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SubmitHub Bans AI Music From Its Promotion Services

David Hill
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SubmitHub Bans AI Music From Its Promotion Services

SubmitHub has banned AI-generated music from its promotion services. The decision follows Spotify’s move to keep AI tracks out of recommendations.

What We Know: SubmitHub will reject any track its system scores at least 85% likely AI-generated. Moreover, the ban covers hybrid songs that humans later edited. The platform enforces it through SH Labs, its detection tool, which third-party tests graded 99.4% accurate. Notably, there is no appeals process.

What They Said: Founder Jason Grishkoff called it a values decision. “At the end of the day, we as a team have decided that we want to build a platform that actually helps people promote real music. And if the algorithm means AI creators can’t achieve that, we’re wrong to sell a service that claims to provide it,” he said. Still, he encourages artists to use AI as an assistive tool.

What Remains Unclear: Roughly 11% of recent uploads crossed the 85% threshold, but SubmitHub hasn’t said how many artists it drops. Also unclear: whether rival promotion services follow. Meanwhile, the company earlier pegged fully AI-generated submissions at 23.2%. So the disclosure gap stays wide.

What It Means: Streaming economics now drive promotion policy. Because Spotify limits the reach of AI tracks, services built on Spotify results must adapt. Consequently, human-made records gain an edge they lacked a year ago. Yet detection software, not listeners, will decide who qualifies.

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

Xperi Data Shows Radio Listenership More Than Doubled On NFL’s Opening Sunday

John Mamola
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Xperi Data Shows Radio Listenership More Than Doubled On NFL’s Opening Sunday

Football fans didn’t just watch the NFL during the first Sunday of the league’s calendar. They listened — in their cars, on their commutes, tuned to local radio, according to data from Xperi.

What We Know: DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal tracked connected-car data from flagship stations covering 12 NFL teams on September 13, 2026. Overall Sunday audience share jumped 60% on average. Pre-game listening rose 111% heading into kickoff, and post-game audiences grew 152% as fans stayed tuned for highlights and reactions. Local markets outpaced the average: Buffalo’s flagship station saw a 265% share increase, with audience growth near 400% before kickoff.

What The Data Shows: The data itself makes the case: game-day radio listening rises sharply before, during, and after kickoff. Nashville tuned in for the Tennessee Titans week one debut, increasing their average Sunday share by 102%. Listening jumped 160% heading into the game and by 215% for the post-game analysis. In Phoenix, Arizona Cardinals fans remained glued to their dashboards, generating a 78% lift in their average Sunday share.

What Remains Unclear: The data doesn’t specify how these single-week gains compare to prior NFL seasons.

What It Means: Live football remains a powerful draw for AM/FM radio, especially in the car. As streaming options multiply, local broadcasters can still count on game day to boost reach. For advertisers, that pre- and post-game window looks increasingly valuable, since listeners aren’t leaving once the final whistle blows.

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

IAB: 86% of Ad Buyers Are Changing AI Measurement Strategies

Garrett Searight
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IAB: 86% of Ad Buyers Are Changing AI Measurement Strategies

IAB’s latest research shows advertisers are changing how they measure performance as AI reshapes consumer discovery. Buyers increasingly want metrics that capture visibility inside AI platforms, not just traditional website activity.

What We Know: The IAB found 86% of advertising buyers are making changes or expect to make changes within the next six to 12 months. Those changes reflect a shift in how consumers discover, evaluate, and ultimately choose brands through AI tools.

What The Numbers Show: Overall, buyers are adding AI-specific measurement to their strategies. In addition, 48% say they’re currently measuring or plan to measure brand visibility and citations within AI tools, while 44% are using or plan to use branded search and direct traffic as proxies for brand activity. Only 26% say they’re placing less weight on site traffic. The IAB also found 45% of buyers identify comparing AI-driven and traditional customer journeys as their top measurement challenge.

What They Said: “The industry is rebuilding its playbook mid-flight. Ad spend is accelerating, but the systems used to plan, measure, and prove performance were built for a consumer journey that AI is rapidly rewriting. The next 12 months will separate buyers who adapt their measurement and audience strategies now from those who wait for standards to settle.” -IAB study

What It Means: The findings suggest advertisers aren’t abandoning traditional metrics yet. Instead, they’re expanding measurement to account for AI-driven discovery, citations, referrals, and other signals that may not produce a conventional website visit. The IAB has also released measurement guidelines designed to create greater consistency around AI visibility data.

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

Disney Taps Adam Smith to Head DTC Streaming Division

Garrett Searight
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Disney Taps Adam Smith to Head DTC Streaming Division

Disney has named Adam Smith chairman of its direct-to-consumer division, expanding his role across the company’s streaming business. Smith joined Disney two years ago after leading product management for YouTube Music and YouTube Premium.

What We Know: Smith will oversee Disney’s global entertainment streaming business, including Disney+ and Hulu. His responsibilities will cover product, engineering, advertising technology, programming strategy, viewer experience, partnerships, and data analytics. Meanwhile, Joe Earley will leave the direct-to-consumer leadership team for a newly created role overseeing strategic development for Disney Entertainment Television franchises and content strategy.

What They Said: “Over the past two years, Adam has done an exceptional job building a world-class team of product and technology leaders and has significantly enhanced the Disney+ user experience globally. Alan Bergman and I are pleased to recognize the tremendous impact he has had on our direct-to-consumer business since he joined Disney, and we are confident that he is the right leader to meet the critical moment we’re in and take us to the next level.” -Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden

“Disney has the best storytellers and the most passionate fandom in the world, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built together. We’ve established real momentum, and our vision ahead is clear: make Disney+ the connection point for fans everywhere to engage with the full breadth and depth of the broader Disney ecosystem. I’m grateful for this team, energized by what’s ahead, and excited for our next chapter.” -Adam Smith

What Remains Unclear: The company hasn’t detailed how Smith’s expanded responsibilities will change its day-to-day streaming operations or the division’s organizational structure.

What It Means: Smith now holds a broader role as Disney continues integrating its streaming products. He previously helped lead product and technology efforts across the entertainment division and ESPN.

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

Barstool Sports Adds Game Theory Podcast As Sam Vecenie Departs The Athletic

John Mamola
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Barstool Sports Adds Game Theory Podcast As Sam Vecenie Departs The Athletic

Sam Vecenie is bringing his Game Theory Podcast to Barstool Sports. He’s leaving The Athletic making his announcement on The Ryen Russillo Show.

What We Know: Vecenie joined The Athletic as a senior NBA writer back in 2017. He announced the jump to Barstool on Friday’s episode of The Ryen Russillo Show. Game Theory will keep its two-day-a-week offseason schedule, then shift to Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday releases once the NBA season starts. Producer Steve Ceruti will also take on a bigger role with the show, on top of his usual duties on Russillo’s program.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Ryen Russillo Show):

Sam Vecenie (via The Ryen Russillo Show Show): “I’m super excited to team up with you. I’m super excited to team up Barstool [Sports]. I think this is an amazing, fun ride that we’re gonna go on. I couldn’t be more pumped. It’s gonna be great.”

Sam Vecenie (via The Ryen Russillo Show Show): “We have a couple of really fun people that are going to come on throughout the year. Definitely a couple of episodes a month they’re going to be draft centric, so really excited about that. Then throughout we’re just going to supplement with different interviews, people who want to come on. I hope that some of the Barstool [Sports] people want to join in and have some fun. I’m looking forward to expanding this now that I don’t have any writing to do anymore.”

What Remains Unclear: Vecenie didn’t say who else might round out the Game Theory lineup this year as far as guests. Meanwhile, no word yet on how The Athletic’s NBA desk will fill Vecenie’s void. Financial terms of the Barstool deal remain unannounced.

What It Means: Barstool keeps building out its NBA content offerings ahead of the NBA season. Moreover, pairing Vecenie’s draft expertise with Russillo’s audience gives both shows a boost. In addition, cutting ties with daily writing frees Vecenie to focus purely on audio and video. Therefore, for listeners, that likely means more interviews and less print-style analysis.

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

Craig Karmazin: AI Could Eliminate The Value Of Podcast Impressions

John Mamola
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Craig Karmazin: AI Could Eliminate The Value Of Podcast Impressions

Craig Karmazin says AI is coming for podcasting fast. Speaking on The Andrew Marchand Podcast, he thinks it will make the top shows more valuable, not less.

What We Know: The Good Karma Sports CEO joined The Andrew Marchand Podcast to discuss AI’s growing role in audio. He warned that mass-produced, low-effort content — what he calls “AI slop” — is about to flood the space. Karmazin believes that flood will crater the value of most podcast impressions within five years. Meanwhile, he says his own company is already restructuring workflows around AI tools within the walls at Good Karma Sports.

What They Said: (All quotes via the Andrew Marchand Podcast):

Craig Karmazin on AI podcasts and the value of impressions: “If you wanted to, you could do 100 episodes of this podcast a week. You could have your AI agent spin out as many episodes as you want. The AI slop that’s going to be out there, including in the podcast space, is going to be extreme in the next five years. It’s going to take the value of podcast impressions down to almost zero.”

Craig Karmazin on how AI podcasts will affect advertising dollars: “What it’s going to do is make the most brand-safe, popular podcast worth even more. Because if you want to stand out, build a business, and [want] people to associate you with credibility. You’re going to have to advertise in Andrew Marchand’s podcast. Or the Kelce’s, Bill Simmons, or Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective that we represent. You’re going to want to be around those brands. Because there’s going to be so much slop out there. The value is going to go so low that being associated with the biggest brands becomes that much more scarce.”

Craig Karmazin on how Good Karma Sports approaches using AI: “Every single workflow that we have in the company is being challenged today. I expect that we’re going to be able to do the things we do with far less people. So, if we want to have more people, which is we’ve always been a top workplace… The reason we expect to grow the amount of people we have is because we think we lean into these tools so well, and the teammates we’re going to have are going to be so engaged in it that it will grow our business.”

What Remains Unclear: AI podcasts are growing in mass. It’s unclear how much impact they will have on data measuring human-produced podcasts. Many platforms are beginning to label certain podcasts as AI-generated. The labels alert listeners to the nature of the recording.

What It Means: Scarcity, not scale, may define podcasting’s next phase. As AI podcasts spread, brand-safe hits like Marchand’s or Simmons’ could command premium ad rates because of their originality and human touch. For companies like Good Karma Sports, AI adoption isn’t optional — it’s already reshaping how the business plans to grow. Karmazin continues to build a successful model in many of the top markets in the country in how traditional sports radio is evolving into the digital content space.

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

77 WABC Host Sid Rosenberg Details Meeting with Vice President JD Vance

Garrett Searight
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77 WABC Host Sid Rosenberg Details Meeting with Vice President JD Vance

Sid Rosenberg detailed his meeting with JD Vance Thursday after the 77 WABC host raised concerns about the vice president’s Israel stance.
The White House meeting came as Vance works to address concerns among Jewish conservatives about his positions.

What We Know: Rosenberg met privately with Vance at the White House Thursday for roughly 30 minutes. The 77 WABC host had previously criticized Vance for what he viewed as insufficient support for Israel and questioned his relationship with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Vance has faced scrutiny from some Jewish conservatives following recent comments about U.S. policy toward Israel. Rosenberg, a prominent Jewish radio personality and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, said the conversation went well and suggested additional discussions could follow.

What They Said: “In my meeting with the Vice President, everyone was young and good-looking. Except me. I’m old and good-looking … I had never met him. We’d never really spoke. We’ve been in the same room a million times, but I really know the President … I’ll tell you what his last words were: ‘Please keep in touch.'” -Sid Rosenberg

What Remains Unclear: Neither Vance nor the White House has publicly detailed the full conversation. Rosenberg said much of the discussion remained off the record, leaving the specific issues raised by both men unclear.

What It Means: The meeting comes amid reports that Vance is making greater efforts to engage Jewish Republicans as speculation continues about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions. Rosenberg has previously discussed Vance’s potential 2028 campaign on Sid & Friends In The Morning, adding another layer to Thursday’s meeting.

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

Carmichael Dave: Kings Ending Relationship With SacTown Sports Was “Mutual” Separation

John Mamola
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Carmichael Dave: Kings Ending Relationship With SacTown Sports Was “Mutual” Separation

SacTown Sports 1140AM and the Sacramento Kings are parting ways. Morning show host Carmichael Dave revealed that the split was mutual as it ends a 32-year run as flagship partners.

What We Know: SacTown Sports 1140AM will no longer serve as the Kings’ flagship radio home. Carmichael Dave shared his insights on the news on The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross. He described the decision as mutual, not a falling-out. Meanwhile, play-by-play voices Gary “G-Man” Gerould, Jason Ross, and Henry “The High Flyer” Turner will move the team’s app, Kings.com beginning with the regular season and also SiriusXM Radio.

What They Said: (All quotes via SacTown Sports 1140):

Carmichael Dave on the Sacramento Kings and SacTown Sports ending their 32-year partnership: “This was truly a mutual thing. It was 100% a mutual thing. They wanted the same deal that we’ve had forever, and that doesn’t make sense because it’s not the same value. Not the product itself, although they’re not great. But you can’t do a deal you had in the ’90s and 2000s today when there’s so many other ways to disseminate that. So, they went elsewhere. They talked to other people, which is their right. They should do that, and that didn’t work. They’re doing this. God bless them. Good for them.”

Carmichael Dave praises Bonneville Management: “Shout out to our bosses and the company we work for. I also appreciate that in this world where you’ve got our dear friends over at the [Sacramento] Bee being being let go. By the way, radio in general and all media, you’re seeing all these people being laid off. That’s not what’s happening here.”

Carmichael Dave says nothing will change with Kings coverage on SacTown Sports: “We’re still going to do the same [Sacramento] Kings coverage. In fact, we might even step up in the sense our King’s coverage. Our website, our writing, our video content. None of that changes. The personalities are the same. Everything’s the same. The only difference is G-Man and Jason and the High Flyer during the games-they’re going to be over there. Good for them. Everything else, exactly the same.”

What Remains Unclear: How will fans in Sacramento without SiriusXM hear the broadcasts if they’re in their cars? Will the Sacramento Kings seek another terrestrial radio partner for local radio distribution? How far apart were both sides from reaching a deal?

What It Means: SacTown Sports will keep producing Kings coverage across its website, writing, and video. In fact, Carmichael Dave says that coverage could even expand. The station loses live game audio, but its personalities and daily shows remain unchanged. While the station’s imaging and sound may be altered slightly, the focus on covering the team will not.

Sacramento Kings End 32-Year Radio Partnership With SacTown Sports 1140

John Mamola
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0
Sacramento Kings End 32-Year Radio Partnership With SacTown Sports 1140

SacTown Sports 1140am (KHTK) 32-year run as the Sacramento Kings’ radio home is over. Sacramento’s team is taking broadcasts fully in-house this fall.

What We Know: SacTown Sports has aired Kings games since 1994, a 32-year run. However, the station’s contract expired, and talks between both parties didn’t reach a satisfactory level according to The Sacramento Bee. As a result, the Kings will now produce and distribute their own broadcasts. The new platform, Kings Radio, launches October 5th against the Lakers. Fans will be able to listen to games on Kings.com, the Kings app and SiriusXM Radio. Kings Radio will complement Kings+, the organization’s free streaming platform.

What They Said: John Rinehart, Sacramento Kings president of business operations (via Sacramento Bee): “Kings Radio is an investment in our fans, giving us greater ability to innovate, expand access and bring Kings basketball to a larger audience. As the way fans consume sports continues to evolve, we’re making it easier to listen across more platforms, introducing a Spanish-language broadcast and continuing to feature the legendary voices that have been a treasured part of Kings basketball for generations.”

What Remains Unclear: How will fans in Sacramento without SiriusXM hear the broadcasts if they’re in their cars? Will the Sacramento Kings seek another terrestrial radio partner for local radio distribution? How far apart were both sides from reaching a deal?

What It Means: The ending of a 32 year partnership reflects a trend of teams and long term partners separating. Removing the terrestrial broadcast option will affect how many fans listen to games in real time. Ultimately, Kings Radio is betting that direct distribution beats traditional radio partnerships.

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

Jason Kelce Shares His Appreciation for 94WIP’s Place in Sports Culture of Philadelphia

John Mamola
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Jason Kelce Shares His Appreciation for 94WIP’s Place in Sports Culture of Philadelphia

Jason Kelce took a moment to share his love for Philadelphia sports radio. He explained exactly why during a recent interview on SportsRadio 94WIP.

What We Know: Kelce spent 13 seasons at center for the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 2024. He now works as an ESPN Monday Night Countdown analyst and as well as guest appearances on a variety of programs. Additionally, he co-hosts the New Heights podcast with his brother, Travis. Despite that national platform, Kelce still makes time for WIP on a weekly basis. He shared why on Friday morning with SportsRadio 94WIP Morning Show hosts Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie.

What They Said: (All quotes via 94WIP):

Jason Kelce on why he values appearing on WIP so much: “WIP in radio and the sports media culture in the city [Philadelphia] is fantastic. I think it’s very much dying in a lot of other places. It’s really one of the things that makes Philadelphia so awesome to live in. Its intense local pride of who we are, where we live, the teams and people we celebrate. I don’t get to do that in all these other things I do.”

Jason Kelce values the opportunity to talk to local audiences on WIP: “Everything else I do, especially ESPN, is on the national level. The podcast is a whole separate thing with my brother. Very pop culture centric. It’s really awesome to come in and just talk about things that Philadelphians like myself, or my family, and all of us together, topics that we’re interested in talking about. It’s a way to connect to people and a medium that really resonates in the city that I think is awesome. So, it’s fun to do.”

What’s At Stake: Kelce’s reflection on the importance of local voices on sports radio should serve as a notice for more outlets to consider the same. Philadelphia sports culture rivals the top markets in the country, placing sports radio in the city as more of a vital part of the ongoing conversation.

What It Means: Ultimately, Kelce’s comments highlight a divide between national and local sports media. For WIP, his loyalty reinforces the station’s cultural relevance in Philadelphia. Additionally, his remarks suggest local radio still offers something ESPN and podcasts cannot replicate. In turn, that distinction keeps WIP central to how Philadelphia fans engage with its teams.

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

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