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How ESPN NHL Coverage Is On Point Led By ‘The Point’

John Molori
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How ESPN NHL Coverage Is On Point Led By ‘The Point’

The Point is a lively entry in ESPN’s NHL programming lineup. Serving as the de facto pregame show for the network’s NHL game coverage, the program provides a complete and cohesive look at upcoming games—heightened by the intense NHL playoff action.

I really like this group of hosts. P.K. Subban has become the most recognizable NHL analyst on television, with stints on other ESPN shows such as First Take. Equal parts sarcastic, bombastic, and enthusiastic, he is a real kick to watch. Mark Messier brings the same leadership, authority, presence, and intensity to the broadcast that he did as a Hall of Fame player. He knows the game inside out and has experience winning at the highest level, with six Stanley Cup titles on his résumé. Steve Levy is TV-likable to the hilt. He energizes every conversation and promotes a fun, conversational exchange. For Levy, it’s not about “listen to me talk.” It is about “let’s all talk together.”

I checked out the May 6 edition of The Point where Levy opened the show with video of Hurricanes and Capitals players entering Capital One Arena in D.C. before Game 1 of their series. Before the panelists even got on screen, discussion moved to the Oilers at Golden Knights playoff matchup slated for later that evening.

In a twist, the video turned to clips of Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, who would be joining regulars Levy, Messier, and Subban in studio. Across the sports landscape, networks often bring in guest analysts during the postseason. Pronger was a welcome addition to this edition of The Point.

Embracing The Former Player Perspective

The Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman had 157 goals and 541 assists in 18 NHL seasons, and won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. Pronger was known as one of the toughest players in the NHL. With him and the equally tough Messier on set, a brawl could have broken out at any time!

Pronger jumped right into the discussion, boldly predicting a Toronto vs. Dallas Stanley Cup Final. Subban boasted that if the Leafs made the Finals, he would wear an Auston Matthews jersey on set. Levy came right back saying, “Big deal, get a tattoo of Auston Matthews!” All four panelists then chimed in as the show cut to video of Pronger and Subban fighting with each other during their playing days. Interestingly enough, it was Messier who handed Pronger his Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP in 1999–2000.

The connections between these three players made for some interesting chit-chat throughout the show. The quick-hitting Post to Post segment gave a look at the night’s games, then cut to graphics with the betting lines for both the Carolina–Washington and Edmonton–Vegas matchups. Messier gave a nice analysis of Canes vs. Caps, saying that the game might come down to Carolina’s speed vs. Washington’s strength.

Speaking of strength, Subban’s is actually more about listening than talking. He takes in the others’ points and waits for a moment to pounce on a topic. He is all about hot takes and exciting commentary, while Pronger provided a nice complement with a quiet, basic, and analytical style.

Emily Kaplan Brings The Goods

While the team of Subban, Messier, Levy, and Pronger were excellent, the strength of The Point comes from reporter Emily Kaplan. Whether outside the locker room or in the arena, Kaplan is the best sideline reporter in the four major sports today. She has a cerebral style while asking pertinent and pointed questions. On this program, she provided a nice pregame interview with Dmitry Orlov of Carolina. Kaplan is concise, quick-thinking, always prepared, and never wastes airtime with frivolous questions. She gets to the point and doles out details.

As the show progressed, the quartet of analysts reviewed the hit that Florida’s Sam Bennett laid on Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz in Game 1 of their series. The segment also featured soundbites from both teams’ head coaches talking about the play. This is one of the real plusses of The Point. While the studio stuff is stellar, the fine production team augments the show with video clips, graphics, and soundbites—making for a really well-rounded program. Pronger said that it wasn’t so much the play itself, but the fact that no penalty was called on the play that surprised him. For this segment, Levy also brought in the astute Dave Jackson, ESPN’s NHL Rules Analyst, who refereed over 1,600 games in the NHL during his officiating career.

The steadying force on The Point is Messier. One of the greatest and most decorated players in the history of the game, he expertly pinpoints subtle plays and moves that make a difference. Subban also provides telling points in his analysis, at one point saying that defensemen need to use their sticks to defend superstar scorers. The graphics and bumps in and out of breaks give the show vibrant color and context.

Kaplan interviewed Washington center Dylan Strome at ice level just a few minutes before the opening faceoff. It is in these interviews that you can see how much players respect Kaplan. Often in these moments, players seem disinterested, preoccupied, and even resentful—but Strome gave Kaplan his undivided attention even though game time was fast approaching. Kaplan also chatted with Levy and the studio crew, offering reports on the latest news in the NHL.

A Puck-Tacular Pregame For Hockey Fans

Airing live before games, The Point is a bastion for breaking news. On this edition, Levy reported that Vegas center Pavel Dorofeyev would not play vs. Edmonton due to an undisclosed injury. Levy originally made his bones at ESPN as a SportsCenter anchor and remains the glibbest personality at the network—just a pleasure to watch. He is a seasoned pro. This was evidenced when there was a technical glitch in throwing to reporter Stormy Buonantony in Vegas. Levy effortlessly forged ahead, striking up a conversation with the studio analysts.

When the crew was able to reconnect with Buonantony, she provided excellent analysis and intel on how the Golden Knights would compensate for losing Dorofeyev. Clearly doing her pregame homework and due diligence, Buonantony related comments from Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy on his overall strategy for Game 1 versus the Oilers. Buonantony filed a solid and strong report, and is definitely a bright, rising talent on the ESPN horizon.

Such talent is what sets The Point apart from other NHL pregame fare. It is a fact-packed prelude to ESPN’s game coverage and digs deep into the corners—covering the fun, fanfare, and fights of the NHL postseason. The show’s stars are marked by personable ebullience and palpable experience, which result in pure excellence.

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.

Six Weeks That Changed Rock Music Forever

Keith Cunningham
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Six Weeks That Changed Rock Music Forever

What were you doing in the Summer of 1991? Were you alive? I was holding down jobs you’d never expect from me, but we’ll leave that for another time. Wherever you were or whatever you were blasting from your boom box or Walkman, things were about to change.

Over a six-week span from late Summer to early Fall, the face of Rock and Alternative went into surgery and came out looking very different.

For context, the ‘80s was a diverse decade for music, with everything from punk to mainstream, indie, underground, and metal all competing for cassette sales. As the decade was winding down at radio, the Alternaverse was becoming music for the masses. The Rockosphere was handing out tickets to see Poison’s “Nothin’ But A Good Time” vibe.

Some could see and hear a change coming, others didn’t. It doesn’t matter what backyard kegger you were at; an avalanche was on its way, and there was no stopping it. A new era of music was being unleashed by the RockTernative Gods, many of them wearing flannel and combat boots. 

Several genre-changing albums were released in a short period of time, sometimes on the same day, and the rest is history.

 August 12, 1991: Metallica – The Black Album
 August 27, 1991: Pearl Jam – Ten
 September 17, 1991: Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion I & II
 September 17, 1991: Ozzy – No More Tears
 September 24, 1991: Nirvana – Nevermind
 September 24, 1991: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik

There were other influential albums released in ’91; Temple of the Dog, Badmotorfinger, Achtung Baby, Losing My Religion, etc., but there was no stopping a cultural movement starting to happen everywhere, including Tech, Fashion, and Communication.

To say record stores like the legendary Tower Records were on fire would be a massive understatement. I happened to be a Hollywood rat in ‘91, so I was watching all of this happen right in front of my eyes.

Seattle was the new Hollywood. Newly signed Sunset Strip bands were being shelved by labels, sales for neon at Rock shops were grinding to a halt, Guitars stopped being airbrushed with half-naked women, AOL went public, and bands would soon have their own websites on this thing called the World Wide Web. Everything was changing, and music was at the forefront.

At RockTernative, all of this started a few years earlier with bands like Megadeth, Metallica, RHCP, Jane’s Addiction, GNR, and Skid Row bubbling up and serving notice that things were starting to change. But like a growing tsunami, a colossal change takes some time.

We could argue over key events, and even though Headbangers Ball had been a thing, a major tipping point was when “Enter Sandman” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” made their debuts on MTV. They were like bulldozers rolling in and crushing everything in their path. If you’ve spent most of your life in Rock spaces like I have, you probably remember the first time you heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the radio or saw it on MTV.

Fast-forwarding and seeing 2025’s affection for the ‘90s is not surprising. This happens over time when a modern era looks back with appreciation for what once was. Many things can jumpstart changes like this, including politics or even the oversaturation of one thing or another (remember when Creed disappeared just as fast as Winger?).

Either way, the ‘90s are hot on Tour and Radio, TV flicks like Friends and The Fresh Prince have newfound popularity on OTT and For You pages, even ‘90s fashion is getting attention on runways. Dr. Marten’s, anyone?

It’s a dated cliché, but I’m OK using it – what’s old is new.

Many colleagues are always on the never-ending search for what’s next. Who or what will be the next big thing? Sometimes the next big thing is what happened a long time ago. There’s nothing wrong with that, it just means what once was has stood the test of time.

I hope we’ll someday enjoy another musical explosion like we did in the Summer of 1991. We’re past due. Today’s resurgence can be explained as cyclical or maybe even tied to the country’s political temperature. I’m not smart enough to know precisely why, but it’s accurate to say ‘90s Rock has always been popular, but the decade is being viewed differently than it was 10-15 years ago.

 It’s now more nostalgic for Xers and Millennials 
 It’s a new badge of discovery and respect for Ys and Zs

There will be other popularity resurgences in the future, but I’m not sure we’ll ever see a six-week stretch of time that changed music like we witnessed in ‘91.

The weather is getting warmer—it’s almost summer. Put in your 2025 wireless earbuds and binge all those great 1991 albums. It’ll be worth your 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.

How The Ticket Continues To Dominate the Metroplex Under Jeff Catlin

John Mamola
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How The Ticket Continues To Dominate the Metroplex Under Jeff Catlin

The ‘Metroplex’ of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, has been a hotbed for passionate sports fans for over 65 years. What once was a one-team market after the Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960 has grown to include professional organizations representing the area in the NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and, of course, the NFL. The massive droves of people coming to the ‘Lone Star State’ led to a demand for sports conversation on the airwaves as ‘America’s Team’ was experiencing Super Bowl glory in the early 1990s. On January 24, 1994, The Ticket was born.

“Let’s be honest, this is a fantastic sports market,” said Jeff Catlin, program director of The Ticket. “The fact that The Ticket went on the air a few months before Jerry Jones fired Jimmy Johnson, that was just a stroke of ‘Ticket Luck.’ We’ve had that luck throughout the years.”

Catlin is a Ticket lifer, beginning his career with the radio station in the year it launched as a flamethrower across the dry heat of the ‘Metroplex.’ Since 2003, he has served as the program director of the brand he calls home, leading The Ticket to heights as one of the most respected and successful sports radio brands in the entire country.

What once was a lineup consisting of Skip Bayless, Curt Menefee, Greg Williams, and Mike Rhyner, among others, its talent roster spoke the love language of the ‘P1,’ leading to instant connection with the audience that has never wavered through the years.

“Listeners will sniff through the BS in two seconds flat,” said Catlin of the dedicated listening audience over the years at The Ticket. “Our guys are no different than the listeners. We were just the ones lucky enough to get the transmitter.”

Rising From the Ground up at The Ticket

Beginning as the executive producer of The Hardline in 1994, Catlin’s was the voice in the room calling direction, booking guests, and understanding how to meet the high demands of The Ticket listener. It was the best experience at the right time for Catlin to grow into a leadership role as Dallas was winning Super Bowls and had just gained an NHL hockey club.

“I think it helped me big time to understand the dynamics of the personalities involved and how to make the show the best,” noted Catlin. “Then moving into the PD role, I already understood that I had that kind of mentality. It was so important. It meant everything.”

Understanding the role of what a good producer means for a program, Catlin strives for excellence from his behind-the-scenes crew as much as he does from his on-air staff. He aims to teach every producer that their responsibility is the content director of the program, reinforcing the importance of the role while sharing the knowledge with the next generation of what will push The Ticket to greater heights.

“Myself and some of the other guys that have been here for a long time—we have institutional knowledge to pass along to the next generation of Ticket employees,” explained Catlin. “Transferring that institutional knowledge to people that are in new positions, even if they’ve been here a while or are coming into this building for the first time. It’s a big responsibility that I have and the other guys on the team have as it relates specifically to The Ticket and why we do the things that we do.”

Doing Things The Ticket Way

For 31 years, The Ticket has maintained its standing as the leader in sports talk for the DFW Metroplex, with a roster of talent that continues to make moments creating a fear of missing out. Catlin notes that in an ever more digital era, The Ticket stands on the branding of “if you miss a segment, you miss a lot”—a traditional method of educating the listener that the need to listen live is the most important lesson to learn.

“If you examine other radio stations, we’re all not cookie-cutter, and we’re all not the same, and you can’t do it the same way,” said Catlin. “It may work for one radio station in another town where they do broadcast on YouTube from their studio all day. That’s great for them, but that’s not ever been our approach because The Ticket is what it is.”

Catlin compares the relationship The Ticket has with its listening audience to legions of fans following their favorite band. With any band that has the blessing of successful longevity, there is some evolution in how the fans may consume the music, but there will always be the same level of dedication and connection.

For example, many sports radio stations are moving to a video simulcast of their programming. The Ticket has not. While many sports radio stations have branched out to more social platforms surrounding short-form video—including TikTok—The Ticket has not. Instead of diving into a more digital model where The Ticket brand plays in every corner of the on-demand economy, Catlin believes the strategy to not be like everyone else has led to greater success because it is unique to The Ticket listener.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is The Ticket has continued to evolve,” said Catlin. “You could look at it and say, ‘You’re not streaming,’ or, ‘You’re not doing this or that.’ That’s only one way to evolve the product. There are other ways to evolve it too. There are other ways to grow and reach your audience, and there are other ways to vary your approach. I think we’ve done that a lot, and I just think it’s hard to say that this way works, that way doesn’t. I’m not about that.”

The Branding of The Hardline

The Hardline (Jeff Catlin)

As an example of Catlin’s thinking, one of the more unique elements that stands out about The Ticket is the namesake of the afternoon show, The Hardline. While the hosts of the daypart have changed over the last three decades, one thing has remained no matter the evolution of the talent roster: when it’s a weekday afternoon in the Metroplex, it’s time for The Hardline.

“That show, name, and its own brand of what it stands for is so entrenched in afternoon drive for Dallas–Fort Worth. That’s just a fact,” explained Catlin. “I can say this because that was the show that I worked on. I tend to think about that as a sense of pride. I am a Hardliner. Corby (Davidson) is, Bob (Sturm) is, Gregg (Williams) is, Mark (Followill) is—all these other people that have been on that daypart on the station at a particular time. I think it’s a cool thing. I think it’s great.”

Catlin is a believer in not wasting the listener’s time but continuing to find ways to make their time worth the investment. He does not program for hot-take culture, instead stressing honesty, confidence, and depth in the approach of how the talent of The Ticket speak to their consumer. Guiding that unique attitude and strategy led The Ticket to win a Marconi Radio Award for “Major Market Station of the Year” from the National Association of Broadcasters last fall, marking the first time a sports talk-formatted station had won the award in this category over three decades.

“The relationship the guys have with the audience—it’s not a relationship that you start on day one,” said Catlin. “You don’t flip the switch; it must happen over time. The guys have all grown up on the air together with each other and shared life experiences with each other, but also those same life experiences with the audience.”

Being Honored With the Mark Chernoff Award

This week, during the Barrett Media annual BSM Summit, Catlin’s efforts will be recognized as the recipient of the Mark Chernoff Award. As Jason Barrett wrote in the announcement, his passion and influence is felt across The Ticket’s airwaves, supported by countless ratings wins, Marconi Awards, and industry-wide respect and recognition. The radio station has done a remarkable job excelling in multiple demos, producing high revenues, besting local competition, and winning with Hall of Fame personalities and new voices.

“I’m honored and proud. I was completely surprised when I heard about it, and it’s nice to be recognized as an individual as part of a team,” said Catlin. “It’s not a ‘me’ award, it’s a ‘we’ award. It’s nice to be recognized individually. It hasn’t really happened to me before in my career—certainly not to this level. I’m extremely proud, but I still look at this or any recognition the radio station gets as me just being part of a larger team. Those guys make me look great.”

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.

What a Steady News Media Diet of TV Shows and Podcasts Looks Like

BNM Staff
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What a Steady News Media Diet of TV Shows and Podcasts Looks Like

There are plenty of options for news media consumers to find what they’re looking for in 2025. Here’s what my daily diet of news consumption looks like between the television and podcast spaces.

Even before my eyes are fully open, I routinely start my day with The New York Times audio app. 

The Headlines

It is a 10-minute review of the top stories from the day before. Since it is recorded overnight, if there is a big story in the morning, The Headlines will not have it. 

But it does summarize the previous day’s news well, and highlights some of The Times‘ own enterprise reporting. 

It links me to important stories to read later in the morning.  

The Daily

The single subject deep dive into the big story of the day, or some important tangent, if not on the day’s news. 

The hosts are intelligent, ask good questions, and have the benefit of a team of producers that sometimes fan out into the country or internationally to bring voices and characters to life. 

It’s well done and perfect to fill that half-hour to 45-minute commute on the subway or in your car.  

Countdown with Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann’s a controversial, over-the-top counter to all the right-wing podcasts on the internet. Keith is unabashedly liberal and a ruthless attack dog on the Trump administration. His opening rant is entertaining, exaggerated in tone and substance, but fun to listen to. 

Olbermann’s “Worst Persons in the World” segment identifies a small handful of nefarious characters each episode for the title of “Worst Person.”

And sometimes he tells an inside the media story that others may be afraid to reveal. They come from 50 years of broadcast experience at major market TV stations, CNN, ESPN, and MSNBC. For those of us in the industry, they are fun “stories I promised not to tell”.

Olbermann is no longer on daily, cutting back to two days a week after the election. But Monday and Friday mornings are more entertaining because of him. 

Warning: if you are a fan of Trump or the right wing in general, you may spend the rest of the morning pounding your pillow with your fist in anger.

Last Week Tonight

In that same lane of sarcasm and humor is John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight.  Oliver is a comedian, but with this huge staff of producers, writers and researchers, he may also be one of the best crusading journalists on TV. 

If you want an example, take a look at his episode on RFK. Totally destroyed the new HHS secretary.  

After the podcast portion of my day, I read The New York Times, Washington Post, and skim The Wall Street Journal before turning on the TV to see what I have missed overnight. 

Dana Bash’s Inside Politics on CNN offers my morning politics fix and CNN News Central gives me the day’s developments before I move on. I do stick with CNN longer on big days, either in politics or as in today’s news, the Papal Conclave. 

These type of special events are what CNN does best.  It is often best positioned to cover the world, with correspondents still stationed around the world.  So whether it a new development in Gaza, Ukraine or Rome, I am up to date quickly.

Otherwise, the best program on CNN isn’t news. The Sunday night feature Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain is educational, cultural programming along the lines of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which was critically acclaimed and highly successful. 

Longoria’s Spanish adventures are of high interest to me, since my faraway ancestors were from Avila, Spain. But if you are into food and travel, this is a fun hour.  

The Rachel Maddow Show

On CNN rival MSNBC, I routinely set aside or record Monday nights for The Rachel Maddow Show. A left-wing favorite, what I enjoy about Maddow’s show is its different approach to news. She doesn’t do headlines or necessarily the top story of the day. Usually, it is something different — an in-depth look at a political trend or outrage. 

Her opening monologue or “rant” is in the style of Keith Olbermann, where she started her TV career, and strikes at the heart of the point and is written cleverly.  

During the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, Maddow was on daily. now she is back on her once-a-week schedule.  

Network Newscasts

As for the network evening newscasts, I used to watch all three when Norah O’Donnell was anchoring the CBS Evening News. But now I find the CBS Evening News unwatchable.

And now that Norah is no longer behind a network desk, David Muir, the best teleprompter reader in the business — with perfect hair and a strong team of correspondents — is the best 30-minute news broadcast. 

Muir is not as strong when he is off the prompter and hosting special coverage. He adds little expertise in politics and usually repeats whatever the correspondent just said. It’s annoying. But his team of correspondents — Martha Raddatz, Mary Bruce, Pierre Thomas, Rachel Scott, and Jonathan Karl — are strong.

NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt is a close second, but his core of correspondents is not as strong as ABC News, and Lester is leaving the desk soon. Tom Llamas, who NBC News poached from ABC a couple of years ago, has been named the replacement. Let’s see if he grows into the job.  

On Sunday, CBS has two standout programs. CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley is a great way to lounge through to brunch. Pauley lends a certain calmness to the week, and their features reporters, from Martha Teichner to Lee Cowan, deliver. Also, my friend Ben Mankiewicz’s On Hollywood segments are well written and entertaining.

And, of course, 60 Minutes on Sunday night is a must-watch. Scott Pelley and Lesley Stahl lead the now parade of correspondents. Two new female additions are helping the show, my old colleagues from ABC: Sharon Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, the first Hispanic to front the ticking stopwatch.

I’m not much of a True Crime guy even though I played one on 20/20 for 15 years, but I do watch Dateline when my good friend from NBC, Josh Mankiewicz, is on. One of the best storytellers in journalism, it’s worth turning to when he is challenging suspects and weaving a tale.  

Another friend that I listen to on YouTube is The Mark Thompson Show, where I appear every Friday for political commentary. Mark was a morning show host on KGO radio in San Francisco before the station sold out to syndicated betting programs and got rid of all its long-time broadcasters. Mark does 2 entertaining hours a day from 2-4 PM ET.   

Lord knows it’s exhausting keeping up with all that every day. But it does keep me informed and frequently entertained. Pick or choose as you like.  

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.

Why Data From Crowd React Media Shows the Death of Cable TV Might Have Been Exaggerated

Garrett Searight
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Why Data From Crowd React Media Shows the Death of Cable TV Might Have Been Exaggerated

Crowd React Media released its State of Media 2025 report late last week, covering plenty of data from a variety of aspects. One data point showed that Cable TV is better in one aspect than every other media: conversions.

While only 64% of adults surveyed said they use Cable TV at least occasionally, 71% of those respondents say they use the service frequently.

That figure tops YouTube, music streaming, and AM/FM radio.

In the 55+ demographic, 90% of Cable TV subscribers use the service frequently. That figure slips to 69% inside the 35-54 demographic, and 48% for those aged 18-34.

While subscriber rates have fallen drastically in recent years, Cable TV is still seeing large usage rates from its subscribers. And while that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns about the viability in the future for Cable TV, the data from Crowd React Media suggests the gun might have been jumped on the narrative that it’s game over for the medium.

“There’s stuff for people to learn, think about, and be concerned about for the younger demo,” said Crowd React Media founding partner and Harker Bos Group Vice President of Client Relations Katie Miller. “But, especially when it comes to the older demo and probably all of them in general, our belief is that cable has really tapped into that local connection and feeling a part of the daily habits for someone’s life.

“So a lot of people that we spoke to about their cable habits or about their daily media habits, cable has figured out a way to be cross-platform You might open up your local news on TV first thing in the morning to make sure there’s no traffic or something like that. And you’re gonna flip them on while you’re eating breakfast, and then you’re going to check them when you get home in the evening. Cable has figured out a way to become part of the daily habit.”

Miller said that, in spite of the high conversion rates for Cable TV, there are plenty of concerns about the future.

“I think that there are some concerning things that are going away that will make it harder in the future … but they’re very much part of people’s routine. That’s a big part of it. There’s also a connection with the host. Your local news anchors, they’re important and a part of the community. Cable’s always done a really good job emphasizing that.”

The data from Crowd React Media bears out what Miller suggests: that Cable TV usage is driven by genre loyalty. 43% of Cable TV users watch news and current events frequently, while an additional 23% say they tune into news programs occasionally. 55+ viewers were the backbone of news and religious programming, while those between the ages of 18 and 54 were more likely to value sports, movies, and entertainment on the service.

Those sports rights leaving cable — with leagues like the NBA, NFL, and WWE prioritizing streaming platforms more frequently — will certainly affect Cable TV.

“There are just a few examples for sports that are really reducing their dependence on cable for distribution,” said Miller. “I think Cable will probably struggle with that because that was one of those lifelines keeping people to keep their cable subscription.

“And then also that younger demo, they are converting under 50%. So it’s still higher than a lot of conversion for other audiences, but it’s not going from 90% for 55+ to 48%. It definitely says there’s some sort of concern there. There’s something happening there,” continued Miller. “It’s probably not exaggerated, but it’s a little too early to jump the gun. Cable still has a lot of life left in it and a lot of lessons that it can learn in order to capture that younger demo as well.”

While there are concerns about the viability of Cable TV down the road due to the dwindling subscriber base, there are still changes that the medium can make to attract potential new customers.

“There are two things I think cable needs to do, two big steps,” the Crowd React Media founding partner suggested. “One is that the offering of cable packages. You need to make them much more selective, so you can choose bits and pieces rather than one large cable package. Having 200 channels is not impressive anymore. You can get all the content you want on the internet. 200 channels is not something to brag about the way it was in 10, 20 years ago. So that needs to mimic streaming in a way.

“But then for local stations, they just need to embrace that hybrid mentality. And I think that they need to emphasize digital sales and things like that, because you’re going to have an audience — the younger audience, particularly, but also that 35-to-54-year-old audience — that if they can’t reach you on multiple platforms, then they’ll abandon you entirely,” said Miller. “You need to be everywhere they are. I know everyone’s probably tired of hearing that, because it’s a lot of work. But, it’s where we are right now. If you’re not in front of people all the time, then they’re gonna forget about you.”

To view the entire Crowd React Media State of Media 2025 report — which includes data related to Cable TV, AM/FM Radio, Podcasts, News Media, Social Media, Streaming TV, Video Games, and YouTube — click 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.

Audacy Chicago Names Robby Bowen VP & Director of Sales

BMM Staff
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Audacy Chicago Names Robby Bowen VP & Director of Sales

Audacy Chicago has named Robby Bowen VP and Director of Sales for the market. The 20-year company veteran transfers from Audacy New Orleans, where he was also VP and Director of Sales.

Bowen’s oversight will include Top 40 B96, Newsradio WBBM-AM/WCFS FM, Classic Hip Hop 104.3 Jams, AAA 93XRT, Country US99, and Sports Talk 670 The Score. He will also direct the digital sales efforts and partnerships with the Chicago Cubs and Bulls.

Kevin Cassidy, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Chicago, said, “We look forward to welcoming Robby to Chicago. He is a consummate sales professional and will be an inspirational leader for a sales team that proudly represents six amazing brands, plus the Bulls and the Cubs!”

Dan Barron, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy New Orleans, added, “While Audacy Chicago prepares to welcome Robby, I would like to thank Robby for all that he has done for Audacy New Orleans. Our team, clients and business have benefited from Robby’s leadership as he has helped create a new standard for growth and excellence here in New Orleans. While he will be missed, our search has begun for our next great sales leader.”

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.

New Lineup Rolls Out At 97.9 WKKW Morgantown, WV

BMM Staff
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New Lineup Rolls Out At 97.9 WKKW Morgantown, WV

Line-up changes are cascading at Country 97.9 WKKW Morgantown, WV, following the recent departure of midday and evening personality Adri Stuhr. (BMM 5/7)

Morning co-host Alex O’Neil will follow the morning show with a 10 am – 2 pm midday shift. Afternoon host and Program Director Mike Vincent will now handle 2 pm – 7 pm, with Nikki Drake taking over nights.

Drake handles double duty in the cluster. She is also the morning and midday host at Top 40 102 WVAQ.

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.

Chris Cuomo Calls Sen. John Kennedy a ‘Coward’ for Canceling Appearance Moments Before NewsNation Show Begins

BNM Staff
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Chris Cuomo Calls Sen. John Kennedy a ‘Coward’ for Canceling Appearance Moments Before NewsNation Show Begins

Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) was scheduled to appear on the NewsNation show hosted by Chris Cuomo on Tuesday night. He reportedly canceled at the last moment, and the longtime cable news host didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Senator.

The Cuomo host asserted that Kennedy had stepped out of their scheduled interview at the last moment, which didn’t set well with the NewsNation host.

“Let me make sure his guy didn’t text me with some kind of apology before I bash him. Nope. Good,” Cuomo began. “Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, I used to have him on … He doesn’t even call me himself. He just bails. Mr. Man’s Man. Mr. ‘I’m a straight shooter.’ Then it comes time to speak truth to power and he bails five minutes before the TV show, which is very poor form. I’ve been in this business a really long time and nobody does that unless they’re a coward.”

Chris Cuomo added that it was a “punk ass move” for the senator to cancel his appearance at the last minute.

He argued that the cancellation was linked to any potential issue that could come from Sen. John Kennedy saying something that could catch the wrath of President Donald Trump.

“It is a great indication of where we are today that these men and women are more afraid of getting caught saying something that will offend the President than any kind of duty, any kind of morality, any kind of philosophy, any kind of principle that they want you to believe they’re about,” Cuomo continued. “They’re about nothing but fealty.”

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.

Dave Portnoy: I Don’t Want Barstool Sports Employees to Appear on ESPN

BSM Staff
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Dave Portnoy: I Don’t Want Barstool Sports Employees to Appear on ESPN

Barstool Sports and ESPN have had a long, complicated relationship. But it certainly appears as if Dave Portnoy would like to end any cross-promotion between the two entities.

During The Unamed Show on Wednesday, Barstool Sports podcast host Ryan Whitney was discussing his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show when he questioned if the company’s founder was upset that he went on the program.

“Am I not supposed to go on McAfee?” Whitney asked.

“You and Biz are on McAfee more than you’re on Barstool,” Portnoy replied.

After Whitney said it was the first time he had ever appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, and said he knows that Portnoy doesn’t like it but questioned why he couldn’t do it more frequently.

“I know that drives you crazy … but I can’t go on in the middle of the playoffs?” he asked.

“It’s ESPN,” said Portnoy. “I’ll guarantee you — I’m gonna say this: if we had a conversation offline and I told you why I get mad about it, you wouldn’t go on anymore. I can’t do it online. By the way, it’s not a McAfee thing. It’s ESPN. It’s not McAfee, it’s ESPN. So that’s what I’m telling you. At FOX Sports, none of their guys can go on ESPN. None. You can’t. We let it — and it’s not just you — but when we let it become a regular feature, than I’m like ‘Well why are we helping ESPN?'”

Whitney said he was a team player and would abide by whatever decision Portnoy made.

“If the head of the company — you — is like ‘I don’t want you on there’, I get it,” Whitney said. “100%.”

When Kirk Minihane probed for more information, Dave Portnoy wouldn’t relent.

“I can’t get into it,” the Barstool Sports founder said.

Barstool Sports and ESPN had previously begun a relationship that would see two of the digital network’s most popular hosts — Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter — host a talk show on ESPN2 in 2017. However, internal pushback from employees at the Worldwide Leader ultimately led to the cancellation of the program after one episode.

Barstool personalities have made numerous appearances on ESPN since that cancellation, including PFT Commenter serving as a celebrity guest picker during College GameDay when it appeared at his alma mater, James Madison University.

Additionally, Dave Portnoy was able to re-purchase Barstool Sports for $1 after striking a deal with PENN Entertainment that saw the gambling company end its deal with the Portnoy-founded company and consummate a licensing deal with ESPN to create the ESPN BET sports betting platform.

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.

Golden Globes to Add Best Podcast Award in 2026

BNM Staff
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Golden Globes to Add Best Podcast Award in 2026

The Golden Globes has announced it will introduce a new category award during its 2026 award show season, and it’s one that should make the audio industry happy.

At the 83rd Golden Globes in 2026, the award show will present the Best Podcast Award for the first time in its history.

The announcement shares that six nominees will be selected as finalists for the award, with those shows being chosen from the top 25 most-listened to programs from the medium.

“As the world of entertainment continues to evolve, we are excited to recognize new forms of storytelling,” President of the Golden Globes Helen Hoehne said. “Podcasts have emerged as a profound medium for sharing narratives and building communities across global borders and generations. By celebrating achievements in both audio and visual podcasts, we aim to honor our heritage categories while making room for new voices and formats to be heard.”

The best podcast award is the first category to be added to the awards since best cinematic and box office achievement and best stand-up comedy special were added in 2024.

The Golden Globes are scheduled for Sunday, January 11th. The award show will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Comedian Nikki Glaser is slated to host the award ceremony. Nominations will be announced on Monday, December 8th.

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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