After building a career as one of the sharpest programming executives in the radio industry, and leaving the business in the summer of 2018, many were surprised when Chris Oliviero was announced as the new Market Manager of Entercom New York in May 2020. On this episode, Chris tells Jason Barrett why he decided to return to the business, what he learned while on the outside, how he feels about the present and future of WFAN, where he stands on pursuing a reunion with Craig Carton, in addition to weighing in on a number of industry topics as well.

Additionally, Jason Barrett shares breaking news about a new venture being explored by his company which industry professionals will be interested in learning more about. Further details will be shared after Labor Day but the basics are passed along during the first minutes of the episode.

TOPICS COVERED WITH CHRIS:

• When the deal to become Market Manager came together
• What convinced him to return to the radio business
• What he learned and missed about the industry while away from it
• If local management is enough to satisfy his professional desires
• Confidence level in WFAN; what the brand needs to do to enjoy future success
• Planning for the day when Mark Chernoff rides off into the sunset
• How interested he is in reuniting Craig Carton and WFAN
• Why the mistakes of a few can’t take away from social media’s value to talent, brands, and the audience
• If more radio companies will follow Saga & Townsquare’s lead and move away from Nielsen
• The future of live and on-demand audio content
• How sports betting will influence the way sports talk radio is presented in the next 5-10 years

FROM THE GUEST:

Connect with Chris on Linkedin: Chris Oliviero

Mike Greenberg returns to ESPN Radio’s airwaves on Monday August 17th, taking over the 12p-2p ET timeslot, a change from his morning routine. Secure with a place in the NAB radio hall of fame, the lead chair on ESPN’s hit television program ‘Get Up‘, and 32,000+ hours of on-air broadcasting under his belt, some in Mike’s position would pass on the chance to increase their work load, and accept a new challenge, but that’s not how Greeny operates. In this conversation, Mike shares what interested him about returning to host a solo midday program, how content will be approached on the show, the method to his madness when it comes to interviewing and teasing, advice he’s passed on to the network’s new morning show, and more.

Additionally, BSM President Jason Barrett spends 5 minutes prior to the conversation sharing a few observations, opinions, and questions about ESPN Radio’s changes.

SUBJECTS COVERED WITH MIKE:

• When he started thinking about returning to radio
• Launching new shows and handling negative feedback
• His vision and content approach for the new midday show
• How social issues will be covered on the program
• Winning over listeners who prefer local hosts
• The way he approaches interviewing and teasing
• Remembering Detroit sports radio host Jamie Samuelsen
• The likelihood of football still being played in December

FROM THE GUEST:

Follow Mike on Twitter: @ESPNGreeny

For the final episode of Season 4 of the BSM Podcast, we take a look back at the Top 10 sports radio stories of 2019. Additional perspectives were shared on this program by the BSM writing team. The 10 stories to appear on our countdown are listed below. We welcome your feedback on the episode by email at JBarrett@sportsradiopd.com or on Twitter @sportsradiopd.

TOP 10 COUNTDOWN:

• #10 – Craig Carton Heads to Jail
• #9 – Seth Dunlap vs. WWL
• #8 – Pat McAfee’s Big Year
• #7 – Dan Le Batard Gets Jimmy Pitaro’s Attention
• #6 – Greg Papa Joins KNBR’s Lineup, and the SF 49ers Radio Booth
• #5 – Stephen A. Smith Gets Paid, Announces Upcoming Radio Exit
• #4 – New York Sports Radio Changes
• #3 – The Mighty 1090 in San Diego Shuts Down
• #2 – PD and GM Turnover Impacts Sports Radio
• #1 – Big Personalities Exit The Sports Radio Airwaves