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Westwood One Begins 38th Consecutive Season as Exclusive Primetime Network Radio Partner of NFL

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Westwood One Begins 38th Consecutive Season as Exclusive Primetime Network Radio Partner of NFL

Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One is beginning its 38th consecutive season as the exclusive network radio partner of the National Football League, commencing a slate of games that will conclude with Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, La. The network will feature a lineup of prime time regular-season games and every contest in the postseason, including its 52nd broadcast of the Super Bowl championship to a national audience. Westwood One Sports will provide play-by-play coverage of Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, along with games on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday and Christmas Day. The network will also broadcast the five NFL international games taking place this year, along with all rounds of the NFL playoffs.

Coverage of the 2024 NFL regular season begins on Thursday, Sept. 5 when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The next day, Westwood One will cover the first NFL game to be played in São Paulo, Brazil featuring the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. Sunday night coverage begins on Sept. 8 when the Detroit Lions host the Los Angeles Rams, while the Monday night action commences Sept. 9 with the New York Jets visiting the San Francisco 49ers.

The first Thursday Night Football broadcast of the season takes place on Sept. 12 when the Buffalo Bills take on the Miami Dolphins. Coverage for all of these opening games starts at 7:30 p.m. EST each night across approximately 500 terrestrial radio stations nationwide, streaming live online, on the NFL app and on primary digital platforms of affiliate stations outside of the Club 100-mile proximity.

Award-winning broadcaster Kevin Harlan and Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner will serve as the lead broadcast crew throughout the season, calling the kickoff game, Monday Night Football and Super Bowl LIX for the network. Harlan is entering his 15th season behind the microphone for the network, while Warner is in his 11th season providing analysis on these games. Ryan Radtke and Mike Golic will serve as the primary broadcasting team for Sunday Night Football games, while the Monday night team utilizes a rotation of announcers led by main play-by-play voice Ian Eagle. Kevin Kugler will call select Thursday night games on the season as well, and other play-by-play announcers throughout the season for Westwood One include Tom McCarthy, John Sadak, JP Shadrick and Jason Benetti.

Among the game analysts included on Thursday Night Football are three-time Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty, who also serves as a commentator for Football Night in America on NBC. Ron Rivera, who recently joined NFL Network and SiriusXM in media roles, will also be on the air for Thursday night games in addition to former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker. Other analysts that will be on the air this season include James Lofton, Mike Mayock, Ryan Harris, Ryan Leaf and Derek Rackley. NFL Network host Rich Eisen will make his return to anchor pregame and halftime shows Monday Night Football, while Scott Graham will host remaining games within the national radio package.

Mike Eaby is entering his first season in his new role of vice president and executive producer of Westwood One Sports, a position to which he was named this past May. Howard Deneroff previously held the role and worked at the company for 35 years, and he exited the entity coinciding with Eaby’s promotion. In his new position at the company, Eaby reports to Bruce Gilbert, the senior vice president of sports content and audience for Cumulus Media.

Audacy Philadelphia, PNC Bank Extend Partnership

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Audacy Philadelphia, PNC Bank Extend Partnership

Audacy Philadelphia and PNC Bank have agreed to an extension of their longtime partnership, retaining PNC as the presenting sponsor for the Eagles Radio Network on SportsRadio 94WIP. Philadelphia Eagles live game broadcasts have aired on SportsRadio 94WIP for several years with play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese and analyst Mike Quick. This season, the Eagles Radio Network will present gameday play-by-play broadcasts, along with pregame and postgame shows, to 13 stations in the Philadelphia region.

“PNC Bank has been a longtime valued partner of Audacy Philadelphia, WIP and the Eagles Radio Network, and we’re delighted to continue our longstanding relationship,” David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager of Audacy Philadelphia, said in a statement. “We look forward to collaborating to continue delivering experiences for fans and clients across the Philadelphia region throughout the year.”

“From Philadelphia to Wilmington to Camden and beyond, there are few better ways to support our hometown Eagles than by continuing to build on our terrific relationship with the Audacy team as presenting sponsor of the Eagles Radio Network on SportsRadio 94WIP,” Joseph G. Meterchick, regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey for PNC, said in a statement. “The combination of a soaring team and the iconic voices of Merrill Reese and Mike Quick at the mic are unbeatable. We look forward to cheering alongside our clients and fellow Eagles fans as the season kick-off approaches.” 

The sponsorship agreement includes on-air promotional reads from Reese, who has served as the Eagles radio voice since 1977. Reese, Quick, Meterchick and Glen Macnow will take part in a virtual “PNC Inside the Huddle” to promote PNC’s Business Bank offerings. The event will be for over 250 PNC Bank clients and welcome special guests to give their perspectives on the team heading into the season. Guests scheduled to appear currently include former Eagles head coach Dick Vermeil, former linebacker Seth Joyner and Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham among others.

Salem Radio Network to Host Pre-Debate Special with Larry Elder, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka

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Salem Radio Network to Host Pre-Debate Special with Larry Elder, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka

Salem Radio Network has announced plans for a pre-debate special on Tuesday, September 10th, featuring Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Larry Elder, and Sebastian Gorka.

“Larry Elder’s solid experience as a talk show host – as well as perspective he gained as a candidate for Governor of California and President of the United States – makes him uniquely qualified for this pre-debate special role,” said Salem Media Group Vice President of Spoken Word Programming Phil Boyce. “His insight and knowledge are unmatched.”

Elder will host the program and provide his insight and analysis in what goes into debate preparations for each candidate. Meanwhile, Gallagher will provide reports from a debate watch party in Tampa, with Dennis Prager and Sebastian Gorka joining the conversation with Elder.

The program will air from 7-9 PM ET in advance of the ABC News event featuring Republican nominee Donald Trump debating Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. David Muir and Linsey Davis will moderate the event for the television network.

In addition to airing on Salem Radio network, the pre-debate special will also be available on Salem News Channel.

Jason ‘Cash Warren’ Is Cannon Country 107.9’s First Morning Host

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Jason ‘Cash Warren’ Is Cannon Country 107.9’s First Morning Host

Jason ‘Cash Warren’ is joining Local Daily Media’s WBQK (Cannon Country 107.9)/Williamsburg, VA, as the station’s first morning host.

Warren said, “It feels great to be back on a country station after five months. The amount of Emma jokes that have been requested on my social platforms is unreal! They’re coming! I’m honored to be Cannon Country’s first morning show. I haven’t seen a radio station this dialed into their community in a long time. This is going to be a lot of fun.”

Warren comes from Max Media’s WGH (97.3 The Eagle)/Virginia Beach, where he hosted mornings until his exit this past March. Other career stops include Alpha Media’s Country KGNC/Amarillo, TX, and Burt Broadcasting’s Country KZZX (Your Country 105.3)/Alamogordo, NM.

Mike Greenberg to Join ESPN ‘First Draft’ Podcast as Host

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Mike Greenberg to Join ESPN ‘First Draft’ Podcast as Host

For the last several seasons, ESPN senior NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and ESPN NFL insider Field Yates have worked together on the First Draft podcast. The digital venture breaks down news and developments surrounding the NFL Draft throughout the year, keeping fans informed about the next generation of players aiming to enter the National Football League. Kiper Jr. and Yates will welcome Mike Greenberg to the show this season as a host, releasing on Thursdays with information pertaining to top prospects, team needs and the ebbs and flows of draft stock.

Greenberg, a veteran employee at ESPN, currently hosts morning programming from New York City starting with Get Up! on television. From there, he moves into the #Greeny program on ESPN Radio, which is nationally syndicated and distributed across several network affiliates. Ahead of the NFL season, Greenberg was named the host of Sunday NFL Countdown where he will be joined by analysts Tedy Bruschi, Randy Moss, Rex Ryan and Alex Smith, along with senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.

“We start THIS WEEK,” Greenberg said in a post on X. “Can’t wait, thrilled to team with these guys.”

Listeners can send questions to the show with posts utilizing “#firstdraft” for a chance to have them answered on the air. The show is part of ESPN’s podcast offerings, which includes original offerings centered on football coverage, conversations with league insiders, offerings from Omaha Productions and replays of ESPN programming. Kiper and Yates contribute across ESPN platforms throughout the season, frequently making appearances on radio, television and digital programming. Digital platforms from ESPN garnered 102.3 million unique visitors during the month of July, marking a 29th consecutive month in which it topped the U.S. sports category.

‘The Sports Reporters’ Returns to ESPN Platforms

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‘The Sports Reporters’ Returns to ESPN Platforms

After seven years off the air, The Sports Reporters made its return to ESPN platforms on Tuesday with the premiere of a YouTube-exclusive program. Hosted by Jeremy Schapp, the first episode of the reimagined program with a new look and format features several venerated play-by-play announcers from around the NFL, including ESPN Monday Night Football announcer Joe Buck. Joining him on the panel included NBC Sports Sunday Night Football play-by-play voice Mike Tirico and announcers Ian Eagle (CBS) and Kevin Harlan (CBS/Westwood One). The episode features the panel weighing in on key issues around the NFL, different elements of broadcasting and the upcoming season.

Segments from the discussion will air on SportsCenter and NFL Live, along with other potential ESPN television programs as well. The new edition of the show will appear regularly featuring different panelists and subjects. Future episodes will feature new panelists and the return of some members of the show during its original run. Schapp, who also hosts ESPN E60 and Outside the Lines, hosted the Classic Sports Reporters edition of the show on ESPN Classic in the early 2000s. Dick Schapp, Jeremy’s father, hosted the original version of The Sports Reporters from 1988 until he passed away in 2001. John Saunders took over the role on the show and hosted from that time on until he passed away in 2016.

“As a college kid, I’d spend Sunday mornings in the studio watching my father host The Sports Reporters, and then for many years I had the opportunity to work on the show with Joe Valerio and John Saunders, Mike Lupica, Mitch Albom, Bill Rhoden, Bob Ryan and many others,” Jeremy Schapp said in a statement. “So to say that becoming the host of The Sports Reporters is meaningful to me is simply a massive understatement.”

During the first episode, the panel tackled an assortment of topics in discussions guided by Schapp hosting from the ESPN studios. One section of the program that brought laughter and revelry was when the announcers discussed how they approach calling a Kansas City Chiefs game with award-winning singer and songwriter Taylor Swift in the stadium. Buck explained that his daughters have implored him not to tell jokes about her while on the air in fear of him being subject to retribution by her fanbase. Additionally, Tirico stated that it is good to have more people watching football and trying to find a middle ground between highlighting the game and discussing the presence of the global superstar. The panel also discussed other aspects of their roles, including what it is like to broadcast NFL games, their favorite calls and the impact of social media on the profession.

“This is an opportunity for NFL fans to hear from four of the most experienced voices in the sport in the same discussion, and we thank CBS and NBC for the collaboration,” Andy Tennant, ESPN vice president, production, responsible for overseeing the revival of The Sports Reporters, said in a statement. “This is the rebirth of an iconic franchise and the possibilities for more collaborations involving other sports are endless.”

Mike Lupica, a former panelist on the show and newspaper columnist, expressed on The Michael Kay Show that if ESPN brought the show back, that he hoped they would do it in the right way. Moreover, he suggested that the company place the show back in the television lineup on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and stated that former ESPN president John Skipper is the person who took it off the air in the first place. It remains unknown if the show could make a television return in the future, along with the frequency and/or number of new episodes to come.

RaJan Monroe Joins Streaming ‘NGEN Radio’

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RaJan Monroe Joins Streaming ‘NGEN Radio’

Christian Top 40 KPUL (Pulse 101.7)/Des Moines’ RaJan Monroe is joining Hope Media Groups’ streaming Christian Rhythmic “NGEN Radio.” He will host from 12 to 6 p.m. (CT) on “NGEN” while voice-tracking afternoons at KUPL.

Monroe said, “NGEN has always held a special place in my heart, and to be here is incredible because I’m a product of its core mission. I look forward to witnessing and contributing to what God is building for His Kingdom. The New International Version of Proverbs 3:5-6 says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ This scripture guides me daily. I’m ready to take this journey step by step. Let’s go!”

Tate Luck, Director of Audio Streaming at Hope Media Group added, “I am thrilled that RaJan is joining the NGEN team. His unique ability to connect with today’s generation presents a tremendous opportunity for us to deepen our engagement with and grow the NGEN audience.”

DJ Felli Fel Is Bringing ‘The Felli Show’ To 98.5 The Beat San Antonio

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DJ Felli Fel Is Bringing ‘The Felli Show’ To 98.5 The Beat San Antonio

DJ Felli Fel is bringing his new syndicated midday show, “The Felli Show” to TelevisaUnivision Rhythmic KBBT (98.5 The Beat)/San Antonio. The station is the first syndication partner with the show and Radio Resources.

Felli commented, “I’m super excited to start this venture with my new syndicated radio show. Big shout out to Hamm and 98.5 The Beat San Antonio for being the first to join the journey. Cheers to my super-duper producers, Ana Ramirez, and Dejah Boo, for all their hard work. Coming to your city soon is “The Felli Show.’”

Felli was longtime PM Driver at Meruelo Media’s Rhythmic Top 40 KPWR (Power 106)/Los Angeles before being downsized last February. He began his career at Tejano KHCK (Kick FM)/Dallas before moving to KKDA (K104)/Dallas and then to Los Angeles.

Cliff Cage Joins KDUK Eugene OR

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Cliff Cage Joins KDUK Eugene OR

Cliff Cage has joined Bicoastal Media’s Top 40 KDUK/Eugene OR as APD/PM Drive.

Cage comes from Bahakel’s Alternative KRXP (X103.9)/Colorado Springs, CO. Prior to that, he was nights and Promotion Director for Cumulus Top 40 KKMG (98.9 Magic FM)/Colorado Springs. He joined in 2021 for his second time with the station, having served in overnights from 2010-2019.

Val Steele Bicoastal Media Eugene OM said, “He possesses the intangibles that can’t be taught, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our programming team.” Congratulate him here.                              

                       

Shannon Spake to Host NASCAR Playoffs Show Distributed to TNT Sports, truTV

BSM Staff
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Shannon Spake to Host NASCAR Playoffs Show Distributed to TNT Sports, truTV

TNT Sports is set to premiere a new show titled NASCAR Inside the Playoffs on Thursday at 7 p.m. EST, adding to its slate of original sports programming on truTV revealed earlier in the year. Before the start of new seven-year media rights deals with Warner Bros. Discovery, FOX Corporation, Comcast, Nexstar and Amazon reportedly worth more than a collective $7 billion, TNT Sports is adding this new program produced by NASCAR Studios, hosted by Shannon Spake, before it makes its return to NASCAR broadcasting in 2025.

Jordan Bianchi, motorsports reporter for The Athletic, revealed the news on the latest edition of The Teardown NASCAR podcast with co-host Jeff Gluck on the Dirty Mo Media platform co-founded by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Once the new media deals commence, Earnhardt Jr. will be part of broadcast coverage for both TNT Sports and Amazon following the expiration of his contract with NBC Sports last year.

For parts of the last eight years, Spake has been a NASCAR studio host and NFL reporter for FOX Sports. During her time with the network, she co-hosted NASCAR Race Hub on FS1 alongside Adam Alexander, along with handling hosting obligations for races within the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Amid the NFL season, she worked as a reporter alongside play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma. Spake is a former reporter and host at ESPN where she contributed across its coverage of NASCAR, college football and college basketball, and she also previously worked at SPEED in a similar role.

Spake and Bianchi will be on the air with analysts Mamba Smith and Steve Letarte, along with a rotating cast of drivers. Bianchi recalled that if he had been told correctly, Kyle Bush was going to be part of the first few episodes. It remains unknown if Spake will be a part of the network’s forthcoming NASCAR racing coverage or if she will contribute across its other sports properties as well.

In addition to the NASCAR playoffs show, Spake is hosting the NASCAR Daily podcast, making its debut across podcasting platforms on Monday, Sept. 9. Spake will bring her perspective on the races and bringing in guests such as drivers, industry personalities and other contributors. Episodes of the show will run for approximately 10 minutes on weekday mornings and include a weekly sports betting segment with analyst Erica Renee Davis.

“This is going to be so much fun,” Spake said in a statement. “I get to talk about the sport I have been a part of for 20 years in two totally different settings, alongside some of my greatest friends and most respected peers in the industry. The fans have been so good to me over the years, and I’m excited to take them further inside the action of the postseason while staying up to speed on some of the fun and entertaining things unfolding away from the track.”

“TNT Sports is putting this together, and they have the Inside the NBA show, they have the [NHL studio] show they do,” Bianchi explained on the podcast. “It’s going to be in that same kind of vein of a fun, roundtable kind of show, banter, that kind of thing.”

“Checking items off the bucket list left and right,” replied Gluck. “Guy wanted to interview Michael Jordan – check. Guy wanted to be on TV – check. He’s nailing it folks.”

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