Home Blog Page 739

Audio Still Wins: Why Urban Radio Connects Where Video Can’t

Ken Johnson
-
0
Audio Still Wins: Why Urban Radio Connects Where Video Can’t

When I started in radio, I had a true passion for it. If we’ve ever had a recent conversation, you may not realize it, but I still do. One thing that has bothered me throughout this journey is how television has always been valued over radio.

As a kid, I watched as much TV as the next kid. There were plenty of shows I liked, and interestingly, there are more shows I love now than I did back then. But the one thing I always loved—then and now—was music. When I think about the songs that should be considered “gold” on a station, I go back to those key teenage years when music becomes an essential part of life.

I could rattle off a list of childhood shows and reveal my age, but I’ll just say this: shows back then didn’t always reflect all aspects of the culture. It wasn’t as likely that a majority of African American viewers would connect with a TV show as they would with a song about love found, love lost, or family bonds—experiences that cut across generations and environments.

To be fair, let’s look at a slightly younger demo. We’ve never seen anything like the cultural wave that hits when Beyoncé or Taylor Swift drops an album. Yes, videos play a role in building their brand equity. But I’d argue the music comes first, the live show second, and the music videos a distant third in terms of real value.

As a radio programmer and podcaster, this is personal to me. I don’t have an agenda beyond understanding where we are in the ongoing evolution of content consumption. Any content I’ve created hasn’t been just what I wanted to create—it’s been shaped by research, audience feedback, and lived experience. And while I recognize the rapid growth of video content, the value of audio remains undeniable.

Where it gets especially personal is with Urban radio. I’ve worked across formats, seen the ratings, and studied the research. But I’ve never witnessed the kind of passion I’ve seen from listeners of Urban brands. I’ve seen a daytime AM Urban station rank with the highest time spent listening (TSL) in the country. I’ve also seen a heritage Urban AC station post TSL numbers so strong that even the commercial breaks rivaled the engagement of on-air programming.

Of course, studies can measure this. But we can also ask ourselves: How often do you watch videos while working out at the gym? While riding a bike? While driving? (I’ll plead the Fifth on that one.)

The point is clear—audio fits into people’s lives in ways video simply can’t. But beyond convenience, the real story is the connection. Think about it: have you ever watched your favorite TV show or movie as many times as you’ve listened to your favorite song? Today, you can take your favorite personality everywhere. You can go from bed to shower, house to car, car to office without missing a beat in real time.

Video may seem flashier. But just because the “Kool-Aid” is sweet doesn’t mean radio should keep drinking it. Audio still carries tremendous value. And radio—along with podcasts—should continue to tell stories, amplify voices, and shine a light on culture’s brightest moments.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Email me at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com or find me on LinkedIn.

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.

Hannah B Builds Connections On-Air and Online in Chicago

Jeff Lynn
-
0
Hannah B Builds Connections On-Air and Online in Chicago

For 15 years, Hannah B’s life was all about softball. But while her teammates dreamed of championships, she found herself unexpectedly pulled toward the broadcast booth. That’s where she hosts middays on Chicagoland’s Free Country 98.3 and 102.3, as well as nights on Hot AC Star 105.5 and Star 96.7.

“I went to college at Elmhurst University, and in my junior year, I interned for a professional softball team out here in the Chicagoland area, the Chicago Bandits. For their championship series, I got to work with ESPN in their broadcast truck.”

“When I had the opportunity to do that, and I was sitting in the truck, I was like, wow, this is so cool. I can totally see myself doing this. Maybe not sports, but something in Country music. It just really sparked my interest.”

The spark turned into something more when she was watching the Country Music Awards with her mom.

“I was like, Mom, it would be so cool to work in Country radio. At that point, I applied for an internship at US99 WUSN in Chicago. I did promotions, and I was like, This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to do on-air.”

Finding Her Voice During COVID

Hannah started at US99 in June 2019, but like many others, her career hit an unexpected roadblock in March 2020 when COVID-19 shuttered live events and led to job losses.

“I started my own radio show in college called “Monday Motivation with Hannah B.” Then, in my senior year, it was switched to all online, so that meant no more radio show. So, I transitioned it into a podcast.”

“Being in college, you’re not making a lot of money, so I recorded it off my phone. For graduation, my parents and I went half and half on a Roadcaster. I really just branded myself “Monday Motivation with Hannah B.” I did giveaways on Instagram and just built it.”

That grind paid off. Hannah worked at the Illinois Media School as an education admin assistant before earning her first on-air break at Free Country.

“I did a few auditions there and landed my first on-air gig on September 13, 2019. I’m coming up on four years here at Alpha Media, soon to be Connoisseur.”

Balancing Multiple Stations and Roles

Hannah’s path through radio has been anything but straightforward. She picked up mornings for WSSR Star 96.7, afternoons at Free Country, and eventually landed afternoons alongside Chicago radio legend Eddie Volkman. Today, her role is bigger than ever.

“I am now a midday Country host on Chicagoland’s Free Country 98.3 and 102.3. I do nights on Star 105.5 and Star 96.7, and I am also assistant content director for both of the Star stations,” she explains. “Sorry, I feel like that was a mouthful, but I didn’t want to miss anything.”

The workload is intense, but Hannah thrives on organization and discipline.

“My on-air shift, my midday shift, is from 9 AM to 2 PM. I arrive at the studio extremely early in the morning and start preparing for the day. For Free Country, I focus on what’s trending, what’s happening in Nashville, my Daily Dilemma segment, and my Bell-Bottom Buzz.”

“Then I spend another hour and a half planning for my Star shows, because they are different formats. Star is Hot AC, so it’s more about pop and lifestyle topics. They’re completely different audiences, so I prioritize carefully.”

Hannah B Photo Facebook

Social Media: A Second Passion

Beyond the studio, Hannah puts significant energy into connecting with listeners online.

“Social media is another passion of mine. I love creating videos and connecting with our listeners. Obviously, they just hear me behind the mic, but then when they see me, they’re like, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s exactly how I thought she would be—goofy, just being herself.’ I think that’s important and another great way to connect.”

A Heart for Motivation

Hannah’s Monday Motivation brand didn’t just live on as a podcast. For a time, she also turned it into speaking opportunities.

“When I graduated from college, for about a year, I did motivational speaking. I connected with high schools, colleges, and female groups within my college. And did motivational speaking about self-love, self-care, and following your dreams. I really customized it to whatever the teacher or professor wanted for their students.”

That work remains close to her heart.

“If there’s someone young who wants to get into radio, who wants to get into media, you want to inspire them. You want to motivate them and encourage them. We definitely are doing what we do because we love it.”

Musical Tastes and Inspirations

Ask Hannah about her favorite artist right now, and there’s no hesitation.

“Lainey Wilson,” she says quickly. “I love Lainey Wilson.”

It’s fitting given her Bell-Bottom Buzz segment, a nod to Wilson’s signature style. Her favorite song at the moment? “4x4xU by Lainey Wilson.”

And she won’t just be spinning Wilson’s music on air, she’ll be in the audience this fall.

 “My sister and I are going to see her in October,” Hannah says.

Mentors Who Shaped the Journey

Like most rising talents, Hannah can rattle off a list of people who’ve helped along the way.

“I would say definitely Kipper McGee. He really has been amazing since day one. He reached out to me on LinkedIn in 2021, when I was first starting out. I’m just so appreciative of everything he’s done for me. Also, Eddie Volkman, I did a morning show with him. Sam Alex, Dan Levy, Kenny Jay, Drew Walker and Meg Dowdy she’s my mentor for MIW. I could go on and on. Everybody’s been so wonderful.”

Words of Advice for the Next Generation

For Hannah, the lessons she’s learned are worth passing on.

“Keep your head up and chase your dreams. Follow what you want to do and follow what your heart tells you.”

“My mom and dad always told me to choose a job that you are going to genuinely love and get up and go to every day, because you’re only given one life. And if you get up and go to work every day and you’re miserable, why would you waste the time to do that?”

Her advice is equal parts practical and passionate.

“If it’s something you want to do, go for it. We need that younger generation. And if you don’t get that first gig, don’t worry. I got knocked down a few times, but it just means it wasn’t meant to be. Everything happens for a reason, so take that and run with it, and work harder to get that next gig you want.”

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.

WWL Radio Has Set the Audio Documentary Example For Other News/Talk Stations

Garrett Searight
-
0
WWL Radio Has Set the Audio Documentary Example For Other News/Talk Stations

WWL Radio has marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a powerful and thoughtful series that shows what news/talk radio does best. For two decades, New Orleans has rebuilt, reflected, and redefined itself after one of the worst natural disasters in American history. And no media brand is better positioned to tell that story than the one that lived through it with its listeners.

The series is a shining example of why local news/talk radio matters. The ability to capture a community’s history, its resilience, and its identity isn’t something that can be replicated by a national network or a syndicated host. Listeners know WWL Radio because it has always been there, through hurricanes, celebrations, and heartbreaks. When you can take that unique connection and build a project that revisits a moment that shaped the market, you’ve done something not only memorable, but irreplaceable.

There’s a lesson here for every news/talk station. You can lean on national news stories or national political debates. You can try to be a smaller version of Fox News or MSNBC. But when you dive into the history of your own market, you’re doing something no one else can. That is where news/talk separates itself. No streaming service, podcast network, or cable channel will spend weeks or months curating the stories that shaped your listeners’ hometown. But your station can.

Producing a multi-part series or a documentary is no easy task. It takes resources, planning, and creativity. But the payoff is enormous. The audience hears the investment. They recognize that this isn’t just filler content. It’s a statement of purpose. It says the station cares about its community and understands the role it plays in telling the stories that define it.

For WWL Radio, Katrina isn’t just a national headline from 2005. It’s a scar, a memory, and a rallying point. Listeners remember where they were when the levees broke. They remember where they turned for updates, information, and a voice of stability. In New Orleans, that voice was WWL Radio. Revisiting that story two decades later isn’t just about history. It’s about reaffirming the bond between station and audience.

And it’s not just about nostalgia. A series like this has practical programming benefits too. Many stations struggle with nights and weekends. Let’s be honest—those dayparts are often filled with reruns, infomercials, or syndicated shows that don’t really resonate. What WWL Radio has done is prove there’s another path. Stations can create compelling local content that stands out in non-prime hours. A series tied to the market’s history, identity, or unique challenges can draw in listeners at times when stations usually wave the white flag.

That also matters to advertisers. Businesses don’t want to attach themselves to programming that sounds like filler. They want to be associated with meaningful, impactful content that listeners care about. If you can create original programming that attracts attention outside of morning or afternoon drive, you’re creating new opportunities for revenue. That’s not just good programming. That’s good business.

The reality is that most news/talk stations need more original ideas. It’s easy to recycle the same political debates, the same reaction to the same stories that are being covered everywhere else. But what WWL Radio has shown is that originality, rooted in the market you serve, is what makes a station indispensable. Anyone can cover the presidential election. Only you can cover the story of your community’s biggest triumphs, setbacks, and defining moments.

Think about the impact this could have in your market. Is there a major anniversary of a local tragedy, a sports championship, or a pivotal civic decision? Is there a chance to revisit a story that still resonates with your listeners? These are opportunities hiding in plain sight. They allow you to connect with your audience in a way no national content ever will.

WWL Radio has been doing this for years, but the Katrina anniversary series is a reminder of why the brand remains so strong. The station understands the responsibility it has to New Orleans, and it embraces the role it plays in documenting its community’s story. That’s why the station thrives.

For other news/talk outlets, the message is simple: follow WWL’s lead. Dig into the stories that only you can tell. Create programming that feels unique to your listeners. Don’t waste entire dayparts with content that has no real connection to the market. Use those hours to build something that will last.

Truly, I was enthralled by what I heard. The conversations. The stories. And the attention to detail from the station. I was 15 years old when Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, and was roughly 1,000 miles away. So the new details, new information, and both soul-crushing and uplifting stories I heard were radio gold. Kudos to Diane Newman and her team.

WWL Radio has proven that news/talk radio can be more than just reactionary content. It can be the place where a community comes to remember, to learn, and to reflect. That’s the kind of programming that separates a station from the pack. And that’s the kind of programming that every station should strive for.

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 Chris Berry, Ken Charles, Brad Lane, and Ann Thomas Find Value in the BNM Summit

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
-
0
Why Chris Berry, Ken Charles, Brad Lane, and Ann Thomas Find Value in the BNM Summit

Ahead of the BNM Summit next week, we spoke with four industry leaders about the importance of getting together and discussing the future of media. Executive Vice President for iHeartMedia Chris Berry, Program Director of WJR in Detroit Ann Thomas, Director of Operations for Branding and Programming at 95.5 WSB Ken Charles, and Brand Manager/Program Director for WCCO Brad Lane gave their thoughts.

KAC: What is the industry issue you are most concerned about?

AT: As the Program Director of WJR, a legendary 50,000-watt radio station in the Midwest, I think about how we can protect the brand but also take our content and distribute it in new and different ways. I think radio stations now have to be audio distribution companies that provide content through streaming and podcasting using a variety of different channels.

CB: As news options change for our consumers, we need to reimagine the way that we present content to our audience, whether it is over the air or on a podcast. We need to really embrace the people who are delivering the message, because the news can be found anywhere. But the reason people are listening to us is because we have a way of delivering it that they find acceptable. That is my biggest concern.

What I want to get out of this is to take a look at how people are taking news content—which is basically a commodity now—and fashioning it into a form that is not only informative but also entertaining so that we can maintain and build audience.

KCharles: Finding our next generation of talent is the thing that keeps me awake at night the most. Not just on-air, but our next generation of programmers, news directors, producers, news anchors, reporters, and even sales and traffic/continuity staff. The smaller markets where we recruited our next generation—or in some cases sent our up-and-coming stars—are not live and local any longer. College graduates all want to be in TV news or sports, and most schools don’t even teach radio courses anymore.

We are taking risks and hiring people who, just five years ago, we might not have brought into our newsrooms or studios. We are hiring them based on talent and potential, not experience, knowing that if we hire right, give them the right coaching, and enough time, they will grow into our stations.

KAC: What’s the one thing you look to gain most at the BNM Summit?

AT: I think this summit is important because it brings together radio executives and top talent with deep knowledge of the industry. Last year, I took something away from every panel discussion.

CB: Anytime we can take a few days—or even just a few hours—to talk to smart people about what we do is valuable. The fact that Barrett has put together this conference is really an opportunity to discuss face-to-face and collaborate with our peers on the things that are important to us, not only from a programming perspective but also an operational perspective, at a time when resources are scarce.

KCharles: I love getting together with some of the smartest people in the business and talking about our brands, our challenges, and how everyone is doing things just a little bit differently. I always leave BNM’s Summit a little smarter and feeling a little more challenged to keep up with the best of the best. I also love getting together with friends I only get to see once a year at the Summit. None of us travel like we used to, and the only time I can see these people is there, which makes it a must-attend two days.

BL: Stealing someone else’s great idea or concept, bringing it back to the Twin Cities, and calling it my own, LOL. But seriously, to a certain extent, I think we all can learn a thing or two about best practices elsewhere from minds a lot smarter than mine. Other than that, just connecting and commiserating with fellow radio junkies and “nerding out” is always a hoot.

KAC: Why is it important for news/talk media professionals to attend conferences?

AT: This conference is a great place to gather new ideas and network with some of the best in the business.

CB: We live in a busy world right now where we are always dealing with the tyranny of the urgent—the things that are happening right now that need to get checked off your list. So anytime that we have the opportunity to take a little break from the day-to-day and really think about what it is we are doing, it’s a positive thing for us personally and also for our industry.

When we have the opportunity to get together with those who share common challenges and goals, hopefully we will all come away richer from the experience.

KCharles: We all have what we think are unique challenges in our home markets, and it is important to not only know there are many others with the same challenges, but also to learn how they are managing them. Taking some of that knowledge back to the home market is impactful and makes attending conferences a crucial opportunity to grow as a programmer.

It is also great because every time I attend, I not only see old friends but I also make new ones. You can’t do that sitting behind a desk on one side of the country or the other. You can only really do that in person.

BL: Selfishly, to connect and network. But more importantly, to be an ambassador and represent our brand to a group of respected peers, to talk about and share what we’ve been working on. Most times in my experience, it’s the side conversations between sessions where the best thoughts and experiences are shared.

KAC: Who are you most looking forward to hearing or seeing in New York City?

AT: I think all the speakers will have something to offer. However, I am especially interested in the conversations about digital innovation, market growth, and talent development.

CB: The Barrett conferences are almost like a college reunion because they bring people together who may have worked together before, or maybe have heard the reputation of others. To be able to learn from our colleagues and also enjoy the fellowship is something we don’t do enough of these days.

KCharles: Ben Mevorach. He’s my idol.

BL: You mean other than The Naked Cowboy in Times Square?! Ahem. If I’m forced to single someone out, it’d be Mary Sandberg Boyle, as WGN is probably as close to the type of station we strive to be — a true news and talk station that’s not ideologically driven. I’d love to hear what they’re doing and how they view the road ahead.

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 Elevates EJ Manuel to ESPN Saturday Studio Programming

BSM Staff
-
0
ESPN Elevates EJ Manuel to ESPN Saturday Studio Programming

ESPN is shuffling its college football studio roster for the upcoming season, leaning on a mix of familiar faces and new pairings across its family of networks. The network confirmed that analysts EJ Manuel, Joey Galloway, and Booger McFarland will return to studio roles, while longtime anchors Matt Barrie, Kevin Negandhi, and Kevin Connors will once again headline coverage.

The biggest shift involves Manuel, who is moving from a consistent presence on ACC Network to a larger role on ESPN’s national coverage. He’ll work alongside Barrie and Galloway throughout Saturdays, contributing analysis and perspective as part of the network’s flagship studio programming.

The trio will also anchor College Football Final each week, recapping the biggest games and storylines from around the country.

Manuel, a former Florida State quarterback and first-round NFL draft pick, is in his fifth season with ESPN. While stepping into a more prominent role, he will maintain ties to ACC Network by continuing to co-host the ACC Network Football Podcast with Roddy Jones twice a week.

For Galloway, the assignment represents another chapter in his lengthy run with the network. Now entering his 15th year with ESPN, the former Ohio State standout will continue to contribute to studio wraps and the College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show, in addition to his Saturday responsibilities.

Barrie remains one of ESPN’s most versatile anchors. Along with his college football studio work, he will continue on Thursday Night Football play-by-play duties and host on-campus editions of SportsCenter tied to primetime matchups.

Meanwhile, ABC’s Saturday night coverage once again leans on the chemistry between Negandhi and McFarland. The duo has become a fixture in studio over the past half-decade, with this year marking their sixth consecutive season together.

Negandhi, who has anchored ABC’s college football studio coverage since 2019, balances the role alongside co-hosting the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter.

McFarland, a former NFL defensive lineman, extends his multi-platform presence with continued work on Get Up, NFL PrimeTime, and ESPN’s NFL Draft and Super Bowl programming.

On ESPN2, Connors and Trevor Matich return to their posts. Connors enters his seventh year on the desk, bringing experience from SportsCenter, Major League Baseball coverage, and occasional play-by-play assignments. Matich, a mainstay at ESPN since 2007, returns for his second year as a regular part of the ESPN2 studio crew while continuing to appear on College Football Live and ESPN Radio.

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.

Barstool Sports, FOX Sports Announce “Wake Up Barstool” Debuting September 2 on FS1

BSM Staff
-
0
Barstool Sports, FOX Sports Announce “Wake Up Barstool” Debuting September 2 on FS1

FOX Sports is leaning into Barstool Sports’ unapologetic brand of sports talk with the launch of Wake Up Barstool, a two-hour daily studio show debuting Tuesday, Sept. 2, on FS1. The program will air live weekdays from 8–10 a.m. with a encore replay from 10am-12pm. The program aims to bring Barstool’s mix of unfiltered commentary, viral conversation and irreverent humor to national television.

The show will be headlined by Barstool founder Dave Portnoy alongside Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric Sollenberger, better known as “PFT Commenter.” They will be joined by a rotating cast of Barstool personalities, including former LSU lineman T-Bob Hebert, Brandon Walker, and former NBA All-Star Jason Williams.

“Launching Wake Up Barstool on FS1 is a huge step for us,” Portnoy said in a statement. “We’ve built a community that talks about sports the way fans actually do, and now we get to do it every morning on national television. It’s Barstool, unfiltered, the way it’s meant to be.”

Each morning, Wake Up Barstool promises a combination of headline-driven discussion, cultural crossover moments, and candid interviews with athletes and FOX Sports talent. The format leans heavily on the unscripted, personality-driven style that has built Barstool into one of the most recognizable names in digital sports media.

FOX Sports executives see the move as an opportunity to inject a different kind of energy into the network’s daily lineup. By leaning on Barstool’s rabid fan base and content track record, the show is positioned as a complement rather than a competitor to FS1’s established offerings like The Herd with Colin Cowherd and Undisputed.

“Wake Up Barstool is a great addition to FS1’s daily lineup,” Mark Silverman, FOX Sports president and COO, said. “Barstool has built a passionate audience by speaking to sports fans in a way that’s bold and original. Bringing that voice to mornings gives viewers a fresh, authentic way to start their day.”

To maintain freshness, FS1 and Barstool will rotate the daily lineup. Mondays will feature Portnoy, Williams, Walker and Rico Bosco. Tuesdays bring Katz, Nick Turani, Eddie Farrer and Hebert. Wednesdays center on Walker and Hebert, while Thursdays highlight PFT Commenter, Mark Titus, Jersey Jerry and Hebert. Fridays close out the week with Hebert and a rotating cast of guests.

Wake Up Barstool is part of the FOX Sports partnership announcement with Barstool Sports which was announced in July. The collaboration also signals FOX Sports’ embracing personality-driven formats as networks search for ways to connect with younger audiences. Barstool has long thrived on its ability to blur the line between sports and culture, often creating viral storylines that extend beyond traditional coverage. By putting those voices on FS1 each morning, both sides are betting that the chemistry will carry to linear television.

The weekly lineup on Wake Up Barstool reads as follows.

MONDAY – Dave Portnoy, Jason Williams, Brandon Walker, Rico Bosco

TUESDAY – Dan “Big Cat” Katz, Nick Turani, Eddie Darrer, T-Bob Hebert

WEDNESDAY – Brandon Walker, T-Bob Hebert

THURSDAY – PFT Commenter, Mark Titus, Jersey Jerry, T-Bob Hebert

FRIDAY – T-Bob Hebert with rotating cast.

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.

Audacy Announces Partnership With ‘Heed The Call’ NFL Podcast

BSM Staff
-
0
Audacy Announces Partnership With ‘Heed The Call’ NFL Podcast

Audacy is adding more firepower to its already deep sports audio portfolio. The company announced it has partnered with veteran NFL analysts Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler to handle sales and distribution for their Heed the Call NFL Podcast, bringing one of the sport’s most respected independent shows under its umbrella.

The deal goes into effect September 1, with new episodes continuing to publish four times per week during the NFL season across YouTube and all major podcast platforms. The move positions Audacy to further strengthen its reputation as a go-to destination for football fans and advertisers.

“As we say on the pod: ‘There are no reverse gears in this tank,’” Hanzus and Sessler said in a joint statement. “We believe in our show and its ability to connect with a global audience of football fans. This partnership with Audacy puts us in the best possible position to serve and expand our army of Heedonists.”

For Hanzus and Sessler, the partnership represents the next chapter of a journey that began with the groundbreaking Around the NFL podcast. The two built a global following during their years with the league, and they’ve leaned into a freer, more personal style since launching Heed the Call in 2024. The program has already earned industry accolades, including a Silver Telly Award and a Cynopsis Sports Media Award for Best New Sports Show.

Audacy executives echoed that sentiment, highlighting both the audience appeal and the business potential of the show. “Dan and Marc are pioneers in sports podcasting and two of the most respected voices in the NFL media landscape,” said Leah Reis-Dennis, head of podcasts at Audacy. “Their compelling mix of expertise, authenticity, and humor has built a passionate following and we’re proud to bring ‘Heed the Call NFL Podcast’ into the Audacy family as we continue to expand our industry-leading sports audio lineup.”

The deal also gives advertisers another avenue to reach engaged NFL fans at scale, a key selling point as competition for podcast ad dollars intensifies.

Audacy has invested heavily in its sports footprint over the past several years. Its holdings now include 40 owned-and-operated sports radio stations, more than 160 streaming sports channels on the Audacy app, and over 600 sports podcasts. The company is also the flagship audio partner of Major League Baseball and produces two national sports networks, Infinity Sports Network and the BetMGM Network.

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.

Dan Le Batard: FOX Sports Is Getting Exactly What They Wanted From Dave Portnoy

BSM Staff
-
0
Dan Le Batard: FOX Sports Is Getting Exactly What They Wanted From Dave Portnoy

Following the news of Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy’s reported ban from the football field at Ohio State, Dan Le Batard weighed in on what he considers a brewing rivalry between FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff and ESPN’s College GameDay. He framing the battle as a generational clash amplified by controversy surrounding Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.

“When you talk about the games that we’re headed into this weekend, already FOX and Big Noon is getting exactly what they want out of Dave Portnoy and Barstool,” Le Batard said. “It seems all of this would be orchestrated in order to create noise and controversy, and I believe Portnoy and Barstool will be good about attracting attention, particularly of young people, to rival Lee Corso’s departure on ESPN.”

Reports emerged late Monday night that Portnoy would be barred from participating in the end-of-show segment on the field at Ohio State. While Ohio State’s athletic director said early Tuesday the move was in part because of Portnoy’s role on the FOX Sports show, the Barstool Sports founder disputed that claim later on Tuesday.

This sparked speculation by Le Batard about whether the move was a ban or part of a larger marketing strategy. Le Batard suggested the attention generated by the story was exactly what Fox and Barstool were hoping for.

“I don’t believe creatures like [Dave] Portnoy have ever existed in the history of these shows,” he explained. “A network that is struggling with its sports programming. This is how they get into the game by trying to do something different finally. I’ve been so frustrated with FOX because they’re just doing a crappy copied version of whatever has been the norm. Now they’re just going to upset everything and they’re just going to create noise and chaos and controversy.”

He described the situation as a calculated publicity maneuver benefiting both the network and Portnoy.

Le Batard also placed the FOX-ESPN rivalry in the context of generational shifts in sports media consumption. He highlighted the challenges both networks face in capturing younger audiences amid changing viewing habits. He contrasted the modern FOX Sports approach with ESPN’s reliance on legacy personalities.

“ESPN will get week one, even though that’s a giant game with Arch Manning. But symbolically, this is a changing of the guard that FOX is trying to go after… while ESPN is trying to sell you its past,” Le Batard said.

The debut of Big Noon Kickoff on FOX Sports Saturday from Columbus, Ohio marks the start of a content partnership between FOX Sports and Barstool Sports announced in July.

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.

WWL Radio Presents Special to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

BNM Staff
-
0
WWL Radio Presents Special to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina slamming into the Gulf Coast is this weekend, and WWL Radio in New Orleans has prepared a special broadcast to look back on those events.

Katrina…20 Years Later “remembers the tragedy, heartbreak, and catastrophe, and as we celebrate the victories, recovery, and progress two decades after” the Category 5 storm hit the area, the Audacy New Orleans news/talk brand says about the special.

During the hurricane, WWL Radio was one of the only media outlets that remained on the air and was the first to broadcast how much damage had been inflicted on the Louisiana city. The station’s coverage went on to win Edward R. Murrow and Marconi Radio Awards in 2006 and 2007.

As part of the special, WWL spoke to Newell Normand — who hosts middays on the station, and was working at the Sheriff’s Office of Jefferson Parish at the time of the event — as well as former host Garland Robinette, current host Bobby Hebert, former New Orleans Saint running back Deuce McAllister, and several others to recount their experiences and how far the city has come since that event.

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.

Brady Quinn: There’s Room at the ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ Desk for Dave Portnoy at Ohio State

BSM Staff
-
0
Brady Quinn: There’s Room at the ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ Desk for Dave Portnoy at Ohio State

Big Noon Kickoff analyst Brady Quinn offered his perspective Tuesday on the controversy surrounding Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who has reportedly been barred from the field at Ohio State’s stadium for the Buckeyes’ season-opening matchup against Texas on Saturday.

Quinn, speaking with 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, said he is unsure of the exact circumstances surrounding the ban, calling the situation “petty” and “ridiculous” if it is indeed true.

“I don’t know what the hell’s going on,” Quinn said. “I don’t know how much validity there is to whether or not he was actually banned, or if this is all just made for TV.”

While he acknowledged that Portnoy’s exclusion has drawn attention, Quinn emphasized that the show has previously accommodated guests in tight spaces. “We’ve had people who are not on our desk to start our show be on the desk in the stadium. It’s a tight fit, but we’ve done it,” he said. “Matthew McConaughey is going to be there. I’m pretty sure he’ll be on the desk inside the stadium. He’s coming from Texas, the team they’re playing… I do know there’s room for one more at the desk.”

Quinn also suggested that the reports about Portnoy’s ban may involve some level of public relations management by Ohio State, noting that the university may have been displeased with the hire.

“Someone doesn’t want him in the stadium, I know Ohio State wasn’t happy about the hire. So it feels like they’re doing a bit of damage control right now,” Quinn said.

Despite the controversy, Quinn urged fans and media alike to focus on the matchup itself, calling it one of the most compelling season openers in college football history. “It’s fun. It’s a great game. Why are we focusing on this off-the-field crap when we’ve got the greatest matchup to start a season I think we’ve ever seen in college football history?” he questioned.

Portnoy, who has been a polarizing figure in sports media, is scheduled to appear on Big Noon Kickoff but will not be allowed on the field for the end-of-show coverage according to Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork. Portnoy said he initially planned to remain silent on the matter out of respect for the network, but media coverage forced him to address the situation. He criticized Ohio State for sending mixed messages, citing conflicting statements from athletic director Ross Bjork, who claimed the university had not issued a ban.

The debut of Big Noon Kickoff on FOX Sports Saturday from Columbus, Ohio marks the start of a content partnership between FOX Sports and Barstool Sports announced in July.

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.

1...738739740...2,893Page 739 of 2,893