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Public Official Apologizes After Suggesting KDKA Radio Host Colin Dunlap Commit Suicide

Garrett Searight
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Public Official Apologizes After Suggesting KDKA Radio Host Colin Dunlap Commit Suicide

A Pittsburgh-area official apologized for comments targeting KDKA Radio afternoon host Colin Dunlap. The remarks followed a dispute over wildfire smoke and air quality concerns.

What We Know: Allegheny County Director of Communications Abigail Gardner apologized Monday after suggesting Dunlap should jump off a bridge over comments he made about air quality following Canadian wildfire smoke entering the region. Gardner also remains on administrative leave while Allegheny County conducts an internal investigation into the matter. The controversy began last week after Gardner criticized Dunlap’s comments publicly. Her remarks drew backlash because they referenced suicide while attacking a media figure’s opinion.

What They Said: “I made a tasteless comment out of frustration, and I apologize for my lapse in judgment. Suicide should not be a topic that is joked about or used to insult others. My comments were out of line, and I especially apologize to the employees of Allegheny County that I did not hold myself to a higher standard while representing the county.” -Allegheny County Director of Communications Abigail Gardner

What Remains Unclear: Allegheny County has not announced when its internal investigation will conclude or what disciplinary action, if any, could follow. Gardner’s status with the county remains uncertain while officials review the situation.

What It Means: Dunlap noted that Gardner apologized to her colleagues, but she did not directly apologize to him. The incident highlights the scrutiny public officials face when discussing members of the media. Additionally, comments involving suicide often receive heightened attention because of the potential harm and sensitivity surrounding the subject.

For Dunlap, the apology addresses part of the controversy, but his comments indicate he believes a direct acknowledgment of the remarks toward him is still missing.

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Boomer Esiason: Leaving ‘The NFL Today’ Was a “Lifesaver” for Me

John Mamola
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Boomer Esiason: Leaving ‘The NFL Today’ Was a “Lifesaver” for Me

Boomer Esiason chose his own exit from The NFL Today several years ago. He explained why his exit from CBS Sports flagship NFL program was a life saver on BT Unleashed with Brandon Tierney.

What We Know: Esiason spent 22 years on The NFL Today before departing following the 2023 season. Recalling when he made his decision with network management, he requested that CBS Sports assist with the location of his WFAN morning program for on-site use during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. CBS Sports owned the rights to the Super Bowl broadcast that year, and accommodated Esiason’s final requests in his final days with the network. Additionally, Esiason discussed the full decision on BT Unleashed with former WFAN host Brandon Tierney.

What They Said: (all comments via BT Unleashed)

Boomer Esiason on why he left The NFL Today on CBS Sports: “I was trying to wean things down. I’m 65 years old. How much longer can you do this and continue to do it where what you’re giving of yourself is worthy of what they’re paying you. I didn’t want to mail it in [nor] want to just steal money. I didn’t feel like it was right. For me, getting that extra Sunday and Saturday back without having to worry about Sunday afternoon was like a lifesaver for me two years ago.”

Boomer Esiason on his decision to leave The NFL Today following the 2023 season: “I just said to CBS, please invest in doing this the right way. I just want to go out the right way. I want to be taking care of the radio guys. So they put us in the Win Hotel [ahead of Super Bowl LVIII]. They put us in the Win Studio, which was right downstairs. It couldn’t have been any better. I couldn’t have been any more pleased or happier with the way that I was going out. I didn’t even consider wanting to go another year, while I know that other people did. But for me, I was done.”

What Remains Unclear: What CBS Sports would have offered Esiason had he thought about remaining with The NFL Today.

What It Means: While Esiason didn’t explain why the decision was a “life save” for himself. The workload issue is one that many talent today balance as best they could. Esiason had a long tenure with the flagship NFL program on CBS Sports. He’s also continuing one of the most lasting sports radio careers in New York City history. His successful resume allowed the requests to be heard from CBS Sports executives. His shared his appreciation for their efforts in his final week of work with the network. Esiason continues to navigate success with WFAN and will likely continue to for some time.

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.

Top 15 Podcast Advertisers Spent $60 Million in June, Magellan AI Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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Top 15 Podcast Advertisers Spent $60 Million in June, Magellan AI Data Shows

Podcast advertisers spent more than $60 million among the top 15 brands in June. Magellan AI data shows Quince ranked as the biggest podcast advertiser during the month.

What We Know: Quince led all advertisers with an estimated $6.9 million in June podcast spending, according to Magellan AI’s latest estimates. Shopify followed with $6 million, while Toyota ranked third with $5.7 million. The top 15 advertisers generated approximately $60.3 million in estimated podcast advertising spend. BetterHelp ($5.5 million) and T-Mobile ($4.1 million) rounded out the top five. Several brands increased spending compared to May. Hims & Hers posted the largest percentage gain among returning advertisers, rising 54.5%. DraftKings also increased its investment by 40%, while Shopify grew spending by 30.4%. Magellan AI’s estimates factor in ad volume, episode downloads, CPM rates, ad formats, podcast revenue benchmarks, and brand share of voice across shows.

What the Numbers Show:

AdvertiserJune 2026 SpendMay 2026 SpendChange
Quince$6.9 million$6.1 million🟢 ▲ +13.1%
Shopify$6.0 million$4.6 million🟢 ▲ +30.4%
Toyota$5.7 million$4.7 million🟢 ▲ +21.3%
BetterHelp$5.5 million$5.1 million🟢 ▲ +7.8%
T-Mobile$4.1 million$4.6 million🔴 ▼ -10.9%
DraftKings$3.5 million$2.5 million🟢 ▲ +40.0%
Lilly$3.4 millionN/AN/A
hims & hers$3.4 million$2.2 million🟢 ▲ +54.5%
SimpliSafe$3.3 million$3.1 million🟢 ▲ +6.5%
Amazon$3.3 million$7.7 million🔴 ▼ -57.1%
Progressive$3.3 million$2.8 million🟢 ▲ +17.9%
FanDuel$3.2 million$3.6 million🔴 ▼ -11.1%
Microsoft$3.0 millionN/AN/A
Comcast$2.9 million$2.5 million🟢 ▲ +16.0%
State Farm$2.8 millionN/AN/A

What Remains Unclear: The data does not reveal individual campaign goals or whether advertisers plan to maintain these spending levels throughout the year. Additionally, estimated spending figures may differ from actual contracts between advertisers and podcast publishers.

What It Means: The June results highlight continued advertiser confidence in podcasting as a marketing channel. While Amazon reduced spending significantly from May, other major brands expanded their commitments. The rankings also show how competitive the podcast advertising marketplace remains. Brands continue adjusting investments based on audience performance, targeting opportunities, and the ability to reach engaged listeners.

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Hard Knocks In Season Version Reportedly Has Uncertain Future

John Mamola
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Hard Knocks In Season Version Reportedly Has Uncertain Future

In-season Hard Knocks now faces genuine uncertainty. Pro Football Talk reports the NFL hasn’t named this year’s division, weeks past when fans expected an answer.

What We Know: The in-season format of Hard Knocks expanded from one team to a full division back in 2024. The AFC North came first, followed by the NFC East in 2025. Both divisions were revealed by June at the latest in their respective years. This year, training camps have opened with no division named. Meanwhile, the Seahawks and Patriots will be the feature for the 2026 and 2027 preseason editions per the NFL.

What The Data Shows: (Hard Knocks In-Season Teams)

YearTeam RepresentedAnnouncement Date
2026TBATBA
2025NFC East Division (Giants, Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders)May 21, 2025
2024AFC North Division (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers)June 17, 2024
2023Miami DolphinsNovember 13, 2023
2022Arizona CardinalsMay 23, 2022
2021Indianapolis ColtsSeptember 16, 2021

What Remains Unclear: Whether in-season Hard Knocks survives 2026 is still an open question. Only four divisions remain eligible.

What It Means: If scrapped, Hard Knocks may simply revert to one preseason team each summer. The announcement for the in-season version has come later in the calendar, however the last two years have fallen before training camps. Alternatively, the league could film all 32 teams and assemble a story after the season. That approach would echo the Quarterback series, which thrives releasing content once games are over. The NFL has not commented on the matter.

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Kelly Ford Named MD at WMZQ and WPOC

David Hill
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Kelly Ford Named MD at WMZQ and WPOC

iHeartMedia has made a significant personnel move in two major East Coast markets. Kelly Ford joins 98.7 WMZQ Washington DC and 93.1 WPOC Baltimore as Music Director and afternoon host.

What We Know: Ford steps into the afternoon daypart on both stations, airing weekdays from 3-7pm. She replaces Ty Bailey at WMZQ and Jeff St. Pierre at WPOC. Previously, Ford served as MD and afternoon host at Connoisseur Media’s 103.1 The Wolf WWWF in Bay Shore, NY. She also tracked afternoons for WFLS Fredericksburg, nights at KUPL Portland, and KBAY San Jose. Her career spans two decades at KYGO Denver and a stint hosting mornings at WNSH New York.

What They Said: Ford wasted no time expressing enthusiasm. “I’m so excited to plant my flag in the DMV and honored to join two iconic brands like WMZQ and WPOC as Music Director and Afternoon Host,” she said. “The cherry on top is getting to work with Jeff Kapugi — great timing in America’s 250th year.” Region SVP/Programming Jeff Kapugi added simply, “She’s special in so many ways.”

What Remains Unclear: No official start date has been announced for Ford’s first on-air appearance. Additionally, no details have emerged about whether her MD responsibilities will be handled independently at each station or jointly from a single market.

What It Means: It’s unclear whether these openings resulted from iHeart’s recent reductions or other departures. Regardless, the company is actively backfilling positions and the search for new talent is clearly underway. This hire suggests iHeart remains committed to staffing heritage country brands at a high level. Either way, expect more moves like this as the network works to restabilize its programming roster.ponsibilities under one voice.

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AEW CEO Tony Khan Welcome To Paramount Ownership Of Warner Bros. Discovery

John Mamola
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AEW CEO Tony Khan Welcome To Paramount Ownership Of Warner Bros. Discovery

Paramount’s pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery just got a wrestling endorsement. AEW’s CEO Tony Khan says the deal, if finalized, could boost his company significantly.

What We Know: AEW signed its richest media deal yet in October 2024, extending its Warner Bros. Discovery partnership. The multiyear agreement kept Dynamite on TBS and Collision on TNT while adding HBO Max streaming. Reports value the deal at roughly $185 million annually, more than doubling AEW’s prior contract. Paramount’s $111 billion bid for WBD followed a months-long bidding war that included Netflix. The deal is being held up as 12 states are seeking to block the merger on the grounds that it will harm competition in the theatrical and basic cable markets.

What They Said: AEO CEO Tony Khan (via Power Players w/Brian Scozzi): “I think that’s a huge opportunity for AEW because we’ve premiered our pay-per-view on HBO Max, and we have a great audience. Now with Paramount making a deal to acquire HBO Max, for me as a showrunner that’s worked at Warner Brothers for over seven years now, I have to say I’m very excited about it and really welcoming of the ownership from Paramount.”

AEW CEO Tony Khan: “I think HBO Max and Paramount are going to be much stronger and far more competitive together in the streaming space than they are separately. Together, I think we’ll have more viewers with Paramount. We’ll be able to sell pay-per-view into more homes, stream the show into more homes. We’ll have a bigger future.”

What Remains Unclear: How a merged Paramount-Warner would structure sports and wrestling programming long-term is unknown despite Khan’s enthusiasm. Also, timing for closing remains unconfirmed because of the individual states challenging the deal in court.

What It Means: Tony Khan is signaling support likely because he has to curry the favor of his new potential partners with Paramount. The company already invests heavy in UFC. TKO Holdings oversees the UFC, but also the WWE, AEW’s direct competitor. It will be interesting to see how AEW positions itself if the Paramount deal does take place. If the company doesn’t see a future, also where AEW could go following the conclusion of their deal is unknown.

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Chuck Powell: “In the Dark” on Future of ‘Chuck & Buck’ Following Bucky Jacobsen Departure From KJR

John Mamola
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Chuck Powell: “In the Dark” on Future of ‘Chuck & Buck’ Following Bucky Jacobsen Departure From KJR

Bucky Jacobsen’s future at KJR remains unsettled following his departure announcement over the weekend. Co-host Chuck Powell broke his silence on the situation Monday and hoped to have answers shortly, but also was skeptical about the timing.

What We Know: Powell opened Monday’s Chuck & Buck morning show without Jacobsen following his announcement over the weekend that he will be stepping away from the program. Jacobsen joined KJR’s morning show in March 2018, teaming with Chuck Powell for more than seven years. He stepped away in April citing health issues. Meanwhile, Powell confirmed KJR and iHeartMedia are actively working to keep Jacobsen involved in some capacity. However, Powell cautioned that a resolution likely won’t come quickly.

What They Said: (All quotes via Chuck & Buck on KJR – Seattle)

KJR’s Chuck Powell: “We are working actively to try to keep him as part of our show, as part of our station in some capacity. So, we will give you some information on that whenever we have it to pass along. But I’m going to tell you this right now, KJR/iHeart, we don’t get right on things. There are a lot of great things about this radio station. One of them is not getting right on it. Being right on the ball.”

KJR’ Chuck Powell hopes to have more information soon: “I think we should have more information for you within the week. Certainly you’ve not heard the last move that the station’s going to be making in this area. So, we’ll let you know whenever we know anything, because I’m truly in the dark right now.”

What Remains Unclear: Any timetable for an announcement on Jacobsen’s status with KJR moving forward is unknown. Powell also didn’t lobby up any announcements in the near future that are confirmed.

What It Means: Ultimately, Powell’s comments signal patience over urgency at KJR. Jacobsen’s departure for health reasons is unfortunate. Moreover, Jacobsen’s departure forces KJR to retool a show built around his chemistry with Powell. Powell offered caution with the listeners about expecting gradual updates rather than a swift resolution. iHeartMedia’s slow-moving reputation, per Powell, now extends to this decision too. However, with the start of the football season ahead, it’s imperative that station management land on an option for the Seahawks Super Bowl title defense to begin the lineup every weekday.

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ESPN Signs Tim Tebow To Multi-Year Extension

John Mamola
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ESPN Signs Tim Tebow To Multi-Year Extension

ESPN has locked up Tim Tebow. The network signed him to a multi-year extension covering SEC Network and its college football playoff coverage.

What We Know: Tebow will remain a college football analyst on SEC Nation, the SEC Network’s traveling pre-game show. He’ll also stay in ESPN’s College Football Playoff programming and appear on shows like College Football Live and SportsCenter. Tebow first joined the company in 2014, and he’s spent 13 seasons on the SEC Nation desk. That decade-plus tenure makes him one of the network’s most established college football voices.

What They Said: Tim Tebow: “I love this game and getting to talk about it every Saturday with the crews on SEC Network and ESPN is a gift I don’t take lightly. SEC fans bring a passion that never gets old, and I’m grateful I get to keep doing this alongside people who feel like family.”

Burke Magnus, President of Content ESPN: “Tim is one of the legendary players in the history of college football and he will continue to be a fixture in our coverage on SEC Network and across ESPN. Tim’s unrivaled experience in the SEC combined with his knowledge and genuine passion for the game make him one of the sport’s most credible voices, particularly among the SEC Nation fanbase.”

What Remains Unclear: Neither ESPN nor Tebow disclosed contract length or financial terms. It’s also unclear whether his role will expand beyond current shows this season.

What It Means: Tim Tebow is SEC through and through. A model analyst who brings his impressive resume on the field to the screen, and will continue to do so for years to come. ESPN is betting on continuity heading into another SEC football season. Tebow’s Heisman pedigree and SEC ties keep him central to the network’s most-watched college football coverage. For SEC Nation’s fanbase, little changes — familiar voices return for another fall.

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CNN Adds Brittany Shammas to National News Team

Garrett Searight
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CNN Adds Brittany Shammas to National News Team

Brittany Shammas is joining CNN’s national news team. CNN will rely on Brittany Shammas to strengthen its original domestic reporting.

What We Know: CNN announced Shammas has joined the network as a reporter focused on the national news team. She’ll produce original reporting, narrative storytelling, and accountability journalism designed to give digital audiences deeper context beyond breaking headlines. Based in Washington, D.C., Shammas will cover the people, places, and issues shaping major domestic news. Previously, she spent seven years at The Washington Post, where she most recently worked as a local enterprise reporter covering accountability and narrative stories in the Washington region. Earlier, she reported on national breaking news, covering events ranging from natural disasters and mass shootings to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s At Stake: The hire reflects CNN’s continued emphasis on distinctive enterprise journalism as competition for digital news audiences intensifies. Rather than chasing headlines alone, the network wants reporters who can deliver exclusive angles, in-depth narratives, and accountability reporting that keeps readers engaged longer. As a result, Shammas’ experience aligns with that strategy.

What Remains Unclear: CNN hasn’t detailed when Shammas’ reporting will begin appearing across its platforms or identified the specific beats she’ll cover. The network also hasn’t said whether her role will include regular on-air reporting in addition to digital storytelling.

What It Means: Shammas brings experience from national breaking news, local enterprise reporting and investigative journalism. Before joining The Washington Post in 2019, she spent eight years covering education and public safety in Florida, including reporting for the Naples Daily News, South Florida Sun Sentinel, and Miami New Times. Her investigative work examining deaths linked to a for-profit correctional healthcare company earned a Sigma Delta Chi Award. That background gives CNN another reporter with experience uncovering complex stories and translating them into compelling journalism for a national audience.

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WEEI’s Chris Curtis: Tom Brady Is “Unwell” Following Actions At Fanatics Fest Weekend

John Mamola
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WEEI’s Chris Curtis: Tom Brady Is “Unwell” Following Actions At Fanatics Fest Weekend

WEEI producer Chris Curtis isn’t holding back on Tom Brady. Following the actions of former New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady this weekend, he believes the FOX Sports analyst is “unwell.”

What We Know: Tom Brady drew headlines this weekend at Fanatics Fest in New York City. During a panel with WWE star Logan Paul, the FOX Sports analyst slapped Paul onstage. Meanwhile, Chris Curtis addressed the incident Monday on The Greg Hill Show. He argued Brady’s public conduct reflects something deeper than a sports rivalry.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Greg Hill Show)

WEEI’s Chris Curtis believes Tom Brady needs attention all the time: “He makes 40 million a year to be the number one broadcaster on FOX Sports. He’s got 30 million people watching every week. It’s not enough. He is psychotic. I’m not using it as a pejorative. He is unwell. He requires this adulation because there is nothing he’s coming home to. He’s coming home to a big penthouse apartment with Alex Earle, who’s just whatever. There is no there there in his life. I don’t know how you fix it. This is not going to end well.”

WEEI’s Chris Curtis on Tom Brady doing things at Fanatics Fest that he’s never done before: “He has an addiction to attention. He needs the adulation. He needs to be front and center. I think we can blame this on the jujitsu instructor. Like that is crippling I would imagine. You’re Tom Brady. You are a guy that’s won everywhere, and your supermodel wife was schlepping the guy in your own home while blaming everybody else.”

WEEI Chris Curtis says Tom Brady is proving his father right: “Tom’s dad was spot on. He said, “I’m not worried about him as a player. I’m worried about when the football stops.” The Logan Paul thing. What are you doing, Tom? Logan Paul is a moron.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not Brady will be part of any WWE storyline ahead of the company’s SummerSlam premium live event is unknown.

What It Means: Curtis’s remarks push the Brady story beyond football commentary. Now, Brady’s public conduct invites broader scrutiny from fans and media alike. FOX Sports has not addressed Curtis’s comments nor Brady’s actions this weekend publicly. Meanwhile, the Fanatics Fest incident keeps Brady in headlines for reasons unrelated to broadcasting. Whether or not that’s a benefit to Brady is also unknown. However, owning the headlines from this weekend’s event should surely help create buzz on social media ahead of the NFL season.

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