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
Gary Bettman “Gratified” How Well 4 Nations Face-Off Has Been Received
“If you're a sports fan and you've taken a peek at what's been going on, maybe we've got you now as a hockey fan."
Dan Le Batard: NBA Has ‘Become a Social Media Sport’
"The guaranteed money that NBA now has, it doesn’t matter if you watch it or not."
Bob Fescoe: US-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Will Average ‘Between 10-15 Million’ Viewers
"We don’t get a lot of these type of games."
Boomer Esiason: New Yankees Radio Broadcasts on WFAN Will ‘Sound Fine’
"There’s no way anybody is saying anything to these two professionals – that’s all I can say."
Pittsburgh Penguins Legendary Play-By-Play Voice Mike Lange Passes Away at Age 76
"Lange was on the call for Pittsburgh Penguins games from 1976-2021"
Sports Columns
Does Anyone Want to Own a Radio Station?
In April of 2012, ESPN began leasing an FM...
PBR Professional Bull Riding the ‘Perfect Remedy’ Following the Super Bowl
"The 2024 season averaged 1.4 million unique U.S. viewers per 2024 telecast, up from 1.1 million in 2022"
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.
Sports Television
MLB, ESPN Agree To End Current Broadcast Agreement Following 2025 Season
“We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN’s coverage super-serves fans,”
Steve Simpson to Lead FanDuel Sports Network South, Southeast Regions
"Steve’s deep industry expertise and long-standing relationships have been instrumental in driving our growth and meeting the needs of our team partners."
Lou Merloni Elevated to Lead Analyst of Boston Red Sox Broadcasts On NESN
"Merloni is expected to work about 100 game broadcasts this season, with Will Middlebrooks and Kevin Millar working a limited number of games"
NESN Officially Launches ‘NESN Nation’ FAST Channel
"We’re excited to expand our portfolio with our first FAST national channel"
ESPN Flagship Could Feature User-Generated Content: Report
“ESPN is trying to figure out how can we court young viewers, particularly Gen Alpha,”
News Radio
Dennis Prager Receives ‘Encouraging’ Update on Health and Recovery After November Fall
"He has one goal: to get back to all of us and to talk to the world again."
Dan Bongino Stays Near Top of January Triton Digital Podcast Rankings as Shawn Ryan Climbs Into Top 5
The Dan Bongino Show only trailed NPR News Now and Up First from NPR in the Top Podcasts By Weekly Average Downloads category.
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.
News Columns
It’s Time for News/Talk Radio to Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Every show, every segment, and every piece of imaging can be viewed as an audition for a potential new listener.
Will the Success of ‘The Will Cain Show’ on Fox News Lead Cable News to Consider a YouTube-Like Approach to Shows?
Cain's show presents something different and unique to virtually everything else in cable news. Shouldn't other channels take notice?
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.
News Television
Ratings Roundup: Meet the Press Earns NBC News Top Spot in Key Demo With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Interview
In the total viewers sector, NBC News saw a 7% increase compared to the Sunday, February 9th edition of the long-running network news program.
CNN Promotes Marshall Cohen to Senior Reporter in Washington D.C.
Cohen joined CNN in 2015.
Chris Cuomo, Bill O’Reilly, and Stephen A. Smith to Present Live Theater Show wtih NewsNation
Being dubbed as "Three Americans Live", the show will take place on Sunday, March 30th at 3 PM ET.
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.
Music News
Tripp Rogers Returning to 94 ½ KHTQ Spokane for Mornings And APD
This is Rogers's second tour of duty with the station. His first show is on March 3.
87.7 The Vibe Atlanta Welcomes ‘DeDe In The Morning’
Nationally syndicated “DeDe In The Morning” joins R&B and Southern Soul 87.7 The Vibe, Atlanta.
2025 Country Hall Of Fame Inductees Named At CRS
The Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction and Dinner is set for July 21 at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel on Music Row.
CRS 2025: Day 1 Takeaways
“Here are some of the notable items from the first day of the Country Radio Seminar.”
Music Columns
It’s Time for News/Talk Radio to Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Every show, every segment, and every piece of imaging can be viewed as an audition for a potential new listener.
Will the Success of ‘The Will Cain Show’ on Fox News Lead Cable News to Consider a YouTube-Like Approach to Shows?
Cain's show presents something different and unique to virtually everything else in cable news. Shouldn't other channels take notice?
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.
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...
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
Gary Bettman “Gratified” How Well 4 Nations Face-Off Has Been Received
“If you're a sports fan and you've taken a peek at what's been going on, maybe we've got you now as a hockey fan."
Dan Le Batard: NBA Has ‘Become a Social Media Sport’
"The guaranteed money that NBA now has, it doesn’t matter if you watch it or not."
Bob Fescoe: US-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Will Average ‘Between 10-15 Million’ Viewers
"We don’t get a lot of these type of games."
Boomer Esiason: New Yankees Radio Broadcasts on WFAN Will ‘Sound Fine’
"There’s no way anybody is saying anything to these two professionals – that’s all I can say."
Pittsburgh Penguins Legendary Play-By-Play Voice Mike Lange Passes Away at Age 76
"Lange was on the call for Pittsburgh Penguins games from 1976-2021"
Sports Columns
Does Anyone Want to Own a Radio Station?
In April of 2012, ESPN began leasing an FM...
PBR Professional Bull Riding the ‘Perfect Remedy’ Following the Super Bowl
"The 2024 season averaged 1.4 million unique U.S. viewers per 2024 telecast, up from 1.1 million in 2022"
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.
Sports Television
MLB, ESPN Agree To End Current Broadcast Agreement Following 2025 Season
“We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Major League Baseball and proud of how ESPN’s coverage super-serves fans,”
Steve Simpson to Lead FanDuel Sports Network South, Southeast Regions
"Steve’s deep industry expertise and long-standing relationships have been instrumental in driving our growth and meeting the needs of our team partners."
Lou Merloni Elevated to Lead Analyst of Boston Red Sox Broadcasts On NESN
"Merloni is expected to work about 100 game broadcasts this season, with Will Middlebrooks and Kevin Millar working a limited number of games"
NESN Officially Launches ‘NESN Nation’ FAST Channel
"We’re excited to expand our portfolio with our first FAST national channel"
ESPN Flagship Could Feature User-Generated Content: Report
“ESPN is trying to figure out how can we court young viewers, particularly Gen Alpha,”
News Radio
Dennis Prager Receives ‘Encouraging’ Update on Health and Recovery After November Fall
"He has one goal: to get back to all of us and to talk to the world again."
Dan Bongino Stays Near Top of January Triton Digital Podcast Rankings as Shawn Ryan Climbs Into Top 5
The Dan Bongino Show only trailed NPR News Now and Up First from NPR in the Top Podcasts By Weekly Average Downloads category.
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.
News Columns
It’s Time for News/Talk Radio to Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Every show, every segment, and every piece of imaging can be viewed as an audition for a potential new listener.
Will the Success of ‘The Will Cain Show’ on Fox News Lead Cable News to Consider a YouTube-Like Approach to Shows?
Cain's show presents something different and unique to virtually everything else in cable news. Shouldn't other channels take notice?
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.
News Television
Ratings Roundup: Meet the Press Earns NBC News Top Spot in Key Demo With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Interview
In the total viewers sector, NBC News saw a 7% increase compared to the Sunday, February 9th edition of the long-running network news program.
CNN Promotes Marshall Cohen to Senior Reporter in Washington D.C.
Cohen joined CNN in 2015.
Chris Cuomo, Bill O’Reilly, and Stephen A. Smith to Present Live Theater Show wtih NewsNation
Being dubbed as "Three Americans Live", the show will take place on Sunday, March 30th at 3 PM ET.
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.
Music News
Tripp Rogers Returning to 94 ½ KHTQ Spokane for Mornings And APD
This is Rogers's second tour of duty with the station. His first show is on March 3.
87.7 The Vibe Atlanta Welcomes ‘DeDe In The Morning’
Nationally syndicated “DeDe In The Morning” joins R&B and Southern Soul 87.7 The Vibe, Atlanta.
2025 Country Hall Of Fame Inductees Named At CRS
The Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction and Dinner is set for July 21 at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel on Music Row.
CRS 2025: Day 1 Takeaways
“Here are some of the notable items from the first day of the Country Radio Seminar.”
Music Columns
It’s Time for News/Talk Radio to Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Every show, every segment, and every piece of imaging can be viewed as an audition for a potential new listener.
Will the Success of ‘The Will Cain Show’ on Fox News Lead Cable News to Consider a YouTube-Like Approach to Shows?
Cain's show presents something different and unique to virtually everything else in cable news. Shouldn't other channels take notice?
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.
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...
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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