ESPN’s David Roberts to Retire in August
After a 22-year career at ESPN and almost five decades in media, ESPN EVP, executive editor, Sports News and Entertainment David Roberts will retire at the end of August. Roberts joined ESPN in 2004 as a coordinating producer and currently oversees ESPN’s news operation including sports news and coverage, investigative and enterprise 
journalism, research and digital editorial. He also supervises ESPN Audio. Roberts comments, “This has been both a real honor and a blessing to work for and with the most talented people in the industry. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have had the opportunities afforded me as a member of the ESPN leadership team. It has been simply an awesome 22 years.” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus states, “David Roberts has had a long and extremely distinguished career in this industry, and we’ve been fortunate to have him as part of the ESPN team for more than two decades. His leadership has made a tremendous difference, and he will leave a lasting legacy at ESPN. We wish him all the best in retirement.”
Angeles with even more of the best in local news, sports, traffic, and information. Both brands will also be available through the Audacy app, partner streaming platforms, and all social channels.” Audacy West regional president Jeff Federman states, “Los Angeles is the epicenter of the sports world, and ‘97.1 The Fan’ is its new voice. With legendary franchises and global events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the time was right to bring our industry-leading sports programming to this market. The Voice of LA Sports will be a 24/7, multiplatform home where fans are part of the conversation every day, building on the same commitment to local connection that has made KNX News a trusted cornerstone in Los Angeles and strengthening our overall offering.” Audacy chief business officer Chris Oliviero adds, “This launch further strengthens Audacy as the unrivaled leader in sports audio, reaching more sports listeners than our eight closest competitors combined. Adding Los Angeles – one of the most passionate and influential sports markets in the country – completes our presence across the top 10 markets and meaningfully expands our reach and scale. It allows us to deliver even greater impact for listeners and partners through premium content, unmatched distribution, and deeper fan engagement.”
2025. The company reports declines in all segments of its business; even digital revenue was off 8.3% ($33.5 million). Network spot revenue was down 25% ($33 million), and broadcast spot revenue was $67.7 million, a decline of 16.3% from Q1 of 2025. Cumulus president and CEO Mary G. Berner says, “We are pleased to report first quarter earnings. The Court’s recent approval of our reorganization plan marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our financial foundation and positioning the company to compete in the evolving media landscape. While we await FCC approval of the plan, we remain focused on leveraging our core strengths to drive long-term value creation.”
host Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes aimed at the two. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez issued a statement about the order, saying, “This is the most egregious action this FCC has taken in violation of the First Amendment to date. As part of its ongoing campaign of censorship and control, the White House called publicly for the silencing of a vocal critic, and this FCC has now answered that call. This is an unprecedented and politically motivated attempt to interfere with how broadcasters operate, and this unlawful overreach will fail. This should be a lesson to media companies that no amount of capitulation to this administration will buy them protection. The only choice is to stand up and stand firm in defense of the First Amendment.”
president Mike Thomas says, “Rich is one of the most dynamic and entertaining voices in Boston media, with a proven ability to connect with audiences across platforms. Paired with Ted’s championship pedigree and insight, and Ken’s deep understanding of the station and its audience, this show brings together a unique combination of credibility, energy and perspective that will resonate with Boston sports fans.” Shertenlieb says, “I’m thrilled to be at WEEI and reunite with my buddy and one of my favorite colleagues, Ted Johnson, and work with Ken to see what we can build together. The station’s connection to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund makes this deeply personal, given the role those organizations have played in saving my wife’s life. I’m grateful for this next chapter and can’t wait to get started.”
Louisville area president Kristy Beebee says, “Christopher brings an exceptional track record of leadership, creativity and strategic vision, and will be a tremendous asset to our teams and listeners. Louisville is a dynamic, growing market, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll make as we continue to elevate and strengthen our brands, talent and community connections.” Layfield most recently served with Cumulus Media as SVP of programming for Indianapolis. 
My notes from a real useful session with Amazon’s Andy Slater, Audacy’s Michael Biemolt, and YouTube’s Neha Taleja, moderated by WTOP’S John Wardock.
government studies report most commutes are a solo affair. In the car, Honda drivers cannot be reached by social media, online video, or any digital platform while commuting to work. What are the audio habits of Honda drivers in all locations (home, work, vehicle, and some other place)? Edison examined audience shares among Honda drivers to ad-supported audio platforms at home, in the car, at work, and some other place. In all locations, Honda drivers devote 62% of all their ad-supported audio time spent to AM/FM radio.” 
ratio of the three measurement types and it’s notable that more than half of Joe Rogan’s consumption is audio. For comparison, the audience for Candace Owen’s “Candace” (#9) is mostly from video and video clips – split evenly between the two. “The Tucker Carlson Show” (#10) audience is predominantly from video clips, while The New York Times’ “The Daily” (#6) is almost exclusively consumed via audio. 
with the station across town anymore. It’s competing with 50,000 news brands, nearly half a million podcasts, and an infinite scroll of feeds that never sleep.
who most recently served with Audacy in Sacramento as SVP and market manager. Cox Media Group VP and market manager Jason Meder states, “Aaron’s experience, leadership, and passion for our radio make him a tremendous asset to our Tampa leadership team. We’re excited to welcome him back and look forward to the impact he will have on our sales organization, our clients, and our continued growth in the Tampa market.”
As a newly minted program director (remember them?), I found the 1980 “NAB Radio Programming Conference” downright enchanting. New-tech cart machines (remember them?) would FIND the splice! And after the cart played, a flashing light saved careless DJs from accidentally playing it again.
capabilities, we’re enabling KSE to scale its digital offering and drive stronger, more measurable results for its clients. This partnership is a powerful example of how media companies can evolve and win in a performance-driven marketplace.” Townsquare launched their Media Partnerships division in 2024 in which it provides a white-label service that equips other local media companies with the digital advertising solutions that have fueled Townsquare’s own growth and success, with digital now comprising over 50% of Townsquare’s total revenue and profit. KSE Radio SVP and general manager Joel Clary says, “Kroenke Sports and Entertainment is excited to partner with Townsquare Ignite for all of our entertainment assets in the Denver market. Townsquare has the best digital solutions in the radio industry and a proven track record of delivering great results to clients.”