After resigning from Congress and turning down the nomination for Attorney General, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is reportedly joining One America News (OAN) for a cable news show.
A report from CNN’s Kristen Holmes says Gaetz is preparing to announce he is joining the cable news channel for a new program simply dubbed The Matt Gaetz Show.
The network has declined to comment on any potential developments, but a show page exists on the channel’s website promoting that a show from Gatez is “coming soon.”
The program is expected to be slotted into the 9 PM ET timeslot, with a launch date in January.
Matt Gaetz resigned from his post in Congress amid the release of an investigation into potential sexual misconduct with minors. He was tabbed as the nominee for Attorney General by Donald Trump after winning victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
However, after intense public pushback — from both sides of the political aisle — Gaetz subsequently shared he would not seek confirmation and also resigned from the current and incoming Congress after winning re-election himself.
A cable news future would not be out of the realm of possibility for Gaetz. He has previously guest-hosted a primetime program on Newsmax, leading many to openly question whether or not he was interested in a post-political media career.
OAN has at times professed itself to be one of the most ardent supporters of Donald Trump. The network was founded in 2013. At its height, it was available in roughly 35 million homes. However, that figure has dwindled dramatically in recent years as it is no longer has distribution on DirecTV.
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Brian Thompson was shot several times by a person, who police have alleged was Mangione, lying in wait last week outside a Manhattan hotel where United Healthcare was preparing to hold an investor meeting. The shooter then vanished, leading authorities on a chase before Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Monday morning.
The station is owned by the estate of Nicholas Mangione, who purchased the station in 1988. Mangione, who died in 2008, had nine children and 37 grandchildren, including the father of the alleged assassin.
The Mangione family is a prominent one in the Baltimore area. Nino Mangione, a Republican state lawmaker in Maryland, previously hosted a show on WCBM 680 before taking office in 2018.
Luigi Mangione is a graduate of the prestigious Gilman School, as well as the University of Pennsylvania. Authorities have identified that the potential motive for the killing stems back to issues related to the death of Mangione’s grandparents.
When reached by Barrett Media for comment on the development, the station offered their condolences to Thompson’s family.
“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the news reports regarding Luigi Mangione,” a statement from the Mangione family read. “We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news.”
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.
Remember back before the pandemic when streaming television was still “the next big thing”? It was no doubt popular, but it wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is now.
Back then, just having a streaming service was seen as an essential. Now, you need a streaming strategy and after a whole lot of plans and experimentation, ESPN made a big move last week when it popped up as a tile on Disney+.
This doesn’t mean that ESPN+ will no longer be a standalone service…at least it doesn’t mean that yet. More on that in a minute. It also doesn’t mean the long-planned Project Flagship is dead and buried. It’s merely the best move for the network right now.
Simply put, there are just too many streaming TV services out there. Netflix is the gold standard in terms of reach, but right below it are Prime TV and Disney+. After that, there is a big dropoff to the Apple TVs, Maxes and Peacocks of the world. The drop to the next tier? It’s so much bigger.
I always thought ESPN+ was kind of a hard sell. There weren’t enough exclusive events from the likes of the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball. The college sports products were rarely the must-see matchups. ESPN+ definitely had appeal. It just wasn’t particularly broad.
That isn’t a problem though when you have Disney+ at your disposal. The Walt Disney Company knows that it is a super weapon. It’s why, despite the very family-unfriendly nature of shows like Shogun and Say Nothing, Hulu was introduced as a tile on Disney+ a little over six months ago.
ESPN’s streaming future was always somewhat convoluted. Jimmy Pitaro had talked about a number of radically different visions for how fans could stream the network’s content and promised that all of them would be available.
One of those options, VENU, the proposed skinny bundle partnership with FOX and WBD, has been sidelined by Fubo’s antitrust lawsuit. There are still a lot of digital offerings either coming or available from ESPN. Could the network, and thus the Walt Disney Company, benefit by letting Disney+ do the heavy lifting?
Most people across the industry believe that whenever a fully over-the-top version of ESPN launches, it will be priced at a premium. Streaming’s biggest disadvantage compared to cable is there is still no way to pay one price for everything. It’s a math problem of what gets you the most. For sports fans, outside of Sunday NFL games, a streaming version of ESPN would get them most of the biggest play-by-play properties. That won’t come cheap.
But what is the market for that? Right now, a subscription to Hulu + Live TV is $82 per month. A base subscription to YouTube TV is $73 per month. Neither one is cheap, but for a sports fan, they are good values compared to the rumored $30 or more per month Disney may ask for access to just the ESPN networks.
Whatever the cost, a fully digital ESPN will be priced at or near the highest end of the streaming spectrum. That will turn some potential users off. Making it a premium add-on to Disney+ instead of its own product may not solve that problem entirely, but it does create the advantage of convenience.
Every time a new Star Wars or Marvel show comes out, there’s the tile encouraging you to buy. Every time your kid asks to watch Moana for the 1000th time, there’s the tile reminding you that you rarely watch cable anyway.
I’ve always thought that the Walt Disney Company should do a better job of incorporating ESPN into its entertainment universe. (Don’t get me started on the missed opportunity to reopen Epcot’s Wonders of Life Pavillion with an ESPN overlay!) What ESPN+ has to offer right now fits the Disney+ model perfectly. Are you telling me the same person that streams Star Wars: Skeleton Crew wouldn’t give Peyton’s Places a shot?
The top three players in the streaming TV game can offer users the ease of discovery. It’s how their content finds an audience. Hot Frostydoesn’t even become a thing if not for people being on Netflix anyway. That is an advantage Disney should lean into as it gets set to take one of cable’s most valuable properties fully digital.
I have been listening to a lot of radio these days: different formats, and different disciplines. Radio has been invaded by an epidemic of personal pronoun abuse. Pronouns are a common part of the English language but can lead to confusion to the radio audience. I will give you a few examples of things that have been broadcast in major cities by superior talents. I will keep the names of the pronoun addicts private. I won’t be calling out anyone by name… This Time!
I was listening to a top 10 market NFL play-by-play team. This group was terrific. I was listening to a descriptive presentation of the game, and it was easy to follow along. (I cannot believe how bad some play-by-play teams can be. I swear that I listened to one broadcast where nothing was described or explained…I have another article on that coming up).
The sad thing is that the broadcast team referred to the team that they cover as…’Us, We, Them, They’…The broadcast team often did this in the same sentence. Pronoun dependance can make any broadcast difficult to follow along. I turned on the other team’s play-by-play and it was markedly worse. Pronoun city, plus, zero description of the action. It was horrific that the second crew referenced was one of 32 radio broadcast teams on the radio.
Ok, people listening to any game on the radio or app cannot see the action. The play-by-play voice has a simple job (not simple to do, but to define). That job is to explain everything that is going on in the game with efficient storytelling. Less is more. Stop the clichés. I decided to listen to another team’s broadcast, and it was excellent. I will name this group. The Atlanta Falcons broadcast team is one of the best that I have heard in a while. I knew everything on each play. No clichés. It was strong.
I love jumping into talk shows as I monitor them in the middle of a segment. Why? PPM has clearly demonstrated that at any moment, listeners are turning the show on. Are you keeping people in the loop?
So, I started listening to a major market talent. Again, I won’t say who it is or give the slightest hint of this very capable broadcaster’s identity. The host was telling me about a huge local story. This again was a pronoun-palooza session. The host did toss in the last name of the local official a couple of times. I hate to say this, but most people in that community probably have not heard of this individual except for perhaps local politics junkies.
Being the insider show is a recipe for your broadcast to become a flaccid mess. The host must repeat the name of the person and the subject of the discussion constantly. Resetting is counter intuitive for human beings. If we are at a diner or The Waffle House, the conversation’s original context has already been established. When you are on the air, it is not. The audience is constantly changing.
The job of the host is to lock in every person to keep them listening to the show. If you are a diary market, the data says that the average person may be listening for 40 minutes or more per listening occasion. I can assure you that these numbers are not accurate. While there are major challenges with PPM, the methodology is much more accurate than recall. The average listening time for PPM on a News Talk or Sports Talk station is about 13 minutes per listening occasion. PPM Data also shows us that people are equally likely to start listening at any moment of the hour. Obviously, allowing your new listeners to understand the conversation quickly is a must.
So, here is what you can do. Unless you are using words like me or I, avoid pronouns. The best way to change is with aircheck sessions. You can listen to your show or request that your Program Director help you eliminate pronouns. If you are the Program Director seeking to maximize the footprint of your station’s locally originated programming, start listening for pronoun abuse. It is a thing.
The elimination of pronouns will seem counterintuitive. It just will. You must do that task. Instead of listening to your station or show, the listeners have a myriad of options. It is not just the other radio stations. The listener can easily choose an audio book, a personal playlist, satellite radio, YouTube and more.
If you are the host, I get it. There are mental gymnastics that most hosts put themselves through for a legitimate and wide variety of reasons. But as I have stated often in this column, the worst lie that you can ever tell is the one you tell yourself. I can spend ten minutes with any host and figure out those self-told affirmations that are just not true. I have been in front of wonderful hosts. I have been asked to provide airchecks for many hosts, and yes, some names that you know. I always do this privately.
I actually love breaking down shows. How long has it been since you airchecked yourself? You don’t need to listen to every show. You don’t even need to listen to one show. Pick an hour, any hour. Start it at 11 minutes after and listen to the rest of that hour. Ok, if a listener was joining you at 11 minutes after the hour, how long would it take for that listener to understand what the heck you are talking about?
It is always about a Listener-Focused Experience.
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The NFL season is now past the halfway point, with playoffs on the horizon.
Adjustments to be made – injuries to cover – quarterbacks in question.
Hundreds of hours have been invested in training camps, between game practices and film evaluation.
All for – 11 minutes.
The aggregate number of game-play minutes in the NFL is – 11 minutes.
That’s offense – and defense. 11 minutes of lightning-quick – play.
11 minutes is also the amount of time any one player is on the ice in a hockey game (goalie excepted).
Also – as discovered through digital measurement – the amount of time music radio is exposed to the listener is approximately 11 minutes.
The same goes for local television breaks (AM Drive) during – say – The TODAY Show.
In audio creation in the podcasting space, experts tell us that superior on-demand storytelling takes about an hour of research for 11 minutes (OK- 10 minutes) of content development.
Non-radio people do not grasp the time investment to build quality audio content and are surprised when we outline the commitment.
When anyone – radio or non-radio – approaches us about developing a podcast, we take them through the following short but effective questionnaire:
1. Why Podcast
-What is motivating you to Podcast
-What are your goals for the Podcast
-Do you realistically have time to Podcast
2. Commitment
-Create the TIME to commit to it long-term – consistent schedule
-Prep each cast so there’s no ‘winging it’
-You’ll also need time for post-production and distribution
3. Practice
-Create a few real-time demos of your Podcast
-After editing the demo play for a few trusted ears – be passionate about the topic
-Develop many topics before launch as a few ideas will multiply with time
4. Followers
-Do you have a social footprint or database to get followers
-Find one social media platform to dominate initially – add more later
-Which platform is best for your content – Twitter – LinkedIn – Spotify
5. Respect Time
-Be intentional and focus your Podcast to ONE topic
-No perfect length – TEDx Talks are 20 minutes – less than that
-Write the END first – then work backward
6. Audio
-Audio is more important than video as sonics ‘print’ better than pictures
-Invest in quality set up – sound soak – microphones – no phone guests
-Use audio effects if necessary to ‘punch’ the audio for consumption
7. Target
-Define a target podcast consumer and how they need to hear the product
-Who else is in your lane – if crowded, develop further niche
-The smaller or boutique the product – creates passionate first adopters
8. Promote
-Develop a marketing plan to promote your Podcast
-Partner with other Podcasters (or guests) to megaphone the product
-Utilize web partners to link your Podcast in their blog
9. Distribution
-Create a unique landing page for your Podcast on an existing website
-Decide ONE place for consumption – iTunes – Sound Cloud – Buzzsprout
-E-Blast to your existing database about your Podcast
10. Story
-Tell a story that has a strong OPEN to hook the consumer
-Story should have an open–middle–strong end with pre-sell
-Take a situation that was solved with your service – testimonials
Lukewarm reception on any of these points will likely lead to what is termed Pod-Fade – losing interest — after a few episodes. Most shy away from this sort of preparation thought or lose motivation, experience burnout, or find the time commitment too demanding
Our teams play every day. But what if we had talent invest just 10% of what professional athletes devote to each game, there would be no outcry for ‘compelling content’ and ‘engaged talent.’
Before launching any ensemble media show, have them prep and practice offline in real time on several occasions. We have talent do this in the studio or overnights. You’ll get funny looks, but your brand is certainly worth the hours invested.
The Army calls it The 5 P’s – and the disparity of time in battle engagement vs. training hours is enormous.
Crosstown competition isn’t prepping – or preparing like this – either!
Getting your players battle – ready for their 11 minutes.
In those 11 minutes, the listener will hear a world of difference.
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.
What do you give to someone who already has everything? Amazon delivered several gifts to the National Football League as its streaming Black Friday game appeared to firmly establish a new football franchise and a new venue for shopping at the beginning of the holiday season.
The NFL helped Amazon by scheduling the Chiefs for the day after Thanksgiving. Not only are the Chiefs emerging as the league’s most-watch team, partly because of a devoted Taylor Swift army tuning in for glimpses of their idol as Swift watches her boyfriend Travis Kelce catch passes from Patric Mahomes. The Chiefs are also playing close games, keeping viewers tuned in to see how Kansas will pull off its weekly last-second victory.
Amazon has also done its part. In its years carrying the NFL’s Thursday Night Football, Amazon’s technical expertise has proved that streaming games need not be interrupted by buffering delays and other hitches (Has Netflix, which will stream two NFL games on Christmas Day, reached out to Amazon for tips?) For another thing, Amazon has put together a top-notch broadcast team, with Kirk Herbstreitand Al Michaels in the booth and Charissa Thompson, Ryan Fitzgerald, Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman and Andrew Whitworth in the studio.
Already, football fans expect to see a game on Black Friday and will be looking forward to watching year after year, just the do while stuffing themselves with turduckens on Thanksgiving. Viewership was up 41% to 13.5 million, according to Nielsen. Next year, sports fans will have even more to stay home to watch on Black Friday because following football Amazon plans to stream an NBA game as part of a new contract with the league that starts next season.
Moreover, Amazon is good at selling things, and it’s brought this knowhow to the NFL and sponsors.
According to EDO, which measures the effectiveness of ad campaigns, commercials during Prime Video’s Black Friday game were 6% more effective than the average primetime NFL ad, 51% more effective than ads that aired in Thanksgiving Day NFL games. In addition, they were 74% more effective than the average primetime commercial in primetime broadcast or cable content.
Because they are so effective, Black Friday commercials could be a bargain at the $650,000 to $750,000 advertisers paid for each 30 second spot..
On top of that 30% more Black Friday advertisers used interactive and shoppable ad formats during the game.
Among the advertisers using interacitve ads was Tostitos. Viwers chould push a button and chips would be added to their Amazon cart. Pressing a button during a State Farm would get you a quote for insurance. Lego, Arby’s, Snyders, Microsoft Surface, Polo, Coca-Cola, Solo Stove also used Amazon’s bells and whistles.
Even the advertisers who didn’t use interactive commercials promoted special black Friday offers and used football related creative with players from the game and announcers from the Amazon Prime Video booth.
“The Black Friday game is changing consumer behaviors for both fans and advertisers as a new sports holiday on one of the biggest shopping days,” said Danielle Carney, Head of Live Sports and Video Sales for Amazon Ads, said in a statement. “Prime Video’s leaned-in audience came ready to engage with our Black Friday advertisers through clicks, scans, and search which resulted in our highest customer engagement on record.”
For decades, the TV business has drooled over the prospect of being able to sell Friends viewers the weather Jennifer Aniston was wearing on the show through some sort of home-shopping gizmo.. Over the years, home shopping technologies have come and gone.
If anyone can get people to skip stores, even on Black Friday, it’s Amazon. And now, Amazon is using the power of the NFL to add fuel to shopping on TV by putting interactive ads in forefront om of more viewers than ever.
Michael Bologna, an interactive ad pioneer who is now chief accelerator at Brightline, watched the Black Friday game and thought it was great.
“It was very clear during that program that the ads were interactive, that there was something different,” Bologna told Barrett Media. “Whenever you see any type of new format in a tentpole event, it’s always going to resonate better.”
Bologna said that with Amazon’s push, “it gave consumers a chance to see the power of interactivity. Those consumers are also advertisers, so I thought it was good for the business and good for the industry.”
It’s not clear whether or not viewers are more or less likely to interact with an ad while watching sports compared to other types of programming.
“People always say that sports is great for anything new, but they really don’t mean sports is great for anything new,” Bologna said. “They mean scale is great for something new, and sports brings scale. Sports brings a large audience and any time you’re trying to introduce a new type of format in the media business, you want as many people to see it as possible.”
Bologna warns that there are still obstacles to widespread adoption of ads by the TV industry. The formats need to be standardized, so they can make one ad that can appear on every platform. There also needs to be transparency about whose watching and what they bought. He warns that some platforms are reluctant to share data.
But the technology will inevitably evolve.
“Amazon is just starting the scratch the surface of that they could potentially do, Bologna said. “They own the e-commerce back end and they own the subscriber on Prime, so merging the two of them is a piece of cake.” He added that now that it owns TV set maker Vizio, Walmart could ramp up interactivity. And Brightline has its own method for working with streamers who want interactivity in their ads.
“We’ll see just how much interactive functionality the average viewer has an appetite for,” Bologna said.
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.
In the mid-80s, Bruce Vidal ruled Los Angeles evenings at KIIS. His main competitor was Laurie Allen at KMGG FM 105, whose job he took at KIIS and who also happened to be his wife.
Bruce and Laurie had a long-standing bet in their house that whoever had the highest ratings got to drive their Corvette to work. It’s a bet the Vidal never lost.
They were featured on the cover of People magazine, and national news magazine shows.
Vidal was also the substitute host on the “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40.”
He battled health issues most of his life before succumbing to diabetes in 2002 at the age of 54.
On a personal note, Bruce was a friend and most likely the reason I got into radio. I first met him when I was a kid, and he was working at his first radio job in a small town in Iowa. He was encouraging and always had time for a kid just interested in what he did. Like most people at their first job, I even recall Bruce doing play-by-play for the local high school teams.
Even in those first days, his goal was to be on the air in his hometown, Los Angeles.
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The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show isn’t known for its interviews. And that’s not a shot at the hosts. They just have grown their statures in the news/talk radio space from their opinions, not their interview ability.
And yet, the duo challenged themselves on Monday with an interview that must be handled with the utmost delicacy: sitting down with the mother of an Israeli hostage taken during the October 7th terrorist attacks last year.
Travis is currently in the Middle East touring the Jewish state, while Sexton remains stateside. To open the second hour of their Premiere Networks show on Monday, they welcomed Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon, a hostage taken for the Nova music festival during the initial attacks from Hamas.
Talk about pressure. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton don’t generally do many interviews. And it makes sense for why they wouldn’t. Folks aren’t tuning into The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show to not hear Travis and Sexton. When they do hold interviews, it’s generally with conservative media members or politicians, so the conversations can be a little, frankly, dull.
But when you’re about to feature a conversation with a mother who has been without her son for 14 months, that’s an entirely different sandbox than where the duo usually plays.
Travis asked the first question of the interview with a succinct query: “We appreciate you joining us. Can you tell us about your son and what October 7th was like for you? How did you become aware to what happened to him?”
Off the bat, it’s a good question to start with, because the expectation is to introduce the audience to a new narrative, a fresh perspective. However, it’s a double-barrelled question. Maybe even a triple-barrelled question. “Can you tell us about your son? What was October 7th like for you? How did you become aware to what happened to him?”
Those are three separate questions grouped together, all with somewhat differing expectations of an answer. There are two problems with asking that many questions at once. First, it sets the expectation to the guest that “You’re supposed to talk for a while.” And because the first question was really three questions, Ohel spoke uninterrupted for the next five-and-a-half minutes. Which, if you think about it, accounts for roughly 15% of the total content time in the hour.
Now, obviously, you’re not going to interject while a mother talks about how her son was kidnapped and she hasn’t spoken to him in more than 400 days. But that’s a big chunk of time for listeners to punch out of the radio station, podcast, YouTube video, or however they’re consuming the content.
Secondly, it gives the subject the opportunity to answer what they want to talk about first, rather than the interview controlling the conversation. However, that downside is mostly negated when you’re attempting to bring awareness to an issue rather than to get valuable information for your audience.
Travis asked the follow-up question, too. Which, again, was two questions: “What has it been like to have a son held hostage for over 400 days? How have you and your family been dealing with that?”
Those two questions from Travis — while being separate — are both looking to accomplish the same thing. But they’re good questions.
Because while Travis is asking for Ohel’s perspective, the question he essentially asked was “Why should our listeners care?” Which is a great question! Listeners are selfish. They want what they want, when they want it, how they want it. So for Clay Travis to give the floor for someone to explain what the emotional toll has been on them as they deal with tragedy in the wake of terrorism is an insanely compelling portion of the show.
And Ohel delivered beautifully on what the last 14 months have been like for her and her family. It was enthralling radio. Even the most hardened listener could empathize with the guest as she explained her situation. And it was because of a good question, despite the formatics being slightly off.
Unfortunately, that was all the available time in the segment. So while in reality Clay Travis asked five questions to the guest, they were done over two chances for him to speak. There was not much back-and-forth, give-and-take, or however you’d like to phrase it. Now, the nature of the topic doesn’t lend itself to a lively conversation to begin with. It’s a delicate topic and one that needs to be handled with the utmost amount of care. Which I think Clay Travis accomplished. You could tell by the tone of his voice that he cared and empathized with the guest. And that disarmed her, making her feel more free to speak openly about the situation.
Meanwhile, the segment was also completely devoid of Buck Sexton, which — in reality — makes sense, since Travis is the one on the ground in the Middle East. But if you tuned in at any portion of the conversation, it would be very easy to question “Where the hell is Buck?”
Overall, the questions asked by Clay Travis elicited compelling answers. And isn’t that what radio is all about? It almost feels as if it’s an example of “While this might not be the most perfectly mastered art of the interview, it does show that you can fall outside the rules and still find success,” situation. At least in my opinion.
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.
Last month, Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager suffered a severe injury from a fall that left him hospitalized. Little did Mike Gallagher and Hugh Hewitt know that would lead to a change in plans in their Thanksgiving schedules.
Prager was scheduled to lead a cruise comprised of his radio listeners on a nine-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale through the Southern Caribbean that began on Black Friday.
Unfortunately for listeners, however, the date they could receive a refund for their cruise had already passed, locking them into the trip. That’s when Salem Radio Network got creative, asking morning host Hugh Hewitt and midday host Mike Gallagher if they would be interested in filling in for their injured colleague.
“These poor people were kind of stuck,” Gallagher said of the Salem Radio Network listeners signed up for the cruise. “So Salem reached out to Hugh Hewitt and me to see if we could essentially parachute into this cruise at the last minute and entertain our passengers. When we do these listener cruises, we do a lot of on-board events. We always work out of their big stage, where all of the productions take place, and we present video and audio clips, and PowerPoints. We do a lot with our audience. Salem really scrambled and Hugh and I did it. We pulled it off.”
Due to the length of the cruise, the two hosts split their time on the trip. Hewitt accompanied the Holland America ship through the first few stops before Gallagher joined in Aruba. However, due to maritime procedures, the exchange had to take place in Aruba, leading to the two radio hosts crossing paths in the island nation.
The Mike Gallagher Show host had high praise for the nearly 300 listeners that had expected to spend their vacation with Dennis Prager.
“These people were amazing,” Gallagher said. “They were certainly disappointed that Dennis couldn’t be there, but once they understood the very serious nature of his injury, I think they understood that it was unavoidable. They were so gracious and appreciative of us being there for them. We put together panel discussions and had a lot of great content. I told Hugh Hewitt we’re gonna be lucky if the Prager fans don’t throw rotten tomatoes at us and make us walk the plank. They didn’t. They were wonderful, and kind, and understanding. It turned into a really great experience.”
Gallagher admitted he didn’t have much to research the destinations the ship would reach, let along prepare for any off-ship activities. He was simply focused on providing the best experience possible for the travelers who signed up for the adventure.
But despite that last minute nature of the injury to Dennis Prager and the change in hosts, Gallagher said he was able to rely on past experiences as a cruise host to provide what had been promised to the guests.
“Sebastian Gorka and I co-hosted a cruise to Alaska this past July. So, quite frankly and candidly, I was able to take a lot of material for that cruise and turn it around,” said Gallagher. “I also did a presentation on my visit to Israel after the October 7th terrorist attack … the audience was about 25% Jewish, so there was a good mix of Christians and Jews who seemed to appreciate my talk on the Israel visit. We pulled it all together. I think we gave them a lot of solid material they seemed to appreciate.”
Allen Estrin, Prager’s longtime producer and co-founder of PragerU, was also on board the ship, which fans of the program appreciated. Gallagher said, naturally, many of the guests were interested in hearing any update about Dennis Prager’s condition. In recent weeks, his podcast co-host Julie Hartman has shared that she has visited the longtime radio host in the hospital. And while Carl Jackson will serve as the fill-in host for The Dennis Prager Show until he is ready to return, many have shared that the recovery timeline for Prager will be a long one.
But overall, the guests on the cruise appreciated the two Salem Radio Network hosts who were available for the trip cutting their Thanksgiving plans short in order to make the best of a difficult situation.
And while Mike Gallagher and Hugh Hewitt would have much preferred that Dennis Prager was healthy and able to cruise the Caribbean with his devoted fans, it did make for an unrepeatable encounter.
“It worked out great, but it was one of the more unique experiences I’ve ever been through, just because of the last-minute nature of it,” concluded Gallagher.
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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Description
Easy-to-use layout and navigation
Straightforward design makes betting easy on mobile devices. BetZillion’s top-rated apps have simple menus and easy-to-find betting options, reducing lag and making it easy to switch between games during busy events.
Wide range of betting options and great odds
Offers a variety of sports betting, from leagues like the Premier League and NFL to niche sports. BetZillion emphasizes apps with competitive odds across markets to maximize wager value.
In-play betting and live streaming
Provides live streaming and in-play betting so bettors can follow and react to games in real-time. BetZillion’s recommended apps offer live updates, odds adjustments, and video streaming for an interactive experience.
Secure payment methods and quick withdrawals
Ensures safe transactions with multiple options, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and e-wallets. Fast withdrawals let users access winnings quickly, a priority for BetZillion’s top picks.
Exclusive mobile bonuses and rewards
Offers bonuses for mobile users, like welcome bonuses, free bets, and reload offers. BetZillion’s apps provide regular promotions for both new and returning users, enhancing the betting experience.
24/7 customer support
Good customer support is essential. BetZillion’s top apps provide 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support to help users with account, betting, or app-related issues anytime.
Compatibility with iOS and Android Devices
Optimized for both iOS and Android, BetZillion’s recommended apps offer smooth performance on smartphones and tablets and regularly update to improve functionality.
Responsible Gambling Options
BetZillion values apps that promote responsible betting, offering features like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and resources for bettors seeking support.
Custom Notifications and Alerts
Provides real-time notifications on game results, promotions, and key events. BetZillion’s top apps keep users informed without overloading them, focusing on relevant updates.
Best sports betting apps by category by BetZillion
BetZillion’s list of top sports betting apps for 2024 combines the ease of mobile betting with trusted features. With these qualities, bettors can enjoy a complete and secure betting experience right from their phones.
Best overall app for sports betting: Bet365
Best app for live betting: Unibet
Best app for football betting: Betway
Best app for American sports betting: FanDuel
Best app for betting odds and market variety: Pinnacle
Best for cash-out and withdrawal speeds: BetVictor
Best app for betting bonuses and promotions: Coral
Best for esports betting: 888sport
Best app for mobile experience: William Hill
Best app for horse racing betting: Paddy Power
Best app for user-friendly interface: Ladbrokes
Best app for innovative betting features: DraftKings
Best app for multi-sport coverage: Bwin
Best app for customer support: Betfred
Best app for fast loading times: Parimatch
Bet365 – best overall app for sports betting
Bet365 is one of the top sports betting apps offering bettors an all-encompassing betting experience with a user-friendly app and innovative features like cash-out and Bet Builder. Known for its extensive live streaming options, Bet365 covers a wide range of sports with real-time stats and in-play betting that keeps users engaged. This platform is widely popular across Europe, thanks to its consistent reliability, competitive odds, and top-tier betting tools that cater to both beginners and advanced bettors.
Pros
Expansive live streaming options across multiple sports.
Strong, competitive odds with diverse market choices.
User-friendly mobile app with fast, smooth in-play betting.
Cons
Bonus offerings may be fewer than competitors.
Geographical restrictions limit access in some areas.
Key feature
Bet365’s in-play betting feature is unmatched in speed and market depth, with continuously updated odds, graphical game visuals, and frequent live opportunities. Bettors can switch between live streaming and betting markets with minimal lag.
Bonus
Bet365 offers a “Bet Credits” bonus for new customers, allowing them to receive bonus credits after placing a qualifying bet. This welcome offer varies by region but typically allows users to increase their bankroll and place additional bets without risking their initial deposit.
Sports coverage
Bet365 offers over 30 sports, from mainstream options like football, basketball, and tennis to niche sports such as handball, darts, and esports. Football, in particular, is extensively covered, with markets across major leagues and tournaments worldwide, including popular betting features like player props, goals, and corners. This diverse sports coverage appeals to fans who want options across global and regional leagues.
Unibet – best app for live betting
Unibet is highly regarded for its broad live betting options and high-quality streaming, making it a go-to choice for real-time bettors. With a focus on user experience, Unibet’s app and website offer intuitive navigation and quick access to an array of sports and betting markets. Known for its competitive odds and coverage of European leagues, Unibet is trusted among bettors seeking a reliable and versatile platform.
Pros
Extensive in-play betting and streaming across various sports.
User-friendly and accessible interface with competitive odds.
Broad range of betting options, including niche sports.
Cons
Customer service response times could improve.
Limited offers for existing customers.
Key feature
Unibet’s live betting platform is well-designed, with live streams available for many sports. The quick odds updates and instant bet placements make it a top choice for real-time betting.
Bonus
Unibet’s welcome bonus typically includes a risk-free bet or matched deposit offer, allowing new users to place an initial wager without risking their own money. This introductory offer provides an added layer of security and incentivizes first-time bettors to explore Unibet’s platform.
Sports coverage
Unibet covers around 25 sports, with comprehensive markets in football, cricket, basketball, and esports. The platform also caters to fans of niche sports and events, ensuring a broad selection of betting opportunities. Football remains a highlight, with extensive options across European leagues, cups, and international tournaments, supplemented by player and team props.
Betway – best app for football betting
Betway is especially popular for its football betting markets, covering a wide range of leagues, from the Premier League to smaller European and South American competitions. The app offers a clean, mobile-optimized experience that’s easy to navigate, with Betway Boosts and personalized betting options that enhance the overall user experience. Betway’s reputation for reliability and accessibility makes it a favorite among football enthusiasts.
Pros
Impressive football market coverage with unique player props.
Regular Betway Boosts for improved odds.
Smooth, intuitive app for both novice and experienced users.
Cons
Limited live streaming for less popular sports.
Some bonuses have high wagering requirements.
Key feature
Betway Boosts are one of its most popular features, offering enhanced odds on select football games, giving bettors better value on high-profile events.
Bonus
New users at Betway can usually claim a matched deposit bonus or a risk-free bet, enabling them to double their first deposit or place a protected initial wager. Betway also regularly offers promotions like Betway Boosts, where odds are enhanced on select games to give bettors better value.
Sports coverage
Betway offers more than 30 sports, emphasizing football, tennis, horse racing, and esports. The depth of Betway’s football markets is a standout, with options for leagues around the world. Fans can also enjoy niche sports, giving them access to a vast selection of betting markets and options beyond the mainstream.
FanDuel – best app for American sports betting
FanDuel is recognized for its strong focus on American sports, covering popular leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL with comprehensive betting markets. Known for its engaging in-play betting and user-friendly app, FanDuel provides bettors with frequent updates, competitive odds, and a straightforward design. Its popularity in the U.S. stems from its commitment to delivering a reliable platform with a wide range of sports and betting features.
Pros
Comprehensive coverage of U.S. sports, with competitive odds.
User-friendly mobile app optimized for live sports betting.
Frequent bonuses and promotions for both new and loyal users.
Cons
Limited coverage for international sports.
Primarily available in the U.S.
Key feature
FanDuel’s in-play betting experience is smooth and engaging, allowing bettors to enjoy frequent odds updates and varied market options during American sporting events.
Bonus
FanDuel’s “No Sweat First Bet” is a popular offer for new users, providing a risk-free initial bet up to a specified amount. This bonus helps bettors start on the platform with an added layer of security, making it ideal for newcomers looking to try out different betting options.
Sports coverage
FanDuel’s main strength is in American sports, including extensive coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. However, it also offers some international sports, as well as niche markets like MMA and golf, appealing to a broad audience. Its robust American sports markets, combined with a user-friendly app, make FanDuel a top choice for fans of U.S.-based leagues.
Pinnacle – best app for betting odds and market variety
Pinnacle is a high-limit sportsbook known for offering competitive odds with minimal margins, prioritizing quality odds over promotions. This platform is designed for serious bettors and professionals who value odds accuracy and transparency. While Pinnacle may lack the bonus variety found at other sportsbooks, its focus on value and odds quality makes it popular among experienced bettors.
Pros
Low margins and high odds for value-driven betting.
High betting limits, ideal for professional bettors.
Focus on quality odds rather than promotions.
Cons
No welcome bonuses or ongoing promotions.
Limited coverage of smaller, niche sports.
Key feature
Pinnacle’s competitive odds and high limits make it stand out for those who prioritize potential returns and minimal margins over promotional offers.
Bonus
Pinnacle does not provide traditional bonuses or promotions. Instead, it focuses on delivering low-margin odds that offer better value on individual bets, particularly beneficial for high-stakes players looking for maximum returns.
Sports coverage
Pinnacle offers around 20 sports, concentrating on major international leagues and popular events like football, basketball, and esports. Its niche sports coverage may be limited, but the platform excels in value-driven markets, where bettors prioritize odds quality and high stakes.
BetVictor – best for cash-out and withdrawal speeds
BetVictor is a prominent bookmaker known for quick payouts and a user-friendly experience, especially appealing to bettors who prefer streamlined cash-out options and consistent odds. The platform’s focus on ease of navigation and efficient transactions makes it popular among the UK betting community.
Pros
Fast payouts and dependable cash-out options.
Intuitive and easy-to-navigate app with accessible markets.
Consistent odds across major sports.
Cons
Limited live streaming options compared to competitors.
Fewer promotions for existing users than some leading sportsbooks.
Key feature
BetVictor’s standout feature is its efficient cash-out functionality, allowing bettors to secure winnings or minimize losses on in-play bets with ease. This feature is especially beneficial for those closely following live games and making quick decisions.
Bonus
New customers typically receive a “bet-and-get” bonus, where an initial qualifying bet unlocks bonus funds. This promotion is designed to add value without intricate terms, giving new users a straightforward way to start.
Sports coverage
BetVictor covers over 20 sports, including popular options like football, tennis, and golf. Niche markets, such as darts, are also available, providing a balanced selection for both mainstream and specialty sports fans. Football and tennis, in particular, have extensive market options, making it versatile for a range of bettors.
Coral – best app for betting bonuses and promotions
Coral is a favorite for those looking for regular promotions and broad sports coverage. Its emphasis on football and horse racing markets, along with reliable app functionality, makes Coral an attractive choice for bonus seekers and bettors interested in UK sports.
Pros
Frequent promotions and daily bonuses.
Comprehensive UK sports coverage, particularly in football and horse racing.
A reliable app for live and pre-match betting.
Cons
Limited customization options on the app.
Higher wagering requirements on some promotions.
Key feature
Coral’s enhanced odds and daily promotions set it apart, with a consistent flow of offers on popular events that add extra value to each bet. This feature is particularly appealing to bettors who look for deals that increase potential returns.
Bonus
Coral offers a range of bonuses, including free bets, odds boosts, and reload offers. The frequent promotions benefit both new and returning users, ensuring regular engagement and value across different betting activities.
Sports coverage
Coral provides coverage for over 25 sports, specializing in football, horse racing, cricket, and rugby. With a strong appeal to UK bettors, Coral’s wide range of betting markets offers ample opportunities, especially in events tied to domestic leagues and tournaments.
888sport – best for esports betting
888sport appeals to fans of both traditional sports and esports, blending mainstream betting options with competitive odds in emerging markets. With features like Bet Builder and a user-friendly app, 888sport is versatile and engaging for a broad audience.
Pros
Extensive esports markets alongside traditional sports.
User-friendly app with smooth and efficient navigation.
Unique Bet Builder tool for creating customized bets.
Cons
Customer service response times can occasionally be slow.
Limited markets for some niche sports.
Key feature
888sport’s Bet Builder feature enables users to create customized bets across various sports, providing flexibility for those who want tailored wagers. This tool is particularly popular with bettors who like to strategize by combining different betting elements.
Bonus
New users typically receive a matched deposit bonus or free bet credits, allowing additional funds to explore the app’s offerings. These bonuses are aimed at encouraging new bettors to try different markets and get a feel for the platform.
Sports coverage
Covering around 20 sports, 888sport has a strong focus on football, basketball, and esports. Its extensive esports coverage makes it ideal for both traditional sports fans and gamers. Football fans enjoy a robust selection of leagues and tournaments, while esports enthusiasts can find plenty of competitive options.
How to choose the right betting app with BetZillion
BetZillion offers insights into selecting the best betting apps based on reliability, security, and features. Choosing the right app ensures a safe and rewarding betting experience. Here’s what BetZillion recommends considering:
Competitive odds and markets – Look for apps with consistently strong odds and a variety of markets.
Promotions and bonuses – Seek out apps with transparent and beneficial bonus offers.
User interface and experience – Choose apps with an intuitive design for smooth navigation.
Customer support – Ensure the app has reliable support, preferably 24/7.
Payment options – Opt for apps that provide secure, fast, and multiple payment methods.
User reviews and ratings – Check feedback from other bettors for additional insights.
Responsible gambling tools – Select apps that promote safe and responsible betting practices.
Compatibility and updates – Ensure the app is compatible with your device and regularly updated.
BetZillion provides the necessary insights to help bettors make an informed choice, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and efficient betting experience across the best apps on the market.
At BetZillion, our mission is to empower bettors with reliable tools and insights, ensuring every choice they make enhances their experience. Choosing the right app is more than convenience—it’s about trust, security, and finding value, – says Sergio Collins, CEO and Founder of BetZillion.
Mobile-specific bonuses & promotions on BetZillion’s apps
BetZillion’s recommended apps often feature exclusive bonuses and promotions designed specifically for mobile users. These unique offers enhance the mobile betting experience and can provide added value for bettors on the go. Here are some key mobile-specific promotions to look out for:
Welcome bonuses for mobile users: Some apps offer welcome bonuses tailored for mobile users, like a free bet or a deposit match when they first sign up through the app. This incentive encourages bettors to get started with an extra boost on their mobile devices.
In-app free bets: Certain apps periodically provide free bets exclusively for users who place wagers through the app, especially during high-profile events. These free bets are an easy way to try new betting markets without additional risk.
Odds boosts: Enhanced odds for specific events are often exclusive to mobile users. BetZillion highlights apps that boost odds on popular games or player performances, providing an extra edge for bettors using the app.
Cashback offers: Some apps offer cashback promotions specifically for mobile users, refunding a percentage of losses over a set period. This promotion is especially attractive for regular mobile bettors, as it provides some insurance on wagers placed.
Loyalty rewards for mobile betting: Mobile-exclusive loyalty points or reward programs incentivize frequent app use. Bettors earn points for every bet placed on the app, which they can later redeem for free bets or other rewards.
Payment options for sports betting apps recommended by BetZillion
BetZillion prioritizes apps that provide secure, fast, and diverse payment options for depositing and withdrawing funds. Here’s an overview of the most common payment methods available on top-rated apps:
Payment Method
Description
Pros
Ideal For
Credit/Debit Cards
Common options include Visa and Mastercard, allowing straightforward deposits and withdrawals
Widely accepted, secure, quick processing
Traditional bettors
E-Wallets
PayPal, Skrill, Neteller for convenient and fast transactions
Faster withdrawals, separate wallet option
Users preferring digital wallets
Bank Transfers
Direct transfers from bank accounts, suitable for larger transactions
Secure, ideal for high-stakes transactions
High-stakes or traditional banking users
Prepaid Cards
Paysafecard enables deposits without a linked bank account
Privacy, easy to use
Privacy-focused bettors
Cryptocurrency
Digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum
Anonymity, fast transactions
Crypto enthusiasts
Mobile Payments
Apple Pay and Google Pay for direct deposits from smartphones
Secure, convenient for mobile users
Mobile-first bettors
Conclusion
BetZillion’s best sports betting apps cater to all types of bettors in 2024. Whether you’re seeking live betting, competitive odds, or bonus promotions, the platform ensures you have access to the top options available. Backed by a team of experts like Jimmy Daytona, Marie Swan, Damilola Esebame, and football journalists Robin Bairner and Greg Lea, BetZillion combines expert commentary with in-depth statistical analysis to guide users toward smarter bets.
Through its official Twitter account @BetZillionX, it keeps users updated with the latest reviews, tips, and industry news. This dedication to transparency and user engagement enhances the overall betting experience, allowing bettors to enjoy a more informed, profitable, and convenient approach to betting. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned punter, BetZillion ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to make confident choices.
