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SiriusXM Announces Coverage of The Open Championship

BSM Staff
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SiriusXM has announced its coverage plans for The Open Championship (PGA Tour, DP World Tour) from Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England – marking the 151st time the event has been held. The satellite broadcaster will provide listeners with 45 hours of live on-course coverage as golfers from around the world compete for the Claret Jug. The play-by-play will air starting next Thursday, July 20 through Sunday, July 24, the first two days of which will begin at 2 a.m. EST/11 p.m. PST (Wednesday, July 19). On Saturday and Sunday, the play-by-play of the proceedings will commence at 4 a.m. EST/1 p.m. PST – and commentary for all four days of action will remain on the air until the conclusion of play.

The Open Radio will be produced by The R&A and feature several former golfers and prominent on-air talent – including Ron Jones, Sophie Walker, Paul Eales and Marcus Buckland. SiriusXM personalities Maureen Madill and Carl Paulson will also serve as commentators and analysts throughout the competition. Once play concludes for the day, Will Haskett (Thursday-Friday) and Gary Williams (Saturday-Sunday) will bring listeners The Open Postgame show, which will recap all of the action and preview the day ahead. They will be joined by major champions John Cook, Hale Irwin, Scott Simpson and Dave Stockton and extrapolate their expertise for listeners to attain a better understanding of the sport.

“We’re very excited to deliver our listeners another extensive week of programming for the historic Open Championship,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer, in a statement. “Our coverage will feature live shot by shot commentary from voices who are excellent at capturing and conveying the character and excitement of Open Championship golf, as well as daily programming that will deliver all the latest news from the event and interviews with the competitors in the field. No matter where you are listening from across North America, you’ll feel like you are on the grounds at Royal Liverpool.”

SiriusXM will also air two Open Championship specials before the start of play next Thursday, the first of which is called Backstory. The one-hour program explores the history of Royal Liverpool Golf Club, its layout and stature in professional and amateur golf. Additionally, two-time Open champion Padraig Harrington and caddy Ronan Flood will discuss what it was like to capture a playoff victory at Carnoustie in 2007, and the program will also tell the story of five-time Open champion Peter Thomson. The program premieres on Friday, July 14 at 3 p.m. EST/12 p.m. PST, and it will be replayed multiple times during the days following.

Rory McIlroy and Ben Curtis are featured on the second special, The Open Show, where both golfers will talk about competing in the Open Championship. McIlroy won the last Open Championship played at Royal Liverpool in 2014, while Curtis is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Open Championship victory at Royal St. George’s. The show will also recap the duel between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon in 2016 and discuss the meaning of the Claret Jug trophy. Listeners can tune in to the program during its premiere on Wednesday, July 19 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.

This year’s field for The Open Championship includes established stars, such as Viktor Hovland, Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth, all of whom are vying for a major championship in 2023. The final leg of the major championship docket also includes The Masters Tournament champion Jon Rahm, PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka and U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark.

Keith Olbermann: Fox News, Tucker Carlson Said Things ‘Nearly Impossible to Defend’ About Ray Epps

BNM Staff
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Fox News and former host Tucker Carlson are the defendants in a defamation lawsuit brought forth by Ray Epps, a private citizen, and Keith Olbermann believes the case will be tough to defend.

While discussing the lawsuit on his Countdown podcast Thursday, Olbermann argued that Epps has a strong case.

“His lawsuit is peppered with references to the lies Tucker Carlson told about him that the suit claims destroyed the lives of Epps and his wife, and forced them to flee their home and go live in an RV in an undisclosed location,” the former cable news host said.

While noting that the case is strong, Olbermann said it is not cut-and-dry. However, he did allege that one particular statement by Carlson could cost the host and his former network dearly.

“The Epps lawsuit is hardly a slam dunk, but it is filled with things Carlson or his guests said that will be nearly impossible for Fox to defend… There is one paragraph that is the most problematic for Fox and for Carlson, and one wonders how or if Epps will amend his lawsuit,” said Olbermann. “If Carlson picks this up on his Twitter program — which I believe is called ‘The Law of Diminishing Returns’.

“During the last gasp of Tucker Carlson on Fox, he had his big reveal of the unseen video from January 6 that was personally handed to him by the ‘Speaker Weasel of the House’, Kevin McCarthy. The reveal that turned out to be so underwhelming, so boring, so meaningless, that Carlson only showed a few minutes of it and some of that two and three times per clip. In that last gasp, Tucker Carlson and Fox News figuratively hanged themselves in terms of this lawsuit.”

Olbermann shared that in a segment on March 11th, Carlson used the term “informant”, twice, to describe Epps. The then Fox News host also used the word “fact” twice to describe Epps’ relationship with the FBI, calling the situation “very clear” and that “something very strange” was going on with Epps.

“So here’s the question: if Tucker Carlson was not trying to tell his audience on March 11 of this year that Ray Epps was a federal agent and an informant to influence the events of January 6th, what the hell else could Tucker Carlson have possibly been trying to say?”

Boomer & Gio Hope the Jets Embrace ‘Hard Knocks’

BSM Staff
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Earlier this week, long-awaited news broke in the world of football that the New York Jets would be the featured team on the preseason edition of the NFL Films and HBO Sports documentary series, Hard Knocks. The cameras will be on the team throughout training camp and preseason games as new quarterback Aaron Rodgers seeks to help a burgeoning young core compete for a Super Bowl championship. The Jets were one of just four teams eligible to appear on Hard Knocks against criteria set forth by the National Football League.

In order to be featured on the show, a team must not have been on the program in the last decade, not have a first-year head coach or have made the playoffs in the last two seasons. For reference, the Jets have not qualified for the postseason since the last time the team appeared on Hard Knocks in 2010 – the longest drought in football. As a result, WFAN morning tandem Boomer Esiason and Gregg Giannotti hope the franchise, which contained many key members hesitant towards the notion, embraces the attention in the No. 1 media market.

“Lean into it [and] have fun with it,” advised Giannotti on Thursday’s edition of Boomer & Gio. “Everybody assumes it’s going to screw up your season; it’s up to you to not let it. It’s not that big of a deal, and if anything look back at what happened in 2010. Jets players and [head coach] Rex Ryan became stars and they went to the AFC Championship Game that year.”

Esiason knew that the Hard Knocks appearance would ultimately be coerced on the Jets, especially since the widespread belief was that the team had the most interesting storyline. By acquiring Rodgers and signing a variety of dynamic talent, Esiasno believes the team decidedly won the offseason. From the Rodgers trade – which came after he took a four-night darkness retreat in the Cascade-Siskiyou Wilderness in southern Oregon – to the reigning NFL offensive and defensive rookies of the year, the storylines on the team are interminable to say the least.

“I’m sure that it took so long to make the announcement because I’m sure there was some kickback from the Jets not wanting to do this,” Esiason said. “….If you are a person who is in TV and resides in TV, you look for the most interesting story. They’re the most interesting story; they are on the top of everybody’s minds going into the season.”

Since Hard Knocks traditionally airs later in the day, Giannotti traditionally has watched the episode the next day. Now that the Jets will be on and he is hosting a morning radio show, watching the show each week will be an essential part of his preparation since it is likely to be a hot topic of discussion.

“For us, it’s going to be great because we’ll be able to talk about Hard Knocks because we’re going to want to watch it now,” Esiason remarked.

Speculation surrounding the Jets and Hard Knocks has been a frequent topic of discussion on Boomer & Gio over the last month. Now that the Jets are being featured on the show at the behest of head coach Robert Saleh, viewers will gain unique vantage points and perspectives regarding the action. The spotlight remains on the team in the regular season, as “Gang Green” is featured in six prime-time games, the maximum allowed under the current National Football League media rights agreement. Esiason and Giannotti will be attending Jets training camp and figure that they could make a Hard Knocks appearance themselves.

“They would be smart if they want us to promote it like we’re doing right now,” Esiason said. “Again, they had no choice – let’s just know that. I keep hearing people calling in [asking], ‘Why are the Jets doing this?’ They have no choice; they have to do it.”

Aaron Rodgers was officially traded to the New York Jets on April 26, two weeks before the NFL schedule was released. Esiason expressed on the air that the league needed the Rodgers situation to be resolved to ensure that the Jets would be prominently featured in primetime games.

“They needed to know that Aaron Rodgers was going to be on the team so they could set up the schedule the way that they did,” Esiason said. “This just goes – the Jets – it doesn’t matter because you have to win in the season.”

Esiason referenced how cameras followed Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to capture footage for the Netflix and Omaha Productions docuseries, Quarterbacks. At the end of the season, Mahomes was hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy and won the ESPY Award for “Best Male Athlete” at Wednesday night’s ceremony. Now as the Jets look to capture a Super Bowl title for the first time in 54 years, Giannotti genuinely hopes the team can stay focused and enjoy the notoriety.

“All this is going to do is fire up your fanbase even more for this team; to get a chance to see Aaron Rodgers behind the scenes doing what he’s doing with this young group,” Giannotti expressed. “This could only be a good thing in my eyes; just don’t let it distract you.”

Bill Wills Celebrating 25th Anniversary With WTAM

BNM Staff
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Bill Wills Celebrating 25th Anniversary With WTAM

WTAM morning man Bill Wills is celebrating his 25th anniversary with the Cleveland news/talk station.

In a post to Twitter, Wills noted that Monday, July 13th, 1998 was his first opportunity to say “Good morning” to listeners of the iHeartMedia station.

Wills is joined by co-host Mike Snyder for Cleveland’s Morning News with Wills andSnyder every weekday morning from 5:00-9:00 AM on WTAM 1100.

The longtime morning host has interviewed countless politicians, athletes, celebrities, and Northeast Ohio newsmakers during his 25-year run as the station’s morning host. On the day of his 25th anniversary of hosting the show, Wills interviewed Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R).

Jeff Agrest: ‘Michael Wilbon Sounds Like Northwestern Athletic Director’

BSM Staff
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ESPN personality and NBA Countdown personality Michael Wilbon was duly featured throughout the NBA Playoffs as one of the network’s preeminent basketball voices. Now, he is evidently the only person associated with Northwestern University speaking outside of carefully-written statements about the firing of football coach Pat Fitzgerald after allegations of malfeasance pertaining to hazing disseminated by The Daily Northwestern cost him his job. Wilbon, who serves on The Board of Trustees at Northwestern University, addressed the institution and setbacks he believes it will face in various public appearances, including on his show, Pardon the Interruption. 

“We have to have a young, ambitious, energetic, charismatic coach who can rally this,” Wilbon said during an appearance on Waddle & Silvy on ESPN 1000. “I’ve gotten the phone calls. I will know; I will make it my business to know who the best candidates are for this in the next few days. That’s what I’m going to be obsessed with, and we’ll find that person.”

In an article written in the Chicago Sun-Times, author Jeff Agrest wonders why Wilbon is discussing the incident in the manner that university athletic director Derrick Gragg should be doing instead. Along with Wilbon, Christine Brennan, who was an award-winning journalist for The Washington Post and currently writes for USA Today, also serves on the Board of Trustees. She has yet to comment on the scandal and the potential enduring effects it could have on the school. Both Brennan and Wilbon declined to be interviewed for Agrest’s column, leading him to ponder how journalism graduates are neglecting to contribute to what has become a caustic narrative.

“But doesn’t all this seem strange?,” Agrest asked. “Michael Wilbon, award-winning journalist, essentially is playing the role of a flack for his alma mater. As genuine as he is, the man was trained to be a reporter and to hold authority accountable. He might not consider himself a journalist anymore, but he works for ESPN, parts of which still adhere to journalistic principles.”

Wilbon conveys his respect towards the program Fitzgerald helped build and is a proud alumnus of the school. Nonetheless, he wonders whether this situation will prove insurmountable. On Tuesday’s edition of Pardon the Interruption, he expressed how he wants to turn the page and focus on the future rather than looking back at the past.

The reality of the situation is that the university has lost an extensive amount of trust that could impact college decisions and the transfer portal for years to come. As a result, it will be up to the university to demonstrate that it is an institution that will act in the best interests of its students and ensure their safety while promoting an environment of inclusivity, research and academic vigor.

“I have received hundreds and hundreds of emails describing how [Fitzgerald] has transformed the lives of current and former student-athletes,” Northwestern University President Michael Schill said in a statement. “However, as much as Coach Fitzgerald has meant to our institution and to our student-athletes, we have an obligation – in fact a responsibility – to live by our values, even when it means making difficult and painful decision such as this one. We must move forward.”

97.1 The Ticket Dominates in Detroit’s Spring Ratings Book

BSM Staff
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97.1 The Ticket Dominates in Detroit’s Spring Ratings Book

When ratings books are released in Detroit, everyone at Audacy expects good news for 97.1 The Ticket. The 2023 spring book was no exception.

In total line reporting, the station finished first with Men 25-54 in middays and afternoons. The station was also number one in full week (M-SU 6a-Mid) with a 13.8 rating, and in weekday prime (M-F 6a-7p) with a 16.7 share. 

Among the station’s local shows, Stoney & Jansen with Heather finished second in morning drive. The show generated a 12.3 share for the quarter. 

In middays, the team of Karsch & Anderson featuring Doug Karsch and Scott ‘Gator’ Anderson came in first with an impressive 17.4.

The biggest performance for The Ticket this quarter came though in afternoon drive. The Valenti Show with Rico which features Mike Valenti and Rico Beard delivered a massive 20.1 share to top the market.

Among local sports radio brands, 97.1 The Ticket has been consistently one of the format’s top performing brands. The station’s success with Men 25-54 is well documented, but the brand also delivers impact among Adults 25-54, Persons 6+, and other demos. Advertisers looking to reach sports fans in Michigan don’t have to look hard to find a brand with the power to produce strong results.

Ryan Hedrick Joining 93 WIBC in Indianapolis

BNM Staff
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Ryan Hedrick Joining 93 WIBC in Indianapolis

930 WFMD Assistant Program Director and morning co-host Ryan Hedrick has announced he is departing the Connoisseur Media station to join 93 WIBC in Indianapolis.

Hedrick has served as the co-host for The Morning News Express with Bob Miller on 930 WFMD since October 2020. He was later elevated to his role as Assistant Program Director in July of last year.

“Today marks my final day at WFMD, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Connoisseur Media Frederick. Their decision to allow me to co-host The Morning News Express with Bob Miller has been an extremely rewarding experience that has taught me a great deal,” Hedrick wrote in a social media post announcing the move.

Hedrick has previously worked at SiriusXM in Washington D.C., WBEN in Buffalo, and was also given an award for Major Market Enterprise Reporting from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters during his time working at Alpha Media Topeka.

In addition to his work at 930 WFMD and his new role at 93 WIBC, Hedrick serves as a news and features writer for Barrett News Media.

106.7 The Fan Takes The Top Spot in Washington DC’s Spring Ratings Book

BSM Staff
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Sports fans in the nation’s capitol came thru for 106.7 The Fan. The Washington DC spring ratings book is out, and all involved with the Audacy owned and operated station had plenty of reason to celebrate this quarter.

Beginning with morning drive, The Sports Junkies claimed third place with an impressive 8.7 share.

Middays was where The Fan received its best performance for the quarter. Mitch & Finlay were the number one show in the demo with a 10 share. That makes three number one finishes in a row for the popular duo.

Afternoons also registered a big number for the radio station. Grant & Danny were 2nd overall for the quarter with a 9.1 share.

Overall, the station enjoyed a first place finish in weekday prime (M-F 6a-7p) scoring a 9.1 share among Men 25-54. Perhaps even more impressive, the station was up from last year’s 5.9, a better than three point ratings gain year over year.

Washington DC is far from a one-station sports market. Data though for Team 980 and ESPN 630 The Sports Capitol was unavailable this quarter.

KNX News Presenting Special on SAG-AFTRA Strike

BNM Staff
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After the national board of SAG-AFTRA voted to strike, KNX News announced it will present a KNX In Depth “instant special” surrounding the event.

Hollywood on Strike: What Now? will examine the dynamics of the actor’s union joining the writer’s union on the picket lines, and how it will affect the Los Angeles-area economy.

The program will air in the usual KNX In Depth timeslot at 1:00 PM, but will also re-air at both 5:00 and 8:00 PM this evening.

The decision for SAG-AFTRA to strike alongside the writers union came after a vote last month featured 97% of members in favor of the strike.

“SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said.

“The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision.”

SAG-AFTRA’s move to strike with the writers union marks the first time since 1960 that both unions were on strike simultaneously.

Andrew Napolitano Signs Marketing Agreement with Crossover Media Group

BNM Staff
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Andrew Napolitano Signs Marketing Agreement with Crossover Media Group

Judge Andrew Napolitano and his Amepere Parkway Productions have signed a marketing agreement with Crossover Media Group.

Crossover Media Group will help expand the sales and marketing of his Judging Freedom podcast. CMG will work alongside Steve Lapa and Lapcom Communications to provide sponsors access to fans of the podcast.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting marketing partnership with Ron, Sue, and Scott at CMG,” said Judge Andrew Napolitano. “Their expertise and dedication fit perfectly with our vision for the Judging Freedom Podcast.”

“The addition of Judge Napolitano’s Judging Freedom podcast to our portfolio is an honor. This partnership signifies our commitment to bringing diverse voices to the forefront,” added Crossover Media Group managing partner Sue Freund. “CMG has seen the positive results that Judge delivers for advertisers which has further reinforced our enthusiasm for being involved with and taking this podcast to the marketing community.”

“The Judging Freedom brand resonates with over 5 million fans each month,” concluded Lapa. “We look forward to the expertise of the Crossover team as they take Judging Freedom to the next level.”

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