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SEC Commissioner: ABC Could Carry 3 SEC Games On Some Saturdays

BSM Staff
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SEC Commissioner: ABC Could Carry 3 SEC Games On Some Saturdays

The moment that it was announced that the SEC was leaving CBS and bringing all of its television inventory to Disney, it was clear the college sports landscape was shifting. When it was announced that Oklahoma and Texas were leaving the Big 12 to join the SEC, the power of the league was undeniable. Now that we know the moves will happen in 2024, more of the answers about just how powerful the conference will be once it is in business with Disney are coming into focus.

Oklahoma and Texas were scheduled to join the SEC after the 2024-2025 school year. The two schools have been working on negotiating an early exit from the Big 12. FOX, one of that league’s primary media partners, had been standing in the way of a deal getting done.

Late Thursday night it was announced that each school would pay a $100 million exit fee to leave the Big 12 a year earlier than scheduled.

“We could literally program a game at Noon Eastern, 3:30 Eastern, and then that prime time window on a particular Saturday,” SEC Commissioner told Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic Friday morning on JOX 94.5 in Birmingham. “Now, ESPN and ABC have other contractual commitments, but that is an illustration of the breadth of reach that we are about to experience.”

The 2023 college football season will be the last one that sees the conference’s top game played on CBS each week. Sankey said the conference was happy with the relationship but saw opportunities to increase its national profile by partnering with Disney.

“We respect and appreciate our relationship at CBS, but our move to work under the Disney heading was about more than just revenue. It was about reach – reach through broadcast TV, reach through cable and satellite which obviously is a changing environment, and then what Disney has done in the digital world is unlike any other of the traditional legacy media entities.”

Disney’s digital assets are of particular interest to Sankey. He told McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning that not only do they give the SEC a chance to play with scheduling, but it also allows the league to play with how the broadcasts look.

Fox News Operating Under Assumption President Biden Won’t Give Pre-Super Bowl Interview

BNM Staff
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Fox News Operating Under Assumption President Biden Won’t Give Pre-Super Bowl Interview

Earlier this week, Fox News anchor Bret Baier alluded to the White House not confirming a pre-Super Bowl interview request with President Joe Biden. A report from CNN says the network is operating as if it will not happen.

CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy quoted a Fox News source in his Reliable Sources newsletter, with the source claiming “We don’t have a formal no, but we are operating like it’s not happening.”

It has become somewhat of a tradition for the sitting President to host the network broadcasting the Super Bowl for a pregame interview. The Super Bowl pregame show — this year on FOX — will be more than five-and-a-half hours in length, featuring plenty of time for a deviation from football analysis.

Biden has had what could easily be called a contentious relationship with the cable outlet during his time in office. Since taking office on in 2021, the 46th President has not granted a one-on-one interview with the network. The network’s primetime lineup — featuring Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, and Jesse Watters, among others, has been more than critical of the Biden Administration.

Baier would almost assuredly be tabbed as the network’s interviewer, should one fall into place. Traditionally, the interview is conducted on the Friday before the Super Bowl but is confirmed weeks in advance for logistical purposes.

The President has made himself available for interviews with other networks this week. He filmed longform interviews with both PBS NewsHour and Telemundo, which Darcy notes “would make the possible snub all the more notable”.

101.7 The Truth Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

BNM Staff
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101.7 The Truth Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Good Karma Brands and 101.7 The Truth are celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the radio station.

101.7 The Truth launched on Monday, January 4th, 2021, and serves the Milwaukee and surrounding communities. The station was built to provide the Black community in the city a space to share local news, entertainment, and community affairs, as well as a place for ideas, and shared experiences after the murder of George Floyd.

The station was awarded the 2022 Anthem Award for the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Corporate Responsibility category.

The Truth has also welcomed several notable guests, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI), as well as recording artists Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige, among others.

A celebration gala will be held tonight to celebrate the success of the station. Fans, partners, and station personnel will attend, as will Milwaukee community leaders.

CNN in Negotiations With Charles Barkley For New Show

BNM Staff
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CNN in Negotiations With Charles Barkley For New Show

Is Charles Barkley the answer to CNN’s primetime struggles? The network is hoping so. Puck News reports that the Inside the NBA star and CEO Chris Licht are in negotiations to launch an interview show.

“The conceit is that a genuine, outspoken, often humorous figure like Barkley might be a bigger draw than the traditional self-serious newsman, and might be better suited to ask guests the kinds of questions that average Americans actually care about,” Dylan Byers writes.

Barkley would be interviewing newsmakers from a variety of fields. Certainly, Licht and CNN are banking on some of the humor and spontaneity that has defined Inside the NBA will show up. It will be interesting to see if Barkley can deliver that kind of show without Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.

While the hire would be unconventional, it is not without precedent. Warner Media, now Warner Bros. Discovery, has given Charles Barkley the chance to stretch his legs in the past. A recent example was The Race Card, an ill-fated miniseries. He has also expressed an interest in politics in the past.

Warner Bros. Discovery just inked a new deal with Barkley over the summer. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post has reported that the ten-year deal is worth close to $200 million. Barkley has been adamant that he doesn’t intend to stay the entire ten years. His goal is to put TNT in the best position to retain half of the NBA’s television rights. He has said that he plans to retire when the league’s next TV deals are done.

It is unknown how a new show on CNN would affect the deal. Certainly, Barkley would want to get paid more if he is adding more work. Warner Bros. Discovery is hoping that it would entice the star analyst to stay on TV longer.

Negotiations are underway, but a deal is far from done with CNN. The network has been trying to solve its primetime woes and Licht now appears to be focused on star power over traditional journalists. He is also reportedly negotiating with CBS This Morning’s Gayle King. Byers writes that she and Charles Barkley are not the only two celebrities on the CNN boss’s radar.

Charles Barkley in Negotiations For Show on CNN

BSM Staff
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Charles Barkley in Negotiations For Show on CNN

Is Charles Barkley the answer to CNN’s primetime struggles? The network is hoping so. Puck News reports that the Inside the NBA star and CEO Chris Licht are in negotiations to launch an interview show.

“The conceit is that a genuine, outspoken, often humorous figure like Barkley might be a bigger draw than the traditional self-serious newsman, and might be better suited to ask guests the kinds of questions that average Americans actually care about,” Dylan Byers writes.

Barkley would be interviewing newsmakers from a variety of fields. Certainly, Licht and CNN are banking on some of the humor and spontaneity that has defined Inside the NBA will show up. It will be interesting to see if Barkley can deliver that kind of show without Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.

While the hire would be unconventional, it is not without precedent. Warner Media, now Warner Bros. Discovery, has given Charles Barkley the chance to stretch his legs in the past. A recent example was The Race Card, an ill-fated miniseries. He has also expressed an interest in politics in the past.

Warner Bros. Discovery just inked a new deal with Barkley over the summer. Andrew Marchand of The New York Post has reported that the ten-year deal is worth close to $200 million. Barkley has been adamant that he doesn’t intend to stay the entire ten years. His goal is to put TNT in the best position to retain half of the NBA’s television rights. He has said that he plans to retire when the league’s next TV deals are done.

It is unknown how a new show on CNN would affect the deal. Certainly, Barkley would want to get paid more if he is adding more work. Warner Bros. Discovery is hoping that it would entice the star analyst to stay on TV longer.

Negotiations are underway, but a deal is far from done with CNN. The network has been trying to solve its primetime woes and Licht now appears to be focused on star power over traditional journalists. He is also reportedly negotiating with CBS This Morning’s Gayle King. Byers writes that she and Charles Barkley are not the only two celebrities on the CNN boss’s radar.

Bob Iger: New NBA Rights Deal ‘A Priority’ for ESPN

BSM Staff
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The current rights deal for the NBA with ESPN — as well as TNT — expires after the 2024-2025 season, but negotiations are already underway. Challengers are expected for the packages held by the two cable channels, and Disney CEO Bob Iger was adamant that the NBA is an important asset for ESPN.

“It’s a very, very valuable property for this company,” Iger said told CNBC Squawk on the Street host David Faber. “It’s a great sport. Not only is there a lot of volume, there’s a lot of quality, and it would be a priority of ours to extend our deal with them.”

Iger also said it’s a virtual foregone conclusion that a direct-to-consumer model is the future for ESPN.

“The model will ultimately change. I think it will become an over-the-top model. I said yesterday I don’t know when that will be. We’ve had conversations about it. I actually think — with a so-called over-the-top model — it will be a phenomenal product for the sports fan.”

When asked by Faber if that means ESPN will largely be a streaming platform, Iger responded “one day,” with a smile, adding that day is not here yet.

YouTube Exploring NFL Sunday Ticket Pricing and Presentation Options

BSM Staff
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YouTube Exploring NFL Sunday Ticket Pricing and Presentation Options

NFL Sunday Ticket hasn’t really changed since it was introduced by DirecTV in 1994. The NFL is looking at ways to enhance the product when YouTube takes over the rights later this year.

In an interview with The Marchand & Ourand Sports Media Podcast, NFL Chief Media and Business Officer Brian Rolapp said several possibilities are on the table.

“There’s probably a lot of opportunity between the all-you-can-eat and free television,” Rolapp said, indicating that a smaller, less expensive package than the entirety of the NFL schedule could be on the table.

YouTube will also experiment with users having the ability to pick multiple games to show on their screen at once. Rolapp added that mobile users will see a new experience with the service, because of YouTube’s experience on smaller screens.

“Clearly, the mobile and smaller screen experience is going to be outstanding because YouTube’s so strong there,” Rolapp said. “All of the growth is in mobile.” 

Rolapp also added the price for the service is set by YouTube, not the league, so he was not able to share additional details on what the cost for the package will be once the streaming platform assumes control.

Bob Iger Open to Selling Disney’s Stake in Hulu

BNM Staff
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There is an ongoing question in media circles that has yet to be answered: Will Disney purchase Comcast’s stake in Hulu? Disney CEO Bob Iger shared insight on the subject during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street Thursday.

After an announcement from the company detailed the elimination of 7,000 jobs — providing a savings of $5.5 billion — Iger suggested that it isn’t a foregone conclusion the company will gobble up the remaining portion of the streaming platform.

“Everything is on the table right now, so I am not going to speculate whether we are a buyer or a seller of it. But I obviously have suggested that I’m concerned about undifferentiated general entertainment, particularly in the competitive landscape that we are operating in, and we are going to look at it very objectively and expansively.”

Pressed by host David Faber about the ongoing assumption that Disney would buy the remaining stake in Hulu, Iger pushed back on that insinuation.

“I think I am suggesting that that is not necessarily the case,” declared the Disney CEO.

The Walt Disney Company owns two-thirds of the streaming platform, with the final 33% owned by Comcast. Under current contractual terms, Comcast can require Disney to buy its stake and Disney can also require Comcast to sell its portion of the venture, starting in January 2024.

Some experts view Comcast’s current stake in Hulu would be worth $27.5 billion on the open market.

Michael Irvin Files $100M Lawsuit Against Accuser

BSM Staff
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Michael Irvin is firing back. He was pulled off NFL Network’s coverage of Super Bowl LVII after a complaint was filed against Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin by a female he encountered in a hotel lobby.

Now, Irvin filed a $100 million lawsuit against the woman Thursday, alleging that the hotel employee devised a plan to defame him.

“Rash and thoughtless actions can have severe consequences,” the lawsuit says. “Marriott [parent company of Renaissance Hotels] apparently did not appreciate these simple truths when, in a rush to judgment, its employees and management inaccurately and inflammatorily accused Mr. Irvin of misconduct to the National Football League.”

“It is clear Michael is the latest victim of our cancel culture where all it takes is an accusation to ruin a person’s life,” an attorney for Irvin told TMZ. “Michael looks forward to clearing his name in court and hopes the Court of public opinion will see the truth come out as well.”

Irvin has characterized the interaction with the woman as only a “friendly conversation”.

“When I got back after going out … I came into the lobby and I talked to somebody,” Irvin told The Dallas Morning News. “I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds. We shook hands. Then, I left…That’s all I know.”

Irvin has been the subject of several allegations of impropriety during his long time in the national spotlight. In 2007, he was accused of sexual assault while at a casino in Florida. He subsequently filed a $100 million defamation countersuit, and the case was settled out of court in 2011. The 56-year-old was also accused of sexual assault in 2017, again in Florida, but after nearly four months of investigating, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office declined to charge him.

In 1996, Irvin was alleged to have sexually assaulted a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader with teammate Erik Williams before an NFC Divisional Playoff game while both were under the influence of cocaine. However, the accuser later recanted her story and was sentenced to 90 days in jail after she was found guilty of perjury and filing a false police report.

Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022

Jason Barrett
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Barrett Sports Media’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022

We’ve reached the end of the first week of our 8th annual BSM Top 20 series. Today we place the spotlight on the Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022. As you review this year’s list, please remember that the results are a collective snapshot of how forty-six (46) industry executives view the best in this category. My thanks to Alex Reynolds, Stephanie Eads, and Dylan Barrett for their help with the Top 20 process, and Steve Kamer Voiceovers for being our exclusive sponsor for this year’s Top 20 series. Steve’s voice is heard across the nation on many top shows, stations, and networks, and if you’re not familiar with his work, take a second to learn what makes him stellar at his craft by clicking here.

As it pertains to the voting, here are a few key things to be aware of.

– These results are based on 2022’s performance. 2023 changes have no effect on the voting.

– Our executive panel consists of forty-six (46) program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM, Spotify, and independently owned and operated radio stations. We involve a large number of people in this process in order to include feedback from all parts of the country, as well as to prevent the results from heavily favoring one company.

– A total of 29 programmers were eligible for voting consideration in the Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors category.

– Voters choose their Top 20 in this category based on a few key factor’s including leadership, brand success, ratings, multiplatform impact, etc.. Keep in mind that voters live in different cities, have different tastes, and value certain qualities more than others. This isn’t a perfect science, but it’s the best system we’ve been able to come up with to showcase how sports radio’s brain trust view the best in the format.

And that brings us to the rankings for this year’s Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors. Spike Eskin of WFAN is your category winner for 2022. This is Spike’s second category win, and his first since taking over at WFAN. He prevailed by thirty (30) points over runner up Jimmy Powers. BSM congratulates Spike and the WFAN team on earning this year’s top honor, as well as every programmer who gained a spot on this year’s list.

Now, here are the full results of “BSM’s Top 20 Major Market Sports Radio Program Directors of 2022!”

Additional Notes:

  • Rick Radzik received a category best five (5) first place votes. Jimmy Powers was second with four (4).
  • 21-25 belonged to Brian Long, Len Weiner, Adam Klug, Parker Hillis, and Mike Conti.
  • The closest contest saw Rick Radzik finish ahead of Mitch Rosen by 3 points.
  • Of the 29 programmers eligible for consideration this year, 10 received at least one 1st place vote.

Here is the remaining schedule for the BSM Top 20 of 2022.

  • Monday February 13 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market Sports Radio Stations of 2022

To view prior years of BSM’s Top 20 results, click here.

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