Home Blog Page 734

iHeartRadio Music Festival Brings Back ‘House of Music’

0

The iHeartRadio Music Festival is adding a major fan component this year with the return of its House of Music. The free activation will run September 19-20 outside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, offering festivalgoers a series of interactive rooms tied to artists performing at the two-night event.

Attendees will be able to step into experiences inspired by Ed Sheeran, LL COOL J, Mariah Carey, Maroon 5, Tate McRae, and others. Installations include recreating LL COOL J’s BAD album artwork, exploring Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane era, and walking a runway built around one of McRae’s music videos.

Singer-songwriter Julia Michaels will also take the stage inside the House on Saturday, debuting her new single “No Heartbreaks Killed Me Yet,” which is scheduled for release the same day.

Fans can access the House of Music using a scannable “House Pass” to unlock digital activations, earn points, and qualify for prizes ranging from festival tickets to artist meet-and-greets.

iHeartMedia executives Tom Poleman and John Sykes said in a joint statement, “The House of Music continues to evolve each year, and this year’s experience is our most immersive yet.”

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and broadcast live across more than 150 iHeartMedia stations nationwide. Hulu returns as the exclusive livestreaming partner.

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.

92.1 The Bone Expands to Panama City with 97.7 Simulcast

0

JVC Broadcasting is expanding the reach of Ft. Walton Beach, FL Rocker 92.1 The Bone WBON by creating a simulcast with 97.7 WYXX Panama City beginning tomorrow morning at 9 am.

Spanning six decades, the format is described as a “wide variety rocker.” And promises thousands of songs and deep rock tracks. The station(s) will celebrate the addition of 97.7 with ten days of commercial-free music.

Matt Stone, Director of Programming, said, “Listeners are more engaged, they’re passionate. And they’re telling us every day this is what they’ve been waiting for. We can’t wait to share the Bone with Panama City and Southern Alabama.”

JVC Broadcasting Owner John Caracciolo said, “92.1 The Bone became a success because we listened to the listeners. They wanted more variety, fewer commercials, and a station that actually feels alive. Bringing The Bone to Panama City Beach wasn’t just a business decision — it was an answer to the audience.”

Market Manager John Griffo concurred, saying, “Since the launch in December, our WBON-FM app has thousands of downloads all over the world. This isn’t just another radio station; it’s a movement, and now, that movement covers Panama City Beach, too.”

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.

San Antonio Spurs Name Dan Weiss New Radio Play-By-Play Voice

0

The San Antonio Spurs have found their new radio voice. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, Dan Weiss will take over play-by-play duties on WOAI 1200-AM. He succeeds longtime broadcaster Bill Schoening, who retired following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign.

Weiss has been a familiar presence within the Spurs organization since 2009. He most recently served as the studio host for Spurs Television’s pregame and postgame coverage. For the past seven years, he has guided fans through game nights on the TV side. This has built a connection with viewers that will now carry over to the radio booth.

“It is an honor and a privilege to wear the headset that only six people have worn since the Spurs arrived in 1973,” Weiss said. “From Terry Stembridge to Bill Schoening, Spurs radio has established a legacy and tradition of excellence. This is both in our community and around the world that I look forward to continuing.”

A native of Weston, Massachusetts, Weiss began his tenure with Spurs Sports & Entertainment as the play-by-play announcer for the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. He held that role until 2018 and earned recognition for his work. This included the James H. Ellery Award for outstanding league coverage in 2013-14. His skill behind the microphone also earned him the opportunity to contribute to the NHL Network’s broadcast of the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic.

Beyond hockey, Weiss has remained versatile. He has called games for the Austin Spurs of the G League and the now-defunct San Antonio Stars of the WNBA. Prior to his arrival in San Antonio, Weiss built a national resume. He served as the play-by-play voice for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, the Phoenix Roadrunners of the ECHL, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, and the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. He was named the ECHL’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2005-06. This recognition cemented his reputation as a rising voice in sports broadcasting.

Succeeding Schoening will not be a small task. Schoening had been the radio voice of the Spurs since 2001. He became synonymous with the franchise’s championship runs and memorable moments. But Spurs Sports & Entertainment officials believe Weiss is uniquely positioned to carry the tradition forward.

“Dan has the experience and knowledge to seamlessly carry the tradition of excellence Bill built over two decades,” Mike Kickirillo, Senior Director of Broadcast at SS&E, said in the announcement. “He’s been a beloved piece of the Spurs fan experience for years now. We’re excited for Dan to make this new role his own, bringing his energy, preparation and love of the game to every broadcast.”

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

Kitty Dunn Retires After 33 Years on Madison’s 105.5 Triple M

0

After 33 1/3 years, Kitty Dunn has announced her retirement from Audacy’s AAA 105.5 Triple M in Madison, WI. She has been the longtime co-host of the station’s morning show alongside cluster OM and Triple M PD Jonathan Suttin.

Dunn’s last day will be tomorrow (8/29)

She told Barrett Media that the time seemed right, “Well, radio is changing. I’m changing. My boyfriend is retired. It seems awfully appealing not to get up when it’s super dark outside.”

Dunn said that meeting and interaction with the listeners is what she will miss the most.

“Meeting the listeners and knowing the impact that I’ve had on their lives. So many people come up to me and they’re like, I don’t know how I’m going to start my morning if you ever really retire. They’ll be okay. I told them they could be my friend on Facebook and I’d write snarky comments to them.”

And what does she anticipate to be the hardest part about stepping away after all this time?

“I think the thing that will be hardest for me is when I see a story in the news or something going on, and I think of what I would say about it on the radio. Because when you’re in radio and you’re an air personality, your life is show prep.”

You can stream Dunn’s final morning show here tomorrow morning from 5 to 10 CT. 

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.

Former 700 WLW Host Gary Burbank Dies

0

Former 700 WLW host Gary Burbank has died at the age of 84 after a brief illness.

Burbank worked at the Cincinnati news/talk station from 1981 until 2007, working in both morning and afternoon drive. His show, at times, was regionally syndicated at stations like 610 WTVN in Columbus, WAKR in Akron, and WERE in Cleveland.

During his tenure, Gary Burbank won back-to-back Marconi Radio Awards for Large Market Personality of the Year in 1990 and 1991. After his tenure at 700 WLW concluded, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame as a member of its Class of 2012.

In addition to his time at 700 WLW, Gary Burbank worked at WNOE in New Orleans, CKLW in Windsor, WDAE in Tampa, and at 840 WHAS and WAKY in Louisville.

One of Burbank’s former colleagues, Bill Cunningham, took to social media to call the longtime 700 WLW host “the most talented radio host of all time.”

He later shared on social media that Burbank had passed away after what Cunningham called “serious health issues.”

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.

DJ Marshmello Launches Monthly ‘Joytime Radio’ on SiriusXM

0

SiriusXM is adding a new show to its lineup with GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum producer and DJ Marshmello. “Joytime Radio” will debut tomorrow, August 29, on SiriusXM’s BPM channel (52) at 11:00 p.m. ET.

The monthly program will feature an hour of music hand-selected by Marshmello, including hits from his career, collaborations with major artists, throwbacks, and tracks that have inspired him. The show will also include guest mixes and exclusive first-listen access to releases from Marshmello’s independent label, Joytime Collective.

The premiere episode will mark ten years of Marshmello and Joytime Collective, highlighting chart-topping hits and selections from the label’s new compilation series, “Jumpstart Vol. 1.” It will include a previously vaulted Marshmello track and showcase new electronic artists curated by the DJ.

“Joytime Radio” will air on the last Friday of each month at 11:00 p.m. ET on BPM and will be available on-demand via the SiriusXM app.

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.

ESPN Demotes Doris Burke, Elevates Tim Legler to NBA Finals Broadcast Team

0

ESPN is demoting Doris Burke from its NBA Finals broadcast team. The shuffle of the broadcasting roster promotes longtime network analyst Tim Legler. He will join the network’s No. 1 team, replacing the hall of famer. The story was first reported by The Athletic.

Legler will join lead play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and analyst Richard Jefferson for the Finals coverage. Jefferson, who made his Finals debut in June, recently signed a new contract with ESPN. The NBA Champion joined ESPN in 2019 as a studio analyst. Jefferson will continue to call ESPN’s top NBA games and make select studio appearances 

Burke, who had been part of ESPN’s Finals team for the past two seasons, made history as the first woman to serve as a broadcast analyst in any of the four major American sports. Her removal from the top team marks a significant shift in ESPN’s on-air NBA coverage.

ESPN today also announced it has reached a multi-year extension with Burke. She will continue to call high-profile NBA games on ESPN and ABC, including the NBA Sunday Showcase series.

Her assignments will include full slates of games throughout the regular season and the NBA Playoffs. Burke will regularly work alongside play-by-play voice Dave Pasch. With this new deal, Burke’s tenure at ESPN will extend more than 35 years.

She first covered basketball for ESPN in 1991 and has since been assigned to 17 NBA Finals, including six as a game analyst between ABC and ESPN Radio, as well as 11 as sideline reporter on ABC.

Sources told The Athletic discussions are ongoing regarding a contract extension for Burke. Her current deal expires at the end of the upcoming season. She is expected to move to ESPN’s No. 2 broadcast team if an extension is reached.

Burke was promoted to ESPN’s lead NBA broadcast team in 2023 after Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were laid off.

Burke’s tenure on the NBA Finals team has been widely praised by fans and colleagues alike. Many cite her deep understanding of the game and ability to translate complex strategies for viewers.

Legler, a former NBA player and longtime ESPN contributor, has been a fixture on the network’s coverage for years. He often appears as an analyst during regular-season games and playoff broadcasts. Pairing him with Breen and Jefferson is seen as ESPN’s effort to refresh its top broadcast team while maintaining continuity and experience.

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.

Former New Jersey 101.5 Host Bill Spadea to Return to Morning Drive

0

Former New Jersey 101.5 morning host Bill Spadea is returning to the Townsquare Media news/talk station.

After leaving the station earlier this year to run for the Republican nomination for Governor of the state, Spadea is set to rejoin the daily lineup on Tuesday, September 2nd.

“I’m excited to be returning to the airwaves with New Jersey 101.5 and the largest audience in the
state,” Spadea said. “I’m looking forward to continuing our mission of fighting for common-sense
solutions to save New Jersey. Our show has always been about the listeners, and I’m ready to keep
amplifying the voices of small business owners, parents, teachers, first responders, nurses, and
everyone else committed to digging in and staying in New Jersey. Stay tuned — there’s more to come!”

Spadea originally joined the station in 2014. In June, Spadea finished second in a field of five behind Jack Ciattearelli for the party’s nomination. He garnered just under 100,000 votes, good for 22% of the total votes cast by Republicans in the state. He did not win any of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

Spadea will replace Eric Scott, who had been hosting morning drive since his January departure.

“Bill’s audience and the team at New Jersey 101.5 are looking forward to his return,” said Townsquare Media Regional Vice President Brian Lang. “There’s no doubt he’ll have great stories to share. I also want to thank Eric Scott and the entire morning show team for doing an outstanding job while Bill was away.”

“Like New Jersey 101.5 itself, Bill Spadea is quintessential New Jersey,” Townsquare Media Chief Content Officer Jared Willig added. “We are proud to have his highly influential and hugely entertaining
local voice back on our NJ101.5 airwaves, website, podcast, and app.”

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.

CRS 2026 to Explore Five Key Themes Shaping Country Radio

0

In the latest edition of the CRS 360 webinar, CRS Agenda Chair BBR’s Shelley Hargis and Country Radio Broadcasters Executive Director RJ Curtis unveiled a look at the 2026 CRS agenda.

Focusing the sessions on five central “buckets” that challenge the industry. CRS 2026 will include: Sales & Revenue, Innovation & Efficiency, Resilience & Storytelling, Music Discovery, and Talent Engagement.

Along with sessions built around those themes, attendees will find things that have come to be expected at CRS. Including the New Faces Show, Acoustic Alley, the research presentation and networking breakfasts.

Early bird registration opens with a reduced price for one day only on September 9. CRS 2026 is March 18-20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville.

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.

VSiN By The Books Partners For Distribution On FanDuel Sports Network

0

VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, is broadening its distribution footprint by striking a new content agreement with FanDuel Sports Network, the company announced. The deal will deliver the Las Vegas-based outlet’s sports betting programming to a larger audience of fans across the United States.

As part of the partnership, FanDuel Sports Network will air and stream VSiN By the Books weekday mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. ET. The program, hosted by veteran broadcaster Dave Ross and former Major League pitcher Jensen Lewis, mixes sports talk with actionable betting information. It also weaves in humor and storytelling.

“We’re thrilled to bring VSiN’s unique sports betting content to the passionate fans that watch their favorite local teams play on FanDuel Sports Network,” said Steve Cohen, VSiN’s EVP of Talent and Programming. “This latest expansion of our distribution footprint helps cement VSiN’s position as the leading creator of sports betting content anywhere.”

The show offers a daily breakdown of the biggest sports betting stories from the night before. It also previews the day’s action. In addition, Ross and Lewis welcome a lineup of guests ranging from professional gamblers and sportsbook insiders to athletes and local sports media personalities.

For FanDuel Sports Network, the partnership bolsters its efforts to provide more tailored sports content to its regional audiences.

“At FanDuel Sports Network, everything starts with the local sports fan,” said Norby Williamson, President of Programming and Production at Main Street Sports Group. “Partnering with VSiN allows us to deliver smart, entertaining betting insights tied to the teams and games our audiences care about most.”

The show is now available across nine FanDuel Sports Network regions, including Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, Ohio, South, Southwest, West, and Wisconsin. Fans can also access the content through the FanDuel Sports Network app.

Ross brings more than two decades of experience to the role. He has hosted NFL, MLB, and UFC programming for Stadium in Chicago. He previously spent 18 years at FOX 5 in Washington, D.C., covering the city’s professional teams.

Lewis, meanwhile, pitched nine seasons in the big leagues before transitioning to broadcasting. He has worked as a television analyst for the Cleveland Guardians and appeared regularly on MLB Network. He will continue to contribute to SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio and serve as a college baseball analyst for ESPN while co-hosting By the Books.

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.