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20 Brands In 20 Days: Brent Lane, Cat Country 98.7 Pensacola

Jeff Lynn
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20 Brands In 20 Days: Brent Lane, Cat Country 98.7 Pensacola

Cat Country 98.7 has deep roots in Pensacola. The station works hard at being at one with its listeners and clients. Brent Lane is the Program Director and also anchors the station’s morning show.

Cat Country 98.7 is today’s featured station in Barrett Media’s 20 Brands In 20 Days. When I caught up with Lane, he was on his way to one of the city’s signature events, Blue Angels week.

“Cat Country 98.7 is very much about the community of Pensacola. We’ve spent 21 years now being a Pensacola radio station. We’re fortunate to be locally owned and therefore virtually everything we do is locally responsive.”

“We are really about trying to echo what our community is all about. For instance, this week is Blue Angels week, so we’re all about the Blue Angels right now. Not everywhere gets the opportunity to do it the way we do it.”

“I’m very glad we still have the opportunity to do that. And it’s nice that, year after year, we get the chance to build on the chapters we’ve written before. What makes Cat Country special, I think, is our ability to be fun and up and celebratory.”

“I’ve been around long enough to watch somebody’s kids be born, grow up, go to college and come home. And that’s kind of the same for the radio station.”

Cat Country 98.7 has won numerous awards over the years, and Lane believes that they are a result of doing the right thing.

“I think that good radio is good radio. And it is certainly nice to be recognized for the work we are putting in at a national level. But we’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do. We’re doing it because it’s what makes us. It is really a ‘get to’ opportunity.”

“Sometimes it’s easy to be like, oh, now I’ve got to do this fundraiser. Oh, now I’ve got to do this thing. And that’s never really the case. It’s always, I get to do it. And I think that that is one of the secret sauces. I came from a radio station, an outstanding radio station. I just don’t remember us doing that much philanthropic work, per se. But success through service has really been this station’s secret sauce.”

“We get to do regular stuff that helps our community, and in doing that, not only does it make the radio station better, but it builds chapters of success that our community has come to rely on.”

For Lane, curating the station’s music list is built on creating a musical texture.

We have the opportunity to look at the texture of the radio station every day or every week. I’ll give you the best example. Scotty McCreery’s ‘Bottle Rockets’ is a smash summer song. It is fantastic. And so we should be playing that a lot, and we are.”

“How the rest of the radio station sounds around that, we can build without having anyone require us to play something. It’s got to sound right for the radio station. And 90% of the time, I feel like we are right on where we’re supposed to be for the music.”

Is ‘90s Country in the mix?

“A little for sure. Philosophically speaking, we’re a top 30 Country radio station. I want to play what you want to hear. And ‘90s Country really is something that people want to hear a lot of right now.”

“The Zach Top generation is loving it. I just played Lee Ann Womack, ‘I Hope You Dance’ this morning. I had the opportunity to talk about how it was a song I danced with my mom at my own wedding. And thought, ‘Man, that’s been around for a while, but it sure sounded great today.’ They’re a little like when the DJ in the club plays a song and you’re like, oh my God, that’s my jam!”

How does Lane feel about Post Malone and Beyonce joining Country’s big tent party?

“Well, I think Post and Beyonce are totally different. I think one is authentic in their ability to translate to a Country audience, and I think the other one is like… I don’t want to call Beyoncé inauthentic. But I don’t think anybody looked at the first album cover who listens to Country music and goes, I wear a metal bustier and a chastity belt, just out of habit, right? I mean, that’s not authentic, that’s not our audience, and I don’t even know whose audience that is.”

“The Grammys changing their tune to do a contemporary and traditional Country is probably a weird step. I don’t even know if it’s the right direction because it’s essentially validating somebody who said that this is Country music. The album is actually pretty good. The fact that she used all real musicians is a high compliment to the industry. But Country music is also about a lifestyle, and I doubt very seriously that Jay-Z and Beyonce are living the lifestyle as the average person is. And that’s hard to duplicate.”

We ended our conversation back where we started talking about local radio.

“I think local radio certainly is a winner. It was interesting to be in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Awards in June. They were kind enough to honor us with a Crystal Eagle for last year’s Cat Country Cares for Kids event, which helped raise funds for cameras for every NICU bed in our Studer Family Children’s Hospital.”

“And it was great to be in a room of broadcasters and talk about the impact that local radio has. I’m not taking anything away from somebody who works at a corporate radio station. I’ve been in a corporate radio station that was pretty great as well. But speaking from the perspective that we have local owners whose expectation is that the radio station is going to make the community better.  Whether it matters dollar-wise or not is a really interesting perspective.”

“And certainly as far as I am concerned, as a broadcaster, it has mattered a lot in my life and in my career. And in my family’s life. Because it encourages us to seek out ways to be good stewards of our community, and I think that is a role that I probably would not have gotten anywhere else.”

“It is genuinely something that is a game changer for your radio station. Brent Michaels at KUZZ does this a lot, too. I have a lot of respect for what he does. We don’t go far without finding ways to be helpers. And sometimes being a helper means you get to be a leader in something that makes your community better.”

And part of that for Lane is getting to know the movers and shakers in your market.

“I would tell broadcasters and radio station leaders, join boards, be leaders. Put your sweat equity into helping events be better, rather than just showing up.

“I can’t tell you how much that translates. I know I get more people to call me back because of being part of the Pensacola Navy Days Board of Directors over the last three years. Simply because I got introduced to a whole bunch of people I didn’t know before.”

“And now it’s like, how can I help your business, or how can we help you. All the things that we’ve been involved with, everybody takes everybody’s call. It is a winner at every level.

“So, being good community stewards is a great way to succeed in the broadcast business.”

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.

What Country Radio Can Learn From the Floods in Texas

Jeff Lynn
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What Country Radio Can Learn From the Floods in Texas

The images and heartbreak coming out of the Texas flooding are horrific and heartbreaking. It is also a reminder of just how quickly the weather can turn deadly.

In the immediate aftermath of last weekend, the big radio companies took a victory lap. Putting out releases that pounded their chests regarding how they had sprung into action.

I have a trusted source on the ground in the area who quite adamantly threw a challenge flag to those releases.

Photo © Rodolfo Gonzalez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Regardless of whether they did or didn’t, there are lessons to be learned and procedures that need to be put in place, or at the very least updated.

Country radio has a unique and close relationship with its listeners. Built on trust and honesty. Listeners expect Country radio, especially in rural areas, to be that connection for the community.

Country radio stations can’t simply react when severe weather hits; they must anticipate, plan, and rehearse for disaster scenarios well in advance.

Here are some steps to ensure you are not caught off guard and without a disaster plan.

Have an Emergency Communication plan

Create a playbook that outlines who is responsible for what tasks.

Ensure it has a clear telephone tree that outlines the chain of command.

Identify the triggers and the level of coverage they get. When is it time to go wall-to-wall?

Who will handle social media, and what message will be conveyed?

And sometimes one of the most difficult decisions is when to return to “regular” programming and when it is appropriate to go back to music.

Train your on-air talent and have mock drills

In high-stress moments, their delivery, tone, and choice of words can either calm a community or add to the chaos.

Avoid speculation.

Be calm and repeat key messages often.

Know who runs local emergency services and partner with them

Do this ahead of disaster season.

Having pre-vetted sources not only boosts your credibility during crises but also ensures you’re not spreading outdated or secondhand information.

Invite officials into the studio for interviews, obtain their mobile numbers, and establish a direct line for real-time alerts.

A close relationship with local emergency management agencies, fire departments, and law enforcement is critical.

Partner with:

County Emergency Management coordinators

Volunteer fire departments

Local law enforcement

School district officials

Be more than a radar map and have a local knowledge base

Make sure you know, among other things:

School districts and closure policies.

Nursing homes, mobile home parks, and other high-risk populations.

Local shelters and food banks.

Let listeners give boots-on-the-ground reports

Be very careful with this one. Sadly, some people take pleasure in pranking others, even during times of emergency.

Have listeners call or message the station with updates — such as road conditions, downed power lines, and shelter availability — and create a system to vet and share that information quickly.

Develop a network of trusted listener-reporters or “community spotters” ahead of time, so you’re not starting from scratch during a crisis.

Use your digital platforms

When cell networks go down, don’t ignore your digital footprint. Country stations have loyal followers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — platforms that have become essential for spreading updates.

Automate weather alerts on social media. Set up SMS alerts or app notifications for your most engaged listeners. During disasters, use livestreams to provide rolling updates from the studio.

Not all listeners will be sitting next to a radio. Being multiplatform is part of being truly local.

Ensure the messages have precise timestamps.

Have redundancy in your infrastructure

Ensure your backup generator has sufficient fuel for at least 72 hours of operation.

Look at communication lines, including satellite internet.

Have remote broadcasting kits in case your staff cannot get to the station. Many stations purchased these during COVID, and they are inexpensive.

Debrief and Improve

Once the crisis has passed, don’t just move on. Host a post-mortem meeting with staff to assess what worked and what didn’t.

Use those insights to revise your protocols. Disasters don’t follow schedules — and neither should your learning process.

Country radio has a proud history of serving its communities, not just with music, but with meaningful connections. In disaster situations, that role becomes even more vital. Preparation, coordination, and a deep sense of responsibility can make the difference between confusion and clarity.

By preparing now — building relationships, investing in infrastructure, and training your team, your station can be ready when the next storm hits. And when it does, your listeners will know exactly where to turn.

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.

Hits On The Horizon: Rob Thomas, Foo Fighters And Mau P

Jim Ryan
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Hits On The Horizon: Rob Thomas, Foo Fighters And Mau P

Well, we’ve passed the 4th of July holiday, and summer is in full swing, and I have a friend who insists it’s half over now that the holiday has come and gone! Thankfully, I’ve found some good ear candy to distract you from that horrible thought.

Let’s start as usual in the Pop/Hot-AC world, where I’ve had new music out today from Rob Thomas stuck in my head. Rob has moved his talent from Atlantic to Republic, and his first effort is called “Hard To Be Happy.” It’s catchy and includes birds chirping at the beginning, which makes you think, is Rob about to do a show tune? Relax, because it’s not that, but could be a good song for Hot-AC!

I need to come back to this because, as a whole, Top 40/Hot AC is missing a good one. Damiano David / “The First Time” is a hit to my ears for the lead singer of the band Maneskin. A couple of solid airplay spins on this record so far from Sirius-XM-Hits1 and WKRZ in Wilkes-Barre.

One more for you to get your ears to spend some time with this week comes from Olivia Dean / “Nice To Each Other.” The hook is contagious on this one, and you’ll most likely end up doing the dance towards the end of the video to this one once you watch it!

Heading into the Rock world this week, here are the songs grabbing my attention. AJR / “Betty,” the brothers are back with another catchy, fun song!

Took a couple of listens, but the new Foo Fighters / “Today’s Song” is surely one your ears should get on if they have not been.

One more for this week comes from Good Charlotte/ “Rejects” Joel, Benji and Matthew have hit with another good one here.

Into the Country world we go with this week’s choices, including John Morgan / “Kid Myself.” The song has a strong hook.

Also perking up my ears this week, Kaitlin Butts / “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me). This would definitely grab your audience’s attention!

One last one for the week, Shaboozey & Jelly Roll / “Amen.” As the lyric goes, “somebody say a prayer for me, all I ‘m askin’ for is a little mercy”. The song has a good hook, and KBAY in San Francisco is an early strong believer with over 130 spins.

From the Rhythm world this week, Charlie Wilson / “Keep Me In Love” sounds like a winner. Great groove!

Next up is Sean Paul / “Ginger” grabbing some nice spins out of ‘Jam’n 94.5 in Boston! One more for this week, Mau P / “Like I Like It” at the beginning of this, it sounds like Mark Wahlberg is narrating, but I could not confirm that. It definitely gets you movin’!

There you go, your ear candy for the weekend.  Enjoy!

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.

Sue Kelley Elevates 103.5 The Arrow with Local Focus

Charese Fruge
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Sue Kelley Elevates 103.5 The Arrow with Local Focus

Sue Kelley is the PD of Bonneville’s Classic Rock 103.5 The Arrow in Salt Lake City. She also pulls an on-air shift on the station from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She describes the station as “A unicorn in a flannel shirt—rooted in heritage but always ready to try something new.”

Kelley started in the business during her first year in college. She was booking bands for student events and somehow scored a weekend shift grabbing satellite feeds at the radio station.

She basically stalked the PD and followed the promotions team and talent around like a puppy. “I fell in love with the magic of the medium and the fact that it gave me access to concert tickets and backstage passes!” she admits.

Kelley later went on to do mornings, then added music director to her resume. Shortly after, she became a PD. “I landed in my current position by staying committed to quality, creativity, finding solutions that fit sales needs as well as programming needs, and being slightly obsessed with the process and personality of the business,” she says.

“With 38 full-signal stations blanketing the Salt Lake metro since 1967, The Arrow is woven into the fabric of our community’s daily lives,” says Kelley. “Our market is the youngest per capita in the country, but also crazy. People here still love what they grew up on, but they’re curious enough to ask, ‘What’s next?’ Our mission is to change up elements and music without losing the soul of The Arrow.”

“Our company mission is to build up, connect, inform, and celebrate communities and family. We are in the trenches with the community. Our commitment to service has been honored with multiple NAB Crystal Awards. It’s humbling to see that service spotlighted on a national level.”

“Music connects us all on a cellular level, and that extends to our passion projects for the station,” explains Kelley. “Including our drives to fund our local Children’s Hospital, Mental Health Services and Homeless Shelter. Our ownership supports and encourages us to do the right thing in our community, even if it’s something that’s not traditional in the box radio. We are constantly creating new ways to get our feet on the ground for the greater good of where we live.”

Typically, in the Classic Rock format, stations share a lot of gold in their libraries. It’s difficult and it takes effort to separate a brand from all the others. But Kelley insists that it’s not a problem for The Arrow. “As music is now ubiquitous, we lean into one-on-one connection and a uniquely Utah attitude. We create experiences that go beyond the speakers. We aren’t afraid to break the format a little if it means staying relevant.”

As for what Kelley looks for in A+ Talent, “Dedication, passion to make the next break better even though their former break was perfect, is key, the ability to connect on-air and off. The best talent knows their strengths and never loses sight of their listener. The most successful talent grills their performance more than any aircheck a PD could ever give. I’m always intrigued and champion people whose passion allows them to be coachable, a team player and authentic.”

What are we missing in the industry right now? “Risk-takers,” Kelley says. “Rather than create, many organizations just want to duplicate, which strips the soul of the brand. Radio as a whole is a little too far into safe and ‘samey.’ We need to empower local teams to lead with creativity, not just compliance. Local, Local, Local, is our battle cry on the air. As well as streets and social. Give programmers and talent the room to experiment again. Let radio be weird, wonderful, and real.”

“I am so grateful to work for Bonneville and their continued support and belief in the power of local. Syndication and scale have their place, but our community still craves deep local connection. In our market, there is still value to the community and clients to have remotes and events on-site. The clients love the personal connection with the talent. The stations winning long-term are the stations that have talent and management who live, adventure, and shop locally.”

Follow Sue Kelly on Instagram @skelley1036arrow

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

Why News/Talk Radio Hosts Can’t Rely on Social Media Algorithms to Drive Their Shows

Pete Mundo
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Why News/Talk Radio Hosts Can’t Rely on Social Media Algorithms to Drive Their Shows

If you work in news/talk radio, then you’re probably getting the same social media algorithm feeds on platforms like X as I am. We are getting beaten over the head with the same stuff: Jeffrey Epstein theories, Big Beautiful Bill intricacies, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s latest crazy ideas, and more.

I’m not downplaying any of those topics, but as a news/talk radio host, be wary of finding yourself hosting a show that is too focused on the “online right.” These niche topics may work well for podcasts, which are not as broad-based as talk radio shows, and could even be great segments within a multi-hour talk show; however, there has to be more—more topic diversity, local stories, and personal anecdotes.

Don’t overplay your hand based on what your X algorithm is feeding you.

Conservative-leaning folks used to say, “Social media is not real life.” However, in many instances, especially since Elon Musk acquired X and it became a more free-speech platform, many on the right have forgotten that very important concept.

And the data backs it up: 55 million people are on X, according to Oberlo. Sure, that’s a lot.

But that’s only approximately 19% of U.S. consumers. That means that four in five Americans are never on X. Additionally, the number of users has declined from 27% in 2023, according to the same study.

The Jeffrey Epstein story is rich for debate, conspiracies, and “what ifs.” The Big Beautiful Bill will certainly have a major impact on Americans’ lives, and Zohran Mamdani is a radio host’s gift. But they’re not everything.

The guy at the party who goes deep down the rabbit hole on an Epstein theory is probably not the person that, when you leave the party, you say, “I’ve got to hang out with him again.” The guy who goes deep in the weeds on legislation on the Big Beautiful Bill is the one you find the moment to say, “Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.” And Zohran Mamdani’s story is hyper-focused on New York, but does he matter to other cities? Is he a topic at your water cooler every day?

That’s where living online can be detrimental. Our social media feeds are critical to our jobs, but remember that the algorithms feed you what you’re already looking for—and double down on it.

The goal is to keep you scrolling based on content you’re already interested in. The algorithms may not be aware of your other interests beyond the political news cycle. And if they don’t know that, they won’t feed it to you.

But then comes the vicious cycle, where you get more of the duplicate content, you see the amount of engagement the content receives, and you’re convinced that taking it to your airwaves and doubling down is a formula for success. It’s not.

Put down the phone, go live your life, look around, find stories there, and yes, play the hits. But don’t be the guy at the party that people are faking trips to the bathroom for. Because for radio listeners, it’s much easier. They don’t have to offend you to your face; they just flip the dial.

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.

Ratings Roundup: Fox News Bests Broadcast Networks in Primetime During July’s First Week

Garrett Searight
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Ratings Roundup: Fox News Bests Broadcast Networks in Primetime During July’s First Week

The Lead

Fox News has long had reason to celebrate. Since Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, the network has been riding a heater, dominating the cable news landscape.

But now, the network can stick another feather in its cap. During the week of June 30th, Fox News topped broadcast networks ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in the primetime window.

Fox News averaged 2.8 million viewers in the weekday primetime ratings. That topped NBC (2.4 million), CBS (2 million), and ABC (1.9 million). All networks mentioned saw a decline in ratings compared to the previous week, largely attributed to the Independence Day holiday, which fell on Friday.

The Five led the cable news ratings during the week, averaging 3.7 million viewers. Meanwhile, Gutfeld!, the late-night show from the network, averaged 3.1 million viewers. Hannity, The Ingraham Angle, and Special Report with Bret Baier each averaged 2.8 million viewers for the week, as well.

During the Independence Day holiday, Fox News led the way with 2.1 million viewers in primetime. That’s a 50% increase in total viewers compared to the same day in 2024.

Elsewhere, MSNBC finished the week with an average of 741,000. That marks its lowest showing since the week of Memorial Day. CNN was also down slightly during the week, falling to an average of 526,000 total viewers in the primetime window. Meanwhile, Newsmax and NewsNation were also down slightly the week of the 4th of July. Newsmax averaged just under 250,000 total viewers, while NewsNation featured an average audience of 112,000.

NewsNation Sees Ratings Growth During June

During the month of June, NewsNation saw strong year-over-year ratings growth, especially in the Adults 25-54 demographic.

According to Nielsen metrics, NewsNation saw a 24% increase in primetime viewership during the month, compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the network saw an average audience increase of 50% in the total day ratings, and a 67% uptick in viewers from the coveted demographic.

“NewsNation set out to offer an alternative to the polarized cable news landscape, and we are extremely gratified that viewers are validating our approach,” said Nexstar President of Networks Division Sean Compton of the performance. “As we continue to grow, we remain committed to earning viewers’ trust each and every day.”

The network saw the highest year-over-year growth of any cable channel during the month of June.

Many of the gains for NewsNation can be attributed to the dayside lineup. Morning in America saw a 92% increase in overall viewership year-over-year, while NewsNation Live (+68%), NewsNation Now with Nichole Berlie (+74%), and with Connell McShane (+83%) all featured notable increases.

Additionally, The Hill, hosted by Blake Burman from 6-7 PM ET, added to its average audience by 66% year-over-year. It also saw a 150% increase in the Adults 25-54 demographic during the month.

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.

Dave Kelly, Bekah Digby Launch New Streaming Consultancy

BMM Staff
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Dave Kelly, Bekah Digby Launch New Streaming Consultancy

Music industry executives Dave Kelly and Bekah Digby have joined forces to launch a new digital and streaming consulting co-venture. The venture is aimed at offering a data-driven, platform-focused approach to artist growth and audience development across all major DSPs.

“I’ve worked with Bekah both as a teammate and a client. I’ve always admired her passion and expertise,” said Kelly. “She understands the inner workings of DSP algorithms and knows how to leverage platform tools to expand fan bases. I’m thrilled to collaborate with her on long-term strategies that deliver real results for our clients.”

Digby added, “What first drew me into this industry was finding strategic ways to amplify artists’ voices. I’m excited to refocus on helping artists reach new audiences and honored to partner with someone like Dave, who brings unmatched knowledge and leadership in this space.”

The new venture is designed to serve artists and their teams across a range of genres. Such as Country, Pop, Rock, Indie, Christian, and Urban. With customized strategies that maximize streaming potential, elevate frontline and catalog releases, and drive long-term growth through targeted analytics and audience insights.

Kelly spent over 25 years in radio programming at both local and national levels before joining Big Machine Label Group. There, he served as VP of Digital Consumption for more than a decade. Since 2023, he has consulted independently for a diverse range of artists, helping them refine their digital strategies across various formats.

Digby brings significant experience from roles at Big Machine Label Group, UMG Nashville (now MCA), and Capitol CMG. Most recently, she served as Head of Country & Christian Artist & Industry Relations at SiriusXM Pandora, where she played a pivotal role in building relationships between artists and digital platforms.

The co-venture aims to address the increasing need for actionable, platform-native strategies as streaming continues to dominate music consumption and discovery. By uniting their respective strengths, Kelly and Digby aim to fill a gap in the market with a boutique-level service that speaks the language of both artists and algorithms.

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.

NewsNation Special to Revisit Donald Trump Assassination Attempt One Year Later

BNM Staff
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NewsNation Special to Revisit Donald Trump Assassination Attempt One Year Later

NewsNation will mark the one-year anniversary of the near-assassination of Donald Trump with a primetime special this Sunday, July 13th, at 9 PM ET.

Titled The Plot to Kill Trump: One Year Later, the one-hour program will be hosted by senior national correspondent Brian Entin and will provide an in-depth look at the events in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The special will feature a live discussion with a member of the Congressional Task Force that investigated the incident, as well as an exclusive interview with an eyewitness. The broadcast aims to shed new light on how the would-be assassin managed to avoid detection before firing the shots that left Trump wounded, one man dead, and two others injured.

The NewsNation program will also cover this week’s breaking news that six U.S. Secret Service personnel have been placed on unpaid suspension following the release of a scathing report detailing multiple security failures.

The July 13, 2024, attack rocked the nation as Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a rooftop approximately 400 feet away during a Trump campaign rally. Despite local law enforcement spotting Crooks nearly 90 minutes before the shooting, action to stop him came too late. Trump, struck in the ear, survived the attempt and famously raised a bloodied fist as Secret Service agents rushed him to safety. Rally attendee Corey Comperatore was killed, and two others were wounded, before Crooks was shot and killed by security forces.

In the months since the attack, a bipartisan Congressional Task Force and Department of Homeland Security review have pointed to a breakdown in communication, poor command structure, and missed red flags that could have prevented the shooting. This week’s disciplinary action against six agents is the first tangible fallout from those findings.

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.

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina Returns to Miami October 25

BMM Staff
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iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina Returns to Miami October 25

iHeartMedia has announced the return of its signature Latin music event, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina. It is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at Miami’s Kaseya Center. Now entering its 12th year, the concert remains a vital platform for engaging Hispanic audiences across various formats.

This year’s artist roster includes Gilberto Santa Rosa, Morat, Olga Tañón, Kapo, Chyno y Nacho, and Elvis Crespo. Additional performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Santa Rosa, “El Caballero de la Salsa,” will be honored with the “Corazón Latino Award,” in recognition of cultural contributions to Latin music.

IHeartLatino President and Chief Creative Officer Enrique Santos will host the event.

“Our community looks forward to iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina every year. It’s a moment to celebrate our culture and the global impact of Latin music,” said Santos. “This year, we’re proud to partner for the first time with TelevisaUnivision and stream the event on ViX, making it even more accessible for fans everywhere. It’s going to be an unforgettable night.”

A key update for 2025 is the addition of ViX as the event’s exclusive live-streaming partner. The collaboration with TelevisaUnivision marks the first time Fiesta Latina will be available through the Spanish-language streaming platform. Extending its digital footprint and enhancing accessibility for remote audiences.

The live broadcast will also be carried across iHeartMedia’s network of Spanish-language radio brands. Including formats such as Spanish CHR, Tropical, Tejano, Regional Mexican, and Spanish Oldies.

In addition, the event will be accessible through a wide array of iHeartRadio digital stations, including Salsa Bembé, El Patrón, Tejano Radio, La Mezcla Fuego con DJ Xtreme, and various Latin genre Top 20 channels.

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina remains a cornerstone of iHeart’s Latino strategy. Blending live entertainment with multiplatform distribution to deepen engagement with one of the fastest-growing listener demographics in the U.S.

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.

Judge Rules Lawsuit From Don Lemon Against Elon Musk Can Go to Trial

BNM Staff
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Judge Rules Lawsuit From Don Lemon Against Elon Musk Can Go to Trial

After seeing his contract with X terminated after just one episode, Don Lemon sued Elon Musk. Now, a judge has ruled that the lawsuit can go to trial.

On Tuesday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harold E. Kahn ruled in favor of Lemon that the trial should proceed.

“The ruling means Don can hold X and Musk accountable in open court,” Carney Shegerian, an attorney for Lemon, said after the ruling. “Musk is subject to the legal process, just like everyone else, and that’s important. There’s no question about Musk’s motives and liability, as documented in his own texts and on X for millions to see.”

Don Lemon filed a lawsuit in August of last year alleging fraud, misrepresentation, and misappropriation, and a breach of contract among other items, after he revealed his show that was set to air on the Musk-owned X platform had been cancelled after just one episode.

In that debut episode, Lemon participated in a contentious exchange with Elon Musk over a variety of issues. The conversation featured more than an hour of dialogue between the two, with Musk famously telling Lemon to “be careful” with his questions.

Before the first episode of the program aired, Lemon revealed that Musk had “canceled the partnership I had with X,” and had “informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him.” In his defense, Musk argued that Lemon’s interview was “lacking authenticity” and claimed Lemon was asking questions under the direction of former CNN chief Jeff Zucker. Elon Musk added that he felt the interview was “basically just CNN but on social media,” which he did not approve of.

At the time of the cancellation, Elon Musk and his X platform defended the decision.

“X is a platform that champions free speech, and we’re proud to provide an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities,” a statement from the company read.

“However, like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”

The trial is set to continue at a yet-to-be-determined date.

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