In the wake of the murder of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday afternoon, MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd finds himself no longer with the network following comments he made in the aftermath.
While appearing on Katy Tur Reports, Dowd suggested that Kirk’s prior rhetoric was responsible for his shooting.
“Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which ten lead to hateful actions,” Dowd said. “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.”
The statement was immediately picked up as crude, crass, and cruel by social media users, creating a firestorm of pushback and criticism.
Late Wednesday evening, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler released a statement.
During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” wrote Kutler. “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
Later, MSNBC revealed that it had severed ties with Dowd.
Dowd served as the chief strategist for the 2004 presidential campaign of President George W. Bush. He also worked as the chief strategist for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2006 re-election campaign in California. He ran for Lt. Governor of the State of Texas in 2021 against incumbent Dan Patrick (R), before ending his campaign less than three months after launching it.
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ESPN kicked off its 2025 NFL slate with a major win, as Monday Night Football delivered more than 22.1 million viewers across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and NFL+. The Vikings-Bears matchup marked the second most-watched Week 1 game of the MNF era since ESPN took over rights in 2006.
The audience represented an 8% year-over-year increase from the 2024 season opener featuring the Jets and 49ers, reinforcing the continued draw of the Joe Buck and Troy Aikman booth. The duo has now called the four most-watched Week 1 games of the ESPN era, spanning 35 openers across multiple seasons.
The strong debut not only boosted ESPN’s primetime programming but also rippled across the network’s studio lineup. Monday Night Countdown, Sunday NFL Countdown, and NFL Live each posted year-over-year growth as fans leaned into the network’s coverage before kickoff.
Leading into the Vikings-Bears broadcast, Monday Night Countdown averaged 1.76 million viewers from 6–8 p.m., its largest Week 1 audience since 2014. The pregame show grew 39% compared to last year’s opener, underscoring the momentum behind ESPN’s on-site presentation.
Meanwhile, Sunday NFL Countdown delivered its best Week 1 performance in multiple years, drawing 1.55 million viewers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The broadcast posted a 38% increase over 2024’s opening Sunday, a sign that audiences remain invested in ESPN’s long-running NFL preview coverage despite growing competition from other pregame formats.
ESPN also extended NFL Live into a special two-hour block from Soldier Field prior to kickoff. That edition generated 550,000 viewers, a 17% jump over last season’s shorter opener.
The early success of MNF and its shoulder programming aligns with ESPN’s broader strategy of emphasizing live NFL content across multiple platforms. By distributing the game on both linear and streaming outlets, including ESPN+ integration through NFL+, the network maximized reach while continuing to build momentum for Buck and Aikman as the primetime voices of the league.
For ESPN, the results validate the ongoing investment in NFL rights and reinforce the network’s ability to drive audiences at a time when live sports are increasingly fractured across providers. The Vikings-Bears matchup also served as another proof point that even outside of marquee national brands, MNF remains a reliable ratings driver.
ESPN started the 2025 season with one of its most-watched Monday Night Football openers ever🏈
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I’ve never done this before. The idea of having to eulogize a news/talk radio show after he’s been senselessly murdered isn’t something I’ve planned for. So, please know that my intention here is to honor Charlie Kirk, and if I make some missteps along the way, know they were completely unintentional.
Charlie Kirk was, conceivably, shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon for his political beliefs. That’s abhorrent, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum.
We’ve seen tragedies like this happen before. And there’s generally a cycle that accompanies them. We’re shocked, we’re outraged, we’re filled with grief, we look for a boogeyman, and then we move on to the next major breaking story. I’ve seen it a thousand times, and so have you.
To be frank, I rarely agreed with Charlie Kirk, whether it be politically, socially, or spiritually. He simply believed things I don’t. That just makes us different. And as I’ve written time and time again, different isn’t bad, different just means different. But I have great respect for Kirk, both the man and the news/talk radio host. Because of the qualities he held personally and professionally.
Charlie Kirk fought to be able to have dialogue with the other side of the political aisle. Many on both sides clamor for that, saying that it’s desperately needed in this hot-tempered climate that we are in today (and is, frankly, only likely to grow even hotter after this). But he actually got off his ass and did it. That’s admirable as all get out, from where I sit. Instead of sitting around saying “Someone should do something about this,” he realized, “I’m someone.”
There should be more of that, not just in the news/talk radio or news media space, but in the world.
He sat out to have the conversations that no one else would have. To tackle the subjects that few others would dare. Plenty of news media members will tell you that they’re “fearless.” But few were as unafraid as Charlie Kirk. He routinely would go into the proverbial lion’s den to talk about the subjects others were too fearful to approach. Even when he knew his statements would be unpopular and poorly received, he did it anyway.
Whether it was going on college campuses or appearing with other hosts like Bill Maher, Kirk would go into those unpopular settings, share his opinions, and be unconcerned with how they were received.
There should be more of that, not just in the news/talk radio or news media space, but in the world.
Free speech is a hot-button topic today. Not just politically, but in every facet of life. Censorship and authoritarianism are on the rise. Too many people take the stance of “If you’re not with me, you’re against me.” And while there was certainly some of that with the Salem Radio Network host and Turning Point USA founder, I don’t believe I can remember a situation where he even got close to the line of infringing on someone else’s free speech.
There should be more of that, not just in the news/talk radio or news media space, but in the world.
Furthermore, Charlie Kirk stood — firmly — for what he believed in. There were no wishy-washy, depends-on-who-I’m-talking-to sentiments from Kirk. He was all-in, all the time. Right or wrong, agree or disagree with him, he was a man of principles. He believed what he believed — strongly — and was uncompromising. It is easy to hold unchallenged beliefs. But few, if anyone, had their beliefs challenged as often or voraciously as Charlie Kirk.
There should be more of that, not just in the news/talk radio or news media space, but in the world.
I say all of that to say: Don’t let the death of Charlie Kirk also allow his spirit to die. I think it’s insanely fair to be frightened to pick up where someone who was just senselessly murdered — for the whole world to see — left off. But, in my opinion, the qualities I’ve mentioned here make the world a better place. And whether or not you agreed with Kirk, that always certainly appeared to be his objective. That mantle deserves to be carried forward.
Don’t get me wrong, Charlie Kirk was not a perfect man. By any stretch of the imagination. There were all sorts of reasons to be critical of him. But when you choose to see the good in someone, you see the good in plenty of other things, too. See the good. Be the good.
If you think the actions of the shooter who took the life of the 31-year-old husband and father of two — and it’s my opinion that you absolutely should — were loathsome and despicable, I challenge you to rise above. Because few commentators over the course of the past few years had been denigrated the way Charlie Kirk had. And, almost universally, he rose above. He would rarely stoop to the level of those attacking him.
That’s a hell of a legacy to leave. I just wish he didn’t have to leave it so soon.
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It’s hard to believe it’s been 24 years already. Each year, the anniversary of September 11th arrives as a solemn reminder of a day that reshaped the nation, if not the entire globe. For radio personalities, the responsibility is not only unique but can be challenging: to balance sensitivity with the role they play in people’s daily lives.
Whether you’re a music-driven station or delivering news/talk, the way broadcasters address this special day can make a lasting impression on their listeners.
The world has changed so much in the last 24 years and has experienced more divisiveness than virtually any other time. Regardless of format, the first step in this world of political discourse should be universal: to lead with dignity and respect.
A simple, heartfelt acknowledgment of the lives lost, the families impacted, and the heroism shown ensures that listeners know you recognize the significance, emotional impact, and power of the day. Even a brief mention at the top of the show communicates care, empathy, and sympathy. How you take it certainly depends on many factors, which should be carefully explored with management.
If you’re on a music station, you usually deliver energy, entertainment, and escape.
On September 11th, the goal is not to change the essence and DNA of the station but to show awareness, respect, and honor. Morning show hosts might hold off on the laughter and joking around and focus on sharing a reflection or personal memory. Observing a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. or choosing a song that resonates with a theme of unity or resilience can create a powerful on-air moment without straying too far from the format.
Between songs, it is often best to share information about local events or community service opportunities, still giving listeners a way to participate. The key is maintaining a balance that acknowledges the day and then returns to the branded role that the music provides.
Other formats have more of an opportunity to dig a bit deeper with a heavier role. News and sports anchors and hosts can revisit the specific events of that day, play archival audio, or interview first responders, veterans, or community leaders. Listeners do expect thoughtful conversation and context, so it’s certainly appropriate to explore how 9/11 has shaped security, foreign policy, or national unity—and how it continues to do so. But the tone is truly critical.
Hosts should avoid politicizing the anniversary in ways that alienate or divide. Instead, focus on remembrance, resilience, and the lessons we all learned as one nation. Inviting listeners to call in with their personal memories can turn a broadcast into a shared act of storytelling and healing.
No matter the format, what unites radio is its intimacy. Almost everyone remembers where they were when they first heard the news on 9/11. I was sitting on a plane on the ramp in San Diego, headed to see a client in Philadelphia. We were about to take off when the announcement of a nationwide ground stop came from the cockpit. When we all deplaned, the crowds had grown around every television in the terminal.
By sharing your own memories or acknowledging that your listeners carry those stories too, you can create truly valuable moments of connection. Providing local resources, whether it’s a memorial service, a blood drive, or a veterans’ support event, can do wonders at grounding the broadcast in a common community service.
Something that can be difficult for many is understanding the value of silence. It is so very rare on the radio, and that makes it especially powerful. Whether you’re a music or talk station, you can observe an emotional pause at key times during the morning. That well-framed moment of silence gives listeners a chance to reflect collectively, even if they are alone in their cars or kitchens.
September 11th is likely not a day for “business as usual.” For music hosts, it’s about weaving small, meaningful acknowledgments into a format that comforts and uplifts. For news/talk hosts, it’s about providing context, remembrance, and meaningful dialogue. In both cases, the goal should be to honor the past, connect with the present, and remind listeners of the resilience and unity that define the best of us.
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The hardest thing about living in the public eye is the ability to take the heat. Not every listener or viewer is going to love every word that comes out of your mouth. No matter how much talent thinks they’re the most amazing entertainer on the planet, there will always be criticism. This is true in any line of work, and FOX Sports’ Erin Andrews should know this.
The NFL on FOX standout sideline reporter has been the brunt of criticism her entire career. From her time as a reporter covering the Tampa Bay Lightning to her current role with FOX, Andrews has been a target for criticism on everything from her look on television to the content she provides.
That’s why it was a little odd to hear Andrews bark back in a recent interview with Us Weekly. She stated that people “just think they could do better” than what she puts out on FOX Sports. She implored those who criticize her work to “try to do this.” With Andrews’ massive appeal and platform, did she forget the golden rule of working in sports media?
I’m a fan of Andrews’ work and have been for some time. The executives at FOX Sports are fans of Andrews as well. She’s put in the time and effort to improve her game and built her own empire off of the exposure. I respect her because it’s exactly what anyone in her position would do with it by expanding their horizons.
What I don’t understand is why bark back in the first place.
Criticism Is Still Feedback
We do live in an age of ultimate transparency where everyone’s voice is amplified due to social media and the digital age. Andrews has a massive social following, only lifted by her podcast with Charissa Thompson on iHeartRadio and her women’s NFL apparel line called WEAR. Her comments carry weight, and as much criticism follows.
She’s never been in a win-win situation, just like every other talent who performs to an audience. Not everyone is going to always love you. You are constantly being judged fairly or unfairly, but how you react is what truly matters.
Do I think Andrews has issues dealing with criticism of her work? Possibly. At our deepest, who doesn’t feel a certain way when we can’t escape the feedback from our own noise?
The bark back of “people think they can do better” or “You go do it; you try to do this” is a weak commentary to be used. People are going to have their opinions, but reacting in this manner will only inflame the criticism. When a startup radio station used to punch up to take on the big brother in town, rarely, if ever, do you see big brother punch back.
There’s a reason for this. If you don’t give the criticism oxygen to breathe, it never lives.
However, by recognizing and punching back, you can’t follow with your own critique of your teammate. You can’t deny criticism of your work only to provide it for another person’s. That’s a double standard and why Andrews should have thought better than to bark back at her critics.
Why You Shouldn’t Punch Down
It’s a difficult balance when you work in sports media. Many regard the practice of working in sports media as not a real job. You can’t blame people who work in offices or in our communities for looking at those who cover games as “not real work.” I can’t tell you how many times I had to convince people in my two decades of working in sports media how difficult the job sometimes is.
Does it beat digging ditches or bagging groceries? Of course.
However, the one thing sports media should always follow is to be thankful for those who take time to watch, listen, follow, and yes… criticize you for the work you put out there. In the day and age we live in today, where attention spans are shorter than ever and people are flooded with more information than ever before, every bit of feedback is valuable and should be considered the highest honor.
Good, bad, and indifferent.
That’s how I would coach Andrews on her responses for the next interview. Sure, it may sound like coach speak, but it’s rooted in fact. Erin Andrews lives a life that many in sports media share in — the public eye. With the spotlight comes the platform to be weighed, measured, and decided upon.
She chose to enter the arena like everyone else that made the same decision.
The only advice I’d give is once you take ownership over the decision to receive the feedback, that’s when you’ll be less defensive about it.
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The ovations are long, but not nearly as long as the list of self-destructive moves that have marked potential greatness with anger, disappointment, and arrogance. To some, an NFL star is an almost god-like presence, a heroic figure worthy of love, loyalty, and care. At this point, however, where TMZ and ESPN videos of crimes and misdeeds dominate, can sports media and fans really remain so fervently protective of these idols?
The image of Eagles star defender Jalen Carter spitting in the face of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continues to invoke rancor a week later.
Of course, this is not Carter’s first foray into controversy.
In January of 2023, while playing for the University of Georgia, he was racing through the streets of Athens, GA, with some Bulldog cohorts. Teammate Devin Willock and Georgia recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy were killed in the incident.
While they were not in the vehicle with Carter, he was driving at a rate higher than 100 miles per hour when the crash occurred. Twelve months’ probation, a $1,000 fine, and community service were part of his street racing and reckless driving charge.
While he has not had any such significant off-field issues since, his on-field actions are riddled with unnecessary roughness penalties and just plain stupid actions culminating in the disgusting spitting incident in the 2025 season opener vs. Dallas.
A Growing Issue With a New Generation
Can organizations continually invest in these supposedly gifted people? Media analysts and business consultants will provide many answers, but here is one to consider. Too many of today’s football stars have become utter disappointments, consistently blotting Roger Goodell’s precious NFL shield.
In truth, the word “famous” no longer applies. Try infamous or just plain obnoxious.
NFL players continue to shine brilliantly on the field but then venture deeply into a dark side, only to re-emerge in full ugliness on your home page the next morning. The inevitable blaming of the media or the pressure of fame are signs of people who truly believe their own hype.
Moreover, and perhaps more sadly, they are the signs of children who should have been reprimanded more sternly years ago. Many of these oversized examples of entitlement have been coddled into more mistakes and continued self-ruination.
Fans view these wayward stars as cartoons or bigger-than-life entities. They believe that the millions of dollars these performers take in, and sometimes lose, are just part of living and breathing in the high life. The numbers are just so hard to comprehend for people who have to deal with mortgages, gas bills, and credit card payments. That quarterback lost $40 million? That linebacker owes $80 million to the IRS?
You can slide any name onto the dotted line.
It is almost as if these players are not even real people. They are like huge Thanksgiving Day parade floats that fill the TV screen as they drift by, towering over the average person literally and figuratively. In truth, they are walking cautionary tales. Some would make the point that NFL players are, in fact, characters. Let me paraphrase Harvey Keitel as Winston Wolfe in Pulp Fiction: Just because you are a character doesn’t mean you have character. Those words apply perfectly to today’s stars.
Coaches, agents, and sponsors continue to enable these individuals by allowing their visages to appear on every sports show, commercial, and reality TV show that they can possibly do. Too many sports media types waste air and space debating if these guys can continue to achieve on the field of play.
Sure they can, if irresponsibility and lack of care are in the playbook.
Are We To Blame?
I know the history, but it doesn’t change the present. Many NFL players have always liked to drink in all the attention. They have always enjoyed the nightlife and carousing until the wee hours of the morning. And yes, they have always come afoul of the law, in a blameless and, at times, shameless way.
In between, they warm the hearts of fans everywhere with their on-field appeal and never-quit mentality. They are a refreshing change from the sterile, clean-cut, follow-the-rules minions that populate our lives. They are an escape.
Maybe we are to blame.
Maybe we get a certain sense of comfort seeing them fail. Famous footballers who stray become one of us because we stray too. When they fall from their mighty pedestals, they seem a little less superhuman.
They go to work and then tip back a few afterward, just like we do. The mold that forms charismatic performers creates memorable figures possessed with immense skills, but there is a flipside.
The mold also forms self-importance and ego.
It is not just Carter, and certainly it is not just NFL players. Across the sports landscape, many big-time athletes have been caught in the trap of balancing on-field success with off-field excess. Most of them eventually pay for their misdeeds. Their self-aggrandizing manners and wild ways lead to a buffet of problems ranging from financial to legal and then some.
I wish no such fate for today’s stars. Like many fans, I do see the charm of these talented people who make us cheer, smile, or even cry with a run, pass, or tackle. They play hard, live hard, and ignore the rules. Lately, though, that charm has been replaced by a realization. It seems to me that these stars are quite content with the sometimes unpleasant figures that they cut in multimedia platforms.
It’s like they are smugly saying, “Hey, look at us, we are complete screw-ups and we are still here, taking in your adoration and hearing your applause!” There are some who say that reaching a level of self-satisfaction and acceptance is a good thing. In this case, not so much.
We all have a fallen star in our lives, a person who trumps Morris the Cat and has about 90 lives. With these people, we forgive a lot because they are different, even special. NFL players are such permeating parts of our world. They provide common ground for the most disparate of people—liberals and right-wingers, pro-lifers and pro-choicers, guys who like Ginger and guys who like Mary Ann. It doesn’t matter.
These athletes, however sublime, seem to disappoint us so many times, and we like it because each disappointment gives them another shot at redemption, another chance to regain our love.
Everyone loves a good comeback. I’ll give these stars their due and grant them their singular abilities and magnetic demeanors. I’ll bow to their head-turning talent, but the immature and irresponsible behavior is more stomach-turning.
I understand why we all care about such NFL superstars. I just wonder if they care about 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.
The Toast to 10 series presented by Premiere Networks, is a month-long series looking back on 10 years of Barrett Media. Throughout the month, you’ll hear from those who’ve shaped the company, managed and created the content, read the site, and partnered with the brand between 2015-2025 to share how they’ve seen it play a role in covering the media industry and educating, celebrating, and challenging the business.
In the grand scheme of things, the news division of Barrett Media is the middle child.
While the company began in sports in 2015, news launched in 2020 before music coverage was added in 2024.
But that foray into news was a much-needed expansion for the industry. Plenty of publications featured dedicated verticals and reporters to cable news television. But the news/talk radio genre — despite its breadth and depth in the overall radio landscape — rarely received a dedicated lane similar to its cable news brethren.
As the 10th anniversary of the brand’s launch is this month, we spoke with several local news/talk radio talents to discuss what they enjoyed about the coverage, how they utilize Barrett Media, and how they stay connected with what’s happening inside the industry.
At KOA 850 in Denver, host Mandy Connell said that she met Barrett Media President Jason Barrett at an event in 2020 and began following him and the Barrett Media brand at the time.
She joked that she utilizes the website and newsletters “to keep up with old friends and find out how they are doing!”
“He covers the people in the industry I care about so well, as well as the latest industry moves,” she added.
Meanwhile, WRVA host Jeff Katz shared that he’s been a reader of the brand since the early, sports-only days.
“I first became aware of Barrett Media close to a decade ago when it was focused on sports,” he shared. “I’m not really a sports guy, per se, but there were always valuable takeaways. As it grew and Jason focused more on the news/talk arena with the launch of BNM, I found it to be even more useful and informative.”
Katz added that he finds value in the insights shared by the news/talk radio format captains who serve as columnists for Barrett Media.
“What is most useful are the programming insights from folks like Pete Mundo and Peter Thiele,” he said. “They are in the game on a daily basis — like me — and I often am reminded of things that I’ve overlooked or completely forgotten. It is also wonderful to read stories with updates on happenings in our talk space.”
Connell joked that she is “old” and that she doesn’t “care about career or industry development”, but does enjoy reading insights from others like her.
“I love reading the interviews from folks in the industry as well as breaking news and personnel move announcements,” she shared.
Those personnel moves matter to Katz, as well.
“The content which matters most to me, generally speaking, would involve the moves and developments with the leading companies,” he admitted. “It is always so inspiring to see what passionate media evangelists are doing. Folks like Chris Ruddy and John Catsimatidis continue to lead the way in terms of talent development and audience growth as well as reach. Reading about their commitment is continually inspiring.”
WBT afternoon host Brett Winterble, like Katz and Connell, has been an ardent reader and supporter of the Barrett Media brand since its addition of news/talk content. Winterble knows a thing or two about news/talk radio. He spent time working at SiriusXM, and at talk stations in Los Angeles and San Diego. Additionally, he spent nearly a decade working as a producer for Rush Limbaugh.
Winterble noted that he’s a “huge fan” of the work done by Barrett Media’s news/talk arm, sharing that having an outlet that dedicates time and space to the news/talk radio genre is a much-needed publication.
Connell agreed.
“This is a small industry but highly decentralized,” she said. “You never know when you will be canned. This is a great way to maintain industry knowledge!”
“I believe it is essential that an outlet covers the daily happenings of the industry,” Jeff Katz added. “It’s wonderful to get the meat of the matter delivered regularly.”
Ultimately, Katz concluded by noting that he appreciates the opportunity to gain more insight and knowledge about the broadcasting industry by reading Barrett Media. He called that an “essential” mission of the publication.
“Being aware of the thoughts of great programmers and true management leaders is vital,” the WRVA afternoon host said. “Our industry continues to evolve and change just as it has for the 34 years I’ve been part of it.
“That being said, our demise has been greatly overstated,” continued Katz. “The best PD in the history of talk, Ken Charles, shared on our panel (at the BNM Summit), that for three-plus decades we’ve been hearing about how the death of talk radio was imminent. And yet, we’re still alive and kicking. It is still about providing entertaining content, pulling listeners through chunks of time, and super serving our advertisers. Additional platforms and tools are being utilized, but the underlying principles remain the same.”
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.
Putting a Rock or Alternative Brand Manager in charge of finance would be like asking Keith Richards to balance your checkbook or Axl Rose to run point on timely payroll.
And if most CFOs ran R&D…
We’d still be on iPhone 3.
Tesla would just be a hair metal band.
Netflix would be hyping “movies-by-mail.”
But the right CEO or Executive Team is like a great mixer — knowing when to push a fader up or pull it back. Run the board wrong, and even the best band will sound bad.
Just when you think this is another bomb-drop on CFOs or Radio, not so fast.
CFOs are essential. They help win battles. Fiscal responsibility and aligning satellites by Excel are necessary at winning brands. But there’s a difference between that and over-conservatism.
Vision.
Knowing when needed R&D may create a soft or down quarter — but then lead to a platinum record, sold-out shows, and a better product with the logo plastered across the city.
Knowing when to smartly and unexpectedly spend on something that is suddenly “right now,” because it will help ratings and revenue “tomorrow,” like:
Digitally micro-targeting when an impactful panel change occurs.
Sending a winner or DJ to Ozzy’s farewell.
Spending a few hundred on sold-out tickets to give the morning show a leg-up.
Approving some OT and merch costs so the brand can broadcast live all weekend in front of thousands at the big event.
If left to their own devices, don’t fault the spreadsheet army for doing their job. Making the quarter shine is what they do best, and sometimes that means cutting back. Ironically, though, there are times when that can leave a brand washed up on the beach.
Over-conservatism and/or lack of vision:
Sears was positioned to be Amazon before Amazon, but they chose cost-cutting.
Blockbuster passed on Netflix because the short-term math looked bad.
Decca Records passed on The Beatles “because guitar groups were on the way out.”
However:
If Excel ran SiriusXM, Stern would still be fighting the FCC on DC101-FM.
The Lakers signed Luka, the Packers inked Michah, and American Eagle rode Sydney Sweeney’s train to stock growth.
That’s vision. Not spreadsheets.
This type of yin/yang is common throughout radio.
If we’d paid the morning show 15% more, they wouldn’t have left and eaten us for breakfast.
We spent money on research but were denied budget to market the newly improved product.
The van has dents and the old logo — skip the repairs, no one will notice.
It’s easy to carpet bomb with the typical complaints. Some are fair: homogenization, regionalization, old playbooks, programming Rock WYYY with the KYYY Country staff, and scaling back on live & local have all contributed to current problems.
But in other cases, there is indisputable evidence R&D — and a vision for the future — have been in play for years. iHeart has invested hundreds of millions in technology and systems to become digitized and connected to modern day.
iHeart didn’t walk into the boardroom and claim firing Sally from the Alley was the secret to profitability. But they knew antiquated systems had to be modernized, even if it meant downsizing.
Many are digitizing and modernizing, but there are B-sides to the current album.
Canned out-of-market DJs botching local street names.
Out-of-demo programmers from the East thinking they’re dialed in on the West.
Being pre-recorded when immediate live and local reaction is needed.
Thinking PPM wins are equivalent to truly building a passionate audience.
Those aren’t paper cuts. They are deep scratches on Side A, causing skips, and making fans change the dial.
R&D is critical. Evolution and innovation are non-negotiable musts.
But when it comes down to it:
Brand Managers or visionaries are paid to see the future and produce albums the audience will love.
CFOs are paid to make sure studio costs don’t include hookers and blow.
A healthy marriage of both requires the Executive Team to channel their inner Dana White or Steve Jobs and know when it’s time to react, call audibles, innovate, buy time with investors, and push boundaries.
Over-conservatism or lack of vision can be silent killers. They may not show up in Q2, but by Q4 the show could be over — amps dead, fans gone, nothing left but empty beer cups.
If you’re an Executive, forecast potential for each brand —with and without R&D. Often, the right small investment can bring big-time ROI, and that can scale up.
If you’re on the front lines of vision — outnumbered and low on ammo — forecast the problems and call for backup.
All the noise and feedback aside, RockTernative is still in a great spot, but the mix has to be right.
The industry can’t allow real solutions for the future to take a back seat to this week’s bottom line. Otherwise … Sears, Blockbuster, Decca. That adds up in any spreadsheet.
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.
Salem Radio Network host and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. Former Congressman and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz was at the event when the shooting took place.
In a post to social media, Chaffetz said he was in awe of the “incredibly impressive crowd” at Utah Valley University.
After the shooting, Chaffetz appeared on Fox News to share his experience and what he saw.
“Well, it was a good crowd,” said Chaffetz. “A lot of people were chanting his name. I was there. My daughter was there, my son-in-law was there, and my wife was there. Charlie Kirk coming to town, we were excited. And people were there and there were lots of them. He came out, he was throwing hats, riling up the crowd. He took his first question, which was — I have to catch my breath.
“He took his first question, which was a religious question,” Chaffetz continued. “And then he got to the second question, which was about 30 minutes into his presentation, 2:30 local time, and the question was about transgender shooters, mass killings versus people that weren’t transgender. And when that happened, when that question came out, going to have the interaction, one-shot. I was watching Charlie. I can’t say that I saw blood. I can’t say that I saw him get hit, but I did see him fall immediately backwards into his left. And I can just hope and pray that somehow he survives that.”
Thousands took to social media to share their well-wishes and prayers to Kirk after the shooting on Wednesday afternoon.
Just before 5 PM ET, news broke that Charlie Kirk had died from his injuries.
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Salem Radio Network host and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.
Utah Valley University shared that Kirk was the only person shot at the campus, and that he had been evacuated to a nearby hospital. Just before 5 PM ET, word came down that Kirk had succumbed to his injuries after appearing to be shot in the neck.
Dozens of news media members took to social media to share their prayers and well-wishes for Kirk after it was apparent that he had been injured in the shooting.
Satan is very much alive and well and writhing as men like Charlie continue to proclaim the truth of Christ to a fallen, lost world. Charlie understands evil better than most. We pray for him but Charlie, like President Trump would undoubtedly say “fight, fight, fight.”
Whatever you think about Charlie Kirk, he is one of the most influential political activists among conservatives. An attack on him is a serious threat to democratic discourse. Political violence is being normalized, and we need to have honest conversations about transgenders.
Praying in Jesus name for healing and protection for our dear Patriot Charlie. 🙏🙏Holding you up in prayer right now. We love you Charlie. https://t.co/owNA8XH2bP
Charlie Kirk is a great man and a great fighter for the cause. Most importantly he’s a husband and a father. I’m praying for him and his family right now. Please do the same.
