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
Jack and Harrison Francesa Guest Host with Sal Licata on WFAN
"You might be right, but you don’t win."
Mile High Sports Radio Ceases Operations; Company to Focus on Digital Content Only
Mile High Radio in Denver is no longer. Company...
Chris Oliviero: Howard Stern Producer, Gary Dell’Abate ‘Took Me Under His Wing and Coached Me in the Business’
"I have a lot of respect for performers when that red light goes on. They have something in their DNA that I didn't have."
Stephen A. Smith: I Want Freedom to Do Other Things in New ESPN Deal
"Hopefully we’ll reach an accord and I’ll be there for years to come, and if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn't work out."
Don Imus Remembered by Current and Former WFAN Colleagues Five Years After His Passing
"You cannot write the history of WFAN without Don Imus. He was the foundational cornerstone that all the future decades of success was built upon."
Sports Columns
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.”
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.
Sports Television
Sports Media Reacts to the Death of Greg Gumbel
“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten."
Greg Gumbel Passes Away at the Age of 78
"Gumbel first joined CBS Sports in 1989 where he contributed to its coverage of the National Football League, including working as the host of 'The NFL Today.'"
Big Ten Network Broadcasting On-Site Coverage of College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
The Big Ten Network will continue previewing quarterfinal matchups as "The B1G Show" airs at midnight EST on Sunday.
ESPN Airing MegaCast Presentation of College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
A variety of presentations will be available, including Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN2 as Ohio State and Oregon face off at the Rose Bowl Game on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
NBA Christmas Day on ESPN Platforms Averages 5.25 Million Viewers, Most-Watched in Five Years
The thrilling victory by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers over Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors led the way averaging 7.76 million viewers in prime time.
News Radio
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."
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.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.”
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."
Music News
Caitlin Fisher Named Assistant Program Director/PM Drive At WAPE Jacksonville
Fisher, a Jacksonville area native, joins WAPE after a successful tenure at Cox Country's “K95.5” KWEN in Tulsa.
Classic Rocker WONE-FM To Celebrate 40 Years On January 1
WAEZ-FM, which was easy listening, transitioned to a Rock format, and WONE-FM at 6 AM on January 1, 1985.
Lamont Returning To 107.7 The Bone San Francisco
Posting on the "Lamont & Tonelli" Facebook page, Lamont wrote, "Major Announcement! I have signed a contract with the Bone..1st show JAN 6TH !!"
It’s ‘Party 107.7’ Time In Norfolk VA
Branding itself as the go-to destination for "Feel Good Hit Music." Core artists featured in its lineup include Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Shaboozey.
Tony Cortez Signs On For Mornings at Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM San Antonio
Cortez will make his debut on Monday, December 30, stepping into the role vacated by the recent retirement of Music Director and midday host Steve Casanova.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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
Jack and Harrison Francesa Guest Host with Sal Licata on WFAN
"You might be right, but you don’t win."
Mile High Sports Radio Ceases Operations; Company to Focus on Digital Content Only
Mile High Radio in Denver is no longer. Company...
Chris Oliviero: Howard Stern Producer, Gary Dell’Abate ‘Took Me Under His Wing and Coached Me in the Business’
"I have a lot of respect for performers when that red light goes on. They have something in their DNA that I didn't have."
Stephen A. Smith: I Want Freedom to Do Other Things in New ESPN Deal
"Hopefully we’ll reach an accord and I’ll be there for years to come, and if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn't work out."
Don Imus Remembered by Current and Former WFAN Colleagues Five Years After His Passing
"You cannot write the history of WFAN without Don Imus. He was the foundational cornerstone that all the future decades of success was built upon."
Sports Columns
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.”
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.
Sports Television
Sports Media Reacts to the Death of Greg Gumbel
“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten."
Greg Gumbel Passes Away at the Age of 78
"Gumbel first joined CBS Sports in 1989 where he contributed to its coverage of the National Football League, including working as the host of 'The NFL Today.'"
Big Ten Network Broadcasting On-Site Coverage of College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
The Big Ten Network will continue previewing quarterfinal matchups as "The B1G Show" airs at midnight EST on Sunday.
ESPN Airing MegaCast Presentation of College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
A variety of presentations will be available, including Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN2 as Ohio State and Oregon face off at the Rose Bowl Game on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
NBA Christmas Day on ESPN Platforms Averages 5.25 Million Viewers, Most-Watched in Five Years
The thrilling victory by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers over Stephen Curry Golden State Warriors led the way averaging 7.76 million viewers in prime time.
News Radio
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."
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.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.”
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."
Music News
Caitlin Fisher Named Assistant Program Director/PM Drive At WAPE Jacksonville
Fisher, a Jacksonville area native, joins WAPE after a successful tenure at Cox Country's “K95.5” KWEN in Tulsa.
Classic Rocker WONE-FM To Celebrate 40 Years On January 1
WAEZ-FM, which was easy listening, transitioned to a Rock format, and WONE-FM at 6 AM on January 1, 1985.
Lamont Returning To 107.7 The Bone San Francisco
Posting on the "Lamont & Tonelli" Facebook page, Lamont wrote, "Major Announcement! I have signed a contract with the Bone..1st show JAN 6TH !!"
It’s ‘Party 107.7’ Time In Norfolk VA
Branding itself as the go-to destination for "Feel Good Hit Music." Core artists featured in its lineup include Sabrina Carpenter, Rihanna, Eminem, Ariana Grande, and Shaboozey.
Tony Cortez Signs On For Mornings at Classic Hits 101.1 KONO-FM San Antonio
Cortez will make his debut on Monday, December 30, stepping into the role vacated by the recent retirement of Music Director and midday host Steve Casanova.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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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