Key Highlights:
- Massive Milestone: Colin Cowherd’s nationally syndicated radio show, “The Herd,” has officially secured its 400th affiliate, marking a full-circle moment as the landmark station is in Portland, where his career began.
- Staggering Revenue: Cowherd’s independent media company, The Volume, is on a explosive growth trajectory, with revenues expected to hit a massive $60 million this year.
- The FOX Sports Decision: The FS1 host reveals the key reasons he signed a new three-year contract extension, citing unparalleled corporate support and creative freedom.
- A “Sneaky Advantage”: Cowherd explains how owning The Volume gives him a unique and powerful edge in the competitive advertising market, allowing him to bundle radio, TV, and digital offerings for major partners.
A Milestone Decades in the Making
Longtime sports media personality Colin Cowherd has reached a monumental career milestone, with his flagship FS1 and iHeartMedia show, “The Herd,” adding its 400th radio affiliate. In a fitting turn of events, the station that pushed him over the threshold was Rip City Radio 620 in Portland, Ore., the city where his national career first launched in 2001.
“That’s a lot of affiliates,” Cowherd stated in a recent interview. “I think [it’s] one of the things I’m proudest of with my show… I just feel very fortunate that affiliates pick me up. They don’t have to.”
The FS1 Strategy and The Secret to Simulcasting
Since moving to FOX Sports in 2012, “The Herd” has been a unique simulcast, broadcasting live on both television and radio. Cowherd credits the show’s success across both mediums to one key element: pace.
“When you do a TV-radio simulcast, the key is pace. You can’t be a plodding show,” he explained. This up-tempo style is crucial for keeping viewers engaged, especially when he receives minute-by-minute ratings data. “I can tell every minute what people like or don’t like… The ultimate respect of the audience is talk about what they want to talk about.”
Regarding the new FS1 lineup, which now includes a show from Barstool Sports, Cowherd noted the difficulty of transitioning to television. “TV’s hard… it’s got to look the part,” he said, expressing confidence that the new program will find its footing.
The Volume: Building a Media Empire
While his success at FS1 is well-documented, the explosive growth of his independent media company, The Volume, is turning heads. Launched in 2021, the company is now a dominant force in the digital audio space.
From Podcast Network to $60 Million Powerhouse
“The revenues have doubled,” Cowherd revealed. “This year, $60 million in revenues is very well within reach. I want to get to $100 million in revenues — that’s kind of my goal, and I think we’re going to get there.”
He proudly stated that every single podcast under The Volume’s banner is currently profitable. “Our hit rate right now is we’re batting a thousand,” he said. This success has made him hesitant to sell, though he admitted, “If there was a perfect partnership, I would listen.”
The “Sneaky Advantage” in a Tough Market
Cowherd’s dual role as an FS1 host and a media executive gives him a powerful and “sneaky advantage” with advertisers. By leveraging his partnerships with both iHeart and The Volume, he can offer comprehensive advertising packages that span radio, television, and the rapidly growing podcast market.
This unique position allows him to cater to advertisers who want to invest heavily in digital audio, a sector where he believes The Volume excels. This synergy not only drives his personal business but reinforces his indispensable value to his corporate partners, proving he’s not just a voice on the airwaves but a formidable force in the business of sports media.
Image Referance: https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/10/colin-cowherd-radio-affiliates-fs1-the-volume/