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KSHE 95 St Louis Named Official Rock Station of Missouri

BMM Staff
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KSHE 95 St Louis Named Official Rock Station of Missouri

KSHE 94.7, St. Louis, known to generations of rock fans as “KSHE 95,” has been formally declared the Official Rock Radio Station of Missouri.

The designation became law under HCS SCS SB 348, which was approved on June 24, 2025. It will take effect officially on August 28. The move marks a rare moment where a local radio station receives statewide recognition for cultural and historic impact.

For State Representative Bill Lucas (R-DeSoto), the legislation was personal. Lucas grew up listening to KSHE and approached the station in March about making it the state’s official rock outlet. The station worked closely with him, providing historical documents, quotes, and even logo assets to help advance the bill.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized by the state of Missouri in an official capacity,” said Marty Linck, KSHE Brand Content Director. “It’s surreal that the station I grew up listening to and now work for has achieved such status.”

KSHE has long held a special place in St. Louis radio and beyond. The station is widely recognized as the longest continually operating rock station in the United States. Having first embraced the rock format in 1967. It had launched the year prior as a classical station, with a twist: the original deejays were women, prompting the founders to call it KSHE — pronounced “kay she.”

From there, the station built a legacy around its “real rock radio” mantra. Over the years, KSHE 95 became more than just a frequency. It turned into a cultural institution, creating a rock museum, a café, and one of the most recognizable mascots in radio: Sweetmeat, the sunglass-wearing, cigar-chomping pig.

The station’s reach extended far beyond Missouri. In 1987, Rolling Stone readers voted KSHE the Best Medium Market Radio Station in the country — a nod to its blend of local swagger and rock credibility.

Sweet Meat

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Vince McMahon To Take Part in TMZ Special on Hulk Hogan

BSM Staff
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Vince McMahon To Take Part in TMZ Special on Hulk Hogan

Former WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon will be a part of a new hour-long television special on FOX will explore the life, career, and complicated legacy of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan is set to premiere Tuesday, August 12, marking the first major televised retrospective since Hogan’s death on July 24 at the age of 71.

Produced by TMZ and spearheaded by longtime executive producer Harvey Levin, the documentary promises a candid and in-depth look at the man born Terry Bollea, who helped transform professional wrestling into a mainstream entertainment juggernaut during the 1980s and beyond.

The special features a blend of voices from inside and outside the ring, offering a multifaceted perspective on Hogan’s influence and controversies. Appearances include longtime friend and Rocky III co-star Sylvester Stallone, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and several WWE Hall of Famers such as Mick Foley, Bill Goldberg, Jimmy Hart, and Mark Henry.

According to an official release, the special will highlight how Hogan “changed pop culture forever.”

As for McMahon’s appearance, it will be his first televised interview in some time as the former WWE chairman as remained out of the public eye since the Janel Grant lawsuit became public. McMahon did share his thoughts on Hogan’s passing via social media following the announcement of his passing.

In an effort to bridge Hogan’s legacy across generations, the special also includes commentary from current WWE Superstars like Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Jacob Fatu. Their appearances reflect the continued reach of Hogan’s larger-than-life persona in today’s wrestling landscape.

TMZ Presents: The Real Hulk Hogan airs from 8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX and will stream the following day on Hulu. Viewers will also be able to access the special via Fox.com, Tubi, and cable and satellite On Demand platforms. The special is executive produced by Levin, Ryan Regan, Don Nash, Charles Latibeaudiere, and Jess Fusco. Susan Favre is listed as co-executive producer.

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Drew Brees Believes He’s a “Top Three Guy” if He Returned to an NFL Broadcast Booth Today

BSM Staff
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Drew Brees Believes He’s a “Top Three Guy” if He Returned to an NFL Broadcast Booth Today

Drew Brees isn’t ready to close the chapter on his broadcasting ambitions—especially when it comes to calling NFL games from the booth. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show Friday, the former Super Bowl champion reflected on his short-lived stint with NBC Sports, pushing back on the perception that his brief time on the air marked a failed attempt at life after football.

“I get the perception that somehow I failed at being a broadcaster,” Brees said. “I got two opportunities to broadcast NFL games, and they were eight weeks apart. I did one game in New Orleans for Thanksgiving and one playoff game.”

Despite the limited reps, Brees maintains confidence in his ability to excel in the booth.

“I have so much respect for the guys doing it right now,” he said. “But I’d step in the booth right now and be a top-three guy—without question. And give me a few years, I could be the best.”

Brees signed with NBC in 2021 and was initially positioned as a rising star in the network’s broadcast pipeline. While he did get on-air reps calling Notre Dame football and appearing on Football Night in America, his real passion—calling NFL games—wasn’t fully realized.

The 13-time Pro Bowler cited his deep understanding of the game and unique quarterback perspective as tools that would serve him—and audiences—well.

“I love talking about the game. I feel I have an insight to the game that is pretty unique given my playing experience. I see the game in a totally different way,” Brees added. “Even when I watch now, I feel like there’s so much more to add. At the end of the day I’m going to wait for the right opportunity and hopefully it comes along.”

Brees parted ways with NBC after just one season, a decision he says was entirely his, based largely on family and coaching commitments that conflicted with the network’s travel demands.

“I departed because I wanted to spend more time with my kids on weekends, coaching ball,” he said. “It didn’t work flying to Connecticut every week while also doing Notre Dame games. It was my decision to step away from NBC, it was not theirs.”

Though he emphasized his appreciation for NBC and named several executives and producers who supported him, Brees made it clear the narrative that he was pushed out is false.

“They wanted me back,” Brees said. “I think it got reported a little bit differently, and now that’s somehow become the narrative. It could not be further from the truth.”

Now, Brees will get a fresh opportunity this Christmas as part of Netflix’s foray into live NFL broadcasting. While the exact assignment is still to be announced, he sees it as a meaningful step back toward the broadcast role he’s always wanted.

“I’m appreciative of Netflix giving me the opportunity,” he said. “That’ll be a lot of fun.”

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Podcasts Now Equal AM/FM Radio in 18 to 29 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Podcasts Now Equal AM/FM Radio in 18 to 29 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

A new milestone in audio consumption has been reached. Edison Research’s latest Share of Ear study reveals that podcast listening among 18- to 29-year-olds now accounts for the same share of daily audio time as AM/FM radio — 14% each.

It’s a significant benchmark for the podcasting industry. When Share of Ear launched in 2014, AM/FM radio held more than a 7-to-1 listening advantage over podcasts in this younger demographic.

Over the past decade, that gap has steadily narrowed, and Edison Research’s new data confirms that younger audiences are now just as likely to spend time with podcasts as they are with traditional broadcast radio.

Despite this parity in daily time spent, AM/FM still reaches a slightly larger portion of the 18-29 audience on a daily basis. However, Edison emphasizes that in the ad-supported audio space, both platforms now hold equal value for marketers trying to reach younger consumers.

While the growth of podcasting has been notable across all age groups, the study points to 18- to 29-year-olds as the leading edge of that shift. Still, both AM/FM radio and podcasting trail behind streaming music and YouTube, which dominate total audio time spent in this age bracket.

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.

Townsquare Media Names Marty Jeff Director Country Content

BMM Staff
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Townsquare Media Names Marty Jeff Director Country Content

Townsquare Media has upped Marty Jeff to Director of Country Content and Programming. Jeff is currently Director of Content for the company’s Albany, New York cluster and Brand Manager PM Driver for Country 107.7 WGNA.

He will succeed Doug Montgomery, who retired this past May. (BMM 5/15)

Jeff said,” I’m beyond thrilled to step into this role for Townsquare. I’m especially excited to work alongside our talented programmers and incredible local stations across the country as we continue to grow our brands, deepen our connection with listeners, and champion the artists who make this format so special. Huge thanks to Kurt Johnson, Jared Willig, and our leadership crew for the belief and opportunity. I’m truly excited for what lies ahead!”

Kurt Johnson, Townsquare SVP/Content and Programming, added, “We are thrilled to have Matty take the reins of our Country stations. With his experience, creativity, and deep love for the format, he’s a natural choice to lead our Country brands into the future.”

Jeff joined WGNA in 2015 and rose to the position of Director of Content in 2020.

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

Joy Taylor Says Pending Lawsuit Had Nothing To Do With Firing From FS1

BSM Staff
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Joy Taylor Says Pending Lawsuit Had Nothing To Do With Firing From FS1

Joy Taylor is setting the record straight on her departure from FOX Sports and FS1’s program Speak, firmly denying that an ongoing legal matter had any influence on the network’s decision to cut her show.

Speaking candidly on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast — her personal platform — the former FS1 host acknowledged she couldn’t discuss the specifics of the lawsuit yet due to its ongoing nature, but she made clear that the changes at FOX had nothing to do with the situation.

“I will say that situation and that suit had nothing to do with the changes that happened at FS1,” Taylor said. “I think from a logical standpoint, everyone can just look and see what the changes were — three shows were cut.”

Taylor was among a group of on-air talent impacted by significant programming shifts at FS1, which included the cancellation of Speak, Breakfast Ball, and The Facility.

“Three shows were let go and a massive sports network shifted into a really aggressive, different direction,” said Taylor. “That was a decision that I’m positive they didn’t come to lightly. They had many discussions about it over an extended period of time.”

According to Taylor, decisions of that scale are well above the talent level and rooted in broader business strategy.

“Those types of deals take years to put together,” she explained. “There’s a lot of signatures that have to be on the bottom line — people that have way more money than I do made those decisions.”

Taylor noted she was disappointed to be the headline of all the changes at FS1, considering the number of people affected.

“The headline of the changes was frustrating because there were three shows let go,” said Taylor. “It was sort of made to seem like I was the only person that was no longer going to be there, which obviously is not true. There was a lot of really big talent from the network that they moved on from, but it also was a lot of people behind the scenes.”

Taylor emphasized that the move reflected a larger directional pivot by FOX Sports executives rather than any individual performance or external legal entanglement.

“What happened was not just, you know, ‘Joy Taylor is no longer at FS1,’” she said. “Three shows were let go, and a massive sports network shifted into a really aggressive, different direction.”

In her view, it’s part of an industry-wide evolution — a response to the changing landscape of how sports content is consumed.

“The business is shifting a lot,” Taylor said. “Everyone in the network space is trying to create this bridge between the digital space and the linear space… Traditionally, a linear-built show doesn’t really work on social or the digital space. Similarly, digital content doesn’t translate directly to linear.”

While the transition away from FOX may have seemed sudden to fans, Taylor said she’s received strong encouragement from peers within the industry.

“I’m getting calls from good friends of mine in the business… and they’re like, ‘Thank God. You’re finally free. Fly, bird,’” she shared. “Give the world your personality and your thoughts, because that’s really where you thrive the most — being yourself.”

Now, Taylor says she’s embracing the opportunity to speak more freely in a space with “not that many rules,” a shift she welcomes as she moves forward in the evolving sports media landscape.

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 Losing Howard Stern and Stephen Colbert Is the Best Thing to Happen to Media in Years

Pete Mundo
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Why Losing Howard Stern and Stephen Colbert Is the Best Thing to Happen to Media in Years

Another week, and another big media star is reportedly set to move on. Two weeks ago, Stephen Colbert and CBS announced they would be parting ways. This week, reports surfaced that Howard Stern and his $100 million-per-year contract with Sirius XM would be canceled at the end of this year.

While many jumped on the bandwagon of “Look! Another liberal media star is getting canceled! We got another!” It’s just not that simple. It never is.

The New York Post’s Charlie Gasparino reported that Colbert’s show was on the trajectory of losing more than the $40 million to $50 million it lost last year, and it would have been a prime target for cancellation once the Skydance deal is done, according to his sources.

Meanwhile, Stern’s deal was also bloated based on the fragmented media climate and how much he was working. Insiders said the company has no real expectation that Stern will accept their offer. “Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want,” one source told The Sun, adding that “it’s no longer worth the investment” to keep paying the reported $100 million-a-year salary.

Both shows were losing money, if not, they would have remained part of a company’s long-term plans. Granted, there are business investments that are wise loss leaders, but do Colbert or Stern fit that mold in 2025? Stern may have been 20 years ago, when then-Sirius Radio was trying to get an advantage over its competition in the satellite radio game. But today? No way.

Joe Rogan, the world’s most popular podcaster, isn’t coming close to Stern’s deal, according to reports. The Joe Rogan Experience became exclusive to Spotify under a 2020 deal, which sources confirmed was worth more than $200 million over 3.5 years.

Plus, Rogan is still in his prime at 57 years old, while Stern, at 71, was only working three days a week. What kind of insane investment would that continue to be going forward for SiriusXM?

Now, to the politics: They certainly didn’t help the cause of either guy. Colbert, while still beating Kimmel and Fallon in the ratings, alienated half the country from ever considering his show, which was supposed to be comedy first, but instead was a preachy, liberal therapy session every night. And Howard Stern’s fluff interviews with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris last year even made Rachel Maddow blush (according to my sources!). Stern’s anti-Trump narrative also did not help his ratings or brand, especially among the everyman who had been drawn to his show for decades.

The Sun insider added, “If Sirius isn’t going to give Stern a good offer, I don’t think it would have anything to do with his ratings. It’s more likely everything to do with the political climate.”

Broadcast outlets are looking for shows with built-in audiences that have a runway to grow and that they can monetize. Whether those shows are comedic in nature, left-leaning, right-leaning, sports-driven, or any other topic of note, is mostly irrelevant.

There’s no question that the political landscape didn’t help Colbert or Stern, but the notion that these shows would have been canceled had they still been profitable is disingenuous. That being said, the culture is changing; an awakening of the “woke” moment that dominated the last half-decade is coming to an end. That part of the story is worth celebrating. 

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Charles Black Joins 100.5 The Vibe in Hampton Roads

BMM Staff
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Charles Black Joins 100.5 The Vibe in Hampton Roads

Veteran Hampton Roads radio personality Charles Black has joined the on-air lineup at 100.5 The Vibe WVBW-FM, Norfolk, VA, for PM Drive.

Black is a familiar name in Urban radio with more than 40 years of experience in Hampton Roads and his native South Carolina.

“We are excited and thankful to have Charles join the Vibe lineup!” said Tone Hollywood, Brand Manager and midday host. “He will be a great addition to the Vibe family and continue to entertain and engage the Hampton Roads community in the Afternoon!”

“I’m very excited to be a part of the incredible team here at 100.5 The Vibe!” Black said.

Jay West, Director of Operations for Max Media of Hampton Roads, said, “The prospect of working with Charles Black was just too good to pass up. Charles is a market veteran who brings passion to Urban radio. A great guy both on & off air. I’m thrilled for his addition to The Soul of The 7 Cities – 100.5 The Vibe.”

Keith Barton, Vice President and General Manager of Max Media Hampton Roads, said, “When I started here 27 years ago, Charles was a morning guy on Soul Classics. It is great to have him back in the family. We know what he has meant to this community, and we are excited to have him back on the air where he belongs.”

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

Yahoo Sports Announces Daily Morning Show Featuring Jason Fitz, Caroline Fenton

BSM Staff
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Yahoo Sports Announces Daily Morning Show Featuring Jason Fitz, Caroline Fenton

Yahoo Sports is getting into the live morning show game. Beginning Monday, the company will launch Yahoo Sports Daily, a new two-hour morning program hosted by Jason Fitz and Caroline Fenton.

The weekday morning show will stream live from 9–11 a.m. ET each weekday across Yahoo Sports platforms and YouTube. The programs aims to give sports fans a dynamic start to their day by delivering a fast-paced mix of analysis, reaction, and storytelling. Yahoo Sports Daily will also feature appearances from a wide range of guests across the sports landscape.

“The secret is finally out,” said Fenton on her personal X account. “Starting Monday, we’re teaming up with our Yahoo Sports family to bring you smart sports takes, a little (a lot of) fun, and a lot of reasons to look forward to your mornings. We can’t wait to kick things off with you!!! See you Monday!”

The program’s goal is to bring in voices who have their finger on the pulse of the most important stories in sports, from game-changing performances to behind-the-scenes developments.

For Fitz, the new role extends his growing presence in digital sports media. A former ESPN radio and television personality, Fitz has increasingly leaned into multiplatform work, including social content, podcasts, and digital video. He joined Yahoo Sports in 2023 as a host and analyst, contributing to NFL coverage, college football content, and other tentpole events.

Fitz is also a Grammy winning musician that played on recordings totaling more than 40 million units in sales for artists from Tim McGraw to Matchbox 20 and was most notably knows as the fiddle player and musical director for The Band Perry

Fenton, meanwhile, is an emerging talent who previously hosted Caroline, Willy & DMase on 102.5 The Game in Nashville and has contributed to SiriusXM College Sports and Mad Dog channels.

The company is positioning Yahoo Sports Daily as a digital-first alternative to traditional morning sports shows. Fans can tune in to the premiere this Monday, August 11, via Yahoo Sports and the company’s official YouTube channel.

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.

Sarah Spain Elevated To Content Director Of iHeart Women’s Sports Network

BSM Staff
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Sarah Spain Elevated To Content Director Of iHeart Women’s Sports Network

Sarah Spain has a new role with the iHeart Women’s Sports Network. According to her LinkedIn profile, Spain has been elevated to the role of content director for the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports.

Spain originally was signed by the company when the network launched in April of 2024, and since then, she has contributed content to the network with her Good Game with Sarah Spain podcast.

“Thrilled to add this position to my work with iHeart, using my years of experience to help oversee strategic growth for the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports,” Spain wrote.

The iHeart Women’s Sports Network was founded last year by iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment. Since its inception, iHeart Women’s Sports has raised women’s sports coverage from less than one percent in 2024 among iHeartRadio stations to more than 34 percent in 2025. As a result, the platform now reaches 89 million monthly listeners across nearly 500 broadcast radio stations in just one year.

Moreover, as women’s sports viewership continues to rise, iHeartMedia has remained dedicated to ensuring fair representation in media. In fact, 50 percent of all newly produced sports podcasts now focus on women’s sports coverage.

““I’ll help with executing and overseeing content and sponsorship strategy, pitching new sponsors, consulting on marketing and sponsorship campaigns and developing creative content,” Spain wrote about her new role.

Since the launch last April, the network has released more than 4,100 weekly women’s sports radio reports. In addition, it has launched more than 15 podcasts, further emphasizing its commitment to the space.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Spain will continue with her role as host of the Good Game podcast while simultaneously taking on the responsibilities of her new leadership position.

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.

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