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John Skipper: NBA Made Good Faith Offer to Warner Bros. Discovery

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John Skipper: NBA Made Good Faith Offer to Warner Bros. Discovery

The NBA recently announced new 11-year media rights deals with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, which will serve as the television broadcast homes of live game broadcasts beginning in the 2025-26 season. The deals are reportedly worth a collective $77 billion, representing nearly triple of what the league is said to have received under its current agreement. Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns entities that have broadcast NBA games since the 1984-85 season, is suing the league for breach of contract after it rejected its exercise of matching rights in an attempt to retain these media rights. John Skipper, former president of ESPN who was involved in negotiations for the current media rights deal, delineated his perspective on how the NBA handled such negotiations.

After David Samson opined that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver planned to not do a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and TNT Sports from the beginning, Skipper pushed back and defended the league. While he concurred with the point that the league wanted to add a third media rights package, he does not think that Silver entered these discussions with the intent to eliminate Warner Bros. Discovery. The company exited its exclusive, 90-day negotiating window without reaching a deal, after which discussions are reported to have commenced with Comcast’s NBCUniversal to bring the league back to its airwaves for the first time since 2002.

“The emergence of NBC probably changed all that calculus, but I do believe that [Silver] did make an offer to WBD,” Skipper said on the latest edition of The Sporting Class. “‘Yes, you can renew what you have now or most of what you have now for the following number,’ and it’s been reported that that number was around $2.3 billion, so I think he pivoted when they said ‘No,’ and again, it’s been reported that they thought that $2.1 billion was the most they would pay.”

Samson articulated that making such a pivot to closing deals with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Amazon does not usually occur in a quick manner. The lack of genuine worry regarding the lawsuit from Warner Bros. Discovery and Silver’s ability to announce the deal with press releases and quotes indicate to Samson that there had been groundwork laid during the exclusive negotiating period. This led Skipper to ask why the NBA ostensibly presented Warner Bros. Discovery with a monetary figure that would allow them to retain broadcast rights.

“Have you ever made an offer to someone that you know they can’t accept or they won’t accept?,” Samson asked. “Sometimes it’s a lowball, sometimes it’s that you’re making them do something you know they can’t do, and that’s the whole case we’re in right now.”

Although the conversation being held was largely speculative, Skipper presumed that the league made a good-faith offer to Warner Bros. Discovery. The verbiage of ‘good faith’ was used in the lawsuit, which the NBA has until Aug. 12 to file answering papers. Warner Bros. Discovery contends that it matched the Amazon offer in accordance with provisions under its current agreements and is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prohibit the NBA from licensing the broadcast rights to a third party.

The lawsuit particularly asserts that the definition of “non-broadcast television” includes methods of television, video distribution or transmission other than broadcast television “whether now known or hereafter developed.” Moreover, it states that TBS, a Warner Bros. Discovery subsidiary, has the right to match a third-party offer for NBA game rights “via any specific form of combined audio and video distribution.” The plaintiffs allege that the league intentionally delayed sending offers from Amazon and NBCUniversal to TBS in order to script provisions intended to impede the exercise of matching rights.

“All you have to have is one more better than you have packages,” Skipper said. “[The NBA] knew they had more than three bidders at some point. I don’t think that led them to go, ‘Well, we want to cut TNT out.’ I genuinely believe that at the start of the negotiation, they would have been quite happy if TNT and ESPN had renewed.’”

The reports of Amazon entering the exclusive negotiating window raise the possibility of a joint venture, something Skipper conjectures Warner Bros. Discovery could have been thinking with Amazon. Such a bid, he presumed, would not have been for the tertiary package of media rights, but rather for the primary or secondary compilation instead. NBCUniversal, however, was public throughout the negotiations, Skipper expressed, to ensure that Silver understood that if Warner Bros. Discovery did not step up, the company was there. When Skipper was negotiating media rights deals for ESPN, he would inform the leagues that they would discuss deals after the end of the exclusive window.

“Exclusive negotiating period doesn’t mean that you can’t talk to somebody and say, ‘I’ll be here for you,’” Skipper said, “but if you think that I’m kidding about ever sitting in a room with a league and going, ‘Here’s what I’ll do for you if they don’t pay you,’ I never did that.”

Newsmax Only Conservative Media Outlet to See June 2024 Digital Growth Compared to 2020, New Report Shows

BNM Staff
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Newsmax Only Conservative Media Outlet to See June 2024 Digital Growth Compared to 2020, New Report Shows

The 2024 presidential race is bound to be one for the record books, but the digital metrics for news organizations haven’t kept pace with the 2020 election. In fact, Newsmax is the only conservative entity to see gains in its digital performance.

A new study from TheRighting shows that in June, the conservative cable and digital outlet founded by Christopher Ruddy saw a 26% increase in unique visitors to its digital products in 2024 compared to 2020.

During June, Newsmax saw 4.3 million unique visitors to its website. That number was 3.4 million in June 2020.

The conservative digital space is still dominated by Fox News. Despite a 26% decline from June 2020 to June 2024, the cable network still saw 79 million unique visitors to its platforms during the latest month.

In the conservative media world, The Federalist saw a 95% drop in web traffic compared to 2020, while TownHall (-92%), Breitbart (-92%), TheBlaze (-82%), The Daily Caller (-75%), and The Daily Wire (-74%) all saw significant losses.

Conservative media organizations weren’t the only outlets with steep declines compared to the 2020 race, however. Other mainstream media outlets — including those outside the conservative realm — have fallen in 2024 compared to the last election. The Washington Post has seen a decline of 56%, while CNN (-32%), and The New York Times (-22%) have also seen double-digit drops.

The revelation that Newsmax was the only conservative entity to see gains in its digital metrics comes on the heels of the news that the network saw its highest ratings in history during the 2024 Republican National Convention last month.

Industry Veteran Kevin Kash Has Passed Away

BMM Staff
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Industry Veteran Kevin Kash Has Passed Away

Kevin Kash, longtime industry pro, died Wednesday. Kash suffered from kidney disease and had announced recently on Facebook that he was entering hospice care.

Kash was known for a 12-year run on Manning Media’s Classic Hits WWEG (106.9 The Eagle)/Fredrick-Hagerstown, MD. During that run, he hosted mornings and nights.

He had recently been doing part-time work for iHeartMedia’s Country WMZQ, Washington, D.C. Other career stops include WHVY (97 Underground)/Baltimore, WXZL (Rock 103.1)/Annapolis, WWDC (DC101)/Washington and WIYY (98 Rock)/Baltimore. Additionally, he was a programmer for SiriusXM

Details on a celebration of life are pending. Friends can leave thoughts on his Facebook page.

Top 7 Golf Gambling Games: A Guide on How and Where to Play

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Top 7 Golf Gambling Games: A Guide on How and Where to Play

Golf is arguably one of the most popular games in the world. Millions of people enjoy this game, whether as professionals, beginners, or watchers. So it goes without saying that apart from playing golf, you can enjoy different other games, connected with the sport. Many people like to change it up or even gamble on the scores. After all, there is big money behind this game and a lot of people want to get at least a small portion of it. That is why today we are bringing a list of the best gambling games connected with golf, where to play them, and all the basic rules you need to know to succeed.

The Popularity and Money Behind Golf

As we have mentioned in our introduction, golf is perhaps one of the most well-known sports, coming in second only after football. There are at least 26 million people who participate in golf in the United States. That number only counts people who actually play. Imagine if we added millions upon millions of individuals who simply watch or gamble. Between everyone who plays, gambles, and watches, the popularity increases with each year.

Prize Pools and Gambling

Playing or enjoying sports nowadays is not a cheap task. Successful players can receive millions for winning, while those who gamble can either win or lose thousands of dollars. For example, the set prize pool of the Valspar Championship for the 2024 season is $8.4 million. This may not be a number in circulation when it comes to the Super Bowl, but in a couple of years, it might as well become just as profitable. Apart from public prize pools, some people come up with certain games during the championship.

Where to Play and How to Choose

Photo Credit: FreePik.com

Sports betting is one of the most popular ways to have fun and make money at the same time. It attracts millions of people. Besides, online sports betting is much more accessible now than it was a decade ago. People are no longer concerned with their security since e-wallets exist, and gamblers who want to ensure safety can view these iDebit casino sites with minimum deposits and maximum bonuses. There are so many options online that you can get a rather good deal, especially as a first-time player. Just be mindful and use third-party wallets like AstroPay, especially in the beginning.

E-Wallets and Other Payment Options

As we have mentioned before, there are a lot of things to consider when gambling or sports betting. The most popular concern is your security and spending money on fees. A good portion of players trust since third-party e-wallets grant them the security they need. Besides, online wallets are usually associated with lower fees. Still, you can easily use any other payment option like your credit card or debit card. However, you should still keep in mind that sharing your personal information with casinos can be rather risky, especially if you’ve never played on that website before.

Nassau

It’s the most popular game on the golf field. Funny enough, we can hardly even consider Nassau to be a gambling game at all. Besides, the rules are pretty simple. You, as a player, need to place a bet on the best score. This should be done on each hole of the front and back nines. Plus, don’t forget about the best score for a total of eighteen. As for the wager amount, everything depends on your wallet. You can opt for a couple of dollars or thousands.

Wolf

The wolf is perhaps one of the most fun ones on our list. First thing first, all players need to establish the tee-off order to be followed to the end of the game. There is a wolf aka player for each hole who needs to tee off first. Then the wolf picks another player as a partner. The rest of the golfers are trying to beat the wolves and their partners. Every hole starts the process all over again, with a different player as a wolf.

Stableford

Do you want to bet on the highest possible score? Then Stableford is for you. Here you are not wagering with the lowest scores. Quite the opposite, each scoring outcome is given a point value. At the end of the game, whoever has the highest score, wins.

Chicago

Remember how we talked about Stableford? Chicago is not too far from the aforementioned game. The main difference is that Chicago is preferred by players with higher caps. Higher handicappers have better opportunities here since they start with a bigger score. The winner is the golfer who ends the round with the highest score.

Scramble

If you are someone who likes to play big, look no further. Scramble is yet another popular game for people who want to spend/gain hundreds or thousands of dollars. It’s an all-or-nothing type of pursuit. Here groups of four are competing for the lowest score. They are all hitting from the group’s best shot. The team with the lowest score wins.

Miami

This game is a traditional Scramble with a bit of a twist on ordinary rules. The rules are pretty simple. The player whose tee shot (the first stroke played from the teeing ground of a golf hole) was chosen needs to stop playing until their teammates reach the green.

Las Vegas

This is two against two, online scramble. Two players on the same team combine their scores. By combining we mean whoever scores less, their number comes first. By that logic, if one player scores 3 and the other 5, we have a score of 35. Then, both teams calculate the difference between scores and subtract. At the end of the game, the number that was calculated during the subtraction is a score one team owes to the other.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are dozens of variations of your favorite game. You can place bets from one dollar and up to thousands of dollars, depending on how much you’re willing to spend. Still, let us remind you that gambling on the field can be risky, although entertaining. That is why you should do proper research when engaging in any sort of gambling and understand your limits. However, if you ever want to gamble on golf you can do that with trustworthy websites, using online wallets, and enjoying fun games like Nassau.

Bobby Bones Defends “Hawk Tuah Girl” Interview

BMM Staff
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Bobby Bones Defends “Hawk Tuah Girl” Interview

Bobby Bones, host of iHeartMedia’s syndicated “The Bobby Bones Show,” took to Instagram this week defending the show’s decision to invite Hailey Welch, known as “Hawk Tuah Girl,” on the show.

Bones said some listeners had expressed surprise he would stoop to that level.

“First of all, we’ve stooped way lower,” Bones said. “And we’ll continue to stoop lower. I’m personally annoying sometimes, and I know that. Way more annoying than it was to have her on. So, there was no stooping of lowness.”

Adding, “The only reason she came out was because people were faking her and making money off of it. So, what do you expect her to do?”

“She did not choose fame. Fame chose her. She had no interest in being famous.”

You can hear the interview here.

Meet SMU Billionaire Alum David Miller, Who Guided the Mustangs Back to Big College Football

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In the world of college football, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of David Miller and SMU’s journey back to prominence. Once grappling with the fallout from the devastating NCAA sanctions known as the “death penalty,” the university has seen a resurgence largely due to Miller’s unwavering commitment and fundraising prowess.

As the current chairman of the SMU board of trustees, he has played a pivotal role in rekindling the Spirit of the Mustangs and ensuring their competitive return to the elite levels of college sports. In 2024, SMU will make its way back into one of college football’s power conferences, joining teams like Florida State and Clemson in the ACC. Discover how Miller’s vision and dedication have transformed a tarnished legacy into a hopeful future.

Miller’s Fundraising Revolution: Restoring SMU Football’s Prestige

David Miller has undeniably become a central figure in the revival of SMU football, leading a remarkable fundraising initiative that aims to reestablish the university as a powerhouse in college athletics. The echoes of the “death penalty” scandal still linger, but under Miller’s stewardship, SMU has made significant strides toward reclaiming its stature. When Miller first began his philanthropic efforts, he understood that the road ahead would be laden with challenges. He wasn’t simply raising money; he was seeking to revive a legacy that had been tarnished for over three decades.

Starting with a bold vision, Miller mobilized his extensive network of contacts from the business world to garner support. His unique approach involved not only seeking financial contributions but also building a narrative surrounding the university’s potential in the competitive landscape of college football. “We had a great story to tell. We simply had to be more proactive about telling it,” Miller reflects. This proactive stance enabled him to engage with influential boosters and alumni, rekindling their passion for the institution and its athletic ambitions.

The financial target was ambitious: $270 million over nine years to secure SMU’s position within the ACC. Miller’s ability to articulate the intrinsic value of investing in the Mustangs was a game-changer. Fundraising stretched far beyond mere numbers; it became a movement aimed at revitalizing not just the athletic program but the university’s overall brand and academic prestige. By aligning athletic success with academic excellence, he was able to attract a diverse support base that recognized the interconnected benefits of a robust athletic program.

Miller’s strategic vision encompassed a comprehensive fundraising campaign that transformed how the community viewed SMU. He leveraged not only monetary assistance but also the emotional ties that fans and alumni had with their alma mater. This renewed interest in the program not only boosted attendance and support but also increased engagement in college football betting — as a successful team draws more attention and commentary, ultimately enhancing the overall fan experience. The fundraising success was evident when, shortly after the announcement of SMU’s entry into the ACC, numerous supporters stepped forward, pledging $100 million.

Photo Credit: Wallpapers.com

With each donation, Miller sought to demonstrate the potential returns on investment, showcasing how a reinvigorated SMU could participate in the financial gains that come with being part of a Power Five conference. He recognized the importance of making his pitch personal; he frequently met with peers across the country, sharing stories of past glories and promising potential to engage them more deeply in SMU’s renewed athletic journey. “Two out of three people I met with knew quite a bit about SMU and had a very powerful sense of SMU,” he noted, highlighting the strong sentimentality attached to the school, which had been stifled for far too long.

Under Miller’s guidance, the program began to see tangible results on the field as well. The Mustangs made significant strides, not just in terms of recruitment but also in boosting their overall athletic profile. The establishment of a winning culture became pivotal as SMU transitioned from struggling to regaining respectability, evidenced by its recent achievements, including a conference championship. Winning games and championships is crucial for recruiting top talent, and Miller’s focus on fundraising directly correlated to the team’s performance, demonstrating a successful interplay between financial commitments and athletic success.

In essence, Miller’s fundraising revolution is not simply about the numbers. It’s about rebuilding a legacy, restoring pride, and envisioning a future where SMU can reclaim its rightful place among the elite in college football. “I wasn’t trying to be a big dog, but I said I wasn’t losing any sleep over it,” Miller remarks, showcasing his unwavering confidence in the transformative journey of the university. As SMU rides the wave of revitalization, it’s clear that the groundwork laid by Miller will have lasting implications, ensuring that the Mustangs are positioned not only to compete but to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.

Former KLIN 1400 News Director Jane Monnich Named to Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame

BNM Staff
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Former KLIN 1400 News Director Jane Monnich Named to Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame

Former KLIN 1400 news director Jane Monnich was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame as a member of its 2024 class.

Monnich joined the station in 1972 and spent the next 48 years with the news/talk station before retiring in 2020. After joining the station in the 1970s, she quickly became the afternoon news anchor on the Lincoln outlet, before moving to morning news in 1973. In 1976, she became the morning show co-host alongside Ron Dean, becoming the first male/female morning show in the market.

During her tenure at KLIN 1400, Monnich covered and interviewed eight governors, 10 Lincoln mayors, 11 U.S. Senators, and numerous other state and local elected officials.

“Above and beyond her outstanding radio reporting career, Jane served as coach and mentor to many, inspiring future broadcasters and paving the way for more women to join the radio airwaves,” the station’s current news director Tom Stanton said of the former news director.

Joining Jane Monnich in the induction class are Omaha TV anchor Dave Webber and TV meteorologist Kent Boughton.

The 2024 Hall of Fame class for the NBA will be inducted during a ceremony at the 89th annual convention in Lincoln on Tuesday, August 6th.

Jaybeau Jones Joins Binnie Media’s ‘Frank FM’ Network For Mornings

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Jaybeau Jones Joins Binnie Media’s ‘Frank FM’ Network For Mornings

Binnie Media’s Classic Hits “Frank FM” network is adding Jaybeau Jones for mornings, effective August 5. The station network includes WFNQ/Manchester-Nashua, NH., WLNH Concord-Lakes Region, and WBYY Portsmouth, NH.

Jones will continue to host on SiriusXM’s “70s on 7” channel.

“Finally, I get to relive my childhood and hang out on Lake Winnipesaukee,” Jones said. “New Hampshire is like a second home. I have wonderful family memories of summers in New Hampshire. Coming to Frank is like being back home.”

Heath Cole, Binnie Media EVP Programming and Operations, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Jaybeau to our esteemed lineup of A-level talent at Binnie Media. We are equally excited to announce Frank FM as his first affiliate with ‘Radio On Demand.’”

Jones’ long career has included stops in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Hartford, and Worcester. He is a member of the Rhode Island Radio Hall Of Fame.

The new Frank FM lineup is Jaybeau Jones from 6 am to 10 am, Angie C from 10 am to 3 pm, and Doc & Friends from 3 pm to 7 pm

Glenn Guilbeau Leaving OutKick

BSM Staff
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Glenn Guilbeau Leaving OutKick

Glenn Guilbeau has announced he is leaving OutKick after three years with the digital sports outlet founded by Clay Travis.

Guilbeau joined the entity in 2021 after working for the USA Today network covering LSU sports and the New Orleans Saints for nearly 20 years. Other previous stops included the Baton Rouge Advocate, the Montgomery Advertiser, and Tiger Rag Magazine, among others.

During his time at OutKick, he worked as both an SEC columnist and a national columnist, while also penning stories sporadically for Fox News Digital.

He took to social media to unveil the news.

“Today is my last day at OutKick. It has been a great 3 years,” he wrote. “I got to columnize on the widest array of topics in my career. Will announce new position before football season,” he concluded.

Cumulus Media Reports 2.5% Revenue Drop During 2nd Quarter

BNM Staff
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Cumulus Media Reports 2.5% Revenue Drop During 2nd Quarter

Cumulus Media has unveiled its second-quarter financial results, and while overall revenue was down slightly, digital revenue saw growth.

In total revenue, the company reported $205 million, which was down 2.5% compared to the same time period in 2023. Its total broadcast radio revenue saw a 7.3% decline, down from $146 million in 2023 to $136 million in 2024.

Despite the drop in broadcast radio and overall revenue, the company saw an uptick in digital revenue. Cumulus saw $39.3 million brought in from that sector during April, May, and June, which is 5% compared to the same window in 2023. Digital revenue now accounts for 19% of total revenue for the organization.

“In the context of a challenging advertising environment, second quarter total revenue finished in line with our pacing guidance, down 2.5% year-over-year. However, our unrelenting focus on areas of the business that are in our control helped us to mitigate the impact of soft demand while also driving tangible progress in key priority areas,” Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary Berner said. “During the quarter, we grew our digital marketing services business by 24%; reduced fixed costs by $4 million; and continued to strengthen our balance sheet through the successful completion of our exchange offer, ABL upsizing, and the buyback of a portion of our remaining 2026 maturity debt.

“Looking ahead, while the advertising outlook remains uncertain, our advertisers continue to be focused on when – not if – they’re going to return to more typical spending levels,” Berner continued. “Fortunately, thanks to our success at extending our debt maturities, we have time on our side and the flexibility to pursue multiple paths to create shareholder value.”

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