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Jesse Kelly Is Right: The Donald Trump Era Is Ending For Talk Radio

Garrett Searight
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Jesse Kelly Is Right: The Donald Trump Era Is Ending For Talk Radio

Jesse Kelly just said what many of his colleagues won’t say out loud. Donald Trump’s reign as the engine of conservative talk media is winding down. Everyone who profits from it should pay attention.

The Guardian asked Kelly what the past decade in talk radio has been like with Trump on the rise. His answer was refreshingly honest. Life’s been easy, he said, for him and plenty of others in conservative radio.

Kelly didn’t sugarcoat it, either.

“When he was the bee’s knees there for a while on the right, honestly, it was easy radio, easy podcasting, easy TV to just sit down and just powder Trump’s butt all day long. For a while, that was the case. But like any other politician, same for all of them, you don’t stay hot forever. It’s not possible. No matter what, we’re nearing the end of the Trump era because his last term’s almost over and people are going to start looking around for the next guy,” he said.

That’s a remarkable admission from someone who built a career in this format. It’s also accurate. Jesse Kelly isn’t some outside critic, either. He’s a conservative radio host who’s lived this cycle from the inside. Whether you like it or not, the Trump era is almost over.

The Clock Is Ticking

Trump has basically two years left in office. He’s also 80 years old, and projecting anything about an 80-year-old is a crapshoot. That’s especially true for a man who stays up all night operating the free world.

Meanwhile, a magical third term isn’t coming. If it does, it probably signals the end of America as we know it. Instead, talk hosts will face a simple reality. No daily commentary on the president’s thoughts will arrive once he leaves the White House. The content gravy train is ending.

Even the loyalists know the math. Term limits, age and politics all point toward the same conclusion. Consequently, the smartest voices in the format are already thinking about what comes next.

The Influence Fades First

However, Trump’s influence will shrink well before Election Day in November 2028. Republicans will start jockeying to become the party’s next star as early as 2027. Consequently, the 2028 race will begin reshaping the conversation on the right long before voters cast a ballot.

Whoever wins will likely need to break ranks with Trump, because he’s wildly unpopular right now. That won’t change overnight. In fact, every candidate who distances himself from the president will create a story that Trump-only shows can’t cover well. Hosts who ignore those storylines will sound out of touch. Audiences will follow the story, and the story is about to move.

Pivot Or Get Left Behind

News/talk radio has leaned on Trump for too long. I’ve shouted this from the rooftops before, but the end truly is coming. Trump has been a godsend to the format. Still, those days are ending sooner rather than later.

Smart programmers will start planning now. They’ll look for hosts who can talk about issues, local concerns and the next wave of Republican leaders without relying on one man’s every move. Likewise, hosts should build audiences that show up for them, not just for their daily Trump reaction. Many hosts built their brands during the first Trump rise, and those habits die hard. Breaking them takes work, but the alternative costs far more.

That’s not a knock on Trump coverage. It’s a warning about overdependence.

Kelly sees all of this clearly, and you should, too. If you can’t pivot, you’ll get left behind. After all, all-Trump radio all the time has a shelf life. The expiration date is coming.

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.

Why Netflix Hiring Steve Wilson Will Benefit the Entire Podcast, Creator Industry

John Mamola
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Why Netflix Hiring Steve Wilson Will Benefit the Entire Podcast, Creator Industry

Netflix faces questions about its business for several reasons. Engagement with the platform has fallen short of expectations, and the company recently underwent a round of layoffs that included the departure of Bela Bajaria, its chief content officer. Meanwhile, its stock price has declined, prompting analysts to question its long-term strategy and investments.

One question about Netflix remains unanswered: How are its podcasts performing? While the company has expressed satisfaction with the data it has seen, it has been reluctant to share those results publicly. However, for anyone questioning Netflix’s long-term commitment to podcasting, a hire announced Tuesday offered a reason to believe the company intends to stick around.

The company hired former Apple podcast executive Steve Wilson as a consultant. Wilson brings considerable experience to Netflix, having worked in the podcast space at Apple before spending the past five years with Daylight Media.

The hire is significant. If podcasts are going to remain a long-term part of Netflix’s strategy, the company needs someone with experience to oversee that growth. Podcasting requires a different approach than producing movies or television shows. The content is more timely, driven by personality and often connected to conversations that audiences are already having.

But Netflix also must overcome a fundamental challenge: Why should viewers pay to watch or listen to content they can find for free on other podcast platforms? That raises another question: Why didn’t Netflix make this type of hire before investing in podcasting?

The company signaled its intentions for months before securing deals with iHeartMedia, Spotify and Barstool Sports, among others. If Netflix wants to think, invest and operate like YouTube in the podcast space, why didn’t it bring in someone like Wilson from the beginning?

Regardless, the move has been made. Wilson’s hiring was also the first under new chief content officer Peter Rice. That should be noteworthy to those in the industry. Following a round of cuts, Netflix’s first new hire under its new content chief is someone focused on podcasting.

All of this is good news for creators, and the reasons are simple.

Follow The Money

Since Netflix signaled its intention to establish a foothold in podcasting, competitors have continued to expand their offerings. YouTube has offered millions of dollars to popular creators to keep their video content exclusive to its platform. Disney+, Hulu and Tubi have also expanded their video podcast offerings. Meanwhile, Spotify has expanded its Partner Program into 35 additional countries.

Podcast consumption is also growing.

At Podcast Movement, a study found that 21% of podcast consumers had used Netflix as a podcast platform in the previous 12 months. That placed Netflix third behind YouTube (63%) and Spotify (33%), but ahead of Apple Podcasts (15%).

Did Netflix’s entry into podcasting drive all this industry expansion? Probably not. However, some of these developments could be tied directly to the company’s willingness to invest in the space.

That’s why Wilson’s hiring matters. It’s significant not only to the health and viability of Netflix’s podcast strategy but also to the continued growth of the medium and the opportunities available to creators. If the biggest platforms in media aren’t willing to invest, the industry’s growth potential could diminish.

Why Participation Matters For All

Earlier this summer, at the Barrett Media Summit, Funk Flex argued that the radio industry shouldn’t celebrate the layoffs iHeartMedia underwent shortly before the event. His reasoning was straightforward: When a major company struggles, the consequences can extend beyond its own business.

“We could look at the iHeart cuts as other companies snicker. But I’m going to tell you something. IHeart is the one-hundred-pound Gorilla. They don’t make it, nobody makes it. Because they believe in it like we believe in it [radio],” Flex said in June.

Could the same principle apply to Netflix and podcasting?

YouTube has dominated podcast discovery and overall consumption of video podcasts. Yet the platform has also responded to Netflix’s moves by competing for creators and their exclusive content. That suggests Netflix’s entry into the space could influence the strategies of even its established competitors.

The point isn’t that Netflix needs to become the biggest podcast platform overnight. It needs to show creators that it understands the medium, is willing to invest in the people who make it work and intends to stick around long enough to help it grow.

Wilson’s hiring is a step in that direction.

A Great Sign For Everyone

For creators, that commitment matters. The more platforms compete for their content, the more opportunities creators have to build audiences, expand their reach and generate revenue.

That’s why the industry should welcome Netflix’s latest investment, even as questions remain about its performance. The goal shouldn’t be to determine which platform wins. It should be to ensure that more platforms are willing to compete in the first place.

Funk Flex was right about iHeartMedia’s importance to radio. The same principle applies to Netflix and podcasting. When a major player invests in the future of a medium, the entire industry has a reason to pay attention. If Netflix is serious about becoming a long-term home for podcasts, creators stand to benefit from the competition it creates.

Now comes the harder part: proving that the investment can translate into sustained consumption, meaningful returns and a strategy that lasts. Wilson’s hiring is an encouraging first step, but Netflix still has plenty to prove. At least the company has signaled that it intends to keep playing the game.

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.

Logan Ryan Believes His Best Work Is Ahead Calling NFL Games for CBS Sports

John Mamola
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Logan Ryan Believes His Best Work Is Ahead Calling NFL Games for CBS Sports

Not every professional athlete pursues a second act in sports media after retiring from competition. Some choose to remain out of the public eye, while others seek an identity beyond the one they developed as professional athletes. For Logan Ryan of CBS Sports, a career in sports media was never part of the plan. But after an 11-year NFL career and two Super Bowl championships, Ryan felt compelled to make the most of his time away from the football field.

“It’s not about the money. It’s about the chase, grind and the journey that comes with it. I played in the NFL because that was my dream as a kid. Now, with this second career, I don’t want to be just known as an NFL player. I have too much of a brain on my shoulders just to be known as someone who tackled people,” explains Ryan, who is in his first season calling NFL games for CBS Sports on a full-time basis.

Like any football fan, Ryan grew up watching and falling in love with the sport. He appreciated its strategy and physicality, as well as the lessons that came from both victories and defeats. He went on to play three seasons at Rutgers University before becoming a third-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ryan entered the league knowing that nothing was guaranteed. Over time, he learned that opportunities are built on a foundation of preparation, trial and error, and growth through teamwork.

That same approach, which carried Ryan to the pinnacle of the NFL, has shaped his work with CBS Sports. During his later playing days, after leaving the New England Patriots, Ryan began to connect with audiences through media appearances and discovered the power of storytelling.

“I didn’t see a role in media coming following my career. But I became accustomed to doing media hits and that led to an opportunity with the NFL broadcasting boot camp. That’s when they talked about games and showed us how to do it,” said Ryan. “I tackled it head on, did an audition and CBS Sports hired me. Now, we’re off and running because I love the competitive nature of it.”

Same Approach, Different Role

Ryan strongly believes in the importance of work ethic and investing additional time and effort into mastering a profession. Rather than immediately stepping into a prominent broadcasting role as a two-time Super Bowl champion, he began earning experience through college football assignments while balancing his work with the NFL. The transition challenged Ryan as he adjusted to the different rules, rosters and dynamics of the college game.

That experience tested his preparation and approach to broadcasting, but Ryan understood that success at the college level could open the door to additional opportunities.

“I have these great stories with guys that I played with and against in the NFL. Just having that insight, I felt was valuable. It was important for me to get to the NFL as quick as possible, because these stories, you can’t take them with you forever,” explained Ryan. “The further away you are from the game, the harder it becomes to stay close to these sources. That’s why I’m super excited about the opportunity I received this year with CBS.”

This season, CBS Sports elevated Ryan to its NFL broadcast booth, where he works alongside play-by-play announcer Andrew Catalon and sideline reporter A.J. Ross. The assignment gives Ryan his first opportunity to call NFL games for the network on a weekly basis.

Ryan says his approach mirrors the way he communicated on the field as a player: Be straightforward, call the game as he sees it and share the sideline conversations that fans don’t often get to hear.

“It’s about being fair and critical. To me, I’m probably harder on my friends because they know I’d tell them the same to their face. I’m just critiquing the game of football, not the player,” said Ryan. “I know how hard these players work. They understand when they make mistakes. We’re all human, and they understand the position I’m in.”

Growing With CBS Sports

Ryan credits much of his growth at CBS Sports to the support he receives behind the scenes. He has learned from producers and gained opportunities to understand how a broadcast comes together, from the conversations over the headset to the work inside the production truck. Earlier this summer, Ryan signed a new, longer-term contract with CBS Sports, extending his relationship with the network.

“I have an agent, and there’s been interest [from other networks] for sure. But no one believes in me more than CBS Sports. That’s where I need to be, and I’m ecstatic with my relationship with CBS Sports,” notes Ryan. “CBS identified me early right from broadcast boot camp. We do the best of anyone else. I’m still learning how to call television taking the steps with the great CBS team I have.”

Part of that education came last season, when Ryan had the opportunity to shadow CBS Sports’ top NFL broadcast team, featuring Jim Nantz and Tony Romo. When the New England Patriots traveled to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers, Ryan received a front-row seat to observe how the network’s leading booth prepares for and executes a broadcast.

“I’m so grateful for that opportunity because it truly accelerated my growth tremendously,” said Ryan. “We’re creating a movie every week for the fans to watch, and it’s a big creative process. That team was the best team in the world, and they took me in. I got to sit in on meetings, and provided ideas which some got on air which was cool. It was like getting songwriters credit on an album. I took a lot of notes from that experience, because I don’t know if a lot of analysts get that kind of opportunity.”

Although Ryan re-signed with CBS Sports earlier this year, his role in the network’s NFL broadcast lineup remained unsettled. Following the reported arrest of top network analyst Tony Romo on an operating-while-intoxicated charge in Wisconsin, speculation emerged about how CBS Sports might adjust its analyst assignments.

“First, Tony [Romo] has always done a good job of teaching me about this role and the business. He always requested me in production meetings. Now that I’m in this role, I see how much love he showed me,” opened Ryan. “I just re-signed with CBS and was excited about what’s to come. Then a lot of shake up happened, and I was given a new higher role which I’m grateful and excited for… I was asked if I wanted a bigger role, and I said yes.”

A Desire For More

Ryan’s goal at CBS Sports isn’t necessarily to call the biggest games but to call the best games. With his expanded assignment, he recognizes the responsibility that comes with the network’s confidence in his abilities.

Despite practicing financial discipline throughout his playing career and saving his NFL earnings, Ryan wants to apply that same discipline to his broadcasting career by continually improving his craft.

“I’m more than just a dumb jock,” says Ryan, who also discusses financial literacy with players through collaborations with LinkedIn and other partners. “I want to be the best on television and provide an entertaining broadcast. I grew up watching football non-stop listening to a lot of legendary voices of the game. Now, I’m one of those voices and it’s so cool to say that.”

Ryan’s journey from the NFL to the broadcast booth is still in its early stages, but the competitive drive that carried him through 11 seasons and two Super Bowl championships remains firmly intact. He understands that the transition requires patience, preparation and a willingness to learn from those who have already mastered the craft.

Now, with CBS Sports giving him a greater opportunity to tell the stories of the game he loves, Ryan is determined to prove that some of his best work may come after his playing career.

“I want to be the guy when you tune into my game, you don’t click away,” said Ryan. “If you can laugh and learn something during one of my games, I’ve done my job and keep it moving. That’s the goal.”

For a former NFL player who never envisioned a career in sports media, the second act is no longer about figuring out what comes next. It’s about chasing another dream, embracing the learning process and earning his place among the voices that define the game.

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.

The State of Classic Rock in Three Stories

Mike Stern
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The State of Classic Rock in Three Stories

Three headlines caught my attention this week. Collectively, they may tell the story of where the Classic Rock format stands today.

Let’s review them one at a time, and afterward, we can discuss.

Nirvana Passes AC/DC

According to an article on Loudersound.com, Nirvana’s Nevermind album has now passed AC/DC’s Back in Black to move into sixth place on the list of best-selling albums of all time. The data comes from Chartmasters, which combines physical sales, digital downloads and streaming numbers into a measure of equivalent album sales. While Back in Black has sold more physical vinyl copies, the gap isn’t as big as you might think — 37 million compared to 30 million for Nirvana.

The only two rock albums higher on the list than Nirvana are the Eagles’ Hotel California and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. The other slots are held by two Michael Jackson releases and the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. To reach the top five, Nirvana will need to pass Jackson’s Bad, which is currently about 3.5 million units ahead of it.

For every programmer who worries about playing ’90s music on their Classic Rock station, seeing Nirvana in the top 10 ahead of not only AC/DC but Pink Floyd, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin should certainly be eye-opening.

The First Quarter Will Belong to Fleetwood Mac

On the other hand, for program directors who worry that Fleetwood Mac no longer fits as well as it used to on Classic Rock stations, here comes a first-quarter marketing blitz you won’t be able to avoid.

The band will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the seminal Rumours album, which came out February 4th, 1977. In addition to, or as part of, whatever else they put together, the documentary The Chain, which was announced back in 2024, will hit Apple TV on January 29th. The film will chronicle the band from Mick Fleetwood inviting Lindsey Buckingham to join through the present day. Stevie Nicks, of course, followed Buckingham, and the rest is a tumultuous history that will be told in the artists’ own words for the first time. You can see the teaser here.

I haven’t seen any announcement yet of what sort of promotions we can expect surrounding the documentary or the album’s anniversary, but be assured they’re coming. Considering what we’ve seen in the past — biopics and documentaries driving renewed interest in artists among people of all ages — I’d suggest preparing to be part of the moment.

The Eagles Just Take It Easy

Remember when the Eagles announced that their final run of shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas would end in March of this year? Since then, in true Classic Rock artist fashion, they have extended their stay four times and just confirmed another pair of shows for early next year. That will bring their total to 74 shows over 34 different weekends, with more than a million fans having experienced the show.

With tickets well over $100 per person, the continued extension of their run at the Sphere shows how much demand there still is from fans. It’s just one more reminder of the enduring popularity and multi-generational appeal of this body of music.

The Breadth of the Format

Individually, each story says a little about the format’s health. Taken collectively, it says something about the breadth of the format, which is something programmers often struggle to embrace.

Whether it’s incorporating music from the ’90s — which, by the way, is over 25 years old — or mixing softer sounds like Fleetwood Mac with guitar-driven acts like Nirvana, the format is at its best when it’s not afraid to play a variety of sounds. Keep in mind that the audience enjoys all of the music.

And when you add in the continued strong draw of the Eagles at a specialized, expensive concert hall, it just reinforces the value of being the outlet in your market that delivers this music to the fans.

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.

How 620 WTMJ’s John Mercure Balances Covering the World Series and the Midterm Election

Garrett Searight
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How 620 WTMJ’s John Mercure Balances Covering the World Series and the Midterm Election

Milwaukee has turned blue and gold, and 620 WTMJ afternoon host John Mercure has a front-row seat. The Milwaukee Brewers are playing in the World Series for the first time in 44 years. Meanwhile, Mercure hasn’t seen the city like this before.

Mercure hosts Wisconsin’s Afternoon News on the station alongside Julia Fello and Debbie Lazaga. He’s worked in the market for more than two decades. Still, he says nothing compares to this run.

“It’s nuts here,” Mercure said. “It’s incredible. I’ve never seen this energy. It’s the smallest market in baseball. We haven’t had a World Series in 44 years, and we’ve never won one. I flew into our airport yesterday, and everybody is wearing Brewers stuff. As you walk through the concourse, you just hear random ‘Go Brewers,’ ‘Let’s do this,’ and ‘Go Crew.’ It’s pretty amazing stuff.”

Bigger Than the Packers

Notably, Mercure thinks this run tops even the Packers’ Super Bowl appearances. The reason, he explains, comes down to location and patience.

“I think that makes it different because it’s truly in Milwaukee,” said Mercure. “I think the other thing that makes it feel a little bigger is that it’s been so long. Even when the Packers went on their runs, like the Brett Favre Super Bowls in the mid-’90s, those were Super Bowls that we hadn’t been to in 30 years. Then (Aaron) Rodgers won a Super Bowl, which was another 15 or 20 years later.

“This has been over 40 years. The Braves left Milwaukee in the 1950s. Some of those people are still here. They remember that World Series, and that was almost 70 years ago. The buildings are all lit up in blue and gold. The bridges have Brewers flags flying from them, and there are big banners at City Hall. It just really feels unlike anything that we’ve experienced here, including when the Packers went to the Super Bowls.”

Balancing the Brewers and the Ballot

Meanwhile, the timing creates a unique challenge for a news/talk station. Election Day arrives Nov. 3, and Wisconsin’s open governor’s race looks like a toss-up. In most years, that story would dominate Wisconsin’s Afternoon News.

“If this was any other year, the biggest story of the year would probably be happening this week,” Mercure said. “It would be who’s going to be the new governor. The polls show our governor’s race is basically dead even. I look at our rundown for the show today, and we’re doing no politics. It’s all Brewers. Even our regular guests on health segments and political segments, we’re starting every segment by talking about the Brewers. So it’s completely upended the show.”

However, Mercure calls the program a news show, not a talk show. As a result, built-in touchpoints keep other headlines on the air.

“It’s fun, but it’s tough,” the 620 WTMJ afternoon host shared. “As the station of record, we have a real responsibility to cover the news. We need to let people know how the candidates feel about funding for education and that sort of thing. The World Series will be done a week from now, and then it’ll be Election Day. We have to live with the governor for the next four years. So it’s important to try to balance both. Every morning, we go into our morning meeting and say, ‘Ok, we know we have these eight Brewers segments. What else is happening today?’ The default right now is to lead with the Brewers. It’s what everybody’s talking about.”

A Rare Positive Story

Additionally, the story offers a rare break from the usual headlines. Usually, news consists of the bad. Murders, fires, tragedies.

But the run by the Milwaukee Brewers, where 620 WTMJ serves as the radio flagship, has been nothing by positive for the market and for Mercure’s afternoon show.

“To have the biggest story be a positive story just doesn’t happen very often,” admitted Mercure. “That’s one of the beautiful things about a story like this: it brings the community together. Protests and negativity aren’t what’s bringing the community together. It’s rallies and excitement. And it’s energizing to have the biggest story be a really positive story.”

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, planning for a possible championship celebration has already begun.

“When a city puts on a parade or a rally, you can’t do that on one day’s notice,” Mercure said. “The planning has begun. We don’t talk about the details publicly, because you don’t want to jinx it or get in front of it. But there has to be planning, and if the Brewers become champions, it will be the biggest story.

“If they win the World Series in the next couple of days, it will be everything,” he continued. “This is a city that hasn’t had a baseball championship in almost 45 years. The energy will be off the charts. And I think a lot of people probably won’t go into work the day of that parade.”

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.

Every Radio Listener Leaves, Make Sure They Come Back.

David Hill
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Every Radio Listener Leaves, Make Sure They Come Back.

A listener is locked in on your station. The song is right. The break is tight. The stop set hasn’t even started. Then they pull into a convenience store, put the car in park and turn off the engine.

You just lost a listener. You didn’t fail.

Nothing you did sent them away. Their day simply moved on. That’s very different from the listener who hears a rambling break, a stiff song or a clunky spot set and punches out. On the surface, it’s the same lost listener. But the meters tell the difference: when the radio goes off, nobody gets credit, and when someone punches out, those minutes go to a competitor. They aren’t the same problem, and treating them like one sends you chasing the wrong fix.

Know Which Departure You’re Trying to Fix

Programmers love a tune-out problem because it feels solvable. Sometimes it is. An unfocused break can get tighter. A song that tests poorly can come out. A stop set can move.

But you can’t stop someone from arriving at work. You can’t keep the kids in the minivan once they reach the school drop-off line. Those exits are natural, and they’re coming no matter how great the hour sounds.

The first group needs a programming fix. The second needs a plan for what happens after they’re gone.

The Competitor Gets a Turn to Disappoint Them

Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough. When a listener switches, the other station is now on the clock. It has to hold them, and eventually it won’t. A bad song, a long spot break or a host who talks too long will send them looking again.

So when that moment comes, what makes you the next button they push?

Familiarity helps. Being the station they’ve used for years counts for something. But the stronger pull is the memory of something they wanted to hear and didn’t get to finish. That’s the hook that brings them home.

Give Them a Reason to Return Before They Leave

This is the heart of it. Appointment setting is the most underused tool in the building.

A specific payoff at a specific time gives listeners something to carry with them. The winning caller’s answer comes at 7:40. The new song everybody’s asking about debuts at 8:10. Your afternoon host finally tells the rest of that parent-teacher conference story at 5:15.

Compare that to “more music coming up.” Every station on the dial has more music coming up. It’s a promise with no shape. Nobody plans their morning around it, and nobody remembers it once the car is parked.

The difference is specificity. A clear promise about something the listener actually cares about creates a reason to come back, whether they’re still in the car or walking out of that convenience store ten minutes later. And it works across dayparts. Tell them at 5:50 p.m. what’s coming on tomorrow’s morning show, and you’re programming a listening occasion that hasn’t happened yet.

The Tease Has Two Jobs

A good tease can earn another few minutes right now. It can also earn another listening occasion later. The best ones do both.

That takes a few things. The topic has to be relevant to the listener, not just interesting to the host. It needs enough curiosity to make someone want the answer. It needs a clear payoff and a clear time. And it needs delivery that sounds like the talent actually cares.

But here’s the catch. A tease is a promise, and a promise creates an obligation. If the payoff is weak, late or forgotten, you’ve taught the listener that your teases don’t mean anything. Do that enough, and they’ll stop believing you.

What Did You Leave in Their Head?

Every listener is going to leave. That’s not failure. That’s radio.

So evaluate your hours two ways. First, did we hold them as long as we could? Second, when they stepped away, what did they take with them? An unfinished story? A moment they’re waiting for? An appointment they plan to keep?

Retention keeps them listening. A reason to return brings them back. The best programmers win at both.

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.

Dan Rather: CBS News A ‘More Sophisticated Fox News’ Under Bari Weiss

Garrett Searight
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Dan Rather: CBS News A ‘More Sophisticated Fox News’ Under Bari Weiss

Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather believes the network has lost its way. He says changes at his former home have damaged CBS News and 60 Minutes.

What We Know: Rather criticized CBS News under its new leadership, arguing that corporate interests and political influence have reshaped the network. He also said he was unfamiliar with Bari Weiss before she took over as editor-in-chief. However, Rather now believes Weiss has moved the network toward a “more sophisticated Fox News.” His comments come as the network continues to navigate changes under Skydance ownership. The veteran journalist shared his views in an interview with Variety.

What They Said: “What’s happened at CBS News is sad. It is in many ways a disaster, not just for the people who work at CBS News — and there’s still a lot of really good people working there. But this is a further example of big billionaire corporate power in bed with powerful people and the presidency to get control of these operations for their benefit. Donald Trump has expressed his extreme dislike for 60 Minutes. So now, he’s gotten his way. He cleared the way for a consolidation of corporate power, which in turn cleared the way for doing what’s been done to 60 Minutes. The wreckage of CBS News is everywhere, and continues to this moment. I don’t see how to stop it.” -Dan Rather

What Remains Unclear: Rather didn’t outline specific steps CBS News could take to reverse the changes he described. He also didn’t offer a path forward for restoring the network’s editorial independence.

What It Means: Rather’s criticism adds to the scrutiny surrounding Weiss and the direction of CBS News under its new ownership. His remarks also highlight concerns about how corporate leadership and political pressure could affect the network’s journalism.

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.

Newsmax Lands First Katie Zacharia Interview Since Trump Administration Departure

Garrett Searight
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Newsmax Lands First Katie Zacharia Interview Since Trump Administration Departure

Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia will give her first interview since leaving the Trump administration. She’ll join Newsmax host Rob Finnerty on Tuesday night to discuss her brief tenure and what’s next.

What We Know: Zacharia will appear on Finnerty at 8 PM ET on Tuesday, October 27th. The interview marks her first television appearance since departing the White House on October 16th. President Donald Trump announced her appointment on October 9th to replace Karoline Leavitt. However, Zacharia’s tenure ended after just five days and one press briefing. Her October 13th appearance lasted approximately 14 minutes and drew scrutiny over her performance and professional credentials.

What’s At Stake: The interview gives Zacharia an opportunity to address the controversy surrounding her departure. Finnerty will discuss tensions inside the administration, questions about her qualifications, and her final conversations with Trump. Additionally, viewers may hear her perspective on the criticism that followed her appointment. Trump previously said he encouraged Zacharia to reconsider the role because of the media attention. He also described the treatment she received as unfair.

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Zacharia will reveal new details about the circumstances surrounding her exit. Questions remain about whether administration officials sought her removal or whether she chose to leave. Her interview could also clarify what Trump told her privately before her departure. Zacharia hasn’t publicly detailed all the conversations that preceded her exit.

What It Means: Zacharia’s appearance offers Newsmax an opportunity to hear directly from a former administration official whose tenure ended almost as quickly as it began. Meanwhile, the conversation could provide additional context about the personnel decision and the scrutiny surrounding her appointment. Her comments may also clarify her plans beyond the White House.

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Former 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens Takes First Job Following Exit

Garrett Searight
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Former 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens Takes First Job Following Exit

Bill Owens has landed his first role since leaving CBS News, joining a startup focused on developing creator-driven content. The former 60 Minutes executive producer will serve as executive producer at NewPress.

What We Know: Owens is joining NewPress, a media startup that helps creators develop content and reach audiences through new storytelling opportunities. The appointment marks his first position since departing CBS News, where he led 60 Minutes as executive producer. At NewPress, Owens will work alongside founders Johnny and Iz, bringing his experience in traditional journalism to a company built around the creator economy. Meanwhile, the startup is currently raising $12 million in funding as it looks to grow its business. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

What They Said: “In getting to know Johnny and Iz over the past year, I’ve seen the sophistication they bring to their storytelling and couldn’t be more excited to be joining them on March 1. We have the unique opportunity to bring the highest standards of traditional journalism to a genuinely new model. They have built trust with a huge audience that legacy institutions are increasingly struggling to reach. Through our partnership, we’re hoping to make some of the most ambitious and insightful storytelling that meets audiences where they are.” -Bill Owens

What Remains Unclear: NewPress hasn’t detailed how Owens will shape its content strategy or which projects he’ll oversee. The company also hasn’t disclosed the terms of its current fundraising round.

What It Means: Owens’ move signals another connection between traditional journalism and creator-led media. NewPress is betting that experienced journalists can help creators deliver ambitious storytelling in formats that reach audiences beyond legacy outlets.

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.

Jerry Jones Confirms He Would Hire Troy Aikman for a Return to the Dallas Cowboys

John Mamola
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Jerry Jones Confirms He Would Hire Troy Aikman for a Return to the Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones is open to bringing Troy Aikman back into the Dallas Cowboys organization. The owner and GM said so on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday morning.

What We Know: Dallas drafted Aikman first overall in 1989, and he played all 12 seasons there. During that run, he won three Super Bowls and Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors. Later, he entered the Hall of Fame in 2006. Since 2022, he has been ESPN’s lead Monday Night Football analyst with Joe Buck. However, in recent weeks Aikman has speculated that his time with ESPN is likely up following the broadcast of Super Bowl LXI in February. During his weekly appearance on Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan, Jones confirmed that he would be open to hiring Aikman in a return to the Cowboys.

What They Said: (all quotes via 105.3 The Fan):

Jerry Jones says he’s open to bringing Troy Aikman into the Dallas Cowboys organization: “Yes. I could and would. It’s that simple. I do think that much of him with his basic command and understanding and knowledge of NFL football. He certainly is qualified to do any of the things that have been mentioned.”

Jerry Jones says Troy Aikman is a success because of his work ethic: “I don’t know of anyone that’s played or any part of football that has had any more success off the field than Troy [Aikman]. He is a successful guy. He because he is one of the hardest working, most focused people that I’ve ever been around.”

Jerry Jones believes in Troy Aikman: “We can have your ups and downs, but I think the world of him. I’ve seen his image and had it in my eyes since I walked in the NFL. He’s outstanding. The answer is not that necessarily we’re going to do something more direct with the team at this time, but don’t rule it out. It’s very possible.”

What Remains Unclear: However, Aikman’s TV future is unsettled. He is in the final year of a five-year, $18 million-per-year ESPN deal. Meanwhile, Buck signed a six-year extension, and reports point to tension between the partners. Whether or not Aikman does indeed leave ESPN following the season is still unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, the timing makes Jones’ remarks notable. Aikman consulted on Miami’s coach and GM searches this past offseason. As a result, a front-office role no longer seems far-fetched. Either way, Jones just gave a franchise icon one more option.

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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