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Jon Stewart Signs Deal to Stay at The Daily Show Through 2028 Election

Garrett Searight
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Jon Stewart Signs Deal to Stay at The Daily Show Through 2028 Election

Jon Stewart will continue hosting The Daily Show once a week under a new deal with Comedy Central. The agreement keeps the comedian with the network through the 2028 presidential election.

What We Know: Stewart will continue hosting the Comedy Central program on Monday nights, while a rotating cast of anchors will lead the show Tuesday through Thursday. His previous contract was set to expire in December. However, the new agreement extends his tenure through the 2028 election. Stewart has previously signed one-year extensions, making this his longest commitment to the program since returning as host. He resumed hosting The Daily Show on Mondays in 2024, with guest hosts and correspondents filling the remaining weeknight broadcasts.

What They Said: “Jon Stewart is a generational talent, and The Daily Show continues to be one of the most influential franchises on television and a cornerstone of Comedy Central. We are excited to continue our partnership with Jon and his award-winning news team.” -Skydance TV co-chair and Chief Content Officer George Cheeks

What Remains Unclear: The financial terms of Stewart’s new contract haven’t been disclosed. Comedy Central also hasn’t announced any changes to the rotating lineup of hosts who will lead the program throughout the week.

What It Means: Stewart’s extended commitment gives Comedy Central and Skydance stability for one of its signature programs through another presidential election cycle. Meanwhile, the Monday-only arrangement allows the network to retain its most recognizable host while continuing to develop other personalities. The format also preserves a weekly platform for Stewart’s political commentary as the 2028 campaign approaches.

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Dana Perino: The Five Was Supposed to Be a Five-Week Show

Jason Barrett
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Dana Perino: The Five Was Supposed to Be a Five-Week Show

Dana Perino says chemistry and creative freedom explain why The Five keeps winning. In a wide-ranging conversation on Sean Hannity’s podcast, the Fox News host also shared lessons from her years at the White House podium.

What We Know: Perino said she initially expected The Five to be a temporary show. Instead, the program recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Fox News also marks its 30th anniversary this year. She credited Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott with the idea. Additionally, Perino recalled a night when Greg Gutfeld pushed her to share her own opinion on air. At first, she started to explain the Bush administration’s policy instead. She said that moment showed her the freedom Fox gives its hosts.

Perino also discussed her partnership with America’s Newsroom co-anchor Bill Hemmer. During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Hemmer cut short a vacation and took a red-eye to join her on the air. Meanwhile, she revisited her time as press secretary for President George W. Bush. She explained that TV reporters often grandstanded during briefings to land a spot on the evening news. In response, she quietly flipped them off behind the podium.

What They Said: “I was told it was just a five-week temporary show. I didn’t really appreciate in television how important chemistry was until I got here. The reason we (Greg Gutfeld and I) sit next to each other is not because we get along. It’s because we were the shortest. The worst mistake anybody can make when they fill in on The Five is to not be themselves. If you’re not being teased on The Five, nobody likes you.” – Dana Perino discussing what makes The Five work.

“You are better at this than you think you are.” – Advice from the late Tony Snow to Dana Perino before he left for cancer treatment.

What Remains Unclear: Perino didn’t address her future plans at Fox News. It’s also unknown if The Five will see more lineup changes as it enters its next chapter.

What It Means: Perino’s comments remind programmers how critical chemistry is to on-air success. It also reinforces how much easier it is for talent to perform when they feel safe sharing honest opinions. In fact, The Five remains one of cable news’ most-watched programs. For news executives, the lesson is clear. Build the right team, back them up and let them be themselves.

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The Breakfast Club Disputes Kaz’s Ratings Claim, Touts Dominant New York City Numbers

Jason Barrett
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The Breakfast Club Disputes Kaz’s Ratings Claim, Touts Dominant New York City Numbers

The Breakfast Club wants the record set straight. The hosts used part of a recent show to dispute HOT 97 co-host Kazeem “Kaz” Famuyide’s claim that his show had been beating them.

What We Know: Last week, Kaz said HOT 97’s morning show had beaten The Breakfast Club for three months. However, The Breakfast Club pushed back on air. The hosts displayed Nielsen data showing the show ranked No. 1 in New York City among adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. In addition, Charlamagne tha God shared that he already spoke with Kaz and Jason, HOT 97’s morning show’s executive producer. The Breakfast Club also criticized outlets like TMZ for repeating the claim without checking it. Still, Charlamagne called the HOT 97 crew “my guys.”

What They Said: “They’ve never beat us. Mero, Kaz, Jason, those are my guys. If you’re going to go to war with corporate, you got to have the right ammunition.” – Charlamagne tha God

“We just come in here and do our jobs. I don’t look for the numbers. That’s not how I determine what it is that I do. I want to come in here and just do a good job every day. By the grace of god, Breakfast Club has been consistently #1 and top three for a long time. It just so happens that we’re #1 right now at this very moment. I like being here. I like coming to work and doing morning radio and living out my dream. This is what I prayed for. This is what I dreamed for.” – Charlamagne tha God

What Remains Unclear: Kaz hasn’t said which numbers he used for his claim. It’s also unclear whether HOT 97 or MediaCo will respond.

What It Means: Ratings bragging rights carry weight in New York, the country’s top radio market. For HOT 97, the dispute adds another headline to a turbulent stretch. For The Breakfast Club, it reinforces its standing as iHeartMedia’s morning anchor in the market. The exchange also shows how fast an on-air claim spreads. As a result, talent should have the data ready before going public.

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Prime Video Continues Record Setting Viewership Pacing With Broncos vs Seahawks

John Mamola
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Prime Video Continues Record Setting Viewership Pacing With Broncos vs Seahawks

Thursday Night Football on Prime Video keeps climbing. Thursday’s Broncos-Seahawks matchup averaged 16.26 million viewers. In addition, the total extends the package’s year-over-year streak to five games.

What We Know: The game topped last year’s comparable Eagles-Giants broadcast (16.09 million) by 1%, despite competing with the Brewers-Dodgers NLCS finale. Through five games, Thursday Night Football averages 17.29 million viewers, up 9% from last year’s pace and 13% over 2025’s full season. Additionally, viewership peaked at 18.34 million between 9:00 and 9:14 p.m. ET. According to Prime Video, TNF is the only full-season NFL package posting year-over-year gains for every 2026 broadcast. Furthermore, TNF Nightcap’s five 2026 episodes rank as the franchise’s five most-watched shows ever. The postgame show averages 3.52 million viewers, up 21% from last year’s pace.

What The Data Shows: (All figures via Prime Video):

Week (NFL)DateMatchupAverage Viewership
2Sept. 17, 2026Lions vs. Bills18.90 million
3Sept. 24, 2026Falcons vs. Packers16.82 million
4Oct. 1, 2026Steelers vs. Browns16.59 million
5Oct. 8, 2026Buccaneers vs. Cowboys16.73 million
6Oct. 15, 2026Broncos vs. Seahawks16.26 million

What Remains Unclear: Additionally, Thursday’s gain was just 1%, a much narrower margin than the season-long 9% increase. It also remains unclear how many viewers the NLCS finale pulled from the broadcast or vice versa.

What It Means: Moreover, Prime Video is turning streaming football into a younger-skewing advantage. TNF’s median viewer age is 48.6, more than six years younger than linear NFL audiences (54.8). Likewise, TNF tops linear networks by 24% among adults 18-34 and 20% among adults 18-49. As a result, Amazon can pitch advertisers a younger audience than traditional TV delivers.

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WTAX Program Director John LaTessa Dies

Garrett Searight
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WTAX Program Director John LaTessa Dies

WTAX Program Director John LaTessa has died after more than two decades with Saga Communications. The longtime radio leader most recently served as Content Director at the Springfield, Illinois, station.

What We Know: LaTessa died on Friday, October 16th, after spending more than 20 years working for Saga Communications. He most recently led programming and content at WTAX in Springfield, Illinois. Throughout his career, LaTessa built relationships with colleagues who remembered him for his humor, personality, and commitment to the company. He also brought a passion for the St. Louis Cardinals to his work.

What They Said: “Capitol Media Group was John’s family. We know what a huge Cardinals fan John was, and he LOVED working for us.” -Capitol Media Group Vice President/General Manager Chris Bullock

“John had the best sense of humor, which probably helped him in having to deal with me over the years. Often, if I had to call him with a problem that needed addressed, the call would devolve into quoting lines from movies like ‘Anchorman’ and ‘The Naked Gun.’ I think we knew just how to make each other laugh, often when we needed it.” -CapitolCityNow Editor-in-Chief and WTAX morning host Will Stevenson

What Remains Unclear: Additional details surrounding LaTessa’s death, including his age and the circumstances, have not been publicly disclosed. WTAX and Capitol Media Group have not announced any immediate plans for the station’s programming leadership following his death.

What It Means: LaTessa’s death marks the loss of a longtime Saga Communications employee who played a key role in WTAX’s programming. His colleagues’ tributes also highlight the personal connections he built throughout his career, extending beyond the workplace.

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Mike Breen Credits Joe Davis’ Performance On FOX Sports Calling Los Angeles Dodgers Postseason Games

John Mamola
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Mike Breen Credits Joe Davis’ Performance On FOX Sports Calling Los Angeles Dodgers Postseason Games

Mike Breen is backing Joe Davis amid long standing claims by fans of Dodgers bias. The ESPN voice said Monday that he hears no favoritism in Davis’ national calls over the time he’s been with FOX Sports.

What We Know: Davis has served as FOX Sports’ lead MLB play-by-play voice since 2022. Meanwhile, he has called Dodgers games on SportsNet LA since 2016. Additionally, he called the Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series wins in 2024 and 2025 for FOX Sports. Thus, leading to some fan backlash claiming a sense of bias in his calls. Similarly, Breen leads ESPN’s NBA coverage while serving as the longtime television voice of the New York Knicks, who just won the NBA championship. Breen gave his thoughts on fans claiming bias in regards to local voices calling national games with the teams they work for involved.

What They Said: Mike Breen on complaints regarding Joe Davis of FOX Sports with bias: “I think he’s done an incredible job. I listen to his calls when the Dodgers do things and when the opponent does things. I don’t see any bias at all. A couple of years ago — I’m a huge Mets fan, and he did a Dodgers-Mets National League Championship Series. And as a huge Mets fan, I did not notice any bias towards the Dodgers. I think he’s done an incredible job.”

Mike Breen on complaints of bias in calling national games while also serving as the local voice: “That’s the part of the job that you just have to understand. The fans are so passionate that they’re the least objective. Probably in terms of deciding if a guy is being biased or not because they care so much about their team and they’re so emotional. Especially in the postseason. I heard some of that during the Knicks and the Spurs during the Finals last year. But you just try and do the best you can.”

What Remains Unclear: Breen has faced similar scrutiny after calling the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals earlier this summer. Still, the debate over dual-role broadcasters shows no sign of fading anytime soon.

What It Means: Ultimately, Breen’s comments carry weight because he lives the same balancing act. Moreover, his Mets fandom gives the praise added credibility with skeptical New York audiences. In addition, the remarks highlight continued balance between local loyalty and national neutrality. As a result, Davis gains a notable ally from one of broadcasting’s most respected voices.

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The Young Turks Rip CBS News Over Leaked Shayndi Raice Meeting Audio

Jason Barrett
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The Young Turks Rip CBS News Over Leaked Shayndi Raice Meeting Audio

The Young Turks hosts tore into CBS News leadership after hearing leaked audio from a tense internal meeting. The recording features foreign editor Shayndi Raice defending her edits to an October 7 anniversary report.

What We Know: Raice addressed CBS News’ foreign bureaus in a virtual meeting on Oct. 13. Media newsletter Status later published audio from the session. During the meeting, Raice clashed with senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams over cuts to Williams’ report. Those cuts removed allegations involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Raice also called the Gaza death toll a “magic number.” In addition, she warned that ignoring the newsroom hierarchy amounts to insubordination. Bari Weiss, CBS News’ editor-in-chief, hired Raice to lead foreign coverage. In a recent segment, TYT played portions of the audio and reacted on air.

What They Said: “We never independently confirmed those allegations. So those allegations are a sideshow. It’s not important.” – Shayndi Raice

“I didn’t know that American news shows determine the content of their rundowns by anecdotal evidence of what people in Israel care about. It’s just it’s circular reasoning. What do you think Larry Ellison spent all this money on CBS for?” American media is neither American nor media.” – The Young Turks

What Remains Unclear: CBS News hasn’t publicly addressed the leaked audio. Likewise, it’s unclear who leaked the recording or whether CBS plans to discipline anyone. It’s also unknown whether Williams’ original report will air in any form.

What It Means: The leak puts CBS News’ editorial direction under the microscope once again. Since Weiss took over, critics have questioned whether the network’s Middle East coverage has shifted. Now, outside commentators have a recording to point to. For newsroom leaders, the episode also highlights a growing risk. Internal debates rarely stay internal anymore. As a result, how executives handle disagreements behind closed doors can quickly become a public story.

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Noah Adams, Former All Things Considered Host at NPR, Dies

Garrett Searight
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Noah Adams, Former All Things Considered Host at NPR, Dies

Noah Adams, a longtime host of NPR’s All Things Considered, has died. Adams spent 18 years with the program across two stints in the 1970s and 1980s.

What We Know: Adams hosted All Things Considered for 18 years before leaving the program in 1987. He then launched a new variety show in Minnesota to replace Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. However, Adams returned to NPR two years later, joining Robert Siegel and Linda Wertheimer as a host of All Things Considered. Beyond his broadcasting career, Adams authored five books. His work combined reporting with an ability to capture the character of the people and places he encountered.

What They Said: “He was always observing. He would have a little reporter’s notebook, and he would be taking notes in shorthand. His writing is almost illegible – it would just be the vaguest sketches of things. But somehow, when we came back, he would capture the character of a place or a person or a town in the most vivid, rich, simple language. It was a complete picture based on his unbelievable powers of observation.” -Former All Things Considered Producer/Host Melissa Block to NPR

What He’s Remembered For: Adams built a reputation for thoughtful, descriptive journalism during his time at NPR. His reporting reflected a close attention to detail, allowing listeners to picture the people and communities at the center of his stories. Block’s recollection highlights how Adams turned brief notes and observations into vivid narratives. In addition to his radio work, his five books extended his storytelling beyond the broadcast microphone.

What It Means: Adams’ career helped shape the sound and storytelling approach of All Things Considered during a formative period for public radio. His return to the program in 1989 also demonstrated his lasting connection to NPR’s flagship newsmagazine. Ultimately, his legacy rests on his ability to make listeners feel connected to the people and places behind the news.

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Rod Calarco, Longtime Radio Executive, Dies at 79

Garrett Searight
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Rod Calarco, Longtime Radio Executive, Dies at 79

Radio executive Rod Calarco, who spent 28 years at CBS Radio, has died at 79. Calarco died of a heart attack on October 12th, leaving behind a career spanning some of the industry’s most prominent stations.

What We Know: Calarco, whose full name was John Anthony Calarco, began his radio career in sales at WFAS-AM in White Plains, New York. He later joined WCBS-AM before rising to Vice President and General Manager of WCBS-FM in New York. During his tenure, the station climbed to No. 1. He subsequently became Vice President and Group Head, overseeing operations across CBS-owned FM stations. His career also included positions at ABC Television, WCAU-AM in Philadelphia, and KRQR-FM in San Francisco. Additionally, Calarco worked for The CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago and WorldSpace International Radio, an early satellite radio venture. He later returned to WFAS-AM as General Manager before retiring.

What He’s Remembered For: Calarco earned a reputation as a trusted leader who helped colleagues advance their careers. He encouraged those around him to pursue success while bringing a larger-than-life personality, a sharp sense of humor, and an endless supply of stories to his work. His memorable advice became known as “Rodisms.” Although he held several senior leadership positions, WCBS-FM remained especially meaningful to him. He also met his wife of 26 years, Cathleen “Cathy” Kelly Calarco, while working at the station.

What Remains Unclear: No additional details about Calarco’s death beyond the reported heart attack were provided. His funeral Mass is scheduled for October 27th at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in White Plains, New York.

What It Means: Calarco’s career reflected the influence experienced radio leaders could have on stations and the people who worked for them. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and his brother. The family has requested donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in lieu of flowers.

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Sean Brace: Michael Robinson’s Comments Questioning Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots “Shameful”

John Mamola
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Sean Brace: Michael Robinson’s Comments Questioning Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots “Shameful”

Sean Brace didn’t hold back in his response to commentary by NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson over the weekend regarding Jalen Hurts’ blood clot injury. The 97.5 The Fanatic host ripped Robinson for doubting Jalen Hurts’ blood clot, which have now sidelined him for the remainder of the NFL regular season.

What We Know: Over the weekend, Robinson suggested Hurts could be faking an injury and using a blood clot as cover. The comments were made prior to news earlier today that Hurts will miss the rest of the season with multiple blood clots. The issue began when Hurts took a cleat to the calf on October 4 against the Rams. While Robinson is yet to apologize for his commentary in doubting the injury, Brace called Robinson’s commentary shameful to be aired on the NFL Network.

What They Said: (All quotes via Brace & Dunne | 97.5 The Fanatic)

Sean Brace believes NFL Network analyst Michael Robinson was out of line for questioning Jalen Hurts blood clot injury: “This isn’t a groin, shoulder, a hand injury, or a concussion. This is a bleeping blood clot. You’re on the NFL Network, which is now partnered with ESPN. They’re together. What I really do put a little bit more into the fact of it is the shield. You are saying that a franchise quarterback is faking a blood clot just so he doesn’t have to play. Are you an idiot? No, You are an idiot. You are a moron, Michael Robinson.”

Sean Brace says an apology by Robinson for his comments isn’t enough: “The issue that I have is even if he walks it back and says I was out of line. That apology will not meet the same type of metrics that the initial take did. That’s what really fries me. Shame on him. If I was a boss at the NFL Network, he’d be he’d be apologizing immediately. We still haven’t had that.”

Sean Brace can’t believe the NFL Network is allowing this level of analysis on their platform: “It’s just wrong. It’s the NFL Network. If you want to be on your podcast, you want to be somebody that’s commenting on social media. That’s one thing. A former player, Pro Bowl player, representing the league via your NFL Network to say that. Shame on him.”

What Remains Unclear: Still, it’s unclear whether Robinson will apologize or walk back his comments. Furthermore, the Eagles haven’t detailed Hurts’ treatment plan as of publishing

What It Means: Ultimately, Brace’s rant reflects growing frustration with hot takes on league-owned platforms and sports media in general. Moreover, Philadelphia sports radio now has a fresh target as Eagles fans process the loss.

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