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
Dan Le Batard: ‘It Wasn’t Enough Football for Me This Weekend’
"Watching one game at a time is not enough for me."
Greg Hill: ‘I Think Going Forward for Me, the Solution is Not Going to Be Paying Both Cable and Streaming’
"I guess those people who have unbundled or whatever, you’d have to tell me whether you feel like you’re paying less."
Nick Wright: I Think I Am the Smartest Guy in Sports Media
"...I would think anyone that is in the lane I’m in, if they think there’s someone smarter than them, I would lose respect for them."
Boomer Esiason Criticizes Radio Call of Washington Commanders Game-Winning Field Goal
"Those guys are out of their minds. But why did they describe the kick as it hitting the right upright?"
ESPN Chicago Hosts Marc Silverman and Tom Waddle Deliver the Goods in Afternoon Drive on ‘Waddle & Silvy’
"If you're Marcus Freeman, why would you want the chaos of this franchise?"
Sports Columns
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.
Kay Adams Has Made ‘Up & Adams’ on FanDuel TV a Hangout Destination For Athletes and Coaches
Sports fans can spot a phony from a mile away. Adams is the real deal.
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?"
Sports Television
ESPN Announces Coverage Plans for Vikings-Rams NFL Wild Card Matchup
ESPN studio programming will air live from State Farm Stadium, beginning with a special edition of NFL Live from 3 to 5 p.m. EST.
Taylor McGregor is Focused on the Moment with ESPN, Marquee Sports Network
"Sometimes it feels surreal, and there are often times in this business where you just get focused on the grind and you forget to take in the moment."
Ryan Glasspiegel Joining Front Office Sports
"They recruited me, and I felt an immense amount of respect in the way that they approached me and were aware of what some of my accomplishments had been over the years, both at the 'New York Post' and at stops before that."
Venu Sports Joint Streaming Venture to Be Discontinued
"After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch the streaming service."
Emmanuel Acho Forced to Evacuate Home Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
"There have been fires, there has been devastation, there has been catastrophe, there has been calamity."
News Radio
Northwest Newsradio Names Brian Calvert as Program Director
Calvert will replace Frank Lenzi, who departed Northwest Newsradio late last year to become the News Director at crosstown KIRO.
GoFundMe Launched for KNX News Reporter Nataly Tavidian After Losing Home to Los Angeles Wildfires
"She is holding her family, herself, and her community through this unimaginable time. Now, it’s our turn to hold her."
Salem Radio Network Provides Special Coverage of Donald Trump Sentencing in New York Felony Case
Greg Clugston made the journey on to the Big Apple from Washington D.C. Friday morning to provide special coverage for the radio network and its affiliates.
Facebook Exec to Erick Erickson: Utilizing Community Notes ‘Much More Reliable’ Than Third Party Fact-Checkers
"That is going to build trust in a way that the fact-checking system simply didn't."
Former WTOP Reporter Derrick Ward Dies
"His warmth and caring were evident at every turn. Everybody liked Derrick. I saw why right away. He’ll be missed tremendously.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.
Will Cain Tabbed to Replace Neil Cavuto in Fox News Daily Lineup
"Will Cain brings years of experience to the 4 PM hour as an accomplished broadcaster and a lawyer and we look forward to adding his insights to what will no doubt be another historic news cycle ahead this year.”
Chuck Todd Making Preparations to Leave NBC News After Nearly 3 Decades, New Report Says
Todd is meeting with both broadcast and digital media companies about a Washington D.C.-based role when his contract with NBC News ends.
Newsmax Increases Preferred Offering After High Interest From Investors
"The amount of interest is nothing that we've ever seen."
How an Unconvential Career Path Led Hena Doba to NewsNation
"I feel like I can handle anything because those kinds of risks taught me to be very flexible, and I think that's one of my strongest talents right now."
Music News
Emmis Launches Bilingual La Exitosa 98.7 in New York
The station features a bilingual adult contemporary format and offers a diverse mix of English and Spanish hits from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Beasley Media Parts Ways With WMGK Program Director, and WROR Midday Host Eric Johnson
"This is the second high-profile change at WMGK in recent months."
Music Radio Remembers Bakersfield Personality Doug DeRoo
DeRoo began his career at KERN in 1972. The station was Top 40 at the time.
Karen West Upped To Program Director At ‘97.3 The Eagle’ Norfolk/Virginia Beach
The 30-plus-year market veteran joined the station in 1990 and has served in various positions, including morning show, Assistant Program Director, and Music Director.
Being Independent is a Key To Success For Classic Rock 100.7 The Bay Baltimore
As a stand-alone station in Baltimore, 100.7 The Bay does extremely well competing against the so-called “big companies.”
Music Columns
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.
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.
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
Dan Le Batard: ‘It Wasn’t Enough Football for Me This Weekend’
"Watching one game at a time is not enough for me."
Greg Hill: ‘I Think Going Forward for Me, the Solution is Not Going to Be Paying Both Cable and Streaming’
"I guess those people who have unbundled or whatever, you’d have to tell me whether you feel like you’re paying less."
Nick Wright: I Think I Am the Smartest Guy in Sports Media
"...I would think anyone that is in the lane I’m in, if they think there’s someone smarter than them, I would lose respect for them."
Boomer Esiason Criticizes Radio Call of Washington Commanders Game-Winning Field Goal
"Those guys are out of their minds. But why did they describe the kick as it hitting the right upright?"
ESPN Chicago Hosts Marc Silverman and Tom Waddle Deliver the Goods in Afternoon Drive on ‘Waddle & Silvy’
"If you're Marcus Freeman, why would you want the chaos of this franchise?"
Sports Columns
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.
Kay Adams Has Made ‘Up & Adams’ on FanDuel TV a Hangout Destination For Athletes and Coaches
Sports fans can spot a phony from a mile away. Adams is the real deal.
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?"
Sports Television
ESPN Announces Coverage Plans for Vikings-Rams NFL Wild Card Matchup
ESPN studio programming will air live from State Farm Stadium, beginning with a special edition of NFL Live from 3 to 5 p.m. EST.
Taylor McGregor is Focused on the Moment with ESPN, Marquee Sports Network
"Sometimes it feels surreal, and there are often times in this business where you just get focused on the grind and you forget to take in the moment."
Ryan Glasspiegel Joining Front Office Sports
"They recruited me, and I felt an immense amount of respect in the way that they approached me and were aware of what some of my accomplishments had been over the years, both at the 'New York Post' and at stops before that."
Venu Sports Joint Streaming Venture to Be Discontinued
"After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint venture and not launch the streaming service."
Emmanuel Acho Forced to Evacuate Home Amid Los Angeles Wildfires
"There have been fires, there has been devastation, there has been catastrophe, there has been calamity."
News Radio
Northwest Newsradio Names Brian Calvert as Program Director
Calvert will replace Frank Lenzi, who departed Northwest Newsradio late last year to become the News Director at crosstown KIRO.
GoFundMe Launched for KNX News Reporter Nataly Tavidian After Losing Home to Los Angeles Wildfires
"She is holding her family, herself, and her community through this unimaginable time. Now, it’s our turn to hold her."
Salem Radio Network Provides Special Coverage of Donald Trump Sentencing in New York Felony Case
Greg Clugston made the journey on to the Big Apple from Washington D.C. Friday morning to provide special coverage for the radio network and its affiliates.
Facebook Exec to Erick Erickson: Utilizing Community Notes ‘Much More Reliable’ Than Third Party Fact-Checkers
"That is going to build trust in a way that the fact-checking system simply didn't."
Former WTOP Reporter Derrick Ward Dies
"His warmth and caring were evident at every turn. Everybody liked Derrick. I saw why right away. He’ll be missed tremendously.”
News Columns
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.
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.
News Television
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.
Will Cain Tabbed to Replace Neil Cavuto in Fox News Daily Lineup
"Will Cain brings years of experience to the 4 PM hour as an accomplished broadcaster and a lawyer and we look forward to adding his insights to what will no doubt be another historic news cycle ahead this year.”
Chuck Todd Making Preparations to Leave NBC News After Nearly 3 Decades, New Report Says
Todd is meeting with both broadcast and digital media companies about a Washington D.C.-based role when his contract with NBC News ends.
Newsmax Increases Preferred Offering After High Interest From Investors
"The amount of interest is nothing that we've ever seen."
How an Unconvential Career Path Led Hena Doba to NewsNation
"I feel like I can handle anything because those kinds of risks taught me to be very flexible, and I think that's one of my strongest talents right now."
Music News
Emmis Launches Bilingual La Exitosa 98.7 in New York
The station features a bilingual adult contemporary format and offers a diverse mix of English and Spanish hits from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Beasley Media Parts Ways With WMGK Program Director, and WROR Midday Host Eric Johnson
"This is the second high-profile change at WMGK in recent months."
Music Radio Remembers Bakersfield Personality Doug DeRoo
DeRoo began his career at KERN in 1972. The station was Top 40 at the time.
Karen West Upped To Program Director At ‘97.3 The Eagle’ Norfolk/Virginia Beach
The 30-plus-year market veteran joined the station in 1990 and has served in various positions, including morning show, Assistant Program Director, and Music Director.
Being Independent is a Key To Success For Classic Rock 100.7 The Bay Baltimore
As a stand-alone station in Baltimore, 100.7 The Bay does extremely well competing against the so-called “big companies.”
Music Columns
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.
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.
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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