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2026 World Baseball Classic Final Marks Most-Watched WBC Broadcast Ever

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2026 World Baseball Classic Final Marks Most-Watched WBC Broadcast Ever

FOX Sports delivered a historic audience for the 2026 World Baseball Classic final, underscoring the event’s growing global appeal and strengthening baseball’s case as a television draw on the international stage.

According to data shared by the network, 10,784,000 average viewers tuned in across FOX and FOX Deportes to watch Venezuela defeat Team USA 3-2 in a tightly contested championship game on Tuesday night.

That figure stands as the most-watched World Baseball Classic telecast ever on any network, marking a significant milestone for both the tournament and its media partners.

While the headline number commands attention, the surrounding metrics paint an even more compelling picture of sustained engagement and momentum throughout the broadcast.

FOX reported an average audience of 10,228,000 viewers for the game itself, with peak viewership climbing to 12,148,000 between 10:30 and 10:45 p.m. ET, a window that coincided with the game’s most dramatic late-inning moments and helped fuel social media conversation in real time.

Equally notable, the audience represented a 128% increase compared to the 2023 WBC final between the United States and Japan, which aired on FS1 and drew 4,460,000 viewers.

That jump highlights not only improved distribution on a broadcast network but also a broader shift in audience behavior, as casual fans and national supporters alike gravitated toward a championship matchup with clear stakes and star power.

Moreover, FOX indicated that the game ranked as its most-watched Tuesday telecast since Game 4 of the 2025 World Series, placing the event in rare company among recent high-profile baseball broadcasts. The performance reinforces the idea that when baseball delivers urgency and national pride, it can still command mass audiences in a fragmented media environment.

Beyond the championship game, the tournament as a whole showed measurable growth across FOX’s portfolio of networks. The 2026 World Baseball Classic averaged 1,294,000 viewers across FOX, FS1 and FS2, an increase of 156% compared to the 2023 tournament average of 506,000 viewers.

That figure also establishes the event as the most-watched World Baseball Classic in its 20-year history across English-language networks.

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FOX Sports Announces New Digital Series: ‘ALL IN: INDYCAR’

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FOX Sports Announces New Digital Series: ‘ALL IN: INDYCAR’

FOX Sports and INDYCAR are expanding their push into premium digital storytelling with the launch of a new behind-the-scenes series designed to bring fans closer to one of motorsports’ most competitive landscapes.

The two organizations announced ALL IN: INDYCAR, a digital-exclusive series covering the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The series will chronicle drivers, teams, and the intensity of competition. The project reflects FOX Sports’ effort to expand its digital footprint. It also gives fans more immersive access beyond traditional race broadcasts.

The first episode, titled The Champ Is Here, centers on four-time champion Alex Palou at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Cameras follow Palou and the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing entry. They begin their title defense under heightened expectations against a deep, increasingly global field

FOX Sports President and Executive Producer Brad Zager emphasized the series’ storytelling potential. He pointed to INDYCAR’s competitive balance and dramatic appeal as key drivers behind the project.

“INDYCAR is one of the most competitive and compelling series in sports, and ALL IN: INDYCAR gives fans a deeper look at everything that defines it,” said Brad Zager, President and Executive Producer, FOX Sports. “As we continue to expand our digital content offerings, this series reflects FOX Sports’ commitment to delivering premium storytelling and bringing fans closer to the sport across every platform.”

From INDYCAR’s perspective, the series offers an opportunity to showcase the sport’s intensity in a more immediate and accessible format. Chief Marketing Officer Alex Damron notes that the near real-time production approach and wide distribution strategy will expand the series’ reach while elevating the visibility of its drivers and teams.

Full episodes of ALL IN: INDYCAR are available on the INDYCAR on FOX YouTube channel. Additional distribution includes FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports app, FOX One, and Tubi. Content will also be shared across INDYCAR and FOX Sports social media platforms. These outlets create multiple entry points for fans to engage with the series.

ALL IN: INDYCAR is produced in collaboration with Shadow Lion. A creative studio founded by Tom Brady. The project includes executive production from FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks and Zager, along with Damron and Mackenzie Williams for INDYCAR, and Gilad Haas, Jeff Fine and Philip Byron for Shadow Lion. Directing duties belong to Matthew Maxson and Ryan Lohuis.

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CNN Announces Plans for ‘War with Iran’ Town Hall Hosted by Dana Bash

BNM Staff
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CNN Announces Plans for ‘War with Iran’ Town Hall Hosted by Dana Bash

CNN has announced it will host a town hall event centered on the war with Iran later this week.

Set for Friday, March 20th at 9 PM ET, Dana Bash will host A CNN Town Hall: War with Iran.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz will join the panel, as will analysts from the network like global affairs analyst Brett McGurk, national security analyst Beth Sanner, and military analyst Lt. General Mark Schwartz.

The audience will be made up of citizens across the political spectrum from the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area.

The Friday event will be streamed to subscribers on CNN.com, as well as the CNN connected TV apps.

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CNBC to Launch ‘Morning Call’ with Morgan Brennan March 23rd

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CNBC to Launch ‘Morning Call’ with Morgan Brennan March 23rd

CNBC has unveiled details of its upcoming pre-market morning show featuring Morgan Brennan.

The network is returning to its Morning Call branding in the 5 AM ET hour beginning on Monday, March 23rd.

The show from Brennan will deliver early morning and overnight news, data, and expert insights before U.S. markets open.

Morgan Brennan will helm the show after most recently serving as the co-anchor of Closing Bell: Overtime. She’s also worked on Squawk Alley and Squawk on the Street. Brennan also hosts the Manifest Space podcast for CNBC, featuring conversations with leaders and startups in the satellite, space, and defense industries.

“Pre‑market hours are when the news of the day starts to take shape,” said David Cho, CNBC Editor-in-Chief. “With Morning Call, we’re doubling down on our commitment to deliver unmatched business journalism and give viewers a decisive edge before the U.S. markets open. Morgan Brennan’s expertise and global perspective make her the ideal guide to the headlines, setting the tone for the trading day.”

Morning Call will be executive-produced by Richard Carolan.

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99.1 WQIK Names Casey Carter Program Director, Heath West Afternoon Host

BMM Staff
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99.1 WQIK Names Casey Carter Program Director, Heath West Afternoon Host

Country 99.1 WQIK in Jacksonville has announced the appointment of Casey Carter as Program Director, and Heath West as afternoon host.

Carter adds the programming duties for the station. She’ll continue to serve as the Program Director of 101.1 WNOE in New Orleans. She’s been with iHeartMedia since 2012.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Casey to the WQIK team and we look forward to her bringing new ideas, energy and perspectives that will spark exciting growth and great collaboration,” said Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Jacksonville Rick Everett.

“My first ever PD job was at the old Rooster in Jacksonville (WROO), and I am so very excited to be working with this market once again!” said Casey Carter. “To take the reins at the legendary WQIK is beyond a dream come true!”

Meanwhile, Heath West — who has served as the Program Director of WAVE 92.7 in West Palm Beach since 1999 — will add afternoon duties for the station.

“As a Florida native, the WQIK call letters are legendary and I am honored to take on the afternoon show on one of iHeart’s premiere country brands,” West said.

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8 States Sue to Block Nexstar Media Group Merger with TEGNA

BNM Staff
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8 States Sue to Block Nexstar Media Group Merger with TEGNA

A coalition of eight state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit aiming to block Nexstar Media Group’s proposed purchase of TEGNA.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California states that the movie would exceed the legal limits for TV station ownership. Currently, Nexstar Media Group has already been granted a waiver to exceed the cap of reaching 39% of U.S. TV households. The acquisition of TEGNA would grant them access to nearly 80%.

The attorneys general filing the motion come from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia.

In the filing, California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the potential merger between Nexstar and TEGNA “illegal, plain and simple.”

Under the proposed merger, Nexstar would own at least two broadcast stations in more than 25 markets around the nation.

The coalition of attorneys general launching the lawsuit comes after FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has shared that he believes that lifting the ownership cap will allow television broadcasters to better compete with big tech firms. “I support that transaction. We’re going to be moving forward,” Carr said in February.

More than 40 Congressional Republicans have urged the FCC not to approve the merger until a “thorough review” of the acquisition is completed. President Trump, meanwhile, has signalled he would like approval fast-tracked.

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Evan Roberts: “I’m Going To Miss Howie Rose” Calling New York Mets Baseball on the Radio

BSM Staff
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Evan Roberts: “I’m Going To Miss Howie Rose” Calling New York Mets Baseball on the Radio

WFAN host Evan Roberts didn’t hold back his emotions Thursday, offering a heartfelt and, at times, deeply personal reaction to the news that longtime New York Mets radio voice Howie Rose will retire following the 2026 season.

Speaking on Evan & Tiki, Roberts reflected on Rose’s impact not only as a broadcaster but as a defining presence for Mets fans, describing the veteran play-by-play announcer as someone whose voice became inseparable from the franchise’s biggest moments and everyday rhythms.

“I am going to miss him,” Roberts said. “As I was reading all of this, I was getting a little emotional. Because he is the voice of a franchise we love. A lot of us love. He has painted the word picture, as Bob Murphy so eloquently used to say on so many incredible moments.”

While Mets fans have experienced a wide range of highs and lows during Rose’s tenure, Roberts emphasized that the broadcaster’s steady delivery and descriptive storytelling consistently elevated the listening experience, allowing audiences to feel connected regardless of the outcome on the field.

At the same time, Roberts acknowledged the complicated emotions tied to the announcement, balancing admiration for Rose’s career with the realization that his time behind the microphone is nearing its end, which adds a layer of urgency and reflection to the seasons ahead.

“This is bittersweet,” Roberts said. “I’m going to miss the hell out of Howie Rose, but deepest congratulations to him on what has been a brilliant career. This season will be his final year calling New York Mets games.”

Rose, who has served as a defining soundtrack for Mets baseball since the mid-1990s, says he made the decision following several seasons of scaled-back responsibilities tied to ongoing health challenges and the physical demands of travel, which have increasingly shaped his workload and long-term outlook.

At 72, Rose acknowledged this spring that continuing full-time required adjustments. He cited the grind of a 162-game schedule and its rigors. As a result, he will not call road games during the regular season. He will focus exclusively on home broadcasts unless the Mets reach the postseason.

In addition to celebrating Rose’s longevity and excellence, Roberts highlighted what remains unfinished. He noted one milestone has eluded the veteran broadcaster despite several memorable postseason runs.

“I’ll put the pressure on,” Roberts said. “They got to win it all because Howie’s right. He has said this before, he has always said that one call he wants to make is the call of winning a championship. He’s come close. And like I mentioned, he’s had some great all-time calls.”

That perspective underscores the unique bond between Rose and the Mets fan base. His calls have narrated decades of baseball and shaped how those moments are remembered. They create a shared experience that extends far beyond the final score.

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NBC Sports Names Local Analyst Roster for Opening Day Double Header

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports Names Local Analyst Roster for Opening Day Double Header

NBC Sports is set to make a significant statement with its return to Major League Baseball coverage, unveiling a star-powered lineup of broadcasters and analysts for its Opening Day doubleheader on Thursday, March 26, marking the network’s highly anticipated debut for the 2026 season.

The Opening Day presentation, which NBC Sports is branding as a marquee showcase event, will air across both NBC and Peacock beginning at 1 p.m. ET, featuring a pair of matchups loaded with star power and postseason intrigue that should immediately place the network at the center of baseball’s national conversation.

Veteran play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian will handle the call for Pirates-Mets, joined by analysts Al Leiter and Neil Walker, forming a booth that blends national broadcasting experience with deep ties to both franchises and the league at large.

Leiter, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, brings decades of perspective both on the mound and in the studio, while Walker adds recent player insight after a 12-year career that included impactful runs with both Pittsburgh and New York.

In addition, Ahmed Fareed will anchor pregame coverage for the early window alongside analyst Adam Ottavino, giving NBC Sports a mix of hosting stability and current-era player perspective as it builds out its studio presence around live game coverage.

Later in the evening, NBC Sports will present the only primetime game on Opening Day, as Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks travel to face Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in a matchup that combines star power, recent postseason history and significant national appeal.

Jason Benetti, widely regarded as one of the most versatile play-by-play voices in sports, will call the game alongside analysts Luis Gonzalez and Orel Hershiser, both of whom carry deep postseason pedigrees and strong connections to the respective franchises featured in the matchup.

Gonzalez remains a central figure in Diamondbacks history following his iconic Game 7 walk-off hit in the 2001 World Series, while Hershiser’s legendary 1988 season with the Dodgers continues to stand as one of the most dominant pitching performances in league history.

NBC Sports will further elevate its primetime presentation with an on-site pregame show from Dodger Stadium, hosted by Bob Costas and featuring three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw, as the Dodgers prepare to raise their latest World Series championship banner in front of a national audience.

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Midwest Communications Buys 10 Wisconsin Stations From NRG Media

BNM Staff
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Midwest Communications Buys 10 Wisconsin Stations From NRG Media

Midwest Communications has announced it is purchasing 10 Wisconsin radio stations from NRG Media.

Involved in the deal are the NRG stations in Rhinelander. Those include AC 95.9 The Island, Hodag Country 97.3, adult hits 100.1 Jack-FM, classic rock Rock 105.3, sports 1240/101.3 The Game, and oldies 1570 The Lake.

It also includes stations in Wausau, with classic country Y106.5, CHR Hot 96.7, and classic rock 103.3 WGLX being purchased. Currently, Midwest Communications owns news/talk 550 WSAU, sports 93.9 The Game, CHR 95.5 WIFC, country 101.9 WDEZ, rock 94.7/102.9 The Beast, and adult hits Big Cheese 107.9 in the market.

“We are proud of the great broadcasters in Wisconsin that we have proudly worked with and are happy they will continue serving Wisconsin with WRIG, Inc,” said NRG Media CEO Mary Quass.

“Mary and her entire team have built an outstanding community service organization in Wisconsin,” said Midwest Communications President Peter Tanz. “For over a century, the Wright family has proudly called Central Wisconsin home. We are honored to add NRG’s Wisconsin stations to our home market.”

The move marks the latest in a round of sales for NRG Media. Recently, the company agreed to the sale of its Central Nebraska and Omaha stations. It continues to operate stations in Lincoln, Nebraska; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ottawa, Illinois.

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Edison Research: Podcast Listening Dominates AM/FM Radio in Younger Listeners

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Edison Research: Podcast Listening Dominates AM/FM Radio in Younger Listeners

Edison Research has expanded the data set from its recent Share of Ear Study results that show that AM/FM radio listenership is dwindling among younger listeners.

After previously sharing that podcast listening had surpassed AM/FM radio in the ad-supported audio realm, the company has shared more details about how that breaks down by demographic.

Edison Research data shows that of those aged 13-34, 53% of time spent listening is with podcasts. That figured dwarfs the 23% that AM/FM radio receives from that demographic.

“Radio does rebound among 35–54-year-olds but still falls short with 47% of their spoken-word listening time going to podcasts and 35% going to AM/FM radio,” the company said. “Our story completely changes among Americans ages 55+, who spend the majority of their spoken-word listening time with AM/FM radio, at 55%, and less than one-quarter of their time with podcasts at 22%.

“The dominance of podcast listening among younger age cohorts can certainly be attributed to their preference for on-demand content that also includes visual elements, qualities specific to podcasts and not radio. AM/FM radio carries a wide variety of spoken-word offerings, ranging from sports play-by-play and sports talk, NPR programming, news and entertainment talk shows, to political talk.”

In the fourth quarter of 2025, time spent listening to podcasts rose to 40% of all spoken-word listening time. AM/FM Radio spoken word audio time finished the quarter at 39% of listening, according to the Share of Ear study from Edison Research.

Spoken word audio listening accounts for 25% of all daily time spent with audio, the Edison Research study shows.

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