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FOX ‘America’s Game of the Week’ Broadcast of Packers-49ers Averages 25.2 Million Viewers

BSM Staff
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FOX ‘America’s Game of the Week’ Broadcast of Packers-49ers Averages 25.2 Million Viewers

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.

Although the Sunday afternoon matchup between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers never involved any lead changes from Lambeau Field, the game drew strong viewership on FOX. The network reported that an average of 25.2 million viewers tuned in to the matchup on Sunday, rendering the most-watched telecast of the week on any network. Play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, analyst Tom Brady and sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi were on the call for the NFC matchup. The Packers attained a 28-point victory over the 49ers, the largest win against the 49ers in franchise history, and starting quarterback Jordan Love threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns.

On the season as a whole, America’s Game of the Week is averaging 25.3 million viewers, representative of a 9% year-over-year increase, according to data from Nielsen Media Research. This accounts for the strongest viewership performance by the broadcast property since 2016 and builds off momentum created leading up to Super Bowl LIX.

The NFL on FOX is in the midst of its 30th year broadcasting the National Football League, largely showcasing NFC matchups on a weekly basis. FOX Corporation is currently in the second season of a 10-year media rights deal with the NFL reportedly worth $2.25 billion annually. The company will present a broadcast of the NFC Championship Game leading up to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, La. early next year. Furthermore, FOX will begin new media rights deals with NASCAR, INDYCAR and the Big 12 Conference next year as well.

In early October, a Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers averaged 27.1 million viewers on FOX, which was indicative of an 11% improvement from the same week in the previous year. Both matchups were preceded by FOX NFL Sunday featuring Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson, Rob Gronkowski and Jay Glazer. Recent data from Nielsen Media Research demonstrates that the FOX Corporation generated the fifth-highest share of aggregated television usage in the month of October.

MediaCo Has Repaid $7.3 Million Note To Emmis Communications

BMM Staff
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MediaCo Has Repaid $7.3 Million Note To Emmis Communications

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.

MediaCo Holding Inc. has announced it has fully repaid the $7.3 million convertible promissory note held by Emmis Communications. With the payment of the note, Emmis representatives have resigned from MediaCo’s Board of Directors.

In 2019, investment firm Standard General acquired Rhythmic Top 40 “Hot 97” WQHT and R&B 107.5 WBLS in New York for a total of $91.5 million in cash, alongside a $5 million note and a 23.72% stake in the newly formed company. Since then, Emmis has divested its ownership interest in this venture.

MediaCo President and interim CEO Albert Rodriguez said, “We are pleased to take this step forward. This eliminates our only near-term maturity and positions us to continue our expanding mission to reach diverse audiences and drive growth for the future.”

MediaCo has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Estrella Media’s content operations earlier this year. This acquisition includes the operation of twelve additional radio stations in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Riverside/San Bernardino, as well as the “Estrella TV” network and five television stations.

NESN to Launch FAST Channel

BSM Staff
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NESN to Launch FAST Channel

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.

One month into the tenure of David Wisnia as president and chief executive officer of the NESN regional sports network, the company is preparing to launch a new FAST channel that will be distributed across the United States. NESN Nation will provide content surrounding Boston sports teams, such as the Red Sox and Bruins, to fans around the country as the network engages in a content strategy that builds on innovation and audience expansion. Revealing the creation of such an outlet coincides with the 40th anniversary of NESN broadcasting sports for the first time. The news of adding a FAST channel to the NESN portfolio was first reported by Anthony Crupi of Sportico.

Wisnia is succeeding Sean McGrail in the role, who worked for NESN over the 40 years it has been on the air. McGrail is continuing as senior advisor to the board of directors at the company as Wisnia takes on responsibilities of overseeing both NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh. Prior to landing this new job, Wisnia held roles with FOX Sports, CBS and MGM Studios, but he had most recently worked as managing director at Alvarez & Marsal, a global management consulting firm.

“We will be launching a FAST network across the nation,” Wisnia said. “We haven’t announced exactly the time frame, but it’s something that we’re super excited about.”

Over the last several years, there has been a proliferation in free, ad-supported streaming television channels across the country. Roku created its own FAST outlet earlier in the summer, and MSG Networks introduced a FAST optionality to its offerings as well. Several popular sports programs, such as Up & Adams and The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, air on FanDuel TV and DraftKings Network, respectively, evincing synergies with sports betting companies. Paramount Global presents additional sports media content on its CBS Sports HQ FAST channel, along with its CBS Sports Network linear outlet. NESN is now slated to join the fold as it continues creating and producing new content disseminated through digital outlets.

“For now and the foreseeable future, our MVPDs are still great partners and they pay significant sums to carry our content,” Wisnia explained. “At the same time, digital is where the growth is, and it’s where the consumer is going. So, you’re running parallel paths and you’re transitioning over time as consumers transition over time and thus the focus is on controlling what we can control. Market dynamics are constantly going to be changing, so you pivot as need be, given those dynamics.”

NESN is co-owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins and serves as the broadcast home for regional broadcasts surrounding both teams. The outlet reaches 4 million homes across nine designated market areas and is distributed on various cable and over-the-top media platforms. NESN launched a direct-to-consumer platform in June 2022, allowing fans to purchase subscriptions to view content from the network without a traditional cable television subscription through a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD).

Newsmax in Negotiations to Add Kari Lake, Report Says

BNM Staff
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Newsmax in Negotiations to Add Kari Lake, Report Says

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.

After losing the race for a Senate seat in Arizona, former local TV anchor Kari Lake is in negotiations to join Newsmax in an on-air role, a new report says.

Lake spent more than 20 years as a local news anchor at FOX 10 in Phoenix. After departing the station, she campaigned for governor of The Copper State in 2022. She continually claimed she did not lose that race and that rampant fraud was the cause of why she was not successful. Recently, she settled a defamation lawsuit brought forth by an Arizona election official targeted by the Lake campaign.

A report from Mediaite says Lake and Newsmax are in discussions for her to join the network in an on-camera role. The report also suggests both sides have claimed that negotiations are not happening.

Kari Lake responded by saying “Get better sources,” while a Newsmax spokesperson said, “We have had ZERO discussions with Kari Lake to join Newsmax.”

The report added that Lake would be of interest to Newsmax because she is “damaged” and “cheap” to hire after her back-to-back campaign losses.

CRS Offers One Day Only Registration Sale

BMM Staff
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CRS Offers One Day Only Registration Sale

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.

The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is offering a limited-time promotion for attendees interested in 3-Day Registrations for CRS 2025. Today only (11/26) attendees can take advantage of a 10% discount available for just 24 hours. To access the offer, users should enter the code THANKFUL (in all caps) and click “apply” during their registration process here.

Scheduled for Feb. 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, CRS 2025 will feature several newly added panels to its comprehensive agenda, including Evolving Your Playlists: F*#@ The Format!, Sound Off: What Is “Mainstream” Country?, Honky Tonk To TikTok: Country Music’s Wild 5-Year Ride By The Numbers, Are You AI Curious?, and Know All The Sales Angles As A PD.

CRS 2025 offers exceptional learning, networking, and growth opportunities for Country music and radio professionals.

Industry leaders, including Chuck Aly of Country Aircheck, Phil Becker from Alpha Media, Stacy Blythe of Big Loud, Donna Hughes from Borman Entertainment, Kenny Jay of Albright & O’Malley & Brenner, Jon Loba from Frontline Recordings/BMG North America, Bo Matthews of Super Hi-Fi, Brian Michel of KYGO/Denver, Gabe Mercer from KMLE/Phoenix, Tim Richards of KUPL/Portland / Free Country Chicago, Alina Thompson from Pandora & SiriusXM, and Adam Weiser of AEG Presents, will share their valuable insights at the event.

Michelle Souther Named Operations Manager at Guaranty Media

BMM Staff
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Michelle Souther Named Operations Manager at Guaranty Media

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.

Guaranty Media Baton Rouge has announced the promotion of Michelle Southern, the Program Director and afternoon host of Classic Rock “Eagle 98.1” WDGL, to Operations Manager.

In her new role, Southern will oversee operations for Classic Rock “Eagle 98.1” Country “100.7 The Tiger,” Sports “ESPN 104.5”/104.9 KNXX, and “Talk 107.3.”

Guaranty Media VP Gordy Rush said, “Michelle Southern’s promotion to Operations Manager at Guaranty Media is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and leadership. Her journey from rocking the airwaves on Eagle 98.1 to steering the operations of a leading media company is truly inspiring. We look forward to the innovative and dynamic direction she will bring to our team.

Southern added, “My love for radio has been a constant in my life. And it’s a privilege to share my passion with that of the mission of Guaranty Corporation, especially as we approach our 100-year anniversary. I’m honored to be able to contribute to that legacy.”

Southern will lead Guaranty’s strategic initiatives in radio and emerging technologies. In this capacity, she will manage the radio stations’ marketing efforts and oversee the hiring and management of talent within the group.

Southern started her broadcasting career in 1998 at KNOE in Monroe, Louisiana. In 1999, she moved to Baton Rouge, where she spent seven years at Citadel Broadcasting, ultimately rising to the position of Program Director for AC station “Diva 103.3” WCDV.

In 2006, she joined Guaranty, spending nearly four years co-hosting the morning show at what was then known as “Y100” WYPY. After a successful seven-year tenure at Louisiana Radio Network as an anchor, reporter, and Assistant News Director, she returned to Guaranty in August 2017 to host the afternoon slot on “Eagle 98.1”. The following year, she advanced to the role of Cluster Creative Services Director and was appointed Program Director in January 2022.

Report: Amazon’s Prime Video Black Friday Football Sees 40% Increase in New Advertisers

BSM Staff
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Report: Amazon’s Prime Video Black Friday Football Sees 40% Increase in New Advertisers

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.

Amazon’s Prime Video is in the midst of a 10-year media rights deal with the National Football League that grants it the ability to present Thursday Night Football throughout the regular season for a reported $1 billion annually. The company has achieved record viewership in its third year thus far, and it is also set to present its first NFL Playoff game during the Wild Card round in January.

Before the postseason action commences though, the property will broadcast its second annual Black Friday game when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs aim to secure an 11th victory in 12 games facing the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chiefs have not appeared on Thursday Night Football all season and have played in four of the five most-viewed NFL matchups during the 2024 season thus far, according to data from the National Football League ahead of Week 12.

Amazon reportedly pays $100 million a year to broadcast the Black Friday Football game, which it uses to promote other areas of its business as well. There will be several interactive elements embedded within the broadcast and interactive features displayed as well. Unlike traditional Thursday Night Football matchups, the game is free to watch for anyone who has an Amazon account, regardless whether or not they are subscribed to Prime.

The company has sold out its advertising inventory and realized a 40% increase in new advertisers for the matchup, according to a recent report from Mollie Cahillane of Sports Business Journal. Moreover, Amazon’s coverage of Thursday Night Football has brought in more than 50 new brands, with growth attributed to areas such as automotive, consumer-packaged goods and entertainment among others. Thirty-second advertisements sold for figures between $650,000 and $750,000, although variation was possible depending on larger deals with Amazon.

For last year’s Black Friday Football broadcast between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, Amazon’s Prime Video averaged 9.61 million viewers and 4.0 rating. The AFC East divisional game was the second-least watched NFL game on the platform during the 2023 season at the time it aired. Although the Black Friday game does not encompass the traditional Thursday Night Football package, the broadcast property has garnered an average minute audience of 14.78 million viewers across its 11 game presentations amid the season, according to Big Data + Panel weekly viewership metrics from Nielsen Media Research.

In addition to the NFL, Amazon will expand its sports coverage next year when the National Basketball Association officially becomes part of its live broadcast rights portfolio. The company agreed to an 11-year deal reportedly worth $1.8 billion annually that includes 66 NBA regular-season games, knockout round games within the Emirates NBA Cup and at least one Black Friday matchup of its own. Amazon will also continue broadcasting WNBA games, presenting exclusive streams of 30 regular-season matchups, the Championship Game of the Commissioner’s Cup and three WNBA Finals series.

CNN Names Kaitlan Collins Chief White House Correspondent

BNM Staff
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CNN Names Kaitlan Collins Chief White House Correspondent

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

CNN has announced it has named Kaitlan Collins its Chief White House Correspondent, returning to a role she held previously.

Collins will continue to host The Source at 9 PM ET, marking the first time a primetime host has held the dual role of primetime host and Chief White House Correspondent for CNN.

“Kaitlan Collins is the perfect person to lead coverage of the new Trump White House, even as she continues to anchor her key primetime show The Source,” said CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson. “Kaitlan is a political journalist of real depth and tenacity who already boasts an amazing record of scoops and exclusive interviews. I’m excited to see what new heights she scales as she combines this key new posting with her duties as a major CNN anchor.” 

She is no stranger to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Collins got her media start working for The Daily Caller, a digital outlet founded by Tucker Carlson. She worked as the White House correspondent for the outlet during the first year of Donald Trump’s first term. Later that same year, she joined CNN to serve in a similar role.

After being promoted to Chief White House Correspondent in 2021 to cover the Biden administration, she became the youngest person in network history to ascend to that role, at just 28 years old.

Kaitlan Collins held that role until 2022, when she was tabbed to host the short-lived, revamped CNN morning show alongside Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow. She later shifted to her spot in the primetime lineup in July 2023, where she has remained and will continue.

Jalen Rose Appearing as Guest on ‘Inside The NBA,’ Taking Part in TNT Alternate Broadcast

BSM Staff
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Jalen Rose Appearing as Guest on ‘Inside The NBA,’ Taking Part in TNT Alternate Broadcast

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.

When The Walt Disney Company laid off 7,000 employees in an effort to reduce costs by $5.5 billion, several on-air talent at ESPN ended up losing their jobs. Longtime personalities, including Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were let go by the network as Disney underwent a strategic reorganization into three distinct business segments. Jalen Rose, a longtime analyst for NBA Countdown and former co-host of Jalen & Jacoby, was also among the group that would no longer be appearing on ESPN, leading to a change on NBA Countdown.

Rose, a 14-year NBA veteran and former small forward, recently joined Big Ten College Countdown on NBC and is working with Jordan Cornette and Josh Pastner on the studio program. Additionally, he serves as the head of player relations at Fanatics and is a board member of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation. While Rose is not a member of an NBA network studio program at the moment, he will be filling in this Tuesday on Inside the NBA alongside Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal. Rose is stepping in for Kenny “The Jet” Smith, who will not be on the set for the program.

TNT Sports will be showcasing a doubleheader of group play games within the NBA Cup, beginning with a matchup between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks facing Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will then visit Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns for the second game. Rose will return to the TNT studios next Wednesday to participate in an alternate telecast to close out NBA Cup group play as well, which is a collaboration with Genius Sports. Adam Lefkoe, Channing Frye and Kirk Goldsberry will join Rose for the presentation, which will air live on truTV and Max.

As part of a deal with ESPN, Inside the NBA will continue to be produced by TNT Sports following the 2024-25 season despite Warner Bros. Discovery losing live U.S. broadcast rights to the NBA. The show will air on ESPN and ABC surrounding marquee NBA events, including the NBA Finals, Christmas Day and Opening Night among others. Furthermore, TNT Sports is reportedly exploring the creation of an Inside Sports show that would expand its focus to include more than basketball.

It remains unclear if Rose is exploring a larger role with the company or if he is being pursued for a role by NBCUniversal or Amazon’s Prime Video once the companies begin broadcasting NBA games next season. The league’s 11-year media rights deal is valued at a reported $77 billion and implements over-the-air, cable, streaming and digital distribution methods.

2025 BSM Summit Tickets Go On-Sale Thursday

Jason Barrett
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2025 BSM Summit Tickets Go On-Sale Thursday

The 2025 BSM Summit is coming to Chicago, IL for the first time as a live conference. Thursday and Friday May 8th and 9th, 2025 are when we’ll be live from the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) for the show. Supporting events will take place surrounding the show too. Among them, our annual Kickoff and After parties, and the annual awards ceremony. Companies interested in partnership opportunities can explore options with Stephanie Eads at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.

Speaking of companies, I’d like to extend a big thank you to Point to Point Marketing for coming on board as our Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 BSM Summit. We’ve shared a strong relationship with Tim Bronsil and his team throughout the years, and their support of the industry deserves to be highlighted. Events like the 2025 BSM Summit are difficult to do without support from great companies like Point to Point. Show your support back by connecting with them to discuss how they can help you in the future.

Tickets for the Summit go on-sale at Midnight on Thanksgiving day. They will be available for a discounted rate of $199.99 through Sunday night December 1st. This is the lowest price we’ll have for tickets leading up to the show next May. Regular ticket prices are $299.99 so this is your chance to save $100 to attend. A special December sale is being planned too. We’ll provide another chance to save $ starting December 2nd but it won’t be as much as our Thanksgiving/Black Friday sale.

I am also pleased to announce that the Westin will serve as our hotel partner for the Summit. A discounted rate of $249.99 per night has been established for attendees. The hotel is very nice and within a few blocks of the MCA. Reserving your room can be done through the hotel page on BSMSummit.com or by clicking here. Based on past experience, rooms will fill up fast so don’t wait to secure your room.

The first announcement on speakers will be made on Monday December 2nd. I like to start with a few to get rolling and add as we go. One difference from prior years is that I’ve sent out a few eblasts to encourage folks to reach out if interested in speaking. Be advised that requesting to speak does not guarantee a spot on stage.

This show prioritizes content creation, revenue, social media and podcasting strategy, advertising, executive decision making, and other key issues of importance to radio, TV, and digital professionals. Educating, challenging, and assisting the sports media industry with ways to improve is what makes the Summit work. Success and those behind it are who we aim to involve on stage. Future additions to the show will be revealed in the coming weeks and months on BarrettMedia.com and on BSMSummit.com.

Our Thanksgiving/Black Friday Sale begins in two days. Secure your seat, reserve your hotel room, and I’ll see you in Chicago in May!

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