Barrett Media
Ron Harrell is a columnist for Barrett Media. He founded Harrell Media Group, specializing in radio and audio brand consultation, fractional management, and talent coaching. He has worked in every role on the Programming and Branding side during his career, becoming management and executive-focused in the post-Telecom Act era. Ron has held leadership roles for media groups such as ABC/Citadel, CBS Radio, Chancellor Media, Cumulus Media, Hope Media Group, Hubbard Broadcasting, and WAY Media.
Interested parties are invited to learn more about his company Harrell Media Group and reach out by email at Ron@HarrellMediaGroup.com.
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Sports Radio
Dan Le Batard Feels Badly About Criticizing Miami Heat President Pat Riley When Others Say to ‘Breathe Fire’
"The crime family run by ‘The Godfather’ listens to this show across the street."
NFL, iHeartMedia Extend Multi-Year ‘NFL Podcast Network’ Partnership
"Our new extended deal is guaranteed to bring fans closer to the game, players and teams they love, and keep listeners up to date on the insider information they want to hear."
Compass Media Networks to Broadcast 17th College Basketball Season on Terrestrial Radio and Digital Audio
For the 17th straight season, Compass Media Networks will...
Katie Nolan to Host New Podcast with SiriusXM
"I want to help more people connect with sports, and I’m excited that SiriusXM does, too."
‘The Musers’ to Cut Back Hours on 1310 The Ticket
"We’ve said it many times – we consider ourselves fortunate to have each other, to have this experience that we’ve had, and we want to keep that going."
Sports Columns
Rethinking Social Media in 2025
“To understand how to shape a social media strategy, you first have to accept a reality. These platforms are not designed to help your business.”
Aaron Rodgers Isn’t An Enigma, He’s a Professional Facing The Same Issues That Media Folks Do
"Once the carousel stops, and it's time to get off, who are you going to be?"
Stuart Scott Died 10 Years Ago, Since Then He’s Been Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
From "Boo-Yah!" to "Hallah," to "He must be jelly cause jam don't shake like that," to "Can I get a witness from the congregation!?" Scott had a flare and a style that nobody had really had before him, and everyone wanted to attempt after him.
A Look Back on the Biggest Sports Media Stories of 2024
As the year comes to an end, let's look back on some of the stories we have covered this year before we flip the page to 2025.
The Best in Sports and News Media in 2024
"In September 2025 we'll celebrate 10 years in business. I never expected that when this journey began, and I'm damn proud that we've survived this long and continue to grow."
Sports Television
Norby Williamson to Join Main Street Sports Group Starting January 13 as President of Production and Programming
"The platform’s unique combination of valuable local sports rights with powerful, forward-looking content and distribution partnerships provides an incredible foundation that I am eager to build on."
ESPN ‘Monday Night Countdown’ Averages 1.34 Million Viewers Per Episode in 2024 NFL Regular Season
'Monday Night Countdown' broadcast from the studio and traveled on the road throughout the season, garnering a 5% year-over-year improvement in average viewership.
Michael Carter-Williams Joins ESPN, Appearing on ACC Network Basketball Studio Programming and Live Game Broadcasts
"Michael adds instant credibility to our already deep and talented lineup of ACCN men’s hoops studio analysts."
ESPN’s Dick Vitale Reports Vocal Cords Are Cancer-Free & Can Return to Broadcasts
One of ESPN’s most beloved personalities has good news...
NBC Sports FAST Channel Rebranded to ‘NBC Sports NOW’
"NBC Sports NOW is available for viewers through Peacock and all major distributors of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels."
News Radio
69% of All News Audio Content Consumed on AM/FM Radio, New Edison Research Data Shows
The Edison Share of Ear study also shows that podcasting has taken the lead in the talk category.
KTAR News 92.3 Adds LaDona Harvey As Co-Host of Arizona’s Morning News
Harvey will join the show alongside Jim Sharpe on Monday, January 13th. She'll replace Jayme West who recently retired from the Phoenix news/talk station.
Erick Erickson, Guy Benson Add Dozens of Affiliates After The Daily Wire Shows Leave Westwood One
Many stations were left looking for new programming for the three hours The Daily Wire shows previously occupied.
GoFundMe Launched For Former KGO Host Ronn Owens After Several Health Challenges
"I never imagined I’d be in this position, but here I am, asking for a little help from the community that has meant so much to me."
NPR, The Daily, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson Earn Top Spots as News Podcasts See 8 of Top 10 Places in December Podtrac Rankings
In the December rankings, NPR News Now moved to the top, besting The Daily from The New York Times.
News Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
How News Media Should Handle Bosses That Interfere With The Editorial Process
Keeping the watchdogs on a short leash is good for billionaires but it isn’t good for America.
Audacy Shuttering WCBS 880 Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Radio Stories of 2024
2024 saw many ups -- like strong ratings during a wild election season -- and downs, including the end of a venerable news radio brand.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
News Television
MSNBC Promotes Rebecca Kutler to Oversee Daytime Programming
Kutler had previously been charged with leading the network's digital content and live events.
Greg Gutfeld to Return to Fox News After Paternity Leave
Gutfeld joked that his daughter was "healthy with a real set of lungs."
Ratings Roundup: CNN Tops All of Cable on New Year’s Eve, Cable News Channels Earn 3 of Top 4 Total Day Networks in 2024
CNN said that its streaming home on the Max platform saw its fourth-best day in history on New Year's Eve.
Former CNN, ABC News Anchor Aaron Brown Dies
Brown is widely remembered for his work at CNN during the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
Music News
‘Frito & Katy’ Show Joins 100.3 The Bull Houston For Mornings
The show, “Frito & Katy,” is set to air on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. C.T., starting January 10.
Raj Sharan Named Program Director for Cat Country 95.1 And 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs
Cumulus Media has announced Raj Sharan's promotion to Program Director for Country “Cat Country 95.1” KATC and Classic Rock 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs.
Eric Michaels And Mike Lee Out At Max 98.3 Lakeland FL
Variety Hits “Max 98.3” WWRZ, Lakeland, FL, has parted ways with Program Director and morning host Eric Michaels and co-host Mike Lee.
Two Morning Show Changes At Cox Media San Antonio
At Country “Y100” KCYY, hosts Tucker ‘Frito’ Young and Katy Dempsey have officially left the station after three years.
Ben Ealy Departs Mornings At Country 104.7 WAYZ Hagerstown MD
Afternoon co-host Katy Dickinson will take over the morning slot with a new program, “Mornings with Katy.”
Music Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
How News Media Should Handle Bosses That Interfere With The Editorial Process
Keeping the watchdogs on a short leash is good for billionaires but it isn’t good for America.
Audacy Shuttering WCBS 880 Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Radio Stories of 2024
2024 saw many ups -- like strong ratings during a wild election season -- and downs, including the end of a venerable news radio brand.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
Podcasting
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
‘Music Saved Me’ With Lynn Hoffman Joins iHeartPodcasts Network
The show features compelling stories of passion and resilience, showcasing musicians who have navigated their challenges.
YouTube ‘Investing Heavily’ to Support Audio, Podcast Content
“Google has lots of places where this content could live, and we’re talking with many of those teams, and we will look to integrate into all of those services as it makes sense.”
Brian Stelter to Exit ‘Inside the Hive’ Podcast with Vanity Fair
"Every week, I learned something new from the guests here at the table, and I hope you did as well."
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz: Podcasting ‘Provides the Best Opportunity For Us to Monetize Through Advertising’
"We can look to pursue a slightly broader set of audiences, because we’re selling to advertisers across audiences and they want to make sure they have younger audiences as well.”
Ron Harrell is a columnist for Barrett Media. He founded Harrell Media Group, specializing in radio and audio brand consultation, fractional management, and talent coaching. He has worked in every role on the Programming and Branding side during his career, becoming management and executive-focused in the post-Telecom Act era. Ron has held leadership roles for media groups such as ABC/Citadel, CBS Radio, Chancellor Media, Cumulus Media, Hope Media Group, Hubbard Broadcasting, and WAY Media.
Interested parties are invited to learn more about his company Harrell Media Group and reach out by email at Ron@HarrellMediaGroup.com.
Sports Radio
Dan Le Batard Feels Badly About Criticizing Miami Heat President Pat Riley When Others Say to ‘Breathe Fire’
"The crime family run by ‘The Godfather’ listens to this show across the street."
NFL, iHeartMedia Extend Multi-Year ‘NFL Podcast Network’ Partnership
"Our new extended deal is guaranteed to bring fans closer to the game, players and teams they love, and keep listeners up to date on the insider information they want to hear."
Compass Media Networks to Broadcast 17th College Basketball Season on Terrestrial Radio and Digital Audio
For the 17th straight season, Compass Media Networks will...
Katie Nolan to Host New Podcast with SiriusXM
"I want to help more people connect with sports, and I’m excited that SiriusXM does, too."
‘The Musers’ to Cut Back Hours on 1310 The Ticket
"We’ve said it many times – we consider ourselves fortunate to have each other, to have this experience that we’ve had, and we want to keep that going."
Sports Columns
Rethinking Social Media in 2025
“To understand how to shape a social media strategy, you first have to accept a reality. These platforms are not designed to help your business.”
Aaron Rodgers Isn’t An Enigma, He’s a Professional Facing The Same Issues That Media Folks Do
"Once the carousel stops, and it's time to get off, who are you going to be?"
Stuart Scott Died 10 Years Ago, Since Then He’s Been Often Imitated, Never Duplicated
From "Boo-Yah!" to "Hallah," to "He must be jelly cause jam don't shake like that," to "Can I get a witness from the congregation!?" Scott had a flare and a style that nobody had really had before him, and everyone wanted to attempt after him.
A Look Back on the Biggest Sports Media Stories of 2024
As the year comes to an end, let's look back on some of the stories we have covered this year before we flip the page to 2025.
The Best in Sports and News Media in 2024
"In September 2025 we'll celebrate 10 years in business. I never expected that when this journey began, and I'm damn proud that we've survived this long and continue to grow."
Sports Television
Norby Williamson to Join Main Street Sports Group Starting January 13 as President of Production and Programming
"The platform’s unique combination of valuable local sports rights with powerful, forward-looking content and distribution partnerships provides an incredible foundation that I am eager to build on."
ESPN ‘Monday Night Countdown’ Averages 1.34 Million Viewers Per Episode in 2024 NFL Regular Season
'Monday Night Countdown' broadcast from the studio and traveled on the road throughout the season, garnering a 5% year-over-year improvement in average viewership.
Michael Carter-Williams Joins ESPN, Appearing on ACC Network Basketball Studio Programming and Live Game Broadcasts
"Michael adds instant credibility to our already deep and talented lineup of ACCN men’s hoops studio analysts."
ESPN’s Dick Vitale Reports Vocal Cords Are Cancer-Free & Can Return to Broadcasts
One of ESPN’s most beloved personalities has good news...
NBC Sports FAST Channel Rebranded to ‘NBC Sports NOW’
"NBC Sports NOW is available for viewers through Peacock and all major distributors of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels."
News Radio
69% of All News Audio Content Consumed on AM/FM Radio, New Edison Research Data Shows
The Edison Share of Ear study also shows that podcasting has taken the lead in the talk category.
KTAR News 92.3 Adds LaDona Harvey As Co-Host of Arizona’s Morning News
Harvey will join the show alongside Jim Sharpe on Monday, January 13th. She'll replace Jayme West who recently retired from the Phoenix news/talk station.
Erick Erickson, Guy Benson Add Dozens of Affiliates After The Daily Wire Shows Leave Westwood One
Many stations were left looking for new programming for the three hours The Daily Wire shows previously occupied.
GoFundMe Launched For Former KGO Host Ronn Owens After Several Health Challenges
"I never imagined I’d be in this position, but here I am, asking for a little help from the community that has meant so much to me."
NPR, The Daily, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson Earn Top Spots as News Podcasts See 8 of Top 10 Places in December Podtrac Rankings
In the December rankings, NPR News Now moved to the top, besting The Daily from The New York Times.
News Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
How News Media Should Handle Bosses That Interfere With The Editorial Process
Keeping the watchdogs on a short leash is good for billionaires but it isn’t good for America.
Audacy Shuttering WCBS 880 Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Radio Stories of 2024
2024 saw many ups -- like strong ratings during a wild election season -- and downs, including the end of a venerable news radio brand.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
News Television
MSNBC Promotes Rebecca Kutler to Oversee Daytime Programming
Kutler had previously been charged with leading the network's digital content and live events.
Greg Gutfeld to Return to Fox News After Paternity Leave
Gutfeld joked that his daughter was "healthy with a real set of lungs."
Ratings Roundup: CNN Tops All of Cable on New Year’s Eve, Cable News Channels Earn 3 of Top 4 Total Day Networks in 2024
CNN said that its streaming home on the Max platform saw its fourth-best day in history on New Year's Eve.
Former CNN, ABC News Anchor Aaron Brown Dies
Brown is widely remembered for his work at CNN during the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
Music News
‘Frito & Katy’ Show Joins 100.3 The Bull Houston For Mornings
The show, “Frito & Katy,” is set to air on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. C.T., starting January 10.
Raj Sharan Named Program Director for Cat Country 95.1 And 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs
Cumulus Media has announced Raj Sharan's promotion to Program Director for Country “Cat Country 95.1” KATC and Classic Rock 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs.
Eric Michaels And Mike Lee Out At Max 98.3 Lakeland FL
Variety Hits “Max 98.3” WWRZ, Lakeland, FL, has parted ways with Program Director and morning host Eric Michaels and co-host Mike Lee.
Two Morning Show Changes At Cox Media San Antonio
At Country “Y100” KCYY, hosts Tucker ‘Frito’ Young and Katy Dempsey have officially left the station after three years.
Ben Ealy Departs Mornings At Country 104.7 WAYZ Hagerstown MD
Afternoon co-host Katy Dickinson will take over the morning slot with a new program, “Mornings with Katy.”
Music Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
How News Media Should Handle Bosses That Interfere With The Editorial Process
Keeping the watchdogs on a short leash is good for billionaires but it isn’t good for America.
Audacy Shuttering WCBS 880 Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Radio Stories of 2024
2024 saw many ups -- like strong ratings during a wild election season -- and downs, including the end of a venerable news radio brand.
The CNN Presidential Debate with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash Leads Barrett Media’s Top 5 News Television Stories of 2024
The CNN Presidential Debate, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, might not be the biggest news television story of 2024. It may go down in the history books as the biggest story of 2024, period.
Podcasting
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
‘Music Saved Me’ With Lynn Hoffman Joins iHeartPodcasts Network
The show features compelling stories of passion and resilience, showcasing musicians who have navigated their challenges.
YouTube ‘Investing Heavily’ to Support Audio, Podcast Content
“Google has lots of places where this content could live, and we’re talking with many of those teams, and we will look to integrate into all of those services as it makes sense.”
Brian Stelter to Exit ‘Inside the Hive’ Podcast with Vanity Fair
"Every week, I learned something new from the guests here at the table, and I hope you did as well."
SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz: Podcasting ‘Provides the Best Opportunity For Us to Monetize Through Advertising’
"We can look to pursue a slightly broader set of audiences, because we’re selling to advertisers across audiences and they want to make sure they have younger audiences as well.”
Ron Harrell is a columnist for Barrett Media. He founded Harrell Media Group, specializing in radio and audio brand consultation, fractional management, and talent coaching. He has worked in every role on the Programming and Branding side during his career, becoming management and executive-focused in the post-Telecom Act era. Ron has held leadership roles for media groups such as ABC/Citadel, CBS Radio, Chancellor Media, Cumulus Media, Hope Media Group, Hubbard Broadcasting, and WAY Media.
Interested parties are invited to learn more about his company Harrell Media Group and reach out by email at Ron@HarrellMediaGroup.com.
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