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Stephen A. Smith Upset That Pittsburgh Steelers Didn’t Interview ESPN Analyst Ryan Clark for Head Coach Position

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Stephen A. Smith Upset That Pittsburgh Steelers Didn’t Interview ESPN Analyst Ryan Clark for Head Coach Position

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, arguing the organization should have interviewed former player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark for its vacant head coaching position before finalizing its decision to hire Mike McCarthy.

Speaking on First Take, Smith says he was “very upset” with how the Steelers handled the search. He stressed his comments were sincere and rooted in respect for Clark’s background and franchise ties. Smith said he was not exaggerating or speaking hypothetically. He added that Clark deserved serious consideration rather than being overlooked entirely.

“I’m not joking about this and I’m dead serious. I believe that Ryan Clark should have been interviewed for the job,” Smith said during the segment, underscoring his frustration with the lack of outreach from Pittsburgh despite Clark’s extensive history with the organization.

Clark spent eight of his 13 NFL seasons with the Steelers and played a key role on the Super Bowl XLIII championship team. Since retiring, he has built a prominent media career. He is now one of ESPN’s most recognizable NFL analysts. Clark regularly offers insight on leadership, locker room dynamics, and organizational culture.

Smith reinforced his argument by pointing to recent league precedent, noting that former quarterback Philip Rivers received a head coaching interview with the Buffalo Bills despite having no formal coaching experience.

“Philip Rivers got interviewed by the Buffalo Bills,” Smith says. “I’m just saying, you Pittsburgh Steelers, what’s up?”

Smith said the relationship between Clark and the Steelers remains active. He alleged the organization regularly seeks Clark’s advice on football matters. According to Smith, that ongoing dialogue made the lack of an interview more puzzling. He added the decision felt unusual for a franchise that values loyalty and continuity.

“”I know they love RC, and they know he’s a Steeler for life. I know they pick up the phone and call him. Deferring to him and ask his advice and stuff like that,” Smith said, adding that team officials regularly consult Clark for guidance and perspective. “How come you can’t interview the brother?”

The Steelers ultimately chose McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach with extensive head coaching experience, most recently leading the Dallas Cowboys. The hire signals a desire for immediate structure and stability as Pittsburgh looks to reassert itself as a consistent contender in the AFC.

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104.3 The Score To Honor Terry Boers With Special Celebration of Life Broadcast

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104.3 The Score To Honor Terry Boers With Special Celebration of Life Broadcast

The Chicago sports media community will pause Tuesday to remember one of its most influential voices, as 104.3 The Score plans a seven-hour tribute honoring the life and legacy of Terry Boers, who passed away Friday surrounded by family.

The special broadcast, titled “Honoring An Original: A Terry Boers Celebration Of Life,” will air from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be hosted by longtime Score personality Matt Spiegel. The tribute will feature current and former station hosts. It will also include former coworkers who shared studios and show schedules with Boers during his decades on Chicago radio.

Boers played a foundational role in shaping sports talk radio in Chicago after joining The Score at its launch in 1992. His style favored thoughtful conversation, sharp humor, and a willingness to challenge both conventional thinking and the audience itself. That approach helped establish the station’s identity during its formative years and set a standard that continues to influence sports radio in the market.

During a 25-year run on Chicago airwaves, Boers became most closely associated with the afternoon drive pairing of Boers and Bernstein. Alongside Dan Bernstein, Boers helped create one of the market’s most recognizable and enduring sports talk programs. Their on-air dynamic combined insight, tension, and levity, consistently driving conversation among listeners and within the industry.

In 2016, Boers announced his decision to step away from daily hosting, citing health considerations and personal reflection. His final show aired January 5, 2017. It marked the conclusion of a chapter that many listeners considered synonymous with The Score itself.

Although he retired from a full-time schedule, Boers remained connected to the station. He made occasional appearances and maintained ongoing relationships with colleagues.

The upcoming tribute aims to reflect that lasting connection. Rather than focusing solely on career highlights, the broadcast will emphasize stories and shared experiences. It will also highlight the personal impact Boers had on those who worked alongside him.

Spiegel, who co-hosts Spiegel and Holmes, brings a perspective that bridges generations of Score programming. Spiegel worked with Boers and later helped carry the station forward. He is expected to guide conversations that balance reverence with authenticity.

Mitch Rosen, Vice President of The Score, described Boers as “original, funny, smart, witty, and most importantly a beautiful person.” He noted Boers’ importance to both the station’s success and its culture.

The tribute will air live on 104.3 The Score and across the station’s digital platforms. It will give listeners a chance to celebrate a broadcaster whose voice helped define Chicago sports radio for more than two decades.

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Paul Allen Apologizes for Controversial Paid Protesters Comment on KFAN

BSM Staff
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Paul Allen Apologizes for Controversial Paid Protesters Comment on KFAN

Paul Allen opened his Monday morning broadcast on WFAN with a taped apology that directly addressing an off-the-cuff remark he made last week on KFAN, placing accountability and reflection at the center of a controversy that had grown beyond Minnesota and into the national sports media conversation.

The statement aired ahead of Allen’s regularly scheduled program and marked his first on-air response since backlash over “paid protesters” comments. Rather than deflecting or contextualizing the moment, Allen acknowledged the impact of his words. He described the remark as both “insensitive and poorly timed.”

“I made a comment on air Friday about protesters and the weather that was insensitive and poorly timed. And I’m sorry,” Allen said in the taped message. He went on to call the remark a misguided attempt at humor, emphasizing that it carried no political intent while still recognizing that intent did not lessen the harm felt by listeners.

“92Noon doesn’t formulate political opinions. We don’t bash or praise political discussions or even focus on political issues. This time slot always has been a sports centered space built to entertain. A place where we chat about sports. Offer an escape from the heavy stuff, and give listeners the distraction they need from everything else going on,” explained Allen.

Allen’s apology centered on responsibility, not explanation. He stated that he “absolutely and wholeheartedly” wanted to apologize to anyone hurt or offended, reinforcing that the comment did not align with the standards he expects of himself or the show he leads.

Allen acknowledged his “best was lacking” on Friday and said it was important to address the issue before returning to regular programming. He also revealed he took several days away after the incident. The time off allowed for reflection before delivering the apology.

The statement follows a turbulent stretch for Allen, whose initial remark on KFAN drew national attention. Subsequent social media posts over the weekend further placed Allen under scrutiny, prompting additional apologies and expressions of regret as events unfolded in Minneapolis.

By Monday morning, the focus shifted away from reaction and toward accountability. Allen’s taped apology did not minimize the moment or shift blame. Instead, he framed the episode as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with live microphones and trusted platforms.

As Allen concluded his message, he thanked listeners for their continued support and trust. He said it is something he does not take lightly.

KFAN has not commented on the comments made by Allen. Monday morning’s 92Noon show was hosted by fill in host Paul Charchian with no official word on Allen’s return to the air.

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Colorado Avalanche Radio Voice Calls Out Philadelphia Flyers Fans Living in Colorado During Game

BSM Staff
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Colorado Avalanche Radio Voice Calls Out Philadelphia Flyers Fans Living in Colorado During Game

A comment made during a Colorado Avalanche radio broadcast drew national attention to the increasingly delicate balance between hometown passion and transplanted fandom in major U.S. cities.

During Colorado’s home game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Avalanche radio play-by-play voice Conor McGahey addressed the audible presence of Flyers supporters inside Ball Arena. As cheers for the visiting team filtered through the broadcast, McGahey delivered an unscripted remark questioning the loyalty of fans who continue to support their former hometown teams after relocating to Denver.

“You hear that?” McGahey said on air. “That’s a bunch of people who have chosen to leave a city on purpose for a lot of reasons. But they continue their fandom. This is Denver, CO. This isn’t Philadelphia, PA. You left for a reason. Leave your allegiance there, too.”

McGahey made the statement as the Avalanche trailed the Flyers by four goals late in the third period. The chants echoed through an arena that was beginning to empty as Colorado was set to lose the game.

The comment quickly circulated on social media, where reactions ranged from support to criticism. Some Avalanche fans applauded the sentiment, viewing it as a defense of home-ice advantage and regional pride. Others argued that the remarks crossed a line, particularly in a city known for its influx of transplants and its reputation as a welcoming sports market.

The Avalanche organization did not immediately comment on the remarks. McGahey has served as the team’s radio voice since 2015 and is known for energetic calls and a strong fan connection. That passion is often celebrated by listeners. At times, it places broadcasters in the spotlight when commentary moves beyond on-ice action.

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Bobby Bones Podcast Debuts On Netflix Featuring Exclusive Interview With Kenny Chesney

BMM Staff
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Bobby Bones Podcast Debuts On Netflix Featuring Exclusive Interview With Kenny Chesney

Bobby Bones is taking one of country music’s most influential interview platforms to a larger stage as Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast officially makes its debut on Netflix, marking a significant evolution for the long-running podcast and its host.

Hosted by Bobby Bones, the show’s arrival on Netflix comes through the platform’s exclusive video podcast partnership with iHeartMedia, expanding the reach of a program that has long been a staple within the country music community. Known for extended, candid conversations with artists and songwriters, The BobbyCast now adds a visual layer that introduces the format to a global audience accustomed to consuming podcasts on screen rather than solely through audio.

The Netflix run launches with a new interview featuring Kenny Chesney, whose appearance sets the tone for what viewers can expect from the series in its new home. During the episode, Chesney reflects on the personal and professional experiences that shaped his career, including early setbacks, the discipline required to sustain stadium-level performances, and the fan culture that has grown around his music through No Shoes Nation.

“Launching Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast on Netflix is about meeting fans where they are and letting them experience these conversations in a whole new way,” said Bobby Bones. “Getting to kick this new era off with Kenny Chesney, who is honest, funny, and vulnerable — it’s the perfect way to bring the show and the best of country’s most creative artists to a new, massive audience.”

Chesney, a 2025 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, also discusses the physical demands of touring, the creative lessons learned while building his catalog, and the unique trajectory that led to the success of his multi-platinum Greatest Hits release. Additional topics range from his recent residency at Sphere to his New York Times No. 1 bestselling book, Heart Life Music, as well as his admiration for tourmate Megan Moroney.

Bones’ podcast debut on Netflix is just the latest iHeartMedia podcast to have a video stream exclusively on Netflix. The two parties announced an exclusive video podcasting partnership that will bring more than 15 original iHeartPodcasts to the streaming service. The deal includes all new episodes of participating shows, as well as select episodes from their existing libraries.

New episodes of Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast will stream on Netflix every Tuesday and Thursday, while the audio version remains available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

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.

The Joe Rogan Experience Earns Top Spot on Edison Research’s Top 50 Podcasts in 2025’s 4th Quarter

BNM Staff
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The Joe Rogan Experience Earns Top Spot on Edison Research’s Top 50 Podcasts in 2025’s 4th Quarter

Edison Research has unveiled its top 50 podcast rankings from 2025’s 4th quarter, and it’s positive news for Joe Rogan.

The Joe Rogan Experience remained the top program in the metrics utilized by Edison Research. The company conducts interviews with 5,086 weekly podcast consumers ages 13 and older in the U.S.

Joining Joe Rogan in the top five were four other shows that saw their rankings from the previous quarter unchanged. Crime Junkie, The Daily, Call Her Daddy, and SmartLess rounded out the top five in order.

The first mover of the quarter was Stuff You Should Know, up four places to 6th, while other shows like Dateline NBC (-1 to 9th) and New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce (-3 to 10th) rounded out the top 10.

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience  
  2. Crime Junkie  
  3. The Daily 
  4. Call Her Daddy   
  5. SmartLess   
  6. Stuff You Should Know (+4)  
  7. This American Life (+5)
  8. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (-2) 
  9. Dateline NBC (-1) 
  10. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce (-3)  

In the news podcast format, The Megyn Kelly Show finished the quarter 13th. It was joined in the top 50 by The MeidasTouch Podcast (18th), The Tucker Carlson Show (20th), Pod Save America (24th), Candace Owens (35th), Up First from NPR (37th), The Shawn Ryan Show (39th), and The Ben Shapiro Show (48th).

The Charlie Kirk Show, which rose to as high as 17th during the 3rd quarter, fell 30 positions to 47th following Kirk’s September assassination.

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Charles Barkley Responds to Colin Cowherd Over ‘Inside the NBA’ Work Load

BSM Staff
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Charles Barkley Responds to Colin Cowherd Over ‘Inside the NBA’ Work Load

Charles Barkley forcefully pushed back against speculation that ESPN or the NBA is limiting Inside the NBA’s appearances because of its outspoken commentary, dismissing the theory as uninformed and inaccurate.

Speaking during Friday’s episode of Inside the NBA on ESPN, Barkley addressed recent remarks made by Colin Cowherd, who suggested the show’s reduced schedule could reflect a behind-the-scenes understanding between the network and the league. Barkley rejected that notion outright, saying the schedule for the studio show was established well in advance. He expressed frustration with commentary suggesting the program had been sidelined because of criticism aimed at players or the league.

“There’s some fools at home that we’re on the internet. They’re at home now. Saying that we were talking bad about the players today, so they made us work less. Shut hell up,” said Barkley.

Last week, Cowherd questioned on The Herd why Inside the NBA has aired sparingly in its first season under ESPN. He stressed the comments were conjecture. Cowherd suggested the reduced visibility may reflect NBA sensitivity to the show’s historically irreverent tone.

Cowherd also suggested that informal understandings, rather than contractual mandates, often shape modern media partnerships. He cited what he described as long-standing discomfort from league executives regarding how the show has mocked players and league narratives.

Barkley appeared visibly irritated by the implication. He said the idea that ESPN intentionally kept the show off the air to appease the NBA simply does not match reality.

“There was no reason for us to be out for two months,” Barkley said, adding that the absence had nothing to do with criticism or pressure from the league. “This was already scheduled months and months ago.”

The Hall of Famer also took aim at social media commentary surrounding the situation. He criticized what he described as baseless assumptions spreading online. He said viewers were mischaracterizing both the show’s content and its relationship with ESPN.

Since joining ESPN’s programming lineup, Inside the NBA has aired five times during the 2025–26 season. Several additional episodes are scheduled to air later this month.

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MediaCo Adds Maire Mason To Oversee Radio, TV Operations in New York City, Chicago, Denver

BMM Staff
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MediaCo Adds Maire Mason To Oversee Radio, TV Operations in New York City, Chicago, Denver

MediaCo has named veteran broadcast executive Maire Mason as Vice President and General Manager of Local MediaCo Markets, a move that reshapes leadership across several of the company’s most prominent radio and television properties in New York and beyond.

MediaCo Holding Inc. said Mason will oversee local radio and television operations in New York City, Chicago, and Denver. This places her in charge of some of the most recognizable brands in urban audio and multicultural television. Her portfolio includes HOT 97 (WQHT-FM), WBLS-FM, Luna 107.5 (WBLS-HD2), La Buena (WQHT-HD2), and EstrellaTV’s WMBC-TV serving the New York tri-state area. Company executives indicated Mason’s responsibilities are expected to expand as MediaCo continues to scale its national footprint.

“Maire is an extraordinary executive and one of the top leaders in audio,” said Albert Rodriguez, CEO of MediaCo Holding Inc. “Her experience, market insight, and leadership make her the ideal person to lead our local operations as we continue to grow.”

Mason brings decades of experience across major broadcast groups and a reputation for guiding legacy brands through change. She has adapted to shifting audience behaviors and evolving revenue dynamics. Her role will include operational oversight, strategic growth initiatives, and market-level leadership. MediaCo aims to strengthen its local presence across platforms.

Mason joins MediaCo from Spanish Broadcasting System, where she served as Vice President and General Manager for the New York market. In that role, she led Mega 97.9 and Amor 93.1 before adding Chicago’s La Ley 107.9 to her responsibilities. Her tenure there coincided with continued competition for Hispanic audiences and advertisers in major urban markets.

“This opportunity doesn’t come around often,” said Mason. “I’m excited to lead iconic brands like HOT 97 and WBLS alongside La Luna, La Buena, and WMBC, and to work with a leadership team that is building something special.”

Earlier in her career, Mason spent more than 20 years with CBS Radio and Infinity Broadcasting. She held leadership roles during significant consolidation and format experimentation. She later held senior positions at Univision New York and Cumulus Media. There, she helped launch New York City’s first FM news station and the market’s first country station. Those initiatives underscored her ability to identify format opportunities and execute complex launches in crowded dial positions.

From a revenue perspective, MediaCo executives see Mason’s arrival as a catalyst for deeper integration between audio and television operations. Chief Revenue Officer Brian Fisher said her leadership strengthens the company’s commercial strategy. Senior Vice President of Audio Sales Danny Lowrey called the hire a significant step forward for partners and advertisers.

In a related move, MediaCo announced the appointment of Liz Paulino as Director of Sales, reporting to Mason.

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Podtrac Updates Podcast Ranking Metrics By Including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Views

BNM Staff
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Podtrac Updates Podcast Ranking Metrics By Including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Views

Podtrac has announced it is modernizing the data used for its podcast rankings to include video views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

The company has launched what it is calling its “Multi-Channel Rankings”, placing the top 200 shows based on data from Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other RSS feeds, along with full episode video metrics from Spotify and YouTube. It will also include data from podcast clips posted on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Included in the December 2025 rankings is a visual identifier to see how popular each of the top 20 programs was based on their respective platforms.

The MeidasTouch Podcast took the top spot in the Multi-Channel Podcast rankings, propelled by its popularity on YouTube and with clips posted to TikTok and YouTube.

Meanwhile, The Joe Rogan Experience was second with just under 50% of its exposure coming from the audio podcast realm on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The visualization of which platform is biggest for each podcast from Podtrac reveals interesting information. For instance, shows like Up First from NPR (13th) and The Daily (7th) see almost 100% of their usage through strictly audio channels on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. While, shows like Dr. Insanity (8th), The Adam Mockler Show (8th), and The Mel Robbins Podcast (18th) see almost all of their usage from either video podcasting, or by posting clips on social media.

Of the 200 podcasts ranked in the Multi-Channel Rankings, 52 are from the news format, while Comedy (35), Society & Culture (20), True Crime (19), Business (17), & Sports (11) rounded out the most popular genres.

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Brandon Tierney To Be Featured On FOX News’ ‘One Nation with Brian Kilmeade’

BSM Staff
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Brandon Tierney To Be Featured On FOX News’ ‘One Nation with Brian Kilmeade’

Former WFAN host Brandon Tierney is set to return to national television next weekend. The longtime sports media personality revealed he’s set to contribute to an upcoming youth sports feature airing on One Nation with Brian Kilmeade on FOX News.

Tierney shared the news in a Facebook post, announcing that he’s taping a segment examining the current youth sports landscape, with a focus on the financial, emotional, and societal pressures increasingly placed on young athletes and their families.

The feature will air next Sunday as part of the network’s weekend programming slate.

“Really excited to contribute to One Nation,’ Tierney posted on Facebook. “The perils, cost, misinformation and pressures facing youth athletes and the impact on families and society in general. Going to be great!”

Best known to New York audiences for his years as a host at WFAN, Tierney has remained active in media and public discourse since departing the station in December. Tierney has built his own digital platform via YouTube and has been making frequent contributions to other programs.

According to Tierney’s post, the segment will address several issues shaping youth athletics today. These include rising participation costs, misinformation around player development, and pressure to specialize early. The topics have drawn increasing attention from parents, educators, and media outlets. Youth sports continue to evolve into a high-stakes environment for many families.

Tierney’s perspective is shaped by decades in sports media and firsthand observations of how youth athletics have changed. While sports radio traditionally focuses on professional leagues, youth sports discussions have moved into mainstream news coverage. The shift reflects their broader societal impact.

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