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Jeff Garcia Named Executive Producer of Nationally Syndicated “The Woody Show”

David Hill
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Jeff Garcia Named Executive Producer of Nationally Syndicated “The Woody Show”

Jeff Garcia is joining “The Woody Show” as Executive Producer. Chuck Dizzle steps up to fill Garcia’s former role at “The Cruz Show.”

What We Know iHeartMedia has named Jeff Garcia as Executive Producer of the nationally syndicated “The Woody Show,” effective immediately. The show airs weekday mornings on Alt 98.7 in Los Angeles. Garcia moves over from REAL 92.3, where he most recently served as EP for PM drive’s “The Cruz Show.” He brings 30 years of Los Angeles radio experience to the role, including time producing “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” at KPWR.

What They Said Garcia expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. “No one connects with audiences quite like Woody and his team,” he said, “blending entertainment, authenticity and engaging conversation in a way that resonates nationwide.” For his part, Woody kept things candid: “When you get the chance to bring someone of Mr. Garcia’s caliber on board, you don’t overthink it; you do it.”

What Remains Unclear The timeline for Garcia’s full transition into the new role has not been specified. Additionally, no details were released about structural changes at either show beyond the EP assignments.

What It Means This is a lateral move with clear upward momentum for Garcia. Meanwhile, Chuck Dizzle — previously a late-night personality and Associate Producer at “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” on REAL 92.3 — steps into the EP chair at “The Cruz Show.” Both promotions signal confidence in homegrown talent within iHeartMedia Los Angeles.

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Kayla Thomas Joins Z100 New York as New Nights Host Starting July

David Hill
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Kayla Thomas Joins Z100 New York as New Nights Host Starting July

Z100 is adding a new voice to its nighttime lineup. Kayla Thomas joins New York’s iconic CHR station starting July 27.

What We Know: Thomas will host nights from 6-10 p.m. on WHTZ-FM. She’s a 2026 Gracie Award winner and Ink Magazine “30 Under 30 Radio Superstar.” Her career launched from an internship in Roanoke, Virginia. Since 2022, she’s hosted late nights at 102.7 KIIS-FM in Los Angeles.

What They Said: “I’m thrilled to join Z100 as the new night personality,” Thomas said. “Being on Z100 has been a dream of mine since I started in radio. As someone who grew up on the East Coast, coming home makes this moment even more special.” Z100 PD and iHeartMedia VP of CHR Programming Mark Adams praised her talent behind the mic, on camera, and across social media.

What Remains Unclear: No details have emerged about her predecessor in the nighttime slot. It’s also unknown whether her KIIS-FM duties continue after the transition. Her role with Ultra Music Festival hasn’t been addressed in the announcement.

What It Means: Thomas brings proven syndication experience to one of radio’s most prestigious CHR brands. She previously helped grow PopCrush Nights into the top syndicated CHR nighttime program nationally. Landing at Z100 is a significant career milestone.

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.

Audacy Sells St. Louis Cluster to Hoffmann Media Group

Garrett Searight
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Audacy Sells St. Louis Cluster to Hoffmann Media Group

Audacy has announced it is selling its St. Louis cluster to Hoffmann Media Group.

What We Know: Hoffmann Media Group is the owner of several newspapers in California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Missouri. The Hoffmann family announced its intention to purchase the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins late last year. Included in the sale are 96.3 R&B, 97.1 FM Talk, Y98 (Hot AC), Hot 98.7 (Hip Hop), 102.5 KEZK (AC), and 104.1 KMOX (news/talk). In a memo to staffers, Audacy CEO Kelli Turner said the company wasn’t looking to offload the cluster. However, they believed the offer was too good to pass up.

What They Said: “While we were not actively looking to sell these stations, HF Companies presented an opportunity for the Company that ultimately made strong business sense for both parties … For our St. Louis colleagues, there are no anticipated changes to day-to-day operations, reporting structures, compensation or benefits as a result of today’s announcement. We recognize that news like this creates uncertainty, and we are committed to providing updates and transparency throughout the process.” -Audacy CEO Kelli Turner

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. It is unclear what plans Hoffmann Media Group has for the cluster, in spite of Audacy’s statement.

What It Means: The St. Louis cluster for Audacy is home to some of its strongest news and talk radio brands in KMOX and 97.1 FM Talk. The news comes as a large surprise for that fact alone. It also marks the first foray into the radio space for Hoffmann Media Group, as it has previously only owned newspaper and digital news brands.

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ESPN Radio Debuts ‘The Golics’ Beginning Monday August 3

John Mamola
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ESPN Radio Debuts ‘The Golics’ Beginning Monday August 3

ESPN Radio is welcoming back both Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr. Starting Monday, August 3, a revamped weekday schedule brings back one of sports radio’s most recognizable names to ESPN Radio.

What We Know: Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. are returning to ESPN Radio as co-hosts of The Golics, airing weekdays from 10 a.m.–noon ET. The father-son pair signed a new multi-year deal. Golic Sr. spent 25 years at ESPN (1995–2020), co-hosting Mike & Mike and later Golic & Wingo. Golic Jr. previously held a spot at ESPN from 2015–22. He contributed across radio, digital, and television — including calling college football alongside his father.

What They Said: Mike Foss, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment: “Reuniting with the Mikes Golic was a tremendous opportunity for our audience. They’ve been building chemistry together since 1989, and it’s a joy to bring their peerless partnership back to ESPN.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether The Golics will eventually expand beyond its two-hour morning window.

What It Means: ESPN Radio is making a clear statement about leaning into legacy talent. The addition of The Golics follows The Rich Eisen Show joining the network last fall, signaling continued investment in marquee weekday programming. Both Golics previously exited ESPN under separate circumstances, so the nature of their renewed relationships with the network bears watching. Meanwhile, Matt & Myron transitions from weekends to a 3–5 p.m. weekday slot after eight years on Sundays. Also Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas move also move to 5pm-8 p.m. Together, these moves give ESPN Radio a stronger, more competitive daytime identity — one built around proven voices with established audiences.

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FOX Sports Reportedly Taking FIFA World Cup Studio Show on the Road for Final Two Weeks of Tournament

John Mamola
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FOX Sports Reportedly Taking FIFA World Cup Studio Show on the Road for Final Two Weeks of Tournament

FOX Sports is taking its marquee FIFA World Cup studio team on the road. Starting July 4, the network’s top talent will broadcast live from tournament venues during the round of 16.

What We Know: FOX Sports says its main studio show will leave its Los Angeles base for the final two weeks of the World Cup. The top studio team — Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Alexi Lalas — has operated primarily from L.A. through the group stage. Lalas has already been on-site for U.S. matches, alongside Rob Stone, Clint Dempsey, and Carli Lloyd. Jules Breach has also served as a top on-road presenter, joined by various analysts. The Athletic first reported the news.

What Remains Unclear: It’s uncertain which specific stadiums the studio team will broadcast from during the knockout rounds.

What It Means: FOX Sports is betting that atmosphere drives engagement. The network has long embraced the College GameDay model through Big Noon Kickoff, and this move extends that philosophy to soccer’s biggest stage. Bringing Ibrahimović and company to tournament venues adds energy that a studio simply cannot replicate. For viewers, that means a richer, more immersive broadcast experience down the stretch.

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.

New Jersey 101.5 Adding Lou Russo, Michele Pilenza to Daily Lineup

Garrett Searight
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New Jersey 101.5 Adding Lou Russo, Michele Pilenza to Daily Lineup

New Jersey 101.5 is making additional programming changes following the return of Dennis Malloy to middays alongside Judy Franco. The station will shorten the revived “Dennis and Judi” show while introducing a new midday program as part of a broader Townsquare Media lineup overhaul that takes effect Monday, July 13.

What We Know: Dennis Malloy and Judy Franco will now air from 10 AM to noon instead of their previous 10 AM-2 PM schedule. Meanwhile, Lou Russo and Michele Pilenza will take over from noon to 3 PM. Russo brings more than four decades of New Jersey radio experience and has anchored mornings at 94.3 The Point since the late 1990s. Pilenza also has deep ties to Townsquare Media’s New Jersey stations. She previously worked as a reporter and newscaster before co-hosting middays with Malloy at New Jersey 101.5. More recently, she has served as Russo’s co-host on mornings at both 94.3 The Point and SoJo 104.9.

What They Said: “These changes are about investing in local talent, local content, and local conversations. No one understands New Jersey better than the people who live here. This lineup brings together some of the strongest personalities in the state and reinforces New Jersey 101.5’s role as the place where New Jersey comes together every day.” -Townsquare New Jersey VP/Content Sam Elliot Gagliardi

What Remains Unclear: Townsquare Media hasn’t explained why it reduced the Dennis and Judi timeslot by two hours. Likewise, the company hasn’t shared whether additional programming adjustments could follow after the July 13 launch. It’s also unknown whether the revised schedule reflects a long-term strategy or an opportunity to evaluate new lineup combinations.

What It Means: The changes signal that Townsquare Media continues to reshape one of New Jersey’s most recognizable talk brands. While the return of Malloy generated immediate attention, the addition of Russo and Pilenza creates another familiar local pairing for listeners. As a result, New Jersey 101.5 is leaning on established personalities across multiple dayparts rather than introducing new voices.

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Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest to Simulcast on ABC as Part of Disney Celebrates America Marathon

John Mamola
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Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest to Simulcast on ABC as Part of Disney Celebrates America Marathon

The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be broadcast on ABC along with ESPN. The simulcast is part of the network’s 24-hour Disney Celebrates America marathon. Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo headline Coney Island’s annual Independence Day spectacle.

What We Know: ESPN holds exclusive live broadcast rights for the 23rd consecutive year. The men’s contest simulcasts on ABC at 12:30 p.m. ET as part of Disney Celebrates America, with ESPN2 coverage starting at Noon ET. Women’s competition coverage begins at 10:45 a.m. ET on ESPN+/ESPN App. This marks a significant milestone — ESPN’s longest-running annual event partnership of its kind.

What They Said: George Shea, Chair of Major League Eating: “The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest stands as an enduring beacon of freedom for our nation and the world, and we look forward to watching the greatest eaters compete once again on the most celebrated stage in international sports.”

ESPN Host Jeremy Schaap: “There is no event on the calendar that better captures the spirit of America than the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. There is nowhere I would rather be than the corner of Surf and Stillwell on our nation’s 250th anniversary. If the founding fathers were still alive, I am certain they would want to be with us at Nathan’s on the Fourth of July.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Chestnut can surpass his own world record of 76 hot dogs set in 2021 remains the biggest question. Similarly, Sudo will attempt to top her 2024 record of 51 hot dogs. Meanwhile, how SEC Network analyst Marion Crowder — making her contest debut — will settle into the broadcast booth alongside veterans Schaap and Rich Shea is worth watching.

What It Means: This is bigger than hot dogs. The ABC simulcast elevates the contest’s cultural footprint considerably. Furthermore, Chestnut chasing title number 18 and Sudo pursuing her 12th belt gives the broadcast genuine championship stakes. In addition, adding isolation cameras on both competitors is a plus. ESPN is clearly treating this like the marquee live event it has always been.

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.

Compass Media Networks Names Carter Alvord Associate Director of Affiliate Sales

Garrett Searight
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0
Compass Media Networks Names Carter Alvord Associate Director of Affiliate Sales

Compass Media Networks has added Carter Alvord to its affiliate sales team. The company named Alvord Associate Director of Affiliate Sales for its Sports and News/Talk Programming division.

What We Know: Alvord joined the company after graduating from Bucknell University in 2026. He previously interned with Compass Media Networks during summers and holiday breaks beginning in June 2024. He’ll remain based in the company’s New York office. In his new role, he’ll help expand affiliate relationships for Compass Media Networks’ NFL and NCAA play-by-play coverage. Additionally, he’ll support distribution efforts for the company’s News/Talk programming, including This Morning with Gordon Deal and Erick Erickson.

What They Said: “Growing up listening to Anna & Raven, sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.” -Carter Alvord

What Remains Unclear: Compass Media Networks didn’t specify which affiliate initiatives Alvord will oversee first. The company also hasn’t detailed whether he’ll focus more heavily on sports programming, News/Talk brands, or a combination of both as he begins the position.

What It Means: The move gives Compass Media Networks a familiar face who already understands its operations and affiliate relationships. Because Alvord interned with the company for two years, he should require less onboarding than an outside hire. As a result, Compass can continue pursuing affiliate growth across its sports rights portfolio and established News/Talk programming with additional support in place.

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.

KXnO Host Trent Condon Departs Station Following “Controversial” Comments Regarding iHeartMedia Layoffs

John Mamola
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KXnO Host Trent Condon Departs Station Following “Controversial” Comments Regarding iHeartMedia Layoffs

Trent Condon departs KXNO. The Des Moines sports talk host departed iHeartMedia after remarks he made about recent company layoffs drew corporate scrutiny.

What We Know: iHeartMedia recently cut staff at KXNO, eliminating several positions at the Des Moines sports talk station. Condon publicly responded to those cuts, and his comments prompted iHeartMedia to part ways with him. His departure marks another significant loss for local sports radio in the market. Even despite not being an employee of iHeartMedia.

What They Said: Trent Condon on being cut by iHeartMedia: “My days at KXNO are over. My comments were considered “controversial” from corporate about my colleagues that were let go. I stand by what I said. I am still incredibly sad that Ken Miller didn’t get his final show after starting sports talk in Iowa 30 years ago. Thank you for listening and showing that local sports talk matters. You can still hear me daily on Locked On Iowa & have already had conversations with many outlets. I’m here to listen to any and all ideas. As media evolves, I will evolve with it. Thank you to the my clients and sponsors as we work together to find what and where’s next. And to my friends, colleagues and family, thank you for your kind words. Talk to you all soon.”

What Remains Unclear: iHeartMedia has not publicly addressed Condon’s departure or clarified its reasoning. No timeline for his next move has emerged yet.

What It Means: This situation is unique due to the fact that Condon was not an employee of iHeartMedia. In fact, as an independent contractor who bought his own time, Condon still resembled a trusted voice for the outlet. Condon’s willingness to speak out — and face consequences — underscores how layoffs are reshaping the relationship between hosts and their employers. With his departure, KXnO currently has no local dayparts following a massive impact created by iHeartMedia’s recent reduction in force.

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.

Comcast, NBCUniversal to Split Into 2 Companies

Garrett Searight
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Comcast, NBCUniversal to Split Into 2 Companies

Comcast has announced plans to split the company into two. NBCUniversal will largely take the media assets, while Comcast will retain the technology and hardware portion of the business.

What We Know: Comcast is spinning off NBCUniversal into an independent company, marking the unwinding of a partnership that began when Comcast acquired NBCUniversal in 2011. The separation is expected to take roughly a year to complete. Once it’s done, Comcast plans to retain a stake of up to 19.9% in the newly independent NBCUniversal for as long as a year post-spinoff. Current investors will hold shares in both companies. Mike Cavanagh will lead the new NBCUniversal, while Michael Angelakis — a former Comcast CFO — returns to run Comcast. Brian Roberts will stay actively involved in both organizations.

What They Said: “Comcast’s board and management team believe each company will be better positioned to pursue its own strategic priorities, invest for growth, and create long-term shareholder value as independent entities.” -Comcast statement

What Remains Unclear: Whether NBCUniversal will pursue acquisitions after the split — or become a target itself — isn’t settled. Comcast’s Roberts told investors Monday that the move is not a precursor to broader strategic transactions for either company, but industry watchers aren’t convinced. Analysts have argued for years that the two companies’ core businesses aren’t compatible anymore, and the spinoff’s long-term implications for NBCUniversal’s positioning remain to be seen.

What It Means: This is a significant moment for the media industry. The breakup reflects a broader shift away from the content-plus-distribution model that defined the last decade of media consolidation. It’s also the latest reshaping of the landscape. It follows the Justice Department’s recent approval of the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The industry’s structure is changing fast — and NBCUniversal’s next chapter will be written without Comcast holding the pen.

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.

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