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
Scott Jameson Named Brand Manager of 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore
Jameson will replace Chuck Sapienza, who mutually agreed to part ways with the company at the end of the year, an announcement which was made in late November.
Patrick McEnroe to Host New Tennis Show ‘Holding Court’ on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio
SiriusXM has announced it has added Patrick McEnroe to...
Scott Van Pelt: Having a Loyal Audience Creates Value
Over the last several decades at ESPN, Scott Van...
Devan Kaney Named Philadelphia Eagles Sideline Reporter on SportsRadio 94WIP for Remainder of Season
Kaney steps into the position previously held by Howard Eskin, who departed the station earlier in the month after being unable to resolve “irreconcilable differences.”
‘Nightcap with Unc & Ocho’ Featuring Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson is Instant Offense
"We just go together like a McDonald's No. 1 with Coke, no ice. Hits every time."
Sports Columns
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 Media Co-Rookies of the Year: Nick Saban and Bill Belichick
I thought it became pretty obvious from the get-go that Saban was a star in the making.
Here’s Hoping News Talk and Sports Talk Radio Had Their Holiday Wish Lists Fulfilled
What can talk radio do in 2025 and beyond that will help the sales teams not have to start conversations with potential clients by spending the first 20 minutes defending the industry and giving the reasons why it is not yet dead?
What is Pardon the Interruption in a YouTube World?
“Its success robbed the show of its unique identity.”
Sports Television
Diamond Sports Group Officially Emerges from Ch. 11 Bankruptcy as ‘Main Street Sports Group’
"With a stronger balance sheet, key partnerships, supportive new owners, we are modernizing our business to thrive in a changing media landscape."
Allstate Sugar Bowl Postponed, Airing Thursday on ESPN at 4 p.m. EST
The quarterfinal matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia will air on ESPN with play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough, analyst Greg McElroy and reporters Molly McGrath and Laura Rutledge.
ESPN ‘Monday Night Football’ Averages 22.2 Million Viewers for Lions-49ers
The game is the fifth most-watched among the 335 broadcasts aired since the franchise began airing on ESPN in 2006.
Netflix NFL Christmas Day Doubleheader Averages More Than 30 Million Global Viewers
The second matchup of the day, featuring the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, amassed a global average minute audience of 31.3 million viewers.
Valero Alamo Bowl Averages 8 Million Viewers on ABC
The game garnered a 105% increase in viewership from the average audience of 3.9 million that tuned in to last year’s iteration of the Bowl game on ESPN.
News Radio
Patriot Talk 920 AM Shuffles Lineup, Adds The Ramsey Show and Dana Loesch
“Their shows align perfectly with our mission to provide dynamic, engaging, and insightful content for our listeners.”
Len Berman: ‘I Don’t Want to Retire’ After 710 WOR Exit
"I’m sort of hoping something will drop out of the sky."
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.
Townsquare Media Extends Coverage of News/Talk 890 KDXU
Townsquare Media has announced that News/Talk station 890 KDXU...
Charlie Kirk: Dennis Prager Shared ‘Unbelievably Powerful’ Message With Me During Hospital Visit
"I cannot go into any detail exactly what medically Dennis is dealing with, but it's very serious. It's very serious. He is making progress."
News Columns
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.
The 3 Qualities Joe Rogan Used to Dethrone Howard Stern as the King of All Media
For decades, Howard Stern has been "The King of...
It’s the Talent, Stupid: Developing Influential Political Podcasts
The best radio and podcasts, the breakouts, are the ones where the talent – hosts and producers – are unique and entertaining, tuned into what the audience seeks while being themselves.
Non-Traditional Radio Revenue Will Be the Name of the Game in 2025
These ideas don’t grow on trees, but when you find one that works, you’ll be off to the races.
News Television
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.
Newsmax Scores Key Ratings Wins on Christmas Eve
Newsmax says its shows "went head-to-head with CNN and their special holiday programming winning each time in "P2" or total audience for all viewers."
NBC News Ends 2024 as #1 American News Network Across TV, Digital, and Streaming; Reached 137 Million Americans Per Month Across Platforms
NBC is slated to end 2024 as America’s number...
Dan Abrams to Exit Nightly NewsNation Show, Will Remain with Network
“I devote far more of my time to this show than anything else, and as hard as it is for me to admit, it’s just not practical to do this show all week while also running, and expanding, my businesses.”
Music News
Audacy AE Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Terror Attack
Twenty-five-year-old DiMaio, a resident of Holmdel, NJ, joined Audacy in March 2023 as a Performance Sales Account Manager.
Woman Alleges She Was Lured To Sean Combs Party Through Radio Station Contest
A new lawsuit has been filed against Combs, alleging that he drugged and sexually assaulted a woman at a party in New York.
Classic Alternative 94/3 XYX Coming To Fort Walton Beach
The station's core playlist features iconic artists like The Cure, Joy Division, R.E.M., and The Smiths.
Lauren Indridson Joins ‘Gino’s Neighborhood’ At Hot Z95 Corpus Christi
Indridson, a former midday host at Top 40 “Planet 102.3” KKPN, will debut on “Gino’s Neighborhood” on Monday, January 6.
Tammy Oakland Named Midday Host At KOSI Denver
“I am so thrilled to be on air in Denver. I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire radio career in Colorado and it is an honor to join the legendary team of KOSI.”
Music Columns
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.
The 3 Qualities Joe Rogan Used to Dethrone Howard Stern as the King of All Media
For decades, Howard Stern has been "The King of...
It’s the Talent, Stupid: Developing Influential Political Podcasts
The best radio and podcasts, the breakouts, are the ones where the talent – hosts and producers – are unique and entertaining, tuned into what the audience seeks while being themselves.
Non-Traditional Radio Revenue Will Be the Name of the Game in 2025
These ideas don’t grow on trees, but when you find one that works, you’ll be off to the races.
Podcasting
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.”
SiriusXM To Launch Women’s Empowerment Network Podcast Platform
At its inception, it will introduce two new podcasts, with additional original content expected to roll out in the following months.
CNN Launching New Tech-Focused Podcast Hosted by Clare Duffy
"It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information we are confronted with, and I hope to be an essential resource to help you and your loved ones make sense of it all.”
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
Scott Jameson Named Brand Manager of 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore
Jameson will replace Chuck Sapienza, who mutually agreed to part ways with the company at the end of the year, an announcement which was made in late November.
Patrick McEnroe to Host New Tennis Show ‘Holding Court’ on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio
SiriusXM has announced it has added Patrick McEnroe to...
Scott Van Pelt: Having a Loyal Audience Creates Value
Over the last several decades at ESPN, Scott Van...
Devan Kaney Named Philadelphia Eagles Sideline Reporter on SportsRadio 94WIP for Remainder of Season
Kaney steps into the position previously held by Howard Eskin, who departed the station earlier in the month after being unable to resolve “irreconcilable differences.”
‘Nightcap with Unc & Ocho’ Featuring Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson is Instant Offense
"We just go together like a McDonald's No. 1 with Coke, no ice. Hits every time."
Sports Columns
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 Media Co-Rookies of the Year: Nick Saban and Bill Belichick
I thought it became pretty obvious from the get-go that Saban was a star in the making.
Here’s Hoping News Talk and Sports Talk Radio Had Their Holiday Wish Lists Fulfilled
What can talk radio do in 2025 and beyond that will help the sales teams not have to start conversations with potential clients by spending the first 20 minutes defending the industry and giving the reasons why it is not yet dead?
What is Pardon the Interruption in a YouTube World?
“Its success robbed the show of its unique identity.”
Sports Television
Diamond Sports Group Officially Emerges from Ch. 11 Bankruptcy as ‘Main Street Sports Group’
"With a stronger balance sheet, key partnerships, supportive new owners, we are modernizing our business to thrive in a changing media landscape."
Allstate Sugar Bowl Postponed, Airing Thursday on ESPN at 4 p.m. EST
The quarterfinal matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia will air on ESPN with play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough, analyst Greg McElroy and reporters Molly McGrath and Laura Rutledge.
ESPN ‘Monday Night Football’ Averages 22.2 Million Viewers for Lions-49ers
The game is the fifth most-watched among the 335 broadcasts aired since the franchise began airing on ESPN in 2006.
Netflix NFL Christmas Day Doubleheader Averages More Than 30 Million Global Viewers
The second matchup of the day, featuring the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, amassed a global average minute audience of 31.3 million viewers.
Valero Alamo Bowl Averages 8 Million Viewers on ABC
The game garnered a 105% increase in viewership from the average audience of 3.9 million that tuned in to last year’s iteration of the Bowl game on ESPN.
News Radio
Patriot Talk 920 AM Shuffles Lineup, Adds The Ramsey Show and Dana Loesch
“Their shows align perfectly with our mission to provide dynamic, engaging, and insightful content for our listeners.”
Len Berman: ‘I Don’t Want to Retire’ After 710 WOR Exit
"I’m sort of hoping something will drop out of the sky."
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.
Townsquare Media Extends Coverage of News/Talk 890 KDXU
Townsquare Media has announced that News/Talk station 890 KDXU...
Charlie Kirk: Dennis Prager Shared ‘Unbelievably Powerful’ Message With Me During Hospital Visit
"I cannot go into any detail exactly what medically Dennis is dealing with, but it's very serious. It's very serious. He is making progress."
News Columns
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.
The 3 Qualities Joe Rogan Used to Dethrone Howard Stern as the King of All Media
For decades, Howard Stern has been "The King of...
It’s the Talent, Stupid: Developing Influential Political Podcasts
The best radio and podcasts, the breakouts, are the ones where the talent – hosts and producers – are unique and entertaining, tuned into what the audience seeks while being themselves.
Non-Traditional Radio Revenue Will Be the Name of the Game in 2025
These ideas don’t grow on trees, but when you find one that works, you’ll be off to the races.
News Television
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.
Newsmax Scores Key Ratings Wins on Christmas Eve
Newsmax says its shows "went head-to-head with CNN and their special holiday programming winning each time in "P2" or total audience for all viewers."
NBC News Ends 2024 as #1 American News Network Across TV, Digital, and Streaming; Reached 137 Million Americans Per Month Across Platforms
NBC is slated to end 2024 as America’s number...
Dan Abrams to Exit Nightly NewsNation Show, Will Remain with Network
“I devote far more of my time to this show than anything else, and as hard as it is for me to admit, it’s just not practical to do this show all week while also running, and expanding, my businesses.”
Music News
Audacy AE Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Terror Attack
Twenty-five-year-old DiMaio, a resident of Holmdel, NJ, joined Audacy in March 2023 as a Performance Sales Account Manager.
Woman Alleges She Was Lured To Sean Combs Party Through Radio Station Contest
A new lawsuit has been filed against Combs, alleging that he drugged and sexually assaulted a woman at a party in New York.
Classic Alternative 94/3 XYX Coming To Fort Walton Beach
The station's core playlist features iconic artists like The Cure, Joy Division, R.E.M., and The Smiths.
Lauren Indridson Joins ‘Gino’s Neighborhood’ At Hot Z95 Corpus Christi
Indridson, a former midday host at Top 40 “Planet 102.3” KKPN, will debut on “Gino’s Neighborhood” on Monday, January 6.
Tammy Oakland Named Midday Host At KOSI Denver
“I am so thrilled to be on air in Denver. I have been fortunate enough to spend my entire radio career in Colorado and it is an honor to join the legendary team of KOSI.”
Music Columns
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.
The 3 Qualities Joe Rogan Used to Dethrone Howard Stern as the King of All Media
For decades, Howard Stern has been "The King of...
It’s the Talent, Stupid: Developing Influential Political Podcasts
The best radio and podcasts, the breakouts, are the ones where the talent – hosts and producers – are unique and entertaining, tuned into what the audience seeks while being themselves.
Non-Traditional Radio Revenue Will Be the Name of the Game in 2025
These ideas don’t grow on trees, but when you find one that works, you’ll be off to the races.
Podcasting
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.”
SiriusXM To Launch Women’s Empowerment Network Podcast Platform
At its inception, it will introduce two new podcasts, with additional original content expected to roll out in the following months.
CNN Launching New Tech-Focused Podcast Hosted by Clare Duffy
"It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information we are confronted with, and I hope to be an essential resource to help you and your loved ones make sense of it all.”
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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