Glenn Beck is launching Torch Radio, a new digital audio network designed to blend live radio with podcasting. Barrett Media is exclusively reporting the details of the new network, which will soft launch Monday.
What We Know: Torch Radio will feature a live audio stream through its own app and the iHeartRadio app. The initial weekday lineup will feature Chris Salcedo from 6-9 AM, The Glenn Beck Program from 9 AM-Noon, Justin Barclay from Noon-3 PM, and Scotty Gunther from 3-6 PM. Additional hosts and weekend programming will join the network in the coming days. Meanwhile, Torch Radio will officially unveil its app during the week of Labor Day. The “Torch” branding coincides with Beck’s Torch brand, which he introduced last year. Users who subscribe to the $8-per-month Torch Insider plan will also interact with hosts through the network’s live chat feature.
What They Said: “The only constant in the digital world is change, and both radio and podcasting are about to change dramatically. Torch Radio takes the best of both and combines them into a new live platform. The future belongs to storytellers and to people who can connect with a live audience. Torch Radio will be their home.” -Glenn Beck
“Torch Radio is bringing together some familiar names, along with new and very different voices, for a unique and interactive live-streaming radio and podcast experience that goes beyond politics. It’s the place for authentic conversations that inform, entertain, encourage, and occasionally surprise. And we’ll be adding even more live programming in the coming weeks. It’s time to break the mold.” –Vice President of Radio for Glenn Beck and Torch Radio Dom Theodore
What Remains Unclear: Beck and Torch Radio haven’t announced the full roster of hosts or weekend shows yet. Additional details could emerge as the soft launch begins Monday and the app receives its formal unveiling.
What It Means: Torch Radio gives Beck another digital audio platform as traditional radio continues shifting toward streaming and on-demand listening. Beck has experience in the space, having previously launched The Blaze Radio Network. Now, Torch Radio expands his digital strategy while giving established and emerging hosts another live platform. The network also creates a direct connection between hosts and paying subscribers through its interactive chat. For Beck, the launch represents another step toward building the Torch brand beyond traditional broadcasting.
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The US Open has often been called the greatest stage in tennis. Beginning this weekend, ESPN takes the grand stage as the network officially begins its 12-year rights extension with the tournament, signed in 2024. Managing 16 courts full of live action featuring the top names in the sport over the next two weeks in New York City is no easy task. Yet ESPN has continued to find new and innovative ways to reach a larger audience each year.
This year will mark another first for ESPN’s coverage of the US Open. For the first time, ESPN will present RedZone-style coverage for the first six days of action, streaming live on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
“For us and tennis in general, it’s a new offering that’s never really been done to this extent before,” said ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions John Suchenski. “We’ve always done whip-around style coverage, particularly for our early-round coverage. But this is going to take that to another level and test how fast-paced we can be.”
RedZone Plans
ESPN gained the RedZone branding as part of the network’s acquisition of NFL Media assets, approved earlier this year. Prior to this year, all US Open matches had been available on ESPN+. But the plan for a RedZone-style broadcast didn’t come simply because of the added branding.
“The idea for doing this predates the most recent news between us and the NFL with RedZone,” explained Suchenski. “We had this idea two years ago when the USTA and ESPN formalized our long-term extensions of our partnership. So, the fact that we can make it an official RedZone offering is an additive. It also makes it more clear to the fans what it’s going to be.”
Sunday, ESPN presents '26 #USOpen main draw coverage
🎾 11a | 'RedZone at the US Open' | ESPN App 🎾 All matches/courts live on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers
Suchenski says the plan for RedZone on ESPN Unlimited beginning Sunday is to have a similar concept to the NFL version. Albeit, with some slight differences. Instead of a singular host for all six days of RedZone coverage, ESPN plans to rotate talent familiar with the traditional linear coverage of the US Open.
“We will be moving match to match, game to game, and likely point to point in certain cases. That’s what RedZone is. It doesn’t need to sit on a game that goes to break point. Then goes to another game. Then back to break point. We may break away as soon as that break point happens, no matter the result, and go to the next one,” hints Suchenski. “Everyone is going to get a chance to contribute to this. That’s a big difference from the NFL RedZone experience.”
With ESPN commentary on every match included in the RedZone presentation, Suchenski feels the action will meet the expectations of viewers looking for a RedZone-style presentation.
“Right now, the US Open is the only event we have committed to a RedZone offering on the ESPN platforms,” said Suchenski. “I don’t know what else could potentially come down the line. But everyone’s excited about this all the way to the top of our company. We’re going to see how this works and how it performs. From there, we’ll see what the strategy will be moving forward.”
Navigating New
Another element that made NFL RedZone a fan favorite for many years centered around host Scott Hanson’s catchphrase. “Seven hours of commercial-free football starts now.” Times have changed, and so has the catchphrase. NFL RedZone is no longer commercial-free, and the RedZone coverage of the US Open will also not be commercial-free.
However, Suchenski noted that the commercial load will be far lighter than what tennis fans are used to.
The US Open continues the network’s streaming strategy of centralizing every match in one spot, but only for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. That strategy began earlier this year with ESPN’s coverage of the Australian Open. With slight adjustments made, it then shifted to Wimbledon and now the US Open.
Now, a year past the debut of the network’s direct-to-consumer app, Suchenski says ESPN continues to take in feedback and make adjustments.
“Change is hard. We understand that. But our observation is now that fans are more accustomed to the offering on ESPN Unlimited,” said Suchenski. “By being an ESPN Unlimited subscriber, you get access to the linear network coverage. Which is our primary coverage for our Open coverage. In addition, you get so many more offerings that we offer to be complimentary to that. Those fans now have access to all that.”
While not offering any specifics on ESPN Unlimited subscriber counts, Suchenski says subscribers are not the lone measurement that matters to ESPN.
“Subscribers is one of many factors. It’s about new subscriptions, but also we have a base of people who have the plan. We want to make sure it feels like they’re getting a robust amount of an offering too,” notes Suchenski. “Consumption and usage are other metrics for us. I think we were pretty satisfied and pleased with what we saw for Wimbledon. Tennis’ audience is very engaged. They spent a lot of time with the coverage from a total-minutes and a viewing perspective with Wimbledon. We’re looking forward to hopefully what we’ll see with the US Open.”
Multiview Mix
Another element of the ESPN Unlimited tier that has generated significant conversation during the first year of the ESPN App is the multiview experience. The ability to watch more than one sporting event at a given time.
Aug. 30-Sept. 13, ESPN presents 'All of US Open. All in One Place.'
🎾'RedZone at the US Open' ESPN App debut 🎾All matches/courts live on ESPN App for Unlimited subscribers 🎶'New York Groove' @kflay remix 🎶& '26 @rockhall inductees @BillyIdol & Steve Stevens… pic.twitter.com/YtDg6lyApD
Within the ESPN App, every multiview offering currently is pre-curated within the ESPN Unlimited tier. That means the user experience does not allow subscribers to select the individual games or events they want to watch across the four available viewing windows.
With the US Open kicking off at the start of the college football season, Suchenski says the plan is to offer a mix of different sports. That includes options for fans of not only the US Open, but also the kickoff of the college football season.
“The functionality has not changed at this current time with the start of the US Open. It’s still pre-curated multiview offerings within the ESPN app. We don’t utilize or have the functionality that YouTube TV has as of yet,” said Suchenski. “Viewers will get several US Open-only options each day. But they’ll also [get] a mix of sports options with college football Saturdays beginning. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Now, a year after launching the modern-day ESPN App, Suchenski says the network is very pleased with the progress and success of its first year. Entering the second year, albeit with a slight price increase, Suchenski and ESPN will continue to look for more events and properties to bring to the platform. All while finding new and innovative ways to bring signature events to life through the ESPN Unlimited tier.
The US Open has always been about finding a way to see the best of tennis, no matter which court the players are on. ESPN is now trying to take that same philosophy and apply it to the way fans watch the sport.
RedZone-style coverage, expanded multiview options and every match centralized within the ESPN App are more than additions to the network’s US Open coverage. They are another glimpse into ESPN’s vision for the future of sports viewing — one where fans have more control, more access and fewer reasons to settle for watching just one event at a time.
The experiment begins Sunday in New York. Whether RedZone becomes a signature part of ESPN’s tennis coverage or simply another idea that evolves along the way, Suchenski and ESPN know the objective is bigger than the next two weeks.
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SiriusXM is remapping dozens of channels for September 1. The shakeup clears channels 94 through 99 for new Audacy sports stations following an agreement between the two companies.
What We Know: SiriusXM and Audacy’s July distribution deal brings local sports and news stations to the platform. The agreement brings 42 of Audacy’s leading sports, news and talk stations from 29 markets across the U.S. to SiriusXM. Thus significantly expanding SiriusXM’s local content offering and extending the reach of many of Audacy’s market-leading brands. Friday, the satellite radio platform announced a number of changes to make room for the new Audacy brands. Starting with insertion into all cars and the SiriusXM app beginning Tuesday. Other Audacy brands will also be made available via just the SiriusXM app and in the growing number of vehicles on the road with the latest generation SiriusXM with 360L radios.
What The Data Shows:Audacy sports radio brands channel listing (effective September 1)
WFAN – New York City – (channel 94) ESPN Los Angeles – (channel 95) 104.3 The Score – Chicago – (channel 96) WEEI – Boston – (channel 97) 94WIP – Philadelphia – (channel 98) 105.3 The Fan – Dallas – (channel 99) 93.7 The Fan – Pittsburgh – (channel 169) 97.1 The Ticket – Detroit – (channel 170) 95.7 The Game – San Francisco – (channel 171) 92.3 The Fan – Cleveland – (channel 172)
To make room for the new Audacy brands, SiriusXM announced the following changes to those listed channels.
Comedy Greats – Previous 94 | New 108 Comedy Central Radio – Previous 95 | New 107 Kevin Hart’s LOL Radio – Previous 96 | New 103 Comedy Roundup – Previous 97 | New 106 Pure Comedy – Previous 98 | New 109 Sebastian Maniscalco’s Comedy Radio – Previous 99 | New 102 BBC Radio One – Previous 169 | New 161 ICI Première – Previous 170 | New 162 Top of the Country – Previous 171 | New 155
What Remains Unclear: Not every Audacy brand has been assigned a channel as of yet. More information will come regarding further additions and channel changes if needed.
What It Means: Ultimately, SiriusXM is prioritizing live local sports over some long-running comedy and talk channels. Audacy’s stations gain premium channel real estate because of this partnership. ow well. Together, the moves reflect SiriusXM betting heavily on sports ahead of football season with Audacy’s top sports radio brands leading the charge.
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Tarleton State has a new pregame ritual for the first Friday prior to football season kicking off in Stephenville, TX. President Dr. James Hurley has proclaimed “Fist Pump Friday” to honor the school’s bond with Audacy’s 105.3 The Fan.
What We Know: Hurley announced the proclamation live on Shan & RJ, broadcasting from the Stephenville campus Friday morning. The tradition begins this season and repeats every year before Tarleton’s home opener. Meanwhile, Tarleton has surged since 2020, moving from Division II to Division I and joining the WAC, then the United Athletic Conference in 2024. That climb has fueled growing regional media coverage, including this radio partnership.
Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley announcing the proclamation: “Dr. James Early, President Tarleton State University, do hereby proclaim. The Friday preceding each Tarleton State University home football opener from now on as Fist Pump Friday. In honor of our great friends at 105.3 The Fan and encourage all Tarleton State Texans to celebrate with a proud Fist Pump Friday to support Tarleton State University and Texan football.”
Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley on his proclamation of “Fist Pump Friday” surrounding the relationship with 105.3 The Fan: “Thank you all so much for the partnership, the friendship. This is off the beaten path for you guys. We are so thankful for what you’re doing to help spread this good story that’s surrounded around Texan Nation and Tarleton State University.”
What Remains Unclear: The university hasn’t stated whether the celebration will extend to other sports or partners.
What It Means: Notably, the proclamation reflects Tarleton’s push for name recognition since reaching Division I. Aligning with a major Dallas sports radio station extends the Texans’ reach well beyond Stephenville. Ultimately, for a program still building its FCS profile, that visibility matters entering a new season. The gesture was founded on years of support and conversation regarding the continued growth of the university’s footprint within college athletics.
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Beyond The Bench is coming back Monday. Former KXnO hosts Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain confirmed a return date following their cease-and-desist standoff with iHeartMedia.
What We Know: iHeartMedia laid off Roberts and Strain from KXnO this summer during nationwide cuts. Weeks later, the pair launched Beyond The Bench on the Rush Radio Network, a digital outlet founded by former KXnO hosts Travis Justice and Ross Peterson. Soon after, iHeartMedia issued a cease-and-desist over allegations of a reported non-compete violation, forcing the show offline. Now, the hosts have set a firm comeback date.
What They Said: Beyond The Bench (via X): “We’re Back. Monday. 4 pm. Be there.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether or not the legal dispute with iHeartMedia continues or has moved on. Roberts and Strain have not commented on the matter publically since being served the cease and desist by their former employer.
What It Means: The announcement suggests the non-compete hurdle has cleared, at least for now. While neither Roberts nor Strain have commented on the matter, there could still be litigation ongoing between legal counsel and iHeartMedia while allowing the show to continue on. Consequently, this journey offers a possible blueprint for other laid-off hosts eyeing independent ventures. For Roberts and Strain, Monday’s relaunch will test whether the layoff drama helped or hurt their audience. Either way, the industry will be watching closely.
— Beyond The Bench with Sean and Lucas (@BeyondBenchSL) August 28, 2026
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Jess is leaving the Mix 106.5 Baltimore morning show. Her family relocation prompted the decision.
What We Know Jess spent six years anchoring the Kramer & Jess show at Mix 106.5. Moreover, she embedded herself deeply in Baltimore and Central Maryland culture. The Audacy station subsequently confirmed her departure via social channels. Finally, she’ll pursue new opportunities in her family’s new location.
What They Said The outlet celebrated her impact through a heartfelt statement. “In the last six years, Jess has ingrained herself in Baltimore and Central Maryland,” Mix 106.5 noted. “She bought all the Old Bay, Natty Bo, Ravens, and O’s gear, and lived her life on-air and on social with a transparency and openness seldom found in content creators.” Additionally, they continued: “Jess, we’re gonna miss you, no doubt. Yet we’re all excited to see your next chapter as we follow along on IG.”
What Remains Unclear Mix 106.5 hasn’t announced Kramer’s future with the morning show yet. Furthermore, the station also hasn’t revealed who replaces Jess or if the format shifts. Likewise, a replacement timeline hasn’t emerged publicly.
What It Means Morning show departures create immediate challenges for programming directors. Similarly, authentic talent departures remind the industry that real connection drives audience loyalty. Jess’s six-year run proves that vulnerability and transparency resonate with listeners. Consequently, she moves forward to build something new while Audacy strategizes its next move.
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Jonathan Zaslow just turned Draymond Green’s favorite complaint back on him. The Zaslow Show 2.0 host says Green is guilty of the exact media sins he rails against with his most recent example surrounding an old teammate.
What We Know: Draymond Green and Klay Thompson won four Warriors titles together, from 2015 to 2022. Thompson signed with the Miami Heat this offseason, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Green has criticized sports media for years, once calling league coverage “awful.” He recently accused outlets of hyping Thompson only to tear him down later. Moreover, that’s where Zaslow took issue with the commentary and responded on Thursday.
Jonathan Zaslow believes Draymond Green is everything he says he hates about media: “Everything that he chastises the media about, all of those things that he doesn’t like about the media, he’s the kingpin of all of those. He’s the leader of all of those. He does all of the things that he complains about the media doing. When we’re not celebrating the game. When we’re tearing down players and when we’re making shit up about players. Draymond Green and lying about narratives. Draymond Green, all the things he complains that he doesn’t like that have taken place in the media for however many years. He does all of it, all of it.”
Jonathan Zaslow on where Draymond Green’s media narrative is wrong in regards to Klay Thompson signing with the Miami Heat: “Draymond’s the only one who’s out there reminding everyone that this is not an all-star version of Klay Thompson. No one else. Draymond, his [Thompson] former teammate, is the one making sure we all know he’s not the same old Klay Thompson. What a di**head. Seriously, what a di**head. He’s the only one who is speaking about Klay Thompson like this.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Zaslow’s criticism will spark a response from Green’s podcast.
What It Means: The exchange shows how player-media friction has intensified as podcasts blur old lines of traditional coverage. Then again, Green does a lot of complaining about traditional media on his platform. But, he gets rewarded with opportunities to participate in the industry that he chastises. Moreover, Green now sits on both sides of the coverage he criticizes. Meanwhile, the noise adds pressure on Thompson before he even takes the floor in Miami.
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Keith Olbermann is returning to his Countdown podcast after months away following a medical issue. The iHeartMedia podcast host has only released two episodes since the end of April.
What We Know: Olbermann has largely been absent from Countdown since late April, when he began dealing with an unspecified medical issue. Since then, he’s hosted only two episodes of the podcast. Olbermann has suggested that the issue is heart-related, but he hasn’t provided more specific details about his condition. Now, he says doctors have cleared him to return to the podcast. The next episode is scheduled for September 10, according to Olbermann.
What They Said: “The Countdown podcast returns Wednesday night, Thursday morning, September 10th. The doctors have approved. Why am I waiting another week? Because I’m going to milk my illness for all it’s worth.” -Keith Olbermann
What Remains Unclear: Olbermann hasn’t disclosed the specific nature of his medical issue or explained what treatment he received. Additionally, it remains unclear whether his return will mark a full resumption of the podcast’s previous schedule. He also hasn’t indicated whether his health will affect his workload moving forward.
What It Means: Olbermann’s return gives Countdown listeners a clear indication that his extended absence is nearing its end. Meanwhile, his decision to wait another week after receiving medical approval suggests he intends to make his return on his own terms. For now, listeners will have to wait until September 10 to hear Olbermann back behind the microphone.
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The Seattle Kraken are staying loud and clear on Seattle radio. The team announced Thursday a multi-year extension with iHeartMedia’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR FM.
What We Know: KJR has served as the Kraken’s flagship station since before their 2021 inaugural season. The deal keeps play-by-play voice Everett Fitzhugh and analyst Al Kinisky in the booth. Host Mike Benton continues pre- and postgame shows, interviews, and podcast coverage. iHeartMedia Seattle also remains a key promotional partner for concerts at Climate Pledge Arena.
What They Said: Rich Moore, SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Seattle: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Seattle Kraken and remain the radio home for Kraken fans across the Pacific Northwest. Over the past five seasons, we’ve worked together to deliver fans incredible access to the team, from live game broadcasts to daily coverage and original content. We look forward to building on that momentum and bringing fans closer to the team across our platforms.”
What Remains Unclear: Neither side disclosed financial terms or the exact length of the extension.
What It Means: The extension signals the Kraken’s belief that radio still drives fan connection, especially where TV coverage doesn’t reach. The Kraken are a five-year-old franchise still building its base. Doubling down on a proven medium is a strategy about loyalty over trend-chasing. The deal also reenforces KJR as the destination for all things hockey in the Pacific Northwest meaning added brand equity within the marketplace.
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Ken Levine is joining the speaker lineup for Conclave 45. The longtime broadcaster and television writer brings a career spanning radio, comedy, sports and television.
What We Know: Levine used the on-air name Beaver Cleaver during his radio career before moving into television writing. He wrote for iconic programs including M*A*S*H, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, and Everybody Loves Raymond, among others. Additionally, Levine worked as a Major League Baseball radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners. His appearance will highlight the broad range of experiences that shaped his career across several media industries. The Last Conclave is scheduled for September 15-17 at The Crowne Plaza Aire MSP Airport – Mall of America.
What They Said: “At The Last Conclave, Levine will bring those worlds together, sharing stories, lessons and insights from an extraordinary career in radio, television, comedy and sports broadcasting. His keynote presentation begins at 8:30 AM Thursday, September 17, providing a fitting centerpiece for the final day of Conclave 45.” -Statement from Conclave
What Remains Unclear: Conclave hasn’t detailed the specific topics Levine will address during his keynote presentation. However, his experience across radio, television, comedy, and baseball gives him plenty of material to draw from during the event.
What It Means: Levine’s addition gives Conclave another speaker with experience that extends well beyond traditional radio. Moreover, his career offers attendees a unique perspective on how broadcasting skills can translate across entertainment and sports. His keynote could provide lessons for broadcasters navigating an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
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