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
John Skipper: Venu Sports ‘Was Always a Temporary Stopgap’ Before Launch of ESPN Flagship
"This was always a Disney-led effort in my opinion. I thought that Disney always got the preponderance of benefit."
Barstool Sports’ Big Cat Talks Controversial Chicago Fan Affiliation Revelation With ‘Waddle & Silvy’
One of Barstool Sports’ highest profile personalities has been...
Lance Medow Leaves SiriusXM After 15 Years
A longtime SiriusXM voice has bid farewell to his...
Travis Kelce: ‘You Got to Be Able to Set Yourself for What Happens After Football’
"We hadn’t had those conversations every single week, and now we have two hours set aside every single week to talk football, catch up on things and just be brothers."
Sports Media Reacts to the Death of Bob Uecker
"He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished."
Sports Columns
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'.
NBA GameTime on NBA TV is Hoops Heaven for Any Fan of ‘The Association’
The show is a thorough and complete package for NBA viewers meting out a perfectly prescribed dose of highlights, analysis, news, and previews.
Is Access Losing Its Value in Sports Media?
We’re in an age where access comes at the expense of actual content. The decision makers have decided that it trumps quality, and that sucks.
3 Real Concerns For The Radio Industry
"This format used to launch the biggest and best shows in the business. Now, how many 'hit' shows exist featuring talent under 35 years old?"
Wanted: Young, Hard Working Content Creators
As I talk to Market Managers and Program Directors, one of the things I often hear about is how difficult it is to find good, young talent.
Sports Television
Dave Portnoy Confirms That Will Compton, Taylor Lewan, and ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ Podcast Are Leaving Barstool Sports
One of Barstool’s most pressing questions has finally been...
Sarah Kustok is Highlighting Excellence on the Hardwood While Making History Courtside
"There’s never a perfect formula. Again, that’s what makes each broadcaster their own, but I think you learn what works for you."
Dick Vitale Returning to ESPN College Basketball Coverage for First Time in Nearly Two Years
"It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me."
ESPN ‘College GameDay’ to Broadcast from Auburn for First On-Campus Show
"We are thrilled to hit the road for this season of 'College GameDay' as the energy each college campus we visit brings is unmatched."
Report: Tom Brady is ‘Really Excited About the Future with Fox Sports’
"And this year was the first year of a long relationship."
News Radio
Ben Ferguson to Host a Donald Trump-Centric Podcast, ‘The 47 Morning Update’, for iHeartPodcasts
The show will release new episodes on a Monday through Saturday basis.
Freedom 96.9 in Oklahoma City Adds Lee Matthews for Afternoons
"As of today, I am going to inaugurate an all-new version of The Drive with Lee Matthews."
How KFI-AM 640 and 790 KABC Enacted Their Disaster Plans and Fought Adversity to Cover the LA Wildfires
Los Angeles is a unique market for several reasons....
Red Apple Audio Networks to Produce One-Hour Inauguration Special
The one-hour special, dubbed Inauguration: 2025 is available for stations to run at their convenience through Monday, January 20th.
Shows From NPR, Dan Bongino Take Top 3 Spots in December 2024 Podcast Rankings From Triton Digital
It marked the third consecutive month those three programs took home top finishes.
News Columns
How News/Talk Radio Stations Can Localize Syndicated Hosts, And Why Those Hosts Should Want to Do the Same
While some of these hosts are serving hundreds of stations, others are only on dozens of stations, with plenty of room to grow in the years ahead.
Why News/Talk Radio — From the C-Suite to the Producer’s Booth — Should Lead the Push to Reverse TikTok Ban
If you like revenue, ratings, and relevance, TikTok is a tool, not a competitor, and not something to fear.
3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches
We have a simple job. We need to reflect on the concerns, lives, and interests of our audience.
Radio Stations Like KFI, KNX, and KABC Were There During a Natural Disaster — Will Yours?
Emergency information in a ubiquitous, uninterrupted manner is dependent on budgets that a lot of stations just don’t have.
Say it Loud and Proud: More News Talk Radio Listening Takes Place on AM/FM Radio and Streaming Than Any Other Format
AM/FM radio has 69% of all time spent listening to news audio content. If you want to reach a news audience and you're not on news radio, you're doing your client or company a disservice.
News Television
CNN Eyes Wolf Blitzer for Morning Role Which Would Move Jim Acosta to Overnights
Wolf Blitzer has hosted an afternoon show at CNN since 2005.
NBC News Shuffles White House Reporters Ahead of Inauguration of Donald Trump
The network announced that Capitol Hill reporter Garrett Haake will move to the White House beat as a senior correspondent.
NewsNation Names Leland Vittert to Primetime in Place of Dan Abrams, Signs Elizabeth Vargas to Extension
NewsNation has announced it is moving Leland Vittert to...
MSNBC President Rashida Jones to Exit, Rebecca Kutler Named Interim President
Jones has served in the role for the past four years, but told executives and employees at the outlet the time was right to consider other roles after the network has seen a drop in ratings since the 2024 presidential election.
Rachel Maddow to Return to MSNBC Nightly During First 100 Days of Donald Trump Presidency
Maddow shared that the request for the show came directly from MSNBC President Rashida Jones.
Music News
97.5 WONE Raises $377,000 In 2025 For Northeast Ohio Charities
Program Director Matt Spatz said, "We are sincerely humbled by the generosity of the community in which we live."
‘Cousin Brucie’s Rock & Roll Party’ Enters Syndication With Red Apple Audio Networks
The show comes from flagship 77 WABC, New York, where the 89-year-old Morrow started his career in rock’s early years.
Laura Dickerson Adds APD/Middays At Q99.7 Atlanta
She will maintain her role as Music Director for Top 40 104.1 KRBE, Houston while also continuing to host "H-Town Nights with Laura.
Mega 96.3 Reschedules This Weekend’s CALIBASH Concert
In light of the ongoing crisis and the uncertainty that continues to affect the city, SBS has made the decision to postpone the highly anticipated CALIBASH concert event.
Bret Connor Joins Chris Matthews For New Kissin 92.3 Boise Morning Show
Connor joins from sister AC Magic 97.7 KQFC, where he also hosted mornings.
Music Columns
How News/Talk Radio Stations Can Localize Syndicated Hosts, And Why Those Hosts Should Want to Do the Same
While some of these hosts are serving hundreds of stations, others are only on dozens of stations, with plenty of room to grow in the years ahead.
Why News/Talk Radio — From the C-Suite to the Producer’s Booth — Should Lead the Push to Reverse TikTok Ban
If you like revenue, ratings, and relevance, TikTok is a tool, not a competitor, and not something to fear.
3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches
We have a simple job. We need to reflect on the concerns, lives, and interests of our audience.
Radio Stations Like KFI, KNX, and KABC Were There During a Natural Disaster — Will Yours?
Emergency information in a ubiquitous, uninterrupted manner is dependent on budgets that a lot of stations just don’t have.
Say it Loud and Proud: More News Talk Radio Listening Takes Place on AM/FM Radio and Streaming Than Any Other Format
AM/FM radio has 69% of all time spent listening to news audio content. If you want to reach a news audience and you're not on news radio, you're doing your client or company a disservice.
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.”
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
John Skipper: Venu Sports ‘Was Always a Temporary Stopgap’ Before Launch of ESPN Flagship
"This was always a Disney-led effort in my opinion. I thought that Disney always got the preponderance of benefit."
Barstool Sports’ Big Cat Talks Controversial Chicago Fan Affiliation Revelation With ‘Waddle & Silvy’
One of Barstool Sports’ highest profile personalities has been...
Lance Medow Leaves SiriusXM After 15 Years
A longtime SiriusXM voice has bid farewell to his...
Travis Kelce: ‘You Got to Be Able to Set Yourself for What Happens After Football’
"We hadn’t had those conversations every single week, and now we have two hours set aside every single week to talk football, catch up on things and just be brothers."
Sports Media Reacts to the Death of Bob Uecker
"He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy that will forever be cherished."
Sports Columns
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'.
NBA GameTime on NBA TV is Hoops Heaven for Any Fan of ‘The Association’
The show is a thorough and complete package for NBA viewers meting out a perfectly prescribed dose of highlights, analysis, news, and previews.
Is Access Losing Its Value in Sports Media?
We’re in an age where access comes at the expense of actual content. The decision makers have decided that it trumps quality, and that sucks.
3 Real Concerns For The Radio Industry
"This format used to launch the biggest and best shows in the business. Now, how many 'hit' shows exist featuring talent under 35 years old?"
Wanted: Young, Hard Working Content Creators
As I talk to Market Managers and Program Directors, one of the things I often hear about is how difficult it is to find good, young talent.
Sports Television
Dave Portnoy Confirms That Will Compton, Taylor Lewan, and ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ Podcast Are Leaving Barstool Sports
One of Barstool’s most pressing questions has finally been...
Sarah Kustok is Highlighting Excellence on the Hardwood While Making History Courtside
"There’s never a perfect formula. Again, that’s what makes each broadcaster their own, but I think you learn what works for you."
Dick Vitale Returning to ESPN College Basketball Coverage for First Time in Nearly Two Years
"It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me."
ESPN ‘College GameDay’ to Broadcast from Auburn for First On-Campus Show
"We are thrilled to hit the road for this season of 'College GameDay' as the energy each college campus we visit brings is unmatched."
Report: Tom Brady is ‘Really Excited About the Future with Fox Sports’
"And this year was the first year of a long relationship."
News Radio
Ben Ferguson to Host a Donald Trump-Centric Podcast, ‘The 47 Morning Update’, for iHeartPodcasts
The show will release new episodes on a Monday through Saturday basis.
Freedom 96.9 in Oklahoma City Adds Lee Matthews for Afternoons
"As of today, I am going to inaugurate an all-new version of The Drive with Lee Matthews."
How KFI-AM 640 and 790 KABC Enacted Their Disaster Plans and Fought Adversity to Cover the LA Wildfires
Los Angeles is a unique market for several reasons....
Red Apple Audio Networks to Produce One-Hour Inauguration Special
The one-hour special, dubbed Inauguration: 2025 is available for stations to run at their convenience through Monday, January 20th.
Shows From NPR, Dan Bongino Take Top 3 Spots in December 2024 Podcast Rankings From Triton Digital
It marked the third consecutive month those three programs took home top finishes.
News Columns
How News/Talk Radio Stations Can Localize Syndicated Hosts, And Why Those Hosts Should Want to Do the Same
While some of these hosts are serving hundreds of stations, others are only on dozens of stations, with plenty of room to grow in the years ahead.
Why News/Talk Radio — From the C-Suite to the Producer’s Booth — Should Lead the Push to Reverse TikTok Ban
If you like revenue, ratings, and relevance, TikTok is a tool, not a competitor, and not something to fear.
3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches
We have a simple job. We need to reflect on the concerns, lives, and interests of our audience.
Radio Stations Like KFI, KNX, and KABC Were There During a Natural Disaster — Will Yours?
Emergency information in a ubiquitous, uninterrupted manner is dependent on budgets that a lot of stations just don’t have.
Say it Loud and Proud: More News Talk Radio Listening Takes Place on AM/FM Radio and Streaming Than Any Other Format
AM/FM radio has 69% of all time spent listening to news audio content. If you want to reach a news audience and you're not on news radio, you're doing your client or company a disservice.
News Television
CNN Eyes Wolf Blitzer for Morning Role Which Would Move Jim Acosta to Overnights
Wolf Blitzer has hosted an afternoon show at CNN since 2005.
NBC News Shuffles White House Reporters Ahead of Inauguration of Donald Trump
The network announced that Capitol Hill reporter Garrett Haake will move to the White House beat as a senior correspondent.
NewsNation Names Leland Vittert to Primetime in Place of Dan Abrams, Signs Elizabeth Vargas to Extension
NewsNation has announced it is moving Leland Vittert to...
MSNBC President Rashida Jones to Exit, Rebecca Kutler Named Interim President
Jones has served in the role for the past four years, but told executives and employees at the outlet the time was right to consider other roles after the network has seen a drop in ratings since the 2024 presidential election.
Rachel Maddow to Return to MSNBC Nightly During First 100 Days of Donald Trump Presidency
Maddow shared that the request for the show came directly from MSNBC President Rashida Jones.
Music News
97.5 WONE Raises $377,000 In 2025 For Northeast Ohio Charities
Program Director Matt Spatz said, "We are sincerely humbled by the generosity of the community in which we live."
‘Cousin Brucie’s Rock & Roll Party’ Enters Syndication With Red Apple Audio Networks
The show comes from flagship 77 WABC, New York, where the 89-year-old Morrow started his career in rock’s early years.
Laura Dickerson Adds APD/Middays At Q99.7 Atlanta
She will maintain her role as Music Director for Top 40 104.1 KRBE, Houston while also continuing to host "H-Town Nights with Laura.
Mega 96.3 Reschedules This Weekend’s CALIBASH Concert
In light of the ongoing crisis and the uncertainty that continues to affect the city, SBS has made the decision to postpone the highly anticipated CALIBASH concert event.
Bret Connor Joins Chris Matthews For New Kissin 92.3 Boise Morning Show
Connor joins from sister AC Magic 97.7 KQFC, where he also hosted mornings.
Music Columns
How News/Talk Radio Stations Can Localize Syndicated Hosts, And Why Those Hosts Should Want to Do the Same
While some of these hosts are serving hundreds of stations, others are only on dozens of stations, with plenty of room to grow in the years ahead.
Why News/Talk Radio — From the C-Suite to the Producer’s Booth — Should Lead the Push to Reverse TikTok Ban
If you like revenue, ratings, and relevance, TikTok is a tool, not a competitor, and not something to fear.
3 Tips for News/Talk Radio Hosts as the Legislative Session Approaches
We have a simple job. We need to reflect on the concerns, lives, and interests of our audience.
Radio Stations Like KFI, KNX, and KABC Were There During a Natural Disaster — Will Yours?
Emergency information in a ubiquitous, uninterrupted manner is dependent on budgets that a lot of stations just don’t have.
Say it Loud and Proud: More News Talk Radio Listening Takes Place on AM/FM Radio and Streaming Than Any Other Format
AM/FM radio has 69% of all time spent listening to news audio content. If you want to reach a news audience and you're not on news radio, you're doing your client or company a disservice.
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.”
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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