After his afternoon show exit, Merloni has stepped into a role as the station’s “Red Sox Insider” and will work a minimum of 60 regular season games on Red Sox radio broadcasts. Longtime radio analyst Joe Castiglione has announced he’ll scale back his schedule to 81 games in 2023.
Fauria will move to middays to partner with Andy Gresh from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. Fauria — a 13-year NFL veteran, winning two Super Bowls with the Patriots — has been with WEEI on a full-time basis since 2014. Gresh joined the station in 2021 after a stint at hosting a sports show at news/talk WPRO in Providence.
Gresh’s former partner, Rich Keefe, will now host the evening show from 6:00-10:00 PM. He steps into the timeslot currently held by Mike Mutnansky, who announced earlier this week he would depart the station after Audacy elected not to renew his contract. Keefe has been with the station since 2017, and has also worked as a contributor to NBC Sports Boston in addition to his work at WEEI.
The changes at WEEI come after the station has fallen behind in the ratings. According to the latest Nielsen numbers, WEEI is in sixth place in the Boston market with a 4.9 share in persons 6+. Rival 98.5 The Sports Hub is the top-rated station in the market with a 10.5 share by the same metrics.
Amazon Prime Video NFL analyst Richard Sherman created headlines earlier this week for his conduct during an interview with Brock Huard and Mike Salk on Seattle Sports 710, and WFAN morning host Boomer Esiason believes Sherman could have handled the situation better than he did.
“Given Richard Sherman’s recent history, I think you would try to do everything you can to just laugh it off or whatever,” Esiason said. “Things that this radio host said about him or whatever, just laugh it off.”
The “recent history” Esiason spoke of harkens back to Sherman’s arrest in July of last year for domestic violence and resist arrest, among other charges after trying to break into the home of his in-laws after police said he drunkenly crashed his car.. He later pled guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to two days in jail.
“He trash talked guys on the field all the time,” Gregg Giannotti added.
“He just doesn’t get it,” Esiason claimed.
“If I was Mike Salk, I’d ask ‘What did I say?’, ’cause I wanna know what he heard,” Giannotti concluded. “What have you been hanging onto for all these years that you’re so pissed off that you won’t answer a question from me?”
Longtime Boston Red Sox radio analyst Joe Castiglione will begin to scale back his workload for the 2023 season.
In an announcement detailing changes at Audacy-owned WEEI, the station revealed Castiglione — who has worked on the broadcasts since 1983 — will call half of the team’s 162 games in 2023.
“After 40 years and over 6000 game broadcasts, my wife of 51 years, Jan, and I think that this is the right time to step back and work a reduced schedule of games while we are both in good health,” said Castiglione. “This will give us the opportunity to spend more time with our children and six grandchildren as well. I’d thank both Mike Thomas and Red Sox president Sam Kennedy for being amenable and thanks to my agent, Steve Freyer, for working out the details.”
Concurrently, former Red Sox Lou Merloni — who is leaving the WEEI afternoon show — will announce at least 60 regular season and 10 spring training games for the franchise. Merloni will also serve as the station’s “Red Sox Insider” and join the Red Sox offseason programming.
“Lou grew up here, played for the Sox and has been our ‘baseball guy’ for more than a dozen years,” Audacy Boston Senior Vice President and Market Manager Mike Thomas said. “His move to the booth will make our gameday coverage even better for Red Sox fans across New England.”
CNN will “reevaluate” its relationship with Twitter after the social media platform suspended or permanently banned the accounts of several prominent journalists, including the network’s Donie O’Sullivan.
While discussing the bans late Thursday night, CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy read a statement from the network on CNN Tonight.
“The impulsive and unjustified suspension of a number of reporters, including CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan, is concerning but not surprising. Twitter’s increasing instability and volatility should be of incredible concern for everyone who uses Twitter,” the statement read. “We have asked Twitter for an explanation, and we will reevaluate our relationship based on that response.”
Twitter owner Elon Musk took action Thursday after what he called “doxxing” from several journalists about his real-time location. He claimed that information being public equated to “assassination coordinates” for his enemies.
Generally, “doxxing” is the act of releasing pertinent identifiable information — address, email address, or phone number — with the intent to harass someone. The information Musk claimed put him and those close to him in danger is all gathered legally via public information.
The accounts of several journalists were permanently suspended by Twitter Thursday night, and the move by new owner Elon Musk to ban them has been widely discussed Friday morning. On CNN This Morning, anchor Don Lemon believed the show, and the media as a whole, are playing into Musk’s hand.
While discussing the actions taken by the billionaire with a panel including CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy and CNN media analyst Sara Fischer, Lemon said Musk’s actions showed a clear lack of vision for the social media platform.
“It’s probably a combination of lack of a plan — I think it’s poor planning; there is no plan, and thin skin is basically what it is. (He’s) just making you-know-what up as he goes,” Lemon said.
“The challenge here is: there is no consistency,” Fischer said. “He said that these journalists were banned because they doxxed him. This isn’t what doxxing is. Doxxing is posting someone’s personally identifiable information — their address, email address, phone number — with malintent. Basically, to ensure that person gets harassed. What these journalists were doing was posting links to an account to a different social media site — because Elon Musk banned it from Twitter — that had publicly available information about Elon Musk’s jet location and they were aggregating it and posting it.
“This is not some unique thing to Elon Musk,” Fischer continued. “In the past, people have done this with celebrities all the time. Tracking Taylor Swift’s jet, Kim Kardashian’s jet. To equate that with doxxing does not seem at all consistent with the principles that he said and it makes it hard for us as journalists to figure out how we even abide by the new Elon Musk ‘rules’ when they’re not so consistent.”
“We’re talking about it. Is this what he wants?,” Lemon asked. “That we’re talking about it and it doesn’t matter…all of the sudden everyone is going to be reinstated and it’s a whole Trump thing, where you own the news cycle for the next 24 hours and then you do something else that is hyperbolic and outrageous then you own the news cycle. Why are we doing it?”
“He knows if he bans journalists, we’re gonna talk about it,” concluded Lemon. “He needs attention because he needs eyes on Twitter. He is accomplishing exactly what he wants to accomplish. That’s all this is.”
The Twitter accounts of several journalists were permanently suspended Thursday evening after new owner Elon Musk claimed the accounts were guilty of disseminating real-time location information about him and others. He claimed the accounts were partially responsible for an alleged incident where a “stalker” approached a car holding members of his family. One of the accounts suspended was that of podcaster Keith Olbermann, who had harsh criticism for Musk after the development.
“What a freaking candy-ass, lying, hypocritical, self-contradicting, little paranoid snowflake Elon Musk is,” Olbermann said to open his podcast Friday.
Olbermann criticized Musk’s perceived shift from free speech advocate to censoring accounts he views as harmful.
“Musk’s hyperbolic panic about this has since grown from ‘My commitment to free speech extends to not banning the account following my plane’ to ‘They posted my exact real-time location. Basically, assassination coordinates.'”
He then accused Musk of hypocritical actions for his policy on “doxxing”, accusing the Twitter owner of being guilty of doing it himself.
“On Wednesday, Musk had also promised any account ‘doxxing’ real-time location info of anyone will be suspended. And then he tweeted video purportedly of the driver who was purportedly driving near the Musk family car. It panned down to the license plate of the car and it asked — Musk asked — everybody on Twitter ‘Anybody recognize this person or car?’ Disseminating the license plate and asking for an ID of the car or the license plate is the legal definition of doxxing!”
Olbermann then detailed the journalists who saw their accounts be deactivated, and said he was suspended after tweeting plans for a potential protest of the actions taken by the social media platform. The former cable news host tweeted that users should copy and paste the exact tweet that saw journalist Aaron Rupar get his account banned.
“Elon Musk has already proved himself — on Twitter, and everywhere else he’s ever worked, including Tesla and the rest of these crazy ideas like the invention of the subway tunnel — not much of a business man. Certainly nothing resembling a free speech absolutist and not very good with truth. Or even explaining why he changed his mind, if he has one. “
The first week of our inaugural BNM Top 20 of 2022 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers comes to an end with a look at the News/Talk radio format’s top program directors. Next week we wrap up the entire series with a look at the top News/Talk stations and Original Digital Shows. Those get revealed on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a big announcement from Barrett Media President Jason Barrett on Wednesday.
If this is your first time checking out our website and you missed the prior announcements, be sure to get caught up on the top National Shows,Major and Mid Market Morning Shows, Major and Mid Market midday shows, and Major and Mid Market Afternoon Shows. The results represent the collective input shared by 44 radio industry programmers and executives from 15 companies in 36 cities. We thank them for making time to be part of this process.
The seven categories we’re examining during this year’s series include the industry’s top national and original digital shows, the best morning, midday and afternoon shows, and the top stations and programmers in both Major (#1-#20) and Mid-Sized (#21-Below) markets. We separate large and mid-sized cities since the opportunities and challenges they face are different. Not included in our lists are NPR brands and shows. Maybe down the line we’ll change that or add an extra category but for now, terrestrial outlets are our main focus.
For those who are unaware, the News/Talk radio format is offered on over two thousand stations. The only larger format is country. We try our best to make sure the top shows, hosts, programmers and brands from the News/Talk world are listed for voting consideration on our ballots but we also allow room for our voters to add nominees if for some reason someone isn’t listed. Additionally, though we triple check everything before publishing the lists and hope to present a perfect layout, sometimes mistakes happen. If you notice an error, please let us know. We want to shine the light on the format’s best brands and shows in a way that makes them feel proud to be recognized, not frustrated by an incorrect detail.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few things to be aware of.
#1 – Our executive voters were asked to pick their Top 20 selections for each category based on a few key factors; quality of show (ear test), originality, ability to entertain-inform-connect across multiple platforms, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have different tastes, work for different groups, and value certain factors higher than others. This isn’t a perfect system but it’s the best one we’ve been able to create to showcase the industry’s best. Having done this for seven years for the sports talk format, we’re going to stick with it until another approach makes more sense.
#2 – Our executive panel consists of program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, Cox Media Group, Radio One, Alpha, Bonneville, FOX News Radio, Hearst, Federated Media, Zimmer Communications, and Westwood One. We involve a large number of people in order to receive feedback from all parts of the country, and to avoid the results heavily favoring one company.
#3 – A total of 40 program directors appeared on ballots turned in by our executive panel.
Which brings us to today’s category – Major Market News/Talk Program Directors. The men and women charged with guiding America’s top brands and personalities may earn respect and admiration inside the hallways of their respective employers but far too often they fly under the radar in the public eye. So, we’re changing that. One thing to address in advance, some of these folks may hold titles such as Vice President of News/Talk, Director of Operations, etc.. Rather than making it complicated, we’re sticking with Program Directors since they all play key roles in managing programming departments.
Our winner in this category is KFI’s Robin Bertolucci. Robin’s leadership of KFI has helped the Los Angeles brand become one of iHeart’s top stations for billing, streaming, and radio listening. This week alone, KFI has finished 1st in every single category of the BNM Top 20 of 2022. That’s a testament to the great work she and her team deliver on a consistent basis. BNM congratulates Robin on a well deserved honor, as well as every other brand leader who earned a spot on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BNM’s Top 20 Major Market News/Talk Program Directors of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
Robin Bertolucci won this category by 39 points ahead of WTOP’s Julie Ziegler. Robin also received the most first place votes with ten (10).
Spots 21-25 belonged to Bryan Buckalew, Kristina Koppeser,Chuck Tyler, Dave Tepper and John Mamola.
We had our first tie in this year’s series. It was for 20th place between Greg Stocker and Stephanie Tichenor. Additionally, the race for spots 7-9 was very tight. Bruce Collins, Grace Blazer and Tom Cuddy were all separated by one (1) point.
Of the 40 programmers to earn votes from our panel, eight (8) received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BNM Top 20 of 2022.
Monday December 19 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Stations of 2022
Tuesday December 20 = The Top 20 Original N/T Digital Shows of 2022
A reminder, BNM will have a big announcement following the Top 20 series on Wednesday December 21st. Make sure to visit the website that day to learn what else we’re up to.
The first week of our inaugural BNM Top 20 of 2022 series presented by Steve Stone Voiceovers comes to an end with a look at the News/Talk radio format’s top program directors. Next week, we’ll wrap up the year’s series with a look at the top News/Talk stations and Original Digital Shows. Those come out on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a big announcement from Barrett Media President Jason Barrett on Wednesday.
If this is your first time checking out our website and you missed the prior announcements, be sure to get caught up on the top National Shows,Major and Mid Market Morning Shows, Major and Mid Market midday shows, and Major and Mid Market Afternoon Shows. The results represent the collective input shared by 44 radio industry programmers and executives from 15 companies in 36 cities. We thank them for making time to be part of this process.
The seven categories we are examining in this year’s series include the industry’s top national and original digital shows, the best morning, midday and afternoon shows, and the top stations and programmers in both Major (#1-#20) and Mid-Sized (#21-Below) markets. We separate large and mid-sized cities since the opportunities and challenges they face are different. Not included in our lists are NPR brands and shows. Maybe down the line we’ll change that or add an extra category but for now, terrestrial outlets are our main focus.
For those who are unaware, the News/Talk radio format is offered on over two thousand stations. The only larger format is country. We try our best to make sure the top shows, hosts, programmers and brands from the News/Talk world are listed for voting consideration on our ballots but we also allow room for our voters to add nominees if for some reason someone isn’t listed. Additionally, though we triple check everything before publishing the lists and hope to present a perfect layout, sometimes mistakes happen. If you notice an error, please let us know. We want to shine the light on the format’s best brands and shows in a way that makes them feel proud to be recognized, not frustrated by an incorrect detail.
As it pertains to the voting, here are a few things to be aware of.
#1 – Our executive voters were asked to pick their Top 20 selections for each category based on a few key factors; quality of show (ear test), originality, ability to entertain-inform-connect across multiple platforms, ratings success, clearance (national shows) and industry buzz. Remember, our voters live in different cities, have different tastes, work for different groups, and value certain factors higher than others. This isn’t a perfect system but it’s the best one we’ve been able to create to showcase the industry’s best. Having done this for seven years for the sports talk format, we’re going to stick with it until another approach makes more sense.
#2 – Our executive panel consists of program directors and corporate executives from a number of top broadcasting companies including Audacy, iHeart, Cumulus, Beasley, Hubbard, Good Karma Brands, Cox Media Group, Radio One, Alpha, Bonneville, FOX News Radio, Hearst, Federated Media, Zimmer Communications, and Westwood One. We involve a large number of people in order to receive feedback from all parts of the country, and to avoid the results heavily favoring one company.
#3 – A total of 64 programmers appeared on ballots turned in by our executive panel.
Which brings us to the results for today’s category – Mid Market News/Talk Program Directors. The men and women charged with guiding America’s top brands and personalities earn respect and admiration inside the hallways of their respective employers but far too often they fly under the radar in the public eye. So, we’re changing that. One thing to address in advance, some of these folks may occupy titles such as VP of News/Talk, Director of Operations, GM/PD, etc.. Rather than making it complicated, we’re sticking with the title of Program Directors since they all play key roles in managing programming departments.
Our winner in this category is WLW’s Scott Reinhart. Under Scott’s guidance, WLW remains a force in the News/Talk format, and one of the crown jewels of Cincinnati radio. During this year’s series, the station has enjoyed wins in the morning and midday categories, and earned a Top 10 finish in the afternoon category. That’s a testament to the great work Scott and his team deliver on a daily basis. BNM congratulates Scott on the well deserved honor, and every single brand leader who appeared on this year’s list.
Now, here are the full results of “BNM’s Top 20 Mid Market News/Talk Program Directors of 2022!”
Additional Notes:
Scott Reinhart won the midday PD category by 29 points. The WLW programming boss received the most first place votes with five (5).
Finishing 21-25 were Levi May, Anne Gress, Josh Everett, Peter Thiele and Jared Hart.
The closest contests saw Mike Ragozino nip Pete Mundo by 1 point, and Dave Labrozzi and Keith Abrams finish ahead of Allan Furst and Diane Newman by 2 points.
Of the 64 programmers to receive votes, eleven (11) received at least one 1st place vote.
Here is the remaining schedule for the BNM Top 20 of 2022.
Monday December 19 = The Top 20 Major/Mid Market N/T Radio Stations of 2022
Tuesday December 20 = The Top 20 Original N/T Digital Shows of 2022
A reminder, BNM will have a big announcement following the Top 20 series on Wednesday December 21st. Make sure to visit the website that day to learn what else we’re up to.
Social media Influencer and Blaze TV contributor Alex Stein aka Prime Time 99, burst into the Barstool Sports headquarters with a half-naked man earlier this week.
The chaotic scene was captured on video by Stein and tweeted out to his 388,000 followers. A small scuffle ensued with Stein antagonizing Barstool staff members and shouting about Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
“Don’t make fun of Tucker Carlson. Francis [Ellis], Do not make fun of Tucker. Do not make fun of Tucker,” he said.
Stein was referencing a comment made by Ellis during a Barstool podcast claiming Carlson is “trafficking in hate.”
On Wednesday, Stein appeared on Jason Whitlock’s “Fearless”podcast to discuss his ongoing beef with Barstool founder Dave Portnoy.
“Anybody that thought I was there to trespass or do anything dangerous, I was there to troll them. “There was a time when Barstool was cool and that Portnoy was the cool kid on campus,” Stein said.
“Now, sadly that they’ve sold out to gambling companies, they’ve become corporate America,” he added. “It’s just like everybody else, whether you’re a politician or a superstar or a celebrity, once the money comes, it changes your whole persona and your outlook.”
Earlier this year, Jason Whitlock wrote that Portnoy “had no redeeming qualities” to which Portnoy responded by calling Whitlock “fat.”
Stein’s now-viral video shows him being assaulted by two women who struck him and shoved him onto an elevator.
Stein said his beef with Portnoy started when Portnoy uninvited him from a Barstool podcast.
A recent poll indicates a large majority of likely voters say social media sites censor news and commentary because of political bias.
The poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports was the subject of a conversation during a segment on “Red Eye Radio” Wednesday. Co-hosts Gary McNamara and Eric Harley said the public is watching developments with Twitter closely.
“The problem that the [Biden] administration has and the problem that the media has is that they are going to have to admit that they are not covering the laptop story,” said McNamara.
Harley insisted that the mainstream media ignores stories that they disagree with for specific reasons.
“The facts are going to rise to the top whether you like it or not,” said Harley. “The truth doesn’t care about what you feel, how you vote, or who these individuals are, the truth is the truth.”
McNamara added that the reason Democrats are trying to discredit Twitter is that they know that at heart of argument Hunter Biden is influence peddling and trying to sell access to his father, President Joe Biden.
“They (Democrats) really can’t win this, and I think they’re at a point where they don’t know what to do,” added McNamara.
