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FOX Sports Has No. 1 College Football Broadcast in Week 9, ESPN Scores 3 Out of Top 5

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The numbers are in after another excellent schedule of college football games this past weekend. FOX’s Big Noon Saturday scored the most-watched college football game of the week with the Ohio State Buckeye’s defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers 21-17. The Ohio State-Nebraska game drew an average audience of 5.956 million viewers.

FOX Sports reports the broadcast peaked at 9.456 million viewers during the 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET block. The average was up 66% over Big Noon Saturday’s Week 9 game in 2023.

On ABC, ESPN reports the game between the Missouri Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 3:30 p.m. ET window drew the second highest average audience size at 5.7 million viewers. That game peaked at 6.3 million.

The only other game to average more than 5 million viewers was also aired by ABC. It was the primetime SEC on ABC window which featured the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies. That game drew 5.1 million on average and peaked at 5.6 million.

According to various reports, one other game drew an audience size of more than 3 million viewers and that was NBC’s coverage of the Penn State-Wisconsin game which drew 3.5 million.

Another broadcasting note, courtesy of Austin Karp from Sports Business Journal, who posted on X that the Michigan-Michigan State game Saturday night drew 1.7 million viewers to Big Ten Network, marking their best primetime college game ever and the network’s most-watched game of the season.

Former 101 ESPN Morning Host Randy Karraker Speaks For First Time Following Departure

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Last week, 101 ESPN announced a new morning show would be coming to the Hubbard Radio St. Louis station. That meant longtime morning host Randy Karraker — along with co-hosts Brooke Grimsely and Dan McLaughlin — were out of the daypart. Karraker has now spoken about his departure for the first time.

In a conversation with KSDK-TV Sports Director Frank Cusumano, Karraker admitted he understands the issues facing the radio business today, and was grateful for his tenure with the station.

“I’m thankful for the 16 years I had there,” Karraker said. “I’ve been in the right place at the right time a lot … I did not have a bad day in the halls of 101. And I understand the complexities, the financial limitations, and difficulties of the business right now. That’s what everybody in the industry is dealing with. So I don’t have any bad feelings at all.

“There have been times when I’ve left stations with bad feelings, but I consider everybody there friends. I had a chance to get FM sports talk off the ground here in St Louis. I had an opportunity to help build that station from the ground up.”

The former Morning Drive host added that he’s cognizant of the fact that his exit was financially related and not about his performance on the station.

“Follow the money. The economy for radio isn’t great, and when you’ve been around as long as I have, you make money,” the former 101 ESPN host said. “They have to find ways in the industry to cut costs. And I was an unfortunate victim, but I completely understand.”

Karraker’s comments came after former co-host Brooke Grimsley shared the news of the show’s demise on social media last week.

“I’ve had so much fun working with … everyone over at 101 ESPN and Hubbard Radio,” Grimsley shared. “Thank you to all of our listeners for welcoming me in, I’ve enjoyed every moment.”

Louie Diaz Exits Q99.7 And Cumulus Media Atlanta

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On Monday, the industry publication RAMP confirmed that Louie Diaz has left his position at Cumulus Media Atlanta. Diaz was the Program Director of Top 40 Q99.7 and held the corporate title of VP of Top 40 & Rhythmic Top 40 for the past eight years.

Leslie Whittle, longtime Program Director of KRBE in Houston, has also been appointed to oversee operations in Atlanta. She will be Vice President of Top 40, Rhythmic Top 40, and Hot AC in her expanded role. Whittle will continue to be based in Houston.

Diaz moved to Atlanta in November 2016, accepting a transfer from his position at Mix 107.3 in Washington, D.C. He took on the roles of Operations Manager for the Atlanta cluster and Program Director for Q99.7, effectively swapping roles with Rob Roberts, who transitioned into the newly established position of Vice President of Hot AC Programming.

Before Atlanta, Diaz programmed Cumulus Top 40 Hot 93.3 in Dallas and Alpha Media Top 40 Live 95.5 in Portland, Oregon.

Reach out to Diaz here.                        

Andrea Mitchell to Step Away From MSNBC Show in Early 2025

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Longtime MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell has announced she will step away from her midday program early next year.

At the conclusion of Andrea Mitchell Reports on Tuesday, the longtime host revealed that she will depart the program after the presidential inauguration in January 2025.

“I’ve asked NBC and MSNBC for the opportunity to continue covering those stories, but from a different vantage point, still with NBC News and at MSNBC, still as chief Washington and foreign affairs correspondent, just not on a schedule of a daily show,” Mitchell shared. “From primaries, debates, elections, and inaugurals here at home, to breaking news around the globe, my goal will continue — as it has always been — to bring you, our viewers, the major newsmakers shaping our country and the world right here on MSNBC.”

The 78-year-old Mitchell has been with NBC News since 1978, and has hosted her program on MSNBC since 2008.

A statement from NBC News shares that Mitchell will continue to be a prominent figure for the network’s news and political coverage, just simply without the duties of a daily program on MSNBC.

“Andrea will remain NBC News’ Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Chief Washington Correspondent, and viewers will continue to see her during major breaking news events and on big political nights,”

Fox News’ Jessica Tarlov: My Role on The Five is to Represent the Majority of Americans

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Jessica Tarlov serves as the liberal voice on the otherwise conservative-led The Five for Fox News. But she believes her role is much bigger than that.

The Fox News afternoon show routinely leads the cable news ratings, boasting millions of viewers. And Tarlov notes that while the cable channel has become a bastion for Republican voters, they are actually in the minority on the political spectrum.

“I’m there to represent, at least of the voting public, the majority of Americans,” Tarlov told The New York Times. “There are more of me than there are of them.”

Jessica Tarlov frequently clashes with her fellow panelists — like Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, and Jeanine Pirro, among others — on The Five. However, they all admitted in the New York Times piece that it’s all in good fun, and that they all think highly of her. “She’s smart as hell,” Pirro said of her liberal cohort.

She added that her goal, just like that of her co-hosts, is to win at the ballot box.

“I also want to win elections,” she said. “And I think that being on the most-watched show is the best place to do it.”

TuneIn And Cumulus Media Extend And Expand Streaming Deal

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Cumulus Media has announced the renewal and expansion of its content partnership agreement with TuneIn, a streaming audio platform. This extended agreement introduces a new, non-exclusive sales and supply partnership to monetize Cumulus Media‘s radio stations.

“TuneIn naturally aligns with our strategy to expand our digital footprint and extend the reach of our diverse programming to a global audience,” Chief Content Officer Brian Philips said in a release. “TuneIn offers significant global reach that makes it possible for listeners to easily discover our extensive collection of radio stations and podcasts almost anywhere through the TuneIn platform and 200+ connected devices.”

TuneIn CEO Richard Stern added, “We are excited to continue to expand our long-standing partnership with Cumulus to extend the reach of their comprehensive content offerings. This partnership allows us to bring high-quality content to our listeners while also helping Cumulus monetize its digital audio advertising inventory effectively. It’s a win-win for both companies and our audiences.”

Cumulus Media operates a portfolio of 400 radio stations across 84 markets. Its Westwood One network provides a range of syndicated offerings, including news, talk shows, sports, and music programming. As part of a recent agreement, audio streams from Cumulus Media stations, along with associated podcasts, will continue to be accessible via TuneIn.

John Hull Receives Hope Media Group’s Inaugural Legacy Award

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Hope Media Group has unveiled its Legacy Award at the 2024 Hope United Conference, which took place last week at the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston.

This award recognizes a current team member whose contributions have significantly influenced the ministry’s growth and mission. Jon Hull, Vice President of Donor Acquisition, received the inaugural Legacy Award, acknowledging his remarkable 28-year service and legendary status in the industry.

The Legacy Award was created to recognize an individual whose dedication has significantly shaped Hope Media Group, ensuring the ministry’s long-lasting impact. Hull’s decades of service exemplify this spirit, as his commitment to excellence, humility and tireless service have touched countless lives, both within and outside the organization.

“Hope Media Group is only able to fulfill its mission because of the dedication and talent of our team,” said CEO Joe Paulo. “Jon Hull is one such individual whose leadership, character, and service has left an indelible mark on not only the ministry, but also the industry, and we are honored to recognize his legacy.”

During the conference, the Founder’s Award was presented to Brent Sears, the Station Manager of WayFM Colorado. This annual accolade recognizes team members who embody the vision established by the ministry’s founders: Bob and Felice Augsburg, and Chuck (“Buddy”) and Gloria Lay. Their unwavering faith, sacrifices, and innovative spirit continue to inspire the mission of Hope Media Group today.

Cumulus Media Announces Partnership Expansion with TuneIn

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Cumulus Media and TuneIn have announced they are renewing and expanding their partnership for content from the radio giant to remain a prominent fixture of the app.

The 400 Cumulus stations in 84 markets will continue to be heard on TuneIn, as will the company’s nationally syndicated news/talk and sports offerings from Westwood One.

“TuneIn naturally aligns with our strategy to expand our digital footprint and extend the reach of our diverse programming to a global audience,” said Cumulus Media Chief Content Officer Brian Philips. “TuneIn offers significant global reach that makes it possible for listeners to easily discover our extensive collection of radio stations and podcasts almost anywhere through the TuneIn platform and 200+ connected devices.” 

The extended agreement also includes a new, non-exclusive sales and supply partnership for digital audio advertising monetization for Cumulus stations. 

“We are excited to continue to expand our long-standing partnership with Cumulus to extend the reach of their comprehensive content offerings,” said TuneIn CEO Rich Stern. “This partnership allows us to bring high-quality content to our listeners while also helping Cumulus monetize its digital audio advertising inventory effectively. It’s a win-win for both companies and our audiences.”

Sam Brief Named New TV Voice of University of Illinois-Chicago Men’s Basketball

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Broadcaster Sam Brief announced a new gig on his X account this morning saying he will be the new television voice for the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames men’s basketball team this season. The school also made the announcement through their social media accounts.

Brief posted, “Fired up to announce that I’m joining the UIC Flames as the TV voice of men’s basketball for this season. Season tips off in 6 days. Can’t come soon enough!”

A release from UIC athletics says nearly all regular-season UIC basketball games will be televised on either ESPN+ or as part of the Missouri Valley Conference television package.

Brief spent most of 2024 working on the Paris Olympic Games with NBC Olympics as a digital editorial producer covering primarily track and field. He also been the voice of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League and for various other colleges, as well as calling over 500 minor league baseball games. He also worked in Australia in 2022 as the voice of the Australian Basketball League.

Brief has also done work for Chicago Tribune Media, Sports Illustrated, Stadium and MLB Network.

Brief is a graduate of Northwestern and served as the Sports Director for the school’s radio station while he was there.

WGN Radio Anchor Vikki Kokuzian Exits

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WGN Radio has announced that morning traffic anchor Vikki Kokuzian is departing the Chicago news/talk station to focus on her real estate career.

“I’m going to be focusing on the real estate arena and just spending more time with my kids,” Kokuzian shared as she announced her departure. “I haven’t seen them in the morning in seven years. So this will be the first time that I get to make breakfast and be a hurricane in the morning. It’ll be a different schedule, for sure.”

Kokuzian started her radio career in 2004 and has worked for both WGN Radio and WGN-TV as a traffic anchor. She has been the morning traffic anchor with Bob Sirott since 2019.

Vikki Kokuzian thanked listeners for their well wishes during her final broadcast on Monday morning.

“Everybody’s been so supportive and so amazing. I appreciate all the text messages, voicemails, Facebook messages, and Instagram posts. I appreciate it all,” she concluded.