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Women’s Sports Boom Could Get Volleyball Bump

BSM Staff
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Women’s Sports Boom Could Get Volleyball Bump

Women’s sports are booming. With ratings up for basketball and soccer, a new report says volleyball could be the next big thing.

Horizon Sports & Experiences on Wednesday issued a report pointing to continued growth and encouraging media companies and sponsors to invest in women’s sports. Some advertisers are joining the lineup and new leagues are being formed.

The Caitlin Clark effect has already benefited the WNBA. That helped the league secure a $2.2 billion, 11-year rights deal with ESPN, NBCUniversal and Amazon Prime Video.

2024 was a milestone year for women’s sports, according to Kerry Bradley, senior VP, strategy for HS&E, the firm co-founded by former Turner and Turner Sports President David Levy.

Bradley told Barrett Media that not so long ago, TV execs, Levy included, didn’t have data showing there was enough potential return on investment to putting a women’s game in a coveted time slot. “There’s only so many hours in a day and men’s sports have always been a safer bet in terms of reach and scale,” she said.

The female stars of the Olympics and college basketball’s big number are changing that perception.

Now Levy’s company is prioritizing investing in women’s sports, with the launch of the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic college basketball event airing on Fox and Unrivaled, a women’s three-on-three hoops league whose game will appear on Warner Bros. Discovery’s TNT, truTV and Max.

“More marketing and media dollars are being spent to spotlight the stories of female athletes and that creates more awareness, more buzz, more household names, creating rivalries between Kaitlin Clark and Angel Reece,” Bradley said. “That means more eyeballs, more advertising dollars and more advertising dollars means more resources for the [leagues] to create better in-venue experiences, which drives more ticket sales, which drives the media rights up. There’s this flywheel effect happening.”

Kerry Bradley, senior VP, strategy for HS&E

The next women’s sport that could make an impact on TV could be volleyball. Bradley said volleyball is the fastest-growing sport in terms of participation among high-schoolers. It is posed to explode at the professional level. 

Right now there’s not much women’s volleyball on TV, but HS&E’s analysis of ratings trends for NCAA volleyball and beach volleyball telecast shows a 126% increase. “That’s a positive growth trajectory if I’ve ever seen one,” Bradley said. This month, ESPN will be televising all of the games in the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships.

One professional women’s volleyball league, The Pro Volleyball Federation, started in January and drew 3.9 million viewers on YouTube. Another outfit, League One Volleyball (LOVB) will launch in 2025. Bradley said League One is particularly interesting because its teams are forging links to local youth leagues.

“You got a built-in pipeline, you’ve got a built-in infrastructure, you’ve got a built-in fan base,” she said. “It captures eyeballs, hearts and minds. I think it’s going to be big.”

To get really big, ad dollars are needed. At this point, Bradley said that only 6% of Fortune 500 brands invest as women’s sports sponsors.

Women’s sports fans should be attractive to media and advertisers. First of all, they’re not just women. According to HS&E’s report, the audience for women’s sports is 55% male and 45% female–not very different from the skew in men’s sports.

Women’s sports viewers are also engaged with teams on social media and more importantly they’re “fiercely loyal” to their favorite teams and players. HS&E’s research found that 67% of fasn choose to reward brands that sponsor their favorite athletes and teams, Bradley said..

“To know that  two-thirds of the audience is going to not only take note of and become aware of my brand, but then potentially make a point of intentionally and consciously supporting my brand but just because I’ve showed up for women’s sports, that makes it a really interesting investment opportunity,” she said.

On top of that the cost to sponsor women’s sports is much cheaper than men’s sports, and with fewer advertisers involved, there are more opportunities to stand out in women’s sports and build relationships with fans through authentic integration.

Sponsors Pay to Play

Giant media buyer GroupM, for one, has noticed. It recently said that it exceed its goal of doubling annual media spending on women’s sports in 2024. 

GroupM clients expanding their involvement in women’s sports include  adidas, Adobe, Ally, Coinbase, Danone, Discover, Domino’s, DoorDash, Google, Indeed, Mars, method, Nationwide, Target, TJ Maxx, Unilever, Universal Pictures and Volvo Car USA. 

Women’s sports programming sponsored by GroupM client appears on Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount and YouTube.

“Doubling spend in women’s sports within a matter of months marks a significant milestone for our company and the industry alike,” said Matt Sweeney, Chief Investment Officer, GroupM US. “While some clients have long been pioneers in this space, others are now broadening their commitments or making first-time investments. This surge of momentum reflects more than a passing trend — it’s a full-fledged movement.” 

Employment website Indeed jumped into women’s sports as Presenting Sponsorship of Thursday Primetime Women’s College Basketball on Disney’s sports platforms and bought the WNBA Feature Sponsorship on Paramount’s.  

“By amplifying visibility, embracing innovation, and fostering equity in sports, we are setting a new standard for what’s possible across all sectors,” Carmen Graf, global VP of marketing at Indeed. “Engaging with this audience is not just good business; it’s essential. Indeed champions salary transparency, promotes fair and equitable workplaces, and advocates for better work for all. Supporting women’s sports underscores our commitment to creating a more inclusive landscape across every field.”   

If you need evidence that sponsoring women’s sports works, EDO, a data company that measures the impact of ad campaigns.

EDO’s recent Women’s Sports TV Outcomes Report revealed double-digit year-over-year improvements in TV ad effectiveness during women’s sports programming, with major events like tennis and basketball emerging as top performers for advertisers in 2023, GroupM noted.

Sounds like a win.

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 Pulse: Christmas Music, Community Connections, And Radio Industry Happenings

Jeff Lynn
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The Pulse: Christmas Music, Community Connections, And Radio Industry Happenings

A few years ago, I had a conversation with a well-known consultant. I suggested that the shine was finally off the all-Christmas music format for music radio stations.

Agreeing with me, though not 100 percent, he indicated his belief that certain stations had a heritage with Christmas music and that stopping it now would violate expectations.

When I was programming, the year one of my stations had the greatest success in the all-Christmas format was the year we played just 43 Christmas songs—the biggest of all time—and we played them over and over.

I love Billy Squier’s “Christmas Is A Time To Say I Love You.” However, if you are the all-Christmas station, it has no business on your playlist. You need Burl Ives, Andy Williams, and Bing Crosby, and you need them repeatedly.

That takes a lot of programming discipline, not listening to your on Airstaff (if you still have one) complaining ad nauseam, and having brilliant imaging.

Earlier this week, I wrote about the strength of Classic Rock and Classic Hits in the fall PPMs (BMM 12/4). I theorized that the performance was due not only to it being some of the best music ever recorded but also to its comfort. It is comfortable because it takes people back to a time when they had fewer worries, the country was less divided, and the world was a simpler place.

After a highly contested election, if you lived in a battleground state like I do, all you saw were political mudslinging ads and car dealers willing to pay the bump rate. Christmas music is a breath of fresh air—a refreshing alternative.

All Christmas stations should do very well this season.

Community Connections:

Audacy Portland’s 99.5 The Wolf (KWJJ) has once again alleviated the financial burden of medical bills for numerous listeners. The recent initiative, Nick and Kristen’s Medical Debt Payoff, successfully raised $4.6 million to eliminate medical debt for 3,345 individuals across the Pacific Northwest.

This year’s campaign, which took place from November 18 to 22, was spearheaded by morning hosts Nick and Kristen in collaboration with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. With encouragement for listeners and local businesses to contribute, the campaign significantly surpassed the previous year’s total of $2.5 million.

KAFE 104.1 in Bellingham, WA, launched its first-ever Airwaves for Animals radiothon in collaboration with the Whatcom Humane Society, aiming to gather support and funds for animals in need.

The goal was set at $50,000, but thanks to the community’s generosity, the radiothon exceeded expectations, raising an impressive $50,640 over just two days. These funds will go towards vital programs, including the organization’s animal food bank, adoption services, and care for domestic, wild, and farm animals throughout Whatcom County.

Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations aligned with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to combat food insecurity in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Through their efforts, the partnership successfully collected 8,782 pounds of food, translating to 12,272 meals for individuals facing food insecurity throughout Georgia.

Industry Happenings:

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation is calling on content creators to submit their work for the 50th Annual Gracie Awards. This prestigious event celebrates five decades of media excellence. Creators who apply by the December 12, 2024, Early Bird Deadline can take advantage of discounted entry fees.

Add Ons:

Rowdy Yates, syndicated host of “The Ride Home with Rowdy Yates,” again offers two holiday special programs free of charge this year. “A Really Rowdy Christmas” is a five-hour holiday music program, blending classic yuletide standards, country Christmas hits, and playful seasonal songs to create the perfect soundtrack for the festive season.

In a celebration of Texas culture, Yates presents “A Lone Star Christmas,” a special one-hour program showcasing renowned Texas artists. Featured performers include George Strait, Clint Black, Clay Walker, Johnny Mathis, and fan favorites Pat Green and Kevin Fowler.

Bit Of The Week:

In future weeks, The Pulse will include the “Bit Of The Week.” If you want to be featured, please send me an mp3 of your best, most recent bit to 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.

Music Radio Holds 18 Of The Top 20 Spots In November 6+ PPM Cume

BMM Staff
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Music Radio Holds 18 Of The Top 20 Spots In November 6+ PPM Cume

Music Radio holds 18 of the top 20 spots in November 6+ PPM Cume.

Not surprisingly, New York and Los Angeles stations placed the most entries, with Houston and Chicago placing one, respectively.

From Nielson Audio AQH cume persons 6+ Mon-Sun 6 am to 12 am PPM Markets November 2024.

iHeartMedia’s AC WLTQ 106.7 – Lite FM – New York  3,513,500

iHeartMedia’s Top 40 WHTZ  Z-100 – New York  2,528,600

Audacy’s Classic Hits WCBS – 101.1 CBS-FM – New York  2,518,300

iHeartMedia’s Hot AC WKTU – 103.5 KTU – New York  2,337,500

Audacy Hot AC WNEW – New 102.7 – New York  2,108,400

Audacy’s Classic Hits KRTH – K-Earth 101- Los Angeles  2,021,000

iHeartMedia’s AC KOST – KOST 103.5 – Los Angeles  1,880,000

iHeartMedia’s Hot AC KBIG – 104.3 MYfm – Los Angeles  1,809,000

Spanish Broadcasting’s WSKQ – Mega 97.9 – New York  1,715,100

iHeartMedia’s Classic Rock WAXQ – Q104.3 – New York  1,691,600

iHeartMedia’s AC KODA – Sunny 99.1 – Houston  1,672,600

iHeartMedia’s Top 40 KIIS – 102.7 KISS-FM – Los Angeles  1,633,500

Audacy’s Rhythmic AC KTWV – 94.7 The Wave – Los Angeles 1,372,600

Media Co.’s Adult R&B WBLS – 107.5 WBLS – New York  1,360,200

Audacy’s Adult Hits KCBS – 93.1 JACK-FM – Los Angeles  1,286,000

iHeartMedia’s Hip Hop/R&B WWPR – Power 105.1 – New York  1,229,800

iHeartMedia’s Soft AC WLIT – 93.9 Lite FM – Chicago  1,195,300

Media Co.’s Rhythmic Top 40 WQHT – Hot 97 – New York  1,066,300

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.

Borna & Mandy Rock Afternoons ‘Willy Nilly’ At 102.9 ‘The Hog’ Milwaukee

Charese Fruge
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Borna & Mandy Rock Afternoons ‘Willy Nilly’ At 102.9 ‘The Hog’ Milwaukee

Borna & Mandy host Afternoons for 102.9 “The Hog,” WHQG, in Milwaukee. Borna is also the Program Director of the station and the PD of sister WKLH, while Mandy is the Programming Assistant for WKLH and Oldies Music Programmer for Saga Communications. Mandy also has a side hustle; she makes her own dog stews and sells them at farmers’ markets.… “I love dogs more than people!” she says.

Borna began his career at his high school radio station, a 250-watt community transmitter, WDGC, in Downers Grove, IL. “I went to college at the University of Illinois, the home of WPGU FM, which was so much bigger than most traditional college radio stations,” he says.

“I worked with some of the most incredibly talented people there! I then moved to Wisconsin to do nights at WAPL, eventually added Music Director at WAPL and sister Active Rocker, Razor 94.7, then moved to “The HOG” in Milwaukee as Music Director and co-host of Afternoon Drive. I eventually became the Program Director of the station and added PD duties at our Classic Rock station.

“My father was a big talk radio fan, and growing up in Chicago, there was no shortage of legendary hosts,” says Borna. “He always had “The Loop” on in the car, whether it was Steve and Gary or Jonathan Brandmeier. I always thought that seemed like a really cool job. When my best friend’s older brother got his FCC broadcasting license (remember those), I knew I wanted one myself. I took the class in high school, and I was hooked.”

Mandy started her career with an internship at WZZN in Chicago. Over the years, she worked at WRXW Jackson, MS, KQCH Omaha, NE, and WNRG, Milwaukee. Currently, she works for WHQG Milwaukee, WKLH, and WRXS (in programming) and voice tracks WLRW Champaign Middays and KSTZ Des Moines Nights.

“My high school had a radio station, and it was over from there!” she says. “I started my own show at Valparaiso University and was working with Chicago bands while pursuing my degree in Science and Education. I decided to go for the radio thing after graduation, and look at me now!”

“Real life is most of our show prep,” explains Mandy. “I have a list in my phone that I will constantly add to when I’m out living life on things that are hilarious/relatable/interesting. We check out the local news and what people in Milwaukee are gabbing about on social media. Then, we will often prep out a whole show and let the listeners veer off with their calls…the show is super interactive with calls/texts. The vibe of the show is Willy Nilly. Nonsense. Fun. Ridiculous. Sometimes Informative. Relatable.”

“Our show is out broadcasting live at least weekly, so we are literally in front of our listeners, where they live, quite often,” she says. “Lots of face time, and lots of people saying we have faces for radio. Every year, we host a 414 Day Show (414 is the area code of Milwaukee) and feature prominent community guests like the Mayor, Police Chief, and people who have made news headlines during the year. I also work with the Humane Society to feature an adoptable pet every week, which, over the years, has united hundreds of animals with their forever homes.”

“Our parent company, Saga Communications, prides itself on live, local, and community-oriented events,” adds Borna. “‘See a need, fill a need’ is our mantra. We’re always looking at ways to positively impact our community. At “The HOG,” we’ve launched our annual Lend A Helping Ham campaign. We raise money for the Hunger Task Force to help local Milwaukee Families in need. Our morning show, Bob & Brian, does year-round fundraising and awareness for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).”

“On “The Hog,” we play a handful of currents, but we’re primarily a gold -based Rock station,” says Borna. “As for the Rock format, it is certainly alive and thriving here in Milwaukee,” he insists. “You can check out multiple Rock shows in town on any given week. And we have two viable Rock stations in our building that co-exist and complement each other. There is a strong appetite for the format.”

“We’ve put on ‘HOG Fest’ the past couple of years in the Spring, and we added a fall show this year, HOG Havoc.’ Both have done well… Look, we can always use more new music to keep the format growing. And it’s cool when we see a new band breakthrough, but it seems tougher than ever these days with the new stuff. But Bad Omens is a band that’s been fun to watch their ascendence in the past few years. Going from smaller rooms to selling out venues. We had Sleep Theory at our recent ‘HOG Havoc’ show, and they clearly have a following.”

“My goal as the Program Director for “The Hog” (and WKLH) is to continue to evolve our brands in the best way possible,” says Borna. “It’s a fast-paced, constantly changing media landscape. I’m looking to find ways to meet our audience where they are. It’s so much more than the terrestrial radio signal. It’s social media, podcasting, community involvement, etc.… It’s the total package.”

Follow Borna & Mandy  @1029thehog on all platforms. Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/X

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

Ratings Roundup: Fox News Enjoys Post-Election Surge, Newsmax Gains Win Over CNN, ABC World News Tonight Extends Lead Over NBC Nightly News

BNM Staff
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Ratings Roundup: Fox News Enjoys Post-Election Surge, Newsmax Gains Win Over CNN, ABC World News Tonight Extends Lead Over NBC Nightly News

The Lead

Fox News has long been a cable news juggernaut. That has been on display since Election Day as the network continues a strong performance in the ratings.

During the week of Thanksgiving, Fox News reached new heights in the Adults 25-54 demographic, as it earned 70% of the total cable news audience in the demo. CNN featured 18%, while MSNBC dropped to 12% in the total day category.

For the week overall, 98 of the top 100 cable news broadcasts were seen on Fox News.

The Five from Fox News led the cable news ratings for the week with an average of 4.1 million viewers. Jesse Watters Primetime earned 3.5 million viewers while The Ingraham Angle (3.1 million), Special Report with Bret Baier (2.9 million), and Hannity (2.7 million) also saw strong ratings performances.

Newsmax Scores, CNN and MSNBC Stumble

Elsewhere in the cable news ratings, Newsmax had reason to celebrate. Rob Schmitt Tonight, the network’s 7 PM ET show — featured an audience of 509,000 viewers on Monday, besting CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, which saw 484,000 total viewers. Newsmax also saw it’s primetime offerings of Finnerty — hosted by Rob Finnerty — within striking distance of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360, and Greg Kelly Reports earning similar ratings to The Source with Kaitlan Collins, also from CNN.

Ratings drop-offs for CNN and MSNBC continued, as both are featuring lows not seen in decades. In primetime, CNN featured an average of 297,000 viewers for the week, a low that hasn’t been seen in nearly 30 years. CNN’s total day audience averaged 268,000 viewers, a low since 2001. Meanwhile, MSNBC saw its ratings in the Adults 25-54 demographic drop to 37,000 viewers in primetime and 29,000 in the total day ratings for the week. Those figures are the lowest seen since 1997.

ABC News vs. NBC News

In the network nightly news ratings, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir remained ahead of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

During the week of November 25th, the Muir-led program saw an average audience of 7.7 million viewers. Meanwhile, Holt’s Nightly News averaged 6.2 million, while CBS Evening News — anchored by Norah O’Donnell, who will leave the program in January — averaged an audience of 4.4 million.

The race between the ABC News program and the NBC News show is much tighter in the Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49 demographics, however. World News Tonight (1 million viewers) still beats NBC Nightly News (934,000 viewers) in the 25-54 demo, with an even closer margin in the 18-49 demo with 703,000 viewers for ABC compared to 639,000 viewers for NBC.

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.

Newsmax Tabs Tim Gaughan as Vice President of News Operations

BNM Staff
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Newsmax Tabs Tim Gaughan as Vice President of News Operations

Newsmax has announced the hiring of Tim Gaughan as its new Vice President of News Operations.

Gaughan joins the network after more than 25 years of experience in the television news and digital business. He previously worked as the Vice President of Newsgathering for Fox News.

He additionally served as the Vice President of Affiliate Services, Baghdad Bureau Chief, Assignment Manager, and Director of Domestic Newsgathering during his time with the network.

Before his stop at Fox News, Gaughan worked at CBS News, serving as Director of Digital Newsgathering and Special Events.

”Tim has managed newsrooms, control rooms, and large complex remote productions, with a proven track record of launching and managing innovative platforms, optimizing workflows and technologies, and recruiting and mentoring diverse talent,” said Newsmax Senior Vice President of News and Operations Gary Kanofsky.

”We are looking forward to benefitting from his experience as we expand our news gathering operations.”

The addition of Tim Gaughan comes as Newsmax sees continued growth in the the cable news ratings. The network recently added Rob Finnerty to its primetime lineup, which has led to the show battling CNN in the ratings. The network has also seen increased distribution on television providers in recent months.

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.

SiriusXM To Launch Women’s Empowerment Network Podcast Platform

BMM Staff
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SiriusXM To Launch Women’s Empowerment Network Podcast Platform

SiriusXM has announced the upcoming launch of the Women’s Empowerment Network, a new podcast platform executive produced by Karen Hunter, host of SiriusXM Urban View and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

The network will premiere on Monday, December 9. At its inception, it will introduce two new podcasts, with additional original content expected to roll out in the following months.

The Women’s Empowerment Network is set to launch a diverse lineup of original shows available on the SiriusXM app and all major podcast platforms. These programs will feature interviews with prominent women from various sectors, providing insights into self-improvement, financial strategies, and mental health discussions.

In addition, the network will cover pertinent news affecting women’s lives and careers while highlighting stories of resilience, activism, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The initiative aims to uplift and inspire women across all walks of life.

Among the initial podcasts to launch under the network is “Karen Hunter Is Awesome!” a daily show where Hunter explores various thought-provoking subjects. Positioned to complement her regular Urban View radio program, Hunter engages her audience through in-depth discussions on topics ranging from Bible prophecy to the significance of race and current television shows and films.

Also launching on December 9, “Financially Speaking,” a new daily podcast aimed at empowering women to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. The show features a diverse lineup of financial experts, including Dr. Tonya Evans, specializing in cryptocurrency and intellectual property; Dr. Tisa Silver Canady, an authority on financial wellness and student loan debt reduction; Jacquette Timmons, a financial behaviorist; and Ruchi Pinniger, a financial coach and founder of Watch Her Prosper. Listeners can expect practical advice and insights to help them make informed financial choices and cultivate lasting wealth.

“The Women’s Empowerment Network is a destination where women can come together and be heard in ways that are authentic, uplifting, and transformative,” said Karen Hunter. “I’ve always believed in the power of women supporting each other, and I’m excited to have this new platform where we can rise together.”

“Karen has a great talent for identifying emerging voices and building communities through audio,” said Dave Gorab, Vice President and General Manager of SiriusXM’s Talk Programming. “I’m excited to see Karen’s vision for a new podcast network thrive while it has a meaningful impact on all who listen.”  

In addition to her new podcast, Hunter will continue to host “The Karen Hunter Show” weekdays from 3-6 pm (ET) on Urban View channel 126.

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 95.9’ Charleston’s Mike Edwards Dies Unexpectedly

BMM Staff
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‘Mix 95.9’ Charleston’s Mike Edwards Dies Unexpectedly

Saga Communications has reported the unexpected passing of Mike Edwards, the Program Director of Hot AC “Mix 95.9” WMXZ Charleston, SC. Edwards was also known for his role as the “Guy” on the station’s morning show, “Two Girls & A Guy.”

Co-hosts Brooke Ryan and Tanya Brown announced on Instagram that after Edwards did not report to work this morning, they contacted law enforcement for a wellness check. Authorities subsequently discovered him deceased at his residence.

Charleston Radio Group President Paul O’Malley said, “Mike was an amazing person, beloved by his coworkers, listeners, and our entire organization, and will be truly missed by those fortunate to have crossed his path.”

In 1999, Edwards debuted in Charleston as the Program Director for Top 40 “95 SX” WSSX, where he hosted the afternoon show under the moniker ‘Just Plain Mike.’

He was pivotal in launching the “Two Girls and Guy” brand and ultimately formed a long-standing trio with Ryan and Brown at WSSX.

Following his time in Charleston, Edwards and Brown moved to mornings at “Live 95.5” KBFF in Portland during 2013-2014, while Ryan took on a position with “The Jack Diamond Morning Show” at WRQX in Washington, D.C.

In 2014, the trio reunited at “Mix 95.9”, then owned by Apex Broadcasting, to revitalize their show. Edwards later took on the role of VP/Programming for Apex until the company was sold to Saga.

Ryan and Brown made an emotional announcement on Instagram.

‘The Michael Kay Show’ Reportedly Ending Run on ESPN New York

BSM Staff
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‘The Michael Kay Show’ Reportedly Ending Run on ESPN New York

Just a few months after ESPN New York departed its 98.7 FM signal, its longest-tenured show is reportedly coming to an end. Michael Kay, Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg are reportedly concluding their run as The Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. All three hosts, however, are reportedly expected to stay at the station and take the air as part of the weekday programming lineup.

When Barrett Media reached out to Good Karma Brands New York regarding the story, it was told that the company has no comment at this time. Barrett Media also reached out to Kay, who declined comment, but added that anything regarding the future would be addressed on the air.

Kay would reportedly host a solo show in middays from 1 to 3 p.m. EST. Conversely, La Greca and Rosenberg would remain at the station and work with Alan Hahn, who is the current midday host alongside Bart Scott. The final episode of The Michael Kay Show is reportedly slated to air on Friday, Dec. 13. The new programming lineup would then take effect on Monday, Jan. 6 in the new year.

Although the show has been on the air for 22 years, Kay has reportedly considered leaving afternoon drive in the past. Marchand reported that “ESPN made a big financial push to keep him.” At this time though with ESPN and the radio business continuing to evolve, Kay reportedly opted to work a schedule that is more manageable early in the day. Sources cited within The Athletic report indicate that there was a “lack of an overwhelming offer” regarding his staying in the afternoons. The YES Network simulcast for his new time slot and afternoons is reportedly still to be determined, with ESPN and YES Network having talks.

The new programming lineup would reportedly be expected to move Scott from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST with Dan Graca, officially moving Mike Greenberg’s national program away from 880 AM. Rick DiPietro and Dave Rothenberg would also continue as the station’s morning drive duo, according to the report. An official announcement pertaining to the end of The Michael Kay Show or revamped programming lineup have not been made by ESPN New York or Good Karma Brands.

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.

Kay Manley To Retire From KIX 106 Memphis

BMM Staff
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Kay Manley To Retire From KIX 106 Memphis

Kix 106 Memphis Program Director/ midday host Kay Manley will retire on December 20, marking her final day on the air.

In April, she took on the PD role in addition to her responsibilities as Assistant Program Director and Music Director.

Manley who has been with the station since 2005 and has a career that dates back to 1987, including a notable 15-year tenure at AC WRVR.

“After 40 years in radio 36 as either MD or PD, almost 20 years at Kix 106, and 20 years of Kix on Beale, I am stepping down,” Manley said.

“Thank you for showing me such kindness and friendship since I started this crazy Country ride back in 2005 (wish I had started sooner). I have had a blast!”

Reach out 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.

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