Mike Detillier has died at 65. The longtime WWL Radio analyst passed Sunday, just says before he planned to share difficult news of his own.
What We Know: Detillier spent more than four decades with WWL Radio, covering college and professional football. He became one of Louisiana’s most trusted voices on the Saints, LSU and the NFL Draft. According to the station, Detillier learned less than two weeks ago that he had terminal cancer. He intended to tell listeners on Tuesday, his 66th birthday.
What They Said: The New Orleans Saints released a statement following his death (via X): “The New Orleans Saints organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WWL Radio host Mike Detillier. A proud son of Louisiana, Mike was widely respected as a gifted football analyst, a trusted guide through the NFL Draft, and an exceptional family man. Beyond his incredible contributions to the game, he was above all a true gentleman and a dedicated family man. Saints gamedays at the Caesars Superdome, training camp practices, and press conferences simply will not be the same without his presence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family and to the community of devoted listeners who considered him a friend over the airwaves.”
What Remains Unclear: WWL Radio has not detailed any tribute or on-air memorial.
What It Means: Detillier’s death leaves a real void in Louisiana sports radio. His decades of institutional knowledge on the Saints, LSU and the draft won’t be easily replaced. Still, his influence on how the region covers football will likely endure for years.
The New Orleans Saints organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WWL Radio host Mike Detillier.
A proud son of Louisiana, Mike was widely respected as a gifted football analyst, a trusted guide through the NFL Draft, and an exceptional family man.
We have awful news to share: our friend and coworker Mike Detillier has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. https://t.co/3nYQyFsysL
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Kenny Smoov departs 92Q Nashville. The veteran executive concludes his 23-year tenure with Cumulus Media.
What We Know Kenny Smoov announced his departure from 92Q Nashville this week, ending a remarkable 23-year career with Cumulus Media. Notably, he spent 21 of those years leading the urban format station as its driving force. During his tenure, Smoov also served as Vice President of Urban Formats, overseeing urban radio brands across the country. Additionally, his leadership helped establish 92Q Nashville as one of the nation’s most recognizable urban radio destinations.
What They Said “This has been an incredible chapter of my life and career,” Smoov reflected on his departure. He continued, “I’m extremely proud of what we built, the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and the relationships I’ve developed both in Nashville and nationally over the past two decades.” However, Smoov expressed optimism about his future. “But I’m also excited about what comes next,” he stated. “I still have a lot of ideas, energy and great work ahead of me.”
What Remains Unclear The timing of Smoov’s transition remains unspecified in his announcement. Furthermore, Cumulus Media hasn’t yet publicly addressed the departure or disclosed potential successor plans. Also unclear are specific details regarding his Nashville Brown LLC consulting venture. Meanwhile, the company hasn’t announced new programming leadership for 92Q Nashville.
What It Means Smoov’s exit signals significant changes ahead for 92Q Nashville’s direction. Subsequently, the station will pursue new programming leadership and strategic vision. Importantly, his expertise through Nashville Brown LLC positions him for broader industry influence. Ultimately, this marks a pivotal moment for both him and the urban radio landscape.
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Emily Compagno bid farewell to Fox News’ Outnumbered after nearly six years with Fox News. She’ll join The Five as a permanent co-host next week.
What We Know: Emily Compagno departed Outnumbered on Friday. Beginning Tuesday, September 8th, Compagno will serve as a permanent co-host of The Five. The Five remains the most-watched program across all of cable news. Her departure marks the end of a lengthy run alongside the program’s rotating panel of co-hosts.
What They Said: “I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you at home who trusted me to help deliver and analyze the news every day at noon ET, and to the incredible crew on this stage, my executive producer Trina Thompson, and to our entire outnumbered team, whose dedication, professionalism, and sheer talent are the reason for this show’s excellence day in and day out. It has been an extraordinary privilege and an honor to serve as a co-host of Outnumbered. From now on, see you at five.” -Emily Compagno
What Remains Unclear: Fox News hasn’t detailed how Outnumbered will adjust its lineup on the show following Compagno’s departure.
What It Means: Compagno’s move gives The Five another established Fox News personality with years of experience on the network. Meanwhile, Outnumbered will lose one of its longest-serving co-hosts. Still, the move places Compagno on television’s most-watched cable news program during a key part of the afternoon schedule.
After nearly six incredible years on the couch at Outnumbered, Emily is joining the table at @TheFive next week. Thank you for the laughter, the insight, the unforgettable moments and for making the couch a better place every day.
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Christian Lacoss exits Live Free Country tonight after two years. The night host departs Saga Communications’ Bedford/Manchester, NH station following significant personal growth.
What We Know Lacoss joined Live Free Country in March 2024. Subsequently, he moved to nights at the start of 2025. Additionally, he held digital sales responsibilities within Saga Communications. His tenure at the station spanned two transformative years of development.
What they said Lacoss shared his emotions on Instagram about the departure. “I grew up here,” he explained to followers reflecting on his time. Furthermore, he credited Mike and Laura Stelchook with changing his perspective. “I walked in at 24 with attitude and ego,” Lacoss posted. “I leave a very different person than that kid who arrived.”
What Remains Unclear Lacoss hasn’t announced his next career move publicly. Meanwhile, Live Free Country’s timeline for replacement remains undetermined. Whether this signals broader Saga staffing changes stays uncertain. The station’s programming direction going forward also remains unknown.
What It Means Lacoss’s exit reflects significant industry talent development patterns. Young broadcasters often transition after building credibility and experience. Moreover, his transparent farewell resonates with radio’s ongoing retention challenges. Station mentorship increasingly matters to emerging talent seeking purpose-driven work.
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Scott Hanson says RedZone was one of the more “complex” portions of the ESPN-NFL deal approved earlier this year. The longtime host revealed how close production rights came to changing hands.
What We Know: Hanson has hosted NFL RedZone since 2009. He remains the show’s face after the ESPN-NFL agreement closed earlier this year. ESPN now handles linear distribution, but the NFL retains production. Hanson confirmed the show will look and sound the same, with him still in the chair. However, during an interview with Front Office Sports, Hanson says that the RedZone portion of the agreement came to be one of the more complex portions of the agreement itself.
Scott Hanson on the complexity of the NFL RedZone portion of the ESPN, NFL deal done earlier this year: “The NFL executives who did the deal with the merger with Disney told me the RedZone component of the Disney NFL media deal, was one of the most complex portions of the deal. Because I think ESPN rightly wanted to own and operate and produce RedZone outright. Because of the galactic popularity of the show. But the NFL, for their reasons, wanted to retain control of the production of RedZone. They met in the middle.”
Scott Hanson ESPN can share any ideas they may have for production of NFL RedZone: “It’s basically going to be distributed linearly by ESPN, but the NFL will still be producing NFL RedZone. It’ll still look the same, sound the same, same host, same promise to the audience. But if the folks at Disney and the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN, if they have some great ideas as to how to make the show even better, they undoubtedly will have a voice in the room as well.”
What Remains Unclear: If any influence from ESPN could affect production models of the RedZone product this season. Also, Hanson notes commercial loads this year will not increase. However, he stopped short at confirming if that will change throughout the year.
What It Means: The deal shows both sides value stability over disruption. ESPN gains distribution muscle without touching a fan favorite. The NFL protects a product it built from scratch. Ultimately, Hanson’s portrayal of the RedZone discussions between the ESPN and the NFL paint a picture of its popularity with fanbases. Now, we’ll see if ESPN and the NFL does work in tow with each other to improve the product throughout the season.
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Peter Burns is staying with SEC Network for years to come. The longtime host has signed a new multi-year extension with ESPN to stay on the SEC Network.
What We Know: Burns joined SEC Network as a studio host when the network launched in August 2014. He has hosted SEC Now ever since, adding SEC This Morning co-host duties in 2018. Additionally, Burns became host of the network’s pregame football show in 2024, expanding his on-air footprint. Burns announced the extension on social media.
What They Said: Peter Burns (via Threads): “Life news: Extremely honored to do what I love every single day. The SEC World is a special place and proud to call it home. Big things ahead.”
What Remains Unclear: However, ESPN hasn’t disclosed the length or financial terms of the new deal.
What It Means: The extension cements Burns as a cornerstone of SEC Network’s daily coverage. His expanding duties, from pregame host to SEC This Morning, show growing trust from ESPN. For the network, retaining familiar voices matters as competition for sports-media talent intensifies. Ultimately, Burns remains one of the most recognizable and versatile faces in SEC sports media.
Dream job rolls on.
And for the record, out of all the ESPN/SEC Network coworkers I’ve ever had…..@ChrisDoering is easily in my top 60.
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Maria Bartiromo’s attorney says reports that Fox News fired her are false. Bryan Freedman confirmed he now represents the longtime television host.
What We Know: Freedman confirmed Thursday that he represents Bartiromo following reports that Fox News had parted ways with her. Multiple reports had indicated that the network fired Bartiromo after years with the company. She hosted Mornings with Maria on Fox Business Network and Sunday Morning Futures on Fox News. However, Freedman is now challenging the basic premise that Bartiromo has left the network.
What They Said: “The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false. Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses, and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise. Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts supporting that fiction have exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth.” -Bryan Freedman
What Remains Unclear: Freedman’s statement doesn’t explain Bartiromo’s current status at Fox News or what prompted the reports of her departure. It also doesn’t identify which reports or specific claims he disputes. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether Bartiromo will continue hosting her programs or pursue legal action against Fox. However, there are reports that say Bartiromo’s contract runs through 2029.
What It Means: Freedman’s involvement signals that Bartiromo’s departure could become a legal dispute rather than a routine television exit. His warning about evidence and potential court proceedings also suggests the situation could escalate. For now, however, Fox News has not publicly clarified Bartiromo’s employment status. As a result, Freedman’s statement creates a significant dispute over what happened Thursday.
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Charles Barkley has set an expiration date on his TV career. The Inside the NBA analyst tells Bill Simmons next season will likely be his last on ESPN.
What We Know: Inside the NBA shifted from TNT to ESPN last season after decades on cable. Barkley has anchored the show for nearly every year of the program’s history alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. Before the move, he says he agreed to a two-year extension mainly as a favor to Johnson. That deal expires after next season, and Johnson has indicated to Barkley that he plans to step away at the same time.
Charles Barkley hints that this will be his final year on Inside the NBA: “Ernie [Johnson] said to me, ‘Chuck, would you please stay for two more years?’ I said, Ernie I love you, man. You’re the best. I said, I’ll stay for two more years. So right now, unless Ernie [Johnson] changes his mind, next year is my last year one hundred percent.”
Charles Barkley details how he stayed with Inside the NBA on a two-year agreement beginning prior to last year: “I meet with NBC, and with Amazon. NBC offers me a deal. I’m like, I appreciate it, but no thank you. Amazon never offered me a deal, but I met with him. I said, “No, thank you. So, I think I’m retired. I get a call from Ernie [Johnson], who’s the person I trust and respect the most.
He says, ‘Chuck, they got this deal on the table, but ESPN is going to take our show. Would you consider keep working?’ I said, not really. He [Johnson] said, ‘But everybody can keep their job, and [continue getting] checks behind the scenes. I really love the people. I’ve been with them for 26-27, years. I [asked] Ernie, how long do you want to stay? He says, “Let’s keep their job for two more years.’ I said, “‘Ernie, I’ll stay for two more years.’ But he [Johnson] says, “Chuck, I’m planning on retiring in two years. Me and Ernie [Johnson] are a package deal.”
Charles Barkley says the only reason he stayed on Inside the NBA is because of Ernie Johnson: “The only reason I stayed [with Inside The NBA] is so everybody could keep their job behind the scenes. We’re talking [a lot] of people. I’m hoping the show [Inside the NBA] keeps going on ESPN. But if Ernie [Johnson] retires after next year, I’m done. We’re a package deal. I got so much love and respect for that guy. If he says he’s done, I’m gone.”
Charles Barkley says his motivation to continue working in not about money: “I could have went to NBC and made more money if I was concerned about money. NBC offered me more than I was making [at Turner]. It ain’t about the money. I say I’m done. But I’ve been with these people either 26 or 27 years. I get to know them and all their families, and but I can’t just keep working for forever. I’ll be 63 freaking years old. I want to die on the golf course. I don’t want to die on TNT or ESPN.”
What Remains Unclear: Johnson hasn’t publicly confirmed his own retirement timeline. Barkley’s exit, by his own account, hinges entirely on that decision. Meanwhile, it’s unclear how Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal fit into any transition plan. ESPN has not commented on succession for the show.
What It Means: Barkley’s comments point toward a likely end date for one of sports television’s most beloved pairings. Inside the NBA built its identity on this exact foursome’s chemistry, and ESPN inherited that dynamic just last year. Consequently, losing Barkley and Johnson together would force a major creative reset. For now, though, fans get at least one more full season to say goodbye.
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MS NOW is expanding its relationship with Crooked Media by adding Jon Lovett’s podcast to its weekend lineup. Lovett or Leave It will join the Saturday schedule ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
What We Know: MS NOW will add Crooked Media’s Lovett or Leave It to its Saturday lineup beginning September 12. The limited series will air at 11 p.m. ET, following Crooked on MS NOW. Hosted by former Obama speechwriter and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett, the political comedy podcast blends commentary, humor, and conversations with high-profile guests. The show launched in 2017 and has generated more than 200 million listens and YouTube views. Meanwhile, several Crooked Media programs already air on MS NOW’s weekend schedule, including Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and Runaway Country.
What’s At Stake: The expansion gives MS NOW another way to reach audiences interested in political content ahead of the 2026 midterms. Additionally, Lovett or Leave It brings an established podcast audience into the network’s weekend programming. Since launching in February, Crooked on MS NOW has attracted viewers who weren’t previously watching the network. Half of its viewers are new to MS NOW on Saturday nights, while nearly two-thirds of viewers under 55 are also new.
What Remains Unclear: MS NOW hasn’t indicated whether Lovett or Leave It will remain on the schedule beyond the limited midterm series. The network also hasn’t detailed whether additional Crooked Media programming could receive dedicated weekend slots.
What It Means: MS NOW continues to lean into established podcast brands as it builds its weekend lineup. For Crooked Media, the arrangement provides another television outlet for its growing political audio portfolio.
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Congress is moving the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act toward a House floor vote. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has scheduled consideration during the week of September 14.
What We Know: The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would require automakers to maintain AM radio access in new vehicles without charging consumers extra. The legislation first emerged in 2023, when Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and bipartisan lawmakers introduced H.R. 3413. The current version, H.R. 979, was introduced in 2025 by Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Meanwhile, the Senate version is sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA).
What They Said: “This is an important step forward for legislation that has earned overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and across the country. We are grateful to House leadership and lead cosponsors Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone and Sens. Cruz and Markey, along with hundreds of lawmakers from both parties whose persistence and leadership have brought us to this moment.
“Our listeners have also made their voices heard loud and clear: AM radio is an indispensable lifeline during emergencies, a trusted source of news and information, and a vital connection for communities nationwide. Now is the time to finish the job. We urge every member of the House to vote to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and preserve access to this essential public safety resource in every vehicle.” -NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt
What Remains Unclear: The House has yet to announce the specific day for the vote. Passage would also leave the legislation needing Senate action before reaching President Trump.
What It Means: The scheduled vote represents a significant development for broadcasters that have spent years lobbying Congress. The measure could prevent automakers from removing AM receivers as vehicle technology increasingly shifts toward digital platforms and streaming.
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