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NFL Week One Sports Media Winners & Losers

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The first weekend of the NFL regular season is officially over—and what a weekend it was, filled with drama, comebacks, missed kicks, and bad beats galore. It was a reminder of just how obsessed the country is with football.

With the first week comes a lot of debuts. Rob Gronkowski made his full-time NFL on FOX pregame show debut. J.J. Watt made his debut in the booth for CBS Sports’ number two team. Also, with the first week comes a lot of recalling of the weekend as to who shined brightest among the rest and who had a tough week at the office.

Just like on the field, sports media had its share of highlights and missteps. Here are my winners and losers from the first weekend of NFL coverage.

WINNER – Booth Debut of J.J. Watt

Let’s start with who shined brightest this weekend. The ones who stood out the most among the rest and made for a more enjoyable NFL weekend.

The debut of J.J. Watt in the CBS Sports booth alongside Ian Eagle was the weekend’s biggest win in the NFL. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year won over the audience, showing not only his deep knowledge of the game but also his personality. Watt provided a WWE reference to a heel turn during a switched call by the referee. He shared laughs with Eagle following commentary about New Jersey and making a spectacular catch while keeping both feet in bounds.

He clearly spent time in the offseason refining his craft. Explaining plays with clarity, keeping viewers engaged, and weaving in humor and cultural references. Watt did what Tom Brady didn’t last year. He felt human, approachable, and relatable, without sounding like a fan or coach.

WINNER – NBC Sports

Congrats to NBC Sports on choosing the exact right time to begin promoting the NBA on NBC coverage, beginning on October 21. NBC Sports knew the eyes of the world would be fixated on the first primetime matchup of the NFL season featuring the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. They didn’t miss the moment.

The promo itself leaned into the nostalgia that longtime sports television viewers would recognize, with names they also knew. Grant Hill ripped off the warmups. Vince Carter met with a “Vinsanity” fan in the crowd. Reggie Miller signed a shoe and tossed it to a disgruntled Knicks fan, followed by the iconic choke motion from the Hall of Famer.

Wrapping up the promo was John Tesh’s legendary “Roundball Rock,” promoting coverage beginning on October 21. Yes, the NBA is still seven weeks away. This promo and the timing of its release were a massive win for the NBC Sports team.

WINNER – NFL RedZone Commercial Load

With all the talk last week about how the NFL is inserting commercials into RedZone, the season debut showed the hype was just that. The league is making money off the commercials. So is every other broadcast company. I didn’t understand what the big deal was, especially the outrage, even if it was experimented with last year.

I thought how RedZone broadcast the ads was smart—never losing the action in the double-box look with advertisements on the left and action on the right. Only one spot per play and only one minute total of advertisements in the broadcast.

I understand how RedZone seemed like the last man standing in the way of commercial insertion into football, but you can’t prevent it forever. Everyone, even the NFL, is continuing to find ways to cash in on the NFL product. RedZone is no different. Scott Hanson continued to shine in his season debut, taking football fans on a seven-hour journey through a very exciting and highlight-filled first Sunday of action.

Not everything went 100% up to snuff in week one of the NFL season. Like in any NFL game, there is a loser with every winner. Here are my three losers for week one of the NFL season.

LOSER – Ryan Clark

Ryan Clark should be on thin ice following his commentary toward Peter Schrager on Friday. The former NFL safety dismissed an opinion by Schrager on Get Up by saying the opinion was “the non-player in you” stating the opinion—basically, the former player telling the non-former player, “You don’t know what you’re talking about because you didn’t play” argument.

Working in sports media for over two decades, I have always hated when former players would spout this claim. Yes, former players are paid handsomely for their knowledge of the game because of their experience on the field and in the locker room. Yes, former players can provide perspective that non-former players cannot because of their experience.

However, when former players use this crutch excuse to dismiss or disregard the opinion of someone who has covered the league for as long as Clark played in it, it is simply wrong. As bad as that sounded on the air, the cleanup and follow-up were even worse. Reports of off-the-air interactions between the two followed the airing, leading to social media backlash against Clark and his comments.

Clark did apologize on social media and has not stated much since. The question is now: will ESPN keep Clark and his services, or will they let this incident become bigger than it already has been by cutting the former Steelers great?

While the comments don’t shed Clark in the best light, they are not fireable. There have been plenty of former athletes who have done the same as Clark and lived to work another day. The same should be true for Clark.

LOSER – Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski’s debut on the main desk in a full-time role at FOX Sports left much to be desired. He never sounded comfortable with the role he was placed in, and his offerings didn’t add much to the conversation.

Several times, “Gronk” was caught just repeating what was just said to make it look as though he shared the same point of view as someone else. He didn’t leap in on the controversial statement by Terry Bradshaw, who said he felt Jerry Jones did the right thing by trading Micah Parsons. That would have been a great opportunity for Gronk to distinguish his voice among others.

Simply put, it didn’t sound like “Gronk” was prepared or put in much effort over the summer to improve on his short stint in the chair last season. It’s only week one, so I fully expect the folks at FOX Sports to work with the former NFL tight end and get him up to speed.

LOSER – YouTube Viewership

The biggest loser of the weekend is YouTube. The viewership for Friday night’s Kansas City Chiefs contest against the Los Angeles Chargers was a massive swing and a miss. I did like how the broadcast attempted to blend in a new way of discussing the broadcast using YouTube creators instead of former NFL players alone. The broadcast with Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner sounded as good as it always has on NFL Network.

The visuals were crisp. The YouTube logos were larger than the NFL shield. Overall, the broadcast, for a first, was on par with trying something different while adhering to what has always worked.

The miss was in the viewership. YouTube leveraged some of their top creators worldwide to promote tune-in for the broadcast. The outcome was a global average audience of 17.3 million, with an average-minute audience of 16.2 million in the United States, and only 1.1 million elsewhere. While the 16.2 million represents a 14% leap in domestic viewing over last year’s game, which was exclusively on Peacock, a subscription-based streamer.

You can tell that primetime in the U.S. doesn’t carry the European audiences that the NFL caters to every year, but to only have 1.1 million internationally should seem striking to the league that labels itself as a global league. While there was viewership in 230 countries and territories, the numbers weren’t exactly what I would have expected from an NFL product that the world could watch for free.

The first weekend reminded us why the NFL dominates our attention: incredible athletic feats on the field, high-stakes narratives in the broadcast booth, and experiments with media delivery that keep even seasoned fans intrigued. Some experiments hit, some miss—but the conversation never stops.

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.

Toast to 10: Sports Radio Program Directors Celebrate Barrett Media

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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. 

The role of a program directors in sports radio is one that few ever consider in the beginning of a career. The job requires skill, patience, creativity, and the understanding that leading talent requires different approaches for each. The position is not one for those who desire the spotlight, but for those who have the ambition to work behind the scenes. Pushing talent to elevate their game, and celebrating in their wins as only a good coach does.

As Barrett Media turns ten years old, there have been a number of programmers who have come and gone in that same time. There have been some who have remained, but many more will tell tales of how they used the brand as a resource to improve their game. In the corporate world programmers live within their own walls far too often. It’s rare to find community with your peers outside of those same walls when the day-to-day keeps you keenly focused on the goals of your brand.

Barrett Media changed that for me and for many others. From the humble beginnings of SportsRadioPD.com, the brand has always been focused on celebrating and challenging what sports radio is and what it could also be moving forward.

In that spirit, I reached out to several current programmers who run sports radio stations to gain their insights on the Barrett Media brand. How they found the site, and how often they consume the news on the website. How they use the content provided on it, but also where they see the value in the importance of the brand as it moves into the next decade. Here are their stories.

Mitch Rosen

Mitch Rosen
Mitch Rosen backstage at the 2025 BSM Summit

Mitch Rosen is the vice president of programming for Audacy’s 670 The Score in Chicago. He’s a daily reader of the Barrett Media content and has attended and spoken at several Barrett Sports Media summits across the country. Rosen was the first recipient of the Mark Chernoff Award which recognizes the top programmer of the year based on a criteria of exhibiting strong leadership, vision, creativity, ratings history, and multi-platform excellence.

Rosen is one of the biggest champions for the sports radio format. He’s been recognized in the annual Barrett Media Top 20 and has seen the brand grow with the industry. While he couldn’t recall anything on the site that changed his way of thinking, he uses Barrett Media to ensure he’s kept up to date on trends, stories, and news surrounding the industry. He also says he values how Barrett Media continues to shine a light on those in the industry who excel at great things, content-wise, and continues to call the content “must read” on a daily basis.

Andy Roth

Andy Roth
Andy Roth backstage at the 2025 BSM Summit

Andy Roth is the director of programming for 680 The Fan in Atlanta, Georgia. He says that he recalls immediately being a reader of the Barrett Media brand from its inception. Roth stated that he always respected Jason Barrett as a fine programmer, and felt the website provided a window in learning from a contemporary while hearing the stories from others in the industry. One aspect that Roth noted he’s seen much more during the past decade is a focus on digital content becoming more presented through the Barrett Media brand.

“As digital elements have become more important in our business, it’s great to see the site cover how different stations across all formats are addressing that need,” said Roth. “What hasn’t changed…and has been incredible…is how Jason and his staff have always made sure to cover the big news across radio, and especially personnel moves.”

Barrett Media has always attempted to tell the stories of those involved in personnel moves across the industry. The stories of people who elevate to new heights, but also the stories of departures as corporations continue to find new avenues to create local content. Roth is a frequent attendee of the Barrett Sports Media summits and hopes those continue for Barrett Media in the future.

“The heavy lifting for media summits for each format must be a ton, but those events are so important to get facetime with people across our business,” Roth stated. “I’m hoping there is a virtual way of doing it to bridge the annual gap and include more of our radio world.”

Brad Carson

Brad Carson
Brad Carson backstage at the 2025 BSM Summit

Brad Carson is the brand and operations manager for Audacy’s Memphis cluster. As a reader of the Barrett Media brand since its inception, he says that he’s always admired the Barrett Media team for stepping out on a limb to create a business model that advocates for radio stations.

“At its core, Barrett Media centers around broadcast radio and the people who care about their local markets and radio stations,” says Carson.

The annual Barrett Media Top 20 is a smashing success according to Carson, who has been featured numerous times from the mid-market category. He finds that industry insiders will always tell you it’s an honor to be recognized by your peers, as the rankings are voted on by programmers across the country.

Carson also oversees a number of music brands in his market, which is why he was happy to see the Barrett Media brand expand into coverage of music radio.

“I think highlighting music stations that are making a difference in 2025 and giving those out on a case-by-case instance is a solid idea,” said Carson. “It’s notable when music stations do unique local things.”

The Audacy executive also stated the columns he’s most fascinated with on a weekly basis come from Dr. Ed Cohen and Bob Lawrence. He says the depth of those data-driven columns make a world of difference and are unique to the Barrett Media brand.

Scott Shapiro

Scott Shapiro
Scott Shapiro backstage at the 2025 BSM Summit

Scott Shapiro is the senior vice president, FOX Sports Radio and podcasts, for Premiere Radio Networks. A long title for someone who has supported the Barrett Media brand for the entirety of its ten-year existence. Shapiro says the credibility of Jason Barrett is what drew him into following the brand since day one.

“The respect I had for him, I knew that he was on to something and would churn out a quality product,” said Shapiro.

The articles that draw Shapiro’s attention are the ones breaking down audience demographics and how those demos are consuming content. Whether it be radio, television or on digital. Shapiro says those articles are what help Barrett Media stand out from other online publications.

“I get a lot out of the pieces that discuss cross-platform strategies and how to innovate and modernize in these fascinating times in our industry,” Shapiro noted. “The stories in Barrett Media thankfully are relevant every day and are directly in tune with the thought processes leaders in the industry face on a daily basis.”

Shapiro has attended every single Barrett Sports Media conference and has also spoken on a panel at each one as well. He says the continued improvement in depth of topics through the Barrett Media website has led to increased relevancy of the brand over the past ten years.

“The growth and expansion has been evident. With the players involved, I fully expect that growth to continue,” said Shapiro. “I believe that will continue given the Barrett team’s keen insights into the industry and pulse on what’s going on in the marketplace.”

Brian Long

A photo of Brian Long and the KFI and AM 570 LA Sports logos
(Photo: iHeartMedia)

Brian Long is the program director for iHeartMedia’s KFI, AM 570 Sports, and The Patriot KEIB 1150AM. When I reached out to Long about his thoughts of the Barrett Media brand, his first thought pointed to Jason Barrett. Long spoke of Barrett’s skill to nurture and keep great relationships while keeping a keen eye on the industry was a big factor in following his journey with Barrett Media.

“He was a person that you could trust as a source so when you read it, you could believe it,” said Long.

As Long has continued his growth in his career, he noted he’s seen his habits change in the content he consumes through Barrett Media on a daily basis.

“My consumption habits have changed over time,” noted Long. “I gravitate to stories that focus on other formats or areas of industry ex: sales, marketing to stay up on challenges and emerging trends.”

Long says he’s been impressed with the growth of the brand over time how it’s morphed to cover sports, news and most recently music radio. He says there is no doubt that under Jason Barrett’s leadership that the brand will continue to harvest more content and continue to be a valuable asset for the industry in the future.

“I have no doubt the brand will continue to evolve and will identify new areas to expand on,” said Long. “I look forward to watching, reading, and listening to where it goes.”

Chris Kinard

Chris Kinard
Chris Kinard backstage at the 2025 BSM Summit

Chris Kinard is the sports format vice president and operations manager for Audacy based out of their Washington D.C. cluster. The 2024 recipient of the Mark Chernoff Award has been following Barrett Media since its launch in 2015 and considers it an honor to bestow the Chernoff Award he was awarded. He says he appreciates how the brand continues to be laser focused on sports radio, but the stories about the future of the industry are what keeps Kinard coming back for more.

“I always appreciate hearing about young programmers and talent and getting fresh perspectives from both established leaders in our industry, and those bringing new and outside thinking to the business,” said Kinard.

Kinard is an active attendee and speaker at the annual Barrett Sports Media summits and finds the opportunity to network as a true benefit to what the event produces.

“The Barrett Sports Media Summit provided an opportunity for me to meet and build relationships and friendships with programmers from across the country who I otherwise probably would not have had the chance to connect with,” said Kinard. “From Bruce Gilbert to Mitch Rosen, Andy Roth, Rod Lakin, and many more. My first time meeting some of the guys I really respect has come at the summit.”

Kevin Shockey

Finally, Kevin Shockey is the program director at Altitude Sports Radio in Colorado. Shockey’s relationship with the Barrett Media brand began before the concept of the brand itself.

“I knew about Jason because he reached out to me when he started the station down in the Bay Area [95.7 The Game]. Watched from afar to see how he built a brand to compete with one of the absolute behemoths in the biz,” said Shockey. “As soon as he started Barrett Media, I jumped on and it has been part of my daily routine.”

Shockey credits the vision of Jason Barrett in identifying a hole in radio industry trades and leaping right in. He credits the vision that Barrett Media has become over the past decade showcasing the stories of the sports radio business while not losing sight on showcasing and celebrating the stories of the people who share a passion for it.

“Nobody else has been writing about this stuff so, for people who love the industry, care about the industry, and work in the industry, it’s an obvious place to stay updated on news,” said Shockey. “It isn’t silly fanboy stuff that you see on a lot of other sites that cover sports media. It’s a ton better than that.”

Having been recognized twice in the annual Barrett Media Top 20, he considers the ranking an honor of a lifetime. Shockey has also attended three Barrett Sports Media summits, and was connected with his current employer by being in attendance.

“Jason introduced me to Dave Fleck, who hired me to run Altitude Sports Radio in Denver. There is no chance Dave would have known who I was without Jason’s introduction. Jason has had a role in connecting many people,” said Shockey. “His role as a go-between had a HUGE effect on my career and I will forever be thankful for that.”

Shockey says he’s looking forward to the next opportunity to hear from people who as he said, “fighting the same battles that I fight every day.”

I echo all the sentiments of the list of esteemed programmers who contributed their time to this piece. Ten years is a lifetime for most small businesses but also should be considered a mark of achievement. While the industry faces many challenges of yesterday and today, Barrett Media has supported those in positions of power to think differently, be recognized, and create community for a better tomorrow.

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.

Are Movie Theaters the Next Gold Rush for Sports?

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It sure seems like all revenue streams are tapped when it comes to sports media rights. All of the potential players are involved. Cable networks have their corner, streamers carved out a piece for themselves, and tech companies have staked their claim as well. The price tags are through the roof. So what is left? Could it be taking a trip to the movie theaters?

On a recent episode of The Town, AMC Theaters CEO Adam Aron made it clear that he and his colleagues need to be in the sports business.

“We’ve got to get sports rights,” he told host Matt Belloni. “We just got to get sports rights. We’ve been, we’ve been trying for years, mostly unsuccessfully.”

There should be motivation on both sides to get something done. A movie theater can offer fans a communal experience that isn’t focused on constantly spending money on food and drinks. Plus, with all apologies to your favorite local sports bar, a leather recliner beats a sticky booth any day of the week.

Beat the Bubble Back a Bit

Plenty of people in the sports and business worlds have made predictions that this golden age of sports media rights can’t possibly last. Prices can’t keep going up. Soon, there will be no network or tech company with deep enough pockets.

Doing a deal with a theater chain creates a revenue stream no league has ever had before—admission to watch parties. No matter how the deal is structured, it’s still new money.

Aron told Belloni that AMC has put NFL games in movie theaters before, but it was a sub-licensing deal with DirecTV that only allowed theaters to show out-of-market games.

“In Chicago, they don’t want to watch Seattle play Jacksonville, they want to see the Bears and in Denver, they want to see the Broncos,” he said. “…So we’ve been showing the wrong games.”

There are all kinds of ways theaters could structure a deal done directly with the leagues. Think about places like Raleigh, where I live. The Panthers are our NFL home team, but the team doesn’t play its home games here. Targeting markets like this one or Milwaukee, where the Packers are just as popular as they are in Green Bay, could be a gold mine for exhibitioners. That can also mean a gold mine for the league.

Theaters Need Sports

Movie theaters have been living a new reality since Covid shut the world down. Since the pandemic, there have been eleven movies that have made at least $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Forty-seven did it in the years prior to that.

Once-sure-thing film franchises like Marvel and usually reliable genres like horror and animation are stumbling in 2025. If fewer people are seeing the movies, that means fewer people are coming to the theaters. AMC and its top competitors like Regal and Cinemark need to rekindle people’s desire to leave the house.

Movies are missing the mark with their targets more and more. Maybe the events business will change the math for theaters.

National Research Group recently released a study about Gen Alpha (people under 12) and its relationship with movie theaters. The findings will probably surprise you.

Their attention spans are not destroyed. They do not insist on being able to use their phones in the theater. They are capable of enjoying a theater experience the way so many of us did when we were kids. But they want an event. What’s on screen matters, but maybe the communal experience matters to them more.

That should be music to the ears of the NFL, the NBA, and others. Their games are events. If the leagues offer the right products to theater chains, there is a family audience that those businesses can lean on to generate profit.

Who Can Make This Work?

It’s fair to wonder if movie theaters are a potential income stream that’s reserved exclusively for the NFL. The league’s limited schedule makes the product more attractive. Any theater owner would rather be tasked with filling a theater for 18 showings instead of the 82 nights each NBA team or the 162 nights each Major League Baseball team plays.

Even if the NFL is the only one of the big four American leagues that makes sense to offer a weekly package of games, other leagues are not frozen out. Maybe the NBA could offer a theater an All-Star Saturday Night event or Major League Baseball could do the same for the Home Run Derby.

FIFA, an organization never hurting for money, would be wise to look at ways to lean into how most Americans will be watching the World Cup next year. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of soccer fans in this country, but maybe not so many that the people watching and analyzing the game will outnumber the people that want a reason to root for America and get together with friends and family.

The real path to making this work may not be for the leagues to negotiate directly with theater chains. ESPN has tested this with the College Football Playoff in the past. Maybe leagues could push their media rights fees higher if they put in a provision that would allow the rights holders to do these kinds of deals with theater chains. That would open WBD and CBS up to cash in on the Men’s Final Four or for NBC to put something together for some of the Premier League’s top rivalry matches.

Media tastes change, but the popularity of out-of-home viewing never does. Even in an age of people having multiple screens and better screens at home, sports bars across the country remain full.

There is money to be made in a deal that creates a premium communal viewing experience. Theater chains like the Alamo Drafthouse have already proven that leaning into hospitality changes the way people think about movie theaters. Why couldn’t a deal with the NFL or ESPN do that again?

It would be a win for an industry that needs to create new revenue streams. It would be a win for an industry that needs inventory that people want to see in a time when most movies are instantly dismissed with “it’ll be on Netflix in a month.”

Sports coming to movie theaters makes too much sense not to happen, and it should be big business when it finally does.

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 Your Hot AC Station Should Be More Personality, Less Jukebox

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It is no secret that Hot AC has long been the “in-between” format, bridging Top 40’s hit-driven energy with Adult Contemporary’s broader comfort appeal. But in today’s crowded audio landscape, simply being a well-programmed jukebox of familiar songs is no longer enough.

Listeners get wall-to-wall music in many places—on Spotify, Apple Music, some SiriusXM channels, Pandora, or a dozen other platforms. What they can’t get from those services is human connection, live storytelling, local context, or a reason to emotionally invest in a brand.

That’s where personality comes in, and why Hot AC must embrace it more fully to build and thrive.

For decades, a station could win with “10 in a row” or “more music, less talk.” But in 2025, streaming services already deliver that, customized to individual tastes, with no DJs breaking in between songs. If a listener just wants music, they’re not coming to radio anymore.

Hot AC stations that try to compete as a jukebox will always lose to the convenience and control of digital platforms. What radio still offers and what listeners still value is the human voice: someone who can make them laugh, keep them informed, and connect with them as part of a community.

Personality Still Matters

There is no doubt that music creates tune-in, but personalities create habit. A great morning or afternoon host can give listeners a reason to return day after day. They bring continuity, inside jokes, and emotional resonance to the listening experience. Without them, the station is just background noise.

Hot AC depends on building long-term loyalty from adults. The audience is busy, distracted, and flooded with media choices. A personality-driven station provides not just songs they know, but companionship—voices they trust and enjoy spending time with.

The emotional connection really matters! Listeners don’t remember you played “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter at 9:17 this morning. They remember the story your midday host told about trying to get their kids ready for school, or the funny bit a morning show did about bad first dates. These human touches build emotion, and emotion builds brand.

A jukebox can’t empathize, entertain, or react to what’s happening in your town. Personalities can. The Hot AC listener isn’t just consuming; they’re seeking experiences that reflect their lives. Stations that lean into personality programming deliver that.

Streaming platforms are global, but radio is local. Hot AC stations that bring personality to the forefront can highlight community events, weather emergencies, and cultural moments that matter in real time. A great personality can frame a national story in a way that sounds local. They can celebrate the high school football team that just made it to the state championship.

Those are things Spotify will never do.

Connection Is Key

By being “the friend down the street,” Hot AC stations deepen relevance and connection. CHR and Country often lean harder into personalities, and they’ve reaped the rewards. Hot AC, by comparison, has sometimes been cautious, keeping jocks restrained between long music sweeps. But in a marketplace where listeners can find the same music on demand, stations that stand out are those that feel alive and engaging.

A strong personality lineup becomes the differentiator. When you ask a loyal listener why they choose your station, ideally, they’ll name a show or host—not just “the music mix.”

This doesn’t mean abandoning music or overloading breaks with chatter. The best Hot AC stations strike a balance: tight playlists of familiar hits, complemented by engaging, authentic personalities who know when to be funny, when to be heartfelt, and when to shut up and let the song play. Personality doesn’t mean talking more; it means talking better.

From a management standpoint, investing in personality is not just about “sounding good”—it’s about protecting revenue. Advertisers buy consistency, engagement, and influence. A faceless jukebox offers little value beyond raw reach, while compelling personalities deliver trust, word-of-mouth, and listener recall that extend well beyond the spot break.

Strong talent also builds brand insulation: when a competitor flips formats or streaming steals casual listening, personality-driven stations retain loyal fans who aren’t just there for the songs.

For GMs, this translates into more stable quarter-hours, stronger time spent listening, and potentially higher rates you can justify in sales pitches.

For programmers, it’s a chance to differentiate your station in a sea of sameness—and to future-proof your brand in an environment where music alone is no longer a defensible advantage.

Hot AC’s survival and growth depend on moving beyond being a music jukebox. Songs are everywhere; connection is rare. The stations that win will be those that elevate their personalities, create appointment listening, and offer a sense of belonging!

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.

What Radio Broadcasters Can Do to Prepare For the Expected Job Loss Tsunami

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It’s happening – again. The Job Loss Tsunami in broadcast media is here, and continues to grow. Downsizing has become an all-too-familiar reality. Companies like Beasley, iHeart, Audacy, and Cumulus – as chronicled by Barrett Media – previously cut staff in the name of efficiency. Connoisseur Media just gobbled up Alpha Media, and while Jeff Warshaw is a true broadcaster, his smarts will certainly locate duplication of effort, and jobs will shrink.

As we wrote in September 2024, reduction in force (RIF) and the sudden departure due to profit and nepotism, require a path towards a new, separated rebound.

For those of us working in broadcast, preparing for the possibility of a layoff is smart and essential. Building a financial cushion, keeping your network active, maintaining an updated résumé and demo reel, and exploring parallel career paths can help soften the blow and position you for what comes next.

In Music Formats – especially Adult Contemporary, Oldies, and Adult Hits – talent outside The Morning Anchor(s) role are particularly vulnerable.

After a few conversations with newly displaced talent and advice from broadcast recruiting experts, here are a few tips for anticipating a corporate-wide cut.

Financial Preparation

Corporate layoffs often come with little warning. However, you’ve been warned by the deduction news we read every month. A rule of thumb is that up to six months of savings allows breathing room while you strategize your next opportunity. Make a budget, cut luxury items, and reduce expenses where possible, even temporarily to boost savings.

Current Resume And Audio

For your updated resume or digital business profile, hire a professional resume writer. Experienced writers in this area will interview you and pull skills from the discussion that might be in your blind spot. Hidden skills include contract negotiation, budget management, and multi-dimensional marketing planning. Record and save all your work. Initial air demos sent to programmers should not exceed 90 seconds.

Feed Your Network

Don’t wait to reboot relationships. The broadcast industry runs on connections. Rework your LinkedIn profile or develop a new one. LinkedIn acts as a landing place for your credentials. List five different people you can call in your network weekly. Your network often equals opportunities coming to you before they’re posted.

Diversify

Digital content creation is a basic complement to our air work. Demonstrating your proficiency in social media platforms and digital marketing expertise are increasingly valuable skills. Experience across platforms makes you more attractive to employers and often opens doors outside of broadcast.

Mental Health and Similar Paths

Broadcast pros can transition into podcasting, voiceover work, corporate communications, media sales, event hosting, or digital production. After separation, keep your eyes wide open for how your talents translate outside a traditional radio station environment. If you pause your traditional broadcast career, there are dozens of examples of talent who sat out and successfully returned.

In addition to the hard skills listed above, take care of yourself physically and mentally. Here are a few thoughts on Mental Health if you’re caught in a layoff wave. HR veterans recommend the following:

  • Personal Pause – Opt to step back instead of rushing into a new job. Take a solo retreat for reflection and healing. A layoff should be viewed as a “personal pause,” not an indictment of your performance.
  • Next Move – Use that pause to understand your narrative. Craft a thoughtful next step, even if it means delaying your job search for a month or two.
  • Get Organized – Request a layoff letter and research your health insurance options. Take a few days to reconnect with yourself, your hobbies, and your family.

Media Jobs Resources

There are professional resources that can help you stay behind the mic. Media Jobs Report tracks trends across the broadcast industry, offering resources on hiring, layoffs, salaries, diversity, job demand, and skills.

After contacting veteran broadcaster Jerry Butler of Media Jobs Report, he shared, “While we don’t directly place candidates, we do actively promote job opportunities across the industry. Experiencing a reduction in force is always difficult. I regularly hear from professionals navigating the stress and uncertainty of unexpected job loss. My advice is to immediately engage your network, update your resume and demos, review and refine your social media presence, and maintain a positive outlook. Although the number of industry positions has declined in recent years, opportunities remain for those who actively pursue them.”

Media Jobs Report has more than 2,000 positions posted currently, with new listings added daily. Jerry Butler is a Senior Music Scheduling Consultant at MusicMaster, leveraging over 30 years of radio leadership and management experience to onboard, train, and support talent across formats, markets, and platforms. Reach Jerry at JJ@Audiostream.Net.

Founded in the 1990s by my late friend Laurie Kahn, Media Staffing Network is a recruiting and staffing firm specializing in connecting radio and TV companies, along with agencies and digital platforms, with qualified professionals at all career levels.

Now at the helm, Lisa Fields provides comforting insight for those facing a layoff storm or who have just experienced one. Lisa echoes what other HR pros tell us:

“RIF (Reduction in Force) or headcount reduction is often a budgetary decision—not a reflection of your performance. Companies are still hiring. Many are doing so with intention,” said Fields. “You never know when the right opportunity will appear, so stay ready. While you’re searching, NETWORK. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and friends. Reconnecting can open unexpected doors.”

Fields continued, “Also take this time to refresh your resume. Update your LinkedIn profile and learn something new. There are plenty of free or low-cost webinars and courses available to sharpen your skills. Your next great opportunity is out there. Stay proactive, stay connected and stay confident.”

Media Staffing Network is a superior resource for recruiting and placement, assisting employers in finding candidates for full-time, part-time, freelance, and temporary roles in media, sales, programming, digital, and management.

Also a great outsourcing platform, Human Resources Support is helpful if you don’t have a full HR department.

Lisa Fields is the President of Media Staffing Network, with over three decades of radio experience specializing in recruiting top-tier talent and team building. Contact Lisa at info@MediaStaffingNetwork.com.

Bookmark Barrett Media as a resource. Our columnists offer weekly personal tips, and our Breaking News content is industry-leading. You can check the Barrett Media robust Media Industry Job Board HERE too.

Professional Advice

Avoid the Rear-View Mirror. Leave on good terms and exit gracefully, thanking colleagues and preserving professional bridges. You never know when your departing company might need your talent elsewhere.

Media is all about relationships. Those relationships may lead to consulting work or future opportunities. Job loss in a passion-driven field like broadcasting is emotional and financial. Being downsized is not a reflection of your talent or value—it’s a business decision.

We want you, and NEED you to stay in our industry. You’re the trained talent to pull others in and share your expertise.

Historically, Adult Contemporary brands (and all music formats) suffer the biggest body count during a layoff season. Replacements are recruited and mostly recorded out of market.

Be prepared for the gathering clouds.

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 Soulless Digital Advertising Can’t Compete with a Strong Radio Endorsement

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Nearly every radio company has joined the bonanza of digital advertising. I get it — nearly every advertising buyer is seeking confirmation that their message is being seen or heard.

But does it work? Is digital advertising an effective use of the marketing dollar, especially for small businesses?

Great advertising is more than just a message that targets decided buyers of a product or service. It creates need, desire, and persuasion. I may be a bit naïve, but great advertising must create a strong connection with the target audience.

We have all seen the chaser ads that follow us wherever we go. Do they really spark sales, or do they just provide another click to look at that amazing state-of-the-art toilet? I honestly don’t know the answer on the effectiveness of those chaser ads.

Microtargeting the most likely person to purchase a product or service does make sense. Not many 22-year-olds are purchasing Depends undergarments. So, pushing that bladder control product on those less likely to need it is not an effective use of the marketing dollar. I’ve seen a lot of digital ads for Dr. Squatch. They’re funny ads, but how is that soap? I’m all in for good hygiene, but I have yet to hear anyone in my orbit brag about their soap. I do know that showering with Lava soap is a painful exercise.

It’s all about personal connection. So, what reaches consumers in the most effective way? I know what it is: endorsement spots from an influencer. Likely, you are in that category or work with someone who is. If you have a personal connection with your audience, your endorsement is a license to print money from your listeners and followers. It is the best buy for any business, period. A full dance card of endorsements is your ticket to a raise. It is your station’s key to success as well. The Dollars and Sense panel at the Barrett News Media seminar illustrated the importance of endorsements for their clients.

This may be a hard discussion for hosts, sales managers, and market managers to have, but if influencer marketing is not a cornerstone of your group’s strategy, it’s time to sit down and count the revenue that’s missing.

If your cluster or station’s endorsements are only 50% sold out, you must really dissect what’s wrong. I have worked in situations where endorsements were reserved only for the biggest clients. I think that if that’s the case, you are missing huge opportunities. Endorsement spots should be the highest-priced spots on your log. If your station has two endorsement openings during a weekday show every day, you must relax the rules and sell these by the spot.

Your station’s account executives have clients with limited budgets. Selling these individual spots at a premium price is logical. I guarantee you that one endorsement spot on your morning show has the power of ten prerecorded spots during a week. I don’t just guarantee it—I know it. If you have hosted a show for a few years, you know the power of your followers. Every client who buys radio should have access to the most effective way to attract new customers.

It’s not just the job of the salespeople. Every endorsement spot you voice should be a unique and meaningful experience for your listeners. Every endorsement spot should be distinct and different. I have coached hosts who just read the copy provided. Sometimes business owners or advertising agencies want these things read word for word. That’s a missed opportunity.

Did something fun happen during your show? Did you incorporate that fun into your endorsement spots? Endorsement spots should feel like a natural part of your show. Did you use a personal connection to the product or service? Are you just reading a spot, or are you having fun? Your listeners trust you. They make a daily appointment to listen to your show. They come for your opinion, your humor, or simply for you. Did you incorporate the topic of the day into your spot?

That doesn’t always work, but let’s say a major accident has clogged the roads—if you’re endorsing a beer, dispensary, or restaurant, use the pain of being stuck in traffic to your advantage. You’re the creative type. Make the endorsement spots topical and real. If you’re on in a few markets, voice your spots fresh each day. I guarantee you it delivers for your sales team, your client, and your show. We all know hosts who make endorsement spots sing. Do it.

Radio commercials are always better than digital ads. They just are. The personal connection is why we win and how radio will continue to win for the next century. If you’re not making a personal connection, you’re shortening your radio career. You don’t want that, and neither do I.

Sold-out endorsements will also save your gig if the company is looking at budget cuts. Believe me, they know your show’s return on investment. Don’t mess around. Make every moment on your show essential —even the commercials.

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.

Top Skills Every Business Student Needs in 2025 | Essential Business Skills for Success

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The modern workplace is changing at a rapid pace, and so are the demands on future professionals. Business students entering the market in 2025 will need more than strong grades. They must develop top business skills that combine technical ability, interpersonal strength, and adaptability to thrive. Employers no longer just ask for knowledge; they expect candidates to show the critical business skills for success that drive leadership and innovation.

Why Business Skills Matter for Students

When students ask, “what are business skills?”, the answer goes beyond textbooks. They include problem-solving, communication, leadership, teamwork, and the ability to apply business knowledge and skills in real situations. These capabilities define the difference between being a good student and being a future leader.

Building these abilities is not only about passing exams. It’s about preparing for real-world challenges: boardroom discussions, negotiations, and global projects. For those managing heavy academic loads, a custom assignment writing service can help students balance coursework while still developing their essential business skills.

Key Business Skills for 2025

1. Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Employers consistently rank problem-solving among the most important business skills. Analytical thinking allows graduates to interpret data, find trends, and design solutions. According to recent surveys, seven out of ten companies view it as a core ability.

2. Communication and Interpersonal Abilities

Strong communication is more than public speaking. It involves persuasion, empathy, and listening. These important business skills make collaboration smoother and improve team outcomes. In fact, 96% of employers say communication is the key business skill they value most.

3. Leadership and Adaptability

In uncertain environments, leadership requires adaptability. Students must inspire teams, make decisions under pressure, and adapt to new technologies. Adaptability has been called the most important skill employers seek in graduates entering 2025.

4. Technology and AI Fluency

The rise of AI and data-driven decision-making means technology awareness is now among the best business skills to learn. Business students must understand analytics, automation, and the ethical use of technology. Nearly half of prospective students now view AI knowledge as an essential business skill.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration

Team projects in college prepare students for future workplaces where cooperation is constant. Employers look for graduates who work well in groups, respect different views, and add value collectively.

6. Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen

Recruiters say the ability to “see the big picture” is one of the critical business skills for success. This requires aligning short-term actions with long-term goals. Strategic thinkers anticipate challenges and build sustainable solutions.

7. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is about being aware of your own feelings and those of others. It helps resolve conflicts and improves workplace relationships. This is one of the skills needed for business leadership in diverse global environments.

8. Resilience and Adaptability

In 2025, resilience is a non-negotiable. From economic uncertainty to technological disruption, students must adapt quickly and recover from setbacks. Business schools are embedding resilience into their programs through real-world challenges.

9. Entrepreneurial and Creative Thinking

Employers value entrepreneurial thinking even within corporate roles. Creative problem-solving and openness to new ideas are business skills to learn for anyone entering a competitive environment. They allow professionals to innovate and lead teams effectively.

10. Networking and Presentation Skills

Networking builds long-term career opportunities. Pair this with presentation abilities, and graduates can express ideas clearly while also forming the relationships that drive business success.

Table: Summary of Essential Business Skills for 2025

Skill AreaWhy It MattersExample in Action
Analytical ThinkingSolves complex problemsUsing data to optimize strategy
CommunicationBuilds trust and influenceLeading client negotiations
Leadership & AdaptabilityInspires teams under changeManaging remote teams
Technology & AI FluencyKeeps business competitiveApplying AI in market research
TeamworkAchieves collective goalsGroup project success
Strategic ThinkingAligns with long-term goalsBusiness growth planning
Emotional IntelligenceImproves collaborationConflict resolution in teams
ResilienceThrives in uncertaintyAdapting during crisis
Entrepreneurial MindsetSparks innovationLaunching new projects
Networking & PresentationExpands opportunitiesPitching to investors

The Importance of Business Skills Beyond the Classroom

Students often wonder, “which of the following skills is at the core of most business activities:” The answer is communication, since nearly every deal, project, or negotiation depends on clear interaction. But without adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving, those conversations would lead nowhere.

Mastering these business knowledge and skills is not optional—it’s how students prepare for sustainable careers. For extra academic support and peer advice, many students turn to forums that compare resources such as the best assignment writing service.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the importance of business skills cannot be overstated. Employers want more than degrees; they want graduates who can lead, adapt, and communicate effectively. By developing key business skills like problem-solving, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, students can secure strong careers and contribute to future innovation.

The workplace of tomorrow belongs to those who invest in both technical knowledge and critical business skills for success today.

Does Music Help You Study? Best Genres, Focus Benefits, and Study Tips

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Every semester, students ask the same question: does music help you study or does it distract you? Opinions vary, and so does the science. Some learners swear by lo-fi playlists, while others find silence best. Research shows music can both improve and hinder focus, depending on the type of music, the task, and personal preferences. In this article, we’ll break down the benefits, drawbacks, and the best ways to use music while studying.

Listening to Music While Studying: Helpful or Distracting?

Many studies suggest that listening to music while studying reduces stress and supports focus. Classical and instrumental tracks can help the brain pay closer attention, while upbeat genres may motivate students to push through long assignments.

Still, the effects aren’t universal. For some, lyrics or loud beats can interfere with reading and comprehension. That’s why researchers often ask: does music help you study or distract you? The answer depends on your study style. If you find yourself singing along instead of concentrating, you may want to swap to ambient or instrumental playlists.

If you’re also juggling heavy writing projects, an essay writing website by DoMyEssay can be a reliable tool to support your academic workload.

Why Does Music Help Me Focus?

So, why do so many people say, “why does music help me focus”? The explanation lies in how the brain processes sound. Music stimulates both hemispheres of the brain, improving memory retention and mood.

  • Stress Reduction: Music can lower anxiety, making it easier to approach tough subjects.
  • Motivation: Favorite tracks release dopamine, which encourages persistence.
  • Memory Support: Certain rhythms and patterns make it easier to remember material.

Some students even find that binaural beats or ambient noise playlists work better than traditional songs, since they create a steady rhythm for concentration.

Best Music to Study To

The best music to study to is usually free of lyrics, moderate in volume, and steady in tempo. Many experts recommend:

  • Classical music – works by Mozart or Bach often appear in research on focus.
  • Instrumental soundtracks – from video games or films, these can set a mood without distracting lyrics.
  • Ambient playlists – coffee shop sounds, rain noise, or soft acoustic loops.
  • Binaural beats – specific sound frequencies shown to improve working memory.

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

Type of MusicWhy It Helps You FocusBest Use Case
ClassicalImproves memory & attentionReading and memorization
Instrumental SoundtracksReduces distraction from lyricsEssay writing or math problems
Ambient / White NoiseCreates a calm backgroundLong study sessions
Binaural BeatsEnhances concentrationHigh-focus tasks

Does Music Help You Focus or Hurt Productivity?

Studies highlight both sides. On the positive side, does music help you focus? Yes, especially when it lowers stress and creates a productive atmosphere. But, does listening to music help you focus if the songs have complex lyrics? Not always.

Researchers have found that loud or fast-paced tracks can reduce reading comprehension and working memory capacity. This means if you’re memorizing formulas, you might want soft background tracks instead of your favorite pop hits.

What Music Helps You Focus?

The golden rule: simplicity works best. If you’re wondering what music helps you focus, go for slow, instrumental, and predictable rhythms.

  • Why does classical music help you focus? Studies show it improves brain processing and helps organize new information.
  • Can listening to music help you study math or science? Yes, as long as the music doesn’t interrupt your mental calculations.
  • Is music good for studying writing-heavy tasks? Yes, but stick to music without lyrics to avoid distraction.

Can Music Help You Focus During Stressful Times?

College life often means high stress, late nights, and looming exams. Music can be a powerful tool to manage that. Research has shown that music’s effect on stress is similar to receiving a massage.

Here’s why:

  • It lowers blood pressure.
  • It eases muscle tension.
  • It reduces anxiety before and during exams.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, put on a calm playlist. You may find yourself working more effectively.

Final Thoughts

So, can listening to music help you study? The answer is yes — but with conditions. The type of music, the task at hand, and your own preferences matter. For many students, is music good for studying? Absolutely, especially classical or instrumental tracks. For others, silence might be the better option.

If you find yourself asking, “does music help you study or distract you?” the solution is simple: test different genres and track your productivity. The right playlist might just become your best study partner.

How Much Do College Football Players Make in 2025? Salaries, NIL Deals & Benefits

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For decades, the debate around college football was centered on one big question: do college football players get paid? Until recently, the answer was simple—no. Players relied only on scholarships and the dream of going pro. But the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has transformed everything. In 2025, many student-athletes are earning six and even seven-figure incomes through sponsorships, endorsements, and collective contracts. Let’s break down how the system works, who earns the most, and what the future looks like for college sports.

What Is NIL in College Football?

NIL, short for Name, Image, and Likeness, refers to the legal right of college athletes to earn money from their personal brand. This became law in 2021 after a Supreme Court ruling, ending decades of strict amateurism rules.

Players now sign deals with brands, appear in commercials, and partner with companies ranging from Nike to local businesses. Some schools also help athletes by coordinating booster collectives designed to fund these deals. For those wondering what is NIL in college football, it’s essentially a system that lets athletes profit from their marketability without giving up college eligibility.

How Do College Football Players Get Paid?

College athletes earn income primarily through:

  • Sponsorship deals with national or local companies.
  • Collectives organized by schools’ boosters to keep players from transferring.
  • Merchandise sales such as jerseys and personal branding.
  • Social media promotions for athletes with large followings.

For example, Quinn Ewers, a Texas quarterback, signed with Dr. Pepper for their “Fansville” commercials, which paid him directly.

Some top athletes are now making enough to delay going pro. According to Syracuse professor Dave Meluni, NIL has “created legitimate avenues for young athletes to leverage their personal brands”.

If you’re researching or writing on this topic for class, you might look for help with writing papers, and resources like help with writing papers can support students in analyzing how NIL changes education and sports.

How Much Do College Football Players Make a Month?

The income varies dramatically. On average, many players make only a modest stipend from small deals, but the stars make millions.

  • Top quarterbacks: Often earn $400,000–$600,000 per year, which translates to $30,000–$50,000 per month.
  • Elite NIL athletes: Some have yearly valuations exceeding $5–7 million, which is more than $400,000 per month.
  • Regular players: Many make no money at all from NIL. Only a fraction of athletes land high-paying contracts.

So, while it’s common to ask how much do college football players make a month, the reality is highly unequal.

Top Earning College Athletes in 2025

Not every player cashes in, but those at the top can rival pro salaries. Here’s a snapshot of the highest paid NIL athletes and their reported values:

RankAthleteSchoolNIL ValueNotable Deals
1Arch ManningTexas$7.1 millionRed Bull, Uber, Panini
2AJ DybantsaBYU$5.4 millionNike, Red Bull
3Carson BeckMiami$5.1 millionChipotle, Beats by Dre
4Jeremiah SmithOhio State$4.4 millionLululemon, Nintendo
5LaNorris SellersSouth Carolina$4.2 millionCheez-It, Mercedes
6DJ LagwayFlorida$4.1 millionPepsi, Gatorade
7Bryce UnderwoodMichigan$4.0 millionBarstool Sports, Hollister
8Garrett NussmeierLSU$4.0 millionPowerade, EA Sports
9Cade KlubnikClemson$3.6 millionArmani, EA Sports
10Drew AllarPenn State$3.5 millionTesla, Hulu

This table highlights who is the highest paid college football player in 2025: Arch Manning, with a staggering $7.1 million in reported NIL valuation.

Do All College Football Players Get Paid?

No. That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. While headlines focus on the highest paid student athlete, the truth is that most players receive little or no NIL income.

  • Superstars: Can make millions through top NIL deals.
  • Role players: May only secure small sponsorships.
  • Walk-ons: Often make nothing and still rely on scholarships.

This uneven distribution has fueled debates about fairness and whether NIL has created a new class divide in college sports.

What College Player Makes the Most NIL Money?

Right now, Arch Manning leads the list with a $7.1 million NIL valuation. His last name, family legacy, and role as Texas’ starting quarterback make him the most marketable player in college football.

Other top earning college athletes include Carson Beck and Jeremiah Smith, both with multimillion-dollar deals that rival NFL rookie contracts.

The Future of Pay-for-Play

In 2024, a legal settlement opened the door for schools to share up to $20 million annually with student-athletes. This means that in addition to NIL, direct payments from schools could soon become standard.

While some critics argue NIL has turned college sports into a “Wild West,” most agree that it is here to stay. For athletes, this marks the first era where staying in school could be more profitable than leaving early for the pros.

Final Thoughts

So, do college football players get paid in 2025? Yes—many do, and some make millions. But the majority still earn little to nothing. The NIL era has created a fascinating new financial landscape, with top NIL deals making certain players household names and millionaires before they even graduate.

As schools prepare to directly share revenue with athletes, the future could bring even more change. The days of pure amateurism in college football are over, and the market for athletes’ names and brands is only getting stronger.

The Greg Beharrell Show Agrees to Distribution Partnership With Radio.Cloud

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Radio.Cloud has struck a new partnership with YEA Media Group designed to make syndicated programming feel more local. At the center of the deal is The Greg Beharrell Show, which will now be distributed using Radio.Cloud’s Content Controller system to deliver customized versions of the show to affiliates nationwide.

The first station to roll out the localized programming is Connoisseur Media’s 98.7 The Bull in Portland. For YEA Media Group President Shawn Nunn, the move underscores the power of technology to make life easier for both talent and programmers.

“Greg Beharrell is one of the hardest working radio talents, but with a product like Radio.Cloud, he can work smarter, not harder, when it comes to customizing his show for listeners,” Nunn said in the announcement.

The partnership builds on a growing trend in the industry. Syndicated programming has long walked a tightrope between scale and local relevance. While networks can deliver high-quality talent to markets of all sizes. Stations often worry about losing the local connection that keeps audiences engaged. Radio.Cloud believes it has found a way to bridge that gap.

“Our belief is that radio stations shouldn’t have to give up their local brands even for 5-10 minutes during syndicated or network programming,” said Andrew Scaglione, account director at Radio.Cloud. “We’re very excited that YEA Media Group sees that vision as well. Their talent lineup is strong, and we look forward to helping grow those programs.”

Radio.Cloud’s Content Controller allows syndicated shows to insert localized imaging, liners, and market-specific content seamlessly into their distribution feeds. The end result is that affiliates can air a program that feels tailored to their audience while still leveraging national production and personalities.

For YEA Media Group, partnering with Radio.Cloud represents both an opportunity to expand its roster and to future-proof its distribution model. As listening habits evolve and the competition for attention intensifies, tools that help stations strengthen their community presence have become more valuable.

Beharrell, known for his offbeat style and irreverent humor, has built a loyal following across multiple markets. The ability to localize his show could give him an even greater edge as affiliates look for syndicated options that don’t sacrifice authenticity.

The Greg Beharrell Show joins Throwback Nation Radio and The Jeff Foxx Show to utilize Content Controller to distribute localized content on their national shows.

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.