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SiriusXM VP Katie Vitt Identified As Casualty in Deadly Lake Tahoe Avalanche

BNM Staff
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SiriusXM VP Katie Vitt Identified As Casualty in Deadly Lake Tahoe Avalanche

Eight skiers were killed in an avalanche at Lake Tahoe, and the first identified body was a SiriusXM executive.

Katie Vitt was one of the eight skiers that was killed when an avalanche struck on Tuesday just north of Lake Tahoe.

Vitt served as the Vice President of Product Operations and Customer Success for the satellite radio company. She originally joined SiriusXM in 2021. Prior to joining the company, she worked for more than eight years in leadership roles at Pandora.

California authorities have yet to identify the others killed in the natural disaster. According to a report from the New York Post, a party of nine people — seven women and two men — between the ages of 30 and 55 were in the area when the avalanche was triggered.

Three of those killed were ski guides.

SiriusXM has yet to release a statement about the death of Vitt.

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.

Online Pokies in New Zealand: How Casino Review Platforms Evaluate Gaming Sites

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Online Pokies in New Zealand: How Casino Review Platforms Evaluate Gaming Sites

Pokies account for the largest share of the total gambling expenses in New Zealand every year.

According to the data published by DIA, the annual expenditure on all gambling activities in 2023/24 was $2,792 million. Pokies are a common format in both land-based and online casinos.  But where can users access them safely?

With so many online casinos available, the comparison isn’t easy for NZ players. The New Zealand iGaming market is highly fragmented, with offshore operators, varying standards, and limited local regulation — challenges that also affect visibility and trust across the sector, as outlined in this analysis of SEO challenges in the New Zealand iGaming market. Each of them offers a different library of pokies and its own bonuses. Analyzing them all would take a lot of time. And that’s what makes reviewing platforms so useful. They do the heavy lifting, identifying casinos with proper licenses. 

Disclaimer: This content is for audiences aged 18+, and is only for informational purposes. Gambling always comes with financial risk and may not be suitable for everyone. We encourage readers to engage responsibly and seek independent support if gambling becomes a concern. 

What NZ Online Casino Review Platforms Do

Detailed reviews aren’t opinions. Websites that create online casino reviews in New Zealand are standardizers. They create comparable categories, which help readers understand how different sites work in the same market. 

In practice, this takes collecting data about each website:

  • Licensing disclosures
  • Terms and conditions
  • Game availability
  • Payment options and process
  • Customer support
  • Availability of responsible gambling tools

Usually, the same frame is used to evaluate multiple casinos. This way, the readers can understand the differences without relying on subjective preferences. 

In New Zealand, online casinos operate under offshore licenses. Getting information about licenses is even more important in that case. Review platforms never guarantee safety or outcomes. They simply share facts about licenses and practices, which are relevant when players try to choose reliable sites. 

Factors that Online Casino Reviews Evaluate

Standardized reviews check the same things about each website they evaluate. Then, they inform you without any subjective recommendations. This is what they usually consider:

1. License and regulatory information

The license is the first thing a review informs about. Does the New Zealand casino clearly state what authority oversees its operations? The visibility of license numbers is a sign of credibility. These licensing authorities ensure proper player protection:

  • UK Gambling Commission
  • Malta Gaming Authority
  • Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner
  • Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
  • Curacao Gaming Control Board

2. Player protection and responsible gambling tools

A reliable online casino in New Zealand must offer self-exclusion options and deposit limits. The presence of responsible gambling information is crucial. Reviewing platforms evaluate how transparent and functional these tools are. 

3. Selection of New Zealand online pokies and other games

The size of the catalogue is certainly important for players who want versatility. Also, reviewing services check the software providers featured in an online casino. It’s important for players to access games developed in accordance with the RNG principle. 

The catalogue’s organization is also important. How easily can a player find the game they are looking for? An online casino in New Zealand should ensure simple navigation and effective game filtering. 

4. Fairness and RTP transparency

Online casinos should be transparent about the games’ return-to-player rates. This information should be clearly presented on the website. Reviewing services evaluate these details and compare them between casino sites. 

5. Bonuses and their terms

It seems easy to compare bonuses between websites: which one will give more free credits on a player’s first deposit? In reality, the comparison is much more complex. Players often skip reading the fine print, and that’s why many misunderstandings occur. 

Each bonus comes with playthrough requirements, maximum bet caps, and time constraints. These factors determine how fair a bonus is to the player. Online casino reviews inform players about every term associated with promotions.   

6. Payment methods and withdrawal procedures

It’s important for NZ players to understand what deposit and withdrawal methods a particular site offers. They also need to be informed about ID verification and withdrawal processing times. When this information comes through comparative reviews, they don’t have to check several websites to find the most convenient one.

7. User interface

Not all online casinos are user-friendly. First of all, the details about player protection, terms and conditions, and licensing should be visible right away. Online reviewers also check the site’s mobile compatibility. 

8. Customer support

How available is the support system? Reviewers check if they can get responses 24/7 through live chat, email, and phone. The FAQ sections also make a difference, since they give answers to the most common issues. 

9. User feedback

If there are any repeated complaints or reported issues, potential users should know about them.

Reviewing platforms analyze the public opinion for an online casino to offer an honest evaluation. They search for issues related to payouts and account access, or prolonged ID verification. 

Online casino reviews are helpful, but players have full responsibility

Review platforms that don’t promote specific casinos are helpful with their unbiased evaluation. They have a structured approach, which checks the license, transparency, game offer, and customer support. When multiple sites are reviewed with the same system, users can compare them and choose one that best meets their needs. 

Marcellus Wiley: ESPN Has Diminished the Presence of ‘Inside the NBA’

BSM Staff
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Marcellus Wiley: ESPN Has Diminished the Presence of ‘Inside the NBA’

Marcellus Wiley believes the presentation and scheduling of Inside the NBA this season have chipped away at the show’s cultural impact. On Wednesday, he argued on his YouTube program that subtle structural shifts have altered how basketball fans engage with one of television’s most decorated studio franchises.

Speaking on the Marcellus Wiley Show, the former ESPN commentator said the changes surrounding Inside the NBA cannot simply be dismissed as coincidence.

“There’s no way around the fact that there are too many coincidences occurring,” Wiley said, suggesting that the expansion of distribution partners and streaming platforms has unintentionally diluted the show’s presence. “Say what you want. I don’t know if it’s because it’s other partners involved, other streams, platforms. The NBA is splattered everywhere now, but they have diminished the presence of Inside the NBA.”

Wiley framed his critique less as an attack on the show’s talent — long anchored by Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and host Ernie Johnson — and more as a commentary on ecosystem changes around it. According to Wiley, erosion does not always arrive through direct confrontation or obvious decline. Instead, he described it as something more subtle and strategic.

“It’s not the same,” Wiley said. “There’s a lot of ways to bring you down. Not always I got to jump on your back. I could play with your feet or could just put something down where you trip over yourself. I can make you go the wrong direction. It’s a lot of ways to get you out of the public eye.”

In Wiley’s estimation, audience habits once worked in the show’s favor. For years, viewers watching games on TNT would naturally remain on the network as the studio crew followed the final buzzer, creating a built-in transition that reinforced appointment viewing.

That flow, he said, helped cement Inside the NBA as a destination rather than a secondary option.

“Before Inside the NBA, no matter what you were watching. You were either on TNT already watching it, and then you like good, it’s coming right now. Or you like this game almost over, go right there,” Wiley said. “They have messed with our habits. This all you got to do.”

Although Wiley did not name specific executives, his comments pointed to broader decision-making. He suggested scheduling shifts and corporate strategy can shape viewer behavior. That influence becomes more pronounced as ESPN recalibrates its NBA coverage.

In a fragmented media environment where viewers toggle between linear broadcasts, streaming platforms and social clips, even minor adjustments to timing and placement can reshape engagement patterns.

For Wiley, the concern is not that Inside the NBA has lost its talent or credibility, but that incremental shifts in presentation may gradually soften its dominance. Inside the NBA will return Friday with five dates remaining in February. The program has only aired nine times since the start of the 2025-2026 season in October.

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.

Jason La Canfora Out At 105.7 The Fan Baltimore

BSM Staff
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Jason La Canfora Out At 105.7 The Fan Baltimore

Jason La Canfora is no longer part of the weekday lineup at 105.7 The Fan, ending a five-year run on one of Baltimore’s most recognizable afternoon sports programs and creating immediate speculation about the station’s direction in a competitive local market.

Barrett Media confirmed the news with La Canfora earlier Thursday. His name and likeness has been removed from the stations website with Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace remaining in the timeslot.

“There were no specifics given. My program director had just held a meeting with us on Friday to talk about being number one in all the weeklies for February,” wrote La Canfora to Barrett Media. “We had the the best YouTube numbers at the station. They wanted to make sure I could make events they had coming up. All the station manager would say was that they were going in a different direction.”

La Canfora co-hosted Inside Access from 2-6 p.m. since 2020. Audacy nor the station have not provided additional details regarding the decision. The news comes a month following brand manager Scott Jameson announcing that he would also be departing the station after a year of service.

La Canfora joined 105.7 The Fan after building a national reputation as an NFL insider with The Washington Post, NFL Network and CBS Sports. A Baltimore native, he brought league-wide reporting experience and a strong point of view to a market that thrives on passionate debate, particularly when it comes to the Ravens and Orioles.

During his tenure on Inside Access, La Canfora also launched his sports betting podcast Wanna Bet, a podcast inspired by growing up around bookies. La Canfora shared with Barrett Media last month that after consulting advisors and discussing the idea with Audacy, the project launched last year with co-host and station producer Ben Hall.

La Canfora released an episode earlier on Thursday but did not mention anything of his departure from 105.7 The Fan on the episode.

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.

Jim Kerr Inks Extension with Q104.3

BMM Staff
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Jim Kerr Inks Extension with Q104.3

The Jim Kerr Morning Show isn’t going anywhere, as the Q104.3 morning host has inked a five-year extension.

The Radio Hall of Famer has been with the station since 2002.

“I’m so very lucky, my entire adult life, I’ve been able to do what I dreamt about doing as a little kid listening to the radio on top of the refrigerator before school,” said Kerr. “I decided then that I wanted to be that man on the radio in the morning.

“So every day, I get up, I come to work, and I spend time with my friends but also, most importantly, I spend time with my friends who are in their cars, or their trucks, or an Uber, or a taxi, or at the gym, or at their workplace, or at home in the kitchen, like I was,” Kerr continued. “In 1975, in Newsday, I said, ‘People think I’m crazy, but I really believe I have half a million friends.’ I still believe that! Every morning, I feel fortunate to do something that I love, with all of my friends.”

Kerr has worked in New York radio for more than 50 years, hosting morning drive on six stations during his tenure.

“Jim Kerr and I were young radio guys together in the 1970s, and we’ve been friends ever since; today, Jim is legendary as the longest-running morning radio personality in New York City history,” said iHeartMedia CEO and Chairman Bob Pittman. “We’re pleased and proud that he is staying with us at Q104.3, extending his deep bond with his audience as an iconic voice of New York City. Jim has made an indelible impact on this city, on our industry, and in the lives of Q104.3 listeners as a trusted voice and friend to millions of New Yorkers for almost 52 years, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to call iHeart and Q104.3 home.”

“Jim Kerr is synonymous with New York radio. His passion, his connection with listeners, and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a true icon,” said iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Programming Thea Mitchem. “We’re proud to continue this incredible partnership and excited for what the next five years will bring to Q104.3 and to New Yorkers who wake up with Jim every morning.”

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.

Daytona 500 Viewership Best Since 2023, up 11% From Last Year on FOX Sports

BSM Staff
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Daytona 500 Viewership Best Since 2023, up 11% From Last Year on FOX Sports

FOX Sports opened the 2026 NASCAR season with a sizable audience surge, as 7,489,000 viewers tuned in Sunday to watch the Daytona 500, marking an 11% increase compared to last year’s race, which drew 6,761,000.

The average audience of 7,489,000 made this year’s edition of the “Great American Race” the most-watched Daytona 500 since 2023, when the event reached 8,173,000 viewers.

For NASCAR and its lead broadcast partner, that rebound provides a meaningful early-season headline at a time when live sports properties face growing competition from streaming platforms and on-demand viewing habits.

Viewership peaked at 9,154,000 during the 5:30-5:45 p.m. ET quarter hour on FOX, as fans watched Tyler Reddick secure the victory in the sport’s signature event. The late-race surge underscores a consistent trend in live sports consumption: audiences build toward the finish, particularly when championship implications or dramatic conclusions remain in doubt.

Beyond the year-over-year increase, FOX Sports also reported that the Daytona 500 outdrew every non-prime-time Winter Olympics window across broadcast and cable television. That comparison carries weight, given the Olympics’ traditional daytime dominance and broad promotional reach across multiple networks.

By outperforming those windows, NASCAR’s season opener demonstrated its continued ability to command national attention, even against global competition.

Additionally, FOX led all broadcast and cable networks in total viewership during the race window from 2:15 p.m. through 5:45 p.m. ET. In a crowded Sunday sports environment that often includes NBA All-Star Game action, college basketball and other live programming, finishing first across television platforms highlights the event’s drawing power and the advantage of placing a marquee property on a broadcast network.

Historically, the Daytona 500 has functioned as both a celebration of tradition and a launching pad for new storylines. When viewership trends upward in that environment, it suggests renewed interest that extends beyond core fans and into more casual audiences drawn by the spectacle.

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.

Fox News Sets State of the Union Coverage Plans

BNM Staff
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Fox News Sets State of the Union Coverage Plans

Fox News has announced its coverage plans for President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address next week.

The network’s coverage will begin at 8:50 PM ET, with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum anchoring. The broadcast will include contributions from Dana Perino, Harold Ford Jr., Laura Ingraham, Brit Hume, and Larry Kudlow.

Meanwhile, correspondents Jacqui Heinrich and Bill Melugin will be live from the White House and Capitol, respectively.

Beginning at 11 PM ET, Sean Hannity will host a special edition of Hannity live from the Capitol. That special one-hour episode will be followed by Fox News @ Night with Trace Gallagher from 12-1 AM ET.

Fox Business Network will simulcast the Fox News coverage beginning at 9 PM ET.

On the FOX broadcast network, Shannon Bream will anchor coverage beginning at 9 PM ET. Peter Doocy and Chad Pergram will provide reporting for that broadcast.

Furthermore, Fox News Radio will present live coverage of the President’s address. That coverage will begin at 8 PM ET, with Jared Halpern and Jessica Rosenthal anchoring the network’s coverage. Fox News Headlines 24/7 on SiriusXM will also provide continuous updates.

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 O’Reilly Urges Stephen A. Smith to Run for President

BNM Staff
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Bill O’Reilly Urges Stephen A. Smith to Run for President

Stephen A. Smith hasn’t ruled out running for President in 2028. Bill O’Reilly is egging him on to take on the challenge.

While appearing on NewsNation’s Cuomo, O’Reilly told Smith it was something he should legitimately explore.

“I think he should run,” O’Reilly said. “And I’m being serious now. (Donald) Trump opened the door for you. You should send Trump a big bouquet of flowers.”

While admitting that Stephen A. Smith was unlikely to win in 2028, Bill O’Reilly posited that the ESPN and SiriusXM host would be a force on the debate stage for one reason.

“You’re exposing the charlatans, which would be an amazing historical achievement,” he shared.

The two shared a laugh before O’Reilly stated that it’s likely ESPN wouldn’t welcome the run.

“You don’t have to win. You can go back to the dopey show anytime,” he remarked. “They don’t have anybody to replace you.”

That led Stephen A. Smith to get serious about the topic.

“Bill, I don’t play to lose,” he said. “If I decide to run, it’s because I intend to win. It ain’t to make noise just to expose the charlatans. It’s to win. And if I decide to do it, I’m telling you I intend to win. Make no mistake about it. I won’t do it unless I believe I have a legitimate shot to win the presidency.”

O’Reilly concluded by stating that “If you don’t win, it’s still a win,” before jokingly offering to run as Smith’s vice presidential candidate.

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ESPN to Replace Sunday Night Baseball with Women’s Sports Sundays

BSM Staff
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ESPN to Replace Sunday Night Baseball with Women’s Sports Sundays

With ESPN losing its Sunday Night Baseball package, it has announced it will debut a new primetime franchise labeled as Women’s Sports Sundays.

ESPN announced it will feature top-tier WNBA and NWSL games in the window.

“Women’s sports are experiencing continued momentum, and Women’s Sports Sundays is ESPN’s next step in meeting that demand,” said ESPN Executive Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions Rosalyn Durant.

“This franchise is about more than showcasing games — it’s about building a consistent, high-profile destination that reflects the passion, excellence and cultural impact of women’s sports today, while giving athletes and leagues the stage they deserve.”

Across nine consecutive weeks and 12 different games, ESPN will deliver women’s sports matchups, providing what it labeled as “the biggest moments, rivalries and stars across women’s sports on ESPN networks in premium windows.”

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40 Congressional Republicans Urge FCC to Not Allow Nexstar/TEGNA Merger ‘Without Proper Review’

BNM Staff
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40 Congressional Republicans Urge FCC to Not Allow Nexstar/TEGNA Merger ‘Without Proper Review’

After comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr supporting the deal between TEGNA and Nexstar Media Group, Congressional Republicans are urging the commission to do a full review before approving the merger.

On Wednesday, Carr signaled his support for the deal.

“I support that transaction. We’re going to be moving forward,” he told reporters.

The comments from Carr come after President Donald Trump also backed the merger earlier this month.

On Wednesday, Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) authored a letter to the Carr, co-signed by 32 other Congressional Republicans, sharing their stance that the transaction needs more investigation before being approved by the FCC.

“Broadcast licenses are intended to serve local communities and the public interest, something that
should be key to the Commission’s decision-making process,” the letter reads. Congress established the 39 percent National TV Ownership Cap of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and reaffirmed this limit in 2004. President Reagan first instituted the Cap to protect local market television and news from being owned and coordinated by major networks. Multiple studies show that Americans get most of their community news from local TV stations, even more so with the decline of local newspapers, making these protections more important.

“Accordingly, we respectfully urge the full Commission to undertake a thorough, data-driven, and transparent review of any proposal to increase the National Ownership Cap,” the letter continues. “Such a review should evaluate impacts on local news production, advertising markets, retransmission consent fees, consumer costs, and viewpoint diversity. Given Congress’s clear statutory role, any reconsideration should be approached with deliberation and deference to that framework. We appreciate your attention to this important matter.”

With the 33 Congressional Republicans co-signing the letter, that now brings at least 40 members of Congress from the party that have publicly expressed hesitancy in approving the deal.

Should the merger receive FCC approval, Nexstar Media Group would add 64 stations from TEGNA to its already existing stable of 200 stations. That means the company could reach more than 80% of all U.S. households, well surpassing the current limit of 39%.

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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