Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is apparently ready to call time on his glittering NFL career after his upcoming campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and by all accounts he is keen to see one of Mike Tomlin’s roster sign a new deal, such is his valuation of their importance to what the Acrisure Stadium side can achieve in 2025.
Having spent two years at the New York Jets, the first of which was a bust due to a career-ending injury suffered in his first game, Rodgers is looking to make up for lost time. The four-time NFL MVP has been full of praise for long-running head coach Tomlin, and is clearly keen to make an impact with the Steelers in the time he does have at the Pittsburgh franchise.
Fans who feel that Rodgers can lead the Steelers to a first Steelers Super Bowl win since 2008 might want to make use of this great DraftKings promo in order to place that wager, in which case you might want to read more about it here before you make that bet.
41-year-old Rodgers is the type of legendary figure, who is also very outspoken, who can no doubt freely make comments and suggestions when it comes to those he may be playing alongside and he’s made it as clear as possible that he’d like to see Pittsburgh secure experienced T.J. Watt to a new deal the QB stating.
“Once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush-backer signed, you’re talking about another guy who’s a leader, not just by his example, but by his words.”
He made that comment having already commented that he’s ‘pretty sure’ 2025 will be his last season in the NFL, and he clearly would like to go out with a bang, which would be in marked contrast to the underwhelming period he spent at the MetLife Stadium.
Watt was drafted by the Steelers in 2017, the 30th overall pick, and he has been a mainstay of the team ever since. He started all regular-season games over the past two seasons and arguably deserves the deal that he is reportedly looking to secure.
He will make $21 million from the final year of his current deal, but by all accounts, wants even more from any new contract. Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, has commented on the negotiations, revealing.
“The stalemate is going to be that T.J. Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.”
“And the Steelers are looking at it that he’s age 31. In order to accommodate any kind of large contract, it can’t be a three-year deal, it has to be a five-year deal because you need to spread the money out.”
With that in mind, it’s worth noting that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is the best paid non-QB player in the league, recently securing a deal worth in excess of $40 million, which goes some way to illustrating just how much the Steelers may have to spend to keep T.J. Watt, a seven-time Pro Bowl pick, happy.
The fact that Rodgers has publicly come out to defend those demands may well aid Watt’s ambitions.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game, set for July 15 at Atlanta’s Truist Park, is one of the season’s most anticipated showcases. With a blend of perennial superstars, breakout rookies, and historic franchise moments, this year’s event offers a compelling portrait of baseball’s evolving landscape.
The fan-driven selection process has produced a starting lineup packed with both familiar faces and emerging talents, ensuring there is no shortage of intrigue.
From record chases and redemption arcs to long-awaited milestones and the resurgence of storied clubs, each All-Star nod tells its own story. This article unpacks the six key storylines that will shape the conversation around baseball’s biggest midseason stage – and highlights why Atlanta’s Midsummer Classic is set to captivate fans nationwide.
Aaron Judge’s Historic Season and MVP Chase
Aaron Judge enters Atlanta as the American League’s leading vote-getter for the second straight year, a feat last accomplished by Alex Rodriguez in 2007-08. Judge’s dominance is reflected not only in his popularity but in his statistics: his .364 batting average and MLB-best 6.5 WAR place him at the forefront of AL Most Valuable Player discussions.
Even a “slump” in June resulted in a .967 OPS, underscoring the standard he sets. Unsurprisingly, he also leads the pack in FanDuel MLB odds for MVP, with sportsbooks reinforcing his frontrunner status. Judge’s presence anchors a Yankees squad with championship aspirations and raises the bar for every All-Star outfielder.
As he aims for a third MVP and perhaps his best season yet, Judge stands as the poster boy for power hitting and consistency in a league rich with talent.
National League Outfield: Crowded and Competitive
The NL outfield selection process has highlighted the league’s remarkable depth and talent. Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, both All-Star starters for the Cubs, headline a group that includes Ronald Acuña Jr., who has electrified Atlanta since returning from injury. Crow-Armstrong, in his first full season, notched a 20-homer, 20-steal campaign while providing elite defense.
Tucker’s combination of power (17 home runs) and speed (20 steals) makes him a fan favorite. Acuña’s local return is particularly special for Braves fans, given his .350 average and 1.076 OPS in just 35 games. The NL outfield’s strength speaks to a generational shift, with young stars ready to shape the league’s future.
Rising Stars and First-Time All-Star Starters
The 2025 game is notable for its wave of new talent earning fan recognition. Nine players will make their first start in an All-Star Game, including Jacob Wilson (Athletics), Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker. Wilson, a rookie shortstop, boasts a .339 batting average and 108 hits (second only to Judge), demonstrating a rare poise at the plate.
Raleigh’s power surge (33 home runs in 84 games) has put him on track for a record-setting season by a catcher. These fresh faces not only add excitement but also signal the emergence of the next generation of MLB leaders, reshaping the competitive landscape with every at-bat.
Franchise Droughts and Long-Awaited Returns
Several storied franchises are focused on using this All-Star Game to end notable droughts. The Tigers, with MLB’s best record, will send three starters, including Riley Greene and Javier Báez, the first Detroit outfielders chosen since 2007. The Mariners are also celebrating Cal Raleigh as their first backstop to be selected as an All-Star starter.
Meanwhile, Brendan Donovan’s campaign as the Cardinals’ second baseman marks a potential end to a 40-year wait since the team last had a starter at that position. These milestones are more than trivia; they reflect shifting fortunes and the impact of smart rebuilding on storied clubs seeking renewed relevance on the national stage.
High Stakes for Veterans and Redemption Stories
This year’s All-Star rosters are also rich with veterans returning to form or reaching new milestones. Shohei Ohtani leads all of MLB with 30 home runs and an OPS+ of 183, cementing his status as a transcendent two-way player, even as he awaits a return to pitching. Francisco Lindor, finally a starter for the NL after multiple selections as a reserve, has powered the Mets with 16 home runs and a .284 average.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Manny Machado continue to anchor their respective lineups, adding further experience to a field that blends youth and longevity. Each of these selections represents a hard-won achievement, adding depth and narrative to the festivities in Atlanta.
The Power of the Fan Vote and Its Surprises
The fan vote remains central to the All-Star Game’s spirit, with some results defying expectations. Detroit’s well-rounded lineup earned strong support despite lacking traditional headliners. Gleyber Torres became the Tigers’ first All-Star starter at second base since 2006, while Baltimore’s Ryan O’Hearn emerged as the AL’s starting designated hitter in a breakout campaign.
Notably, stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt narrowly missed out on starting roles, reflecting both the competitiveness of the voting and the evolving tastes of the fan base. The inclusion of so many first-time starters hints at a generational change, where performance, story, and momentum converge to shape the roster in unexpected ways.
Looking Ahead to a Defining Showcase
With the rosters now set, attention turns to what the game itself will reveal. Atlanta’s Truist Park, hosting its first All-Star Game since 2000, is poised to showcase both elite skill and baseball’s ongoing evolution.
Fans can anticipate matchups between generational hitters and power arms, milestone chases, and perhaps new heroes emerging onto the national stage. For franchises ending droughts and stars cementing legacies, the spotlight offers both pressure and possibility.
As baseball continues to blend tradition with innovation, this All-Star Game promises to leave an indelible mark, not only on the 2025 season but on the league’s future narrative.
Disclaimer: All stats, rosters, and other information reflect the latest available at the time of writing. Refer to official league sources and sportsbooks for current updates.
What is connection without credibility? To be persuasive, you must be believable. To be believable, you must be credible. It’s a simple equation that sports radio has attempted to solve, even though most of the industry never laced up skates or put on pads. It’s also what former athletes inherently deliver: depth of knowledge backing their analysis, leading the brands that employ them to earn instant credibility.
It’s no secret that the evolution of sports radio is becoming more of a digital and on-demand product, as opposed to the traditional ones we all grew to love. The cost of entry into media for a former athlete is now at an all-time low, with no experience or coaching required. They lend their experience and knowledge to build their own audience, monetizing their time on their own dime and growing their own social platforms to drive engagement.
It leads me to wonder if sports radio is beginning to have a credibility issue.
The Value of Having an Athlete’s Perspective Is Paramount
Over the holiday weekend, I caught a clip of Jerry Recco and Al Dukes hosting an episode of Al and Jerry’s Postgame Podcast on YouTube. The title of the clip was “What’s Boomer’s Radio Future?” which led me to believe this would be a discussion about Boomer Esiason’s role with WFAN.
Instead, the discussion turned into how current and former athletes no longer have the desire to enter the world of traditional sports radio. The list of reasons shared by Recco and Dukes didn’t always surround money. It was about something with more value than money itself.
Time.
It’s a fair discussion to be had, and unfortunately not the first time I’ve heard it.
When I interviewed FS1 and current Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan host Mark Schlereth earlier this year, the former All-Pro said he sees a day when networks like ESPN will find it hard to sign former athletes as analysts. His reasoning was the same as Recco and Dukes. It wasn’t about money; it was about time.
Having a former athlete on your on-air roster does more than just provide credibility because of the perspective he or she brings to the table. It instantly provides your brand attention in the market because the star power is already earned, and the branding is already complete. The hard work to build trust with the audience is already done ahead of time, making your outlet more credible in the sports radio ecosystem.
However, following Recco, Dukes, and Schlereth’s lead—if current and former athletes are shying away from sports radio and sports networks—this serves as a massive issue for credibility’s sake.
The Rise of the Athlete Podcaster
Sports radio isn’t alone in this battle. The podcast space is now experiencing what sports radio dealt with for many years. Current and former athletes beginning their own platforms are cutting into podcasting real estate for everyone else. These former athletes who once took job opportunities away from broadcasters are now providing their voice to the sports media landscape in the podcast space. This is leading to instant appeal from the podcast consumer and full credibility as former athletes of the sports they played.
For every Bill Simmons, there’s a Shannon Sharpe, Draymond Green, or Richard Sherman.
For every Big Cat, there’s a Pat McAfee, Cam Newton, or Chris Long.
Student-athletes from colleges and high schools, in the age of NIL, are also tossing their talents into the podcasting space to secure their share of the pie as well—building their own brands to an audience of the future.
What took years for The Ringer and Barstool Sports to carve out can take weeks to months for an ex-athlete. Why? Instant credibility and name value, which leads to sponsorship dollars and making money on your own time.
Who would turn down that kind of opportunity? Why would any ex-athlete even consider working more hours in traditional sports media for less money?
If listeners are fans, and fans follow athletes, where does that leave sports radio if no athletes are to be had?
Can Sports Radio Still Attract the Former Athlete Talent
Less than 70% of sports radio stations in the top 25 markets have a full-time on-air talent that is a current or former athlete. That percentage pre-COVID was much higher. It’s also a number that continues to dwindle more every year as local radio budgets continue to cut costs and lean on doing more with less—or simply leaning on syndication.
That affects credibility with the listener. Anyone and everyone has an opinion on the happenings in sports, but a perspective from the locker room have unlimited value to provide credibility.
Can some sports radio stations thrive without an ex-athlete on the on-air roster? Sure. There are quite a few examples of sports radio stations doing particularly well without an ex-athlete on the roster.
However, the single biggest challenge for every sports radio station in today’s attention economy is how to gain attention. For every new current or former athlete that starts a podcast, there is instant attention.
Can you say that about the latest hire at your local sports radio station?
The more athletes that join the party, the less attention everyone else gets. The more athletes that leave traditional sports radio, the less credible it becomes as a format.
Sports radio has a number of hurdles it continues to battle day in and day out, but the discussion sparked by Recco and Dukes should challenge station managers to think differently.
While being unique is irreplaceable, having an athlete’s perspective is powerful. For sports radio to be persuasive, it needs to be believable. For sports radio to be believable, it must remain credible.
Your listener’s trust is built on it.
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.
Take control. Look for alternatives. Delete old ways.
For me, this is the challenge of today. All brands must evolve, especially brands with decades under their belts. Radio, like all media entities, is in a fight for relevance.
Recently, I worked with someone who needed help with messaging. He wasn’t a fan of my first or second attempt to meet his expectations. Thankfully, I’m rooted in my purpose. And by that, I mean I’m grounded in the path of always looking for new ways to connect with people. I’m up for the challenge and always want to be better at what I do.
Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. And because it isn’t easy, many of us try to avoid it. But I believe we—Urban radio—are overdue for a hard reset.
There’s so much happening in our country, our cities, and our communities that the time for review and reimagining is now. Imagine being able to strip your station down and rebuild it from the ground up. I recently said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”—and that still applies.
But what is working, and what is it telling you that you can build on? What’s not working? What’s only there because it has history or time served on the station? And how does all of that align with the current and future needs of your community?
These are all questions you should ask yourself before you’re asked and don’t have an answer.
Think about what’s trending now in music, video, entertainment, and social media. Are you where your listeners are? And when you show up, how are you presenting yourself? Are you still showing up like your grandmother’s radio station?
This is where branding becomes critical.
There was a time when I didn’t view satellite radio as a threat. I didn’t think people would pay for something that has always been free and still is. But then again, I once thought the same thing about water. While satellite radio has its own set of issues, music variety is not necessarily one of them.
There was also a time when I thought nothing could replace radio as the first thing people turned on in the morning. It used to be the radio that woke you up. Now? It’s your phone on both counts. Social media has taken the role of telling you what happened while you were sleeping.
So, how do you make your morning show a must-listen for today’s audience? How are you enhancing the midday listening experience?
The bigger picture here is the community connection. With everything happening on the national stage, are you reflecting what’s happening locally? Are you informing your audience about healthcare changes or family support resources?
Are you holding your local elected officials accountable? Are you helping your listeners make informed decisions about voting? And keeping them aware of any changes in voting laws or procedures in your state?
Local TV may serve the general public, but who’s doing that for the urban community?
This is the challenge. And also, the excitement.
How do you make it all work together? How do you entertain, inform, uplift, and engage your audience every single day?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you do a hard reset on your brand?
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.
Mike McVay is the President of McVay Media Consulting. McVay Media was founded in 1984. In August 2011, McVay stepped away from the firm. For the next nine years, he was Senior VP/Programming for Cumulus Media. In June 2019, he returned to the consultancy.
McVay’s success as a programmer, consultant, coach and media visionary is being recognized with his 2025 induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.
“I have to tell you, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever be in the National Radio Hall of Fame, mainly because a lot of it is that it’s the talent. It’s a talent and performer-based Hall of Fame, and it’s rare that they allow executives in, although they do one or two here and there. This year, Julie Talbott and I are going in.”
“I never thought I would really be inducted. Dennis Green and Kraig Kitchin, the co-chairmen, both reached out to me. And when Dennis called, he had a friend of mine who was on their board, Eric Weiss, who is an agent. The two of them buzzed me probably ten days before it was announced to tell me that I was going in.”
“I was shocked. I mean, it just didn’t register at first. But it means so much to me because, again, you think of where you started and what motivated you to get into it.”
I asked McVay who the early motivators were.
“My older brother was one of the people; he wasn’t in the business. But he was one of the people who encouraged me. Not only to get into radio because I wanted to do it, but when it came time to consult.”
“I was thinking about becoming a consultant. He was working with the Samsung Corporation in Korea, and he said to me, ‘How many consultants are there in radio?’ At that time, there were about 17. Today, there are even fewer. But I said probably around 17 or 18. And he said, ‘How many radio stations are there?’ About 12,000. And he was like, ‘Why wouldn’t they do this? It seems to me that anybody could do this.”’
“No, anybody can’t do this. But I did end up taking his advice and doing it. It means a lot to me to be there. And it means a lot for me to be able to stand on that stage and say the names of a lot of people who helped me in my career. And I wouldn’t be going into the Radio Hall of Fame without those people. It’s a chance to acknowledge them as well.”
So, the impossible question seemed to be asking McVay to pick out some highlights of his Hall of Fame career.
“One was getting on the radio at age 15 while I was still in high school, which was a big, important moment for me to be mentored by grown adults. When I was a kid at the age of 15, my mother used to have to drive me to the radio station.”
“The second would be becoming a morning man and Program Director in West Virginia. The man who owned that Day-Timer at 1600 was a former carny. He had managed Country artists. He wasn’t really a carny, but I would always say that he’s a carny. A guy named Gene Johnson. I learned a lot about showbiz from him.”
“Ed Salomon is the person who hired me from Charleston, West Virginia, to go to Los Angeles to be his assistant corporate PD. Charlie Cook was his assistant corporate PD on the East Coast and was at WHN New York. And I was that for Ed at KTNQ in Los Angeles. And when they announced they were going to sell that station, the guy who was PD, John Driscoll, left. And they promoted me to PD. That year and a half was a great, seminal moment for me.”
“Becoming a general manager for Larry Robinson at WMJI in Cleveland at age 28 was a big deal for me. We launched McVay Media when I was 30. My wife and I did, and Charlie Cook joined us a year after that.”
“Another would be being at Cumulus/Westwood One. That was a roller coaster nine years. The experiences I learned from being on the air, being a PD, an Ops Manager, being a General Manager, carrying a sales list, and working at a high-level corporate position in a big company have given me perspectives that I think other consultants in our industry don’t have.”
Since I had him, I couldn’t let him get away without picking his consultant’s brain a bit, starting with how we get young people interested in radio, both as consumers and as performers.
“I think there are a couple of ways to do it. One of them is to improve the listening experience overall, regardless of what age you’re targeting. We play too many commercials. We have stretched the creative side of our business to a point where it’s difficult for individuals to execute at the high level they once did. And that means that blemishes end up on the air.”
“Be that dead air or two things running at once because you’ve got a satellite and a commercial. There are things that just erode that listening experience.”
“If we improve the listening experience, people would give it a shot. Radio has great distribution, whether you’re hearing it over the air, on a stream, on an app, on social media in bits and pieces or not.
“So young people listen to us where they want to listen. If they are on TikTok and there’s a great funny thing that somebody did on the radio, and it’s on TikTok, they will hear it, and that could lead them back to a radio station.”
“But right now, if the listening experience is not at a high level if you’re not giving them more of what they want and less of irritants and things that make you turn it off, then all that work you put into the great TikTok bit that brings people to the radio, is for naught.”
“When you start talking about Elvis Duran, Ryan Seacrest, Tino Cochino or any of the great talent to target young people, they’re aware of them. They’ve heard them. They can rattle off things they’ve heard them do. But it may not be over-the-air radio where they’re getting it.”
“I have been quoted before, and it creates ripples. But I have often said radio has to fail more before it gets better. And what I mean by that is when there are stations that get to a point where someone says nothing else is working. Let’s try this, that could work.”
“Or the exorbitant prices of some radio stations are lower to a point where non-traditional major groups are looking to buy them, and other individuals. Be they private owners or entities that aren’t even in broadcasting, buy them and do something different. If you could run six minutes of commercials an hour and you had great content that was unique, you would find an audience.”
Being a great storyteller on the radio takes skill. I asked McVay about a couple of the best storytellers he has worked with. And a tip for becoming a good storyteller.
“Delilah and John Tesh are two of the absolute best in the entire industry. When Delilah launched her network show 20 years ago, I was fortunate to be with her and a guy named Ken Spitz. The three of us partnered on the show and started it out on a radio station in Rochester, and built it up to about 10 affiliates when we moved it off to Jones Radio Network. It might have been Broadcast Programming at that point, but we moved it out to them.”
“She’s always been a great storyteller. John Tesh similarly tells great stories. His program, “Intelligence for Your Life.” He’s the guy that’s sitting there and says, ‘If you want to get your kids to eat their carrots, mash them up with mashed potatoes and give them orange potatoes.’ The way he tells the story is beautiful. And so those two people are absolutely great storytellers.”
In closing, McVay encourages the practice of mentoring within the industry.
“Mentoring is an important thing that I do for so many. And it’s because I was mentored many times along the way by some pretty amazing people. I would like to encourage those of us who’ve been out there doing this job for more than 10 years to mentor others. Because mentorship is such an important part of learning the craft and what we do.”
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.
Baltimore’s 98 Rock is Comedy, Rock, Ravens and Orioles. The station is owned by Hearst Television. A gigantic company, but one that only has a radio portfolio of two, 98 Rock and WBAL AM in Baltimore.
Rick Strauss, the Program Director, spoke with me about the DNA of 98 Rock, today’s featured brand.
“We’re 48 years old, same format, same brand, same ownership. So, a lot of stability and a lot of people say it, but I think this company and this station really walk it in terms of local personality-driven community-engaged radio.
“We have a lot of exclusive high-value content that you can’t get on a digital streaming platform. We look at the bigger audio marketplaces as the competition.”
The station is anchored in tenured personalities.
“We’ve got a dominant morning show, ‘Justin Scott and Spiegel’ have been here for 12 years. Our midday host, Amelia, has more than 20 years with the radio station, formerly a morning host herself.”
Justin Scott and Spiegel Photo 98 Rock Website
“We have a high-powered afternoon show that’s been in place now for over eight years. ‘Kirk and Marianne.’ Kirk is kind of a market legend. He started at 98 Rock in the early 80s. He’s come and gone a few times, but he’s been back for the last ten years.”
“We’re the flagship station for the Baltimore Ravens, and we’re the flagship station for the Baltimore Orioles. And in between that, we play great music. But it really is driven by the relationship that our audience has with these very talented shows and this content that you can’t get anywhere else.”
98 Rock is a mainstream rock station with a broader music base.
“I think that our heritage allows us to have maybe a broader musical tent than some other stations in the format. We consider ourselves more Mainstream Rock, where you can hear some older Classic Rock. And you hear straight ahead Active Rock, and we are not afraid to cherry-pick from Alternative stuff that works for our station.”
Is the company’s small radio footprint an advantage or a disadvantage?
“Advantage. We’re part of Hearst Television, and the small radio footprint is exactly two stations. They give us phenomenal support. I will tell you that they do not operate these radio stations like a lot of other companies are operating their stations these days.”
“Having our sister station in the building with WBAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Baltimore, the number one TV station in the market, is a real advantage for us. We collaborate on many things together throughout the year. Our morning show has a show on WBAL-TV that airs after ‘Saturday Night Live’ during certain weeks of the year called ‘Justin, Scott and Spiegel Shouldn’t Be On TV.’ That gets huge ratings.”
Sports make up a significant part of 98 Rocks’ station identity.
“I can’t remember the exact year that the Ravens came over here, but it’s been at least 15 years or so, and it’s a great partnership. In addition to just carrying the games during the season, we have other programming surrounding it.”
“We have the Purple Power Hour with a couple of former Ravens, Super Bowl champions, who have a great rapport with our afternoon show. And just different events that we partner with throughout the year. It’s great.”
“The Orioles, I think, we’re in our fourth year of being the station for them, and that also gives us a lot of opportunity to be engaged. We obviously go to spring training every year, and we have a 98 Rock Night, which is one of the biggest theme nights of the year. Our personalities are all over the place. We’re planning this year’s coming up in August. Last year, Joan Jett was part of it.”
“We knew that Joan Jett lives and dies for the Baltimore Orioles. I called, and I basically pitched why don’t you do a call-in every week and talk about the O’s. And so, for the last three seasons, every Tuesday afternoon at four o’clock, Joan calls in and talks Orioles with ‘Kirk and Marianne.”’
Kirk and Marianne Photo 98 Rock website
One of the things that jumped out at me listening to the station was BYOB “Bring Your Own Band.”
“Rather than doing a local music show where we play half a dozen different bands at 11 o’clock on a Sunday night. We wanted to give some real, meaningful exposure and handpick a different band each month in the market. We film a video show that usually runs about 20 to 25 minutes.”
“That includes a performance by the band, and then Kirk and Marianne host it, and they do an interview. It’s all cut together, and it goes up on Hearst’s streaming platform called ‘Very Local,’ which every Hearst television market has.”
“Also, once a week in afternoon drive time, we’ll play a song from the band. They get a really nice exposure out of the program. And we’re very pleased with it. And again, it goes back to being engaged with the community and supporting the local music scene. That’s why we’re doing it.”
What social media is most effective for Mainstream Rock and specifically 98 Rock?
“98 Rock has always done a pretty good job with video. We have a multi-camera system in the studio, so we stream the morning show, ‘Justin Scott and Spiegel,’ and ‘Kirk and Marianne’ in the afternoon live every day.”
“We put together video highlights every day from these shows. Some of them are longer form, and some of them are on the reels, and they’ve been really effective pushing out on Instagram.
“We’re really focusing on YouTube right now, growing our YouTube audience, which is already doing pretty well. But that’s important for us. And obviously, Facebook is still an important platform. YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are our big three.”
The station doesn’t shy away from big undertakings to be where the listeners are.
“We just did a big one in May. We took the whole radio station essentially down to Ocean City, Maryland. It’s about three hours away from Baltimore. But there was an inaugural rock festival called Boardwalk Rock, a two-day festival, on May 17th and 18th. And we took down ‘Justin Scott and Spiegel,’ Amelia and ‘Kirk and Marianne.”
“And some promotions people and producers, and we broadcast live for four days from down there all day long. It was a really ambitious undertaking, but everybody just killed it.”
Strauss is retiring from the station and relocating to Florida at the end of August. He is appreciative of the support that 98 Rock has had from ownership.
“The support we get from Hearst is phenomenal, and the people, everybody here. It’s not uncommon for people to be here for 20-plus years. People get here, and they realize they don’t want to leave. That’s a really nice thing.”
“This is my second tour of duty. I was here for eight years, my first time. I left only because I had a little kid at the time, and I wanted to get back closer to family. Then I had the opportunity to come back ten and a half years ago and jumped at it because this is the best job in the country.”
What advice would Strauss offer his successor?
“Appreciate what you have. It’s all about our people—a phenomenal team.
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.
Last month, Silver Tribe Media announced that Neal Carruth had joined the company as its new General Manager, as the company continues to grow its footprint in the digital media space.
Carruth brings decades of experience to the company. He spent more than 20 years at NPR before later joining the Freakonomics Radio Network, helping both outlets expand their digital audio and podcasting presences in the process.
And he says he’s overjoyed to join Silver Tribe Media at this stage of his career.
“It’s a real honor to join this team,” Carruth shared. “I’m so impressed by what they’ve built, and the incredible group of people that they’ve assembled. I’m definitely feeling tremendous excitement at joining the firm.”
The company helps build, grow, and monetize digital media businesses for both creators and the organizational level. And that focus on expanding the talent and reach of those in the digital realm — especially in areas where he gets to expand his own knowledge — enticed Neal Carruth to make the leap to this position.
“That was one of the big draws to Silver Tribe for me, was with the ability to help clients with everything I’ve learned over two decades plus in radio and podcasting,” Carruth said of expanding his own horizons. “And to learn even more about video, to learn about newsletters, to learn about other ways in which digital media businesses can connect with and grow their audiences. That’s absolutely a big part of what drew me here.”
While many might believe that “everyone has a podcast these days”, there’s still plenty of room for growth in the digital media ecosystem, believes Carruth.
“It’s very clear that consumers across a lot of different content verticals are getting their content digitally, whether that’s via YouTube, whether that’s via audio podcasts, whether that’s via newsletters. So I think, I think we’re in this moment where actually there’s a lot of feeling, and there’s a lot of room for growth — for people across the generations, by the way. This is not just a Gen Z thing. I think you’re seeing media habits change across the lifespan. That gives me a lot of confidence that this is exactly the right place to be at exactly the right time.”
While Neal Carruth has a strong background in the digital audio space — helping shows like Freakonomics and Planet Money from NPR get off the ground, flourish, and become major players in the podcast realm — that’s not the area that he believes will be the biggest focus of his efforts with Silver Tribe Media.
“We’re really interested and excited to explore newsletter platforms for like Substack, Beehiiv, Kit, and MailChimp on behalf of our clients. Newsletters are this very intimate medium,” Carruth shared. “They show up in your inbox from a person. You can develop a strong connection and strong relationship with that creator. Some of the platforms allow you to engage directly with the creator. So we’re working, in addition to (platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts), we’re really interested in exploring that over the next couple of years.”
During the first decade of his career, Carruth climbed the ladder at NPR. He went from working as a guest booker before rising all the way to serving as a showrunner and the Business Editor. That’s where he dipped his toes into the podcasting waters before ultimately helping build out the podcast division into the heights its reached today.
After joining the Freakonomics Radio Network as its Executive Vice President and General Manager, Carruth helped bolster that outlet into one of the most prominent financial podcasts available.
And now, all roads have led to his. And Carruth, who’s already on the job at Silver Tribe Media, is prepared for the next step in his professional career.
“I see this work at Silver Tribe really as a natural next step in my career, bringing everything I’ve learned in the content space, everything I’ve learned on the business side, to try and help people who are creating content and trying to navigate these new platforms.”
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Recently, Indiana has really been witnessing an increase in the number of tourists it gets per year. And it’s no wonder. The amazing landscape and the number of outdoor activities you can take up are not something you can easily find elsewhere.
Naturally, its capital is the first place people head to. Indianapolis is a city full of life, with busy streets but also scenic trails, and neighborhoods where people walk, bike, and drive every day. It’s basically the perfect blend of serenity and chaos(positive chaos).
With such a high number of residents and tourists, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. With more people in the city, that also means more vehicles and, of course, more chances for accidents to take place.
Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just out enjoying the city, try to be mindful of others and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Let’s take a closer look at this together and see which are the most common accidents that take place in Indianapolis and how it’s possible to avoid them. Stay tuned for our safety tips!
For Pedestrians: Walk smart and stay visible
Walking is one of the best ways to get around downtown Indy and many neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and Mass Ave. But pedestrians must remain aware of their surroundings and take proactive steps to protect themselves.
With more than 7.500 pedestrian accidents per year, staying safe is no joke.
Use crosswalks and obey signals
Always use marked crosswalks when crossing the street and follow pedestrian traffic signals. Avoid darting between cars or crossing at unmarked points, especially on busy streets like Washington Street or Keystone Avenue.
Indianapolis is a blooming city, and there’s a lot of construction around, so you need to be careful of how you roam the city. Unfortunately, some of these construction sites are often not marked properly, and there are many instances of obstructed paths or tools lying around, which can easily result in slips and falls.
Looking at your phone while walking, especially when crossing the street, can be dangerous. Keep your head up and your eyes on your path. Distractions can cause you to miss important cues, like a car making a sudden turn or a cyclist approaching.
We’ve unfortunately developed the habit of constantly looking at our phones so try to at least shake off that nasty habit when walking.
For cyclists: Ride responsibly and gear up
Indianapolis has made huge progress and has become more bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes along parts of Michigan and New York Streets and access to the scenic Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Still, even cyclists face real risks when sharing the road with larger vehicles.
Wear a helmet always
Even a short ride around the block can turn dangerous without a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury significantly in the event of a fall or collision.
The helmet is there for a reason and it’s really life-saving in certain situations, so make sure you don’t leave your home without it.
Avoid sidewalks downtown
It’s illegal to ride on sidewalks in parts of downtown Indianapolis, and doing so puts both cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Stick to bike lanes or the street unless you’re in a residential area where sidewalk riding is allowed.
Sidewalks get too crowded, increasing the risk of accidents. That’s why it’s best to always stick to your dedicated lane if one exists.
For drivers: Stay alert and share the road
Driving in such a growing city means being prepared for all kinds of movement. It also means you need to equip yourself with a lot of patience.
Being a responsible driver isn’t just about obeying the law; it’s about being aware of others and helping make the roads safer for everyone. However, if you take a look at the news report, you’ll see that many fail to make the roads safe and do the opposite.
Slow down in high-pedestrian areas
Downtown Indy, near college campuses and city parks, is a busy area full of pedestrians. When driving by, lower your speed, stay off your phone, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks—even if they’re crossing slowly or unexpectedly.
Pedestrians sometimes pop up out of nowhere but if you’re already driving slowly, it’s going to be much easier for you to come to a full stop and brake on time.
Respect bike lanes and don’t block them
As a driver, you have your own lane. That means there’s no reason to occupy someone else’s lane. Drivers often park wherever they can, completely disregarding the fact that not all areas are actually parking zones.
With more than 2 billion parking spaces intended for vehicles, we’re pretty sure you can find a suitable parking place.
Bike lanes are not loading zones, parking spaces, or passing lanes. Blocking them forces cyclists into traffic, creating a dangerous situation where many of them can get hurt and injured. Be mindful and keep bike lanes clear, especially in areas like downtown or near the Canal Walk.
The bottom line: Staying safe in Indy
Exploring Indianapolis on foot or commuting to work doesn’t need to (and shouldn’t) be a stressful everyday activity. To ensure a safe environment for everyone, we all must stay mindful of others’ needs.
Every pedestrian, cyclist, and driver has the same responsibility, and they all need to work together to create a city where people feel confident and comfortable getting where they need to go.
By following these tips and staying mindful of one another, we can all help reduce accidents and make Indianapolis a safer place for everyone to move, work, and live.
FOX Nation is entering the live sports arena for the first time, announcing an exclusive broadcast partnership with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) for its Friday night team competition. Beginning Friday, August 8, FOX Nation will serve as the official home of PBR Friday Night Live, a 10-event series launching in Sunrise, Florida. The broadcasts will run weekly throughout the fall, culminating in the league’s championship opener on October 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The deal was revealed by FOX Nation President Lauren Petterson.
“We could not ask for a better partner to kick off our first foray into live sports,” said Petterson. “PBR is an incredibly unique sport with an unrivaled, passionate fan base, and it’s a great addition to the entire FOX Nation viewer experience.”
In advance of the live broadcasts, the platform will debut season two of its hit series Last Cowboy Standing on Friday, July 11. The reality competition will feature 10 new episodes, showcasing eight amateur bull riders vying for a coveted spot in the individual Unleash the Beast tour and an opportunity to join a professional PBR team. The series offers behind-the-scenes access as riders face off in challenges and elimination rounds until one remains.
PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason echoed that sentiment, highlighting the growing appeal of Western sports. “We’re thrilled to build on our strong partnership with FOX Nation to deliver live coverage of Friday Night Teams and the second season of Last Cowboy Standing,” he said. “Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo was a breakout hit in May for FOX Nation, proving that their devoted audience is eager for exciting Western sports content.”
That May 16 event, streamed exclusively on FOX Nation, combined team rodeo competition with a live concert from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
PBR, which includes over 1,000 riders competing across more than 200 events annually, drew 1.43 million fans to its events in 2024. Its broadcasts reach more than 288 million households in 67 countries. The PBR Camping World Team Series includes 10 teams, each hosting a three-day homestand, with additional neutral-site games held in Anaheim and Duluth.
𝘽𝙄𝙂 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎: @foxnation will become the exclusive Friday night broadcast partner for the PBR Camping World Team Series, marking the platform’s first-ever live sports rights deal.
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.
Longtime Philadelphia sports talk personality Howard Eskin didn’t hold back when asked about the state of sports radio, expressing frustration over the industry’s decline and disappointment with how his exit from WIP was handled. In an interview with Dan Sileo on The National Football Show with Dan Sileo, Eskin lamented the lack of originality and talent in modern sports talk as the biggest difference in sports talk radio over the past 15 years.
“There really is a lack of talent,” Eskin said of why hosting a solo program was preferred. “Somebody had this grand idea of having two hosts. The reason, I believe, that they decided to have two hosts is so they can argue with one another. It’s just good cop, bad cop. I’ll take this side, you take this side. Whether they believe it or not. After a while, I think people know that it’s bulls**t.”
He said the premise to have two co-hosts to simply create debate caused people on both sides of the conversation to become annoyed, leading to what Eskin claims is “the same thing every day.”
Eskin, who helped launch WIP’s sports talk format nearly four decades ago, says that he built his reputation on being honest—even when it wasn’t easy. While he stated that he didn’t feel he was the best with his work, he felt he did the job the right way.
“I made a point to face the music when I was critical,” Eskin recalled. “I felt I had to do that to have respect, whether they like what I said or not… I tried to inform, and I tried to entertain. I think you can do both.”
He contrasted that commitment with what he sees today: manufactured debate, minimal accountability, and a business model driven by cost-cutting rather than content. “Radio is a dying business,” Eskin said. “It’s sad because that was what got me to where I am.”
He criticized station ownership—without naming names—for shifting priorities away from quality programming. “The people running the business now are just trying to save their a**. They’re just trying to keep their jobs,” Eskin added.
“The business model for radio just isn’t the same anymore,” explained Eskin. “Radio has business expenses that they have to pay for. So their business model is to overprice their clients. They charge more than they deliver.”
When asked about his dismissal from WIP in December, while Eskin didn’t go into full detail, he acknowledged it still stings.
“I got screwed. There was no reason that they had to do what they had to do,” said Eskin. “Embarrassed? At the time I tried to not say a whole lot because I tried to move on. It’s difficult at first when you know what they did wasn’t right. The management people are just trying to save their a** because they like their cushy jobs. It was wrong, but was I embarrassed? No. I was hurt,” he admitted. “I put in close to four decades. I started that radio station into sports talk format. It was what it was, but they had nothing. They had some people saying some things which they had no evidence that any of that stuff happened.”
Despite the pain, Eskin tried to remain active and passionate, now working independently with his own content and podcast model.
“You have to try and move on. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do,” said Eskin. “I want to have fun, and I always tried to have fun. It’s kind of sad that they tried to tarnish who I was and I just got to work my way out. People that know me, know me and I’m not a bad person.”
Even in frustration, Eskin’s passion for the medium remains clear—a reflection of a broadcaster who helped shape the sports talk landscape in Philadelphia and beyond.
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.
