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ESPN New York’s Chris Carlin on Bart Scott Departure From Network: “This Is a Very Rough Day”

John Mamola
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ESPN New York’s Chris Carlin on Bart Scott Departure From Network: “This Is a Very Rough Day”

Bart Scott is reportedly out at ESPN and ESPN New York. Scott’s radio co-host Chris Carlin addressed the news live on Bart & Carlin Tuesday morning.

What We Know: ESPN reportedly let go of Scott Tuesday as part of a wider round of layoffs tied to its NFL Network acquisition earlier this year. Scott joined ESPN New York back in 2017, first appearing on The Michael Kay Show and Humpty & Canty. He worked as an NFL analyst for CBS from 2013 to 2017. Scott was named a full time host in 2020 teaming with Alan Hahn and then shifted to join Chris Carlin in 2025 on their current show.

What They Said: (All quotes via Bart & Carlin on ESPN New York)

Chris Carlin on Bart Scott departing ESPN New York: “Frankly, it’s all just kind of setting in. There’s a lot of things that are still up in the air. So, just to not ignore it completely, because that would be somewhat silly on my part for sure. There’s not a whole lot more I can say about it at the moment.”

Chris Carlin has experience with being laid off before: “Similar to a lot of colleagues, I have been in this position before. I am thinking of them. And it’s not an easy place to be. If you personally have been there before in your career, you know what it’s like.”

Chris Carlin on Bart Scott: “I love him. Just for so many people, this is a very tough day. This is an unfortunate reality across a lot of industries these days, especially ours.”

What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t named a replacement co-host for Bart & Carlin. Although Carlin hinted that there are items still up in the air. Whether or not that includes remaining to be a part of ESPN New York is unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, Scott’s exit marks another local casualty in ESPN’s broader restructuring. For Carlin, however, the loss is personal, not just professional. Given his own history with layoffs, and teaming with Scott not once but twice, Carlin’s empathy carries extra weight today. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how ESPN New York addresses the daypart and if they will team Carlin with another voice or have him ride solo in the midday daypart.

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.

Audacy Partnering with SiriusXM to Bring Sports, News, Talk Stations to Satellite Radio

Garrett Searight
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Audacy Partnering with SiriusXM to Bring Sports, News, Talk Stations to Satellite Radio

Audacy is expanding its reach through a new SiriusXM distribution agreement. Sports, news, and talk listeners will gain more listening options.

What We Know: Audacy and SiriusXM have reached a licensing agreement that will bring 42 Audacy-owned sports, news, and talk stations to the satellite radio platform. The rollout begins Tuesday, September 1, with 23 sports stations joining SiriusXM’s lineup. The following brands will be heard on both the SiriusXM app and in vehicles:

  • WFAN (New York)
  • 104.3 The Score (Chicago)
  • 105.3 The Fan (Dallas)
  • 95.7 The Game (San Francisco)
  • SportsRadio 94WIP (Philadelphia)
  • WEEI 93.7 (Boston)
  • 97.1 The Ticket (Detroit)
  • 93.7 The Fan (Pittsburgh)
  • 92.3 The Fan (Cleveland)
  • 1010 WINS/92.3 FM (New York)
  • KNX News (Los Angeles)
  • WBBM Newsradio (Chicago)
  • KCBS All News (San Francisco)
  • NewsRadio 1080 KRLD (Dallas)
  • KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia)
  • Talk Radio 1210 WPHT (Philadelphia)
  • WWJ Newsradio 950 (Detroit)
  • 1380 WAOK (Atlanta)
  • News Talk 830 WCCO (Minneapolis)
  • 104.1 KMOX (St. Louis)
  • NewsRadio KDKA (Pittsburgh)
  • 98.1 KMBZ FM (Kansas City)
  • WWL (New Orleans)
  • WTIC News Talk 1080 (Hartford)
  • NewsRadio 930 WBEN (Buffalo)
  • NewsRadio WRVA (Richmond)
  • News/Talk 98.9 WORD (Greenville/ Spartanburg/Asheville, SC)
  • NewsRadio WILK (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

Meanwhile, the following sports brands will be available on the SiriusXM app:

  • 97.1 The Fan (Los Angeles)
  • SportsRadio 610 (Houston)
  • 106.7 The Fan (Washington DC)
  • The Team 980 (Washington DC)
  • 92.9 The Game (Atlanta)
  • 104.3 WQAM (Miami)
  • 97.3 The Fan (San Diego)
  • 105.7 The Fan (Baltimore)
  • 105.1 The Fan (Portland)
  • ESPN 1320 (Sacramento)
  • 96.5 The Fan (Kansas City)
  • 105.7 The Fan (Milwaukee)
  • 92.9 ESPN (Memphis)
  • WGR 550 Sports Radio (Buffalo)

What They Said: “SiriusXM is the essential audio home for sports fans, offering access to every team and game alongside an unmatched lineup of national sports talk, expert analysis, and the biggest voices in sports. We also recognize the unique role local personalities play in connecting fans with their teams every day. By adding Audacy’s extensive lineup of sports stations, we’re making those trusted hometown voices available to fans wherever they are across North America. Together, we’re delivering an even more complete audio experience – bringing live games, premier national sports talk, and hometown conversations together in one place.” -SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein

“Audacy’s sports brands are deeply connected to the cities, teams and fan communities they serve, and being able to extend our reach nationally through SiriusXM is a natural fit. We look forward to working together with SiriusXM to bring our outstanding talent and content to sports fans and news and talk listeners wherever they are, providing our audiences with more ways to stay connected to the conversations that matter most to them.” -Audacy CEO Kelli Turner

What Remains Unclear: Neither company has revealed the value of the licensing agreement. It’s also unknown which 19 news and news/talk stations will launch first or when they’ll become available on SiriusXM. In addition, the companies haven’t detailed which SiriusXM personalities will appear on Audacy stations or how frequently those collaborations will occur.

What It Means: The partnership reflects growing demand for broader distribution of established local audio brands. Rather than keeping marquee stations exclusive to terrestrial radio and streaming apps, Audacy is extending their reach to SiriusXM subscribers. If listeners respond positively, similar licensing agreements could become a more common strategy across the radio industry.

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.

Mark Schlereth: ESPN Didn’t Feel Ryan Clark Could “Hold That In” When Pulled From NFL Live

John Mamola
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Mark Schlereth: ESPN Didn’t Feel Ryan Clark Could “Hold That In” When Pulled From NFL Live

Former ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth has a theory of why ESPN pulled Ryan Clark off the air during NFL . He believes ESPN simply didn’t trust Ryan Clark to stay quiet during the show.

What We Know: ESPN reportedly pulled Clark from NFL Live on Monday and told him he’d been laid off. Clark didn’t finish the broadcast after learning the news mid-show. Schlereth addressed the situation Tuesday on Stokley & Evans with Mark Schlereth on 104.3 The Fan. Following sharing his own example with the company, he suggested executives may have feared Clark might reveal his own firing live on air.

What They Said: (all quotes via 104.3 The Fan – Denver)

Mark Schlereth believes ESPN made the call because they didn’t trust Ryan Clark could not reveal the news on NFL: “I don’t think they felt comfortable that Ryan Clark would be able to hold that in. So, they let him go for the day and then pulled him off air before he had a chance.”

Mark Schlereth on how he’d prefer to find out he’s being laid off in that situation: “It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m going to work regardless. If had my [choice], I’d probably just find out on social media.”

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not confirmed any reporting on the nature of how they informed Clark of his departure from the network.

What It Means: Schlereth’s take adds a new layer to an already awkward exit for Ryan Clark. His personal experience with ESPN and FS1 and navigating the waters of being laid off provided his guide. While it’s not common for talent to find out their future live and in the moment while working on air, the example proves anything can happen. Meanwhile, Clark’s next move remains the bigger story.

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.

25% of News Consumers Now ‘Fanatics’, Stagwell Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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25% of News Consumers Now ‘Fanatics’, Stagwell Data Shows

Stagwell’s latest research highlights strong engagement from the most dedicated news consumers. News Media advertisers could find an especially receptive audience.

What We Know: Stagwell’s Future of News study found that 25% of Americans qualify as “news fanatics,” meaning they check the news more than five times each day. That audience also shows strong support for brands appearing alongside trusted journalism. Specifically, 78% of news fanatics believe companies should advertise on news media. Additionally, 74% say they have a more positive impression of companies that advertise within news environments. Those findings reinforce the idea that highly engaged news audiences don’t view advertising as a negative when it supports the content they value.

What The Numbers Show: The Stagwell data arrives as publishers, broadcasters, and advertisers continue debating the value of news audiences. However, the research suggests the industry’s most loyal consumers actively reward brands that invest in news programming. Nielsen data adds another layer to that conversation. According to Nielsen, News/Talk listeners spend 45% more time listening than all-news listeners. As a result, advertisers don’t just reach engaged consumers through News/Talk stations. They also receive longer exposure to their messaging across those broadcasts.

What Remains Unclear: The study doesn’t indicate whether those attitudes translate directly into higher purchase rates or stronger long-term sales performance. Likewise, it doesn’t break down how opinions differ across television, radio, digital, podcasts, or print news platforms. Additional research could clarify whether those advertising perceptions remain consistent across every news format.

What It Means: The findings strengthen the argument that news audiences remain valuable despite shifting media habits. While some marketers have reduced spending around news content, this research suggests dedicated consumers often welcome brand participation. Combined with Nielsen’s listening data, the results offer another reminder that News/Talk programming continues delivering highly engaged audiences that spend significant time with trusted news brands.

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.

Cam Newton Reportedly Departs ESPN As Part Of Network’s Layoffs

John Mamola
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Cam Newton Reportedly Departs ESPN As Part Of Network’s Layoffs

Cam Newton is reportedly out at ESPN. The former MVP is now part of the network’s latest wave of layoffs.

What We Know: According to OutKick, ESPN is parting ways with Newton. Newton signed a multi-year deal in 2025 that expanded his presence on First Take as a debate partner for Stephen A. Smith. Over the past two seasons, he became a regular fixture on the show alongside Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and others.

What’s At Stake: Newton is just the latest regular contributor on First Take to depart the network. Shannon Sharpe exited his role with the program in April of last year amid allegations of sexual assault and battery in Nevada civil court. Newton’s departure comes off the heels of Smith and himself engaging in a public dispute over comments regarding Jason Whitlock.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not responded for comment or confirmation of the reporting to Barrett Media.

What It Means: The cuts show ESPN absorbing real costs from its NFL Network deal. However, Newton’s role with the network was minimal and truly isolated to just one program. However, now First Take will have to find yet another replacement for Newton. Could this also be an opportunity for Sharpe to make his return to the program? Could Skip Bayless be an option? Moreover, overlap between ESPN and the NFL Network made some roles redundant once integration began.

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.

Andy Schuon Named CEO of Academy of Country Music

David Hill
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Andy Schuon Named CEO of Academy of Country Music

Andy Schuon is heading to Nashville with a big new title. The music industry veteran will become CEO of the Academy of Country Music on September 1.

What We Know: Schuon takes the ACM’s top job, filling the void left by Damon Whiteside’s exit earlier this year. He arrives from Anthem Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw linear, cable/satellite, and FAST TV networks. Before that, he ran Loop Media Studios and co-founded Spkr., which Loop later acquired. His resume also includes executive stops at LiveXLive, Revolt TV, Live Nation, UMG, CBS Radio, Warner Records, MTV, and KROQ Los Angeles.

What’s at Stake: Country music is experiencing a massive global growth moment. Consequently, the ACM needs a forward-thinking leader to match that momentum. Schuon’s cross-platform background — spanning radio, television, streaming, and digital — positions him well for the challenge. Still, he’s stepping into a high-profile role that demands immediate credibility with artists, members, and industry partners.

What Remains Unclear: The ACM hasn’t detailed its specific priorities under Schuon’s leadership. Furthermore, the circumstances around Whiteside’s departure remain vague. It’s also unknown how quickly Schuon plans to reshape the organization’s direction. Whether his entertainment and digital media background translates smoothly into the country music world remains to be seen.

What It Means: This hire signals the ACM is thinking beyond traditional country music infrastructure. Moreover, Schuon’s deep media and technology experience suggests the Academy wants broader reach and stronger fan engagement. His background could accelerate the genre’s push into new platforms and global audiences. Overall, it’s a bold, outside-the-box move for an organization navigating a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

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.

ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro Notes “Difficult Decisions” as Network Begins Layoffs

John Mamola
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0
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro Notes “Difficult Decisions” as Network Begins Layoffs

ESPN officially began layoffs Tuesday tied to its NFL Network acquisition. In turn, Chairman Jimmy Pitaro confirmed the cuts in a memo to staff.

What We Know: Among the reported names departing include NFL analyst Ryan Clark, and play by play voice Karl Ravech. In addition to SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, fantasy expert Stephania Bell among others. Pitaro stated that most of the cuts stem from ESPN’s integration of NFL assets it acquired in January. Meanwhile, some employees outside that unit will also receive notices.

What They Said: ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro memo to staff: “Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN. Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today. While most of the job impacts are tied to the acquisition, we will also notify colleagues in other parts of the company today that their positions have been impacted. We are committed to treating employees with compassion and respect and to providing support as they navigate this transition. Even in moments like these, the strength of ESPN comes from our people, our teamwork and our shared mission to serve sports fans.”

What Remains Unclear ESPN has not disclosed how many jobs the layoffs affect companywide. Furthermore, the network hasn’t specified how many cuts hit NFL Network’s Los Angeles operation versus Bristol staff.

What It Means The cuts show ESPN absorbing real costs from its NFL Network deal. Moreover, overlap between the two organizations made some roles redundant once integration began. For fans, familiar voices like Clark and Ravech and others won’t return. And for ESPN, the memo signals more consolidation could follow as NFL coverage centralizes under one roof.

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.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero Reportedly Departs As Part Of ESPN Layoffs

John Mamola
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0
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero Reportedly Departs As Part Of ESPN Layoffs

Tom Pelissero is expected to be let go by ESPN. The NFL Network insider becomes a casualty as the two networks consolidate their NFL coverage.

What We Know: Pelissero joined NFL Network in July 2017. Before that, he covered the NFL for USA Today starting in 2013. Pelissero was part of a team that won an Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 award. He also hosted radio shows on SiriusXM NFL Radio and 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. The Athletic reports say ESPN favored pairing Adam Schefter with Ian Rapoport over retaining Pelissero.

What’s At Stake: Pelissero is just the latest name in a growing list of names being laid off by the company. Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd and fantasy analyst Stephania Bell are other names that have surfaced as part of the layoffs. The moves come as ESPN takes oversight of the NFL Network as training camps begin to open this week.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN nor Pelissero have confirmed the reports of his departure.

What It Means: ESPN is clearly prioritizing some but not all NFL league insiders as the company takes over the NFL Network. The consolidation keeps trimming redundant roles across both platforms where multiple talent were likely doing the same role. In addition, even well-compensated, plugged-in names aren’t safe from the cuts. These roster cuts were expected. ESPN is taking over the NFL Network in lieu of a 10% acquisition by the NFL approved earlier this year.

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.

Bill Handel: We’ve Lost 65% of Our AM Radio Audience on KFI in Past Decade

Garrett Searight
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Bill Handel: We’ve Lost 65% of Our AM Radio Audience on KFI in Past Decade

KFI-AM 640 morning host Bill Handel offered a stark assessment of audience and revenue trends. Both have decreased in recent years, he shared.

What We Know: Bill Handel recently shared a candid view of how his audience has changed over the past decade. During an apperance on the Archer & Feldman podcast, he said his weekly cume has dropped significantly compared to previous years. However, Handel also acknowledged the industry’s belief that many former over-the-air listeners now consume his program through streaming platforms and podcasts. Even so, he questioned whether those audiences receive the same level of measurement as traditional radio. His comments also extended beyond audience trends, pointing to a steep decline in revenue despite continued digital distribution.

What They Said: “Maybe five or eight years ago, over the course of a week, I had 1.1 million listeners tune in to the morning show. We are going to be lucky to get past 450,000. We lost 60-65% of the audience. Now I am told that they have all gone on to streaming and podcasting. They podcast our show, which they put up with new commercials inserted and edited down. So you get 45 minutes instead of an hour and a half of the show. But we’re told that the listeners have moved over there and we have just as many listeners. Well, I don’t know because they’re really not measured. And if you look at revenue, revenue has just collapsed. It is 25-40% of what it was 10 years ago.” -Bill Handel

What Remains Unclear: Handel didn’t provide digital listening totals or revenue data that could verify whether streaming offsets broadcast declines.

What It Means: Handel’s comments reflect a broader debate across radio. Many broadcasters believe audiences have shifted to digital platforms, yet proving that migration remains difficult. As a result, measurement challenges continue to affect advertising conversations and revenue expectations. His remarks also underscore a key concern for news/talk operators: growing digital consumption doesn’t automatically replace the financial value once generated by large terrestrial radio audiences.

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.

NHL Creating Local Broadcast Production Setup With At Least Four Clubs Beginning Next Season

John Mamola
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0
NHL Creating Local Broadcast Production Setup With At Least Four Clubs Beginning Next Season

The NHL is centralizing local production. Four teams will reportedly use the league’s new in-house arm starting next season.

What We Know: The Blue Jackets, Blues, Hurricanes and Wild lost their regional networks when Main Street Sports Group shut down. As a result, they’re shifting to NHL Productions for live game production, graphics and technical support. According to reporting from Sports Business Journal, the league is investing a high-seven- to low-eight-figure sum over three seasons. Additionally, the Ducks could join soon after notifying streaming partner Victory+ of their intent to leave last week.

What They Said: NHL President of Business Keith Wachtel (via SBJ): “When you control all of the different aspects of the production and the sales, what you have the ability to do — market, promote and sell — becomes infinitely better.”

NHL Chief Media Officer David Proper (via SBJ): “You hear the other leagues talking about doing national products and so on and so forth. Our main goal right now is to maintain as much flexibility as we can so that as the market matures and we start to understand what the future really holds, then we can react very quickly.”

What Remains Unclear: None of the four affected teams have finalized 2026-27 distribution plans. However, the Blues, Hurricanes and Wild are prioritizing pay-TV deals while exploring streaming options. Meanwhile, over-the-air availability remains uncertain for all teams following their departures from Main Street Sports Group.

What It Means: Ultimately, the NHL joins MLB and the NBA in centralizing local broadcasts. Therefore, teams gain more control over advertising inventory and monetization. Additionally, league executives hope aggregated media could eventually support national sponsorship deals. In short, the shift signals a lasting change in how NHL clubs manage local television rights.

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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