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iHeartMedia Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

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iHeartMedia Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

iHeartMedia has announced it has appointed Ann Marie Licata as the CEO of its Mutliplatform Group, which includes the company’s 860 radio stations.

The division also includes the Markets Group, the live events and sponsorships business, the radio networks businesses like Premiere Networks and TTWN, and the Enterprise Business Development Group.

With the new structure, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott and Enterprise Development Group Julie Donohue will report directly to Licata.

Additionally, Bernie Weiss will now serve as the President of the Markets Group. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment,” said iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. “In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses — including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service — as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. 

“We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms,” Pittman concluded.

“We have a diversified business at iHeart, with our Multiplatform Group, the Digital Audio Group and the Audio and Media Services Group, and we’re very pleased that Ann Marie has taken on the responsibility for the Multiplatform Group at such an important time for the company,” added iHeartMedia President and COO Rich Bressler.

Conal Byrne will continue to serve as the CEO of the Digital Audio Group for iHeartMedia. Mark Gray will continue as CEO of the Audio and Media Services CEO.

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Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

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Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

NewsNation has announced plans for an Easter Special helmed by network host Chris Cuomo.

The Mystery of Easter is set to broadcast on Saturday, April 4th at 8 PM ET. The show features Cuomo in Israel as he attempts to find out concrete answers to what happened to Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

Included in the special is Chris Cuomo speaking with biblical scholar and author Michael Licona. Part of the discussion hinges on the theory that Christ was not given a formal burial.

“In antiquity, you’re correct, that the Romans typically did not allow a crucified or condemned person who had been executed by them to receive a proper burial,” Lincona said of the theory. “But the Romans, in order to keep peace with people they had conquered, would often allow them to maintain some of their customs. And we have evidence that they did this in Jerusalem.”

An encore presentation of the NewsNation special featuring Chris Cuomo will air on Easter Sunday at 12 PM ET.

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ESPN Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

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ESPN Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

ESPN has finalized its Major League Baseball broadcast team for the 2026 season, assembling a mix of veteran voices and fresh perspectives across television, radio and digital platforms. The network will rely on a trio of familiar play-by-play announcers in Karl Ravech, Jon Sciambi and Mike Monaco to headline its game coverage.

Each will call games throughout the season as part of ESPN’s national schedule. Kevin Brown is also slated to handle select assignments.

In the booth, ESPN will feature a wide range of analysts. That group includes Eduardo Pérez, David Ross, Doug Glanville, Jessica Mendoza and Todd Frazier. The network also adds former pitcher Adam Ottavino as both a game and studio analyst, continuing a relationship that began with guest appearances in recent years.

Ottavino is scheduled to make his season debut on May 7. He will be part of the broadcast when the San Diego Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals.

Reporting duties will again be led by Buster Olney, who remains ESPN’s primary on-site presence for marquee games. Meanwhile, Jeff Passan continues in his role as senior MLB insider, contributing breaking news and analysis across multiple platforms.

ESPN’s season coverage begins with a high-profile showcase on Jackie Robinson Day. Joe Buck will call the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. He will be joined by analysts Ron Darling and Orel Hershiser, with Olney reporting from the field.

In addition, ESPN will originate Baseball Tonight from Dodger Stadium for the event. Ravech, Pérez and Glanville will be part of the coverage, alongside Tim Kurkjian, who will contribute throughout the season.

Studio programming remains a central component of ESPN’s baseball strategy. Kevin Connors will handle hosting duties for Baseball Tonight, while Ravech will appear on select editions. Kurkjian’s role will extend across multiple studio shows, offering analysis and commentary.

Digital coverage will continue to play a major role. ESPN.com’s MLB team includes Olney, Passan and Kurkjian, along with reporters such as Jesse Rogers and Alden Gonzalez. Prospect and draft analysis will again be led by Kiley McDaniel.

On the audio side, ESPN Radio retains its position as the national home for MLB broadcasts. Sciambi, Ravech and Roxy Bernstein are among the play-by-play voices. Glanville returns as the lead analyst, while Kurkjian will also contribute.

ESPN Deportes will round out the company’s coverage with Spanish-language broadcasts and studio programming throughout the season, further expanding the network’s reach to a broader audience.

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New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

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New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

US 96.3 host Hannah Lane is making the move from the Jackson, Mississippi country station to join New Country 96.3, the Cumulus Dallas country station.

Lane originally joined US 96.3 in Jackson in October 2023. Most recently, she’s been paired with Gordon “Gordo” Hultengren in morning drive.

During her tenure, Lane helped lead US 96.3 to the top honor in the social media category at the 2025 Mississippi Broadcasters Association Awards.

In a post on social media, Hannah Lane announced the move. She also shared her excitement for the new chapter of her career, and her appreciation for the audience at US 96.3.

“I will be moving to Dallas, Texas next Saturday,” Lane wrote. “I still can’t believe I get to write these words to all of you. Mississippi and all of you will always mean more to me than I can explain.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know a single person. Not one,” Lane continued. “I just had a dream, boxes, and a whole lot of faith that somehow this place would become something special in my story. And it did. It became that because of each and every one of you.”

Hannah Lane will begin her tenure on New Country 96.3 in Dallas on Monday, April 13th.

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106.7 The Fan’s John “Cakes” Auville: Jason Kelce “Forced Down Our Throats” on ESPN Masters Coverage

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106.7 The Fan’s John “Cakes” Auville: Jason Kelce “Forced Down Our Throats” on ESPN Masters Coverage

A prominent Washington, D.C., sports radio voice is questioning both access and editorial direction ahead of one of golf’s most exclusive events. During Thursday’s episode of The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan, host John “Cakes” Auville took aim at ESPN’s decision to feature Jason Kelce in its coverage of The Masters, while Pat McAfee’s show was again denied on-site access.

“Jason Kelce is being forced down our throats,” he said. “Why is Jason Kelce at the Masters all of a sudden? Is he really a fit? I try not to digest Jason Kelce as much as I can.”

Auville’s comments come as the decision to include Kelce in ESPN’s coverage of the annual golf major has received scrutiny. His comments also reflect a broader skepticism about how far the tournament is willing to stretch its traditionally buttoned-up presentation.

Auville suggested Kelce’s presence represents a noticeable departure from the event’s usual tone.

“I’m actually surprised that the uppity, green jacket-wearing people that call the shots there are allowing Jason Kelce to be doing it,” Auville said. “It seems a little out of character. He seems like an outsider. He’s not a golf insider.”

That critique quickly turned toward the power structure behind the scenes. Auville argued that Augusta National maintains firm control over who appears on broadcasts originating from its grounds in Augusta. Even with media partners as large as ESPN.

“The Masters can say we don’t want Jason Kelce on our broadcast. It’s that simple,” he said. “You think The Masters aren’t telling ESPN what to do for the most part? Who can and who cannot come in and broadcast on their golf course?”

That belief underscores a longstanding perception in media circles. Augusta National, which operates the tournament, has historically exercised tight control over presentation, access and branding. Still, Auville acknowledged one element of the situation that caught him off guard.

Despite Kelce’s larger-than-life personality, he was granted access, while Pat McAfee — known for a more unfiltered style — was not.

“I’m kind of surprised that Jason Kelce is there,” Auville said. “I’m not surprised they told Pat McAfee to go to hell because he has a little more of a wild guy reputation.”

He added that the contrast between the two personalities makes the decision harder to reconcile.

“Then again, Jason Kelce is kind of a wild man too,” Auville said. “So I’m a little surprised that he is going to be part of the broadcast, but Pat McAfee will not be.”

For Auville, the issue is not just about Kelce or McAfee. It is about consistency. As The Masters evolves, decisions like these will continue to draw scrutiny from voices across the industry.

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Marty Smith Reaches Multi-Year Extension With ESPN

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Marty Smith Reaches Multi-Year Extension With ESPN

ESPN is keeping one of its most recognizable storytellers in place. The network has signed Marty Smith to a multi-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence across several of its highest-profile properties.

Smith will remain a key contributor on college football, golf and NFL Draft coverage. He will also continue co-hosting Marty & McGee alongside Ryan McGee on SEC Network.

In addition, Smith is expected to play a central reporting role during The Masters, where his storytelling style has become a staple of the network’s presentation from Augusta National.

Smith has built a reputation as one of ESPN’s most versatile voices. His work regularly appears across signature programs like College GameDay, SportsCenter and SEC Nation. He also contributes to major events, including the College Football Playoff, often delivering feature-driven segments that go beyond the field.

“Working at ESPN is such an immense joy,” Smith said. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Iwalked in the door in 2006 with no concept of how to make television. I went to ESPN University, and I learned very quickly that television is a team sport, especially given the platforms and pressure our company commands, and the excellence it demands”

Smith joined ESPN in 2006 and has since evolved into a prominent storyteller known for blending sports with human-interest narratives. Over the years, he has covered everything from golf’s biggest stages to college football’s most intense environments.

His career includes high-profile interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, including Tiger Woods, Nick Saban and Cristiano Ronaldo. More recently, he landed a notable conversation with Lane Kiffin during a pivotal moment in the coaching landscape.

“Marty is one of our most versatile and distinctive voices,” said Mike McQuade, ESPN’s executive vice president of sports production. “His ability to connect with people helps viewers better understand the personalities shaping sports.”

Beyond football, Smith continues to play a significant role in ESPN’s golf coverage. He contributes annually to both The Masters and the PGA Championship. In 2025, he expanded his portfolio further by joining coverage of TGL, conducting interviews with players and celebrities involved in the tech-driven competition.

Before becoming a network mainstay, Smith served as ESPN’s lead NASCAR reporter from 2007-14. He contributed to NASCAR Now and filed reports for SportsCenter while also writing for ESPN.com. Prior to ESPN, Smith worked for NASCAR.com and held roles with SPEED Channel and Fox Sports Net. A graduate of Radford University, he began his career covering local sports in Virginia.

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Fox News Leads All of Cable News in Ratings Surge During 2026’s First Quarter

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Fox News Leads All of Cable News in Ratings Surge During 2026’s First Quarter

The first three months of 2026 were quite eventful in the news media world. Fox News, CNN, MS NOW, and NewsNation all saw ratings increases due to several events.

Between military action in Venezuela and Iran, as well as President Trump’s State of the Union address, cable news ratings were up during the months of January, February, and March.

Fox News Dominates

For the full quarter, Fox News averaged 1.7 million viewers in the total day category. In primetime, that figure rose to 2.7 million. It marked the 97th consecutive quarter that the network earned the top spot in the cable news ratings in primetime viewership.

The network earned 14 of the top 15 programs in cable news, with a 23% increase quarter-over-quarter in total day viewership.

In primetime, the network saw a 25% increase compared to the prior quarter, averaging 2.6 million.

The Five remained the most popular program in cable news. For the quarter, the show averaged 4 million viewers.

MS NOW Sees Resurgence

Elsewhere, MS NOW also saw a double-digit increase in total day viewership. The network averaged 691,000 total day viewers. That figure represents a 23% increase compared to the prior quarter.

In primetime, MS NOW averaged 1.1 million viewers, up 25% compared to 2025’s final quarter.

In weekday prime, the average audience jumps to 1.4 million total viewers. That marks its largest average audience since late 2024.

Best Quarter Since 2022 at CNN

One of the largest jumps in total day and primetime viewership were at CNN. During the first quarter, CNN saw a 42% increase in total day viewership, up to 577,000.

In primetime viewership, the network saw even bigger gains. On average, 797,000 total viewers tuned into CNN between 8 and 11 PM ET. That marks a 54% increase compared to the final quarter of 2025.

The first quarter of 2026 was CNN’s best overall quarter since the same quarter in 2022. That quarter was also aided by a surge in viewership tied to military action, as Russia began its war in Ukraine.

Triple-Digit Growth at NewsNation

The month of March was also a positive one for NewsNation. In primetime, the network saw an 85% increase in total viewership compared to the same month in 2025. It averaged 191,000 total viewers for the month during the daypart. In the total day viewership category, it saw an 87% increase, up to 101,000.

Cuomo remains the network’s biggest show. It averaged 289,000 total viewers in March. That is a 65% increase in overall viewers compared to March 2025.

Every program at NewsNation between the hours of 6 AM and 11 PM ET saw double or triple-digit growth during March.

Business News Also Sees Uptick

The ratings surge wasn’t limited only to networks focusing on news. Business networks also saw an increase in viewership during the first quarter.

At Fox Business Network, it was the second-highest-rated quarter on record. The network averaged 249,000 total viewers in the business day (M-F, 9:30-5 PM ET) window.

Additionally, The Big Money Show saw its best finish in program history. It averaged 224,000 viewers during the quarter, up 29%. That program airs from 12-2 PM ET.

In total day viewership, Fox Business averaged 148,000 total viewers.

CNBC, meanwhile, saw an average of 224,000 total viewers during the business day window. In total day viewership, the network averaged 142,000 overall viewers.

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NFL Reportedly Without An Official Sportsbook Partner For First Time Since 2021

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NFL Reportedly Without An Official Sportsbook Partner For First Time Since 2021

The National Football League (NFL) has entered unfamiliar territory. For the first time since opening its sportsbook sponsorship category in 2021, the league is without an official betting partner.

According to a report by Sports Business Journal, agreements with FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment expired at midnight earlier this week. None of the three opted to renew under existing terms. That outcome comes despite the NFL generating an estimated $30 billion in betting handle last season.

League officials confirmed to SBJ that discussions remain active. NFL Executive Vice President Renie Anderson addressed the situation during league meetings Tuesday, noting that negotiations continue with multiple parties.

SBJ is reporting the center of the impasse is the rising cost of official league data tied to Genius Sports has created friction with operators. Genius holds exclusive rights to distribute official NFL data, which sportsbooks must secure to maintain league sponsorships and in-game advertising access.

The NFL maintains a financial interest in Genius Sports, holding roughly a 9% stake. The two sides extended their data partnership earlier this year through the 2029 season. While FanDuel and DraftKings remain engaged, Caesars appeared less likely to continue even before negotiations intensified. T

The league, however, is keeping its options open. An NFL spokesperson told SBJ leadership is evaluating multiple partnership models as the marketplace evolves.

Prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have begun forming partnerships with professional leagues such as MLB and the NHL. Their presence introduces additional competition, though regulatory uncertainty continues to cloud their long-term outlook.

With the next season still months away, there remains time to reshape deals or introduce new partners. And if history offers any indication, the NFL is unlikely to rush a decision without maximizing its leverage.

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Netflix Reveals MLB Opening Night Viewership Figures

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Netflix Reveals MLB Opening Night Viewership Figures

Netflix made its Major League Baseball debut last week, drawing solid early returns as the league continues to explore new distribution platforms. The streaming giant carried its first MLB game on Wednesday, March 25, featuring the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.

According to Nielsen Big Data + Panel, the game delivered an average minute audience of 3 million U.S. viewers in Live+Same Day viewing.

That audience helped position the broadcast as one of the stronger Opening Day performances among younger viewers in recent years. The telecast produced its highest primetime delivery among adults 18–49 since 2017, averaging 1.38 million viewers in the demographic. It also generated 636,000 viewers among adults 18–34, marking another high-water mark for the same timeframe.

Equally notable, the audience skewed younger than any MLB Opening Day broadcast in the past decade. That trend aligns with both the league’s and Netflix’s ongoing push to engage a more digitally native fan base.

On the field, the Yankees delivered a dominant 7-0 win over the Giants. Off the field, Netflix leaned heavily into promotion, with the campaign producing 200 million owned global social impressions and 6 million engagements to date.

The broadcast marked the first of three MLB events scheduled to stream exclusively on Netflix in 2026. The package continues with the Home Run Derby on July 13 and MLB at Field of Dreams Game on August 13.

While the debut delivered encouraging numbers, it did not lead the week in overall MLB viewership. NBC aired a nationally televised game the following night, billed as the league’s official Opening Day broadcast. That matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers averaged 3.2 million viewers.

Still, Netflix’s performance compares favorably within the broader context of streaming sports. The company previously drew 27.5 million viewers for its Christmas Day NFL doubleheader, signaling its ability to scale large audiences when marquee properties are involved.

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570 WWNC Adds FM Simulcast in Asheville

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570 WWNC Adds FM Simulcast in Asheville

570 WWNC has added a new FM simulcast, as the iHeartMedia Asheville news/talk station hits the FM band for the first time.

The station can now be heard on 92.9 FM in the Asheville area. Previously, that FM translator was tied to ESPN Asheville, which airs on both the 880 and 1400 AM signals.

Both the 880 AM and 570 AM signals feature 5,000 watts of power. The 1400 AM signal licensed to Waynesville, broadcasts with 1,000 watts.

The 92.9 FM signal is not a full-market signal. It features 180 watts, strong enough to cover the city of Asheville.

“After our post–Hurricane Helene broadcast, it became clear just how essential WWNC is to Western North Carolina,” said iHeartMedia Carolina Area Senior Vice President of Programming Zac Davis. “Over the past year, we’ve focused on expanding our ability to serve the community, and this next step allows us to reach even more listeners. It’s a natural extension of the incredible work our Asheville team has already done.”

“This is a huge step for WWNC, not only for our station but for our clients and especially our listeners,” added morning host Mark Starling. “This is a first for Western North Carolina in News/ Talk format and extends our ability to inform and help our community.”

The programming on 570 WWNC will remain the same. Mark Starling will continue to host morning drive, before a lineup of nationally syndicated hosts like Glenn Beck, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, Sean Hannity, The Ramsey Show, and Jesse Kelly complete the lineup.

“Extending News Radio 570 WWNC to 92.9 FM gives Western North Carolina greater access to trusted news and talk at a time when local information matters more than ever,” said iHeartMedia Carolinas Area President Drew Salamon. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to serve Asheville and the surrounding communities with credible voices, local connection and meaningful conversations.”

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