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A Guide to Help News/Talk Radio Leaders Overcome Obstacles

Peter Thiele
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A Guide to Help News/Talk Radio Leaders Overcome Obstacles

I know that we all have things that get in our heads on a seemingly daily basis. Focusing on your daily radio show can sometimes be easier said than done.

You must be ready for your show. There is no excuse. You are judged daily and sometimes word for word. It is a difficult job. There are game-time rules for an individual who is in the middle of an on-air shift.

How to Handle Relationship Issues

Your romantic partner needs to be clued in on your job and focus. I get it. Your spouse, partner, or fling may be mad at you or you at them. Life is a little messy sometimes. There is a reason that radio people seem to get divorced more than the average person. We cannot be interrupted in the middle of a broadcast. Your partner needs to understand this. You may have to set rules if you have not done this before.

Your on-air performance is like being the pilot of a fighter jet. Your show should be your sole purpose during your air shift. Any romantic partnership is a give and take. Both of you need to make compromises. One of those compromises is that your “better” half does not text you like a raging bull during a radio show.

I have a morning show host friend of mine who had his ticked off girlfriend rage text him 30 times in an hour one morning. This guy eventually turned off his cell phone. I am guessing that you have seen this occurrence or had it happen yourself. You must make some clear ground rules. Your romantic partner is not the focus of 100% of your attention while hosting a show.

You really like or perhaps love that romantic interest in your life. You want to please that person. But this is a two-way street. You must never be interrupted unless it is an actual emergency. Don’t have this discussion when your romantic interest is mad at you over something innocuous.

Technical Issues in the Radio Studio

I have been there. The on-air computer crashes with all your soundbites in the middle of the show. The computer is not working even after a reboot. Your show prep is on that computer. It’s awful. We have all felt this. It is frustrating and unsettling. There is nothing worse than this. Your radio station engineer may be unavailable at that moment, and the host should pay attention to one thing: the show.

I always print my show prep. It is a hard copy of the subjects that you were planning on covering for that show. Always be prepared. How are the computers in your studio? How often are the computers maintained? Is it the host’s job to update the software or engineering? I have seen things work both ways. If your studio computer’s functionality is hampered by not updating software, too many tabs open, or other things, you may be the one responsible. Ask your program director and/or engineer. If your company has one engineer in charge of 4 markets and 15 stations, you may need to be proactive. We are all doing more with less these days.

If there is a fundamental problem with a piece of equipment, you may need to be the person getting this done. If you work for one of the big companies, cap-ex money may be needed for the equipment upgrade. You will need to be the person pushing that through. Most of us hate asking for money. But your job is to guarantee that your on-air staff can execute their duties.

Many radio station engineers are always asking for big-ticket expense money and just hate the process of asking for “non-essential” equipment. I once had an engineer rebuild a computer for the news department five times in 24 months. It was a nightmare. I got sick of it and called the Operations Vice President and told him the situation. I was asked if it could be fixed and my response was no. Within 24 hours, I had approval for a new computer.

Show Prep

Your show prep schedule is not a suggestion. You must have time to freely commit show prep. These times cannot be interrupted. The absolute top performers in our industry look at their show prep time as sacred space. I think that it is a great rule of thumb to have two hours of prep for every one hour on the air as a news/talk radio host.

If you are married with kids, good luck. But if you are going to perform the best show possible, you must dedicate the appropriate time. You are collecting that check to have an amazing show. Dedication to show prep is essential. Set ground rules with the people in your life.

Relationships

Build relationships outside of your personal bubble. Creating real-life interactions will make your show better. I know that you are insanely busy. You must be well-rounded. Many of us who work in radio are somewhat shy and withdrawn in social situations. I just want you to focus on making a great radio show.

Personal interruptions and technical obstacles are a part of living a real life. Nothing is perfect, except for me. Figure out strategies to deal with these challenges. Many radio hosts live in the moment, which can lead to amazing broadcasts. The challenges will present themselves constantly, but your job is to be an overcomer.

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.

Lori Voornas Stepping Down After 32 Years At WHOM Portland

BMM Staff
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Lori Voornas Stepping Down After 32 Years At WHOM Portland

Lori Voornas is stepping down after 32 years with AC 94.9 WHOM in Portland, ME. Her final show is set for June 27.

In a post on the station’s website, Voornas wrote, “After 32 years of doing morning radio, I’m saying goodbye to this chapter of my life. This was a decision long in the making, and it’s important to me that you, who have been with me on this ride for decades, know exactly why I’m ending my radio career.

“I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life that I haven’t shared with you all. I’m healthy and happy, but my life has been in a whirlwind for some time now. That played a big part in this decision. I also am turning 60 this September, and I thought long and hard about the last chapter of my life. It doesn’t include a 4 am alarm clock.”

She continued by putting to rest any potential rumors that the decision was not hers.

“I know the rumor mill will start cranking (you know you’ve made it when you have rumors!). I am NOT being forced out. Quite the opposite, my bosses here at WHOM are sad to see me go, but ultimately happy that I’m happy with my decision.

Writing of her longtime morning co-host Jeff Parsons Voornas said, “He’s smart, incredibly talented, a giant pain in the ass, and I love the guy like a brother.”

She has indicated that she will still be involved with “Cans for a Cure 2025,” a charity she launched as a tribute to her mother.

Read the entire post 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.

Mix 105.1 Albuquerque Shifts To ‘Feel Good Throwbacks’

BMM Staff
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Mix 105.1 Albuquerque Shifts To ‘Feel Good Throwbacks’

Hot AC Mix 105.1 Albuquerque has shifted focus and repositioned itself as “Feel Good Throwbacks,” spotlighting music from the ‘90s and 2000s.

Core artists include Britney Spears, Eminem, Backstreet Boys, Nelly and Rihanna. Current artists include Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.

Jonathan Steele, Program Director, said, “We’re proud to bring something fresh and exciting to Albuquerque radio. Mix 105.1 is designed for people who grew up in the TRL era and want a station that reflects their energy, their memories, and their lifestyle today.”

Michelle Matthews has recently joined the American General Media cluster as Operations Manager. She said, “I’m so thrilled to be a part of the launch of the NEW sound of Mix 105-1! This station speaks to the lifestyle of women 25-49 who grew up on some of the best music of all time! I’m ready to watch Mix make a splash in Albuquerque-Santa Fe!”

Matthews will handle afternoons. The station will continue with “Brooke & Jeffrey” in the mornings.

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

Mark Madden: Sports Media Is Being ‘Burned to the Ground’

BSM Staff
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Mark Madden: Sports Media Is Being ‘Burned to the Ground’

Pittsburgh sports radio talk host Mark Madden has never been considered anything but outspoken when it comes to the landscape of sports and sports media. He’s a Pittsburgh native and has been a leading voice in Pittsburgh sports for decades, contributing a regular column for Triblive.com. On Monday, Madden shared his point of view on the current state of sports media—an industry he has been a part of for the entirety of his career.

Lately, Madden has grown increasingly frustrated with the direction some of the top ESPN personalities have taken, making coverage more about inner-office drama than the actual job of reporting on games. Specifically, the latest incident that led Madden to write on the matter occurred this weekend, when ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith was caught playing solitaire on his phone during Game Four of the NBA Finals.

“ESPN pays Smith $20 million per year. But he couldn’t be bothered to watch what he was being paid to analyze,” wrote Madden. “That’s absolutely on par for Smith’s course. Smith believes that sports are merely fodder that he uses to create content. Smith thinks he is the real show. It’s not important till he talks about it.”

Moreover, Madden, who hosts his daily radio program on Pittsburgh’s 105.9 The X, went on to argue that because of personalities like Smith, Pat McAfee, and Kendrick Perkins, we are now witnessing the sports media industry being “burned to the ground.”

“Smith and his ESPN cohorts Pat McAfee and Kendrick Perkins have made the NBA Finals about them: Smith by igniting a one-way feud with Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton. McAfee by feuding with Smith, John Cougar Mellencamp, Ben Stiller and a whole lot of other ‘rats.’ Perkins by feuding with McAfee,” writes Madden. “Sports media used to frown upon openly rooting for teams. But McAfee cuts hype promos at Pacers home games. Can you imagine Dan Patrick grabbing a mic to pump up a crowd? Me neither. McAfee and Smith absolutely melt down whenever they have to absorb even the slightest iota of criticism or bad publicity. What do they have to be mad about? They’re on top.”

In addition, Madden writes that Smith seems to act like a “phony” who doesn’t love sports nearly as much as he loves himself. Madden also criticizes McAfee, arguing that, like too many ex-jocks who now have microphones, he believes he’s never wrong. He notes that this current trend in sports media serves as a glaring sign that journalism is being phased out.

“I could go on and on about hating media’s current state,” said Madden. “It’s hard to accept that it’s not likely to change. Every meathead who once wore cleats, sneakers or skates has a podcast (or will). It is becoming the rule, not the exception.”

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.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan: More Than 490,000 Jobs Supported By Our Platform

BNM Staff
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YouTube CEO Neal Mohan: More Than 490,000 Jobs Supported By Our Platform

YouTube has become a major player in a variety of ways. Its CEO, Neal Mohan, says the platform is just scratching the surface.

As the company unveiled its economic impact on the United States economy report, it revealed that it is responsible for billions contributed to the economy.

According to data from Oxford Economics, YouTube contributed $55 billion to the United States’ Gross Domestic Product in 2024 alone.

In 2007, YouTube had a radical idea that shouldn’t have been so radical — what if creators earned a real share of the value they create? By sharing more than half of advertising revenue directly with creators,
YouTube broke down the traditional barriers to entry,” the company said. “This empowered anyone to build a business, generate an income and hire employees, establishing the creator economy and fostering the rise of next-generation media companies.

“Today, YouTube provides a vibrant platform for millions of businesses and content creators to connect with Americans and the world. These creative entrepreneurs are making videos for the billions of people who turn to YouTube every month for entertaining, educational and cultural content.”

Furthermore, YouTube is responsible for more than 490,000 full-time jobs in the United States according to the figures.

“There are more ways for creators and businesses to make money on YouTube than ever, and we’re seeing them reinvest this money in their content, teams and operations,” said Mohan. “Looking at this momentum and toward the next two decades, the creator economy is just getting started. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of YouTube’s incredible story so far. We’re excited to see what our next 20 years have in store.”

In total, the company says it paid more than $70 billion to creators, artists, and media companies in the three years prior of January 2024.

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.

Letty B Joins B96 Chicago For Weekday Middays

BMM Staff
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Letty B Joins B96 Chicago For Weekday Middays

Letty B has joined Top 40 B96 Chicago for weekday middays.

She joins from iHeartRadio, where her stops included KISS-FM and KOST FM in Los Angeles. KTHS in San Diego, KYLD in San Francisco and WMIA in Miami. She previously worked for CBS Radio (now Audacy) at KMVQ in San Francisco.

“I’m delighted to be joining the legendary B96! Huge thanks to Kevin Cassidy and Molly Cruz for helping make this dream come true, and to Michael Martin for being a mentor through the years,” said Letty. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running with the Audacy Chicago team and build connections with our listeners.”

B96 Brand Manager Molly Cruz said, “Letty has a wealth of experience at iconic stations across the country, and we’re excited to bring her to the Chicago airwaves. Her vibrant energy and passion for radio make her the perfect addition to the 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

Tucker Carlson Blasts Mark Levin and Sean Hannity: Fox News ‘Turns the Propaganda Hose on Full Blast’

BNM Staff
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Tucker Carlson Blasts Mark Levin and Sean Hannity: Fox News ‘Turns the Propaganda Hose on Full Blast’

Tucker Carlson and Mark Levin have been locked in a war of words in recent weeks. The feud now includes comments about Sean Hannity and Fox News, Carlson’s former television home, and Levin’s current cable news network.

The two conservative pundits have clashed, as Carlson said Levin had reached “peak crazy” by asking the White House to attack Iran in a private meeting with top officials. In response, Levin countered by arguing that Carlson has “become a loathsome ass who is increasingly unhinged and pathetic.”

On Monday, Carlson bit back while appearing on Steve Bannon’s War Room. Tucker Carlson began by lobbing insults at Mark Levin in a professional capacity.

“He’s terrible on TV,” said Carlson. “I never had any problems with him at Fox. He kind of controls Hannity in this weird way. I never understood what that was about. I never really cared to learn.”

He later went on to say that both Levin and Sean Hannity were cordial to him when he was a member of the Fox News family. However, he argued that Fox News executives didn’t want to put Levin on TV because he was “screechy” and “not a calming presence.”

Tucker Carlson added that he believed listening to Levin was “like listening to your ex-wife scream about alimony payments. It’s not appealing.” He asserted that the only reason Levin was on the network was at the behest of Hannity.

“Sean pushed and they gave him some kind of weekend show that nobody watched,” Carlson stated. “(Levin’s) all over prime time. So what is that? That’s not by popular acclaim. ‘We need a lot more Mark Levin. Less Jesse Watters, more Mark Levin.’ What they’re doing is what they always do, which is just turning up the propaganda hose to full blast and just trying to knock elderly Fox viewers off their feet and make them submit to where you want them to.”

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David Samson: Stephen A. Smith is a Product of ESPN ‘Doubling Down’ on Nonsense

BSM Staff
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David Samson: Stephen A. Smith is a Product of ESPN ‘Doubling Down’ on Nonsense

While in the arena covering Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was caught playing solitaire on his phone. A fan captured a video of Smith using an app to play the card game amid gameplay between the Thunder and Pacers despite him saying in a quote tweet that he can multi-task especially during timeouts. The entire ordeal caused Smith to receive a fair amount of public backlash on social media, and it was a point of discussion on Monday’s edition of Nothing Personal with David Samson.

Although Samson acknowledged that Smith could have replied by saying that he could do whatever he wants during the game, he did not feel this was the main takeaway of this instance. On the contrary, he talked about how ESPN has gone about covering the NBA Finals and voiced that the Pacers were trying to take a 3-1 lead in Game 4 as the team defied expectations to win the Eastern Conference as the No. 4 seed. Samson recalled Bob Costas adroitly setting up the NBA Finals games when they used to air on NBC and evinced the dichotomy of what is taking place today.

“This is the NBA Finals,” Samson said. “This is tied at 2 with a Game 5 coming up this evening. Do I think the story should be about Stephen A. talking about Tyrese Haliburton, getting into another fight with a player because that’s what you’re all watching, you’re all clicking it, you’re all eating alive all of the ridiculousness, off-court stuff that’s being fed to you. Why do you think ESPN keeps doubling down on personalities who just yell into the microphone about nonsense with no knowledge of anything? Stephen A. is not understanding of what’s going on because he doesn’t do it. Stephen A. isn’t the story, he’s supposed to be the presenter of the story.”

Samson conveyed that Smith got torched for playing solitaire during the game over the weekend, but he somewhat defended the longtime ESPN personality in his opening remarks on the matter. Hypothetically polling the audience, he asked how many of them are completely locked in during the day not checking personal email, social media or shopping on Amazon.

“Me defending Stephen A. Smith is laughable, laughable,” Samson said. “Defending someone who I think is a complete blowhard who doesn’t have complete conviction in all his feelings and wants to just make sure that he can get clipped and aggregated. By the way, I am genuflecting in your general direction to get $20 million to do what you do, believe me, believe me.”

Samson ostensibly alluded to Smith walking into arenas with security, expounding that he is a broadcaster and that it is not supposed to work that way. From there, he characterized the job as being the voice in the minds of the audience narrating what is taking place and helping people indicate what is and is not serious. Driving the understanding of the moment akin to editors and producers is what Samson voiced as a job of talent. As a result, Smith playing solitaire should not be the problematic circumstance being focused on at this time, he contended, but rather him wanting to be the central character.

“You want to know why things get dumbed down? You want to know why things are offensive to us? Because that moves the numbers,” said Samson. “Don’t criticize Stephen A. Smith for playing solitaire. Criticize ourselves for putting Stephen A. Smith in that position where whether he plays solitaire or not or is looking up websites on, ‘How do I become president?,’ why that all of a sudden becomes the story. I’m tired of it.”

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Shan & RJ: Rory McIlroy Media ‘Criticism’ Has Turned Him Heel

BSM Staff
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Shan & RJ: Rory McIlroy Media ‘Criticism’ Has Turned Him Heel

Over the weekend, Rory McIlroy broke his media silence over the last two major championships as he spoke to reporters after he barely made the cut to play in Sunday’s finale of the U.S. Open. McIlroy has declined media availabilities since The Masters, but said on Saturday following his round that he’s grown frustrated with the media. The defending Masters champion said he has skipped out on media previously and feels he’s earned the right to do so if he chooses.

However, McIlroy’s comments did not sit well with Shan & RJ on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, who teared into the golfer for his remarks this weekend.

“I hate that he was cheered so much when The Masters went down. I hate it,” said Shan Shariff. “I hate that golf doesn’t have any governing body regulation to fine them or make them talk. You little brat.”

Historically, McIlroy has always been a frequent interview subject throughout his career, given his standing in the game of golf. Furthermore, he was the main figure for the PGA during the previous dealings between the Association and the upstart LIV Golf. Yet, McIlroy has been avoiding reality ever since SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio broke the post-Masters news that the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland had been forced to ditch his driver because it was found to be ‘non-conforming’ in random testing.

Additionally, it should be noted that McIlroy was made available for a pre-tournament interview session last Tuesday at Oakmont Country Club before the U.S. Open began. However, the comments made Saturday ahead of his round about just trying to finish the final round and “get out of here” did not sit well with Shariff.

“Why don’t you just come out and say it,” questioned Shariff. “Why are you dancing around it? You’re ‘Mr. Bold,’ and we loved you when you were the spokesperson against leave LIV. Now you’re just pussyfooting around and just dancing around it. Say it.”

Meanwhile, during the discussion, RJ Choppy likened this meeting with McIlroy and the media to one of the all-time worst press conferences he’s ever heard.

“It is a heel turn,” said Choppy. “This is one of the more unlikable meetings with the press I’ve heard. It really was.”

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Minnesota Shooting Victim Yvette Hoffman Has Radio History

BMM Staff
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Minnesota Shooting Victim Yvette Hoffman Has Radio History

One of the shooting victims in this past weekend’s politically motivated attacks in Minnesota has a history as a radio host.

Yvette Hoffman, known on air as Kelly Foxx, is recovering along with her husband, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman. Both were shot multiple times Saturday in their Champlin, MN home.

Foxx covered her daughter Hope during the assault, preventing her from sustaining injuries. Both Foxx and her husband underwent emergency surgery and are currently listed in stable condition.

Foxx is remembered for her on-air work at Star 102.5 in Des Moines, 99.5 WLOL in Minneapolis, and 94.9 KYLD in San Francisco.

In a public statement, Foxx said, “John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods. We are incredibly lucky to be alive. We also hold a deep and profound gratitude for the work of law enforcement and the public for helping bring the suspect to justice.”

The suspect, Vince Boelter, was captured on Sunday evening after an extensive manhunt in the area. Boelter is also accused of killing Representative Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House and her husband, Mark Hortman, in a separate but related incident in Brooklyn Park.

A GoFundMe has been started to assist the Hoffmans in what is being described as a “long road to recovery.”

Some of Foxx’s former radio colleagues posted their support and outrage on social media.

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