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Scarcity of Time Provides Great Motivation to ‘Just Do It’

Kevin Robinson
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Scarcity of Time Provides Great Motivation to ‘Just Do It’

“When you go through the fire, you’re connected.” Actor Wendell Pierce – metaphorically – about his long-time friend Bradley Whitford reflecting on their early days as actors in Sunday’s CBS Sunday Morning profile.

More than likely, those reading this column have Angelenos in or around Los Angeles affected by the tragic wildfires raging across Southern California. In the blink of an eye, swatches of landscapes are transformed, homes are vaporized, and lives are upended.

There is no doubt that those affected will carry the loss for the balance of their years, and the assistance around them—from a neighbor or a transplanted complete stranger—will keep them connected for the foreseeable future. Whenever larger tragedies pop up – there will be more in the future – my mind goes to the power of time if there was more TIME to prevent or prepare for the fires.

Time is like vapor or rocket fuel. It burns quickly and is never replaced. Every moment in TIME is an irreplaceable moment. This makes time invaluable. The scarcity of time makes its significance more than wealth.

Time is non-partisan. You have the same 24 hours a day as your neighbor. How you choose to spend those hours is your decision – alone. When a tragic event like the West Coast fires occurs, I’m reminded of time and what I’ll do with it—today, tomorrow, and 2025.

And – this 1990’s Nike campaign.

Those who’ve visited my office(s) through the decades see this laminated picture across from the desk. The Barry Sanders Nike “Just Do It” marketing operation, showcased in the above black-and-white image of Sanders, encourages target readers to overcome fear and seize opportunities. Download and laminate your copy – HERE.

The text begins with, “Too often we are scared. Scared of what we might not be able to do…” and concludes with the Nike iconic “Just Do It” slogan.

The overwhelming #1 reason creatives – like you and me – bail on developing original content is – fear. Fear whispers doubts about our ideas, fearing criticism and harsh judgments – leading to becoming paralyzed and abandoning projects altogether. Let’s make 2025 the year we overcome – fear.

How about – for example – we boldly develop new formats.

When Canadian and CHUM Radio Group programmer Howard Kroeger pioneered JACK FM in the early 2000s, the criticism flowed like a landslide. ‘There’s no cohesiveness to the format, too many train wrecks, and no specific genres are represented (lack of ‘fit’).’  Not only was JACK FM a huge success, but the formula generated BOB FM and HANK FM.

We’ve been developing off-center music formats for decades, including – ‘Roadmaster’ – below. Styled with only the biggest hits from Rock and Country, the format features three separate genres outlined below with a combination of Southern Pop (Center), real Country Superstars (Country), and time-tested Rock Artists (Rock).

Here’s a Sample Hour:

  • Tom Petty – Running Down a Dream
  • Toby Keith – Beer For My Horses
  • ZZ Top – Legs
  • Marshall Tucker Band – Heard It In A Love Song
  • John Mellencamp – Authority Song
  • Keith Urban – Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Me
  • Bob Seger – Hollywood Nights
  • Johnny Cash – Rusty Cage
  • Aerosmith – Walk This Way
  • Florida Georgia Line – Cruise
  • Bruce Springsteen – Glory Days
  • Willie Nelson – Whiskey River
  • Lynard Skynard – Sweet Home Alabama
  • Brooks & Dunn – Red Dirt Road

One more – The Breeze

‘Neglected by radio’ music familiar to the 40+ female audience but is scarce on the radio dial. A combination of Traditional AC (Center), Well-selling Superstars (Hip) and Retro-Cool (Nostalgia) Artists.

Sample Hour

  • James Taylor – Mexico
  • Fleetwood Mac- Sara
  • Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World
  • Eagles – Peaceful, Easy Feeling
  • Simon & Garfunkel – My Little Town
  • Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately
  • Carly Simon – Nobody Does It Better
  • Bobby Darin – Beyond The Sea
  • Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
  • Doobie Brothers – Minute By Minute
  • Carol King – I Feel the Earth Move
  • Jimmy Buffett – Come Monday
  • Spandau Ballet – True

Feel free to steal, modify, and place on a vacant HD side channel. Need an assist – contact us. And – hear that format in action – HERE.

Just Do It – in 2025.

Enter a triathlon – write a book – bike across America. Or – start a Podcast.

When programming legend Buzz Knight was unceremoniously cast aside by corporate radio, he didn’t opt to watch from the sidelines. He started a podcast. Buzz Knight’s Takin’ a Walk podcast takes consumers of his audio on a ‘stroll.’ Having unscripted conversations with real people in media, music, and business with an outdoor ambiance.

Buzz is an incredible interviewer, and his episodes are framed like you are on a personal walk-and-talk with a friend. Oh – and ‘Takin’ A Walk’ is #6 on iTunes in the Music History category with a 4.9 out of 5 in reviews.

Time is running.

Just Do It.

“You have nothing to lose and everything – everything – everything to gain.”

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.

3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches

Peter Thiele
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3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches

Podcast guru Joe Rogan is demonstrating what is needed more than ever. A conversation. Many news/talk radio stations and hosts consider the legislative session like manna from heaven. I have some truth bombs for you in this column. These tips will allow you to maximize the plethora of content from your state’s legislative agenda.

You should never be a legislative insider. Our ratings and revenue come from the people, not our elected employees. No one gives a rat’s behind if you attended a cocktail party with the legislative leaders. No one cares.

About half of my career has been on the air. I have been invited to those parties and I will attend one or two parties a year. Early in my career while working in the Twin Cities, I always made sure to attend the Vin Weber Christmas Party. Vin is a former Republican Congressman who is a major lobbyist and powerbroker in Washington D.C. Vin’s party was different because every major elected official attended from both parties. I was a producer and an on-air sidekick on KSTP’s Barbara Carlson Show. These parties were big for me to build relationships with potential future guests for the show.

These social events can be helpful. But if you are being seduced by being at the event, you should pass. Many hosts have a tough time asking strong questions to their “friends.” Have specific rules. I never accept questions from press secretaries. I will give the general subject matter to the guest but leave the person in the dark over my take on a particular subject.

Since I am not that much of a jerk, I have 3 rules for every interview. I allow the elected official to speak on the reason that they are on the show. I ask a tough question that the audience would want to know. And I also give the guest a win.

I am not really a question guy, I’m a conversation guy. Talk show hosts are wired to speak and not listen. Have a conversation. Also, know your role. You are a representative of the great unwashed. You are the speaker for the good people who are working their butts off every day to pay their mortgages, bills, and taxes.

Whatever you do, never — and I mean never — say bill numbers. The only people who know the bill numbers are people at the legislature or super political insiders. The super political insiders should never be your target demo. There are too few of these people.

If you think your audience is keeping balls and strikes at the legislature, you are delusional. Your audience wants to know about taxes, public safety, roads, schools, and other things that impact their lives. Your job as a host is to make things as digestible as possible. No one cares about the education subcommittee vote. No one! Big picture only.

I was programming a station with an awesome host who was a former legislator. His ratings tanked year after year during the legislative session. I showed him that his ratings fell dramatically every legislative session. He was flabbergasted. He thought it was his prime time. I worked with the host on how to cover the legislative session. I also pointed out that our job is to speak about Topic A. The host’s ratings were up dramatically from the previous 3 years after enacting my recommendations.

During a legislative session, sometimes the biggest topic is at the legislature but most times it isn’t. Like this week, whether you live in California or anywhere else, is your state or community prepared for a natural disaster? When was the last time that you interviewed your local Emergency Management person? What are the plans? Are these people receiving proper support?

Obviously, the Los Angeles wildfires are proving that all probabilities were not seriously explored by local officials. Represent the people first. You don’t work for the legislature. If a guest says, “Bill Number…” Follow up with this… “Senator, we don’t work at the legislature. What is the purpose of this legislation?” I hate using the term ‘Bill.’ As previously explained, I am an angry little man with several pet peeves.

We have a simple job. We need to reflect on the concerns, lives, and interests of our audience. The government certainly impacts our daily lives.

While the legislative session provides more content, your focus should always be on the biggest story of the day. The education sub +-committee meeting today to discuss funding for the next year is not interesting. It is not what your audience is discussing at the diner or water cooler. Be big picture and never worry about pleasing our elected officials. They need us more than we need them. Providing a Listener-Focused Experience is our job.

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.

Heather Cohen Knows the Broadcasting Business Inside and Out, Giving a Leg Up to Her Clients at The Weiss Agency

Dave Greene
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Heather Cohen Knows the Broadcasting Business Inside and Out, Giving a Leg Up to Her Clients at The Weiss Agency

They say when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. If that is true, Heather Cohen, President of The Weiss Agency, hasn’t worked since she was 14 years old when she started preparing to be in the media business while still in high school.

“I still feel like I’m that radio kid,” said Cohen, a Hofstra grad who cut her teeth at WOR in New York. Cohen joined The Weiss Agency in 2007 and was named its President in 2023. She has worked with the likes of Montel Williams, Nick Cannon, Fred Toucher, Zach Sang, Tim Conway Jr. and many other talents in every format imaginable.

When Cohen was named President of the agency, Founder and CEO Eric Weiss said, “In Heather, we have not only an exceptional talent agent but a true leader and advocate for positive change. Her dedication, industry acumen, and commitment to her clients embody the values we hold dear at our company.”

Having worked in the industry as a producer and programming manager gives Cohen a very different perspective than a lot of other agents. It also gives her the ability to help her clients in ways others cannot.

“Every single day, I feel like I’m reinventing myself, because I want to make sure that I stay relevant to help all of my clients continuously grow, grow their brands, and stay relevant as well,” Cohen said. “It is so challenging just to keep up with how this business is evolving. But it’s also very exciting and I’m actually incredibly optimistic. I wake up, and I’m excited. And I know that I’m going to probably get scared at some point during the day, because there’s going to be something that I don’t yet know or understand. But my personal goal is to learn as much as I can and stay on top of every area of growth that’s out there.”

As for the near decade she spent inside the broadcasting business, Cohen says, “I’m very blessed that I had all those years, either at a local radio station or at a network before I became an agent, because I know what it is. I know what it is to produce for two days straight during a national emergency. And I still miss being in a studio when things are happening.

“So, I have the appreciation for the talent that works so hard and the people behind the scenes in our business that work so hard. I believe so much in them and what they do. And I think they’re insanely talented and hardworking. And it’s such a pleasure and a privilege to be able to represent some of the industry’s top performers, because I know how hard they work and what they do is so difficult.”

Cohen feels a unique connection to her talent because she is taking care of them the same way she was taking care of talent when she was a producer. She also has experience as a manager in media, so she truly understands both sides of the equation. The biggest place that comes in handy is when Cohen is negotiating on behalf of her clients.

“When I’m negotiating [with managers], I have an understanding and empathy for what they do and what they’re going through, and honestly, their lives are even more complicated now than my life was when I was in management. So, I think I’m fortunate that it gives me a unique perspective where I can speak everyone’s language, whether it’s the talent side or the management side or the programming side.”

She also has empathy for talent, who are now putting in more hours and doing more different things than ever before. “Everyone is putting in more hours, and they are doing things that they didn’t do three months ago or six months ago,” Cohen said. “And if you want to have longevity in this business, you will make sure that you are learning everything that you can, and that you are helping, whether you’re at a station or you’re on a platform that you are helping everyone around you.

“The majority of the people that I work with, and the majority of the people who are very successful today are doing eight different things and probably looking into what the ninth thing is.”

On the positive side for talent, Cohen said she is seeing more media companies who are trying to learn from content their talent is creating on their own.

“They see [that content] actually is enlarging the brand, that it’s actually bringing more attention to the station, or the channel or the platform or the TV show,” she said. “Whoever’s willing to put in that time and effort and research…we all have to try new things and see what works…Great content providers are going to always continue to do well.”

Cohen said she realized early on in her career that she didn’t have what it took to be a great on-air talent, but said she was really good behind the scenes and got really good at supporting the great talent she was working with. Plus, she feels a personal connection the industry overall. As she puts it, “I love this business, it’s in my blood, and I’m so passionate about it.”

Eventually her friend Eric Weiss talked her into heading up a New York branch of the agency and when she started, she did the only thing she knows how to do, which was dive in headfirst and learn everything there was to know about her new world. A decade into her new career, she was on the cover of Radio Ink magazine behind the headline, ‘Agent Extraordinaire’.

Asked what makes her good at what she does she said, “I deeply care about my clients. They’re my family. And I care about the industry as well. I love what I do. I am really passionate about the people that I represent. I only represent people that I’m passionate about and I have to really believe in their talent. I serve on several industry boards because I love this industry, and I want to give back to this industry. It’s been very, very good to me.”

Cohen is bullish on the future of the industry, especially from the content creator side where more and more opportunities are opening with the growth of streaming networks and digital distribution.

“There’s always room for competition, and we’re always going to find great talent,” she said. “For example, I have Nick Cannon and Zach Sang over at Amazon. I spend a lot of time with Amazon. And they are producing incredible content at Amazon. But, you know, they still love radio. I think it’s exciting to have a lot of opportunities.”

As for her passions outside of her day-to-day work as an agent, much of it revolves around the industry. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Women in Media as well as the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Additionally, she is part of the Executive Counsel and Dean’s Advisory Board for the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra.

Cohen said she feels “super blessed to represent some of the greatest names in all formats of audio and media. And it’s really fun working with them to continue to help achieve their goals.”

When she speaks to younger people, Cohen said her main advice is to “keep an open mind.” She stresses there’s no need to decide now what you want to be doing a decade later.

“I don’t know that I would tell somebody right out of school to go become an agent,” she said. “I would probably tell somebody who’s right out of school to go and get into a media company they want to work for. And don’t be concerned if you’re taking a job that doesn’t have the title that you thought you would go after in your senior year of college. Get in there, prove yourself, work hard, and if you’re working hard and doing a good job, there’s a good chance that you will be elevated and be able to move around and get into the department that really intrigues you and really interests you. And then figure out what you’re truly passionate about.”

If you find a career that you love and are passionate about you are among the lucky ones. Heather Cohen has been lucky enough to find that twice.

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

Aircheck: Broadway Bill Lee, Hot 97 WQHT New York

Jeff Lynn
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Aircheck: Broadway Bill Lee, Hot 97 WQHT New York

Broadway Bill Lee’s energetic rhyming style was something many tried to duplicate, but few, if any, succeeded.

This aircheck is from 1989 at Hot 97 WQHT, New York.  

In addition to engaging with the music and rhyming, pay attention around the 1:00 mark, when the imaging specifically calls out two format competitors.

Enjoy Broadway Bill Lee.

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 Erick Erickson Grew His National Profile While Staying Atop the Atlanta Radio Ratings with 95.5 WSB

Garrett Searight
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How Erick Erickson Grew His National Profile While Staying Atop the Atlanta Radio Ratings with 95.5 WSB

2024 was a good year for The Erick Erickson Show. While it stayed at the top of the Atlanta radio ratings with 95.5 WSB, it also added dozens of national affiliates through its distribution with Compass Media Networks.

Erickson saw his list of affiliates grow exponentially during the calendar year. In total, nearly 60 stations now carry his show which airs live from 12-3 PM ET.

That increased distribution comes with an increased commitment to stations around the country. Extra guest appearances on local shows, liners, and sponsor meetings dot the nationally syndicated host’s calendar.

But the performance of The Erick Erickson Show hasn’t slipped. Especially in Atlanta, where the show finished the year as the top midday show — not the top news/talk midday show, the top midday show — in the key demographic for the final six months of the year.

Has the adjustment of the increased national presence been an adjustment for Erickson? Certainly. But he believes there’s a key to making it all work.

“It really is time management. It’s kind of my life. And my wife and kids understand it,” Erickson admitted. “I mean, during the week, I’m talking to program directors or advertisers in local markets and trying to be as local a presence for everybody. With radio economics now, it’s really hard for a lot of local stations to have local voices. A lot of them rely on national voices, and if I can help them sound a little more local — even though I’m not where they are — it’s one of the things I’ve been willing to do for everybody.”

In the case of Atlanta and 95.5 WSB, the attachment to the station comes from a place of loyalty for Erickson.

“I started there, was there for 10 years as a local voice, even when I was guest hosting for Rush (Limbaugh) or Herman Cain,” he said. “Herman was from Atlanta, too. It is my home market.”

That commitment to building a national audience also includes the commitment to being engrained in the fabric of a heritage brand like 95.5 WSB. The station’s program director — Ken Charles — said it is not difficult to manage someone like Erickson who is as committed to being a part of the station’s everyday happenings.

“There probably are some people that their ego would get in the way of doing that. Erick’s not that guy,” said Charles. “Erick is the guy that I have to say ‘No, it’s ok, just focus on your national show. We’re good.’ Because if it were up to Erick, he’d be doing two or three hours just for WSB every day if I could find a way to do it.

“Erick’s a really easy talent when it comes to that because he is dedicated and committed to WSB and doing his radio show. And because he has that commitment, it’s a really easy partnership to navigate,” concluded Charles.

Erick Erickson added that he tries to keep his finger on the pulse of the local markets airing his show as best as possible, adhering to the “all politics is local” mantra so many others hold dear.

“I keep an RSS feed of all of my markets and if there’s a big story in Sacramento or in Hartford that I think I can use to tell a national story, I talk about those local stories from a national level. I do the same in Atlanta which has been helpful. In 2024, it was the center of the political universe. So I could talk about those stories and relate them nationally.”

However, there are times — like this past weekend when a winter storm struck the Georgia capital — that Erickson will devote extra time and attention to the 95.5 WSB audience.

“There will be times where I will record a segment for my Atlanta audience that I don’t think the national audience would care about, but I know the local audience would,” Erickson shared. “So it sounds like my show currently, but it’s specifically focused on Atlanta, and you give them some special content … I do a lot of local extra coverage in Atlanta. Now, I’ve told other markets I’m always happy to if they need me to pitch in during a hurricane or something, but no one’s ever taken me up on it, but I’d be happy to do it for them, too. I just like local radio.”

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 Interview: Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW

Garrett Searight
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The Interview: Bill Cunningham on 700 WLW

700 WLW host Bill Cunningham took home the top spot in the Barrett News Media Top 20 Mid-Market Midday Shows rankings again. It marked the third consecutive year he took home the award.

What makes Cunningham so dominant in the rankings? In addition to being plugged into the local audience like no one else in Cincinnati, he’s a fine interviewer.

On Monday, Bill Cunningham welcomed Barrett Media President Jason Barrett to his program to discuss hot-button topics in the talk radio space, and Barrett’s column centered on the three major issues facing the industry.

Dubbed as “The Great American,” Cunningham has been known to ask tough questions of political leaders at the city, state, and national levels.

So what did his questions to Barrett entail? First of all, he began by telling an anecdote about his career. When he first joined 700 WLW, Bill Cunningham shared that he was told to avoid politics, sex, and anything else that might cause any potential issues for the station and company. He then compared the “eras” he’s hosted under, before noting that today’s digital and podcasting era is wildly different than others.

“What do you see — from afar — as some of the big problems in talk radio, if any?”

It’s a good first question. Now, it would be easy to knock the Cincinnati host for taking nearly two minutes to get to his first question. But I think, in this case, I’ll give him a pass. Listeners tune into Bill Cunningham because he’s an established voice in the market who holds high credibility. And part of that credibility comes from knowing his stuff. A good storyteller, I think he spent about 90 seconds telling a story that led to a question, instead of asking a two-minute question. There’s a finite distinction there, but one that I think is important to point out.

The conversation continued by Cunningham sharing his thoughts on what the future of talk radio looks like, while also opining that the future looks bleak in some aspects due to the lack of proving grounds available to up-and-coming talent. During this portion of the interview, however, he made one of the deadly sins of interviewing: he didn’t ask a question. He made a statement with the expectation of the guest to react to his opinion.

And truth be told, I think that is the most forgivable of the deadly sins of interviewing. I always think the best version of talk radio feels like eavesdropping on a conversation. And when in a normal back-and-forth discussion, you’re not always dependent on a question to move the conversation along.

Ultimately, in the nearly 19-minute-long conversation, the 700 WLW host only asked one real question, the one showcased above.

Last week, I was somewhat critical of an interview on KMOX for failing to ask questions, instead opting for what I dubbed the “Talk About Trap.” Now, Bill Cunningham didn’t fall into that trap during this conversation, but he did fail to ask questions. Which goes against what great interviewers do.

But I think there’s room for what took place in this segment, too. This was as much a conversation as it was an interview. Just because there’s a guest on your show doesn’t mean it has to be an interview. And that’s something I need to remember just as much as a host needs to keep in mind.

Bill Cunningham grew to his stature in this business by being able to master several different things. And while he didn’t show off his interview chops in this particular instance, I think the segment shows why he’s still at the top of his game at 77. Did his audience have a vested interest in the inner workings of the talk radio industry? Probably not. But for nearly 20 minutes, he told great stories, showcased expert opinions, and entertained. That, to me, is how he took home the top spot in his category.

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.

‘Niko & Cheyenne’ New KMLE Country 107.9 Morning Show

BMM Staff
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‘Niko & Cheyenne’ New KMLE Country 107.9 Morning Show

KMLE Country Phoenix has appointed Niko Petrou as the new host of its morning show. Joining forces with Cheyenne Davis, the duo will launch their show, “Niko & Cheyenne,” which will air weekdays from 6 – 10 am starting January 15.

In addition to this new role, Petrou will continue to host “The Niko Show” on sister station BIG 94.5 KOOL-FM, airing weekdays from 2 to 7 pm.

“We’re thrilled to bring Niko back to KMLE Country 107.9’s morning show. Niko and Cheyenne have built a great rapport with the local community, and connecting with listeners is at the core of what they do,” said Dave Pugh, Senior Vice President and Market Manager Audacy Phoenix. “With the duo’s love for Phoenix and enthusiastic nature, we can’t wait to see how the morning show evolves.”

“I’ve always felt that KMLE Nation and I had some unfinished business, and now I can’t wait to team up with superhero Cheyenne and producer Abe Maney,” said Petrou. “I can’t wait to spread the KMLE love throughout the best city in the world. Grab a hump and hang on!”

Petrou is a 20-year radio veteran who first joined the Company in 2018 as a co-host of the KMLE Country morning show.

Davis joined KMLE Country 107.9 in December 2019 as a morning show co-host. She began her radio career in 2018 at KDBL-FM in Yakima, WA, where she co-hosted the morning show. 

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.

Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor to Receive 2025 Golden Mic Award from Broadcasters Foundation of America

BNM Staff
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Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor to Receive 2025 Golden Mic Award from Broadcasters Foundation of America

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has announced Scripps Sports President Brian Lawlor will be awarded the 2025 Golden Mic Award.

At the foundation’s annual black-tie fundraiser on Monday, March 10th, Lawlor will be recognized for his work in the broadcasting field and in the community.

“I am honored at this recognition from the Broadcasters Foundation, a charity that brings much-needed help to our colleagues,” Lawlor said. “I have been a supporter of the Foundation and serve on their Board, and I know first-hand the heartbreaking stories of those who we help.”

The Golden Mic Award is given annually to an individual for their excellence in and commitment to broadcasting, and their ongoing service to the community at large.

“Brian is a leader in broadcasting, who guided Scripps to expand their portfolio of stations and become one of the largest television groups in America,” noted Broadcasters Foundation chair Scott Herman. “His hard work at advancing the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation, as well as his contributions to the television industry, makes him a perfect candidate to receive the Golden Mic Award.”

Brian Lawlor has served as the President of Scripps Sports since December 2022. He ascended to that role after working at the company for 14 years. He led its local media division from 10 local television stations in 2009 to 61 today.

“Brian is a highly respected member of the television broadcasting community and a staunch supporter of the Broadcasters Foundation,” added Broadcasters Foundation President Tim McCarthy. “We are delighted to bestow on him this well-deserved honor.”

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.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, PENN Entertainment Agree to Multi-Year Sports Betting Partnership

BSM Staff
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Monumental Sports & Entertainment, PENN Entertainment Agree to Multi-Year Sports Betting Partnership

PENN Entertainment and Monumental Sports (MSE) are bringing ESPN BET to the Washington, D.C. market. Under the multi-channel agreement, and subject to regulatory approvals, Penn secures online market access for ESPN BET in the D.C. area. ESPN BET also becomes an official sports betting partner of MSE and its teams, including the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA).

“We are thrilled to join forces with PENN Entertainment and align with ESPN BET, a leading brand across the sports and entertainment landscape,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at MSE. “This partnership furthers our collective commitment to offering fans unique, cutting-edge experiences that reflect the future of sports entertainment, with ESPN BET’s innovative platform adding a new layer of engagement for our fans, both inside and outside the arena.”

The collaboration between MSE and ESPN BET will include prominent in-arena and media components, including features in Capitals and Wizards game broadcasts on Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). In addition to custom broadcast integrations, the partnership promises:

  • IP Rights for MSE, Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics for both ESPN BET and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
  • In-Arena and TV-Visible Signage
  • Out-of-Home Advertising
  • Commercial Schedule across Monumental Sports Network
  • Unique Hospitality and Experiences

“We are proud to partner with Monumental Sports and its teams to unite the energy of D.C. sports with our world-class platform,” said Aaron LaBerge, chief technology officer of PENN Entertainment. “This deal expands our footprint in the region, further connecting ESPN BET with one of America’s most passionate sports communities. Our presence alongside the Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics positions ESPN BET at the center of the action where sports, technology, and fan experience converge.”

ESPN Bet is not yet available to download in the Washington D.C. area. Stay tuned for an official announcement.

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.

67th GRAMMY Awards To Proceed As Planned

BMM Staff
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67th GRAMMY Awards To Proceed As Planned

The Recording Academy announced today that the 2025 GRAMMY Awards will proceed as planned.

The 67th GRAMMY Awards will take place on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will use the telecast to help raise funds to support relief efforts.

Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, Chair of the board of trustees, said in a joint statement, “In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS on February 2 will proceed as planned.”

“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The GRAMMYS will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”

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