Barrett Media
Brian Shactman is a weekly columnist for Barrett News Radio. In addition to writing for BNM, Brian can be heard weekday mornings in Hartford, CT on 1080 WTIC hosting the popular morning program ‘Brian & Company’. During his career, Brian has worked for ESPN, CNBC, MSNBC, and local TV channels in Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can find him on Twitter @bshactman.
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Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Sports Radio
Jake Vulinec Named New Evening Host on 92.3 The Fan
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge.”
Jenny Cavnar Discusses Challenges Of AI in MLB Call Manipulation
“What’s not okay is talking about me when it’s not even me. It’s not real.”
Jason Kelce: ‘They Call it Late Night’ Show was ‘Incredibly Rewarding’
"We went for it, and we had an amazing team of writers – a lot of them worked on Conan (O'Brien) – and it was fun to try it.”
U.S. Soccer, Westwood One Agree to English-Language Audio Rights Deal
"We look forward to amplifying the excitement of U.S. Soccer across our network for many years to come."
Richmond’s ESPN 106.1 ‘Big Al’ Coleman to Retire on February 26
"I’ll be 70 in March. It’s time to let the young guys take over.”
Sports Columns
Finding a First is Crucial for Talent Before Its Your Last
"I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve walked a mile if not an entire marathon or two in them."
SNL50 Presented The Best Way To Celebrate Your Brand
“Saturday Night Live celebrated itself and its influence by reminding its biggest fans what it does best and by showing everyone what they fell in love with in the first place.”
If You Cannot Sell Yourself, You Should Not Be in the Sports Content Business
If anyone is going to work for me in any capacity, I need to be sold they can sell.
‘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.”
Sports Television
ESPN Platforms Report High Viewership For Women’s Basketball Doubleheader
"ESPN’s College Gameday airing on Sunday ahead of the two contests was the most watched regular season women’s College Gameday since 2010"
Joe Buck: ‘There’s a Lot of Catching Up to Do’ Ahead of ESPN MLB Opening Day Broadcast
"I can’t act like I’ve been up on every transaction the Yankees and Brewers have made, let alone the rest of the league."
NBA All-Star Game Viewership Down 13% From 2024
"The Sunday night broadcast reportedly drew 4.718 million viewers across all platforms including TNT, TBS, and truTV."
Daytona 500 Averages 6.76 Million Viewers on FOX
"Viewership of the Daytona 500 was up 13% as FOX Sports commenced its new media rights deal with NASCAR"
FanDuel Sports Network Now Available on Amazon’s Prime Video as Add-On Subscription
"We’re excited to offer a seamless and convenient way to stay in the game."
News Radio
WBAP Adds The Joe Pags Show to Daily Lineup
Joe Pagliarulo steps into the timeslot previously occupied by Chris Krok.
1370 WSPD Host Fred LeFebvre Celebrates 45th Anniversary in Toledo Radio
"As long as I can talk and I'm excited about what's going on, I'm going to continue to do my job until they ask me to leave."
The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show Invited to Broadcast Show From Pentagon
Earlier this month, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell hinted at an upcoming invite to the Premiere Networks hosts.
Dave Ramsey Sets Release Date for Latest Book on Entrepreneurship
In his latest book, Dave Ramsey will share his experience in building a business from what started as a one-man operation and now encompasses more than 1,000 employees.
Rush Limbaugh Remembered By News/Talk Radio Hosts 4 Years Since Passing
"There literally is not a day I don't sit down behind my microphone and think about him and the advice he's given me."
News Columns
Why News/Talk Radio Hosts and Stations Need to Dive Head First Into Winning Topic A
If you are discussing the education subcommittee vote while your community is receiving a foot of snow, you have failed.
Does The News Industry Think Anything Makes Being a Reporter in 2025 Enticing?
The glamour of the Woodward and Bernstein days (or the Walter Cronkite days, or the Ernie Pyle days) is long gone. If you’re just starting out, no, you don’t want to be a reporter.
Nielsen Well Intentioned For Changing Qualifying Time, But Still Missing the Mark By Wide Margin
It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s miles away from how major digital outlets are calculating their metrics.
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.
News Television
CBS News Executive Adrienne Roark to Depart
Roark oversaw the editorial and newsgathering of CBS News and Stations, which she took over in August of last year.
The Watch: The Lead with Jake Tapper on CNN
Tapper often draws the ire of conservative media members. Is it warranted? I set out to find out by watching a recent episode of the show.
Fox News Anchor Dana Perino Sets Release Date For Upcoming Book With Stories From Jesse Watters, Bret Baier, and Martha MacCallum
The release will be the 14th book published by Fox News Books, the publishing imprint for Fox News Media.
Sean Hannity to Host First Joint Interview with Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Fox News
The conversation will mark the first-ever televised joint interview featuring Trump and Musk.
Major Garrett Named Anchor of ‘America Decides’ on CBS News 24/7
The news of Garrett taking over the daily political shows comes on the heels of the revelation that his long-running podcast -- The Takeout with Major Garrett -- was ending in its current form.
Music News
Guy Favazz Exits KSHE 95 St. Louis After 33 Years
Favazz’s wife wrote on Facebook, “After 33+ years on the radio, my partner in life is closing the door on a remarkable career at the world’s first FM Rock radio station, KSHE 95.”
Music Radio Remembers Andrew “Tiny” Aasen
Aasen is best known for his time on “The Marconi Show” in the 2000s.
Chris Crowley Exits iHeartmedia Charlotte and Raleigh
"Recently, Crowley served as PD of 106.5 The End and 99.7 The Fox in Charlotte."
KS95 Minneapolis PD Mat Mitchell Leads Hubbard’s Legacy Brand
"We're so focused on our day-to-day and what we do and trying to create a great product and maintain our connection with the community and what we do here to stop and come up for air and to see that acknowledgment. "
98.7 The Bull Names Jimmy Steal Co-Content Director
"I’m thrilled to have Jimmy Steal join forces with Tim Richards as Co-Content Directors of KUPL/98.7 The Bull in Portland."
Music Columns
Why News/Talk Radio Hosts and Stations Need to Dive Head First Into Winning Topic A
If you are discussing the education subcommittee vote while your community is receiving a foot of snow, you have failed.
Does The News Industry Think Anything Makes Being a Reporter in 2025 Enticing?
The glamour of the Woodward and Bernstein days (or the Walter Cronkite days, or the Ernie Pyle days) is long gone. If you’re just starting out, no, you don’t want to be a reporter.
Nielsen Well Intentioned For Changing Qualifying Time, But Still Missing the Mark By Wide Margin
It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s miles away from how major digital outlets are calculating their metrics.
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.
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...
Brian Shactman is a weekly columnist for Barrett News Radio. In addition to writing for BNM, Brian can be heard weekday mornings in Hartford, CT on 1080 WTIC hosting the popular morning program ‘Brian & Company’. During his career, Brian has worked for ESPN, CNBC, MSNBC, and local TV channels in Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can find him on Twitter @bshactman.
Sports Radio
Jake Vulinec Named New Evening Host on 92.3 The Fan
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge.”
Jenny Cavnar Discusses Challenges Of AI in MLB Call Manipulation
“What’s not okay is talking about me when it’s not even me. It’s not real.”
Jason Kelce: ‘They Call it Late Night’ Show was ‘Incredibly Rewarding’
"We went for it, and we had an amazing team of writers – a lot of them worked on Conan (O'Brien) – and it was fun to try it.”
U.S. Soccer, Westwood One Agree to English-Language Audio Rights Deal
"We look forward to amplifying the excitement of U.S. Soccer across our network for many years to come."
Richmond’s ESPN 106.1 ‘Big Al’ Coleman to Retire on February 26
"I’ll be 70 in March. It’s time to let the young guys take over.”
Sports Columns
Finding a First is Crucial for Talent Before Its Your Last
"I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve walked a mile if not an entire marathon or two in them."
SNL50 Presented The Best Way To Celebrate Your Brand
“Saturday Night Live celebrated itself and its influence by reminding its biggest fans what it does best and by showing everyone what they fell in love with in the first place.”
If You Cannot Sell Yourself, You Should Not Be in the Sports Content Business
If anyone is going to work for me in any capacity, I need to be sold they can sell.
‘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.”
Sports Television
ESPN Platforms Report High Viewership For Women’s Basketball Doubleheader
"ESPN’s College Gameday airing on Sunday ahead of the two contests was the most watched regular season women’s College Gameday since 2010"
Joe Buck: ‘There’s a Lot of Catching Up to Do’ Ahead of ESPN MLB Opening Day Broadcast
"I can’t act like I’ve been up on every transaction the Yankees and Brewers have made, let alone the rest of the league."
NBA All-Star Game Viewership Down 13% From 2024
"The Sunday night broadcast reportedly drew 4.718 million viewers across all platforms including TNT, TBS, and truTV."
Daytona 500 Averages 6.76 Million Viewers on FOX
"Viewership of the Daytona 500 was up 13% as FOX Sports commenced its new media rights deal with NASCAR"
FanDuel Sports Network Now Available on Amazon’s Prime Video as Add-On Subscription
"We’re excited to offer a seamless and convenient way to stay in the game."
News Radio
WBAP Adds The Joe Pags Show to Daily Lineup
Joe Pagliarulo steps into the timeslot previously occupied by Chris Krok.
1370 WSPD Host Fred LeFebvre Celebrates 45th Anniversary in Toledo Radio
"As long as I can talk and I'm excited about what's going on, I'm going to continue to do my job until they ask me to leave."
The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show Invited to Broadcast Show From Pentagon
Earlier this month, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell hinted at an upcoming invite to the Premiere Networks hosts.
Dave Ramsey Sets Release Date for Latest Book on Entrepreneurship
In his latest book, Dave Ramsey will share his experience in building a business from what started as a one-man operation and now encompasses more than 1,000 employees.
Rush Limbaugh Remembered By News/Talk Radio Hosts 4 Years Since Passing
"There literally is not a day I don't sit down behind my microphone and think about him and the advice he's given me."
News Columns
Why News/Talk Radio Hosts and Stations Need to Dive Head First Into Winning Topic A
If you are discussing the education subcommittee vote while your community is receiving a foot of snow, you have failed.
Does The News Industry Think Anything Makes Being a Reporter in 2025 Enticing?
The glamour of the Woodward and Bernstein days (or the Walter Cronkite days, or the Ernie Pyle days) is long gone. If you’re just starting out, no, you don’t want to be a reporter.
Nielsen Well Intentioned For Changing Qualifying Time, But Still Missing the Mark By Wide Margin
It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s miles away from how major digital outlets are calculating their metrics.
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.
News Television
CBS News Executive Adrienne Roark to Depart
Roark oversaw the editorial and newsgathering of CBS News and Stations, which she took over in August of last year.
The Watch: The Lead with Jake Tapper on CNN
Tapper often draws the ire of conservative media members. Is it warranted? I set out to find out by watching a recent episode of the show.
Fox News Anchor Dana Perino Sets Release Date For Upcoming Book With Stories From Jesse Watters, Bret Baier, and Martha MacCallum
The release will be the 14th book published by Fox News Books, the publishing imprint for Fox News Media.
Sean Hannity to Host First Joint Interview with Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Fox News
The conversation will mark the first-ever televised joint interview featuring Trump and Musk.
Major Garrett Named Anchor of ‘America Decides’ on CBS News 24/7
The news of Garrett taking over the daily political shows comes on the heels of the revelation that his long-running podcast -- The Takeout with Major Garrett -- was ending in its current form.
Music News
Guy Favazz Exits KSHE 95 St. Louis After 33 Years
Favazz’s wife wrote on Facebook, “After 33+ years on the radio, my partner in life is closing the door on a remarkable career at the world’s first FM Rock radio station, KSHE 95.”
Music Radio Remembers Andrew “Tiny” Aasen
Aasen is best known for his time on “The Marconi Show” in the 2000s.
Chris Crowley Exits iHeartmedia Charlotte and Raleigh
"Recently, Crowley served as PD of 106.5 The End and 99.7 The Fox in Charlotte."
KS95 Minneapolis PD Mat Mitchell Leads Hubbard’s Legacy Brand
"We're so focused on our day-to-day and what we do and trying to create a great product and maintain our connection with the community and what we do here to stop and come up for air and to see that acknowledgment. "
98.7 The Bull Names Jimmy Steal Co-Content Director
"I’m thrilled to have Jimmy Steal join forces with Tim Richards as Co-Content Directors of KUPL/98.7 The Bull in Portland."
Music Columns
Why News/Talk Radio Hosts and Stations Need to Dive Head First Into Winning Topic A
If you are discussing the education subcommittee vote while your community is receiving a foot of snow, you have failed.
Does The News Industry Think Anything Makes Being a Reporter in 2025 Enticing?
The glamour of the Woodward and Bernstein days (or the Walter Cronkite days, or the Ernie Pyle days) is long gone. If you’re just starting out, no, you don’t want to be a reporter.
Nielsen Well Intentioned For Changing Qualifying Time, But Still Missing the Mark By Wide Margin
It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s miles away from how major digital outlets are calculating their metrics.
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.
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...
Brian Shactman is a weekly columnist for Barrett News Radio. In addition to writing for BNM, Brian can be heard weekday mornings in Hartford, CT on 1080 WTIC hosting the popular morning program ‘Brian & Company’. During his career, Brian has worked for ESPN, CNBC, MSNBC, and local TV channels in Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can find him on Twitter @bshactman.
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