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Katy Tur: ‘I’m Not Being Denied Anything’ in MSNBC Daytime Lineup

BNM Staff
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Katy Tur: ‘I’m Not Being Denied Anything’ in MSNBC Daytime Lineup

MSNBC has seen growth during its daytime lineup, and anchor Katy Tur argues she’s not missing out on anything by not being a part of the network’s primetime offerings.

In a feature story with several other MSNBC daytime anchors in Variety, Tur said that while Chris Hayes, Alex Wagmern Rachel Maddow, and Lawrence O’Donnell garner wide audiences, the news work during the day is just as fulfilling.

“We might not be there for the primetime special, for the big election night, but we are doing giant news during the day,” Tur said. “ I don’t feel like I’m being denied anything personally.”

MSNBC had previously used anchor Brian Williams as its defacto face of breaking news coverage.

However, since his retirement, the network now features anchors like Tur, Andrea Mitchell, Ana Cabrera, Chris Jansing, and Jose Diaz-Balart during each of their daytime hours hosting news coverage.

“We also have to be in the game when live news is happening, and a lot happens during the day,” NBC News President Rashida Jones says.

Linear TV Viewership Returns to Majority in August

BNM Staff
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Linear TV Viewership Returns to Majority in August

After being surpassed by streaming for the first time ever in July, traditional linear television was the way a majority of TV viewers consumed video in August.

A new report from Nielsen shows broadcast and cable television accounted for 50.6% of total TV usage, which made its first gain since the month of January. 20.4% of viewing was done on broadcast television, which is a 1.4% gain compared to July. Cable grew in use by 1.7%.

While the numbers are encouraging, the figures do represent a year-over-year decrease. Broadcast TV saw a drop of 5.5% compared to last year, while cable dropped 10.6% compared to August 2022.

38% of all TV viewing in August was spent with streaming. 9.1% of the figure was spent with YouTube, while Netflix was the only other platform that topped 8%. Hulu and Amazon Prime Video each eclipsed 3% of total viewing, while Disney+, Tubi, Max, Peacock, Roku Channel, and Paramount+ each garnered between 1-2% of the audience.

A photo of a graph showing television viewing in August 2023
(Photo: Nielsen)

ESPN New York to Drop 98.7 Signal in August 2024

BSM Staff
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ESPN New York to Drop 98.7 Signal in August 2024

In less than a year, ESPN Radio will be leaving the FM dial in New York City. Good Karma Brands has announced that it will abandon the 98.7 FM signal at the end of August and focus its operations on 1050 AM and its digital channels.

“We’re committed to serving the New York sports fan and with the combination of our AM signal, the ESPN New York App, podcasts, smart speakers, YES and other additional audio and video distribution, investing in an FM signal was not relevant in the way it was a decade ago,” Good Karma Brands CEO and founder Craig Karmazin told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post.

The FM signal is leased to the radio station by Emmis Communications. The deal, which was made more than a decade ago, currently sees ESPN New York pay around $12.5 million per year for use of the signal, a fee that has raised 3.5% annually since April 2012. Sources tell Marchand that Emmis wants closer to $50 million to sell the signal outright.

For Karmazin, it is an easy decision. He says Good Karma Brands’ data shows that more than half of ESPN New York’s audience is not listening on a terrestrial radio signal. Moreover, the company affirms that 80% of the radio audience will be able to find the station when it moves exclusively to 1050 AM.

The set up would not be new to Good Karma. The company currently runs ESPN Radio stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Cleveland that operate exclusively on an AM signal and through digital platforms.

Losing an FM signal could complicate ESPN New York’s play-by-play relationships. A contract with The Madison Square Garden Company to carry the New York Knicks and New York Rangers has a clause regarding what will happen if the station loses an FM signal. The two entities agreed to a new broadcast deal ahead of their 2022-23 regular season. ESPN New York has carried New York Islanders games since 2019 as a market affiliate; however, no plans have been announced for the upcoming season.

Emmis has not indicated any future plans for the station. At the end of August, the company will be free to lease the signal to another company or sell it outright.

ESPN 1320 Launches The Insiders In Middays

BSM Staff
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ESPN 1320 Launches The Insiders In Middays

More local sports radio programming is coming to Sacramento. ESPN 1320 has announced the addition of a new midday show.

The Insiders will air every weekday from 10 am to noon. It features James Ham and Kyle Madson.

“James Ham and Kyle Madson are two seasoned voices in the world of Sacramento sports, and their deep knowledge and passion for the local sports scene make them the perfect duo to lead this exciting new midday show,” Stacey Kauffman, Regional President for Audacy in Sacramento, said in a press release. “We believe ‘The Insiders’ will provide our listeners with insightful analysis, engaging conversations and a unique perspective on all things sports in Sacramento.”

Ham is a beat writer and podcaster that has been covering the Kings since 2010. He currently writes for The Kings Beat. At various points, he has covered other Northern California teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors and Oakland As. 

Mason is a familiar name and voice to Sacramento sports fans. He has been on the air in the California capital going back to his days as an intern for Grant Napear at KHTK. He worked with Carmichael Dave at the station as the producer and co-host of the morning show until 2019, when he joined Audacy’s local cluster.

“What Damien, Kenny, Jesse and Charlie have helped build from the ground up is super unique in this medium, and I think the direction they’re heading is really fresh and exciting,” Madsen said. “I also want to thank Stacey Kauffman and Aaron Roberts for allowing me to take this big leap in my career. I don’t take their trust lightly, and I look forward to jumping in to help ESPN 1320 continue its climb.”

“I am extremely excited to expand my role at ESPN 1320 and give Sacramento listeners more daily local content to digest,” added Ham. “D-Lo and KC have built an incredible community and platform. Adding ‘The Insiders’ show should be considered an extension of that brand. I look forward to working with Kyle Madson and am ready for the new adventure ahead.” 

The Insiders joins D-Lo & KC on ESPN 1320. The station now has local programming from 10 am until 6 pm.

3 Names Emerge as NBC Nears Decision on Pete Bevacqua Replacement

BSM Staff
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3 Names Emerge as NBC Nears Decision on Pete Bevacqua Replacement

The search is almost over for NBC. John Ourand of Sports Business Journal reports that the network should have a new new chairman for NBC Sports in the coming weeks.

“When Pete Bevacqua left NBC Sports for Notre Dame back in June, Mark Lazarus said that he did not feel any pressure to quickly fill his position,” Ourand wrote in his Monday newsletter. “Insiders say they expect a decision to be made by the end of this month.”

Lazarus, Chairman of NBCUniversal Media, prioritized finding a replacement for Linda Yaccarino first. She oversaw the group’s advertising department before leaving to serve as CEO of X (formerly Twitter).

Ourand reports that “NBC Sports Programming President Rick Cordella appears to be the most likely” solution for the network. He says that he has also heard former Turner Sports COO Matthew Hong is a candidate.

Disney’s President/Platform Distribution Justin Connolly was identified as “a top candidate” last week by Puck News.

Pete Bevacqua joined NBC Sports as its president in 2018. He was promoted to chairman in 2020. In June, he announced that he will spend a year shadowing Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, before assuming the role himself.

iHeartMedia Sales Executive Chuck Deskins to Retire

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia Sales Executive Chuck Deskins to Retire

After more than 30 years with the company, iHeartMedia Senior Vice President of the Inside Sales Division Chuck Deskins will retire later this year.

Deskins began his career in 1987 as an account executive for news/talk 700 WLW in Cincinnati when it was owned by Jacor Communications.

He continually climbed the ladder, working as General Sales Manager and Director of Sales in Tampa, serving as Market President in Atlanta, before elevating to Vice President of Sales in Miami and Tampa.

Deskins briefly departed the company before returning in 2018 and advancing to his current role in 2019.

“I’m really going to miss my Inside Sales Family and all my iHeart friends across the country. What an awesome group. Thanks to everyone for making this an awesome ride,” Deskins said.

“Chuck has been the very example of what iHeart is all about – hardworking, innovative, creative, and, above all, a great teammate at each of his impressive career stops in our company,” added iHeart President of Market Groups Hartley Adkins. “We’re honored he spent so much of his career here, and will miss his expertise and leadership.”

News Media Reacts to YouTube Demonetizing Russell Brand

BNM Staff
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News Media Reacts to YouTube Demonetizing Russell Brand

Comedian Russell Brand has been accused of rape and sexual assault by four women during the height of his fame. As a result, his content has been pulled by the BBC and YouTube has demonetized his account.

The British comedian has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming all of his sexual interactions have been consensual. “I was always transparent about that then, almost too transparent. And I’m being transparent about it now,” said Brand.

Brand has amassed 6.6 million subscribers on YouTube, with experts estimating he makes between $2,500 and $5,000 per video he publishes.

YouTube claims Brand has violated the company’s “creator responsibility policy”, adding “If a creator’s off-platform behavior harms our users, employees or ecosystem, we take action to protect the community.”

Conservative media figures rushed to Brand’s defense, calling the action by the video platform “insane” and a bad precedent.

However, on the other side of the political aisle, other commenters mocked both the comedian and those who came to his defense.

Rich Eisen Doesn’t Care if Radio Guests ‘Know Anything About Sports’

BSM Staff
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Rich Eisen has never been shy about the goal of his radio show. He wants to have conversations that resonate with the average person. That means he is going to venture outside of the world of sports.

In a recent conversation with BSM’s Derek Futterman, Eisen said that there is a reason the NFL puts a full concert on in the middle of the Super Bowl. Most sports fans have other interests. 

He took that belief a step further in a recent interview with People Magazine. He says all he wants to do on radio is have “meaningful conversations.”

“I always tell people who want to come on, it’s okay if you don’t know anything about sports,” Eisen said.

It echoes a sentiment that his friend and colleague Dan Patrick shared with GQ this week. Patrick said he doesn’t “do a sports show”. He just tries to do a good show.

There are no shortage of NFL stars and news breakers on The Rich Eisen Show thanks to the host’s connection to NFL Network. Some of his most shared interviews have come from Hollywood celebrities including Bryan Cranston, Henry Cavill and Kevin Pollack. 

Cumulus clearly believes in Eisen’s philosophy. The company recently signed a deal to expand its relationship with his company and develop a podcast network. 

Jeff Saturday Returns to ESPN

BSM Staff
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Jeff Saturday Returns to ESPN

It couldn’t have been a surprise to anyone that follows sports media news, but it became official on Tuesday. Jeff Saturday is back with ESPN.

He made his return to Get Up on Tuesday morning. He left the show last year to take over as interim coach of the Indianapolis Colts. While he was a contender to land the job on a full time basis, when he did not, both sides immediately expressed interest in a reunion.

ESPN announced Saturday’s return with a sketch featuring Get Up host Mike Greenberg and analysts Domonique Foxworth and Robert Griffin III and reporter Dan Graziano.

Prior to taking on the Colts’ job, Saturday had been at ESPN since 2013. In addition to Get Up, he has been a regular presence on NFL Live and SportsCenter.

Former WGOW PD Kevin West Dies

BNM Staff
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Former WGOW PD Kevin West Dies

After departing Cumulus-owned WGOW earlier this year, former Program Director and News Director Kevin West has died.

According to a report from WDEF-TV, West — who departed the Chattanooga news/talk stations to work as the Public Affairs Director for the Chattanooga Police Department — suffered a “medical emergency” Monday morning before being pronounced dead at a local hospital.

“West’s time with the Chattanooga Police Department was short but instrumental in developing the Public Affairs Division. He was working toward building the unit to establish a more robust media presence and capitalize on current social platforms to deliver timely messaging,” the Chattanooga Police Department said in a press release.

The longtime radio programmer was a 24-year veteran of the Navy before retiring two years ago as a captain.

West announced his exit from WGOW AM/FM in June after spending 43 years in radio, with 35 coming in the Chattanooga market. He became Program Director of TalkRadio 102.3 in 1994 before assuming the same responsibilities for NewsRadio 1150 WGO-AM in 2011.

He leaves behind a wife, Carlene, and five children.

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