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Neil Johnson Joining Big Radio News Staff

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Neil Johnson Joining Big Radio News Staff

Big Radio — owner of 10 radio stations in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois — is adding longtime Janesville Gazette reporter Neil Johnson to its news staff.

“In a local news environment, the independent aspect of being the person in the room who disseminates it… that is just trying to get at the truth of the matter and bring that to people… that’s important to me,” Johnson said.  

Big Radio owns news/talk 1230 AM WCLO in Janesville, Wisconsin, where Johnson will be stationed.

“Local news, information, and entertainment is what people look for from their local stations and Big Radio injects local news, sports, entertainment, and conversation wherever we can across our ten station group,” said CEO Ben Thompson. “Neil Johnson will certainly add to that aspect of our local mission in a positive way.”

Fred Toucher: Mike Gorman Would Say Jon Wallach Has 0% Chance at Celtics TV Job

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Mike Gorman, the television voice of the Boston Celtics, recently announced that the 2023-24 regular season will be his last on the air, resulting in speculation about who will be named the future play-by-play announcer for the team. Local broadcasts are televised on NBC Sports Boston, and they have featured the familiar, affable duo of Gorman and Brian Scalabrine for the last several seasons. Gorman has been on television as the voice of the team for the last 42 years, and as expected, his regional broadcasting job is highly coveted.

Jon Wallach, update anchor on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s hit morning show, Toucher & Rich, has filled in for Sean Grande on the radio, specifically for road games in cities where Gorman does not travel. As a result, Fred Toucher and Rich Shertenlieb have discussed the feasibility of him landing the position several times since on the air. The two have contrasting points of view as to whether or not Wallach has a serious chance to land the gig.

“I have been jockeying for you to go to the television side of things for more reasons than just it would cause complete and total chaos amongst some people we know,” Shertenlieb said Tuesday.

“When chaos is going to happen is when they give the TV job to the guy they’re giving the TV job to, and then a bunch of people got to have a ‘Come to Jesus’ with themselves, is what my opinion is,” Toucher replied. “That’s when the chaos is – you give Jon the TV job, you’ve already gotten rid of the layer of the chaos.”

Toucher and Shertenlieb reflected back on when their show moved to 98.5 The Sports Hub from the now-defunct WBCN, and had to face other competition to be named as the station’s morning show. Since then, the program has achieved stellar ratings, most recently leading the marketplace, and Wallach has been an integral part of that over the years.

“Give me a percentage,” Shertenlieb asked. “Percentage Celtics’ choice; percentage NBC Sports Boston’s choice… for the future TV face; for Mike Gorman’s position. Who gets to make that choice?”

“It’s the Celtics, I think,” Toucher replied.

“There you go,” Shertenlieb affirmed. “You’ve got a shot, baby. You’ve got a shot.”

Shertenlieb seems to be rooting for Wallach to land the television position, while Toucher does not believe he has a legitimate shot to land behind the microphone. It led Shertenlieb to ponder over what would happen if Gorman openly advocated for Wallach to land the role.

“Mike Gorman would come on the air right now and put his hand on a bible, a torah and everything else under the sun and tell you that there is a 0% chance that Jon gets it,” Toucher said, “and then he would also tell you that he has no say, nor does he care.”

FS1 Surpasses ESPN in Cable Distribution

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FS1 Surpasses ESPN in Cable Distribution

Nielsen Media Research recently released new data consistent with the fact that cord-cutting is changing the media ecosystem as we know it. All cable channels responsible for carrying live sports have experienced steep subscriber losses, amassing a total multichannel audience of approximately 75.8 million homes, down 3.1 million subscribers, according to a new report by Sports Business Journal.

Of note in the Nielsen figures is Fox Sports 1 surpassing the total subscriber count of ESPN for the first time in its decade-long history. As of last measurement, ESPN is in nearly 71.321 million homes while FS1 is available in 71.375 million.

FOX is married to its linear TV products. On several occasions, CEO Lachland Murdoch has said that the network is content to use FOXSports.com rather than develop a proprietary streaming service. Conversely, ESPN not only streams some games exclusively on ESPN+, but it is also in the middle of “Project Flagship,” eyeing a 2025 launch for a direct-to-consumer product that would allow viewers to access ESPN without cable.

Other notable parts of the data include a slower drop for league-owned entities, including MLB Network, NFL Network and NBA TV. Compared to ESPN and FS1, NFL Network is in 51 million homes, while MLB Network is in 41 million. NBA TV, which is also partially owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, is available in 38 million homes. Warner Bros. Discovery’s networks also experienced declines – including TNT (-3.083 million) and TBS (-3.067 million) since the start of the calendar year.

Media professionals will surely watch whether or not this trend continues as television assimilates into a new age of consumption.

Dan Le Batard Announces Death of His Brother, Thanks Audience for Grace

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Dan Le Batard Announces Death of His Brother, Thanks Audience for Grace

Dan Le Batard has been dealing with personal pain for the better part of a year. He revealed to his audience on Tuesday that his brother had been battling cancer and passed away overnight.

“My wife doesn’t think I should be here,” he said. “We will see if I can get through today’s show. I will see if I can get through this segment. I told her I needed the laughter. I badly needed the laughter.”

While Dan is the one at the center of the show, his audience had come to know David Le Batard’s work as well. Creating art under the name “Lebo,” David’s work has decorated the show’s studio and adorned several t-shirts.

“I don’t have a lot of experience with grief, but I have been grieving him for a year because when he was diagnosed more than a year ago, he’s been steadily deteriorating since,” Dan admitted. “And it’s been brutally, brutally hard to watch a poison eat him up from the inside. And one of the biggest spirits I’ve ever seen consumed by illness.”

Even in a heartbreaking moment, the show was still very much itself. When quoting Jason Isbell’s song “If We Were Vampires,” Dan asked a poll be put up that asks “Can the most beautiful love song ever written be about vampires?”. He also said that he was overjoyed that Greg Cote was proud to have his first edition of his signature bit, “Back in My Day” since May.

Le Batard then made an interesting decision. He apologized for his energy being down. He acknowledged that he may have been off his game for about a year. 

“I am thankful to be able to do this show with you guys in general. I’m thankful to be able to do this show for the people who listen to it. And I just want you to know, to the degree that this show or me haven’t been my show for more than a year, it’s because I’ve been hiding in the pain of this.”

David Le Batard was 50 years old. Barrett Sports Media extends its deepest sympathies to the Le Batard family.

Stoney & Jansen Want Pat McAfee Disciplined for Larry Nassar Joke

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Stoney & Jansen Want Pat McAfee Disciplined for Larry Nassar Joke

Pat McAfee has been the subject of backlash after using Larry Nassar as the punchline of a joke about Michigan State’s football uniforms. The sports talker said on his show yesterday that he did not mean to offend, but he doesn’t think anyone can seriously believe that he does not take the sexual abuse committed by the former Michigan State doctor seriously.

Stoney & Jansen struck a decisive tone on Monday morning. The tweet was inappropriate and Pat McAfee should face consequences.

“If you sit there and it’s uncomfortable to read to yourself, let alone say it out loud – I’m glad that you read it instead of offering that opportunity to me,” Jon Jansen said to his partner Mike Stone on 97.1 The Ticket. “If it’s that uncomfortable, then it shouldn’t even be tweeted. He should be disciplined.”

ESPN recently signed McAfee to a deal that will see his show distributed across multiple network platforms. He is also the newest member of the College GameDay cast. Jansen said given the recent layoffs at ESPN, letting McAfee go unpunished would not be a good look for the company.

“I mean, this is unacceptable, especially at a time where those at ESPN have gone through ‘hey, a lot of our friends, a lot of our acquaintances have lost their jobs’ and they’ve always handled themselves in a professional manner. A lot of them, not all of them, but a lot of them. Then they bring on Pat McAfee, and this is how now he is representing ESPN?”

He pointed out that Nassar victimized more than 200 athletes. There is a good chance that many of them either saw the tweet or heard about it. 

Mike Stone said it was clear that McAfee did not mean any harm, but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be consequences.

“They have to do something,” Stone said of ESPN. “Whether you believe what he said was funny, whatever the intent was. Look, the intent was humor. There’s no doubt about it. But sometimes, you know, humor in these cases is not what’s called for.”

Unaired Fox News Interview Subpoenaed By Donald Trump’s Legal Team

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An unaired Fox News interview between Tucker Carlson and former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund has been subpoenaed by former President Donald Trump’s legal team.

Trump is in search of evidence after seven Capitol police officers were injured during the January 6th Insurrection and subsequently sued the former President, according to a report from Puck’s Eriq Gardner.

However, Fox News is reportedly fighting the demand for access to the interview. The network’s attorneys sent a letter to Trump’s legal team claiming that the video is immune to the subpoena due to reporter’s privilege. The network also argued questioned whether or not the interview was “crucial” to Trump’s defense.

Carlson — who was ousted by Fox News in late April — revealed during an interview with comedian Russell Brand that Sund had claimed the crowd on January 6th was rife with federal agents.

Fox News is currently embroiled in another lawsuit surrounding the January 6th Insurrection. Ray Epps, a Trump supporter, claims he was defamed by the network and Carlson during its coverage of the event. He is suing the network for a reported $250 million.

Longtime WHO Host Jan Mickelson Dies

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Longtime WHO Host Jan Mickelson Dies

Former Newsradio 1040 WHO host Jan Mickelson died over the weekend. He was 74.

“Jan went home to be with the Lord last night. Our family is grateful for all the warm wishes, love and support. Your kindness and prayers have sustained us these last few days,” Mickelson’s wife, Suzy, wrote on Facebook after saying he was admitted to the hospital with low blood pressure and a failing kidney.

“Jan loved to entertain, inform, and educate. He loved his listeners, all of them. His greatest legacy is the folks he inspired.”

Mickelson spent nearly 30 years at the Des Moines news/talk station. He stepped away from for his late morning shift in 2015 after suffering a stroke. He returned to the station in 2016 to host a half-hour daily program as well as a weekend shift before stepping away for good.

“Jan Mickelson was the best at his craft. He was always prepared and knew how to get you to listen to the radio. If you disagreed with him, he would take your call first because he wanted a spirited conversation,” said iHeartMedia Des Moines Market President Joel McCrea in a post to the station’s website. “All of us at WHO miss Jan Mickelson.”

Erick Erickson Sets Agenda Lineup for The Gathering Conference

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Erick Erickson Sets Agenda Lineup for The Gathering Conference

Erick Erickson has announced the agenda lineup for his The Gathering conference in Atlanta later this month.

Erickson noted that after doing similar conferences previously with digital outlet RedState and The Resurgent Gathering, he says “It’s my gathering for my radio audience and online audience. The Erick Erickson Show will circulate the audio of the speakers in my podcast and on my radio show” and will also make portions of the event exclusive to his Substack subscribers.

The theme for the conference — which will feature many 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls — is “Forward: Which Way”.

The Gathering is scheduled for Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. The event is sold out.

Below is the complete schedule of events for the two-day conference.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

6:00 pm Welcome Reception

Friday, August 18, 2023

7:00-8:30 – Breakfast

8:30-8:45 – Welcome

8:45-9:30 – Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)

9:30-10:00 – Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA)

10:00-10:45 – Vice President Mike Pence (R-IN)

11:00-11:45 – Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL)

12:00-1:00 pm – Ruthless Podcast – Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook

1:00-1:30 pm – Dr. Kevin Roberts

1:30-2:00 – Mr. Scott Parkinson

2:00-2:30 – Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA)

2:30-3:00 – Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli 

3:15-3:45 Mr. Cole Muzio

3:45-4:30 Ambassador Nikki Haley (R-SC)

Saturday, August 19, 2023

8:45-9:30 – Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ)

9:30-10:00 – Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC)

10:15-11:00 – Mr. Will Hild 

11:00-11:45 – Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy (R-OH)

12:00-1:00 – Americans for Prosperity Panel – Congressman Chip Roy and Mr. Akash Chougule

1:00-1:30 – Mr. Grover Norquist

1:30-2:00 – Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA)

2:00-2:30 – Mr. Brent Buchanan

2:30-3:15 – Parental Rights Panel – Mehek Cooke, Alleigh Marre and Michele Exner

3:30-4:00 Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)

4:00-4:30 Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)

4:30-5:00 Gov. Glenn Younkin (R-VA)

Mark Jackson Grateful but ‘Shocked and Dismayed’ by ESPN Exit

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After reports of ESPN promoting Doris Burke and hiring Doc Rivers to join Mike Breen in its lead broadcast booth, the question immediately turned to the future of Mark Jackson. Unlike Jeff Van Gundy, Jackson had not been laid off by the network during its round of talent cuts in early July; however, he shared that he was indeed informed yesterday that his “services were no longer needed at ESPN.” In a statement posted to Twitter (“X”), Jackson reflected back on his time with the network and expressed the feelings he had surrounding his unforeseen exit.

“Although shocked and dismayed with the suddenness of it all, I would like to thank ESPN and all the staff of the NBA ESPN crew for allowing me to be a part of the organization for the past 15+ years,” Jackson said. “I would also like to thank NBA fans watching at home and in the arenas throughout the league for all of your support. To the NBA, a heartfelt thank you for allowing a kid to continue to accomplish his dreams.”

Following a 17-year playing career, Jackson joined ESPN in 2006 and was a fixture on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC. Jackson was on the call for 15 NBA Finals, but absent for a three-year stretch while serving as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. He helped build the organization into a championship-caliber dynasty, which has since been led by Steve Kerr and features superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. While he did not get to coach the team to an NBA Finals victory, he was afforded the chance to call a countless number of its games with Breen, Van Gundy and reporter Lisa Salters.

“It has been an honor to sit beside two LEGENDS in the business, who are like brothers to me, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy, and learn so much from them,” Jackson said. “Lisa Salters is a G.O.A.T. and like a sister to me, and I’m so proud of the work she continues to do.”

Jackson also made sure to thank the production team, starting with Tim Corrigan, who he calls “the best producer in the world.” He also made mention of the staffers and crew that were not seen on camera or noticed by the average viewer, and conveyed that they were always seen by him. 

While Jackson did not mention whether or not he will pursue an opportunity to work in sports media again, the fact that he and Van Gundy are on the open market is surely appealing to networks as the Association’s national media rights deal is set to expire in two seasons. The message concluded with a heartfelt show of gratitude towards his former employer and the sport at large.

“I wish greater measures of success to the new ESPN team,” Jackson said. “May they continue to elevate this game that has given me a home and a life. I leave ESPN with nothing but gratitude, all the while knowing that my highest praise goes to God!”

CBS and Nickelodeon Launching First-Ever Alternate Super Bowl Broadcast

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CBS and Nickelodeon Launching First-Ever Alternate Super Bowl Broadcast

CBS will conclude the 2023 NFL regular season as the television home of Super Bowl LVIII from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The network, however, will be presenting more than just its traditional broadcast with Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson. CBS Sports and Nickelodeon are collaborating on the game’s first-ever alternate broadcast. The telecast will be filled with special moments, guests and, of course, the iconic green slime associated with the kids’ entertainment network.

“This will be a historic Super Bowl in Las Vegas, and we’re thrilled to partner with the NFL to bring the game to the whole family with the first-ever alternate telecast of the Super Bowl,” Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Paramount, said in a statement. “In year one of our new long-term deal with the NFL, we continue to maximize our expanded distribution rights and further unlock the value of the League through the demonstrated power of our multiplatform portfolio across CBS, Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.”

This will not be the first time both networks have worked together on an alternate presentation, as they have teamed on multiple NFL games over the last two seasons. The alternate broadcast will feature revamped graphics, virtual filters and several guest reporters among other things. More details regarding the broadcast as it pertains to programming, production and announcers will be announced at a later date. Nate Burleson, however, is confirmed to be one of the commentators that will be on the call.

“We’re thrilled to partner with CBS Sports and Nickelodeon to present the first alternate telecast of the Super Bowl,” Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution, said in a statement. “Our previous telecasts on Nickelodeon have been huge hits and created a new and different way to experience an NFL game. We’re excited to bring that creativity to Super Bowl LVIII and give our fans another way to enjoy one of the world’s most popular sporting events.”

“We are excited to expand this extremely successful partnership between CBS Sports, Nickelodeon and the NFL for television’s biggest stage at Super Bowl LVIII,” Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports, said in a statement. “There is nobody more suited than our CBS Sports production team, in conjunction with our friends at Nickelodeon, to deliver an innovative and slime-filled Nick-ified telecast for kids and family, alongside our industry-leading NFL production on CBS, to create a truly unique viewing experience and broaden the reach of the Super Bowl to a new legion of fans.”

After an adjustment by Nielsen Media Research, FOX Sports attained the largest recorded audience for a Super Bowl presentation in the history of the NFL. Paramount Global will look to build off of that success in year No. 1 of an 11-year media rights deal as it presents the nation’s preeminent sporting event with a goal of expanding viewership from younger demographics.

“We are unbelievably proud to partner with CBS Sports and the NFL to bring Nick’s personality and unique visual sensibility to the Super Bowl,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon; and chief content officer, Movies & Kids & Family at Paramount+, said in a statement. “As we’ve shown with our prior zeitgeist-busting Wild Card and Nickmas coverage, combining the absolute excitement of NFL action with the creativity that can only come from Nickelodeon’s cool [point of view] makes for a must-see event for kids and families everywhere.”

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