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Longtime Radio Executive Dave Alpert Passes Away Following Cancer Battle

BSM Staff
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Longtime Radio Executive Dave Alpert Passes Away Following Cancer Battle

The radio industry lost one of its respected leaders this week. Dave Alpert, a longtime market manager with deep roots in the business, passed away after a private battle with cancer. His wife, Angela, shared the sad news on Facebook.

“Last night my husband, my love, my best friend Dave passed away,” she wrote. She explained that Alpert chose to keep his four-year cancer battle off of social media. As a result, many colleagues were unaware he was even ill. Angela noted that the final weeks came quickly, and doctors could not do more for him. Details on a Celebration of Life will be announced soon.

Alpert built a distinguished career spanning multiple markets and companies. He spent 13 years in Kansas City, where he served as Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Entercom. Before joining Entercom, he managed stations for Susquehanna in Kansas City from 2000 to 2003. He later held a similar role with Cumulus Media in the same market from 2006 to 2007.

His responsibilities eventually grew well beyond Kansas City. Following Entercom’s merger with CBS Radio in 2017, Alpert stepped into a Regional President role. In that capacity, he oversaw stations in Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Wichita. He remained in that position until a company realignment in October 2020.

Earlier in his career, Alpert served as General Manager in Fort Myers, Greenville, Nashville, and Sarasota. Those experiences shaped him into the versatile leader the industry came to know. He returned to the sunshine state in early 2021, which is where he resided until his passing.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, colleagues will remember him as passionate, genuine and committed. Barrett Media’s Jason Barrett holds him in high regard as he was one of the first executives to retain Barrett for consultation. Our thoughts go out to Angela and the entire Alpert family.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Rich Eisen Excited About ‘SportsCenter’ Return, Makes Offer to Dan Patrick for the Same

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Rich Eisen Excited About ‘SportsCenter’ Return, Makes Offer to Dan Patrick for the Same

Nearly 23 years after his abrupt departure from ESPN, Rich Eisen is set for a full-circle moment. The longtime ESPN Radio host will return to Bristol, Connecticut, on Sunday night to anchor SportsCenter for the first time since 2003.

Eisen shared his thoughts during an appearance Friday on The Dan Patrick Show, offering a mix of excitement, curiosity and reflection.

“It’s exciting. I can’t wait, and I also have no idea what to expect,” Eisen said. “I’ve been told it’s gotten massive since I last set foot on that campus 23 years ago.”

Eisen’s return marks a notable chapter in a career that has spanned multiple networks and platforms. However, his previous exit from ESPN remains a vivid memory.

“They handed me a cardboard box in late May of 2003 and I have not been back since then,” he said. “They definitely watched as I put a box together and walked out the door. That actually did happen.”

Since then, Eisen built a prominent presence at NFL Network, becoming one of the faces of the league’s media arm. Still, he acknowledged that his early years at ESPN shaped his professional identity.

“It was my identity at the time,” Eisen said. “If you [Dan Patrick] were so clear-eyed about it, you should have told me, ‘Don’t worry about it. You’ll be back 23 years later, and NFL Network will be owned by ESPN.’”

That perspective adds another layer to Sunday night’s appearance, which serves as both a homecoming and a reminder of how much the media landscape has changed. Eisen also used the opportunity to float a potential reunion idea.

He extended an on-air invitation to Dan Patrick, his former ESPN colleague, to join him behind the desk.

“That would make my day, night and year, to do another SportsCenter with you, Dan,” Eisen said. “If you’re up for it, I would love to do something like that.”

Whether that reunion materializes remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Eisen’s return to Bristol offers a compelling blend of nostalgia and evolution for one of sports media’s most recognizable voices.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Nielsen Responds to Cumulus Attempt to Uphold Lawsuit: Bankruptcy Doesn’t Change Status

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Nielsen Responds to Cumulus Attempt to Uphold Lawsuit: Bankruptcy Doesn’t Change Status

After filing for bankruptcy, Cumulus Media tried to uphold its restraining order against Nielsen, the ratings company it accused of tying local and national ratings together.

In its filing, Cumulus directly connected its financial troubles to that Nielsen policy, calling the link between local and national ratings a “significant contributing cause” of its pre-packaged Chapter 11 filing.

Nielsen, however, disagrees.

“All along, Cumulus said emergency relief was needed to avert imminent crisis,” Nielsen lawyers argued in a filing. “That premise is gone. Bankruptcy has now occurred, and a preliminary injunction cannot stop what has already happened.”

Nielsen also noted that a district court already ruled that Cumulus’ “dire financial state is not Nielsen’s problem.”

Additionally, Nielsen’s filing asks the Second Circuit court to overturn the preliminary injunction. The company argues it was forced to sell its data on terms Cumulus dictated — terms it says don’t violate antitrust laws.

The lawsuit between the two companies is currently paused due to Cumulus’ bankruptcy proceedings. Still, the radio company’s expected emergence from Chapter 11 in the coming weeks should pave the way for the legal battle to resume.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Joe Buck Aiming To Stay With ESPN “Rest of My Career” With a Year Remaining on Current Agreement

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Joe Buck Aiming To Stay With ESPN “Rest of My Career” With a Year Remaining on Current Agreement

As his current deal approaches its final season, Joe Buck made it clear he sees his long-term future with ESPN. Buck, who ESPN in 2022 after a lengthy run with FOX Sports. He tells Sports Business Journal he would have no hesitation signing an extension if one were presented today.

He emphasized how much he has enjoyed his current role with ESPN.

“I’ve loved every second of it and I am hopeful that I’m at ESPN for the rest of my career,” Buck says. “If something gets thrown at me and I have to shift, I’ll shift. But I would be hopeful to stay right where I am until I’m finished.”

While Buck revealed that no formal negotiations have taken place, Buck expressed confidence in the relationship between both sides. He noted that neither party has created uncertainty about continuing their partnership.

The timing is notable. ESPN is gearing up for a major stretch of NFL coverage, highlighted by its first Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027. The network has branded the lead-up as The Year of the Super Bowl, a company-wide initiative designed to build momentum across platforms. Buck will play a central role in that effort alongside longtime partner Troy Aikman.

The duo headlines ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage, joined by Laura Rutledge and Lisa Salters. He said the opportunity excites him rather than adding pressure.

“I love being at a place that holds this thing up. Like this is our chance. That’s a great feeling as an announcer. … The buildup, I love. I don’t think it adds any pressure. It doesn’t add any pressure to me. It just means that the people that I work for are excited about it and that’s good.,” Buck said.

However, before the NFL season ramps up, Buck will return briefly to baseball. He will be on the call for the national broadcast featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets from Dodger Stadium. The game will honor Jackie Robinson Day. For that assignment, Buck will team with analysts Ron Darling and Orel Hershiser, along with reporter Buster Olney.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Townsquare Media Takes Talk 103.9 in Lubbock Silent

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Townsquare Media Takes Talk 103.9 in Lubbock Silent

Townsquare Media has silenced Talk 103.9 in Lubbock, ending the station more than seven years after flipping the format.

The company took the station silent on April 1st, ending a 73-run for the signal in the Texas city.

In its filing with the FCC, Townsquare Media pointed to “economic conditions in the market” as reason for the move.

The news/talk format seen on the station was implemented in 2019. Previously, the station had featured a sports talk format. It also spent time as the radio flagship of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

KKAM-AM is a Class C signal with 1,000 watts of power.

The Lubbock market remains served in the news/talk format by the 790 KFYO brand, also owned by Townsquare Media. Earlier this year, a new conservative talk station, 92.3 The Hub, joined 790 KFYO and Talk 104.3 in the market.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

FOX & Friends Taking Cross-Country RV Trip to Celebrate America 250

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FOX & Friends Taking Cross-Country RV Trip to Celebrate America 250

FOX & Friends, the Fox News morning show, is set to embark on a road trip around the nation to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

Beginning on Friday, April 24th, the show will begin a six-stop trip around the country.

Stops on the tour include:

  • Houston, Texas
  • Lenexas, Kansas
  • Destin, Florida
  • Jekyll Island, Georgia
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • Wildwood, New Jersey

As part of the tour, the company will give away the RV used to complete the road trip to a lucky viewer, in conjunction with Camping World.

“As we get ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we’re hitting the open road,” Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt told The Hollywood Reporter. “We are hopping in an RV and heading across the country with so many special stops along the way. There’s nothing more American than a road trip and we can’t wait to meet the people and visit the places that truly are the heartbeat of America.”

“I actually got to drive the Freedom Traveler we are giving away and when I got behind the wheel it triggered my inner Clark Griswold. Vacation!” added Steve Doocy. “For some lucky viewer, this RV will make it possible for them to travel the country with their family, making memories that last a lifetime.”

The RV will be given away on Friday, July 3rd. Fox News will cover the tax bill for the winner.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Hugh Douglas To Be Inducted Into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

BSM Staff
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Hugh Douglas To Be Inducted Into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame

Philadelphia sports radio host and former NFL standout Hugh Douglas will receive one of the city’s highest honors later this year. Douglas is set to be inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame on November 5 at the Event Center at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia.

Fellow Sportsradio 94 WIP host Joe DeCamara will serve as master of ceremonies. The announcement was revealed during a guest appearance by Kay Magee, a trustee of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

“Thank you very much. This is a huge honor to be in the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame,” said Douglas following the announcement.

Douglas has long maintained a strong connection with the city, even beyond his playing days. He noted the support he received early on left a lasting impression.

“To come here and have people know who I was, even before I played here, that was special,” he said. “The love I’ve gotten since coming back has meant a lot.”

The former defensive end built an impressive NFL career spanning a decade. He entered the league as the 16th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and quickly made an impact. Douglas earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors from both the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers of America.

He later became a key figure for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections from 2000 through 2002. Douglas also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars during his career.

After retiring, Douglas transitioned into broadcasting. He contributed to several Philadelphia television outlets before joining ESPN in 2011 as an NFL studio analyst. Douglas later spent multiple years in Atlanta sports radio before making his return to Philadelphia in 2023.

He now co-hosts the midday show on SportsRadio 94 WIP alongside Joe Giglio.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Mark Jones Reportedly Departing ESPN Following His Final NBA Call on Sunday

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Mark Jones Reportedly Departing ESPN Following His Final NBA Call on Sunday

Longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mark Jones is set to call his final game for the network this weekend, according to a report from The Athletic. Jones’ last broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, bringing an end to a tenure that spans more than three decades.

He originally joined ESPN in 1990 and quickly became a versatile voice across multiple sports properties.

Over the years, Jones handled play-by-play duties for the NBA, college football and, more recently, the UFL. Additionally, he contributed to coverage of the WNBA and both men’s and women’s college basketball, further establishing himself as one of the network’s most reliable broadcasters.

His work extended beyond basketball. Jones called a variety of events for ABC, including college football and international competitions. He also covered the World Track and Field Championships in both Stuttgart and Gothenburg during the 1990s.

Earlier in his career, Jones played a prominent role in the network’s marquee NBA coverage. He hosted SportsCenter segments surrounding the NBA Finals during two separate stretches and also handled play-by-play responsibilities for the 2011 NBA Finals on ESPN 3D.

Beyond that, he contributed to coverage of All-Star Weekend events and the NBA Draft.

Before arriving at ESPN, Jones built his foundation in Canada. He worked for The Sports Network in Toronto, where he served as a sports desk anchor and hosted a program focused on the Toronto Blue Jays.

A Toronto native, Jones attended York University, where he played basketball and earned All-Conference honors. He later received the school’s Bryden Award, recognizing leadership and achievement. Jones also represented Canada in international basketball competition.

ESPN has not confirmed the news of Jones departure, and how the ESPN broadcast teams will adjust for the upcoming postseason play.

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WTCM 580 Morning Hosts Ron Jolly, Colleen Wares Retire

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WTCM 580 Morning Hosts Ron Jolly, Colleen Wares Retire

After 12 years together on the air, WTCM 580 morning hosts Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares retired on Friday from the Traverse City news/talk station.

The duo hosted from 7-10 AM. Jolly began hosting morning drive on the station in November 1994, making him the longest-running host of a radio show in Northern Michigan.

Wares joined the station in 1979 before departing in 1983. In 1986, she returned, working with Jolly in the station’s newsroom for three years. They were reunited in 2014 and ultimately decided to retire together.

“The hardest part is leaving. We can’t see you, you can’t see us, but we are connected,” Jolly said of their retirement.

Following their final show together, Jolly and Wares met with listeners at a nearby brewery.

The celebration for Jolly and Wares was a somber one, however, as Vic McCarty — who followed the morning show on WTCM 580 — died earlier this week after a battle with stage four metastatic cancer.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

FOX Sports Adds Javier “Chicharito” Hernández to World Cup 2026 Coverage

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FOX Sports Adds Javier “Chicharito” Hernández to World Cup 2026 Coverage

FOX Sports is adding international star power to its FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage. The network announced that Javier Hernández, widely known as “Chicharito,” will join its broadcast team as a studio analyst for the tournament.

FOX Sports President and Executive Producer Brad Zager revealed the move ahead of Mexico’s opening match against South Africa on June 11.

Hernández brings significant credibility to the role. He remains Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, totaling 52 goals in 109 appearances with the national team. He also represented El Tri in three World Cups, finding the net in each tournament from 2010 through 2018.

Zager said the addition aligns with FOX Sports’ strategy of building a globally recognizable roster. He noted that Mexico’s prominent role in the 2026 event made it essential to include voices closely tied to the country’s soccer identity. Hernández, he added, offers both name recognition and firsthand tournament experience.

For Hernández, the move marks a transition from the pitch to the studio.

“When the opportunity came to join a great company like FOX Sports and cover the FIFA World Cup™ this summer, it was a no brainer,” said Hernández. “I’m a rookie, so I expect to have fun as an analyst and learn, but really I just want to share my perspective on how I see the beautiful game and sport that I’ve been playing my entire life with fans watching at home.”

The forward’s professional career spans nearly two decades. He played for several top clubs around the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and West Ham United. Hernández also spent time with Sevilla FC and Bayer Leverkusen.

In 2020, he made the jump to Major League Soccer, signing with the LA Galaxy. During his tenure in Los Angeles, Hernández scored 38 goals in 74 regular-season appearances, becoming one of the league’s most recognizable names.

He joins an already high-profile FOX Sports lineup. The network previously announced additions such as Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, along with veteran host Rebecca Lowe. More on-air talent is expected to be revealed in the months leading up to the tournament.

FOX Sports will carry all 104 matches of the expanded competition. Coverage will air across FOX and FS1, with every match also available to stream in 4K on the network’s digital platforms.

The 2026 edition will be the largest in World Cup history. For the first time, three countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada — will serve as hosts. The tournament will feature 48 teams competing across 16 cities, including 11 venues in the United States.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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