As Salem Radio Network navigates the loss of Charlie Kirk, it has utilized guest hosts for The Charlie Kirk Show. Megyn Kelly joins the list of those helming the program this week.
On Thursday, Kelly will host the program from 12-2 PM ET.
Her spot as a fill-in host follows a list of high-profile voices to guide the program after Kirk was murdered during a speaking event at Utah Valley University last week.
Vice President JD Vance hosted the show on Monday. On Tuesday, Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, and Michael Knowles were at the controls of the program. Glenn Beck, with permission from Premiere Networks, hosted the show on Wednesday. At the time of the announcement that Beck would host the show, Salem Media Group Senior Vice President Phil Boyce shared that Beck “specifically asked for this honor.”
The announcement that Megyn Kelly would host the show on Thursday came on the heels of a statement by Boyce that “a few other major stars” will “fill in during the coming days.”
Additionally, Salem Radio Network has announced that it will broadcast the funeral service for Kirk on Sunday afternoon. Beginning at 1:30 PM ET, White House correspondent Greg Clugston will anchor the networks coverage. Speakers will include President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, and Kirk’s widow, Erika, among others. The service will be presented without commercial breaks, and coverage will last until 4 PM ET.
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Glenn Beck guest-hosted The Charlie Kirk Show on Wednesday, and had a special gift for the departed host’s family.
As Beck began the show, he shared his dealings and relationship with Kirk, before then sharing that he had brought an item to give to the host’s widow, Erika.
“It is Rush’s golden microphone,” said Beck. “I think it’s appropriate that it sits in front of Charlie’s microphone.“
Beck revealed that he was given the microphone by the widow of Limbaugh. He believed it was best if he had passed that gift on to Kirk’s family after he was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University last week.
Beck continued by sharing the advice he would have given Kirk about the radio and broadcasting business, had he been given the opportunity.
“What I would have said to Charlie was ‘You were thinking too small.’ ‘I wanna be Rush Limbaugh someday.’ I’m a broadcaster, Rush was a broadcaster. But Charlie was a broadcaster and a narrowcaster.”
Earlier this week, Vice President JD Vance helmed the program. Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh hosted on Tuesday, with Beck taking Wednesday, and Megyn Kelly joining the show on Thursday.
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In media, your talent determines what you can do. Your determination determines how much you are willing to do. When FS1 decided to cancel three programs including Breakfast Ball earlier this summer, there were many questions with the roster of talent involved. One of those talents was Craig Carton. Who joined FOX Sports in 2022 following a very successful stint with New York City’s WFAN.
Following the cancellation of Breakfast Ball, Carton’s second program with the network. There were questions as to what his next steps would be. While there was much rumor and speculation, the end result for Carton was remaining with FOX for a one-hour podcast called The Craig Carton Show.
“FOX has been very good to me since I started working for them a few years ago,” said Carton. “This was an idea that started with FOX creatively a couple of months ago in their conversations with Red Seat Ventures. As Red Seat decided to dive into sports podcasts, I was the guy they wanted to launch that part of their business with.”
The new one-hour program showcases what helped Carton become a known commodity around the sports media landscape: a no-nonsense approach in delivering compelling original programming surrounding the biggest sports stories from around the country, and a signature energy with sharp insight while performing to the audience with an unfiltered perspective.
Crafting a New Program
Carton says he’s enjoying another opportunity to work with FOX Sports. While the latest television program didn’t have the runway he had hoped for, Carton says the conversations about continuing to do something with FOX happened pretty immediately.
“We talked pretty quickly about maintaining a working relationship and employment for FOX to have this opportunity to do the podcast,” said Carton. “I think it’s great that they came to me to let me know this was a potential opportunity.”
When Carton agreed to move ahead with the new venture, he says FOX Sports allowed him full carte blanche to do whatever type of program he would prefer. Carton enlisted the services of former 97.5 The Fanatic host Tyrone Johnson as a partner with the podcast. Providing another perspective from his passionate connection to the Philadelphia audience.
“Tyrone’s been a friend of mine for about 25 years,” said Carton. “I think he’s such a good broadcaster. He allows me to take a breath every once in a while … It’s great that he’s a Philly guy because of my relationship with the Philadelphia sports fan. He’s locked in and will be with me for as long as we’re doing the podcast. I think he’s great.”
The program originates from SportsGrid’s studios in New York City, which was arranged through a distribution partnership with FOX and Red Seat Ventures. Carton says he wanted to use the Manhattan-based studios for the program and had a great relationship with SportsGrid CEO and President Louis Maione. Following a conversation with SportsGrid, the network approached FOX and Red Seat about a distribution partnership for use of their studios.
“I really wanted to use their studio, and have had a long-standing relationship with SportsGrid,” explained Carton. “The ability to further distribute the show on all their FAST channels and social media platforms just seemed like a no-brainer to me. You want to get the show out to as many people as possible. They’ve allowed us to do that from day one. I think it will be a rewarding partnership for everybody.”
Rumors of a Return to Radio
Carton is no stranger to the pivot in his career. Following a long and successful run hosting morning drive alongside Boomer Esiason, and then in afternoons with Evan Roberts, Carton gave up what he says is in his blood — radio.
He was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024 as recognition for his success at WFAN. A true honor for a self-proclaimed “radio lifer.”
When news broke about the cancellation of Breakfast Ball, almost immediately there began speculation about a potential return to the radio station he called home for thirteen years — something which didn’t stun Carton.
“I’m not surprised because I made my name at WFAN. The mornings with Boomer [Esiason], and the two and a half years in afternoons with Evan [Roberts],” said Carton. “I’m not surprised that people who like me and enjoy what I do would immediately ask the question. Well, he left WFAN to go to FOX. If he’s leaving FOX, is there a potential for a return? I’m not surprised those conversations happened amongst people who follow sports media.”
Carton says he’d be open to a conversation about a potential return to WFAN.
“I’m blessed to be a New York radio hall of famer. I know I do it really well, and I enjoy doing it,” said Carton. “If the opportunity arose where WFAN would want to bring me back, I would certainly answer that phone call.”
Although his sole focus right now is finding any avenue to make The Craig Carton Show as successful as it can be. Carton is not closed off to a return to the radio medium. He noted he wouldn’t dismiss any opportunity out of hand without knowing more about it. Whether it be a local or national opportunity. However, he does have some requirements for consideration.
“If my phone rang and somebody says we’re big fans of yours on radio. Are you available? Can we have the conversation? Obviously, I would have the conversation. I would be silly not to,” explained Carton. “So if that opportunity presents itself to do radio and it doesn’t have a negative impact on the podcast I just started, I would certainly have those conversations. If there’s an ability to do both, I would certainly consider it. Today my focus is on doing the best podcast I can for Red Seat and FOX Sports.”
The End of Breakfast Ball
Breakfast Ball on FS1 lasted for less than a year, or as Carton said, “didn’t make it to season two.” While the time from beginning to end was short, Carton stands by the content the program put out. He said he’s proud of what they did with the opportunity by FOX Sports. Saying he would put up the quality of the content created against any show on any network that does sports talk.
“I thought the show was really good. If you look at the social numbers of the show, it will speak to that. We did well over a billion views on social platforms. That’s a story that doesn’t get talked about anywhere,” said Carton. “While we all collectively certainly would have liked a much larger television audience. We never got to season two from a football standpoint to prove the merit of the show. I thought the content was as good or better than anyone else’s.”
Carton doesn’t rule out a return to programming on FS1 with The Craig Carton Show. He noted that there were conversations early on about where FOX would put the program and how to make it a podcast suitable for broadcast on television. Carton says there are no current plans to do so that he’s aware of. But if FOX wants to place the program back on FOX television, they can certainly do so.
What Carton is most enjoying about the new program is the fun he’s having with crafting the programming. He referenced how he values FOX’s trust in him to have full control over the content, not having to answer to anyone for the content he feels works best for him.
“An hour goes by really fast. I may get the itch to do more than an hour for sure,” said Carton. “I feel like I’m back with my Superman powers turned on.”
If talent determines what you can do, and your determination determines how much you are willing to do, your attitude determines how well you can do it.
For Craig Carton, his drive and appreciation for the new opportunity with FOX Sports and Red Seat Ventures continues to shine through every episode of The Craig Carton Show.
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The death of Charlie Kirk has been shocking, painful, and devastating for conservative media. But in the days that have followed, what has been equally striking is the collaboration, class, and unity shown across the news/talk radio and podcasting space. Kirk’s program has not gone silent. Instead, The Charlie Kirk Show has been kept alive by some of the most influential figures in conservative media, including Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire, and Premiere Networks host Glenn Beck, in addition to Vice President JD Vance.
These are not minor names filling in. These are high-profile voices who lead successful shows in their own right. Each could have stayed focused on their own brand, their own platform, and their own audience. Instead, they stepped into the very large shoes left behind and were there to comfort Kirk’s listeners during a time when the audience needed them most.
It’s important to recognize what this means. Shapiro, Knowles, and Walsh are part of The Daily Wire, a digital powerhouse often considered a competitor to Kirk’s Salem Radio Network home, as well as his Turning Point USA organization.
Beck, a longtime Premiere Networks star, has his own nationally syndicated show and digital media entity — The Blaze — that doesn’t exactly need additional exposure. Yet these folks and their organizations have done the classy, selfless thing: putting aside competition for the sake of honoring a friend, colleague, and ideological ally.
The Daily Wire didn’t stop with lending its top talent to The Charlie Kirk Show. The company also made a $1 million donation to Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded and helped grow into one of the most prominent forces in conservative activism. That’s not a small gesture. When many would expect business rivals to politely offer condolences and then return to their corners, The Daily Wire opened its checkbook.
Premiere Networks, for its part, has shown it’s willing to help Salem Radio Network during this challenging transition. Allowing Glenn Beck to host a rival’s program doesn’t just show flexibility, it shows respect. Salem and Premiere compete for affiliates, advertisers, and listeners. To see Premiere extend itself in this way illustrates just how important relationships and community are in this business.
I’ve argued before that news/talk radio should embrace this type of collaboration. When CNN shared its presidential debate broadcast with cable and network rivals last year, I wrote that radio should follow the same path and the spirit of collaboration.
There was no reason for one network to hoard such a monumental moment, and CNN was right to make the event available across the spectrum. The move provided a better product for the audience and raised the credibility of the entire news industry. My column made the case that radio, too, could benefit from setting aside ego and competition when the stakes demanded it.
This is the perfect example of that idea in action. The loss of Charlie Kirk was sudden and tragic. Salem Radio Network could not have been expected to have a playbook ready for how to fill hours of programming while also grieving one of its brightest stars. That’s where collaboration made the difference. By leaning on The Daily Wire and Premiere Networks, Salem avoided leaving listeners without a familiar voice, while the industry as a whole demonstrated it can be bigger than its competitive silos.
To be clear, this isn’t about ignoring the realities of business. Affiliates still choose which shows to carry. Advertisers still weigh the value of one platform against another. The Daily Wire, Premiere Networks, and Salem Media Group are still — at the end of the day — chasing many of the same dollars. But the past week has shown that when the situation calls for it, even rivals can act like partners. That’s a lesson many industries struggle to learn.
The class displayed by Shapiro, Knowles, Walsh, Beck, and their employers deserves more recognition than it has received. They didn’t have to step in. They didn’t have to do anything more than issue statements and move on. Yet they chose to honor Kirk’s legacy by protecting his audience from the abrupt silence his death brought. That decision shows a respect for the listener that often gets lost in corporate boardrooms and quarterly earnings reports.
It also shows that collaboration doesn’t need to be a buzzword tossed around in industry panels. It can be real, it can be meaningful, and it can make a difference to the audience. The result has been a smoother transition for Salem, a strengthened bond among conservative media voices, and a powerful reminder of what this format can do when it works together.
In a world where competition is fierce, collaboration feels rare. That’s what makes this moment so important. It proves that rivalries and competition for dollars don’t always have to prevent cooperation. It proves that in times of tragedy, leaders in the industry can rise above their instincts to protect their own turf. And it proves that news/talk radio is capable of delivering more than content—it can deliver community.
Charlie Kirk’s death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. But if the industry and format can take that spirit of collaboration and apply it in other areas, it will strengthen the credibility and value of news/talk radio as a whole.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Here today, gone tomorrow. Cliché, but something programmers can’t ignore. Consider these recent stories that were red hot but became tired overnight.
Coldplay’s cheating CEO.
Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans.
Cracker Barrel’s logo.
Tennis’ hat-stealer.
The Phillies’ Ballsnatcher.
Big hits. Quickly forgotten. Just like “Bobby Sox.”
Blame the internet, social media or smartphones, it doesn’t matter. Everyone’s got a little ADHD these days — including your listeners.
At Rockternative, the new music timeline has been turned upside down. A song can go from unfamiliar to burnt before the band books a gig in your city. There was a time when it might take a new radio song 16+ months to land in Recurrent.
The old cycle went something like this:
Add a new record to Light, let it simmer, wait and see if there’s ever hope.
There’s hope! Move it to Medium. Grow more spins and then add it to callout — maybe it becomes a Power at some point.
It’s looked good in callout for months — move it to Power and bang it until the chart, research or the SVP says otherwise.
If that’s your system — that’s dial-up AOL. It’s time for an update.
Today’s truths:
Streams don’t wait for callout. Instant results by shares, saves and skips.
A new banger can get discovered, playlisted, hyped and forgotten in less than 30 days.
TikTok can burn out a song before it’s serviced to Radio.
For RockTernative brands that require the “New Music” image and want to be in-step with today’s new cycle, it’s a tight-rope walk.
Ratings do drive revenue.
Unfamiliar music can be dangerous.
Newstiffs are killers.
That’s why RockTernative has become conservative.
That said, some songs sound like hits but don’t end up charting well. And some hits aren’t really hits. There’s a bigger picture here — much bigger than the chart.
Charts can be manipulated by labels or influencer stations — hits aren’t always hits.
Some hits go un-worked or un-serviced for budgetary or political reasons.
The audience doesn’t have a Mediabase login — they don’t require a Top 5 slot for a song to be added to their playlist.
There’s a gray area between stiffs and hits — it’s critical territory for programmers.
Photo Credit: Imagn courtesy of David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK
Likely overheard at the Billboard Hot 100 offices:
“When I Come Around” didn’t sniff the Top 100.
“Tom Sawyer” peaked at #44.
“Stairway to Heaven” wasn’t a single.
“Welcome to the Jungle” flopped on its first release
Nirvana had zero #1 singles.
A quick browse through Selector or Music Master and you’ll see a long list of RockTernative hits that weren’t “chart hits.”
You know the drill:
Some much-hyped songs are just bad medicine — not worth your time.
Others are apples & oranges — fresh, tasty, won’t kill you, worth giving a shot. Some of those fall off the tree early and others make it all the way to your fruit salad.
The skill is knowing the difference — letting a chart be a tool, not something that makes all the calls for you. Remember, the chart does include spins from stations that either have no real PD or are governed by different goals. And many successful radio brands have “local hits.” Songs that don’t look great on a Mediabase aggregator, but have become hits for the brand.
All brands deserve their own playbook and conquering the ever-changing Rubik’s cube of music cycles is never one size that fits all.
For some Rock brands, new stuff isn’t a strategic priority. Arriving late to the party is fashionable and intentional.
But for many kids at Alternative, being in-synch with “New” is as important as fries in the combo meal. Better eat them fast, before they get cold!
A Light or Medium category can still exist —but if the goal is to be truly present in “Now,” there is no longer a long runway to Power.
If you’re a PD, you’re paid to have good ears and instincts. If you believe something can become something, don’t wait — the audience will lap you. With today’s fast metrics, you’ll quickly know if you need to move on.
If outside-metrics are in place and humming, what are you waiting for? Swing! Get busy. Crank it up.
None of this suggests throwing caution to the wind and swinging at balls you know will likely land outside the strike zone. But if you see a CEO cheating at the Coldplay concert, don’t waste time putting it in the Light category — Power it up on the jumbotron while you still have time.
Why does Tom Brady get the benefit of the doubt? The NFL on FOX analyst, who also owns a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, was seen on Monday night in the Raiders coach’s box wearing a headset in suit and tie. Seems pretty normal to see an owner of an NFL franchise taking up a seat in the coach’s booth, right?
There’s been much speculation about Brady and his balance between broadcaster and owner. Can Brady find it in himself to honor the integrity of the game by acquiring inside information from other teams and not spill the beans to his own coaching staff that he’s paying a salary to? Can Brady avoid any instances of a conflict both in person, private, or on broadcast?
Seeing Brady in the booth should be a giant red flag for the teams who have Brady assigned to their games for broadcast. The reaction to the scene in Vegas left me puzzled. Why does Tom Brady receive the good fortune when there is obvious conflict involved?
What is integrity anymore regarding anything?
All my life I was told that you never allow anything to happen that could affect the integrity of the game. A high moral ground to stand on with ethics. Being honest and upright about anything you represent and believe in. The barriers of protection seem to have dwindled more over the years when it comes to sports.
Integrity? Ha, who needs it.
Why the Rules in the First Place
Let’s remember why the league instituted the rules on Brady’s access in the first place. They approved his 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. That’s it.
The rules were simple. Tom Brady cannot be permitted in another team’s facility, witness team practices, publicly criticize officials, criticize other teams, and cannot attend broadcast production meetings either in person or direct.
All those protections meant something to the other owners of the league. That was less than a year ago, today is a much different world we live in.
The rules have recently been relaxed by the league. Allowing Brady access to broadcast production meetings with other teams, albeit Brady must remain remote. The NFL will still allow Brady to speak but not be seen on team facilities where the meetings take place.
Before Brady called his first Super Bowl broadcast in February. The league relaxed the rules initially to allow Brady access to the same meetings. Made sense at the time. It’s the only game that mattered until the following September. The information gathered for the Super Bowl would 99.9% likely be very aged and worthless into the next season.
Now, two weeks into the regular season with Brady adhering to the relaxed restrictions, he’s been seen in the coach’s booth with a headset on. That’s not all. ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported just seconds before the camera panned to Brady in the booth that Raiders coach Chip Kelly talks to Brady two to three times a week and goes over film. Schrager called Brady “a luxury for the coaches.”
You don’t say? So, let me get this straight.
The Benefit of the Doubt?
Tom Brady as NFL on FOX broadcaster has access to personnel with other teams every week. To gain knowledge ahead of every broadcast from those other teams.
Tom Brady as Las Vegas Raiders minority owner is meeting with coaches throughout the week to go over game film and the game plan.
Am I to believe that nothing from those meetings with other teams’ personnel makes its way to the conversations Brady is having with other coaches?
Why does Tom Brady get the benefit of the doubt?
Isn’t this the same Tom Brady who played for a team that got fined and lost draft picks for the Spygate case? The same Tom Brady who was suspended without pay for his role in the Deflategate scandal? Are we not to believe that a former player who has a history of trying to get a leg up on the competition would be a patron saint in avoiding a conflict of interest in his role as a broadcaster and minority owner?
Of course, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll denied the reporting by Schrager that Brady is helping the Raiders’ coaching staff throughout the week. He didn’t deny Brady talked to coaches though, even calling Brady a “tremendous asset.”
Of course, there are no rules prohibiting owners from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game.
The NFL Must Act
This week Brady will be on the call in Chicago as the Bears host the Dallas Cowboys. Brady will be in meetings with both Cowboys and Bears personnel gathering data and insights ahead of the broadcast. The following week, the Chicago Bears head to Vegas to play the Raiders.
Should we just assume that Brady isn’t going to share any of that immediate knowledge with the coaching staff that he pays for?
The NFL, FOX Sports, and Brady himself can deny all they want that there is no conflict of interest in balancing his access as a broadcaster with his access as a team owner. If seeing is believing, the images paint a stark contrast to what we’re being told to believe.
Tom Brady should not be allowed the benefit of the doubt. The weekly conversations with team personnel may not be war and peace, but it’s still information, even in the slightest form. Did missing those meetings last year severely undercut his performance on air? I’d like to hear one person say that, including Brady.
The NFL should stick by the rules that Brady’s fellow owners placed on him last year. Otherwise, we’re just allowing the benefit of the doubt to ruin whatever integrity remains.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
The Toast to 10 series presented by Premiere Networks, is a month-long series looking back on 10 years of Barrett Media. Throughout the month, you’ll hear from those who’ve shaped the company, managed and created the content, read the site, and partnered with the brand between 2015-2025 to share how they’ve seen it play a role in covering the media industry and educating, celebrating, and challenging the business.
In the five years that Barrett Media has featured news media coverage, it has made a great impact in the news/talk radio genre.
In addition to launching the wildly popular Top 20 series for news/talk shows, stations, and program directors, the brand has also launched the BNM Summit, which has brought the best and brightest minds in the genre together in locations like Nashville, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The latest installment in the Toast to 10 series includes a chat with some of the best program directors in news/talk radio, why they appreciate the coverage provided by Barrett Media, what they like best, what they think could be improved upon, and where the brand could evolve in the coming years.
If you polled the industry, many would tell you that Ken Charles — the Director of Branding and Content at Atlanta’s 95.5 WSB — is the best program director in all of news/talk radio.
So, what he says matters.
Charles said he became aware of the brand as it made its foray into the news media space.
“Jason was only doing sports then, but it hit my radar as the place to go to find out everything going on in the sports radio and TV space,” Charles said. “Looking for talent for all sorts of things and knowing that sports positions on radio and TV were diminishing, I thought it was a good place to keep up on the happenings in that space and maybe a place to find new talent. It turned out to be both. Then when Barrett expanded to news/talk, I was already familiar with him and the quality content he created and connections he had.”
When Barrett Media announced plans to go into the news/talk format, Charles had an instant reaction.
“When I saw it the first time, I said, ‘It’s a bout time!'” he joked.
He said he’s kept coming back because “I liked the quality of the content. It kept me in touch with the industry, it made me aware of people doing unique things and talent on the move, and some of Jason’s editorials made me think.”
Ken Charles added that he appreciates the “diversity of voices” that write for Barrett Media, including Perry Michael Simon, Dr. Ed Cohen, and Jason Barrett, among others.
“It makes me think, it keeps me up to date on everything and everyone who makes a difference in this industry, and it helps me keep connected with the people who will shape this industry for the next generation,” Charles shared. “I love people who are evangelists for our format and for radio in general Barrett and his contributors are all that.
“It is a really important time for our industry, and we need as many voices as possible out there reminding people we are not dead or dying,” he continued. “Screw podcasts or social media, they will not be the death of spoken word radio. I said that on stage during the third annual BNM Summit, and I read that sentiment everyday in the newsletter and columns by Jason and the team.”
Charles — a self-avowed evangelist for news/talk radio — shared that he hopes Barrett Media continues to focus on the “news” end of news/talk radio, noting that “talk may have bigger personalities, but it is the news that really drives new cume to many of our brands.”
The 95.5 WSB leader concluded his comments by sharing his thanks and appreciation to the brand for helping keep the format honest, relevant, and introspective during its decade in existence.
“Thank you, Jason, for giving us the pulpit to preach for our format,” he said. “We have been given great power as programmers, news people, or talk hosts by being given these amazing platforms. But as Uncle Ben in the original Spider-Man movie says, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’
“We need to remember that responsibility and use our power wisely to inform and entertain our audiences. Especially in the times we live in now.”
Brad Lane is the Brand Manager of 830 WCCO, the Audacy news/talk brand in the Twin Cities. He and Jason Barrett have known each other for decades, going back to their days working on an ESPN Radio advisory board.
He’s been a follower of the brand since the early days, and says he was drawn to it by a need to keep up with what’s happening in the industry.
“I think we’re all drawn to updates about what’s going on in media (particularly news/talk and sports),” said Lane. “It’s a way to keep up with stations, the industry, and personalities. On a daily basis, there’s always a nugget or two that I didn’t know about – and some of the in-depth features help peel back the curtain on someone we thought we knew, or an operation that might have some ideas we can co-opt.”
While other industry trade publications may focus on other items, Brad Lane shared he appreciates that the focus of Barrett Media’s news/talk coverage is on what matters most to him.
“The consistency and focus on content. Other publications seem to spotlight more sales, ratings, or station/network transactions, not that those aren’t important, but Barrett really showcases programming; and champions our industry in telling our narrative,” he shared.
At a time when many are decrying the death of AM/FM radio, or news/talk radio in favor of podcasting, the 830 WCCO brand manager said he finds value in a brand that continues to celebrates, educates, and challenges the format when needed.
“We are all incredibly challenged to stay relevant; to do as much if not more with less (people and resources),” he said. “A platform that not only covers but helps celebrate the successes (while also chronicling the struggles) of our format & industry helps us all realize the impact we still have.”
David Wood serves as the Program Director of 93 WIBC, the Radio One Indianapolis news/talk station.
Wood admitted he began paying attention to Barrett Media when it was mainly focused on the sports radio and television sectors.
However, he was drawn to the content of the site by the “passion for the business and consistently interesting content.”
He believes the news/talk radio content has filled a much-needed spot in the format.
“It really has filled an industry information void for programming people. When AllAccess closed, we lost a central clearinghouse for programming news. Barrett Media has filled that hole and put it on steroids,” he said. “I just opened it, and I see 15 pieces of content produced today. The columns are thought-provoking. I think the ‘Top 20’ lists are always fun. They have caused me to think, ‘I should pay more attention to this station or that talent.’
“I also like the newsletters at the beginning and end of the day,” he continued. “That is where I first decide what content I am going to consume that day.”
When asked where and how he expects Barrett Media to evolve in the coming years, he said a podcast network could be a valuable tool in the future.
Wood echoed the thoughts of others by sharing his appreciation that the brand isn’t afraid of challenging the industry and format when needed.
“It’s important because it has not existed in a meaningful way for some time. It’s not just a press release distribution site,” he stated. “I like how JB ‘tells it like it is.’ He’s not afraid to call out big companies when mistakes are made. You share thoughts that others cannot. Early in my career, I couldn’t wait to see the newest issue of Radio & Records (dating myself here!). It connected the industry. You have created that vibe on the site.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
When Aaron “Goose” Seller stepped into Columbus on February 1, 2025, he brought with him 26 years of radio experience and a passion for live, local morning radio. The veteran host had bounced around Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Colorado (where he spent 12 years), and Maryland—sometimes moving for career advancement. Other times it’s been due to station sales or layoffs.
In late 2024, Seller sent his package to WRKZ 99.7 The Blitz. “Thankfully they heard something they liked,” he says. “I moved to Columbus in February, and it’s been a perfect fit.”
He joined forces with two hometown fixtures: Kelly Quinn and Thick Rick. “Kelly and Rick have spent their whole careers in Columbus, except for a short Myrtle Beach stint for Rick, and that’s been so important to our success,” Goose adds.
Goose serves as host and “quarterback,” steering the breaks and leading the discussions. “Kelly Quinn is the co-host “extraordinaire,” quick-witted, great for out-of-nowhere jokes, and the voice behind news and traffic,” he explains. “Thick Rick is the ultimate producer, lightning fast with clips and sound bites. He also handles the podcast, weekend rewind, and best-of programming.”
99.7 The Blitz has been part of Columbus for almost 30 years. It is locally owned, something the morning team says is key to its DNA. “The involvement starts with the owner and runs through the promotions staff,” Goose notes. “We’re proud of our work with “Christmas in July” for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, our partnership with Sonic Temple, and with local businesses.” Before even joining the show, Goose saw how strong the station’s bond with its listeners was. “We take extreme pride in being locally focused,” he says.
For now, the show’s big focus is solidifying chemistry. “We’re only seven months in, so our passion project is making the strongest new show possible,” Goose explains. Still, the Blitz’s signature “Christmas in July” fundraiser remains a centerpiece. The team already has “a ton of ideas” for the future.
Goose calls himself an “all-day prepper,” keeping notifications on, scanning news sites and TikTok for trends. The trio uses a group text thread to share ideas. Kelly preps news for the entire four-station cluster, while Thick Rick handles sports and audio to enrich the show. Goose builds the daily show sheet.
“Most of the time I don’t share the full articles or stories with them beforehand because I want their natural reactions,” he says. “We don’t write out bits or use callers on demand. Nothing on our show is fake. Sure, sometimes a joke falls flat (99.9% of the time it’s mine), but then we laugh about how bad it was.”
By far the team’s proudest accomplishment is its ratings climb. “When I started on February 1st, the show was 6th Men and Persons 25–54,” Goose says. “After three months we were 3rd. Since June we’ve been #1 Men and #2 Persons—and we just found out it’s continued for a third straight month. The chemistry was evident from day one. We clicked from the first break but never expected this quick of a reaction. We’re very thankful.”
Other than a few technical blips, the team has had smooth sailing so far, a rarity in today’s radio climate. Goose credits an “amazing” local owner down the hall, a supportive GM and OM, and mutual respect. “We all know our lanes, we’re good at what we do, and no one person is bigger than the show as a whole,” he says.
When it comes to attracting a younger demo and growing their audience, Goose admits there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. “Funny wins, but funny is different based on format, geography, age, and social status,” he says. “I have two teenage sons who couldn’t be more different. There’s no way the same thing will attract both of them. You have to be informed: know what they’re talking about, watching, what’s trending. Most importantly, know the answers for your area. There’s no cookie-cutter show or station that works everywhere.”
His advice for young talent interested in the business, “Learn everything,” Goose says. “Ask questions. Get your hands on all the equipment and departments. With consolidation, people wear multiple hats. The more you know, the more valuable you’ll be, and the more opportunities you’ll qualify for.”
As for what’s missing in the industry right now, “People,” Goose says bluntly. “We’re missing people. Semiannual layoffs, consolidation of programmers running entire regions, AI jocks. It’s unfortunate, but it will take a huge shift to fix. I love radio and believe in it, but when a Programmer from Detroit also programs a station in San Antonio thinking it’s the same audience, radio has already lost. When an EVP won’t listen to a local Promotions Director or Morning Host about an idea, radio has already lost. People, creativity, and originality, that’s what we’re missing.”
ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, through all of its many incarnations, remains one of the most formidable NFL pregame shows on television. With glitz, glamour, information, and just plain fun, Monday Night Countdown is surely a touchdown and two-point conversion for NFL football fans.
I caught the program this past Monday as a prelude to the Buccaneers at Texans game.
The show opened with a voiceover from host Scott Van Pelt while video showed various superstars from each team entering the stadium. This was a doubleheader Monday Night Football evening. Van Pelt also promoted the second game, which would feature the Chargers at the Raiders.
Following the voiceover open, the familiar Monday Night Football music signaled the start of another Monday night feast of football.
Emanating from New York City, Monday Night Countdown featured Van Pelt joined by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter and commentators Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce, and Marcus Spears. I like this quintet a lot.
Depth Of Information & Analysis
Van Pelt is the ultimate host and broadcasting veteran. Schefter is number one in terms of NFL scoops. Clark, Kelce, and Spears bring different attitudes and styles to their commentary. Clark is direct, brave, and makes points that everyone listening and watching needs to hear, like them or not. Spears has become one of the top four or five former players turned broadcasters. He brings that player’s perspective, that emotion, that grit, that veteran-of-the-trenches attitude to any television appearance. Similarly, Kelce has brought all of the bravado, personality, and outrageousness that he displayed as a player to the studio.
Discussion began with the turf toe injury suffered by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Schefter had reported earlier that Burrow would need surgery and miss three months of the season.
The panel cut to press conference sound from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talking about the injury. More injury talk centered around Jets quarterback Justin Fields and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. In talking about the QB injuries, Kelce reminisced about his 2017 season in Philadelphia. When starting quarterback and then-MVP candidate Carson Wentz went down with an injury.
Of course, Nick Foles took the reins and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship that season.
While the participants bantered about Jake Browning taking over for Burrow, lower-third graphics showed that Cincinnati’s next four games are tough. At Minnesota, at Denver, home against Detroit, and home against Green Bay.
After the first break, the panel rolled through their main storylines for the Buccaneers at Texans game. I really like this segment because it brings the conversation back to the game at hand. Too many of the weeknight pregame shows focus on outside NFL news as opposed to the game they are actually previewing. This was old-school education on that night’s lesson: Bucs vs. Texans.
As conversation moved to the 0-2 Kansas City Chiefs. An informative graphic showed that this is the first time KC QB Patrick Mahomes has ever lost three straight games. Last year’s Super Bowl plus the two games from this year. It also revealed that this is the Chiefs’ first 0-2 start since 2014, their last season without a playoff berth, and that KC is 0-2 in one-score games this season.
They had won 17 straight such games, including playoffs.
Clark focused on the fact that the Chiefs are without their top wide receiver, Rashee Rice. He was suspended six games of the season for violating the NFL’s conduct policy. Clark’s main questions were: How do the Chiefs get to Game 7 when Rice returns and can they remain in contention until that time? It was a really good point.
Different Perspectives
As discussion turned to the Eagles, Spears, Kelce, and Clark had a really nice exchange analyzing the infamous Philadelphia “tush push” play. Later in the show, Van Pelt talked about the longtime rivalry between Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and Raiders HC Pete Carroll. Van Pelt called it a trilogy. Given the fact that the two competed at the collegiate level — Carroll at USC and Harbaugh coaching Stanford — then previously in the NFL with Harbaugh’s Niners and Carroll’s Seahawks, and now as AFC West rivals this season.
Nobody brings a story into perspective better than SVP.
Kelce then took center stage, literally, with his Center of Attention stand-up segment alongside Spears and Clark. The trio analyzed the Chargers’ offensive schemes as part of prep for the late game. Panelist takeaways from the Week 2 schedule included mentions of Jonathan Taylor, the Green Bay Packers’ terrific start, the new kickoff rules, the powerful legs of today’s field goal kickers, and the aforementioned tush push.
Later, Monday Night Football color analyst Troy Aikman joined Monday Night Countdown live from Houston. Aikman’s appearance only added to the superstar power of the program. It’s not breaking new ground to say that the keys to any great sports television program are its personalities.
This is not a knock on the gifted Monday Night Countdown production team. Television is a collaborative effort, and if not for the folks behind the scenes, we would be staring at nothing. Still, with Aikman, Van Pelt, Kelce, Clark, Schefter, Spears, and reporters Lisa Salters and Lindsey Thiry, this edition of Monday Night Countdown was a powerhouse program.
Engaging Interviews
The show took place on September 15. The 74th birthday of Carroll, making him the oldest head coach in NFL history. This graphic and fact led into a Thiry interview with Carroll.
"All the guys that struggled, they live in the darkness of that struggle. To see the light come on and see that hope is there still … it's a wonderful process."
Carroll and Thiry were equally engaging during the interview. Thiry is a rising star for sure, with her bright demeanor and always solid preparation as both a reporter and an interviewer. I am looking forward to watching her growing repertoire of work over the course of this season. Thiry covered all the bases in the interview, creating a nice break from the studio chit-chat.
Later in the show, the panel presented their nominees for the “I’m Him” or Himmy Awards given to players with outstanding performances for the week. Kelce went with Giants WR Malik Nabers, who had a monster game against Dallas. Clark went with Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey, who was 4-4 on field goals, including a 64-yarder to win the game. Spears went with Lions QB Jared Goff, who was 23–28 for 334 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions vs. Chicago. Van Pelt went with Fred Warner, the fine linebacker for the 49ers, who had 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in a win versus the Saints.
One of the real highlights of this edition of Monday Night Countdown was a tremendous story filed by Michelle Beisner-Buck on a youth football and mentoring league started years ago by rapper Snoop Dogg. Among those players who played in the league was Jaylin Smith, who currently plays for the Texans.
It was truly a well-crafted, well-written, and well-presented feature story by Beisner-Buck. Who is churning out Emmy-worthy television early this season.
This edition of Monday Night Countdown offered viewers an all-encompassing look at one of the best pregame shows on television. If you want personality, rough-and-tumble football talk, well-conceived segments, and top-of-the-line analysis, ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown is appointment viewing for sure.
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ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. The decision follows fallout from Kimmel’s monologue about the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. ABC took action after its largest affiliate owner, Nexstar Media Group, dropped Kimmel’s show from all 32 of its ABC stations.
The controversy is related to comments made during Monday Night’s show. Kimmel suggested that Tyler Robinson (accused of killing Kirk) was being framed as “anything other than one of them” by MAGA supporters.
“We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” said Kimmel.
Prosecutors have said Robinson doesn’t appear to have any MAGA or pro-Trump motivations. Instead, documents suggest his anger toward Kirk was personal and driven by a belief that Kirk was spreading hate.
Nexstar’s Andrew Alford, president of its broadcasting division, issued a sharp criticism of Kimmel.
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse. We do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located. Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform is simply not in the public interest at the current time.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called the late night host’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible.” He warned that broadcasters like ABC/Disney could face regulatory consequences—including, in extreme interpretation, revocation of licenses—if content crosses certain lines.
The news continued getting worse for Kimmel on Wednesday night. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest ABC affiliate group in the nation, also announced it was indefinitely preempting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!.”
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair’s Vice Chairman Jason Smith said. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today. This incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
Kimmel’s slot on Sinclair’s ABC stations will feature a special remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday. The special will run across all Sinclair stations this weekend too. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.
Sinclair says it won’t lift the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” until talks take place with ABC. The company has also called on Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family, and make a donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.
Kimmel’s contract with ABC expires next year. CBS previously announced plans to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. A huge late-night makeover will be necessary if ABC parts with Kimmel. Where politics fit into late-night television may also earn greater examination.
