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Mike Arlo Celebrates 50 Years On Air In Norfolk/Virginia Beach

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Colleagues, friends, and family gathered Wednesday night to join Mike Arlo in celebrating 50 years in Norfolk/Virginia Beach, VA.

Known as “Arlo,” he has been the midday host at Classic Rock 106.9 The Fox since 1996. Before that, he started his run on FM99 WNOR.

Arlo said, “It was surreal seeing so many radio people from the last half-century all in one place. I am grateful to my friends, family, and colleagues, both past and present, for celebrating with me. They say if you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life, and I quit working 50 years ago.”

Carol Commander, General Manager of Hampton Roads Media Group, which owns the two stations, added, “The evening was nothing short of spectacular, brimming with heartfelt tributes, admiration, and well-deserved awards as we came together to celebrate the remarkable Mike Arlo and his 50-year milestone on our airwaves. Working alongside Mike has been an honor, and it was a privilege to recognize his immense contributions to our community, our listeners, and our team over the past five decades.”

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‘DJ Felly Fel’ Joins Swag 104.9 Reno/Carson City

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Swag104.9 Reno/Carson City has added nationally syndicated “DJ Felly Fel” to afternoons. The show launched syndication last fall and debuted in middays at 98.5 The Beat in San Antonio.

“DJ Felly Fel” whose real name is James Andrew Reigart began his career in Dallas before moving to Power 106 in Los Angeles. He is also known as a record producer and hype man.

His resume includes an appearance in Malibu’s Most Wanted as himself. He is signed to Island Def Jam and is a member of The Americanos.

In addition to “DJ Felly Fel,” The Swag 104.9 lineup includes “Big Boy’s Neighborhood mornings, and “The Bootleg Kev Show” nights.

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Fred Toucher: ‘Deflategate’ Might Have Been ‘Worst Period of Sports Talk Radio’

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When former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was alleged to have asked for footballs to be deflated during the 2014 AFC Championship Game, it prompted an investigation by the league that was released a few months later. The team was ultimately fined $1 million and coerced to forfeit two draft selections, and Brady was suspended by the league for four games, during which the Patriots collected three wins. Fred Toucher recently revisited the scenario while being interviewed for an article by Justin Sayles of The Ringer surrounding teams in the Boston area.

Toucher first started hosting on 98.5 The Sports Hub in 2006, and he explained in the story that he realized that Patriots fans were “f*****g assholes” upon arriving in the city. Recapitulating his points on the air, he added that he expressed rage while discussing Deflategate, which prompted Sayles to request to speak with him again the next day.

“I had hit the rage because that was the worst period of sports talk radio maybe in the history of sports talk radio,” Toucher said on Thursday’s edition of Toucher & Hardy. “Well first of all, the feigning interest in it or feigning passion in it by people was incredibly aggravating. People that I knew didn’t care about it – I hated it.”

Toucher proceeded to explain that people claiming that others did not understand the molecules within the footballs used in the games agitated him as well. From there, he proceeded to outline how some people ostensibly claimed that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell needed to do something about the success of the team. Moreover, Toucher remembers people sifting through legal documents, resulting in him expounding on the responsibilities of lawyers and why they receive significant remuneration for their services. Later in the segment, he talked about the dichotomy between the fans and people in positions of power within the league ecosystem.

“This is the worst part about being a sports fan is like when you go, ‘Oh, I’m being played,’” Toucher said. “These guys are all making billions of dollars – billions, billions of dollars. What does Goodell get paid a year? $50 million? $50 million a year, and you know [Robert] Kraft is billions on billions upon billions of dollars, and we’re all sitting here arguing about the Ideal Gas Law and b******g about legal documents while those two guys are just sitting back making money and laughing at everyone.”

In further analyzing the situation, Toucher equated it to someone rooting for two boxers who are having tea instead of fighting one another in the ring. Although he understands Kraft wants to win, he averred that his interest ultimately lies with the billion-dollar asset he owns in the Patriots organization. Toucher continued to analyze this situation at the macrolevel, leading to a plea of sorts from co-host Rob “Hardy” Poole to cease further discussion.

“I don’t want to talk about Deflategate anymore,” Poole said. “I don’t want to talk about how we don’t want to talk about Deflategate. Thank you.”

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Legendary Author John Feinstein Dead at Age 69

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Legendary sportswriter John Feinstein has passed away at the age of 69. A celebrated writer and author, he was known for his extensive body of work, including 45 books. Beyond his writing, Feinstein was also a well-respected broadcaster and on-air commentator.

The news of his passing was first reported by National Sportswriters Hall of Famer Dick Weiss, who shared the announcement on X Thursday afternoon.

“I kept hoping this wasn’t true. But legendary sportswriter and one of my closest friends, John Feinstein, has died suddenly,” tweeted Weiss. “A distinguished career at The Washington Post, 45 books including Season on the Brink, A Good Walk Spoiled, and my favorite children’s book of all time, Last Shot. Best I ever read. I’m still in shock. Just spoke with him. He was supposed to stay with us Sunday night before speaking at the Coaches vs. Cancer breakfast at the Palestra.”

Weiss shared the heartbreaking news while covering the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden.

Feinstein’s journalism career began in 1977 when he started writing about politics and sports for The Washington Post. After spending 11 years there, he left in 1988 to become a special contributor to Sports Illustrated (1988-1990) and later National Sports Daily (1990-1991). The following year, he returned to The Washington Post as a contributor.

Over the course of his career, Feinstein authored 45 books, including the widely acclaimed A Season on the Brink, which provided an in-depth look at the Indiana University basketball team and its legendary coach, Bob Knight. The book became a major success, topping The New York Times bestseller list for 16 consecutive weeks from January to August 1987.

Another of his notable works, A Good Walk Spoiled, spent six weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and remained there for a total of 36 weeks. It was later published in paperback in June 2005. His impressive catalog also included Caddy for Life, Open, A Civil War, The Last Amateurs, and Last Shot.

In 2012, Feinstein expanded his career into broadcasting, joining SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel. He initially co-hosted Beyond the Brink with Bruce Murray but left later that year after being offered his own solo show on CBS Sports Radio. However, his tenure at CBS was short-lived, as the network let him go after just under two years.

Feinstein was a regular guest on Audacy’s 106.7 The Fan in Washington D.C. throughout his career. The station shared their thoughts on his passing on Thursday afternoon.

Feinstein earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University in Durham, N.C.

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95.3 MNC Shuffles Daily Lineup with Changes for Glenn Beck, Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, Brian Kilmeade

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95.3 MNC in South Bend has announced changes to its daily lineup, with moves for Glenn Beck, Clay Travis & Buck Sexton, and Brian Kilmeade in the process.

Beginning on Monday, March 17th, The Glenn Beck Program will return to the Federated Media news/talk station in the 9 AM-12 PM timeslot. That Premiere Networks show will be followed by another one, as The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show will be heard from 12-3 PM. It will replace The Dan Bongino Show in the 95.3 MNC lineup.

The addition of Beck’s nationally syndicated show moves The Brian Kilmeade Show to MNC Nation, the news/talk sister station heard on 1340 AM and 101.9 FM in nearby Elkhart, Indiana.

Additionally, that station will feature Tony Katz Today from 12-3 PM and FOX Across America with Jimmy Failla from 3-6 PM in its daily lineup beginning on Monday.

95.3 MNC will continue to feature a local morning show with Jon Zimney and Laura Smith. That program also airs on MNC Nation at 101.9 FM and 1340 AM. The Burning Truth with Case Hendrickson, which originates from the South Bend station and is also heard on WOWO on 92.3 FM and 1190 AM in Fort Wayne, will continue in afternoon drive on 95.3 MNC.

Finally, The Ramsey Show has been added to the lineup at MNC Nation. Beginning on Saturday, March 22nd, the show will be heard from 12-6 PM on both Saturdays and Sundays.

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Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington Set To Kick Off Annual Charity Ride

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Brian “B-Dub” Washington, host of the nationally syndicated “B-Dub Radio” is set to kickoff his third annual “B-Dub’s Longest Ride.”

This long-distance motorcycle ride supports military families by raising funds for the Fisher House Foundation. This year’s goal is $25,000.

B-Dub commented, “Our military families sacrifice everything for us, and Fisher House makes sure they’re taken care of when it matters most. This ride isn’t just about the miles, it’s about making sure these families don’t have to worry about where they’ll stay while their loved one is in the hospital. We can make a real difference.”

The 3,700-mile rides have raised $22,000 the past two years. Fisher House provides free lodging to families of hospitalized military personnel.

Fisher House Foundation President Dave Coker said, “B-Dub has given his unwavering support to military and veteran families through Fisher House Foundation for many years. His ‘Longest Ride’ is an incredible extension of this support, and we are so grateful for his dedication to those who have given so much for our country.”

To support or learn more visit here.        

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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Fox News in Ed Henry Rape Case

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A U.S. District Judge has ruled that Fox News will not face a lawsuit from a former producer that alleged the network ignored her claims that she’d been raped by former White House correspondent Ed Henry.

Former producer Jennifer Eckhart claimed she had been subject to sexual assault, sex trafficking, revenge porn, harassment, and retaliation at the hand of the network and Henry.

However, Southern District of New York Judge Ronnie Abrams dismissed the case against Fox News, while allowing the majority of the case to proceed to trial.

“There is no direct evidence that Fox News was aware of Henry’s alleged harassment of Eckhart before it occurred,” Abrams wrote in her decision, noting that the former producer acknowledged she never informed anyone at the company about her relationship with Ed Henry until after she was fired in 2020.

Eckhart had previously argued that Fox News was aware of sexual misconduct by Henry after ordering him to undergo sex rehabilitation treatment in 2016 after uncovering a separate extramarital affair. However, in the dismissal, the judge shared that there is no evidence that Fox News learned about the situation and no reasonable jury could find that there was a likelihood that Henry could have been viewed as a potential predator.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision,” a Fox News spokesperson said.

While the case against Fox News was dismissed, Ed Henry will face a trial scheduled to begin in May over the assault, batter, sex trafficking, and harassment claims.

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Comcast’s NBCUniversal Extends Partnership with International Olympic Committee Through 2036

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The Olympic Games have called NBCUniversal home since the 1964 Games in Tokyo, and now, the network has announced that they are here to stay. In a joint statement on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Comcast NBCUniversal revealed a new agreement that extends the media rights on all platforms in the United States for the Olympic Games through 2036.

Under the terms of this new agreement, there are also several innovative joint strategic initiatives and projects designed to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the evolving media landscape. In addition to securing the broadcasting rights, the partnership aims to enhance how audiences experience the Games across multiple platforms.

Furthermore, the partnership, which was fully approved by the IOC on Wednesday, officially begins this year. This move not only strengthens the longstanding relationship between the IOC and Comcast NBCUniversal but also underscores their shared commitment to growing the Olympic brand.

“This agreement with Comcast is groundbreaking because it goes far beyond the traditional media rights agreement, which we have had for many years with our valued partner,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Thanks to their innovative approach—serving on all platforms from linear to streaming and digital—we can now take our partnership to new heights for the benefit of athletes, Olympic stakeholders, Organizing Committees, and fans.”

Moreover, the extension of the media rights for the 2033 and 2036 Olympic cycles is valued at $3 billion. This significant investment plays a major role in ensuring the financial stability of the IOC moving forward.

“There is no event like the Olympics. Its power to bring joy, and the unifying spirit it embodies, are truly unique,” stated Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts. “We live in a time when technology is driving faster and more fundamental transformation than we’ve seen in decades. This groundbreaking, new, long-term partnership between Comcast NBCUniversal and the International Olympic Committee not only recognizes this dynamic but anticipates that it will accelerate.

In the short term, the immediate effects of the new agreement provide additional value to both parties. By leveraging Comcast’s expertise in technology, the deal enhances the delivery of the Olympic Games across multiple platforms. Notably, the extension of the media rights spans all NBCUniversal platforms until 2036, including its streaming service, Peacock.

“It is our honor to continue to bring the full power of our company’s expertise in creating and distributing content that connects with Americans,” Roberts continued. “Additionally, we are excited to provide even more innovative technological support and solutions to the IOC and its stakeholders in areas that benefit athletes and the many people dedicated to organizing the Olympic Games around the world.”

Looking ahead, the coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has already demonstrated the potential of this partnership, generating record-breaking consumption. On average, 67 million total viewers per day tuned in across NBCUniversal’s broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Furthermore, streaming audiences watched 23.5 billion minutes of NBCUniversal’s Paris 2024 coverage, with Peacock leading the way—surpassing all prior Olympic Summer and Winter Games combined by 40 percent.

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Dennis Dodd Announces Retirement After 27 Years at CBS Sports

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After 27 years at CBS Sports, columnist Dennis Dodd has announced that he is retiring on April 10, following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament. Dodd has worked in sports journalism for a total of 45 years, gaining experience through his work with CBS Sports, The National, and the Kansas City Star.

Dodd shared the news on X, explaining that he plans to retire in order to explore other adventures.

“Some personal news,” stated Dodd via X. “I’ve made the decision to retire April 10 after 27 years with CBS Sports, the greatest sports platform in the world. I am proud to have worked alongside true professionals. I’ll miss all my friends and colleagues in the business. Time for new adventures. I’ll still be around, just not on deadline!”

The 68-year-old scribe has covered college football for CBS Sports since it was CBS SportsLine in 1998. Over the years, his work has also included coverage of nearly every BCS/CFP postseason in the championship era.

Notably, Dodd is one of only seven media members to cover all 16 BCS title games. Additionally, he has chronicled major developments such as conference realignment and the introduction of the College Football Playoff. Beyond college football, he has also contributed to coverage of March Madness, the NFL, MLB, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. According to his bio on CBSSports.com, he believes the College World Series is severely underappreciated.

Following his announcement, social media was flooded with appreciation for Dodd’s service at CBS Sports, with many of the company’s most distinguished journalists and broadcasters expressing their gratitude.

In his farewell column, published today on the CBS Sports website, Dodd reflected on his career while expressing his appreciation for both the KISS Method and the company that supported him along the way.

“This is my farewell column at CBS Sports,” Dodd wrote. “A wonderful company that allowed me to be part of our wonderful craft. I’ve long believed journalism is a vocation, not just a job. It’s special. I’ve been lucky to be among those waking up each day absolutely loving what I do.”

In response to his departure, CBS Sports issued a statement congratulating Dodd for his decades of contributions to the company.

“Throughout his legendary career spanning four decades, Dennis Dodd has been a trusted and respected voice covering college athletics, doing so at the highest level with class and integrity,” said Jeffrey Gerttula, Executive Vice President and CBS Head of Digital. “Dennis’ immeasurable contributions have left a lasting impact on CBS Sports and across the industry.”

Closing out his final column, Dodd injected a bit of humor to mark the end of his impactful career.

“This farewell has gone on way too long,” Dodd wrote. “Figures. The KISS Method should endure. Me? I’ve got a tee time coming up.”

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NewsNation Adds Marcus Espinoza as National Correspondent

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NewsNation has announced the addition of Marcus Espinoza as a new national correspondent based in New York for the network.

Espinoza joins the network after previously spending the past decade working in local television as a reporter at FOX 29 in Philadelphia, KHQA-TV in Quicny, Illinois, and NBC 24 in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio.

During his time in Philadelphia, he served as a reporter on Good Day Philadelphia, in addition to covering some of the biggest stories in the city, including the escape and manhunt for convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante in 2023.

On social media, Espinoza shared his admiration for the City of Brotherly Love as he departed FOX 29 earlier this year.

“A fond farewell to the best city on earth, filled with the best people in the universe,” he wrote. “Thank you, Philly.”

Marcus Espinoza will begin his new role at NewsNation on Monday, March 17th. As a national correspondent, he will report across a wide variety of programming for the Nexstar Media Group-owned cable news network.

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