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The 2025 BSM Summit Welcomes Ozzie Guillen

Jason Barrett
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The 2025 BSM Summit Welcomes Ozzie Guillen

The lineup for the 2025 BSM Summit has come together as hoped. Our agenda provides insight and information for executives to GM’s, programmers, talent, agents, salespeople, and those performing behind the scenes. Coupled with the value delivered on stage are opportunities to network and celebrate the best in sports media.

Tickets to the Summit are available at BSMSummit.com. Our deadline for sponsorships is Thursday close of business so if you’re looking to include your brand in the event, touch base with Stephanie Eads asap. She can be reached by email at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.

I’ll have one final announcement tomorrow, revealing a few final additions to the schedule. Immediately after that, I’ll begin connecting speakers and going over the gameplan to make sure we have a productive two-days together in Chicago. Keep an eye on your inbox if you’re involved in the show.

But now for today’s announcement.

It’s a pleasure to welcome former Chicago White Sox World Series winning manager, and the 1985 American League rookie of the year, Ozzie Guillen to the 2025 BSM Summit. A huge thank you to Ozzie for making time to join us, and to my friend Mitch Rosen of 670 The Score for his help in making it happen.

This was a session I was hoping would work out. Ozzie has a knack for being insightful, passionate, colorful, and candid. I’m eager to pick his brain when we sit down to chat on Friday May 9th. He’ll join me for a chat just before the Premiere Networks Awards ceremony.

What I love about conversations like this are that they are very relatable to media managers. The people, content, and expectations may differ, but the jobs are similar. They involve coaching, developing, challenging, and motivating talent. It also includes interacting with the public, managing egos, being the spokesperson for an organization, managing up to corporate, and getting involved in financial decisions.

Winning on the field or inside the studio isn’t just about making out a lineup card. It’s about creating a vision, making sound decisions, absorbing responsibility, surrounding yourself with a strong team that can help lighten the load, and knowing when to push and when to back off when dealing with the folks up top.

In Ozzie Guillen’s case, he’s seen it all. He’s experienced the highs and lows as a player and manager, has won a championship, and understands what separates those who win from those who don’t. His colorful personality has always generated attention, so it’s fitting to see him now working in our industry, serving as an analyst before and after White Sox games on the Chicago Sports Network. He also appears weekly on 670 The Score with Mully and Haugh.

I think a lot of professionals will enjoy hearing Ozzie’s perspectives on managing. I’m excited to conduct the conversation, and hope you’ll join us in the room on Friday May 9th!

David Samson: Stephen A. Smith Was Very Measured in His Comments About Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit

BSM Staff
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David Samson: Stephen A. Smith Was Very Measured in His Comments About Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit

ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe is embroiled in a civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims that the former NFL tight end sexually assaulted, harassed, and committed battery against her. According to a lawsuit filed Sunday in Clark County, NV, the plaintiff, under the alias “Jane Doe,” said she was in a rocky relationship with Sharpe for nearly two years and is seeking $50 million dollars in damages. Sharpe is a weekly co-host on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith, who is the executive producer of the program and helped the network land Sharpe following his leave from rival network FS1.

Yesterday, Stephen A. Smith took to his owned and operated YouTube podcast to discuss the allegations against Sharpe. Smith said that he spoke with ESPN management about the situation and passed along that he knows nothing more of the situation. Furthermore, he expressed hope that Sharpe is allowed to prove his innocence and wished for the best outcome for him.

Additionally, David Samson was a guest on The Dan Le Batard Show Wednesday to discuss the very measured comments from Stephen A. Smith regarding the lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe.

“He actually said, I don’t know anything. I brought Shannon to ESPN. I attempted he was, he’s my partner, he’s my friend, and I want to believe him, because I want it to not be true, but I just don’t know,” said Samson regarding Smith’s comments on his podcast. “By the way, he did a read for PrizePicks before the show. He then did an entire conversation about how he has ESPN bosses. How while it’s his own show, the podcast, he’s got other employers. So he was very measured, because you don’t want to be on the wrong side of this. No matter whether it’s your friend or not.”

Moreover, Samson, a former Major League Baseball executive, noted Smith’s recent headlines about a possible attempt to run for President of The United States. He stated that Smith was as measured as he could be because you don’t want this to backfire in case there is a run for the Oval Office.

“You have a better chance to become President than monetizing your podcast if you’re on the wrong side of an issue like this one,” Samson noted.

Meanwhile, Sharpe has denied the allegations through his lawyer and several posts on social media. According to the New York Post, Sharpe was in mediation with his accuser, with Sharpe’s lawyer Lanny J. Davis saying that his client was at least willing to settle for $10 million dollars. However, Sharpe and his attorney have revealed the name of “Jane Doe” in their responses to the civil suit filed earlier this week, which Samson noted typically is something that never happens.

“It’s common both criminally and civilly, in order to protect the name of the person involved,” said Samson. “What Shannon Sharpe did, you have every right to name a person. You have every right to defend yourself in any court of law, any legal action. That’s an interesting choice, though. Because more so than the 10 million settlement offer, I found the choice to name the name the more suspect choice. I don’t think it was necessary.”

At this time, ESPN has made no comment on the matter with Shannon Sharpe.

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.

At-Work AM/FM Radio Listening Jumps 10% in 2025, Edison Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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At-Work AM/FM Radio Listening Jumps 10% in 2025, Edison Research Data Shows

In the latest data from the Share of Ear study by Edison Research, there was a notable jump in the rise of at-work listening to AM/FM radio in the first quarter of 2025.

During the first quarter of 2025, 53% of those listening to audio at work reported listening to AM/FM radio. When coupled with streaming of AM/FM radio brands, that figure rises to 63%.

That represents a 10% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024 on both fronts.

The news of expanded AM/FM radio listening comes on the heels of a report that 64% of companies have now asked employees to return to the office in at least some capacity, with that figure expected to jump to 87% by the end of the year.

“Radio provides a valuable opportunity for marketers to engage with office workers throughout their day, from the morning drive, at the office, to the evening commute,” Audacy Senior Vice President of Research & Insights Ray Borelli said. “Think about the listener who hears an ad for an appliance store sale or the latest deal at their favorite quick-serve restaurant while at work. They are going to be more likely to search online or stop by on their way home.”

Unsurprisingly, the data from Edison Research shows that radio remains the majority of audio usage in cars. 83% of all audio listening in vehicles was held by terrestrial radio.

(Graphic: Audacy)

Other data shows that podcast listening sees its highest levels for at-home listeners. 27% of those listening to audio at home are listening to podcasts. That number drops to 21% at work, and 7% in the car. Similarly, streaming music sees its highest usage at home with 16%. That figure falls to 13% at work and 5% in the car.

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 York Islanders Let Go of Radio Broadcasters: Report

BSM Staff
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New York Islanders Let Go of Radio Broadcasters: Report

Following a season in which the New York Islanders failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the team decided not to renew the contract of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello. The organization is reportedly making changes off the ice as well, letting go of radio play-by-play announcer Chris King and color commentator Greg Picker.

Arthur Staple of The Athletic, who covers the team for the digital publication, also added that the team may not have radio broadcasts going forward. This resolution, should it be substantiated, would take place just two years after the broadcasters were reported to no longer be traveling outside of local destinations such as Manhattan, Newark and Philadelphia.

The cessation of radio broadcasts would mark the first time since the 2009-10 season that the team has not offered fans a distinctive, on-air presence.

The organization opted to simulcast the television feed of games during that season, but it reverted back to radio the next season with King calling games alongside select students at Hofstra University. WRHU 88.7 FM has served as the flagship home of the team for the last several years through which students produced broadcasts, delivered in-game sports updates and took part in on-site reporting from UBS Arena.

This past season, the live game broadcasts aired on WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio (WRCN) in addition to SiriusXM and other digital platforms. The broadcasts have also traditionally featured shoulder programming, intermission reports and features about the team and arena. King has worked on the radio broadcasts since the 1994 season and documented several memorable moments for the team, including back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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.

Groovy 106.3 Debuts In Oxnard/Ventura CA

BMM Staff
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Groovy 106.3 Debuts In Oxnard/Ventura CA

Top 40 106.3 The Vibe Oxnard-Ventura, CA, has flipped to Groovy 106.3, the Best of the ’60s and ’70s with “Scott Shannon’s True Oldies Channel.”

The move follows the cancellation of seven of Westwood One’s 24/7 formats, including the “Hits Now” Top 40 format, which the station had been carrying.

VP/Market Manager Sommer Frisk said, “Finally — a station in Oxnard-Ventura that is more ‘Toe Taps’ than ‘TikTok’s … We flipped the format to Groovy 106.3/True Oldies and are excited to fill a hole in the market and bring good times, and groovy feelings back for the Adult 45+ audience and advertisers.”

Operations Manager Dave Daniels added, “We are so excited about ‘Groovy 106.3!’ The True Oldies format was missing from Ventura County, and now it’s back! Fun music that captures the essence of the California spirit! Plus, Dodgers Baseball! That’s Groovy!”

The station will continue to carry the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcasts.

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.

MSNBC Sets Debut Date for Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez Primetime Show

BNM Staff
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MSNBC Sets Debut Date for Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez Primetime Show

The much-rumored but yet-to-be-confirmed primetime show on MSNBC hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez now has a name and release date.

The Weeknight will be seen on Mondays from 7-9 PM ET and from 7-8 PM ET Tuesdays through Fridays. The name for the new show mimics that of the previous program helmed by the trio — The Weekend — that was seen until earlier this year. Lasting 18 months as a weekend show, the program saw total viewership grow by 35% during its tenure. It also grew 32% in the key Adults 25-54 demographic.

The new program will debut on Monday, May 5th. Additionally, the role of Jen Psaki will expand the following day, as she’ll officially take over the 9 PM ET hour from Tuesday through Friday.

Before joining MSNBC, Symone Sanders Townsend was a senior advisor to the 2020 campaign of President Joe Biden. She also served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Michael Steele was the first African American to serve as the Lt. Governor of Maryland as well as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He has long served as an MSNBC political analyst and also hosts The Michael Steele Podcast.

Menendez has been with MSNBC since 2019, serving as a weekend host. Previously, she served as a correspondent for PBS’ Amanpour & Company, as well as host of Alicia Menendez Tonight. She is the daughter of former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

The news of The Weeknight being added to the primetime lineup at MSNBC comes as the network has revamped its offerings in that window. Sanders Townsend, Steele, and Menendez step into the timeslot previously occupied by Joy Reid before her high-profile exit from the network earlier this year.

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.

Lesley Stahl: We Hope 60 Minutes Executive Producer Stepping Down Sends Message to CBS News Bosses

BNM Staff
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Lesley Stahl: We Hope 60 Minutes Executive Producer Stepping Down Sends Message to CBS News Bosses

60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens announced he was leaving the CBS News show because he didn’t feel as if he could have the editorial independence any longer. Lesley Stahl hopes that message resonates with management.

“Over the past months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it,” Bill Owens wrote in a memo to employees on Tuesday. “To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. So, having defended this show- and what we stand for – from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward. 

“The show is too important to the country, it has to continue, just not with me as the Executive Producer,” he concluded.

The comments come after CBS News and parent company Paramount Global have considered settling a lawsuit from President Donald Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with his opponent in the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris. Some have called the lawsuit frivolous,  but Paramount Global is in the midst of a proposed merger with Skydance, which would need Trump administration approval to be completed.

In an interview with Variety, Stahl said that there has been “interference” in the network’s newsgathering process and says that it isn’t “the way companies that own news organizations should be acting.”

She added that she hopes the stand Owens has made will be a wake-up call to the network’s executives.

“We hope that this message reaches our bosses, that we have a reputation to uphold,” said Stahl. “It’s one of the reasons that CBS News is valuable. It’s what 60 Minutes stands for, and we can’t lose that. We can’t afford to lose that. We have lost our boss because of it. It’s just crushing.”

Stahl concluded that she hopes that the “sacrifice” made by her CBS News colleague will be “a message that resonates” and that it will lead to changes by the company going forward.

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.

Jimmy Pitaro: ESPN Direct-to-Consumer Launch is ‘Probably the Biggest Transition in Our History’

BSM Staff
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Jimmy Pitaro: ESPN Direct-to-Consumer Launch is ‘Probably the Biggest Transition in Our History’

With the launch of the ESPN direct-to-consumer service and app enhancements expected to take place this fall, there has been considerable interest and speculation into what the platforms could entail. Jimmy Pitaro, the chairman of ESPN, has discussed how the company is taking “parallel paths” with the new functionality and how ESPN networks are going to continue remaining available on cable television. Furthermore, he has talked about how the company ultimately wants users to authenticate their viewing credentials through the ESPN App to utilize these new experiences, some of which include integrations related to betting, fantasy and commerce.

Pitaro was part of a recent discussion from the CAA World Congress of Sports alongside Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, where both executives confirmed that a launch date, price and name have all been determined. The only details surrounding these factors were that the service would not be called “Flagship,” which was the internal codename assigned to the project at the time. Iger referred to the launch of the direct-to-consumer product as something that “might be the biggest move since getting the full season of the NFL,” and Pitaro took a similar sentiment in saying it is “probably the biggest transition in our history.”

The most recent earnings report from The Walt Disney Company projected a 13% rise in operating income within the sports division amid the ongoing fiscal year. ESPN as a whole generated revenue of $4.8 billion and operating income of $228 million for the quarter, the latter of which is indicative of a 15% rise from the previous year. While speaking at the event this week, Iger spoke about the importance of sports within the overall business of The Walt Disney Company and the reasons why sports properties have continued working with ESPN.

“I know how important exposure, distribution and access to consumers is, and that doesn’t come cheaply, and it doesn’t come easily,” Iger said per Sports Business Journal. “It’s not always about if you build it, they will come.

“You have to build it, and you have to figure out a means of delivering it to consumers that are both very pro-consumer and pro-sports, meaning the organization, and obviously pro the business that is covering those sports. And I think we offer – in part because of the range of product that we offer – the resources that we have, because we are a company that is on very solid footing from an economic perspective, the energy that we create just in terms of our support of and our excitement about being in the entertainment/sports business.”

Two years ago, The Walt Disney Company engaged in a strategic reorganization that created three business segments within the company – Disney Entertainment, ESPN and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Since that time, ESPN has made internal changes to some of its leadership, including the promotion of Burke Magnus to president of content and return of Rosalyn Durant as the executive vice president of programming and acquisitions. ESPN has also reached new media rights deals with entities such as the NBA, NCAA and College Football Playoff, and it has also leveraged technology and innovation to continue serving sports fans.

“Technology is a sports fan’s heaven in many respects,” Iger said. “We’re now entering a new age where the technology side of our business has actually risen to a level that is almost equal to the entertainment side – but probably an unbelievable partner to entertainment – more so than ever before. And to me, that’s very exciting.

“And also, the ability to package, which we’ve done with our entertainment offerings with our sports offerings, whether we were dealing with multichannel operators or whether we’re dealing with consumers that want to buy streaming services, I think has real value both for us as distributors and also for consumers.”

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.

K-Love Is Ending The ‘Scott And Kelli Show’

BMM Staff
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K-Love Is Ending The ‘Scott And Kelli Show’

After more than 15 years Christian AC K-Love is ending the “Scott and Kelli Show,” featuring Scott Smith and Kelli Caldwell.

The duo will remain with the network, with Caldwell moving overnights and Smith taking on middays.

The news was announced in an Instagram post, “What a joy it’s been to share life, laughter and faith with all of you. While it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, we’re excited to see what God is going to do next! The good news is, both Scott & Kelli are staying with K-LOVE! Scott will be joining you between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT, and Kelli will be anchoring the overnight show. We’re excited for them to continue being part of your lives in new ways! Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the love over the years.”

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.

Legendary New York Yankees Voice John Sterling Welcomes New Show Debuting This Weekend on 77 WABC

BSM Staff
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Legendary New York Yankees Voice John Sterling Welcomes New Show Debuting This Weekend on 77 WABC

The legendary voice of the New York Yankees is returning to radio. John Sterling will be returning to the New York City airwaves beginning this weekend on 77 WABC radio for a weekly Saturday afternoon program airing from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sterling, who called Yankees radio broadcasts for 35 years, retired from his position with WFAN and the New York Yankees following the conclusion of last season. Speaking with the Bergen Record, Sterling said he had been in contact with several radio stations about doing a sports talk program.

“Imagine someone looking for a job, but he’ll only work Saturday afternoon?” joked Sterling to the Bergen Record.

Before his work with the Yankees radio network, Sterling once hosted a sports talk program on WMCA in New York. Then, he headed to WFAN in 1987.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Sterling said of his new show which debuts this weekend. “I’ll be the only one doing sports there.”

Last season, Sterling announced his retirement before his final season calling games for the Yankees. However, he returned to call games for the club’s postseason run. Ultimately, the season concluded with the team losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

Additionally, Sterling noted his excitement with the Bergen Record about the new program beginning this weekend, following some time off after the conclusion of the regular season.

So far, 77 WABC has not commented on the show’s addition to the weekend lineup. Furthermore, the station has not yet updated its website lineup to showcase the new program as of posting.

Notably, Andrew Marchand of The New York Times was the first to report the news of Sterling’s new program via his X account. As of now, neither Sterling nor 77 WABC has revealed the program’s name or guest list for the debut this weekend on the radio station.

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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