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Why Adam Silver Is Right Where Sports Media Outrage Is Wrong

John Mamola
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Why Adam Silver Is Right Where Sports Media Outrage Is Wrong

It’s no secret that watching sports is becoming more expensive. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating: the cost of being a fan is rising, while the difficulty of actually watching your team increases. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently provided what some consider a tone-deaf response during the NBA Board of Governors meeting about the growing financial burden on fans.

This year marks the start of the league’s new 11-year media partnership with The Walt Disney Company, along with agreements with NBCUniversal and Amazon. Under these deals, ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video will telecast NBA games. For fans, this means juggling multiple subscriptions just to watch nationally televised games.

While Silver’s comments may have seemed tone-deaf, they reflect the reality of who the league serves—and it’s not always the fan.

When asked about the rising costs being passed on to viewers, Silver didn’t hesitate, saying he thinks about it “a lot.”

Sure, he does.

How Fans Are Watching the NBA

NBA television ratings were down for much of last season, only to rebound slightly later, ending with a 2% decline. This mirrors the NFL’s modest drop in 2024, while the NHL saw a 13% decline.

Overall, NBA regular-season viewership has declined for three consecutive years. The main factors are cord-cutting and the shrinking cable audience. The appeal of live sports alone can’t justify the cost of a cable subscription when streaming packages offer lower-cost alternatives.

The NBA only followed the trend. They embraced streaming.

This year, cord-cutters looking to watch NBA games will need subscriptions to Peacock, Prime Video, and ESPN—without including the cost of regional sports networks that carry local team coverage.

So, should the Commissioner be asked about this costly shift for fans? Absolutely.

His answer is what left many scratching their heads.

“There’s a huge amount of our content that people can essentially consume for free. I mean, this is very much a highlights-based sport,” said Silver. “Instagram, TikTok, Twitter—you name it. Any service… There’s an enormous amount of content out there. YouTube, another example, that is advertising-based that consumers can consume.”

Silver is correct. The NBA and its teams excel at providing bite-sized content for fans to consume nearly in real-time at no cost. This applies not only to the NBA but also to the NFL, MLB, and NHL.

It’s not just the leagues—sports networks have been following this model for a while. For example, the redesigned ESPN app offers a “verts” feature: a short-form video scroll providing instant access to key plays, along with an AI-generated SportsCenter if you wish.

Silver’s comments highlight how younger audiences consume content and how the NBA has adapted to meet them where they are. While this doesn’t directly answer the question about rising costs, it’s an accurate observation.

The Cost of Viewing the NBA

Content consumption has changed. Fans don’t have to embrace it, but ignoring it comes at a financial cost.

“I think most people are conditioned to paying a certain amount for high-value content,” said Silver.

Again, the Commissioner is not wrong. High-value content—the ability to watch the full broadcast whenever, however, and wherever you want—is exactly what these streaming services provide.

In fact, the league is attempting to curb the cost by working with regional network partners. This season, the NBA will broadcast 75 games on over-the-air television, up from 15, allowing local affiliates to make more games available for free.

Still, much of the outrage from sports media following Silver’s comments is misguided.

Who Does Adam Silver Work For

The Commissioner of the NBA is appointed by the Board of Governors, made up of team owners and their respective representatives. The job of the Commissioner, since he is appointed by the ownership groups of the league, is to ensure the owners of the league are happy.

The new 11-year media rights contracts increased the value of the league’s media rights packages to a record $77 billion. That gives the league and ownership groups more revenue to help deal with the rising salary cap in the league.

The result? Owners make more money. Players make more money. And the NBA enjoys unprecedented financial security, with agreements that have no opt-outs and potential for market expansion.

The league also saw its second-highest attendance ever last season, despite rising costs of going to games.

Make no mistake about it, Adam Silver is doing his job—successfully—on the business side.

While it’s easy for sports media to lament that things aren’t like they used to be, professional sports have never been healthier. The leagues are the biggest drivers of revenue, viewership, social media engagement, and other metrics that traditional TV programs can only dream of reaching.

I understand the frustration of having to navigate multiple streaming services and empathize with concerns that the league may be ignoring “the fan.” But the facts are clear: Adam Silver is ensuring the NBA remains front-facing, accessible, and financially strong.

Even if it comes at a higher cost for fans.

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.

Charlie Kirk Taught Broadcasters the Value of Uncomfortable Conversations

Pete Mundo
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Charlie Kirk Taught Broadcasters the Value of Uncomfortable Conversations

At the age of 31, Charlie Kirk lost his life over his words. It’s a relatable moment for anyone who has ever cracked a microphone to an audience of one or one million.

No matter your format, if you’ve been on air for any period of time, you’ve said something that has offended someone. Frankly, if you haven’t, you probably aren’t very good at your job. It comes with the territory.

However, what happened to Charlie Kirk was evil on display on Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University. Kirk was doing something he had done dozens, if not hundreds, of times: showing up on a college campus and engaging in respectful, good-faith debates with those he disagreed with.

And what we can all learn from Charlie Kirk, even those who disagreed with him on the political issues of the day, is how he always debated with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. There are hundreds of viral videos of Charlie Kirk plastered across social media, with many likely ending up in your feeds in recent days. Despite what some of his detractors may say, you will be hard-pressed to find one where he was angry or outraged. That was not his style—even when confronted by those who were sometimes aggressive or unwilling to engage in an honest debate.

Stylistically, it’s one of the many qualities of Charlie’s that every broadcaster can utilize to their own advantage. Disagreeing doesn’t have to be nasty, and it wasn’t intended to be for Charlie. Our social media culture has allowed it to become nastier because we lack any human element of the other person when we are behind a screen.

The other thing Charlie did — something News/Talk broadcasters in particular can learn from — was to get out of his bubble. Charlie literally lost his life seeking to converse with those he disagreed with. He sought out conversations with people who did not view the country or the world the way he did. And he made genuine efforts to change their minds, knowing full well it was a futile effort with the majority of his dissenters.

It’s easier than ever to get caught up in our own bubbles on any topic or issue. But it’s more important than ever to broaden our conversations beyond those who are in lockstep with us. Charlie’s efforts in this made him a more well-rounded and interesting person. They strengthened his beliefs and sharpened his debating skills. He put himself in uncomfortable situations to try to convince others of his beliefs, but he was also helping himself grow in his convictions. Those experiences made him a larger-than-life political figure and broadcaster.

Of the many Charlie Kirk quotes that have been circulating over the last 24 hours, one has stood out to me above the rest: “What we have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.”

Charlie lived that every day. Unfortunately, evil took him away from his life’s mission. But it doesn’t mean his mission has to die in vain. Any small role broadcasters can play in that is worth pursuing.

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.

Sports Media Requires Different Perspectives From Players and Non-Players Alike

John Lund
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Sports Media Requires Different Perspectives From Players and Non-Players Alike

I’ve been there. Right in the middle of it. The ex-player next to you is radiating, “I played, you didn’t” energy. And you? You’re nodding, smiling, trying to build their credibility while holding on to your own. It’s like walking a tightrope over rabid fans, salty ex-teammates, and one guy livestreaming the argument from the press box. Welcome to the life of a “non-player” in sports media.

That’s why the Ryan Clark–Peter Schrager dust-up on ESPN’s Get Up hit home. Clark drops, “That’s the non-player in you,” Schrager fumes, the tension thick enough to cut with a Gatorade bottle, and the internet explodes.

Players, reporters, hosts—every opinion now flies instantly to anyone with Wi-Fi. The lesson? Fans need more than just the player’s perspective.

It’s the locker room pass vs. the press pass.

Playing the games we talk about really matters. I get it. I’ve hosted shows with Hall of Famers who mastered the game—Rod Woodson and Steve Young. Players who were all the way out there in Bill Romanowski and Eric Byrnes. I’ve shared the mic with new school and old guard. They’ve been in the trenches, in the spotlight, in dugouts and locker rooms.

Me? The farthest I got was college lacrosse—and I’m using the term loosely.

Sports Media Has A Role

But sports have been my life since I was old enough to remember, and it’s the only “job” I’ve ever had. Sports radio host all over the country and nationally. I’ve dabbled in television, a sports writer—that’s all I know.

My job has never been to just nod politely. It’s to pull stories out, push the envelope, show respect or fire players up. Just like they did on the field, I had to read the room and get the most watched, read, or listened-to content. My perspective mattered.

Why was I there if I was just rolling the balls out and not challenging everyone to be their best?

And yes, I’ve been told, “You never played.” Fine. True. I didn’t sack Patrick Mahomes or shut down Steph Curry. But I’ve been there—15 Super Bowls, covered multiple NBA championships, sprayed with NBA Finals champagne by Michael Jordan, World Series clubhouses, Stanley Cups, Final Fours, NFL overseas games—and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

I’ve interviewed Montana and Rice, Jordan and Kobe, Gretzky and Gordie. Serena and McEnroe—and yes, I am serious. Some of it had to rub off, right?

While I never played, my ears were open and my mouth was shut.

Non-Player Skill Set

Being a “non-player” doesn’t mean irrelevant. It means mastering a different set of skills: access, curiosity, persistence, and the ability to connect dots players aren’t thinking about. Fans deserve that perspective—especially now, when every opinion has a platform and the echo chamber is one click away.

That’s what the Clark–Schrager moment reminds me of. Players bring scars, sweat, stories from the trenches. Media people bring context, history, instincts, and connective tissue fans can’t get anywhere else.

Clark knows what it feels like to line up against monsters like Micah Parsons, to feel the chaos he creates. Reporters can tell you why Green Bay gave up the farm for him, and how losing him shifts the Cowboys’ blueprint. That’s the value of perspective and connections, both sides filling in the gaps the other can’t.

That’s where reporters come in.

Players bring sweat and scars. We bring a lens that lets fans peek behind the curtain—without stepping on a cleat. Both perspectives matter. Both make the story bigger than the box score.

We media guys have our Super Bowls too.

Derek Fisher leaves the Utah Jazz to care for his daughter Tatum, battling a rare eye cancer. Jazz fans feel burned when he signs with the Lakers after Utah lets him out of his contract. When he comes back, fans let him have it: loud, nasty, unmissable boos. The Lakers are in Salt Lake. Everyone wants Kobe Bryant’s reaction. Game ends. Reporters vanish faster than a pizza at an office meeting. Me? I hang back, last one in the gym. Kobe walks out. I ask. He unloads. I look around—nope, no one else is there. Kobe defends Fisher. Rips Jazz fans. Says he can’t wait to stick it to Utah again. Raw, passionate, no filter.

My Finals moment.

Sports Media Creates Moments

Being a reporter/host is like being a player in one sense: you earn your big moments by being prepared, asking the right question, and staying when everyone else leaves. We don’t get rings, but it’s nice when your key card still works in the morning.

So yes, players played, and that matters. But so does my three decades of experience, access, instincts, and perspective. Asking the right questions. Digging for details. Bringing fans stories nobody else got.

Calling someone a “non-player” like it’s a mic-drop? It’s not even half the story.

Sports are too layered, too human, too chaotic to be told from one angle. The best coverage comes when players, hosts, reporters—and now a new generation of media voices—tell it all.

Fans want every angle. Who’s to say who tells it best? Most times it’s not one person’s perspective. It’s input from everywhere. Everybody gets to play the game now.

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.

How Matt Abbatacola Reunited With Dan Bernstein on Unfiltered

John Mamola
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How Matt Abbatacola Reunited With Dan Bernstein on Unfiltered

The departure of Dan Bernstein from Chicago’s 670 The Score in March came as a shock to many in the sports radio industry. He served thirty years with the Chicago sports radio brand, including 17 on the highly successful Boers & Bernstein program alongside Terry Boers. Following his leave from the radio station, many debated what Bernstein’s next steps would be. Would he return on a crosstown rival or leave the industry altogether? Instead, he made a phone call to Matt Abbatacola. His former producer at 670 The Score, and asked about interest in creating a podcast together.

“I got a call from [Dan] Bernstein. He reached out to me and said, ‘I’m thinking of the idea of getting together a podcast. Is that something you’d be interested in doing?’” said Abbatacola. “I told Dan I’d absolutely be interested in doing something with you. I may have an avenue to do this.”

What Bernstein wasn’t aware of is that Abbatacola had met earlier in the day with John Goforth, the senior vice president and general manager of podcasts with Hubbard Radio. As luck would have it, the timing couldn’t have been better for both Bernstein and Abbatacola. Several months later, 312 Sports was born with both Bernstein and Abbatacola serving as its flagship podcast.

“When he [Bernstein] called me, you got to believe doing something together in media was the furthest thing from my mind. I thought he was just calling to catch up,” explained Abbatacola. “We had texted since everything had gone down [at 670 The Score]. I thought he just wanted to talk or needed someone to listen. When he sprung that on me, I was blown away.”

Abbatacola’s Departure From the Score

Abbatacola has his own story of departure with 670 The Score in Chicago. He served as the executive producer of the Boers & Bernstein Show from 2003 until the show’s finale in January 2017 following the retirement of Boers. Four months later, Abbatacola made his own decision to leave 670 The Score after being moved to an update anchor role and away from producing afternoon drive.

“It was a mix of a few things. Getting passed over for multiple hosting opportunities. That was the final one that happened,” explained Abbatacola. “At that moment I was done. I needed out, and didn’t know what the journey would look like. I needed to get out and get to a point where I was just a guy on a team doing a task and that was it.”

Abbatacola left media altogether to work on himself. He chose to completely tune out of anything sports-related for some time. Abbatacola said that he didn’t understand at the time that he needed to allow space to mourn the loss of the Boers & Bernstein program. It was a fixture of his daily life for over a decade. Without it he found himself in search of recognizing who he was.

He kept in contact with some of his contemporaries over the years. Abbatacola took on several sales positions with different companies over the past eight years. After being laid off from a position in January, thoughts began to surface about potentially finding a place in digital media.

“I always missed it,” said Abbatacola. “I had an opportunity to reevaluate where things are in life. It was something I always wanted to do. When it was kind of forced upon me to find something different to do, I started pursuing avenues of getting back into media.”

Creating ‘Dan Bernstein: Unfiltered’

Abbatacola found a post on LinkedIn from Goforth in March about a new podcast network being formed in the Chicago area. Leaning on his relationship with Goforth from working together at 670 The Score, Abbatacola arranged a meeting to pitch an idea for a podcast. Little did he know that Goforth already had an idea of his own.

“John [Goforth] went into that meeting with his own agenda about connecting me and Dan [Bernstein] with a podcast,” said Abbatacola. “After Dan called me, less than a week later the three of us got together with Keith Lawless [Hubbard Radio Market President].”

In August, Dan Bernstein: Unfiltered debuted with Abbatacola serving as his executive producer once again. The podcast became the flagship program for the new 312 Sports banner of Hubbard Broadcasting in Chicago, alongside a separate Chicago Bears–themed podcast called Forward Progress.

In crafting how the debut episode would be produced, Abbatacola and Bernstein agreed not to rehearse or script what was to be said. They leaned on a raw and uncut discussion about the happenings of the past six months for Bernstein, as well as the journey of Abbatacola since his departure from 670 The Score.

“There was no hesitation. There was no concern or fear of being honest and transparent. It’s not that we knew that we needed to be [transparent], we wanted to be,” explained Abbatacola. “There was talk about some practice runs and recording some things. It was like, absolutely not. The easiest part of getting 312 Sports off the ground is the actual content.”

Abbatacola credits Goforth with the concept and vision for the Unfiltered podcast. The goal is that whatever Dan Bernstein wants to share with the audience, he can. With no concerns about vision and content, Abbatacola said the transition to working together again was very easy.

“We haven’t had much interaction together since 2017. I didn’t have a ton of fill-in time with Dan [Bernstein] after Boers left,” noted Abbatacola. “From the first episode, it feels like we haven’t missed a beat. It’s very natural. We’re very comfortable together. We trust and support each other.”

With any new thing in life, there are challenges and an education surrounding it. Abbatacola says that while the content part is easy, the elements outside of cracking the microphone have proven to be the biggest challenge—especially in the all-digital world of content where everyone has a voice.

“Putting yourself out there and saying I know what I’m doing is good. I believe what I’m doing. I’m not going to care what people say about it,” said Abbatacola of his biggest challenge so far. “The biggest thing is not getting caught up in that world. That was a problem. Not on the same level as maybe other people experience. Making sure that I stick to that for myself is more important than anything.”

With 312 Sports, Matt Abbatacola is approaching the opportunity with a fresh perspective—reflective of mistakes of the past, but with newfound energy and excitement for what the future may become. Alongside Dan Bernstein, the duo has already made an imprint with hundreds of thousands of views and downloads in just the first couple of weeks.

For Abbatacola, it’s more than that. The encouragement and support he’s received from his family and friends have helped reinforce his decision to try again. After some time away, the reunion with Dan Bernstein at 312 Sports already feels like a moment of being in the right place at the right time.

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.

Why Quu CEO Steve Newberry Couldn’t Turn Down a Multi-Year Extension

Garrett Searight
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Why Quu CEO Steve Newberry Couldn’t Turn Down a Multi-Year Extension

Earlier this week, Quu announced that it had struck an extension with CEO Steve Newberry for the radio veteran to remain in the post.

After joining the company in 2020, Newberry signed a three-year deal to remain with the industry leader in visual components for radio brands and companies.

He said there was a simple reason why he signed on for an additional term with the company.

“I love what I’m doing,” Newberry admitted.

Newberry added that as he’s grown older — he’s now 62 — he’s put into perspective that he’s coming closer and closer to the end of his career. Which is why he only signed on for three more years.

“Three years from now, I’ll be 65. I hope I’m working with Quu for a long time to come,” he shared. “But I thought, ‘Let’s sync it up to that 65 age, and then we’ll see if I’m what Quu needs, and if Quu is what I need three years from now.’ But I can’t imagine that I would want to do something else. I really love this product and really love the people I’m working with.”

The people that he’s working with at Quu are what Steve Newberry is most proud of assembling during his first five years with the organization.

“I work with outstanding people,” he said.

Despite being 62 and considering where the end of the line for his career might be, Newberry said he maintains his passion for the radio industry, which fuels him to keep moving the company forward.

“I love radio. Anybody who knows me knows that I am a radio junkie,” he said. “I love this medium. I love what it means to the communities that we serve. And I love what it means to our nation. So the part that makes me excited about this is I feel like this is such a next opportunity for radio to really connect with listeners from a programming standpoint and generate revenue from a sales standpoint,” he continued. ‘So it’s been just a terrific experience, and that’s why I’m so excited about it.”

The exposure that Quu has been able to generate under Newberry’s stewardship is another bright spot he points to when thinking about his proudest moments leading the company.

“I think we’ve raised the awareness of the opportunity for the industry,” he shared. “I think we have helped the industry understand that this is the technology that not just needs to be maintained, but there’s a lot of growth opportunity with it. It’s so much more than just song title and artist. There’s so much more engagement opportunity. I think the team that we put together and the ability to really paint a different picture of what screen displays can be for the radio industry, that’s what I’m most proud of, looking back.”

Since joining the company in 2020, Newberry has been instrumental in expanding the footprint of the brand. Today, more than 2,000 radio stations use the patented technology developed by Quu to bring music, content, and advertising messages to car dashboard.

Newberry added that, in addition to signing the contract extension, he’s excited and encouraged about some of the products the company is planning to release in the coming months.

Before joining Quu, Steve Newberry served as the Joint Board Chair and Executive Vice President at the National Association of Broadcasters. Additionally, he served as the founder and chairman of Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, with stations in his home state of Kentucky.

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.

It’s a Coincidence That Fox News Removed Howard Kurtz From Its Weekend Lineup, Right?

Garrett Searight
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Fox News announced on Wednesday that it was making changes to its weekend lineup, including ending the long-running show hosted by Howard Kurtz, MediaBuzz.

Replacing the show in the 11 AM to Noon ET window will be The Sunday Briefing, a new show hosted by senior White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich on a rotating basis.

A show like that makes a ton of sense for Fox News. With an audience that can’t get enough coverage of President Donald Trump, highlighting the two reporters who do the lion’s share of the work at the White House for the network is a natural fit. I can only imagine it will be a very good show, and is certain to be a ratings juggernaut for the network that has dominated that category not only for decades, but has routinely eclipsed broadcast networks this summer.

A show focused on the media and the way news items are covered, however, also makes a ton of sense for Fox News to feature on the weekends, due to how often the phrase “the media,” and its shortcomings, are invoked on the network.

Media criticism isn’t just an occasional talking point; it’s practically a recurring segment built into every hour of programming. So, Howard Kurtz hosting a weekly, media-focused program lined up perfectly with Fox’s brand. His show gave the network a built-in mechanism to point at journalistic failures elsewhere and say, “See, we told you the media was rigged.”

Still, the value of a program like Kurtz’s has always been tied to credibility. Even if Fox’s audience largely believes that mainstream media operates with bias, you can’t anchor a program like that with someone viewed as an unapologetic partisan cheerleader. That’s where Kurtz, a longtime media reporter at outlets like CNN and The Washington Post, had a unique lane.

He wasn’t shouting on Twitter every 20 minutes or serving as the attack dog that certain corners of the audience may have preferred. Instead, he approached the role as a journalist, examining how news gets covered. That approach may not have lit up the ratings scoreboard, but it did provide something rare on Fox’s weekend lineup: analysis rooted in experience rather than outrage.

But here’s the wrinkle. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump argued that Kurtz needed to be removed from the network.

“It is time for Howie Kurtz to retire! Every Woke Anchor in the Business, people that no one watched from CNN, MSDNC, and others, are plastered all over his show, with all really negative and fake statements, and then I am weakly ‘defended’ by Howie and his group (although Ben Domenech has been strong!),” Trump wrote in a post on social media. “The case Howie makes for me is so pathetic that it would be a lot better if he didn’t say anything. Anyway, that’s the way it is!”

Trump didn’t say he disliked the show’s format or that the topics weren’t relevant. He made it personal: Kurtz wasn’t supportive enough. And now, several months later, Fox News has pulled the plug.

To be clear, Fox would never make a programming decision because Donald Trump didn’t like one of their on-air personalities. No, of course not. This is a network that prides itself on independence, not one that allows political figures to dictate who stays and who goes. The idea that Trump’s open criticism of Kurtz could have played any role in this move is, obviously, laughable. Surely it was the ratings, or maybe a focus group, that drove the decision. Definitely not the most influential figure in Republican politics applying public pressure.

Sarcasm aside, the optics are terrible. A network that dedicates so much airtime to criticizing “mainstream media” bias now looks like it’s bending to the wishes of the very politician it covers most closely. If CNN canned a host after President Biden said he didn’t like them, Fox News would be devoting segments every day to hammering the hypocrisy, and labeling the Democratic President a tyrant. The narrative would be that “liberal media can’t tolerate dissent” or “the White House is controlling coverage.” And the thing is, that narrative would stick.

The bigger loss here isn’t just for Kurtz, but for the audience. Media literacy is low, trust in journalism is even lower, and the very people who consume Fox News are the ones most likely to claim that “the media” lies to them. A weekly program breaking down coverage, showing how narratives are built, and questioning editorial choices should be invaluable to that audience. Even if viewers disagreed with Kurtz’s conclusions, the framework he provided was useful. Pulling the plug only further insulates the audience in a bubble of reinforcement rather than challenge.

Howard Kurtz has been a steady, if understated, figure in the media landscape for decades. He didn’t lean into performative outrage, and he didn’t seem interested in becoming a button-pushing, a primetime conservative firebrand or star. His show may not have been the crown jewel of Fox’s lineup, but it filled a role that, frankly, few others in cable news want to play, as evidenced by CNN canceling Reliable Sources a few years ago. He provided reasonable commentary in an often unreasonable world.

Hopefully, Howard Kurtz comes on his show on Sunday — the final edition of the program — and say that it was completely his decision to step away from the program. That he felt as if the show had run its course, and that it was time to try something new. And that the comments from Trump happening just months before he’s taken off the air is all just one giant coincidence, right? That all of his is happenstance and definitely not linked.

Because if the choice wasn’t his, a cynic could say that Fox News acted at the behest of the President of the United States. That person could question if the network made programming changes at the beck-and-call of the most powerful man in the world. The argument — one could make — that instead of “Fair and Balanced” or “We Report, You Decide”, the network’s new mantra could be “Yes sir, Mr. President” or “Right away, Mr. President.”

But an independent, unbiased news organization would never do that, right?

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.

Hits on the Horizon: Justin Bieber, Brantley Gilbert, and Pitbull & Lil Jon

Jim Ryan
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Hits on the Horizon: Justin Bieber, Brantley Gilbert, and Pitbull & Lil Jon

Welcome back to Hits on the Horizon. World events being what they are this past week, let’s get into some music to divert us from the craziness. Here are a list of songs that should be on your radar and in your ears if you program a radio station.

In the Top40/Hot AC space, I want to start with Justin Bieber/“Love Song”. It’s catchy with a solid hook, “I wanna wish you a love song baby!” Next up is another that should be on your radar, Enhypen/“Outside”. It has a great groove! One more that is must listen this week is Cage The Elephant/“Rainbow”. The hook, “You lift me up when I get down, right round like a rainbow” is infectious!

Moving to Rhythm, I have a few worth listening to. Latto & Ice Spice/”Gyatt” is a very good song and worth paying attention to. Have you heard Pitbull & Lil Jon/“Damn I Love Miami”? Fun lyrics and very catchy!

Up next, the Rock world. I’m loving and obsessed with Vance Joy/“Divine Feelings”. If you haven’t listened to it, do so soon! The song is getting radio love at Alt-Nation on Sirius XM! Head & The Heart/“Beg, Steal, Borrow” also has a strong hook and has been on repeat for me for a few days. The song is getting AAA love from KTBG in Kansas City. If you need something to pound through your heart, put you ears on Nevertel & Sleep Theory/“Break The Silence”.

Last, let’s move to Country. First up is Brantley Gilbert/“I Want You Back”. It’s well written, catchy as hell, and features a fun hook! Early love is already being given at Z104 in Salt Lake City and 98.5 KYGO in Denver. One last one for your ears this week is Maddie & Tae/“Chasin Babies & Raisin’ Dreams”. Their two voices always blend so well. This is a hit!

Well there you go. The music that your ears should be full of this weekend. Happy listening!

Are Traditional Casinos in Decline?

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Are Traditional Casinos in Decline?

It used to be that attending a brick-and-mortar casino was the only way to have the gambling experience. The glitz and glamour of these locations were not only an attractive setting for countless films, books, and TV shows, but they also spoke to the average American citizen on a personal level. People travel across the world to visit locations such as the Las Vegas strip to try their hand against fate and dream of fortune.

However, in the modern age, with the use of online casinos on the rise, and these integrating new and innovative tech like virtual reality and cryptocurrencies, are the days of traditional casino gaming coming to an end? In this article, we’ll explore how online casinos are changing the game in the gambling scene, but also why traditional locations might be able to hold on for at least a little while longer.

Gambling in the United States

Gambling is an incredibly popular pastime across much of the United States. Even though regulations differ from state to state, and some don’t allow gambling activity of any kind, it is currently estimated that 85% of American adults have gambled at least once in their lifetime and 60% at least once during a twelve-month period.

When it comes to gambling options, Americans have multiple. Of course, traditional casino gaming is still a booming industry in the US, with businesses seeing an increase in revenue every year. Tribal casinos are also doing well in 2025 in States where gambling is restricted everywhere but tribal land. Online options are also rising in popularity due to their accessibility and the unique features incorporated, such as heightened security and the acceptance of alternative payment methods. However, in some States where gambling is illegal or restricted to only tribal casinos, sweepstakes are becoming an increasingly popular option.

Sweepstake platforms work in much the same way as online casinos, except that players are unable to make real money wagers. Instead, they earn sweepcoins by engaging with the games and can trade these coins for rewards or prizes, often with real world value. Many of the best sweepstakes platforms also offer impressive bonuses and rewards for both new and seasoned players, including free sweep coins and VIP options. (Source: listofsweepstakescasinos.com)

The Rise of Online Casinos

If traditional casinos are in decline, then the fault must lie in their online counterparts.

Heightened Security

In order to obtain the correct licensing and function well in the digital age, online casinos must employ state-of-the-art security features on their platforms. These websites go above and beyond when it comes to ensuring the digital security of their customers and many even incorporate additional security features, such as multi-factor authentication, that traditional casinos simply cannot match.

Not only this, but gamblers also have more control over their own security when using online casinos compared to when in the traditional setting. For example, they could download a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to disguise their location while using online platforms, or install high-tech anti-virus software, both of which help to ensure their digital security.

Also, many online platforms have begun to accept alternative payment methods, as explored below, most of which have been proven to be more secure than the traditional options most brick-and-mortar casinos accept.

Payment Options

Because of their digital nature, it is quite easy for online casino platforms to accept alternative modes of payment, such as e-wallets and cryptocurrency, that have proven benefits for their users. All these methods tend to be more secure than traditional bank transactions, but it is cryptocurrencies integration into the online casino scene that is truly making waves.

Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity across the United States at an exponential rate, and already 28% of American adults own at least one form of the currency. When it comes to online gambling, cryptocurrency has countless benefits. One of these comes from the decentralized nature of crypto itself. In the context of cryptocurrency, decentralization refers to the fact that third-party institutions, like banks, don’t have any involvement in the transactions, like they do with more traditional methods. This enables transactions to be made peer-to-peer and leads to significantly lower fees. On top of this, the encryption technology that is used on transactions made with cryptocurrency greatly increases the security of the individual, as it is near impossible to track transactions back to a source. All of this makes crypto the perfect asset when it comes to gambling online.

On top of this, crypto is also considered highly volatile. Here, volatility simply means the tendency these digital assets have to either rise or fall in value over time. This means that, through the integration of cryptocurrency, online gamblers are able to make an additional bet on the future value of the cryptocurrency they play with.

Accessibility

All this being said, the one thing that sets online casinos apart from their traditional counterparts is their accessibility. There are only so many brick-and-mortar casinos in the world, and many people find they have to travel great distances in order to attend these locations.

Online casinos, however, are accessible at any time from anywhere in the world to people who have an internet connection. This makes the gambling world infinitely more accessible to both those who struggle to go to traditional casinos because of geographical restrictions, as well as provides gambling opportunities to those who can’t attend traditional establishments at all because of various disabilities or health conditions.

Future Technology

Finally, it may just be the future of the online casino world that eventually kills off the traditional gaming experience. Already, modern technology is being integrated into the online casino space to greatly improve the experience for players.

With technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality bringing the world of the casino to the gambler’s home, the question of whether traditional casinos might one day be made redundant can’t be avoided.

The Perseverance of Traditional Casinos

With all this being said, traditional casinos are still doing very well in 2025, and, for a variety of reasons, may very well continue to thrive alongside their online counterparts. Firstly, no matter how good technology gets, it is likely to never be able to fully replicate the real-world casino experience. People don’t come to the world’s biggest casinos just to sit at the same slots they could play online, but to be immersed in the world of the casino itself. These buildings are social hubs, grand escapes, and often the go-to place for world-class tournaments.

On top of this, many casinos aren’t solely casinos but also contain hotels, entertainment complexes, malls, bars, and restaurants, none of which online options can offer. Recent statistics have shown that the casino gaming sector is still thriving in the United States, and with multiple traditional casinos either being planned or built, it doesn’t seem like this sector is going anywhere anytime soon.

Paramount Skydance Reportedly Preparing To Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

BSM Staff
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Paramount Skydance Reportedly Preparing To Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Paramount Skydance is preparing a majority cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that would combine two of Hollywood’s most iconic studios while reshaping the media landscape, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The offer, backed by the Ellison family, is expected to target Warner Bros. Discovery in its entirety.

That includes the company’s legacy cable networks such as CNN, TBS and TNT, along with its film studio and popular franchises like Barbie, Harry Potter and DC Comics. Insiders told The Wall Street Journal the bid has not yet been submitted, and the plan could still unravel before reaching the negotiating table.

If finalized, the acquisition would represent one of the largest bets in entertainment history. Warner Bros. Discovery carries a market capitalization of nearly $33 billion, more than twice the size of Paramount Skydance. Yet, timing could prove to be the critical factor.

Warner recently announced it would restructure into two separate operating divisions. One for traditional television and another for its streaming and studios. By moving now, Paramount Skydance aims to prevent competitors, including tech giants Amazon and Apple, from entering the bidding once Warner’s restructuring is complete.

Warner Bros. Discovery shares jumped almost 35% Wednesday afternoon following news of the potential offer. Paramount Skydance shares rose nearly 6%, signaling optimism among investors about the potential consolidation.

The deal would bring together HBO Max and Paramount+, two streaming services still fighting for market share in an increasingly competitive space. With subscriber growth slowing across the industry, scale has become a necessity.

Pairing Warner’s deep library of content with Paramount’s established channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central could strengthen both services’ positions against Netflix, Disney+ and other rivals.

However, questions remain about how regulators would view the merger. The size and scope of a Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery combination would almost certainly trigger antitrust scrutiny. The push comes shortly after Skydance, led by David Ellison, completed its merger with Paramount.

Ellison, son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has quickly emerged as a major player in Hollywood’s ongoing consolidation. Bringing Warner Bros. Discovery into the fold would accelerate his influence across both traditional media and digital platforms.

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.

Media Coverage of Charlie Kirk’s Death Showcases the Industry’s Best and Worst

Jason Barrett
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Media Coverage of Charlie Kirk’s Death Showcases the Industry’s Best and Worst

The world lost a powerful voice on Wednesday. A wife lost a husband. Two young children lost their father. And the news/talk media industry lost an influential radio host, and digital media influencer. Charlie Kirk is dead at the age of 31. That’s a sentence I never expected to write on this website. His death has me sick to my stomach, saddened, angry, and concerned. I don’t normally write on Thursday afternoons, but this issue was too important to set aside until Monday.

What happened in Utah on Wednesday was senseless. Charlie Kirk was doing what he loved, debating and discussing ideas with young people. Whether they agreed with his positions or not, discourse and debate was encouraged. Charlie welcomed opposing views, and traveled to numerous campuses to elevate conversation.

Hearing and challenging each other is a good thing. Kirk did it well. It forces us to sharpen and defend our views, learn from each other, and find common ground with those we disagree with. The world is full of people with different experiences, backgrounds, and values. Certain parts of the country operate differently. Some people loved what Charlie Kirk stood for, others hated it. Regardless, we should be able to discuss issues in a civil manner.

Barrett Media moved into news media in 2020, and during those 5 years I never met or spoke to Charlie Kirk. I admired though how he juggled radio, television, podcasting, and social media successfully. I even wrote a column on what the media business could learn from his college tour. He was a gifted communicator who energized millions to get involved. His ability to connect with people across all platforms, welcome face to face debate, and generate massive amounts of interest was impressive. He was prepared to defend his positions, a skill you must possess to be a successful on-air talent.

When I learned of the shooting, I immediately thought of Phil Boyce, David Santrella, Mike Gallagher and Scott Jennings. Imagine going to work at Salem Media on Wednesday and learning in real time that one of your friends, co-workers, and future stars was just assassinated at a public event. You have to cover the story in real time while being emotionally wrecked. Given the personal connections to Charlie’s family and friends, I can’t imagine how painful this week’s broadcasts have been for the Salem team. My condolences to all who knew and worked with Charlie.

Aside from the personal connections, I also monitored multiple networks, websites, and social media accounts to see how the story was being covered. Most handled things properly but a few made dangerous errors.

At MSNBC, almost immediately after Kirk was shot, Matthew Dowd went on the air and said, “We don’t know any other details of this that we don’t know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration or so. We have no idea about this. But following up on what was just said, he’s 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. I always go back to hateful thoughts, lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that’s the environment we’re in that that people just you can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying is off of words and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we’re in.”

Dowd posted an apology on BlueSky, writing, “My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”

Speaking to the general public on a platform like MSNBC is a privilege. When used irresponsibly, that privilege gets taken away. Dowd learned that Wednesday evening. You can’t say what Dowd did right after a popular figure has been shot dead. I don’t like seeing media people lose jobs but MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler made the right call. A company statement said, “During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”

That’s how things should be handled when broadcasters make indefensible mistakes. There are times when you have to push division aside. It’s especially important in the seconds and minutes after someone’s death. If you can’t be classy or respectful, say nothing or just try not to be an asshole. It’s really not that hard. Think of how you’d feel if the person assassinated was a co-worker, and on-air rhetoric from a competitor was distasteful right after they died. It would change how you see and discuss the story.

Across social media, Kirk’s fans and colleagues expressed sorrow over his death. Megyn Kelly, Sage Steele, and Glenn Beck became emotional over the news. Folks who disagreed with Kirk like Chris Cuomo, Jake Tapper, Brian Stelter were classy with their responses. All struck the right tone with their commentary.

Some who work in music radio circles couldn’t resist the opportunity to use it to draw attention to other matters. There were complaints over Kirk’s death receiving more attention than other news stories. Others used it as an opportunity to beat the drum for changing gun laws. Some even pushed back on paying respect.

Given the unstable media climate we’re in, I don’t understand why some risk their jobs over having to chip in on social media. People sometimes think that their social media accounts aren’t the same as their airwaves. That’s false. The second you post it, assume it could be on television or on the front page of the newspaper.

At TMZ, the newsroom had people cheering seconds before Kirk was officially pronounced dead. TMZ claims the cheering was related to a car chase, not Charlie’s death. Many aren’t buying it. I initially gave them the benefit of the doubt but this doesn’t look good. Neither does this.

One sports media situation was brought to my attention Thursday night. JT The Brick’s producer Bobby Machado posted disgusting remarks that resulted in termination. He shut down his account on X but the damage was already done.

The worst though came from Comedian Darius Dinkins. His commentary was defenseless. I can’t imagine SiriusXM bosses will be rushing to air comedy specials for Dinkins when he says he was giddy about Kirk dying. An Associate Dean at Middle Tennessee University was fired for insensitive comments following Kirk’s death. They pale in comparison to what Dinkins said on video.

Social media algorithms have circulated videos for the past 24-hours showing college kids, lowlifes, and business owners celebrating Charlie Kirk’s demise. What each individual failed to think about but soon will is how it will effect them moving forward. Your words and reactions on social media can have permanent consequences.

As I think about Charlie Kirk’s death, three things are consuming my thoughts.

#1 – Why is it acceptable for video clips to be available on social media showing someone dying? 10 hours after Kirk was shot dead, clips were accessible all over X. How is that healthy for society? TV didn’t show the clip repeatedly yet X had every angle including some which showed blood pouring out of Kirk’s neck and his body being carried out.

In the hours that have followed, more and more clips have gone viral showcasing the worst of humanity. The behavior is amplified by platforms rather than denounced and removed. Our world’s addiction to phones and social media have turned everything into ‘content’. The rush to generate views and engagement has replaced sensitivity, compassion, and common sense. Chad Withrow’s post yesterday on this was spot on.

I wonder if social media in 2025 does more harm than good for the world. We used to have discussions with friends, co-workers and neighbors without knowing their every thought. Now, every single post shapes how we see people. As much as I love staying connected and learning things, I also see the worst of people elevated far too often. Something has to change.

#2 – After Donald Trump was shot, he gave speeches behind bullet proof glass enclosures. Kirk was out in the open in Utah just like Trump was in Butler, PA. It made him an easy target. We may want things to be normal, but sick people do sick things. Is the risk worth it for high profile political figures to speak without being shielded? Tucker Carlson did live shows last year. Megyn Kelly has an upcoming tour which Kirk was supposed to appear at. Can they afford to stand on a stage unprotected?

I’ve spent the past 24-hours thinking about last week’s BNM Summit. Glenn Beck, Scott Jennings, Chris Ruddy, Curtis Sliwa, and John Catsimatidis graced our stage. Access to them in the theater was easy. At our past shows, Clay Travis, Brian Kilmeade, Tomi Lahren, Jason Whitlock, and others have joined me. Never have I held an event and worried about being shot on stage while discussing broadcasting. But maybe I’ve been foolish to not consider that possibility. If people have to fear doing what they love, and minimize interacting, what’s the point of it?

#3 – How many on-air professionals hurt themselves professionally on Wednesday with distasteful posts on social media? Audiences and media owners expect News/talk professionals to discuss these issues. The same isn’t requested of music radio or sports media pros. I have nearly 5,000 Facebook connections and 13,000+ on LinkedIn. I’ve tried for years to connect with anyone who works in broadcasting but when folks pollute my page with politics or celebrating death, I disconnect. There’s little value in staying connected at that point. If they land or lose a job, we’ll still cover it though even if we’re not social media friends.

Everyone is entitled to share how they feel on social media. Just understand that your employer is also entitled to drop you if they feel your words harm their brand. I saw a great post on Facebook from voice talent Jessica Marz. It said, “Think before you post today, and everyday. Is it worth it? Do you really mean it? Are you going to delete it and hope no one that really matters to you, read it? It takes a millisecond to snap a photo of post. Don’t ruin your reputation, your career and your relationships by firing off a nasty comment that for a second, makes you feel powerful.”

I also saw posts on Wednesday night from the New York Yankees and Pat McAfee that struck the right tone. Stephen A. Smith delivered the right messaging on Thursday too. Jen Psaki on MSNBC meanwhile wasted no time shifting the focus to President Trump’s remarks, making it about his language and a potential ‘escalation’ of the situation.

You don’t have to endorse someone when they die, but you also shouldn’t spit on their grave. When people do that it shows a lack of awareness and more importantly, blackness in your heart.

We all have opinions. I have many that differ from others but I can disagree with you and still shake your hand. Hell, I have writers who I pay to share opinions that differ from mine. But they’re my teammates. I respect all of them and appreciate their perspectives. The same applies with various guests I’ve hosted at Summit’s. We have much more in common than divides us though separation grows wider each day. Finding the middle is possible if you care enough to look.

If you work in the media business and a person’s beliefs (who you don’t even know personally) move you to the point of rushing to social media to tell the world how happy you are that they died, potentially costing you relationships and employment in the process, is it worth it? How many people see what you write and make a note ‘never hire this person’? I hear it from managers often. Not everything in life requires your public response. It’s possible to change the channel or not click someone’s content. You deny them the satisfaction of a click and getting into your head when you do that.

Lastly, is it too much to expect media outlets to be less sensational when a popular figure dies? It may not be as catchy but writing “Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed at Rally in Utah” is down the middle and accurate. When headlines start with “Right-Wing Advocate, Trump Supporter, 2nd Amendment Defender” etc., you’re adding color to enrage half of the audience while rallying others to celebrate a horrific event. It may boost clicks or ratings, but what does that say about your moral compass?

By the way, it has to work both ways. If what happened to Charlie Kirk involved an analyst, host, reporter or executive at an opposing outlet, would conservative folks be respectful? They need to be. Death is death regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on. When senseless tragedies occur that take the life of any media professional, we should all be outraged, not searching for ‘an angle’ to advance a story. Respect, empathy, and class are not only good for the soul, they’re good for your business.

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.

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