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Suno Inks Global Licensing Deal With BMG Music

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Suno just inked a global licensing deal with BMG. The milestone signals growing industry acceptance for AI music generation platforms.

What We Know BMG’s pact with Suno covers both publishing and recorded music rights worldwide. Importantly, the agreement grants Suno approval for “prior use” of recordings in its training processes. Moving forward, the companies plan collaborative efforts to develop new experiences connecting artists and fans. Meanwhile, Warner Music remains the only major label to license with Suno to date.

What’s at Stake Artist and songwriter participation directly impacts Suno’s credibility and long-term viability. Specifically, these landmark deals establish revenue-sharing opportunities for creators alongside the platforms. Furthermore, new fan-artist connection models could fundamentally reshape music consumption and engagement patterns. Ultimately, user adoption hinges on fair economics and genuine creative choice in the terms.

What Remains Unclear Artist and songwriter reactions to the specific terms remain uncertain and unknown. Similarly, the competitive impact on platforms like Udio and Klay Vision is unclear. Additionally, long-term DSP consumption effects from AI-generated content haven’t fully materialized yet. Notably, questions persist about Suno’s licensed model launch timeline and market readiness.

What It Means Additional licensing agreements will likely emerge from other major industry players soon. Clearly, the music industry is shifting toward collaborative, authorized AI creation models. Furthermore, major labels increasingly recognize AI’s strategic role in music’s commercial future. Ultimately, this determines whether creators truly benefit from the AI innovation wave.

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Katie Nolan: Comments About WFAN’s Boomer Esiason Were Part of a Bit, Joke

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SiriusXM host Katie Nolan says her recent comments regarding Boomer Esiason was part of a bit and was just a joke. WFAN’s Craig Carton and Gregg Giannotti, she says, missed it completely in their responses.

What We Know: Nolan mocked Esiason on her Casuals podcast in late July. She called him her “arch-nemesis” and told him to “clean it up” in regards to some of his commentary. Nolan’s program played drops of Esiason as part of her comments. Moreover, the dig came after SiriusXM announced that WFAN and several other Audacy sports brands will be landing on SiriusXM beginning next month. Soon after, WFAN host Craig Carton criticized both Esiason and Gregg Giannotti for not clapping back. The following day, Giannotti explained his stance by saying that Nolan was not a “worthy opponent.” Nolan says the response to her initial commentary was unexpected, and the criticism following missed the tone of her initial comments.

What They Said: (All comments via Casuals)

Katie Nolan on the backlash her podcast received by WFAN talents over her comments about Boomer Esiason: “We have fun on this show. Okay, we’re just a silly, goofy little show. I saw a lot of people get very mad about the Boomer [Esiason] stuff. That I was like, did you miss that this was obviously a bit? But yes is the answer. They did. We were just joking, you guys. Who does this girl think she is that she gets to say? I’m like, she doesn’t. It’s the joke.”

Katie Nolan doesn’t understand why WFAN’s Craig Carton and Gregg Giannotti responded to it: “They don’t work here. They’re not going to run into us in the hallway. Nothing has changed. They still are WFAN. It was a joke. Whatever. Two hosts have now responded to us on that channel. I don’t know how to find WFAN. I don’t know what any of it was. But I’ve heard it’s crazy. So, love to all. I’m not sure what happened here. All I did was play old clips of what you said? I mean, if you didn’t like it, you should have said it.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not WFAN talent will respond.

What It Means: Nolan insists her comments were satire and a joke. In context, with a new partnership and Esiason’s high profile, it can be understandable how tone could be lost. However, WFAN has never shied away from any controversy. The two on-air responses from WFAN suggest the bit landed harder than possibly Nolan intended. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that sports-radio banter travels fast, and lands differently depending who’s listening.

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Clay Travis: Selling OutKick Didn’t Change My View of Business, It Reinforced It

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Clay Travis says selling OutKick to Fox didn’t change what he wanted to do. Instead, the deal reinforced his belief that he was on the right path.

What We Know: Clay Travis discussed his decision to sell OutKick to Fox while appearing on The Sage Steele Show. Fox completed its acquisition of OutKick in 2025, with Travis later stepping away from the company. The sale gave Travis significant financial freedom, but he said that freedom didn’t change his desire to keep working. Instead, he viewed his reaction to the deal as confirmation that he had built a life he genuinely enjoyed.

What They Said: “People think, ‘Oh, what would happen if I won that lottery ticket?’ I feel like I did, and I feel like I had the ultimate thing to be grateful for, which was when I woke up the next morning, I wanted to keep doing exactly what I was already doing. That, to me, is a sign that you are living a life that you’re supposed to live. If you have this great fortune and you don’t have to go to work, you don’t have to do any more of what you are doing, and you still want to do it? Man, that’s awesome. That’s kind of how I feel every day.” -Clay Travis

What Remains Unclear: Travis didn’t detail what his post-OutKick plans would look like during the appearance. However, his comments suggest the financial windfall from the sale didn’t eliminate his interest in media. He also didn’t indicate whether he plans to launch another major business venture.

What It Means: Travis’ comments offer a different perspective on the OutKick sale. Rather than viewing the transaction as an endpoint, he sees it as an opportunity to continue pursuing work he enjoys. That could keep Travis active across sports media, digital content, and other ventures. Meanwhile, Fox continues developing OutKick as part of its broader digital media portfolio.

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Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy Plots Lawsuit Over FCC Local TV Ownership Changes

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Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy plans to sue the FCC over its decision to eliminate the national broadcast ownership cap. Ruddy has repeatedly opposed the agency’s effort, warning he’d pursue litigation if commissioners approved the change.

What We Know: The FCC voted 2-1 last week to eliminate the rule limiting broadcasters from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households. The agency instead adopted a case-by-case approach for evaluating broadcast ownership transactions. Ruddy discussed his plans during an interview with The Desk’s Matthew Keys. Previously, he argued the FCC lacked authority to eliminate the ownership restriction because Congress established the framework requiring the agency to maintain a national cap. Ruddy has consistently pushed back against efforts to eliminate the broadcast ownership cap. Newsmax also urged the FCC to reject Nexstar’s proposed acquisition of TEGNA, arguing greater consolidation could increase retransmission fees and give large station groups more leverage over smaller networks.

What They Said: “It’s a blatant violation of federal law,” Ruddy said in response to the vote. “Congress set the cap. It didn’t want the FCC to set the cap. Almost every FCC chairman has agreed with that … It doesn’t make any sense, other than you want to circumvent Congressional law.” -Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy

What Remains Unclear: Ruddy has indicated he’ll pursue litigation, but the specific court, timing, and legal arguments behind Newsmax’s challenge remain unclear. The FCC maintains it has authority to modify its ownership rules, setting up a potentially significant legal fight.

What It Means: A Newsmax lawsuit could add another obstacle to broadcasters seeking greater consolidation. Meanwhile, the FCC’s decision could clear the way for larger station groups to expand their national reach, making the legal challenge one to watch across the television industry.

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Sports Media Insider Jimmy Traina Announces Departure From Sports Illustrated

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Jimmy Traina is leaving Sports Illustrated. The sports media podcast host confirmed his exit Wednesday after more than 20 years.

What We Know: Traina spent over two decades at the publication, building a reputation across multiple formats. He created Hot Clicks from 2007 to 2013, then launched SI Media with Jimmy Traina, a podcast that became a go-to stop for the top names in sports media. Traina says he will write his final SI column Friday and discuss his departure on this week’s podcast episode.

What They Said: Jimmy Traina (via X): “After 20+ years, I have made the difficult decision to leave Sports Illustrated. It’s time for me to do something different & evolve with the changing sports media landscape. I will always be grateful to SI for all of the opportunities and a life-changing run. I will talk about my time at SI on this week’s “SI Media With Jimmy Traina” and write my final column on Friday. More to come very soon on what’s next (I’ll still be covering sports media) and I won’t be on the sidelines for long. Hopefully you will continue to support me the way you have during my many years at SI. Unfortunately, you will need to subscribe to a new podcast. Follow me on social media or send me an email to be kept up to date on details.”

What Remains Unclear: Traina’s next destination is unknown.

What It Means: Traina’s exit removes a major voice from sports media coverage for Sports Illustrated. In addition, it will be very difficult to find someone who could command attention and an audience that Traina has developed over two decades. Meanwhile, his promise to keep covering the industry signals a quick pivot elsewhere. Moreover, given his roster of A-list contacts, competitors will likely watch closely. Ultimately, his next move could reshape where sports media conversations happen next.

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Charlotte Hornets Sign Over-The-Air Broadcast Agreement With COX Media For 2026-2027 Season

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The Charlotte Hornets have a new local broadcast partner. WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will carry Hornets games starting this fall.

What We Know: Cox Media Group’s WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 become the new over-the-air home for Hornets basketball beginning in October. The stations will air all non-nationally televised regular-season games, plus pregame and postgame coverage. WSOC airs a 30-minute schedule release show Thursday night, following the league’s schedule announcement earlier that day. Games will also stream via Spectrum, the team’s preferred partner, and appear on several other carriage providers.

What They Said: Charlotte Hornets Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston: “Our fans are the most passionate and loyal in the NBA. They deserve every opportunity to watch and connect with Hornets basketball. We’re very excited to be on WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 this upcoming season. Building on the tremendous success of last season’s simulcasts, which expanded our reach, increased viewership and made it easier for more fans to watch. This partnership with Cox Media Group is about serving our life-long Hornets fans, the many new fans that are moving to our market every day as well as developing the next generation of future Hornets fans.”

Cox Media Group Charlotte’s Vice President and General Manager Cedric Thomas: “The Hornets are one of our community’s most recognizable and beloved organizations. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving viewers across the Carolinas. Together, we’re giving more fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of Hornets basketball. Strengthening our connection with the communities we both serve.”

What Remains Unclear: The exact game-by-game broadcast schedule hasn’t been released yet. According to the release, a direct-to-consumer streaming platform is also upcoming. Though no launch date or details have surfaced so far. Sports Business Journal is reporting DAZN will be involved for a DTC option.

What It Means: This deal builds on two prior seasons of simulcast partnerships between the Hornets and Cox Media Group. Consequently, it signals a deeper investment in local visibility. Meanwhile, expanded access could strengthen fan engagement across the Carolinas ahead of further market announcements. This is only a one year agreement however. The one-year deal is purposeful because it allows the Hornets to join the league’s expected centralized broadcast hub for the 2027-28 season.

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Former Disney CEO Bob Iger Buys Los Angeles Lakers in $12 Billion Deal

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Bob Iger is buying the Los Angeles Lakers with Josh Kushner in a record $12.5 billion deal. The sale marks the second ownership change for the NBA franchise in two years.

What We Know: Iger and Kushner are acquiring the Lakers from Mark Walter, who paid $10 billion for controlling interest in the franchise last year. The agreement gives the Lakers a new ownership group just over a year after Walter completed his purchase from the Buss family. Iger officially exited his role as Disney CEO in March, when Josh D’Amaro succeeded him. He remained a Disney senior advisor and board member, but his tenure as the company’s chief executive ended earlier this year.

What They Said: “As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honored for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world. We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans, and the city of Los Angeles.” -Bob Iger and Josh Kushner in a joint statement

What Remains Unclear: The precise ownership structure and how responsibilities will be divided between Iger and Kushner haven’t been fully detailed. Additionally, the NBA must complete its approval process before the transaction becomes official.

What It Means: The $12.5 billion valuation sets a new benchmark for professional sports franchises. Meanwhile, the rapid change in ownership highlights the extraordinary financial value attached to the Lakers brand and the NBA’s premier franchises.

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Damien Woody Departing ESPN After 15 Years

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Damien Woody is out at ESPN. The network chose not to renew his contract according to a report by The Athletic.

What We Know: Woody spent 15 years at ESPN, becoming a fixture across Get Up, First Take, Fantasy Football Now and SportsCenter. According to reporting, Woody will stay on air through the end of the month, including Thursday, by his own choice. ESPN reportedly separated his exit from recent layoffs. Woody discussed his exit with the online outlet.

What They Said: Damien Woody (via The Athletic): “Being at ESPN for 15 years, it’s been an absolute joy.”

What Remains Unclear: Woody’s next destination hasn’t been determined. ESPN and Woody reportedly discussed a possible extension but nothing materialized.

What It Means: Woody’s exit adds to a wave of turnover across ESPN’s NFL coverage this year. Unlike Clark’s abrupt on-air removal, ESPN is allowing Woody a farewell stretch, suggesting the split remains amicable. With a big year ahead for the network and the added oversight over the NFL Network, choosing talent for this year is of heightened importance. For Woody, a two-time Super Bowl champion, it remains unknown where he could end up next.

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KNX News Loses 41% of Cume After Leaving 97.1 FM

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KNX News continues to lose audience after returning to an AM-only brand. The July ratings show another decline since leaving 97.1 FM.

What We Know: Audacy moved KNX News off the 97.1 FM signal on Monday, May 18th, giving way to the new sports brand 97.1 The Fan. KNX News posted a 3.1 share and 582,400 cume in July, according to Nielsen’s 12+ ratings. The July numbers mark another step down for KNX News following the FM change. The station has now seen its cume decline in each month since May, while its share has fallen from 3.6 to 3.1. KNX News recorded a 4.6 share and 983,000 cume in July 2025, when it still had the 97.1 FM signal. One year later, the station posted a 3.1 share and 582,400 cume. That represents a 40.8% decline in cume and a 1.5-point drop in share. After leaving FM, KNX posted a 3.6 share and 806,300 cume in May, followed by a 3.4 share and 645,300 cume in June.

What the Numbers Show:

KNX News 12+ Ratings/Cume Comparison

MonthShareCume% Change
July 20254.6983,000—
July 20263.1582,400↓ -40.8%

KNX News 12+ Ratings/Cume Since Leaving 97.1 FM

MonthShareCume% Change
May 20263.6806,300—
June 20263.4645,300↓ -20.0%
July 20263.1582,400↓ -9.7%

What Remains Unclear: The Nielsen figures don’t establish how much of KNX News’ decline directly resulted from losing 97.1 FM. However, the timing is notable, with the station’s cume falling in each book following the transition.

What It Means: KNX News has lost more than 223,000 cume listeners since May and more than 400,000 compared with July 2025. Meanwhile, 97.1 The Fan recorded a 0.2 share and 137,000 cume in July, giving Audacy an early benchmark for its new sports brand.

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Molly Robinson Departs 3 Man Front At WJOX 94.5

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Barrett Media has learned that Molly Robinson is departing WJOX in Birmingham. Her exit ends a three-year run as midday co-host on 3-Man Front.

What We Know: Robinson joined WJOX in 2023, stepping into 3-Man Front after Matt McClearin’s departure and the show’s expansion from two hours to four. She worked alongside hosts Landrum Roberts and Pat Smith, plus producer and co-host Conrad Van Order. Beyond her radio role, Robinson built out a broader resume, adding stints as an ESPN sideline reporter, a Husky Fast Network reporter, and the in-game host for the Birmingham Barons. No other staff departures have been confirmed alongside hers at this time. WJOX is owned by Cumulus Media which has conducted layoffs around the country the past week.

What They Said: WJOX management have not responded to requests for comment. Robinson has not commented regarding her departure.

What Remains Unclear: Its unclear if Robinson’s role on the program will be replaced directly or if 3-Man Front will remain in tact.

What It Means: Robinson’s exit leaves a notable gap in Birmingham’s midday sports radio lineup, given her three years of continuity on the show. Her multimedia resume, spanning ESPN and Barons broadcasts, suggests she built a following beyond WJOX’s core audience. Therefore, her next stop will likely draw attention from both listeners and industry watchers. For now, though, 3-Man Front’s path forward remains an open question.

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