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Ross Dellenger Lands at Yahoo

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Ross Dellenger Lands at Yahoo

Just two weeks after announcing his time at Sports Illustrated was over, Ross Dellenger is back to work. He took to social media on Monday to announce that he has joined Yahoo Sports.

Dellenger came to Sports Illustrated from The Advocate in Baton Rouge in 2018. As a national college football writer, he had become a reliable source of information when it came to the business of the sport, including TV deals and conference re-alignment. 

Yahoo has always boasted strong college football coverage. Both Pat Forde and Pete Thamel have previously called the platform home.

Last month, former ESPN and BetMGM executive Ryan Spoon took over as president of Yahoo Sports. He said that his priority was “creating new growth opportunities” for the brand. 

With the company’s investment in sports betting, including its acquisition of the peer-to-peer betting platform Wagr, adding more coverage of more sports could help solidify Yahoo Sports as a one-stop shop for gamblers.

Chris Hand: ‘I’m Never Going to Lie or Let Anyone Else Lie’ on New SuperTalk 99.7 WTN Show

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Chris Hand: ‘I’m Never Going to Lie or Let Anyone Else Lie’ on New SuperTalk 99.7 WTN Show

Monday marked the debut of The Chris Hand Show on SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville, and the new host took the opportunity to make promises to his listeners.

Hand, who re-joined the station after serving as the Media Director for Turning Point USA, spent the weekend at the organization’s conference in Florida, and told listeners he continually thought about his new role while at the event.

“The whole time I was there, while all this was going on, literally all weekend, in my head was this moment right now,” Hand said to open his first program. “I was trying to wrap my head around this tremendous opportunity, what it meant to be the new guy on SuperTalk 99.7, and what it would mean to have the opportunity to speak with you every single day. And how lucky I am to have the trust of this whole team. And the trust to not screw everything up. I thought a lot about who you need me to be, who you want me to be, and who I want to be as the host of this 9 to 12 show on SuperTalk.”

The new host then shared his mission for the program, and told listeners what they could expect.

“I promise I’m only going to be myself. I’m not going to try and be anybody else. There’s no way I can do that,” admitted Hand. “And I just really want to promise you that I’m not going to lie to you ever. And I’m not going to let anybody else lie to you ever. If I make a mistake or if I get a story wrong, I’m going to correct it as quickly as I can. And if information changes and my mind changes, I’m going to explain it as best I can.”

Hand steps into a timeslot previously occupied by Michael DelGiorno, who exited the station in March after 16 years.

Mariners’ Rick Rizzs Out for Homestand After ATV Accident

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Rick Rizzs, the radio voice of the Seattle Mariners on its radio network, will be off the air for the remainder of the team’s homestand after suffering an injury in an all-terrain vehicle accident. The mishap took place during the Major League Baseball All-Star break, in which Rizzs did not suffer any serious injuries. The Seattle Mariners say he will be back in the broadcast booth soon as he recovers from the setbacks.

Over the weekend series against the Detroit Tigers, Dave Sims and Gary Hill Jr. called games on Seattle Sports across the Seattle Mariners Radio Network. Filling in for Sims on the television side was Aaron Goldsmith, who also calls games for Pac-12 basketball on FOX Sports 1 and interviewed for the St. Louis Cardinals broadcast job over the offseason.

Rizzs, 69, who has been with the team for 38 seasons, was diagnosed with Grade 1 prostate cancer earlier this year. At the moment, the disease does not require any chemotherapy or surgery, and Rizzs has no tumor.

Rizzs first started calling Mariners games in 1983 with Dave Niehaus, who was with the team for 35 years himself. After some time calling games for the Detroit Tigers, Rizzs made his return to the Pacific Northwest and worked in radio and television for the team. Upon Niehaus’ passing in 2010, he became the lead radio voice for the club and is now its longest-tenured broadcaster.

Throughout the 2023 regular season, Mariners broadcasts have been bereft of Mike Blowers, the team’s color commentator on Root Sports Northwest. Earlier in the year, Blowers had a severe bout with bronchitis, along with a sinus infection and the flu. Additionally, he suffered a concussion and fell one day while running, resulting in three stress fractures in his face.

Blowers called one game for the team in early May, but has been out for every other game this season. In an effort to return to the broadcast booth as soon as possible, he has been in physical therapy and resting.

The Ticket Sweeps All Categories, 105.3 The Fan Right Behind Them in Dallas Spring Book

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The Ticket Sweeps All Categories, 105.3 The Fan Right Behind Them in Dallas Spring Book

The Dallas sports radio scene has been strong for years thanks to a healthy competition between The Ticket, Sports Radio 1310/96.7, and 105.3 The Fan. The two stations have collectively delivered some of the best results in the sports format, and in the spring book, a similar story existed.

The big winner for the quarter was Sports Radio 1310/96.7 The Ticket. The Cumulus owned brand finished 1st in the market with Men 25-54 with a 13.5 share. 105.3 The Fan finished strong too, taking 3rd place with a 5.1 share.

In mornings, The Musers featuring George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith led The Ticket to another 1st place finish. The popular trio registered the best performance of the quarter among all shows with a 15.3 share. 105.3 The Fan’s Shan and RJ ranked 10th with a 3.4 share.

Middays from 10a-3p saw The Ticket solidify another 1st place finish. The combination of Norm & Donovan with Norm Hitzges and Donovan Lewis, and The Hang Zone with Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp produced an 11.7 share for the book. This was Hitzges’ final full book. The Dallas radio legend signed off after 48 years on the air in late June.

Meanwhile for 105.3 The Fan in middays, the story was also positive. The K&C Masterpiece with Cory Mageors, Kevin Hageland, and Mike Bacsik ranked 2nd for the quarter. They also turned in The Fan’s best share this book, generating a 6.1.

The situation was similar in in afternoon drive. The Ticket claimed 1st place, with a 13.4 share from 3p-7p courtesy of The Hardline with Corby Davidson, Bob Sturm, and Dave Lane. The Fan’s GBag Nation featuring Gavin Dawson, Bryan Broaddus, Lucious Alexander, Eric Chiofalo, and Zak Wolchuck ranked 2nd with a 5.5 share. One difference between the two shows, The Fan’s afternoon show starts an hour earlier, running 2p-7p.

If you’re at The Ticket, you’ve got to be pleased with the latest results. The station ranked 1st in every category, and delivered double digit shares across the board. The Musers and Hardline were especially dominant in their timeslots. With Norm leaving, the questions become ‘who steps in next, and how does the audience respond?’ If the past is any indication when The Ticket has made changes, everything will be just fine.

For The Fan, aside from wanting to unseat the competitor and raise the overall shares across all shows, there’s not much to complain about. Two 2nd place finishes, and one 3rd place result is strong. If there’s an area to focus on it’s getting mornings up. They’ve shown many times before they can compete at a higher level.

Overall, two sports talk brands in a top 5 market are producing a combined 18-20 share each time they hit the airwaves. I’d say that’s a sign of success, and an opportunity for advertisers to take advantage of.

Rich Shertenlieb: ‘Aaron Rodgers Has to Be Featured on Hard Knocks’

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Rich Shertenlieb: ‘Aaron Rodgers Has to Be Featured on Hard Knocks’

While Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry stole the show at the American Century Championship thanks to his hole-in-one shot and eventual tournament win, comments made by New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers have snagged the headlines. The NFL veteran expressed how the team’s appearance on the HBO and NFL Films documentary series, Hard Knocks, was effectively forced upon them. The Jets were one of four teams eligible to participate in the docuseries this season after meeting all of the relevant criteria, and many affirmed the franchise had the most interesting storyline. Now, the team will be prominently featured before and during the season – in which “Gang Green” is televised for the maximum six prime-time games – as it tries to snap a 12-year playoff drought.

There has been plenty of commentary from those in the New York metropolitan area about the implications the series could have on the team. A deluge of young players, led by reigning offensive and defensive rookies of the year Garrett Wilson and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, are trying to take the next steps in their careers surrounded by a veteran quarterback and bonafide Hall of Famer. On top of that, head coach Robert Saleh faces pressure to win in his third year in the position while former first-round draft pick Zach Wilson serves as a full-time backup quarterback after struggling as a starter.

“This is going to be the first time that you’re going to have to watch Hard Knocks,” Rich Shertenlieb said Monday on 98.5 The Sports Hub. “Not just like us, but if you’re an NFL fan, this is the story of the offseason. How often does Hard Knocks have a superstar on it – because it’s usually these lesser teams that don’t have to do it.”

The fact that Rodgers is at the center of the franchise this season following a darkness retreat and comments on psychedelics should augment the entertainment value of the series. In addition, the fact that the Jets organization made public comments against participating on Hard Knocks could change the aurora of the show and add a backdrop of frustration to the proceedings.

“I can’t think of a better scenario to have Hard Knocks,” Shertenlieb said. “I know that there’s been some teams where you’ve seen people ham it up and stuff – there’s going to be none of that this year. It’s just going to be, ‘Get out of my way,’ and anger. I know that they say, ‘Well, the team gets director’s cut,’ but if everything that’s being recorded is, ‘We don’t want to be here,’ you’re going to get some good stuff.”

Both hosts worry about the team having a strategy to provide Hard Knocks with as little content as possible, meaning they will intentionally restrain themselves when the cameras are on. The team’s ownership, coaching staff and public relations department could work against the best interests of the docuseries to prevent the fomentation of narratives; however, it helps the National Football League when it is genuinely candid. Even so, Shertenlieb believes that some of the roster will be enthusiastic and accommodating on the series, potentially breaking away from the franchise’s overarching attitude of displeasure.

“I am saying that you’re going to want to watch it, but I am telling you that it might cause strife because the team might not want them to,” Toucher said. “There are young, excitable players that don’t hold their tongues on this team.”

Because of the lack of notice regarding the selected team, Hard Knocks has a considerably short timeline to create content for the first episode, which is set to air on Aug. 8. Usually, the series follows select players during portions of their offseason, including on vacation or individual training sessions. Out of all the players and personnel associated with the Jets though, Rodgers is going to be the center of attention – whether he likes it or not.

“Aaron Rodgers is going to want to be on it as little as possible, but the HBO people know he has to be on it a lot,” Shertenlieb added. “They’re going to follow him around – they’re going to probably do a whole thing on his psychedelics, which is going to be hysterical.”

Zinhle Essamuah Named Co-Anchor of NBC News Daily

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Zinhle Essamuah Named Co-Anchor of NBC News Daily

NBC News Daily has announced Zinhle Essamuah as its new co-anchor, joining Kate Snow on the afternoon program.

Essaumuah joined NBC News in October 2021 as a correspondent after spending four years at digital outlet NowThis. She has spent the majority of her time with the network reporting for NBC News and MSNBC on justice, culture, and poverty.

“She’s an accomplished journalist and I’m thrilled to be by her side,” Snow said in a tweet announcing the move.

Essamuah will join Snow for the 2:00-4:00 PM ET block of the program on the NBC News Now streaming platform.

Additionally, the NBC News Now FAST streaming channel will be included on Xfinity cable systems with 20 other FAST channels.

“Having an opportunity to get distribution on Xfinity was a chance that we did not want to pass up,” says NBC News Now Executive Vice President Janelle Rodriguez told Variety. “We are very seriously committed to being wherever we can bring premium news to people for free.” 

Tucker Carlson Inks First Advertiser for Twitter Show

BNM Staff
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After more than 10 episodes and millions of views, Tucker Carlson has landed his first advertiser for his Tucker on Twitter series.

According to a report from CNBC, PublicSq, described as “an online marketplace for companies with conservative values”, has signed a deal with Carlson paying him more than $1 million. PublicSq is the “starting point” for companies seeking to battle environmental, social, and governance policies, according to CNBC.

The company reportedly plans to go public later this month and is also planning on becoming an investor in Carlson’s planned new media company.

PublicSq’s investment into Carlson’s media company comes after a report from The Wall Street Journal claimed he was seeking “hundreds of millions” of dollars for his new venture.

Ads for the company will begin running on Carlson’s show in August, and will be the first major marketing push by PublicSq.

The reported plans for Carlson’s new media venture comes after he was reportedly given a cease-and-desist letter by Fox News last month. The network contends that Carlson remains under contract until December 31, 2024, and believes his agreement keeps his content exclusive to the company.

Scott Van Pelt, Laura Rutledge Could Host ‘Monday Night Countdown’

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Scott Van Pelt, Laura Rutledge Could Host ‘Monday Night Countdown’

As ESPN looks to revamp portions of its programming lineup affected by talent layoffs, the network has been tasked with replacing one of its most recognizable talents on an iconic broadcast franchise. Suzy Kolber, the longtime host of Monday Night Countdown since its inception in 2006, was let go by the network after 27 years. Now for the first time in its history, the host chair for that show is vacant and could be filled by a familiar ESPN personality.

Scott Van Pelt, the host of the midnight edition of SportsCenter, is reportedly in consideration to join Monday Night Countdown, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. Van Pelt recently stated that he does not believe he will be hosting SportsCenter in three to five years, rendering this position a potential move away from that franchise.

Van Pelt has been employed by the network since 2001 and hosting SportsCenter solo since 2015, but he has been thinking about his future in the business of late. At the conclusion of Monday Night Football games, Van Pelt takes the air and conducts a postgame interview with commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to recap the action, conveying his familiarity with the property.

Conversely, NFL Live host Laura Rutledge is also reportedly in consideration for the role. In addition to her role with the popular studio show, Rutledge also anchors the SEC Network pregame show, SEC Nation, on Saturday mornings.

She has been with the company since 2014, first starting exclusively as a reporter on SEC Network and ESPN. NFL Live recently attained record ratings to begin the year, including considerable gains in the age 18-49 demographic.

Both hosts are the frontrunners, according to Marchand, but ESPN will also consider other internal candidates to fill the position. The show will also need to adapt without Steve Young, who was part of the talent layoffs at the network.

Last year’s edition of the show also included Randy Moss, Robert Griffin III and Booger McFarland – with contributions by Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen. Larry Fitzgerald and Alex Smith have also been at the desk to fill in as analysts, and could make sense as options to replace Young on a full-time basis.

Jake Tapper Scores Rare CNN Interview with Ron DeSantis

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Jake Tapper Scores Rare CNN Interview with Ron DeSantis

CNN’s Jake Tapper has teased an upcoming interview with 2024 Republican presidential primary candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).

Tapper made the announcement Sunday that he will welcome DeSantis to his CNN program on Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 PM ET.

“I hope you’ll tune in,” Tapper said. “We obviously have quite a bit to discuss.”

The appearance by DeSantis will mark the first time he’s appeared on a broadcast or cable news network — sans Fox News — since announcing his presidential campaign.

The DeSantis campaign insists the decision to interview with CNN is not a shift in strategy. Reports over the weekend claimed several campaign staffers exited in a shakeup.

“The corporate media has gotten a lot wrong, and many outlets have an agenda. Therefore, we don’t consider them entitled to time or access,” DeSantis campaign spokesperson Bryan Griffin told The New York Post.

“Nonetheless there are many good journalists and truth-seeking reporters, including in mainstream media outlets, and we will work with them on our terms. That’s always been the plan.”

While the appearance for DeSantis is strictly an interview, it does open the door for a future town hall event on the network. Currently, CNN has hosted former President Donald Trump, former Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC), and former Vice President Mike Pence for town halls.

Broadcasters Foundation of America Sets Annual ‘Giving Day’

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Broadcasters Foundation of America Sets Annual ‘Giving Day’

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Broadcasters Foundation of America Giving Day on Thursday, July 20th.

It’s an opportunity for the entire radio and television community to come together and provide financial assistance to colleagues who are facing critical illness, accidents, or disasters. This campaign also serves to increase awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation and its charitable mission, ensuring that anyone in these fields who needs support can apply for aid. 

In a news release, Tim McCarthy, the President of the Broadcasters Foundation, emphasized the significance of Giving Day as an opportunity for individuals in the radio and television industry to extend assistance to their fellow colleagues.  

“As broadcasters, we are storytellers. Whether behind the scenes in marketing, sales, or administration, part of the production team, or on-air talent, everyone in the radio and television broadcasting profession has a common goal: to share vital stories with their communities,” McCarthy said.  

The Broadcasters Foundation of America aims to help those in the radio and television broadcast profession who are in acute need due to critical illness, accident, or other serious misfortune. It provides a nationwide anonymous safety net. As a 501(c)3 Public Charity, it has been rated 100 by Charity Navigator for its solid financial health and has received full credit for its program-to-expense ratio. 

“But who is there to help these essential community members when a natural disaster strikes or an illness disrupts a family’s financial security and safety? The Broadcasters Foundation of America’s unique mission is to support our professional community during these hard times when our colleagues are unable to work and struggling to pay basic living expenses,” he added.

“Support for the Broadcasters Foundation of America comes directly from within our broadcasting community,” noted Scott Herman, Chair of the Broadcasters Foundation. “Over the past 15 years, our grantmaking has increased dramatically, distributing $400,000 in 2007 to almost $2,000,000 in 2022. We currently help an average of 400 broadcasters each year through our two grant programs. Our monthly grants support broadcasters on a continual basis while they recover from an illness or accident. Our emergency grants provide one-time financial aid following a devastating natural disaster or home emergency.” 

To make a donation to the foundation, click here.

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