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‘Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli’ Returns for Fourth Season

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ESPN and Omaha Productions are bringing back Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli for a fourth season, marking the continuation of the successful alternate prime time telecast. The Sports Emmy Award winner for ‘Most Outstanding Live’ series makes its return on Monday, Sept. 9 as Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets visit Brock Purdy and the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.

Throughout the 11-episode slate, which includes 10 regular season games and a wild card matchup to be determined, Peyton and Eli Manning will present their insight, conviviality and commentary to the airwaves on ESPN2. The Manning brothers introduced the schedule through a 10-minute musical video featuring cameos from Bob Iger, Archie Manning, Jimmy Kimmel, Snoop Dogg, Olivia Dunne, Andy Reid and Pete Davidson.

Many of the matchups in the 11-game schedule feature some of the top quarterbacks around the league, including Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Former New England Patriots head coach and general manager Bill Belichick will join the Manning brothers as a featured guest for every edition of the show shortly after the game begins and during the first half. Once the second half commences, the brothers will include guests from both inside and outside the sports world. The broadcast will continue to complement the primary presentation of Monday Night Football with play-by-play announcer Joe Buck, analyst Troy Aikman and reporter Lisa Salters.

Belichick and Peyton Manning will take part in a new ESPN+ original series, The Breakdown with Peyton and Belichick, that will make its premiere on Friday, Sept. 6. Both co-hosts will break down the forthcoming Monday Night Football matchup in the style of being situated in a film room and reviewing tape. Outside of his ventures with ESPN, Belichick is also a member of Inside the NFL on The CW, a co-host of the Let’s Go! podcast from SiriusXM and is co-producing and hosting his own show with Underdog Fantasy.

ESPN and Omaha Productions agreed to a nine-year, multiplatform media rights extension this past April that safeguards the ManningCast and enables original content creation between both entities. Over nine game broadcasts for the 2023-24 season, the alternate presentation averaged 1.24 million viewers on ESPN2. Moreover, it also accomplished its second most-watched edition ever with an average of 1.9 million viewers in Week 11 for a Super Bowl rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The full schedule of games featured on Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli can be found below:

DateNFL WeekVisiting TeamHome TeamPlatform(s)
Sept. 91New York JetsSan Francisco 49ersESPN2, ESPN+
Sept. 162Atlanta FalconsPhiladelphia EaglesESPN2
Oct. 75New Orleans SaintsKansas City ChiefsESPN2
Oct. 146Buffalo BillsNew York JetsESPN2
Oct. 217Baltimore RavensTampa Bay BuccaneersESPN2, ESPN+
Oct. 217Los Angeles ChargersArizona CardinalsESPN+
Oct. 288New York GiantsPittsburgh SteelersESPN2, ESPN+
Nov. 49Tampa Bay BuccaneersKansas City ChiefsESPN2
Nov. 1811Houston TexansDallas CowboysESPN2
Nov. 2512Baltimore RavensLos Angeles ChargersESPN2
Dec. 914Cincinnati BengalsDallas CowboysESPN2, ESPN+
Jan. 13Wild CardTBDTBDESPN2, ESPN+

The Future of Lottery Games: Technological Innovations

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Have you ever wondered what the lottery will look like in the next decade? If you’re someone who loves to try your luck—maybe you’ve even thought about what you’d do if you hit the jackpot after buying a ticket to play in Michigan—then you might be curious about where the lottery industry is headed.

The truth is, like so many other aspects of our lives, lottery games are on the cusp of a technological revolution. From digital platforms to blockchain, and even artificial intelligence, the future of lottery games promises to be more exciting, accessible, and transparent than ever before.

The Digital Shift: A New Era for Lottery Players

Remember the days when you had to rush to the corner store to grab a lottery ticket before the draw? While that option still exists, we’re increasingly seeing a shift toward digital platforms. This transformation is largely driven by the demand for convenience and the ubiquity of smartphones.

You no longer need to stand in line or even leave your house to play your favorite lottery games. In states like Michigan, for example, you can now play online, making it easier than ever to participate.

Digital platforms not only offer convenience but also broaden the scope of lottery games. We’re seeing a trend where traditional lotteries are being supplemented by online-exclusive games that offer different formats, better odds, or instant win opportunities. This variety caters to a broader audience, including younger players who may be more inclined to engage in digital activities.

The Role of Mobile Apps

As smartphone usage continues to grow, mobile apps have become an essential tool for lottery operators. These apps are not just for purchasing tickets; they offer a comprehensive lottery experience.

Players can check results, watch live draws, and even join lottery syndicates directly from their phones. Some apps also incorporate advanced features like push notifications, ensuring that you never miss a draw or a prize claim deadline.

Moreover, mobile apps allow lottery operators to collect valuable data about player preferences and behaviors. This data can be used to tailor marketing efforts, offer personalized promotions, and enhance the overall user experience. As a player, you benefit from more relevant content, and as an operator, there’s the advantage of increased player engagement and retention.

Blockchain: Enhancing Transparency and Security

One of the most significant challenges in the lottery industry has always been ensuring fairness and transparency. While lotteries are generally well-regulated, the sheer amount of money involved can lead to skepticism and concerns about fraud. Enter blockchain technology, a game-changer that promises to revolutionize how lotteries are conducted.

Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is a decentralized ledger that records transactions across many computers. This makes it incredibly difficult to alter or hack the system. In the context of lotteries, blockchain can be used to create a transparent and tamper-proof record of every ticket sold and every draw conducted. Players can verify the integrity of the lottery themselves, which builds trust and credibility.

Furthermore, blockchain can enable “smart contracts”—self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement are directly written into code. For lottery players, this means that winnings could be automatically distributed without the need for a third party, reducing the risk of errors or disputes.

Artificial Intelligence: Personalized Lottery Experiences

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology that’s poised to have a profound impact on the future of lottery games. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to predict trends, understand player behavior, and optimize game design. For example, AI could be used to identify which types of games are most popular among certain demographics, allowing operators to tailor their offerings accordingly.

But it doesn’t stop there. AI has the potential to create personalized lottery experiences. Imagine receiving game recommendations based on your past playing habits or being alerted to promotions that align with your preferences. AI could even be used to enhance customer service, with chatbots providing instant support and answering common queries.

Moreover, AI can help in responsible gaming efforts by identifying patterns that indicate problem gambling behaviors. If the system detects that someone is playing more than usual or at odd hours, it could trigger an alert and provide resources or support options. This ensures that the lottery remains a fun and safe activity for everyone involved.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Immersive Lottery Experiences

As we look further into the future, the possibilities become even more exciting with the advent of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These technologies, which are already making waves in the gaming industry, could bring a whole new level of immersion to lottery games.

Imagine putting on a VR headset and entering a virtual lottery hall where you can choose your numbers, watch the draw live, and even interact with other players. Or perhaps using AR to scan your lottery ticket with your smartphone and seeing animated results play out right in front of you. These innovations could make the lottery experience more engaging and interactive, attracting a new generation of players who are accustomed to immersive digital environments.

Social and Community Aspects: The Future of Lottery Play

While technological advancements are making lottery games more convenient and exciting, they’re also creating new opportunities for social interaction. We’re moving toward a future where playing the lottery could become a more communal experience.

Social media platforms and online communities are already playing a role in this shift. Players can join online syndicates, share their experiences, and even celebrate wins together. As technology continues to evolve, we might see the emergence of social lottery games where players can collaborate in real time, participate in group challenges, or compete in leaderboard-style competitions. These social features could add a new dimension to lottery games, making them more interactive and community-oriented.

The Jackpot of the Future: What Lies Ahead for Lottery Enthusiasts?

As we’ve explored, the future of lottery games is brimming with possibilities. Technological innovations like digital platforms, blockchain, AI, and immersive experiences are set to transform how we play and engage with lotteries. For those who play in Michigan or anywhere else, the lottery experience is only going to become more accessible, transparent, and personalized. So, as you think about your next lottery ticket purchase, remember that you’re not just buying a chance at winning a prize; you’re participating in an ever-evolving game that’s embracing the future. The only question left is: Are you ready to play in the lottery of tomorrow?

Bobby Bones To Receive NAB Distinguished Service Award

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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that Bobby Bones will host the 2024 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. Additionally, Bones will receive the NAB Distinguished Service Award during the NAB Show New York on October 9.

Curtis LeGeyt, NAB President/CEO, said, “Bobby Bones has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to radio listeners, using his platform not just to entertain but to uplift others and champion new voices. His dedication to mentoring emerging talent and his influence on the evolution of modern radio make him a fitting recipient of the NAB Distinguished Service Award. We are excited to honor Bobby’s achievements at this year’s Marconi Radio Awards at NAB Show New York. We look forward to a great night celebrating excellence in radio and our industry’s most dynamic figures.”

Bones hosts iHeartMedia’s “The Bobby Bones Show” and is a three-time CMA Award winner, a four-time ACM Award winner and earned Bones the title of the youngest-ever inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

The NAB Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the industry. Past recipients include Ryan Seacrest, Gordon Smith, James Brown, Jim Henson, Alan Alda, Robin Roberts, Bob Schieffer, Michael J. Fox, Mary Tyler Moore, President Ronald Reagan, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope, Walter Cronkite, and Oprah Winfrey.

‘TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station’ Launches In New York

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Following the expiration of its LMA agreement with Good Karma Brands, Emmis Corporation resumed operating WEPN/New York.

Powered by United Stations Radio Network, the station is now ‘TJ98.7: A Pop-Up Station’ as a limited engagement and will feature a mix of contemporary programming, including the morning show, “The TJ Show,” hosted by Z100 Alumni TJ Taormina.

The move brings T J Taormina back to New York City. It offers listeners a fresh blend of music and joyful talk content, aiming to redefine what’s possible for the radio experience by blending traditional broadcasting with modern, interactive elements.

The station will showcase the voices of YES Network’s and Inside Edition’s Steve Kamer and personality Jai Kershner. Radio.Cloud’s cloud-based automation platform will power the project, enabling the network to customize local and national content.

Charles Steinhauer, COO of United Stations, said, “I want to thank Emmis Corporation for helping us continue our long-standing commitment to fun and new ideas in the audio space. The TJ Show has been growing in each market of operation – it’s unique and joyful and I’m looking forward to the reaction of the NYC audience.”

TNT Sports Introduces MLB Whiparound Show, Tuesday Doubleheaders

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As pennant races go down to the wire across Major League Baseball, TNT Sports has revealed a new whiparound show making its premiere on truTV and Max on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Titled MLB Race to the Pennant, the program will provide fans with live looks from action taking place across the league as teams battle to secure spots in the postseason. Alanna Rizzo will host the show alongside analyst Yonder Alonso and others, bringing consumers the biggest moments and plays around the final stretch of the baseball season. The whiparound program will begin at 7 p.m. EST over the next four Tuesdays live on truTV and Max, spanning through a wide variety of the slate of MLB games.

Coinciding with the debut of the new whiparound-style program, TNT Sports has added additional MLB games to its slate as part of doubleheaders occurring during the ensuing three weeks. On Tuesday night, TBS and Max will present the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets interleague game from Citi Field with Brian Anderson and Jeff Francoeur on the call. Preceding the live game broadcast will be MLB Leadoff hosted by Greg Amsinger and featuring Curtis Granderson, Pedro Martínez and Jimmy Rollins. The studio team will return for MLB Closer following the conclusion of the matchup.

In the following week, the Boston Red Sox will return to the Tuesday night slate when the team hosts the Baltimore Orioles from Fenway Park in Boston at 7 p.m. EST. Once that matchup concludes, TBS and Max will present the Chicago Cubs facing the Los Angeles Dodgers at 10 p.m. EST. One week later on Tuesday, Sept. 17, division leaders will square off from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia with the Milwaukee Brewers taking on the Philadelphia Phillies beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST. Two hours later, the Houston Astros play the San Diego Padres on truTV and Max in an interleague matchup featuring two teams vying for a spot in the postseason.

The final night of regular-season coverage for the MLB on TBS takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and begins with an American League East showdown between the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees on TBS and Max at 7 p.m. EST. Action shifts to the National League at 9:30 p.m. EST when the San Diego Padres face the Los Angeles Dodgers, two teams aiming to secure a National League West division title en route to the postseason. Once the regular-season broadcasts conclude, TNT Sports will exclusively present games within the American League Division Series and American League Championship Series starting Saturday, Oct. 5 on TBS, truTV and Max.

Chris Broussard Confirms His Last Day on FOX Sports Radio Will be September 13

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Just over a week ago, Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post reported Chris Broussard would soon be stepping away from his FOX Sports Radio show in order to focus more on his FS1 television show. Broussard had been paired with Rob Parker for The Odd Couple which airs weeknights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Broussard and Parker addressed those reports as Broussard announced his last day on the show will be September 13.

“…The New York Post wrote about a week and a half ago that I will be leaving The Odd Couple,” he said. “And we really haven’t addressed it…I am officially announcing that I am indeed leaving The Odd Couple. It is true. After, what, Rob, six years. Six full-time years. And then probably another year, maybe, or six months we were doing it on weekends…I will be leaving The Odd Couple. My last day is next Friday, September 13th.”

“Can you see my glasses getting full with water?” Parker quipped.

“It is tough,” Broussard said. “It’s a tough announcement to make.”

Broussard went on to say that if anyone says there is beef between he and Parker, “that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

In fact, Parker and the FOX Sports executives have known about this all year. “I shared this with Rob and the executives at FOX Sports Radio and iHeart Radio in January,” Broussard said. “When I finished my contract, my new contract with FS1 and told them that after this contract for my radio, the radio show was over, I would not be continuing. So, Rob has known this for months.

“…I’m just leaving to focus on television. People know I’m the co-host, one of the co-hosts along with Nick Wright and Kevin Wildes of First Things First on FS1. And I’ve been doing that and The Odd Couple for the past two or three years. And it’s a long grind. It’s not undoable, of course, but it’s a long grind. Basically, been working from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. And so it’s a complete lifestyle move.”

Broussard said he and his wife are empty nesters now and everything is aligning for him to make this move, although Broussard will still be plenty busy. He runs a national Christian men’s organization and also said this would give him time to work on “some other individual things I’m going to want to do with my time.”

Broussard said he hopes Parker will have him on from time to time as a guest. The two have been friends for over 30 years and as Broussard said, “that is not changing.”

Boomer Esiason Begins 18th Year at WFAN

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Following the Labor Day holiday, WFAN morning show co-hosts Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti made their return to the studio as the National Football League season is set to begin. Esiason and Giannotti have worked together on the Boomer & Gio program since January 2018, and the duo is now set to commence its seventh NFL season together. At the same time, both local baseball teams are in pennant races, and there is palpable excitement surrounding basketball and hockey in the coming months. While there are plenty of sports to discuss in the New York metropolitan area, the program started on a different note Tuesday to honor a significant milestone attained by one of its personnel.

Esiason is beginning his 18th year hosting morning drive on WFAN, rendering him the longest-tenured host at the station. Over the summer, he signed a contract extension with Audacy and WFAN that will keep him on the air alongside Giannotti while stepping back from The NFL Today pregame show on CBS. When Esiason first began working at the station alongside Craig Carton in 2007, Giannotti remembers that he was working with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts. Esiason started the program by throwing his chair in the wall, presumably in disgust, since he had not been in the studio for some time and that it was presumably the wrong one.

“It’s amazing,” Esiason said. “For 10 days, I have not been aggravated once. I get here, and I’m immediately aggravated.”

Giannotti expressed his excitement to be back on the program as another NFL season prepares to begin. When asked about what it was like starting his 18th year, Esiason conveyed his gratitude for the role and how much he enjoys coming into work on a daily basis.

“It’s great,” Esiason said. “It’s one of the best jobs I could have ever asked for and lucky enough to be able to get, and unfortunately, it happened at somebody else’s expense, which was back in 2007, a weird, weird year, and here I am starting this 18th season, and it’s been a remarkable run to say the least, for a lot of reasons.”

Esiason articulated that he has worked with producer Al Dukes, anchor Jerry Recco and board operator Eddie Scozzare for most of his time at the station. Moreover, he stated that he has been paired with Giannotti for nearly half of those years and enjoyed success on the airwaves.

“People always say, ‘When do you think you’re going to [retire]?,’” Esiason averred. “I said the day that I feel like when I come here becomes work because if you love what you do, it is not work. It’s supposed to be enjoyable, it’s supposed to be humorous, it’s supposed to be entertaining, informational. You name it, we’ve been able to deliver it, and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it, except for maybe about six months.”

After Giannotti expressed that the aforementioned six-month stretch was “topsy-turvy and crazy,” Esiason voiced that he wants to “avoid the empty abyss” of questioning what he is going to do. Instead, he voiced the opinion that if someone loves their job, they should keep that job, prefacing the statement by questioning what it was from which he would retire. Esiason and Giannotti’s program has had the longest run among current weekday programming within prime hours at the outlet.

“They say if you find something you love to do, you never work a day in your life,” Giannotti shared. “That’s what they say.”

“Somebody said it,” Esiason added. “I don’t know who they are.”

Hollywood Hamilton Moving To Mornings At WKTU, New York

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Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton is moving from afternoons to mornings at iHeartMedia’s Hot AC WKTU/New York. The move is effective September 16.

The new show will be called “Hollywood Hamilton and the KTU Morning Crew.”

Hamilton was with WKTU from its launch in 1996 until 1999. He returned in 2006 co-hosting, co-hosting afternoons first with Goumba Johnny’ Sialiano, then solo.

Hamilton announced on Instagram.

Hamilton was part of the original staff at Top 40 WHTZ (Z-100)/New York.

From 1996 until 2021, he hosted or produced the syndicated “Hollywood Hamilton’s Weekend Top 30”, “Remix Top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton”, and “Weekend Top 30 with DJ Pup Dawg.” 

Ari Wasserman Joins On3 After 7 Years with The Athletic

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On3 has announced the hiring of Ari Wasserman as a national college football reporter. Wasserman is starting immediately, and he will reunite with his former podcast partner Andy Staples. The two hosted a podcast together while both worked for The Athletic. They will host the Andy & Ari On3 show which will air on the On3 YouTube channel.

Wasserman recently left The Athletic after being with them since 2017. He started as the Ohio State beat reporter before he switched to a national role and focused on recruiting.

Wasserman is the latest addition to the On3 college football team, joining Staples, J.D. PicKell, Steve Wiltfong, Chad Simmons and Pete Nakos.

“When I think about how college football is — and going to be — consumed by fans, multimedia is right at the center of that vision,” said Wasserman in a release. “On3 has proven from day one that an emphasis on podcasts and videos is a prime focus along with good, compelling writing. The opportunity to join one of my best friends in this industry and former podcast co-host Andy Staples to recreate the magic was very attractive.

“But when combined with On3’s brand and support of its multimedia endeavors, it was an absolute no-brainer. I came to On3 to make the best college football podcast on Earth and it’s clear to me we have the team to do it here.”

The Michael Berry Show to Join National Lineup From Premiere Networks

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Premiere Networks has announced it is adding The Michael Berry Show to its nationally syndicated lineup.

Previously, the show had been heard in 25 markets regionally, but will now be available nationally to Premiere Networks affiliates in the 6-8 PM ET timeslot.

“I’m fired up to join the team that brought Rush Limbaugh, my hero, to America, alongside my talented friends Clay Travis, Buck Sexton and Jesse Kelly, and legends like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck,” said Berry. “Being a part of the Talk radio industry is already a literal dream come true, but being supported and represented by Premiere, the best in the biz, is big time.”

Michael Berry is a former Houston City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem. He began his radio career in 2005 with a weekend show on NewsRadio 740 KTRH in Houston. He later expanded his role to serve as operations manager of that station, as well as Talk Radio 950 KPRC and KBME. In addition to his nationally syndicated afternoon show, Berry also hosts mornings on 740 KTRH.

“Michael has become one of the top voices in the world of talk radio, and we’re excited to expand his program to even more stations across the country,” said Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott. “His relatable style, keen intellect, and deep connection with listeners drive success for affiliates and sponsors alike, which are qualities we look for in our syndication partners.”

The Michael Berry Show will be available nationwide beginning on Monday, October 7th.