaman, the legendary Cincinnati Reds play-by-play announcer.

I’m curious to see how Cabinda and Brennaman work together in the booth. He has done some fine studio work for CBS Sports HQ GameDay Recap. Also, he’s done broadcasting work for his alma mater, Penn State.

Similar to Brennaman, McMullen is a baseball guy, having served as the radio play-by-play voice of the Miami Marlins. His booth partner, Cody Kessler, has an impressive broadcasting resume, including NFL Network, TCU football and the Las Vegas Raiders. Kessler is a USC guy and, like fellow Trojan QB and FOX college football analyst Matt Leinart, is unfazed by the spotlight with that LA/Hollywood pedigree.

I see Kessler further evolving in his work at The CW this fall and moving up the ladder as a college football analyst.

Another CW personality I’m really looking forward to watching is Will Blackmon. He put together a terrific 12-year NFL career as a cornerback, safety and punt/kick returner, and won a Super Bowl with the Giants. The Boston College Hall of Famer also called CW Sports ACC games in 2025. I like the personality, intelligence and defensive mentality that he brings to the broadcast booth.

One thing you can say about The CW college football broadcast team is that they are quite versatile. All of the play-by-play announcers have experience in sports other than football. They may not be household names, but that could change this fall with some decent games and teams across The CW schedule.

Fisher has been the Oklahoma City Thunder play-by-play announcer for the past few seasons. He has also done basketball work for FS1, Big Ten Network, FOX Sports West, Pac-12 Network and Time Warner Cable.

If you’re looking for a CW color analyst who brings hardware and pedigree to the table, look no further than Stanback. He’s a four-time Emmy Award winner as a color commentator for Dallas Cowboys’ preseason broadcasts.

Stanback is the nephew of former Atlanta Falcons running back Haskel Stanback. He also works for the Seattle Seahawks Radio Network and has deep ties in Washington state as a former quarterback at the University of Washington.

More Ways To Watch

CW Sports may not be ESPN, but the two networks have forged a new streaming agreement bringing CW Sports live events to the ESPN app. The partnership includes coverage of WWE, NASCAR and college football.

Let’s keep it real here: CW Sports is not going to feature games pitting traditional powers like Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia or Texas against each other. However, just looking at the 2026 college football schedule, they do have some interesting matchups.

Some that will make my viewing calendar include the opener with New Mexico State at Florida State on August 29. Also, the September 9 twin bill with Stanford at Duke and James Madison at San Diego State. Miami hosts Central Michigan on September 26. Washington State is at Utah State on October 9. Then the next day, perennial power North Dakota State, now in the Mountain West Conference, travels to UNLV. The CW season culminates on November 27 with Air Force at New Mexico.

Of course, The CW is not the only network gearing up for the college football season. Fans’ appetites are being simultaneously whetted with a full slate of games on the aforementioned ESPN/ABC and FOX Sports. In addition, USA Network, NBC, CBS, and the ACC, Big 10 and SEC Networks all have a full slate of games.

All of this is a sure sign that college football is back. With it, all of the hype, tradition, painted faces, mascots and pageantry, along with the usual hardcore debates on NIL, the transfer portal and the expansion of the CFP playoffs.

As Terrell Owens so famously said, “Get your popcorn.” The fun is about to begin.

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.

Why Consolidation Strategy Beats Streaming Competition Right Now

Jim Ryan
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Why Consolidation Strategy Beats Streaming Competition Right Now

The FCC needs to deregulate ASAP to help all in the radio industry. I was surprised to find talent at Morning Show Boot Camp sharing a very opposite viewpoint on this subject. They felt that consolidation in the 90’s and massive debt to own more stations have caused lower salaries and fewer jobs. No question — when you’re paying millions in interest on loans it becomes harder to invest in a business. However, I believe the next wave of consolidation will make radio stronger for everyone.

While we were all trained for years that the competitor is up or down the radio dial from us, that is simply not true anymore. Yes, your bonus is based on rank, share, or AQH persons. However, we all need to think about the bigger picture. If listeners leave for Spotify because they can’t find the music they want on the FM band, it’s a loss for radio.

Similarly, if people spend more time on YouTube for entertainment over local radio, it’s also a loss. Moreover, if Google or Meta offer a better plan to our biggest advertisers, we’re in trouble. The enemy is not another radio company — it’s a giant corporation looking to eat us for lunch. Therefore, if radio companies had a bigger presence in each market, they would be better equipped to fight that enemy.

Market Consolidation in Action

In the Fort Myers/Naples market, Beasley recently sold their stations to Sun and Fort Myers Broadcasting. These two locally based companies now own the top six stations in the market and employ live talent on those stations. In contrast, iHeartRadio — which invests heavily in New York, LA, and Chicago — ranks at the bottom of the market as #51 is not meaningful to them. Deregulation could bring more local companies back into broadcasting where they would make a meaningful difference in a market.

Let’s take a hypothetical situation if the ownership caps go away. In Minneapolis, iHeartRadio, Cumulus, Hubbard, and Audacy all compete for revenue and listeners. The three companies owning the least number of stations could combine in a world without limits. I’d pick Hubbard since this is their home market. Notably, they would be a much stronger company and better able to compete with iHeartRadio and Minnesota Public Radio, which has a huge following in Minneapolis.

Since they would now have the two Cumulus rock stations and the Audacy Jack format. They could eliminate one and launch a different format to sell in tandem with their other stations. Additionally, their sales team would rep half the stations in the market, giving them more leverage with advertisers and creating more talent endorsement revenue. A market with only two giant radio companies (and Public Radio) would be better equipped to take format chances and fight the flight to other media.

Lessons from the Past Deregulation

When the 90’s decade began, radio was struggling as companies could only own seven AM and FM stations in the country. Deregulation caused stations to increase in value and everyone did well — including talent. It could do the same today. Radio works for advertisers. If a seller could put together a media plan with over a half dozen stations and digital that reach a majority of a market’s population, that’s a win. In small markets, one owner makes sense. In medium and large markets, two owners is optimal.

I know that talent are skeptical because some of you have been treated poorly and had your jobs eliminated. But the leaders of broadcasting companies were handed the giant debts that their predecessors created. If the FCC creates an environment where there is an easier path to profitability and success, it would be a win for everyone — including talent.

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.

Why The Morning Meeting’s Kevin Walling Likes Setting the Stage on 2WAY

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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Why The Morning Meeting’s Kevin Walling Likes Setting the Stage on 2WAY

From TV ads to critiquing political strategy, Kevin Walling is one of the most well-rounded surrogates for the political left. Now he, along with co-hosts Mark Halperin and Larry O’Connor, is inviting you to call in and have your pressing political questions answered live on their show The Morning Meeting.

“It’s kind of a news-setting program. It’s based around, as Mark describes it, kind of the editorial meetings that go on [in the industry] where you gather all the EPs, producers, anchors, news directors, and talk about the news of the day,” Walling affirmed.

Live streaming on 2WAY, YouTube, X, and more, the threesome invite the public to ask questions, give comments, and interact with the hosts. “It’s really kind of why it’s called 2WAY to begin with, where you have this interaction with members of the public that are engaged, that have honest questions and honest comments,” the political analyst enthused.

“The uniqueness of that was super appealing to me, as opposed to just a regular news program where you’re just talking at viewers,” Walling added. “I think where media is headed, too, in terms of the future.”

Life Behind the Camera

Clocking over 500 hours of live TV before starting on this new venture, Walling was making TV well before he appeared on your screen.

“I had always worked in political consulting and media consulting, so I make TV ads, digital ads for folks running for office, for ballot campaigns, for other issue-based campaigns,” Walling reminisced.

One of his most notable political efforts was leading the effort to pass marriage equality in Maryland. Walling was later elected as Montgomery County chairman in the Old Line state.

A few short years later, he made his first on-camera appearance on Fox News. “[I was] talking about President Trump’s new cabinet, and it’s progressed since then, spending a lot of my time on Fox News and talking to more conservative audiences,” Walling, who was a Biden-Harris campaign surrogate, boasted.

A Better Way to Connect with the Audience

On The Morning Meeting, he is always ready and able to have bipartisan conversations. It’s an important American value Walling truly believes in. “There’s so much frustration, anger that we’re seeing play out in our politics, and [our show on 2WAY] is a great avenue for a bipartisan conversation, because Mark, obviously, middle-of-the-road journalist [and] well-sourced, Larry O’Connor on the right, and I’m on the left.”

For Walling, it is more than just a bipartisan conversation with the audience. It sheds light on why the voting numbers are often different than the polls. “Based on just how far off these polls have been recently, [most polls had a] 13-point average spread for [Abdul] El-Sayed [the now Democratic nominee for Michigan], and it’s a less-than-a-point race right now in terms of what we’re seeing this morning. So I do think there is an interest there in going deeper beyond the polls, but actually what people are saying and thinking.”

What better way to figure out why the polls are wrong than just going to the source, aka the American voters. “It’s actually them, you know, with their face on air, saying where they’re from and asking questions of us or making comments of us, and having this back and forth,” Walling effused. He sees the show as fulfilling a “hunger for authentic conversation, and that’s what’s fueling so much of the 2WAY community.”

Authenticity Over the Script

Walling is used to the interaction and believes his years of work behind the camera helped shape who he has become in front of it. “I’ve worked for candidates that don’t really know who they are, right? And they’re poll-tested, and they said, ‘OK, we’re going to be X, Y, Z, because that’s where the people are.'”

The audience won’t get that with Walling. “The secret sauce [to making a good political candidate … or on-air presence] is really making sure that who they are comes across on the screen.”

He went on to say, “I think that experience has helped shape me in terms of how I present myself and carry myself and poke fun at myself and make jokes and really engage people so they can really see kind of who I am.”

He applauded his co-hosts for doing the same: “[Mark, Larry, and I] bring our authentic selves, our passions, our interests, our weird one-offs of references, pop culture references, whatever it is, in a way that you don’t often get in a scripted news program.”

The Key to Success

The key to Walling’s success is always being involved. “I first got involved in politics was literally as a kid intern for my congressman back in New Jersey where I grew up, a guy named Rush Holt, as a 16-, 17-year-old, was an intern in his district office and then worked on Capitol Hill for a number of years.”

Even before he could vote, Walling was volunteering for campaigns, getting out there and saying yes to everything. “That’s part of it, too. I think younger generations don’t want to do some of the unglamorous things that you do [coming up in media or in politics].” But he noted, “Just say yes to everything when you’re young, and you’re hungry, and you’re engaged, things will line up for you on the political and/or the media front.”

Walling believes young people also have an opportunity he didn’t have just 10 years ago. “I think what we’re seeing is this advent of younger and younger people engaging online, building a social media presence, doing this kind of commentary, getting in front of people where there is no longer those kinds of high barriers of entry for media that used to be.”

Saying yes and showing your willingness to do well isn’t just talk. “You have so many young people, even in their teens, early 20s, that have launched their own video shows that do interviews with newsmakers, that get the views, get the engagement, and I think that’s pretty extraordinary and a lot of that is what fuels the 2WAY community.”

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.

Denver Nuggets Announce New Television Broadcast Team

John Mamola
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Denver Nuggets Announce New Television Broadcast Team

Altitude Sports has unveiled a new broadcast team for Denver Nuggets basketball. Noah Reed takes over as play-by-play voice, with Katy Winge stepping up as lead analyst.

What We Know: Reed arrives after five years calling college hoops for ESPN, NBC/Peacock and FOX Sports. Meanwhile, Winge, with Altitude since 2018, steps into the lead analyst chair. She’s the third full-time female analyst on an NBA regional network. Also, Jason Richardson, a 14-year NBA veteran, joins as studio analyst. In addition, he will work select games as a second color voice. Also, Lauren Gardner and Vic Lombardi return alongside former coach Bill Hanzlik. Moreover, these moves follow June’s exit of Chris Marlowe, Scott Hastings and Chris Dempsey.

What They Said: Noah Reed: “I am beyond honored to be named the TV play-by-play voice of the Denver Nuggets. This is a first-class, successful franchise with one of the most passionate fan bases in sports that I can’t wait to be a part of. This is a dream come true for me and something I’ve spent so much time and effort striving toward. I am thrilled to make Denver home and begin connecting and interacting with Nuggets fans everywhere.”

Katy Winge: “Basketball has been an important part of my world for my entire life. I’m honored to have a bigger opportunity to break down the game and tell the stories of this Nuggets team in a new way this season. I can’t wait to bring my love and passion for this sport and the Nuggets to life every night alongside our talented team.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear where Marlowe and Dempsey will land next in their broadcasting careers. Hastings, however, remains part of Altitude Sports Radio going forward. Additionally, how often Richardson will rotate into the second-analyst chair alongside Reed and Winge hasn’t been specified.

What It Means: This overhaul marks a clear turning point for Altitude’s Nuggets coverage after the 2023 championship run. Ultimately, fresh voices arrive as the franchise looks to connect with fans in new ways under new ownership.

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.

Nielsen Making Co-Viewing Official Part Of Updated Measurement Ahead Of NFL Season

John Mamola
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Nielsen Making Co-Viewing Official Part Of Updated Measurement Ahead Of NFL Season

Nielsen is rolling out major currency upgrades ahead of the new broadcast season. The changes take effect August 31 and refine Big Data + Panel measurement.

What We Know: Nielsen shifted its currency to Big Data + Panel measurement last September. Now, the company is layering on seven additional enhancements. Updates include better co-viewing detection through wrist-worn wearables, adjusted DASH Universe Estimates, and a revised Household Demographic Assignment Model. Further changes touch weighting, Hispanic-market surveys, ACR tuning, and household grouping for one Big Data provider. This marks the third major change to measurement in the last two years.

What They Said: Karthik Rao, CEO, Nielsen: “We are relentless in our pursuit of delivering the most accurate measurement possible for our media and advertising clients. We’ve spent months working hand in hand with them and industry experts to make Big Data + Panel even more accurate.”

CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson (via Front Office Sports): “What we’re pleased about is that the viewership metrics are finally capturing what we think is the accurate audience.”

What Remains Unclear: Nielsen stresses that accuracy gains won’t necessarily translate into higher ratings for any given program. Meanwhile, the company hasn’t detailed how advertisers should expect currency numbers to shift once the changes land. How this change in measurement affects live events is unknown. This new measurement was tested earlier this year for Super Bowl LX.

What It Means: Broadly, these updates continue Nielsen’s push to modernize measurement following last year’s Big Data + Panel transition. Consequently, clients get more time to prepare, since Nielsen shared preview data ahead of launch. Still, the real test comes once the industry sees the new numbers in action. For now, Nielsen remains positioned as the dominant measurement currency heading into the new season. Following the findings with the new measurement, we will see if that changes.

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.

MS NOW Launches New Direct-to-Consumer ‘Membership’ Product

Garrett Searight
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MS NOW Launches New Direct-to-Consumer ‘Membership’ Product

MS NOW will launch its first direct-to-consumer product next month as the network looks to deepen audience engagement. The MS NOW Membership will add new digital experiences to its existing television and streaming offerings.

What We Know: The inaugural Membership launches Wednesday, September 9th, for $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually. However, new Members can receive their first full year for $39.99 plus tax through September 30th at 11:59 p.m. ET. The service will give subscribers direct access to MS NOW journalists, exclusive community features, contributors and experts. It will also include original creator content, new verticals exploring how news and politics affect everyday life, plus 24/7 access to live streams and television programming. The launch comes as MS NOW reports more than 3.2 billion YouTube and TikTok views and over 80 million podcast downloads this year.

What They Said: “From the beginning, we’ve approached this deliberately. When we launched MS NOW, our ‘We the People’ campaign was never just a tagline. Our mission has always been to inform, engage and empower our audience. Our Membership is the first step in a long-term strategy to deepen our relationship with audiences in ways that build on what they already value about MS NOW, while addressing what consumers told us was missing from the news experience. We will continue to research, test, and refine this experience because we want it to be something that our loyal MS NOW fans genuinely love, as well as something that future fans genuinely need.” -MS NOW President Rebecca Kutler

What Remains Unclear: MS NOW hasn’t detailed how many subscribers it expects to attract or disclosed financial targets for the Membership. The network also hasn’t outlined how frequently it will add new programming or community features after launch.

What It Means: The Membership gives MS NOW another way to monetize its highly engaged audience while expanding beyond traditional television. Notably, Comscore says less than 10% of its television and digital audiences overlap, creating an opportunity to convert digital users into paying customers.

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.

Advertising Week New York 2026 Agenda Released

Garrett Searight
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Advertising Week New York 2026 Agenda Released

Advertising Week has released the agenda for its 2026 New York event, featuring major names across entertainment and marketing. The four-day event will bring industry leaders together in Manhattan this October.

What We Know: Advertising Week New York 2026 will take place at The Penn District from October 5 through October 8. The speaker lineup includes Kerry Washington, Flavor Flav, Bobby Lee, Gary Vaynerchuk, Sophia Bush, Jackie Aina and Ben Cohen. Meanwhile, executives from Hilton, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, the NFL, The Hershey Company, Little Caesars, Stanley 1913 and Supergoop! will also participate. Sessions will examine how CMOs can turn cultural moments into brand momentum while exploring creator partnerships, healthcare marketing and strategies for brands looking to stand out.

What’s at Stake: The event arrives as marketers continue to navigate a rapidly changing media landscape. As a result, Advertising Week will give brands and agencies an opportunity to examine how culture, creators and emerging strategies can drive business results. The mix of entertainment figures and corporate executives also reflects the industry’s growing focus on connecting brands with audiences beyond traditional advertising.

What Remains Unclear: Organizers haven’t detailed every session or speaker that will appear across the four-day event. However, the newly released agenda provides a broad look at the conversations planned for this year’s gathering. Additional programming and speakers could be announced as October approaches.

What It Means: Advertising Week New York remains a key gathering for marketers, advertisers and media executives. This year’s lineup suggests the event will put cultural relevance and evolving consumer behavior at the center of its programming. With major brands and recognizable personalities on the agenda, the Penn District will become a hub for advertising conversations in early October.

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.

MeidasTouch Network Strikes Deal with Audacy for Sales, Distribution

Garrett Searight
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MeidasTouch Network Strikes Deal with Audacy for Sales, Distribution

Audacy is expanding its podcast portfolio through a new partnership with the MeidasTouch Network. The deal will give Audacy responsibility for the network’s sales and distribution.

What We Know: Audacy will handle sales and distribution for the MeidasTouch Network beginning September 1. The partnership adds one of the largest independent political podcast networks to Audacy’s growing audio portfolio. Meanwhile, The MeidasTouch Podcast will continue releasing new episodes every Tuesday and Friday morning. The show has become a major part of the network’s programming strategy as MeidasTouch continues expanding its reach across digital platforms. Under the agreement, Audacy will provide its sales operation and distribution infrastructure while MeidasTouch maintains its existing programming schedule.

What They Said: “Our mission has always been to build the strongest independent news network in the country. Our partnership with Audacy significantly expands our podcast capabilities while strengthening our advertising operation as we continue growing the MeidasTouch Network. This is another important step in our long-term strategy to invest in independent media, expand our programming, and reach even more people across every major platform.” -MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the MeidasTouch Network to Audacy – this partnership underscores the momentum behind our podcast business and further accelerates our growth. What Ben, Brett, and Jordan have built is nothing short of a phenomenon – a powerhouse in independent media with unmatched scale and audience engagement. Audacy’s best-in-class sales team, paired with the MeidasTouch Network’s unmatched scale and audience engagement, will unlock powerful opportunities for our advertising partners.” -Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis

What Remains Unclear: Neither company detailed the financial terms of the partnership or how the agreement will affect MeidasTouch’s broader business operations. It also remains unclear whether Audacy will expand its role beyond sales and distribution as the relationship develops. Additionally, the companies didn’t provide specific revenue expectations tied to the deal.

What It Means: The agreement gives Audacy another high-profile podcast property as the company continues building its digital audio business. For MeidasTouch, the partnership provides access to Audacy’s established sales operation and distribution network. At the same time, Audacy gains a politically engaged audience that could create new opportunities for advertisers. Ultimately, the deal highlights the continued importance of podcast partnerships as media companies look for ways to grow audiences and advertising revenue.

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.

NBC Sports Adds Jason Benetti, Dave Flemming To College Football Broadcast Roster

John Mamola
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NBC Sports Adds Jason Benetti, Dave Flemming To College Football Broadcast Roster

NBC Sports adds Jason Benetti and Dave Flemming to its 2026 college football booth. Both broadcasters will call select Big Ten games as the season opens in 10 days.

What We Know: NBC Sports named Benetti and Flemming to its Big Ten football team for select games this fall. In addition, Paul Burmeister returns as the network’s veteran play-by-play voice, and Yogi Roth joins as an analyst for a full slate. Matt Cassel, a 14-year NFL quarterback, joins as an analyst for select games too. Also, Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kathryn Tappen return to Big Ten Saturday Night and will call all Saturday primetime games this season. Dan Hicks and Jason Garrett are also back in NBC’s Notre Dame Football booth, now in the network’s 36th season of Fighting Irish coverage.

What Remains Unclear: Full game by game and which broadcaster pairing have not been fully announced yet. How Benetti’s role with NBA and MLB on NBC Sports is impacted is also unknown.

What It Means: Adding Benetti and Flemming signals NBC Sports is deepening its Big Ten bench ahead of a packed slate of 25-plus games. Consequently, the network gains flexibility to staff simultaneous matchups without leaning solely on Burmeister. Meanwhile, returning voices like Roth and rising names like Ashley ShahAhmadi round out a roster built for volume. Ultimately, the moves suggest NBC is investing further in Big Ten coverage as its media rights deal matures.

CUREENT NBC SPORTS / PEACOCK COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DateTime (ET)MatchupPlatform(s)
Sat., Aug. 293 p.m.San Jose State at USCNBC, Peacock
Thurs., Sept. 38 p.m.Eastern Illinois at MinnesotaPeacock
Sat., Sept. 57:30 p.m.Western Michigan at MichiganNBC, Peacock
Sun., Sept. 64 p.m.Washington State at WashingtonNBC, Peacock
Sun., Sept. 67:30 p.m.Wisconsin at Notre Dame (Lambeau Field)NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 123:30 p.m.Rice at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 127:30 p.m.Iowa State at IowaNBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 1912:30 p.m.Eastern Michigan at WisconsinPeacock
Sat., Sept. 192 p.m.Southern Illinois at IllinoisPeacock
Sat., Sept. 194 p.m.Western Kentucky at IndianaPeacock
Sat., Sept. 197:30 p.m.Michigan State at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 103:30 p.m.Stanford at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 77:30 p.m.Miami at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 143:30 p.m.Boston College at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 217:30 p.m.SMU at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Fri. Nov. 277:30 p.m.Minnesota at WisconsinNBC, Peacock

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