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
ESPN Radio’s ‘Unsportsmanlike’ with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon Is as Much Fun as It Is Diverse
Together, the three create a fun, loose show with just the right mix of opinion, insight and laughter.
Mike Stone: NFL Playing on Christmas Day ‘Almost Sacrilegious’
"‘Well, NBA does it.’ Well, that’s a tradition, whatever."
Harrison Francesa Appearing for an Hour on WFAN with Sal Licata on December 27
Harrison Francesa has revealed that he will be appearing...
Howard Eskin: SportsRadio 94WIP, Audacy Exit Due to Irreconcilable Differences
"I’m looking forward to what comes next career-wise."
Pablo Torre: Meadowlark Media Allows Us to ‘Make Something from Scratch’ That Lives Up to ‘Some Amount of Hype’
"We are paying journalists to go report stories for us. We’re trying to go to death row as well as trying to buy a sculpture of myself made out of butter."
Sports Columns
The Timing of Media Layoffs
"The company and leadership team has failed if bad news is being delivered to employees the week prior to Christmas."
30 Years in Sports Media Has Been One of the Headlines of My 50 Years of Life
It has been a crazy ride over these 30 years in the business and I expect more of the same as I look to the back half of my career.
‘NFL Fantasy Live’ on NFL Network Is Heavy on Information, Trust and Fun
There is much more of an emphasis on personality and humor with the NFL Network shows.
Pat McAfee’s Influence Goes Far Beyond ESPN and College GameDay
“I don’t think McAfee told the school who to hire, but I am sure he made his feelings about his old coach very clear when asked.”
Lessons Learned From Management Conversations Involving Jimmy Pitaro and Dave Portnoy
"Portnoy takes a very different approach to running Barstool than Pitaro does at ESPN. Both work because their companies employ people who understand the culture, fit, approach, and vision."
Sports Television
ESPN Reveals NBA Christmas Day Commentary Teams
Taking place on ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+ at 12 p.m. EST will be the animated telecast, "Dunk the Halls."
John Keating to Retire at Conclusion of Detroit Red Wings Season
"It was wistful getting through the end of the Tigers season and now that the Red Wings season is ongoing, it just feels like it’s time to share the decision."
Netflix Lands U.S. Broadcast Rights for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031
"Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is not just about streaming matches — it’s about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sports."
ESPN Announces College Football Playoff Studio Programming
Following its most-viewed regular season in its 38-year history, College GameDay will make two trips in the First Round starting on Friday, Dec. 20.
ALLCITY Network CEO Brandon Spano: Layoffs Will Lead to Reallocated Capital and Business Growth
"This is not a warning cry or anything of that nature."
News Radio
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."
Joe Piscopo Renews with Salem Media Group, AM 970 The Answer
He has hosted on the station for the past decade.
Dave Ross, Colleen O’Brien Sign Off From Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
For Ross, it was the culmination of a 47-year career working for the Bonneville Seattle news/talk station.
Hoppy Kercheval to Step Away From ‘Talkline’, Dave Wilson and T.J. Meadows to Step In
"It is hard to step away from the show that has meant so much to me, but I have confidence in Dave and T.J.”
KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM Names Frank Lenzi as News Director
“Frank has a deep commitment to keeping audiences informed and connected. I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our team.”
News Columns
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.
TikTok Ban Isn’t About Free Speech, It’s About Ending Media Warfare
Social media algorithms are not speech. They are manipulative tools being used to keep you scrolling and addicted to your phone/apps.
What Does the Settlement Between ABC News and Donald Trump Mean For His 2nd Term?
This situation -- like so many others -- isn't nearly as black and white as many have made it out to be.
Is Radio Checking the Listener-Focused Experience Box?
A Listener-Focused Experience is a holistic approach. If everything on your station is dedicated to the same thing, it creates a symphony of success.
News Television
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.”
Current and Former Colleagues React to Depature of Neil Cavuto From Fox News After Nearly 30 Years
Many current and former Fox News colleagues took to social media to share well wishes, admiration, and appreciation for the work Cavuto did with the network and what he meant to them both personally and professionally.
Neil Cavuto: ‘Seemed Like a Good Time’ to Leave Fox News After 28 Years
"I've been planning this day for some time."
Ratings Roundup: Fox News Finishes 2024 With Highest Audience Share in Nearly 10 Years
70 of the top 100 cable news broadcasts of the year happened on Fox News in 2024.
Neil Cavuto Leaving Fox News After Nearly 30 Years
Sources close to the situation claim the longtime anchor was offered a new contract to remain with Fox News, but decided against renewing.
Music News
‘The Morning Bullpen’ Is Out At 100.3 ‘The Bull’ Houston
Their departure is the second of two long-time Houston morning shows this week. “Dean & Rog” exited 107.5/106.9 The Eagle Friday.
‘Dean & Rog’ Exit Mornings At 107.5/106.9 The Eagle Houston
Their exit came immediately following the conclusion of their program on Wednesday.
Bobby Jack Murphy Unretires And Joins 94.3 The Wolf WULF
Murphy will take on the role of afternoon host at Country “94.3 The Wolf” WULF in Hardinsburg, KY.
Music Radio Remembers ‘Pat James’ Linton
James joined Eagle in 2017 after serving as co-host of the “Cornbread & Pat James” morning show at KFDI in Wichita from 1999 to 2004 and at WIL-FM in St. Louis from 2004 to 2011.
WPOC Baltimore Names Michael J & Bethany Linderman New Morning Hosts
This change follows Laurie DeYoung's departure , who has been a fixture in morning radio for 39 years.
Music Columns
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.
TikTok Ban Isn’t About Free Speech, It’s About Ending Media Warfare
Social media algorithms are not speech. They are manipulative tools being used to keep you scrolling and addicted to your phone/apps.
What Does the Settlement Between ABC News and Donald Trump Mean For His 2nd Term?
This situation -- like so many others -- isn't nearly as black and white as many have made it out to be.
Is Radio Checking the Listener-Focused Experience Box?
A Listener-Focused Experience is a holistic approach. If everything on your station is dedicated to the same thing, it creates a symphony of success.
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
ESPN Radio’s ‘Unsportsmanlike’ with Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon Is as Much Fun as It Is Diverse
Together, the three create a fun, loose show with just the right mix of opinion, insight and laughter.
Mike Stone: NFL Playing on Christmas Day ‘Almost Sacrilegious’
"‘Well, NBA does it.’ Well, that’s a tradition, whatever."
Harrison Francesa Appearing for an Hour on WFAN with Sal Licata on December 27
Harrison Francesa has revealed that he will be appearing...
Howard Eskin: SportsRadio 94WIP, Audacy Exit Due to Irreconcilable Differences
"I’m looking forward to what comes next career-wise."
Pablo Torre: Meadowlark Media Allows Us to ‘Make Something from Scratch’ That Lives Up to ‘Some Amount of Hype’
"We are paying journalists to go report stories for us. We’re trying to go to death row as well as trying to buy a sculpture of myself made out of butter."
Sports Columns
The Timing of Media Layoffs
"The company and leadership team has failed if bad news is being delivered to employees the week prior to Christmas."
30 Years in Sports Media Has Been One of the Headlines of My 50 Years of Life
It has been a crazy ride over these 30 years in the business and I expect more of the same as I look to the back half of my career.
‘NFL Fantasy Live’ on NFL Network Is Heavy on Information, Trust and Fun
There is much more of an emphasis on personality and humor with the NFL Network shows.
Pat McAfee’s Influence Goes Far Beyond ESPN and College GameDay
“I don’t think McAfee told the school who to hire, but I am sure he made his feelings about his old coach very clear when asked.”
Lessons Learned From Management Conversations Involving Jimmy Pitaro and Dave Portnoy
"Portnoy takes a very different approach to running Barstool than Pitaro does at ESPN. Both work because their companies employ people who understand the culture, fit, approach, and vision."
Sports Television
ESPN Reveals NBA Christmas Day Commentary Teams
Taking place on ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+ at 12 p.m. EST will be the animated telecast, "Dunk the Halls."
John Keating to Retire at Conclusion of Detroit Red Wings Season
"It was wistful getting through the end of the Tigers season and now that the Red Wings season is ongoing, it just feels like it’s time to share the decision."
Netflix Lands U.S. Broadcast Rights for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and 2031
"Bringing this iconic tournament to Netflix is not just about streaming matches — it’s about celebrating the players, the culture, and the passion driving the global rise of women’s sports."
ESPN Announces College Football Playoff Studio Programming
Following its most-viewed regular season in its 38-year history, College GameDay will make two trips in the First Round starting on Friday, Dec. 20.
ALLCITY Network CEO Brandon Spano: Layoffs Will Lead to Reallocated Capital and Business Growth
"This is not a warning cry or anything of that nature."
News Radio
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."
Joe Piscopo Renews with Salem Media Group, AM 970 The Answer
He has hosted on the station for the past decade.
Dave Ross, Colleen O’Brien Sign Off From Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
For Ross, it was the culmination of a 47-year career working for the Bonneville Seattle news/talk station.
Hoppy Kercheval to Step Away From ‘Talkline’, Dave Wilson and T.J. Meadows to Step In
"It is hard to step away from the show that has meant so much to me, but I have confidence in Dave and T.J.”
KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM Names Frank Lenzi as News Director
“Frank has a deep commitment to keeping audiences informed and connected. I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to our team.”
News Columns
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.
TikTok Ban Isn’t About Free Speech, It’s About Ending Media Warfare
Social media algorithms are not speech. They are manipulative tools being used to keep you scrolling and addicted to your phone/apps.
What Does the Settlement Between ABC News and Donald Trump Mean For His 2nd Term?
This situation -- like so many others -- isn't nearly as black and white as many have made it out to be.
Is Radio Checking the Listener-Focused Experience Box?
A Listener-Focused Experience is a holistic approach. If everything on your station is dedicated to the same thing, it creates a symphony of success.
News Television
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.”
Current and Former Colleagues React to Depature of Neil Cavuto From Fox News After Nearly 30 Years
Many current and former Fox News colleagues took to social media to share well wishes, admiration, and appreciation for the work Cavuto did with the network and what he meant to them both personally and professionally.
Neil Cavuto: ‘Seemed Like a Good Time’ to Leave Fox News After 28 Years
"I've been planning this day for some time."
Ratings Roundup: Fox News Finishes 2024 With Highest Audience Share in Nearly 10 Years
70 of the top 100 cable news broadcasts of the year happened on Fox News in 2024.
Neil Cavuto Leaving Fox News After Nearly 30 Years
Sources close to the situation claim the longtime anchor was offered a new contract to remain with Fox News, but decided against renewing.
Music News
‘The Morning Bullpen’ Is Out At 100.3 ‘The Bull’ Houston
Their departure is the second of two long-time Houston morning shows this week. “Dean & Rog” exited 107.5/106.9 The Eagle Friday.
‘Dean & Rog’ Exit Mornings At 107.5/106.9 The Eagle Houston
Their exit came immediately following the conclusion of their program on Wednesday.
Bobby Jack Murphy Unretires And Joins 94.3 The Wolf WULF
Murphy will take on the role of afternoon host at Country “94.3 The Wolf” WULF in Hardinsburg, KY.
Music Radio Remembers ‘Pat James’ Linton
James joined Eagle in 2017 after serving as co-host of the “Cornbread & Pat James” morning show at KFDI in Wichita from 1999 to 2004 and at WIL-FM in St. Louis from 2004 to 2011.
WPOC Baltimore Names Michael J & Bethany Linderman New Morning Hosts
This change follows Laurie DeYoung's departure , who has been a fixture in morning radio for 39 years.
Music Columns
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.
TikTok Ban Isn’t About Free Speech, It’s About Ending Media Warfare
Social media algorithms are not speech. They are manipulative tools being used to keep you scrolling and addicted to your phone/apps.
What Does the Settlement Between ABC News and Donald Trump Mean For His 2nd Term?
This situation -- like so many others -- isn't nearly as black and white as many have made it out to be.
Is Radio Checking the Listener-Focused Experience Box?
A Listener-Focused Experience is a holistic approach. If everything on your station is dedicated to the same thing, it creates a symphony of success.
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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