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SNL50 Presented The Best Way To Celebrate Your Brand

Demetri Ravanos
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SNL50 Presented The Best Way To Celebrate Your Brand

Brands don’t matter is a belief I have held for years. Your call letters and positioning statement only have as much value as the people you hire and moments you create. That reality was on full display this past weekend in the two SNL50 specials that aired on NBC. 

As far as television goes, very few shows or entertainers have done as much to shape American popular culture in the last half-century as Saturday Night Live. However the celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary was not about an institution, it was about its memorable people and the moments they created.

His name was mentioned from the stage by a number of performers, but no one performer did a long, heartfelt tribute to creator Lorne Michaels. In fact, when his name was mentioned, it was more often as part of a roast than it was a loving homage. The only tribute to the iconic Studio 8H in New York City was done very much with tongue-in-cheek. 

The focus of the SNL50 specials was on stars and characters, because they are all that matter to the audience. All of the audiences’ memories are tied up in Eddie Murphy, Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. They remember staying up late to watch Matt Foley and Stefon. They are what the brand is remembered as in the minds of every fan. No one’s greatest memory of the show is a logo or a name.

This is something the media business could stand to learn. I have seen radio stations and television networks make the same mistake time and time again. They bring out retro merch. They start airing old promos and imaging from the early days of the outlet’s existence. They put together special events that are all about the brand’s influence and accomplishments.

“No one person is bigger than the brand.” If you’re a programmer, maybe you’ve said it yourself in an attempt to reign in a talent’s ego. If you’re a talent, maybe you’ve heard it in answer to you asking for more money or resources for your show. 

It gets said a lot in our business and it is an absolute lie.

The SNL50 specials seemed to be operating with that understanding. There was no wasting time on the story of how the show came to be. It was stacking up Nick Valentine, Eddie Vedder, and the Culps on night one. For night two it was Eddie Murphy, John Mullaney, and Paul McCartney. Saturday Night Live celebrated itself and its influence by reminding its biggest fans what it does best and by showing everyone what they fell in love with in the first place.

Another brilliant move was the blending of eras. Sure, Bill Murray was there on Sunday night, but he was paired with the current Weekend Update anchors. Mike Myers came back as Linda Richman, but the character was used as part of an episode of Bronx Beat, a sketch that didn’t exist until thirteen years after Myers left the show.

There was never a moment that told any portion of the audience “this isn’t for you.” Legends, today’s a-list stars, iconic characters and the show’s current cast were woven together perfectly. Every time it seemed like one demographic was being catered to, an olive branch was extended to another.

How is a celebration worth having if it alienates your current audience? They come to you to be entertained. The last thing they want is to feel like something they love is ignoring them because another group is more important.

Brands certainly have their place in people’s lives. That is a privilege though, not a right. 

If a New Yorker is a die hard WFAN guy and wouldn’t even consider turning the dial, it’s because he connected with someone on the air there. Even if that connection was made with Mike & the Mad Dog in the 80s or 90s, he is not still tuning into WFAN if Boomer & Gio or another current show doesn’t continue to deliver. Loyalty is earned, not owed. People do and should put themselves first when they want to be entertained.

SNL50 understood the assignment of the night. If your brand succeeds by creating fans, then the best way to showcase your success is not with a dictatorial tribute extolling your success and explaining why the world is better with you in it. It’s letting the audience indulge in the things that made them fans in the first place.

The show did not do anyone behind the scenes or in the executive offices a disservice by making the night about Saturday Night Live’s biggest stars. If anything, it was the perfect way to pay tribute to what those people helped to create.

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.

Countdown to CRS 2025: Karen West, 97.3 The Eagle

Jeff Lynn
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Countdown to CRS 2025: Karen West, 97.3 The Eagle

Karen West is Program Director of 97.3 The Eagle, WGH-FM, Norfolk/Virginia Beach.

West was recently named PD (BMM 1/10) but has been with the station for 30 years, has been MD, and now co-hosts the morning show.

West is a CRS veteran. She is known as a champion for young artists, and not surprisingly, meeting those new artists ranks high on her memory list.

“What I look forward to at CRS is always meeting the new artists and getting to know them before they blow up—getting to hear some of the new music they will offer us. CRS is great; of course, you got the ‘New Faces Show.'”

“For brand new people, it gives you a chance to meet your reps face-to-face and actually get to spend a little time with them, get to spend a little time getting to know the artist.”

West likes the idea of looking to younger people for panels with new promotion ideas.

“I’m still waiting to go to that promotional panel that’s got new ideas. I think that that’s going to be few and far between because I’ve been in radio for over 40 years. I think I’ve done them all. I’m waiting for that new blood to come in here with some great brand-new ideas we can throw out in the universe.”

West would welcome the opportunity to be on or host a panel in the future. And what does she have in mind?

“I would love to be part of a panel like that, how do you put this without offending anybody? It’s been the guy in business forever, and I would like to be part of a panel where women talk about how they’re finally getting some say. It’s exciting for me to see that corner turn and see things work.”

West would also welcome the chance to share some of the things that work well for “Eagle Mornings with Steve and Karen.”

“I would love to bring all that’s working for Steve and me to the table because it is not the phones but it’s our text line and our socials that are on fire.”

“I don’t want to talk on the phone. I’d be a lot happier if I could text and get my information in our email. Even when I have to call for doctor appointments. I’d rather talk to an automated system because I have no time.”

“That’s where it’s trending. Maybe that could be a panel to discuss where your audience is right now. They’re probably not calling you, but you should have a text line and your socials open. Always be active on both because that’s where they are.”

West is a fan of The Women’s Mentoring Breakfast, an excellent chance for successful women to coach and advise up-and-comers.

“The young women that came up are starry-eyed about the business. One of the things I had to tell them was just that it’s a long road ahead, but it’s a road that feels very, very good.” 

“A girl named Paisley (Paisley Dunn-Banks) was there the year I did it, and she was so excited. Now, I see her doing a morning show in a smaller market. It was amazing to see her passion. And she went straight into a morning show.” 

“Not many young people do that. It was great to help mentor her at that age.”

West’s favorite music memory is seeing Jelly Roll perform at the “New Faces Show.”

“My favorite showcase thus far was the one he was on. I mean, seeing everybody in the audience that had drawn the cross on their face for him.”

An unexpected appearance by Dierks Bentley at the luncheon last year also stood out.

“There was a rumor that he might be there performing “American Girl.” Then we went to that luncheon, and there he was. Valory (The Valory Music Co.) got me up close. They said you sit at our table. I never get to sit in the front. I could see the color of Dierks Bentley’s eyes. That was freaking fabulous.”

Any embarrassment of once walking into the wrong record label hang was quickly forgotten when West unexpectedly met an A-lister.

“There was one year I was face to face with Darius Rucker. I was in the wrong freaking hang. There was one with Joe Nichols, Ben Gallaher, and Nate Barnes, and they were around the same area.” 

And then there was the Midwest hang, which had all the big people, Darius Rucker and Vince Gill. Well, I walked into there thinking that was the one we were going to. I didn’t know that there was another one right next door.”

“It’s packed, and I can’t move, and I think I might be in the wrong hang. The guy in front of me turned around and looked at me, and we were nose to nose. I’m like, oh my God, it’s Darius Rucker. Do you know what? The embarrassment was worth it.”

What advice does West have for first-time attendees?

“You do get pulled into all kinds of directions. I would tell people to be patient, not overexert themselves, and to plan what to go to on the day of, not the day before.”

“Don’t try to do everything all at once because that was my mistake the first year I went. I was exhausted and didn’t get to do some of the fun stuff. But then again, you don’t want to do all the fun stuff either because you’ll be too hung over the next day. You cannot do all the panels. There are so many of them.”

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.

Aircheck: Jeff Davis, The Big 89 WLS Chicago 1979

Jeff Lynn
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Aircheck: Jeff Davis, The Big 89 WLS Chicago 1979

So many people, myself included, will say they grew up listening to The Big 89, WLS, Chicago.

The station ruled not only Chicago but a large chunk of the Midwest. The tightly programmed Top 40 was the career inspiration for many who aspired to sound like the incredible talent lineup.

Growing up outside Chicago but within the nighttime listening pattern of the AM blowtorch, I remember being in the basement recording the station not only to pirate the songs but to study the jock’s techniques and how the station was programmed.

It was a career highlight when I later got to work for John Gehron, the WLS Program Director in the days I was studying the station. I’m happy to say I was able to continue to learn from John, this time in person and face-to-face.

Jeff Davis rocked the airwaves in July 1979. Davis is now in Los Angeles, where he has been working as a voice actor since 1992 at Jeff Davis Productions.

The audio quality of the aircheck is not great, but it’s fun to hear the jingles again and listen to Davis flawlessly execute the format. Also, notice the reverb on the mic.

Here is Jeff Davis in July 1979 on Music Radio WLS Chicago.

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.

1130 WISN Host Dan O’Donnell is the Next Generation of News/Talk Talent in Milwaukee

Garrett Searight
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1130 WISN Host Dan O’Donnell is the Next Generation of News/Talk Talent in Milwaukee

Late last year, 1130 WISN announced it was tabbing Dan O’Donnell to step into the shoes vacated by longtime host Mark Belling in afternoons at the iHeartMedia Milwaukee news/talk station.

The appointment of Dan O’Donnell to afternoons marks a new path for WISN. Belling had been hosting at the station since his replacement was eight years old. This marks a shift from the Baby Boomer generation in afternoon drive to the Gen X and millennial generation more in line with the key 25-54 demographic.

“We’re kind of seeing that sort of transition, I think, for the next generation,” O’Donnell noted of a string of retirement and changes in the Milwaukee media landscape in recent years. “We had a bunch of legends in the past couple of years call it a career … All those guys and gals are retiring, and now I’m part of this next generation where it’s like the millennials, older millennials.

“I’m the oldest millennial — I was born in 1981 — so I’m right on the cusp of Gen X and millennial. I think we’re technically called Xennials, but we’re kind of taking over and sort of filling that gap. So it’s a unique challenge in Milwaukee because everybody has been such a part of people’s lives for so long.”

When asked what the Gen X or millennial news/talk radio sound meant to O’Donnell, he made a logical comparison.

“What I try to do is much less monologuing or giving my opinions. I mean, it is an opinion-based show, obviously, but what I try to do is provide deeper dives into the data and provide the facts. I was, in another lifetime, trained as a lawyer. And I went to law school thinking I was going to be an attorney. I was like, ‘I’ll do broadcasting until I get fired.’ Just assuming I would get fired like everybody does. Well, I guess I didn’t get fired,” he said with a laugh. “But I try to approach my show like an attorney. I’m sort of building a case for whatever it is that I’m trying to argue for and just provide the best, most logical argument that I can find.”

Mark Belling was an institution at 1130 WISN. Not only was he ingrained in the fabric of the iHeartMedia Milwaukee news/talk station, he was a staple in the Milwaukee community. And O’Donnell admitted he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t intimidated by taking over the timeslot.

“Absolutely. There has to be, right? You think you’re never going to measure up,” he shared. “What’s the old saying? You never want to be the guy that follows the legend. You want to be the guy who follows the guy who followed the legend. He’s way better, by comparison. But iHeart here in Milwaukee really understood that. So getting me on when Mark was taking time off really helped. And I’ve been doing a show on WISN for almost a decade … But yeah, just in terms of, ‘Oh my gosh, am I going to be accepted by people who have made Mark Belling a part of their day, a part of their routine?’

“My good friend, Jeff Wagner, who retired as a longtime host at WTMJ in Milwaukee, had quite possibly the greatest quote I’ve ever heard, and it was ‘People may recognize you from TV, but they know you from radio.’ And it’s true because you give a little piece of your soul … People kind of get to know you, and when they’ve known somebody for 35 years, it is difficult to be the new guy.

“But what’s really helped is that I’m really, in many respects, not this new guy, just a middle-aged guy who they’ve heard on a part-time basis for the past few years, and now we are full-time,” he concluded.

Dan O’Donnell had previously hosted mid-mornings at the station, and filled in for Belling during his more lengthy sabbaticals in past years. But on January 2nd, O’Donnell took over the afternoon drive role and shared that it couldn’t have gotten off to a better start.

“It’s been awesome, and it’s been a lot of fun,” said O’Donnell. “I feel like I have more time to research topics, to reach out to sources, to do investigative reporting, this stuff that I like to do that is just very difficult when your show starts at 9 AM. And I get a million tips at exactly like 8:30 AM and then I’m like, ‘Ok, I’ve got 20 minutes here.’ So it’s been great.”

He added that having the familiarity with not only the station and market, but Belling’s existing audience was a big help in assimilating him into the daypart.

“It was incredibly,” he shared. “I couldn’t imagine coming in cold from another market, especially Milwaukee. Milwaukee is very unique in that it’s not like a Phoenix or a Miami where people are coming there because of the weather and the excitement and all of that.

“This is obviously not a diss at Milwaukee, that’s my home. That’s the only place I want to be. I love it, but it’s a place where people spent their entire lives. We are born here. We start here. And if we come here, we have a tendency to stay here … The people are awesome. But also, I believe it was Belling himself who said it takes you 10 years before anybody in this town even knows who you are. There’s just such a summit with radio hosts and our TV news anchors stay here for 30 years.”

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.

How Much Artificial Intelligence in Broadcasting is Too Fast and Too Soon?

Dr. Ed Cohen
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How Much Artificial Intelligence in Broadcasting is Too Fast and Too Soon?

We’re constantly hearing about artificial intelligence (AI), whether it’s wishing that we had invested some money in NVIDIA stock a couple of years ago before it took off or wondering about Elon Musk’s assertion that the government will need to establish a basic income for everyone because there won’t be enough jobs when AI takes over. This may be true someday, but as you’ll see, the data says not yet.

Last summer, I took an Engineering Management class at Western Kentucky University called “Technology and Society”. The instructor assured me that the class was more social science than engineering because, to put it bluntly, I don’t know anything about engineering. Even though I audit classes at WKU — meaning I don’t receive a grade or credit (with three degrees, I don’t need another one) — I do the work. 

The final presentation had to cover one of seven areas, six of which I didn’t know anything about and couldn’t get up to speed in a couple of weeks. Oh, did I mention this was a five-week class, condensed down from 15 weeks? The one choice left was artificial intelligence, so with the help of some friends, I learned enough about AI in broadcast radio to put a reasonable presentation together. Fortunately, the instructor knew very little about the radio business, so the final evaluation was decent.

As the radio business has atrophied over recent years, we hear about the potential for AI to take over, for better or worse. Our industry is not alone and the recent revelation about the new Deep Seek LLM (large language model) supposedly designed for a tiny fraction of what other companies are investing in the technology has shaken the artificial intelligence world.

But maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS) has been asking about the use of AI in business for the last couple of years and the results are interesting.

BTOS (each time I see this acronym, I think of Bachman Turner Overdrive) says that as of the January 30, 2025 update, only 5% of businesses are using AI to produce goods or services. 84% are not using AI and 11% don’t know if they’re using AI or not! Looking ahead, only 6.5% plan to use AI in the next six months.

Because all sorts of businesses are included, let’s check the results for larger businesses (250+ employees), assuming bigger companies would be more likely to be first movers. The current use percentage goes up…all the way to 7.2% with future use at 11%. 

How about the effect on employment? Won’t AI cause massive layoffs as the technology replaces humans? According to the Census, not yet. Of the companies using AI, 2.8% said they had increased employment while 2.6% said employment was reduced due to AI, in other words, a wash.

BTOS does not break out media but does have a category entitled “Arts and Entertainment”. In this sector, 5% of businesses are using AI now and 6.1% plan to in the next six months. However, there was a greater, albeit very small, effect on employment. Not a single business said they had hired more people due to the introduction of AI, but 2.2% said they cut headcount. 

Suggesting that AI will be a bust in the future seems ludicrous, but if we are to believe the Census — one of the best survey operations in the world — it’s not a big deal yet. And while BTOS does not break out a “media” category and definitely not a “radio” category, we can surmise that adoption is happening, albeit slowly. 

My presentation last summer cited uses of AI for radio such as spec spots and AI voices for emergencies when no local talent is available. Yes, I covered “AI Ashley” and the new services from Futuri and RadioContentPro. Anyone betting against AI in our business will probably be wrong in the long run.

Like any other technology, AI will get here but likely later rather than sooner. There is a lot of promise in artificial intelligence analyzing large data sets, doing drudge work (think reviewing legal documents that run on for thousands of pages) and more. A recent Fred Jacobs blog talked about “synthetic data” using AI and the problems that result from that (and thanks for the shout-out about The Bedroom Project and Goin’ Mobile…truly great research projects that I was a small part of along the way). 

If you’d like to review the Census data, it’s here. Navigating the website is easy and besides, it’s your tax dollars at work! 

Let’s meet again next week.

Zach Kram Joining ESPN as National NBA Writer

BSM Staff
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Zach Kram Joining ESPN as National NBA Writer

ESPN has signed Zach Kram to join the company as a national NBA writer, further bolstering its coverage of the NBA. Kram had announced last week that he was concluding his time with The Ringer after nine years with the outlet. Under his new role, he will be joining a roster that includes industry veterans such as Ramona Shelburne, Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst as the network prepares to commence a new 11-year media rights deal with the league, reportedly worth $2.62 billion per season.

In a series of posts on X, Kram described that he had landed his dream job out of college with The Ringer and affirmed how much he loves and values the outlet. Furthermore, he divulged that he started working as an intern for the digital media brand one week before the website launched and conveyed his gratitude for being able to grow alongside it. Kram has written several articles for the outlet over the years discussing topics such as basketball, baseball and pop culture.

“I’m positively thrilled to embark on a new journey with the wonderful NBA team at ESPN,” Kram shared on social media just after the announcement on Monday afternoon.

Kram studied psychology, history and creative writing while matriculating at Washington University in St. Louis while also participating in the Student Life newspaper publication. Throughout his time in college, he held various leadership positions with the outlet, including copy chief, senior sports editor and longform editor. Ahead of his graduation within the Class of 2016, he was an intern for The Daily Record and later became an editorial assistant with The Ringer. Kram had been a staff writer for the brand for over six years and also participated on a variety of podcasts through the Spotify-owned platform.

Earlier in the season, ESPN signed a variety of its NBA talent to contract extensions, some of whom include Bobby Marks, Danny Green, Angel Gray and Tim Bontemps. The network recently averaged 2.01 million viewers for its broadcast of Luka Dončić making his debut as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN will present the NBA Finals on ABC at the conclusion of the season for the 22nd consecutive year.

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.

Chris Crowley Exits iHeartmedia Charlotte and Raleigh

BMM Staff
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Chris Crowley Exits iHeartmedia Charlotte and Raleigh

Chris Crowley has left the building. In a Linkedin post, the veteran radio executive shared that his time with iHeartmedia has come to a close. Crowley was alerted last week that his time with the company had come to an end. It marked the end of 34 years in the industry.

Recently, Crowley served as PD of 106.5 The End and 99.7 The Fox in Charlotte. He also oversaw 100.7 WRDU and ALT 95.3 in Raleigh.

Though he says he’s not shutting the door on returning to radio, Crowley acknowledged that his days of packing up and moving are done. If it means the end has arrived, he’s content with what he’s accomplished in over three decades in the business.

Crowley highlighted his time working with the Woody & Wilcox Show. He also singled out Lisa Worden, Garner Goin, and Steve Geoffries for providing valuable insight, guidance, and a willingness to listen. Chris Rozak was also recognized for being the epitome of a team player, and an outstanding colleague.

Before landing in the Queen City, Crowley served as Townsquare Media’s Director of Content in Buffalo, NY. Prior stops during his career have included 92.3 KGON in Portland, 96.5 WCMF and 95.7 The Fan in Rochester, 94.5 The Arrow in Fort Myers, and Alternative 103.7, Star 102.3 and 95.3 The Score in Eugene. Crowley also spent time working for Jacobs Media.

Those interested in reaching out to lend support or to explore future opportunities with Chris can reach him by email here.

Rush Limbaugh Remembered By News/Talk Radio Hosts 4 Years Since Passing

BNM Staff
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Today marks the fourth anniversary of the death of conservative talk radio titan Rush Limbaugh.

To say that Limbaugh made an impact on the industry would be a giant understatement. His program, nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks, launched hundreds of conservative news/talk radio stations centered around the popular program.

And the lasting impact Limbaugh had on the industry is still seen today. He mentored current hosts like Erick Erickson and James Golden, also known as Bo Snerdley. Barrett Media spoke to both hosts on the anniversary of Limbaugh’s death to reminisce about their time with the news/talk radio icon.

“There literally is not a day I don’t sit down behind my microphone and think about him and the advice he’s given me,” said Erickson.

The nationally syndicated host shared that one of the best pieces of advice Limbaugh gave him included finding someone to work on his show that would be willing to tell him when he’s screwing up as a host.

“He advised me on how to find a producer. He told someone they were going to be my agent; they’re still my agent,” said Erickson. “(Limbaugh did) everything you can think of to help me get started, and I’m so profoundly grateful that he was in my life. The very first time my dad ever told me he was proud of me was Rush mentioned me as his friend on the radio. Literally, my dad ran off the road. He called me from a ditch, out of breath. I asked ‘What happened?’ He said he’d run off the road. Why? He heard Rush Limbaugh mention his buddy Erick Erickson. It was a friendship I miss.”

Erickson added that he misses having someone at the level of Rush Limbaugh to rely on for advice and guidance.

“He was always there, even in the middle of the night, if I had a question. And the weird thing about it is, I used to always be able to look over my shoulder if I ever had a question and ask Rush. And now I look over my shoulder and nobody’s there, and I’ve got all these people on the other side looking at me for answers, and I don’t know that I have them,” he admitted. “He was a life force for the entire medium. And I mean, for me personally, I literally would not be doing what I’m doing but for his involvement in my life.”

James Golden, known as Bo Snerdley during his time with Limbaugh, now hosts afternoons at 77 WABC in New York, which is nationally syndicated like Erickson. Similarly to the 95.5 WSB-based host, Golden said he frequently thinks about his former co-worker.

“We had a staff of people that was just amazing. I’ve been texting with some of them today, and there’s a mindset of how fortunate we all were to work with him, to know him, and to be part of that amazing journey that was so successful,” said Golden. “There’s a lot of gratitude, not just all of our staff that I still communicate with, that are just incredibly grateful for having that experience, and we just hold him and continue to hold us in the highest regard. Not just as a broadcaster, not just for his achievements, but for the human being that he was. And that’s the most impactful part the work. The legacy, it is truly amazing.”

Golden added that he learned plenty from Rush Limbaugh about how to host and produce a news/talk radio show. He carries that wisdom to his daily programs to this day.

“He never really gave me advice. Like Rush, I had a love for this broadcast medium. I’ve been in radio — one way or another — since I was 14 years old. Rush used to say ‘Life is show prep.’ He was always thinking forward to that next show and wanting to perform the best that he could,” Golden said. “I’ll tell you what,I was thinking about when he was battling his last battle, he still brought it every single day that he could physically bring his A game. When you’re watching this, and you’re watching this remarkable talent … but the work ethic behind it is was also incredible.

“And so if, anything, those years have inspired me to try to maintain that sense of the work ethic. I love this industry. I love what I do. And I love talk radio, but I also love the things that you don’t see. The fact that sometimes it takes you 10 hours of research before you can come up to do a show that’s over in an hour or three hours. That’s all part of it, and no one else sees that … There was no more inspiring figure in my entire career that I have seen in over 30 years. He never, never, never phoned it in. It was dedication and a love of this industry that led him to become the (greatest of all time) and to really have that sense of excellence and to take pride in it. So just watching that, being a part of that, is something that still informs the way that I do what I do.”

Others in the news/talk radio world shared their memories and admiration for Limbaugh on the anniversary of his death on social media.

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.

WERS 88.9 Names Alex Parker Afternoon Host and Programming Assistant

BNM Staff
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WERS 88.9 Names Alex Parker Afternoon Host and Programming Assistant

WERS 88.9 has announced Alex Parker will join the station as its new afternoon host and programming assistant.

Parker joins WERS 88.9, the Emerson College radio station, after previously working in on-air and production rols at other stations in Boston like WAAF, WZLX, and WPLM.

“I’m kinda screaming that I get to write this quote right now,” said Parker. “It’s actually surreal to be fulfilling a goal of mine to make it on-air full-time in the city that I adore, at the station that inspired my passion for radio and embraced my love of music. I’m wicked excited to be afforded the opportunity to hang out with the one-of-a-kind WERS listenership on the Boston airwaves.”

“Part of our mission is to provide companionship as we navigate through our hand-picked playlists,” said WERS General Manager Howard Simpson. “Parker is an excellent storyteller. Adding her to the equation means our audience gains the kind of wit, warmth and realness of a trusted friend. I can’t wait for her to get started.”

Parker joins the station after previously serving as a Social Media Content Specialist for Emerson College. She will begin her duties with the radio station on Tuesday.

“Parker is a local who brings a deep love of music, experience in commercial and non-commercial Boston radio, and proficiency in social media,” added WERS Brand Manager Ken West. “She’s ready to connect with the WERS audience through her passion, music knowledge, and fun personality.”

Alex Parker is a 2013 graduate of Emerson College.

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.

Erin Andrews: ‘I Actually Was Trying to Slow Down, Be Chill’ During Super Bowl LIX

BSM Staff
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Erin Andrews: ‘I Actually Was Trying to Slow Down, Be Chill’ During Super Bowl LIX

FOX Sports recently presented Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, a matchup that made history as the most-watched event in U.S. television history with an average of 127.7 million viewers. The game broke the previous record that had been set by CBS Sports during last year’s championship game, and it also accrued record-high streaming viewership on Tubi and NFL digital properties. There were several distinctive aspects of the presentation for the game from FOX Sports producer Richie Zyontz and director Rich Russo. Erin Andrews, who was one of the sideline reporters for the game, detailed how some of the interviews came together on the latest edition of the Calm Down podcast.

Andrews told herself not to screw up the pregame interview with Mahomes upon evincing the environment within the stadium. Even though she has spoken with many football players throughout her broadcasting career, she could discern the atmosphere surrounding the game replete with compelling storylines. Despite the accolades and plaudits on the line, she decided to take a step back and alter her tone surrounding interviews, deciding to convey herself as “a lot more chill.”

“I saw some people [say], ‘You could tell Erin in her Jalen Hurts interview was disappointed that Kansas City didn’t win,’” Andrews recalled reading on the internet. “I actually was trying to slow down, be chill, instead of being like, ‘Jalen, what does it mean..!,’ [so] I was trying to be calm because he’s f*****g calm – he’s not crazy and rah-rah.”

Andrews explained how her producer said that out of the tunnel, the network would have her interview Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes while Tom Rinaldi would speak with Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Since they were both working from Caesars Superdome, FOX NFL Sunday host Charissa Thompson could see Andrews delivering her some of her reports, and having the chance to work alongside a close friend is something she does not take for granted.

“I always point out my favorite part of Super Bowl – and I’ve said it before on here – is getting to do this job alongside, not always actually in person alongside you, but in parallel, and then to stand on the sidelines with you before you’re about to do your first hit,” Thompson said. “…It’s never, ever lost on me that we get to do this job, just as individuals, but then when we get to do it together and I get to watch you on the world’s biggest stage and you just shine bright just like a diamond, I just am always grateful for that, and I love you.”

Thompson remarked that she was going to be damned either way, articulating that had she decided to exhibit more excitement, there would have been people saying that she was too excited. Moreover, she added that she has empathy for the athletes on this point of not being able to win with the audience no matter what. Andrews concurred with this point and also chastised the crowd for deciding to boo award-winning musician Taylor Swift while she was attending the game. Towards the end of the discussion, she talked about the record-setting viewership and how it was indicative of the NFL being a dominant force of consumption in the sports media landscape.

“Football is king,” Andrews said. “One hundred and twenty-seven million viewers when it was really a blowout just says so much about our sport and how much we love it.”

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