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Ernie Johnson Hopes His Retirement Doesn’t Mean the End of Inside the NBA

John Mamola
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Ernie Johnson Hopes His Retirement Doesn’t Mean the End of Inside the NBA

Ernie Johnson wants Inside the NBA to outlast him. The retiring host said he hopes to not take the blame for ending the iconic studio show.

What We Know: Johnson announced Wednesday that the 2026-27 season will be his last as host. He has led the show since 1989, a run spanning 37 seasons. Days later, he discussed the show’s future Front Office Sports Tonight. In reflection, Johnson said he hopes the end of his run on the legacy NBA program does not mean that the program itself will come to an end.

What They Said: Ernie Johnson (Via Front Office Sports): “I don’t want to be blamed for ending Inside the NBA. I’m stepping away from my role on there. I would hope that they could continue the show in some form. And there are plenty of great studio hosts out there who could do what I do.”

What Remains Unclear: Still, nobody knows who will replace Johnson in the host chair. Additionally, Charles Barkley has not fully confirmed whether he will follow Johnson out the door. Moreover, TNT still produces the show, so ESPN cannot decide its fate alone. Whether or not the show will live into next season and beyond is unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, Johnson is lobbying for the brand rather than his own legacy. ESPN likely would want the show to remain its top NBA studio program. However, replacing a 37-year host rarely goes smoothly. As a result, the next chapter will test whether the magic lives in the format or the people.

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Ben Stevens Elevated To Full Time Co-Host of “D-Fish & Decker” at 97.1 The Fan

John Mamola
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Ben Stevens Elevated To Full Time Co-Host of “D-Fish & Decker” at 97.1 The Fan

Ben Stevens now has a permanent seat in Los Angeles. Audacy’s 97.1 The Fan has named him full-time co-host of D-Fish & Decker featuring Derek Fisher and Cody Decker.

What We Know: Stevens has been a rotating fill-in host since 97.1 The Fan launched in May. In fact, he became a daily staple on D-Fish & Decker for most of that stretch. Known online as “Big Ten Ben,” Stevens most recently worked at VSiN, which he joined in August 2025. Before that, he spent five years at SportsGrid, anchoring The Early Line and hosting College Football Today. Stevens also hosts the Big Ten Breakdown podcast for I-80 Club.

What’s At Stake: Stevens addition to the morning program solidifies a solid driver for the show. Thus, it allows both Cody Decker and Derek Fisher added room for their expertise and insights into the stories of the sports day in Los Angeles. With Stevens experience in podcasting, the station could look to lean on his expertise in building unique on-demand content for digital audiences.

What Remains Unclear: So far, terms and any financials are unknown. Likewise, it’s unknown whether Stevens will continue to pursue other projects outside from 97.1 The Fan.

What It Means: For 97.1 The Fan, the move brings stability to its flagship morning show. Meanwhile, Stevens adds a national resume to a lineup built on local voices. That resume includes NFL and NBA Draft coverage, NCAA Tournament specials and Super Bowl week shows from Radio Row. Ultimately, a fill-in audition has turned into a permanent role in the country’s second-largest market.

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Borrell Associates: Digital Advertising Will Reach 80% of Local Ad Spending by 2030

Garrett Searight
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Borrell Associates: Digital Advertising Will Reach 80% of Local Ad Spending by 2030

Borrell Associates expects digital advertising to account for nearly 80% of local ad spending by 2030. The projection signals a significant shift in how businesses will reach consumers.

What We Know: Digital advertising accounted for 71% of all local advertising expenditures in 2025. However, Borrell Associates projects that figure will climb considerably over the next four years as the industry undergoes what it describes as a “great reshuffling.” The company also significantly increased its growth expectations for local digital advertising. For 2026, Borrell now projects 8.6% growth, nearly double its previous forecast of 4.5%. Additionally, its 2027 projection increased from 4.3% to 6.7%.

What They Said: “We knew digital advertising was growing rapidly, but our research uncovered a much bigger shift than our earlier forecasts suggested. Though traditional media companies will rake in more than $18 billion in digital ad revenue this year, it represents a fairly small share – 16% of the total digital pie. The pie is now growing faster, so their challenge will be to maintain market share by keeping up with the digital growth.” -Borrell Associates Senior Vice President of Local Marketing Intelligence Corey Elliott

What Remains Unclear: Borrell’s projections illustrate the direction of local advertising, but the company hasn’t detailed how individual traditional media sectors will fare as digital spending continues to grow. Radio, television, newspapers, and other legacy platforms will face different challenges in maintaining their respective shares.

What It Means: Traditional media companies face increasing pressure to expand their digital advertising businesses. Although those companies are projected to generate more than $18 billion in digital ad revenue in 2026, that’s only 16% of the overall market. Consequently, broadcasters and publishers must find ways to capture more of the expanding digital advertising pie rather than rely solely on traditional revenue streams.

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Salem Radio Network Earns Exclusive Interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Garrett Searight
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Salem Radio Network Earns Exclusive Interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Salem Radio Network has secured an exclusive interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The conversation will air Saturday on This Week on Capitol Hill.

What We Know: Hosted by Tony Perkins, This Week on Capitol Hill airs Saturdays at 10 AM ET on Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel. Additionally, the program receives four encore airings on the Newsmax 2 streaming platform. During the interview, Zelenskyy addressed allegations from Tucker Carlson that his government is persecuting Christians in Ukraine.

What They Said: “Tucker Carlson and other such guys, I think they’ve never been. I mean, I think these men have never been in Ukraine. How he can discuss what’s going on in Ukraine and to speak about what’s going on with the with religious people in Ukraine? We are very free.” -Volodymyr Zelenskyy

What Remains Unclear: Salem hasn’t indicated whether it plans to release additional portions of the interview ahead of Saturday’s broadcast. It’s also unclear whether Perkins addressed other aspects of the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia during the conversation.

What It Means: The interview gives Salem Radio Network an opportunity to bring an international newsmaker to its audience through its weekly political programming. Moreover, Zelenskyy’s response puts Carlson’s claims about religious freedom in Ukraine directly into the conversation. The exchange also provides listeners with an opportunity to hear the Ukrainian president address the allegations in his own words.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

NFL Viewership Up Overall 4% From Last Year With Several Networks Seeing Gains

John Mamola
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NFL Viewership Up Overall 4% From Last Year With Several Networks Seeing Gains

NFL viewership is up 4% year over year heading into Week 8 this coming weekend. Moreover, games are averaging 18.4 million viewers, the league’s best mark through Week 7 since 2015.

What We Know: That average also ranks as the third-best figure on record at this point in a season. Meanwhile, Week 7 alone averaged 18.1 million viewers. That was the best Week 7 since 2014. Additionally, it was a 17% jump from the same week last season. In addition, the 2026 NFL Paris Game & related programming reached 10.6 million viewers across the country on France TV. Moreover, NFL programs rank as the top 40 shows on TV since start of the season.

What’s At Stake: According to data from Sports Business Journal, CBS Sports is averaging 19.2 million viewers across all of its games, a record pace for the network. Games across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2 and NFL Network are averaging 19 million viewers this season. Prime Video’s current season-to-date average is 17.7 million, which is 12% ahead of last year’s six-game average (15.84M). FOX Sports has also seen some gains year over year.

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not the NFL slate will continue at this pace deep into the holiday calendar.

What It Means: It should be noted that ESPN’s decision to eliminate overlapping Monday Night Football games appears to be paying off for the network. One destination, one game is working well on all fronts in a big year for the network. Ultimately, the league’s audience growth is spreading across nearly every partner.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Fox News’ Steve Doocy Reveals His Incredible 2026 Travel Numbers

Garrett Searight
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Fox News’ Steve Doocy Reveals His Incredible 2026 Travel Numbers

Fox News personality Steve Doocy has traveled more than 162,000 miles this year. His coast-to-coast approach to covering America has taken him across the country.

What We Know: After relocating to Florida in 2025, Doocy adjusted his daily schedule on FOX & Friends to accommodate his new home. At the time, he dubbed himself the “coast-to-coast host.” He’s certainly lived up to that moniker in 2026. He’s visited Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia in just five days as part of his Breakfast with Friends tour.

What The Numbers Show:

Steve Doocy’s 2026 Travel By the NumbersTotal
Cities Visited59
Air Miles162,000
Diner Visits15
Estimated Cups of Coffee37.5
Average Diner Attendees100+
Rental Cars15

What They Said: “Five diners, five states, and five days. Now that my trip across America is complete, I am absolutely exhausted. But worth every mile because the best political analysts in America aren’t always in Washington … And unlike the experts on TV, they actually know what a dozen eggs cost them, and exactly what they paid on their last tank of gas.

“Thanks, America, for telling me what you really think. Turns out, the only thing stronger than the diner coffee is your opinions! After flying 162,000 miles so far this year — I’ve learned one really important thing: You can’t take the pulse of America if you don’t talk to Americans. You’ve got to get on the ground, shake hands, ask questions, and then listen to the people. And that’s what Breakfast with Friends is all about: asking questions, getting honest opinions, and having a laugh or two. The funny thing is, politicians and pollsters spend millions trying to figure out what voters think. I just ask them between bites of cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.” -Steve Doocy

What It Means: Doocy’s travels represent Fox News’ effort to bring its coverage beyond Washington and the traditional political media circuit. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, his diner conversations offer a chance to hear directly from voters. Moreover, his 162,000 miles of travel demonstrate the commitment behind his coast-to-coast hosting approach.

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ESPN Reportedly Sees Depth In Analyst Options For Monday Night Football

John Mamola
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ESPN Reportedly Sees Depth In Analyst Options For Monday Night Football

ESPN has reportedly paused contract talks with Troy Aikman until after Super Bowl LXI. According to reporting by Andrew Marchand in The Athletic, ESPN likely has lost interest because executives feel there is more depth in the market away from Aikman.

What We Know: ESPN signed Aikman and Buck away from FOX Sports in 2022 for a combined $165 million over five years. Aikman received $90 million, while Buck got $75 million. However, Buck quietly signed a six-year, $108 million extension this spring without he nor ESPN telling Aikman. Then, according to The Athletic, the pair had a heated booth argument on October 12 at SoFi Stadium following a reported one-hour conversation with Aikman and ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro. Aikman reportedly confirmed that he could indeed continue to work with Buck despite the tension between the two.

What’s At Stake: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are the NFL’s longest running broadcast tandem. Now, with Buck secured for many years ahead, Aikman has begun publicly discussing his future without ESPN in interviews and podcasts. According to Puck Media, Aikman’s camp began their extension talks at a rate around $30 million per season. A leap from his current $18 million per season. ESPN then said they would wait on any further talks till after the Super Bowl. Yet still re-signed Buck to his new deal with additional money. Following Buck’s 18% raise per season, Aikman’s camp offered the same but ESPN reportedly declined.

What Remains Unclear: ESPN, Aikman, Buck, Pitaro, and head of content Burke Magnus all declined to speak with Marchand and The Athletic. If ESPN feels there’s more depth in the market, who they will likely target remains unknown. It also remains to be seen if Aikman and Buck can continue to co-exist through their tensions this season.

What It Means: ESPN has effectively chosen Buck over Aikman. Nevertheless, the duo will still call Super Bowl LXI together on February 14 as of now. As a result, ESPN’s biggest broadcast may also mark the end of a 25-year partnership. However, moving forward it remains to be seen how ESPN will handle the split following the Super Bowl. Or if the network addresses it prior to the network’s first presentation of the Super Bowl. Rumor and speculation continue to surround this off the broadcast matter. The longer ESPN waits to address it with any semblance of a resolution it could overshadow the single biggest broadcast in network history.

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ESPN’s Hannah Storm To Receive Gracies Icon Award

John Mamola
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ESPN’s Hannah Storm To Receive Gracies Icon Award

ESPN’s Hannah Storm is the next Gracies Icon Award honoree. The Alliance for Women in Media will celebrate the ESPN anchor on November 16 in New York City.

What We Know: AWM will present the award at the Gracies Leadership Awards at Tribeca 360°. Storm has anchored SportsCenter since 2008, and her career includes NBC Sports, CNN and CBS News. Additionally, she founded Brainstormin’ Productions, which produced Unmatched for ESPN’s 30 for 30. Meanwhile, TikTok’s Zenia Mucha earns the inaugural Gracies Vanguard Award, and Kristen Welch takes the AWM Legacy Leadership Award. AWM will also honor Marilu Galvez of ABC Owned Television Stations, OWN’s Tina Perry and Universal Television’s Erin Underhill. Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott joins that group, too.

What They Said: Becky Brooks, President of AWM/F: “Hannah Storm has set a standard for journalistic excellence while helping redefine what leadership looks like in sports media. Her groundbreaking career has earned the trust of audiences and opened doors for generations of women who see new possibilities because of those who came before them. Just as importantly, her commitment to mentorship ensures that impact continues. We are proud to recognize Hannah with the Gracies Icon Award and celebrate the lasting influence she has had on our industry.”

What It Means: Storm’s honor caps three decades of influence on sports television, both on camera and behind it. Beyond her own work, she mentors aspiring journalists and broadcasters through internships. For radio, Talbott’s recognition also spotlights a Premiere Networks leader. Ultimately, event proceeds fund AWM Foundation scholarships, mentorship and professional development.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Margaret Brennan Denies Pushing Back on Bari Weiss’ CBS News Coverage

Garrett Searight
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Margaret Brennan Denies Pushing Back on Bari Weiss’ CBS News Coverage

Margaret Brennan is denying reports that she pushed back against a CBS News investigation. The controversy centers on Bari Weiss’ coverage of Alaska’s Senate race.

What We Know: A Fox News Digital report claimed multiple CBS News staffers pushed back against Weiss’ insistence that the network investigate a controversy involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan on Alaska’s Senate ballot. According to the report, some employees questioned the network’s decision to pursue the story. However, when Jonathan Turley suggested Brennan was among those who objected, the Face the Nation moderator disputed that characterization. Brennan said the discussion involved exchanging ideas about coverage rather than opposing the assignment. Her comments came from a post on X.

What They Said: “Fox is wrong. That is not what happened in the meeting at all. No one who spoke at the network meeting opposed covering the campaign or story but rather exchanged ideas on how to do it. All of the AK candidates also know they have an open invitation (repeatedly offered) to join Face the Nation. So does the NH GOP candidate, who has also been repeatedly invited. I look forward to seeing my colleagues cover it too.” -Margaret Brennan

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear which CBS News employees, if any, raised concerns about Weiss’ approach to the story. Additionally, the precise nature of the internal discussion and whether staff members expressed reservations about specific reporting strategies hasn’t been established.

What It Means: The disagreement highlights the challenges Weiss faces as she reshapes CBS News’ editorial direction. Meanwhile, Brennan’s response draws a distinction between questioning how a story should be covered and opposing its coverage altogether.

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Netflix Reportedly Not Streaming Upcoming Jake Paul Return With MVP Promotions

John Mamola
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Netflix Reportedly Not Streaming Upcoming Jake Paul Return With MVP Promotions

Jake Paul is heading back to the ring on Christmas Eve. However, his return fight will not stream on Netflix, according to the New York Post.

What We Know: Paul plans to fight in Dubai, nearly a year after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw. Additionally, Most Valuable Promotions has contacted Darren Till, Chris Eubank, Edgar Berlanga and KSI. Meanwhile, two of Paul’s last three fights aired on Netflix. His Mike Tyson bout drew 108 million viewers, while the Joshua fight drew 33 million. Yet, less than two months till the event and despite previous success on Netflix, the event has yet to establish a streaming platform.

What’s At Stake: Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions has a proof of concept and success with the Netflix platform. However, with executive shakeups and layoffs earlier this month, Netflix could be standing by to see if other players in the space are willing to bid for the content that they have owned.

What Remains Unclear: Paul still has no opponent or broadcast partner for the event. Likewise, organizers have not named a venue. Whether or not the event is postponed due to these hurdles is unknown.

What It Means: DAZN PPV looks like the probable home, just as it was for Paul’s three non-Netflix fights. DAZN historically has been a streaming destination for fight sports. Still, Netflix’s absence raises questions after the streamer fired Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria this month. Her replacement, former FOX Sports executive Peter Rice, started Monday. Even so, Netflix still carries a Christmas Day NFL doubleheader and Joshua vs. Fury.

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