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
For WMMR’s ‘Preston And Steve’ It’s About Being In The Moment, and Making People Laugh
"I see our main mission as keeping people up and entertained no matter what kind of crap they are dealing with.”
Erin Maloney Named Program Director of Arizona Sports 98.7, ESPN 620
"I look forward to leading an exceptional team of talented individuals who consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry and taking Arizona Sports to new heights."
Colin Cowherd Announces Move to Chicago in the Spring
"I’ve bounced all over the country, and there’s some advantages and disadvantages to it, but I’m so excited to live in the Midwest, to live in a great city next to cousins."
Bob and Jeff Lutz to End Weekday Sports Talk Show on KFH
"I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I’ll miss the radio gig so much that I’ll come crawling back for another opportunity."
The Fantasy Footballers Sign Exclusive Podcast Deal with SiriusXM
"We’re incredibly excited to welcome them to SiriusXM and continue to grow their audience."
Sports Columns
Tom Brady Has Some Catching Up to Do to Reach Tony Romo Status in the Broadcast Booth
Whether you are a player or a broadcaster, football is very much about tempo and timing.
Gary Krantz and Pete Medhurst Gave Their All to the Radio Industry
"Success requires effort, focus, vision, and sacrifice as much as talent. Few earn promotions and opportunities to perform on grander stages without those qualities."
Kirk Herbstreit’s Emotional Reaction to Ohio State Win Made for Great Television
Kirk Herbstreit didn't wake up and tell himself he was going to get emotional over a game on live television, it just happened. It was real.
Is Market Mobility Still a Thing in Sports Radio?
Market mobility, when it existed, was the sign of a company and boss that took an interest in what came out of their listeners’ speakers.
Broadcast Agents are Focused on Digital Opportunities, Why Aren’t More Radio Stations?
You have zero opportunity to succeed in the future. Your station is what people commonly refer to as 'Dead Man Walking'.
Sports Television
ESPN Adds Udonis Haslem as Full-Time NBA Analyst
ESPN has confirmed to Barrett Media a report from...
ESPN Picks Up Option to Continue Broadcasting ACC Sports Through 2036
If ESPN decided not to pick up its option in the contract, the partnership between both entities would have ended following the 2027 season.
Jameis Winston to Serve as Digital Correspondent for FOX Sports Coverage of Super Bowl LIX
In addition to documenting different landmarks around the city and previewing the Super Bowl, Winston will be watching the game with famous friends.
Reggie Miller Reportedly ‘Poised’ to Join NBC Sports as Part of NBA Coverage
Miller has worked on "NBA on TNT" broadcasts for the last two decades.
FanDuel Sports Network Engages in Round of Layoffs: Report
"After careful analysis, we’ve made the decision to rebuild our digital and social efforts in a way that better supports our direct-to-consumer growth and helps scale the business."
News Radio
WRVA Morning Host John Reid Departs to Run for Virginia Lt. Governor
Reid joined the station in 2017 and hosted The John Reid Show from 5:30-10 AM.
Bill Spadea Signs Off From New Jersey 101.5 to Focus on State Governor Race
Spadea has spent nearly a decade hosting mornings at New Jersey 101.5.
Jack Mitchell to Host Both Mornings and Afternoons at 1400 KLIN
Mitchell has hosted mornings since 2006.
What Earning The #1 Spot in the Barrett News Media Top 20 Meant to Tony Katz, Jeff Katz, and Bill Cunningham
“I look at the other people that are on that list and I think, 'My gosh, these are world-class talents. I'm humbled, honored and so grateful to those who voted for me.”
More Than Half of All Smart Speaker Podcast Downloads Come From News Genre, Triton Digital 2024 U.S. Podcast Report Reveals
87% of all news podcast downloads are of new episodes. That represents the highest level of any podcast format, with sports being the only other genre over 80%, at 82%.
News Columns
News Media Needs to Remember There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Cover Breaking News Tragedies
We need facts, not feelings.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Re-Examine Its Approach as the Generational Shift Continues
You have 12 seconds to impress listeners of this age group. Air personalities need to aircheck themselves.
A Sobering Social Media Reminder Talk Radio Hosts Should Never Forget
The platforms are the ones using your opinion to make money (and train their AI engines). You get to think that your value is measured by the number of followers and likes you accumulate.
News/Talk Radio Can’t Turn on Cruise Control Just Because Donald Trump is Back in the White House
How long can the celebration go on from a listener's perspective before it's repetitive and boring?
It’s Time for Local TV to Take a Page From the Local Radio Playbook
For the longest time, local TV has lived in a box full of untouchable glamour.
News Television
Ratings Roundup: Fox News Scores Most-Watched January in Cable News History
Fox News averaged 2.8 million viewers in primetime during the month, besting MSNBC (734,000) and CNN (522,000).
Jim Acosta Launches New Show on Substack After CNN Departure
"Welcome to my new venture. I'm going independent, at least for now."
Jim Acosta to Leave CNN After Being Left Out of Restructured Lineup
Jim Acosta has worked at CNN since April 2007.
Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien to End Syndication Run in August
The final episode of the program helmed by Soledad O'Brien will air in August.
Fox News Host Will Cain ‘Incredibly Humbled and Grateful’ After Debut Show Sees 3.5 Million Viewers
"This show is going to grow exponentially over time in every way.”
Music News
Manni Supreme Joins 96.1 The Beat Atlanta
Supreme previously hosted on Eminem’s Shade 45 Sirius XM channel as well as Hot 107.9 WHTA and Streetz 94.5 Atlanta.
Aaron ‘Goose’ Seller Joins 99.7 The Blitz Columbus OH
Aaron “Goose” Seller is joining Active Rocker 99.7 The Blitz Columbus joining the “Morning Blitz” with Thick Rick and Kelly Quinn.
Marty Whitney Is Leaving 91X San Diego After Friday Show
This ends his second tour of duty at the station having previously served as MD and evening host from 2003-2006.
‘Dingo’ Brent Crank Back In Mornings At Q103.1 Louisville
This is his second tour of duty with the station having previously hosted mornings from 2016-2019.
Former MTV Host Matt Pinfield ‘Incapacitated’ After Suffering Massive Stroke
According to court documents obtained by TMZ Pinfield is in stable but poor condition and has been left “incapacitated.”
Music Columns
News Media Needs to Remember There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Cover Breaking News Tragedies
We need facts, not feelings.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Re-Examine Its Approach as the Generational Shift Continues
You have 12 seconds to impress listeners of this age group. Air personalities need to aircheck themselves.
A Sobering Social Media Reminder Talk Radio Hosts Should Never Forget
The platforms are the ones using your opinion to make money (and train their AI engines). You get to think that your value is measured by the number of followers and likes you accumulate.
News/Talk Radio Can’t Turn on Cruise Control Just Because Donald Trump is Back in the White House
How long can the celebration go on from a listener's perspective before it's repetitive and boring?
It’s Time for Local TV to Take a Page From the Local Radio Playbook
For the longest time, local TV has lived in a box full of untouchable glamour.
Podcasting
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
‘Music Saved Me’ With Lynn Hoffman Joins iHeartPodcasts Network
The show features compelling stories of passion and resilience, showcasing musicians who have navigated their challenges.
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.”
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
For WMMR’s ‘Preston And Steve’ It’s About Being In The Moment, and Making People Laugh
"I see our main mission as keeping people up and entertained no matter what kind of crap they are dealing with.”
Erin Maloney Named Program Director of Arizona Sports 98.7, ESPN 620
"I look forward to leading an exceptional team of talented individuals who consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry and taking Arizona Sports to new heights."
Colin Cowherd Announces Move to Chicago in the Spring
"I’ve bounced all over the country, and there’s some advantages and disadvantages to it, but I’m so excited to live in the Midwest, to live in a great city next to cousins."
Bob and Jeff Lutz to End Weekday Sports Talk Show on KFH
"I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I’ll miss the radio gig so much that I’ll come crawling back for another opportunity."
The Fantasy Footballers Sign Exclusive Podcast Deal with SiriusXM
"We’re incredibly excited to welcome them to SiriusXM and continue to grow their audience."
Sports Columns
Tom Brady Has Some Catching Up to Do to Reach Tony Romo Status in the Broadcast Booth
Whether you are a player or a broadcaster, football is very much about tempo and timing.
Gary Krantz and Pete Medhurst Gave Their All to the Radio Industry
"Success requires effort, focus, vision, and sacrifice as much as talent. Few earn promotions and opportunities to perform on grander stages without those qualities."
Kirk Herbstreit’s Emotional Reaction to Ohio State Win Made for Great Television
Kirk Herbstreit didn't wake up and tell himself he was going to get emotional over a game on live television, it just happened. It was real.
Is Market Mobility Still a Thing in Sports Radio?
Market mobility, when it existed, was the sign of a company and boss that took an interest in what came out of their listeners’ speakers.
Broadcast Agents are Focused on Digital Opportunities, Why Aren’t More Radio Stations?
You have zero opportunity to succeed in the future. Your station is what people commonly refer to as 'Dead Man Walking'.
Sports Television
ESPN Adds Udonis Haslem as Full-Time NBA Analyst
ESPN has confirmed to Barrett Media a report from...
ESPN Picks Up Option to Continue Broadcasting ACC Sports Through 2036
If ESPN decided not to pick up its option in the contract, the partnership between both entities would have ended following the 2027 season.
Jameis Winston to Serve as Digital Correspondent for FOX Sports Coverage of Super Bowl LIX
In addition to documenting different landmarks around the city and previewing the Super Bowl, Winston will be watching the game with famous friends.
Reggie Miller Reportedly ‘Poised’ to Join NBC Sports as Part of NBA Coverage
Miller has worked on "NBA on TNT" broadcasts for the last two decades.
FanDuel Sports Network Engages in Round of Layoffs: Report
"After careful analysis, we’ve made the decision to rebuild our digital and social efforts in a way that better supports our direct-to-consumer growth and helps scale the business."
News Radio
WRVA Morning Host John Reid Departs to Run for Virginia Lt. Governor
Reid joined the station in 2017 and hosted The John Reid Show from 5:30-10 AM.
Bill Spadea Signs Off From New Jersey 101.5 to Focus on State Governor Race
Spadea has spent nearly a decade hosting mornings at New Jersey 101.5.
Jack Mitchell to Host Both Mornings and Afternoons at 1400 KLIN
Mitchell has hosted mornings since 2006.
What Earning The #1 Spot in the Barrett News Media Top 20 Meant to Tony Katz, Jeff Katz, and Bill Cunningham
“I look at the other people that are on that list and I think, 'My gosh, these are world-class talents. I'm humbled, honored and so grateful to those who voted for me.”
More Than Half of All Smart Speaker Podcast Downloads Come From News Genre, Triton Digital 2024 U.S. Podcast Report Reveals
87% of all news podcast downloads are of new episodes. That represents the highest level of any podcast format, with sports being the only other genre over 80%, at 82%.
News Columns
News Media Needs to Remember There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Cover Breaking News Tragedies
We need facts, not feelings.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Re-Examine Its Approach as the Generational Shift Continues
You have 12 seconds to impress listeners of this age group. Air personalities need to aircheck themselves.
A Sobering Social Media Reminder Talk Radio Hosts Should Never Forget
The platforms are the ones using your opinion to make money (and train their AI engines). You get to think that your value is measured by the number of followers and likes you accumulate.
News/Talk Radio Can’t Turn on Cruise Control Just Because Donald Trump is Back in the White House
How long can the celebration go on from a listener's perspective before it's repetitive and boring?
It’s Time for Local TV to Take a Page From the Local Radio Playbook
For the longest time, local TV has lived in a box full of untouchable glamour.
News Television
Ratings Roundup: Fox News Scores Most-Watched January in Cable News History
Fox News averaged 2.8 million viewers in primetime during the month, besting MSNBC (734,000) and CNN (522,000).
Jim Acosta Launches New Show on Substack After CNN Departure
"Welcome to my new venture. I'm going independent, at least for now."
Jim Acosta to Leave CNN After Being Left Out of Restructured Lineup
Jim Acosta has worked at CNN since April 2007.
Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien to End Syndication Run in August
The final episode of the program helmed by Soledad O'Brien will air in August.
Fox News Host Will Cain ‘Incredibly Humbled and Grateful’ After Debut Show Sees 3.5 Million Viewers
"This show is going to grow exponentially over time in every way.”
Music News
Manni Supreme Joins 96.1 The Beat Atlanta
Supreme previously hosted on Eminem’s Shade 45 Sirius XM channel as well as Hot 107.9 WHTA and Streetz 94.5 Atlanta.
Aaron ‘Goose’ Seller Joins 99.7 The Blitz Columbus OH
Aaron “Goose” Seller is joining Active Rocker 99.7 The Blitz Columbus joining the “Morning Blitz” with Thick Rick and Kelly Quinn.
Marty Whitney Is Leaving 91X San Diego After Friday Show
This ends his second tour of duty at the station having previously served as MD and evening host from 2003-2006.
‘Dingo’ Brent Crank Back In Mornings At Q103.1 Louisville
This is his second tour of duty with the station having previously hosted mornings from 2016-2019.
Former MTV Host Matt Pinfield ‘Incapacitated’ After Suffering Massive Stroke
According to court documents obtained by TMZ Pinfield is in stable but poor condition and has been left “incapacitated.”
Music Columns
News Media Needs to Remember There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Cover Breaking News Tragedies
We need facts, not feelings.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Re-Examine Its Approach as the Generational Shift Continues
You have 12 seconds to impress listeners of this age group. Air personalities need to aircheck themselves.
A Sobering Social Media Reminder Talk Radio Hosts Should Never Forget
The platforms are the ones using your opinion to make money (and train their AI engines). You get to think that your value is measured by the number of followers and likes you accumulate.
News/Talk Radio Can’t Turn on Cruise Control Just Because Donald Trump is Back in the White House
How long can the celebration go on from a listener's perspective before it's repetitive and boring?
It’s Time for Local TV to Take a Page From the Local Radio Playbook
For the longest time, local TV has lived in a box full of untouchable glamour.
Podcasting
Fox News Contributor Raymond Arroyo to Launch Show with iHeartPodcasts
Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo has announced the launch...
‘Music Saved Me’ With Lynn Hoffman Joins iHeartPodcasts Network
The show features compelling stories of passion and resilience, showcasing musicians who have navigated their challenges.
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.”
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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