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Countdown To Summer: Brent Michaels KUZZ Bakersfield

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Today’s “Countdown To Summer” travels to Bakersfield and Country 107.9 KUZZ. Brent Michaels and his team are very promotionally active throughout the year. I was interested in whether Michaels looks at summer differently from both a programming and promotional standpoint.

Michaels told me, “We usually run our main spring promotions through June. This year, especially, there are a lot of concerts coming. There are five shows at the California Mid-State Fair. We are doing giveaways for Dierks Bentley and Zach Top in LA. And we’ll do something fun for Morgan Wallen in California later this summer.

With a station as deeply embedded in Country music as KUZZ, it’s not surprising that for Michaels and the station, music, concerts, and listener trips place high on his list of favorite summer promotions.

“Pre-pandemic, we’d send buses everywhere over the summer. We’ve done buses to LA concerts, Fresno concerts, the Mid-State Fair, and even Disneyland. And a Dodgers-Giants game.”

Summer sounds and certain artists’ songs can help a station sound upbeat and fun during a time when days are longer and people tend to be out more.

“There are definitely ‘summer titles’ we add in. Rascal Flatts ‘Summer Nights,’ Jake Owen ‘Beachin’,’ that just add some flavor this time of year.”

Creating that feeling goes beyond just music.

“We also definitely have summer imaging and try to be as upbeat as possible.”

But overall, regardless of the time of year, it comes down to the basics for Michaels.

“At the end of the day, no matter what time of year it is, people just want to hear hit records.”

Does KUZZ have any techniques or tips on generating revenue in the summer months?

“We lean into things going on in our area to beat the heat. For example, we sell a sponsorship for the report we do daily, for which county cooling centers are open. We also do some 4th of July safety and fun stuff.

Does Michaels have an early favorite for the Country format’s “Song of the Summer?”

“Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish ‘Bottle Rockets”’

Over this week, I will highlight stations in different parts of the country. To gauge their summer plans, regional challenges, and opportunities.

In the meantime, I would love to hear your promotional plans for your market and what changes summer brings. Email me: jeff @barrettmedia.com

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

Rich Shertenlieb Launching Open Your Prize Network To Raise Funds for Cancer Research

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Marconi Award-winning radio personality Rich Shertenlieb is launching a new digital media venture with a purpose close to his heart. The “Open Your Prize” network debuts this week with a mission to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which Shertenlieb credits with saving his wife’s life. His wife, Mary, was first diagnosed with leukemia 12 years ago and is now battling the disease for the fourth time.

“I am confident that Mary is alive today because of the miracle workers at DFCI,” Shertenlieb said. “I don’t know how you pay someone back for saving the life of someone you love, but this is how I’ll try.”

Shertenlieb, who already holds the record for the highest ratings in Boston radio history, plans to release a video via the network which will include a QR code linking to the Pan-Mass Challenge, Dana-Farber’s largest fundraising event. The effort combines Shertenlieb’s knack for viral content with a deeply personal cause.

In fact, Shertenlieb’s most recent video amassed more than 15 million views across Instagram and TikTok, a reflection of his understanding of what captivates audiences. Now, he’s bringing that energy to “Open Your Prize” through two original series: Hey Rich Hey and Nonsense 911.

“I wanted to create a network that’s as curious as it is entertaining,” Shertenlieb said. “Something that’s smart, funny, and it doesn’t talk down to anyone. It just says, ‘Hey, the world is weird—let’s explore it together.’”

Hey Rich Hey, hosted by Shertenlieb, dives into pop culture with a sharp wit and unfiltered commentary. The show features celebrity interviews, trending news, and whatever else Shertenlieb finds funny, fascinating, or completely absurd—from A-listers to viral internet moments.

Meanwhile, Nonsense 911 takes a lighter, satirical approach to the true crime genre. The show highlights some of the most bizarre 911 calls ever made, including complaints about kids refusing to attend summer camp and neighbors who won’t flush their toilets. Shertenlieb plays the actual call audio from his personal collection and breaks down each scenario with a mix of curiosity and comedic insight.

Both shows will be available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Fans can follow @HeyRichHey and @OpenYourPrize on Instagram for exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes content, and guest announcements.

With a blend of heartfelt purpose and entertainment, Shertenlieb’s latest endeavor is set to make an impact—both in the media space and in the fight against cancer.

SiriusXM Partners With Narrativ for AI-Generated Voice Replicas for Advertisers

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SiriusXM has announced a strategic partnership with AI voice tech startup Narrativ to launch a new advertising creation initiative with the ethics of utilizing AI in audio advertising in mind.

The collaboration enables brands to utilize high-quality, AI-generated voice ads while preserving the integrity and consent of the voice actors behind the technology.

At the center of the partnership is AdMaker, SiriusXM’s self-service creative platform. Advertisers will soon be able to create customized commercials using AI voice replicas licensed from professional voice talent who voluntarily opt into the program through Narrativ. All ads will be produced in partnership with SiriusXM and its in-house agency, Studio Resonate, known for its award-winning creative direction in audio.

This model stands out not only for its scalability and cost efficiency but also for its ethical underpinnings. Voice actors retain full ownership and control of their digital likenesses, approving or rejecting every ad their replica is used in. Narrativ, which signed an agreement with SAG-AFTRA in 2024, remains at the forefront of championing “consent, compensation, and control” in AI-generated content.

“We are thrilled to be working on this new solution with Narrativ, which shares our belief in the power of the human voice – the heart of all great audio,” SiriusXM Senior Vice President and Head of B2B Marketing and Ad Innovation Lizzie Collins said.

“This deal will open up new doors for AI voice technology to expand and augment, not replace, our creative capabilities and the talented voice actors we work with every day,” she continued. “It also represents a major step forward in making high-quality ad creative in audio more scalable, and more accessible, for brands.”

“Collaborating with an innovator like SiriusXM Media is an exciting milestone in Narrativ’s mission to advance ethical AI in audio advertising,” Narrativ co-founder Ben Gottdiener said. “As demand grows for faster, more scalable ways to produce audio ads, many advertisers are turning to AI voice platforms—often without knowing their models are trained on questionable datasets.

“We founded Narrativ to prove that it’s possible to offer cost-effective, scalable solutions that also protect voice talent,” Gottdiener added. “Working with SiriusXM Media to enable ethical, AI-powered ad creation is a cornerstone of our platform.”

This initiative builds on SiriusXM Media’s broader strategy to modernize ad creation through intelligent, technology-forward platforms, offering global brands and local businesses alike a streamlined path to launch, optimize, and measure impactful audio advertising.

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.

LeBron James: Amazon Prime NBA Analysts ‘Appreciate the Game’

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been a vocal critic of how sports media has covered the NBA during his time in the league. As James is about to enter his 23rd season in the Association, he has grown to be more vocal in his opinion of how the league is covered. Moreover, on a recent episode of his Mind The Game podcast with Steve Nash, James said that the game should be more surrounded around storytelling instead of talking heads, which he believes lack a sense of accountability.

Furthermore, James continued with his critique of sports media in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter as he was promoting his new partnership with Amazon Prime for Prime Day, coming up July 8–11. When asked about the NBA moving its broadcasting rights to the streaming giant and what he’d like to see in the presentation of the league on Amazon, James was quick to note how excited he was for the talent roster Amazon has compiled so far.

“First of all, when I thought of the (analyst) lineup that they chose — legends like Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Candice Parker — [Prime Video] is going to automatically be put in a position of great things,” said James to The Hollywood Reporter. “[With them, Prime Video] has so much knowledge and [so many] people that know the game and appreciate the game and talk about the game in such a positive manner. So, I think Amazon Prime Video, they’re going to do a great job showcasing our sport; [the talent] love(s) our sport. Great intellect, great commentary, great insight — I really look forward to that.”

In addition, Steve Nash, who co-hosts the Mind The Game podcast along with James, is slated to be one of the main analysts on the network when it launches its coverage beginning this fall. Nash said on a recent episode of the podcast that because of the way the sport of basketball is covered today, it leads to conversations about ‘ring culture’ and opinions about players’ legacies being short-sighted.

“I feel like it was in the 90s it started to shift,” said Nash. “It’s part of the way we cover sports nowadays. It’s not 50/50, glorify and critique. It seems like it’s more critical than it is glorified. I’m not asking for pro athletes be glorified, but we are talking about the best in the world. We got to be careful sometimes how we can be so dismissive a team, a player, an accomplishment or a failure. These are the best in the world no matter how you slice it.”

Likewise, James continued to say that NBA media is too dismissive of great players and stories in the NBA because they never won an NBA championship.

“A ring is a team accomplishment,” noted James. “Trying to nitpick an individual because he was not able to win a team game or a team match, or whatever the case may be. I don’t know where it started. It’s a long conversation, it’s so weird.”

Most recently, James has been overly critical of sports media during this year’s NBA Finals. He questioned if those covering the Finals are doing their homework, whereas players are now being called upon to protect their fellow players, the product, and also bring awareness.

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.

Caitlin Clark Return for Indiana Fever is Third Most-Watched ESPN WNBA Game Ever on ABC

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After missing five games with a left quad injury, Indiana Fever superstar guard Caitlin Clark made her return to the court this past Saturday and scored a career high seven three-point baskets. With a season-high 32-point performance, Clark led the Fever to a 14-point victory over the defending NBA champion New York Liberty, granting the team its first loss of the regular season.

The game averaged 2.2 million viewers on ABC, which is up 76% from the WNBA on ABC regular-season average from last season. On top of that, it finished as the third most-watched ESPN WNBA game to ever air on ABC and peaked with a total of 2.8 million viewers, according to data from Nielsen Media Research.

In a recent article by Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY, Nielsen Media Research divulged that WNBA national television ratings were down 55% since Clark had been injured. On top of that, national television games for the Fever were down by 53% from the time she was injured, averaging 847,000 viewers after eclipsing 1.8 million viewers on average before that.

Entering the new season, the WNBA was coming off record performances during the 2024 regular-season slate with 22 games on the schedule averaging at least 1 million viewers.

Earlier in the season, ESPN platforms garnered its most-watched WNBA game in history, averaging 2.7 million viewers in a matchup featuring the Indiana Fever facing off against the Chicago Sky. The matchup between Clark and Angel Reese rekindled a rivalry first established at the college level in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. Reese, an alumna of Louisiana State University, defeated Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes for the National Championship in 2023 that averaged 9.9 million viewers. The rematch in the next season averaged 12.3 million viewers, which was the most-watched women’s college basketball game on record at the time.

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.

Julian Nieh Joins ‘Mercedes in the Morning’ At Mix 94.1 Las Vegas

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Julian Nieh, “Julian on the Radio,” is joining “Mercedes in the Morning” on Mix 94.1 Las Vegas.

Nieh, most recently with Star 101.5 Seattle, said, “I was comfortable from my very first meeting with Mercedes. Usually, it’s natural to hold back a little, but not for me. I wanted her to know who I am and what I stand for. I’d like to give my deep appreciation to Gina Massenzi, JB King, Mike Peterson, Dave Richards and of course Mercedes, who has been nothing short of amazing during this whole process. I also want to give props to our executive producer, Stephanie Sidela. I sincerely thank you all.”

JB King, Brand Manager, Mix 94.1 said, “I’ve known Julian for many years and I’m pleased that we finally have a chance to work together. His energy and personality will be a great addition to ‘Mercedes in the Morning.’”

The Washington, DC native began his career in his hometown at Hot 995. Other stops include B96 in Chicago, 104.7 KISS FM in Phoenix and Wild 94.9 in San Francisco.

Congratulate him here.   

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.

Reaction Time, Risk, and Rewards: What Mobile Gamers Can Learn from Competitive Gaming

Competitive gaming and esports are all about fast thinking and smart moves. Players make split-second decisions that can change the direction of a match. Winning depends on how quickly they react and how well they balance risk with reward.

Mobile gaming has adopted many of these same elements. Modern games include head-to-head battles, real-time action, and high-pressure choices. Players on mobile can learn a lot from the strategies and focus that define top-tier competitive play.

Reaction Time: The Edge of a Split Second

Quick reflexes give players an advantage. In esports, that means dodging an attack, landing an ability, or shifting strategies. Every moment counts, especially in matches where outcomes are decided in seconds.

Mobile titles now demand the same kind of speed. Games like racing simulators, battle royales, and even match-three puzzle games often include real-time pressure. Players must process what’s happening on screen quickly and decide what to do without hesitation.

This even applies to live casino games, where fast judgment and timing are necessary to increase your odds of winning. The gameplay doesn’t pause, and reading the situation well, like knowing when to place a bet or hold back, can make or break the result. In a mobile match, staying alert and responding at the right moment matters.

Getting better at reaction time isn’t about being born fast. It comes from experience, playing often, and knowing the game mechanics well enough that the right move becomes second nature. As players grow more familiar with patterns, their responses improve naturally.

Risk: Playing Smart, Not Just Fast

Success isn’t only about acting fast and knowing when to take a chance. Skilled players don’t rush in; they read the field, think ahead, and act based on their observations. Every move comes with some risk, but those risks are chosen carefully.

In mobile games, taking a wrong turn or making a rushed decision can quickly end a match. For example, attacking too soon in a strategy game or using up resources at the wrong moment can eliminate you. Learning to wait, observe, and strike when the time is right often leads to better results.

This level of judgment mirrors what players face in real-time betting environments. In casino games, each decision carries weight, and making the right call requires attention to timing and probability. It’s not random success—it’s knowing when to act and when to hold off.

Risk management also means understanding the limits. Not every match can be won, and not every opportunity should be chased. Strong players recognise that taking smaller rewards could be better than going all in. That kind of discipline comes with practice and reflection.

Rewards: Winning Beyond the Screen

There’s more to rewards than points or prizes. In competitive gaming, players improve by sticking to a plan, playing consistently, and staying calm under pressure. Long-term growth often means more than a single win; it reflects steady learning and control.

Mobile gamers who apply these same ideas often find more satisfaction in their sessions. Instead of playing randomly, they begin to set small goals, work toward improvement, and make more thoughtful decisions. As skills increase, so does the enjoyment of the game.

Rewards can also be a sign of progress. Earning new achievements, rising rankings, or seeing better results in regular play helps keep motivation high. It gives players something to aim for and a way to measure how much they’ve improved.

What’s often overlooked is how earlier decisions impact the rewards players earn. A player who manages risks well and responds quickly will earn better outcomes. That connection shows how each part of the game—reaction, risk, and reward—feeds into the others.

Learning from the Best

Gaining insight from top players can make a noticeable difference. Competitive gamers often share strategies, explaining how they handle pressure and what helps them stay sharp. These lessons aren’t just for professionals; they offer valuable tips for anyone wanting to improve.

Applying these habits doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as practising at the same time each day, reviewing past matches, or setting up a routine to warm up before playing. Little changes like these help build consistency and boost results.

Watching skilled players also helps with awareness. They tend to anticipate what might happen next, not just react to what’s happening now. Mobile gamers who learn to read situations a few steps ahead are more likely to respond in ways that keep them in control.

Most importantly, growth comes from being intentional. Players who take time to reflect, try new approaches, and learn from mistakes will see steady improvement. The best part is that these lessons carry over into other games—and even outside them.

Final Words

Mobile gaming today requires more from players than ever before. It requires fast decisions and careful choices while focusing on long-term wins. Learning from competitive gaming helps players stay sharp, think clearly, and play with purpose. With the right approach, even the most challenging games become a chance to grow.

Radio Resources And Full Metal Jackie Offer Sabbath Special

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This 4th of July weekend, Radio Resources is partnering with Rock radio’s Full Metal Jackie to present an exclusive two-hour special, available at no cost to Rock stations across the country.

The upcoming special will coincide with the Back to the Beginning concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. This historic all-star event will mark Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance, featuring a rare appearance by the original Black Sabbath lineup. The once-in-a-lifetime show will also include performances from renowned bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, and more.

“Back To The Beginning: The Black Sabbath Legacy Special

Hosted by Full Metal Jackie, this high-energy, content-rich program includes:

Handpicked Sabbath classics and iconic covers

Music from artists performing at the reunion festival

Archival interviews with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and more

Featured clip from Back to the Beginning Artist sharing their favorite Black Sabbath album

Commentary from Full Metal Jackie, reflecting on Sabbath’s legacy and lasting impact.

This special is free to air for any rock station looking to plug into the biggest conversation in music that weekend — no production lift required.

Photo Courtesy Radio Resources

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.

Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Game 4 Finished With Best Viewership Of The Series

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As the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers compete to win an NBA championship for the first time in franchise history, the series itself has received low viewership compared to previous years. In fact, the 2025 NBA Finals are currently the least-watched iteration of the series since 1988 when Nielsen Media Research started utilizing the personal people meter for measurements. The fourth game of the series, however, finished with the best numbers thus far with an average of 9.41 million viewers tuning in to view the action on ABC. Even so, the viewership is down 2% year-over-year from when the Boston Celtics faced the Dallas Mavericks in a game that ended in a 38-point victory for the latter.

This time around, the Thunder achieved a seven-point victory over the Pacers to even up the series at two victories per side. The victory for Oklahoma City peaked with 12 million viewers in the 11 p.m. EST quarter-hour, according to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch, and finished with the lowest average viewership for a fourth game of the NBA Finals since 1988 (excluding 2020). Lewis notes that Game 4 of the NBA Finals has always fallen on a Friday since 2016 outside of the two seasons (2020, 2021) directly impacted by the global pandemic.

The NBA Finals series between the Thunder and Pacers is currently averaging 9.08 million viewers through its first four games, which is down by approximately 18.1% from the previous year at this time. Boston ended up winning the league championship in five games last year in a series that ended up averaging 11.31 million viewers. Whereas all but one game passed the 10 million viewer threshold last season, no games within this current series have eclipsed the number thus far. Average viewership and ratings for the fifth game of the best-of-seven tilt, which took place on Monday night from Oklahoma City, Okla., are not yet available.

The last time the NBA Finals resulted in a seven-game series came in 2016 when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to win the championship over Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The star-studded series finished with an average of 20.3 million viewers, rendering itself as the most-watched NBA Finals series since 1998 when NBC televised the second three-peat of the decade by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

The ESPN on ABC broadcast of Game 4 featured play-by-play announcer Mike Breen with analysts Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson and reporter Jorge Sedano. Lisa Salters, who generally reports on NBA Finals presentations, was away from the broadcast due to a personal matter. Pregame coverage on NBA Countdown featured host Malika Andrews with analysts Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers and Kendrick Perkins on site from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind.

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.

Streaming TV Beats Broadcast and Cable TV Combined During May, Nielsen Data Shows

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Streaming TV has grown in prominence each month, but now new data from Nielsen shows that it is beating broadcast and cable TV combined.

During May, 44.8% of all television viewing in the United States happened on streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and apps owned by Disney, among others.

Meanwhile, 24.1% of viewing happened on cable TV, while broadcast, over-the-air television was at 20.1% overall.

Streaming usage has grown by 71% since 2021, when The Gauge from Nielsen was first unveiled. In that same time period, broadcast television has dropped 21% while cable TV usage has slumped by 39%.

“It’s fitting that this inflection point coincides with the four year anniversary of Nielsen’s The Gauge, which has become the gold standard for streaming TV measurement,” said Nielsen CEO Karthik Rao. “It’s also a credit to media companies, who have deftly adapted their programming strategies to meet their viewers where they are watching TV – whether it’s on streaming or linear platforms.”

In the streaming category, 12.5% of viewing took place on YouTube, the top platform. Netflix represented 7.5% during the month, while apps owned by Disney — Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ — accounted for 5% of all streaming viewership. Amazon Prime Video (3.5%), Paramount+ (2.2%), Warner Bros. Discovery apps like Max and Discovery+ (1.5%), and Peacock (1.4%) also accounted for the streaming viewership.

Meanwhile, FAST services continue to grow as PlutoTV, Roku Channel, and Tubi combined for 5.7% of all streaming viewership. Meanwhile, 6.5% of the total was accounted for by a variety of other platforms.

Over the past four years, streaming platforms represented in the overall viewership figures have grown substantially. In the original Gauge release, only five separate platforms were listed in that genre. That figure has grown to 11 since the debut in May 2021.

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.