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Marc Bertrand: Boston Red Sox Owner’s Reasoning for Not Speaking to Media “Bull Crap”

John Mamola
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Marc Bertrand: Boston Red Sox Owner’s Reasoning for Not Speaking to Media “Bull Crap”

Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry says he sees no value in talking with local media following the firing of manager Alex Cora. Marc Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub is demanding accountability and action.

What We Know: The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora earlier this season following a rough start to the season. John Henry, the team’s principal owner, has not addressed the decision publicly. Team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow answered media questions instead. Henry has avoided sports-radio and press conference settings for some time now, but told Fangraphs his reasoning was he didn’t see value in speaking with local media. Bertrand shared his criticism of that reasoning Thursday on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

What They Said: (All quotes via 98.5 The Sports Hub Zolak & Bertrand)

98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand on Boston Red Sox owner John Henry reason to not to speak with local media: “Is he serious with this? Is he serious? Please respect our privacy. Please respect our privacy as we fire a manager in the sport of baseball? What are you talking about? I don’t understand that at all? Such bull crap! It’s so unbelievable.”

98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand is demanding accountability from Red Sox owner John Henry: “When you’re a man in his position, you don’t answer to anybody if you don’t want to, and that’s fine. But he will continue to be a villain, which is what he is now.”

98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand finds irony if Henry’s decision to not speak with local media: “I don’t think we’re going to hear from him. To own a newspaper and not believe in accountability, transparency, public comment, any of it. That’s kind of what’s in the story.”

98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand on how Henry compares to Boston Bruins ownership in particular: “The other owners do talk. They all talk. They all have the same structure. They’ve got GMs. They’ve got presidents. The Bruins. You hear from Charlie Jacobs. Maybe not often, but he does talk. He gives interviews, does do press conferences, and he has Cam Neely and Don Sweeney and everything like every other team. He speaks up. And he still talks.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether Henry will speak following public outcry is unknown.

What It Means: Bertrand argued Henry stands apart from other owners around Boston. He’s not incorrect in his statement. Moreover, accountability is a strong suit of strong ownership. By Henry not providing at least more commentary towards the decision of his own franchise is puzzling. At the end of the day, Red Sox fans will be the ones forcing action by Henry to speak with local media. If he continues to remain silent, it could harbor ill will with the devoted fanbase.

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.

Skyview Networks Promotes Andrew Kalb to COO, Appointments for Four Others

Garrett Searight
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Skyview Networks Promotes Andrew Kalb to COO, Appointments for Four Others

Skyview Networks has unveiled several executive leadership changes. The company says the moves will support future growth and stronger execution.

What We Know: Skyview Networks announced a series of promotions and leadership changes affecting operations, finance, strategy and transformation. Andrew Kalb was promoted to Chief Operating Officer after expanding his responsibilities across multiple departments. Meanwhile, Clayton Nix was elevated to Chief Financial Officer to reflect his growing role in financial strategy and analytics. Sarah Foss became Chief Transformation Officer and will lead companywide initiatives while aligning technology with broader business goals. Ethan Aragon now serves as Senior Executive Director of Business Strategy, where he’ll focus on identifying revenue opportunities backed by financial analysis. Additionally, Skyview Networks hired former ESPN executive Nicholaus Tzineff as Revenue Analytics Strategist to support research, sales and revenue planning.

What They Said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to accelerate Skyview Networks’ growth, I am pleased to share several organizational changes designed to sharpen strategy, improve alignment and increase efficiency across the company. These changes create clearer, more focused leadership around the priorities that matter most, and I’m confident they will help us move quickly, enhance innovation and stay at the leading edge of a changing media landscape as we build toward the future.” -Skyview Networks President, CEO, and Chairman Steve Jones

What Remains Unclear: Skyview Networks hasn’t detailed whether the restructuring will include additional organizational changes or new hiring initiatives.

What It Means: The changes position Skyview Networks around operational efficiency and revenue growth. They also elevate leaders responsible for finance, technology and strategy. As media companies pursue new advertising opportunities, Skyview Networks appears focused on speeding decision-making while strengthening coordination across the business. The addition of an experienced ESPN executive further signals an emphasis on analytics-driven revenue development and long-term expansion.

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Netflix’ MLB Home Run Derby Viewership Reportedly Smallest In 23 Years

John Mamola
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Netflix’ MLB Home Run Derby Viewership Reportedly Smallest In 23 Years

MLB’s Home Run Derby on Netflix reportedly posted its smallest audience since 2003 in its first year on the streaming platform. The streamer drew 5.3 million viewers for Monday’s event.

What We Know: According to reporting by Sports Business Journal, Netflix’s July 13 Derby broadcast averaged 5.3 million viewers.. That’s the lowest total since 2003, when ESPN drew 5.2 million for the event. The figure marks a 7% drop from last year’s 5.7 million on ESPN/ESPN2, and a 4% decline from two years ago. Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast in March had already drawn 3 million viewers.

What Remains Unclear: Specific numbers have not been officially released by Netflix. Also, information regarding certain demographics is also not available at this time.

What It Means: The dip comes just one year into Netflix’s three-year MLB rights deal. Still, the streamer’s 18-49 audience reportedly for Opening Night was its best since 2017, suggesting a real, if uneven, trade: fewer total viewers, younger ones. The streaming platform is still navigating its presentation to balance the traditional baseball fan with reaching for a younger demographic. Whether that tradeoff satisfies MLB and Netflix long-term likely hinges on how advertisers and the league value reach versus demographics. With the Field of Dreams game remaining on it’s MLB calendar this season, it will be interesting to see how Netflix pivots even more in their presentation of the game

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.

WMEE Fort Wayne Adds Anna & Raven Morning Show

David Hill
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WMEE Fort Wayne Adds Anna & Raven Morning Show

Change is coming to Hot AC 97.3 WMEE in Fort Wayne. Federated Media is reshuffling its on-air lineup starting Monday, July 20.

What We Know: WMEE will add Compass Media Networks’ syndicated morning show Anna & Raven to the 5-10am slot. As a result, current morning host Brooklyne Beatty moves to middays, covering 10am to 2pm. Beatty joined WMEE in February 2022, bringing experience from News/Talk WTRC-FM in South Bend and Hot AC WAOR in Ligonier, IN. Boomer remains in afternoons, providing continuity in that daypart.

What’s at Stake: The shift to a syndicated morning show reflects a broader industry trend toward cost management. Local morning talent is expensive, and syndicated options offer stations a proven product at reduced cost. For Beatty, the move to middays keeps her on the air and preserves her presence with Fort Wayne listeners. The station’s overall brand continuity depends heavily on how smoothly the transition lands with the audience.

What Remains Unclear: It’s unknown whether additional daypart changes are planned beyond what’s been announced. Furthermore, no details have emerged about how WMEE will position Anna & Raven locally in Fort Wayne. The long-term strategy for the station’s local identity also remains an open question following recent departures.

What It Means: This lineup shift follows the late May departures of OM/PD Jimmy Knight and midday host Dan, signaling a period of significant transition at WMEE. Replacing local morning talent with syndication is a meaningful philosophical choice. However, retaining Beatty in middays suggests Federated Media still values local voices on the air. How Fort Wayne listeners respond will ultimately determine whether this strategy pays off.

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.

Sale Price of Audacy St. Louis to Hoffmann Media Revealed

Garrett Searight
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Sale Price of Audacy St. Louis to Hoffmann Media Revealed

Audacy St. Louis’ station sale now has a public price tag. Hoffmann Media will pay $20 million for the six-station cluster.

What We Know: Hoffmann Media and Audacy St. Louis filed their purchase agreement with the FCC on Wednesday, revealing a $20 million purchase price. The filing provides the first official valuation since the companies announced the transaction more than two weeks ago. The deal includes 104.1-FM and 1120-AM KMOX, Jamz 96.3, 97.1 FM Talk, Y98, 102.5 KEZK, and Hot 98.7. Additionally, the acquisition would give Hoffmann Media its first radio properties after years of owning local newspapers. However, the transaction still requires FCC approval before it can close.

What’s At Stake: KMOX remains one of the most recognizable radio brands in the Midwest, making it one of the centerpieces of the acquisition. Meanwhile, the $20 million price offers another benchmark for radio station valuations. The figure also invites comparisons to recent industry transactions. Earlier this year, Urban One agreed to pay $22 million for two Dallas stations, KKDA and KRNB, from Service Broadcasting Group. By comparison, Hoffmann Media would acquire six stations in the nation’s number 24 radio market for slightly less.

What Remains Unclear: The companies haven’t disclosed when they expect the FCC review process to conclude. Likewise, Hoffmann Media hasn’t detailed any programming, staffing, or management changes following the acquisition. It’s also unknown whether the company plans to expand beyond St. Louis after entering the radio business.

What It Means: The filing adds financial context to one of radio’s more notable transactions this year. If regulators approve the sale, Hoffmann Media will enter broadcasting with an established cluster anchored by KMOX. As a result, the deal could signal growing interest from nontraditional media owners looking to invest in local radio brands with strong community recognition.

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.

Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards Lands Afternoon Drive at The Bone

David Hill
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Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards Lands Afternoon Drive at The Bone

Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards has a new home. The veteran rock radio programmer and personality joins JVC Broadcasting’s 92.1/97.7 The Bone — WBON-FM Destin/Fort Walton Beach and WBOE Bonifay/Panama City — taking over afternoons from 1-5pm.

What We Know: Edwards recently exited iHeartMedia following last month’s cluster-wide cuts. He previously programmed Rock “TK 101” WTKX-FM Pensacola and Classic Rock “96.1 The Rocket” WRKH Mobile. He also hosted afternoons at “Rock 102” KWNW Memphis during his iHeart tenure. His addition also reshuffles The Bone’s entire daypart lineup.

What They Said: Edwards spoke directly to why this move resonated. “I’ve spent my career believing radio should be about serving listeners and entertaining people,” he said. “They’re not afraid to be different, they’re committed to local radio, and they’re giving us the freedom to build something special. I’m incredibly excited to join The Bone and reconnect with listeners every afternoon.”

What Remains Unclear: No details have emerged about Edwards’ contract length or role beyond afternoon hosting. Additionally, it’s unclear whether he will take on any programming responsibilities alongside his on-air duties at JVC.

What It Means: This move signals that experienced rock radio talent displaced by corporate cuts can still land meaningful opportunities at independent operators. JVC Broadcasting clearly prioritizes local voices over syndicated content — and Edwards fits that mission well. Furthermore, his decade-long footprint in the Florida Panhandle makes him a natural fit for a station built around authentic, community-focused radio.

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.

Alan Hahn Suggests MLB Take a Page From Savannah Bananas for More Interest in All Star Game Presentation

John Mamola
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Alan Hahn Suggests MLB Take a Page From Savannah Bananas for More Interest in All Star Game Presentation

Alan Hahn wants baseball to loosen up it’s presentation of the MLB All Star Game. The ESPN New York host floated a Savannah Bananas-inspired fix for the All-Star Game.

What We Know: Hahn raised the idea Wednesday on ESPN New York’s Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg. MLB has reworked its Midsummer Classic repeatedly over the decades, adding and later dropping the “this one counts” World Series stakes gimmick among other ideas. Ratings have struggled in recent years, fueling debate over how to modernize the event. Hahn argued the game should prioritize entertainment over strict competition taking a page from the success of the Savannah Bananas.

What They Said: (All quotes via Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg on ESPN New York)

Alan Hahn on how to create more entertainment with the MLB All Star Game: “The Savannah Bananas, they do a lot of weird, funny, entertaining stuff with their game. If you’re a baseball purist, it probably is not something you enjoy. But is the All Star Game for baseball purists, or is it a moment to entertain?”

Alan Hahn on why inserting entertainment could work for the MLB All Star Game: “The one thing that I used to like about the All Star game in the NBA back in the ’80s and ’90s. The players understood that while most of this game we’re going to play and compete, there’s going to be moments where we’re going to let players show off their incredible skill… That’s all the stuff that I thought was supposed to be part of the game. Where it’s 80% the game is being played, and about 20% stuff we would never do in a real game, but we here to entertain. A little Harlem Globetrotters thrown in. Savannah Bananas aren’t they a baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters?”

Alan Hahn suggests baseball look into items that the Bananas do to inject more interest in the MLB All Star Game: “You don’t have to bring in the Savannah Bananas. But what if you borrowed from what they do? The game has a little more of like the quirkiness too it. Fan catches a foul ball. If you catch it clean, it’s an out. I find that to be hilarious, and now fans would be involved in it. The baseball purists will hate this, but how many people would watch it because it’s kind of funny?”

What Remains Unclear: MLB has not announced any further changes to the MLB All Star Game format.

What It Means: Hahn’s comments reflect a growing appetite for shaking up a struggling exhibition. Other leagues have leaned into showmanship to attract casual fans, and MLB faces similar pressure. While the game has a long history, long time fans would be the ones providing the most pushback. Despite the success of the Bananas product nationwide, purists will likely push back against any quirky additions to the Midsummer Classic. Still, the conversation signals real momentum toward rethinking the All-Star Game’s identity.

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.

Dave Kendall, MTV’s 120 Minutes Creator, Has Died

David Hill
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Dave Kendall, MTV’s 120 Minutes Creator, Has Died

Dave Kendall, the creator and original host of MTV’s 120 Minutes, has died. The British-born television personality passed away this week, confirmed by former 120 Minutes host Matt Pinfield.

What We Know: Kendall conceived 120 Minutes after joining MTV as a producer. He pitched the network a dedicated program for punk, post-punk, goth, synth-pop, and ska — sounds mainstream radio largely ignored. The show debuted March 10, 1986. Kendall later hosted the program from 1989 through 1992.

What’s at Stake: 120 Minutes served as a critical pipeline for alternative music before it entered the mainstream. Kendall himself described it as “a distribution channel for organic musical produce.” College radio was the only comparable outlet at the time. His work helped lay the cultural groundwork for the alternative explosion that followed.

What Remains Unclear: The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Kendall had been living in Thailand in recent years, where he worked as a correspondent for the Bangkok Post. No formal statement from his family has surfaced. Further details about services or memorials remain unknown.

What It Means: Kendall’s legacy extends far beyond a cable television program. He gave a generation of music fans their first exposure to artists who would define an era. Moreover, he demonstrated that niche programming could build deeply loyal audiences — a lesson still relevant today. Matt Pinfield said it best: Kendall “gave a home to music that deserved to be heard.”

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.

Tucker Carlson: Ben Shapiro ‘Tanked’ The Daily Wire

Garrett Searight
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Tucker Carlson: Ben Shapiro ‘Tanked’ The Daily Wire

Tucker Carlson renewed his criticism of Ben Shapiro and The Daily Wire. His latest remarks again questioned Shapiro’s business credibility.

What We Know: Tucker Carlson has intensified his public criticism of Ben Shapiro, arguing the conservative commentator lacks credibility when discussing capitalism because of The Daily Wire’s business performance. The comments continue a pattern that dates back to at least November 2025, when Carlson claimed The Daily Wire had been “propped up by Facebook” and predicted the company was headed downhill. As a result, the latest remarks from Carlson on the Orthodoxy podcast add another chapter to an increasingly public dispute between two of conservative media’s most recognizable personalities.

What They Said: “I don’t know why I’d ever want to take lectures from Ben Shapiro. He’s like Mr. Capitalist guy. He couldn’t even keep his own company afloat … We’re getting a lecture about capitalism from a guy who tanked his own company. Am I going to take real estate advice from the homeless? Quiet. Adults are talking.” -Tucker Carlson

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear what specifically prompted Carlson’s latest remarks or whether Ben Shapiro or The Daily Wire plans to respond. Likewise, Carlson didn’t cite any financial data or operational details to support his characterization of the company’s performance. Neither Shapiro nor The Daily Wire had publicly addressed the comments at the time of publication.

What It Means: The renewed criticism highlights the increasingly personal divisions among influential conservative media figures. While Carlson has repeatedly challenged Shapiro’s business leadership, the latest comments suggest the disagreement remains active rather than isolated. Furthermore, the exchange underscores how prominent media personalities continue using their platforms to publicly challenge competitors, creating storylines that extend beyond politics and into the business of conservative media itself.

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.

VERSANT, NBCUniversal Land Multi-Year Agreements For Bundesliga Soccer U.S. Telecasts

John Mamola
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VERSANT, NBCUniversal Land Multi-Year Agreements For Bundesliga Soccer U.S. Telecasts

The Bundesliga just landed a major U.S. media upgrade. Versant’s USA Sports and NBCUniversal’s Telemundo now share its broadcast rights.

What We Know: USA Sports becomes the exclusive English-language Bundesliga home in 2026-2027, airing at least 30 matches. The remaining matches will stream free on Fandango. Meanwhile, Telemundo becomes the exclusive Spanish-language home, airing 100-plus matches on Telemundo and Universo, with everything on Peacock. Together, the deals push Bundesliga’s reach past 80 million U.S. homes, replacing its longtime ESPN and ESPN+ deal.

What They Said: Robin Austermann, Bundesliga Americas Executive Vice President: “These partnerships with USA Sports and Telemundo mark the next phase of our strategy, combining outstanding distribution with significant commercial opportunity and bringing the Bundesliga closer to more fans across the United States than ever before. We are excited to work with ambitious partners who are helping shape the future of sports media. Together, Versant and Telemundo will strengthen the Bundesliga’s presence across English and Spanish, linear television and streaming, helping us reach fans wherever they choose to engage with the league.”

Matt Hong, President, USA Sports: “The Bundesliga boasts some of the most well-known clubs and players in the world. It has an established connection with American soccer fans. Our partnership with the Bundesliga represents another significant milestone in the growth of USA Sports as we continue to build a premier destination for live sports and deliver more of the events fans care about most.”

Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports and Head of Streaming, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises: “The Bundesliga represents one of the premier soccer leagues in the world. We’re excited to bring its clubs, players and rivalries to Hispanic audiences in the U.S. This partnership strengthens our year-round soccer portfolio and reinforces our commitment to delivering the world’s biggest competitions in Spanish with the quality, storytelling and passion our audiences expect from Telemundo.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t disclose financial terms for either agreement. It’s also unclear how many of Telemundo’s 100-plus matches will air on Universo versus the main network. Additionally, Fandango’s ad-supported streaming model marks new territory for live sports, and its performance remains untested.

What It Means: Ultimately, this signals soccer’s expanding footprint in the U.S. following the success of the 2026 World Cup. For Versant, the Bundesliga adds to a growing sports portfolio that already includes the WNBA, PGA of America and Pac-12. For Telemundo, it deepens a year-round Spanish-language soccer lineup anchored by the Premier League and Liga MX. Overall, both companies are betting that global soccer fandom keeps growing stateside.

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.

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