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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Thursday, February 13, 2025
Sports Radio
Anna Witte Named New Charlotte FC Analyst
"It’s an honor to join the Charlotte FC broadcast team to cover this incredible club."
St. Louis Gets First All-Digital Sports Network; ‘Sports Hub STL’ to Feature Randy Karraker, Mike Claiborne and More
“With Sports Hub STL, we’re building more than a media outlet—we’re creating a community where St. Louis fans can engage in real-time, share their passion, and stay connected like never before."
ESPN West Palm 106.3 to Serve as English-Language Radio Partner for Inter Miami CF
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Inter Miami CF to include English-language broadcasts on ESPN 106.3."
Mike Bagley Moves Up to the MRN Booth; Still Can’t Wait to Get to Daytona After All These Years
"To me, going to Daytona is that first dip into spring. Racing is back. NASCAR is back. Everything is shiny."
Mike Valenti: Tom Brady Is A ‘Malignant Narcissist’
"That was his swan song. That was one of the worst Super Bowl broadcasts in history."
Sports Columns
‘The Madden Cruiser: A Bayou Adventure with Bill Belichick’ Was the Hidden Gem of Super Bowl Weekend
Honestly, this was one of the finest Super Bowl pregame offerings I have ever seen.
Super Bowl Week Showcased Sports Media’s Future Stars
“Super Bowl week gave all of those shows, their producers and their bosses a look at who may be ready to break out on television when their playing days are done.”
Reflecting On The Barrett Media Top 20 Series
"I started the Top 20 series to celebrate the radio business. We do it to show respect to many who are doing outstanding work, but don't always receive the recognition they've earned."
Being Let Go by Corporate Media Should No Longer Surprise Anyone
"I’ll let you all discuss the idea that a multibillion-dollar corporation needed to cut my small 6 figure salary in order to keep the lights on."
‘Super Bowl Live’ on NFL Network Gets You Hyped for the Chiefs-Eagles
The Super Bowl airs this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FOX, but NFL Network has the pregame fare covered better than any network with 60 hours of live coverage this week.
Sports Television
ESPN Averages 2.01 Million Viewers for Los Angeles Lakers Debut of Luka Dončić
The matchup marked the most-watched NBA game on cable in over two months.
VSiN Reveals Changes to Programming Lineup, New Partnership with RotoWire
"If you can bet on it, our team is analyzing it, and as we continue to expand our audience, you’ll see us giving even more sports fans everything they need to know about the current sports betting menu."
NBCUniversal Announces Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games Programming Plans
"The time zone allows us to mimic our Paris programming and coverage strategy on NBC and Peacock, which was widely praised and highly consumed."
ESPN to Move on From Top Rank Boxing: Report
"We are in dialogue with ESPN and many other parties regarding our media rights."
ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Plans For 2025 MLB Season Include Karl Ravech, David Cone, Eduardo Perez, and Buster Olney
Karl Ravech returns on the call alongside analysts David Cone, Eduardo Perez, and reporter Buster Olney on the flagship ESPN MLB telecast
News Radio
1080 WTIC Celebrates 100th Anniversary in Hartford
The station was originally owned by the Travelers Insurance Company -- hence the "TIC" in WTIC -- and served as a major source of news and information in southern New England.
Joe Thomas Returns to Radio on WTON After Injunction Ends
“It’s exciting. A lot has changed in six months.”
Former Coast to Coast AM Host Art Bell to Be Subject of Hollywood Biopic Starring Paul Giamatti
Both Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. are reportedly vying to secure the rights to the film.
Joe Rogan: My Podcast Grew in Popularity Due to Lack of Trust in Mainstream Media
"Nobody wants to hang out with Brian Stelter. None of these people are people that people can relate to and like.”
Zimmer Communications Names Peter Thiele News/Talk Format Captain
Thiele will be based in Columbia as he assumes his new role.
News Columns
FOX Sports Taught Every Radio Station A Lesson During Super Bowl LIX
If FOX didn't make everything for sale when the price tag was $8 million, your radio station doesn't have to, either.
Being a News/Talk Radio Star Comes With a Cost
Every radio personality has a deep-seated insecurity about their show and performance. This is very natural.
The Mundane Local News People Really Care About (And Where to Find It)
How do you define local news? More to the...
With Data Showing Health of News/Talk Radio, What Are You Doing to Sustain It?
The best performers in any industry will use the old adage, “Just give me a shot.” The audience, based on these numbers, is doing that. What are you doing with that shot?
Why Spotify Should Be Near the Top of the News/Talk Radio Priority List in 2025
Everyone knows the news/talk radio format needs to do something -- anything -- to attract younger audiences. It's time to actually do something about it.
News Television
MSNBC Names Rebecca Kutler Permanent Replacement for Rashida Jones as Network President
Kutler was named interim president in January as outgoing president Rashida Jones announced she would exit the cable network.
Chris Cuomo: There’s a Reason Fox News Used Similar Positioning Statement of NewsNation in Super Bowl Ad
"They can't tell you that the game is changing."
Super Bowl Interview Between Fox News Anchor Bret Baier and Donald Trump Up Nearly 10% Over 2020
Just over 4 million viewers were in the Adults 25-54 demographic.
Newsmax Sees 25% Primetime Ratings Surge in 2024, Report Shows
Greg Kelly Reports led the way in total viewership gains in the primetime hours.
OutKick’s ‘Tomi Lahren is Fearless’ to Begin Streaming on Fox News Website
"I have no shortage of exciting news to talk about and I can’t wait to broadcast it to our Fox News digital audience!"
Music News
For Mike O’Brian And 96.3 KKLZ Las Vegas The Brand Is The Star
"The brand is the most important thing. If the brand wins, if the radio station wins, we all win.”
Darlas Rai To Join New Country 93.3 Eugene OR For Afternoons
In November of last year, Rai left Nash Icon WSM-FM in Nashville after 18 years with the cluster, calling it a semi-retirement.
Jamien ‘Melz On The MIC’ Green Out At 107.3 KISS-FM Tyler, TX
Townsquare Media Tyler, TX, has let go Adult R&B 107.3 KISS-FM Brand Manager and PM Driver Jamien ‘Melz On The MIC’ Green.
David Fisch Joins Soft Rock 97.3 Hartford For Middays
He will be heard weekdays from 10 am - 3 pm.
Brittany “Bri Lynn” Tully Lands Evenings At 100.7 The Tiger Baton Rouge
Tully had been hosting weekends and will now handle 6 to 10 pm. Syndicated “Café Nashville” will shift its time slot to 10 pm to 1 am.
Music Columns
FOX Sports Taught Every Radio Station A Lesson During Super Bowl LIX
If FOX didn't make everything for sale when the price tag was $8 million, your radio station doesn't have to, either.
Being a News/Talk Radio Star Comes With a Cost
Every radio personality has a deep-seated insecurity about their show and performance. This is very natural.
The Mundane Local News People Really Care About (And Where to Find It)
How do you define local news? More to the...
With Data Showing Health of News/Talk Radio, What Are You Doing to Sustain It?
The best performers in any industry will use the old adage, “Just give me a shot.” The audience, based on these numbers, is doing that. What are you doing with that shot?
Why Spotify Should Be Near the Top of the News/Talk Radio Priority List in 2025
Everyone knows the news/talk radio format needs to do something -- anything -- to attract younger audiences. It's time to actually do something about it.
Podcasting
CNN Launches Chance Encounters Podcast Hosted by Francesca Street
CNN, under the direction of CEO Mark Thompson, has made digital media efforts a priority, including the podcasting space.
The Volume Adds ‘New Rory & Mal’ Podcast in First Entertainment Show on Colin Cowherd-Founded Network
“The Volume has built a community of creators and personalities that align with the New Rory & Mal brand."
Audacy EVP of Podcasts Jenna Weiss-Berman Departs to Join Amy Poehler-Led Company
Weiss-Berman is the latest executive to depart Audacy since the company emerged from its pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan Launches Podcast with Lemonada Media
Lemonada Media will handle both distribution and ad sales for the new venture.
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
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
Anna Witte Named New Charlotte FC Analyst
"It’s an honor to join the Charlotte FC broadcast team to cover this incredible club."
St. Louis Gets First All-Digital Sports Network; ‘Sports Hub STL’ to Feature Randy Karraker, Mike Claiborne and More
“With Sports Hub STL, we’re building more than a media outlet—we’re creating a community where St. Louis fans can engage in real-time, share their passion, and stay connected like never before."
ESPN West Palm 106.3 to Serve as English-Language Radio Partner for Inter Miami CF
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Inter Miami CF to include English-language broadcasts on ESPN 106.3."
Mike Bagley Moves Up to the MRN Booth; Still Can’t Wait to Get to Daytona After All These Years
"To me, going to Daytona is that first dip into spring. Racing is back. NASCAR is back. Everything is shiny."
Mike Valenti: Tom Brady Is A ‘Malignant Narcissist’
"That was his swan song. That was one of the worst Super Bowl broadcasts in history."
Sports Columns
‘The Madden Cruiser: A Bayou Adventure with Bill Belichick’ Was the Hidden Gem of Super Bowl Weekend
Honestly, this was one of the finest Super Bowl pregame offerings I have ever seen.
Super Bowl Week Showcased Sports Media’s Future Stars
“Super Bowl week gave all of those shows, their producers and their bosses a look at who may be ready to break out on television when their playing days are done.”
Reflecting On The Barrett Media Top 20 Series
"I started the Top 20 series to celebrate the radio business. We do it to show respect to many who are doing outstanding work, but don't always receive the recognition they've earned."
Being Let Go by Corporate Media Should No Longer Surprise Anyone
"I’ll let you all discuss the idea that a multibillion-dollar corporation needed to cut my small 6 figure salary in order to keep the lights on."
‘Super Bowl Live’ on NFL Network Gets You Hyped for the Chiefs-Eagles
The Super Bowl airs this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FOX, but NFL Network has the pregame fare covered better than any network with 60 hours of live coverage this week.
Sports Television
ESPN Averages 2.01 Million Viewers for Los Angeles Lakers Debut of Luka Dončić
The matchup marked the most-watched NBA game on cable in over two months.
VSiN Reveals Changes to Programming Lineup, New Partnership with RotoWire
"If you can bet on it, our team is analyzing it, and as we continue to expand our audience, you’ll see us giving even more sports fans everything they need to know about the current sports betting menu."
NBCUniversal Announces Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games Programming Plans
"The time zone allows us to mimic our Paris programming and coverage strategy on NBC and Peacock, which was widely praised and highly consumed."
ESPN to Move on From Top Rank Boxing: Report
"We are in dialogue with ESPN and many other parties regarding our media rights."
ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Plans For 2025 MLB Season Include Karl Ravech, David Cone, Eduardo Perez, and Buster Olney
Karl Ravech returns on the call alongside analysts David Cone, Eduardo Perez, and reporter Buster Olney on the flagship ESPN MLB telecast
News Radio
1080 WTIC Celebrates 100th Anniversary in Hartford
The station was originally owned by the Travelers Insurance Company -- hence the "TIC" in WTIC -- and served as a major source of news and information in southern New England.
Joe Thomas Returns to Radio on WTON After Injunction Ends
“It’s exciting. A lot has changed in six months.”
Former Coast to Coast AM Host Art Bell to Be Subject of Hollywood Biopic Starring Paul Giamatti
Both Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. are reportedly vying to secure the rights to the film.
Joe Rogan: My Podcast Grew in Popularity Due to Lack of Trust in Mainstream Media
"Nobody wants to hang out with Brian Stelter. None of these people are people that people can relate to and like.”
Zimmer Communications Names Peter Thiele News/Talk Format Captain
Thiele will be based in Columbia as he assumes his new role.
News Columns
FOX Sports Taught Every Radio Station A Lesson During Super Bowl LIX
If FOX didn't make everything for sale when the price tag was $8 million, your radio station doesn't have to, either.
Being a News/Talk Radio Star Comes With a Cost
Every radio personality has a deep-seated insecurity about their show and performance. This is very natural.
The Mundane Local News People Really Care About (And Where to Find It)
How do you define local news? More to the...
With Data Showing Health of News/Talk Radio, What Are You Doing to Sustain It?
The best performers in any industry will use the old adage, “Just give me a shot.” The audience, based on these numbers, is doing that. What are you doing with that shot?
Why Spotify Should Be Near the Top of the News/Talk Radio Priority List in 2025
Everyone knows the news/talk radio format needs to do something -- anything -- to attract younger audiences. It's time to actually do something about it.
News Television
MSNBC Names Rebecca Kutler Permanent Replacement for Rashida Jones as Network President
Kutler was named interim president in January as outgoing president Rashida Jones announced she would exit the cable network.
Chris Cuomo: There’s a Reason Fox News Used Similar Positioning Statement of NewsNation in Super Bowl Ad
"They can't tell you that the game is changing."
Super Bowl Interview Between Fox News Anchor Bret Baier and Donald Trump Up Nearly 10% Over 2020
Just over 4 million viewers were in the Adults 25-54 demographic.
Newsmax Sees 25% Primetime Ratings Surge in 2024, Report Shows
Greg Kelly Reports led the way in total viewership gains in the primetime hours.
OutKick’s ‘Tomi Lahren is Fearless’ to Begin Streaming on Fox News Website
"I have no shortage of exciting news to talk about and I can’t wait to broadcast it to our Fox News digital audience!"
Music News
For Mike O’Brian And 96.3 KKLZ Las Vegas The Brand Is The Star
"The brand is the most important thing. If the brand wins, if the radio station wins, we all win.”
Darlas Rai To Join New Country 93.3 Eugene OR For Afternoons
In November of last year, Rai left Nash Icon WSM-FM in Nashville after 18 years with the cluster, calling it a semi-retirement.
Jamien ‘Melz On The MIC’ Green Out At 107.3 KISS-FM Tyler, TX
Townsquare Media Tyler, TX, has let go Adult R&B 107.3 KISS-FM Brand Manager and PM Driver Jamien ‘Melz On The MIC’ Green.
David Fisch Joins Soft Rock 97.3 Hartford For Middays
He will be heard weekdays from 10 am - 3 pm.
Brittany “Bri Lynn” Tully Lands Evenings At 100.7 The Tiger Baton Rouge
Tully had been hosting weekends and will now handle 6 to 10 pm. Syndicated “Café Nashville” will shift its time slot to 10 pm to 1 am.
Music Columns
FOX Sports Taught Every Radio Station A Lesson During Super Bowl LIX
If FOX didn't make everything for sale when the price tag was $8 million, your radio station doesn't have to, either.
Being a News/Talk Radio Star Comes With a Cost
Every radio personality has a deep-seated insecurity about their show and performance. This is very natural.
The Mundane Local News People Really Care About (And Where to Find It)
How do you define local news? More to the...
With Data Showing Health of News/Talk Radio, What Are You Doing to Sustain It?
The best performers in any industry will use the old adage, “Just give me a shot.” The audience, based on these numbers, is doing that. What are you doing with that shot?
Why Spotify Should Be Near the Top of the News/Talk Radio Priority List in 2025
Everyone knows the news/talk radio format needs to do something -- anything -- to attract younger audiences. It's time to actually do something about it.
Podcasting
CNN Launches Chance Encounters Podcast Hosted by Francesca Street
CNN, under the direction of CEO Mark Thompson, has made digital media efforts a priority, including the podcasting space.
The Volume Adds ‘New Rory & Mal’ Podcast in First Entertainment Show on Colin Cowherd-Founded Network
“The Volume has built a community of creators and personalities that align with the New Rory & Mal brand."
Audacy EVP of Podcasts Jenna Weiss-Berman Departs to Join Amy Poehler-Led Company
Weiss-Berman is the latest executive to depart Audacy since the company emerged from its pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan Launches Podcast with Lemonada Media
Lemonada Media will handle both distribution and ad sales for the new venture.
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
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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