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How Four Radio Stations Covered Jay-Z and Noah Kahan

Bethany Kent
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How Four Radio Stations Covered Jay-Z and Noah Kahan

New York and Boston each got a piece of music history this July. Jay-Z played three sold-out nights at Yankee Stadium on July 10, 11, and 12 in the Bronx. Noah Kahan was the first artist to ever play four sold-out nights at Fenway Park; July 7, 8, 10, and 11 in Boston. The runs didn’t just land in the same month, they actually overlapped. As Kahan closed out his Fenway residency, Jay-Z opened his at Yankee Stadium a few hundred miles south.

Four stations spent that stretch building coverage around their hometown headliner: Power 105.1 and 94.7 The Block in New York and Mix 104.1 and Kiss 108 in Boston. As Barrett Media’s radio promotions and events nerd – *salutes* – I kept an eye on what all four stations were doing to take advantage of the collective effervescence that captivated their listeners. Below is the highlight reel.

Power 105.1 Turns the Weekend Into a Broadcast

iHeartMedia’s Power 105.1 had one advantage no promotional plan could buy: a real relationship. Angie Martinez’s decades-long friendship with Jay-Z gave the iHeartMedia station genuine backstage access throughout the run.

The station built on that legacy with heavy on-air and digital activity. They ran Jay-Z mixes throughout the weekend and created interactive content for listeners.

iHeartMedia EVP of Programming, Thea Mitchem, said the station set out to own the full weekend, not just the concerts themselves. “We wanted to make sure POWER showed up in a big way for this moment,” Mitchem said. “Throughout the weekend, we activated on-air and online, giving listeners last-minute chances to win tickets to Yankee Stadium while making sure that, before and after the concerts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, POWER was the soundtrack to Jay-Z weekend.”

She tied the effort to the moment’s significance. “It was an incredible summer weekend in New York, and we wanted the station to reflect the energy and celebration surrounding 30 years of one of the city’s greatest sons. From our music programming to our digital presence, we made sure POWER provided the soundtrack for the celebration.”

94.7 The Block Builds a Show-by-Show Plan

Audacy’s 94.7 The Block took a structured approach, building separate programming for each night of the run. Brand Manager Andre Yancey walked through the plan night by night.

“Night 1: We did an all out Jay Z takeover 6:30-8:30PM – focusing on parts of his catalog and features (for the drive in),” Yancey said. Night two dug into Jay-Z’s label history. “6PM – Premium Blends w/ Dre Boogs and Kayla G – Dedicated Roc a Fella takeover,” he said, followed by a midnight set from DJ Jon Quick “with Jay and Friends” for fans driving home from the stadium.

Night three didn’t go exactly as planned. The team had a wrap-up show ready but pulled it once a rain delay pushed the concert’s start time, resulting in it ending just before 3AM. They didn’t drop the idea entirely, though. Just a few hours later, The Radio Big Mack Show recapped the whole weekend with listeners during their Monday morning show.

Mix 104.1 Turns a Viral Story Into a Statement

In Boston, Audacy’s Mix 104.1 built its Fenway coverage around a moment of its own making. A few weeks before Kahan’s run, an attendee reportedly defecated in the seating area during his Philadelphia show at Citizens Bank Park on June 26. Mix 104.1 wasn’t going to let that story pass quietly.

The Audacy station flew an aerial banner over Fenway Park that read “Mix 104.1 Reminds You Don’t Poop In The Park.” It was blunt, it was funny, and fans noticed.

The station backed the stunt with consistency across all four nights. Mix 104.1 broadcast live from the rooftop of the nearby MGM Music Hall, giving fans a pregame gathering spot and giving the station a steady on-the-ground presence outside the ballpark.

They even had a fan propose marriage at their broadcast.

Kiss 108 Leans on Personality and Fan Interaction

iHeartMedia’s Kiss 108 built its Fenway coverage around people. Kiss 108’s SVP of Programming, Dylan Sprague, said the team was fully committed to the run from the start. “We were definitely all in on Noah. Huge artist for Boston,” Dylan said. The station broadcasted live from Fenway’s “Game On” bar on all four nights. “Live shows in PMD with Mikey, Gianna” he said. One night mattered more than the rest for building buzz. “Our staff went Tuesday during [the] rain show so they could talk about it all week.” Dylan said.

Two fan-facing moments stood out above the rest. “‘Merch Angel’ – paying for random fans in merch line and ticket upgrades were two of our biggest moments,” Dylan said.

The numbers backed up the effort. “On IG alone Kiss 108 reached 14mm views and 740,000 interactions over the last 30 days,” Sprague said.

Mikey V & Gianna gave away the coveted Noah Kahan “Front Porch” pit passes and facetimed the winner to let her know she won. I’ve seen them do this before and think it’s awesome content.

McCabe delivered man-on-the-street content for the station, catching real fan energy outside the ballpark. Kudos to McCabe for leaning into the “bugs” theme that many fans were dressed in at the show.

Both Mix 104.1 and Kiss 108 brought oversized “phat head” cutouts of Kahan for fans to pose with, and both got heavy use across the four shows. Kiss 108 added one more prop that stood out: a sign reading “Mean Because I Grew Up in New England” that fans could hold for photos. It tapped into New England’s self-aware sense of humor.

Four Stations, Four Different Playbooks

Each station found its own way into the moment. Power 105.1 leaned on history and relationships. 94.7 The Block built a plan for every night and adjusted when the weather didn’t cooperate. In Boston, Mix 104.1 turned a headline into a stunt, and Kiss 108 turned a regional stereotype into a photo opp.

Two cities, two overlapping weekends, seven sold-out shows. Four stations made sure their city didn’t miss a beat.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Morning Show Pioneer Mike Marino Passes Away at 60

David Hill
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Morning Show Pioneer Mike Marino Passes Away at 60

Mike Marino, a beloved radio programmer and morning show content expert, has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.

What We Know: Marino spent decades shaping radio across multiple formats. He was widely regarded as a master of Urban AC programming. Twenty-five years ago, he created TheBitXChange, a prep service for morning shows. That platform still operates today as GotRooster and AmeriCountry.

What They Said: Jason Hillery, OM of Midwest Communications in Green Bay and Marino’s longtime friend, delivered the news. “Mike lived and breathed radio,” Hillery said. “He loved the industry, he loved the people in the industry, and was always finding ways to help talent improve their craft.” Hillery also noted that Marino kept his illness private, never letting his diagnosis slow him down.

What Remains Unclear: Details about memorial services have not yet been released. Hillery indicated that information will be forthcoming. Marino’s passing leaves a significant void in the industry. The full scope of his impact is still being realized.

What It Means: Marino’s death is a profound loss for radio. He represented the kind of tireless, passionate professional the industry rarely produces. His work touched morning shows across the country. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, and stepdaughter, Jennifer.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

‘Ben & Woods’ Earn Three-Year Contract Extensions at 97.3 The Fan

John Mamola
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‘Ben & Woods’ Earn Three-Year Contract Extensions at 97.3 The Fan

97.3 The Fan just extended Ben & Woods in morning drive with another three-year extension. Audacy signed Ben Higgins, Steve Woods and producer Paul Reindl to fresh deals announced Friday.

What We Know: The trio has anchored mornings at 97.3 The Fan in San Diego since June 2019. That’s when the show’s original home, The Mighty 1090, shut down. By the deal’s conclusion, Higgins said, the show will have logged more than a decade on the station. In addition, the news was broke during the show on Friday to the surprise of the talents themselves.

What They Said: (all quotes via 97.3 The Fan)

Steve Woods on his three-year extension with 97.3 The Fan in San Diego: “I’m very honored. I’m very humbled and very excited about the next three and a half years. I’m not gonna lie. It’s such a relief. It’s the best birthday.”

Ben Higgins on the new contract extension with 97.3 The Fan in San Diego: “By the end of the new three year deal that we that we just agreed to, we will have been on the air more than a decade on this station. It doesn’t happen. That’s crazy. I’m just humbled and honored that we can spend a decade with you in the mornings. It’s just unbelievable.”

Steve Woods on working with Audacy’s 97.3 The Fan: “I love this job, this company and this place. I don’t want to go anywhere else. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be with these guys and you. The sky’s the limit. I’ve always felt that.”

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the extensions is unknown.

What It Means: The deal signals stability for Audacy’s San Diego sports-talk lineup. In addition, it also rewards a show that has become a market staple. For listeners, the arrangement means no shake-up to weekday mornings anytime soon.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Megyn Kelly Launches ‘MK Confidential’ True Crime Series

Garrett Searight
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Megyn Kelly Launches ‘MK Confidential’ True Crime Series

Megyn Kelly is expanding her true crime coverage with a new investigative series. Megyn Kelly will debut MK Confidential on July 20th.

What We Know: MK Confidential will premiere Monday, July 20th, at 9 PM ET on The Megyn Kelly Show podcast feed and YouTube channel. The series launches with an eight-week summer run. Episodes will air Monday through Friday. Each installment will examine a major criminal case through a narrative format. Initial subjects include the JonBenet Ramsey case, Chandra Levy’s disappearance, and the DC Snipers investigation. Additionally, the project builds on Kelly’s growing investment in the true crime genre. She launched the MK True Crime digital channel last year and has continued covering high-profile legal cases through her podcast.

What They Said: “Like millions of others, I am a huge devotee of the true crime genre. This series was born out of a desire to revisit the most compelling, unforgettable cases in one place, digesting one mystery at a time in narrative form. I hope you find the results as addictive as we have!” -Megyn Kelly

What Remains Unclear: Kelly hasn’t revealed whether MK Confidential will continue beyond its initial eight-week run. Likewise, the full episode lineup and any potential guest contributors remain unknown. The company also hasn’t shared whether future seasons will expand beyond the announced cases.

What It Means: The launch further broadens Kelly’s media portfolio beyond political commentary and current events. Moreover, it reflects continued audience demand for premium true crime programming across podcasts and YouTube. By combining narrative storytelling with her legal background, Kelly is positioning MK Confidential to compete for listeners seeking in-depth crime coverage from a familiar media personality. The daily release schedule also gives her another opportunity to deepen engagement with audiences already following The Megyn Kelly Show and MK True Crime.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Gilbert Arenas Lands New Podcast Partnership With Playmaker

John Mamola
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Gilbert Arenas Lands New Podcast Partnership With Playmaker

Gilbert Arenas has a new podcast home. The popular Gil’s Arena is heading to Playmaker after parting ways with Underdog earlier this year.

What We Know: Gil’s Arena debuts on Playmaker in August, airing five days a week. Longtime cohost Josiah Johnson moves with Arenas to the new platform. Arenas launched the show in 2023, and it now draws more than 70 million views annually. According to a report by Front Office Sports, Arenas sold half the show to Underdog in February 2023, then exited in May following a rocky split.

What They Said: Playmaker CEO Dave Katzman. “We’re thrilled to partner with them as they relaunch this incredible property and help them continue delivering for the fans who have been with them from the beginning, while introducing Gil’s Arena to new audiences and continuing to grow the brand.”

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the Playmaker deal haven’t been disclosed. It’s also unclear whether Underdog retains any stake going forward.

What It Means: Playmaker gains another athlete-led marquee show, joining Roommates, Big Podcast With Shaq and Club Shay Shay. For Arenas, it’s a clean restart after a messy corporate breakup with Underdog. Meanwhile, Underdog’s recent pivot away from original content confirms its full focus on prediction markets and daily fantasy.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Don Lemon: People ‘Keep Asking Me’ to Run for President

Garrett Searight
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Don Lemon: People ‘Keep Asking Me’ to Run for President

Don Lemon again floated a presidential bid. His latest comments echoed remarks from earlier this year.

What We Know: Don Lemon renewed speculation about a possible White House campaign during a recent appearance. Although he hasn’t announced a candidacy, he again said he’s seriously considering the idea. The comments aren’t entirely new. In April, Lemon also said he was serious about exploring a run for president. However, his latest remarks reinforced that the possibility remains on his mind. As a result, the comments have renewed discussion about whether the former CNN anchor could eventually enter national politics. He told Cant’ Be Censored that he is genuinely considering it.

What They Said: “People keep asking me if I’m running for president. And I don’t know. I might. I’m serious. I don’t know. I might. Because people keep asking me to do it, or if I’m going to do it … I actually think I would be a really good president of the United States … What it would take is if I ran a political campaign, a presidential campaign, I would like to run it — and I don’t know if this is realistic or not — without having to beg for money.” – Don Lemon

What Remains Unclear: Lemon hasn’t outlined any campaign infrastructure, timeline, or policy platform. Likewise, he hasn’t indicated whether he’s taken formal steps toward launching a presidential campaign. It’s also unknown whether his remarks represent active planning or continued public speculation. Until he provides additional details, questions about his political intentions will remain.

What It Means: Lemon’s comments continue to blur the line between media personalities and political figures. Moreover, they illustrate how high-profile broadcasters can generate political attention without formally entering a race. Whether Lemon ultimately runs or not, repeated public statements keep the possibility in the conversation. If he eventually launches a campaign, his media profile would likely provide immediate name recognition while also inviting heightened scrutiny.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Beggars Group Creates Two New Radio Promotion Roles

David Hill
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Beggars Group Creates Two New Radio Promotion Roles

Beggars Group has created two new roles focused on radio promotion and music discovery. Max Datner and Ariana Mamnoon join the label group to lead those efforts.

What We Know: Datner joins as Director of Radio and Music Discovery. He previously served as Manager of National Promotion at Nettwerk Music Group. Before that, he worked radio promotion at The Planetary Group. Based in Philadelphia, he’ll oversee the department and lead traditional radio campaigns across Non-Comm and Commercial formats. Reach him at maxdatner@beggars.com.

What’s at Stake: Beggars Group — home to 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, XL Recordings, and Young — serves some of indie music’s most respected artists. Radio remains a critical discovery tool, even in a streaming-first world. These roles signal a renewed commitment to broadcast and emerging platforms. Getting the right records to the right programmers still matters enormously.

What Remains Unclear: How the two roles will divide responsibilities across Beggars’ five imprints is still unknown. It’s also unclear whether additional hires are planned to support the new department. The structure of the team beyond Datner and Mamnoon has not been publicly outlined.

What It Means: Beggars is betting that dedicated radio strategy drives real results for its artists. Mamnoon’s focus on internet radio and emerging outlets reflects where younger audiences live. Meanwhile, Datner’s traditional radio experience anchors the commercial side. Together, they give Beggars a more complete promotional infrastructure than most indie label groups carry.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Charles Barkley Admits He Wasn’t Phased by Draymond Green’s Comments on ‘Inside the NBA’

John Mamola
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Charles Barkley Admits He Wasn’t Phased by Draymond Green’s Comments on ‘Inside the NBA’

Charles Barkley isn’t losing sleep over Draymond Green’s comments regarding Barkley’s career made on Inside the NBA. The Warriors forward’s on-air jab barely registered with the Hall of Famer.

What We Know: Green needled Barkley on the May 6 episode of Inside the NBA, joking about avoiding Barkley’s Houston Rockets years. The comment quickly drew backlash, with fans and fellow panelists calling it unnecessarily personal. Barkley discussed how he felt about the comments on Friday’s Pardon My Take, where he made clear the jab never bothered him.

What They Said: Charles Barkley (via Pardon My Take): “I never even gave that a second thought, but I was really surprised how many people went after Draymond and defended me. I’m not sensitive at all because I say stuff about players. I hope they’re not sensitive because if I say it, I believe it. That don’t mean I’m always right. So that didn’t even faze me whatsoever. I can take it as much as I can dish it out.”

What Remains Unclear: Green’s future with Golden State remains murky heading into the offseason. Additionally, it’s unclear whether this exchange changes the dynamic between the two on set going forward. Barkley didn’t say whether he plans to address Green directly, and Green hasn’t publicly reacted to Friday’s comments yet.

What It Means: For Barkley, the response reinforces his reputation as thick-skinned and consistent with his own on-air style. Since he regularly criticizes players, he expects the same treatment in return. For Green, meanwhile, the public defense of Barkley suggests the joke landed worse than intended. Ultimately, Barkley’s answer signals he’s already moved past it entirely.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Spotify Challenges YouTube With Exclusive Music Video Premieres

David Hill
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Spotify Challenges YouTube With Exclusive Music Video Premieres

Spotify launched exclusive music video premieres for Premium subscribers. Jelly Roll’s new “Hands Up” video kicked things off — and the setting made it unforgettable.

What We Know: Jelly Roll filmed the “Hands Up” video at California’s San Quentin State Prison, echoing a legendary performance Johnny Cash once delivered at the same location. Directed by Anthony Mandler, the black-and-white clip follows Jelly Roll through the prison before he takes the stage with his band. Premium subscribers in Spotify’s beta markets got first access for 48 hours across TV, desktop, iOS, and Android. To watch, users simply select the track and tap “Switch to Video.”

What’s at Stake: This move signals that Spotify is aggressively competing for video content — territory long dominated by YouTube. Exclusive premiere windows give Premium subscribers a tangible reason to stay and pay. Furthermore, tying a powerful artist moment to a platform feature creates cultural relevance, not just utility. Music video exclusives could become a meaningful differentiator in the streaming wars ahead.

What Remains Unclear: Spotify hasn’t revealed how many artists are lined up for future video debuts. Additionally, it’s unknown whether the 48-hour exclusive window will become standard or vary by release. The long-term revenue model for artists participating in these premieres also hasn’t been publicly addressed.

What It Means: This is bigger than one music video. Spotify has been quietly and steadily building a video-first identity. Just last month, the platform added editor-led video recommendations directly inside New Music Friday, giving listeners a closer look at the curators behind the picks. That move alone signaled a shift. Now, with Jelly Roll’s “Hands Up” debuting exclusively on the platform, Spotify is doubling down. The strategy traces back to The Drop Weekly, which launched in September 2025 and produced more than double the engagement through saves and likes.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Larry O’Connor Defends Salem Media After Time Magazine Report

Garrett Searight
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Larry O’Connor Defends Salem Media After Time Magazine Report

Larry O’Connor pushed back against a Time report about Salem Media. He rejected claims that Salem personalities received messaging directives.

What We Know: Larry O’Connor defended Salem Media after a Time report examined the company’s relationship with Chief Strategy Officer Brad Parscale. The article alleged Parscale has worked as a foreign agent for the Israeli government while helping shape Salem’s business strategy. Time also questioned whether Parscale influenced editorial coverage supporting Israel across Salem platforms. O’Connor responded publicly by denying any editorial direction from company leadership. He argued Salem hosts have backed Israel for decades. He also said that support long predates Parscale’s arrival at the company. His comments came as debate continues over media independence, political advocacy, and the influence of executives behind major conservative media brands.

What They Said: “I work for Salem and I have never been told to say anything at all at any time. Furthermore, I supported Vance and Trump throughout the negotiations giving them the benefit of the doubt at every turn. Finally, I and the rest of the Salem lineup have supported Israel for decades, well before Mr. Parscale had any affiliation with the company. We have years of shows, podcasts and columns to prove it. The really disconcerting foreign influence may lie with those podcasters and hosts who supported Israel for those same decades and then suddenly turned on a dime and changed their positions. Perhaps that deserves a little more scrutiny.” -Larry O’Connor

What Remains Unclear: If Salem Media will publicly address the assertion that Parscale is working as a foreign agent.

What It Means: O’Connor’s response underscores how conservative media companies continue facing scrutiny over editorial independence. His defense also highlights Salem’s position that its programming reflects longstanding views rather than executive direction. The dispute could draw additional attention to how media organizations separate corporate leadership from on-air editorial judgment as the controversy develops.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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