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Country Radio Broadcasters Names 2026–2027 CRS Agenda Committee Leadership

Bethany Kent
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Country Radio Broadcasters Names 2026–2027 CRS Agenda Committee Leadership

Country Radio Broadcasters has named its Agenda Committee for the 2026–2027 Country Radio Seminar cycle. The committee features more than two dozen industry voices from radio, streaming, labels, and management.

What We Know: Brittani Johnson of The Core Entertainment chairs the committee. Joining her are Vice Chairs Krista Hayes (BMG) and Kevin Callahan (Pamal Broadcasting and Barrett Media Columnist). Additionally, Ed Rivadavia of mtheory will lead the returning Digital Music Summit, which examines technology, streaming, and country music. CRS 2027 is scheduled for March 17–19 in Nashville.

Other 2026–2027 Agenda Committee members include Cody Alan (SiriusXM), Tony Bannon (DMR/Interactive), Meagan Bennington (Spotify), Andrea Burtscher (Audacy), Tim Clarke (TC Projects Media + Entertainment), Gideon Dean (Local Daily Media/WBQK), Al Farb (KSCS/Cumulus), Shelley Hargis (BMG), Bridget Hermann (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Tahsin Rakib Himi (BMG), Michael J (iHeartMedia), Stella Prado Kuipers (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment), Charlie Maxx (Draper Media), John Mayer (Virgin Music), Jared Meyer (Q Prime South), Jennipher Miller (Cumulus), Morgan Mills (CMND SHFT), Blake Nixon (Triple Tigers), Sean Ross (Ross On Radio/Advantage Music Research), Lauren “Lo” Sessions (KKBQ/Radio One), Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records), Lexi Sidders (SiriusXM), Michael Sloane (Dream Big Music), Jimmy Steal (Collective Heads Consulting), Neil Wilson (Neil Wilson Voiceovers), and Tim Wipperman (Humanable).

What They Said: “CRS continues to evolve alongside our industry, and I’m incredibly honored to help lead this year’s Agenda Committee,” said Johnson. “We have an outstanding group of professionals representing radio, streaming, artist management, labels, media, technology, and beyond. The passion, perspective, and creativity this team brings to the table will help us continue building a CRS experience that is educational, forward-thinking, and impactful for everyone who attends.”

What Remains Unclear: Still to come are specific programming topics and session formats for CRS 2027. The full committee roster is set, but individual member responsibilities have not been announced. CRB says additional details will follow in the coming months.

What It Means: CRS remains one of country radio’s most important annual gatherings. The diverse committee — spanning SiriusXM, iHeartMedia, Spotify, Cumulus, and multiple indie labels — signals a broad industry approach. As a result, CRS 2027 looks positioned to address the format’s biggest challenges head-on.

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.

Apple TV Airing First Live Sports Event Shot on iPhone 17 Pro This Weekend

John Mamola
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Apple TV Airing First Live Sports Event Shot on iPhone 17 Pro This Weekend

Apple TV is making broadcast history this Saturday. The LA Galaxy host the Houston Dynamo FC — and every second will be captured on iPhone 17 Pro for broadcast.

What We Know: This is the first time a major professional sporting event has been captured entirely on a single iPhone. The Saturday MLS match streams live at 7:30 p.m. PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Apple TV first tested iPhone in a live sports workflow during a September 2025 Friday Night Baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. That production earned a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. From there, Apple expanded iPhone usage across MLS Cup coverage and regular-season broadcasts throughout 2026.

What’s At Stake: Apple and MLS jointly positioned this broadcast as a milestone moment in live sports production. Both organizations framed it as proof that iPhone 17 Pro’s three 48MP Fusion cameras — delivering the equivalent of eight lenses — can meet the demands of professional broadcast.

What Remains Unclear: It’s still unknown how viewers will respond to an all-iPhone broadcast at full scale. While the technology is certainly continuing to progress, will the audience with it? Furthermore, no details have emerged about if this is part of the future long-term plans for Apple TV or if other networks could attempt the same.

What It Means: Apple isn’t just streaming sports anymore. It’s redefining how they’re produced for broadcast. Especially if they’re the ones developing the technology to produce the broadcast. Consequently, this puts traditional broadcast technology on notice. If iPhone can handle a full MLS match, the conversation around production costs and accessibility changes entirely. That’s a big deal for the 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.

Spotify and UMG Launch AI Tool for Fan Covers

Bethany Kent
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Spotify and UMG Launch AI Tool for Fan Covers

Spotify and Universal Music Group have reached a landmark licensing agreement. The deal unlocks a new AI-powered tool that lets fans create covers and remixes of songs from participating artists.

What We Know: The partnership covers both recorded music and music publishing licensing agreements. As a result, Spotify will launch a paid add-on for Premium subscribers. The tool uses generative AI to produce licensed fan remixes. It acts to ensure that artists and songwriters directly share in the revenue generated. Additionally, it aims to open new discovery pathways across the platform.

What They Said:

Spotify Co-CEO Alex Norström said: “Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part. Through each technological transformation, we have worked together with Sir Lucian and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more beneficial experience for fans and a more rewarding outcome for artists and songwriters.”

UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge added: “The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together. That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters. Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav, Daniel and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem.”

What Remains Unclear: Specific launch timing and pricing for the add-on, and which artists and songwriters will participate at launch remains unannounced. The revenue-sharing structure also lacks detailed public explanation.

What It Means: This deal signals a major shift in how AI and the music industry will coexist. Rather than fighting over copyright, both companies are moving toward monetizing fan creativity together. For radio and audio brands, it reinforces that streaming platforms are aggressively expanding their entertainment footprint.

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.

93 WIBC Host Casey Daniels to Depart

Garrett Searight
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93 WIBC Host Casey Daniels to Depart

There’s another change in middays at 93 WIBC upcoming. Host Casey Daniels is set to exit the daypart.

What We Know: Casey Daniels announced on Thursday her plans to exit the midday show she’s helmed for the past four years. She was previously paired with Rob Kendall. However, he exited the station in January. Most recently, she had been helming the show with her husband, Jim, who was a regular fill-in host on 93 WIBC. Daniels’ final show with the station will be on Friday.

What They Said: “After a defining chapter, I have made the decision to begin a new journey outside of WIBC. My time at WIBC has been one of the most rewarding and also challenging experiences of my career. Over these years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented people, cover stories that matter, connect with listeners across Indiana, and be part of a team that truly cares about serving its community. I’m proud and thankful to have been part of such an iconic, legendary station. This decision is entirely my own. And as one chapter closes, another begins.” -Casey Daniels

What Remains Unclear: Who will take over the timeslot previously occupied by Casey Daniels. The station has listed the job opening and is accepting applicants to fill the upcoming daypart. While Daniels shared that she and her husband will move to Virginia after her departure, she did not give any more details about any future media endeavors there.

What It Means: It marks another change in the daypart for 93 WIBC. Daniels had steadied the ship after the exit of her partner earlier this year. The opening is a prime opportunity, as the Indianapolis news/talk station regularly finishes as one of the top stations in the market.

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.

Alyssa Cordova Named Executive Producer of The Jeremy Boreing Show

Garrett Searight
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Alyssa Cordova Named Executive Producer of The Jeremy Boreing Show

Alyssa Cordova is reuniting with her old boss. She’s joined The Jeremy Boreing Show as its first Executive Producer.

What We Know: Alyssa Cordova previously worked with and for Jeremy Boreing at The Daily Wire before his 2025 exit. However, she shared that she began working for The Jeremy Boreing Show last month.

What They Said: “I started working for Jeremy at DW in 2021 and immediately knew he had a different vision, message, and strategy for the movement and the country than I had ever seen from the right. He took big risks and put more wins on the board than I had ever thought possible. I’m so honored to be part of this next adventure. I still believe the future of the country and the Movement is bright, but only if we all step up and make it so. I’m already so proud of this show and how much it’s inspiring people, and we’re only just getting started. There’s a lot hard work ahead of us, but as we say often around here: the future belongs to those who build it, and I hope you’ll join us in that endeavor.” -Alyssa Cordova

What Remains Unclear: What Cordova’s exact duties will be in her new capacity.

What It Means: The move shows Jeremy Boreing is serious about his next endeavor. Since launching his podcast in March, Boreing has amassed more than 35,000 subscribers on YouTube. One of his former colleagues, Jon Lewis, is already on board as President of the new company. Hiring an executive producer is the logical step in continuing to build out a new operation.

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.

Charles Barkley Calls on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver To Address National Broadcast Schedule for Next Season

John Mamola
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Charles Barkley Calls on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver To Address National Broadcast Schedule for Next Season

Inside the NBA’s Charles Barkley is done staying quiet. During an appearance on The SI Media Podcast with Jimmy Traina, Barkley publicly called on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to address one of the league’s most pressing fan-facing problems — nobody knows where to find the games.

What We Know: This season, the NBA launched its new 11-year media rights arrangement with The Walt Disney Company (ESPN), Comcast Corporation (NBC/Peacock), and Amazon (Prime Vide), collectively worth a reported $77 billion. Consequently, fans must now navigate at least five different national platforms, with games shifting depending on the day of the week. The straightforward TNT-and-ESPN model fans knew for decades is gone after TNT Sports decided to shift away from the NBA broadcast rights.

What They Said: Charles Barkley pleads for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to become involved: “I think that Adam Silver’s got to get a hold of this thing. I think the games are too disjointed right now. NBC, Peacock, Amazon. I think we have disrespected the fans. They don’t know when the games are on. I just think that’s really unfair to the fans.”

Charles Barkley on his own personal frustration with the NBA national game broadcast scheduling: “When we weren’t having games, I had to go to my app and see where the game was at. Is it on NBC? Peacock? Is it on Amazon? The nights we haven’t been working, so it’s been frustrating for me. I can imagine how frustrated is for the regular fan. I’m not sure what the solution is. They’ve taken all the money now, but they’ve got to do something because I think we’ve done a disservice to the fans.”

What Remains Unclear: Commissioner Silver has acknowledged some short-term disruption with the new media agreements launching this past season. The NBA did launch a “Tap to Watch” feature across its app, social channels, and sponsors’ platforms to help direct fans to nightly broadcasts. However, as the season commenced viewership did trend upward for the league. The NBA announced viewership for the regular season saw an 86% increase over last season via the new national broadcast partner model. That’s the highest in almost a quarter century.

What It Means: As much as Charles Barkley may complain, the results speak for themselves. While Barkley may personally have trouble finding games, the ratings show more people are watching basketball than in recent years. A total of 57 telecasts averaged more than two million viewers. Another 19 games surpassed three million viewers. Those are numbers the league has not seen in years. The NBA’s return to NBC has been a major success. It also proves broadcast television still beats cable when it comes to sports. The league did attempt to educate the audience in the first year where to find games. Moving into the second year will prove much different with familiarity.

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 Stone Launches BIA Records With Artist-First Vision

Bethany Kent
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Jon Stone Launches BIA Records With Artist-First Vision

A veteran Nashville hitmaker is stepping into a new role. Multi-Platinum songwriter and producer Jon Stone has officially launched BIA Records. A boutique independent label built on artist development, creative freedom, and hands-on support.

What We Know: BIA stands for “Bet It All.” The label prioritizes short-term record commitments, high-volume creative output, and artist ownership of their work. Stone’s credits span Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, and Rascal Flatts. Plus two ACM Award nominations and a SESAC Song of the Year honor. His first flagship signing is rising artist Nakessa. She has signed an exclusive international recording and publishing agreement with the label.

What They Said: “BIA Records came out of a lot of things, honestly — frustration, refinement, historical content, experiences from my own life, including trials and tribulations with record labels,” Stone said.

“As an artist myself, I know what it’s like to have your art not be supported in the way that you believe it should be. That’s what we’re really striving to do: be a boutique label that provides superior artist-focused attention.”

What Remains Unclear: Nakessa’s debut single details have yet to be announced. Furthermore, the label’s broader roster plans remain undisclosed. BIA describes its expansion as ongoing.

What It Means: Stone’s launch reflects a wider shift toward independent, artist-centered label models. His philosophy — “The sun doesn’t stop shining just because you can’t see it” — signals an intentional, long-view approach. For artists tired of traditional label structures, BIA offers a genuinely different path forward.

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.

Premiere Radio Networks Scores Big at the 2026 Gracie Awards

David Hill
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Premiere Radio Networks Scores Big at the 2026 Gracie Awards

Many radio personalities earned national recognition Tuesday night. The 51st Annual Gracie Awards honored women making an impact across media.

What We Know: The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation held its annual gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Jodi Koontz, co-host of Murphy, Sam & Jodi on Premiere Networks, claimed her second Gracie Award. She previously won in 2023. FOX Sports Radio’s Carmen Vitali and former co-host Alex Curry were also honored for FOX Sports Saturday among 15 national radio winners recognized on the night.

What They Said: “Women’s stories don’t just reflect the world — they shape it, shift it, and refuse to let it stay the same,” said AWMF President Becky Brooks. “This year’s honorees are doing exactly that across every platform, every format, every audience.” Furthermore, Brooks added the foundation was “proud, moved, and honored” to recognize this year’s class of winners.

What Remains Unclear: Vitali was unable to attend the Los Angeles gala and has not announced alternate plans. However, a second celebration is coming. Local and student winners will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Whether Vitali will attend that event to accept her award remains unknown.

What It Means: Gracie recognition carries significant weight in the radio industry. These awards reflect the excellence women bring to radio every day. And these wins further validate both properties as top-tier national programming. For Premiere and FOX Sports Radio, this moment reinforces their commitment to elevating women in broadcasting. Moreover, back-to-back recognition for Koontz signals she remains among the most respected voices in syndicated radio.

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.

AM 570 The Answer Launches Morning Show with Stephen Parr, Louis Avallone

Garrett Searight
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0
AM 570 The Answer Launches Morning Show with Stephen Parr, Louis Avallone

AM 570 The Answer in Washington, D.C. has announced a new morning show for the Salem Media news/talk station.

What We Know: American Ground Radio will air from 7-9 AM. Stephen Parr previously worked as a television news anchor and reporter before getting into radio. Louis Avallone, meanwhile, is an attorney and entrepreneur. He became a U.S. citizen after coming to the country from Italy as a child.

What They Said: “We’re thrilled to bring American Ground Radio to the heart of our nation’s capital. Stephen and Louis create a space where listeners can engage, be inspired, and find common ground.” -AM 570 The Answer GM David Howard

What Remains Unclear: How long the show will be in morning drive. No contractual terms for Stephen Parr and Louis Avallone were revealed in the announcement.

What It Means: The station likely couldn’t air O’Connor & Company. That show, which is now nationally syndicated by Salem Radio Network, airs on competitor 105.9 WMAL. Despite now being aired nationally by SRN, it remained on the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet. The two hosts are experienced in a vast field of subjects that are important to D.C.-area listeners.

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.

MVP Promotions Celebrates Netflix Success With Pledge for More MMA Events

John Mamola
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MVP Promotions Celebrates Netflix Success With Pledge for More MMA Events

Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) delivered a historic debut with the promotion’s first MMA event this weekend. The Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano card broke MMA’s all-time U.S. viewership record on Netflix. Now, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian told Ariel Helwani that the promotion is “here to stay” in creating more MMA events.

What We Know: MVP’s first MMA event drew a global average of 12.4 million viewers on Netflix, per company officials. The triple-headliner peaked at 17 million during Rousey’s 17-second armbar finish of Carano. Additionally, the live gate generated $2.2 million.

What They Said: MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian via The Ariel Helwani Show: “One hundred percent, MVP is in the MMA business. There is a clear opportunity to create an alternative avenue for fighters that truly represents the best of the sport and is fighters first. Our hope is that’s with our partners at Netflix. We’ve been very fortunate with the outreach we’ve gotten around what we did. What we accomplished and what we delivered.”

What Remains Unclear: According to Bidarian, no discussions have been held yet with Netflix about future events. Moreover, MVP events don’t have to be Netflix-exclusive — or on the platform at all. Bidarian said that would “be ideal, of course,” but it’s not a requirement. How quickly MVP moves, and with which partners, remains an open question. Bidarian did hint later in the interview with Helwani that his ideal situation would be to have a schedule of twelve events a year.

What It Means: The MVP debut in MMA drew significant attention over the weekend because of the fighters competing in the hexagon. There is clear interest in MMA alternatives outside the UFC. However, it remains unclear whether MVP can lure bigger fighters away from UFC contracts or develop its own stable of stars. There was much speculation about what audience the event would command, but the numbers are impressive for a first-time event. With the UFC tied to an exclusive agreement with Paramount+, the continued partnership with Netflix gives MVP more flexibility to think aggressively about future events.

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