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John Fredericks Media Network Buys WAKM-AM

Garrett Searight
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John Fredericks Media Network Buys WAKM-AM

John Fredericks Media Network is expanding again. WAKM-AM in Franklin, Tennessee, is joining its growing portfolio.

What We Know: John Fredericks Media Network has reached an agreement to purchase WAKM-AM, adding another Tennessee signal to its expanding news/talk footprint. The acquisition strengthens the company’s presence in Middle Tennessee, where it already owns WENO-AM in nearby Nashville. Over the past several years, the company has steadily added radio properties in multiple markets while expanding its distribution of news, talk, and sports programming. As a result, the purchase gives John Fredericks Media Network another outlet in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions and further extends its regional reach.

What They Said: “As we continue to grow across America, Tennessee is a key market for our future. Our mission is simple: deliver compelling News-Talk-Sports programming that people can’t get anywhere else. We’re building platforms that serve our audience – not shareholders – and this expansion is another major step in that vision. We’re proving that News-Talk and Sports belong together. Our audience wants breaking news, honest opinion, and the teams they love – all from one trusted source. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.” -John Fredericks

What Remains Unclear: Neither the purchase price nor a closing timeline has been disclosed. In addition, the company hasn’t announced whether WAKM-AM will retain its current programming or transition to content produced by John Fredericks Media Network after the sale closes.

What It Means: The acquisition continues John Fredericks Media Network’s aggressive expansion strategy. By pairing WAKM-AM with WENO-AM in nearby Nashville, the company gains broader coverage across the Nashville metropolitan area. Furthermore, the move reinforces Fredericks’ belief that news/talk and sports programming can complement one another while giving the network another platform to grow its audience and advertisers.

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WMMR Honors Late DJ Pierre Robert with 24-Hour Marathon

David Hill
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WMMR Honors Late DJ Pierre Robert with 24-Hour Marathon

WMMR celebrates Pierre Robert’s legacy with an inaugural 24-hour special on August 1. The legendary Philadelphia DJ would have turned 71 this year.

What We Know Ryan Shuttleworth leads the marathon starting at midnight following Jacky Bam Bam’s Friday Night show. Meanwhile, Weekend Warriors Jason Fehon, Ray Koob, and Markus join the celebration sharing Pierre’s best moments. The station features legendary interviews, classic radio bits, and magical moments from the MM-aRchives. Additionally, listeners access the event via WMMR.com, the MMR App, 93.3 FM, or calling 610-660-9333.

What’s at Stake This event honors one of Philadelphia radio’s most influential figures and industry icons. Furthermore, the celebration preserves 45 years of broadcasting history connecting multiple generations of devoted listeners. Community participation keeps Pierre’s memory alive across the entire Philadelphia radio market. The 24-hour format maximizes listener engagement throughout every daypart from midnight through midnight.

What Remains Unclear The full guest list beyond announced on-air talent hasn’t been disclosed by WMMR management. Whether rare archived clips from Pierre’s earliest years will air remains somewhat uncertain. The station hasn’t indicated whether Pierre Robert Day will become an annual recurring celebration. Additionally, specific social media engagement plans or interactive listener participation opportunities lack clarity.

What It Means WMMR gets it—radio’s real power lives in the voices and personalities that shaped a city’s culture. Pierre Robert wasn’t just a midday host; he was Philadelphia radio history walking through a studio door. This celebration tells listeners their loyalty matters and that legendary talent deserves permanent recognition. Meanwhile, other markets are watching whether honoring departed icons becomes the new industry standard for local stations.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Mike Ryan: ESPN Has Become a Full “Propaganda Arm” for the NFL, Media Rights Partners

John Mamola
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Mike Ryan: ESPN Has Become a Full “Propaganda Arm” for the NFL, Media Rights Partners

Dan Le Batard Show producer Mike Ryan didn’t hold back in his criticisms of ESPN’s questionable timing of releasing news involving San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Ryan accused ESPN of functioning as a mouthpiece for its own league partners.

What We Know: Ryan made the claims Tuesday, tying ESPN’s coverage to its stakes in the NFL, NBA and WWE. Moreover, he pointed to ESPN’s slow coverage of the Kawhi Leonard story involving Clippers owner Steve Balmer. Also last week’s exit of writer Andreas Hale following being critical of the WWE as examples. Also drawing scrutiny: ESPN broke the Kyle Shanahan crash news 11 days later, timed to training camp. In addition, Ryan argues this reflects a longstanding pattern, not a new one. However, even more magnified because of the network’s 10% stake given to the NFL in exchange for the NFL Network oversight.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show)

Mike Ryan says ESPN is already a propaganda arm for the NFL: “They’ve already been kind of protecting the NFL for several years because this deal has been in the works for a very long time. They are full on propaganda arm. They are financially incentivized to keep that shield clean. I do think that in depth reporting on the NFL that paints it potentially in a negative light won’t be coming from ESPN anymore.”

Mike Ryan says ESPN’s handling of the Kawhi Leonard story is a prime example of being compromised by leagues: “Yes, they are financially incentivized to. There is a partnership there. There is equity there. We’re seeing it already with the NBA. They value these rights partnerships and their partnerships with these leagues. They’re not doing anything to advance the Kawhi [Leonard] story, and I think that’s in collaboration with the NBA.”

Mike Ryan says ESPN’s handling of laying off fight sport journalist Andreas Hale is another example of being compromised: “This is not new for ESPN. ESPN has a huge partnership that they overspent on with the WWE. There was one dude that was critical of the WWE on their website. Guess who’s no longer working for ESPN? That’s how these things happen,”

Mike Ryan has plenty of conflicts of interest with media rights partners: “ESPN’s conflicted at every corner in almost every sport that they have rights for. They own the CFP [College Football Playoffs]. Then they inflate one conference that they have the biggest financial stake in in the SEC. Top down, they are there are conflictions everywhere. There, there’s this is not a new thing with ESPN,”

Mike Ryan believes ESPN is no longer a destination for sports journalism: “They’re not going to be industry leaders in investigative reporting anymore. That is a bygone era, and I think it has in large part to do with the rights fees are the straw that serves a drink for that.”

What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not commented on Ryan’s claims. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in response to critics of the handling of Shanahan’s accident news came during the “quietest part” of the NFL calendar. In addition, he then credited the 49ers for keeping the story under wraps.

What It Means: Ryan’s remarks land amid growing skepticism toward sports media’s independence. As rights fees climb, leagues could gain more leverage over networks that cover them. Moreover, that leverage, critics argue, increasingly shapes what does and doesn’t get reported. For now, Ryan’s comments add fuel to that debate. One that will likely continue until given reason not to.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Luke Kuechly Reportedly Headed For Netflix NFL Booth As Analyst

John Mamola
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Luke Kuechly Reportedly Headed For Netflix NFL Booth As Analyst

Luke Kuechly is trading his gold jacket prep for a broadcast headset. The Hall of Fame linebacker is set to become Netflix’s top NFL analyst, according to a report by The Athletic.

What We Know: Kuechly will reportedly debut alongside NBC’s Noah Eagle on September 10, when the Rams face the 49ers in Melbourne. NBC is producing the game for Netflix, which carries five NFL games this season, including a Christmas doubleheader. Kuechly enters with broadcast reps already logged. He’s the Panthers’ radio analyst with Anish Shroff, co-hosts a podcast with J.J. Jansen, and worked two ESPN2 alt-casts last season with Dan Orlovsky and Field Yates.

What Remains Unclear: It’s not yet known how Netflix will structure its second broadcast team for the Christmas doubleheader. Netflix also has not confirmed the reporting by The Athletic.

What It Means: Kuechly’s rise continues a trend that breaks away the quarterback-heavy mold dominating top NFL booths. His hiring follows a path similar to former teammate Greg Olsen’s at Fox, and J.J. Watt at CBS Sports. Rewarding preparation over pedigree. With Kuechly set for Canton induction August 8, Netflix is betting a fresh voice can anchor its NFL coverage going forward.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Rachel Maddow to Lead MS NOW’s Primary Election Coverage

Garrett Searight
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Rachel Maddow to Lead MS NOW’s Primary Election Coverage

Rachel Maddow will anchor MS NOW’s primary election coverage on August 4th. MS NOW plans wall-to-wall analysis from polls closing through late-night results.

What We Know: Rachel Maddow will lead MS NOW‘s live primetime coverage beginning at 8 PM ET as voters head to the polls in Michigan, Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington. The special coverage will focus on real-time election results, reporting from the field, and analysis of races expected to influence the November general election. Maddow will be joined throughout the evening by Nicolle Wallace, Chris Hayes, Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Lawrence O’Donnell. Meanwhile, Ali Velshi will oversee the network’s big board, breaking down incoming returns and explaining key trends as results arrive. After primetime, The Weekend co-anchors Jonathan Capehart, Eugene Daniels, and Jackie Alemany will continue coverage into the early morning hours. In addition, reporters stationed across Michigan and Virginia will provide updates from polling locations and campaign headquarters.

What’s at Stake: Tuesday’s primaries represent one of the biggest testing grounds yet in the 2026 election cycle. Voters will decide nominees in competitive gubernatorial, Senate, and congressional contests that could shape the political landscape heading into November. Consequently, the outcomes may offer an early indication of voter sentiment in several closely watched battlegrounds while giving campaigns fresh momentum or new challenges.

What Remains Unclear: It remains unknown how long MS NOW will stay on the air with election coverage. That largely depends on how quickly decisive results will emerge in every race. Some contests could extend late into the night depending on turnout, ballot counting, and the closeness of the vote.

What It Means: Election nights remain among the biggest programming opportunities for cable news networks. By placing Maddow at the center of its coverage and deploying anchors, analysts, and reporters across multiple states, MS NOW aims to provide viewers with comprehensive reporting during a pivotal night in the 2026 campaign.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

ESPN Adam Schefter: Kyle Shanahan Car Accident Happened During “Quietest Time” Of NFL Year

John Mamola
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ESPN Adam Schefter: Kyle Shanahan Car Accident Happened During “Quietest Time” Of NFL Year

ESPN’s Adam Schefter isn’t apologizing for the Kyle Shanahan news timeline. Instead, he’s crediting the 49ers for handling the situation well.

What We Know: Kyle Shanahan’s car accident happened July 14, yet the news didn’t surface for 11 days. Schefter addressed that gap Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike following criticism about if ESPN held onto the story because of their relationship with the NFL. He explained the delay reflected a quiet stretch on the NFL calendar, not any cover-up. Training camp openings, rather than injury news, dominated headlines throughout that stretch, according to Schefter.

What They Said: (All quotes via Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio)

Adam Schefter credits the 49ers for keeping the Kyle Shanahan news quiet: “It’s the quietest time of the NFL year. The 49ers did a great job at keeping things quiet. There were other people that knew. Sean McVay talked about the fact that he had a press conference, and the 49ers did some interviews with other media outlets where other people knew. It came up in those interviews.”

Adam Schefter on why the Shanahan story is different than other league news: “It’s a sensitive situation. It’s not like a transaction or a signing. Where there’s a signing. There are certain things that are a little bit sensitive. People are a little bit private about certain things, and different stories move at different rhythms and paces. That that was probably the quietest week in the NFL calendar.”

What Remains Unclear: Schefter said others, including Rams coach Sean McVay, already knew key details beforehand. Still, it remains unclear why those details didn’t reach the public sooner. That gap, nearly two weeks long, continues to raise questions among those in sports media.

What It Means: Schefter’s explanation reframes the story as routine rather than orchestrated. Additionally, it suggests sensitive injury news moves differently than transactions or signings. Despite the explanation, the timing is unescapable. How every NFL reporter didn’t know about an accident involving a NFL head coach is hard to fathom. Schefter’s words provide a distinction that could ease lingering scrutiny of ESPN’s role in the timeline. Ultimately, his comments shift the conversation from suspicion toward simple context.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Cumulus Media Wins Court Approval for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Extension

Garrett Searight
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Cumulus Media Wins Court Approval for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Extension

Cumulus Media received court approval to extend key Chapter 11 deadlines. The broadcaster continues to await FCC approval to complete its restructuring.

What We Know: Bankruptcy Judge Alfredo Pérez approved Cumulus Media‘s request to extend its exclusive Chapter 11 filing and solicitation periods. The company now has until October 30th to file a reorganization plan and until December 29th to solicit acceptances. The extension doesn’t signal new issues with the restructuring. Instead, it reflects the ongoing Federal Communications Commission review of ownership changes required before the bankruptcy plan can take effect. The bankruptcy court confirmed Cumulus’ prepackaged restructuring plan in April. However, the company can’t emerge from Chapter 11 until the FCC signs off on the ownership transfer. Earlier this month, Cumulus told the court it remains in a holding pattern while the agency reviews its application. Although the broadcaster has worked with stakeholders throughout the process, it acknowledged the FCC’s timeline remains largely outside its control.

What’s At Stake: The FCC’s approval remains the final major step before Cumulus can complete its financial restructuring. Once finalized, the transaction would eliminate roughly $592 million in debt, reduce annual cash interest expenses by approximately $49 million, and transfer ownership to the company’s lenders.

What Remains Unclear: The FCC hasn’t indicated when it expects to complete its review of the ownership changes. Additionally, it’s unknown whether Cumulus will need to seek another extension if the regulatory process extends beyond the new deadlines.

What It Means: Friday’s ruling keeps Cumulus’ restructuring on track while federal regulators complete their review. Although the bankruptcy process has moved unusually quickly since the company filed for Chapter 11 on March 4th, the broadcaster’s emergence now depends almost entirely on the timing of the FCC’s decision.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Mike Valenti: Ryan Clark Playing the Victim “Predictable” Following ESPN Departure

John Mamola
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Mike Valenti: Ryan Clark Playing the Victim “Predictable” Following ESPN Departure

97.1 The Ticket host Mike Valenti wasted no time on Monday tearing into the explaination by Ryan Clark following his departure from ESPN. The comments made by Clark on The Pivot struck a nerve with Valenti as predictable.

What We Know: ESPN cut Ryan Clark last week amid broader layoffs tied to its NFL Network integration. Clark later addressed the exit on The Pivot podcast, insisting he was fired rather than laid off. That explanation set off Valenti, who blasted Clark Monday on The Mike Valenti Show with Rico. Valenti didn’t buy Clark’s framing and said so repeatedly.

What They Said: (All quotes from 97.1 The Ticket)

Mike Valenti on Ryan Clark departing ESPN: “I’m done with him. He is a delusional, race baiting loser. He got got. He’s doing exactly what we all knew he would do when he got let go. Play the victim, inject race into it, and then in a delusional maraschino cherry topper, act as if he is a Zion broadcaster of football.”

Mike Valenti in enjoying witnessing the aftermath of Ryan Clark’s departure from ESPN: “Dude, you could walk the streets and nobody would even know you’re on ESPN. Nobody watches that show. It’s insanity. I am enjoying it because it’s just showing you who he is and what he is. It’s five stars. We’ll read again.”

Mike Valenti doesn’t buy into Ryan Clark saying he was defending the culture at ESPN: “Good riddance. I was defending the culture. What are you, Malcolm X? It’s ridiculous. Can you imagine? That’s like David [The Mike Valenti Show with Rico producer] having a sports take and then going into the microphone to be like, guys, I’m defending the culture. No, you’re not. You’re talking sports.”

What Remains Unclear: Clark nor ESPN has not commented on Valenti’s remarks. Clark also hasn’t responded directly to the radio host. Meanwhile, his next career move remains unannounced.

What It Means: Valenti’s rant adds another loud voice to the Clark fallout. The most vocal have been the ones who have seemingly celebrated Clark’s exit. Sports radio thrives on this kind of unfiltered reaction, and Valenti delivered it once again. For Clark, the criticism piles onto an already messy exit with an unknown future lying ahead.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

WFAN Boomer Esiason Open To Weekly Appearance With Chris “Mad Dog” Russo On SiriusXM

John Mamola
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WFAN Boomer Esiason Open To Weekly Appearance With Chris “Mad Dog” Russo On SiriusXM

Boomer Esiason may be ready to team up with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo again. The WFAN host hinted at a weekly SiriusXM hit on Tuesday’s Boomer & Gio, just days after Audacy and SiriusXM announced their content-sharing deal.

What We Know: Audacy and SiriusXM struck an agreement bringing WFAN and other Audacy stations to SiriusXM starting September 1. Russo already hosts Mad Dog Sports Radio on SiriusXM. Additionally, Esiason and Russo have history. They co-hosted In The Huddle together in the late ’90s and early 2000s on WFAN. Moreover, that old partnership could resurface in some form.

What They Said: (All quotes from WFAN)

Boomer Esiason on Chris “Mad Dog” Russo inquiring about an opportunity at SiriusXM: “He did not leave me a message as to coming on to his show as a guest. He left me a message as I got something for you. You might want to do this. Which led me to believe that there was some sort of payment attached to it. Ten years ago I was told I couldn’t do anything in SiriusXM. Now all of a sudden we-I guess I can do things with SiriusXM.”

Boomer Esiason open to a spot with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on SiriusXM: “He probably felt since the announcement came down that Audacy is going to be on SiriusXM Radio, that he could, in some way, shape, or form, pull me into his web during football season. I never say no to anything. I just always want to hear it all out.”

Boomer Esiason on working with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo previously: “I worked with him a long time ago. I did ‘In The Huddle’ with him way back when in the late ’90s, early 2000s. He was a maniac. He was coming off of a five-hour show, and then just started attacking me as the show started. Which was fun. Kind of made it fun.”

What Remains Unclear: No formal offer exists yet, according to Esiason’s account. Terms, and frequency remain unconfirmed.

What It Means: The Audacy-SiriusXM deal appears to be opening doors beyond simple station distribution. Esiason’s openness suggests talent crossover could follow the September launch. Moreover, for listeners, that means more potential Boomer-Mad Dog content ahead. Russo has been destination radio for many years with regular guest spots on his program. In addition, Russo has expressed an interest in a reunion with Mike Francesa for his weekly football picks segment. We will see who Russo lands as kickoff is less than 50 days away.

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Steve Smith Reportedly Joining ESPN In A Studio Analyst Capacity

John Mamola
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Steve Smith Reportedly Joining ESPN In A Studio Analyst Capacity

Steve Smith is reportedly coming to ESPN’s studio lineup. The move traces back to Disney’s takeover of NFL Network.

What We Know: Front Office Sports is reporting that Smith will be in a recurring role across ESPN programming. Potential landing spots include Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and a forthcoming program involving Peter Schrager. That show would follow The Pat McAfee Show at 2 p.m. ET. Smith previously worked as an NFL Network analyst and called Panthers preseason games in 2021.

What’s At Stake: Steve Smith is just the latest NFL Network talent inserted into daily ESPN programming. With ESPN taking oversight over the league’s network, continued use of talent across both platforms is likely to increase ahead of the regular season kicking off in September. While in the NFL, Smith made the Pro Bowl five times and amassed 14,731 receiving yards over his career with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, good for seventh most all-time. He won the “Triple Crown” with the Panthers in 2005 by topping three separate statistical categories, tying for the league lead in catches and touchdowns while leading the league in receiving yards.

What Remains Unclear: Smith’s exact show assignments are unknown. Timing for his ESPN debut also remains undetermined.

What It Means: Smith joins Kyle Brandt and Stacey Dales as former NFL Network voices folded into ESPN’s coverage so far. Moreover, ESPN appears to be actively reshaping its NFL talent roster with the takeover of the NFL Network. Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissaro, Charles Davis are out. Using Brandt, Dales, and now reportedly Smith on both platforms seems to be the start of those plans. What shows Smith will be a part of remains to be seen.

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