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93 WIBC Reporter Matt Bair Dies

Garrett Searight
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93 WIBC Reporter Matt Bair Dies

Matt Bair, a longtime voice at 93 WIBC, has passed away. The Indianapolis radio station is mourning the loss of its longtime traffic reporter.

What We Know: Bair had spent the past eight years working as a reporter at 93 WIBC. However, he spent much of his career with the station and became a familiar voice for Indianapolis listeners. Bair served as WIBC’s traffic reporter, providing regular updates for commuters across Central Indiana. He also co-hosted the Supporting Sobriety Podcast with fellow WIBC reporter Ryan Hedrick. The program focused on addiction recovery and helping families support loved ones struggling with addiction. Recently, Bair was named a finalist for the 2026 Marconi Radio Awards for his work on the podcast.

What They Said: “We are heartbroken by his loss and are holding his family, friends and everyone who loved him close in our thoughts. Matt was so much more than a colleague. He was a treasured and trusted voice, a compassionate advocate, and a true friend to so many. He brought joy to everything he did and that impact he made on our team, with our audience and this community cannot be overstated. We will truly miss him.” -Urban One Indianapolis Vice President and General Manager Andrea Kahrer

What Remains Unclear: Details surrounding Bair’s death, including his age, cause of death, and circumstances, haven’t been publicly disclosed. Additional information about funeral arrangements or memorial plans also remains unavailable at this time.

What It Means: Bair’s death leaves a significant void at 93 WIBC and throughout the Indianapolis radio community. His traffic reports made him a recognizable presence for local listeners over many years. Meanwhile, his work on Supporting Sobriety allowed him to use his own experiences to help others pursuing recovery. Bair’s recent Marconi finalist recognition also underscored the impact of that work. Matt Bair was 48.

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WWWQ/Q99.7 Atlanta Adds Kannon for Nighttime Slot

David Hill
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WWWQ/Q99.7 Atlanta Adds Kannon for Nighttime Slot

WWWQ Atlanta is adding Kannon to nights. The host returns for his third stint in the market.

What We Know — Cumulus CHR “Q99.7” WWWQ Atlanta has hired Kannon for the nighttime slot, replacing Laura Dickerson following Cumulus’ layoffs earlier this month. Kannon previously worked in Atlanta as Music Director and night host at Rhythmic CHR “95.5 The Beat” WBTS-FM in the early 2000s. He also served as APD and afternoon host at Audacy Hot AC “Star 94” WSTR from 2019 until 2025. Currently, he hosts afternoons at Fort Myers Broadcasting Hot AC “96.9 WINK-FM” and co-hosts the syndicated “Open House Party” and “The Kannon Show” for United Stations.

What’s at Stake — The move demonstrates WWWQ’s commitment to experienced on-air talent during an uncertain period for the station and broader Cumulus footprint. Kannon brings proven ratings performance and market knowledge, having successfully navigated three different Atlanta positions. His return signals confidence that established personalities can stabilize listener loyalty during industry transitions. The hire also reflects broader industry patterns where veteran talent moves laterally across markets rather than climbing format ladders.

What Remains Unclear — Whether Kannon will maintain his Fort Myers role or shift focus entirely to Atlanta remains undetermined. His scheduling across multiple time zones and syndication responsibilities could create potential conflicts. Additionally, the duration of his WWWQ commitment and potential station programming adjustments under his influence are still unknown.

What It Means — Cumulus replaces one layoff casualty with returning talent rather than external recruitment, suggesting confidence in existing market relationships. The hire accelerates Atlanta’s competitive radio environment by reuniting a market with a host who understands its audience dynamics. Moreover, it indicates that national syndication work no longer prevents major market station roles for multi-platform personalities.

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Dan Bernstein Reflects on Mike Mulligan, Marshall Harris Score Departures: “I’m Heartsick With What’s Going On”

John Mamola
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Dan Bernstein Reflects on Mike Mulligan, Marshall Harris Score Departures: “I’m Heartsick With What’s Going On”

Dan Bernstein isn’t celebrating. The former 104.3 The Score host says he feels only sorrow over Friday’s exits of Mike Mulligan and Marshall Harris.

What We Know: Audacy fired Bernstein from The Score last March after a social media dispute, ending his 30-year run there. On Friday, the station parted ways with Mike Mulligan, a 23-year veteran, and Marshall Harris, a full-time host since 2024. Moreover, Bernstein at one time co-hosted middays with Harris. In addition, Score Vice President Mitch Rosen announced both exits in an internal staff memo. Additionally, a new morning co-hosted by Jarrett Payton and David Haugh is set to launch August 31. In the wake of the lineup change, Bernstein reflected with an emotional tone to the news on his Dan Bernstein Unfiltered podcast.

What They Said: (All quotes via Dan Bernstein Unfiltered):

Dan Bernstein on the departures of Mike Mulligan and Marshall Harris at 104.3 The Score: “I’m heartsick about what’s going on. These are my friends who are losing their jobs. These are my friends who are there and dealing with everything that’s happening around them. When you have 30 years of connection and sweat equity since 1995 of helping build that place into what it became. It’s not easy. There’s this sense out there that it would be some cold comfort. It’s not. These are my friends losing their jobs. It sucks.”

Dan Bernstein on his relationship with Marshall Harris and Mike Mulligan: “I think the world of Marshall Harris and Mike Mulligan. I know that both are going to be immensely successful in whatever they choose to do next. Mully and I were friendly before we even were colleagues when we were on the beat together. Some of the happiest times of my professional life. Just all the idle time in the press room with the late John Moon Mullen, Mully, and everybody that would be a part of that whole Bears experience. This is this is really hard. So, I just wish my friends the best.”

Dan Bernstein says his firing was warranted, Mulligan and Harris’ was not: “I deserved to be fired. They didn’t do anything wrong by firing me because I earned it. That’s the thing. Marshall didn’t. Mulligan didn’t. I did. So, even if I were to have a moment here or there to say, “Oh, well, you know, grumble, grumble. Well, that’s what you get.” There’s no standing there on my part because it wasn’t like I got shafted. I didn’t. If something like that happened again, they would be right in in doing what they did. It was bad.”

Dan Bernstein hopes for better days ahead for everyone: “These are very interesting times in this industry right now. I can understand why there is a presumption of certain emotions, but don’t lean into those presumptions too hard. We’re talking about real people and real jobs and people who have been working at various jobs within the industry… I’m hopeful for better times for everybody. I’m sad for my friends.”

What Remains Unclear: The station has yet to name a fill for Mulligan’s role in Chicago Bears gameday programming.

What It Means: Bernstein’s comments reject any easy narrative around The Score’s turmoil. Instead, he frames Friday’s cuts as personal loss, not vindication. Moreover, for an audience craving drama, that message complicates the story. Ultimately, it signals a station in flux, not a rivalry settled.

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Jarrett Payton Announced As New Morning Show Co-Host At 104.3 The Score

John Mamola
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Jarrett Payton Announced As New Morning Show Co-Host At 104.3 The Score

The Score is adding a new piece to its morning lineup. Jarrett Payton has been selected to replace Mike Mulligan starting next week.

What We Know: 104.3 The Score fired longtime morning co-host Mike Mulligan and midday co-host Marshall Harris on Friday. Payton, a WGN sports anchor for more than a decade, announced his own departure from GN Sports in July. He’ll join David Haugh on mornings starting August 31. Haugh is currently on a planned vacation, and will remain in morning drive. Moreover, Payton is the son of the late NFL Hall of Famer and Chicago Bear Walter Payton. He brings extensive broadcasting experience alongside a background in business, public speaking, and philanthropy through the Jarrett Payton Foundation.

What They Said: Jarrett Payton: “I’m truly excited and deeply honored to join the team at The Score. I’m looking forward to working alongside everyone there and connecting with the loyal listeners who make this station what it is. This place has always felt like family to me. My dad graced these airwaves back in the ’90s, and the thought of being part of that same legacy means everything. Grateful beyond words for this opportunity. Let’s get to work.”

Mitch Rosen, Vice President and Brand Manager, 104.3 The Score: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for The Score. We’re excited to welcome Jarrett Payton and believe his experience, perspective and deep connection to Chicago and its great fan bases will be a tremendous addition to our morning show alongside David Haugh.”

What Remains Unclear: The station did not state who will replace Mulligan’s role on the station’s Sunday gameday programming surrounding the Chicago Bears.

What It Means: This shakeup signals a big shift at The Score. Losing a veteran voice such as Mulligan after a two decade run with the station doesn’t help matters. Moreover, replacing Mulligan with Payton adds a unique presence to the station. His father was a frequent guest on the station during his playing days. Jarrett Payton also has long ties to the station as well with guest appearances and co-host opportunities. In addition, landing Payton gives mornings a recognizable name with deep Chicago sports roots. But ultimately, The Score appears to be betting on star power and familiarity as it resets its schedule.

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CNN Suffers Technical Issues Leading to Outages

Garrett Searight
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CNN Suffers Technical Issues Leading to Outages

CNN experienced technical issues Monday that briefly took the network off the air for viewers nationwide. The outage occurred while CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana Bash was airing Monday afternoon.

What We Know: CNN and several other Warner Bros. Discovery channels experienced technical issues Monday morning and into the early afternoon. As a result, the networks went off the air for viewers using cable and satellite providers around the country. The disruption occurred during Inside Politics with Dana Bash, interrupting CNN’s coverage for a period of time. Eventually, the network restored its signal and returned to regular programming. Dana Bash then addressed the outage when the program returned to the air.

What They Said: “Welcome back, and we are back. There was a technical issue across Warner Bros. Discovery’s channels that resulted in losing our signal. We’re very sorry for the interruption. We’re very happy to be back.” -Dana Bash

What Remains Unclear: Warner Bros. Discovery hasn’t provided additional details about what caused the technical issue or how many viewers experienced the outage. The company also hasn’t indicated how long the disruption lasted across its various channels and distribution partners. However, the incident affected multiple Warner Bros. Discovery networks rather than CNN alone. Further details could emerge as the company investigates the technical problem.

What It Means: The outage temporarily disrupted CNN’s afternoon news coverage during an important daytime programming block. Still, the network restored its signal and returned to its normal schedule. Meanwhile, Bash’s acknowledgement gave viewers an explanation for the unexpected interruption. Although technical problems can happen across television networks, the incident highlights the importance of reliable distribution for cable news outlets. CNN will likely face questions about the cause if Warner Bros. Discovery provides additional information.

Fox News Names Emily Compagno Permanent Co-Host of The Five

Garrett Searight
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Fox News Names Emily Compagno Permanent Co-Host of The Five

Fox News is adding Emily Compagno to its most-watched program, The Five, as a permanent co-host. Compagno will join Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters at the desk every weekday.

What We Know: Compagno will officially join The Five beginning Tuesday, September 8. She’ll sit alongside Gutfeld, Perino, and Watters each day. Meanwhile, Harold Ford Jr. and Jessica Tarlov will continue rotating in the show’s liberal seat. As a result, Compagno will depart Outnumbered, where a rotating Fox News personality will fill her spot until the network names a permanent replacement. The Five remains the most-watched show in cable news, averaging nearly 4 million viewers during the second quarter of 2026. The move gives Compagno a permanent role on one of Fox News’ biggest television franchises.

What They Said: “I couldn’t be more honored to join The Five, a team I have long admired and have been fortunate to work alongside over the years. Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.” -Emily Compagno

“Fifteen years later, The Five remains a powerhouse and appointment viewing for millions of Americans. Emily is a highly accomplished host whose energy and talent have made her a standout across Fox News Media, and we are thrilled to officially welcome her to the show.” -Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott

What Remains Unclear: Fox News hasn’t announced which personality will take over Compagno’s seat on Outnumbered permanently. Until then, the network will rotate talent through the position as it evaluates its options. The network also hasn’t indicated whether Compagno’s move will lead to any additional changes to The Five‘s current lineup.

What It Means: Compagno’s move gives Fox News another familiar personality a permanent role on its biggest ratings performer. Her addition also strengthens a program that continues to dominate cable news viewership. For Compagno, the transition represents a move from Outnumbered to an even larger platform. At the same time, Fox News can maintain flexibility at Outnumbered while determining its next long-term co-host.

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‘Rahimi & Grote’ Reflect on Departures of Marshall Harris, Mike Mulligan: “This Is a Hard Day”

John Mamola
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0
‘Rahimi & Grote’ Reflect on Departures of Marshall Harris, Mike Mulligan: “This Is a Hard Day”

Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote didn’t hide their emotions. The two addressed Friday’s departures of Marshall Harris and Mike Mulligan live on Monday’s Rahimi & Grote program on 104.3 The Score.

What We Know: Friday, 104.3 The Score decided to move on from Mike Mulligan in morning drive and Marshall Harris in middays. Mulligan exits after 23 years, including 18 seasons in morning drive alongside David Haugh since 2018. Harris departs after joining full-time in 2024, most recently sharing middays with Rahimi and Grote. Both hosted full shows Friday before the news broke. Meanwhile, Rahimi and Grote continue the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. slot, now billed simply as Rahimi & Grote. They opened their Monday program to reflect on their feelings about the news for the first time.

What They Said: (all quotes via 104.3 The Score):

Leila Rahimi on losing Marshall Harris: “I know this is a hard day. Marshall is always going to succeed and do great. I know that for sure. If there’s one thing I’ve known about him over that time and before, he is a man of many talents and abilities. I know that he’s missed today and will be missed on these airwaves.”

Mark Grote on the emotions of losing Marshall Harris: “It really does suck. I’m gonna miss Marshall Harris. I’m gonna miss working with Marshall Harris on this show. The Rahimi Harris and Grote show, as it was, and no longer is. Marshall Harris is a super talented guy, one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.”

Leila Rahimi on Mike Mulligan: “The thing that strikes me about Mully is not just how well-read he was when it came to show preparation, but how well-read he is as a person. The conversations that I got into with Mike in breaks were not never really about sports. Only occasionally, where something would be very fired up. It was more about just his observations as just a brilliant man, which is how I feel he truly is. I’m grateful to have worked with him.”

Mark Grote on Mike Mulligan: “Mike Mulligan is quite simply one of the most successful sports talk show hosts that this station or this town has ever had. Holding down mornings as long as he was is a tremendous feat to have won ratings as often as Mike Mulligan did. Whether it was Mully and [Brian] Hanley back in the day, or with obviously with David Haugh. All of these years, the Mully and Haugh show, The dude he is quite simply one of the best of all time.”

Leila Rahimi on the power of The Score brand: “After all the versions that we’ve gone through on shows on The Score, and I’ve been here now in a host capacity for six years. The Score listener doesn’t go anywhere. You’re the ones we thank. Because you are with us. We come and go, but you haven’t, and we thank you for that. Especially on a day like today.”

What Remains Unclear: The identity of Haugh’s new morning partner remains unknown with an announcement coming Monday afternoon.

What It Means: The tributes show how deeply Mulligan and Harris shaped the Score’s identity. For Rahimi and Grote, however, the show must go on almost immediately. Their emotional candor on-air also signals a station culture built on loyalty, not just ratings. Given the affection they showed today, listener goodwill toward the new lineup seems likely to carry over.

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Washington Post Ordered to Re-Hire Columnist Fired Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Garrett Searight
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0
Washington Post Ordered to Re-Hire Columnist Fired Over Charlie Kirk Comments

The Washington Post must reinstate Karen Attiah after an arbitrator ruled against her firing. The decision stems from comments Attiah made following Charlie Kirk’s assassination last year.

What We Know: Attiah lost her position at The Washington Post in September 2025 after posts about Kirk’s killing. The publication accused her of “gross misconduct” and said her social media activity violated its policies. She had described Kirk as “a white man that espoused violence” and criticized the reaction to his death as contributing to America’s violence. Attiah subsequently challenged the firing through arbitration with support from the Washington-Baltimore News Guild. Now, arbitrator Sarah Miller Espinosa has ordered The Washington Post to reinstate Attiah and provide back pay and benefits. Espinosa found the newspaper didn’t have sufficient cause to terminate her and had violated its labor agreement.

What They Said: “The Washington Post fired me last year for speaking the truth after Charlie Kirk’s killing. I fought back. I’m happy to announce: I won my case against the Washington Post. They have been ordered to reinstate me immediately.” -Karen Attiah

What Remains Unclear: Attiah has announced that she’s rejoining The Washington Post, but the specific details surrounding her return haven’t been disclosed. The newspaper said it respects the arbitration process but declined further comment.

What It Means: The ruling gives Attiah a significant victory in her dispute with one of America’s largest news organizations. Moreover, it raises renewed questions about how media companies handle employee speech on social media, particularly when journalists comment on politically charged events. Attiah had worked at The Washington Post for 11 years before her dismissal.

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NBC Sports Announces New Programs Featuring Paul Pabst, Andrew Perloff, John Fanta, Jac Collinsworth

John Mamola
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0
NBC Sports Announces New Programs Featuring Paul Pabst, Andrew Perloff, John Fanta, Jac Collinsworth

NBC Sports NOW is expanding its weekday lineup. Two new shows debut August 31, with a third following September 4.

What We Know: Not So Fast with Paul Pabst and Andrew Perloff launches at noon ET, immediately following The Dan Patrick Show. Meanwhile, Fanta in 60 airs Mondays at 6 p.m., with John Fanta and betting analyst Jay Croucher hosting. Jac Collinsworth’s 10/10: NBC Sports Ranks debuts September 4. Additionally, Fanta has built a wide NBC Sports resume since joining last August, including NBA and MLB broadcasts. Perloff returns to working alongside Pabst, a longtime producing tandem of the Dan Patrick Show.

What They Said: Paul Pabst (via Awful Announcing): “I’m a kid, I’m from the South Side of Chicago, Irish Catholic, Notre Dame, Bears, all that stuff, C students, state school. Andrew is from the Philadelphia area. He probably went to a private school. He tells me he went to high school with Kobe Bryant about every three weeks. He went to Dartmouth. He told me Stanford was a safety school. So we don’t really have a lot in common, growing up, or what we like about sports, and our debates are real.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify whether any current NBC Sports NOW programming will be dropped to make room.

What It Means: NBC Sports NOW is betting on personality-driven, fast-paced formats to fill its daytime streaming schedule. Meanwhile, Fanta’s expanded role signals continued investment in versatile, multi-sport talent. Ultimately, the moves suggest NBC Sports NOW is prioritizing consistent voices over rotating specialty programming.

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Good Karma Brands Announces Rebranding To Good Karma Sports

John Mamola
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0
Good Karma Brands Announces Rebranding To Good Karma Sports

Good Karma Brands has a new name. The company is now Good Karma Sports, reflecting nearly 30 years of growth.

What We Know: Good Karma Sports built its business from a single radio station launched in December 1997. Today, the company partners with the NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college football and basketball, ESPN and TNT Sports. It also holds local play-by-play rights with teams including the Knicks, Rangers, Lakers, Rams, Angels, Bears, White Sox, Heat, Browns, Bucks, Brewers and Bills. Additionally, the company employs more than 500 teammates across 11 offices nationwide.

What They Said: Craig Karmazin, Founder and CEO of Good Karma Sports: “For nearly 30 years, we’ve built our business around sports, expanding our capabilities and relationships while staying deeply connected to the local markets we serve. The business we’ve built gives brands a unique and customizable point of entry into the sports ecosystem. Bringing together audiences, content, partnerships, talent and experiences around the teams, sports and moments that matter to them. At the same time, our expertise allows us to create value for sports partners in increasingly broad ways. That’s what Good Karma Sports represents, and there is tremendous opportunity ahead for our league, team, publisher, and advertising partners.”

Steve Politziner, President of Good Karma Sports: “As the sports media and regional rights landscape continues to evolve, we see a growing opportunity to help sports properties reach more fans, create greater value from their content and build stronger connections with partners and brands. Our ability to combine local market expertise with scalable capabilities across distribution, content, sales and media operations gives our partners more ways to grow their audiences and their businesses.”

What Remains Unclear: How the re-brand could shift focus of Good Karma Sports into other verticals in sports media is unclear.

What It Means: Ultimately, the rebrand signals a broader ambition beyond radio’s roots. Good Karma Sports now positions itself as a full-service sports media and marketing operator, not just a local broadcaster. Consequently, the name change may foreshadow further expansion into content, distribution and partnership services. For now, though, the company’s day-to-day operations appear unchanged.

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