Barrett Media
John Molori is a weekly columnist for Barrett Sports Media. He has previously contributed to ESPNW, Patriots Football Weekly, Golf Content Network, Methuen Life Magazine, and wrote a syndicated Media Blitz column in the New England region, which was published by numerous outlets including The Boston Metro, Providence Journal, Lowell Sun, and the Eagle-Tribune. His career also includes fourteen years in television as a News and Sports Reporter, Host, Producer working for Continental Cablevision, MediaOne, and AT&T. He can be reached on Twitter @MoloriMedia.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Sports Radio
WEEI Boston Announces Programming Updates; Ted Johnson and Nick ‘Fitzy’ Stevens to Join Afternoons with Andy Hart
“I'll never take for granted the relationships I've formed and the awesome experiences I've shared with the fans here, and I look forward to strengthening those connections through the WEEI airwaves."
Mike Greenberg to Leave Weekday ESPN Radio Show as Part of Forthcoming Lineup Changes
Greenberg is continuing work with ESPN Audio as the host of the First Draft podcast with Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr.
Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo: Tom Brady ‘Wants to Analyze Every Minutiae of Every Play’
"Less is more, and I think most announcers in football have never learned that lesson."
Jessica Charman Announces Her Exit as Color Commentator of Charlotte FC
After three years, Jessica Charman is saying goodbye to...
Dan Le Batard: ‘It Wasn’t Enough Football for Me This Weekend’
"Watching one game at a time is not enough for me."
Sports Columns
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.
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.”
Sports Television
Big Ten Network’s CFP National Championship Coverage Heads to Atlanta; Features Urban Meyer, Jake Butt, and More
Big Ten Network is going all out for this...
Comcast Moves NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California RSNs to Xfinity Ultimate TV Package
Comcast reached an agreement with NBC Sports Bay Area...
ESPN Averages 25.4 Million Viewers for Vikings-Rams Wild Card Game
During the first half of the game, which spanned 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. EST, viewership of the game averaged 28.3 million viewers.
Kevin Harlan Nearing Deal with Amazon’s Prime Video to Join NBA Coverage: Report
If a deal is completed between the two sides, Harlan would reportedly be joining a play-by-play rotation with Ian Eagle serving as the lead announcer on games.
Amazon’s Prime Video Averages 22.07 Million Viewers for Exclusive NFL Wild Card Matchup
This broadcast peaked with 24.66 million viewers during the 9 to 9:15 p.m. EST quarter hour, indicative of the highest peak audience for an NFL Wild Card game airing on Saturday night since 2022.
News Radio
The Josh Hammer Show Joins 660 AM The Answer in Dallas
The Salem Media Group Dallas station joins stations in Seattle, St. Louis, and Miami which are already broadcasting the program.
Ramsey Network Launches Podcast Hosted by Ken Coleman Focused on Success
"I have so much fun doing this show — it’s incredibly rewarding to dive deep into these conversations, and I can’t wait to share these incredible stories with our audience.”
Salem Media Group Rebrands 1400 The Patriot to 92.7 The Answer in Detroit
With the change to the new FM home, the station takes on similar "The Answer" branding many of the company's other conservative news/talk stations utilize.
101.7 The Truth Names Sean Thompson New Director of Content, Shuffles Daily Lineup
"We’re excited to welcome Sean back to the Good Karma Brands team."
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.
News Columns
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.
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 Television
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.
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.
Music News
J.C. Fernandez Exits Mix 94.1 Las Vegas And ‘Mercedes In The Morning’
Fernandez said that he would still be seen on KLAS Channel 8, Las Vegas, and on the YouTube Show ‘Cars, Shops & Collections!’
iHeartCountry Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
The twelfth annual festival, which will showcase performances by renowned artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, and Nate Smith.
‘Niko & Cheyenne’ New KMLE Country 107.9 Morning Show
KMLE Country Phoenix has appointed Niko Petrou as the new host of its morning show. Joining forces with Cheyenne Davis.
Bob & Sheri’s Bob Lacey Announces His Retirement
Lacey will end his career at the end of January.
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.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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.”
John Molori is a weekly columnist for Barrett Sports Media. He has previously contributed to ESPNW, Patriots Football Weekly, Golf Content Network, Methuen Life Magazine, and wrote a syndicated Media Blitz column in the New England region, which was published by numerous outlets including The Boston Metro, Providence Journal, Lowell Sun, and the Eagle-Tribune. His career also includes fourteen years in television as a News and Sports Reporter, Host, Producer working for Continental Cablevision, MediaOne, and AT&T. He can be reached on Twitter @MoloriMedia.
Sports Radio
WEEI Boston Announces Programming Updates; Ted Johnson and Nick ‘Fitzy’ Stevens to Join Afternoons with Andy Hart
“I'll never take for granted the relationships I've formed and the awesome experiences I've shared with the fans here, and I look forward to strengthening those connections through the WEEI airwaves."
Mike Greenberg to Leave Weekday ESPN Radio Show as Part of Forthcoming Lineup Changes
Greenberg is continuing work with ESPN Audio as the host of the First Draft podcast with Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr.
Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo: Tom Brady ‘Wants to Analyze Every Minutiae of Every Play’
"Less is more, and I think most announcers in football have never learned that lesson."
Jessica Charman Announces Her Exit as Color Commentator of Charlotte FC
After three years, Jessica Charman is saying goodbye to...
Dan Le Batard: ‘It Wasn’t Enough Football for Me This Weekend’
"Watching one game at a time is not enough for me."
Sports Columns
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.
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.”
Sports Television
Big Ten Network’s CFP National Championship Coverage Heads to Atlanta; Features Urban Meyer, Jake Butt, and More
Big Ten Network is going all out for this...
Comcast Moves NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports California RSNs to Xfinity Ultimate TV Package
Comcast reached an agreement with NBC Sports Bay Area...
ESPN Averages 25.4 Million Viewers for Vikings-Rams Wild Card Game
During the first half of the game, which spanned 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. EST, viewership of the game averaged 28.3 million viewers.
Kevin Harlan Nearing Deal with Amazon’s Prime Video to Join NBA Coverage: Report
If a deal is completed between the two sides, Harlan would reportedly be joining a play-by-play rotation with Ian Eagle serving as the lead announcer on games.
Amazon’s Prime Video Averages 22.07 Million Viewers for Exclusive NFL Wild Card Matchup
This broadcast peaked with 24.66 million viewers during the 9 to 9:15 p.m. EST quarter hour, indicative of the highest peak audience for an NFL Wild Card game airing on Saturday night since 2022.
News Radio
The Josh Hammer Show Joins 660 AM The Answer in Dallas
The Salem Media Group Dallas station joins stations in Seattle, St. Louis, and Miami which are already broadcasting the program.
Ramsey Network Launches Podcast Hosted by Ken Coleman Focused on Success
"I have so much fun doing this show — it’s incredibly rewarding to dive deep into these conversations, and I can’t wait to share these incredible stories with our audience.”
Salem Media Group Rebrands 1400 The Patriot to 92.7 The Answer in Detroit
With the change to the new FM home, the station takes on similar "The Answer" branding many of the company's other conservative news/talk stations utilize.
101.7 The Truth Names Sean Thompson New Director of Content, Shuffles Daily Lineup
"We’re excited to welcome Sean back to the Good Karma Brands team."
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.
News Columns
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.
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 Television
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.
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.
Music News
J.C. Fernandez Exits Mix 94.1 Las Vegas And ‘Mercedes In The Morning’
Fernandez said that he would still be seen on KLAS Channel 8, Las Vegas, and on the YouTube Show ‘Cars, Shops & Collections!’
iHeartCountry Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
The twelfth annual festival, which will showcase performances by renowned artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, and Nate Smith.
‘Niko & Cheyenne’ New KMLE Country 107.9 Morning Show
KMLE Country Phoenix has appointed Niko Petrou as the new host of its morning show. Joining forces with Cheyenne Davis.
Bob & Sheri’s Bob Lacey Announces His Retirement
Lacey will end his career at the end of January.
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.
Music Columns
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.
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.
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.”
John Molori is a weekly columnist for Barrett Sports Media. He has previously contributed to ESPNW, Patriots Football Weekly, Golf Content Network, Methuen Life Magazine, and wrote a syndicated Media Blitz column in the New England region, which was published by numerous outlets including The Boston Metro, Providence Journal, Lowell Sun, and the Eagle-Tribune. His career also includes fourteen years in television as a News and Sports Reporter, Host, Producer working for Continental Cablevision, MediaOne, and AT&T. He can be reached on Twitter @MoloriMedia.
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