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Chris Russo: Never Thought I’d Have Much Impact on First Take

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Chris Russo: Never Thought I’d Have Much Impact on First Take

With Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo being on First Take with Stephen A Smith every Wednesday morning, it allows a new audience to get to watch him that may not have had the chance to listen to him when he co-hosted Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN with Mike Francesa and he has enjoyed the chance to have other people get to know him.

Russo was a guest on the latest episode of the New York, New York with John Jastremski podcast and he said that even he has been surprised about the attention he has received from being on First Take.

“They are getting to know me. I am appealing to a different audience, which I hadn’t had in the past….I knew I could do well with it, but I never thought that I would have the impact with the one day a week with Stephen A. so that’s been a big plus for me.”

While Russo doesn’t get the chance to go on many 15-minute monologues anymore, he mentioned to Jastremski that he does not feel rushed on the show and that Smith allows him the opportunity to do whatever he wants to do.

”No, you are talking soundbites moreso than expound. You’ve got 2-3 other guys on set with you so you want to make sure they get a chance to talk, too. It’s not an adjustment. I can talk in that 15 seconds and give you an answer there or I can do 5-6 minutes, god given the way my mind clicks.

“One thing about Stephen A, he does give you the chance to do what you want to do. When I do that segment called ‘What Are You Mad About?’, it’s just me, so I’ve got 7-8 minutes to do anything I want, 3-4 different topics.

“I really haven’t had any adjustment getting used to the medium and the camera. Got to be a little more careful of what you say. If you make an error there, your career is over. Not as much on the radio, you can get around it…If you make a mistake on the radio, people might not pick up on it, it doesn’t go viral. If you do it on TV, you are dead. So for the most part, I’ve been able to stay out of trouble. That’s the one thing I concern myself with. I kind of edit myself as we go along.”

Right before Francesa was supposed to be on First Take with Russo and Smith back on February 1, Tom Brady announced that he was retiring. Russo said that the show did have to change a little bit from its original format, but it did give the show a main topic to talk about.

“We obviously already had a show formatted properly for a little more Mike and the Mad Dog. Once Brady happens at 8, we are on at 10, you’ve got to spend a lot of time on Brady. Partly it was good because it gave us something to talk about, break down the quarterbacks Montana/Brady, but it took away a little from the Mike and the Mad Dog thing. You also had to do it twice. You had to do it at 10 and then you had to do it again at 11.”

President Biden Calls NBC News Reporter After ‘Chaotic’ Press Conference

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President Biden Calls NBC News Reporter After ‘Chaotic’ Press Conference

NBC News chief White House correspondent Peter Alexander received a phone call from President Biden after a question and answer session turned “chaotic”.

Alexander tweeted that the President called him on his personal cell phone to answer questions after the press conference was cut short due to reporters shouting over one another to ask the President questions.

Biden was answering questions about the supposed Chinese spy balloons shot down off the coast of South Carolina and others US intelligence agencies had been monitoring.

After finishing his comments, reporters began asking questions. Alexander tried to ask about criticism over the government’s handling of the situation, but another reporter began shouting that the President’s answer was compromised due to his family’s alleged business dealings with China.

“Give me a break, man,” Biden told the reporter before telling Alexander “You can come to my office and ask the question. We’ll have more polite people,” before exiting the press conference.

“Following his remarks on the aerial objects, (Biden) called my cell phone to answer my questions that he could not hear because other reporters were shouting,” Alexander tweeted.

Paramount+ Adds Nearly 10 Million Subscribers During NFL Season

BSM Staff
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Paramount+ Adds Nearly 10 Million Subscribers During NFL Season

Why can the NFL essentially name its price when it comes time to negotiate new media deals? Because history shows again and again that the investment pays off. Just ask Paramount+.

CBS’s streaming service saw a major uptick in paid subscribers during the final quarter of 2022. According to a press release, 9.9 million people subscribed to Paramount+ during the football season.

The Sunday games that air on CBS also stream on Paramount+. That began this season as part of the more than $2 billion deal the company signed with the NFL.

With nearly 10 million new subscriptions last quarter, Paramount+ now boasts over 56 million paid subscribers.

Can the feat be repeated for the 2023 NFL season? That remains to be seen. Showtime’s streaming service will combine with Paramount+ before the start of the next football season. Along with the merger will come a price increase for the service.

The premium tier will increase by $2 per month. That is the one that will include Showtime content. The basic tier makes a much more significant jump, going from $1 per month to $5.99.

Mike Gallagher: Media Doesn’t Care About Ohio Train Derailment Due to Region’s Demographics

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Mike Gallagher: Media Doesn’t Care About Ohio Train Derailment Due to Region’s Demographics

The train derailment near East Palestine, Ohio remains a potential hazard after toxic chemicals were dispersed from the train cars. Radio host Mike Gallagher believes the story isn’t getting the coverage it deserves.

During The Mike Gallagher Show Thursday, the host discussed the lack of response from government officials, before turning his attention to a perceived lack of coverage.

“This is a huge story that the media will not apparently show much interest in,” said Gallagher. “I’m starting to believe Charlie Kirk’s theory makes sense. This is just because it’s a bunch of hardworking white people in a rural community in Ohio, and they don’t give a rat’s rear end.”

Gallagher’s comments came after discussing the arrest of NewsNation reporter Evan Lambert by Ohio officials during a press conference given by the state’s governor, Mike DeWine.

“The way we are treating these people in east Ohio is appalling,” continued Gallagher. “Is it a cover-up? Am I being paranoid? Am I too much of a conspiracy theorist? ‘Move over Alex Jones, here comes Gallagher?’ … If this happened in downtown Atlanta, this is all you’d hear about morning, noon, and night.”

2 Years After The Death of Rush Limbaugh What Has Changed?

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On February 17, 2021, the conservative movement lost one of its most influential voices with the passing of Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh was a polarizing figure, loved by his supporters and despised by his detractors. He was a radio host, a commentator, an author, and a cultural icon, whose influence extended far beyond politics.

Limbaugh’s rise to fame began in the 1980s, when he started his radio show in Sacramento, California. He quickly gained a following, thanks to his unique blend of conservative politics and entertaining humor. In 1988, he launched his nationally syndicated show, “The Rush Limbaugh Show,” which would go on to become the most successful radio program in history.

Limbaugh’s appeal was based on his ability to connect with his audience. He spoke to the frustrations and concerns of ordinary Americans, who felt that their voices were not being heard by the political and cultural elites. Limbaugh was not afraid to take on the media, the Democrats, and anyone else he saw as a threat to his conservative values.

After the radio host’s death, numerous radio stations were in a rush to find someone to fill the afternoon time slot from 12 pm to 3 pm that Limbaugh used to host. Local talents were promoted by some broadcast companies, while Clay Travis and Buck Sexton were appointed as Limbaugh’s official successors by Premiere Networks. Dan Bongino was hired by Cumulus Media.

Since his passing, there have been some notable changes in the media landscape:

SHIFTS IN POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Rush Limbaugh was known for his outspoken conservative views and his ability to shape political discourse in the United States. With his passing, there has been a shift in the way that political discourse takes place in the media, with some experts suggesting that the tone has become less confrontational and more nuanced.

CHANGES IN TALK RADIO

Rush Limbaugh’s radio show was one of the most popular in the United States, and his passing has left a void in the world of talk radio. Some stations have chosen to fill that void with other conservative hosts, while others have moved in a different direction.

INCREASED SCRUTINY OF MEDIA FIGURES

Rush Limbaugh was known for his controversial statements, and his passing has led to increased scrutiny of media figures and their impact on public discourse. Some have called for greater accountability and responsibility among media figures, while others have expressed concern about the potential for censorship and the impact on free speech.

EMPHASIS ON ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

With the rise of alternative media platforms, some have suggested that the influence of traditional media figures like Rush Limbaugh may be waning. Instead, individuals are turning to social media, podcasts, and other forms of online media to consume news and information.

It remains to be seen how these changes will continue to play out in the years to come, but Limbaugh’s influence went far beyond his political opinions. He was a pioneer of the conservative media, paving the way for multiple new generations of conservative commentators, such as Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Ben Shapiro. Limbaugh’s success inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps and speak out on behalf of conservative values.

Limbaugh’s legacy also transcended politics. He was a cultural icon, whose impact on American society cannot be overstated. He was a master of media, using his radio show to shape the national conversation on everything from sports to entertainment to popular culture. He was a powerful voice for individualism, free speech, and personal responsibility, values that continue to resonate with millions of Americans today.

Of course, Rush Limbaugh was not without his controversies. He was accused of promoting hate speech, misogyny, and racism, and his inflammatory comments often caused outrage and backlash. But for his supporters, Limbaugh was a hero, a champion of free speech and conservative values who spoke truth to power.

In the end, Limbaugh’s passing is a reminder of his enduring legacy. He was a man who shaped the political and cultural landscape of America for more than three decades, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. His voice may be silenced, but his ideas and values will continue to inspire and challenge us, and his memory will live on as a testament to the power of individualism, free speech, and the conservative movement.

Chris Licht Addresses CNN Staffers After Don Lemon Comments

BNM Staff
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CNN This Morning host Don Lemon raised eyebrows Thursday by calling 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley “past her prime”, which reportedly caused co-anchor Poppy Harlow to walk off the show’s set during a commercial break. CNN CEO Chris Licht reportedly addressed staffers after the incident.

According to a report from The New York Post, Licht discussed the exchange with Lemon “a couple of times”, but also address CNN employees as a whole on the situation during a “Coffee with Chris” meeting that featured 30 employees questioning the CEO.

“Chris isn’t happy and he has spoken to Don a couple times today,” The Post’s report said. “Don knows it can’t happen again.”

The New York Post also spoke to a source close to Harlow who disputed that she left the show’s set during the commercial break because of Lemon, saying “As a woman in her prime, Poppy Harlow does use the bathroom, including on Thursday mornings.”

The 56-year-old Lemon was absent from Friday’s edition of CNN This Morning but had previously announced he would not host the show this morning.

Howie Carr: Why Can’t Don Lemon Argue With Men?

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Howie Carr: Why Can’t Don Lemon Argue With Men?

Don Lemon admittedly stuck his foot in his mouth Thursday by saying 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is “past her prime“. Conservative radio host Howie Carr couldn’t wait to pounce on the new lump of red meat.

While taking calls during The Howie Carr Show Thursday, the host welcomed a caller to ask why Lemon is always arguing with women and not men, which Carr appreciated.

“I’m glad you asked it so I’m not accused of being homophobic for asking,” Carr told the caller. “He doesn’t seem to get angry at guys, does he? He even got angry at April Ryan, who seems like someone in political orbit. They were arguing about Kamala Harris.”

Carr then played a clip of Lemon and Ryan arguing about whether Harris was “Black enough”.

“Don Lemon is from Louisiana. They had it all over the south, but it came out of Louisiana, and it was the “one drop rule”, which said if you had one drop of African-American blood, you were considered black. They’re just having an argument over how many drops you need. ‘Is a black drop the same as a brown drop?’ That was an insane conversation.”

The comments from Carr come a week after he questioned Lemon’s sanity, saying “something is up with Don Lemon. The man is in hysterics.”

The CNN host has been a frequent target of the radio host for his opinions, with Carr often calling Lemon — which he pronounces as “Limón” — a primadonna.

Angelo Cataldi Bids 94WIP Farewell

BSM Staff
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Angelo Cataldi has officially signed off the morning show at 94WIP after a legendary 33 year career.

Cataldi hosted his final morning show Friday, which featured several farewell tributes from former colleagues, former Philadelphia sports figures, politicians, as well as longtime listeners and callers.

In true Angelo Cataldi fashion, he took the first portion of his final segment to allow a phone caller to criticize now former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, calling him a “horse’s ass”.

He then thanked many of the people who welcomed his show to Philadelphia sports radio, including Howard Eskin and Steve Fredericks who he claimed “taught people in Philadelphia what sports talk radio was”.

Thanks were then given to former WIP morning host Tom Brookshier for partnering with Cataldi in his early radio days. “I’ll never forget what he did for us,” Cataldi said.

Tony Bruno, Rhea Hughes, Al Morganti, and many of the managers he worked with, including David Field, David Yadgaroff, Rod Lakin, and Spike Eskin also received high praise from the outgoing host, as he shared his appreciation for their time together and what they meant to him and the show’s success.

After discussing how much he hated his former Program Director Tom Bigby, Cataldi admitted he learned a lot from his former boss, even after putting in his contract that Bigby couldn’t speak to him unless Cataldi wanted the conversation to happen.

“If I did not acknowledge how much he taught us, I wouldn’t be fair. He was really great, even though we hated him,” Cataldi joked.

He then retrospectively looked at himself, saying “I was kind of a jerk. I was obnoxious to a lot of people because I was so committed to do the best show we could. Some took it well, some didn’t. I’m not apologizing, but I am acknowledging it.”

94WIP midday show hosts Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie will step into the show vacated by Cataldi on Monday, February 20th. Cataldi gave a parting message to the pair who will replace his timeslot.

“When I took over, after Brookie (Tom Brookshier) left, everybody said to me ‘You’re doomed now. He’s a legend, nobody can follow (him).’ And now some people are saying that to Joe and Jon, and James (Seltzer, the pair’s producer), the next show. Don’t believe a word of it…give them the same opportunity you gave us. Offer them the same loyalty and they’re going to build on it the same way we did. They will be terrific here and they will be successful the way we were.”

Cataldi thanked his wife in the closing stages of his final segment, saying something she recently did on the air was the best moment of his illustrious career.

“She was there to listen when I got home, she calmed me down when I got crazy, she picked me up when I fell down, and her speech here a few weeks ago when she talked about the sacrifice of doing this job, that is the single greatest moment of my radio career.”

He then signed off the air by utilizing a phrase he said he mocked every athlete who retired for using.

“It’s time for me to go, Philadelphia. I need to spend more time with my family. Thank you for the best 33 years of my life.”

PENN Entertainment Completes Acquisition of Barstool Sports

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PENN Entertainment Completes Acquisition of Barstool Sports

The deal is done and PENN Entertainment now has full ownership of Barstool Sports. The gaming company first acquired a share of Barstool in 2020. A little over three years later, PENN has completed its purchase for an additional $388 million.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Barstool Sports fully into the PENN Entertainment family,” PENN Entertainment CEO and President, Jay Snowden, said in a press release. “Barstool is a proven, powerful media brand with an authentic voice and vast, loyal audience that provides us with a strong top of funnel for new customer acquisition and organic cross-selling opportunities across our growing interactive division.

“Barstool, combined with theScore’s reach and highly engaged user base, creates a massive digital footprint and ecosystem that will serve to propel Barstool Sportsbook and our uniquely integrated media and gaming business. Further, the Barstool Sportsbook will greatly benefit from the upcoming migration to our proprietary technology stack, a move that will significantly enhance the overall product offering and deliver meaningful upside.”

PENN initially purchased a 38% stake in Barstool Sports. Last year, it publicly announced its intention to acquire the remaining 62% in a separate transaction.

“Barstool Sports is bigger than ever and has become more than I ever dreamed of,” said Dave Portnoy, Founder of Barstool Sports. “I’m very thankful to the Barstool team and Stoolies who have been along for the ride. I’m looking forward to this next chapter with PENN.” 

Since entering into business together, PENN has helped grow the Barstool Sportsbook across fifteen states. It has also launched retail betting locations under the Barstool brand.

The partnership has yielded serious growth and evolution for Barstool, too. The company has grown its audience by 194%, including 1.6 billion podcast downloads. It has also become heavily involved in college sports with the launch of a college basketball invitational and the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl.

“This is a huge moment for Barstool Sports that was made possible by a lot of people and a lot of grit,” said Erika Ayers, CEO of Barstool Sports. “Our focus has always been to create relevant and entertaining content for our fans and to deliver strong results for our partners. It’s exciting to have that vision recognized and to be able to put it to work inside of PENN. We have the best fan base on the planet, and we look forward to doing even more for them with PENN’s support.”

Tiki Barber: Aaron Rodgers Couldn’t Handle New York Media

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One of the most popular NFL offseason rumors is the New York Jets reportedly coveting Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, WFAN midday host Tiki Barber believes Rodgers might struggle with the New York media.

Barber’s comments came during Tiki & Tierney Thursday, where he discussed the comments made by Rodgers during The Pat McAfee Show, saying that NFL insiders like Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport “don’t know shit about me” after he refuted their reporting surrounding his “darkness retreat”.

“As I’m reading the full quotes from his Pat McAfee weekly appearance, talking about Schefter, talking about Rapoport,” said Barber. “Basically saying, ‘nobody knows what’s going on with me except for me, and stop talking about me.’ It just made me start to realize that if he is that sensitive that he gets upset that people, reporters, opinion-makers, influencers, whoever, want to talk about him.

“He is going to struggle in New York, and I don’t know if it’s the right fit for him. I don’t know if I want him in New York if this is going to be his reaction to things that don’t matter.”

Barber continued by saying if Rodgers doesn’t want NFL reporters to discuss him, going onto McAfee’s show to discuss what he is doing in his personal life doesn’t help the matter, before adding that those things would happen much more frequently if he came to New York.

“For him to get offended by that, he’s not going to handle the intensity of the New York mediascape,” concluded Barber. “That’s obviously traditional media, social, and everything else. I don’t know if I want him here ’cause it’s going to turn into a quick pain in the ass of Aaron Rodgers as thin as that – that shallow, that he’s taking shots at Ian Rapoport.”

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