The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is approaching, and a pair of new studies reveal that radio listeners of March Madness are much more passionate than television viewers, and are also more likely to make major purchases.
Westwood One, the radio distributor of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, detailed the findings earlier this week.
71% of respondents to the survey claim that they are “extremely/very passionate” about NCAA basketball, while only 42% of television viewers responded accordingly.
On average, March Madness fans are consuming the tournament on nearly 3.5 different platforms between television, streaming apps, radio, and the internet, while 59% of people in the 18-34 demographic will listen to the tournament on Westwood One.
March Madness listeners are also more likely to participate in fantasy sports leagues and are also 45% more likely to bet on sports, as well.
But when it comes to making larger purchases, radio listeners were far and away more likely to buy or lease a new or pre-owned vehicle, buy a new television, smartphone, tablet, or computer, and were significantly more likely to buy a home, refinance their home mortgage, undergo a home renovation, and more likely to switch auto insurance providers.
A study from Nielsen Scarborough also details the average demographic of the NCAA Tournament listener is younger, more likely to be employed full-time, has 1 or more children in their home, and has a high median household income than those who watch the event on television.
The first year for Greg Olsen in FOX’s top NFL booth was met with wide acclaim. Many fans and colleagues praised his ability to explain what was going on without getting in the way of the action. 105.3 The Fan’s Shan Shariff wasn’t among those that were impressed.
On Tuesday’s edition of Shan & RJ, Shariff didn’t have anything bad to say about Olsen. He simply noted that he does not expect the honeymoon to last forever for him.
“Now look, Greg Olsen is not spectacular,” the Dallas radio host said. “He’s just new and he’s solid. There’s nothing like magical about Greg Olsen. He’s winning by default.”
Solid is all any NFL fan wants right now. Shariff ran down the list of top broadcasters on other networks. He pointed out that each one has an obvious flaw.
“Romo we’re tired of. He’s annoying. Collinsworth is arrogant. Aikman, Choppy still thinks is old school. And Herbstreit is a snooze. So, I think Olsen is winning by default.”
Greg Olsen will spend at least one more season in FOX’s top booth. While the plan is for Brady to eventually partner with Kevin Burkhardt, the GOAT has said that will not happen in 2023. When it does, it remains to be seen whether or not Brady comes in as a third voice on the broadcast or if Olsen is reassigned.
If that means Super Bowl LVII is the only one that Olsen will work, Shariff said that the former tight end may be better for it.
“He’s good. He’s very very solid. We’ll turn on him eventually, too.”
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will debut a new Sunday show on MSNBC next month.
Inside With Jen Psaki will debut on the cable news channel on Sunday, March 19th. The program will air each Sunday at Noon ET, according to a report from The New York Times.
The timeslot was previously anchored by Alex Witt, who will continue to host on the network on Saturdays from 12:00-2:00 PM ET. Witt will host from 1:00-2:00 PM ET on Sundays after Psaki’s addition.
Psaki has clashed with the Biden Administration after critical comments in the past but has also been the subject of conservative commentators for a perceived bias. She says she’ll be an impartial observer.
“I am not going on television to be a mouthpiece,” Psaki told The Times. “I’m very conscious of the fact that people know who I am because I was standing behind a podium speaking on behalf of Joe Biden.
“I am not going to gratuitously attack him, nor am I going to gratuitously applaud him,” she added. “If he deserves applause, I will applaud him. If he deserves critique, I will critique him.”
The new show will feature “policy and political discussions”, as well as “human-interest profiles of politicians, celebrities, and athletes”.
A recent comment by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) that the United States should “divorce” based on political ideology caught the ire of podcaster Keith Olbermann, who believes Taylor Greene’s comments come after she was fed a “steady diet of Fox News”.
“What we saw here was one of those moments when somebody has simply had too much Fox News pumped into them over the years. And they suddenly explode with a resounding fatal salvo of imbecility,” Olbermann said during his podcast Tuesday.
He then turned his attention to the development that Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (D-CA) has given security footage from the January 6th insurrection to Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and only to Carlson.
“It is time for us — as a country — to address the danger Fox News represents, to act swiftly and decisively against Fox News, to deplatform it, and to — in fact — destroy it,” said Olbermann. “McCarthy has given it to Carlson exclusively, and McCarthy has done so without consultation with House colleagues, without hearings, without any authority other than believing since the January 6th Committee was run by the House of Representatives, all footage that committee obtained and did not release is his to do with as he pleases…and McCarthy might as well as handed it to the Russian Ambassador to the United States.”
The former cable news host then turned his attention toward Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“Tucker Carlson is probably not an actual Russian asset. He is probably doing their work as a hobby. But he might as well be one. He is not loyal to this country or any aspect of how it is governed. He does not approve of how its leaders are elected, he has no interest in making sure that money and power cannot crush the weak at every turn.
“There is no concept to Tucker Carlson of truth, nor law, nor of decency. There is one touchstone only: How much can Tucker Carlson get away with? Tucker Carlson is loyal to only one thing: Tucker Carlson. He is dedicated to only one thing: The vendetta he has had against liberals, in particular, but honestly against America in general since he was fired first by CNN, then by PBS, then by MSNBC, and then when he was first marginalized by Fox News before it finally gave him the power he demanded of it in 2016.”
Tony Massarotti did not intend to offend anyone, but he acknowledges that he did. He says he did not mean to play on stereotypes about Black men for a joke on Friday but understands that it came off that way. On Monday, he offered an apology.
Mike Felger was on a remote broadcast on Friday. On the NBC Sports Boston simulcast of Felger & Mazz, two Black men could be seen sitting behind Felger in the room he was in.
“Okay, so I would be careful if I were you,” Massarotti said. “Because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.”
On Monday, Felger brought up the incident and acknowledged that plenty of people were upset with Massarotti. Massarotti insisted that it was a joke delivered inartfully and he did not intend to suggest that the men were dangerous simply because they were Black.
He also said that he does not expect everyone to believe that.
“I owe everyone an apology. It’s not who I am, it’s not who we are,” he said. “I can tell you that until I’m blue in the face. Those of you who know me will believe it. Those of you who don’t, won’t, and you probably shouldn’t. If I saw and heard what you did, I would feel the same way. And you have a right to be upset. The only thing I can really do is apologize for it. Again, when we’re talking about these sorts of issues, there is a line somewhere, and I can assure you I stand on the right side of it. But, again, that doesn’t excuse what I said or did on Friday.”
Tony Massarotti fought back tears insisting that he is “on the right side” when it comes to social and racial equality.
He added that he had intended the joke to be at Felger’s expense. He is sorry it did not sound that way and acknowledged that was because of what he said, not what the audience heard.
“All I can tell you is it’s not who I am. Got a little silly and stupid at the end of the show, trying to be a wise-ass like I often am. And, it just came out wrong. And I wish I could give you a better answer than that because we’re in a business where we should be careful about what we say and how we say it. And, I wasn’t.”
In addition to apologizing to the audience, he also apologized to his colleagues at 98.5 The Sports Hub for dragging them into the bad press.
After missing four days, Don Lemon will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday.
Last week, Lemon called 51-year-old 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley “past her prime”. Haley labeled the remarks sexist, while others have accused Lemon of being ageist, sexist, and “tone-deaf”.
In a memo to CNN employees late Monday, CEO Chris Licht said he has spoken to Lemon about the seriousness of his comments.
“I sat down with Don and had a frank and meaningful conversation. He has agreed to participate in formal training, as well as continuing to listen and learn. We take this situation very seriously.
“It is important to me that CNN balances accountability with fostering a culture in which people can own, learn and grow from their mistakes. To that end, Don will return to CNN This Morning on Wednesday.”
Lemon apologized last week for his comments — both publicly and privately to CNN staffers — saying “I’m sorry that I said it. And I certainly see why people found it completely misguided.”
The 56-year-old morning host was previously scheduled to miss Friday’s show but was absent on Monday. The Daily Beast reported Lemon had been “benched” for Monday’s show, which CNN subsequently denied. Lemon was also absent from CNN This Morning on Tuesday.
Former San Antonio businessman Red McCombs, the co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, died Sunday at the age of 95.
McCombs founded Clear Channel Communications in 1972 –then known as San Antonio Broadcasting Company — with Lowry Mays, who died in September of last year. Clear Channel — now known as iHeartMedia — grew to unparalleled heights after the founding by Mays and McCombs.
“Red was a visionary entrepreneur who touched many lives and impacted our community in immeasurable ways,” a statement from the McCombs family said. “But to us, he was always, first and foremost, ‘Dad’ or ‘Poppop.’ We mourn the loss of a Texas icon.”
McCombs was a professional sports franchise owner. He purchased the San Antonio Spurs on two separate occasions, and also owned the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Nuggets.
In addition to his broadcasting and professional sports ownership, McCombs began his career as a car salesman, eventually growing his portfolio to more than 50 dealerships.
A noted philanthropist, McCombs once said “The joy of giving never ceased to amaze me”. He donated $30 million to the M.D. Anderson Hospital at the University of Texas and the business school at the University was renamed in his honor after an additional $50 million donation.
Former Major League Baseball star Curt Schilling is joining OutKick for a new baseball show, beginning later this week.
The Curt Schilling Baseball Show will debut on Friday, February 24th on the conservative sports outlet, according to a report from Front Office Sports.
“I’m excited to be teaming with a group of motivated, focused people, who are intent on making OutKick a leader and most excited to talk baseball, and only baseball,” said Schilling in a statement. “After meeting the team and the opportunity to get back to the sport I love and focus only on that was too appealing to pass up.”
The three-time World Series-winning pitcher has been an outspoken supporter of conservative politicians and claimed he was fired from ESPN after an eight-year tenure for his political beliefs.
OutKick, the conservative sports outlet founded by Clay Travis before being sold to FOX in 2021, welcomed the opportunity to team with Schilling.
“OutKick is, and will always be, the strongest proponent for smart, original, funny, and authentic voices in all of sports,” said Travis. “Unlike the pathetic losers at ESPN, we don’t believe in cancel culture, and we never will.”
Travis has a history of bringing former ESPN employees to his digital outlet. He previously partnered with Jason Whitlock until the pair’s financial disagreement ended the relationship in 2021. Former ESPN basketball analyst Dan Dakich also hosts a daily digital video show for OutKick.
The NHL held its annual Stadium Series game over the weekend between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes, putting the city of Raleigh and the Canes’ fanbase in a unique national spotlight.
While it wasn’t the largest crowd ever to witness an outdoor pro hockey game, 56,961 fans packed Carter-Finley Stadium and got their money’s worth as Carolina beat Washington 4-1.
For the radio broadcast crews for both teams, the Stadium Series offered them a unique vantage point to call the game – rinkside seats.
John Walton has been the Caps radio play-by-play voice since 2011. Having called Washington’s appearance in the 2015 Winter Classic and the 2018 Stadium Series, Walton said the outdoor games are truly a memorable experience and a nice pick-me-up from the sometimes monotonous grind of an NHL season.
“I think it’s a nice mid-season event in the middle of 82 games and the sleep deprivation, you don’t know what day it is – you’re home or you’re not home – these are the ones you remember forever,” Walton told BSM Friday at Carter-Finley Stadium. “I think that’s what makes these special. You may not remember a random Tuesday game at home against Florida, but you’re gonna remember this because of all that goes into it.”
“I didn’t really envision ever doing the outdoor stuff, but it’s a great thing to be a part of,” he added.
Joining Walton and his broadcast partner Ken Sabourin in Raleigh for the game was studio host Ben Raby and broadcast producer Mike Callow. Walton said getting the chance to have the whole crew on site made it an even more special touch.
Courtesy Jordan Bonderant
“They don’t travel as much as we do, so it’s fun for them,” he said. “And it’s fun to get barbecue and go out as a staff and do a road game together. It’s a rare opportunity, and we don’t get to do that very much. So we’re certainly glad to have them here too.”
Raby, who has been with the Caps since 2009 and was part of the broadcast for Washington’s first outdoor game at the 2011 Winter Classic, said being included in and attending these special events are what you work for.
“You do this a decade plus as I have, obviously the pinnacle is being able to work broadcasts,” Raby said. “These are bucket list items if you cover the league, if you work around the league, if you work for a team or with a team, these are showcase events.”
The Hurricanes don’t have a separate radio team, so the TV broadcast on Bally Sports is simulcast on the team’s flagship station 99.9 The Fan.
Mike Maniscalco has been the voice of the Hurricanes since taking over for John Forslund during the 2020 COVID bubble. He was a rinkside reporter for the team’s TV broadcasts for three seasons before that. He said he was pumped for the chance to be a part of a monumental moment in Canes history.
“For me, it’s been like Christmas this week leading up to it,” Maniscalco said. “I’m very excited about it. I want to do not just a normal call because this is a special game. And for the people listening you want to bring them into Carter-Finley Stadium if they can’t be there. This is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of or broadcasted before. The little kid in me and then the broadcast nerd in me are having a field day. It’s incredible.”
Knowing he would be radio-only for the game, Maniscalco added that he knew he would have to change how he calls the action.
“The call changes dramatically from when you have the picture backing it up to when it’s just your words,” he said. “You have to be far more directional – right to left, near boards, far boards – it’s funny in TV you’re told less, less. Say less. You said four words when you should’ve said two. You’re always trying to cut because people can see what’s going on.”
“You’re charged with painting the picture of what’s out there,” Maniscalco added. “And to me I absolutely do love that because radio play-by-play was what I did coming up at any opportunity I could.”
Maniscalco added that when it comes to being that close compared to having a bird’s eye view of all the action for a normal broadcast, there could be a little issue tracking the puck in corners of the rink. But just having the opportunity to be able to reach out and touch the glass for the game makes up for any little issues.
“Any challenge that comes with being that close is far surpassed by the whole experience and the pluses of being able to have the game right in front of you at that pace and that point,” he said.
Mike was joined by analyst Tripp Tracy on the call. Maniscalco spoke glowingly of his broadcast partner, saying he’s been a huge help in the two-and-a-half years they’ve been working together. He said originally they developed a system where if Tripp needed to interject, he’d tap him on the shoulder or point.
Courtesy Jordan Bondurant
But now the two just kind of know when the other wants to say something.
“You get all those gestures out, and now we’ve gotten to the point we don’t even need the tap or the point because we have that rhythm and he knows when to have fun,” Maniscalco said. “He knows when to get serious and for me that makes my job very easy because I don’t have to create something that isn’t there. You follow the lead and go from there.”
Like a lot of other hockey broadcasters, Maniscalco has had dreams of being on the call for playoff and Stanley Cup Final games. The Stadium Series, as unique as it is, is an added treat.
“Nothing in your mind is like, yeah I’m gonna call a game with 60,000 people outside,” he said. “Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think yeah I’m gonna be rinkside calling a Stadium Series game.”
Mike said he spoke to Dallas Stars broadcaster Josh Bogorad ahead of this past weekend asking for any advice. The Stars also don’t have a dedicated radio play-by-play team, and Bogorad was on the radio broadcast for the 2020 Winter Classic between the Stars and Nashville Predators at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Maniscalco said Bogorad texted him to enjoy it and live in the moment.
“I’m just gonna look around and do my best to soak it all in because I’m quite sure that this opportunity – the first one here and how the fanbase has wanted it – you won’t have this again in this kind of excitement to it,” Maniscalco said.
Joe Ovies, who hosts The OG with Joe Giglio on 99.9 The Fan, broadcasted live from the fan fest next door to Carter-Finley Stadium on game day. He told BSM that whatever preconceived notions the broader public or hockey world had about Raleigh as a hockey market were put to bed over the course of the weekend.
“You could just feel the excitement in the air all week,” Ovies said. “No other professional sports team in the state of North Carolina has galvanized a fanbase like the Hurricanes. There’s a reason why tickets for this game sold out as quickly as they did.”
The whole week of events went off without a hitch. The only issue came on game day when traffic backed up on the highways and inroads to the Carter-Finley Stadium/PNC Arena complex. But Ovies said if that was the only real glaring issue, then you know the Stadium Series was done right.
“I think you can see that the fans were hungry for this game,” Ovies said. “The atmosphere in and around the stadium made it clear that this week meant a great deal to everyone.”
Maniscalco echoed a point Ovies made about the idea of holding a game at N.C. State’s football stadium at one point seemed like a joke. But with the Canes having turned things around over the last several seasons and proven to be a contender in the Eastern Conference, it’s awesome that the fans showed up and showed out for the Stadium Series.
“I don’t think anybody envisioned that there would be 57,000 people at a Carolina Hurricanes game. Let alone that we’re gonna take it outdoors,” Maniscalco said. “People didn’t grow up playing hockey on the frozen rink in the backyard down here the way that others in hockey weather markets can.”
New York radio station 77 WABC has announced that Emmy Award-winning journalist Rita Cosby will be joining owner John Catsimatidis as co-host of the newly renamed “Cats & Cosby” program, airing daily from 5 to 6 pm. Cosby will also occasionally join Catsimatidis on his nationally syndicated Sunday morning show, “The Cats Roundtable.”
Cosby has an impressive track record in journalism, having received seven Gracie Awards and being named Most Influential Woman Legend of the Year in Radio. Over the course of her career, she has interviewed more than thirty world leaders, including seven US Presidents, and numerous headliners from all walks of life.
Catsimatidis expressed his admiration for Cosby’s journalistic skills, saying, “she knows how to ask the right questions so that we can find and reveal the truth in every story. She’s a tremendous broadcaster and I’m delighted she is joining me.”
Cosby, who has her own top-rated nationally syndicated show on 77 WABC, expressed her excitement to be working with Catsimatidis. She said, “This fast-paced show will look at all sides of the stories that have a great impact on New Yorkers, our country, and the world. It’s a journalist’s dream to join John and his great team.”
Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC, praised the new show’s potential to engage listeners and provide opportunities for advertisers to reach a vast audience. ‘Cats & Cosby’ “will offer a fresh dynamic, as both hosts are passionate about finding the truth and exploring all sides of the issues that matter most to their audience.”
