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Barstool Sports’ Big Cat Talks Controversial Chicago Fan Affiliation Revelation With ‘Waddle & Silvy’

BSM Staff
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Barstool Sports’ Big Cat Talks Controversial Chicago Fan Affiliation Revelation With ‘Waddle & Silvy’

One of Barstool Sports’ highest profile personalities has been under fire for his fan affiliation — and he hopped on with Chicago’s own Waddle and Silvy to set the record straight. Dan “Big Cat” Katz has long been known as Barstool’s largest Chicago-focused voice, but Katz wasn’t originally born in Chicago. This fact was brought back into the spotlight during a recent episode of Surviving Barstool, a digital show based on Survivor, where Barstool personalities compete to be the last one standing. Katz joined Waddle & Silvy to clarify things and reaffirm his love for the Windy City:

Katz said he was born in Massachusetts just outside of Boston but had family in Highland Park, IL. His uncle was a Bulls season ticket holder and he accompanied his uncle to several Bulls games throughout the 1990s. He fell in love with the city and, when the former Barstool Chicago blogger no longer covered the area, Katz stepped in and covered the teams. Since then, he’s lived and died with the teams and their fans.

“I hope people understand that my love for Chicago is genuine,” Katz said. “I’ll live here for the rest of my life. My love for the teams is genuine. I took a weird path to get here, but yeah.”

Katz also addressed the controversy in a rare blog on the Barstool Sports website, where he further discussed the issue. 

“I threw myself into Chicago sports,” Katz wrote. “I fully adopted those teams, learned their history, which I had known a decent amount from my Uncle, and began rooting for all of them. As I did that my love for Boston sports began to fade. If I was going to root for the Chicago teams I had to shut off rooting even a little bit for Boston teams anymore.”

While some fans are upset at the news, most are understanding. Katz knows what’s headed his way and addresses it at the end of his blog.

“I’m expecting some people to hate my guts for this, which kills me inside because I’m soft when it comes to the internet and I let people’s opinions of me impact me too much…But at the end of the day I know a lot of people have my back, and the decade plus of blogging/podcasting  about everything including Chicago sports will speak for itself. And I appreciate everyone who will still ride with me…I won’t lie here, this has Probably been the worst Ive ever felt in my 13+ plus Barstool Sports career. I hate the feeling of letting people down and that’s how I feel.”

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.

Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban, App to Face U.S. Extinction Unless Sold by ByteDance

BNM Staff
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Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban, App to Face U.S. Extinction Unless Sold by ByteDance

Time has run out for TikTok and parent company ByteDance. The United States Supreme Court has upheld a law banning the digital video app unless it is sold to a company without ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

On Friday morning, the high court ruled that a law that restricted companies from servicing social media platforms was constitutional.

“There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” Supreme Court justices shared in an unsigned statement announcing the decision. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the challenged provisions do not violate petitioners’ First Amendment rights.”

With that ruling, the app is set to be banned from being available for download in app stores on Sunday, January 19th unless it is sold by ByteDance.

A ban would greatly benefit competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, who also specialize in short-form, vertical video content.

In recent weeks, President-elect Donald Trump has shared his opinion that he would like to see the social media app remain available for American consumption. Detractors, however, have argued the app is a national security risk.

While a sale of TikTok is not imminent, potential suitors have come out of the woodwork to court ByteDance. A sale of the social media app would need to be approved by China, with experts alleging that would be an unlikely outcome.

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.

Jacobs Media To Present ‘CES 2025 – The AI Version’ Free Webinar

BMM Staff
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Jacobs Media To Present ‘CES 2025 – The AI Version’ Free Webinar

Jacobs Media is presenting a free webinar, “CES 2025 – The AI Version,” on Tuesday, January 21, at 2 pm (ET)/11 am CT.

Fred and Paul Jacobs, in collaboration with Chris Brunt, are set to present a comprehensive showcase featuring photos, videos, and analytical insights.

Customized for broadcasters “who want to stay ahead of the curve and learn how media consumption is changing as AI becomes more pervasive in consumers’ everyday lives.”

“From content creation to advertising, robotics, and even home life, learn how AI is reshaping how we work, live, and connect.” 

AI is transforming various aspects of our daily lives, from content creation and advertising to robotics and home environments. Discover how this technology is changing how we work, live, and connect.

The webinar will include Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation and Trends for the Consumer Technology Association.

Register for the free webinar 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.

Dick Vitale Returning to ESPN College Basketball Coverage for First Time in Nearly Two Years

BSM Staff
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Dick Vitale Returning to ESPN College Basketball Coverage for First Time in Nearly Two Years

Over the last three-and-a-half years, Dick Vitale has faced four different types of cancer but has prevailed through the challenges and recently divulged that his vocal cords were cancer free. Vitale will now be making his return to the ESPN airwaves to call the Duke-Wake Forest men’s college basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4:30 p.m. EST from the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. Vitale will pair with play-by-play announcer Dave O’Brien for the ACC matchup, marking his first game broadcast in nearly two years.

Vitale joined ESPN shortly after its launch for the 1979-80 season following a coaching career that spanned high school, college basketball and the NBA. Throughout his time with the network, he has called over 1,000 games and received numerous industry honors. Vitale is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a broadcaster, and he was also inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame this past September.

“I am absolutely ecstatic and I can’t believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments and chemotherapy for six months,” Vitale said in a statement. “It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me. I can’t thank Jimmy Pitaro and all of my ESPN colleagues who I consider my second family enough for the love they showed me through such a tough time. I just hope that I can offer the people some basketball insights that can bring even more excitement to the game.”

In addition to his basketball analysis, Vitale serves as a voice for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was founded by the late Jim Valvano in 1993. The organization has raised approximately $400 million in cancer research grants in North America, and ESPN partners with the charitable organization for an annual week of programming dedicated to defeating cancer. Vitale is embarking on the 20th anniversary of his gala that has raised $93 million for the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund from the V Foundation.

“There is no better ambassador for the sport of college basketball than Dick Vitale,” Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, said in a statement. Even while navigating his own health challenges, Dick continued to look for ways to give back and help others, inspiring us all. Dick is one-of-a-kind and we can’t wait to have him back doing what he loves most on ESPN on January 25.”

In a previous interview with Barrett Sports Media, Vitale discussed his winning formula of “passion plus pride plus perseverance,” and he also indicated a desire to broadcast college basketball games at 100 years old. Vitale has documented his journey battling melanoma and lymphoma, along with receiving radiation to treat vocal cord cancer and then facing a cancerous lymph node in his neck. Dr. Steven Zeitels, Vitale’s laryngeal doctor, explained in a video that his patient was cancer free but would have some of his activity restricted while calling games.

“After all of the battles and challenges that Dick has been through over the past several years, we should all feel lucky that we’re able to have him back courtside again,” David Ceisler, vice president of production at ESPN, said in a statement. “He has fought tirelessly for everybody else and it is so rewarding to see that he’s won another battle.”

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.

Joyce Wirthlin Named Market President At iHeartMedia Salt Lake City

BMM Staff
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Joyce Wirthlin Named Market President At iHeartMedia Salt Lake City

Joyce Wirthlin has been named Market President at iHeartMedia Salt Lake City. According to her LinkedIn, she joined the then Clear Channel cluster in 1998 as VP/Sales, advancing to SVP/Sales and finally Market Manager.

She takes over for Judy Copier, who transferred to iHeartMedia’s Orlando/Melbourne, FL market. (BMM 8/27)

Wirthlin said, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Market President of iHeartMedia Salt Lake City and grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team. The people here are the core of our success. Together, we are eager to build upon our achievements and continue to shape the future of media in Salt Lake City.”

iHeart Division President Nick Gnau stated, “I am very excited to have Joyce leading this team in Salt Lake City. Since the day I started working with Joyce, I was impressed with her leadership, the culture she has built with her team, and the deep knowledge of the market. I have no doubt that she will propel this team to the next level!”

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.

ESPN ‘College GameDay’ to Broadcast from Auburn for First On-Campus Show

BSM Staff
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ESPN ‘College GameDay’ to Broadcast from Auburn for First On-Campus Show

The basketball edition of ESPN College GameDay is set to air its first on-campus show of the season on Saturday, Jan. 25 taking place from Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala., marking the fifth time the school has hosted the pregame program. The network will present the show before the top-10 matchup between No. 6 Tennessee and No. 1 Auburn, which takes place later in the day at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN, ESPN+ and Disney+.

This episode of College GameDay will begin at 11 a.m. EST and feature host Rece Davis with analysts Jay Bilas, Andraya Carter, Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams. Davis and Bilas have been members of the pregame show since its start in 2005, marking 20 years behind the desk previewing forthcoming games.

Greenberg is the second longest-tenured on-air cast member as he begins his 10th year, while Williams is back for his seventh season. Carter, who completed her first season on the show last year, is returning and will also serve as a desk analyst for the women’s edition of the show as well. College sports insider Pete Thamel is set to join the basketball version of College GameDay as well, continuing his work with the franchise that also spans football season.

“We are thrilled to hit the road for this season of College GameDay as the energy each college campus we visit brings is unmatched,” Aaron Katzman, coordinating producer of ESPN College GameDay, said in a statement. “With Rece, Jay Bilas, Andraya, Seth and Jay Williams’s voices leading the way, we are excited to continue to showcase the dynamic players, storylines and atmospheres of men’s college basketball throughout the spring.”

The pregame show will air on Saturday, Jan. 18 from the ESPN Bristol studios before it makes the trip to Auburn for its first on-campus program. Future locations for the show will be determined as the season continues and announced one week ahead of each show. The show will also be accompanied by the 30-minute Countdown to GameDay social and digital media pregame show with host Sam Ravech and a rotation of co-hosts, some of whom include Norris Cole, Dalen Cuff, Harry Lyles Jr., Myron Medcalf and Quentin Richardson.

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.

Lance Medow Leaves SiriusXM After 15 Years

BSM Staff
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Lance Medow Leaves SiriusXM After 15 Years

A longtime SiriusXM voice has bid farewell to his longtime employer. Lance Medow served as a voice for countless Mad Dog Sports Radio and NFL Radio programs but is saying goodbye to embark on a new journey. He posted the news via his social media platforms:

“Many of you may already know but for those that don’t, Sunday, January 5th was my last show on Sirius XM,” Meadow said in a statement. “I want to thank all the listeners over the last 15 years, who consistently tuned into my shows across many different channels including Mad Dog Sports Radio and NFL Radio. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication.

The response has been overwhelming and quite emotional for those that have reached out via all forms of social media/email, even those that I never interacted with on or off the air during my tenure but constantly tuned in and invited me into their daily or weekend lives and wanted to share their stories. It’s been extremely fulfilling reading your notes and if I haven’t already, I will absolutely make it a priority to respond. When you’re at a place for as long as I have, you build many relationships on and off the air, which further emphasizes the power of radio.

I’m looking forward to the next chapter and hope all of you will come along for the ride. For those of you who are media/team executives, decision makers, influencers, I’m a free agent and I’m anxious to pursue a wide array of opportunities so let’s talk, explore and ultimately create an engaging and entertaining product.”

Medow has been a mainstay in radio for years, appearing not just on SiriusXM’s airwaves, but Westwood 1’s as well. He calls men’s and women’s regular season and postseason college basketball games for the network. He is the voice of the Ivy League’s Columbia Lions men’s basketball broadcasts and hosts the Bleav in The Bronx: A New York Yankees Podcast for Bleav Sports. He has also been a longtime on-air host for the New York Giants, hosting numerous programs like Big Blue Kickoff for the team’s digital platforms and other linear programming.

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.

Nielsen Diary Markets 12+ December 2024 6 am-midnight

BMM Staff
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Nielsen Diary Markets 12+ December 2024 6 am-midnight

You can dive deeper into each market on Barrett Media’s ratings page. Powered by Harker Bos Group.

#66 Fresno

Hip Hop KBOS retains the lead 7.7-7.8

Regional Mexican KLBN grows 5.2-6.0

AC KSOF had a happy holiday 4.1-5.8

#70 Albuquerque

Rock KZRR gains a share 4.9-5.9

Classic Rock KIOT off slightly 5.2-4.9

Hot AC KPEK up a full share 3.9-4.9

#72 Knoxville

Country WIVK stays in double digits and leads the market 11.8-11.4

Classic Rock WIMZ 8.3-8.9

AC WJXB drops 8.5-7.6

#76 El Paso

Classic Hots KOFX sets a strong pace with 12.9-12.8

AC KTSM got the holiday bump 8.9-10.0

Rock KLAQ gains a share 6.7-7.7

#79 Wilkes Barre/Scranton

Top 40 WKRZ has a big month 7.8-9.5

Country WGGY up 7.7-8.2

Classic Rock WEZX tumbles 8.3-5.6

You can dive deeper into each market on Barrett Media’s ratings page. Powered by Harker Bos Group.

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.

CNN Eyes Wolf Blitzer for Morning Role Which Would Move Jim Acosta to Overnights

BNM Staff
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CNN Eyes Wolf Blitzer for Morning Role Which Would Move Jim Acosta to Overnights

CNN is looking to move Wolf Blitzer to its late morning window as part of a lineup reshuffle, which would shift Jim Acosta to the midnight timeslot.

According to a report from Status News founder Oliver Darcy, CNN CEO Mark Thompson is mulling changes to the network’s offerings and would like to move Blitzer to the 10 AM to Noon ET window alongside Pamela Brown.

That would, in turn, push Jim Acosta out of the timeslot. Darcy reported that Thompson had reached out to Acosta with an offer to host a program from midnight to 2 AM ET.

Wolf Blitzer has been a staple at CNN. He joined the network in 1990 and has been seen in afternoons during The Situation Room since 2005. In April 2021, the program helmed by the 76-year-old was shortened to one hour to accommodate an expansion of Jake Tapper’s show.

The report from Darcy added that it’s likely the network is looking at the change in an effort to appeal to President-elect Donald Trump.

“They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,” a source close to the situation claimed. “Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.”

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.

Report: Tom Brady is ‘Really Excited About the Future with Fox Sports’

BSM Staff
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Report: Tom Brady is ‘Really Excited About the Future with Fox Sports’

As Tom Brady prepares to conclude his first season as the lead analyst for the NFL on FOX, he is said to be committed to fulfilling his 10-year contract with FOX Sports, reportedly worth $375 million. Don Yee, who represents Brady as his agent, recently explained that his client plans to stay with FOX in an interview with Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal. The revelation occurs as Brady continues to broadcast games under special restrictions since he is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Yee had not spoken about Brady’s job with FOX Sports until this moment, which coincides with speculation surrounding potential conflicts of interest as he is reportedly involved in the Raiders’ head coaching search. Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is reportedly one of the top candidates for the role and will be on the sidelines as Brady calls the team’s playoff game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

“Tom has had a tremendous amount of fun working with Fox this year, and he’s really excited about the future with Fox and his growth on their team,” Yee said. “And this year was the first year of a long relationship.”

Brady is slated to call Super Bowl LIX on FOX, which is also streaming live in 4K on Tubi, alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on Sunday, Feb. 9 from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Moreover, he is expected to call the NFC Championship game taking place next Sunday. FOX Sports is currently in the second season of its 10-year media rights deal with the NFL, which is reportedly worth $2.25 billion per season.

Throughout the season, Brady has been unable to access team facilities or attend broadcast production meetings that are in person or online. Furthermore, he is not allowed to divulge public criticism of officials or other NFL franchises, although he can broadcast Raiders football games. Outside of this, Brady is also not permitted to have a title with the Raiders that spans beyond his status as a minority owner.

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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