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Damon Amendolara Unsure About A Future Return To Radio

John Mamola
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Damon Amendolara Unsure About A Future Return To Radio

Damon Amendolara isn’t sure he’ll return to daily radio. However, the former Mad Dog Sports Radio host outlined exactly what a comeback would require.

What We Know: Amendolara exited SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio’s morning show in August. That departure ended a three-year run alongside Mike Babchik. Previously, he spent a decade at CBS Sports Radio after hosting evenings at 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Last night, he opened up about a potential return to radio in some form on his D.A. Live program on YouTube.

What They Said: (All quotes via D.A. Live):

Damon Amendolara says the radio industry is in a difficult state now: “I couldn’t tell you one way or the other if I’m definitely going to be back on daily radio. Or even if I want to be back on daily radio because it is a industry right now that is under extreme turmoil and volatility. That is an interesting thing to navigate.”

Damon Amendolara on what he would require to come back to daily radio: “I would imagine there’s a market for me because of what I’ve done in my career. Because of what I’m always passionate about to do it. If there is a market for it, then I will absolutely consider that. But it also [has] to be something where I trust who I’m working for, and I trust who I’m working with. They understand my vision, and I understand their vision, and so we’ll see.”

Damon Amendolara believes he will find a way to doing something daily once again: “Can you create dedication? Can you create an audience every day, Monday through Friday, and make it unique? I think I did that, because that’s who I am. I think I’ll end up doing that again.”

What Remains Unclear: Amendolara hasn’t said whether any outlet has approached him. Additionally, he offered no timeline for a decision. It’s also unclear whether a return would come on terrestrial, satellite, or digital platforms. With experience in every medium, he remains an experienced target for any outlet.

What It Means: Amendolara’s comments reflect a broader concern across sports audio. Talent increasingly weighs stability alongside opportunity. Still, his morning drive track record makes him an attractive option. Ultimately, trust in management may decide his next move as he hinted in his explanation. However, wherever Amendolara decides to go, an audience he’s built for nearly two decades will likely follow.

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.

CNN’s Omar Jimenez Launches Daily Livestream Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Garrett Searight
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CNN’s Omar Jimenez Launches Daily Livestream Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

CNN anchor Omar Jimenez is taking his reporting on the road ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The journalist will host a multi-hour livestream each day this week, visiting battleground states and meeting voters.

What We Know: Jimenez’s livestream will run from 10 AM to 5 PM ET each day this week, with stops planned in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. On Monday, CNN aired the first two hours of the broadcast on YouTube, while viewers could watch the remainder through the CNN app. The coverage will combine political reporting with travel, food, and local activities as Jimenez visits communities in key states ahead of the November midterm elections. The format also gives CNN an opportunity to bring its reporting to digital audiences beyond its traditional television broadcasts.

What They Said: “I’m doing something this week that I don’t think CNN has ever done. I’m hosting a 7+ hour livestream every day as we drive through battleground states, meet voters/candidates, and just have fun with local unique activities. It’s part travel show, part food show, part politics.” -Omar Jimenez

What Remains Unclear: CNN hasn’t outlined whether the livestream will continue beyond this week or become a recurring feature of its digital coverage. The network also hasn’t detailed how much time Jimenez will spend interviewing candidates compared with talking to voters and participating in local activities.

What It Means: The project gives CNN another way to connect with audiences during a critical stretch of the election cycle. By combining political reporting with travel and community visits, Jimenez’s livestream offers a less conventional approach to covering battleground states. Additionally, distributing the coverage across YouTube and the CNN app allows the network to reach viewers on multiple digital platforms as campaigns compete for attention ahead of Election Day.

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Audacy’s WGR Walks Home With Four Buffalo Broadcasters Awards

John Mamola
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Audacy’s WGR Walks Home With Four Buffalo Broadcasters Awards

WGR Sports Radio 550 won Station of the Year at the 2026 Buffalo Broadcasters Awards last week. Additionally, the Audacy sports station and its talent collected three more honors.

What We Know: The Buffalo Broadcasters Association held its annual awards and Hall of Fame induction ceremony. WGR earned Station of the Year, while Sal Capaccio took Sports Professional of the Year. Meanwhile, Owen Parker won Breakout Talent of the Year. Furthermore, It’s Always Gameday in Buffalo with Capaccio and Matt Bove, produced by Mike Rabiej, won Podcast of the Year.

What They Said: Sal Capaccio (via X): “I am so incredibly honored to be awarded Buffalo Sportscaster of the Year by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association. To even be in the same room and mentioned along with so many of the great talents of our industry, is truly humbling. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.”

Owen Parker (via X): “Honored to win the Breakout Talent of the year award. Congrats to all my fellow broadcasters who were nominated/won awards last night, and the Hall of Famers inducted by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association.”

What Remains Unclear: The evening also celebrated the BBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026, including Scott Levin, Jon Summers, Sandy Kozel, Dennis Webster, Bob Koshinski, and Rick Swenson. It’s unclear who could be eligible for the induction ceremony in 2027.

What It Means: Taken together, the wins give WGR a strong showing across station, talent, and digital categories. Notably, Capaccio’s two honors highlight his value both on air and in podcasting. Moreover, Parker’s award shows the station’s next generation is already earning recognition. As a result, WGR adds to its credentials in the middle of a busy Bills season.

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.

Jesse Watters to Lead Fox News’ Primetime Town Hall with Vice President JD Vance

Garrett Searight
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Jesse Watters to Lead Fox News’ Primetime Town Hall with Vice President JD Vance

Fox News will bring Vice President JD Vance to primetime for a town hall moderated by Jesse Watters. The event will air Thursday, October 29th, from Fort Worth, Texas, during Jesse Watters Primetime.

What We Know: Fox News will broadcast the pre-taped, one-hour town hall at 8 PM ET, Watters’ regular timeslot. The discussion will focus on the issues affecting the country, the upcoming midterm elections, and other topics. Watters, who also co-hosts The Five, leads cable news’ top-rated primetime program. In the third quarter of 2026, Jesse Watters Primetime averaged 2.8 million viewers, placing it ahead of several broadcast programs and other cable news shows.

What’s At Stake: The town hall gives Vance another opportunity to address voters as Republicans and Democrats prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. By bringing the vice president to a primetime audience, Fox News can offer viewers an extended discussion of the administration’s priorities and the issues shaping the political landscape. The format also gives Watters an opportunity to question Vance about the topics most likely to influence voters.

What Remains Unclear: Fox News hasn’t detailed the specific subjects Watters will raise or whether the audience will participate directly in the discussion. The network also hasn’t disclosed additional details about the event’s format beyond its one-hour runtime and focus on national issues and the midterms.

What It Means: This won’t be Vance’s first town hall appearance ahead of the midterms. Earlier this month, he participated in a similar event with CBS News, moderated by Tony Dokoupil. The Fox News event gives the vice president another opportunity to reach a national television audience while highlighting the network’s continued investment in political programming.

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.

Prime Video Releases Trailer For Upcoming Terrell Owens Documentary

John Mamola
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Prime Video Releases Trailer For Upcoming Terrell Owens Documentary

Prime Video has released the official trailer for Terrell & T.O. The Terrell Owens documentary premieres November 5 in more than 240 countries and territories.

What We Know: The feature-length film follows Owens’ journey from childhood to the Hall of Fame. He entered the NFL as a third-round pick out of Tennessee-Chattanooga in 1996. In San Francisco, he developed under Hall of Fame teammates Steve Young and Jerry Rice. Meanwhile, his physical dominance and theatrical flair reshaped the wide receiver position. In the documentary, Owens tells his own story, alongside family members and close friends. Former 49ers stars Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Jeff Garcia also appear. Additionally, Tony Romo, Jerry Jones, and Owens’ former Eagles coach Andy Reid sit down for interviews.

What’s At Stake: The documentary opens up Owens about his turbulent personal and professional career playing for three teams. With the launch of his podcast, Get To The Point, the timing lines up with Owens exploring more avenues in media post-career.

What Remains Unclear: His legacy, however, remains complicated. Locker room conflicts, media clashes, and showy celebrations defined much of his career. Meanwhile, the film catches up with Owens in the present day. Exactly how he defines his next chapter is still an open question. Also, the release doesn’t document the full guest list of appearances in the documentary.

What It Means: For Prime Video, the documentary is the latest addition to the Prime membership. NFL Films produced the project with House of Nonfiction for Prime Video Sports and Skydance Sports. Alexandria Stapleton directs and produces. Ultimately, the film examines how Owens embodied the tension between individual expression and team conformity.

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.

Tucker Carlson: ‘I Got Completely Deluded’ By Having Influence with President Donald Trump

Garrett Searight
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Tucker Carlson: ‘I Got Completely Deluded’ By Having Influence with President Donald Trump

Tucker Carlson says he overstated his influence with President Donald Trump, acknowledging that access to the president distorted his judgment. The conservative commentator now believes he misread the extent to which Trump valued his advice.

What We Know: In a feature story with the Financial Times, Carlson reflected on his relationship with Trump and his perception of influence within the president’s orbit. Carlson came to believe that Trump trusted his advice, but proximity to the president clouded his judgment. As a result, Carlson now says he exaggerated his own importance in the relationship. His comments offer a different perspective on the access he once appeared to enjoy.

What They Said: “I got completely deluded … Like I so overstated my power that it was embarrassing. He didn’t care what I thought at all. And you know, why would he actually?” -Tucker Carlson

What Remains Unclear: Carlson’s comments don’t establish when his perception of the relationship began to change or which specific interactions prompted his reassessment. It also remains unclear whether Trump’s willingness to hear Carlson’s opinions translated into any meaningful influence over presidential decisions. Carlson’s remarks describe his personal interpretation of the relationship rather than providing specific examples of advice Trump accepted or rejected.

What It Means: Carlson’s admission highlights the difference between having access to a president and possessing genuine influence over his decisions. Although Carlson has been a prominent voice in conservative media, his comments suggest he overestimated the importance of his relationship with Trump. Ultimately, the remarks offer a glimpse into how proximity to political power can distort a commentator’s understanding of their own standing.

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.

McDonalds Ending Three Decade FIFA World Cup Sponsorship

John Mamola
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McDonalds Ending Three Decade FIFA World Cup Sponsorship

McDonalds is ending its FIFA World Cup sponsorship after 32 years. The fast-food giant is overhauling its marketing model ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.

What We Know: The partnership began with the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Then, this summer, McDonald’s ran its biggest World Cup campaign yet, reaching more than 110 countries. Wieden+Kennedy New York built the effort, which became the brand’s largest marketing push of 2026. Now, a FIFA spokesperson has confirmed the deal ends at the close of this year. In July, FIFA announced it exceeded $15 billion in revenue, significantly above the $11 billion projection.

What They Said: Morgan Flatley, McDonald’s global chief marketing officer and head of new business ventures (via ADWEEK): “For more than 30 years, McDonald’s and FIFA have brought fans together around one of the world’s biggest cultural moments, and we are proud of the memories and experiences we have created with fans and communities globally over that time.”

What Remains Unclear: McDonald’s has not disclosed how much it spent on the World Cup across three decades. The company also hasn’t detailed where those marketing dollars will go next. Additionally, it called the decision “unrelated to recent headlines about the association.”

What It Means: For FIFA, losing a 32-year partner sends a tough signal to global brands. Meanwhile, McDonald’s faces slowing U.S. growth after a campaign that missed expectations. So instead of a burst every four years, it will invest in sport through other channels. Ultimately, more brands may favor year-round deals with leagues, clubs and athletes.

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.

Cliff Cage Named Program Director of US 101 Country, 104.7 KDUK

Garrett Searight
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Cliff Cage Named Program Director of US 101 Country, 104.7 KDUK

Cliff Cage has been named Program Director of US 101 Country and 104.7 KDUK in Eugene. He’ll also host middays on US 101 Country and afternoons on KDUK.

What We Know: Cage joins Bicoastal Media Eugene after previously working for both Cumulus Media and iHeartMedia. In addition to his programming responsibilities, he’ll take on two on-air shifts, hosting middays at US 101 Country and afternoons at 104.7 KDUK. He replaces Gerry Snyder, known on the air as G-Man, who departed earlier this year. The news was first reported by Country Aircheck.

What’s At Stake: Cage will oversee programming at two stations serving different audiences in the Eugene market. His dual on-air responsibilities will also give listeners a familiar voice across both brands. Meanwhile, his experience with Cumulus and iHeartMedia provides a background in working within major radio groups as he assumes leadership at Bicoastal Media Eugene.

What Remains Unclear: Bicoastal Media hasn’t publicly detailed any additional programming changes tied to Cage’s appointment. It’s also unclear whether the stations will introduce changes to their music rotations, on-air lineups, or broader programming strategies under his leadership.

What It Means: Cage’s appointment gives Bicoastal Media Eugene a new programming leader following Snyder’s departure. By combining oversight of both stations with daily on-air shifts, Cage will have opportunities to shape each station’s sound while connecting directly with listeners. His experience across two major radio companies could also inform his approach to programming in the competitive Eugene market.

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.

Cleveland Cavaliers, DAZN Reportedly Reach Agreement To Air Games Locally on DirecTV

John Mamola
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Cleveland Cavaliers, DAZN Reportedly Reach Agreement To Air Games Locally on DirecTV

Cleveland Cavaliers games are reportedly heading to DirecTV. The Cavs and DAZN struck a deal with the satellite provider, according to Crain’s Cleveland Business.

What We Know: According to Crain’s, a formal announcement should arrive this week on the new agreement. However, the deal appears to have already started with Saturday’s home opener against Brooklyn. Previously, in-market fans needed a DAZN subscription, roughly $120 for the season, to watch. This caused massive fan outrage, including a viral discussion from 92.3 The Fan’s Ken Carman on the matter.

What’s At Stake: With DAZN officially partnering with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a new multi-year agreement, there was still some framework to be worked out for the distribution of the games. Now, with the added DirecTV access point, the fan backlash could subside putting more focus on the court. This is DAZN’s first major push into local sports rights following the collapse of Main Street Sports Group, with the streaming platform looking to showcase its efforts for a possible NBA centralized hub beginning next year.

What Remains Unclear: Originally, Sports Business Journal reported the exclusive DAZN deal paid the Cavs about $20 million annually. That exclusivity commanded a higher fee than streaming-only partners received. Now, it’s unclear whether those terms will change or other linear deals will follow. Likewise, nobody knows if DirecTV subscribers who bought DAZN will get refunds.

What It Means: Ultimately, this is a notable retreat from a streaming-only strategy for the Cavaliers. The Cavs were among five exclusive DAZN teams lacking a linear TV home. As a result, DirecTV’s addition gives fans an easier path to their team.

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.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Urges NAB to Fight Back on Election Coverage

Michael Krantz
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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Urges NAB to Fight Back on Election Coverage

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez wants broadcasters to fight back. She’s urging the NAB to defend election coverage more forcefully.

What We Know: Gomez, the commission’s lone Democrat, sent a letter to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt on Oct. 22. urging the group to speak out against what she describes as pressure on broadcasters from the Trump administration. Moreover, The letter follows an Oct. 21 post from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. He warned that stations airing polls that violate their obligations could face news distortion or hoax scrutiny. Gomez also criticizes equal-time guidance for candidate interviews, which she contends the FCC’s Media Bureau issued without a vote from the full commission. Additionally, she argues the guidance is already affecting coverage. She points to ABC’s lawsuit, which states that no candidate has appeared on its daytime show The View since the FCC opened an investigation in February.

What They Said: “Your organization (NAB) speaks for thousands of stations nationwide, many of which do not have the legal resources or the political standing to push back on their own when the FCC comes calling.” -Anna Gomez

“We appreciate Commissioner Gomez’s recognition of the value of local broadcasters and her commitment to the First Amendment principles that underpin a free press. We will continue working with her and all policymakers to protect broadcasters’ rights and strengthen local stations’ ability to deliver trusted news and information to the communities they serve.”-Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President and CEO

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether NAB will take the stronger stand Gomez wants. The group thanked her for her letter but didn’t address her criticism. Additionally, neither the FCC or White House formally responded to the letter. Meanwhile, no station is reported to be under investigation over poll coverage. Whether the FCC’s warning will lead to an inquiry remains to be seen.

What It Means: This fight could shape how far government reaches into newsrooms. Gomez argues that licensing power gives regulators leverage, so even vague warnings may push stations toward safer election coverage. If that happens, viewers could see fewer poll stories and fewer candidate interviews just as voters are making decisions. Because the FCC licenses broadcasters but not cable or print outlets, local stations would feel the pressure first. Ultimately, courts could decide where the line sits, and their ruling may guide how future administrations treat the press.

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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