Major League Baseball (MLB) is closing in on a short-term media rights agreement, though Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Tuesday there are still challenges before anything becomes official. Speaking at a Front Office Sports Tuned In summit, Manfred confirmed reports that deals with multiple media partners are in place but not finalized.
“We kind of have agreements in principle. We still have issues that need to be resolved,” Manfred said. “They are the agreements that have been reported publicly, and we hope to push them across the finish line.”
The reported agreements would span from 2026 through 2028. Marking a shift in baseball’s broadcast landscape as the league continues to experiment with distribution strategies.
According to several reports, NBC and its streaming service Peacock will secure rights to Sunday Night Baseball and the wild-card round of the postseason. That package, previously held by ESPN before a mutual opt-out earlier this year, is reportedly valued at $200 million annually.
Meanwhile, Netflix will enter the live sports space with rights to the Home Run Derby. CNBC reported the streaming giant will pay $50 million annually for the event. Further signaling its intent to move beyond scripted content into high-profile sports programming.
ESPN, while ceding Sunday Night Baseball and the Home Run Derby, is set to gain midweek regular-season games and in-market rights for five clubs. Among those are the Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies. The network would also license the out-of-market MLB.tv package, giving ESPN another direct connection to baseball fans nationwide.
“When I last spoke publicly, I said that conversations were healthy. I would say, since then, we’ve made good progress,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said during the summit. “I don’t want to go farther than that, but we’ve certainly made good progress with Rob and his team.”
With a focus on baseball, Pitaro also stressed ESPN’s interest in local sports broadcasting agreements. He noted the network sees an opportunity to improve game discoverability and access for fans.
“Local is super interesting to us, and we’ve made that clear. I’ve said that before… our partners and league executives understand that,” Pitaro said. “I consider ESPN to be the front door, the starting point for sports fans… We really want you starting your sports journey each day with ESPN.”
The moves are significant for both MLB and its media partners. For NBC, a return to national baseball coverage revives a long history with the sport, while Peacock gains another live sports property to bolster its subscriber base. Netflix, which has tested live events with stand-up comedy specials and reality competitions, would be making its most prominent foray into live sports with one of baseball’s marquee events.
For ESPN, retaining a strong national presence despite losing some traditional tentpoles allows the network to maintain consistent baseball coverage, while adding in-market streaming rights represents an important digital play.
While the short-term deal provides MLB flexibility, it also sets up a pivotal negotiation cycle in the coming years. All of the league’s national media rights will expire after the 2028 season.
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As Salem Radio Network navigates the loss of Charlie Kirk, it has utilized guest hosts for The Charlie Kirk Show. Glenn Beck joins the list of those helming the program this week.
On Wednesday, Beck will host the program from 12-2 PM ET. His spot as a fill-in host follows Vice President JD Vance, and Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, and Michael Knowles hosting the program on Monday and Tuesday this week, respectively.
Salem Media Group Senior Vice President Phil Boyce shared that Beck “specifically asked for this honor,” adding that Premiere Networks granted Beck permission to host the program. The Glenn Beck Program is nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks and is heard live from 9 AM-Noon ET.
“This is one of those rare times where competitors unite for the common good,” shared Boyce.
Boyce noted that “a few other major stars” will “fill in during the coming days.”
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Butler men’s basketball is returning to the Indianapolis airwaves this fall. The school announced Tuesday a new multi-year agreement with Radio One that will keep Bulldogs basketball on 93.5/107.5 The Fan, with Playfly Sports facilitating the renewed partnership as Butler Athletics’ multimedia rights holder.
The deal continues the program’s presence on one of the city’s most prominent sports stations, ensuring that fans can follow the Bulldogs throughout the 2025-26 season and beyond.
“We are excited for Butler Basketball to return to the airwaves in central Indiana on The Fan,” Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker said in a release. “Playfly has been a tremendous partner early on in our relationship, and working with Radio One to deliver Butler Basketball to our loyal fans in this way is yet another example. Mark and Nick are great ambassadors for their alma mater and are among college basketball’s best at connecting the Bulldogs with our audience.”
Play-by-play voice Mark Minner and analyst Nick Gardner will also be back in the booth. Minner enters his 13th consecutive season calling Butler basketball, while Gardner returns for his 20th season on the broadcast team.
If scheduling conflicts arise with Indianapolis Colts or Indiana Pacers broadcasts on The Fan, Butler games will shift to Radio One’s Fuego 92.7 FM. In addition, fans can listen through multiple digital platforms, including the Butler Sports App and the All-Access page at ButlerSports.com.
Urban One Indianapolis Vice President and General Manager Andrea Kahrer said the agreement strengthens both the network’s connection to the community and Butler’s footprint in the market.
“We’re thrilled to reunite with Butler Basketball and bring the Dawgs back to 93.5/107.5 The Fan,” Kahrer said. “Few programs capture the heart of Indianapolis the way Butler does, and delivering that energy, tradition, and community pride over our airwaves is a perfect fit. This partnership reinforces our commitment to being the home for Indy sports fans, on the court, on the air, and in the community.”
Program director Jeff Rickard echoed those sentiments, framing the return as a natural extension of the station’s role in Indianapolis sports culture.
“As the Official Home of the Indy Sports Fan, we are beyond thrilled to be airing Butler Basketball,” Rickard said. “The Bulldogs are an integral part of the Indy sports experience and have provided basketball fans with many of the city’s most exciting moments and storylines. It’s exciting to count the Bulldogs as teammates once again.”
The first broadcast under the renewed agreement will come Friday, October 17, when Butler hosts Notre Dame in an exhibition at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Butler Men’s Basketball will return to 93.5/107.5 The Fan as part of a multi-year agreement announced by Butler Athletics and Radio One. https://t.co/XpskoBBrEo
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Greg Papa, the longtime voice of Bay Area sports and the current play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers. He made an emotional return to the KNBR airwaves Tuesday. Appearing on Papa & Silver alongside co-host Greg Silver. Papa opened up about his leukemia diagnosis and the treatment that has kept him off the radio since mid-summer.
“Cancer is random, cancer is sudden and cancer is unfair,” Papa told listeners during his return. He reflected on his personal fight, the losses of family members including his brother Gary, and the battle legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh endured with leukemia before his death in 2007. Papa noted that his white blood cell count has dropped dramatically since his diagnosis, but stressed that the fight is far from over.
Papa revealed that he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia B-cell in July. The blood cancer has already required intensive treatment, including chemotherapy, and will soon involve a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Fortunately, his brother Ron has been identified as a perfect donor match, a critical factor in the transplant’s success.
“There’s still 14 damn suckers floating around out of a million,” he said, underscoring both his determination and the reality of the ongoing challenge.
Papa made his diagnosis public last month announcing he would be stepping down to begin treatment. He recently celebrated his six-year anniversary hosting middays at KNBR following a stint at crosstown rival 95.7 The Game. He’s been balancing hosting a sports talk show along with play-by-play duties since 2012. Papa has called play-by-play for the Golden State Warriors (1986–1997), Oakland Athletics (1990–2003), San Francisco Giants (2004–2008), Oakland Raiders (1997–2017), and currently with the San Francisco 49ers since 2019.
Papa’s voice has been a constant in Bay Area sports for decades. He shared that he won’t travel with the 49ers for at least a year as doctors monitor his condition. Road games will be handled remotely, though he expressed hope to attend contests within driving distance once he regains strength. “I’m going to miss being around the team on the road, but right now my focus has to be on getting healthy,” Papa said.
Support from across the sports industry has buoyed Papa’s spirits. He cited a wave of encouragement from friends and colleagues, including ESPN broadcaster Mike Tirico, a fellow Syracuse University alumnus. “The messages, the calls, the texts—they mean the world to me,” Papa added.
Papa remains committed to both his health and his role with the 49ers, balancing treatments with the demands of the NFL season. As he put it simply, “This isn’t over. But I’m going to beat this.”
🚨 WELCOME BACK MOFO 🚨
Greg Papa returns to Papa & Silver for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer on July 16.
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FOX Sports turned in historic numbers for its NFL coverage in Week 2, smashing all-time viewership records behind a Super Bowl rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
The national broadcast of America’s Game of the Week drew 33.8 million viewers, making it FOX’s most-watched regular season Sunday telecast ever, according to Nielsen Media Research. It also became the most-watched Week 2 NFL telecast on record, the most-viewed September or October game ever, and the most-watched broadcast of any kind since February’s Super Bowl.
The broadcast represented a 21 percent increase from last year’s comparable Week 2 matchup, which drew 27.9 million viewers. The Eagles’ win over the Chiefs was the centerpiece of FOX’s record-setting NFL Sunday. But the success stretched across the network’s entire slate of programming.
FOX’s Week 2 doubleheader averaged 26.9 million viewers, the most-watched doubleheader on any network in NFL history. Its early afternoon regional window delivered 20.7 million viewers. The network’s strongest regional performance since 1994 and a staggering 45 percent jump from the comparable window last year.
Meanwhile, FOX NFL Sunday posted 5.5 million viewers, its best showing since 2019. Altogether, FOX is averaging 23.8 million viewers season-to-date. The best start in its history and up 27 percent from last year’s average of 18.7 million.
For advertisers and network executives, the record-setting day underscores the NFL’s continued dominance as television’s premier live property. Live NFL telecasts remain unrivaled in their ability to deliver mass audiences across broadcast TV.
The success also reflects the impact of marquee matchups as Sunday’s game carried both star power and narrative intrigue. Storylines of a potential Super Bowl preview and the rematch factor helped elevate interest and produced the type of audience networks dream about.
A massive 33.8 million viewers delivers @FOXSports its best-ever regular season Sunday telecast, most-watched Week 2 @NFL telecast on record and more all-time viewership highs! pic.twitter.com/qVqoCSjc8b
On Sunday, the @NFLONFOX SMASHED all-time viewership records.
✔️Most-watched doubleheader on any network on record ✔️FOX's best regional window since 1994 ✔️FOX NFL SUNDAY's most-watched show since 2019 ✔️FOX's best start to the season ever pic.twitter.com/2PGA6VK1Tx
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The shocking announcement of First Take moderator Molly Qerim leaving the leading debate television program in the country came very suddenly. Reports surfaced late Monday night that Qerim turned down a contract offer from the network. Choosing to move on to future career opportunities.
On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith openedFirst Take with a personal, albeit short, open to the program expressing his appreciation for what Qerim provided the program and the network she’s called home for over a decade.
Now the search begins, and the rumors will begin to swirl. Who could replace Qerim in the role of moderator of ESPN’s top sports debate program?
Before moving to my top targets of interest, let me ask the question out loud that needs to be asked. While in search of reasoning for the decision by Qerim, I am puzzled.
Asking The Question
After Smith revealed on his SiriusXM radio show that Qerim abruptly resigned effective immediately, it sounds as if the talks between ESPN and Qerim had been going on for quite some time. Smith then said he was not aware that Qerim was contemplating leaving, nor knew of the details of the negotiations going on. Which is odd considering how much control and responsibility with the First Take program Smith has.
As the executive producer and lead talent of the show, Smith took some credit for bringing Shannon Sharpe to the First Take program two years ago. Surely there was some influence from Smith regarding the additions of Chris Russo, Cam Newton among others. “Mad Dog” even said First Take is “his show” in regards to Stephen A. Smith.
That’s why it’s odd to hear Smith say he knew nothing.
Regardless, if you believe reports online that Qerim indeed turned down a contract to remain with ESPN to pursue other ventures. You have to wonder, did Qerim request the same allowances that Smith receives from the network? Did ESPN do everything to retain Qerim if her role was as vital to the success of the show as stated by Smith and others?
Stephen A. Smith has permission from ESPN in his new agreement to build, operate, and run his own production company, as well as appear on any show or podcast he’d like to without limitation. Plus, Smith has arranged a partnership with SiriusXM, hosting two radio shows on the platform while abiding by his duties with ESPN.
If Qerim was already conceptualizing ventures outside of ESPN, did she approach the network with the ask? Could ESPN have held their guard with Stephen A. Smith’s co-host and prevented some outside opportunities from happening?
Not trying to point a finger—just asking the question that must be asked. Why so much freedom allowed for one talent on the prime morning program, but his “partner in crime” turned down a contract while exploring other opportunities?
Again, just asking the questions for answers we may never get.
"She has been an enormous part of our success for a decade. … She did it with dignity, class, and kindness to say the least. We'll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future."
However, the search begins for the new lead moderator of First Take. The day following the news, Smith ran point as best he could alongside Chris Canty and Marcus Spears. Smith is a fantastic A-talent who’s able to lead conversation with the audience. His sports radio background showed up when the situation on First Take presented itself.
If you had to pick what role Smith should have on the program, though, it’s the one he excels at best. Stephen A. Smith is a home run hitter aiming for the next grand slam. He shouldn’t be putting the ball on the tee, preparing to swing at the first pitch. Smith should always be in the batter’s box. Ready to pounce with his latest “hot take” that has made the program the success it is.
Elle Duncan
My first suggestion to replace Qerim for First Take is Elle Duncan. The versatile SportsCenter anchor has become synonymous with the 6 p.m. Eastern time slot for deep knowledge of the craft and her passion for showcasing fandom on the network. Outside of her role on SportsCenter, she’s also contributed to the network’s coverage of the women’s college basketball tournament and the WNBA. Previously, she’s worked as a sideline reporter in the NBA. A college football field reporter covering both the SEC and ACC, as well as hosting programs on NESN.
Duncan could slide into the role with ease and match wits better than anyone else with Smith and his cohorts. Speaking with Barrett Sports Media earlier this year, Duncan said she loves the challenge of sports debate.
“A debate show like First Take is chess,” said Duncan to Barrett Media in April. “If I’m going to sit across from Dan Orlovsky and tell him that I think his point is wrong—one of the best minds in football—then I need to be clear as to why, and I need to be able to pivot when the conversation turns.”
Joy Taylor
Joy Taylor (YT Screengrab)
A close second in the running for the role on First Take would be the free-agent host from FS1, Joy Taylor. Taylor continues to be “on the beach” following the cancellation of Speak, which she moderated alongside Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson. She has made a number of appearances to look back at her time at FOX Sports, while also teasing a future potentially in sports media.
The addition of Taylor to the program would bring instant attention. She’s played the role well for several years already. She has experience with the likes of Smith’s former teammate Skip Bayless, as well as Colin Cowherd. Taylor has the chops to bring a topic in and take it out, all while providing terrific insight and challenging top talent on their hot takes.
There is a lot of baggage with Taylor for ESPN to consider. Taylor is the host of the Two Personal Show podcast, which dives into deep conversations involving personal sexuality and societal topics. Her name was also involved with a lawsuit filed by a former FOX Sports hairstylist. The suit has since been settled. There have also been claims of Taylor engaging in relationships with fellow co-workers.
Could Taylor fill the position? Absolutely. Would the hire gain attention? Immediately. Is Taylor’s alleged past and performance at FS1 enough to add her to the ESPN brand? Time will tell.
Tony Reali
Courtesy: Kelly Backus, ESPN Images
The third suggestion to replace Qerim may be a curveball for some, but it sticks out like a sore thumb. Tony Reali has not been seen on ESPN television since the final episode of Around the Horn in late May. According to Reali’s conversations leading up to the final ATH episode, his contract with the network was up in August.
What better time to announce the return of one of ESPN’s most beloved hosts back into the family?
Reali would be a breath of fresh air to the First Take brand. He’s a dynamic host who knows when to cut in, check, and allow a topic room to breathe. His infectious personality, mixed in with non-writers for the ESPN brand, would be a delightful injection of energy into the show known for “hot takes” and consistent long-winded lectures by the talent.
Many in sports media would welcome the opportunity to watch Reali and Smith clash daily, elevating the attention of the program. Reali would know his role with Smith being the star of the program, because he did it for over twenty years on Around the Horn. Tony Reali is the vessel through which the talent surrounding him are the stars.
Honorable Mentions
While those are my top three suggestions for the role on First Take, let’s not forget some honorable mentions to consider as well.
Courtney Cronin is a rising star with ESPN. She’s guest-hosted the program in Qerim’s absence and excelled when allowed the opportunity. Losing her coverage of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would be a loss for the network, but that’s what happens with rising stars of the platform.
Michelle Smallmon would be another name to consider for the role on First Take. She’s grown a ton in her role on ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show Unsportsmanlike alongside Canty and host Evan Cohen. Losing Smallmon off the ESPN Radio brand wouldn’t harm the company much. In fact, it could prove to be a fantastic cross-promotional opportunity to have the radio audience tuned into First Take, and vice versa.
My final suggestion is an outside-the-box concept. ESPN is growing leaps and bounds digitally, with the future choosing success in the digital metrics over the traditional metrics. What better way to inject a source of influence and engagement than by placing Katie Feeney in the chair following Qerim’s departure?
ESPN hired Feeney last month as a sports and lifestyle content creator with a following of more than 14 million social media followers on several platforms. If ESPN (and executive producer Stephen A. Smith) wanted to make First Take the show leading the network into the next generation of sports fans, Feeney is the play.
Whoever is selected to fill the role will have big shoes to fill. First Take will only continue to grow as long as the content remains fresh, cutting-edge, and attentive enough to play to what matters for sports fans. The decision won’t be easy, but the result must meet the standard set by Molly Qerim and beyond.
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.
Barrett Media’s connection across sports and news media is well documented. It’s been the core focus of our brand’s coverage for the past decade. Music radio meanwhile is a new space we’ve been writing about since July 2024. Despite only 15-months of activity, pros across all formats have started paying attention. From 20 Brands in 20 Days to our Top 20 in Music Radio, and numerous conversations with talent, programmers, and executives, Barrett Media has prioritized storytelling over simply sharing the news of the day.
The increased attention we’ve placed on music radio news, insights, and opinions has opened new doors, attracting new fans. We took the plunge into music radio coverage in July 2024, which was years ahead of what I had planned. I saw a large part of the radio industry searching for more after AllAccess exited in late 2023, and felt it was important to change our timeline. I knew it wouldn’t be perfect but the timing was right.
Savannah Bananas CEO Jesse Cole talks often about the launch of his team. They only sold a handful of tickets, weren’t ready to play Banana Ball, or take their show on the road. Now, they sell out NFL stadiums and have interest from every sports television network. As Cole says, you have to get through the messy to get to the great! The only way to do it is to just go out and do it. So that’s what we’ve done.
Readers of this series have learned how sports radio, sports television, news media and marketing partners view us. Now, it’s time to hear what music radio professionals think. I reached out to 8 talented pros to hear what they enjoy. How did they learn about us? What would they like to see improved? Are we making music radio feel as important as sports and news media coverage? Here is the feedback they provided.
Rizzuto, 105.7 The Point
The Rizzuto Show has been a fixture in mornings on 105.7 The Point since 2014. Offering a blend of personal stories, listener interactions, and good ole fashioned ball busting, the program led by Rizzuto, features Moon Valjean, King Scott, Rafe Williams, and Lern. It is consistently among the top rated shows in St. Louis, MO.
Rizzuto is a regular reader of Barrett Media. He became familiar with the brand a few years ago when our newsletters started appearing in his inbox. The mixture of news and expertise has played a part in earning his attention. “Jason and his crew seem to be on it. It’s reliable and a great read while sitting on the “throne,” shared Rizzuto.
When asked what he values most and feels we can do better, he pulled no punches. “Honestly, Barrett is finally treating music radio like it matters. It’s giving the same deep dive it delivers for sports talk. It is talking about the real people on the air and the programmers making the calls, which is about damn time. Give us more stuff we can actually use to not suck at our jobs.”
Looking ahead, The Point’s leader of organized chaos sees BM’s coverage becoming more well rounded. “I see it moving from a “sports site that also covers music” to becoming the actual go-to for all radio pros. It needs to be the place that creates the “Top 20s” and starts the arguments that matter in our world. There will be way more interest in the future, but only if Barrett gives them stuff that helps them keep their jobs or get better ones. If you create the lists that everyone talks about and give real advice, people will have no choice but to read it every single day.”
Photo Credit: TM Studios and Canva
Dave Bethell, TM Studios
The co-owner of TM Studios, Dave Bethell, is a longtime supporter and believer in the radio industry. Known for its best-in-class jingles, music and production services, TM Studios has helped countless brands elevate their sound. Dave’s relationships across the industry and his presence at key industry events alongside co-owner Greg Clancy, keep TM Studios in front of the industry’s best and brightest, and plugged in to what stations need to stand out amongst a crowded field.
Dave’s familiarity with Barrett Media extends to the outlet’s early days covering sports media. However, interest increased when AllAccess shut down and BM began covering music radio. By offering simple, digestible daily radio updates, and breaking news, Bethell now reads Barrett Media’s content regularly.
As far as what he’d like to see continue? Dave says it’s a mixed but important bag. “I’d like to see Barrett Media continue to remain “impartial” and on the side of radio. Call out bad practices across our industry. Be the voice for the voiceless. Address and bring awareness to difficult and challenging subjects. Be uplifting and shine a spotlight on the good in our industry, empowering and rewarding tomorrow’s rising stars and industry legends for their hard graft.”
Photo Credit: iHeartMedia and Canva
Maynard, iHeartMedia
After years of knowing of each other through mutual connections and social media, I finally met Maynard at Radio MSBC 37. Our mutual connections and shared passion for radio ignited our initial conversation. iHeartMedia‘s EVP Programming Strategy learned about us through industry friends who previously worked for me. Our Top 20 in Music Radio series though changed his interest in the brand’s content.
“When Barrett launched the Top Programmers/Talent in America campaign, I got sucked in”, Maynard said. “The instant brand awareness and buzz it generated was a masterclass in strategy and execution. Being added to the distribution list didn’t hurt either.”
Knowing how programming executives are always trying to make products better, I asked him what he felt was working. His answer certainly didn’t disappoint.
“What I enjoy most is how dynamic the brand is. It’s not just radio—it’s editorial, reporting, keynote interviews (both large and small), and issue-driven content that opens my mind to other perspectives. You can tell this came from a news/sports team: they create FOMO, strong teases, and headlines that pull you in,” explained Maynard. “From “How Radio Can Better Address September 11th” to Erin Andrews offering tips on handling criticism, to “5 Easy-to-Execute Radio Ideas for Classic Rock” to “What Music Radio Can Learn from the NFL’s Winning Playbook,” it feels like the Barrett team is always identifying challenges we face and asking themselves, “What can we learn from this?”. They then seek out unique voices to speak to them.”
Photo Credit: Mix 104.1 and Canva
Karson Tager, Mix 104.1
Being voted the #1 AC Radio Show by industry executives likely didn’t hurt us with Karson Tager. Recognition aside, he’s followed the brand for years. “My 14 year old son’s name is Barrett so my first thought on seeing your content was to sue for copyright infringement. As a lifelong radio nerd, it was the Top 20 Sports Shows lists that initially caught my attention,” said Karson.
Having witnessed how we’ve covered other formats, I asked Karson what he feels we do well. I also wanted to know what he feels we can get better at. He said, “All Access was a landing spot for me every day during my radio career. I believe Barrett is well on its way to filling that void. Focusing on the talent and their careers is interesting but I’d like to see more on the content creation processes.”
To make sure we are meeting the needs of industry professionals, Tager believes evolution will be necessary. “How radio pros respond in the future will depend on what you stand for” explained Karson. “Breaking news, community, humor, and authentic writing should produce more interest, especially if you’re innovative with your features. Much like our show, I see Barrett evolving through personalities and strategy.”
Photo Credit: Audacy and Canva
Tim Roberts, Audacy
Tim Roberts is one of the sharpest programming minds in radio today. He has been with Audacy for nearly 20 years, and currently guides 99.5 WYCD and WOMC in Detroit, in addition to overseeing other brands, and helping programmers across the company. We met for the first time at CRS in February. He has always been helpful whenever I’ve asked for insight on how we can better serve music radio professionals.
Tim told me he’s known about us since the beginning. He’s a fan of the additional focus on music radio. With Audacy Detroit featuring news and sports stations in addition to music, he has kept an eye out to make sure he’s well versed on what’s happening across all formats.
“Barrett gets unique, in depth stories that nobody else does. There’s real reporting. I also love that recognition is given to people in the industry that no one else is talking about,” Roberts told me when asked what it is he feels the brand does well. Not wanting to only hear the good, though I asked Tim where we can improve. He added, “I see podcasting, and influencers as the next developing area of interest. I’m sure that content will come into play more and more for Barrett Media.”
Photo Credit: SuiteRadio and Canva
Rowdy Yates, SuiteRadio
Rowdy Yates is a Country Radio Hall of Famer. He is someone we’ve had the privilege of working with during the past few months. His radio journey started when he was 17 years old, following in his father’s footsteps, a former newsman for a country station and a regular fill-in for Paul Harvey in the 80s and 90s. Rowdy hosts “The Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates,” which runs on nearly 180 affiliates. He also delivers “The Rowdy Ride Home”, “Ridin’ With Rowdy” and “Rowdy on the Rise” through SuiteRadio.
I was curious to learn if he became familiar with us at CRS or prior to that. He told me, “We really started paying attention after Barrett branched out beyond sports, news and talk radio. When AllAccess went away, the industry lost a vital resource. Barrett was clearly on its way, but adding the music components, and branching out to cover a multitude of formats and personalities is what fetched most of the eyeballs in our office.”
Connecting with pros like Rowdy is high atop our priority list. We want to build deeper connections with music radio pros just as we have with sports and news/talk folks. Rowdy feels we’re on the right track.
“Barrett has stepped up to help our team of music programmers with another resource to make sure we do not miss out on what is on the way up, and on the way out,” explained Rowdy. “It is a *one stop shop* for people like me, which allows me to be a better informed programmer and manager simply because of my daily visits to the website. If readers are not going beyond the daily e-blasts, they are shorting themselves on all of the dynamite industry content you guys put out. I would like to see more spotlighting of younger talent that went down this career path, especially ones that stand out and are making an impact. I worry that radio is not SEXY anymore. These young stand-outs can help us.”
To make sure we’re on the right track moving forward, Rowdy says “I’d super-serve what readers love and cut back or cut off what they don’t. Please do not mistake that answer as a suggestion that you stop taking chances, and reduce the risk of trying something new. But if they don’t like it, punt it like a stiff record. Also, it’d be nice to see you give some guest-writers a shot to contribute-if you deem their stuff worthy. Hell, I’d love to contribute.”
Something tells me you may see a future submission on this site from Rowdy Yates!
Photo Credit: Z90.3 and Canva
Corey Dylan, Z90.3
Corey Dylan joined Z90.3 in San Diego in February 2025. Her presence in music radio spans more than 25 years. She hosts IN With Corey Dylan and is obsessed with social media. Corey loves it so much, she has started Social Media Smart, offering advice and information to help creators maximize impact.
I met Corey at Radio MSBC in August, but we connected prior to that via email. She’s smart, passionate about the industry, and a fan of the brand. She told me, “When AllAccess.com ceased operations, many in our industry sought a go-to resource for job postings and stories about what’s driving our profession. Colleagues started recommending Barrett Media in Facebook groups and it piqued my interest. What Barrett has built in 10 years is impressive and growing, especially during a time when much of the industry seems to be contracting.”
When asked what she values most and least, Corey shared, “Having a website that’s offering relatable content for whatever media format you’re currently working in is helpful, insightful, and critically needed. I realize there’s the general “Radio” section, but someone in News/Talk may not want to filter through music format news to find a story they care about and vice versa. It may be helpful to make finding radio content that’s important to you easier to find.”
Corey told me at MSBC that she believes Social Media is its own form of media and needs more attention. She may be right about that. Looking down the road, she said, “A radio executive recently told me that radio will likely be entirely digital in the next 10 years. A veteran programmer shared that they think the future for talent lies in being a sole proprietor or contractor of their services across different markets or companies. Radio pros are more in charge of their future in this business than ever before but perhaps not ready for the changes that are coming. Social Media has been democratized thanks to TikTok but if you’re producing good content, people will notice you.”
Photo Credit: iHeartMedia and Canva
Tommy Chuck, iHeartMedia
As a former programmer myself, I’m always looking to help those responsible for growing audience and revenue. Managing today is more complex than ever, yet Tommy Chuck finds a way to excel at it in Tampa. He acknowledged that his eyes were opened to Barrett Media through our sports editor John Mamola. John previously programmed WDAE and WFLA in Tampa for iHeart, reporting to Tommy.
When asked what he enjoys most, Tommy said, “I enjoy the thought provoking articles about Nielsen data/research and commentary. The featured interviews with Programmers from around the country is always insightful, like the one this week featuring Jon Zellner. Since All Access went away, I believe there’s been a real void for radio industry coverage that Barrett is helping to fill.
As far as future growth is concerned, Tommy added, “There are so many PDs and record industry pros on the beach right now. There is tons of talent out there available to contribute.” That suggestion is duly noted and greatly appreciated.
Closing
Becoming more valuable to media industry professionals and aspiring broadcasters is what drives us. Knowing some of our content is connecting with music radio professionals is rewarding. That said, we have a LOT more work to do to earn consistent loyalty, trust, and readership from music radio pros. The interest and commitment is there on our end. Similar to building a great radio or TV brand though, you have to walk before you run.
We’ve earned trust from sports media folks by delivering 10-years of stellar content. News media has had 5 years of it. Music is less than 18-months old. We will get there, due in large part to great feedback from folks included in this story. My passion for covering music radio is as strong as it was when we launched in July 2024. However, I know that you can’t change habits overnight. We also have to evaluate which types of content perform best. If the audience seeks more stories on music, artists, labels, charts, tours, etc., it’s on us to adjust.
One thing I’m excited to see is record label reps taking more interest in our content, especially the Top 20 series (it will return in 2026). Expanding those relationships, furthering business, and producing compelling content to benefit artists, labels, and music radio talent and programmers remains an area of interest. Doing that right requires the right vision, staff, passion, and content. Location matters too. I’m hoping to add a new Country Radio Columnist, and an additional features writer. I’d also like to add a presence in the future in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles.
I want to thank everyone in music radio who has read our work, especially those who shared feedback for this column. If you work in music radio or at a label and have input you’d like to pass along or if you have a pitch or interest in writing a future guest column, I’m reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com. Thank you for continuing to support Barrett Media.
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.
No hate, but I haven’t been a fan of some of today’s R&B. In my defense, I’ve been deep in my podcast bag. When I come out, it’s usually to listen to what’s in my Apple Music. I also put an ear on this Christian R&B vibe. Artists like Lee Vasi, Jor’dan Armstrong, Anthny, and this Maverick City with Song House’s Well Well Well are on repeat lately.
Still, a few recent R&B joints have caught my attention. Leon Thomas’ Mutt—especially with the Chris Brown verse—and Kehlani’s Folded have been added to my playlist rotation. These tracks, along with others, inspired this writing. Kendrick Lamar and SZA have been digging into their parents’ albums, pulling samples from legends like Luther Vandross and DeBarge. I just hope they put those albums back exactly how they found them.
But what really moved me to put cursor to screen was Leon Thomas’ Yes It Is remix featuring Muni Long and Marsha Ambrosius.
Listening to R&B now feels different than when I first got into the business of picking music for airplay. Back then, I could hear a song and have no clue if it was influenced by a previous artist. If you told me Luther’s Superstar was originally a Carpenters song, I would’ve called you a liar. I actually did when someone first told me. Today, though, it feels like every other track is built from pieces of something older. Some songs make me wonder if the sample is even worthy, but maybe that’s me being too judgmental.
Thomas’ remix hits differently. It’s a triple shot of Floetry’s Say Yes—melody, lyrics, and Marsha Ambrosius herself on vocals. Beyond that, the production is clever, with the title flipped into Yes It Is. I don’t want to downplay Thomas or Muni Long—their performances are essential to the track’s unique vibe and, hopefully, its success.
Artists like these give me optimism for the Urban format. Music is 50 percent of what a station offers, and you can’t take that for granted. Early in the streaming era, I saw digital platforms as a threat to radio. Sure, they shaved off some quarter-hours. But they also became tools—letting us see exactly what urban listeners were consuming. Add social media commentary, and you’ve got a blueprint that allows programmers to be intentional and more confident with music selections.
Collabs in R&B aren’t new, but lately the quality of production has impressed me. The creativity producers and artists are showing could lift the format, even redefine Urban and Urban AC, by shining light on the original songs being sampled.
For me, this all comes back to preserving the format. I often talk about evolving brands and refining execution through AI, community and coaching. Music is still at the core though. As programmers, we can’t ignore how the music itself is evolving.
I appreciate the comments and feedback you’ve shared on past pieces. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one, too. Reach me at Ken@KenJohnsonMedia.com.
The TV and social media coverage of the murder of Charlie Kirk reached far and wide, capturing audiences in a way not seen in a long time. It boosted ratings on all cable networks. And, surprise, surprise, with a few exceptions, the liberal press moderated its negative comments. Social media, not so much.
On the day Kirk — Turning Point USA’s founder and right-wing friend of Donald Trump — died at the hands of a 22-year-old while speaking at a Utah university, I was scrolling through social media, and stumbled upon the close-up video of the shooting on X.
The short clip just played in my face, and I couldn’t stop it fast enough. The fact that I had to see a chilling video that I wanted no part of, made me angry at the state of online discourse.
CNN anchor Dana Bash, on Sunday’s State of the Union, admonished social media algorithms for pulling us “deeper and deeper into our own information loops and political ecosytems.”
She warned social media sites to think “long and hard about the way they manipulate what people see…especially young people.”
Great sentiment, but good luck with that.
A quick Google search of “Elon Musk criticism” said this: “Musk has promoted conspiracy theories and made controversial statements that have led to accusations of racism, sexism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, transphobia, misinformation, disinformation, and support of white pride.”
When Kirk died, X owner Musk tweeted, “The left is the party of murder.” He later said about liberals condoning violence, “That is who we’re dealing with here.”
Musk blatantly aligns himself with the right; he’s a so-called free speech champion who views X as a place where anyone can say what they want. Yet MSNBC has claimed he “is quietly suspending left-leaning Twitter accounts for ideological reasons, while reinstating far right accounts that broke Twitter’s rules in the past.” That, it has said, includes “neo-Nazis and other far-right figures.”
As for TV coverage, Reuters reports 15 people have been fired or suspended. NPR reports 33. But overall, cable commentators, guests, reporters and hosts, haven’t really criticized Kirk despite a history of provocative or controversial comments.
MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd got the ax for saying, shortly after Kirk’s death was confirmed, “He’s [Kirk] been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
He added, “You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and then not expect awful actions to take place.”
In a statement on social media, MSNBC’s president, Rebecca Kutler, described the comments as “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.”
The comments were despicable. He should have been fired. He is now defending himself, saying his comments were “misconstrued,” and that he has repeatedly come out against gun violence.
Same goes for a Washington Post columnist, Karen Attiah, who said she was fired for a series of social media posts following Kirk’s death.
She included a screenshot of a Kirk quote, which she said was about prominent black women who “do not have brain processing power to be taken really seriously. You had to go steal a white person’s slot.”
Charlie Kirk was actually playing a video of former Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee saying she “may have been admitted on affirmative action,” but graduated on her own.
Kirk said: “If we would have said that Joy Reid, and Michelle Obama, and Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ketanji Brown Jackson were affirmative action picks, we would have been called racists.”
“As a columnist, I used my voice to defend freedom and democracy, challenge power and reflect on culture and politics with honesty and conviction…Now, I am the one being silenced — for doing my job.”
A recently leaked Washington Post email from the head of HR said she was fired for these posts: “Refusing to tear my clothes and smear ashes on my face in performative mourning for a white man that espoused violence is… not the same as violence” and “Part of what keeps America so violent is the insistence that people perform care, empty goodness and absolution for white men who espouse hatred and violence.”
Again, insensitive and inflammatory.
On the other side, one New Jersey nurse who worked for a hospital was suspended by the organization for blowing the whistle on a doctor who told her that Charlie Kirk had it coming to him. She later repeated the accusation on Fox.
Oof. What a week for the world. Many, including comedian and Trump-basher Stephen Colbert, who opened with his monologue with a call to peace, said, “Violence is never the answer to political disagreement.” He showed a clip of Speaker Mike Johnson calling to bring down the temperature. “We can settle disputes in a civil manner. Political violence must be called out, and it has to stop.”
On this urgent desire to stop targeted political violence, including the two attempts last year against Donald Trump, both sides — mostly — can agree. And that, at least, is progress. I hope it can happen, but, sadly, I have my doubts.
***
On a personal note, my husband — Howard Kurtz — ended an amazing, and what must be record-breaking tenure on television. His media criticism TV show on Fox News sunsetted on Sunday. He created Media Buzz 12 years ago, after anchoring as senior media panelist, then host of Reliable Sources on CNN for 22 years. He started his career as a Justice correspondent, New York bureau chief, member of Bob Woodward’s investigative unit, and then media reporter for The Washington Post for 29 years.
That brings his Sunday TV tenure to 34 years. And he never missed a show until earlier this year when he was hospitalized for double pneumonia. I was so angry that he left the hospital and was back on the air not long afterwards. He is the hardest-working person I‘ve ever known.
As we move forward, we’re hoping to have a little more flexibility in our lives, getting time to spend together doing the things we love. He will still be recording his daily podcast, Media Buzzmeter, and writing columns for Fox’s website, while making appearances on the network, as he did Monday morning, A Fox and Friends anchor praised him for always telling both sides of a story. Online, he was heavily criticized and strongly lauded for this approach, some calling it old-fashioned in a time of political upheaval and partisan posturing by hosts on all networks.
I could not be prouder of his professionalism, and especially his lack of fear when telling truth to power. It takes tough skin to last this long in the business. He did this while being a great dad to his four daughters and grandfather to seven grandchildren. And of course, a supportive and loving husband.
Here’s to more incisive and direct media coverage to come from one helluva guy.
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 Charlie Kirk was murdered last week, Salem Radio Network faced a situation that no programmer or executive can fully prepare for.
Losing a key voice on the air is one thing when you know it’s coming. Negotiating a contract or discussing retirement allows you to build a plan, execute it, and smooth over the transition. But when tragedy strikes suddenly, expecting anyone to have a clean replacement plan sitting on a desk is unreasonable.
In radio, we constantly preach preparation. We tell programmers to have backups. We remind talent to be ready for breaking news or technical issues. We insist on building contingency plans so there’s never dead air.
But let’s be honest — there’s no handbook for when one of your star hosts is murdered. The industry rightly prioritizes being ready for the foreseeable, not the unimaginable.
That’s why it’s perfectly acceptable for Salem not to have had a plan in place. This wasn’t a matter of Kirk’s ratings slipping or his contract coming due. It wasn’t even a whisper about him walking away to pursue another opportunity. He was a young, growing star with years of runway ahead of him. Preparing for his sudden death would not only have been morbid, but also flat-out disrespectful.
We often assume leadership means being ready for everything. But the reality is, no one can truly be ready for tragedy. Think about the countless hours that go into managing a national network like Salem. Executives focus on affiliates, advertisers, content strategy, and navigating a changing media landscape. Carving out time to create a “what if” plan for the sudden loss of a 31-year-old host is not just unrealistic — it’s unnecessary.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Salem can sit still forever. There will come a time when the network needs to make a decision about who permanently replaces Charlie Kirk in the lineup. There will be pressure from affiliates, advertisers, and listeners who want stability and consistency. But that time and place isn’t now. I’d like to think that the news/talk radio business — whether it be from affiliates, advertisers, or listeners — isn’t so cutthroat that Salem Radio Network is expected to have definitive answers about what it’s going to do in one of, if not the, most valuable timeslot in the format less than a week after Kirk’s untimely death.
Bringing in JD Vance, Ben Shapiro, Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh to fill in was the right move. Those voices bring credibility and familiarity to the audience. They create a sense of continuity during a time when fans are grieving. It’s not about finding a permanent answer right away — it’s about maintaining trust in the brand while respecting the gravity of the situation.
Some might argue that every company needs a disaster plan. In theory, that sounds fine. In practice, though, there are situations so rare and so devastating that they fall outside the scope of reasonable preparation. No radio programmer I know has a plan in place for what to do if a host is murdered. And if they do, it’s probably collecting dust in a drawer somewhere, never truly considered as something they’d need to activate.
The truth is, radio is built on relationships — both on the air and behind the scenes. When those relationships are disrupted in sudden and shocking ways, you can’t just flip a switch and act like everything is normal. Salem’s team had to react as humans first, professionals second. Their immediate moves reflected that balance.
It’s easy to sit back and say leaders should always be prepared. That’s the default take in almost any industry conversation. But radio is different because it’s personal. Audiences don’t just listen to hosts—they connect with them. When one is ripped away suddenly, it’s not just a business decision. It’s a human loss that demands empathy before strategy.
So yes, at some point, Salem will need to settle on a permanent voice in Kirk’s former slot. They’ll need to move past temporary fill-ins and present a stable, long-term solution. But that moment doesn’t need to come today, tomorrow, or even next week. Right now, the industry should grant some grace.
Because if you’re looking for an example of when it’s okay not to have a plan, this is it. Some moments are bigger than strategy decks or affiliate memos. Sometimes it’s okay to pause, acknowledge the tragedy, and then begin figuring things out. Salem has shown they understand that. And in a business that’s constantly told it must always be ready, that’s an important reminder for all of us.
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.
