ESPN has announced the addition of Keiana Martin as a new SportsCenter anchor. She has a long history of working with pro sports franchises like the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Nuggets, and Kansas City Chiefs.
What We Know: Keiana Martin joins ESPN after most recently working at CBS Sports. She was an on-air host and reporter in her role there. She made regular appearances on CBS Sports HQ and on CBS Sports Network. She also worked as a sideline reporter for the network’s coverage of the WNBA, college football, and college basketball. Previous stops include truTV, MSG Networks, and MLB Network. She’ll be based at the ESPN headquarters in Bristol.
What They Said: “Growing up, ESPN was more than just where I got highlights – it was where I learned how stories in sports could connect with people. Joining SportsCenter is a true full-circle moment for me. ESPN helped shape the way I fell in love with sports and sports storytelling, and I’m grateful to now have the opportunity to contribute to that same standard. ESPN has always represented the pinnacle in sports coverage, and I’m excited to contribute to that legacy.” -Keiana Martin
What It Means: Martin becomes the latest in a long line of those added to SportsCenter in recent months. Most recently, ESPN inked a deal with Madelyn Burke to join the storied program. Martin’s experience as anchor of Inside College Basketball and Inside College Football should help her hit the ground running at ESPN when she begins later this month.
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A familiar move is happening in Madison as Audacy taps Chris Michaels to host mornings at Classic Hits 94.9 WOLX.
What We Know: Brett Andrews is leaving mornings at WOLX. He’s moving to afternoons at Hot AC “Mix 105.1” WMHX in Waunakee. That opens the door for Michaels, who will step into the morning slot. Andrews had hosted mornings at WOLX since last September, following Jesse Garon‘s departure.
What They Said: Michaels shared his enthusiasm for the new role with Barrett Media. “After doing afternoons on sister station Mix 105.1 in Madison for almost 10 years, I’m very much looking forward to waking up Madison every weekday morning on the mighty WOLX.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Michaels will relocate to Madison or host remotely from Memphis. Additionally, his exact start date at WOLX has not been announced.
What It Means: This move is notable. Michaels brings extensive experience, including prior stops at Hot AC “FM 100” WMC-FM in Memphis and CHR 97.5 WABB-FM in Mobile. His background spans on-air, programming, and management roles across multiple markets. For Audacy, pairing a regional executive with a morning mic signals a cost-conscious but talent-forward strategy.
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NBC Sports has taken an extra game from the NFL schedule. The network has added a late-season matchup to its commitments.
What We Know: The extra NBC Sports broadcast will take place on Saturday, January 2nd. It will air on both NBC and Peacock. The broadcast is slated for the 4:30 PM ET window. It precedes a Peacock exclusive broadcast at 8 PM ET that night. The announcement of the extra NFL game comes after the matchup for the first Sunday Night Football broadcast. It was announced during the TODAY show on Monday morning. It will pit the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants.
What They Said: “We’re excited to work with our partners at the NFL to acquire an additional game for NBCUniversal platforms at a crucial point on the schedule. With three NFL games in exclusive national windows on the season’s penultimate weekend, we continue to deliver for our owned-stations, affiliates and partners.” -NBC Sports President Rick Cordella
What Remains Unclear: Who will be playing in the broadcast on NBC. The NFL schedule release is slated for Thursday, May 14th.
What It Means: NBC Sports and Peacock will now broadcast 22 NFL regular-season games during the 2026 season. It will also broadcast the NFL Hall of Fame Game in August, and three playoff games.
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Longtime KYW Newsradio figure Larry Kane has announced plans to step away from the station later this year after a storied career in Philadelphia media.
What We Know: Larry Kane originally joined KYW Newsradio in 2002 following his retirement from local television. He’s helmed special reports and produced features for the Audacy all-news station, mostly on weekend broadcasts. He has also co-anchored election night coverage for the brand in recent years.
Working as a journalist since 1958, Larry Kane rose to notoriety by being the first reporter to cover the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. He also covered The Beatles extensively during their 1964 and 1965 tour stops. He attended each concert on that cross-country excursion.
What Remains Unclear: Who, if anyone, will replace Kane at KYW Newsradio.
What It Means: It’s the end of an era for a Philadelphia legend. Larry Kane was named a Broadcast Pioneer of Philadelphia in 2001. The 83-year-old plans to step away from the station following the 2026 midterm election in November.
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It’s been a little over a month since photos of former Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel became the hottest story in sports. Even weeks after the initial release of the photos, there continues to be an appetite for digging deeper into an alleged relationship between the two. From renting a boat while Russini was pregnant to speculation that her son’s name is tied to Vrabel, the rumors have continued to circulate.
While tabloids continue searching for details to fuel speculation about the relationship, another question remains surrounding Russini. What are her next steps if she chooses to return to sports media? Should she step back into the arena or stay away from the spotlight forever?
In search of answers, I reached out to several members of sports media to ask how they would advise Russini on making such a decision. While Russini built a respected and trusted brand covering the NFL over many years, speculation surrounding her credibility continues to linger.
“Own it,” said former WFAN host Brandon Tierney. “Repair what needs to be repaired at home, if possible. That should be her primary focus. Then, do one interview with someone you trust and truly own it.”
Russini has yet to speak publicly about the allegations since posting her resignation letter to The Athletic on April 14. Since publishing the letter, she has deleted her X account and set several other social media accounts to private. While there has been speculation about whether Russini would sit down for an exclusive interview, nothing has been confirmed.
Expanding Horizons
“I’d tell her to pivot away from sports, at least for now,” said Bill Reiter of 97.1 The Fan in Los Angeles. “Fans and sports media have long memories. The frenzy around her — fair or otherwise — will likely be her new reality for the foreseeable future.”
Reiter, who has earned multiple awards during his journalism career, believes another area of media could provide Russini with a better opportunity and at least some level of a fresh start.
“It would certainly mean another group of fans, listeners, critics, observers, and coverage,” said Reiter. “It wouldn’t be anonymity, of course, or a shield from this story. At least it would be somewhere new to try something new.”
Opportunity is something Russini will likely continue to have, potentially in the medium of her choice. Jon ‘Stugotz’ Wiener of FOX Sports Radio defended Russini in the days following the release of the photos and even offered her a job if she decided to move on from The Athletic.
“I did say if The Athletic fired her, I would hire her. They didn’t fire her. She stepped down from The Athletic, and the offer holds forever. If Dianna Russini decides one day. Three months from now, or a year from now. Two years from now that she wants to get back into this game, she has a place right here,” said Wiener last month.
Russini was a recurring guest for years on Wiener’s previous program, The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. Because of that connection, some believe a move to Meadowlark Media could also be a possibility. Dan Le Batard has stated that he felt very uncomfortable discussing the Russini story involving Vrabel. This was due to his close relationship with her.
“Disappear for a while. Then, return on your own platform and start over,” said Tierney.
According to most people I spoke with, that was the prevailing piece of advice offered. Many believe that while Russini’s credibility in the sports reporting lane may be permanently damaged, her on-air presence still resonates with many in the media landscape.
“In this business, talent is talent, and success will be success anywhere,” explains Reiter. “A next step that moves away from sports may give her the best shot at a successful second act.”
Back to the Beat?
But could a return to NFL journalism be in the cards for Russini? One person working within the industry believes that the rise in franchises’ acceptance of independent media could be a lane Russini could capitalize on.
“Anything is possible,” says one major-market sports reporter. “More NFL teams are accrediting more independent outlets than ever. With her background and possibly some conversations with franchises ahead of time, I could totally see her regaining access and rebuilding her credibility within the league.”
In her resignation letter to The Athletic, Russini defended her approach to covering the NFL and every story she published. Time will tell whether she attempts a career revival, but questions remain about how she would approach it.
Russini continues to maintain her silence despite ongoing photos, videos, and reports about her alleged relationship with Vrabel. The New England Patriots and the National Football League have also remained relatively quiet on the matter. Silence appears to be the chosen path moving forward for all parties involved. However, there will eventually come a day for answers.
Whether that day comes through an interview, a new media venture, or a slow and calculated return to the NFL beat remains to be seen. What is clear is that Russini’s next move will likely be scrutinized as heavily as any report she ever broke.
In an industry built on credibility, perception can be just as powerful as truth, and rebuilding trust is often far more difficult than earning it in the first place.
For now, Russini’s silence continues to leave a vacuum filled with speculation, debate, and opinion. Eventually, however, silence stops being the story. The question then becomes whether Dianna Russini will try to reclaim her place in sports media — and whether audiences, executives, players, and teams are willing to give her that opportunity.
Many in sports media feel the next chapter may be the most interesting of all.
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Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith did not just run it back on ESPN. They reminded the industry why chemistry still sells.
What We Know: Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith reunited last week for a two-hour live special on ESPN from LA Live in Los Angeles. Shea Cornette handled the referee role. Smith and Baylees first clicked on Jim Rome’s Fox Sports Net show in the early 2000s before teaming up and turning “First Take” into must-watch appointment viewing for sports fans. Bayless left for FS1 and Undisputed with Shannon Sharpe in 2016. Smith then partnered with Max Kellerman on First Take before changing the format to feature himself alongside a rotating cast in late 2021. First Take remains dominant in its timeslot, attracting near or above 500,000 viewers per show. Bayless is now a contributor to Gilbert Arenas’ platform, Underdog.
What They Said: “It was a rebirth. A relaunch. It was just a restart of the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my lifetime, my on-air chemistry…with Stephen A. Smith” – Skip Bayless
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not said if Bayless will make additional appearances with Smith. Smith hasn’t remarked on future plans either. As of today, there is no announced plan for recurring reunion episodes, guest stints, or a larger on-air role. It also remains unclear how Underdog view Bayless’s ESPN cameo in the context of his current commitments. Moreover, we don’t yet know how Bayless entering the mix would affect other First Take contributors or if management is interested in having Skip further involved.
What It Means: Media professionals can’t deny Skip and Stephen A.’s chemistry. Their on-air friendship, trust, and comfortability debating each other creates appointment viewing. The appearance created buzz, and I suspect ratings and online metrics will verify additional lift. If Bayless enters the rotation as a regular contributor, it would add juice to the show that he helped make famous. Neither Skip nor ESPN need to rush into this. If chatter, curiosity, and enthusiasm builds for Skip and Stephen A. to reunite, football season makes the most sense to run it back. Skip’s profile fits what Jimmy Pitaro values, a talent who can cut through the crowded media environment. It makes too much sense for both sides to not work together again.
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Brett Andrews Gets Big Promotion at Audacy Wisconsin He’ll now lead three Milwaukee and Madison radio brands simultaneously.
What We Know: Audacy Wisconsin has promoted Brett Andrews to Brand Manager of 99.1 The Mix (WMYX-FM) in Milwaukee. He already serves as Brand Manager of Mix 105.1 (WMHX-FM) in Madison and Assistant Brand Manager of 103.7 KISS FM (WXSS-FM). Meanwhile, Andrews remains on-air weekday afternoons from 2–7 p.m. CT across both The Mix and Mix 105.1. His show now syndicates across both markets under “The Brett Andrews Radio Show.”
What They Said: “Since joining us, Brett has proven to be an invaluable asset, blending a can-do attitude with proactive leadership and versatility,” said Molly Cruz, Top 40 Format Vice President, Audacy. “This move reflects our ongoing commitment to putting our strongest talent in the best positions.”
What Remains Unclear: There is no indication this structure is anything but permanent. However, how Andrews balances on-air performance with three brand management roles remains to be seen. No additional programming changes beyond the daily lineup were announced.
What It Means: For Milwaukee and Madison listeners, the weekday lineup now mirrors itself almost completely. Elizabeth Kay and Radar handle mornings, Letty B owns middays, and Andrews drives afternoons across both stations. It’s another example of Audacy continuing to consolidate programming talent across multiple markets while still maintaining local brands and market coverage. Andrews now sits at the center of that strategy in both Madison and Milwaukee. As the company leans harder into operational efficiency without completely abandoning local identity.
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The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami claimed ESPN offered Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr a $7 million contract before he ultimately decided to ink a two-year extension with the NBA franchise. ESPN has now denied that.
What We Know: Kerr signed a two-year deal to remain as coach of the team on Saturday. He’s led the team since the 2014-2015 season. Before that, he spent several years as an NBA and college basketball analyst for Turner Sports. However, before the extension, Kawakami reported that ESPN was “aggressively” pursuing Kerr. He stated that ESPN had offered Kerr a contract of $7 million. ESPN has now denied that report.
What They Said: “We have too much respect for Coach Kerr. We were not even going to engage until he made a decision on coaching.” -ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus
What Remains Unclear: Whether Kerr had an interest in returning to the broadcast booth or studio at all. It also remains unclear where Kerr would have fit into ESPN’s plans, had it offered him a contract. Conceivably, one could deduce that a $7 million deal would mean he’d be the lead analyst, paired alongside Mike Breen. Tim Legler and Richard Jefferson currently make up the network’s top booth.
What It Means: Kerr remains one of the most sought-after voices in the NBA. If he had decided to leave the Warriors, it’s likely that ESPN wouldn’t have been the only potential suitor. Now that Amazon Prime Video and NBC are involved with the NBA, it’s likely they also would have been very interested in Kerr’s services.
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A 98 Rock Baltimore radio institution is stepping away. Amelia Ryerse announced Monday she will retire at the end of 2026.
What We Know: Ryerse has been with 98 Rock since 2003. She built her reputation across multiple dayparts, including the “Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel” morning show and her current midday shift. Her community work on “Maryland Perspectives” further cemented her standing. The station plans year-long tributes leading to her final broadcast.
What They Said: Program Director Justin Johnson put it plainly: “Radio stations go through different eras, different lineups and different trends, but Amelia has always been one of the constants listeners could count on. She brought heart, personality and credibility to every shift she worked, and 98 Rock simply wouldn’t have been the same without her.”
What Remains Unclear: The station hasn’t named a replacement for her midday slot. December 18th will be her final broadcast has been announced. Additionally, the scope of the planned on-air celebrations remains undefined. Those details will likely emerge as 2026 progresses.
What It Means: Amelia Ryerse’s departure at the end of the year closes a major chapter for 98 Rock. Twenty-plus years of market presence and audience loyalty is rare in today’s radio world. Her exit leaves a big hole in Baltimore rock radio. It’ll be interesting to watch what happens next, especially with market veteran Priestley recently joining the staff and likely becoming a contender for a larger role at the station.
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Don Lemon is growing his digital media enterprise with the addition of new staff members and the promotions of others. He is also stepping into the newsletter world.
What We Know: Lemon Media Network is hiring Douglas Robins as Director of Operations. Additionally, Daniel Grimes will report for the company from Washington, D.C. Further behind-the-scenes moves include the promotions of Nikkie Machrone (Executive Producer) and Andy Myers (Senior Technical Director). Lemon has also announced a daily Substack newsletter to launch in advance of the 2026 midterms.
What They Said: “Two years ago, people told me independent media was a step down. Ten million followers later, I think we’ve answered that. While legacy media chases false equivalence, outrage, and endless food fights, audiences are moving toward voices that feel authentic, direct, and trustworthy. There’s a real freedom in what we’re doing here. No corporate boss, no fear of losing the job for telling the truth. We answer to the audience, not the elite, the oligarchs, or the Oval Office. That’s what freedom of the press is supposed to mean. The networks have the resources. We have the relevance. They should be asking themselves why.” -Don Lemon
What It Means: Lemon’s expansions have been well conceived. He continues to leverage digital platforms to grow his audience. He now has more than 10 million subscribers across a wide array of platforms. Lemon’s expansion comes after being arrested for his presence at a Minnesota protest inside a church. That case has yet to be resolved. Following his arrest, Lemon shared that his Substack subscribers grew by 73%.
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