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Jonathan Hood: MLB Tokyo Series Games Should Not Count

BSM Staff
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Jonathan Hood: MLB Tokyo Series Games Should Not Count

Major League Baseball officially opened its 2025 regular season today as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs played game one of a two-day series in Tokyo, Japan. This morning, following the game, Jonathan Hood, co-host of Kap & J-Hood on ESPN Chicago, criticized MLB for doing a disservice to both the Dodgers and the Cubs by starting the season earlier than ever with the Tokyo Series.

While Hood acknowledged that it’s great for baseball to showcase some of its biggest stars in their home country, he argued that the scheduling could ultimately harm both clubs. He emphasized that the timing of the series made little sense.

“My problem is that the games counted,” said Hood. “Then both the Cubs and Dodgers have to go back to spring training. That makes no sense to me. That’s my only disconnect on it is that the games count. Both teams are not ready to go in Major League Baseball shape, but they had to.”

Later, Hood expressed that while he understood MLB’s motivation for playing in the home country of defending MVP Shohei Ohtani and several other key players, the pursuit of sponsorship dollars was especially evident during the broadcast.

“The reason why is because of money,” stated Hood on ESPN Chicago. “If you turn on that game for a minute, you know what you saw? A bunch of sponsorships behind home plate in the outfield. That’s not unlike any other major league baseball stadium, but what I’m saying is that the reason why this happens is because of money and sponsorships.”

The contest was broadcast nationally on FOX and distributed to more than 200 countries and territories. Additionally, it will be available through MLB.TV outside of the Los Angeles and Chicago markets. The 2025 Tokyo Series marks the sixth MLB regular-season opener played in Japan and the second straight season to begin abroad, following the 2024 Seoul Series.

Hood further explained his frustration by drawing a comparison to the NFL’s approach to international games.

“To have that count and then have games that don’t is a disconnect for me,” explained Hood. “The NFL would never do that. The NFL has had their international game on a Friday and then swung into the regular season. Could you imagine if the NFL said, ‘This NFL Hall of Fame Game counts for the record, but the season doesn’t start for another three weeks’? That makes no sense to me.”

Hood continued by considering the players’ perspective, questioning the fairness of the situation.

“For the ballplayers, even though you may not be ready to go for a long stretch, these games in Japan count because we’re getting money for Japan. That’s not right.”

The second game of the Tokyo Series will air at 6:00 a.m. EST on FS1, featuring the Dodgers and the Cubs.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Fox News’ Kat Timpf Shares Update After Cancer Diagnosis

BNM Staff
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Fox News’ Kat Timpf Shares Update After Cancer Diagnosis

Fox News contributor Kat Timpf is on maternity leave after giving birth to her first child. But she’s also battling breast cancer and has shared an update on her future.

After colleague Greg Gutfeld shared the news last month that Timpf had been diagnosed with breast cancer just hours before giving birth, Timpf took to social media to share that she will undergo a double mastectomy.

“Once I recover from childbirth, my mole removal scars heal, I get a double mastectomy, get rid of my cancer, have breast reconstruction surgery & am physically capable of getting back in the gym it’s OVER FOR U (expletives),” Timpf wrote on social media.

Kat Timpf gave birth to her first child on February 25th. At the time, Greg Gutfeld informed the Fox News audience that there was “good news and bad news” about the delivery, stating that the child was healthy but that Timpf had been diagnosed with what she called stage zero breast cancer and would undergo treatment to remedy the diagnosis.

Timpf has been at Fox News for several years in a variety of roles. After hosting shows on FOX Nation and a Fox News Radio podcasts, she makes regular appearances on the network’s late-night show Gutfeld!.

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NBA Viewership Up Double Digits From Last Year on ABC Network

BSM Staff
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NBA Viewership Up Double Digits From Last Year on ABC Network

The National Basketball Association viewership totals for the 2024-2025 season are up double digits from this time last year on ABC TV. According to the network, ABC’s viewership of the NBA regular season is up ten percent from last year, according to Nielsen.

Furthermore, the 24-game average viewership on the network has reached 2,683,000 viewers, which is an increase from 2,436,000 average viewers at this point last year.

In terms of demographics, male viewership has contributed significantly to these gains. In fact, this has been the most-watched season of the NBA on ABC since the 2021-2022 NBA season.

There have been some major factors driving the increased viewership is ABC’s expanded NBA coverage. This season, the network has broadcast two NBA Cup games, five Christmas Day games, and the highly anticipated national NBA Game of the Week marquee matchup. Additionally, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC and NBA Sunday Showcase remain key programming highlights.

A prime example of this surge in viewership occurred last month when the Western Conference showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets averaged 2.87 million viewers on ABC. Notably, this made it the most-watched program of the night on television. According to Nielsen, the matchup peaked with 3.35 million viewers at 10:45 p.m. EST and, overall, was up 29% from the comparable matchup last season between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.

Earlier in the season, ESPN also experienced record-breaking numbers. Specifically, the network enjoyed its highest Christmas Day viewership in five years, recording an impressive 87% year-over-year increase with an average of 5.25 million viewers across its five-game slate.

Looking ahead, ABC will continue its exclusive coverage of the NBA Finals this June and will resume broadcasting with the NBA Playoffs. This extends a broadcast tradition that has remained on the Disney-owned network since 2003. Furthermore, under the current media rights deal, ABC will air one of the two Conference Finals series for 10 of the 11 years in the agreement. Lastly, all games airing on ESPN and ABC will also be available on the ESPN Flagship direct-to-consumer service, which is expected to launch later this year.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

77 WABC Launches New Podcast Hosted by Michael Hershman

BNM Staff
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77 WABC Launches New Podcast Hosted by Michael Hershman

77 WABC has announced a new podcast hosted by Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman centered on topics that connect New Yorkers with the rest of the country.

Hershman’s Soloviev Group is a New York city real estate development fir. Hershman has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and consulting spaces.

Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us debuted with a conversation between Hershman and Agentio CEO and co-founder Arthur Leopold discussing his AI platform and how New York sits at the center of the emerging space in artificial intelligence.

“The goal of Building Bridges is to explore the big issues that connect us as Americans, starting right here in New York City. We have the unique opportunity to engage in real, unscripted conversations and offer insights and perspectives that are crucial to our future,” said Michael Hershman. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, I believe we are at a pivotal moment where it’s more important than ever to find common ground.”

“At WABC Radio, we believe in the power of conversation to drive change,” said Red Apple Media and 77 WABC President Chad Lopez. “Michael Hershman’s new podcast, Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, is an exciting opportunity to explore issues that matter to New Yorkers and Americans alike. We’re thrilled to be part of this important dialogue and look forward to the connections it will inspire.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

The 2025 BSM Summit Adds Annie Agar, Laurence Holmes, David Haugh, Fred Jacobs, Mike Ricordati, and Matt Moscona

Jason Barrett
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The 2025 BSM Summit Adds Annie Agar, Laurence Holmes, David Haugh, Fred Jacobs, Mike Ricordati, and Matt Moscona

The 2025 BSM Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is 51 days away! We’re coming to the MCA in Chicago with a jam packed show. Day 1 will run 9a-5p with the ESPN Radio After Party from 6p-8p. Day 2 is set for 9a-1p with the Premier Networks Awards Ceremony scheduled to close the show.

If you haven’t bought your ticket, you can do so here. Prices will remain $299.99as thru the week of the show. At that time, they will increase to $324.99. Tickets will no longer be available after May 6th. Those in need of a hotel room can secure a reduced rate of $249.99 per night at The Westin Michigan Avenue here. Our hotel room block is open thru April 9th. For this year’s speakers, go here. The full agenda will be released closer to the event.

In addition, schools throughout the Midwest have been alerted of our annual College Contest for students looking to explore a future in the sports media industry. Another email will be sent to instructors, and faculty staff prior to the deadline date. Students have until March 28th to sign up for the newsletter, and email the Secret Code word.

Today though it’s time to announce another six participants for our 2025 show. I am pleased to welcome Annie Agar, Laurence Holmes, David Haugh, Fred Jacobs, Mike Ricordati, and Matt Moscona to the 2025 BSM Summit lineup.

Annie Agar is a popular sports media personality with a background in sports television. Agar’s creative NFL videos have been a massive draw on social media, generating millions of views across multiple platforms. She has covered Midwest sports since 2017. Agar has worked for both Bally Sports (now Fanduel Sports Network), and WOOD TV. This is her second appearance at the Summit. Her first one took place last year in New York City.

Laurence Holmes is one half of 670 The Score’s afternoon duo alongside partner, Matt Spiegel. Holmes has worked for The Score since 1998. His tenure has included hosting solo in middays and evenings, working in middays with Dan Bernstein, and now occupying a prime slot in afternoons. Laurence appeared at the inaugural BSM Summit in 2018 when the show was a private affair. He’s schedule to join an afternoon drive panel that will include Marc ‘Silvy’ Silverman, and Mike Ricordati.

Speaking of Mike Ricordati, he is indeed joining our afternoon panel. Affectionally known to Ohio sports radio listeners on 97.1 The Fan as ‘Common Man’, Mike has been one of the Columbus market’s most listened to radio personalities since 2003. The Illinois native started his career in the late 1990’s as a reporter with WFXW in St. Charles, Illinois, where he covered high school sports. In addition to his on-air work, Mike has also held roles as The Fan’s Director of Content and Imaging, and previously worked as a producer for the Sporting News Radio Network. This is his first time appearing at the BSM Summit.

David Haugh teams each morning with Mike Mulligan to form ‘Mully & Haugh‘ on 670 The Score. The morning drive host previously wrote for the Chicago Tribune until 2020. While with the Tribune, Haugh held roles as a columnist and Chicago Bears reporter. He was raised in North Judson, Indiana and spent the early part of his career covering Notre Dame Football for the South Bend Tribune. Haugh also co-hosted the now-defunct “Kap and Haugh Show” on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and WGN Plus with David Kaplan. The two men remain friends but now compete in morning drive. However, they’ll be on the same side at the Summit, taking part in a Morning Show panel on Thursday May 8th.

Fred Jacobs is a Detroit native, and one of the most accomplished consultants in the history of radio. A Radio Hall of Famer, and the creator of the Classic Rock format, Fred has spent decades coaching programmers and talent, growing brands, and researching audiences. Jacobs Media’s annual Techsurveys are a regular hit with industry professionals, with results often presented on JacobsMedia.com or in person at industry events. We are excited to have Fred return for his second appearance at the BSM Summit. He’ll present a session on Thursday May 8th with a focus on audience tastes, and the ways they are rapidly changing.

Matt Moscona serves as both program director, and afternoon host at 104.5 ESPN in Baton Rouge. Moscona debuted at the BSM Summit in 2024 with a presentation on YouTube which was a big hit with format pros. This year, he joins a programming panel on day 1 moderated by Bruce Gilbert. Andy Roth, Brad Carson, and Danny Zederman are scheduled to be a part of it. A rabid LSU fan, Moscona’s career started in 2003 after attending the school. He is a 13x Louisiana Association of Broadcasters award winner, a recognized Top 20 host and PD in the annual Barrett Media Top 20 series, and has his program regionally syndicated in the state of Louisiana.

With the addition of these six speakers, the 2025 BSM Summit now has 27 professionals set to take the stage. We’ll have other announcements to make in the weeks and months ahead, so stay tuned! We hope to see you at the MCA in Chicago on May 8-9, 2025!

CBS Sports Sees 3% Decline In Viewership For Selection Show: Report

BSM Staff
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CBS Sports Sees 3% Decline In Viewership For Selection Show: Report

CBS Sports kicked off March Madness this past Sunday with the annual Selection Show, which revealed for the first time the full bracket of games for the upcoming men’s college basketball tournament. The annual Sunday telecast once again drew millions of viewers excited to see the unveiling of the bracket. However, according to initial figures, viewership was slightly down from 2024.

According to the Sports Business Journal, CBS Sports drew an average of 5.7 million viewers for Sunday’s telecast. This marks a three percent drop from last year’s broadcast of the bracket unveiling.

This year’s Selection Show, unfortunately, began on a somber note as it honored Greg Gumbel, who passed away last year after hosting the program for 25 years. Adam Lefkoe has stepped into Gumbel’s role for the last two broadcasts, including this past Sunday.

Although the 5.7 million viewers on CBS represented a decline from last year, it still outpaced the two previous years, 2023 and 2022. In fact, this year’s edition of the program saw a twelve percent increase compared to 2023, while the 5.7 million viewers marked a fifteen percent jump from the viewership in 2022.

CBS Sports wasted little time in revealing the teams for the bracket this year, with an estimated time of completion just after 6:35 p.m. EST. In the past, the network has faced criticism regarding the show’s pacing and how long it used to take to reveal the full bracket. Over the years, CBS has consistently positioned the program as must-watch television before making the complete bracket public.

Looking ahead, CBS Sports and TNT Sports will begin their March Madness broadcasts tonight, with the First Four airing exclusively on truTV. The First Four games will take place tonight and tomorrow, officially sealing the field of 64. Then, first-round action kicks off at 12:15 p.m. EST on Thursday, airing live on CBS.

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FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks to Resign

BNM Staff
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FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks to Resign

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner Geoffrey Starks has announced his intention to resign from the post later this spring.

In a letter addressed to President Donald Trump and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Starks shared that he will leave the organization later this year.

“Serving the American people as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of my life,” Starks shared. “With my extraordinary fellow Commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency, we have worked hard to connect all Americans, promote innovation, protect consumers, and ensure national security.”

Geoffrey Starks joined the FCC in 2019. During his tenure, he has served as an advocate for broadband expansion, cybersecurity protocols, and digital equity.

 “I have learned so much from my time in this position, particularly when I have heard directly from Americans on the issues that matter to them. I have been inspired by the passion, engagement, and commitment I have seen from colleagues, advocates, and industry.”

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr shared his appreciation for Starks and his service to the commission.

“He has had a tremendous run in public service,” said Carr. “From senior leadership roles at the Department of Justice and in the Commission’s own Enforcement Bureau to serving as the Senior Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission, the American people have benefited greatly from Commissioner Starks’ public service.”

Carr added that he had learned plenty from his colleague and wished the departing commissioner well in his future endeavors.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Rob Miller Named ‘New 102.7’ New York Brand Manager

BMM Staff
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Rob Miller Named ‘New 102.7’ New York Brand Manager

Rob Miller has been named Brand Manager of Audacy’s New 102.7 WNEW New York, effective April 7. Miller succeeds Jim Ryan, who is stepping down as Senior Vice President of Programming of Audacy New York and Brand Manager of NEW 102.7 FM and 101.1 WCBS-FM. (BMM 3/13)

“WNEW has become one of New York’s most successful brands, with great music, compelling personalities, and marquee experiential events under the brilliance of Jim Ryan,” said Chris Oliviero, New York Market President, Audacy. “Rob is the ideal leader of the next era for NEW 102.7 with his own remarkable resume of success, especially here in New York. We’re excited to see his talents continue to evolve and enhance the station.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the amazing team at Audacy,” said Miller. “Under Jim Ryan’s leadership, WNEW has become Audacy’s crown jewel adult pop station. It’s an honor to take the helm at NEW 102.7, looking forward to harnessing my love of music, talent development and extensive industry relationships to further elevate our ratings, revenue, and digital footprint! Thanks to Jim, Chris Oliviero, and Jeff Sottolano for welcoming me home. I’m ready to write the next historic chapter at NEW 102.7 with my sights set squarely on being number one.”

Miller was most recently EVP of Hot AC Programming and Strategy for iHeartMedia, where he oversaw Hot AC stations as well as the 10 brands in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale market.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Seattle Sports 710 Extends Partnership with Seattle Mariners

BSM Staff
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Seattle Sports 710 Extends Partnership with Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners and Seattle Sports 710 have announced a multi-year extension to keep the Major League Baseball franchise’s play-by-play coverage on the radio station. The agreement was revealed early Tuesday morning, just as the Mariners are gearing up for their 2025 season opener against the Athletics, now less than two weeks away.

Seattle Sports 710 has been the radio home of the Mariners since 2009. Previously, the station held broadcast rights from 1985 to 2002 before reclaiming them seven years later.

“We are pleased to extend our agreement with Bonneville to keep Seattle Sports as the Mariners broadcast home,” said Kevin Martinez, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations. “Bonneville has been a valued partner of the Mariners for over three decades, broadcasting our games across the region and sharing in our continued effort to bring Mariners baseball to our fans with compelling content across traditional and emerging platforms.”

As part of the renewed agreement, all Mariners radio play-by-play action will be available via streaming on the Seattle Sports app throughout the franchise’s broadcast region in the Pacific Northwest. This coverage includes territories in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia.

“We’re thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with the Seattle Mariners,” said Bonneville Seattle VP/Market Manager Cathy Cangiano. “At Bonneville, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, innovative, and entertaining local content. Renewing our partnership with the Mariners is a natural fit.”

Additionally, every game broadcast will feature pregame and postgame programming, along with a Sunday program called Trident Talk, which will air during both the regular season and postseason. Mariners coverage on Seattle Sports will remain consistent year-round, with offseason programming such as The Hot Stove Show keeping fans engaged during spring training.

“We’re happy to offer Mariners audio content to our fans, both on-air and through the Seattle Sports app,” said KIRO Program Director Kyle Brown. “Our aim is to make it simple and convenient for you to listen to Mariners programming no matter where you are in the Pacific Northwest.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Billy Kidd Moves To Mornings At 92.5 WBEE Rochester NY

BMM Staff
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Billy Kidd Moves To Mornings At 92.5 WBEE Rochester NY

Audacy Country 92.5 WBEE Rochester, NY APD/MD and PM Driver Billy Kidd is moving to mornings.

Kidd will join the “Bee Morning Coffee Club” with TJ Sharp and Hope Breen. Kidd will replace Bo Jaxon who left the station in the recent round of Audacy layoffs.

Kidd a Rochester radio institution will celebrate 41 years in the market in May. He started as a WBEE intern in 1984.

Erin Austin will replace Kidd in the afternoon remotely from Memphis where she hosts middays at 99.7 The Wolf WLFP.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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