On August 8, 2005, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer debuted on CNN. 20 years later, Blitzer is celebrating that milestone.
The program has seen many changes during its 20-year run on the network. For the majority of its run, the program was seen in evenings or afternoons. In January 2021, CNN announced that the program would be shortened from two hours to one. That allowed The Lead with Jake Tapper to expand its timeslot.
Earlier this year, CNN moved the program to the 10 AM to Noon window. It also added Pamela Brown as a co-anchor alongside Blitzer. That new iteration of the program began on March 3rd as part of a wider lineup shuffle at the network.
On social media, Wolf Blitzer shared a photo from the debut episode, noting that the program would celebrate the 20 year anniversary of its debut throughout the Friday edition of the show.
“This was me 20 years ago today – August 8, 2005 – the day we launched The Situation Room,” Blitzer said of the 20-year-old photo.
This was me 20 years ago today – August 8, 2005 – the day we launched The Situation Room. We’ll share some highlights of that day later today in The Situation Room 10-12noon Eastern. Happy 20th anniversary! pic.twitter.com/EaVPrisRE7
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Being an ESPN league insider is a job that demands relentless hustle, a constant stream of information, and an unwavering readiness to break news at a moment’s notice. But for ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jeff Passan, and Shams Charania, the badge of being “first” comes at a personal cost they’re all keenly aware of—even if they view the work through different lenses.
“This is not a nine-to-five Monday through Friday job,” Schefter admitted during a special roundtable of ESPN’s Sports Reporters. “These are non-stop, 365, 24/7 jobs. That’s just the way it is. You could have any dinner, party, anything—interrupted. It happens all the time. It comes along with the job.”
For ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan, the mental tally of missed moments with loved ones looms large.
“I’ve missed way too many days with my kids, vacations with my wife, time with friends, important events,” Passan revealed. “To continue doing this for the length of time that perhaps some others have. I have lived a very fortunate and cool life doing this job. There are other lives to live too.”
Charania, ESPN’s NBA newsbreaker and the youngest of the three, remains energized by the chaos—for now.
“I still have goosebumps to this day when I feel like I’m on to something, when I get a tip, when I get a story,” he said. “Every single day is like game on.”
However, he acknowledges there may come a day when that feeling fades. “Maybe when that doesn’t happen is probably the day you leave. When I don’t care about it the same.”
ESPN’s NBA insider also discussed how the role affects personal relationships, leading to some controversy among his friend group.
“I’ve had to walk out on dates. I’ve had to walk out on social events. My friends don’t really like me. That’s why it’s hard to have a consistent relationship,” Charania said. “The time that it requires, the time they deserve rigthfully. There’s just moments I’m just always going to choose this as of right now.”
Despite the sacrifices, ESPN’s lead NFL insider still finds value in the grind. “It’s a grueling business, but it’s glorious, too,” Schefter said. “It’s tremendously gratifying when you’re out front on things.”
Even so, the physical and emotional weight is always present. “There are very few moments where you feel disconnected from the job,” Schefter shared. “When you can escape for an hour to see Bruce Springsteen, it reminds you just how daunting this job is.”
Each insider understands the privilege of their position. But all three know it comes at a cost—some paid now, others later. How long each continues in the role will depend not just on stories broken, but on what they’re willing to sacrifice to break them.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) filed a lawsuit against Fox News in late June, alleging he was defamed by the network. Now the cable channel is filing a motion to dismiss the suit.
Newsom claims he spoke with President Trump on June 7th, about one day before more than 2,000 California National Guard members were deployed in Los Angeles to quell anti-ICE riots in the city. On June 10th, however, Trump claimed he had spoken with Newsom “a day ago”, which insinuated that he had spoken with the governor the day 700 U.S. Marines were sent to Los Angeles, which Newsom refuted.
Fox News anchor John Roberts shared a screenshot he obtained from President Trump that showed he had indeed spoken with Gavin Newsom on June 7th, as the governor previously stated.
In response, however, Jesse Watters alleged that Newsom had lied in his statements. “Why would Newsom lie and claim Trump never called him?” he said on the network.
Lawyers for the governor argue that Watters’ comments meet the legal standard for defamation and could have been harmful to Newsom’s reputation with voters.
“It is perhaps unsurprising that a near-octogenarian with a history of delusionary public statements and unhinged late-night social media screeds might confuse the dates,” the lawyers said. “But Fox’s decision to cover up for President Trump’s error cannot be so easily dismissed.”
However, earlier this week, attorneys for Fox News argued that Newsom had claimed he would drop the suit should Watters make a public apology.
In mid-July, Watters did apologize on his popular Fox News program. “We thought the dispute was about whether there had been a call at all, not when,” Watters began. “We thought that the governor was clear when he said — without qualification — that there was no call.
“Now, Newsom’s telling us what was in his head when he wrote the tweet. He didn’t deceive anybody on purpose, so I’m sorry. He wasn’t lying, he was just confusing and unclear. Next time, Governor, why don’t you just say what you mean?”
Lawyers for Fox News have stated the defamation suit is “pointless litigation,” while also alleging that Newsom improperly filed the lawsuit in Delaware to avoid facing penalties for launching a frivolous lawsuit in his home state of California.
As of this publication, Newsom has yet to respond publicly to the call for dismissal.
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You know how Amazon used to just be a bookstore, and now you can buy dog food, a drone, and diapers at 3 a.m. while binge-watching Netflix? ESPN is now the sports version, and I can’t decide if it’s going to be brilliant or terrifying.
With the recent moves to acquire NFL Media—which includes the iconic NFL RedZone—the rights to air Inside the NBA, the studio show all others are judged by, and the launch of a blockbuster new streaming service, ESPN is no longer just the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
It’s sports Amazon: if they don’t have it, you don’t need it.
There’s never been a bigger power grab in sports media history. Disney/ESPN will own or share rights to every major American sport: NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, college basketball, and the WNBA, while also dabbling in the NHL, UFC, golf, tennis, racing, and more. Now add the media arm of the NFL, the most popular sport in America.
They don’t just want to own your television anymore—they want to tag along everywhere you go.
ESPN Placing Themselves Under a Microscope
Starting August 21, ESPN will officially launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service, giving fans full access to all ESPN channels without cable or anything similar. They’ve also secured exclusive streaming rights to all WWE premium events starting in 2026. It’s a massive move that transforms ESPN from a cable-era giant into a sports streaming behemoth.
Every content company talks about staying ahead of the curve; ESPN is now leading the charge, and other networks—regardless of what kind of content they produce—will be watching closely.
On the flip side, fans are rightly concerned that ESPN won’t do the best thing for their two most high-profile new properties—Inside the NBA and NFL RedZone—and that’s… nothing.
Inside the NBA is perfect as-is. It’s not just a show—it’s a cultural event. Charles, Kenny, Shaq, and Ernie are lightning in a bottle. It doesn’t need a “Let me tell you something” from Stephen A. No room for a dash of Perk. Not even a cameo. Start the show, double-lock the doors, and watch the zany magic happen.
RedZone is the church of the NFL, and Scott Hanson is the high priest. The iron-bladdered, quad-box lord doesn’t need the blasting presence of the tank-top king and his bro crew. Resist the temptation, ESPN execs. Fantasy football freaks and jittery gamblers will thank you. And speaking of, did I mention ESPN Bet? Yep. They’ve got sports betting on lockdown too.
ESPN’s best current show—College GameDay—still works after nearly 40 years because it blends real analysis, passion, just the right amount of silly, and strong chemistry in front of an amped-up college crowd fueled by Red Bull and bottom-shelf vodka. It knows what it is and delivers what the audience wants. That’s the formula. Shows around the games deserve the same level of thought and balance.
Just like Saturday, station your NFL crew at the biggest game of the week each Sunday. Crowds bring energy and fun, plus personalities turn it up a notch on location. Daytime debate shows can chase clicks and trend on X, but programming around actual games deserves better.
Will the NFL Have Influence on ESPN?
Now here’s the twist: the NFL will now own 10% of ESPN in this new pact, reportedly worth over $2 billion. So what happens when the league faces a scandal? CTE lawsuits, gambling investigations, drug abuse, racial inequities in front offices. Uncomfortable topics that demand real journalism. Will ESPN cover it fairly? Or will it bury it under a pile of LeBron highlights and hot takes?
The “E” in ESPN stands for Entertainment, not Ethics, so it’s a fair question.
The company has always been hyper-protective of its brand. No one person is bigger. That’s why they often opt for ex-athletes they can turn into stars by molding and reps. Think Dan Orlovsky, Ryan Clark, Damien Woody. But now that ESPN is operating a full-blown sports empire, it might be time to go bold.
Start with Aaron Rodgers. He’s polarizing, sure, but he moves the needle. You might not agree with what he says, but he believes it. He has NFL credibility and that “can’t-look-away” factor.
Travis Kelce might be in his final year with the Chiefs, Jason Kelce is already on the payroll. KelceCast, anyone?
Are we sure Marshawn Lynch can’t find a niche in this new ESPN landscape?
Can we get Peyton Manning more than once a week? Throw him in a VR machine to show us what it’s like to be under blitz pressure.
Recent All-Pro retirees Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu talked on the field—hand ’em a mic.
George Kittle is in his 30s, so he could soon break a chair over someone’s head on a WWE set and then offer real insight on NFL Live. With the NFL now in the family, fans will expect an upgrade in star power.
Always Continue To Look for Talent
They’ve already started dipping into crossover culture. ESPN recently hired 22-year-old Katie Feeney, a social media force with over 14 million followers. She’ll contribute across SportsCenter, College GameDay, NFL Countdown, and more. Proof that ESPN isn’t just broadcasting culture—it’s trying to set it.
More stars in that mold could include former LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne (8+ million TikTok followers) and Donald De La Haye, aka Deestroying, the ex-kicker turned YouTube megastar with over 6 million subs and a built-in football following.
Take chances with the streaming service on some of the most popular sports and entertainment podcasts in the country.
Put it all together, and ESPN has assembled the ultimate super team: NFL Media, RedZone, WWE, Inside the NBA, plus returning stars like Monday Night Football, College GameDay, The Pat McAfee Show, and enough Stephen A. Smith to power his own 24/7 channel. With broadcast rights to nearly everything that keeps score, and a new streaming platform that requires no cable, ESPN is now the place where sports live, breathe, stream, shout, bet, scroll, buy, sell, and slam.
It’s Sports Amazon—and every other competitor is now distributing games out of the back of a van down by the river.
ESPN has never had more reach. More power. More control. But if you’re looking for true variety in voices, tone, or perspective, that might be harder to find. Because with great content comes great responsibility. Can the new all-everything ESPN be all things to all sports fans, all the time?
We’re about to find out.
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Well, here we are at the start of another Summer Friday, and it wouldn’t be complete without a list of fine music you should be aware of and consider for your format!
Let’s start in the Top40/Hot AC world. One that looks solid in the Alternative universe but, in my opinion, is screaming for Top 40 and Hot AC support is Lola Young / “One Thing.” Almost 2.3 million streams this week, and right now, the only serious support at the format is coming from Q102 Cincinnati. Yes, she’s got that Lily Allen vibe in her sound, but this song is catchy and sounds like a “hit!”
Next up, get your ears on Gracie Abrams / “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” This song was released in ’24 and did over four million streams this week with the only radio support coming from Sirius-XM Hits 1! They are strong supporters, with over 1000 spins at this point. Gracie is a superstar, and this song is a hit.
One more pick for the week, and it’s a female lineup for your ears this week.
Chappell Roan / “The Subway” should most definitely be weekend ear candy for you this week!
Let’s move into the Country space for this week, Tucker Wetmore / “Brunette” should be on your radar. Another week of over three million streams. This song is catchy and fun, and is receiving solid radio support at this point from KSON in San Diego and The Bull 98.7 in Portland.
Next choice for the week is Tigirlily Gold / “Thinkin Bout That.” It’s got a good hook and is worth your ears getting on it!
Let’s move into the Rock space for this week, and in the Alt world, your ears should be listening to and considering Portugal The Man / “Silver Spoons” to me sounds like their best radio-friendly song since “Feel It Still”. This one is getting some solid love from 102.9 EQX in Albany, NY, and SiriusXM’s Alt Nation.
Next on the hitlist for the week is Wet Leg (love that name!) / “Mangetout.” It’s catchy and a solid song for the AAA format.
The last choice for the week goes to Waterparks / “Red Guitar,” which features a driving beat and catchy lyrics with a memorable hook. “I just bought a brand-new red guitar with six gold strings and a whammy bar!…If I play real good it will take me far!”
Time to move into the Rhythm/Dance World for this week, and I have two choices for your ears this week.
Mariah The Scientist w/K. Uchis / “Is It A Crime” is a must listen and consideration for any Rhythmic station.
This week’s final choice goes to Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller / “It Depends.” This song has a really good groove and is worth a listen or two.
There you go, plenty of ear candy for the week. Enjoy!
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In sports radio, there is no direct route to guaranteed success. It takes hard work, dedication, time, and some luck. A mixture to develop a formula for lasting success in any market. The Power Trip Morning Show on KFAN has called morning drive home in the land of 10,000 lakes for nearly 25 years. Chris Hawkey, Cory Cove, and Paul “Meatsauce” Lambert have found the formula over time that has become the go-to destination for radio in the Twin Cities.
“We’re a full-service morning show. If something big is happening in the world, especially locally, we’re going to cover that and make sure people are up to date with it,” said Chris Hawkey. “More than anything, we are an entertainment show.”
Hawkey and Cove began working together on The Power Trip nearly a quarter century ago on KFAN. Hawkey, coming from a rock and roll background, was in search of finding a way for a passionate fan of music to share it with the world. He grew up a devoted listener of Gary Burbank on WLW. Using that example, he wanted to create a show of friends that genuinely liked one another. A show created by guys who hung out together outside of work.
“It creates such a good feel and allows the listener to let themselves feel like they’re part of the group,” said Hawkey. “That old-school radio mentality that you’re one of the listeners, but you’re also part of the show is something that we’ve been able to pull off.”
Sincereity Is the Secret Sauce
Hawkey teamed with Cove just five months into starting The Power Trip on KFAN. Cove originally desired to be a writer, going to school at the University of Minnesota, but found an internship at KFAN on a whim. Nearly 25 years later, he feels the reason for the program’s success is based in its honest approach.
“The sincerity of our show is why the listeners have been drawn to us over the years. They know that we all truly get along,” said Cove. “All of us get to be ourselves, and nobody’s doing a performative job like a handful of the national guys that get paid a ton of money. I think all of us are genuine, and that helps.”
For a show that admits that sports have become a smaller part of the content over time, the listeners have rewarded The Power Trip with their time. For the first time in the history of the program, The Power Trip finished the spring ratings period (April–June) with a 30 share in the coveted demo of Men 25–54— a massive mark of success that few programs or stations ever achieve.
“If I said it was a dream come true, I’d be lying. I would never have dreamed that we would get a 30 share,” said Hawkey. “It really is a testament to learning how to do radio incorrectly and doing poor radio for a long time. We’re going to be 25 years old as a show. There were a lot of years where we were doing it wrong.”
The Power Trip credits their success to the belief from station management to allow the program to fail and grow by continually trying to find the correct path for the show.
“Not only were we allowed to grow with a small sheer number, we didn’t even know what we wanted the show to be. The first couple years of the show, it’s the polar opposite of what the show is now,” said Cove. “If we hadn’t been allowed to fail, we wouldn’t have had time to figure out what bores us as hosts, let alone the listeners. We had so much time to figure out what kind of radio we wanted to do.”
KFAN Program Director Chad Abbott credits The Power Trip’s dedication to hard work. He believes it is a large reason for the success of the program. A show that models the blue-collar mentality of the people of the Twin Cities. A show that resonates in both terrestrial and digital success.
The Power Trip Evolves With the Times
With an evolving landscape in how the consumer reaches content, The Power Trip continues to build their brand in the digital space. With one of the most downloaded podcasts among local iHeartMedia talent in the company, The Power Trip has long understood the nature of having to always play where the people are going.
“They [younger demographic] know what live streaming and what podcasts are. They’re used to finding content on YouTube; they just have to know where you’re at,” said Cove. “Doing improv and being a little less sports-focused makes our [on-demand show replay] podcast a little more evergreen. A lot of listeners use our show like a standard podcast. If they miss it by a day or two, it’s not the end of the world… If we were stuck doing nonstop sports, I don’t know how podcast-able we would be.”
Cove noted that the recent spring book Nielsen data showing there is power in having digital metrics meet your terrestrial ones.
“The [Nielsen] number is just a validation of all the other numbers we’ve been tracking the last couple of years,” said Cove. “Our podcast numbers have been through the roof. So has our streaming number. When Nielsen isn’t reflecting that, it’s like, well, this doesn’t feel right. Even though the 30-share kind of blows us away, we remember 20 years ago what that would’ve meant. Now it’s just a validation that all the other metrics we’ve been watching are the truth.”
Why Sports Isn’t Always the Answer
The Power Trip has used sports as the vehicle to keep their program moving. There’s not a focus solely on talking sports. There is an understanding of the need to have sports discussion throughout the program. However, the secret sauce is in the entertainment and power of personality behind The Power Trip.
“It’s funnier if one of us mispronounces the name of somebody. We would rather not get the sports score or the sports information right. We laugh at that. That’s what we do it for. It’s more for me to screw up and then everybody else kind of piles on,” said Lambert, who is known as “Meatsauce” on the show.
“There is a certain amount of tune-out when you start getting too deep in the weeds with people who are either true sports fans or casual sports fans,” said Hawkey. “One of the things that we’ve done—as we learned early on—is if you’re not an expert about something, don’t pretend to be.”
The Power Trip enlists the time of a roster of ancillary in-studio guests throughout the week. Former players, current broadcasters, and members of the media join as in-studio guests throughout the week. Adding experts as personalities to meet the expectation of sports talk, but with a genuine feel that shows the personality of the program.
“The camaraderie of all the people that we have on the show helps that number [ratings]. It’s kind of like a snowflake—it’s a different thing every day,” explained Lambert. “It helps having the people [on the show] that we do.”
The program understands maintaining a 30 share is likely not a standard to repeat time and time again. The Power Trip aims to continue to not rest on their laurels. With the NFL season nearing, the pressure to perform and entertain is only heightened. Heading into the fall and winter months, with more opportunity to grow.
“With all the different options people have every morning when they wake up to. Listen to podcasts, an audiobook, music, or SiriusXM radio,” noted Hawkey, “For that amount of people to choose us as their option, that’s a really huge honor. I’m really proud of it.”
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It’s time for sports fans to admit a hard truth: we were wrong. Not about who’s going to win the Super Bowl or which player prop to bet on. We were wrong about cable television. For years, sports fans complained about bloated cable packages, high monthly fees, and hundreds of channels we never watched. But in our rush to cut the cord and embrace the streaming revolution, we failed to appreciate the value that cable offered—particularly for sports.
This week, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said the quiet part out loud during an earnings call: the consumer streaming experience is broken. He said that the industry needs to clean up the consumer experience in needing multiple (he said 18) apps to get everything. Zaslav suggested that it needs to be cleaned up through partnerships, consolidation, and some companies exiting the streaming game. His assessment is blunt and accurate—but it’s also a case of too little, too late.
For the sports fan, the current streaming model is not an upgrade. It’s a downgrade wrapped in an illusion of choice.
Sports remain the most-watched live television in America. This summer alone, both Major League Baseball and the WNBA saw notable increases in viewership compared to the previous year. Our appetite for live sports is insatiable. But our ability to access them affordably and conveniently is getting worse.
The Cost of NFL Football
Take the upcoming NFL season as a case study. If you want to follow the league without a traditional cable subscription, here’s what it will cost you monthly:
ESPN’s direct-to-consumer product will cost you $29.99/month. Amazon Prime for Thursday Night Football will cost you $14.99/month. Peacock has Sunday Night Football and Peacock exclusive games at $11.99/month. Netflix owns Christmas Day for $22.99/month. If you’d like access to CBS and FOX, Paramount+ will cost you $11.99/month and FOX One will cost you $19.99/month.
That’s over $110 per month. If you maintain these subscriptions from the start of the regular season through the Super Bowl, the total investment exceeds $650. And that doesn’t even include the hidden cost of high-speed internet—an absolute necessity for streaming.
Yes, you could skip Netflix since it only broadcasts games on one day this season. But that’s a temporary reprieve. More games—and more fragmentation—are coming.
So, ask yourself: was cable really that bad?
Simplicity Was the Ultimate Unknown Value
When sports fans complained about paying a high price for channels we didn’t watch, we failed to acknowledge that cable gave us everything in one place—NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. It wasn’t perfect, but it was simple, and that simplicity had real value.
Now, instead of flipping channels, we juggle apps, logins, and blackouts. If you’re a baseball fan, you used to know where every game was. Today, you’ll need to check your local RSN, Apple TV+, Roku, ESPN, FOX, or the MLB’s own platform—just to see if your team is even available.
We traded clarity for complexity. And now we’re paying the price—literally and figuratively.
The only constant in media is change. We’ve all evolved over the past decade, adapting to new technologies and behaviors. Sports fans are no exception. But if today’s model is frustrating, the future may be even more so.
Prepare Now for What’s To Come
Instead of hoping for a return to simplicity, we need to prepare for more fragmentation, more paywalls, and more frustration. Zaslav’s comments about improving the consumer experience are valid, but collaboration among streaming giants seems unlikely unless it serves their bottom lines. If shared access doesn’t result in more subscribers, more revenue, and more control—why would they bother?
Professional sports leagues will continue to strike deals with multiple platforms because they can. Their product has never been hotter. And as broadcast rights become more expensive, the cost will continue to be passed on to consumers.
Ultimately, this is the reality we’ve created. We wanted à la carte options. We wanted to only pay for what we watched. But now we’re paying more than ever—for less.
It’s unlikely we’ll ever return to the way things were. The allure of professional sports is too strong, the demand too high, and the profit margins too tempting. Streaming platforms will raise prices incrementally—$5 here, $10 there—just enough to dull the pain in the short term but compound it over time.
Ironically, the very companies that made sports more accessible in theory are now the ones making it harder to watch. And while I respect David Zaslav’s call for reform, it’s not the platforms that need to change—it’s us.
Sports fans created this problem. And if we’re not careful, we may reach a point where the cost of staying connected outweighs the love of the game. When that day comes, many fans may simply opt out.
It won’t happen overnight. But it will happen. That’s the cost of business.
Let’s hope it doesn’t get to the point where it’s too little, too late—for the fans, and for sports itself.
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For Bridget England, radio isn’t just a job, it’s home. Literally.
The Program Director of Cumulus Media’s 96 Rock, WFTK-FM, in Cincinnati,has spent her entire radio career in her hometown. a rarity in an industry known for its nomadic nature.
“I’m kind of a rare breed in radio. I was born and raised in Cincinnati and have been lucky enough to build my entire career right here,” England says. “I’ve had a few bumps along the way (who hasn’t in this business?), but that’s part of the ride.”
From Morning Host to PD
After 15 years as a morning show host on 96 Rock, England stepped into the PD role, something she says just made sense. “This is what I know. The station feels like family. Sometimes it drives you crazy, but you love it no matter what and want the best for it.”
England sees 96 Rock as more than just a radio station; it’s a connection point. “We’re part of the fabric of Cincinnati. We support local businesses, team up with community organizations, show up at events, and cheer on the local teams. All of it,” she says. “We want to be a voice people trust. Our listeners know we’ve got their backs.”
That local-first approach extends to the station’s passion projects as well. “We’re big on supporting veterans, raising awareness around mental health, and lifting up local nonprofits,” England says. “These are the things that really matter to our team and our audience. We’re proud to use our platform to spotlight the people making a difference.”
Real People, Real Talent
When it comes to A+ talent on the station, England doesn’t hesitate. “I look for people who are real and driven. You’ve got to be authentic on-air. Someone listeners feel like they actually know,” she says. “And hustle matters. Always learning, always growing.”
But it’s not just about performance inside the studio. “You’ve got to live the life. Go to the shows, hang out where your listeners hang out. Be part of the community. Be the friend they’d grab a beer with. And if you’ve got a great sense of humor and are up for just about anything? That seals the deal.”
Navigating the Three-Minute Qualifier
Like every programmer, England has had to adjust to PPM realities, particularly when it comes to the new three-minute rule. “It’s definitely made us more aware of pacing. We want to keep things tight and engaging,” she says. “But you also know when to let a great moment breathe. The data’s important, but instinct and experience still matter. Sometimes you’ve got to break the rules to make good radio.”
When it comes to the format, England isn’t buying the “rock is dead” narrative.“There’s a great mix of core artists still putting out strong music, and new bands are constantly coming up with fresh sounds,” she says. “Rock isn’t just surviving, it’s evolving.”
Supporting Local Artists
And her station is doing its part to support that growth, especially on the local level. “Cincinnati has some incredible talent, and we love being a platform for them,” she adds. “Whether it’s interviews, promoting local shows, or just being part of the scene, we’re always looking for ways to support local artists.”
One area where England says the radio industry still has work to do? Representation. Especially for women in leadership. “I can’t tell you how many meetings I’ve been in where I’m the only female in the room,” she says. “There’s so much talent out there, but we need to do a better job of opening doors and creating space for women to lead, contribute, and shape the future of this industry.”
Intentional Leadership
Her advice? Be intentional. “It starts with who we’re mentoring, hiring, and promoting. Representation matters.”
“Radio is a team sport,” England says. “I’m lucky to work with people who show up every day ready to give it their all. We push each other, support each other, and have a lot of fun along the way. I’m grateful to be able to talk about the work that still gets me excited every morning.”
Follow Bridget England and the station on Instagram: @96RockCincy and Facebook: 96 Rock Cincinnati.
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We may be surrounded by absurdity, but those of us in RockTernative can’t lose our necessary and rebellious edge.
Reports that SiriusXM and Howard Stern may not come to terms with a new contract are generating a lot of noise — but cries of leaning Left or being Woke have nothing to do with this.
Is Howard being cancelled? No.
Will he retire or dial back more? Maybe.
Is the show different now? Yes.
Has he lost his edge? Not a chance.
Have some in RockTernative? Maybe.
We’ll get to that.
If Stern exits live shows (whenever that day comes), it won’t be a surprise to anyone inside SiriusXM.
But cancelling Howard — an ugly separation or bowing to any cancel culture mob — that would rank high among a list of worst-ever decisions by SXM — worse than counting empty rental cars as real subscribers or not being early adopters with podcasting.
They could save some coin short term, but they’d face a long-term disaster.
But what does this mean for terrestrial RockTernative?
For starters, if your morning show’s gone soft — or your numbers could use a jolt — what’s your plan to win the (local) listeners who may be displaced by a Stern exit?
But the larger issue is this:
With today’s hostile climate, everything is Left or Right, different mobs working 24/7 to tear down others and won’t tolerate any opinion other than their own. It got me thinking about how Rock brands fit into modern-day crazy town.
Whether it’s a great RockTernative station, a Sydney Sweeney ad, Mr. Beast’s charitable efforts, Taylor Swift going to an NFL Game, or innocent Olympians enjoying McDonald’s, not much can be said or done anymore without someone being offended.
OK.
Be offended.
So what??!!
Yes, there are offensive lines we shouldn’t ever cross, but common-sense talent already knows that. If you don’t know those lines, I can’t help you. And common-sense people aren’t the ones so easily offended.
Let’s bring Howard back to the stage.
Like me, most consider Howard to be Rock Royalty. He’ll always have Rock running through his veins. Say whatever you want about his cultural, socio or political leanings — but he’s not a softy or lunatic. He also doesn’t care what we may think.
And that’s just one reason why so many millions love Stern and other talent in the Rock space.
Howard still has his edge that:
Made Satellite Radio a real and profitable thing.
Turned haters into listeners.
Launched a career (and company) into the stratosphere.
It’s that edge and level of confidence that’s falling by the wayside with many entertainers.
Why?
Fear of being cancelled.
For DJs, comedians, writers, influencers, TV shows — the fear is real.
But not everyone in RockTernative has lost their edge.
I’ll avoid specific Radio names so I don’t make them unintended targets, but let’s use Green Day, Kid Rock, Rob Halford, Joe Rogan, and Bill Burr as Rockish psychographic examples—a diverse group with differing opinions, but probably all own Master of Puppets.
None of them will lose one minute of sleep if someone doesn’t agree with them.
None of them are racist, homophobic or Nazis.
They’re just creative, talented, compassionate, normal humans who are proudly outspoken about their strong personal opinions and beliefs. They’re comfortable in their own skin.
RockTernative Radio must embody that same spirit — now more than ever.
Howard has for decades.
This isn’t a suggestion to be reckless or to torch your brand’s ratings and revenue.
It’s a reminder to be Real. Authentic. Confident.
And remember, not all entertainment rules are the same. Being on public airwaves is different from hosting a Netflix special, doing a podcast, headlining a comedy club or hosting on SXM or Cable TV.
We may be surrounded by absurdity, but those of us in RockTernative can’t lose our necessary and rebellious edge. It’s about being entertaining and opinionated, but firm and fair; mindfully smart.
This isn’t talked about enough:
The fear of being cancelled has paralyzed many to the point of being plain and boring. Or worse, fake. I even second-guess myself writing this bubble gum column (no offense to bubble gum — or those chewing it right now.)
Managers: Talk with talent about this so they feel empowered and clearly understand the landmines to avoid.
Talent: If you feel trapped and don’t know what you can or can’t say anymore, hit the corner office and ask questions — get answers — you’ll feel better afterwards.
Howard may retire or alter his schedule more, but he’s not being cancelled, and he still has his edge. Commentary of his that still draws any ire — that’s proof the edge is still there.
There will always be someone who is offended.
Every song has haters.
Don’t get cancelled, but don’t rollover or lose your edge.
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.
For decades, “Be caller number nine to win!” has been as much a part of Country radio’s DNA as the jingle package or the lunchtime request hour. However, in 2025, it is now outdated and needs to be retired.
My wife, Kristi, will testify that nothing sets me off more than listening to a radio station in the car and hearing, “Be caller number nine.” She likely can recite word for word the rant that will follow. It sounds like a leftover from the era when the “touchtones” signaled the time to call.
Especially in Country radio, which thrives on connection and authenticity, it is a missed opportunity.
It’s time to rethink our approach and reimagine contesting in a way that reflects how listeners consume, engage, and connect.
The Problem with Caller Nine
There was a time when “caller number nine” created urgency and made the station feel live and local. Now, it’s predictable at best, alienating at worst.
In an on-demand world, why do we expect people to call repeatedly, hoping their call will get through?
Most people are aware that the odds of success are slim. The experience is often frustrating, especially when a recorded voice answers instead of a real person. That’s not engagement. That’s just maintenance.
Who’s Playing?
Be honest. I know what you call them. The people winning “caller nine” contests are the same handful of listeners.
If you want to build audience loyalty across a broader base, you need contests that are inclusive, accessible, and fun for everyone. Not just the prize pigs. There I said it.
Casual fans who might be engaging on social, streaming your station, or interacting with your brand in other ways are effectively locked out.
Contesting Should Reflect Your Brand
One-size-fits-all content does not reflect your brand. Great contesting should be an extension of your station’s voice and values. If your brand is all about family, community, and connection, then build contest moments that reflect that.
If your morning show is high-energy and funny, create contests that amplify that tone. “Caller nine” does none of this. It’s a blank template—the lowest creative denominator.
Listeners connect with moments and experiences. They remember contests that feel original, fun, or emotional. Not the sixth time this week you asked for caller nine.
Lean Into Digital and Social
If your contesting strategy doesn’t involve your app, website, or social media in some way, you’re leaving engagement on the table.
Imagine a scavenger hunt that spans your Instagram stories. A text-in lyric scramble that rewards not just speed, but knowledge of the music. These are the kinds of contests that reflect how people live—scrolling, tapping, liking, sharing.
Digital contesting gives you valuable data. You know who’s entering. You can build your email list, learn listener habits, and target promos more effectively. That’s real ROI.
Make It an Experience
The best contests are more than just giveaways. They’re experiences. They make the winner feel like the star of the show and the rest of the audience feel like they’re watching something special.
Instead of giving away tickets to the 9th caller, what if you turned the contest into a story arc? Build it over a week.
107.9 KUZZ in Bakersfield recently caught my eye with its “Morgan Mystery Seat” promotion. The station was giving away pit tickets for the Morgan Wallen Show at Levi’s Stadium.
Program Director Brent Michaels told me about the contest.
“We picked an actual seat off a seating chart at Levi’s Stadium. Six times a day, a listener could guess the very specific seat where we hid pit tickets to the show.”
“So first level (was the mystery seat on the floor, 100 level, 200 level, 300 level, or 400 level). Then the section, then the row and the seat. People took it step by step. If you got the level right, you moved on. Then the section, row, etc. You had to listen every time so you could eliminate wrong guesses from where the seat could be.”
“It was fun!”
Even if you weren’t interested in going to the concert, it gave listeners the chance to play along vicariously. It was a creative twist on a prize involving the hottest artist in the format. It created a moment.
These moments create buzz. They get people talking. And they show your station is doing more than checking boxes.
Rethink the Prize, Too
Sometimes it’s not just the contest mechanism that’s tired. It’s the prize itself.
In the Country space, access is everything. Meet-and-greets. Soundcheck parties. Signed gear. Backstage photos. Zoom hangouts with the artist. Even a personal shoutout from an artist’s social account can have huge value to a fan.
The more exclusive, intimate, or creative the prize, the less you need gimmicks to generate interest. Great prizes drive participation organically. They make the contest feel worth it.
Keep It Real—And Fair
There’s a balance to strike between entertainment and transparency. Contesting only works if listeners believe it’s honest and fair.
Listeners want to be part of something real. If your contesting doesn’t feel honest, it won’t matter how clever the format is.
A “Call” to Action
Country radio has a chance to lead here. This format is built on connection, on storytelling and loyalty. Those values should extend to every corner of your brand, including contesting.
Caller number nine had its moment, but that moment has passed. Your audience is smarter, savvier, and more distracted than ever. If you want to cut through the noise, you’ve got to surprise them. Delight them. Involve them.
I would love to highlight the creative things that your station is doing. Email me here.
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.
