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How 92.9 The Game’s Mike Bell Created a Legacy in Atlanta in a Changing Sports Radio Business

John Mamola
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How 92.9 The Game’s Mike Bell Created a Legacy in Atlanta in a Changing Sports Radio Business

For the first time in a quarter-century, Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game took place at the home of the Atlanta Braves. The annual mid-summer classic serves as a make-up from Major League Baseball following the game being pulled away from the area and moved to Colorado in 2021, following MLB’s objections to changes in Georgia’s voting rights laws. The game’s arrival also coincides with another milestone in Atlanta, as sports radio host Mike Bell celebrates his 11th anniversary on Audacy’s 92.9 The Game.

“A lot of folks, whether they were for the voters’ bill or not, just don’t take the All-Star Game away. That was a big disappointment when Major League Baseball pivoted to Colorado,” explained Bell. “We have a lot of pride to show off what we got here.”

Bell, a native New Yorker, made the move south after beginning his broadcasting career in the Northeast. Following a short two-year stint in Fort Myers, FL, Bell landed an opportunity working for Steak Shapiro and 790 The Zone in Atlanta. His sports radio journey at The Zone lasted 15 years until Lincoln Financial decided to turn to all syndication, leading to an opportunity to join Audacy’s 92.9 The Game in July of 2014.

“Viability is about relatability,” noted Bell about his tenure at 92.9 The Game. “It’s a mixture of not taking yourself too seriously, but I also wear my heart on my sleeve as a fan. I don’t sit in the press box, I buy season tickets to the Falcons, and I like paying for my ticket so I can bellyache like the fan. I try to keep it real.”

The Rise to the Top for Dukes & Bell

For 27 years, this native son of the Northeast has adopted Atlanta and the passion of its sports fans as his own. As the Atlanta market has grown over the time Bell has manned the airwaves at The Game, he’s noticed a different vibe and passion in the demand for success in Atlanta.

“The fan base intensity has ramped up over the years,” said Bell. “The city as a fan base has just gotten a little more intense, but still keeps that southern charm.”

Southern hospitality blended with a vibrant and diverse culture lies in a big city described as a melting pot with a small-town mindset that dreams big and works hard. Bell has embraced the drive to be great in a competitive radio landscape in Atlanta. With a rising demand for unique and compelling content at all times, Bell, alongside co-host Carl Dukes, prefers to compete with everyone and not just their head-to-head sports radio competitor in 680 The Fan.

“To be honest, now we’re competing against the news talk and rock stations,” noted Bell. “As much as we’re aware of them [680 The Fan], we don’t think of it as that’s the primary competitor. If we’re not on point and not entertaining, there is another option, which continuously lights a fire under you to make sure the show is entertaining.”

Dukes & Bell has been a consistent ratings juggernaut for 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. The journey of rising to the heights of success did not come overnight, but the results from the collaboration of both talents have led to success and desire for more.

“You can’t be complacent. Me and Carl [Dukes], we talk about this all the time. If I’m doing the same argument every day at the same time, that’s going to tune somebody out. Keep trying to keep things fresh,” explained Bell. “That’s probably the hardest part. You don’t want to get that ‘fat cat syndrome.’ Just like a sports manager, your role is penciled in. You get a couple bad books and you’re out the door. There’s always that sense that we know we must keep the numbers up.”

Navigating Changes While Adding to the Arsenel

When Bell arrived at 92.9 The Game, the on-air lineup was much different. With time in radio comes change, which Bell has seen happen in every daypart but his own. However, through all the changes in the lineup — with some as recent as earlier this year — Bell believes the current batting order is the best it’s been for The Game.

“This is probably the best lineup since I’ve gotten there. It’s just a solid group,” shared Bell of his 92.9 The Game teammates. “I think our station is the perfect mix of sports talk and guy talk at the intersection of lifestyle and sports. It’s what makes us so different and unique in Atlanta. We do have the right talent, and we get some talented people.”

A key addition to Dukes & Bell’s arsenal at 92.9 The Game was a recent announcement by the station’s parent company, Audacy. Earlier this month, the spoken-word broadcasting giant announced a new partnership with iHeartMedia, which now allows streaming of all Audacy radio stations — including 92.9 The Game — on the iHeartRadio app.

“That’s awesome. People always thought sports talk radio was ‘the emergency satellite.’ Somehow, we’re going to die. I think sports talk is even bigger than ever,” said Bell. “If you’re upset about your sports team, or you like the host, you want to hear their take on something. To me, that’s evergreen. That’s why I think the sports talk business is always going to be successful. Whether people are celebrating or complaining, they’re dialing in.”

Dukes & Bell Embracing the Return of the All-Star Festivities

With Atlanta welcoming baseball’s mid-summer classic for the first time since the turn of the century, Bell notes this event is a special one to showcase the story of Atlanta as a baseball market. He says the plan was to offer Dukes & Bell as a vessel to bring the listener closer to the game and offer an inside glimpse without the cost of a ticket.

“The history of baseball and the continuity of the nostalgia. We have older famous players, and Braves alumni. People always get a kick out of that,” said Bell of the content plans for the event on Dukes & Bell. “You remember when I was a kid, this guy played. Hearing the stories and anecdotes for a lot of folks, that’s always the fun part. The combination of the star power and trying to take people behind the ropes. I’m looking forward to talking to a lot of former All-Stars.”

With live audiences sharing in the moment both on the radio and in person at live remotes throughout All-Star week, as Atlanta gets to show off its love for baseball to the country, Bell looked forward to sharing the moment with Dukes — who he has built a special bond and lasting friendship with in afternoon drive.

“I’m kind of a loose cannon, so he can put up with me. It’s kind of like the Gumby and Pokey theory — I’d be Gumby and he’s Pokey,” joked Bell about the on-air dynamic between Carl Dukes and himself. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s funny when we do have an argument. The radio audience is like ‘mom and dad are fighting,’ because we don’t manufacture it. We don’t play the radio game of manufacturing arguments. If we have a real argument, it’s legit and the audience knows it. He’s not just my friend, it’s a friend that you work with.”

Bell jokes that his wife likens him to a 12-year-old with a driver’s license, always acting like a big kid doing what he loves and not for a second feeling like it’s work. Although he has no plans on slowing down, he has a goal in mind for his future in broadcasting.

“I’d love to shoot for 60. I think that’s kind of a nice point in my life,” said Bell on his goal to continue hosting in Atlanta. “As long as Rick Caffey [Senior Vice President, Market Manager, Audacy Atlanta] still wants to pay me, we’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”

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.

Did CNN’s Pamela Brown Cross a Line By Showing Emotion During Texas Flooding Coverage?

Lauren Ashburn
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Did CNN’s Pamela Brown Cross a Line By Showing Emotion During Texas Flooding Coverage?

It was a horrifying tragedy. 27 girls and counselors attending Texas’ Camp Mystic lost their lives when the state was hit with flash floods. Some reporters like CNN’s Pamela Brown and NBC’s Jenna Bush Hager couldn’t cover the catastrophe without crying.

Their emotions overtook them, making it difficult for them to cover the story. Some 160 people are missing, at least 131 are dead. 

“It’s too much to bear,” said Pamela Brown, choking back tears, standing near the cabins. She spent time at the camp as a young child and made the point that parents may be receiving letters from their now-dead children who wrote to them from the camp.

In a live shot, she talked about the difficulty of reporting on the tragedy. “I can’t stop thinking about the fact…about those little girls who were in their decorated bunk beds…waking up to horror.”

The same was true for NBC News’ Today with Jenna and Friends host Jenna Bush Hager, who discussed the catastrophic flooding at the camp where so many of her friends attended. As she reflected on the devastation, she revealed she had recently sent her daughters to a nearby Texas camp. 

She had deep ties to Camp Mystic, located 90 miles from San Antonio.

“My mom was a drama counselor there,” she said, fighting back tears. “Many of my friends were there, had their kids there last week, and the stories I heard over the past couple of days were beautiful and heartbreaking.”

Are tears shed by television news personalities appropriate? Do they cross a line between covering a story and becoming emotionally invested in it? The short answer is no. This is not bad journalism. Some stories hit reporters harder than others, and we can’t expect to be automatons. 

One Canadian anchor, following a report on the Ukraine war, cried in the studio while seeing a soldier find a friend alive in the rubble two months after people thought he was dead. “I’m sorry, it’s so emotional.” 

Viewers praised her, saying she was a “genuine reporter” who gave a  “realistic response” and showed “profound humanity.” It’s true.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper has fought back tears on several occasions, including when his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, died, when he was covering the Israel-Hamas war, and when he read the names of Orlando nightclub shooting victims. When TV personalities show their emotions, it actually brings the tragedy into perspective, almost mimicking visceral reactions nationwide. 

And probably the most famous ‘tearing up on TV’ moment goes to Walter Cronkite on November 23rd, 1963. He had to announce that President John F. Kennedy had been “pronounced dead” at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. He took off his glasses and choked up, tears in his eyes.

It’s happened to me several times. As a cub reporter at New York 1 News in the early ‘90s, police reported, over one of their scanners we monitored, that a barely breathing infant was languishing in a trash dumpster in Harlem. Just hearing the words made me teary. Covering it was almost unbearable. I didn’t have the experience to know how to compartmentalize my feelings. That’s the only way to get through such awful episodes.

On the streets of D.C., covering the police department, I learned quickly to put on a stoic face when I arrived on the scene of unspeakable tragedies. Like when I reported a triple homicide. Three young Starbucks workers were murdered in the store in a robbery gone bad. Or when I interviewed a sobbing mother whose son was killed by police in front of her. Or when I showed up, and two infants were found dead in a crib in sweltering heat with bugs in their bottles. 

The world is full of hatred, evil acts, and immorality. Being that close to it day by day is exhausting. And it’s ok, every once in a while, not to have control of your emotions. 

On 9/11, when a plane hit the Pentagon, I was in a building overlooking the crash site. I reported for 11 straight hours on TV, several times fighting back tears as the death toll multiplied. I expressed fear when reports came in that there was another plane coming toward D.C., and our 20-plus-floor structure was in the flight path. I had to work without a producer who told us we were crazy to stay, and she was “outta here.” 

In a modern twist, I almost fell for an AI report that said MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, who reportedly earns $30 million a year, didn’t just report the story in Texas, she stepped into it. Many websites claimed that she “wrote a letter — by hand — to 27 families whose daughters never made it home.” It alleged that inside the envelope was a silver bracelet engraved with 27 names. Then it said that she donated $3 million and “disappeared from the news cycle.” All of it was false, including the pictures. An image circulated of Maddow rescuing an elderly woman whose hands were different colors.

In her actual report from a studio, Maddow’s voice did crack when reporting the death toll. But she immediately pivoted to the blame game. 

I have less patience when political hosts, like CNN’s Van Jones, fought back tears when Trump won the last election. “It’s not the elite who are going to pay the price. It’s people who woke up with a dream and are going to bed with a nightmare.”

When it comes to reporting on the atrocities of this world, viewers need to have compassion and understanding for anchors and reporters giving in to their emotions. We’re only human.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

20 Brands In 20 Days: Elroy Smith Star 94.5 Orlando

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Elroy Smith Star 94.5 Orlando

Elroy Smith’s fingerprints are all over some of the biggest Urban stations in the country. From Boston to Chicago, Dallas to San Francisco, Smith has built a career on anticipating what listeners want before they do.

He is the Director of Branding and Programming for Star 94.5 in Orlando and several other Cox Media Group stations, and he is once again proving that great radio is part science, part soul.

He was the first to spin “Candy Girl” by New Edition, the first to take a chance on “Ice, Ice Baby” from Vanilla Ice, and the man behind the unlikely gospel-R&B crossover of Kirk Franklin’s “Why We Sing.”

His programming instincts have earned nods from artists like Alicia Keys and helped launch major careers, from Steve Harvey’s radio debut to mentoring Charlamagne Tha God.

Smith and Star 94.5 are today’s featured brand.

“Our overall premise is to zero in on community needs. That is one of the things that our minds always sort of click. How can we help that listener who has given their time, their energy, their ear to listening to Star 94.5?”

The principle is encapsulated in an acronym.

M.I.C. Music, Information, and Community.

“We make sure that we are playing the best R&B song or songs at every moment on the radio station. It could be an old school song, and we image that to make sure that people are like, oh my goodness, I got married to that song.

“Something from the 90s, which is a huge, huge focus for this radio station and of course music from the 2000s. We have a plethora of music. It’s so broad in terms of appeal.”

“If you look at the ratings, you’ll see that 18 to 34, the station does well, 6 plus, the station does well, 25 to 54, the station does well, and 35 to 54, the station does well. We’re generational. I like that because a single mom could be driving along and feeling confident that my daughter or son in the backseat can enjoy this radio station with me.”

“Everybody can play the hits. Everybody can play the biggest, the best hits. But what makes a radio station click is what happens between those songs that they can hear anywhere.”

To that end, the station avoids “shock content.”

“You can always keep the radio station at a good volume because we do not do shock radio or radio to offend our listeners.”

Information

Information is about relevant content that resonates with its target audience.

“If it pertains to the African-American community, which is our target, 25 to 54, we make sure that the personalities convey that information to them in between the hits. We are what I call the black CNN with music.”

Community

The station works hard at building community. Part of which includes community forums that reflect Orlando’s Black community. Events held in the station’s Stanley Steemer performance room tackle subjects ranging from domestic violence and mental health to police-community relations and wealth-building.

“We have started this whole new campaign, Jeff, where we once a quarter do a community forum at the radio station. We have this performance room, and once a quarter we will zero in on a community matter, like domestic violence.”

“Listeners come to this forum. They get dinner first, and then they hear panelists giving them hope. Giving them inspiration. We’ve done domestic violence, we have done mental health, police and the people. We had the police chief at the radio station facing our audience. I’m sure in the back of his mind, he’s thinking, I’m going into the lion’s den.”

“No, you were not in the lion’s den. You were in a safe space, Chief. And he felt so comfortable talking to this audience. Our audience raised their hands with respect and asked questions. It was a remarkable forum.”

“We’ve also done a forum on marriage beyond the vows. What do you do after you say I do? I do only lasts for what 10 seconds? There were married people in this room asking all sorts of questions, which was amazing. Another one we’ve done, living a debt-free life. Man, this place was packed.”

“We bring experts in, and we have one of our DJs hosting it. People walk away so inspired with hope. When you do those types of things, what happens is that you’re building your brand. It’s going to be hard to tear down this radio station because of these types of investments that we put into this brand that we call Star 94.5.”

For Smith, it is crucial to deliver quality content between the songs.

Leadership

Leadership is rooted in empowerment and dialogue.

“We just had a staff meeting yesterday, and I said to my team, I am not going to do a lot of the talking. I want the team members to talk. So, I gave everyone one an assignment.”

That included having Orlando market legend Monica May offering wisdom on evolving from personality to icon. To honoring the achievements of team members like Lorenzo “Ice Tea” Thomas. Smith turns meetings into forums for peer learning and mutual respect.

“I want everybody to become a star,” he says. “Not just the morning personality, not just the afternoon drive personality, but everybody.”

Standing Out

What goes into the making of a standout talent in the Urban AC format?

“One of the top things that I have seen that has made personalities into brands is the personalities who are able to share their life. I remember when I first started at Star, which was about four years ago. I told one of our DJs, I want you to open up.”

“One day, this personality came on the air and said her age. I’m like, oh my God! Wow, where did that come from? And I said to the person, that’s good stuff!”

“Another personality saying that, I’m married, I have a daughter, versus a personality saying, I am not going to share one thing about my personal life. That’s not a good thing.”

“Our core is female. And when a personality goes on to say, ‘Listen, I purchased this for my wife,’ or ‘this is how I treat my wife.’ Those females are leaning over, turning up the radio to hear this. There is an instant connection.”

Smith recalls a time when a personality came on air to share a diagnosis of diabetes. “I’ve never seen the phones ring like they were ringing. That’s what makes personalities great, when they share.”

“You have to talk as though you are talking to your best friend. Everybody just sounds like, ‘I’m just hanging out, talking to you.'”

Smith shared with me how building a community can lead to poignant, memorable moments, such as Star 94.5’s Daddy-Daughter Dance.

“This listener came up to me and said, ‘My daughter was assassinated when she was 24 years old, and we have taken our granddaughter in. Every year my granddaughter says, Grandpa, are you going to take me to the daddy-daughter dance?”

Next year will be their fifth dance. The station plans to honor them.

“Those types of stories are so real. Seeing fathers come out dancing with their daughters, having a blast, again, just builds the connection between the listener and the radio station. So my personalities know content is so important.”

Coaching

Constructive coaching is part of the culture for Smith and Star 94.5.

“Do not treat your shift as a shift. Treat it as a show. A shift is just reading the liners and saying, good night, I’m done. No, it’s not like that.”

“We look for the good, and we also look for the things they can improve. But one of the things I’ve learned is that if you get a personality to say, what would you do differently? They are now engaged. If it’s just one-sided, from my point of view, that’s not right, that’s no good. It’s a conversation, so they walk away feeling encouraged.”

The Future

How does the future look for Urban AC?

“If it’s just about the music and the music only, people can find that on YouTube or Spotify. If you’re not impacting the soul of that listener, you’re in trouble. To the point where we now refer to Star in one of our positioning statements as The Soul Of Orlando.”

The future also involves striking a careful musical balance.

“You’ve got to be careful not to sound so old, and you’ve got to be careful not to sound too new. It’s a balance where, when that listener turns on the radio, they should know the song instantaneously. We’re not anxious to break music.”

“We’re anxious to play songs that people can sing along to. When the average person goes to the radio, the first thing they want to find is a song that they know. And if they do, they end up singing along and being hooked.”

Smith acknowledges that there are times when new music can truly stand out.

“When Bruno Mars’ ‘Leave The Door Open’ came out, I said this thing is going to be a hit. Not thinking it was going to be a monumental hit. Why? It had a nostalgic feel.”

However, in the end, we return to where we began, with personalities and the station playing a vital role in the community.

“We do not hire liner personalities, we hire personalities. There’s a difference.”

“We try to present the radio station as a lifestyle radio station. We help organizations focus on children, health, education, and hunger – we do it all. We’re like Walmart. You come here and you get everything. You don’t have to go anywhere else.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Why New Music Is the Lifeblood of Urban Radio

Ken Johnson
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Why New Music Is the Lifeblood of Urban Radio

I love music. It’s actually the main reason I got into radio. The music—then the personalities—are what have always driven this industry. As I mentioned in a previous piece, it was the music and how the personalities presented it that truly stood out.

For DJs, it’s about playing the music and watching how people respond—flocking to the dance floor—and seeing how long you can keep them there. Then there were the MCs, who hyped and sold the music and artists, making it feel even more special.

Somewhere along the way, though, playing new music became a negative. But how does a song become a hit if it’s never played? If you don’t play new songs, how will they ever have a chance? Every time I heard the phrase “play the hits,” I wanted to scream. Again, I ask—how does a song become a hit?

Now, I don’t really want to debate this. But one thing that can push a record toward hit status is marketing—or more accurately, awareness. But at the end of the day, the song still has to resonate. It has to connect—emotionally, culturally, or rhythmically, ideally, on multiple levels.

Music is subjective. But it’s supposed to be subjective for the listener, not necessarily the programmer. The goal for the PD is to find those songs that they feel will connect with their audience.

So what I really want to do here is encourage Urban program directors to actively seek out new music. With the explosion of TikTok, it seems the platform has been given more and more power to introduce new songs. Some will say “big” or “hit” songs come from social media. I absolutely agree with that. One of those songs is “Boots on the Ground” by 803 Fresh. Shout out to the 803.

Now, let me be honest, it’s not one of my favorite songs. Yet one of my philosophies as a programmer has always been: If my listeners like it, I love it.

I love discovering great new music that I hope becomes a hit. I’ve always said new music is the lifeblood of Urban radio. We see this play out often with arguably the two biggest icons in music today—Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. The Swifties and the BeeHive flock to new music every time their favorites drop an album.

But the times we’re programming in now aren’t artist-centered, they’re song-centered. And that can be problematic for radio. Can you imagine a station built on one-hit wonders? No shade, but can you sustain a format on Ini Kamoze, Cali Swag District, and 803 Fresh alone?

Who knows—these artists could have another social media hit next week to add to their music offerings. And I do appreciate their contributions to music and culture. What I’m saying is, we need to be open to artists who have a body of work. Those who really lean into the format, not just a viral moment. That’s what will help sustain Urban music—and hopefully, Urban radio.

We should be actively searching for those artists across mainstream, adult, and gospel formats. The podcaster in me loves this, too, because the stories behind those artists can be just as compelling as their songs.

I’d love your thoughts. Feel free to reach out on social media or by email.

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 YouTube Propelled Smart TVs Past Smart Speakers as a Preferred Podcast Platform

Garrett Searight
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How YouTube Propelled Smart TVs Past Smart Speakers as a Preferred Podcast Platform

Smart speaker ownership has plateaued since 2021. Smart TV usage, however, has risen dramatically, and YouTube has been a big winner and big driver in that trend.

33% of Americans owned a smart speaker in 2021. Since then, that figure has only risen to 35%.

In 2022, data from Edison Research suggested that 47% of smart speaker owners purchased the product with the intent to listen to podcasts with it.

Interestingly, 31% of weekly podcast consumers said they used smart speakers to listen to podcasts in 2021. That figure, despite the slight uptick in smart speaker ownership, has dropped to 20% in the latest data released by Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights.

The podcast space hasn’t retracted in listenership. In fact, those calling themselves monthly podcast consumers have risen 14 points — up to 55%.

Where did those 11% points go, then? YouTube. And more importantly, YouTube on smart TVs.

In 2021, 70% of television households featured at least one smart TV. In 2025, that figure has risen to 82%. Additionally, 32% of weekly podcast consumers say they use their smart TVs for podcast listening. That figure is higher than laptops and smart speakers, and only trails smartphones.

The ubiquity of smart TVs has been a major driver in the consumption change.

“Everybody has this device that is pretty easy to use to access something besides linear television or cable, and YouTube is right there, up front,” said Signal Hill Insights President Paul Riismandel. “So now it’s a really easy, simple way to access YouTube and possibly access it in a way where it’s more like when you would watch TV.

“Think about how people have consumed linear television. There’s a lot of TV that is kind of listening viewing. If you think about news programming, people who stay glued to CNN, Fox, or MSNBC throughout the day, are they sitting there watching, or is it kind of on and they’re paying attention? They’re listening, and they’re going about their day. Same thing with a lot of daytime talk. A show like The View: are people sitting there watching the same way that they watch a drama? Or do they have it on while they’re doing other things. And that’s what we know a lot about podcasting, is that people use podcasting to accompany other activities.”

Riismandel added that now, smart TVs have the ability to operate similarly to other devices, which helps in podcast consumption.

“People are, to some extent, conditioned to use it that way,” he said of smart TVs. “So podcasts, and very specifically podcasts on YouTube, I think, fit very well into that niche.”

In the Cumulus Media/Signal Hill Insights Download data from Spring 2025, 39% of weekly podcast consumers say they are using YouTube as their primary platform. Those users, unsurprisingly, are overwhelmingly more likely to use smart TVs than those who call Spotify or Apple Podcasts their primary platform.

While it would be logical to think that the uptick in smart TV usage could be the reason for a complete plateau of smart speaker ownership, Riismandel wasn’t so sure.

“I’m not certain the two have a relationship,” he shared. “Smart speakers plateaued awhile ago. (Smart speakers) are one of these things that, for whatever reason, hasn’t attracted mainstream acceptance. There’s a segment of people who like to have smart speakers and have adopted them and used them.

“And there’s a bunch of people that just aren’t very interested in them, is what really seems to be the case,” he continued. “I think that there are probably, at least some folks, who are uncomfortable with the fact that the device is listening and they don’t really want that.”

Smart speakers were introduced as a new, futuristic-style gadget when they first hit the market. In some aspects, the technology hasn’t ever gotten over that hump, with Riismandel pointing out that some people “aren’t really sure what to do with them, for lack of a better way to put it.”

But there is no ambiguity on how users should operate a TV. The technology hurdle of a smart TV is drastically smaller for the average person than implementing a smart speaker into their lives.

So, simply put, the general public simply deferred to their TVs.

It is important to note that while YouTube has a firm grasp on the use of podcast consumers utilizing Smart TVs for their listening/viewing, dwarfing the next closest challenger — Spotify — by a 69%-7% margin, it doesn’t hold a monopoly on the podcast space as a whole. Smart TV usage for podcast listeners is still in the minority, despite its rise in prominence in recent years. Less than a third of podcast consumers are utilizing smart TVs for their consumption.

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.

Danny Parkins Fills in for Nick Wright on ‘First Things First’ the Day Following FS1 ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation

BSM Staff
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Danny Parkins Fills in for Nick Wright on ‘First Things First’ the Day Following FS1 ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation

In the wake of the FS1 cancellation of three of its weekday programs, the conversations have now shifted to what’s next for a number of the laid-off talent from FOX Sports. With the network pulling the plug on Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, there is still no word on which talent will remain with the network and who is leaving. However, today, Danny Parkins returned to the FS1 airwaves, filling in for Nick Wright on First Things First.

Parkins has served as co-host of Breakfast Ball alongside Mark Schlereth and Craig Carton since the show’s inception in August of last year. He left his position hosting afternoon drive on 670 The Score in an emotional final show with co-host Matt Spiegel on August 16 of last year.

Although Parkins did not address Breakfast Ball’s cancellation, he tweeted he will be filling in for Nick Wright for the next couple of days as Wright calls the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table.

So far, there has been no official word from FOX Sports on which talents the network plans to keep following the news on Monday. Nevertheless, Parkins’ appearance on Tuesday filling in for Wright may be a sign that he will be sticking with the network.

Importantly, the FS1 shakeup comes less than a year after network executives, under the guidance of then-EVP Charlie Dixon, reshaped the daily lineup to appeal to younger and more digitally engaged viewers. Consequently, this swift course correction highlights the volatility of sports television programming in an evolving media landscape.

What is known is that The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First featuring Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes will remain in their current time slots. Meanwhile, FS1 is expected to fill the vacated hours with new programming in the coming months, though no announcements have been made about what shows may replace the outgoing lineup.

Barrett Media attempted to reach Parkins for comment, but he has not responded to correspondence.

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.

Red Apple Media Names Bert Goldman Chief Technology Officer

BNM Staff
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Red Apple Media Names Bert Goldman Chief Technology Officer

Red Apple Media has announced the appointment of Bert Goldman as the company’s new Chief Technology Officer.

It marks a return to 77 WABC, as Goldman previously worked at the station when he spent time as the Corporate Vice President of Engineering at ABC and Disney’s Radio Division. He also previously worked at Nationwide Communications and Shamrock Broadcasting, among others, during his more than 50-year career in the industry

“As Red Apple Media continues to enlarge its footprint in radio, we recognized a need for an engineering specialist with insights that will bolster our growth strategy as we identify properties for our expansion,” stated Red Apple Media owner and CEO John Catsimatidis. “Bert’s experience made him the perfect choice.”

“I’m eager to come home to 77WABC and join Red Apple Media as it enters its next growth phase,” said Goldman. “John has revived AM Talk Radio with big-name hosts and created renewed excitement for broadcast radio overall.”

Bert Goldman remains active in the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Radio Systems Committee as an engineering and broadcast technology expert.

“Bert has the major market experience we were looking for to help us take Red Apple Media to the next level,” said Red Apple Media President Lopez. “He’s worked with some of the biggest broadcasting companies in the industry. He understands our goals and will help us get there.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Gilbert Arenas Reveals He’s Been in Talks With Joy Taylor for a Year

BSM Staff
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Gilbert Arenas Reveals He’s Been in Talks With Joy Taylor for a Year

In the wake of FS1 canceling three of its weekday programs, the conversation has now shifted to what’s next for several members of the laid-off talent at FOX Sports. With the network pulling the plug on Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, there is still no official word on which talent will remain with the network and who will be leaving. While we await those details, former NBA guard and podcaster Gilbert Arenas says he’s hiring.

During a recent episode of his No Chill Gil podcast, the former NBA star revealed that he’s been in talks with Joy Taylor about joining his podcast for the upcoming football season.

“Joy’s a great host. We’re looking at her for the football side,” said Arenas. “We’ve been behind the scenes talking for the last year.”

According to a report by The Athletic, Taylor’s contract had expired, and the network ultimately decided not to renew it after she spent nearly a decade there. Taylor was also named in a lawsuit filed against the network by two former employees who accused former programming executive Charlie Dixon of sexual battery. Taylor denied the allegations against her in the lawsuits, stating she told one of the former employees to “get over it.”

Dixon left the network in late April.

Furthermore, Arenas shared his perspective on the recent cuts at FS1, attributing them to the network’s failure to secure any of the NBA broadcasting rights. He expressed confidence that the displaced talent will be able to bounce back quickly.

“I would love to add him (Paul Pierce),” said Arenas about potentially adding Pierce to his podcast. “I would love to have him on our show.”

In addition, Arenas, likening himself to an underdog, explained why now is the time to recruit the former FS1 talent to his roster.

“I can tell you this. As an underdog, we better move on some of them. We can’t just look at this and be like ‘eh,’” said Arenas. “There are some moves that need to be made because these guys are going to go somewhere and they are going to get a home. That will change the landscape of shows. I’m already on it as soon as I seen it.”

As of now, there has been no official word from FOX Sports on which talents the network plans to retain following Monday’s news.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

The ‘Anna & Raven’ Show Extends Morning Footprint to AL, SC

BMM Staff
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The ‘Anna & Raven’ Show Extends Morning Footprint to AL, SC

The “Anna & Raven Show” has signed on at Mix 103.3 WMXS Montgomery, AL and Live 93.5 WARQ in Columbia, SC, for mornings.

Show co-host Anna Zap said, “We’re beyond excited to bring our show to Montgomery and Columbia! We love getting to know our audience, and we can’t wait to connect with these two amazing communities.”

Raven added, “Whether it’s trending stories, real-life dilemmas, or just having a good laugh, we’re here to make mornings fun — and we’re thrilled to be part of the daily routine in Alabama and South Carolina.”

At Mix 103.3, Program Director Paul Horton gives up the morning slot with a transition to afternoons.

Horton said, “Mix 103.3 needed a new morning show that would resonate and entertain our listeners for their morning routine and drive. And boy, did we find it with ‘The Anna & Raven Show!’ We are so excited to have Anna & Raven join the team and help bring Mix 103.3 up to a whole new level. We love the fact that Anna & Raven are interactive and engaging with our listeners. And their social media presence will help bring more potential listeners to Mix 103.3!”

At Live 93.5, where the show replaces “Brooke & Jeffrey,” Program Director Croghan said,  “Smart, funny, and built for real connection! Anna & Raven are bringing fresh energy and engaging moments that our listeners will love. We’re excited to welcome them to the Midlands and can’t wait for Columbia listeners to connect with 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.

‘Thank a Teacher’ Campaign Launches Across iHeartRadio

BMM Staff
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‘Thank a Teacher’ Campaign Launches Across iHeartRadio

iHeartMedia has launched a new nationwide campaign, “Thank a Teacher,” in partnership with longtime collaborator DonorsChoose. The initiative aims to spotlight and support public school educators as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Running through August 29, the campaign invites listeners to nominate standout public school teachers who go above and beyond for their students. DonorsChoose will review all submissions to confirm that the nominees are current U.S. public school educators.

Throughout August, iHeartRadio stations will feature nominated teachers on-air in local markets. In September, five educators will be randomly selected to receive $5,000 DonorsChoose gift cards to support classroom needs.

“Every year, millions of educators spend their own money to fill gaps in classroom resources to ensure that their students have the tools they need to succeed,” said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartMedia. “Many go even further. Offering emotional support to students facing challenges both inside and outside the classroom. iHeartRadio’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ aims to shine a light on the quiet and positive work happening in classrooms across the country. And to offer a very public thank you to the teachers who are doing so much.”

To drive awareness, iHeartMedia has committed $500,000 in public service announcements across its portfolio of radio stations. The PSAs will promote DonorsChoose and encourage listeners to support public school classrooms by donating at DonorsChoose.org.

“Public school teachers are about to launch the back-to-school season. And they’re doing everything they can to prepare their classrooms for students,” said DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier. “iHeartRadio’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ is making sure that educators feel appreciated for going the extra mile, especially as they work hard to get students what they need to kick off a new school year.”

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