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Sean Gibbons Promoted to SiriusXM Chief Product Officer

David Hill
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Sean Gibbons Promoted to SiriusXM Chief Product Officer

Sean Gibbons becomes SiriusXM’s new Chief Product and Technology Officer. The longtime leader now joins the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

What We Know: After 26 years at Sirius, Gibbons earned this significant promotion from within. He reports directly to CEO Jennifer Witz, overseeing product and technology across both SiriusXM and Pandora. His responsibilities include the 360L in-car experience, satellite and streaming platforms, AI integration, and advertising technology. Clearly, SiriusXM views him as essential to advancing its next-generation strategy.

What They Said: “SiriusXM has a unique set of assets,” Gibbons explained. “We can pair the reach and reliability of satellite with the flexibility of streaming and the intelligence of AI.” He stressed making it easier for listeners to discover content. Moreover, he wants to deepen participation in moments that matter to audiences.

What Remains Unclear: The company hasn’t detailed specific timelines for AI implementation across platforms. Additionally, rollout schedules for next-generation in-car experiences remain somewhat vague. Furthermore, SiriusXM hasn’t clarified how it will operationally integrate the consolidated product organization between its platforms. Finally, the company hasn’t disclosed specific metrics for measuring success in these new areas.

What It Means: This appointment signals SiriusXM’s commitment to becoming a hybrid satellite-streaming-AI company. By elevating a 26-year veteran, the company demonstrates confidence in its connected vehicle strategy. Importantly, this reflects broader industry momentum toward AI-driven personalization. Therefore, expect significant product innovation across SiriusXM’s platforms in the coming quarters.

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.

Eddie Volkman, Amy Reed Among Connoisseur Media Restructuring

David Hill
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Eddie Volkman, Amy Reed Among Connoisseur Media Restructuring

It looks like Connoisseur Media’s reduction in force my not be as wide spread as initially reported. No official comment has been made. If names surface across multiple markets, Barrett Media will track departures and provide continuous updates. Industry professionals affected can contact David Hill at david@barrettmedia.com to be added to our coverage list.

What We Know Amy Reed departed her role as PD at Classic Rock WMFX (Fox 102.3) and MD at Alternative WARQ-HD2 in Columbia, SC. Additionally, Jeff Jones exited his morning host position at Classic Hits KTLB (“105.9 The Beach”) in Fort Dodge, IA. Chicago morning legend Eddie Volkman announced his departure from Classic Hits WSSR (The 967) in Joliet after working across the Connoisseur cluster. Volkman gained fame co-hosting mornings at WBBM-FM from 1986-1994 and 1997-2008. He shared his departure announcement stating, “today was my last day with the company, and I am another unfortunate casualty of the radio industry.”

What’s at Stake Multiple markets lose experienced talent and institutional knowledge simultaneously. Columbia’s WMFX loses the programming leadership that achieved top-five market performance. Veteran on-air talent departing across several clusters creates continuity challenges.

What Remains Unclear The full financial rationale driving these reductions hasn’t been disclosed. Additional departures across Connoisseur’s remaining cluster markets remain undisclosed. Interim programming plans and talent replacements haven’t been announced. Whether further workforce adjustments lie ahead remains uncertain.

What It Means Established personalities losing positions demonstrates that experience offers limited protection now. Markets nationwide face similar reshuffling of roles and responsibilities. Affected professionals seeking next opportunities should let us know.

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.

The Daily Wire to Stream The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, Syndicate Sport & State

Garrett Searight
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The Daily Wire to Stream The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, Syndicate Sport & State

The Daily Wire is partnering with Clay Travis to expand Sport & State while adding Buck Sexton’s show to its streaming lineup. The deal gives the conservative media company another avenue to reach audiences beyond its core programming.

What We Know: Sport & State launched last month and has now partnered with The Daily Wire to increase its distribution and reach. As part of the agreement, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show will stream on The Daily Wire’s website. The companies also said “future collaborations and show appearances” are planned between the two networks. Travis and Sexton already have a significant presence in conservative media, giving the partnership an established audience to build around. Meanwhile, Sport & State provides The Daily Wire with another entry point into sports-focused content.

What’s at Stake: The agreement expands The Daily Wire’s footprint beyond its traditional political and cultural programming. More importantly, it gives the company access to sports audiences through Travis. He has built a substantial following across radio, digital media, and podcasts. The partnership also creates additional opportunities to connect its existing audience with outside talent and programming.

What Remains Unclear: The companies haven’t disclosed additional details about their planned collaborations or how extensively the partnership could expand. It’s also unclear whether The Daily Wire could eventually distribute more Sport & State programming or add other Travis-led content. Further announcements could provide more insight into the companies’ long-term plans.

What It Means: This partnership appears to be the first step in a broader expansion for The Daily Wire. The company is expected to pursue additional opportunities as it looks to grow its audience ahead of a potential IPO early next year. By working with established personalities like Travis and Sexton, The Daily Wire can broaden its reach without relying solely on its existing content strategy.

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.

Uncle Mike Hansen Joins WDLC Country as Community Relations Director

David Hill
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Uncle Mike Hansen Joins WDLC Country as Community Relations Director

“Uncle Mike” Hansen joins a Hudson Valley radio group. He’ll host middays on WDLC Country while leading community relations.

What We Know Longtime Hudson Valley radio personality Uncle Mike Hansen joined Neversink Media and AK22 Digital Media. He spent the past 15 years at WRWD building relationships throughout the region. Additionally, Hansen will host weekday middays on WDLC Country (95.3 FM, 107.7 FM, and 1490 AM). He also assumes the newly created Community Relations Director position for both companies.

What They Said Bud Williamson of Neversink Media emphasized the value Hansen brings to the group. “Mike has spent years building relationships throughout this region,” Williamson stated. “He knows these communities and, more importantly, the people and organizations doing the work every day.” Katie Berghorn of AK22 Digital Media added that community relationships require more than just selling ads.

What Remains Unclear Neversink Media and AK22 Digital Media haven’t detailed the specific metrics for success in Hansen’s role. Moreover, his exact responsibilities across all four stations still need clarification. Additionally, the peak markets for his expanded presence remain unclear.

What It Means This move signals a strategic shift toward community-focused radio in the Hudson Valley. Therefore, both companies are positioning themselves as community partners. Furthermore, Hansen’s background with veterans’ groups and charitable causes suggests renewed emphasis on local coverage. Consequently, listeners can expect deeper connections between radio and their communities.

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.

Dianna Russini Reportedly Will Discuss Her Side of Mike Vrabel Controversy With New Job

John Mamola
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Dianna Russini Reportedly Will Discuss Her Side of Mike Vrabel Controversy With New Job

Dianna Russini reportedly plans to speak out following arranging her next broadcast gig. The fallout from her exit from The Athletic, and her Mike Vrabel connection, isn’t over yet.

What We Know: Russini resigned from The Athletic in April amid scrutiny over her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel. Last week, the outlet released its internal investigation, calling the relationship “in clear violation” of its standards. Still, investigators found no direct evidence she used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams. According to the New York Post, Russini plans to address the saga once she lands her next job. Front Office Sports last week reported that Russini is already in discussions with several job opportunities.

What’s At Stake: Russini’s side of the story will be a giant spotlight for whomever her next employer is. The first words from Russini following her departure from The Athletic have intrinsic value to whomever decides to bring Russini aboard. Whether or not she gets a long term opportunity with another platform remains to be seen. Also, how those around the NFL will react to her return is also unknown.

What Remains Unclear: Who will Russini choose to join is unknown. However, reports are that she’s in talks with several opportunities for jobs. Instead of taking an independent media route which many have been choosing to take as of late.

What It Means: Russini’s next move will double as her public reckoning. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s findings clear her of directly boosting Vrabel’s career, yet still flag a disclosure failure. For Vrabel, who sought counseling amid the scandal, moving on may prove simpler than it will for Russini, whose credibility faces renewed scrutiny as she reenters the industry. When Russini signs, it will draw attention. When Russini speaks, it will speak volumes. We still await word on what could come next.

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.

Greg sent me this: “GregBeharrellPressRelease02.doc”

David Hill
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Greg sent me this: “GregBeharrellPressRelease02.doc”

*Sometimes, as an editor, you let the talent take the mic. The following is a press release from Greg Beharrell.

CUMULUS MEDIA ACTUALLY UTILIZING GREG FM 24/7 CONTENT

After soft-launching last month to safeguard their ability to recant, Cumulus Media Albuquerque is mostly confident in announcing that 24/7 content from the Yea Media Group and Greg Beharrell fueled GREG FM format will now power 103.3 eD FM (KDRF).

When asked for comment, CUMULUS Albuquerque Vice President Market Manager, Jeff Berry said, “I spoke with several of Greg’s former colleagues, and they all told me ‘you will be truly fortunate if you can get him to do any work for you,'” Berry went on to say, “Greg is one of a kind, and we’re grateful for that.”

The Greg in GREG FM, Greg Beharrell commented, “I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive this news because happiness is a subjective concept that is not quantifiably measurable.”

Contact Scott Kerr at Yea Media Group (Scott@YeaMediaGroup.com), for details on launching your own GREG FM, or using GREG FM 24/7 content to power your station, or don’t contact Scott but know that your lack of action will likely get back to Greg, at which point he’ll emit an exasperated huff. 

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.

Mike Tomlin On Returning To NFL As A Head Coach: “Never Say Never”

John Mamola
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Mike Tomlin On Returning To NFL As A Head Coach: “Never Say Never”

Mike Tomlin isn’t ruling out a coaching comeback. The Pro Football Focus NFL Show drew his most candid answer yet on the night of his NBC Sports regular season debut.

What We Know: Tomlin stepped away this offseason after 19 seasons leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances. He joined NBC’s broadcast team as a first-year analyst covering Sunday night games. Tonight, Tomlin makes his regular-season debut as the 2026 NFL season officially opens. Meanwhile, he tells Pro Football Focus that stepping away from coaching has been surprisingly rewarding.

What They Said: (all quotes via Pro Football Focus NFL Show):

Mike Tomlin open to possibly coaching again in the NFL: “It’s certainly not a 32-team league for me. I’ve lived too much for that, but I’ve also learned to never say never. Will I coach again? I don’t know. I love to coach and all the challenges of the profession, and to be a part of a individual growth and development of young people individually. Also, I love to develop a collective and the measurement of the seven day cycle. I love all of that. But I also have enjoyed the last six months and life on this other side that I had no idea about.”

Mike Tomlin says time away from the NFL has been beneficial: “I’d be lying if I told you I hadn’t had a good time. I’ve had a great time. I’ve been engaged and been present for a lot of things that I didn’t know that I could be present and engaged in. So, we’ll see.”

Mike Tomlin enjoys learning more about broadcasting: “I like being a novice at something. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, man. So, it’s cool. I’m learning. When I’m in meetings, I’m like really paying attention because I have to. Because I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. That’s fun. It’s energizing and challenging to be the new guy.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Tomlin actively pursues a head-coaching job this hiring cycle remains uncertain. However, he continues drawing strong reviews for his early broadcast work. Meanwhile, Tomlin admits he’s still very much a “novice” learning the broadcasting trade. Ultimately, only Tomlin knows whether that competitive itch to coach eventually returns.

What It Means: It’s probably not the best thing for NBC Sports to have their new prize signing talking about potentially leaving before he truly starts working. For now, Tomlin’s full attention stays on the NBC broadcast booth. Still, his own words keep a future coaching return well within reach. Therefore, teams with head-coaching vacancies may eventually test his genuine interest. Consequently, tonight’s debut carries stakes that extend far beyond the broadcast itself.

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.

‘America’s Morning News’ to Launch As Talk Media Network, AccuMinute Partner

Garrett Searight
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‘America’s Morning News’ to Launch As Talk Media Network, AccuMinute Partner

Talk Media Network and AccuMinute will debut America’s Morning News in the national morning market later this month. The program will debut as Westwood One prepares to end its four-decade run with America in the Morning.

What We Know: America’s Morning News will launch nationally on Monday, September 21st, airing live from 5-6 AM ET. Rich Johnson will host the new program, which AccuMinute will produce and Talk Media Network will distribute. Jeff McKay will serve as producer after holding the same role with America in the Morning. Meanwhile, Westwood One will end America in the Morning after more than 40 years. The network will replace the longtime program with The Bongino Report AM, hosted by Dan Bongino. As a result, America’s Morning News will give stations another option as the national morning landscape shifts.

What They Said: “Stations shouldn’t have to replace a decades-long show on a few weeks’ notice. We are providing a smooth transition, with a strong brand for both mornings and weekend airplay.” -Talk Media Network founder Josh Leng

“Mornings are built on habits. Our goal is to make America’s Morning News part of that daily routine.” -AccuMinute co-founder Gary Lee

What Remains Unclear: The launch comes with several moving parts for stations preparing their fall schedules. However, the September 21st debut gives affiliates a clear target as they evaluate their morning programming options.

What It Means: The launch adds another nationally syndicated option as stations lose a longtime Westwood One morning staple. Moreover, McKay’s involvement provides continuity for stations familiar with America in the Morning. Johnson and the America’s Morning News team will now compete for affiliates and audience attention during a critical morning daypart. Ultimately, the show’s success will depend on its ability to build habitual listening and deliver a compelling alternative for News/Talk Radio stations.

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.

Karl Ravech on Calling Little League World Series Following ESPN Departure: “Why Wouldn’t I?”

John Mamola
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Karl Ravech on Calling Little League World Series Following ESPN Departure: “Why Wouldn’t I?”

Karl Ravech didn’t hesitate. When ESPN offered him more games after his layoff in July, he said yes right away.

What We Know: Ravech spent 33 years at ESPN, joining in 1993 and becoming its lead baseball voice. He hosted Baseball Tonight and called Sunday Night Baseball and the Little League World Series for years. Moreover, ESPN laid him off in July as part of a broader round of cuts. Despite that, the network invited him back for a few more MLB games and the LLWS.

What They Said: (All quotes via Yahoo Sports Daily):

Karl Ravech on why he continued to call the Little League World Series: “Why wouldn’t I do that? To me, being able to do the Little League World Series is a gift. I knew a long time ago when Brent Musburger was calling it, and I was doing the international games and not calling the championship. The list of people that had done that event was a Hall of Fame list of broadcasters. The impact that the Little League World Series, I think, has on the country, let alone has had on me, is significant.”

Karl Ravech said he didn’t think twice about calling games after being laid off: “Little League is simply the best. End. It is for so many reasons. It means that much to me. When ESPN presented me with the opportunity to call a few more major league games and the Little League World Series, I turn that around on you. I say why not, why wouldn’t I? It’s another opportunity to be a part of something that I think is really significant to the country.”

Karl Ravech on the reaction to his departure from ESPN: “The outpouring has been absolutely overwhelming. But it is a recognition for those in this field. Be smart. You never know who is watching. Make a good impression. Be a good person. To say the right things. Don’t be a jerk. All those things have served me well in what I’ve seen as the support that I’ve received since that news came out.”

What Remains Unclear: Ravech hasn’t announced his next move, and no broadcast partner has stepped forward as of yet. Additionally, it’s also unclear whether ESPN will call on him again down the road.

What It Means: Ravech’s extended run closes a defining chapter of ESPN’s baseball coverage. Meanwhile, it shows how much the Little League World Series still means to him personally. Ultimately, his gratitude and perspective, not bitterness, have defined this final stretch.

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.

News Media Reacts to Anthropic Researcher’s Thread Alleging ‘AI Could Kill Us All’

Garrett Searight
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News Media Reacts to Anthropic Researcher’s Thread Alleging ‘AI Could Kill Us All’

A former Anthropic employee says AI development could pose an existential threat to humanity within the next decade. His warning has sparked reactions across news media, raising fresh questions about the pace of artificial intelligence development.

What We Know: Jacob Coxon, who identifies himself as a former Anthropic employee, said he resigned Tuesday over concerns about AI development. He argued that Anthropic and OpenAI are moving too irresponsibly with increasingly powerful systems. Coxon warned users on X not to underestimate the technology’s potential. “These will soon be superhuman systems that can hack anything, revolutionize any field overnight, and acquire real power and resources,” he wrote. He added that people have already witnessed rapid progress across those areas, while development shows no signs of slowing.

What’s At Stake: Coxon’s comments have renewed debate over whether AI companies can safely develop systems that may eventually surpass human capabilities. Moreover, his warning highlights concerns about cybersecurity, economic disruption, and the possibility of AI systems gaining meaningful influence over real-world resources. News media members have amplified the thread, bringing the discussion to audiences beyond the technology industry.

What Remains Unclear: Coxon’s claims represent his perspective as a former employee, and the thread doesn’t establish how widely Anthropic employees share those concerns. Additionally, it doesn’t provide evidence supporting his assertion that the company believes AI could eliminate humanity within the next decade.

What It Means: The reaction shows how quickly insider warnings can become part of the broader AI conversation. Meanwhile, the debate puts additional pressure on technology companies to explain their safety practices as their systems become more capable. Coxon’s comments could also fuel calls for greater transparency around AI development and existential risk.

News Media Reacts

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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