“Skipper”, Sunday, July 12, 2026

Good afternoon The Moosa Slobodian Network friends,

We had a great time discussing “Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will”, on today’s show, as well as discussing the recent news about the closure of 570 News Kitchener. Have a listen at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7yzWwTIrZyIDFuewWSQfLJ

Show Notes

Show Introduction: Aliasgar Moosa and Macara Slobodian opened the episode on Sunday, July 12, 2026, welcoming listeners to The Ali and Macara Show, which is part of the Moosa Slobodian Network (00:00:00).

Rogers Sports and Media Radio Station Closures: Aliasgar Moosa reported that on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Rogers Sports and Media shut down six radio stations, including 570 News Kitchener, News Hamilton, News Radio Vancouver, News Calgary, Sportsnet 650, and Sportsnet 960 Calgary. Aliasgar Moosa noted that while the timing of the afternoon closures was abrupt, the event was not entirely unexpected given previous industry actions by companies like Bell Media and Corus Entertainment (00:01:38) (00:07:28).
Corporate Strategy and Market Consolidation: The hosts discussed the strategy of Rogers Sports and Media, particularly the move to acquire the remaining 25% of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (00:05:34) (00:09:01). Aliasgar Moosa highlighted that this acquisition grants the company full control and reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing sports and entertainment over traditional broadcasting, which is not their primary revenue stream compared to their wireless business (00:09:01) (00:12:32). The conversation also covered how such industry trends decrease opportunities for newcomers to practice their craft, such as through overnight shifts (00:11:03).
Professional Outlook and Independent Media: Reflecting on the shifting media landscape, Aliasgar Moosa shared advice from Don Collins, who noted that a traditional radio platform is not required to host a talk show (00:16:23). Both hosts expressed satisfaction with their decision to build their own independent platform, noting that while job losses in the industry are significant and can lead to long periods of unemployment for those affected, their current path offers more agency (00:14:19).
Technology and Platform Performance: Aliasgar Moosa and Macara Slobodian evaluated technical challenges they experienced during their recording session, including platform performance issues and interface management (00:19:32) (00:27:23). After discussing whether to switch from their current platform (Zoom), they decided against it, concluding that the platform’s utility and interface remain superior to alternatives, and that switching would likely introduce new, more significant problems (00:20:28) (00:25:51).
Software Pricing and Value Proposition: The conversation addressed the cost and value of business software plans, with Aliasgar Moosa expressing dissatisfaction with the pricing model of their current tools (00:30:24). Aliasgar Moosa argued that there is a lack of “in-between” pricing tiers, forcing users to pay for premium features they do not use, such as Clips and Canvas, and suggested that models like those offered by Google One provide better value for individual needs (00:28:43).
Book Review: Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will: The hosts reviewed the book *Skipper: Why Baseball Managers Matter and Always Will*, noting that they were surprised by the inclusion of technological and probability-based analysis in the text. Macara Slobodian observed that these analytical elements, combined with increased front-office influence, seem to shift the role of the manager in ways that differ from the perspective shared in their previous book, *The Bullpen Gospels* (00:32:14) (00:36:58). Aliasgar Moosa planned to finish the book during the four-day Major League Baseball All-Star break, which follows the games on July 12, 2026 (00:35:42).
Upcoming Guest Schedule: Aliasgar Moosa announced that Jim Snyder will join The Ali Moosa Show on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern to discuss the station closures, followed by Pete Travers at 4:45 p.m. Eastern (00:38:59).
Techstravaganza Afternoons: Macara Slobodian highlighted the next Techstravaganza Afternoons workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern, which will focus on deleting applications on the iPhone (00:40:59).
Future Programming and Books Panel: The hosts announced a Books Panel discussion for July 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern focused on *Living Disability: Building Accessible Futures for Everybody*. Additionally, they noted that the next show recording will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, featuring a discussion on the book *Sight Unseen* by Georgina Cleege, and they encouraged listeners to subscribe to their newsletter for further updates (00:42:28).

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