Barrett Sports Media Podcast

The 14th episode of Season 2 includes a twenty five minute in-studio chat with 670 The Score program director Mitch Rosen. Mitch offers insights into his programming philosophies, explains how he got started, looks ahead to the future of the business and its impact in Chicago, and shares his views on a number of sports radio industry topics. Jason also dives into this week’s 5 in 5 by offering his perspective on Entercom’s aggressive push for play by play rights, John Skipper’s contract extension, Scott Van Pelt’s issue with ESPN criticisms, the new ESPN Radio lineup and the immediate backlash towards WFAN for installing Chris Carlin, Bart Scott and Maggie Gray as Mike Francesa’s replacements. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WITH MITCH: Becoming interested in sports radio and how he got started Appreciating the old school ways of the radio business Moving up from WMVP to being an agent to running 670 The Score The best and toughest parts of overseeing a heritage sports brand How to navigate the p

Episode 13 of Season 2 includes a fifty minute conversation with San Diego sports talk show host Mark Willard. The discussion focuses on Willard’s experiences in sports radio in Southern California, the difference in strategy between FOX Sports Radio and ESPN brands, the reasons behind Los Angeles not being a higher rated sports radio market, the pros and cons of working with a former athlete, how to handle social media, reaction to the Mike Felger commentary on Roy Halladay, whether WFAN and ESPN are still as desirable as they once were, working for PD Brian Long and much more. Also, Jason runs thru this week’s 5 in 5 by sharing his thoughts on the end of Mike and Mike, the approval of the CBS-Entercom merger, another round of layoffs at ESPN, Mike Felger’s critical remarks of Roy Halladay following his death and Barstool Sports gaining its own channel on SiriusXM. TOPICS EXPLORED WITH MARK WILLARD: Growing up listening to KNBR in the Bay Area Getting his first break to be on-air and call

The 12th episode of Season 2 features a conversation with Charlotte sports radio morning host Chris McClain. Over the course of thirty two minutes, “Mac” as he’s known by his audience, shares his thoughts on being drawn to sports radio at the age of 11 by listening to WIP and WFAN and arguing with and getting hung up on by local hosts, transitioning to a new city, working with the same producer for over a decade, the importance of calls, the goal when conducting interviews, hosting a sports radio show in the summer in a market with no major league baseball team, how he navigates social issues, plus the early days of his career which included sharing space in the same building with Craig Carton, Scott Kaplan and Sid Rosenberg. Also, in this week’s 5 in 5, Jason offers his opinions on Entercom choosing WEEI over 98.5 The Sports Hub, Shan and RJ’s interview with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Bill Simmons’ column on ESPN, Barstool Sports being put on blast for their legal

The Vegas Stats and Information Network is the brainchild of Brian Musburger. On the 11th episode of Season 2 of the BSM Podcast, Brian shares how the network was born, what the first year in business has been like, how he convinced Brent Musburger to join the upstart company and leave ESPN, where he sees opportunities for future growth, the length of commitments the network has received from SiriusXM and the South Point Casino, how the NFL squashed a potential television partnership, why other broadcast groups will get deeper involved in the sports betting content space and much more. Jason also tackles the 5 in 5 by offering his thoughts on the split between Mitchy Levy and Sports Radio 950 KJR, a strong summer ratings period for sports radio brands, Michelle Beadle’s comments about white males on ESPN, FS1’s aggressive marketing campaign aimed at the New York Knicks and Mike Missanelli’s views on female play by play announcers on NFL games. AREAS OF CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN MUSBURGER: Wh

The 10th episode of Season 2 features a 50+ minute conversation with St. Louis sports radio host Bernie Miklasz. The longtime writer and current morning man for 101 ESPN reflects on his multimedia career and discusses his views on a number of topics related to the current state of the radio and print industries. Jason also bypasses the 5 in 5 this week to focus on the big story involving the media’s coverage of the national anthem protests and how they’re affecting sports radio, television, print and social media. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WITH BERNIE MIKLASZ: When he first discovered he wanted to pursue sports media His first job as a High School sports editor and photographer Landing an opportunity at the Baltimore News-American Changes in media but old school principles that remain The challenge of writing on a deadline and excelling at it Why it’s important to be more than one dimensional What the early days of St. Louis sports radio was like Staying at 1380 over KFNS and how it ended up payi

On the 9th episode of Season 2, radio executive turned play by play announcer Dan Mason joins the show to discuss the various stages of his broadcasting career. Dan offers his insights on transitioning from programming to senior management, the rise of the sports format, dealing with controversies, Howard Stern’s exit from terrestrial radio, the merger between CBS and Entercom, Chris Olivero’s emergence as a broadcast executive, the strengths and areas of opportunity for the CBS Sports Radio Network, the market he wishes CBS would’ve launched a sports station in, how to excite ad buyers and local business owners about investing in sports radio brands, why the ratings demo for sports radio should be Men 35-64, talking his way into a play by play opportunity on the CBS Sports Television Network after not having called a game in decades, and why teams would be well served to bring radio executives into their tent to help them gain more dollars from their media partnerships. Given the recent ev

Episode 8 of Season 2 includes a 55 minute discussion with Sports Radio WIP afternoon host Chris Carlin. “Continent” as he’s affectionately known in sports radio circles reflects on his start in New York at WFAN, becoming Mike and the Mad Dog’s producer, moving into a challenging situation on Imus’ program, transitioning into Boomer & Carton, reaction on last week’s developments involving the WFAN morning host, being courted for an on-air opportunity in Kansas City, getting a break in TV at SNY, making the move to Philadelphia to host for WIP, learning from Mark Chernoff, Eric Spitz and Spike Eskin and his philosophies on callers, interviews, measuring progress and personality attributes. Jason also delivers this week’s “5 in 5”. The areas of concentration on this episode are the Craig Carton saga in New York, changes to NFL television programming on Sunday’s, 1310 The Ticket in Dallas earns a Marconi, KFNS hires a host who doesn’t know sp

The 7th episode of Season 2 features a deep dive into Jim Rome’s broadcasting career. Over the course of 40+ minutes Jim offers his insights on starting on the local level, expanding into syndication, building a national brand thru the addition of TV, going thru adversity following the Jim Everett situation, moving from Premiere to CBS Sports Radio, the possibility of a return to sports television, the UFC rumors, the growth of sports debate, the birth of the clones, the importance of understanding the business of sports radio, what he looks for in a producer, staying receptive to feedback, how he determines if a benchmark or piece of content still is relevant, and much more. Also, Jason returns with a 5 in 5, taking a look at the Mitch Levy situation in Seattle, 97.5 The Fanatic’s PD change in Philadelphia, how the radio community has rallied to help those in need in Houston, the fallout from the Ryen Russillo incident at ESPN Radio, and a couple of takeaways from the Podcast Movement Conference

Episode 6 of Season 2 features a 60+ minute in-depth conversation with radio host, columnist and national television personality Jay Mariotti. This discussion covers a number of topics including Jay’s belief of ESPN trying to influence others not to hire him, the challenges he’s endured due to domestic allegations, his battles with Chicago sports personalities, attempts from ESPN 1000 to censor him, difficulties with the Chicago Sun-Times, public spats with Scott Van Pelt, and much more. TOPICS DISCUSSED WITH JAY MARIOTTI Becoming a target of the media and how it’s hurt his career Why he feels the sports media has had an agenda against him Troubles with ESPN and the Chicago Sun-Times and how its hurt him Being in an abusive relationship and what happened in 2010 How he feels when others say he hasn’t apologized or been contrite Disputing ESPN being able to influence Entercom’s hiring decisions The way the newspaper business has changed and the future of print What he thinks of

For the 5th episode of Season 2 Jason reconnects with a former colleague, 710 ESPN Seattle midday host Bob Stelton. The conversation includes a trip down memory lane examining the various stops of Bob’s broadcasting career, reflections of his time working with the late Bryan Burwell, MMA’s place on sports radio shows, what he’s learned from working under a number of top notch programmers and much more. SUBJECTS COVERED WITH BOB STELTON When he first took an interest in sports talk radio Interning and board oping for Sports Radio KJR in Seattle What he learned from PD Tom Lee and morning host Mitch Levy Working his way up as a fill-in host at KJR and always saying yes Landing on Sporting News Radio’s radar despite not being a FT host His role at Sporting News  and everything it involved each week Finding himself unemployed for the first time and how it happened Being contacted for a possible hosting opportunity in St. Louis His memories of working with Bryan Burwell and learning of hi

On the 4th episode of Season 2 Jason kicks things off with The 5 in 5. This week’s stories include ESPN’s search for a co-host to work with Mike Greenberg after Charissa Thompson decided to stay at FOX Sports, why ESPN made a great move offering 24-hours of ESPN8: The Ocho, how radio people can learn something from a great message courtesy of FX network boss John Landgraf, the arrival of Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman in video game form, and the exit of Don Kollins as PD of 95.7 The Game. This week’s featured conversation involves 680 The Fan, Podcast One and CBS Sports Radio host John Kincade. During the discussion John explains how he got started in Philadelphia, moved to Atlanta, arrived on the national stage, and offers a bunch of great advice, opinions and truths on a variety of sports radio industry subjects. TOPICS COVERED WITH JOHN KINCADE Growing up on Philadelphia sports talk and interning for WIP Learning from Angelo Cataldi, Tony Bruno and Howard Eskin What goes into Angelo’

On the third episode of Season 2, Jason starts with The 5 in 5. This week’s topics include Jim Rome’s Smackoff, Jay Bilas’ issue with LaVar Ball, Denver Sports 760’s decision to offer non-stop Broncos and NFL conversation, shrinking coverage of MLB insight and breaking news, and the constant scrutiny and criticism of former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry. This week’s featured guest is Bob Fescoe of 610 Sports in Kansas City. Over the course of nearly 40 minutes, Bob takes Jason through the various stops of his sports radio career and explains how his maturation, outreach, and second time around in Kansas City has changed him personally and professionally for the better. AREAS OF CONVERSATION EXPLORED WITH BOB FESCOE Growing up on WFAN and its influence on his sports radio interests Getting started in Seguin, TX and being grateful to work for under 20K Opportunity knocks in Kansas City and Bob answers the door WHB enters the picture and Bob makes the decision to join them Earning a morni

After the opening pleasantries on episode 2 of Season 2, Jason dives into The 5 in 5. This week’s stories focus on Vice Sports dropping written content in favor of video, The Athletic and Boston Sports Journal doubling down on print while others run away from it, the lack of interest in the O.J. Simpson parole hearing on sports television, ESPN’s interest in Charissa Thompson to work alongside Mike Greenberg on his new TV show, and Jeremiah Crowe’s promotion to Program Director of KNBR in San Francisco. This week’s guest is Joe Fortenbaugh of 95.7 The Game in San Francisco. During the course of 43 minutes, Joe takes listeners through his unique journey into sports radio and shares tips on how to succeed as a personality and capitalize against a strong local competitor. SUBJECTS COVERED WITH JOE FORTENBAUGH Chasing a law degree and an opportunity in sports as an agent Getting his start with the National Football Post and what the job entailed Calling into other market programs and wha

Season 2 begins with an explanation of why the podcast went on hiatus for two months. Jason then introduces a new feature called The 5 in 5 which covers 5 topics in 5 minutes. Stories discussed include Mike and the Mad Dog’s 30 for 30, Mike Francesa’s claim that Michael Kay’s ratings win was a fabrication, the slow death of written content, Clay Travis’ choice to reject FS1 and stay true to his principles, and ESPN’s decision to air the O.J. Simpson parole hearing. The first guest for Season 2 is Josh Innes. He can be heard weekday mornings on SportsTalk 790 in Houston and middays on Sports 1280 in New Orleans. This conversation runs 56 minutes and tackles the trials and tribulations of Josh’s career and covers a number of different subjects related to the sports media industry. TOPICS DISCUSSED WITH JOSH INNES How growing up with a father in radio influenced his desire to pursue the business When he started collecting a check and what his initial responsibilities were Ga

LaVar Ball’s interview on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” created mixed reactions across the sports media industry. Some rose to the defense of the controversial father of NBA prospect Lonzo Ball, but most felt his behavior was out of bounds, and grounds for not being given a future opportunity to appear on FS1’s airwaves. Jason though believes a follow up appearance from Ball on Cowherd’s show needs to happen, and it’s the focus of his Starting Point. For this week’s sports media conversation, Jason reconnects with a longtime friend and former colleague, ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman. During the course of their 45-minute discussion, Jason and Freddie discuss paying dues in small markets, the way ESPN has changed over the past 13 years, the reason why First Take is successful and what people misunderstand about the show, how to handle volatile guests like LaVar Ball, and the keys to thriving and surviving on a national stage for more than 13 years. SUBJECTS EXPLOR

The NAB Show took place in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, and one session which created some industry noise was “Today in Podcasting – A Radio Station’s Guide To Metrics, Reach, Distribution and Monetization.” During the session, it was implied that listening times were longer than what had previously been reported by Bridge Ratings’ Podcasting Best Practices – The Study. So where does that leave radio stations who are trying to determine their best plan of attack with their digital audio strategies? Jason offers his thoughts and suggestions. This week’s guest needs no introduction. But we’ll give him one anyway. Ric Bucher has spent twenty five years carving out a highly successful sports media career, including reinventing himself from a writer and beat reporter into a multi-platform sports media personality. He’s enjoyed national stints with ESPN, Bleacher Report and SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, and gained his local sports radio education while w

One week after terminating an estimated 100 on-air employees, ESPN has been the topic of conversation in every sports media circle. Jason recaps the events of the past week and identifies three big issues he feels have played a part in the network’s decision to reduce head count. But the conversation doesn’t end there. Jason is joined for a round table discussion by two exceptional sports media reporters, Michael McCarthy of the Sporting News, and Bryan Curtis of The Ringer. Mike and Bryan add their insights and opinions on the various issues facing ESPN, expected changes coming soon to sports television, the future of play by play deals, FS1’s current standing and ability to ascend higher and much more. TOPICS EXAMINED WITH MICHAEL MCCARTHY & BRYAN CURTIS: The #1 reason why an estimated 100 people lost their jobs at ESPN Who among ESPN’s numerous cuts produced the biggest surprise The likelihood of ESPN making annual cuts and possibly trimming again in 2017 ESPN’s politica