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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver To Receive 2026 Edison Achievement Award

BSM Staff
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver To Receive 2026 Edison Achievement Award

The Edison Awards will recognize Adam Silver with its 2026 Edison Achievement Award on Thursday, honoring his role in expanding basketball’s global reach and modernizing the league’s business and media approach. He’s the first sports executive to receive the Edison Achievement Award, and places him alongside past recipients such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk.

The award highlights Silver’s influence beyond sports and into innovation leadership. Silver has served as commissioner of the National Basketball Association since 2014.

During that time, the league has seen significant growth across multiple properties, including the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA G League. His leadership has also extended to newer ventures such as the Basketball Africa League.

Edison Awards CEO Frank Bonafilia credited Silver with bringing together key stakeholders across the sport.

“Adam Silver has not only upheld the NBA’s legacy as a premier global sports league but has boldly reinvented it for the 21st century,” said Bonafilia.

That vision has translated into tangible results. The NBA has expanded its international footprint, with players from outside the United States now making up a significant portion of the league. The sport’s popularity continues to rise across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

At the same time, Silver has pushed the league deeper into the evolving media landscape. The NBA recently began their new long-term rights agreements with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Amazon, positioning the league for broader distribution across both traditional and streaming platforms.

On the court, the league has introduced new formats designed to increase engagement. Events such as the Play-In Tournament and the in-season NBA Cup have added stakes to the regular season while drawing interest from both fans and media partners.

Growth has also accelerated within the WNBA. The league has added new franchises and continues to build momentum with rising attendance and viewership. Franchise valuations have climbed as interest in women’s basketball surges.

Silver’s tenure has also included investment in emerging areas. The launch of the NBA 2K League marked a major step into esports, while enhancements to digital products like League Pass have created more personalized viewing options for fans.

Beyond business metrics, the NBA has taken a more active role in sustainability efforts. Through its initiatives, the league has committed to reducing emissions and promoting environmentally responsible practices across its operations.

The Edison Achievement Award recognizes leaders who drive lasting impact through innovation. For Silver, that impact spans competition, content distribution and the global growth of basketball.

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Bill Cowher Joins Pat McAfee NFL Draft Spectacular Program Next Week

BSM Staff
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Bill Cowher Joins Pat McAfee NFL Draft Spectacular Program Next Week

Pat McAfee continues to raise the profile of his alternative NFL Draft coverage, and his latest addition brings both credibility and personal significance. During Tuesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, McAfee announced that Bill Cowher will join The Pat McAfee NFL Draft Spectacular as a guest analyst.

The move pairs McAfee’s high-energy presentation with one of the most accomplished coaching minds in modern NFL history.

“I talked to him yesterday. He’s excited,” McAfee says. “Homework time is the last thing he said to get it all in there. He’ll be joining us live. We’re going to try to piece together the best draft coverage that we possibly can.”

Cowher has served as a prominent voice on CBS Sports since 2007, contributing to The NFL Today and other studio programming. However, his reputation was built during a 15-year run leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he captured a Super Bowl title and consistently kept the franchise in contention.

For McAfee, the relationship goes beyond professional respect. The former Indianapolis Colts punter, and former Pittsburgh resident, has often spoken about Cowher’s influence. He shared more insight into that dynamic while making the announcement.

“He is so excited. We love him,” McAfee said. “Every time I talk to him, he just starts breaking me down for who I am and why I do things. Yesterday, gave me an entire speech because I’m from Pittsburgh, why I act the way that I act in certain situations that he has been watching from outside in. I appreciate the fact that Coach Cowher is like my coach”

That mentorship element has shaped how McAfee views the Hall of Fame coach’s presence on the show. The addition of Cowher signals another step forward for the NFL Draft Spectacular, which has become a popular alternative to traditional broadcasts. McAfee has built the show around candid reactions, personality-driven commentary and a rotating cast of high-profile guests.

At the same time, Cowher’s inclusion strengthens the analytical side of the broadcast. His experience in roster construction and draft evaluation provides insight that few can match. That balance between entertainment and expertise remains central to McAfee’s approach.

“The fact that he cares about me and us at all is a wild thing to think about,” McAfee said. “So anytime he opens his mouth, I’m listening. Anytime that jaw is bumping, I’m enthralled by what he’s saying, and he’s ready. I mean, He loves the draft.”

With the NFL Draft approaching, McAfee continues to assemble a lineup that blends football knowledge with showmanship. ESPN has not released any formal broadcast plans for the network’s coverage of the NFL Draft live from Pittsburgh.

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CNBC Adds Oliver Renick as Reporter in Collaboration with Cboe

BNM Staff
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CNBC Adds Oliver Renick as Reporter in Collaboration with Cboe

CNBC has announced the addition of Oliver Renick to its growing list of reporters.

Renick will report from the Cboe — previously known as the Chicago Board Options Exchange — floor. His addition is part of the recently announced collaboration between Cboe and CNBC.

He joins the cable network with more than a decade of experience across financial media. He was a founding anchor at the Schwab Network (previously known as TD Ameritrade Network). During his tenure, he anchored Morning Trade Live and Market on Close.

Renick also worked as a reporter and anchor for Bloomberg as host of Bloomberg Businessweek across its markets, TV, and radio divisions.

Oliver Renick will begin his tenure as an Options Reporter at CNBC on Monday, April 20th.

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Frequency Broadcasting Revives ‘Kelly 95.3’ in Bakersfield

BMM Staff
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Frequency Broadcasting Revives ‘Kelly 95.3’ in Bakersfield

A familiar name has returned to the Bakersfield radio dial. Frequency Broadcasting has reintroduced the “Kelly 95.3” brand at KLLY-FM, marking a key step in its overhaul of the cluster it recently acquired from Connoisseur Media.

The move brings back one of the market’s most recognizable identities. The “Kelly 95.3” name first gained traction in the 1980s and built a loyal following across several format shifts. Over the years, the station moved from soft rock to Hot AC and later Top 40, all while maintaining strong brand recall tied to its call letters.

That changed in 2015 when the station dropped the “Kelly” identity. It continued to evolve with new formats, but without the branding that had defined it for decades.

Now, under local ownership, the company is restoring that legacy while aiming to modernize the product.

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Kelly back home,” said CEO Kait Hill. “This is a brand that already has deep roots in Bakersfield. Bringing it back is about honoring that history while building something that feels fresh, relevant, and locally connected.”

The relaunch reflects a broader strategy. Frequency Broadcasting has begun reshaping its Bakersfield portfolio with an emphasis on recognizable brands and local engagement. That lineup includes KNZR 97.7 FM & 1560 AM, The Groove 99.3 (KKBB-FM), Rewind 98.1 & 93.5 (KRWI-FM) and Outlaw Country 95.9 FM & 1140 AM (KVLI-AM/FM).

“Kelly has always meant something in this market,” said COO Danny Hill. “Reestablishing that identity gives us a strong foundation to grow from, while still evolving the sound and presentation to meet today’s listener expectations.”

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Newsmax’s Emma Rechenberg Teases ‘New Role’ Following Return From Maternity Leave

BNM Staff
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Newsmax’s Emma Rechenberg Teases ‘New Role’ Following Return From Maternity Leave

Emma Rechenberg has been away from Newsmax following the birth of her child. But upon her return, viewers will see her in a different capacity.

Before her maternity leave, Emma Rechenberg served as the anchor of National Report. The news show airs from 9 AM to Noon ET.

In a post on social media, the Newsmax host thanked viewers for sharing nice comments about her growing family.

Included in her post was the revelation that her role with the cable network is changing.

“As I return to work, a big announcement! I’ve inherited a new role at Newsmax,” says Rechenberg. “It’s an opportunity for me to cover breaking news and politics a little earlier in the morning, allowing for some extra special time with my daughter during the day.

“More details will be coming! In the meantime, I ask for your patience and prayers as I await my new assignment,” Rechenberg said. “As they say in the TV business, ‘stay tuned.'”

Emma Rechenberg has worked at Newsmax since 2020. A University of Missouri graduate, she spent nearly five years working in local TV in Columbia, Missouri and Duluth, Minnesota before joining Newsmax.

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MS NOW Moving Nnamdi Egwuonwu to Chicago as First Reporter

BNM Staff
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MS NOW Moving Nnamdi Egwuonwu to Chicago as First Reporter

MS NOW is putting an emphasis on Chicago and the Midwest, and is moving a reporter to the area.

The network has announced that Nnamdi Egwuonwu will be its first reporter based in the Windy City.

Egwuonwu will cover national news and politics from Chicago. Currently, he is based in Washington, D.C.

In a post on social media, Egwuonwu shared the news and his excitement.

“Small job shift: I’m relocating from DC to Chicago to cover national news and politics ahead of 2026/28,” he wrote. “Still doing my thing with MS NOW!”

Egwuonwu joined MS NOW in September of last year. Previously, he worked for NBC News. During his tenure there, he worked as an embedded reporter during the 2024 election cycle. He covered the campaigns of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).

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Kyle Draper Departs Sacramento Kings Broadcast Team

BSM Staff
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Kyle Draper Departs Sacramento Kings Broadcast Team

Kyle Draper announced that his time as the lead play-by-play voice of the Sacramento Kings has come to an end, sharing that the team will not renew his contract following six seasons.

“Sunday was my last game as Sacramento Kings play-by-play announcer,” Draper wrote on social media. “After six seasons on the job, my contract is not being renewed.”

Draper served as the television voice during a pivotal stretch for the franchise. His tenure included Sacramento’s return to the playoffs in 2023, which ended a 16-year postseason drought and energized the market. He became a consistent presence as the team transitioned from rebuilding to contention in the Western Conference.

He added a message of appreciation directed toward the organization and its fan base. Draper noted the connection he built with the Sacramento community over the years calling Kings basketball.

“I want to thank all the Kings fans and the people of Sacramento for making me feel welcome,” Draper wrote. “Your passion and love for your team was felt every night I walked into Golden 1 Center. And I’ll always hold the love you showed me close to my heart”

Draper’s broadcasting work in Sacramento began in 2020 with NBC Sports California, where he handled hosting responsibilities for Kings coverage. He later moved into the lead play-by-play chair, further establishing his voice within the franchise’s media presentation.

Before relocating to California’s capital, Draper spent more than a decade with NBC Sports Boston. During that time, he held similar roles covering the Boston Celtics and built a reputation as a versatile on-air talent.

In addition to his television duties, Draper expanded his role in local sports radio joining SacTown Sports in October 2023 as an afternoon drive co-host. However, that run lasted just over a year, as he exited the station in December 2025.

As for Draper, he hinted that his next move is still to come.

“As far as what’s next? Stay tuned,” he wrote. “Whatever is next, I’m going to bring the same passion and love for the community I showed here in Sacramento.”

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Scott Van Pelt Understands Fan Frustration With Rory McIlroy Final Round Coverage

BSM Staff
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Scott Van Pelt Understands Fan Frustration With Rory McIlroy Final Round Coverage

ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt attempted to add nuance to the criticism surrounding CBS Sports after a shaky finish to its coverage of The Masters. During Sunday’s final round, CBS failed to track Rory McIlroy’s second shot on the 18th hole. Viewers were left without clarity on where the ball landed during a defining moment.

The network also struggled to present a clean angle of McIlroy’s winning putt, compounding frustration.

Speaking on his SVPod, Van Pelt acknowledged both the disappointment and the difficulty of the situation. He emphasized that capturing golf shots, especially in real time, remains one of the most challenging tasks in sports television.

“Shooting golf is an amazing skill,” Van Pelt said. “You’re following that ball through the air and the ball is coming from a place you can’t see. You’re trying to find it, and in that instance they didn’t. That’s an awfully difficult time to have that happen.”

Van Pelt went on to explain that golf presents a unique production environment. Unlike football or basketball, where the ball is easier to track, golf often requires cameras to anticipate shots from obstructed views and unpredictable angles.

“You’re not in a gym following a basketball,” he said. “Imagine a quarterback standing around a corner hidden from trees. Here comes the ball. I don’t know where it’s coming from. I’m not making excuses, I’m giving context.”

That context did not erase the moment. If anything, it highlighted how rare such mistakes feel on a stage like Augusta National. CBS has long been praised for its Masters presentation, which made the miscues stand out even more. Criticism came quickly from fans and media observers alike which questioned how a production of that scale could lose track of such a critical shot.

The expectation, fairly or not, is that every moment is captured cleanly. Van Pelt agreed that timing played a major role in the reaction. The errors occurred at the worst possible point, with McIlroy on the verge of a signature achievement.

“That was a really tough time to have that happen,” Van Pelt said. “So I understand the people’s frustration in that moment.”

Van Pelt often walks the line between fan and broadcaster, and this instance was no different. He acknowledged the audience’s expectations while also pulling back the curtain on the realities of live production. The situation serves as a reminder that even the most polished broadcasts are not immune to error. In golf, those challenges are magnified by terrain, visibility and timing.

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Walter Sterling Replaces Lionel as Host of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ on 77 WABC

BNM Staff
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Walter Sterling Replaces Lionel as Host of ‘The Other Side of Midnight’ on 77 WABC

After less than a year, Lionel has departed The Other Side of Midnight on 77 WABC. He’s being replaced by Walter Sterling.

Lionel began hosting the daypart last June following the exit of Frank Morano. Morano departed to run for a seat on the New York City Council representing Staten Island, which he ultimately won. Morano hosted the show for nearly five years before leaving.

Lionel hosted the program as normal on Friday evening. However, Walter Sterling helmed the first two shows of the week. The show’s branding has reflected the change, as has the 77 WABC lineup on its website and podcast platforms.

Sterling is not a stranger to the show or the 77 WABC audience. In recent weeks, he has been hosting Another Side of Midnight, the weekend version of the show previously anchored by Lionel.

Red Apple Audio Networks distributes both overnight versions of the show as nationally syndicated offerings. The Other Side of Midnight airs weekdays live from 1-5 AM ET, while Another Side of Midnight airs live from 2-5 AM ET on weekends.

With the addition of The Other Side of Midnight to his duties, it appears as if Walter Sterling will still host Sterling Every Damn Night from 10 PM-1 AM on 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia.

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92.3 The Fan Debuts Adds “The Fan Wakeup” to Weekday Programming Beginning April 20

BSM Staff
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92.3 The Fan Debuts Adds “The Fan Wakeup” to Weekday Programming Beginning April 20

Audacy is expanding its morning lineup in Cleveland with an earlier start to local sports talk programming. Beginning Monday, April 20, 92.3 The Fan will add a new hour of weekday content at 5 a.m.

The station announced that Jeff Thomas will host a new show titled The Fan Warmup, designed to ease listeners into the day with a fast-paced recap of the latest local sports news.

Thomas shared that the program on 92.3 The Fan will take a different approach than a traditional talk format.

“It’s going to be a little different,” Thomas said. “It’s not going to be quite like a sports talk show. In fact, it’s going to be more like highlights and postgame recap. We’ll let listeners know what’s going on with clips from some of the other shows.”

The added hour positions the station to capture an audience that is already tuning in before its traditional morning programming begins. Morning host Anthony Lima said the decision came directly from audience behavior.

He noted that listeners have consistently engaged with the station’s digital platforms well ahead of the current start time.

“We’re excited because we’ve noticed it with a lot of our listeners,” Lima said. “They’re there on YouTube, they’re there on the stream. Sometimes a half hour early or 45 minutes early. We feel like at times we may not be getting the needs met for our listeners. Now, with this extra hour, I think we’re going to be able to do that.”

The Fan Warmup will act as a lead-in to the station’s established morning show, The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima. The format aims to provide quick-hitting updates while maintaining a strong connection to the voices and content already familiar to Cleveland sports fans.

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