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
Compass Media Networks to Broadcast 17th College Basketball Season on Terrestrial Radio and Digital Audio
For the 17th straight season, Compass Media Networks will...
Katie Nolan to Host New Podcast with SiriusXM
"I want to help more people connect with sports, and I’m excited that SiriusXM does, too."
‘The Musers’ to Cut Back Hours on 1310 The Ticket
"We’ve said it many times – we consider ourselves fortunate to have each other, to have this experience that we’ve had, and we want to keep that going."
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."
Sports Columns
Rethinking Social Media in 2025
“To understand how to shape a social media strategy, you first have to accept a reality. These platforms are not designed to help your business.”
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 Television
Ted Sarandos: Netflix is Trying to Do ‘Live Events,’ Some of Which are Sports
"...I think they’ll come a time where we’ll do more and more of this, but right now, I think what we’re trying to do is all live events."
Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo to Host Three-Part Event, ‘Brady vs. Belichick: The Verdict,’ with Vice Sports
"Our lineup of NFL stars and some of the biggest names in sports journalism will answer the debate that has been raging between fans and media for over a decade."
TNT Sports Announces Unrivaled Basketball Studio Team
"We’re thrilled to tip off our inaugural season with such legendary talent across all levels of the women’s basketball space."
ESPN ‘Monday Night Football’ Posts Second-Highest Viewership in Past 24 Years
ESPN officially posted back-to-back winning seasons with its Monday...
FOX Sports Announces Final NFL Regular Season Viewership Totals
FOX Sports just announced its final NFL regular season...
News Radio
KTAR News 92.3 Adds LaDona Harvey As Co-Host of Arizona’s Morning News
Harvey will join the show alongside Jim Sharpe on Monday, January 13th. She'll replace Jayme West who recently retired from the Phoenix news/talk station.
Erick Erickson, Guy Benson Add Dozens of Affiliates After The Daily Wire Shows Leave Westwood One
Many stations were left looking for new programming for the three hours The Daily Wire shows previously occupied.
GoFundMe Launched For Former KGO Host Ronn Owens After Several Health Challenges
"I never imagined I’d be in this position, but here I am, asking for a little help from the community that has meant so much to me."
NPR, The Daily, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson Earn Top Spots as News Podcasts See 8 of Top 10 Places in December Podtrac Rankings
In the December rankings, NPR News Now moved to the top, besting The Daily from The New York Times.
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.”
News Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
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.
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
‘Frito & Katy’ Show Joins 100.3 The Bull Houston For Mornings
The show, “Frito & Katy,” is set to air on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. C.T., starting January 10.
Raj Sharan Named Program Director for Cat Country 95.1 And 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs
Cumulus Media has announced Raj Sharan's promotion to Program Director for Country “Cat Country 95.1” KATC and Classic Rock 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs.
Eric Michaels And Mike Lee Out At Max 98.3 Lakeland FL
Variety Hits “Max 98.3” WWRZ, Lakeland, FL, has parted ways with Program Director and morning host Eric Michaels and co-host Mike Lee.
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.”
Music Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
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.
Podcasting
‘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.”
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.
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
Compass Media Networks to Broadcast 17th College Basketball Season on Terrestrial Radio and Digital Audio
For the 17th straight season, Compass Media Networks will...
Katie Nolan to Host New Podcast with SiriusXM
"I want to help more people connect with sports, and I’m excited that SiriusXM does, too."
‘The Musers’ to Cut Back Hours on 1310 The Ticket
"We’ve said it many times – we consider ourselves fortunate to have each other, to have this experience that we’ve had, and we want to keep that going."
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."
Sports Columns
Rethinking Social Media in 2025
“To understand how to shape a social media strategy, you first have to accept a reality. These platforms are not designed to help your business.”
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 Television
Ted Sarandos: Netflix is Trying to Do ‘Live Events,’ Some of Which are Sports
"...I think they’ll come a time where we’ll do more and more of this, but right now, I think what we’re trying to do is all live events."
Christopher ‘Mad Dog’ Russo to Host Three-Part Event, ‘Brady vs. Belichick: The Verdict,’ with Vice Sports
"Our lineup of NFL stars and some of the biggest names in sports journalism will answer the debate that has been raging between fans and media for over a decade."
TNT Sports Announces Unrivaled Basketball Studio Team
"We’re thrilled to tip off our inaugural season with such legendary talent across all levels of the women’s basketball space."
ESPN ‘Monday Night Football’ Posts Second-Highest Viewership in Past 24 Years
ESPN officially posted back-to-back winning seasons with its Monday...
FOX Sports Announces Final NFL Regular Season Viewership Totals
FOX Sports just announced its final NFL regular season...
News Radio
KTAR News 92.3 Adds LaDona Harvey As Co-Host of Arizona’s Morning News
Harvey will join the show alongside Jim Sharpe on Monday, January 13th. She'll replace Jayme West who recently retired from the Phoenix news/talk station.
Erick Erickson, Guy Benson Add Dozens of Affiliates After The Daily Wire Shows Leave Westwood One
Many stations were left looking for new programming for the three hours The Daily Wire shows previously occupied.
GoFundMe Launched For Former KGO Host Ronn Owens After Several Health Challenges
"I never imagined I’d be in this position, but here I am, asking for a little help from the community that has meant so much to me."
NPR, The Daily, Dan Bongino, Tucker Carlson Earn Top Spots as News Podcasts See 8 of Top 10 Places in December Podtrac Rankings
In the December rankings, NPR News Now moved to the top, besting The Daily from The New York Times.
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.”
News Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
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.
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
‘Frito & Katy’ Show Joins 100.3 The Bull Houston For Mornings
The show, “Frito & Katy,” is set to air on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. C.T., starting January 10.
Raj Sharan Named Program Director for Cat Country 95.1 And 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs
Cumulus Media has announced Raj Sharan's promotion to Program Director for Country “Cat Country 95.1” KATC and Classic Rock 98.1 KKFM Colorado Springs.
Eric Michaels And Mike Lee Out At Max 98.3 Lakeland FL
Variety Hits “Max 98.3” WWRZ, Lakeland, FL, has parted ways with Program Director and morning host Eric Michaels and co-host Mike Lee.
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.”
Music Columns
Mark Zuckerberg is the Latest Example of What Conservative Media Continually Gets Wrong
Mark Zuckerberg has been at or near the top of the enemy list for conservative media members for nearly a decade. One change shouldn't magically put him in your good graces.
News/Talk Radio Needs to Embrace What Separates It From Other Formats in 2025
I am all in on making radio fun and poking fun at ourselves on the show. But there are three things that you should never ever minimize.
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.
Podcasting
‘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.”
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.
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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