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Kyle Brandt Executes the Perfect Kickoff to Welcome Back Football

John Molori
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Kyle Brandt Executes the Perfect Kickoff to Welcome Back Football

The program Training Camp: Back Together Weekend, which aired July 26 and 27, has a double meaning for NFL Network. Yes, the show was all about NFL teams and players getting back together to prepare for the 2025 football season. In addition, it signaled a reunion of NFL Network’s broadcast crew. Training Camp: Back Together Weekend and the ensuing Inside Training Camp programming featured some great moments for many of the NFL Network talents including Bucky Brooks, Mike Yam, Jamie Erdahl, Mike Garafolo, and Kimmi Chex. Leading the way, however, was Kyle Brandt.

It is quite refreshing to have live football coverage back on NFL Network. As opposed to reruns of games, rehashing of the draft, and reviewing offseason player movement.

I tuned into Training Camp: Back Together Weekend, I was glued to my television set as Brandt was live at Pittsburgh Steelers camp, filing two excellent interviews.

Brandt Shines Behind the Steel Curtain

He opened his exchange with Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers saying, “21 seasons, CSI couldn’t do it. Gunsmoke couldn’t do it. This guy’s been on the air as long as Grey’s Anatomy.” Always with the pop-culture references. Brandt’s interview with Rodgers covered a number of hot topics related to the 41-year-old quarterback.

Brandt and Rodgers talked about the irony inherent in the Steelers’ opening week matchup with Rodgers’ former team, the Jets. Oddly enough, Rodgers will also play against his original NFL club, the Green Bay Packers. The captivating interview also covered some offseason comments made by ex-Steeler and current FOX analyst Terry Bradshaw regarding Rodgers. As Rodgers’ contemplation about coming to Pittsburgh extended into weeks and months, Bradshaw stated, “It’s a joke, stay in California, chew on bark and whisper to the gods.” Rodgers responded to Brandt’s query saying that Bradshaw is a legend in football and in media, that he would like to sit down with Bradshaw, get to know him more, and even form a deeper friendship. It was a fascinating answer to a controversial question.

He was squarely on his interview game when he asked Rodgers about conversations with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leading up to signing with Pittsburgh. Rodgers said that in their discussions, Tomlin didn’t say what he needed from the veteran quarterback. Instead, Rodgers described their chats as similar to conversations with an old friend.

His questions and style showed Rodgers as a real person, not the aloof, cartoonish, or self-centered dude he has often been made out to be by the media. What I got from this interview is that Aaron Rodgers is just a guy who’s been living his life the way he wants to live it—not caring about what others think. To this point, I know there are a lot of people out there who think that Rodgers doesn’t appreciate football or love the game. One of Brandt’s questions showed the fallacy in this thought. In a somewhat emotional answer, Rodgers told Brandt that everything he has in life that is good came from football and reiterated several times how much he loves the game. It really was a refreshing look at the inscrutable QB.

Just as terrific was Brandt’s interview with Tomlin on Training Camp: Back Together Weekend. The pair offered a wonderful exchange highlighted by rifling through some of the head coach’s favorite sayings known as Tomlinisms. The duo delved into such bon mots as, “If you have red paint, you paint the barn red.” “The standard is the standard.” And, “I can tell you all the ingredients of the hot dog, but you might not like it.” It was really fun watching Brandt reel off these sayings and then hearing Tomlin explain what they actually mean.

He also asked Tomlin a pointed question about coaching Rodgers this year. Instead of just spewing the usual BS coach speak, Tomlin seemed quite at ease with Brandt and went deeper. He said he wants to get to know Rodgers more and tap into the QB’s 21 years of experience. Tomlin seemed quite enthusiastic about getting closer with Rodgers and learning what makes him tick. Tomlin did say that it would be a challenge coaching Rodgers—not because of his reputation as a free spirit, but because Rodgers has played for so long and has pretty much seen everything. Brandt then asked Tomlin about the many new veteran players on the Steelers’ roster. Tomlin gave a terrific answer, saying that he looks forward to the challenge of teaching an old dog some new tricks.

I was really happy that Brandt also asked Tomlin about never having a losing record in his 18 years of coaching the Steelers. Ever the self-effacing guy, Tomlin said he doesn’t really think about it a lot, it’s not on his radar, and that he’s more focused on the task at hand and not his cumulative career. To me, Tomlin’s streak is one of the most amazing in all of sports. I get that he has only won one Super Bowl and has missed the playoffs at times. But to string together that many non-losing seasons is extremely remarkable. Don Shula didn’t do that. Bill Belichick didn’t do that. Nor did many other legendary coaches.

Bringing Out the Humanity in the Subject

These two excellent interviews were painted by a master artist in Kyle Brandt. We all know that Brandt is terrific in studio on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football with his dogged enthusiasm, creativity, and encyclopedic knowledge, but this multi-talented football maven is a first-string interviewer. I really enjoyed his back-and-forths with both Rodgers and Tomlin. Rodgers has become a polarizing and enigmatic figure with his forays into mindfulness, high-profile personal life, and often self-serving comments. Thanks to The Pat McAfee Show and the internet, we know way too much about Aaron Rodgers. This guy has found himself squarely on the defensive with the media—a regular source of ridicule and rancor, often deserved. Even with his pal A.J. Hawk on McAfee, Rodgers has frequently been put in a position where he has to defend his life.

To be honest, I much prefer the Aaron Rodgers I saw in the interview with Brandt—and I credit the interviewer. He was piercing with his questions but jovial in his demeanor. There is a calming incisiveness to Brandt’s style that puts people at ease but gets his point across. Brandt’s velvet touch got as much information out of Rodgers as McAfee ever did.

Same thing with Tomlin. The Steelers’ head coach is extremely intense, but Brandt was able to break through that exterior and make Tomlin smile and even laugh a few times. That is the genius of Brandt as an interviewer. By putting a subject at ease, that subject is more likely to speak openly. It’s just a fact. I learned a lot about Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin in these interviews. Moreover, they seemed to actually enjoy the interview process. As opposed to being forced to tolerate dumb questions and give trite, hackneyed answers.

We all know Brandt as the Angry Runs warrior and a guy who often brings a pro wrestling mentality to football coverage, but I really liked this calmed down and more cerebral Kyle Brandt. Interviewing is a skill—perhaps the most difficult skill in sports broadcasting—and Brandt really showed me something. I was glued to the screen and totally rapt by Brandt’s questions that led to Rodgers and Tomlin’s thoughtful answers. Brandt’s interview approach is both dramatic and in-depth, yet lighthearted. Think Barbara Walters meets Roy Firestone meets Jimmy Fallon—but it is undoubtedly Kyle Brandt whose talent makes us all glad that we are back together with football.

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.

Connecting with AC Radio Listeners: One Size Won’t Fit All

Kevin Robinson
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Connecting with AC Radio Listeners: One Size Won’t Fit All

How do you communicate with your listeners?

Even when most of our hours are unmanned or voice-tracked, we should open the avenues of constant communication with our AC listeners. The AC audience appreciates the attention.

The majority of the Adult Contemporary, Classic Hits and Oldies audience are open to a dialogue and as 93.9 Lite-FM Chicago Morning Host Melissa Forman said in last week’s piece, “Radio is a two-way street between you and the listeners”.

What we’ve discovered through Executive Coaching (like The Values Conversation) and HR Services (like Purple Ink HR Services) is that communication preferences are generational in the way they choose to interact.

From your oldest to youngest potential target, the differences are stark:

Baby Boomers

  • DOB – 1946 –1964
  • Preferred Method – Email, then telephone, followed by online
  • Response – Generally high
  • Attributes – Comfortable with phone calls and email communication, a clear purpose while enduring longer detailed communication if they feel useful

Generation X

  • DOB – 1965 to 1980
  • Preferred Method – Email, web-based surveys, SMS
  • Response – Moderate
  • Attributes – Tech-savvy and distracted while preferring short, crisp communication with transparent authenticity

 Millennials

  • DOB – 1981 to 1996
  • Preferred Method – Mobile-friendly or social media interactions
  • Response – Moderately low unless the communication response contains a target-friendly incentive
  • Attributes – Brevity, easy to follow with instant gratification and increased response with a game-like look to the message

Generation Z

  • DOB – 1997 to 2012
  • Preferred Method – Mobile, app-based communication or response to social media posts
  • Response – Low unless there’s a highly instant, targeted incentive to respond
  • Attributes – Short attention span as communication must be quick, interactive and visually appealing with true marketing authenticity

To identify the most effective communication for your listener, you need to incorporate strategic targeting into your process.

In May, we wrote about just that.  Identifying your target – thinking small for big results.

Depending on YOUR AC target, the listener is exposed to five to ten thousand messages a day. For radio personalities and programmers, your communication needs to be seen, heard and felt to the end user.

Let’s outline each category of communication and how different platforms are designed to work smarter for your back-and-forth dialogue.

Best Practices by category:

Email Communication

If there’s a database at stations we begin to consult, it’s more likely than not woefully out of date and hasn’t been added to for several seasons, if not years.  An email database is free to build and maintain.

As for the basics:

Develop Email Databases Legally

  • Permission marketing is a must to avoid legal issues
  • Every contact with a listener needs an email ‘ask’
  • Contests, events, web forms, pre-roll on streaming

Be Consistent

  • Email Frequency – biweekly is ideal
  • Avoid long stretches of no contact and keep your list engaged
  • Optimal send time is mid-morning or early evening

  Focused Content

  • Have talent write content in their authentic voice – write how you talk
  • Include incentives for a response – as little as a client $10 gift card
  • Experiment with different formats for open rate and response rate
  • Email database and programs should be a basic no-brainer for your marketing efforts. Plus, it is universal among all target ages.

Mailchimp, Audience.io and Hubspot are the best programs to start, and each has limited free options to demo.

Social Media

Once again, be strategic and keep your target in mind when choosing digital platforms.  You do NOT need to be on every platform.

Focus on one or two appropriate for your AC target.  Delete old accounts. It appears you’re lazy if you’re not feeding fresh content.

Top Platforms

  • Boomers – Facebook followed by YouTube, with Nextdoor a favorite among neighborhood groups
  • Gen X – Although fading, Facebook remains #1 in this group, followed by Instagram and YouTube for music discovery
  • Millennials – Instagram is king in this group, with TikTok gaining steam while gravitating towards LinkedIn
  • Gen Z – By a long distance, TikTok is heavily used by this group along with Snapchat, with gamers leaning to Discord

Social Tips

  • Facebook leads platforms for contesting, Instagram for Reels and TikTok for show recaps.  TikTok has the most engagement ratio of any social platform.
  • Create visual and short content.  Attention spans were around 15 seconds for a piece of content 20 years ago.  Today, that span is eight seconds.
  • Avoid promotion in daily posts and think ’24-hour cycle’.  For example, when you return to work after a time away, ensure what you post isn’t from a few days back when you were vacationing.

To many readers who are on their social media game, this appears basic and remedial.  Treat social media just as you do on-air – strategically and tactically.

Text Programs

Texting among all generational groups is strong, leaning younger, but seasoned listeners have more than caught on.

All the outlined generations text and the AC audience respond.  Here are a few platforms to investigate.

Textel

  • Big market groups utilize Textel.  Benefits for AC Radio include two-way texting from your studio landline or Voice Over IP while supporting contests and keywords

Zipwhip

  • Allows using your existing landline/studio number/VOIP and supports group texting, scheduling in advance and automation

Text Request

  • Top-rated among broadcasters, supports a shared dashboard among multiple users, custom auto replies and scales through market clusters.

Telephone Panel

If you include Boomers and Gen Xers in your target, consider building a Loyal Listener Telephone Panel.  Easy and free.

For Programmers:

  • Identify fifteen to twenty raving fans through contesting or remote visits
  • Schedule one-to-one calls quarterly with each panel member
  • Pick their brain on events, contests, music, and anything programming

For Morning Show Hosts:

  • Choose five people who are consistently interacting with your show
  • Call them every month to ask about content, benchmarks and contesting
  • Refer to this panel on-air and give them a catchy name (Secret Agent, Radiohead, Super Fan)

Recruiting on-air for any of these programs acts as a marketing device for your brands. It demonstrates that your brand cares about their opinion. The best news out of building these connection programs is each one is sponsorable!

Connecting with the Adult Contemporary listener while understanding generational preferences makes all the difference.

Baby Boomers tend to favor phone calls, email, and face-to-face conversations as they appreciate clarity and personal interaction, with Facebook being their go-to platform.

Generation X values efficiency, often preferring email for work and texting for quick communication, while still picking up the phone when needed. They’re strong on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Across all adult age groups, email remains dominant in professional settings while texting and phone calls are staples for personal or service-related matters.

Boomers lean into Facebook, Gen Xers like Facebook and LinkedIn, and younger listeners favor Instagram, WhatsApp, and shiny new platforms.

Meeting listeners where they are is key to a successful communication strategy.

Again, how do you communicate with your listeners?

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.

20 Brands In 20 Days: Tommy Chuck, Mix 100.7 Tampa

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Tommy Chuck, Mix 100.7 Tampa

Tommy Chuck is Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Tampa and day-to-day programmer for AC Mix 100.7. Chuck has created a brand with a clear identity, local talent, and a mission that goes well beyond music.

“The foundation of the radio station is always in the music,” Chuck says. “That’s kind of what casts the wide net. We say, ‘over four decades of variety.’ Pretty much everything from the ’80s through now. Pretty balanced in all eras. It’s a radio station for all people.”

A Local Lineup with Real Personality

And while variety is the hook, Chuck emphasizes that the station’s air staff is an essential part of the formula.

“We have some great local talent. ‘Laura and Brody’ in the morning do a very family-friendly, fun show. Very positive. Little nuggets of news you need to start the day. And then some cute little clever games that put people in a good mood as they’re going to work or going to school.”

“Ashley Morrison is our midday host. She’s also the Brand Manager for our Country station. Born and raised right here in the Tampa Bay area. Just got married to a St. Pete fireman. She’s as local as local gets.”

Mix 100.7 maintains its focus on relatability and personality, even during evening hours.

“Kristina’s on at night. She’s a new mom of twins. She brings that experience into the show, and she’s right in the demo. All of our personalities are. They’re talking about things that women in their 30s, 40s, 50s care about, and playing music they know and like.”

Chuck’s goal was always to avoid turning the station into passive background noise.

“A lot of AC stations fall into that bucket. I never wanted to be that. We try to have our personalities actually doing things, talking about things.”

That extends to the station’s imaging.

“I try never to write our imaging like ‘radio blah.’ I think some of that personality comes from my CHR background. We want to sound clever, fresh, not generic.”

Balancing Four Decades of Music

The music comes from four decades.

“We probably play a little more ’80s than other eras, but only by a little bit. There’s a pretty good balance of ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. We even throw in some legendary songs from the ’70s. And we play two or three currents an hour. I say ‘currents,’ but you know current by AC standards.”

When Storms Hit, Mix Steps Up

Mix 100.7 takes its community role seriously, especially during hurricane season.

“Hurricanes are always topical in Florida. But after what we went through last year with two back-to-back hurricanes, it’s more real than ever. We had people on our team who lost everything. I lost my car. It was parked here at the station while we were working. Looked outside, and we were surrounded by three feet of water. Cars were floating in the parking lot.”

The Tampa cluster and Mix 100.7 have a commitment to long-form emergency coverage.

“We serve as the unofficial hurricane team for the company. Ryan Gorman from our news/talk station WFLA anchors it, and we pull in contributors from across the cluster. Ashley Morrison, Laura Diaz, Big Rig from 98 Rock, and others. We’ve got a plan, roles, and responsibilities all laid out.”

And that extends to helping other markets.

“Last year, we did long-form coverage that aired in Orlando, Tallahassee, Fort Myers and even in markets like Myrtle Beach and Columbia, South Carolina. We activate our Tampa team, tap into their local resources, and provide live, wall-to-wall radio coverage. That’s a badge of honor for us.”

Connecting on Every Platform

The station’s digital and social media strategy is just as active and purpose-driven.

“Facebook still reaches the most people, but we’ve put a big effort on Instagram in the past few years. We do a lot of contesting, promotional stuff, and local content there. TikTok—we’re trying to find what makes sense for the brand, especially with morning show content. ‘The Debate at Eight’ has become a standout. People love it.”

Experiences That Matter

While cash remains a powerful prize in any contest, Chuck says experiences matter more than ever.

“I don’t know that anything is bigger than cash because of the flexibility it gives. But we frame our giveaways around experiences. A night out for a mom, spa day, theme park tickets, or telling your kids you’re going to Disney. It all matters. It’s about making people feel something.”

Community Comes First

Mix 100.7 has strong community partnerships.

“We’re doing back-to-school promotions now. One of them is called ‘New Gear for the New Year’ with our sponsor, California Closets. ‘Laura and Brody’ are paying for kids’ wardrobes on the morning show.”

The station is also involved in iHeart’s national “Thank a Teacher” initiative, giving away $5,000 classroom grants. The local “Golden Apple” program allows teachers to apply for assistance in stocking their classrooms. Complete with surprise visits from the Mix team.

The Power of Holiday Radio

Chuck says the station’s holiday programming is another area that has become core to the brand.

“We jumped into the Christmas music game in 2019 as a way to relaunch the station. We weren’t sure it would stick, but it blew away expectations. Now we’re the top Christmas station in town, in-demo. We do everything from giving away trees to letting kids call in and talk to Santa.”

Planting Seeds for the Next Generation

Chuck also values the small, simple ideas that connect with listeners. One of those is Mix 100.7’s partnership with Junior Achievement’s BizTown program.

“Every fifth grader in Hillsborough and Pinellas County goes through BizTown. We sponsor a storefront that’s a radio station. Kids get to be the DJ, the program director, and the salesperson. We brought in real equipment and built a basic studio.”

“My son got to be the DJ once. A competitor even sent me a photo. Her son was the DJ at Mix. It’s just a cool thing that plants a seed. And those kids go home and talk about the brand.”

“Radio Summer Camp” and Promotions That Work

The morning show just wrapped up a very creative take on a summer promotion.

“We created ‘Laura and Brody’s Radio Summer Camp.’ We picked five kids each week. They came into the studio and co-hosted the show. We gave them headphones and a gift bag. It was just simple fun. But it works. It’s experiences like that that make this station what it is.”

Staying Plugged In With Local News

The station remains committed to delivering local news throughout the day.

“We run local newscasts not just in the morning show, but at noon and five. It’s just 90 seconds, but it keeps people informed and keeps the station from being background music. People want to know what they missed at lunch or on their drive home. So we give it to them.”

Let the Fun Come Through

Chuck says the guiding principle for Mix 100.7 is simple.

“I’ve always believed that if you’re having fun, it comes through the speakers. It becomes contagious to the audience. This business is supposed to be fun.”

“I love my job. iHeart’s always given me the freedom to create and make great radio. Hopefully, something people hear on our stations helps them catch a little fun and go make it on their own.”

Listen to Mix 100.7 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.

Why News/Talk Radio Hosts Should Still Prioritize Their Live Audiences in an On-Demand/Podcast World

Garrett Searight
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Why News/Talk Radio Hosts Should Still Prioritize Their Live Audiences in an On-Demand/Podcast World

News/talk radio is evolving rapidly, and the Podcast boom is a huge reason why.

Every host with a decent mic and internet connection can now upload content that reaches a global audience. It’s tempting to think this digital shift makes live radio less important.

But if news/talk hosts stop prioritizing their live AM/FM listeners, they risk losing the one thing no podcast can replicate—real-time connection.

Live radio creates urgency. It thrives on immediacy. A podcast can break down a Supreme Court ruling or react to a press conference after the fact. But news/talk radio delivers it in the moment, with the host reacting in real-time, and callers chiming in to build community around shared ideas and emotions.

There’s value in podcasting. Absolutely. It’s smart for any talk radio brand to repackage content and meet listeners where they are. But that doesn’t mean live programming becomes secondary. If it does, the heart of news/talk radio goes quiet.

Look at events that have happened in the past 10 days alone: Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan died, and a gigantic earthquake off the coast of Russia made listeners in Alaska, Hawaii, and all along the west coast pay attention to alerts about a potential tsunami. It’s imperative to talk about those immediate items.

The live listener experience is just different. They know the host is live. They can call. They can react. They can feel part of a moment unfolding in real-time.

That sense of urgency doesn’t exist in podcasting. If a listener is tuning in to Tuesday’s hour two on Friday morning, the content may be insightful—but it’s no longer alive. And that’s the unique advantage News/Talk Radio holds. It’s a show happening now.

When hosts begin to cater their content too heavily toward the on-demand audience — or even afraid to talk about live events because their show might air on a different station at a different time, talk radio becomes stale. Topics are packaged too neatly. Segment structure gets too rigid. Interaction fades. And, eventually, listeners notice the difference.

One of the best parts of live radio is unpredictability. Maybe the host gets breaking news during a segment and has to pivot. Maybe a caller throws a curveball. Or maybe there’s a local story that takes over the phone lines for 30 straight minutes. That’s compelling, irreplaceable, and it’s what keeps people locked into live broadcasts.

Do podcast numbers look great on paper? Absolutely. But AM/FM Radio still dominates in Time Spent Listening for a reason.

There’s also the matter of formatics. A well-run live show has built-in pacing. You’re up against top-of-the-hour news. You’ve got commercial breaks. It forces tighter content. Podcasting, by contrast, can often meander or take the exit ramp more freely because it isn’t forced into being as timebound as news/talk radio.

The live radio show is — and needs to be — the flagship product. It feeds the podcast. Not the other way around.

There’s also a credibility angle here. Live radio hosts are expected to be accountable in real-time. You say something dumb? You answer for it. Listeners call in. Text lines light up. There’s no hiding. Podcasts get edited. Controversial lines get cut. Guests ask for an interview answer to be re-worked. Audience feedback gets delayed. That accountability matters.

Localism is another key advantage for news/talk radio. The best shows don’t just rehash national talking points. They connect national stories to local issues, they give local leaders a platform, and they let the audience drive the narrative. Try finding that kind of content in a national podcast feed — it’s not easy. Podcasting fits niche content arcs. And yet, no one does the niche of local topics better than news/talk radio.

Does that mean podcasts don’t matter? Not at all. They’re a great extension. They bring in new audiences and give new life to your existing content. But they should supplement, in my opinion, the live show — not replace it.

News/talk radio remains powerful because it’s present. Because it’s live. Because listeners still want to feel like they’re part of something happening now, not something that happened hours or even days ago.

If you’re a host, love your podcast audience. Nurture it. Promote it. Grow it. But never forget who got you here—and who’s still listening when the red light turns on.

Keep the live show your priority. Your audience will thank you for it.

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.

iHeartMedia Exec Hartley Adkins Announces Upcoming Retirement

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia Exec Hartley Adkins Announces Upcoming Retirement

After 32 years with the company, iHeartMedia executive Hartley Adkins is set to retire later this year, the company has announced.

In a Wednesday memo to staffers, the company shared that Adkins had been “an important part of this company in every role he’s held.”

“His wisdom, knowledge, and urgency in everything he does will be missed,” iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO/CFO Rich Bressler said in the statement.

Most recently, Adkins had served as the President of the Markets Group for iHeartMedia. Previously, he served as the President of Revenue Strategy, President of Corporate Operations, President of North East Divisions, Executive Vice President of Major Markets, Executive Vice President of Operations, Major Markets West, and Senior Vice President of the South East Region.

Outside of his work with the radio giant, Hartley Adkins also served on the Executive Radio Board of Directors for the National Association of Broadcasters, as well as a Past Chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau.

“Hartley has had a series of impressive accomplishments in this company in every job he’s held,” Pittman and Bressler concluded. “He’s been developing the data and case studies our partners need to appreciate and utilize the power of our broadcast radio asset and how they can take advantage of the full array of our multi-platform assets. His wisdom, knowledge and urgency in everything he does will be missed, and on a personal level, we will miss working with him day to day.”

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.

Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Illegal Poker Games Investigation

BSM Staff
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Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Illegal Poker Games Investigation

Former NBA All-Star and host of the Gil’s Arena podcast Gilbert Arenas is among six individuals arrested Wednesday in connection with an alleged illegal high-stakes gambling ring that operated out of a luxury Encino mansion that Arenas owned, according to a federal indictment unsealed today.

Arenas, 43, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and is known by his nickname “Agent Zero,” faces one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators.

The indictment alleges Arenas rented out his Encino property from September 2021 to July 2022 to host poker games, including “Pot Limit Omaha,” which were managed and promoted by a network of co-conspirators. Authorities say Arenas directed the setup of the home for gambling, tasked others with collecting rent, and helped coordinate the operations.

Among the others arrested is Yevgeni Gershman, 49, of Woodland Hills – also known as “Giora” – who is believed to be a high-ranking member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. He is accused of managing the games, hiring staff, and facilitating additional illicit activity tied to the enterprise.

Also charged are Evgenni Tourevski, 48, of Tarzana; Allan Austria, 52, of West Hills; Yarin Cohen, 27, of Tarzana; and Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana. Each faces conspiracy and illegal gambling charges and is expected to appear in federal court Tuesday afternoon.

According to the indictment, the poker games generated income through a “rake” system, in which the house took a portion of each pot. In addition to card dealers and chip runners, young women were allegedly hired to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship to players. Prosecutors say the women were required to pay a “tax” on their earnings to the organizers.

Authorities say Gershman also conspired with 35-year-old Valentina Cojocari to commit marriage fraud. The two allegedly entered a sham marriage in early 2022 to secure legal U.S. residency for Gershman. Both face additional charges related to fraud and false statements on immigration documents.

Cojocari was also arrested and is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison per count.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations in coordination with the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division and IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Transnational Organized Crime Section.

As with all criminal charges, the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Arenas has been hosting his Gil’s Arena podcast since 2023, and also collaborated on the No Chill podcast previously. Arenas made headlines recently on his podcast revealing he was talking to NBC about joining their NBA coverage beginning this fall, and that he has also been in talks with Joy Taylor for the past year about joining his media company.

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.

Joey Domenick Tapped for PM Drive at 95.9 The River, Aurora

BMM Staff
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Joey Domenick Tapped for PM Drive at 95.9 The River, Aurora

According to reporting by RadioInsight, Alternative 95.9 The River WERV Aurora, IL has added Joey Domenick for PM and drive and production.

Domenick said, “I hope I can put a smile on a listener’s face or make them laugh, whether it’s with me or at me. I’m here for it all. I’m excited to have some fun and make some memories.”

Domenick was recently a producer and weekend host at Alternative Q101 WKQX, Chicago.

Karl Wertzler, Alpha Media Chicago Market Manager, said of the hire, “Joey was recommended by a number of highly respected programmers, and I was immediately impressed during the interview process.”

Domenick’s start date is August 1.

Photo Facebook

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.

The MeidasTouch Podcast Tops The Joe Rogan Experience For Top Spot on YouTube Podcast Charts

BNM Staff
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The MeidasTouch Podcast Tops The Joe Rogan Experience For Top Spot on YouTube Podcast Charts

The Joe Rogan Experience has been at the top or near the top of the YouTube podcast charts. This week, the show was bested by The MeidasTouch Podcast.

For the first time in the relatively short history of the YouTube podcast rankings, MeidasTouch earned the top spot.

During the month of July, TheMeidasTouch Podcast has seen its standing grow as it has continually uncovered videos of past comments made by President Donald Trump, his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and one particular video where Epstein pleads the fifth when asked if he’d ever been with Trump and underage women.

Last week, the podcast featuring three brothers — Ben, Brett, and Jordan Meiselas — finished third in the rankings.

The Joe Rogan Experience finished the week as the second most-watched podcast for the third consecutive week.

The top 10 programs on the digital video platform for the week of July 21st were:

  • The MeidasTouch Podcast
  • The Joe Rogan Experience
  • Kill Tony
  • Rotten Mango
  • The Diary Of A CEO
  • 48 Hours
  • The Why Files: Operation Podcast (All of ‘Em)
  • Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
  • Brian Tyler Cohen
  • Shawn Ryan Show

Other notable movers include Tucker Carlson dropping four places to 15th overall, while Megyn Kelly also slipped backward by three positions to 24th.

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Marty McFly Launches ‘McFly and The Ride’ Syndicated Show

BMM Staff
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Marty McFly Launches ‘McFly and The Ride’ Syndicated Show

Country radio veteran Marty McFly has announced a new syndication partnership with Radio Resources to distribute McFly and The Ride, a personality-driven show aimed at delivering authentic, local-feeling radio content to stations nationwide.

McFly, known for his long-standing career across multiple major markets, is bringing his signature style and voice to a show designed to feel like a homegrown extension of any station’s brand. The program is built to plug into local communities while providing strong promotional opportunities and tangible sales support.

Joining McFly on the show is longtime co-host and best friend Stew James, along with singer-songwriter Morgan Alexander, who contributes music-driven features and original creative content.

“We are partners with stations in every aspect of local success,” McFly said. “McFly and The Ride is built with local stations in mind — their listeners, their promotions, their revenue, their community. This is not a plug-and-play show. It’s a living, breathing extension of their brand. We are all from small towns where we are still very active in those communities and on the radio. The show has been on WGSQ Cookeville since 1998.”

McFly and James – Photo Courtesy Radio Resources

The show’s format is intentionally flexible, giving affiliates the ability to integrate local content—whether through short-form breaks or full-length programming. Stations can slot the show into mornings, middays, afternoons, or evenings as needed.

A key feature of the rollout is the Local Station Revenue Division, led by Stew James. The group works directly with affiliates to execute non-traditional revenue (NTR) opportunities, helping boost local sales through sponsored content and station-specific promotions.

“We’re not just handing over a show,” said James. “We’re partners for the GM, the sales team and the PD — we’re in it with you.”

Radio Resources Chief Development Officer Rich O’Brien added: “Marty McFly is the kind of personality who doesn’t just do talk breaks… he connects with listeners like an old friend, bringing energy, heart and authenticity to every show. We are excited to work with McFly and The Ride Radio Show.”

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Shannon Sharpe No Longer With ESPN

BSM Staff
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Shannon Sharpe No Longer With ESPN

Just weeks following a civil lawsuit filed against former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe being settled outside of court, ESPN has made a decision on Sharpe’s future at the network. The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand was first to report that ESPN has decided to cut ties with Shannon Sharpe and his role on First Take.

Sharpe has not been seen on ESPN since April, when he decided to step away from the network to focus on the civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims that the former NFL star sexually assaulted, harassed, and committed battery against her.

ESPN has confirmed the report to Barrett Media but did not provide comment.

Sharpe was just a year into a multi-year extension with ESPN, which he signed in 2024 to expand his role on First Take following his departure from FOX Sports and Undisputed with Skip Bayless. The 57-year old football hall of famer has remained to produce and distribute his Shay Shay Media podcasts including NightCap and Club Shay Shay while remaining off of ESPN.

Sharpe denied the allegations placed against him back in April through his representation and several social media posts. Nevertheless, Sharpe decided to step away after making a statement on his social media accounts in April.

“My statement is found here and this is the truth. The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe noted. “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.”

In response, ESPN released a statement in April following the posts made by Sharpe.

“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” said ESPN via a statement.

There had been much speculation about Sharpe’s future on ESPN following his voluntary departure. First Take co-host Stephen A. Smith told the BigBoyTV podcast in May that he knew Sharpe couldn’t stay on the air following the lawsuit being filed, but was hopeful for an outcome that allowed Sharpe to return to the network. Former ESPN commentator Dan Le Batard noted in June that Sharpe would likely not return to the network.

“I think we can reasonably assume that,” Le Batard said in June. “Shannon Sharpe would like it to look like he has a chance to return. I don’t know that you can be Disney and allow any of what happened there.”

Sharpe has not publicly commented on the lawsuit nor his departure from ESPN.

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