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Dan Patrick: Netflix Is “Trying Too Hard” With MLB Presentations

John Mamola
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Dan Patrick: Netflix Is “Trying Too Hard” With MLB Presentations

Dan Patrick isn’t fully sold on Netflix’s baseball rollout. The longtime host says the streamer continues to over produce the broadcasts with Major League Baseball following Monday’s Home Run Derby broadcast.

What We Know: Netflix exclusively streamed the Home Run Derby Monday night from Philadelphia. The broadcast falls under Netflix’s three-year media rights deal with MLB, signed in November 2025. That agreement runs through the 2028 season and also includes Opening Night and the Field of Dreams Game. Meanwhile, Patrick addressed the production of the broadcast from last night on Tuesday’s Dan Patrick Show.

What They Said: (All quotes from The Dan Patrick Show)

Dan Patrick says Netflix needs to do a better job of marketing it’s MLB events: “Home Run Derby was fun last night. First of all, I couldn’t find it… They got to do a little better publicity. Bonds and Pujols were there. I didn’t see any of this, and I’d like to think that I’m at least socially aware of sporting events. But I had no idea. And then all of a sudden, it’s like Netflix.”

Dan Patrick says Netflix may be trying too hard with MLB: “Netflix is trying different things. Now, sometimes you can try too hard. Sometimes you can try to dress something up, and you really don’t need to.”

Dan Patrick doesn’t mind Netflix trying new things with the home run derby: “I’m all for trying. I love Will Ferrell, but I didn’t need Will Ferrell on the broadcast last night. Okay. I think that they tried too hard in what they were trying to do there. But still, you’re trying to do new things. Sometimes it’s just good the way it is.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Netflix plans to scale back entertainment elements for future broadcasts. The company hasn’t publicly responded to Patrick’s comments. Additionally, no word yet exists on adjustments for the upcoming Field of Dreams Game.

What It Means: For Netflix, Patrick’s critique highlights their first entry into live sports coverage. Ultimately, entertainment flourishes shouldn’t overshadow the game itself. While the Home Run Derby was hailed as a better job by Netflix by many, Patrick still sees holes in the formula. Viewership remains to be seen for Monday’s broadcast. Moreover, as Netflix expands its MLB footprint through 2028, viewer feedback like this could shape future broadcasts. Therefore, striking a balance may prove essential.

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.

ABC News Radio Faces Questions Over Pre-Recorded Overnight Newscasts

Garrett Searight
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ABC News Radio Faces Questions Over Pre-Recorded Overnight Newscasts

ABC News Radio’s overnight practices are facing new scrutiny. Questions emerged after breaking news involving Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was delayed.

What We Know: The announcement of Graham’s death came at 2:42 AM ET on Sunday morning. However, the breaking news was not included in ABC News Radio’s 3 AM ET top-of-the-hour newscast or its 4 AM ET update. Affiliates told Barrett Media that the network first communicated the news in a 4:30 AM ET email. ABC News did place an obituary on its Newscall system at 3:30 AM ET. Subsequently, the network aired the same newscast at 1 AM and 3 AM ET. Meanwhile, a separate newscast aired at 2 AM and 4 AM ET.

High-level sources at several radio companies told Barrett Media that ABC News Radio has been transparent about using pre-recorded newscasts during overnight hours. However, several program directors who air those newscasts said they were not aware of that detail. Sources confirmed ABC News Radio has used pre-recorded overnight newscasts for nearly two years.

What’s At Stake: The situation arises as ABC News Radio holds an even greater position in the radio news landscape. The network recently received a significant influx of affiliates after the end of CBS News Radio. Additionally, Disney and ABC are currently battling the FCC over the company’s eight owned-and-operated television licenses.

What Remains Unclear: Sources could not confirm the exact date ABC News Radio began re-airing overnight newscasts, only that it began in 2024. Additionally, it remains unclear whether re-aired or pre-recorded newscasts could raise concerns under FCC regulations requiring disclosure when content is not live.

What It Means: The revelation that ABC News Radio does not provide live newscasts around the clock surprised many. Several program directors told Barrett Media they only learned about the practice after being contacted about the situation. Many at the operational and station levels were not as informed about the policy as their executive and ownership counterparts.

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.

Howard Stern Dropping to One New Show Per Week, Lays Off Several Staffers

Garrett Searight
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Howard Stern Dropping to One New Show Per Week, Lays Off Several Staffers

Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show is reportedly reducing staff ahead of another programming shift. The changes come as Stern prepares to scale back his schedule after Labor Day.

What We Know: Howard Stern has laid off roughly a dozen staffers from his SiriusXM program. He is preparing to air just one new show each week after Labor Day. Employees learned of the cuts during a Monday Zoom meeting, Barrett Media has learned. Those employees were sent home with severance packages based on their tenure. The remainder of the weekly schedule is expected to rely heavily on Stern’s extensive archive. Stern signed a new three-year agreement with SiriusXM in December. That came after saying the deal would provide him with greater “flexibility” while allowing him to remain on the air.

What’s At Stake: The reported layoffs signal another evolution for one of radio’s most influential brands. Although Stern’s new contract keeps him at SiriusXM, producing just one original show per week would significantly reduce new content for subscribers. Additionally, the staffing reductions could reshape how one of satellite radio’s signature programs operates going forward.

What Remains Unclear: Neither Stern nor SiriusXM has publicly addressed the reported staffing changes or confirmed the move to a once-weekly schedule. It’s also unknown exactly how many employees were affected or whether additional departures could follow. SiriusXM has not responded to Barrett Media’s request for comment as of publication.

What It Means: Stern has steadily embraced a lighter workload in recent years, and these reported changes appear consistent with the flexibility he discussed after signing his latest contract. Meanwhile, SiriusXM now faces the challenge of balancing one of its biggest personalities’ evolving schedule with subscriber expectations while relying more heavily on one of radio’s deepest content libraries.

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.

Chris Cuomo: Jake Tapper Acted as ‘Simpering, Lisping Sycophant’ During Donald Trump Interview

Garrett Searight
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Chris Cuomo: Jake Tapper Acted as ‘Simpering, Lisping Sycophant’ During Donald Trump Interview

Chris Cuomo criticized Jake Tapper’s interview with President Donald Trump after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Cuomo argued the exchange reflected a broader media problem.

What We Know: Chris Cuomo used his podcast to sharply criticize Jake Tapper’s interview with President Donald Trump following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Cuomo accused Tapper of changing his approach when interviewing the president instead of maintaining the same level of scrutiny he displays elsewhere. He framed the criticism as part of a larger argument about journalism’s responsibility to consistently challenge those in power, regardless of political affiliation or access.

What They Said: “So here it is for Jake Tapper to sit there like a simpering lisping sycophant – ‘I’m the normal one, I’m on a normal path’ – I mean, you know when he talks about the president, you know he’s trying to be a tough guy. And when he’s talking to him, he’s a sycophant because he wants the ratings and he wants the access. That’s the reality of media … We’re here to test power. You do it to their face, and you do it to their back, ok? You should just be consistent.” -Chris Cuomo

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether Jake Tapper will respond publicly to Cuomo’s criticism. Likewise, CNN hasn’t indicated whether it plans to address the comments or defend Tapper’s handling of the interview.

What It Means: Cuomo’s remarks underscore ongoing debate about how journalists should question high-profile political figures. His criticism also highlights continued scrutiny of television news personalities who balance tough interviews with the competitive pressures of securing ratings and access. As political coverage intensifies ahead of future election cycles, conversations about consistency, accountability, and journalistic independence will likely remain central across cable news.

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.

Bill Handel: Paramount Skydance Lawyers Reasoning For Approval of Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Laughable

Garrett Searight
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Bill Handel: Paramount Skydance Lawyers Reasoning For Approval of Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Laughable

Bill Handel is questioning the logic behind the Paramount Skydance merger. The longtime KFI-AM 640 host argued that consolidation doesn’t create more competition.

What We Know: Bill Handel devoted part of his morning show on KFI-AM 640 in Los Angeles to criticizing arguments surrounding the proposed Paramount Skydance merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Specifically, he took issue with claims from attorneys representing Paramount Skydance that the combined company would increase competition. Handel argued the transaction would instead consolidate major media assets under one corporate umbrella, making it difficult to accept the legal rationale that the deal would benefit competition. He also pointed to the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision not to challenge the acquisition on antitrust grounds.

What They Said: “So explain to me how a merger between two companies increases competition. I don’t quite get that. For example, imagine Google buying Bing and then buying Boom and Bang—all tiny little browsers. How does that increase competition? Who are we kidding? I don’t know how they justify that. I really don’t. (Paramount Skydance) will include two news networks, CBS News and CNN. Two major studios, Paramount and Warner Bros. and two subscription streaming services, Paramount+ and HBO Max.

“Now, the Justice Department said it’s not challenging the acquisition because it’s not likely to harm competition or American consumers. How is that possible? How does a merger create more competition? A merger consolidates … You have two companies that are basically doing the same thing and competing with each other, combining them makes the market less competitive. Explain that one to me. I don’t get it.” -Bill Handel

What Remains Unclear: Neither Paramount Skydance nor Warner Bros. Discovery has publicly responded to Handel’s criticism. It’s also unclear whether additional regulatory scrutiny could emerge before the transaction reaches its final stages.

What It Means: Handel’s comments reflect broader skepticism surrounding media consolidation and antitrust enforcement. As radio hosts continue discussing major industry transactions, debates over competition, consumer choice, and the growing concentration of media ownership are likely to remain front-and-center.

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.

Phil Becker Named CMG Radio VP Audience Content Growth

David Hill
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Phil Becker Named CMG Radio VP Audience Content Growth

Cox Media Group has named Phil Becker VP of Audience & Content Growth. He starts July 20 in a newly created role.

What We Know: Becker will lead CMG Radio’s audience growth strategy across broadcast, streaming, podcasting, social media, and emerging platforms. He’ll work closely with programming leaders and market managers. His focus includes expanding reach, strengthening content performance, and elevating on-air talent. Notably, Becker has served as a weekly columnist for Barrett Media since October 2025, with his final column set to appear on the site this Wednesday.

What They Said: CMG Radio President Rob Babin welcomed the hire enthusiastically. “Phil brings a strong and unique combination of audience expertise, content leadership, and a passion for developing talent,” Babin said. “His experience and audience-first approach will help strengthen our brands and position CMG Radio for continued growth.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s not yet known how this role will integrate with existing programming leadership. Furthermore, specific markets or brands targeted for early audience growth initiatives haven’t been identified. The reporting structure beyond Babin also remains undefined publicly.

What It Means: CMG Radio is making a deliberate bet on centralized audience strategy. Becker’s background at Alpha Media — overseeing content across 42 markets and 200-plus brands — gives him rare operational scale. Moreover, this hire signals that CMG views multi-platform growth as a C-suite priority.

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.

Elvis Duran Launches Podrophenia Podcast Company With Paul Heyman

David Hill
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Elvis Duran Launches Podrophenia Podcast Company With Paul Heyman

A new podcast and vodcast company called Podrophenia launched today in New York. The venture brings together broadcasting, entertainment, and production heavyweights under one roof.

What We Know: Podrophenia is a creator development company founded through a partnership between the Elvis Duran Group, Looking4Larry, and MCM Studios. Key players include Elvis Duran, WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, Emmy Award-winning producer Mitchell Stuart, and media entrepreneur Michael Canzoniero. The company operates out of MCM Studios’ Manhattan production facility. It offers premium production, show development, audience growth, marketing, and distribution services.

What They Said: “Podrophenia is the first studio specifically customized to the host’s personality and also the concept,” said Heyman. “We’re not just building a content hub for creators — we’re building a creator hub for the content.” That positioning signals a deliberate departure from the turnkey studio model currently dominating the space.

What Remains Unclear: Specific pricing, partnership terms, and creator acquisition strategies haven’t been publicly disclosed. The company announced original programming is coming, but only one show — Hello Randy, hosted by Randy Fenoli — has been confirmed. A premiere date and full distribution details remain pending.

What It Means: Podrophenia enters a crowded podcast market with a notable advantage — direct access to iHeartMedia’s massive audio ecosystem through Elvis Duran’s existing relationship. That connection gives the venture immediate distribution scale most startups can’t match. Still, execution will determine whether star power translates into sustainable creator success.

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.

Conor McGregor Teams With FOX Nation, Bare Knuckle Fighting For New Competition Series

John Mamola
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Conor McGregor Teams With FOX Nation, Bare Knuckle Fighting For New Competition Series

FOX Nation is entering the combat sports arena. The streamer has partnered with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and Conor McGregor for an original tournament series launching in the summer of 2027.

What We Know: FOX Nation announced a new competitive fight sport program entitled World’s Baddest Man. A documentary competition series will premiere on the network in summer 2027. McGregor, BKFC’s co-owner, hosts and stars as fighters battle through a bracket-style tournament. Additionally, the winner-take-all event carries an eight-figure prize pool. Kiss Fly Productions produces, with McGregor, David Feldman, and others serving as executive producers.

What They Said: Lauren Petterson, president of FOX Nation: “Conor McGregor is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports. We’re excited to partner with him on a bold new original series unlike any other. World’s Baddest Man combines premium documentary storytelling with world-class competition. Providing FOX Nation subscribers unprecedented access to unique athletes while showcasing the grit, determination and heart required to compete for one of the biggest prizes in combat sports.”

Conor McGregor: “BKFC has changed the game of combat sports. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with FOX Nation and unleash The World’s Baddest Man Tournament. This tournament will bring together the toughest fighters on the planet in a true test of heart, grit, and willpower, and I’m proud to be part of something that will set a new standard for what it means to be the baddest man in the world.”

What Remains Unclear: FOX Nation hasn’t released a specific premiere date. Also, full fighter roster remains unannounced, as does episode count.

What It Means: The deal signals FOX Nation’s push into scripted-style sports entertainment beyond news personalities. Moreover, McGregor’s star power could draw new subscribers curious about combat sports storytelling. Meanwhile, BKFC gains a major streaming showcase, extending its reach beyond traditional pay-per-view audiences. Earlier this month, FOX Nation presented an exclusive two-part documentary, UFC Fight House: The Making of the Biggest Fight in History surrounding the UFC’s event at the White House in June.

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.

The Hill, NewsNation Unveil Hill Nation Summit Speaker Lineup

Garrett Searight
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The Hill, NewsNation Unveil Hill Nation Summit Speaker Lineup

The Hill and NewsNation have revealed the speaker lineup for the second annual Hill Nation Summit. The bipartisan event returns to Washington on July 15 with prominent political leaders and policymakers.

What We Know: NewsNation and The Hill announced the full speaker roster for the second annual Hill Nation Summit, a day-long event designed to bring together influential voices from both major political parties. The July 15 gathering in Washington, D.C., will feature members of President Donald Trump’s administration, congressional leaders, and policy experts discussing many of the country’s biggest issues. Cabinet officials scheduled to appear include Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Housing & Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, and Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. Additionally, the event will include appearances from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters, and lawmakers from both parties, including Sens. John Fetterman, Ron Johnson, and Gary Peters.

What’s At Stake: Organizers hope to build on the inaugural summit’s momentum by creating another forum for bipartisan conversations during a politically charged environment. Topics will include artificial intelligence, health care, energy, the economy, and the nation’s fiscal outlook. Meanwhile, attendees will also receive a preview of The Hill Insider, the outlet’s upcoming premium digital subscription service, along with a live edition of the Whole Hog Politics podcast.

What Remains Unclear: The announcement doesn’t specify the discussion formats, whether additional speakers could join before the event, or if any major policy announcements are expected. Likewise, organizers haven’t detailed how much of the summit will be available to viewers beyond those attending in person.

What It Means: The Hill Nation Summit continues to strengthen the partnership between The Hill and NewsNation while expanding both brands’ presence in live political events. Furthermore, the lineup reflects an effort to attract high-profile government officials and lawmakers from both parties, giving the organizations another opportunity to generate news-making interviews ahead of a busy political season.

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.

Tony Reali: Goal Was To Invent His Next Job Following Around the Horn Cancelation

John Mamola
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Tony Reali: Goal Was To Invent His Next Job Following Around the Horn Cancelation

Tony Reali has a new home with iHeartMedia. The longtime ESPN host debuted Real Deal with Tony Reali on iHeartPodcasts Tuesday and discussed his path to the new venture following the cancelation of Around the Horn.

What We Know: Reali hosted ESPN’s Around the Horn for more than two decades before its cancelation. He also served as “Stat Boy” on Pardon the Interruption throughout that run. Today, iHeartPodcasts and his own Real Ones Media launched Real Deal with Tony Reali. New episodes will release weekly on Tuesdays across the iHeartRadio app and other platforms. In the debut episode, Reali opened up about his journey on a personal level following the cancelation of Around the Horn.

What They Said: (All quotes via Real Deal with Tony Reali)

Tony Reali on taking a step back following the end of Around the Horn on ESPN: “I worked on being still. Being still is something I’m still learning how to how to be. I thought I was going to be the type of person I said goodbye on one show, I’d be doing the next show the next day. Every fiber of my being wanted that to be the case too. This is when I decided to listen to other people in my life, and I’m so grateful I did.”

Tony Reali says he aimed to create his next show: “People are like, ‘Oh how’s the job search going?’ I wasn’t searching for a job, looking high and low for a job. What I was looking for was myself. I was looking for was how is the job invention going? I want to invent the next job. That’s how I was operating in my head, just knowing who I am as a person, as a tinkerer or creative.”

Tony Reali on battling the emotions of ending Around the Horn: “It was a challenge for someone like myself. It hurts to lose something you love. I wanted to sit in that for a little bit. Which is not to say I want in a masochistic way. Please hurt me, hurt me, hurt me. No, that’s not a good thing. But, it is a real thing. It’s a full thing, and I want to be honest to what those feelings are. I wanted to then kind of whittle that into something I could use going forward.”

What Remains Unclear: iHeartMedia hasn’t detailed episode length or confirmed a full guest lineup yet. It’s also unclear how closely Real Deal will echo any of Around the Horn’s debate format versus a looser conversational style. Reali’s own description in the release, calling it “more Tony… still Tony… and a new Tony,” suggests some blending either way.

What It Means: Real Deal marks Reali’s first venture since Around the Horn ended. Consequently, it signals a broader shift toward creator-led sports media beyond traditional television. Reali noted that he believes digital is the new frontier for sports content, and he spent time in between educating himself on the medium. Reali’s presence is an instant boost for iHeartPodcasts, landing an established, trusted voice adds credibility to its growing sports lineup. Ultimately, the launch tests whether legacy broadcast personalities can thrive in a giant pool of creator-led content options on digital.

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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