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CBS Sports Announces 2024 ‘NFL on CBS’ Broadcast Teams

BSM Staff
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CBS Sports Announces 2024 ‘NFL on CBS’ Broadcast Teams

Coming off a season in which CBS Sports broadcast the Super Bowl to a record-setting average audience of 123.7 million viewers, the company is preparing for another season of NFL live game telecasts. The 2024 season will represent the second year of its existing media rights deal, for which it pays a reported $2.1 billion per year, and will include a similar lineup of game announcers. Furthermore, it represents the first full season with David Berson as the president and chief executive officer of CBS Sports following the retirement of chairman Sean McManus this past April.

The lead broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, color commentator Tony Romo and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson will remain intact, marking the eighth season in which the commentators will work together. The grouping will call several marquee contests throughout the year, including the Thanksgiving game, AFC Playoffs and AFC Championship Game. In Week 1, Nantz, Romo and Wolfson will be broadcasting live from SoFi Stadium as the Los Angeles Chargers open their season against the Las Vegas Raiders. The broadcasters will call another Chargers game in Week 3, albeit on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers, preceded by a Week 2 AFC showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn encompass the network’s secondary announcing team, the fifth season in which they will work together. Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins will continue working together as the third announcing team as well. The team featuring play-by-play announcer Andrew Catalon and sideline reporter AJ Ross, however, has undergone changes that are presumably a result of the new lineup on The NFL Today.

After letting go of long-tenured analysts Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms after the end of the season, former quarterback Matt Ryan was moved to The NFL Today lineup. Ryan joined CBS Sports last year and was a color commentator on NFL broadcasts as a part of the aforementioned announcing team. J.J. Watt, former defensive end for the Houston Texans, joined The NFL Today last year and will remain on the show with James Brown, Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson and Jonathan Jones.

Moving up in the announcing schema is Jason McCourty, a former NFL cornerback who called games with Chris Lewis and Ross Tucker last season. McCourty previously left Good Morning Football on NFL Network after the show relocated from New York, N.Y. to Los Angeles, Calif., and stated that he was in discussions with CBS Sports during a podcast appearance on SI Media earlier in the month. McCourty is now officially slated to join Catalon and Ross, along with fellow analyst Tiki Barber, on the four-person announcing team. The new group will make its debut in Week 1 as the Houston Texans face the Indianapolis Colts from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Lewis will call select games for the NFL on CBS this season, while Tucker is now working with Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely. Beth Mowins will also return for select game broadcasts throughout the season as well. James Lofton, who was the analyst with McCarthy and Feely last year, is not listed on the game announcing lineup for the season.

Another change ahead of the year is the addition of Aditi Kinkhabwala, who has earned a full-time reporting position as part of the broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes and analyst Adam Archuleta. Reporters who will be on the air for select games are Amanda Balionis, Tiffany Blackmon and Amanda Guerra. Additionally, Gene Steratore will return for his seventh year as the network’s NFL rules analyst. The full announcing lineup, which makes its debut on Sunday, Sept. 8, is outlined below:

Play-by-Play AnnouncerAnalyst(s)Reporter
Jim NantzTony RomoTracy Wolfson
Ian EagleCharles DavisEvan Washburn
Kevin HarlanTrent GreenMelanie Collins
Andrew CatalonTiki Barber; Jason McCourtyAJ Ross
Spero DedesAdam ArchuletaAditi Kinkhabwala
Tom McCarthyJay FeelyRoss Tucker

Yahoo Sports Announces New NFL Shows with Gerald McCoy, Kyle Van Noy and Nate Tice

BSM Staff
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Yahoo Sports Announces New NFL Shows with Gerald McCoy, Kyle Van Noy and Nate Tice

Yahoo Sports has announced new NFL programming which includes a new show hosted by former NFL All-Pro Gerald McCoy and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy. McCoy & Van Noy will debut in August and drop on Tuesdays. McCoy, a six-time Pro Bowler and Van Noy, a two-time Super Bowl champion, describe their show as “an unfiltered look at how players perceive the game.”

In a release, Yahoo Sports said, “Gerald and Kyle will share their personal experiences when discussing the highs and lows of a season – everything from weekly wins and losses, to key injuries, trades, and more.”

Football 301 is another new show, and it is already gotten started with two episodes this week. The show is hosted by Yahoo Sports NFL Analyst Nate Tice, a former University of Wisconsin quarterback and NFL assistant coach and scout. The show, which drops on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is described as one that “will deliver expert analysis to help fans better understand the NFL’s X’s and O’s.”

Tice will be joined by Yahoo Sports NFL Writer Charles McDonald and Yahoo Sports NFL and Fantasy Analyst Matt Harmon.

Yahoo Sports also returns Inside Coverage, hosted by Jason Fitz and Yahoo Sports NFL Insiders Frank Schwab, Charles Robinson, and Jori Epstein. Running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Inside Coverage catches fans up on the latest NFL news throughout the week.

Fox News Defends Brian Kilmeade After Critics Claim He Used Racial Epithet to Describe Kamala Harris Event

BNM Staff
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Fox News host Brian Kilmeade is the subject of harsh online criticism after viewers believe he used a racial epithet to describe an event Vice President Kamala Harris is attending Wednesday evening.

The criticism began early Wednesday morning as the X account “Bad Fox Graphics” — an account dedicated to pointing out mistakes made by the cable news channel — posted a video clip alleging Kilmeade made racist remarks about the Vice President.

“She will not show up for the Prime Minister’s joint session of Congress. She’d rather address — in the summer — a sorority, a COLORED sorority, like she can’t get outta that!” the account claimed Kilmeade said.

The video was subsequently posted by Eugene Daniels. He is the POLITICO Playbook co-author, White House Correspondents Association President, and an MSNBC senior political analyst.

The clip posted by Daniels has been viewed more than 1 million times as of this publication.

Many posters then lobbed heavy criticism at Brian Kilmeade and Fox News for his comments. However, it appears as if the FOX & Friends host said “college” sorority, rather than “colored” sorority.

Vice President Harris is set to address the Zeta Phi Beta sorority at its annual convention in Indianapolis on Wednesday. The sorority is a historically Black group, which led observers of Kilmeade’s comments to allege his comments were racist in nature.

In a statement to Barrett Media, a Fox News spokesperson said “Eugene Daniels’ tweet completely misquoted and unnecessarily maligned Brian Kilmeade who clearly said college sorority.”

More than 90 minutes after making the accusation, Daniels rescinded his claim, stating that he would take the network and its hosts at its word that Kilmeade did indeed say “college” rather than “colored.” He also deleted his original post.

Lawrence Jones, who was on set with Kilmeade at the time of his comments, defended his colleague stating it was clear the host said “college.”

Both current and former Fox News colleagues came to Kilmeade’s defense in the situation, arguing that it’s clear what the host actually said isn’t offensive or inflammatory.

Faith Broadcasting Ceasing Operations in Minot, ND

BMM Staff
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Faith Broadcasting Ceasing Operations in Minot, ND

Roy Leavitt’s Faith Broadcasting Inc.’s Christian AC KHRT-FM (106.9 The Heart) and Sothern Gospel KHRT-AM/Minot, ND, will go dark on July 31.

In a letter posted on the station’s website, Leavitt said, “Ecclesiastes says there is a time and a season for everything. Today, I’m here to let you know that the season for KHRT Radio has come to an end. In this very difficult economy that we live in, support and advertising has fallen to a level where Faith Broadcasting is no longer able to continue operating the stations. July 31st will be the final day of broadcasting for 1320 KHRT and The Heart 106.9. I want to say a huge “thank you” to listeners, prayer warriors, Sharathon givers, and the many advertisers who have helped to sustain this ministry for decades. We have appreciated your partnership in proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel as local Christian stations. May God bless you and keep you.”

Leavitt’s family has owned the AM since 1982 and added the FM ten years later. He told the local television station KMOT that they were seeking a buyer.

ESPN Milwaukee Extends Marquette University Basketball Partnership

BSM Staff
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ESPN Milwaukee Extends Marquette University Basketball Partnership

Good Karma Brands announced 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee will continue to be the official radio home of Marquette University basketball. The new agreement is for four years and runs through the 2027-28 season.

“Good Karma Brands has been a tremendous teammate over the years. We are thrilled that 94.5 ESPN Milwaukee will again be the radio destination for Marquette fans,” said Marquette University Vice President and Director of Athletics, Bill Scholl in a release. “It takes community-wide support to operate a program at the level of Marquette basketball and Craig Karmazin and his team are an important piece of this equation. We are excited that this relationship will extend into the future.”

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Marquette University and continue to produce high quality broadcasts and content for their passionate fanbase,” said Greg Scalzo, market manager for GKB Milwaukee. “Marquette basketball has a rich tradition and a passionate fan base, and we are committed to
delivering the best coverage and content to our fans.”

ESPN Milwaukee will provide live play-by-play broadcasts of all Marquette men’s basketball games, along with pre-game and post-game shows. The station says fans can look forward to an increase in digital content and exclusive interviews with coaches and players.

ESPN Milwaukee will also feature a weekly “Marquette Basketball Hour” on Thursday nights throughout the season.

SiriusXM Announces Multi-Year Extension with ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ and Host Scott Aukerman

BNM Staff
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SiriusXM Announces Multi-Year Extension with ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ and Host Scott Aukerman

SiriusXM has announced a multi-year extension with one of its longest-running podcasts, ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ hosted by writer and comedian Scott Aukerman.

Under the newly signed two-year contract, “Comedy Bang! Bang!” will remain at Earwolf, SiriusXM’s comedy podcast studio, for ongoing production and distribution. In addition to the regular episodes, the show will also be releasing weekly Bonus Bang installments, featuring popular episodes of “Comedy Bang! Bang!” that were previously only available behind the CBB World paywall. Exclusive global advertising sales rights for the podcast will continue to be held by SiriusXM Media, the combined advertising sales group of Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

“I’ve been doing the show for fifteen years, and hope it becomes the longest-running podcast of all time,” said Scott Aukerman in a release. “I am calling upon my competitors who started before me and BEGGING them to stop doing theirs so I can achieve this goal. Radiolab, I’m looking at you. Hang it up!”

“For the past 15 years, ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ has been the gold standard for what a great comedy podcast should be,” said Sarah van Mosel, SVP of Podcast Strategy at SiriusXM in a release. “By giving incredible improvisors the space to do what they do best, the show helped launch not just a network, but an entire genre. We’re thrilled that Scott and team will continue to call SiriusXM home, and look forward to bringing listeners more from Intern Gino, the Batmin, Fred Guiness, Tony Sony, and more.”

New episodes of ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’ are dropped each Monday on all major podcast platforms. Bonus episodes are released on Thursdays.

Seth Resler Joins Paragon As Community Building Consultant

BMM Staff
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Seth Resler Joins Paragon As Community Building Consultant

Seth Resler is joining Paragon as a Community Building consultant. Resler has developed a blueprint for community-building that utilizes existing digital platforms to help Paragon’s public radio clients launch, grow, and monetize their own micro-communities.

Resler left Jacobs Media at the end of last year and started his consultancy, Community Marketing Revolution, which he will continue to operate.

Mike Henry, Paragon CEO, said, “Seth brings a new dimension to the table with his accomplishments and vision for building community. At a time when content is not always the differentiating factor, creating communities is the new hyper-local. The evolution from promotions to engagement and now to community building, this has significant marketing ramifications and revenue potential for public radio stations. Paragon and Seth look forward to helping stations master a new toolset.

Resler added, “As the way people create and consume content has changed, what Americans need from public media has changed. At the top of the list today? Community. Public radio stations are in a unique position to build community in their local markets. I’m thrilled to join Team Paragon, where I can show stations how to use digital tools to connect their listeners to one another.”

In addition to eight years with Jacobs Media, Resler worked at WXRK New York, WBCN Boston, KNDD Seattle, KPNT St. Louis, WBRU Providence, and KEZR San Jose.

Federal Judge Won’t Block FTC Ban on Non-Compete Agreements

BNM Staff
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Federal Judge Won’t Block FTC Ban on Non-Compete Agreements

On Tuesday, a federal judge failed to uphold a pause on blocking non-compete agreements enacted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

A U.S. District Judge in Pennsylvania said in a written decision that the FTC does indeed have the power to ban practices it deems “anti-competitive”, claiming that the use of non-compete agreements does indeed fall under that category.

According to the FTC, 30 million people, about 20% of the American workforce, have signed non-compete agreements.

The decision that the commission does have the ability to ban the practice — which is common in the broadcasting and media industries — comes on the heels of a decision from a federal judge in Texas earlier this month blocking the proposed ban by arguing the opposite of what the Pennsylvania judge claimed.

The practice of non-compete agreements has been a controversial one in recent years. Opponents argue it limits the employment prospects of those saddled with the clause, with a commission spokesperson saying the practice harms “competition by inhibiting workers’ freedom and mobility while stunting economic growth.” Other opponents say non-competes suppress wages and violate anti-trust laws.

Meanwhile, proponents believe the clauses are tools for businesses that help keep investments in employee recruitment and training, as well as a way to keep information confidential and protect business secrets.

After the decision by the Pennsylvania judge, the ban on non-compete agreements is expected to take place in September. Many states — including California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and North Dakota — have already banned the practice, while other states have enacted limits on uses of the clause. The FTC ban would enact a nationwide ban.

NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour and NASCAR Agree to Content Partnerships with Reddit

BSM Staff
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NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour and NASCAR Agree to Content Partnerships with Reddit

Social media network Reddit has signed content partnerships with several sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour and NASCAR which will allow Reddit users to gain access to video highlights, player ‘Ask Me Anything’ opportunities, behind-the-scenes footage and more.

“We believe these new partnerships can enhance our community experience with content that fans want while enabling advertisers to align with expanded fan content on Reddit,” the company wrote in a release. “Through our official partnerships with the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR, redditors will gain access to video highlights from games and tournaments, player AMAs, behind-the-scenes videos, and more special content posted by the leagues throughout their seasons and during major events like the Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star Game.

The company also said, “sports are one of Reddit’s most popular and fastest growing (at +26% YOY) interest groups, bringing together highly engaged fans across over 1,000 communities.” The company said sports communities contributed to 249 million monthly engagements and 20.4 billion screen views in the past 12 months.

“Reddit is the go-to destination for sports fans around the world because it’s the place where they can dive deeper than anywhere else and connect with other fans beyond the season and throughout the year,” said Jen Wong, Reddit’s Chief Operating Officer in a release. “We’re continuing to build more ways for businesses and organizations to engage with Reddit’s communities; this benefits our communities, program partners, and advertisers.”

Warner Bros. Discovery Still Wants NBA, Must Believe Charles Barkley Will Stay

Mark Kreidler
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Warner Bros. Discovery Still Wants NBA, Must Believe Charles Barkley Will Stay

Without ogling its existing contract with the NBA (and it’s a safe bet we won’t be getting a look anytime soon), it’s impossible to know whether Warner Bros. Discovery actually has the mortal-lock ability to simply match an offer and thus maintain its broadcast rights with the league.

The public communication on this, frankly, stinks. It turns out that neither the NBA nor WBD wants the common folk to join them in the weeds of the legal wrangling.

What is known from the available reporting, including The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand and Mike Vorkunov, is that WBD, whose signature TNT program “Inside the NBA” is the single most dynamic element of any of the NBA’s various broadcast packages, wants to match one of the existing offers, most likely the one written by Amazon.

The NBA apparently feels that it can prevent Warner Bros. Discovery from exercising this back-end matching clause, which kind of makes one wonder why it was written in the first place. The league isn’t going to include such clauses in future contracts, and…You know what? This is honestly too tedious to cover.

So let’s leave it at this: The people at WBD want in. They want another long-term deal. Their engine for success with it, aside from the quality of play itself, is “Inside the NBA,” which opens and closes every great hoops broadcast that TNT ever produces.

And for us, the viewers, WBD’s avid interest in continuing can mean only one thing: Nobody at the company is taking Charles Barkley at his word.

I can get on board with this. Barkley, after all, has a well-documented history of either taking back things he utters on the air, or later acknowledging that he didn’t much mean them in the first place.

As applied to this situation, that’s great news. It suggests that executives at TNT, and by extension Warner Bros. Discovery, have already come to the conclusion that Chuck won’t feel fully bound by his own proclamation that the coming NBA season will be his last on TV.

To be fair to Barkley, he didn’t stutter. “I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT,” the 61-year-old Hall of Famer said during the NBA Finals, “but I have made the decision that, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television. And I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me. My heart is full with joy and gratitude.”

That is a fairly compelling — and complete — thought. Then again, it was spoken at a time when the NBA rights conversation was at high pitch, and TNT was losing. It was becoming increasingly apparent that the league was happily preparing for life after Warner Bros. Discovery, with huge offers looming from Disney, Amazon and NBC.

Barkley wasn’t happy. He was all over the map, though. Just a few weeks earlier, Charles said on “The Dan Patrick Show” that morale “sucks” at TNT – then noted that he was considering keeping “Inside the NBA” going by taking the whole show within his own production company.

“My two favorite wines are Inglenook and Opus,” Barkley added. “These clowns I work for, they’ve turned us into Ripple and Boone’s Farm and Thunderbird.”

That’s a good line. That is a Chuckster line. What you wanted, in that moment, was for Shaq, Ernie and Kenny to be on hand to respond to it. Which is another way of saying that “Inside the NBA” is the show nobody wants to lose.

So Barkley in June said he was finished, but only weeks earlier he said he might just take the show in-house himself. Those are two nearly opposite reactions.

Again, not that unusual — the situation has been fluid, Charles likes to talk, fans like to listen, and it doesn’t always matter whether he believes 100% of what he spits out.

But it brings us back to the rights deal. At the very least, it seems that the NBA feels it has a legal way around Warner Bros. Discovery exercising its right to match an offer. The possibility of this scenario has been brewing for months, and Adam Silver doesn’t keep a fleet of lawyers on hand to do nothing. They’ve been game-planning.

What’s more interesting is that WBD wants to pursue this — and its top dog, David Zaslav, has repeatedly mentioned the company’s right to match an NBA broadcast offer. (Most observers think WBD is going after the Amazon deal.)

Either the corporation is trying to extract a money settlement to go away, or it really wants to continue with the NBA on TNT. That very successful production relies heavily on “Inside the NBA;” the studio show in turn relies heavily on all four of its regulars remaining in place.

Barkley has positioned himself as the wild card in that equation. Then again, he has made a wonderful TV career out of changing his mind. If Warner Bros. Discovery really is all in on matching that rights package, you have to know it believes that, when it’s all settled, Charles will be in his usual seat. There is no downside to that thought.

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