Home Blog Page 91

Inside Mike Gallagher’s Surprise Tribute to Salem’s Phil Boyce

Garrett Searight
-
0
Inside Mike Gallagher’s Surprise Tribute to Salem’s Phil Boyce

Mike Gallagher flew nearly 1,000 miles to surprise Phil Boyce, and the plan worked perfectly. Boyce had no clue his longtime friend and boss was anywhere near the stage when Salem Media’s Senior Vice President of Spoken Word Formats stepped up to accept the Gold Standard in Programming Award at the 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit.

Gallagher’s appearance lasted just three minutes, but the moment carried decades of history between the two men.

Boyce assumed Gallagher was hosting The Mike Gallagher Show from Tampa, as he does every day. Instead, Gallagher had quietly relocated to Salem Radio Network’s New York studios, a move designed specifically to keep his old boss in the dark. The subterfuge paid off, and Gallagher later admitted the entire operation felt like something out of a spy film.

Gallagher didn’t hesitate when Barrett Media asked why he made the trip.

“Well, Phil just means the world to me,” said Gallagher. “He hired me at WABC, which was one of the highlights of my career. Then I had the joy of continuing to work for him as he became an executive at Salem Media. So we’ve sort of come full circle together. We’ve been through a lot of highs, a lot of lows, but we’ve just had a great ride together. He’s one of the most important figures in my career. It was just a joy to be able to introduce him for that wonderful award.”

A Plan Straight Out of a Spy Movie

Pulling off the surprise required real logistical planning, since Gallagher and Boyce typically talk daily. Hiding a cross-country trip from someone who tracks your every move isn’t easy, and Gallagher knew the visual details could give the whole thing away. His New York streaming setup looks noticeably different from his usual Tampa studio, and that difference nearly blew the surprise.

Gallagher said the deception took real effort, and he leaned into the theatrics with a grin.

“It’s funny you asked that because this was like something right out of a James Bond movie,” Gallagher said. “Phil and I converse a lot, so we’re in pretty close contact daily. Trying to keep that from him was sort of epic. One of the challenges we were afraid of was that the studio I stream from looks a little bit different in New York than it does in Tampa. I was in New York that day, and we were afraid Phil would notice because, for all he knew, I was still in Tampa. So it was a lot of subterfuge, a lot of joyful fibs, and smoke screens. But I think we pulled it off. Judging by the look on his face when I came walking out to present the award, I think it was a total surprise. It was worth every bit of it.”

Boyce’s reaction confirmed the mission was a success. Nobody in the room could miss his stunned expression, and Gallagher took pride in knowing months of careful planning had paid off.

Decades of Trust Between Talent and Boss

Beyond the surprise itself, Gallagher used his brief time on stage to highlight what makes Boyce such a respected figure across the radio industry. Their professional relationship stretches back to 1998, when Boyce hired Gallagher at WABC in New York. Since then, the two have worked together through multiple companies and countless format changes, yet the foundation of trust never wavered.

Talent across the industry often praises Boyce’s steady hand, and Gallagher offered specifics on what separates him from other executives. The Mike Gallagher Show host shared why that reputation matters so much to the people who work for him.

“He has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best managers of talent in our business,” The Mike Gallagher Show host shared. “Not only has he found and put some of the greats on the air, like Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Curtis, and Kuby, he’s also a wonderful manager to work for. All we ask as talent is that our bosses have our back, and he does. He’s a straight shooter. He doesn’t play games. You always know where you stand with him, but he’s also incredibly even-tempered. I hear stories of some bosses knocking over tables and throwing phones across the room. That would never be Phil.

“He’s calm and reassuring, and you get an extraordinary amount of confidence working for a guy like him. He knows the industry. He knows what should come out of the speakers,” continued Gallagher. “He’ll gently coach you if he feels you’re getting a little off the rails, but you trust him. I couldn’t ask for a better boss. We go back decades. I was thinking about this the other day. I think I was hired at WABC in 1998, so we’ve been together for a couple of decades. It’s been a wild ride and a really satisfying one.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Why ABC Is Right About the FCC’s Talk Radio Bias

Garrett Searight
-
1
Why ABC Is Right About the FCC’s Talk Radio Bias

ABC has a point, and the FCC isn’t going to like hearing it. In a recent filing, ABC’s lawyers pushed back against regulatory scrutiny by highlighting something that’s been clear: talk radio gets a pass that television isn’t getting here.

The network’s argument centers on The View and its willingness to host Democratic candidates. Critics say that violates fairness expectations, since the show doesn’t always extend equal time to Republican guests. Meanwhile, syndicated talk radio hosts do something remarkably similar every single day, and almost nobody bats an eye.

ABC’s lawyers didn’t mince words in their filing. “The Commission has trained its attention on daytime and late-night television — programs perceived as unfriendly to the current administration — while leaving untouched the vast landscape of talk radio, where candidates routinely appear without their opponents,” the filing states. “A rule pressed against one set of speakers and quietly suspended for another, along lines that track the administration’s political preferences, is not evenhanded regulation.”

That’s not a stretch. That’s an accurate description of how this has played out.

The “Bona Fide News” Excuse Doesn’t Hold Up

Talk radio’s defense usually goes something like this: their candidate interviews qualify as legitimate news programming, so they’re exempt from the equal-time rule altogether. Technically, that’s true under FCC regulations. Practically, it’s often nonsense.

Plenty of nationally syndicated shows haven’t just interviewed candidates — they’ve campaigned for them. Some hosts have turned entire segments into on-air rallies, complete with fundraising pitches and get-out-the-vote messaging.

That’s not journalism. That’s advocacy dressed up in a press badge, and everyone in the industry knows it.

Meanwhile, a daytime talk show books a guest and suddenly faces a filing at the FCC. The inconsistency isn’t subtle, and it’s not accidental either. It tracks almost perfectly with which side of the aisle benefits from each format’s political leanings.

Selective Enforcement Undermines the FCC’s Credibility

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: if the FCC actually wants to police political balance in broadcasting, it needs to apply that standard evenly. Otherwise, the agency isn’t regulating content — it’s picking winners.

Radio has operated for decades under the assumption that its news/talk format shields it from the same scrutiny broadcast television faces. That assumption has held up mostly because nobody with enough leverage has challenged it directly. ABC just did, and the network chose its moment carefully, given how politically charged the current regulatory environment has become.

None of this means The View should get a total pass, either. Fairness cuts both ways, and any network booking one-sided political guests should expect questions about balance. But singling out television while radio hosts run virtual campaign events undercuts the FCC’s ability to claim it’s enforcing anything close to a consistent standard.

Selective enforcement erodes trust, and it invites exactly the kind of legal pushback ABC just delivered. Once one network calls out the double standard publicly, others will likely follow, especially if the FCC doesn’t adjust its approach.

Whether the FCC actually sees it this way remains to be seen. Regulatory bodies don’t love admitting inconsistency, particularly when political optics are involved. Still, ABC’s filing puts a spotlight on something the industry has whispered about for years, and that alone makes it worth paying attention to.

Talk radio has enjoyed a comfortable exemption for a long time. If the FCC wants to keep drawing lines around political content, it’s going to need better reasons than the ones it’s offered so far.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Rock Radio’s Playbook for Winning the Second Half

Keith Cunningham
-
0
Rock Radio’s Playbook for Winning the Second Half

Carpe diem… zeitgeist… make hay… be present. Whatever phrase you choose, it matters for RockTernative brands and talent. Showing up in the moment matters.

Music and marquee talent will always be the entry points, but regular readers know I put topicality and treatment near the top of the totem pole for radio brands, especially those with content-driven shows.

Ratings, revenue, research, engagement, and even brand marketing all prove the same thing: topicality moves the needle. Moreover, it’s not enough to just talk about the big story — how a brand participates is equally important. That’s treatment.

Lessons From the Boards

When I started in radio, topicality was a key weapon. I’ll never forget the infamous KRFX/Denver (“103.5 The Fox”) Classic Rock billboards featuring OJ Simpson and Charles Manson captioned Bad Company. The station became known for its topical boards — including another favorite, Bill Clinton as a Doobie Brother.

Today, most GMs and PDs haven’t seen a billboard budget. But you don’t need one. RockTernative brands already have everything required to stand out: morning shows, daypart talent, social media, production resources, websites, and some even still have street teams — and hopefully some creativity left in the tank.

Being topical gets brands into the room where listener conversations are happening — sports, trends, viral moments, controversies, and scandals. Treatment determines how long they stick around or how frequently they’ll come back.

A Mid-Year Check-In

We’ve reached the midpoint of another year. It’s time to gear up for the second half. Let’s look back at some of the first-half highlights — the events we celebrated, couldn’t avoid, or scrolled past — with an exercise for PDs, talent, promotion and social directors, sales managers, and even GMs.

Look back and ask:

  • Did our brand capture the moment?
  • Did the morning show participate?
  • Were we present in our own unique way?
  • Did we find creative revenue opportunities?
  • Did we let it get away?

This isn’t judgment day. Not everything here is right for every brand — some stations are purely music-focused and sit everything out except new releases. But being uniquely connected to what’s going on inside and outside of music should be part of the mix if max cume or TOMA are goals, because we all know music isn’t exclusive.

This list could have been longer, and only you can decide which topical moments are right for your brand. Still, it’s a reminder to have your head on a swivel. There will be second-half moments around every corner that can help connect your brand to the audience, alongside STP, and Dexter and the Moonrocks.

2026 First Half Highlights

  • Stranger Things came to a dramatic end, leaving everyone praying for malls to make a comeback.
  • It got so cold in the Northeast that trees literally started exploding.
  • The Olympics slayed, and curling became more popular than “six-seven.”
  • Music had a wild ride. U2, The Black Crowes, Sublime, and many others dropped new records, including Flea’s jazz album. Kanye was banned from the UK; Jelly Roll became single; Britney got another DUI; Shakira drew 2M fans in Brazil; 67-year-old Madonna crashed Sabrina’s Coachella set wearing purple lingerie; and Maiden, Oasis, and Billy Idol made the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — so did Sade and Luther Vandross.
  • Sports was madness. The Seahawks dominated the big game, but Bad Bunny dominated headlines. Vrabel Gate became an all-timer; a real UFC fight broke out on the White House lawn; Golden Tempo became our new super-horse; Tiger rolled another car; the Knicks and ‘Canes got rings; Myles Garrett got his ninth speeding ticket; and Indiana went from worst to first.
  • Airports melted down.
  • Spring Break in Mexico was basically cancelled.
  • Gas prices exploded.
  • Artemis II returned from space with an alien… just kidding… or am I?
  • Delta Force captured a president while blasting Chief Keef.
  • Hantavirus mania spiked.
  • Scientists with spooky ties kept disappearing.
  • Sharks in the Bahamas tested positive for cocaine.
  • The Michael Jackson movie crushed the box office. Star Wars didn’t.
  • Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire.
  • The most over-hyped wedding of all time finally happened.
  • Soccer fans from around the world discovered the American greatness of ranch dressing and Waffle House.

The Second Half Starts Now

Being reliable for music should be priority one for RockTernative brands. But being unique with topicality and treatment can make brands and content shows unforgettable. The top brands across the country put their fingerprints on much of the above — whether through the morning show, a specialty weekend, an imaging campaign, or a promotion.

Here’s to a great second half. Special thanks to my friend Garner Goin, longtime KRFX PD and creative ninja, for sharing the billboard pictures.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Why Fans Keep Judging the MLB All-Star Game Broadcast Wrong

John Lund
-
0
Why Fans Keep Judging the MLB All-Star Game Broadcast Wrong

Every July, sports media follows the same script. The MLB All-Star selections come out, and suddenly, we’re conducting congressional hearings.

Who got snubbed? Who shouldn’t have made it? Why are fans still voting? Why does every team get a representative? Somebody’s WAR is higher than somebody else’s OPS+, and before you know it, sports radio, television, and social media have spent an entire week arguing over a game that’s supposed to be fun.

Ironically, that’s the best part of All-Star Week.

The debates. The snubs. The Home Run Derby. The player introductions. The custom uniforms. The mic’d-up moments. The awkward dugout interviews where future Hall of Famers suddenly sound like Little Leaguers. That’s the entertainment. The game is simply the closing act.

Then Tuesday night arrives, and everyone makes the same mistake.

They expect October.

This is my annual public service announcement: you’re watching the All-Star Game wrong.

Every year, people tune in expecting nine innings of playoff intensity, then spend the next morning complaining that nobody dove headfirst into second base, that managers emptied the bullpen too quickly, or that pitchers only threw one inning. Of course they did. That’s the assignment.

We’ve somehow convinced ourselves that an exhibition should deliver championship drama, then criticize it when it doesn’t. That’s like buying a ticket to Happy Gilmore and complaining it wasn’t Oppenheimer. Wrong movie.

Why the All-Star Game Isn’t Built for October Intensity

The World Series, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals are where every pitch, possession, and decision carry enormous weight. That’s where players become legends, and fan bases either celebrate forever or spend the next decade asking what went wrong.

The All-Star Game isn’t trying to be any of that. It’s baseball’s family reunion.

It’s one night where rivals become teammates, where MVPs laugh together in the dugout, where fans get to see combinations they’ll never see again, and where the sport gets to celebrate itself for three hours without anyone’s season hanging in the balance. Sports don’t have enough nights like that.

Sports media doesn’t always help. We spend two weeks promoting the event like it’s going to determine baseball’s future. Every roster reveal becomes breaking news. Every snub becomes a national controversy. And every fan vote becomes evidence the process is broken. By first pitch, we’ve convinced everyone they’re about to watch baseball’s version of Game 7.

Here’s the funny part: if the game looked like October, we’d probably complain about that too.

Imagine if managers refused to remove their ace until he’d thrown 110 pitches. Imagine if stars played all nine innings. Or imagine if every replay review lasted five minutes because the outcome mattered that much. We’d spend Wednesday morning complaining that everyone took an exhibition too seriously.

The All-Star Game can never win that argument because we’re asking it to be something it was never designed to be.

The Numbers Prove Fans Still Care

Meanwhile, the ratings tell a completely different story. Last year’s MLB All-Star Game averaged roughly 7.2 million viewers, once again making it the most-watched All-Star event in American sports. The Home Run Derby drew nearly 5.8 million viewers, up from the previous year. Those aren’t Super Bowl numbers, nor should they be, but they’re a long way from “nobody cares.” People care. They just care differently.

Different events are meant to give you different experiences, and that’s okay. The All-Star Game isn’t failing. We’re just grading it with the wrong answer key.

Somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves the appetizer should taste like the steak, when the feast is everything leading up to Tuesday night. The debates, the snubs, the Derby, the introductions, the personalities, and the anticipation — that’s the event. The game itself is simply the celebration after all the arguing.

Not every sporting event has to determine a champion. Not every broadcast has to produce an all-time sports moment. Sometimes it’s enough to celebrate the best players in the game, let them smile, joke around, wear microphones, hit a few tape-measure home runs, and remind everyone why they became stars in the first place.

So before All-Star Week takes over Philadelphia and the inevitable complaints flood television, radio, and social media, here’s my annual public service announcement.

Stop grading the All-Star Game like it’s October. Debate the rosters. Argue about the snubs. Watch the Home Run Derby. Laugh at the mic’d-up moments. Appreciate seeing the game’s biggest stars sharing one field, even if it’s only for a night.

If you judge the All-Star Game for what it is instead of what it isn’t, you’ll probably enjoy it a whole lot more.

Maybe the problem has never been the All-Star Game. Maybe it’s been the way we’ve been watching it all along.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

San Antonio Spurs Voice Jacob Tobey Exits Following Social Media Firestorm Over Cheating Allegations

Garrett Searight
-
0
San Antonio Spurs Voice Jacob Tobey Exits Following Social Media Firestorm Over Cheating Allegations

Jacob Tobey won’t return to the San Antonio Spurs broadcast booth this season. His exit follows a personal controversy that quickly spread across social media.

What We Know: The San Antonio Spurs are moving on from Jacob Tobey after one season as the team’s television play-by-play announcer. Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel first reported Tobey won’t return for the upcoming NBA season. Earlier this week, Tobey’s Instagram account shared a story reading, “This is my girlfriend of six years. But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not.” A later post included a photo booth printout that appeared to show Tobey kissing Loren Waters, the sister of Spurs player Lindsay Waters III, along with several other images.

What’s At Stake: Although the controversy centered on Tobey’s personal life, it quickly became a public issue because of the alleged connection to a family member of a Spurs player. As a result, the organization now faces the task of replacing its television play-by-play voice after originally hiring him in 2024. Meanwhile, the situation highlights how rapidly personal social media posts can create professional consequences.

What Remains Unclear: Neither the Spurs nor Tobey has publicly detailed whether the reported departure directly resulted from the social media posts. Additionally, the team hasn’t announced who will handle television play-by-play duties next season.

What It Means: Sports broadcasters increasingly serve as public representatives of their organizations beyond game coverage. Consequently, off-air controversies can affect employment decisions just as quickly as on-air performance. For the Spurs, the focus now shifts toward finding a new voice before the NBA season begins.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Adam Schefter, ESPN Approaching Multi-Year Contract Extension

Garrett Searight
-
0
Adam Schefter, ESPN Approaching Multi-Year Contract Extension

ESPN appears close to locking up one of its most recognizable NFL insiders. Adam Schefter is reportedly nearing a long-term contract extension with the network.

What We Know: According to a report from Front Office Sports‘ Ryan Glasspiegel, ESPN and Adam Schefter are closing in on a long-term extension. That deal would keep the veteran NFL insider with the company well into the 2030s. Meanwhile, an ESPN spokesperson declined to comment. Schefter joined ESPN in 2009. He quickly formed one of sports media’s most respected insider pairings alongside the late Chris Mortensen. Since then, he’s become a fixture across the network’s NFL programming.

What’s At Stake: The reported agreement would further strengthen ESPN’s already deep NFL reporting roster. Schefter remains the network’s signature insider. Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, Mike Garafolo, Jeremy Fowler, Kimberley Martin, Dan Graziano, Jeff Darlington, and Judy Battista all contribute to its football coverage. Additionally, Front Office Sports previously reported ESPN reached new deals with Rapoport and Garafolo following the NFL Network acquisition.

What Remains Unclear: Neither side has confirmed the reported extension, leaving the contract’s length and financial details unknown. Schefter’s last ESPN contract was worth roughly $9 million annually, according to the New York Post.

What It Means: If finalized, the extension signals ESPN’s continued commitment to premium NFL news gathering. Earlier this year, Schefter dismissed any speculation about retirement after comparisons to former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski’s departure. Instead, the reported deal suggests ESPN intends to keep one of its most influential personalities for years to come.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz: Our Podcast Strategy Runs Counter to Netflix

Garrett Searight
-
0
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz: Our Podcast Strategy Runs Counter to Netflix

SiriusXM continues to bet on openness over exclusivity. Jennifer Witz says that strategy better serves creators and listeners.

What We Know: SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz used the company’s latest earnings discussion to reinforce its long-term podcast strategy. Rather than following a model similar to Netflix‘s content exclusivity approach, Witz argued SiriusXM remains committed to broad distribution. As competition for podcast talent has shifted from aggressive spending to more disciplined investments, SiriusXM believes its approach helps creators grow audiences without limiting where their shows can be heard. In an interview with CNBC, the company’s CEO said it continues to prioritize partnerships instead of locking content behind a single platform.

What They Said: “We’ve been in the podcast business since 2020 when we bought Stitcher, and we’ve seen a lot of change, whether it’s investment, contraction, and investment. We’ve been disciplined throughout this period in working with the partnerships that make the most sense for us. So we’re focused on an open ecosystem and distribution. The partners that we work with, the creators, we’re helping them build their audiences and their businesses. So, we have industry-leading monetization in part because we offer them distribution across every platform where it makes sense. Some other platforms are taking a more exclusive approach. We found that open distribution makes the most sense for creators.” – SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz

What Remains Unclear: Witz didn’t identify which competitors she viewed as taking a more exclusive approach. She also didn’t indicate whether SiriusXM could pursue exclusive podcast agreements in select situations if market conditions change.

What It Means: Witz’s comments signal SiriusXM believes broad availability creates stronger long-term value than exclusivity. While companies like Netflix built subscription businesses around exclusive content, SiriusXM appears convinced podcast creators benefit more from reaching audiences wherever they listen. That position also aligns with an industry that has increasingly favored scalable advertising, wider distribution, and sustainable creator partnerships over expensive bidding wars for exclusive programming.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

iHeartMedia Signs FCC Consent Decree Over Payola Allegations

David Hill
-
1
iHeartMedia Signs FCC Consent Decree Over Payola Allegations

iHeartMedia has reached a Consent Decree with the FCC over alleged payola violations. The agreement addresses concerns that iHeart tied artist airplay to free performances at company events.

What We Know: Senator Marsha Blackburn first raised the alarm in January 2025. She alleged that iHeart offered artists more airtime in exchange for free performances at events like iHeartRadio Music Festival and Jingle Ball. The FCC subsequently issued a broader advisory to all broadcasters. Chairman Brendan Carr then sent a direct letter to CEO Bob Pittman demanding compliance assurances.

What’s At Stake: The FCC’s Sponsorship Identification Laws prohibit covert exchanges of airplay for artist appearances. Additionally, artists — especially emerging ones — may have faced implicit pressure to perform for free or risk reduced airplay. iHeart generates significant revenue from live events, so these practices carry real financial implications. The decree requires iHeart to augment its compliance procedures and grant the FCC greater transparency.

What Remains Unclear: iHeart explicitly denied trading airplay for performances. Furthermore, the Consent Decree includes no admission of wrongdoing. It remains uncertain whether other major broadcast companies engage in similar practices. The FCC has not yet indicated whether additional investigations involving other broadcasters are forthcoming.

What It Means: This agreement signals the FCC’s renewed focus on enforcing payola rules in the modern radio landscape. Artists now have stronger procedural protections when negotiating with broadcast groups. However, real enforcement depends on whether iHeart’s updated internal policies produce meaningful change. Carr’s statement made clear that talent — not business leverage — should drive an artist’s success.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Ben Shapiro Pushes Back on Candace Owens Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Garrett Searight
-
0
Ben Shapiro Pushes Back on Candace Owens Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Ben Shapiro is pushing back against Candace Owens over claims about Charlie Kirk. The Daily Wire host says he wants no part of their ongoing personal dispute.

What We Know: Ben Shapiro responded to Candace Owens after she questioned whether he and Charlie Kirk were close friends. The exchange represents the latest chapter in a long-running public disagreement between Shapiro and Owens. However, Shapiro appears focused on moving away from the personal back-and-forth. He said he does not care about the drama surrounding their relationship with Kirk.

What They Said: “See, here’s the thing: I don’t really care about personal drama. I’ve said repeatedly that Charlie and I weren’t best friends. Maybe you were best friends with Charlie. Maybe not. I don’t know, nor do I care. For ten months, you’ve been slandering Charlie’s wife, his friends, and all of the people he worked with. You’re working to acquit his murderer. You’re spreading conspiratorial poison for cash. That’s something anyone of decency should condemn. The fact that so many are unwilling to do so is demonstrative of widespread cowardice, stupidity, wickedness…or all three.” -Ben Shapiro

What Remains Unclear: It remains uncertain whether Owens and Shapiro will continue their public dispute. Both figures have exchanged criticism for months, with each questioning the other’s views on Kirk’s legacy and circumstances surrounding his death. However, Shapiro’s latest comments suggest he may not want to continue debating their personal connection to Kirk.

What It Means: Shapiro’s response shifts the conversation away from friendship and toward broader disagreements involving Kirk’s reputation. While the feud between Shapiro and Owens has attracted significant attention, he appears to be drawing a line under the personal aspects of the dispute. For now, the divide between the two conservative media personalities remains unresolved.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Former CBS News Radio Anchor Linda Kenyon Joining NPR

Garrett Searight
-
0
Former CBS News Radio Anchor Linda Kenyon Joining NPR

Linda Kenyon has joined NPR after the end of CBS News Radio. The veteran broadcaster brings decades of radio news experience to the network.

What We Know: Kenyon will anchor newscasts for NPR following her exit from CBS News Radio. She originally joined CBS News Radio in 2020 and spent the last several years delivering national coverage. Before that, Kenyon worked with Salem Radio Network and Westwood One. CBS News Radio ended operations in May after nearly 100 years, resulting in the departure of its full staff.

What They Said: “Happy to report I have landed on my feet. After the demise of CBS Radio and the purge of the entire staff, I have been hired to anchor newscasts at NPR. I’m also contributing to White House coverage as needed including my Up First story on Morning Edition about President Trump’s financial disclosure report.” -Linda Kenyon

What Remains Unclear: NPR has not detailed Kenyon’s full role beyond her newscast duties and White House coverage contributions. Additionally, the network has not announced whether she will take on additional assignments across its news programming.

What It Means: Kenyon’s hiring gives NPR another experienced voice with national radio credentials. Meanwhile, her move highlights the continued reshaping of the radio news landscape after CBS News Radio’s closure. As networks adjust, veteran journalists like Kenyon remain valuable additions for organizations seeking established newsroom talent.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

1...909192...2,759Page 91 of 2,759