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Laid Off By Innovation? Use AI To Get Hired Faster, Part 2

Phil Becker
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Laid Off By Innovation? Use AI To Get Hired Faster, Part 2

Last week, I shared the first five prompts media pros can use with AI after a layoff. Since then, I have heard from people who said it helped, whether they were officially wished well in their “future endeavors” or were already smart enough to start looking for future endeavors on their own.

Last week was about getting your story right, and in some cases, helping you write it right.

Here are prompts 6 through 10 in my radio RIFs series: Real Internet Fixes.

6. Do Not Use Your Old Job Title

One of the biggest traps after leaving media is searching only for the title you used to have.

I used to have hair. I used to look like I was in a boy band. But this is not about the former way you describe yourself. It is about what your experience qualifies you for now.

We say, “I programmed a station.”

A hiring manager outside radio may hear, “So you made playlists?”

What you actually did was manage a brand, grow audience, coach talent, analyze data, generate revenue, produce events, and make decisions with incomplete information.

Not bad for someone who once had frosted tips and hoop earrings.

Prompt: Hidden Job Title Finder

Act as a career strategist for a media professional. Based on my resume, identify 25 job titles I should search for that may not use my old media title. Include keywords, industries, transferable skills, and language to translate for non-media hiring managers.

A company may not be looking for a “radio person.” But it may need someone who knows how to earn attention, build an audience, and still believes they could murder “Bye Bye Bye” at the Christmas party.

7. Build A Target List Before You Apply Everywhere

When you are looking for work, panic can make every posting look like a possibility, especially around the 1st and 15th of every month.

Before you apply everywhere, build a target list: media companies, podcast companies, sports teams, entertainment brands, creator platforms, agencies, streaming companies, universities, and tech companies that need people who understand audience, community, storytelling, and all five members of O-Town.

Prompt: Target Company Builder

Act as a job search strategist. Create a target list of companies and categories for someone with my media background. Include why each fits, job titles to search, keywords to use, proof from my career to show, and who inside the company I should try to reach.

Pick 20 companies. Follow their leaders. Invite them to connect. You may only be 98 degrees from Kevin Bacon.

The worst time to build a relationship is after the job is posted and 50 million people have applied. I just picked that number out of thin air.

8. Write Outreach That Does Not Sound Like Everyone Else

Most networking messages are awful. They are too vague, too long, too needy, too formal, and written like the lyrics of a 2gether song.

“Hope this message finds you well.” It found them annoyed.

Prompt: Human Networking Message

Act as a thoughtful career coach. Rewrite this message so it sounds human, specific, and confident. I want to reach out to [PERSON] because [REASON]. My background is [SUMMARY]. I am looking for [TARGET ROLES]. My ask is [SPECIFIC HELP]. Give me a warm version, a professional version, and a short LinkedIn DM.

Follow-up matters too. If someone gives you advice, thank them. If they make an introduction, update them. If they send a job, tell them what happened.

9. Prep For Interviews Like You Already Work There

Media people are usually good talkers, but being good at words and stuff is not the same as being prepared.

An interview is different because the person across from you is not just listening to your experience. They are evaluating the risk of bringing you into their company.

Can this person do the job? Will they fit here? Are they stuck in their old industry? Can they manage change? Do they understand business?

Prompt: Interview Prep Room

Act as the hiring manager for this job. I am pasting the job description and my resume. Give me the 10 most likely questions, the concern behind each, the best story from my background to use, a conversational answer, three smart questions to ask, and one thing to avoid saying.

Then practice out loud. Show them you are not the new kid on the block. Go through the interview question by question, step by step.

10. Build A Weekly Job Search System

A job search can become a full-time job with no boss, no structure, no feedback, and no idea how you are doing.

One day you feel productive because you applied to 18 jobs. The next day you cannot remember which resume you sent, who you followed up with, or who you already told the story of your life to.

Prompt: Job Search Operating System

Act as my job search project manager. Create a weekly job search system with a spreadsheet format, Monday through Friday plan, weekly checklist, follow-up schedule, opportunity scoring system, and a short Friday review prompt so I can learn what worked.

AI will not get you hired by itself. But it can help you move faster, search wider, follow up smarter, prepare better, and stay organized while you process what happened.

Your previous company may have used innovation to decide your role was no longer part of its future.

But you can use that same innovation to find yours.

So the next time you are sitting in the interview chair, you can confidently say, “It’s gonna be me.”

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.

Kyle Long Opens up About His Dream Role With The NFL Today on CBS Sports

John Mamola
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Kyle Long Opens up About His Dream Role With The NFL Today on CBS Sports

There’s an old saying that the greatest things in life come when you least expect them. In any career, there’s a benefit to being in the right place at the right time. Some say you need a little luck as well. However, luck only occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Kyle Long always dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps. Howie Long, Kyle’s father, was a giant influence on his life. From his Hall of Fame career on the football field to becoming one of the guiding voices of the sport off it.

That path his father helped pave ultimately led to many of the same doors opening. Long was a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowl selection before officially retiring from the league in 2022. While his NFL career didn’t mirror his father’s, Long followed a similar path after retirement by joining CBS Sports.

For the last three years, Long has been a budding star with CBS Sports as one of the network’s NFL analysts. He became a fixture on the network with That Other Pregame Show and, more recently, The NFL Today+. However, following Matt Ryan’s departure from The NFL Today for an executive role with the Atlanta Falcons, questions emerged about who would fill Ryan’s seat on the network’s flagship NFL pregame program.

“When I first got the phone call, I thought it was going to be gaging my opinion on someone else in sports media,” recalled Long about the call from CBS executives regarding the open chair on The NFL Today. “It went from being another ‘teammate call’ asking my opinion on possibilities, to being a call about me. I was floored by it.”

Beginning this fall, Kyle Long, along with Russell Wilson, will be the latest additions to The NFL Today on CBS. The one-hour pregame show will feature Long and Wilson alongside Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher and host James Brown. As part of the promotion, both Wilson and Long will also serve as studio analysts on THE NFL TODAY+, CBS Sports’ digital NFL pregame show streaming on Paramount+, CBS Sports HQ and the NFL on CBS YouTube channel.

“This opportunity is something I’m not taking for granted. It’s cliche, but it’s a lifelong dream of mine since I was old enough to realize what goals are,” explains Long. “The stars have aligned. The universe has been very good to me and my family. Football has been a huge part of my identity.”

A Family Competition

The dream began for Long in 1994 when his father became one of the original faces of the NFL on FOX. For the last 30 seasons, Howie Long has continued to provide insight, analysis and opinion on the network’s signature pregame show. Now, his son reaches the same pinnacle. With FOX NFL Sunday and The NFL Today occupying the same time slot on competing networks, father and son will compete for the attention of football fans across America.

“He always told me he’d have a couple good plays left in him as a football player if I ever wanted to challenge him. The great news is we’re not wearing helmets anymore big guy,” joked Long. “The NFL on CBS is my family, but those guys [NFL on FOX] are my family too in a weird way.”

Long revealed that while working game days at CBS Sports, he would often venture into the control room to watch his father and his longtime colleagues on FOX. From time to time, the two exchanged quick texts about their wardrobes or squeezed in a FaceTime call during commercial breaks.

All joking aside, Long feels blessed to have witnessed his father’s rise on and off the football field.

“We have visibility on one another, and we always check in on one another. My dad is an amazing support system. I’m very lucky to have someone in my life that’s done it the right way for so long be my north star,” explains Long. “He told me to always be myself. It’s cliche, but in my case lean into it. I’m not going to fool anyone like I’m a chemist. I am what I am. He told me that all the time, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

When it came to his second act following football, Long leaned on his father’s routine as a guide. While sports media was always the destination, he chose the studio route over pursuing a career in the broadcast booth like many of his contemporaries.

“My dad always told me that the studio is a fantastic way to do it. First and foremost, you get suited and booted one time a week. If you do a game, you are home three nights a week. People don’t understand the rigors, travel, schedule that these people have,” said Long. “The studio is the same every Sunday. My dad tried to explain that to me early. When I told him I had some interest in calling games, he told me to pump the brakes on the idea.”

Long experimented with the broadcast booth by calling several college football games over the past few seasons, satisfying his curiosity about the role. While he enjoyed the experience, he ultimately concluded that studio television offered the perfect balance between football analysis and the lifestyle he wanted.

Adding Russell Wilson

What makes the moment even more special for Long is entering the role alongside Russell Wilson. The two have shared a bond dating back to childhood, when they played baseball against one another.

The venture will be Wilson’s first full-time television role, but Long believes his longtime friend is more than prepared for the opportunity.

“Russell already gets the media stuff. Our relationship is very unique. There was a respectful competitive animus there. Now, we get to sit next to one another and there will be barbs thrown, laughs had. For the most part, this guy is ready for this,” said Long. “He’s a great dude. We hit a home run, and I’m so lucky to share a desk with Russell Wilson.”

Long’s goal on The NFL Today is simple: celebrate the game. He looks forward to being a great teammate on an established program while helping continue its tradition of success. Rather than reinventing the show, Long wants to collaborate, listen and embrace the fun that comes with Sunday afternoons.

With that built-in chemistry already in place from sharing CBS hallways over the past few seasons, Long believes viewers can expect plenty of spontaneous and memorable moments.

“With the level of player and athletes that we have on our show, I think it would be entertaining to get up and move around. I have a hard time sitting still. Sometimes I run out of the camera. The more of that stuff, the better,” said Long. “Always ask for forgiveness than permission. There will be a lot of fun and cool elements to come. Russell [Wilson] wants to get up and demonstrate. He would be a head coach or quarterback coach if he wasn’t doing this. He is obsessed with ball. This is going to be fun.”

Talkin’ Ball On Sundays

For more than three decades, football fans have associated the Long name with insightful Sunday analysis. Beginning this fall, they’ll have a choice between two Longs in the same time slot.

Howie Long built a Hall of Fame career on the field before becoming one of television’s most recognizable NFL analysts. Kyle Long earned his own football credentials, spent the last three years proving himself in the studio and, when the opportunity finally arrived, was ready to answer.

The dream may have started by watching his father, but the next chapter belongs to him.

“Success for me is waking up with my hair on fire every Sunday. Bringing that energy and teamwork to The NFL Today every Sunday,” said Long. “Always bringing things that keep the offense moving. That’s what I’m looking forward to bringing to the table.”

Come Week 1, there won’t just be another Long on NFL television. There will be another Long carrying the family name into a new generation—this time from a different desk, on a different network and with a chance to build a legacy entirely his own.

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.

How Brian “Head” Welch Helped ZAHNA Rise From Near Death

Terrie Carr
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How Brian “Head” Welch Helped ZAHNA Rise From Near Death

Discovering new artists has always been a passion of mine. As a content creator and podcaster, it’s not only important to “find the future,” but to believe in the artists you champion. With that said, I’m super impressed by ZAHNA.

Born Suzi Martinez in Mexico and cutting her teeth playing battle-of-the-bands gigs at BBQ joints in Texas, ZAHNA’s hard work is finally paying off. She has exploded onto the metalcore scene with raw power, a history of survival — not just in the music business, but in life — and, of course, her heavy-hitting anthems. Her web bio reads: ZAHNA IS A HARD ROCK FORCE OF NATURE WHO HAS PASSED THROUGH DEATH ITSELF — AND IT’S MADE HER FEARLESS.

Here’s the story. Just as her career was getting off the ground in 2020, COVID hit, her kidney disease moved in the wrong direction, and she discovered she needed a transplant as soon as possible. Life-threatening illness and financial hardship quickly became ZAHNA’s new reality.

Fighting Back: A Story of Survival

So, what happened next? ZAHNA never gave up. Thankfully, she received a kidney donated by her mom. Her strength and health eventually returned, and she picked up the pieces and started over. With her faith guiding her and help from a famous fan — Brian “Head” Welch of the mega-band KORN — ZAHNA was reborn.

A new album is coming in September called Break or Breakthrough on XOVR Records — pronounced “Crossover” — a label co-founded by Brian. The album features a collaboration with Head titled “Defiler.” Additionally, there are tour dates with her favorite band, Flyleaf, and a powerful new energy surrounding everything she’s doing.

For any struggling musician, it’s a story of survival that proves anything is possible. I absolutely loved interviewing her. ZAHNA’s energy is a force.

Terrie Carr on Women in Metal

Terrie Carr: I’m so inspired by what the women in metal are doing these days. I have to call this out because women in metal now are doing things that we didn’t in a different generation coming up in the music business and in the radio world. We were not allowed to do what you guys are doing. You guys are taking your careers and saying, “You know what, this is my career. I’m not changing for anyone. I’m gonna have good people in my wheelhouse. I have the tenacity to be in it for the long haul. And I don’t really care what a label or a manager is telling me.”

Now — I’m not saying you wouldn’t be open to good advice from a producer or someone around you who sees something or feels there is a way to make it better. But back in the day, you had to be one kind of rock woman. It’s you, Molly from Living Dead Girl, Kristin from Daedric — you ladies are doing what you want to do to move your careers forward.

ZAHNA on Kidney Failure and Finding Fearlessness

ZAHNA: I definitely used to be more timid. But after I experienced kidney failure in 2019, I realized I really don’t have time to worry anymore — I’ve got to just do or die, literally. So that’s what we’re here to do. I was 24 years old then. I’m 33 now, so it’s been about 10 years since I was diagnosed, and about seven years since my transplant. My kidney was donated by my mother, and it was such a paradigm shift in my mind — some really psychologically trying times.

But I have to admit that without that experience, I would not have found the tenacity to get to this point. Because there was so much more beyond that — it’s like just surviving by the seat of your pants. And then all of a sudden, it’s a Cinderella story. You’re out of the castle, and you don’t know how it happened, but it did!

Terrie Carr on Brian “Head” Welch and the XOVR Deal

Terrie Carr: You’ve got a new record coming out in September called Break or Breakthrough — very exciting. I want to talk about famous fans, because I think part of that paradigm shift you were describing was when Brian “Head” Welch became a fan. Brian, of course, is from KORN. And it’s not necessarily that you reached out to him and said, “Hey, here’s our stuff — can you produce our record?” He kind of became a ZAHNA fan because he saw you live, right? You got on his radar.

ZAHNA: Yeah, that’s exactly what happened. We have a really tight-knit music community, and you’re going to rub shoulders with a lot of cool people. We just happened to play his actual time slot at a festival — the show was running late, and our set got pushed to his spot. So he was already there. And of course, you hear about artists through the grapevine who are trying to come up. But if I hadn’t done my last independent album the way I did — I worked really hard for three years to come up not only out of kidney disease and transplant and the COVID mess, but also out of being on the brink of financial ruin. I had just put about $20,000 into touring right before the pandemic shut everything down. So I was like, “Dude, I have a lot of bills to pay.” It was just a different kind of hell.

I was working three jobs, pulling waitressing shifts. It was so difficult because I had lost so much muscle throughout my kidney transplant. There were real fears about not being able to stand very long. But literally, you have your health insurance and all your meds to pay for — plus all the debt you accrued because you believe.

A Victory Yell: The Signing That Changed Everything

Terrie Carr: So you’re on Brian’s label now — XOVR, or “Crossover” — which is very cool. It’s got that little X. When I first saw it, I was like, “What is this label?” Then I was like, “Oh, it’s XOVR — I get it now, it’s Brian!” (He’s well known for his Christian faith.) And I think it was your husband who came to you and said, “Head’s a fan, and I think he wants to sign the band.”

ZAHNA: When I found out they were actually interested in signing me, I was at my husband’s gig at the restaurant — he’s a working musician too. I just stepped out back and started screaming into the air. It was a victory yell, I guess. (Laughs.) Because you don’t know what you’re going to do when you finally catch the rabbit. You’ve been trying for years to chase this thing you don’t even know is real. You don’t even know if it’s actually a safe bet. Everything you do in music is kind of a gamble — it’s a really chaotic industry, and a lot of investment goes in that could be all for naught. But when someone like Brian finally sees you, you just feel unstoppable.

What’s Next for ZAHNA

Check out ZAHNA and Brian together on her song “Defiler” and her incredible latest single “The Archer.” ZAHNA and her band hit the road with their favorite band, Flyleaf, for some summer dates. My full interview with ZAHNA is linked below.

Metal fans have a lot to look forward to in the genre. It’s a really exciting time for heavy music.

Zahna With Terrie Carr  

Listen to Zahna with Terrie 

Zahna Featuring Brian “Head” Welch – Defiler

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.

Zena Keita, Meghan McKeown, Autumn Johnson Shine on WNBA on ION Pregame Show

John Molori
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Zena Keita, Meghan McKeown, Autumn Johnson Shine on WNBA on ION Pregame Show

This season, the WNBA has not only showcased proven talent on the court, but has also given exposure to equally strong talent in the studio. The WNBA on ION Pregame Show scored a triple-double with Zena Keita, Meghan McKeown, and Autumn Johnson previewing this past week’s Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty tilt. The flashy show open was fitting, as it introduced a program that was fast-paced and attention-grabbing. With live look-ins, fan shots, and player entrances, viewers got an inside look at what was going on at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

This has been a good year for the WNBA. Frontline players like A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper, and Angel Reese are playing at a high level. Meanwhile, multimedia personality Sophie Cunningham is generating excitement with fashion pointers, three-point shots, and simply pointing at opponents. Young, skilled, and tough players like Paige Bueckers and Olivia Miles have set the WNBA up for a potentially long run of growing popularity.

Amid this exciting backdrop, ION has done a terrific job of bringing the exuberance of the league to life. Basketball is largely about battles, and in the WNBA, discord, rivalries, and heated exchanges are on the rise. The league has brought back rough-and-tumble, hard-nosed basketball, the likes of which have not been seen since the 1980s and 1990s, when teams like the Celtics, Pistons, Pacers, and Knicks played a physical brand of ball.

A Cup Run and a Rookie’s Resolve

The ION Pregame Show also looked back on the Liberty’s 2026 Commissioner’s Cup victory over Las Vegas, 93-85. The win was highlighted by a terrific performance from New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, another of the league’s superstars. Keita, McKeown, and Johnson talked about Ionescu, as well as the aforementioned Miles, who, in her rookie season with the Lynx, has not backed down from any opponent.

This on-air trio has done a terrific job of highlighting games and players all season long. The ION Pregame Show offers several segments with different perspectives on the matchups. My favorite is the opener, where Keita asked McKeown and Johnson for “one word” to describe the Lynx-Liberty game. McKeown went with “caliber,” saying this is a playoff-caliber matchup. Johnson followed up with the word “titans,” explaining that you have one of the top teams in the league in Minnesota going against the Commissioner’s Cup champion Liberty.

Keita, McKeown, and Johnson work really well together. They are all versatile, able to play the role of host, reporter, and analyst. Johnson brings a varied background to the set as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and a beat reporter for NCAA.com. She also played hoops at Kennesaw State University. Keita brings knowledge aplenty, working for NBC Sports Bay Area and hosting a number of women’s basketball podcasts. She did a nice job of breaking down Miles’ rookie season thus far, complete with stats and analysis.

Feature Stories and All-Star Buzz

This edition of the ION Pregame Show featured a cool feature story on Chicago Sky rookie Gabriela Jaquez, the former UCLA star. I liked the style of this package, with no voiceover or stand-up from a reporter. The sound was provided by Jaquez herself, with video and images showing her life in basketball. The show also looked at the upcoming 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago on July 25. A graphic showed this year’s All-Star starters featuring Bueckers, Clark, Miles, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Jessica Shepard, Stewart, Gabby Williams, and Wilson.

Following the graphic, McKeown talked about Shepard’s talent finally being recognized, while Johnson discussed the fact that Reese was not named a starter despite the Atlanta Dream star’s impressive season. Johnson quoted Reese saying that the snub was a “slap in the face.” Following a break later in the show, Keita, McKeown, and Johnson rifled through some recent WNBA game highlights. Together, they have developed a really effective conversational style — each one giving input on the various plays without talking over each other.

The word chemistry is often tossed around, but with Keita, McKeown, and Johnson, it is caught and slam dunked. They know their roles on a given show and bring a dynamic feel to the broadcast.

Setting the Scene for Game Night

The players are the most important part of any sports league, but do not underestimate the impact of prepared, informed, and entertaining network broadcasters. On a pregame show especially, they are the ones who set the scene and lead into the action on the court. They create interest and anticipation. It is clear that Keita, McKeown, and Johnson get this, and they do it without becoming publicists for the league. They bring a deep knowledge of both collegiate and professional women’s basketball and specialize in opinion and candor. In short, they make you want to watch the upcoming game.

The WNBA on ION Pregame Show frequently goes back to live look-ins with both teams warming up for the game. As video isolates individual players taking layups, stretching, and taking jumpers, Keita, McKeown, and Johnson focus on those players and what they bring to that night’s game. Minnesota’s Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey were discussed, as were Ionescu and Stewart on the New York side. Ionescu has come on strong lately for the Liberty, and Keita stressed the consistent pick-and-roll threat that she and Stewart provide.

Segments, Keys to the Game, and Closing Thoughts

Another one of the many segments on the show is a play on words called “I Have My Ion,” where the panelists discuss what they are specifically looking at in the upcoming game. Johnson focused on Napheesa Collier and what she brings to the Lynx attack coming back from injury. As the WNBA on ION Pregame Show neared its end, Keita, McKeown, and Johnson moved to a stand-up segment, giving their keys to the game. This is where McKeown was at her best. This skyrocketing talent certainly has found a fine niche talking WNBA on ION, but her impressive and growing résumé also includes work for FOX Sports, ESPN, and NBC Sports. McKeown is also a former basketball player at Northwestern. I can easily see her moving on to a more substantive role in media quite soon. She combines opinion and analysis as well as anyone.

Keita brought the best out of both McKeown and Johnson on this show. I like the fun tone and attitude that she brings to the program. Johnson is adept at combining her reporting and analysis chops to present facts and opinion in a direct, unabashed manner. The WNBA on ION Pregame Show is really well formatted and directed, with Keita moving the production from segment to segment, and McKeown and Johnson understanding the pace with clear and concise thoughts. In this, its 30th season, the WNBA is finally realizing that basketball is not enough. You need to draw an audience with personality, feeling, and passion. The WNBA on ION Pregame Show does just that.

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.

Sal Licata, John Jastremski Team for ‘New York Sports Rush’ Podcast with BetRivers Network

Garrett Searight
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Sal Licata, John Jastremski Team for ‘New York Sports Rush’ Podcast with BetRivers Network

Sal Licata and John Jastremski are teaming up for a new sports podcast. The former WFAN hosts will launch New York Sports Rush with BetRivers Network.

What We Know: BetRivers Network has added another New York-focused program to its growing lineup. Sal Licata and John Jastremski will co-host New York Sports Rush, a new podcast scheduled to air three times per week. The show reunites two personalities who previously worked together at WFAN. Jastremski remains a prominent voice in New York sports media through his podcasting and digital work, while Licata most recently hosted middays alongside Brandon Tierney before departing WFAN last year. As a result, the new venture gives both hosts a platform to discuss the city’s teams, storylines, and biggest debates in a digital-first environment.

What They Said: “How cool is this? Three days a week. In case you weren’t sick of me enough already, now you get to see me three days a week.” – John Jastremski

“I’m looking forward to it. But I love the opportunity here to talk some New York sports. Just two passionate, diehard New York sports fans having some fun with it. You’re right. We’ve worked together quite a bit, whether it’s day or night. Now, I’m going to be hanging out with you more than I hang out with my wife.” – Sal Licata

What’s at Stake: Sports media companies continue to invest in personality-driven content as audiences increasingly consume shows through podcasts and streaming platforms. Therefore, BetRivers Network gains another recognizable New York-based program, while Licata expands his presence following his radio departure. Meanwhile, Jastremski adds another outlet to an already established sports media portfolio.

What It Means: The launch highlights the continued value of established local sports voices. Although both hosts built their reputations in traditional radio, they’re now leveraging those connections in podcasting. Consequently, New York Sports Rush gives New York sports fans another destination for opinion, analysis, and conversation from two familiar voices.

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.

33% View Stations With AI Voices Less Favorably, New Crowd React Media Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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33% View Stations With AI Voices Less Favorably, New Crowd React Media Data Shows

AI voices continue to divide radio listeners. New research suggests disclosure can change audience perception.

What We Know: Crowd React Media’s latest study examined how listeners perceive AI-generated voices compared to human voiceover talent. While AI performed competitively in many areas, listeners consistently rated human voices higher for energy, comedy, and relatability or friendliness. Overall, respondents also reacted more favorably to messages delivered by human voices. However, the study found that opinions shifted once listeners learned the voices they heard were generated by AI instead of humans. Although 44% of respondents expressed at least some level of positivity toward AI voices, that support didn’t fully translate into favorable views of stations using the technology.

What the Numbers Show: The Crowd React Media study found that 25% of respondents were very positive about AI-generated voices, while another 19% were somewhat positive. Meanwhile, 13% said they were very negative and another 13% were somewhat negative, with 30% remaining neutral. Even so, listeners viewed stations using AI voices less favorably after learning the technology was involved. According to the survey, 33% said they’d feel less favorable toward a station using AI voices, compared to just 21% who said they’d feel more favorable. Another 47% said it would make no difference.

What Remains Unclear: The findings don’t explain whether negative reactions would affect actual listening habits or advertiser support. Likewise, the research doesn’t indicate whether opinions would soften as AI voices become more common across radio, podcasting, and other audio platforms. It’s also unclear whether local personalities would receive different reactions than syndicated or promotional voiceovers.

What It Means: Radio companies continue searching for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency, and AI voice technology offers an attractive option. However, this research suggests broadcasters should weigh potential savings against audience perception. Even listeners who generally accept AI appear hesitant when stations replace human voices, reinforcing that authenticity and personality remain valuable competitive advantages for broadcasters.

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.

ABC: FCC Singling Out TV for Same Things Talk Radio Does

Garrett Searight
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ABC: FCC Singling Out TV for Same Things Talk Radio Does

ABC is challenging the FCC’s scrutiny of The View. The filing argues the FCC can’t dictate editorial decisions under the First Amendment.

What We Know: ABC has filed a response with the FCC objecting to the agency’s inquiry involving The View. The company argues federal regulators are overstepping their authority by questioning editorial choices made by broadcast news and opinion programs. According to the filing, the Commission’s approach threatens longstanding First Amendment protections for broadcasters. ABC also contends the inquiry singles out certain television programs while ignoring similar practices elsewhere in the media landscape. As a result, the dispute could become a significant test of how far the FCC can go when examining programming decisions made by broadcast licensees.

What They Said: “The First Amendment does not permit the government to sit in an editor’s chair. Yet that is the seat the Commission now proposes to take — deciding which broadcast programs qualify as legitimate news and, for those it finds wanting, compelling them to surrender their airtime to guests they never chose to feature … 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. 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.” -ABC lawyers in FCC filing

What Remains Unclear: The FCC hasn’t indicated when it will rule on the matter or whether additional proceedings will follow. It’s also unknown whether the dispute could prompt broader legal challenges over the Commission’s authority to review editorial practices involving broadcast programming.

What It Means: The filing raises stakes beyond The View. If regulators expand their oversight of editorial decisions, broadcasters could face increased pressure over guest selection and program content. Conversely, a ruling favoring ABC could reinforce constitutional protections that have long limited government involvement in newsroom and programming judgments.

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.

July 4th Ratings: Fox News Finishes Ahead of CNN and MS NOW

Garrett Searight
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July 4th Ratings: Fox News Finishes Ahead of CNN and MS NOW

Fox News dominated cable news viewing on Independence Day. The network led every major holiday time period by a comfortable margin.

What We Know: Fox News delivered the largest audiences throughout July 4, from primetime into late-night coverage. During the 11:15-11:45 PM ET window, the network attracted 5.5 million viewers, far ahead of CNN‘s 1.2 million and MS NOW’s 381,000. Earlier, Fox News averaged 3.3 million viewers during the 8-11 PM ET primetime block. That performance topped CBS, which drew 2 million viewers, while CNN reached 1.2 million viewers and MS NOW finished with 317,000.

What the Numbers Show:

NetworkTotal Day Viewers (3 AM – 3 AM ET)
Fox News2.2 million
CNN586,000
MS NOW402,000

What’s At Stake: Holiday viewing patterns often differ from regular weekday schedules because audiences spend more time traveling, attending events, or celebrating with family. Even so, July 4 remains a valuable measuring stick because it shows which networks can retain viewers despite those disruptions. Strong holiday performances also provide momentum as networks head into a busy summer news cycle.

What It Means: Fox News once again demonstrated its ability to attract large audiences during major national events and holidays. Meanwhile, CNN maintained a solid second-place finish in both primetime and late-night coverage. MS NOW, however, continued to trail its primary cable news competitors by a significant margin. Although holiday ratings don’t always predict future performance, Fox News’ commanding Independence Day showing reinforces its position as the cable news ratings leader.

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.

SN650 Vancouver, SN960 Calgary to Cease Operations

Garrett Searight
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SN650 Vancouver, SN960 Calgary to Cease Operations

Sports radio listeners noticed something unusual on SN650 Tuesday morning. Vancouver woke up to syndicated programming instead of its regular local morning show.

What We Know: Mike Halford and Jason Brough were absent from SN650’s morning lineup on Tuesday. Instead, the station carried Westwood One programming. Meanwhile, Postmedia reported staff members were called to a 10 AM all-hands meeting where management is expected to outline the station’s future. At that meeting, station personnel were informed that SN650 in Vancouver and SN960 in Calgary were shutting down. Rogers will return the licenses for both stations. The company is also shutting down four news/talk stations around the nation.

What’s They Said: “The media business continues to face headwinds driven by declining advertising revenue and changing audience habits. These changes are part of our plan to focus our investment in areas that will drive growth long-term. After a thorough review of our radio stations, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close six radio stations in four markets due to declining audience and revenue trends — we continue to own and operate 44 radio stations in nearly 30 communities across the country and to invest in local news in the impacted markets.” -Rogers spokesperson

What Remains Unclear: Which station in Vancouver the NHL’s Canucks will utilize as its radio flagship going forward. Rogers will keep the rights for that team, but will use another station. Rogers will stop producing content for the Calgary Flames.

What It Means: The developments recall Bell Media’s abrupt shutdown of TSN 1040 in 2021. At the time, Halford and Brough were removed from the air without warning. Moreover, these moves underscore the challenges facing AM sports radio as audiences increasingly shift to on-demand and streaming audio.

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.

Netflix Adds Michael Irvin to Home Run Derby Broadcast Team

Garrett Searight
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Netflix Adds Michael Irvin to Home Run Derby Broadcast Team

Netflix continues adding star power to its live sports coverage. Michael Irvin will contribute to the streamer’s MLB Home Run Derby broadcast from Philadelphia.

What We Know: Netflix has enlisted Irvin to help cover Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby as the company continues expanding its live sports portfolio. The Pro Football Hall of Famer will conduct interviews during the event while also bringing elements of his “White House” interview style to the broadcast. His assignment adds another recognizable personality to Netflix’s growing lineup of sports programming. Meanwhile, the appearance strengthens Irvin’s relationship with the streaming service after previous collaborations tied to the Dallas Cowboys.

What They Said: “I’m so looking forward to going out and being around and showcasing the Home Run Derby for Netflix and interviewing guys to bring them on my White House show and everything. I know it’s in Philadelphia, so I’ve got to walk amongst them, but I’m willing. I’m willing. Let them know, I come in peace … It really has been a beautiful union. It’s amazing because Netflix has such a great relationship with the Dallas Cowboys. It really works out.” -Michael Irvin in an interview with On3

What Remains Unclear: Netflix hasn’t detailed how often Irvin will appear during the broadcast or whether his role extends beyond this year’s Home Run Derby. The company also hasn’t announced if he’ll contribute to additional MLB programming in the future.

What It Means: Netflix continues blending sports coverage with recognizable personalities from outside baseball. That strategy has become a hallmark of the streamer’s live event programming, and Irvin’s energetic interview style could help attract casual viewers alongside dedicated baseball fans. As Netflix invests further in marquee sports properties, cross-sport personalities may become an increasingly important part of its presentation.

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.

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