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Dan Bongino Upon Podcast Return: This Isn’t Going to Be About What I Did at the FBI

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Dan Bongino made his anticipated return to his podcast on Monday, and shared what the relaunched show won’t be, as much as shared what’s in store.

To begin Monday’s first edition of the returned Dan Bongino Show, the former FBI Director said that he wouldn’t turn the podcast into a retrospective of his year working at the agency.

“I really did miss you all,” Bongino said. “It’s been a crazy year … Never tell people what you’re not going to do. But in this case, it matters. This is not going to be a year or two of me presenting my resume about what happened every single week (at the FBI). It’s not. One of the cardinal rules of leadership and leadership positions is ‘Don’t over-explain yourself.'”

He continued by noting that he would spend much of Monday’s show discussing his thoughts about his time working at the FBI and why he would speak on it today, but not frequently in the future.

“I did what I did. I’m going to show you what I did in today’s show. If you’re a supporter and you like it, you like it. So there’s no need for me to lay out Tolstoy’s War and Peace and keep speaking about it. If you don’t and you hate my guts, it’s not that I’m going to tell you to convince you. So it doesn’t really matter. However, you are the taxpayer, I worked for you. It was the honor of a lifetime to work for you, and this President, and with Kash Patel, who’s an amazing FBI director. So I feel an obligation to tell you what your money paid for.”

During his first show back, Dan Bongino welcomed President Donald Trump as a guest.

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Super Bowl LX Media Row Underway From San Francisco

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Super Bowl LX media row is officially underway at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco, as hundreds of sports media brands began their week of coverage. Typically, Monday is more about setup than execution for many brands.

However, this year in San Francisco brought a large number of stations that began their week ahead of schedule.

With the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots set to do battle in less than a week, both markets were well represented on media row Monday.

98.5 The Sports Hub began its broadcasting week featuring three live shows airing throughout the week from San Francisco. Scott Zolak and Marc Bertrand kicked off the day, followed by Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti with a special one-hour Big Game Preview program scheduled for the week.

98.5 The Sports Hub Radio Row (Barrett Media)
98.5 The Sports Hub Radio Row (Barrett Media)

WEEI was also on site in San Francisco but adjusted its lineup for the week. Greg Hill and Jermaine Wiggins will join Ted Johnson live from San Francisco, with a full slate of content and interviews planned.

Seattle also had a strong presence out west. iHeartMedia’s 93.3 KJR began its broadcasting week on site with Chuck & Buck, Marc James, plus Dave “Softy” Mahler and Dick Fain all broadcasting live from media row.

93.3 KJR Radio Row (Barrett Media)
93.3 KJR Radio Row (Barrett Media)

The buzz from the first day mirrored the growing excitement ahead of next Sunday’s Super Bowl kickoff in Santa Clara, California. Plenty of stations are already lining up celebrity guest appearances for the week. Several national sports radio outlets are providing coverage, including Westwood One Sports, FOX Sports Radio, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and Mad Dog Sports Radio.

ESPN Radio is scheduled to join media row beginning Wednesday morning with Unsportsmanlike and Clinton Yates. Additionally, a number of local radio brands from Audacy, iHeartMedia, and 13 universities are also present on media row.

Nick Kostos Radio Row (Barrett Media)
Nick Kostos Radio Row (Barrett Media)

The early start by several stations underscores the importance of Super Bowl week for sports radio, as media row once again becomes a key destination for live programming, brand exposure, and access to athletes and personalities ahead of the NFL’s biggest game.

With booths filling up and microphones already live, media row at the Moscone Center is quickly transforming into the epicenter of Super Bowl week, setting the stage for days of interviews, live broadcasts, and wall-to-wall coverage leading up to Sunday’s kickoff.

SportsRadio 610 Radio Row (Barrett Media)
SportsRadio 610 Radio Row (Barrett Media)

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Turning Point USA Reveals Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett As Super Bowl Halftime Lineup

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Turning Point USA has unveiled its alternative Super Bowl halftime show lineup, which includes Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

The country music stars will perform opposite the NFL’s scheduled show from rapper Bad Bunny.

Furthermore, the organization has announced where the show will be made available. Viewers can watch the performance on Daily Wire+, Real America’s Voice, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Charge! and The National News Desk.

Additionally, the show will stream on Turning Point USA social media channels on YouTube, X, and Rumble.

It is unclear if the performance will be live or pre-recorded. Previously, TPUSA has shared that the show will happen “in an arena setting.”

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Salem Media Promotes Jason Mosher, Mike Murphy Following Val Carolin’s Retirement

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After more than 40 years in broadcast media, Salem Media’s Val Carolin has retired, and Jason Mosher and Mike Murphy have received promotions in corresponding moves.

“Val has become a valued partner for me in his years with Salem,” said Salem Media President of Broadcast Media Allen Power. “He has led with trust, affirmation, and high standards — a leadership style worth emulating.”

Jason Mosher has been promoted to Regional Director of Sales and Regional General Manager. He’ll oversee both Atlanta and Pittsburgh markets for the company.

Additionally, Mike Murphy has also been promoted to Regional General Manager. He’ll now add oversight to the Cleveland market, after previously overseeing the Twin Cities cluster.

“These moves ensure strong continuity of leadership while positioning Salem for continued growth in these key markets,” said Power. “We’re extremely proud of Jason and Mike for their well-earned promotions, and we extend our deepest appreciation to Val for his decades of service and the impact he’s had across our company.”

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1300 The Zone Adding Bucky Godbolt and Brad Kellner to Afternoons

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1300 The Zone in Austin is set to revamp its afternoon lineup with the addition of Bucky Godbolt and Brad Kellner.

Beginning on Monday, Bucky & BK will be heard from 5-7 PM. The show replaces the final hour of Covino & Rich and the first hour of The Odd Couple from the FOX Sports Radio lineup in the station’s offerings. It will follow The Craig Way Show in the station’s lineup.

Godbolt is a former University of Texas running backs coach. Meanwhile, Kellner is a Texas media veteran, previously hosting afternoons at ESPN 97.5 in Houston before exiting to focus on his digital efforts with Texas Sports Unfiltered.

Bucky & BK is already a proven, fan-favorite show and we’re thrilled to add it to The Zone’s afternoon lineup,” said 1300 The Zone Program Director Bryan Erickson. “Bucky & BK’s credibility, insight and strong UT sports connection further strengthens our unrivaled coverage of UT athletics.”

“Bucky and I are incredibly excited to partner with 1300 The Zone, Austin’s premier sports talk radio station,” added Brad Kellner.  “The Zone has been a cornerstone of sports radio in our city for decades, and we’re both thrilled to once again call it home and connect with listeners every afternoon.”

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Paul Woods to Retire From Detroit Red Wings Radio Booth After 40 Years

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After more than 40 years, Detroit Red Wings radio analyst Paul Woods has announced this will be his last season with the team.

The 70-year-old announced over the weekend that the 2025-2026 season will be his last working as the lead analyst for the team’s radio broadcasts.

During an interview with MLive, Paul Woods said the reasoning for his departure is simple.

“It’s time. It’s been 40 years,” Woods said. “I have family things I want to do. I’ve got grandkids, and I want to be able to spend more time with them.”

Woods joined the team’s radio booth in 1985 after a seven-year playing career. He originally began working with play-by-play voice Bruce Martyn in 1985, and has worked alongside Ken Kal since the 1996-1997 season.

He is the longest-serving radio analyst in Detroit sports history. In 2022, he worked his 3,000th Red Wings broadcast.

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Shane Collins Takes Afternoons at K99.1FM in Dayton

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Shane Collins is back in Dayton as the new afternoon host at K99.1FM, marking a return to his old stomping grounds.

Collins previously worked at the Cox Media Group country station from 2010-2014 in afternoon drive.

Most recently, Collins served as the Operations Manager and Program Director of Q103.1 in Louisville under both Cox Media Group and SummitMedia ownership groups.

Collins had been out of the radio business since exiting SummitMedia in February 2018. He was reconnected to the industry, format, and K99.1FM brand by longtime program director Nancy Wilson.

He takes the timeslot previously held by Jake Ryan, who held the position since Collins’ 2014 departure.

“I’m moving on to other opportunities,” Ryan said while announcing his departure. “It’s been a great 12 years. Wow, since my kid’s been in diapers. We’ve been doing this a long time together. I want to thank everyone at K99.1FM … Thank you ver much for making this a memorable experience.”

Shane Collins will be heard from 2-7 PM on the Dayton country station.

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Beasley Media Group Names iHeartMedia Exec Kevin LeGrett as Chief Business Officer

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Beasley Media Group has announced it has named Kevin LeGrett its new Chief Business Officer.

LeGrett joins the company from iHeartMedia, where he served as the President of iHeartMedia Sports. He originally joined the company in 2010 as its Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing nearly 50 markets.

He later moved to Los Angeles as a Market President for the company in 2015, later adding oversight of locales like Austin, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, and San Diego, among others.

In 2021, Kevin LeGrett moved to his role as President of iHeartMedia Sports, helping coordinate the company’s properties.

Additionally, he has spent time working at other companies like CBS Raido and Citadel Broadcasting.

“I’m excited to join Beasley Media Group at such an exciting time,” said LeGrett. “Beasley’s commitment to local communities, strong culture, and forward-thinking approach to media – especially its transformation across digital, streaming, and multiplatform platforms – aligns perfectly with my passion for building innovative, integrated solutions that drive real impact for advertisers and listeners alike. I’m excited to help lead the next chapter of growth.”

In his new role with Beasley Media Group, Kevin LeGrett will align the company’s business operations across its broadcasting and digital operations.

“Kevin’s deep experience across broadcast, digital, experiential, podcasting, and sports makes him uniquely qualified to lead our revenue strategy,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. “His proven ability to scale platforms, grow teams, and deliver results on both a national and local level will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and innovate for our clients and communities.”

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Connoisseur Media Names Sommer Frisk Market Manager in Palm Springs, Regional Manager in Salt Lake City/Alaska

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Connoisseur Media has announced it has named Sommer Frisk as its Market Manager for the Palm Springs cluster, with regional leadership responsibilities in Salt Lake City and Alaska.

Previously, Frisk worked as the Vice President and Market Manager at Cumulus Media in Ventura, California. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the media industry.

“I get to live in a beautiful area, lead amazing teams, work alongside Tina Murley’s fearless leadership, and execute Jeff Warshaw’s bold, forward-thinking vision for media,” said Frisk.  “When the stars align like this, you don’t hesitate—you get to work.”

In her new role, Frisk will oversee the full Palm Springs radio cluster, while adding oversight to the company’s brands in Alaska and in Salt Lake City.

“Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family,” said Connoisseur Media Senior Vice President of the Western Region and San Francisco/San Jose Market Manager Tina Murley. “As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”

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ESPN Deal for NFL Network, RedZone Approved By Regulators

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ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network and other assets from the league have been granted approval by government regulators.

The Department of Justice and other antitrust organizations completed their reviews of the transaction and signed off on the deal.

As part of the deal, the NFL will receive a 10% equity stake in the network. The network is now 72% owned by Disney, 18% by Hearst, and 10% by the NFL.

“With the closing, we will begin integrating NFL employees into ESPN in the months ahead,” ESPN and the NFL said in a joint statement. “As we look to the future, NFL fans can look forward to expanded NFL programming, greater access to NFL Network, innovative Fantasy experiences and unparalleled coverage of America’s most popular sport.”

ESPN reported that viewers of NFL Network won’t see any changes until April, when NFL Media employees will officially become ESPN employees. NFL Network will be included in the direct-to-consumer product, while NFL RedZone will be distributed by ESPN to cable and satellite companies.

Meanwhile, NFL Network will continue to air seven league broadcasts in 2026. Four of ESPN’s games, including the overlapping Monday Night Football games, will be seen on NFL Network. ESPN will then add another three additional game broadcasts to air on NFL Network.

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