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FCC Wants Details Regarding 2025 iHeartCountry Festival

BMM Staff
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FCC Wants Details Regarding 2025 iHeartCountry Festival

FCC Chairman Brendon Carr is asking iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman for details regarding the upcoming 2025 iHeartCountry Festival.

In a recent letter, Carr asked for details about how iHeartMedia organizes events like this and how it ensures compliance with federal payola laws.

Carr’s inquiry follows an FCC advisory earlier this year regarding sponsorship identification rules and “covert manipulation” of airplay in exchange for promotion or artist performances.”

Carr has reportedly inquired directly with Pittman, seeking clarification on several points, including the lineup of artists slated to perform, the compensation they may receive, and the potential impact of their participation on airplay.

Additionally, he is asking about iHeartMedia’s Payola policies, including staff training to ensure compliance with the law and the company’s response to the recent advisory.

The advisory called attention to a trend in the radio industry. It indicated that some stations may exert pressure on artists to perform at events, such as festivals, without compensation or at significantly reduced rates. In exchange, these stations may offer increased airplay, a practice that risks violating federal law if not adequately disclosed.

Senator Marsh Blackburn (R-TN) recently called for the FCC to investigate a possible quid pro quo between record labels and radio stations. (BMM 2/4)

In her filing, Blackburn wrote, “From what we have learned, it appears that to sidestep these restrictions, radio stations and networks have adopted a troubling new tactic. Instead of demanding cash or lavish perks from record labels in exchange for airplay, they now pressure artists to perform “free radio shows”— also referred to as ‘listener appreciation shows’ or ‘charitable concert events.”’

Pittman was given ten days to respond.

The iHeartCountry Festival is set for May 3 in Austin.

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.

Charlamagne The God and iHeartMedia Announce 2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival

BMM Staff
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Charlamagne The God and iHeartMedia Announce 2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival

Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia have announced the return of the Black Effect Podcast Festival.  The event is designed to celebrate, uplift, and amplify black voices in the podcast industry.

Hosted by Mandii B and WeezyWTF, hosts of The Black Effect Podcast Network’s “Decisions, Decisions.” The third annual event returns to Pullman Yards Garden in Atlanta on April 26.

The third annual festival will feature live appearances from some of the Black Effect’s most popular shows, including “Woman Evolve,” “Good Moms, Bad Choices,” “R&B Money,” “Naked Sports with Cari Champion” and “The Trap Nerds.”

Panel discussions will include “Adapting to Trends: The Future of Podcasting.” Notable guests will include the founder, Charlamagne Tha God.

“We’re excited to return to Atlanta, building on the incredible momentum of the podcast industry and the growing impact of Black creators in the space,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “As the influence of Black voices continues to shape culture and drive conversations, The Black Effect remains committed to powerful storytelling, meaningful brand collaborations, and unforgettable live experiences. This year, we’re celebrating not just where we’ve been – we’re embracing the limitless future of Black podcasting and the influence it holds.” 

Launched in September 2020, the Black Effect Podcast Network has debuted 47 shows curated by Charlamagne Tha God.

Activations at the event will include the Pitch Your Podcast Booth. Other activities included a pop-up marketplace showcasing merchandise from Black-owned businesses, a photo booth, and Office Hours, with one-on-one mentoring sessions with iHeartMedia executives. 

Get more information and tickets here. 

   

Photo: iHeartMedia

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.

Dan Bongino: Westwood One Radio Show, Podcast ‘A Lot to Walk Away From’ to Join Donald Trump Administration at FBI

BNM Staff
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Dan Bongino: Westwood One Radio Show, Podcast ‘A Lot to Walk Away From’ to Join Donald Trump Administration at FBI

Dan Bongino is giving up his Westwood One radio show and podcast to join the Donald Trump administration as Deputy Director of the FBI. He admitted it was a difficult decision.

To begin his digital video show on Monday after the news broke, Bongino joked that it might be the most interesting weekend update of his media career.

After joking, he shared that leaving the media endeavors he’s built from the ground up is “a lot to walk away from.”

However, he noted that he has consistently believed and shared that good people are needed to speak up and sacrifice for the betterment of the country. With that guiding principle in mind, he is exiting his popular radio show and podcast to work at the FBI under new Director Kash Patel.

“It’s really hard for me, folks,” Dan Bongino said. “I hope you understand. We spent a long time building this … My wife and I started doing this show. It started in a basement. We never expected it to become this massive live stream, podcast, and radio show. We never expected it.

“I knew you guys were going to be there for us. So to walk away from it,” he said, pausing to fight back tears, “it’s not easy.”

Undeniably, Dan Bongino is giving up a larger salary with Westwood One and Rumble to become the Deputy Director of the FBI. He admitted he doesn’t care about that as much as serving in the new role.

“Money and all that other crap? Who gives a damn about any of that stuff? We’ll figure that out later,” he said. “I’m not gonna sit here as a commentator, talking head, whatever dopey title we have, tell you the do matters, and then sit on my ass when an opportunity comes to do the right thing. And not only talk about everything we wanted to change, but actually change it.”

Bongino — a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent — had long been rumored as a potential target of the Trump administration.

The departure of Bongino marks the latest high-profile departure from the national syndication offerings from Westwood One. At the end of 2024, the network’s relationship with The Daily Wire — which included syndication of shows from Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, and Michael Knowles — ended, leaving many stations looking to fill three hours in the daily lineups.

In a statement, a Cumulus Media spokesperson confirmed that Dan Bongino will depart Westwood One on Friday, March 14th.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of Deputy Director of the FBI,” the spokesperson said. “Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon.”

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.

Matt Jones Signs New Five-Year Deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky

BSM Staff
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Matt Jones Signs New Five-Year Deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky

Matt Jones has agreed to a new five-year deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky under which he will continue hosting his Kentucky Sports Radio program across 53 stations in the region, including NewsRadio 630 WLAP-AM in Lexington and SportsTalk 790 AM in Louisville. Jones, who recently finished third on the Barrett Media Top 20 list for mid-market midday shows, has been anchoring the program with three co-hosts since its inception in 2011. The venture originally started as an online blog that was meant to interest sports fans and draw attention towards the teams in the region. Jones announced the news on social media platforms Tuesday morning, articulating that the deal takes him through the end of 2029.

“We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio,’” Kristy Beebe, area president of Kentucky/Carolina at iHeartMedia, said in a statement. “Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”

The news of Jones’ extension with iHeartMedia comes less than a year after he signed a separate deal to continue working on ESPN Radio. For the last seven years, he has been hosting on weekends with college basketball reporter Myron Medcalf. Outside of his hosting ventures, Jones is also one of the owners of Ohio Valley Wrestling, a program that was featured in the Netflix documentary, Wrestlers.

“As we approach our 15th anniversary of KSR Radio (and 20th of KSR) in Sept, I am thrilled to keep the train rolling for more years to come!,” Jones wrote on social media.

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 Broadcasters Foundation of America Reveals 2025 Leadership Awards

BMM Staff
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America Reveals 2025 Leadership Awards

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Leadership Awards, including the prestigious Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award and the Chairman’s Award.

These awards will be presented during the Foundation’s Annual Breakfast scheduled for April 9 at the Encore Resort in Las Vegas.

This year’s Leadership Award honorees include Chris Forgy, President and CEO of Saga Communications; David Kantor, former CEO of Urban One’s Radio Division; Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of NAB; Susan Larkin, COO of Audacy; Dennis Lyle, President and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association; and Valari Staab, Chairman of NBC Universal Local.

The award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the broadcast industry and their communities.

Scott Herman, former COO of CBS Radio and Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, will be presented with The Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award. This award is given to industry professionals for innovation, community service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Richard Bodorff, Senior Counsel at Wiley Law, will receive the prestigious Chairman’s Award for his significant contributions to the broadcasting industry.

The awards breakfast coincides with the NAB convention and is free of charge to all industry members.

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.

Audacy Names Emmanuel Berbari as Host of New York Yankees Postgame on WFAN

BSM Staff
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Audacy Names Emmanuel Berbari as Host of New York Yankees Postgame on WFAN

Another change to the New York Yankees’ radio broadcasts on Audacy’s WFAN has been announced, as Emmanuel Berbari has been tapped to host postgame coverage on the flagship station beginning this season. Berbari joins Suzyn Waldman and Dave Sims on the broadcast team, with Sims also embarking on his first year calling games for the pinstripes. He replaces John Sterling, who retired after 36 seasons with the Yankees.

Berbari enters his third season with the WFAN Yankees Radio Network, rising from behind-the-scenes roles to making his MLB play-by-play debut in 2023. Audacy New York Market President Chris Olivero expressed his enthusiasm for Berbari’s expanded role, emphasizing his contributions and passion for the game.

“We are excited to have Emmanuel take on an expanded role as the postgame show host for WFAN’s Yankees broadcasts,” said Olivero. “Emmanuel has been a terrific contributor to our team coverage over the last few seasons, and his passion for the game makes him a perfect fit to wrap up each game for the fans of the Bronx Bombers.”

Beyond his work with WFAN, Berbari also contributes to SportsNet New York (SNY) and calls Big East Basketball for FOX Sports, along with MAAC and Atlantic 10 coverage. His extensive play-by-play experience includes calling games for the Hudson Valley Renegades, Chatham Anglers, and ESPN’s digital platforms.

At just 25 years old, Berbari has already earned five New York State Broadcasters Association and Associated Press awards, two STAA Jim Nantz All-American honors, and three Marty Glickman Awards while at Fordham University’s WFUV.

In addition to his new postgame hosting duties, Berbari will continue to serve as a fill-in play-by-play announcer for the network.

The New York Yankees will open the 2025 Major League Baseball season at Yankee Stadium on March 27, hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. WFAN has served as the flagship station for the New York Yankees Radio Network since 2014.

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.

93.5/107.5 The Fan Adds Jeff Rickard, James Boyd to ‘The Fan Morning Show’

BSM Staff
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93.5/107.5 The Fan Adds Jeff Rickard, James Boyd to ‘The Fan Morning Show’

It’s a new day for sports radio fans in Indianapolis, as 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan has announced the additions of co-hosts Jeff Rickard and James Boyd, who will join Kevin Bowen on The Fan Morning Show. This announcement comes just weeks after Radio One’s latest round of cuts, which included former host Andy Sweeney. 

Indianapolis sports fans are already familiar with Rickard’s voice, as he previously hosted mornings and served as The Fan’s program director for six years. In addition to his local experience, he has worked nationally for ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, and SiriusXM. Earlier in his career, he spent time in Denver and Salt Lake City before moving on to larger markets. 

Following his tenure in Indianapolis, Rickard went on to program WEEI in Boston before rejoining Radio One in May 2022 to lead WFNZ in Charlotte. His contributions to sports radio have earned him recognition as a two-time Sports Illustrated National Sports Radio Host of the Year. In August of last year, he was promoted to sports format captain for Radio One, overseeing both WFNZ in Charlotte and 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis. 

Boyd, meanwhile, currently works as a reporter covering the Indianapolis Colts for The Athletic. Before that, he covered University of Illinois athletics for local newspapers in central Illinois, building his reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful journalist. 

According to a post on The Fan’s website, the new morning show launched today live from the NFL Combine, offering listeners everything from fiery debates to behind-the-scenes stories. 

Speaking to Barrett Media, Rickard shared his goal for how he sees the show transforming down the road.

“One of the things I really want to do is Kevin Bowen has been on the morning show for a couple years. He’s a guy that I originally hired, and he’s really good at covering the Colts. He’s really becoming good on the radio,” Rickard said. “I just wanted to get together with him and James Boyd, who’s a young upcoming broadcaster who works for The Athletic. As a lead guy, I just insert the pace and the flow and the pop of the show, and just let those guys be the star. I really want it to be about them.”

Bowen remains a key part of the time slot, having replaced Rickard on The Fan in 2021. He has been with the station since 2017, rising from a beat reporter covering the Colts and Indiana Pacers to writing for the station’s website and eventually hosting morning drive. 

The Fan Morning Show airs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and serves as the flagship radio station for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers.

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.

Federal Election Commission Rules Ted Cruz Podcast With iHeartMedia Breaks No Laws

BNM Staff
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Federal Election Commission Rules Ted Cruz Podcast With iHeartMedia Breaks No Laws

The Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast has been under the microscope from the Federal Election Commission. But a verdict has been rendered and it is a positive one for iHeartMedia.

A complaint had been lobbied that the audio giant had given nearly $1 million in contributions to the super political action committee supporting Cruz, with the argument that it broke federal campaign finance laws in the process.

In 2024, the allegation was made that $961,435 went from iHeartMedia to the Truth and Courage PAC, which supports Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). The complaint filed by watchdog groups argued that it was clear supervision of the federal law that states candidates can only solicit up to $5,000 for super PACs. Last year, the topic was also broached by MSNBC host Chris Hayes, who argued that it was a clear violation of the law.

The FEC, however, ruled in a 5-1 decision that no evidence tied Cruz to the payments or the solicitation of the funds being sent to the PAC. Additionally, it found no evidence that iHeartMedia was influenced by Cruz on how to allocate the payments.

“We are aware of no information indicating that iHeart made the payments to influence a federal election, or for any reason beyond a bona fide commercial arrangement that would have required the PAC to disclose the payments as ‘contributions’ instead of ‘other federal receipts.’”

At the time of the allegations, a spokesperson for Premiere Networks — a subsidy of iHeartMedia — claimed Cruz is not compensated for his time on the show and is a volunteer. The company did admit, however, that it does indeed sell advertising tied to the podcast, with the proceeds going to the PAC associated with the Senator.

Cruz began the Verdict podcast in 2020. It was acquired by iHeartMedia in 2022. The podcast features Cruz and iHeartMedia Memphis and Premiere Networks host Ben Ferguson discussing the news of the day. It releases several new episodes each week.

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.

‘Supa Dave’ Fragale Joins Classic Hits 98.9 WMMO Orlando

BMM Staff
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‘Supa Dave’ Fragale Joins Classic Hits 98.9 WMMO Orlando

“Supa Dave” Fragale is joining Classic Hits 98.9 WMMO Orlando for afternoons and APD. Fragale, a market veteran, spent 16 years across town at Active Rocker WJRR and O-Rock 105.9.

Steve Stewart, Operations Director for Cox Media Group Orlando, said, “Supa Dave brings a level of passion and local name recognition that we are truly excited to bring to the market.”

“Beyond excited is definitely an understatement,” said Fragale. “Every time I listen to a heritage station like 98.9 WMMO, it’s nostalgic. No matter what song is playing, it’s without a doubt going to transport you to a special time or place in your life. I’m honored to now be a part of that for a few hours of our listeners’ afternoons.”

Fragale takes the opening made when Jay Edwards moved to mornings.

Congratulate him here.                            

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.

‘MLB on FOX’ Announces Plans For 2025 Regular-Season Schedule

BSM Staff
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‘MLB on FOX’ Announces Plans For 2025 Regular-Season Schedule

As FOX Sports begins the fourth season of a seven-year media rights deal with Major League Baseball, the entity will have an array of compelling matchups and rivalries on its airwaves throughout the regular season. The 2025 campaign marks the 30th season under which FOX Sports will be providing national broadcast coverage of the league, and it will commence with games from Tokyo, Japan between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The first of these matchups will take place on Tuesday, March 18 at 6 a.m. EST airing live on FOX and FOX Deportes. At the same time the next morning, the second matchup of the series will air live on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

Traditional coverage of MLB Opening Weekend follows with a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, March 29, beginning with an interleague showdown between the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals at 2 p.m. EST on FS1. Prime time regionalized matchups will be presented at 7 p.m. EST with teams such as the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Houston Astros involved in the proceedings. Out of all the teams on the FOX Sports game schedule, the Dodgers and Cubs are slated to appear the most with 10 matchups airing on FOX platforms throughout the regular season.

The Baseball Night in America franchise will return starting on Saturday, May 3 and will feature various showdowns throughout the year. Citi Field will play host to a rematch of the 2024 NLCS between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, May 24. One week later, the Dodgers return home to face the New York Yankees in a rematch of the 2024 World Series, which averaged 15.8 million viewers across FOX platforms last year, indicative of a 67% year-over-year increase. The company will present the World Series at the conclusion of the season for the 26th time in its history.

FOX Sports will air three presentations of the Yankees’ rivalry with the Boston Red Sox, taking place on June 7, June 14 and August 21, along with the Lone Star showdown between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros on July 12. The historic National League Central duel between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals arrives on the airwaves on August 9, emanating from Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.

FOX Sports will be airing the MLB Speedway Classic live from Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Saturday, Aug. 2. The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will play an interdivisional matchup in this setting that will combine the aura of the NASCAR venue with the tradition of baseball. A few weeks earlier, FOX Sports will present the 2025 MLB All-Star Game from Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga., which proceeds a season where the network registered a 6% increase in audience for the game with an average of 7.4 million viewers.

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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