A report suggested that Joe Rogan was on CBS News’ radar for a role on 60 Minutes. That, apparently, will not be happening.
What We Know: A report from RadarOnline shared that Joe Rogan was being considered by CBS News for a job on the news magazine. The report stated that Joe Rogan would appeal to “viewers who feel ignored or mocked by legacy media.” That report was later amplified by the Austin American-Statesman, the newspaper where Rogan now lives.
What They Said: A CBS News spokesperson has denied the validity of the report. That spokesperson shared that the suggestion from RadarOnline was simply not factual.
What Remains Unclear: What role Joe Rogan would have played on the show. He would appear to be better suited for a similar role to what Andy Rooney once performed on the show.
What It Means: The suggestion that Joe Rogan would be a member of the 60 Minutes cast should have been flagged as far-fetched from the beginning. Despite the show needing to replace several correspondents, Rogan has routinely shared his disdain for legacy and mainstream media.
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ESPN has a new nostalgia play, and Rich Eisen is leading the charge. This Was SportsCenter: Stories from the Setpremieres tomorrow as a six-episode video podcast hosted and produced by Eisen himself.
What We Know: The series drops every Friday on Disney+, the ESPN App, and all major podcast platforms. Episode 1 features Dan Patrick on June 5. Episode 2, recorded live at San Francisco’s Strand Theater during Super Bowl week, features Chris Berman and arrives June 8. Subsequent guests include Mike Greenberg, Linda Cohn, Chris Fowler, and Craig Kilborn — wrapping July 3. Eisen’s return to ESPN last fall — after more than two decades away — set the stage for this project. His daily Rich Eisen Show moved to ESPN Radio, Disney+, and ESPN DTC in September of last year.
What They Said: Mike Foss, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment ESPN: “SportsCenter has been the centerpiece of ESPN since its launch. Rich was the perfect person to host these conversations, bringing his own perspective alongside the voices and stories that helped define SportsCenter through the years, while also showing how the brand continues to connect with fans and shape sports culture today.”
Rich Eisen, CEO of Rich Eisen Productions: “The moment my daily Rich Eisen Show reunited me with ESPN, I knew I had to create this show. I’ve lost track of the number of times people have come up to me over the years to say how I either helped put them on a school bus in the morning or stayed up procrastinating late-night in college thanks to SportsCenter. For those folks, I’m about to inject, as Stuart Scott might call it, straight-butter nostalgia into their veins.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether a second season on the success of this series remains unknown. It’s also unclear if additional live-event tapings — like the Berman episode recorded in San Francisco — are planned going forward. Other notable SportsCenter anchors that could be of interest include Keith Olbermann, Brian Kenny, and Kenny Mayne among others.
What It Means: This project is more than a podcast — it’s a brand extension. ESPN ties the series directly into Disney+’s “Throwback Summer” campaign, amplifying its reach across multiple platforms. For Eisen, it further solidifies his post-return identity at ESPN as both a talent and a producer. I’ll be interested to see how deep these conversations go as sports media continues to feed the taste of nostalgia from sports fans.
Friday, the 'This Was SportsCenter: Stories from the Set' podcast premieres across @DisneyPlus, the ESPN App & major podcast platforms
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MS NOW continues to add to its roster of leaders. Brian Bennett is joining as the new National Security Director.
What We Know: Bennett joins MS NOW after most recently serving as senior White House correspondent for Time magazine. During his tenure, he covered presidential campaigns for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. He also interviewed President Trump for a cover story. He also previously worked for the Los Angeles Times. He’ll officially begin his duties on Wednesday, July 1st. Bennett will be based at the Washington, D.C. bureau.
What They Said: “Throughout my career covering conflicts, presidents and major disasters, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of fast, accurate and authoritative reporting. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to deliver trusted national security coverage at this critical moment when the country faces war and evolving threats, and to help audiences better understand the national security decisions being made inside the White House and what they mean for people across the country.” -Brian Bennett
What Remains Unclear: It remains to be seen how much more MS NOW will build out its national security reporting units.
What It Means: Bennett joins MS NOW at an important time. As the network continues to shape its editorial and business directions, he joins with plenty of digital and print experience.
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Approaching The Summit is a series of special interviews created in partnership with Point to Point Marketing featuring speakers at the upcoming 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit in New York City. Follow along with this series as prominent names surrounding the event June 30-July 2 share their insights and expectations for what’s to come in the big apple. The Summit takes place at the SVA Theatre on West 23rd Street. For tickets and hotel room reservations, click here or visit the Summit section at the top of the website.
Mitch Rosen is the Vice President of Programming for 104.3 The Score in Chicago and oversees BetMGM content with Westwood One Sports. He joined Audacy in 2005 after beginning his radio career at WGN Radio in 1988. Since Barrett Media launched its annual BSM Top 20 Program Directors rankings, Rosen has consistently finished near the top of the list for major markets while helping maintain 104.3 The Score’s status as one of the country’s premier sports radio brands.
Rosen has been an attendee and speaker at numerous Barrett Media Sports Summits and is speaking on July 1st. He spoke with Barrett Media from his office in Chicago, IL.
*Editor’s Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.*
John Mamola: What are you looking forward to as far as attending the summit later this month?
Mitch Rosen: I’m really looking forward to the large number of formats, brands, verticals, and people from all areas of industry coming together. It’s smart to bring all facets of media together for one conference. Furthermore, I’m also looking forward to seeing some of our colleagues whom we don’t get to see in person often.
John Mamola: Looking at your specific focus. What do you hope attendees take away from the session you’ll be participating in?
Mitch Rosen: I think any panel is valuable at the Barrett Media Summit. It’s what you as a participant take away. For that reason, my advice would be to look at the panel and speaker schedule, then focus on your interests. Also, possibly focus on what is outside your comfort level.
John Mamola: Through attending and viewing previous iterations of the Barrett Media Audio Summit, how has the event evolved over the years? Do you have a favorite moment from years’ prior?
Mitch Rosen: The Mike and The Mad Dog reunion in New York years ago was fascinating. I always enjoy the Barrett Media awards ceremony. It’s always fun to honor the current leaders, and past leaders in the industry. Also, Jason [Barrett] always lines up keynote speakers are terrific for witnessing.
John Mamola: Entering the Summit, what do you believe are the biggest opportunities and challenges the industry faces today?
Mitch Rosen: I think as an industry we have to continue to alert consumers. In addition to commercial partners, sports partners, and everyone who consumes sports media about the power of sports audio. It’s free, interactive, direct, local, and live. If we can do that, we will continue to find a path to victory.
Purchase your tickets to the 2026 BSM Summit here, and for more information BarrettMedia.com
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USA Sports has named Ryan Leaf as its lead game analyst for Pac-12 Conference football on USA Network. The assignment marks the network’s inaugural season of conference coverage, launching this September.
What We Know: Leaf brings deep Pac-12 roots to the role. He was a standout quarterback at Washington State, leading the Cougars to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1997. He was drafted second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. On the media side, he co-hosts The Opening Drive on SiriusXM NFL Radio, calls games for Westwood One Sports, and has worked as a college football analyst for The CW, ESPN, and the Pac-12 Network. In addition, he will also call select Pac-12 basketball games on USA Network.
What They Said: Ryan Leaf: “I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead USA Sports’ inaugural season of Pac-12 coverage. USA Sports has made a big investment in myself and in the Pac-12. They want to be the authentic home for the conference with the biggest games week-in and week-out. I have witnessed Commissioner Gould’s leadership first-hand over the past two years. I’m excited to help showcase the bold, new era of the Pac-12 to a national audience on USA Network starting this September.”
Jeff Behnke, EVP of Sports Production at USA Sports: “We’re incredibly excited to have Ryan join the USA Sports team in our first season of Pac-12 coverage on USA Network. Ryan’s extraordinary career at Washington State, paired with his intimate knowledge and passion for the conference, will offer viewers one-of-a-kind insight and elevate our team’s coverage across the board.”
What Remains Unclear: Leaf’s full broadcast team is currently uknown. Additionally, details on his role beyond football — specifically the scope of his basketball assignments — remain limited.
What It Means: Ryan Leaf is a perfect hire for this role. With his deep knowledge of the conference and experience playing at the highest level. Moreover, this will give USA Sports an immediate boost in interest. The five-year deal between USA Sports and the Pac-12 signals a long-term commitment. For Leaf, it’s a high-profile platform to anchor his continually growing broadcast career.
Washington State Hall of Famer Ryan Leaf will serve as the lead game analyst for Pac-12 football on USA Network 👏 pic.twitter.com/F8mgEZUvt9
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Edison Research’s Podcast Consumer 2026 Study has been released. It shows interesting data about the shifting winds in the space.
What We Know: Podcast listening and viewing have shifted in recent years, according to the Edison Research data. Of those Americans who have ever consumed a podcast, 57% said they have both listened to and watched one. Weekly consumption has grown to 45% of the U.S. population. While 21% of those consumers say they exclusively use audio-only, 2% respond similarly to video shows.
What the Numbers Show:
Year
Audio Only Without Video
Video You Actively Watch While Listening
2023
89%
73%
2024
84%
76%
Q3 2025
78%
82%
Q1 2026
80%
78%
What They Said: “Video podcast consumption is the changing variable here. Audiences are finding video podcasts. And in some cases, new or formerly audio-only podcasts are finding video audiences … For the first time, video podcast consumption outpaced audio consumption in Edison Podcast Metrics … Both types of consumption are virtually the same. There’s a lot of it. There’s a lot of people who listen to audio only. And there’s a lot of people who watch actively.” -Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick
What It Means: The investment in the video space continues to show dividends for the industry. Despite that investment, it is interesting that audio-only consumers are more than 10x those who only use video programs.
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Days after it was reported that CBS Sports would be adding Russell Wilson to their talent roster, the network officially adds one more name to the list. Former NFL lineman Kyle Long joins Wilson as the two new additions to CBS Sports’ NFL Today programming.
What We Know: Russell Wilson and Kyle Long are joining The NFL Today on CBS Sports. They will work alongside Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and host James Brown. Wilson brings a 14-year NFL resume that includes a Super Bowl championship. Also ten Pro Bowl selections, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He also threw for 46,966 yards and 353 touchdowns during stops in Seattle, Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York. Long, meanwhile, moves into a full-time role after appearing on the show last season. He has also contributed across CBS platforms since 2020.
What They Said: CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant on Kyle Long: “Kyle brings an infectious energy, relentless passion and deep knowledge of the game and is not shy about sharing his opinions. He has earned this opportunity and we’re proud to elevate him to a full-time role on The NFL Today. We’re excited for this new team at the desk to kick off NFL Sundays on CBS.”
CBS Sports Executive Producer Harold Bryant on Russell Wilson: “Throughout his career, Russell Wilson has been a winner, both on and off the field. We’re thrilled to add a Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks to our roster. Russell’s preparation and leadership set him apart and we look forward to the perspective and insight he will bring to the studio straight from the field.”
What Remains Unclear: The network has not revealed any specific segment roles or featured duties for either analyst. It’s also worth noting that Long retired from the NFL for a second time in 2022 after a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. How his shift from occasional contributor to full-time desk presence resonates with viewers remains.
What It Means: Following the departure of Matt Ryan, CBS Sports wanted to restore a five-person desk on its signature pregame show. I remain skeptical that the move signals a transition away from Bill Cowher or a larger role for Nate Burleson. However, both additions qualify as major hires for the network. Adding a marquee quarterback in Wilson gives The NFL Today a credible on-field voice fans will recognize immediately. Elevating Long signals the network sees real long-term value in his personality and football acumen.
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BZZR has named Brett Weitz as its new Chief Executive Officer. The verified all-sports social media platform is positioning itself as a unified destination for live sports and fan conversation.
What We Know: Weitz brings substantial media experience to the role. He most recently served as Global Head of Content, Talent, and Brand Sales at X, where he built content strategies for 600 million monthly users and secured premium partnerships with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Before that, he led TBS, TNT, and truTV at WarnerDiscovery, reaching nearly 200 million viewers. BZZR, which launched in April 2026, already counts over 700 creators on its platform and has established notable influence in the sports content space.
What They Said: Brett Weitz, CEO of BZZR: “Social media and sports content are at a cultural inflection point and fans want more than just highlights. They want connection, community, and conversation, without the noise and distractions that come with most platforms. BZZR is the first all sports platform built entirely around that reality. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of sports, culture, and content, and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to help grow this platform into an All Sports/No Noise destination.”
Jeff Bookout, Founder and Chairman of BZZR: “As the industry shifts from the traditional regional sports network model toward direct-to-consumer streaming; Brett brings the rare combination of platform expertise, content vision, and media relationships needed to capitalize on that shift. Under his leadership, BZZR will accelerate its expansion into live game streaming. Not simply as a media product, but as a powerful driver of fan acquisition. Also engagement, and creator growth across the platform.”
What Remains Unclear: Specific league and streaming partnership deals have not yet been announced. It’s also unknown how quickly BZZR’s proprietary AI platform — the Sports Graph — will scale. The platform’s planned investment in women’s sports is unknown as far as timeline. Whether BZZR can meaningfully compete in an increasingly crowded sports media landscape remains an open question.
What It Means: Weitz’s hire signals BZZR is ready to accelerate. His deep relationships across leagues, social media, and network & streaming platforms give BZZR credibility it needs to grow. This move puts the very young platform firmly on the industry’s radar.
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Jesse Garcia is adding a second market to his programming portfolio. Federated Media has named him Program Director of country station K105 (WQHK) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What We Know: Garcia takes on the K105 role while retaining his programming duties at sister country station B100 (WBYT) in South Bend. He has led B100 for more than 16 years, building it into one of the region’s strongest country brands. He also hosts weekday afternoons there. A Southern Illinois University graduate in Radio & Television Broadcasting, Garcia has worked across Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Colorado.
What They Said: Kyle Guderian, Federated Media’s Director of Operations, made clear this move was deliberate. “Jesse has built an incredibly strong country brand in our South Bend market, and he’s earned this opportunity in Fort Wayne,” Guderian said. “He knows the format, he knows our company, and he knows how to connect with listeners.” Garcia called the assignment energizing, saying he looks forward to getting connected with the Fort Wayne community.
What Remains Unclear: Federated Media has not announced whether Garcia will eventually take on a full-time presence in Fort Wayne. It is also unclear how his dual-market responsibilities will affect his afternoon on-air shift at B100.
What It Means: This move signals Federated Media’s confidence in Garcia’s ability to manage multiple markets simultaneously. Rather than hire externally, the company promoted from within — a telling sign of organizational trust. For K105, it means continuity and stability under a proven country programmer. Fort Wayne listeners should expect a sharper, more defined brand direction ahead.
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One of hockey’s most dedicated podcasts just got some hardware to show for it. Barstool Sports’Spittin’ Chiclets was one of 13 shows worldwide recognized with Spotify’s Bronze Creator Milestone Award for Q1 2026.
What We Know: The Bronze award acknowledges podcasts that have surpassed 100 million all-time streams on Spotify — or 50 million in emerging markets. Spittin’ Chiclets joins a diverse global class of honorees for Q1 2026. This includes The Tim Dillon Show, The Basement Yard, and Modern Wisdom, among others. Meanwhile, Spotify’s Silver Creator Milestone — earned at 250 million streams — went to just two shows this quarter: Diary of A CEO with Steven Bartlett and German comedy Dick & Doof. Notably, no podcast earned a Gold Award this quarter; only six shows have ever hit that 500 million stream threshold.
What Remains Unclear: Exact final figures were not released for the quarter.
What It Means: The Creator Milestone Award program, launched by Spotify last year, is quickly becoming a meaningful benchmark in podcasting. Beyond the plaque, honorees receive placement in a curated Spotify spotlight hub and inclusion in an out-of-home campaign in Los Angeles. For Spittin’ Chiclets, the recognition further cements hockey audio content as a legitimate force in global streaming.
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