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Audio Podcasts Have Higher Trust Levels Than Video Podcasts, New Sounds Profitable Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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Audio Podcasts Have Higher Trust Levels Than Video Podcasts, New Sounds Profitable Data Shows

New research from Sounds Profitable shows audio podcasts dominate the hands-busy, on-the-go moments of the day. Video podcasts, meanwhile, hold steady in the lean-back, dedicated-attention moments that call for a screen.

What We Know: The Sounds Profitable study surveyed people who consume both audio and video podcasts. It found that 78% of listeners use audio during at least one hands-busy or on-the-go moment, compared to 55% for video. Audio also leads while exercising or walking (46% to 22%), doing housework or chores (46% to 25%), commuting (38% to 20%) and cooking (41% to 27%). Video, however, wins out when people are relaxing with dedicated attention (50% to 39%) and eating or drinking (42% to 38%).

What the Numbers Show: Audio podcasts also lead in trust. Among top platforms, audio rates highest for being “accurate and factual” at 58%, edging out video’s 55% and topping YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, audio ties video and YouTube for the lowest rate of “bad experiences” at 21%, well below TikTok’s 35% and Facebook’s 29%. So while TikTok edges ahead on “never misled” at 41%, audio still lands near the top of that list at 39%.

What Remains Unclear: The report doesn’t specify how these habits shift across age groups or listening devices. Nor does it break down whether smart speakers, phones or cars drive audio’s mobile advantage.

What It Means: For advertisers and podcast networks, the takeaway is straightforward. Audio remains the format that travels — into cars, kitchens, and gyms — while video still owns the couch. As a result, buyers who skip audio risk losing reach during the commute, the workout, and the chores that fill most people’s days.

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97.1 The Drive Lands Rock Personality Lauren Elwell

David Hill
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97.1 The Drive Lands Rock Personality Lauren Elwell

Hubbard Radio Chicago has hired Lauren “Lern” Elwell as an evening host at 97.1 The Drive (WDRV). The Chicago-area native joins the station’s award-winning on-air team effective immediately.

What We Know: Elwell brings humor, relatable storytelling, and a deep connection to the rock format. Brand and Content Director Keith Hastings made the announcement today. Meanwhile, she joins a talent roster the station considers among the strongest in the Chicago market.

What They Said: “Lern is a tremendous rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle talent whose authentic delivery, engaging storytelling, and passion for the format are a perfect fit for The Drive,” Hastings said. “She understands the audience, loves the music, and brings the kind of personality that listeners will connect with immediately.” Elwell added that she is thrilled to return to the state where her radio journey began.

What Remains Unclear: The specific shift hours for Elwell’s evening role have not been disclosed. Additionally, no details emerged about her previous market or station. Her start date beyond the July announcement also remains unconfirmed.

What It Means: Landing Elwell strengthens WDRV’s competitive position in Chicago immediately. The Drive continues building a roster around authentic rock voices. Furthermore, that move reflects a broader Hubbard Radio strategy — investing in talent that connects beyond the music. Ultimately, personality-first hiring separates winning rock stations from the rest.

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Federal News Network Reporter Jory Heckman Announces Exit

Garrett Searight
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Federal News Network Reporter Jory Heckman Announces Exit

Longtime Federal News Network reporter Jory Heckman has announced plans to leave the outlet.

What We Know: Heckman has spent more than a decade working for the Hubbard news radio brand. Despite his upcoming exit, Heckman has his next destination in mind. He’ll begin working for GovExec as a senior reporter later this month.

What They Said: “After nearly 12 years, this is my final week at Federal News Network … I’ve grown and learned a lot as a journalist over the past decade-plus, writing more than 2,700 articles about all corners of the federal government and its workforce. Thanks to everyone I’ve spoken to over these past few years to make these stories possible.” -Jory Heckman

What Remains Unclear: What Heckman’s specific beat will be at GovExec. He noted that he’ll continue to cover the federal workforce for the outlet, but didn’t give firm details.

What It Means: Heckman has been a key cog for Federal News Network since joining in 2014. He’s built strong relationships with those working in all facets of the federal government. He won’t be an easy replacement for the network.

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UCONN Head Coach Geno Auriemma Considering Broadcasting Role Following Tenure at University

John Mamola
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UCONN Head Coach Geno Auriemma Considering Broadcasting Role Following Tenure at University

Geno Auriemma is stepping into the broadcast booth for a one-time showcase on ESPN. The UConn women’s basketball coach joins ESPN’s WNBA coverage Tuesday night in an analyst role.

What We Know: Auriemma will call the Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty game Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET alongside Beth Mowins and Robin Roberts. The matchup features several of his former UConn stars, including Wings guards Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd and Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. Notably, Auriemma and Roberts both worked ESPN’s WNBA broadcasts during the league’s debut season in 1997. The pairing brings a full-circle moment to Tuesday’s telecast. In an interview with Richard Deitsch, Auriemma says he hasn’t fully closed a door into broadcasting post-career at UCONN.

What They Said: Geno Auriemma (via The Sports Media Podcast w/Richard Deitsch): “It’s kind of yes and then at the same time it’s how much is this going to require if I were to do this full time down the road. Is this another full time job with lots of traveling, going from stadium to stadium? All the things that I’m doing now, and is that all you want to do where you do a bunch of WNBA games or college women’s games. That would be great and I’m sure there’s a lot to be said for that.

I would like to stay in the competitive aspect of it where it would be something like let’s make sure we have a better show than so and so does. Or we’re viewed as these guys are really good. I certainly have enough players in that particular league [the WNBA] and have seen enough games and coached enough games. So if there was ever a time when the schedule would be something that I could handle, sure, absolutely, I would love to do it.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Tuesday’s broadcast signals a long-term shift toward media work remains an open question. Auriemma has not set a timeline for retirement from UConn, so any full broadcasting career stays speculative.

What It Means: For now, Tuesday’s assignment offers a preview rather than a commitment. Auriemma’s comments suggest genuine interest, but travel demands could ultimately shape his decision. His ties to elite WNBA talent and the game of basketball, however, give him a built-in advantage if he pursues broadcasting seriously.

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.

Ice Cube Questions Possible Motives Behind Lack Of BIG3 Coverage By Sports Media

John Mamola
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Ice Cube Questions Possible Motives Behind Lack Of BIG3 Coverage By Sports Media

Ice Cube says BIG3 deserves more attention from sports media. He questions whether NBA ties are holding coverage back.

What We Know: Ice Cube made the comments during an appearance on The Draymond Green Show. He called BIG3 the best three-on-three league in the world and pointed to its major-level talent. BIG3 broadcasts games on CBS, with BET now airing Monday primetime re-airs and FuboTV serving as a secondary partner. However, Cube made mention that he’s disappointed by the lack of coverage by sports media regarding his league. BIG3 is now in their ninth season of existence.

What They Said: (all quotes via The Draymond Green Show)

Ice Cube on how sports media hasn’t embraced BIG3: “We’re still not, to me, getting the love from the sports media that the league deserves. It’s the best three-on-three league in the world, it’s not even close. The stuff that FIBA is doing is still in an amateurish kind of playground type way. We’re doing it on a major level with major players.”

Ice Cube says NBA ties could be influencing sports media: “We deserve some respect from the sports media to comment on our games, and let fans know about what’s happening with our league. Maybe the NBA has something to do with that. Maybe not. Then again, maybe we need another nine years before they really realize we’re here to stay. We have great athletes who can play our style of basketball, because it’s different than five on five.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not networks who are partners of the NBA have any actual restrictions regarding the BIG3 league. The NBA has not commented on the matter.

What It Means: Ice Cube’s comments spotlight a recurring tension between upstart leagues and established media gatekeepers. Nine seasons in, BIG3 continues building its TV footprint through CBS, BET, and Vice TV. Still, broader editorial coverage from major sports outlets hasn’t followed at the same pace. Ice Cube’s frustration suggests he views that gap as more than coincidental.

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Spyder Harrison Signs Off From SiriusXM After 24 Years

David Hill
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Spyder Harrison Signs Off From SiriusXM After 24 Years

Spyder Harrison has retired after 53 years in radio, including a 24-year run at SiriusXM. His career spanned some of the biggest Top 40 stations in the country across multiple markets and personas.

What We Know: After more than five decades behind the microphone, Spyder Harrison has retired. The veteran broadcaster spent his final chapter hosting middays on SiriusXM’s “The 10s Spot,” while also anchoring weekly countdowns on “SiriusXM Hits 1” and “90s On 9.” Additionally, he hosted “70s On 7” under the alter-ego “JJ Walker.” His 24-year run at SiriusXM capped a career that touched some of radio’s most iconic Top 40 stations, including WHTZ New York — where he was known as “The Jammer” — along with WHYT Detroit, WHYI Miami, WEGX Philadelphia, KDWB Minneapolis, WFLZ Tampa, and WOCL Orlando.

What They Said: Harrison reflected on his career with unmistakable gratitude. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “It’s been a helluva ride!! Thanks to all my listeners over my 24 years at SiriusXM — and to everyone who let me do what I loved for 53 years in radio. I never took a single minute of it for granted.” He also extended special thanks to colleagues Kid Kelly, Mikey Piff, and Alex Tear for “always having my back.”

What Remains Unclear: Harrison has not announced any future plans following his departure. It is also unknown whether SiriusXM will restructure his former programming responsibilities or redistribute the roles he held across its pop and hits-focused channels.

What It Means: Harrison’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable run across both terrestrial and satellite radio. His longevity — spanning more than half a century — reflects both his adaptability and his connection with listeners across multiple formats and eras. For SiriusXM, his exit leaves a noticeable void across several of its most listener-friendly channels.

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.

CBS To Air Primetime Special for UFC 329 Including Live Coverage of Weigh Ins

John Mamola
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CBS To Air Primetime Special for UFC 329 Including Live Coverage of Weigh Ins

CBS will air a one-hour primetime special this Friday evening, the night before UFC 329. The broadcast blends live sports coverage with original storytelling.

What We Know: This Is UFC: McGregor vs. Holloway airs Friday, July 10 at 9 p.m. ET, live/delayed PT. The special features live weigh-ins, plus a sit-down between Nate Burleson and Conor McGregor. Dana White also appears in additional interview segments. UFC 329 then streams exclusively on Paramount+ Saturday, July 11, under the promotion’s existing rights agreement with the platform. This is the first time that CBS has aired a pre-event special on the network.

What Remains Unclear: CBS has not announced if it will carry any of the action during Saturday’s night’s card. The event currently is only streaming live on Paramount+. However, the network has simulcast two-hour blocks in certain instances since their media rights agreement began in January.

What It Means: There’s any number of ways to look at this concept by CBS. With the sports viewing audience glued to World Cup soccer, the UFC 329 return of Connor McGregor has had little shine. As an effort to cross promote the event, CBS is dipping into it’s primetime lineup on Friday night to air the one-hour special. The other way to look at this is could CBS/Paramount be sinking too many assets into the UFC for promotion. By airing the special, the event will likely take on a very different tone than the customary weigh ins at UFC events. Either way, the promotion gains added exposure for a rematch 13 years in the making. UFC 329 also features a lightweight contenders’ bout with No. 5 ranked Benoit Saint Denis vs. No. 6 Paddy Pimblett. If successful, similar crossover specials may follow future marquee UFC events.

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David Haugh: FOX Sports “Disappointing” In Approach To Saturday’s Cubs Cardinals Fog Delay

John Mamola
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David Haugh: FOX Sports “Disappointing” In Approach To Saturday’s Cubs Cardinals Fog Delay

David Haugh didn’t hold back Monday. The 104.3 The Score host shared his disappointment in FOX Sports’ handling of Saturday’s fog delay between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

What We Know: Fog delayed Saturday’s Cubs-Cardinals broadcast on FOX Sports. In the sixth inning, a game that started late due to rain was again paused when a blanket of fog rolled into the stadium. Despite an effort to play on, the players’ complaints eventually led to a weather delay of roughly 15 minutes. Haugh shared his recollections of how FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Joe Davis acknowledged the network lacked enough content to fill an 15-minute gap. Consequently, the broadcast retreated to studio coverage instead of adapting live. Haugh discussed the moment extensively on Monday’s Mully & Haugh program.

What They Said: (all quotes via 104.3 The Score)

David Haugh believed FOX Sports wasn’t prepared for a fog delay during Saturday’s Chicago Cubs / St. Louis Cardinals broadcast: “Fox was not ready for this. Fox was, in real time, very disappointing to me… They had 18 minutes before the game was going to resume, and Joe Davis talked about not having 18 minutes worth of content. So, we’re going to go back to the studio, we’re going to take a break, because we don’t know what to do. Okay, essentially telling America we’re unprepared. Bad idea.”

David Haugh says FOX Sports was disappointing in it’s approach to a weather delay: “I thought it was very disappointing the way they handled the entire impromptu nature of the game. They were uncomfortable turning it into more of a talk show type back and forth with John Smoltz and Ken Rosenthal. I didn’t think they handled that that well at all… I just feel like that Fox seemed some woefully unprepared. Yeah, there were elements he don’t expect. But there was a novelty to it. They kept on showing the crowd shots were entertaining, at least. But they didn’t feel comfortable narrating. It was weird.”

What Remains Unclear: FOX Sports has not discussed the matter on its approach to the weather delay in Chicago.

What It Means: Ultimately, Haugh’s comments highlight a broader challenge for live sports broadcasts: adapting when scripted content runs dry. Weather delays require flexibility, and improvisation becomes essential. The fog delay created a legitimate reason to believe producers made the call in haste. In addition, little assets were likely even available. Davis, who also serves as the TV voice for the Dodgers, likely was leaning on production staff to make the judgement call. However, the critique serves as a reminder that broadcasters must be ready for everything. No matter if on radio or television.

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.

Political Ad Spending Outpacing Past Records, New AdImpact Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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Political Ad Spending Outpacing Past Records, New AdImpact Data Shows

Political Advertising has long been a boon to media entities. That is clearly on display in 2026, according to AdImpact.

What We Know: There are dozens of important races around the nation that are altering the projections from AdImpact.

What the Numbers Show: The 2026 cycle has generated $4.43 billion as of June 30th. That eclipses the $3.17 billion spent by the same date during the 2022 cycle. $449.7 million alone was spent in June, according to AdImpact. New York was a spending hotspot, with $41.7 million in political advertising spent. Michigan’s primary election doesn’t take place until August 4th. $40.1 million aired last month, trailing only New York. AdImpact data also shows that the Ohio gubernatorial election is expected to be an expensive race. It has already generated nearly $36 million. That figure is double what was spent in the entire 2022 cycle for the race.

In total, AdImpact forecasts $11.6 billion to be spent during the 2026 cycle. That outpaces the $11.2 billion spent during the 2024 cycle. AM/FM radio is projected to receive $273 million from that total.

What Remains Unclear: Which races will ultimately prove to be the most expensive. Several key races in Michigan, New York, and Ohio have helped increase the total. However, previous races in California also helped grow the overall spending exponentially.

What It Means: The figures projected by AdImpact are staggering. The 2024 election cycle was continuously labeled “unprecedented” for its spending levels. So for the midterm cycle to surpass those record levels is eye-opening. It also shows how important these races are throughout the country, for the spending to increase 40% compared to the last midterm cycle.

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.

Big Tigger Takes Leave From V103 Atlanta Amid Legal Troubles

David Hill
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Big Tigger Takes Leave From V103 Atlanta Amid Legal Troubles

Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan is stepping away from mornings at Audacy Hip Hop/R&B V103 WVEE Atlanta. His departure follows a recent arrest and a growing legal situation involving his personal life.

What We Know: Morgan was arrested last month on charges of aggravated battery, battery, and third-degree cruelty to children. His wife, Alicia Brown, told police he shoved her into an office door during an argument at their home. Additionally, his co-host Francesca Amiker filed a defamation suit against Brown last week. Amiker alleged Brown falsely accused her of an affair with Morgan and linked her to the abuse charges.

What They Said: In a social media post, Morgan addressed the situation directly. He wrote, “For as long as I’ve been in this industry, my focus has always been to keep the spotlight on the culture and the incredible people I get to interview. But right now, my personal life is in the public eye and has become the subject of overwhelming speculation and misinformation. Through all of this, what hurts the most is being away from my son. Nothing is more important to me than being a great father. So I’ve decided to step away from the mic for a while to focus on my family and give my legal team the room they need. As I previously said, I unequivocally deny every allegation, and I am looking forward to clearing my name.”

What Remains Unclear: No official statement from Audacy or WVEE has addressed the leave publicly. It is also unclear how long Morgan’s absence will last or who will fill his morning slot.

What It Means: Big Tigger has been a fixture at WVEE since 2013, moving to mornings in July 2020. Beyond radio, he serves as PA announcer for the Atlanta Hawks and DJ/Music Director for the Atlanta Falcons’ tailgate events. His absence leaves a significant void at one of Atlanta’s most prominent urban stations.

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