NFL Network revealed its weekday studio show schedule Thursday. Two new programs headline the slate with a return of ESPN SportsCenter anchor Stan Verrett signing a new deal with ESPN.
What We Know: NFL Total Access returns September 8, hosted by Stan Verrett after he signed a new contract with ESPN. Verrett left ESPN earlier this summer after 25 years with the network. Steve Wyche joins as a regular contributor. The Aftermath debuts September 14, hosted by Zubin Mehenti and Herm Edwards, and leads into ESPN’s NFL Live and Monday Night Countdown. Good Morning Football enters its 10th season, while NFL Fantasy Live marks 15 years on air.
What’s At Stake: With the new programming lineup on NFL Network, it will provide additional studio programming options for football content for news and headlines.
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify Verrett’s terms with his new deal. It’s also unclear how The Aftermath’s coaching-presser format will differ from prior studio coverage.
What It Means: NFL Network is reviving some familiar faces from ESPN to provide a new look on the network’s newest acquisition. In addition, the return of Verrett to host NFL Total Access provides a seasoned veteran in navigating breaking news headlines for a live audience. Moreover, pairing The Aftermath with ESPN’s Monday lineup deepens the cross-network strategy tied to ESPN’s Year of the Super Bowl. Streaming access via the ESPN App also widens the audience for NFL Network originals ahead of Super Bowl LXI.
🏈 @nflnetwork unveils its weekday studio show lineup for the '26-27 season!
✅ New shows, signature brands & marquee voices ✅ Expanded live studio hours surrounding games
All available on the ESPN App for Unlimited plan subs
Career news: Joining @nflnetwork for the return of “NFL Total Access” Tuesday-Friday 12pm-2pm eastern, beginning next week. When I joined @espn in 2000, one of my goals was to be a part of its NFL coverage. Always enjoyed covering everything on @SportsCenter but pro football…
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Richie Incognito is returning to sports media but on a different level than before. The former NFL Pro Bowler wants to redefine football coverage by announcing his own media company and flagship program.
What We Know: Incognito and producer Tyler Korn launched Point of Attack Media. Their flagship show, Initial Contact, pairs Incognito with two-time Super Bowl champion Christian Fauria. Playmaker will distribute the twice-weekly video podcast, which debuts September 8 on a Monday-Friday schedule. The first road trip sends the crew to Australia for Week 1 coverage. Incognito was a part of Gilbert Arenas’ The Arena: Gridiron podcast series last football season.
What They Said: Richie Incognito, co-founder of Point of Attack Media: “I am incredibly excited to launch Initial Contact. The game of football has given so much to me throughout my life, and creating this company and show is my way of giving back to the game. We are pulling back the curtain on what really happens on the field and in the locker room. Bringing fans behind the scenes to teach them the chess match that plays out on the field from the perspective of the players who have actually lived in the trenches. Heading to Australia for Week 1 is the perfect way to show our audience that we are going to go wherever the action is to deliver the absolute best insight.”
Tyler Korn, co-founder of Point of Attack Media: “Having spent my career building major sports television shows, I know how hard it can be for traditional media formats to capture the true depth of the game. Point of Attack and Initial Contact are designed to break those barriers, giving athletes an unprecedented platform to share their brilliant football IQ and on-field knowledge in ways they’ve never been allowed to before. We want to empower the guys who lived the game, while educating fans at a level they have never experienced. This is about taking the audience past the surface level of traditional sports media and providing a true, masterclass education in football.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how large the rotating cast will be with the new project.
What It Means: Point of Attack joins a growing wave of former athletes building their own media platforms. Instead of reacting to highlights, Incognito and Fauria plan to explain the “chess match” behind each play. If the format lands, Initial Contact could reshape how ex-players package football expertise in podcast form. New episodes will begin populating next week.
Can the Seahawks avoid the Post Championship Curse? 👀
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The Orlando Magic have a new home for local streaming. DAZN will carry every Magic game not tagged for national broadcast, starting this season.
What We Know: The Magic named DAZN their exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming partner for 2026-27. Meanwhile, local over-the-air channels WRDQ TV 27 and WFTV Channel 9 will serve as the team’s television partners. DAZN’s app, plus a team-branded subscription tier, launches later this month across smart TVs, consoles, and mobile devices. DAZN has also struck similar deals this summer with the Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Knicks, and Nets.
What They Said: Charlie Freeman, Orlando Magic President of Business Operations: “We are excited to partner with DAZN to serve as our direct-to-consumer streaming partner for live games, replays, pregame and postgame coverage, and original programming. Coupled with the Cox Media Group (WRDQ TV 27, WFTV Channel 9), DAZN will provide Magic fans tremendous access to the team.”
Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO: “DAZN is transforming how fans follow their local teams. Partnering with the Orlando Magic is another important step in that strategy. Fans want a modern, simple and reliable way to watch the team they love, and DAZN’s partnership with the Magic delivers an unmatched experience. DAZN’s innovative technology platform and the Magic’s strong local presence will create a service that enhances engagement, expands reach, and establishes a new standard for how teams connect with their fan community.”
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify how many Magic games will be excluded as national exclusives. Pricing tiers are also yet to be set. It’s also unclear how many additional NBA teams DAZN will add before opening night in October.
What It Means: DAZN’s Magic deal fits a fast-moving shift away from regional sports networks and their streaming options. Local NBA streaming streaming and distribution rights are consolidating quickly under one global platform. For fans, that likely means simpler access but also a new subscription to budget for. With the amount of teams that DAZN is partnering with for this coming season, they are positioning themselves as a large player for a centralized hub the NBA wants in 2027-2028.
We are excited to announce that DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, will serve as our exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming partner for the 2026-27 season.
All Magic regular season games, excluding national exclusives, will stream on DAZN in our local… pic.twitter.com/TPoCG5i553
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The Athletic’s internal review of Dianna Russini is now over. Investigator Mike Semel found a clear conflict-of-interest violation. The investigation continued following Russini’s resignation in April. he investigation began after photos of her with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel surfaced.
What We Know: According to the final report, Russini told Athletic executives on April 7 about an incoming Page Six story. The Athletic launched an internal investigation while publicly supporting her. She resigned on April 14, ending the personal-conduct probe but not the review of her journalism. Investigators then examined 903 stories, 77 videos and 204 podcast episodes tied to her byline.
Mike Semel: “The Athletic publicly supported Russini as it began an internal investigation of the allegations. During that investigation, Russini resigned from The Athletic and was released from her contract on April 14, 2026. The Athletic ended its investigation into Russini’s personal conduct on that day because she was no longer employed by the company, but continued its investigation into her journalism because nothing is more important to The Athletic than its credibility and reader trust.”
Mike Semel: “Russini’s relationship with Vrabel was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards. Regardless of whether the relationship was romantic, it was a breach and should have been disclosed. Specifically, when it comes to The Athletic’s standards, Russini was noncompliant.”
Mike Semel: “The photographs published by Page Six on April 7 and April 23 and by TMZ on April 23 indicate a relationship that puts The Athletic’s credibility in jeopardy and gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. It also is a basic tenet of journalism to preserve detachment from the people we cover. We neither completed an investigation nor reached any conclusion about the nature of the full relationship between Vrabel and Russini, but the totality of the public photographs are enough to conclude a violation of company policy.
Additionally, when first confronted with the photos by The New York Post, Russini waited two days before telling her editors and managers. She then told a story to explain the photos that did not align with facts, raising issues of trust. We launched this probe to assess whether her work for The Athletic was accurate and unbiased. Plus, that her access to Vrabel did not unduly affect The Athletic’s journalism.”
Mike Semel: “Russini should have disclosed to The Athletic the nature of her relationship with Vrabel to allow editors to assess the kinds of stories on which she should have been working, if any. She did not.”
What Remains Unclear: The report reached no conclusion about whether the relationship was romantic. Additionally, it did not fully explain why Russini waited two days to inform editors. Whether The Athletic will adopt the recommended sourcing and disclosure reforms remains unknown.
What It Means: The findings show appearance alone can breach journalistic standards, regardless of intent. Meanwhile, the report clears most of her portfolio, finding only isolated lapses. Ultimately, The Athletic plans tighter conflict-of-interest and sourcing rules going forward.
🏈NEWS: The Athletic released its inquiry into its former NFL insider Dianna Russini's relationship with Mike Vrabel and found she violated the company's standards.
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CBS News is turning to a familiar face as Norah O’Donnell returns to CBS Mornings. The move comes as the show works to reverse significant audience declines.
What We Know: O’Donnell will join current co-host Gayle King on CBS Mornings, marking her return to the program. She previously anchored the morning show alongside King and Charlie Rose in 2012. She helmed that role until departing in 2019. The appointment comes as CBS Mornings has struggled to maintain its audience this season. Total viewership has declined 9% compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the show has suffered an even sharper 20% drop among adults ages 25-54.
What They Said: “We believe there is a lot of life left in morning television, and therefore we are putting our best people on the field. People have very serious issues to deal with every day in their lives. Between Norah, Gayle and Nate, the three of them bring relatability, credibility, experience and knowledge, and they are incredibly familiar to CBS viewers, which is important.” -CBS News President Tom Cibrowskito Variety
What Remains Unclear:CBS News hasn’t detailed how O’Donnell’s responsibilities will be divided among the show’s anchors. It also is unclear if the lineup will undergo additional changes. The network also hasn’t indicated how frequently O’Donnell will appear on 60 Minutes or other programs now that she’s added duties with the morning show.
What It Means: O’Donnell’s return gives CBS a recognizable news personality with extensive experience across broadcast and political coverage. More importantly, the move arrives as morning television remains fiercely competitive. CBS will hope her familiarity with King and the audience can help stabilize CBS Mornings. However, reversing a 20% decline among younger viewers could require more than a familiar face.
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The Buffalo Sabres have extended their broadcast deal with Audacy. WGRremains the team’s official flagship station.
What We Know: WGR has served as the Sabres’ flagship station for many years, and that relationship continues under the new agreement. Dan Dunleavy and Rob Ray will keep calling games on WGR, the Sabres App, and the Audacy App. Additionally, the sides are launching the Sabres Radio Network to expand broadcast coverage. Specific stations haven’t been named yet. WGR also simulcasts on Sirius XM, giving out-of-market fans another way to listen.
What They Said: WGR brand manager Allan Davis: “We’re excited to continue our long-standing relationship as the official voice of the Buffalo Sabres. No radio station in the U.S. talks more hockey than Western New York’s Voice of the Fans – WGR. And no fan base anywhere loves their team more than Sabres fans do. We look forward to bringing them every play, every game, and every story every day.”
Pete Guelli, Buffalo Sabres president of business operations: “WGR has long played a role in linking the people in our community to the Buffalo Sabres and we are excited to extend a partnership that has continued to grow stronger over the years. We are always exploring avenues for our fans to engage with us in meaningful ways and this partnership has consistently provided a trusted platform for them to stay connected.”
What Remains Unclear: Audacy hasn’t released the full list of stations and markets joining the Sabres Radio Network. Financial terms were also not disclosed.
What It Means: Ultimately, the deal deepens an already established bond between WGR and the Sabres. Consequently, fans gain more access points, from MSG and YouTube to Spotify and DAZN. Sabres Live also shifts formats, airing live at midday and later at 8 p.m. on non-game nights. The extension was crucial for WGR who lost the rights to the Buffalo Bills earlier this year. While the station continues to perform and serve Buffalo area sports fans, it would have been a great challenge to navigate the same level of success without both area franchises.
We’re excited to announce a multi-year partnership with @Audacy, keeping @WGR550 as the radio home of the Sabres!
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Rob Siems is retiring from Country 92.5 KLAD after 32 years. His final broadcast airs December 23.
What We Know Siems joined the Klamath Falls station in 1994 as Program Director and morning host. From there, he advanced to cluster Operations Manager in 1999 and General Manager in 2006. Throughout his tenure, he remained in mornings. Currently, he co-hosts “The Wake Up Crew” with Melissa Tolbert and Josh Eldredge.
What They Said Siems reflected on his legacy with pride and gratitude. “I have worked with so many great people over the years, and I’m proud that our stations have remained community-focused and made such a major impact in the Klamath Basin,” he said. Beyond broadcasting, he plans to play golf, travel extensively, and serve part-time as a consultant. His commitment to the community will continue, keeping him connected to the business he loves.
What Remains Unclear Basin Mediactive hasn’t announced a successor yet. The company hasn’t detailed plans for “The Wake Up Crew” moving forward. Siems hasn’t clarified the scope of his part-time consulting role. Additionally, station officials haven’t released specific transition details.
What It Means Siems’ departure marks the end of an era in the Klamath Basin. Meanwhile, his 32-year tenure witnessed dramatic changes in radio technology and audience engagement. The transition offers Country 92.5 KLAD a chance to redefine its morning brand. Importantly, maintaining community focus during leadership changes will prove crucial for station sustainability.
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What We Know: MARC now operates 95.9 The Rocket (Classic Rock), 102.7 The Hitkicker (Country), and 107.1 A1A (CHR) in the Melbourne market. These three join MARC’s existing pair: 98.5 The Beach (Classic Hits) in Satellite Beach and I Am Country on 1060 WIXC and 105.5 W288DZ in Titusville. The company has aggressively expanded across Central Florida over the past year. MARC previously acquired Treasure Coast Radio’s five Vero Beach stations and the majority of Hall Communications’ Lakeland cluster.
What They Said: “Our signals now pretty much cover a majority of the central Florida peninsula,” MARC Chief Operating Officer Scott Miller said. He emphasized the company’s commitment to community-focused, meaningful on-air programming for both listeners and advertisers. Miller noted that MARC applies a formula it has fine-tuned for growth and profitability when integrating new stations. Additionally, MARC promoted Zayne Rose to Market Manager for the combined Melbourne and existing clusters. Rose joins from Tulsa, where he directed sales for Stephens Media Group.
What Remains Unclear: MARC hasn’t announced specific programming changes or talent moves for any of the three stations. The company also hasn’t detailed hiring plans or whether format adjustments are coming. Furthermore, integration timelines for the Melbourne and existing Brevard County stations remain undisclosed. Industry observers await announcements regarding promotion strategies across the cluster.
What It Means: Holler continues building significant reach in secondary Florida markets. MARC’s concentrated expansion strategy positions the company as a major player in Brevard and Volusia counties. This transaction demonstrates the viability of aggressive consolidation in mid-market radio. Moreover, MARC’s blueprint appears designed for sustained growth throughout Central Florida’s competitive landscape.
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Michael Kay and Don La Greca are teaming up again. This time, though, they won’t share a studio but will be celebrating a milestone for ESPN New York.
What We Know: Kay and La Greca will host a special two-hour edition of The Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York Radio 880 today from 1-3 p.m. The broadcast celebrates the station’s 25th anniversary. Kay will host from San Diego during a Yankees off day, while La Greca broadcasts from the ESPN New York studios. The two worked side by side for 22 years before Kay moved to a solo show in December 2024.
What They Said: Don La Greca (via Newsday): “It’s so funny because we spent 22 years together. I would probably say 20 of those 22 years were probably spent in separate rooms. Between when we had COVID for a year and a half, and even before that Michael would be at Yankee Stadium or wherever. So it’s kind of funny that this show is going to be separated. That’s how it was most of the time.”
What Remains Unclear: The full guest lineup for the anniversary special is unknown. While Kay and La Greca have shared the air several times since their split, it’s unknown if there could be another reunion of sorts in the future.
What It Means: For longtime listeners, Thursday offers a nostalgic bridge between ESPN New York’s past and present. Additionally, it highlights how far the station has come since its beginnings in 2001. Ultimately, the reunion underscores the enduring bond between two broadcasters who shaped the station’s identity. Even while sitting in separate rooms most of the time.
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KFAT 92.9 welcomes Don Megga back to the Anchorage airwaves. The Rhythmic CHR icon returns as afternoon host and Production/Imaging Director this week.
What We Know Megga spent 25 years building KFAT 92.9 Anchorage since its 1999 launch. During that tenure, he held multiple positions including Music Director, Imaging Director, and Program Director. Additionally, he worked various on-air shifts across the station’s dayparts. He departed KFAT last year, marking a significant shift in the station’s operations.
What They Said Newly appointed VP/General Manager Cat Okegawa emphasized Megga’s impact on the station and community. “Don’s connection to KFAT, our listeners, and the Anchorage community is undeniable,” Okegawa stated. “He helped launch this station and shaped what KFAT represents. We are thrilled to welcome him home.” Okegawa further noted that Megga’s return honors the station’s history while restoring critical elements of its identity.
What Remains Unclear The reasons behind Megga’s departure last year remain unspecified. Furthermore, no details emerged regarding other format or staffing adjustments at Ohana Media Group’s Anchorage cluster. Additionally, the station hasn’t outlined its broader strategic plans moving forward.
What It Means Megga’s return reflects a broader strategic shift at Ohana Media Group’s Anchorage cluster. The station clearly recognizes that building authentic listener relationships matters more than chasing external talent. This move signals management’s commitment to stability and community trust during a period of significant change. Moreover, Anchorage radio is experiencing considerable momentum—and bringing back a 25-year institution suggests the cluster is repositioning for the long haul.
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