Barrett Media
Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
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Sports Radio
Michael Kay: New Midday Show is the Old Show ‘on Ozempic Without Any of the Nasty Side Effects’
"We’ll have a good time, we’re going to have great guests, we’re going to have great features – all of that, and we are so excited to get the new show rolling."
Jessica Smetana: ‘I Feel Super, Super Lucky’ to Not Have Been on Bourbon Street During Truck Attack
"It was just truly just a horrific thing."
VSiN Rejoins SiriusXM, Launching New Joint Program with Mad Dog Sports Radio
VSiN has announced its return to SiriusXM, bringing some...
‘New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce’ Is Exactly What Sports Fans Want From a Podcast
"I don't get excited about many things, but this, this was at the top of my list."
Kenny Albert: ‘I Feel Like I Read the Equivalent of Five to 10 Books Every Week’
"There’s a lot of work and travel involved in it, but there’s really nothing else I would rather be doing, and the reading and the preparation is a big part of it."
Sports Columns
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 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.
Sports Television
ESPN Signs Contract Extension with NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid
ESPN announced it has re-signed NFL draft analyst Jordan...
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Games Average 16.9 Million Viewers on ESPN Networks
The Rose Bowl Game led the pack with an average of 21.1 million viewers watching the matchup between Ohio State and Oregon on Wednesday night.
Fubo Settles Litigation Against Venu Sports in Merger with Hulu + Live TV
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming company that combines the strengths of the Fubo and Hulu + Live TV brands."
Lawsuit from Former FOX Sports Employee Names Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, Joy Taylor as Defendants
The lawsuit could be expanded to include FOX Sports executives Eric Shanks and Mark Silverman based on discovery.
NBC Sports ‘Football Night in America’ Airing Live from Detroit in Week 18
This show will air ahead of a historic Game 272 between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
News Radio
Terry Foxx Named Black Information Network Vice President of News and Content for iHeartMedia
"We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.”
Jimmy Malone Joins WNIR for Mornings in Akron
Jimmy Malone has been added to the morning show...
Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno Added to 910 WFDF in Detroit
After being launched into national syndication in 2024, the show has quickly gained traction, with the Adell Media station marking DelGiorno's 50th affiliate.
770 KTTH Adds Will Cain to Evening Lineup After The Daily Wire Shows Depart Westwood One
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the great voices of KTTH in Seattle."
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.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.
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."
Music News
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.”
‘The Morning Mosh Pit’ Debuts On Rock 95.5 Chicago
Evening host Maria Palmer will join Matt ‘Marris’ Harris and Michael Mason on the new show.
Consultant’s Corner: Kevin Robinson, Robinson | Media
When coaching, do it privately, face-to-face, and one-on-one. Group sessions can potentially turn toxic, as coaching needs to be personalized and custom. Not everyone is in the same growth stage.
Michaela Johnson Joins ‘Fun 107’ New Bedford, MA Morning Team
Johnson will join existing hosts Michael Rock and Chris ‘Gazelle’ Arsenault.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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.”
Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
Sports Radio
Michael Kay: New Midday Show is the Old Show ‘on Ozempic Without Any of the Nasty Side Effects’
"We’ll have a good time, we’re going to have great guests, we’re going to have great features – all of that, and we are so excited to get the new show rolling."
Jessica Smetana: ‘I Feel Super, Super Lucky’ to Not Have Been on Bourbon Street During Truck Attack
"It was just truly just a horrific thing."
VSiN Rejoins SiriusXM, Launching New Joint Program with Mad Dog Sports Radio
VSiN has announced its return to SiriusXM, bringing some...
‘New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce’ Is Exactly What Sports Fans Want From a Podcast
"I don't get excited about many things, but this, this was at the top of my list."
Kenny Albert: ‘I Feel Like I Read the Equivalent of Five to 10 Books Every Week’
"There’s a lot of work and travel involved in it, but there’s really nothing else I would rather be doing, and the reading and the preparation is a big part of it."
Sports Columns
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 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.
Sports Television
ESPN Signs Contract Extension with NFL Draft Analyst Jordan Reid
ESPN announced it has re-signed NFL draft analyst Jordan...
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Games Average 16.9 Million Viewers on ESPN Networks
The Rose Bowl Game led the pack with an average of 21.1 million viewers watching the matchup between Ohio State and Oregon on Wednesday night.
Fubo Settles Litigation Against Venu Sports in Merger with Hulu + Live TV
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Disney to create a consumer-first streaming company that combines the strengths of the Fubo and Hulu + Live TV brands."
Lawsuit from Former FOX Sports Employee Names Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, Joy Taylor as Defendants
The lawsuit could be expanded to include FOX Sports executives Eric Shanks and Mark Silverman based on discovery.
NBC Sports ‘Football Night in America’ Airing Live from Detroit in Week 18
This show will air ahead of a historic Game 272 between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
News Radio
Terry Foxx Named Black Information Network Vice President of News and Content for iHeartMedia
"We’re confident his contributions will strengthen our position as a leader in delivering inclusive and impactful news and content to our audiences.”
Jimmy Malone Joins WNIR for Mornings in Akron
Jimmy Malone has been added to the morning show...
Your Morning Show with Michael DelGiorno Added to 910 WFDF in Detroit
After being launched into national syndication in 2024, the show has quickly gained traction, with the Adell Media station marking DelGiorno's 50th affiliate.
770 KTTH Adds Will Cain to Evening Lineup After The Daily Wire Shows Depart Westwood One
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the great voices of KTTH in Seattle."
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.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.
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."
Music News
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.”
‘The Morning Mosh Pit’ Debuts On Rock 95.5 Chicago
Evening host Maria Palmer will join Matt ‘Marris’ Harris and Michael Mason on the new show.
Consultant’s Corner: Kevin Robinson, Robinson | Media
When coaching, do it privately, face-to-face, and one-on-one. Group sessions can potentially turn toxic, as coaching needs to be personalized and custom. Not everyone is in the same growth stage.
Michaela Johnson Joins ‘Fun 107’ New Bedford, MA Morning Team
Johnson will join existing hosts Michael Rock and Chris ‘Gazelle’ Arsenault.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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.”
Jon Lafayette is the Sports Editor for Barrett Media. His focus is on the business of sports, including revenue-generating activities, executive intrigue and on-air and behind the scenes talent. Jon previously covered big stories in the media industry as business editor of Broadcasting+Cable. Before B+C, Jon covered the TV and advertising industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago. He can be reached by email at Jon@BarrettMedia.com.
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