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Justin Shackil, Rickie Ricardo Announced As First Fill-Ins For John Sterling

BSM Staff
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Justin Shackil, Rickie Ricardo Announced As First Fill-Ins For John Sterling

With John Sterling set to skip select Yankees games in the second half of the Major League Baseball season, WFAN will use fill-in broadcasters at least 25 times. The station has announced the first two names to get the call.

Justin Shackil will call the teams’ games in Toronto from June 17 through June 19. He regularly serves as a digital reporter for the team. He also contributes to Jomboy Media.

The Yankees’ Spanish radio voice Rickie Ricardo will move to the English-language booth in Tampa from June 20-22.

Sterling has clarified that this is not being forced on his by the Yankees. The decision to take more time off is his. 

“I really hate going on the road and I’ve been doing it with teams nonstop for 52 years,” he told Carton & Roberts Tuesday.

Andrew Marchand was the first to announce Sterling’s reduced workload. He speculated that Shackil may be in line to get the bulk of the work. He also mentioned other potential candidates including Ryan Ruocco and Suzyn Waldman, who will join Ricardo for the games in Tampa.

Joe Biden: Media Only Worries About Its Clicks on the Nightly News

BNM Staff
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President Joe Biden believes the media coverage in America has deteriorated to the point where reporters sensationalize stories just for “clicks.” 

Biden appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Wednesday in what was his first sit-down interview in more than 100 days. According to The Hill, Biden last appeared in a network-style format interview with NBC’s Lester Holt on Feb.13. Since that time, inflation and gas prices have reached record highs. 

“Look how the press has changed. … Here’s the deal, one of the things is that it’s very difficult now to have a, um, even with notable exceptions, even the really good reporters, they have to get a number of clicks on the nightly news,” Biden said. 

Kimmel engaged Biden in a back-and-forth about right-wing media outlets reporting alleged false information. 

“The fact that this makes sense is why it doesn’t make sense and why it seems so crazy and that we have so many problems and that may be just Americans aren’t as knowledgeable as they should be, or maybe there’s a Death Star pumping false information in,” Kimmel said.

“Fox, right?” Biden responded.

“It’s enough already, and I think you just need to start yelling at people, is really what I think,” Kimmel replied.

David Gregory: Politicians Need to Condemn Attempted Hit on Brett Kavanaugh

BNM Staff
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Political pundits were sparring Thursday following the attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Cable news analysts on both sides of the aisle sold different narratives. 

CNN political analyst David Gregory issued a warning about blaming the right for mob violence and not addressing their own side’s role in motivating such behavior. 

Fox News Digital captured a conversation between Gregory and “New Day” host Brianna Keilar alongside CNN anchor Kasie Hunt. Gregory called the actions of the California man facing federal charges for the attempted murder of the Justice, “horrifying.” 

“I mean, activism has its place, of course, speaking out has its place, but to threaten a Supreme Court justice and his family outside of his home is beyond the pale, cannot be tolerated, every politician has an obligation to stand up, condemn this and to do something about it,” said Gregory. 

In recent days, it’s been reported that CNN’s President Chris Licht wants to return the network to its roots as more of a straightforward news gathering agency. 

“If you want to show up at the Supreme Court and protest, maybe that’s the place to do it. That’s clearly not where Democratic leaders are right now, and I think it’s because of their base,” Hunt added. 

An Open Letter to JJ Redick

BSM Staff
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Dear JJ Redick:

Big fan here. Huge. Not of your playing career necessarily. I mean, I liked you as an NBA player. You were an incredible shooter and a meaningful component to some very good teams, but I have never rooted for Duke in my life. Not once, which is probably why it took me time to appreciate your pro career.

I’m a huge fan of the lane you’re driving in the media world, though. Have been from the jump, actually. I thoroughly enjoyed you fitting Chris Russo for a clown suit when it came to his opinion that America did not like Draymond Green. I also thoroughly enjoyed your boxing out of Stephen A. Smith earlier this week after he expressed the opinion that he was not a fan of Russell Westbrook attending the introduction of Darvin Ham.

“So you said a random, random take,” you said. “And then you explained a bunch of things about Russell Westbrook that had nothing to do with that take so I want clarification. What is your issue with Russell Westbrook being at that news conference?”

Awesome. You put him in a corner and forced him to talk his way out of that one.

You’re part of a players revolution in sports media. A revolution that will, in fact, be televised. Actually, that’s kind of the point with former players such as yourself and even current players like Green, C.J. McCollum, perhaps even Patrick Beverly becoming part of the industry whether it’s podcasts, stints on the studio shows that anchor event coverage or (increasingly) the debate shows that fill the morning programming on ESPN.

Let’s talk about that last role for a second. Because ESPN has taken to posting you up against an old man who yells at the clouds (Russo) and the slightly less old man known for his over-the-top bombast (Smith). It’s not as easy as people think to consistently disagree with your co-workers in public. It’s downright tricky when your co-workers have cartoonish or outdated opinions. So at the risk of coming off as a presumptuous dolt, I’d like to offer a few suggestions, and I think these can apply in general to broadcast debates.

1) Don’t use sarcasm.

I know it’s tempting. Feels good, too, doesn’t it? I chuckled earlier this week when you clapped back on Russo’s insinuation that you didn’t know how good the game of pro basketball used to be because of your age: “I did not have the luxury of watching in person the 1986 NBA Finals. OK. I’m at fault there.”

This did point out how silly Russo’s criticism was, but it actually doesn’t land as well in what is a debate, and it makes the next step awkward for everyone. Also, it lets your opponent off the hook because they’re not forced to explain their rationale.

2) The best offense is making them play defense.

Force your opponent to defend specific points. Point out the flaws in their logic or their assumptions, and make them address those. You did that earlier in that conversation with Russo when he argued that players today do not possess the same level of fundamental basketball skill as players from 20 years ago:

Russo: “Fundamentally they’re not as good. Because back in those days, Tim Duncan played four years in college. These guys don’t play four years of college basketball.”

Redick: “Fundamentally?”

Russo: “Fundamentally they’re not nearly as good.”

Redick: “Fundamentally? What game are you watching today, Chris? Honestly, what game are you watching?”

See, this is great. You made it clear that you think his point is ridiculous, but you’ve forced him to answer for his perspective on what he sees today. Watch where the conversation goes.

Russo: “You think anybody is a better fundamental player than Larry Bird? You think anybody is a better fundamental player than Larry Bird?”

Redick: “You’re bringing up a top-10 player of all-time.”

Russo: “You’re talking about the Golden State Warriors.”

Redick: “I’m talking about the average NBA player.”

3) Save your anger for serious stuff

I know it’s frustrating, JJ. Seriously, I get it. You’re being brought on to answer for any of the shortcomings — real and perceived — with today’s game. This week, it was Mike Greenberg and Smith on Get Up! expressing the opinion that today’s players whine too much.

Greenberg: “The softening of the game, a lot of it comes from the constant complaining to the officials, the constant whining, the constant selling of calls.”

Redick: “Michael Jordan didn’t complain to the officials? Larry Bird didn’t? C’mon guys?

“This nostalgia that you have for the ‘80s and the ‘90s, a great era of basketball. But it’s at the expense of our generation and it has been for the last 15 years. And it gets annoying. That’s annoying, Stephen A.”

All of that is really good. It’s great. The problem came later when Redick was visibly frustrated, shaking his head and turning away.

Smith: “Shake your head all you want to. We comprehend what you’re saying.”

Redick: “I’ll see you again in like an hour.”

Smith: “Are you sure? Are you sure? You gonna’ be ready?”

Redick: “Oh I’ll be ready. 10:55.”

Honestly, it’s an incredible tease, but the visible frustration and turning away from Smith were not only unnecessary, but made it uncomfortable.

4) Don’t apologize. At all. Ever.

When that 10:55 segment did roll around on Wednesday, Redick apologized if he went over the top. There was no need for a public apology. At all. Any issues in execution can be handled off the air. On the air, it’s a show. A live show, actually, and emotions are part of it. Play through those.

More than anything, don’t let up, man. Go hard in the paint. There’s a couple of generations of commonly recited talking points that need to be flushed out of sports media entirely, and you’re part of a group of former players who are poised to do it. I’ll be cheering you on!

Buck Sexton: Joy Behar Is the “Dumbest Person” Who Speaks About Politics

BNM Staff
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Nationally syndicated radio host Buck Sexton took aim at “The View” co-host Joy Behar calling her “stupid” for her take on Black people owning guns in America. 

Behar’s comments were made in reference to the ongoing discussion of gun reform in the wake of multiple mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas. 

Sexton is the co-host of the “Clay & Buck” show along with Clay Travis on Premiere Networks. 

“I think you could argue the dumbest person who speaks about politics for a living on television is probably Joy Behar,” Sexton said Thursday via transcript published on the show’s website. “People can argue with me, but I feel confident about that one.” 

Gun ownership is diverse in America. According to The National Firearms Survey, 25.4% of firearms are owned by Black people, 28.3% owned by Hispanics, 19.4% owned by Asians and the majority, 34.3%, owned by white people.

“Evidence of how little Joy Behar knows about the world,” added Travis.  “There are probably thousands and thousands of black men and women and women who are listening to us right now who have guns, right? We can open up phone lines.”

“Conservatives are constantly arguing for law-abiding people — all people, and law-abiding black Americans — to be able to enjoy their Second Amendment rights, including the protection for themselves and for their families,” added Sexton. 

Now is the Time for a FREE GAS Radio Promotion

Jeff Caves
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Part of the sports radio business fun is getting to do big promotions that pay off for the sales department. I have rarely seen a promotion NOT get executed by a sports radio station if it provides the opportunity for the station to make money.

The Promotions Department often asks sales to get a sponsor to attach their name to a fun run, fireworks show, parade, etc. The value of those events is the number of promos on the air and exposure provided at the event for the sponsor. Sometimes the event is natural. A golf tournament tied in with a charity and on-air person and sponsor who uses the on-air person as an endorser. BINGO.

So, why not drag out the FREE GAS promotion about now? A few factors point to it being a grand slam if done this summer.

Gas prices are high. Budget-altering high. Find a brand of gas in your area that would like to explain how much they appreciate their customers, and your listeners, with a station promotion aimed to reward, educate and promote loyalty. Grocery stores and supercenters that pump their gas are hurting for store traffic. It makes sense that lower-income consumers fill up at 7-11 and walk away without buying a pack of smokes and energy drinks.

Sports radio’s core demographic, and younger at that, are ALWAYS found at your local convenience store. The 2021 4th of July weekend had most of us paying $3.21 a gallon for gas; now, we are almost at $5. California is already at $6.34 a gallon, and who knows where we will come Friday, July 1st when we gas up for the three-day holiday. The experts say these prices are here to stay for the foreseeable future.   

So, why not have some fun and give away FREE GAS?

BLAZE FM, a HIT music station in Longview, Texas (market #141), did just that. They pumped free gas for an hour to just over 100 listeners at a local convenience store, Scotties 2.0. It was a hit. The retail value of the gas was about $8,000. Their on-air staff pumped the gas, the local tv stations ate it up, and they were stroked on social media as being the good guys.

I am sure you could alter the promo and let the first 100 cars line up for the gas sometime between 3-7 pm. That way, you turn away fewer disappointed drivers. This is an excellent opportunity for the retailer to sign up customers for their app to save ten cents a gallon.

You can add on remote fees, spot schedules, live interviews, and web and social media content and come up with a nice package for which the convenience store and their vendors can pay.

While some of us get FREE GAS with every Taco Tuesday, why not hit a home run with this FREE GAS promo and fill the tanks of your core listeners? Why not do a FREE GAS promo near your local minor league or pro baseball team? Then they can look like the good guys for giving away free gas just for coming to the nearest convenience store near the stadium. 

Broadcast of January 6th Hearings Could Learn a Thing from Radio Programmers

Pete Mundo
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As I begin writing this piece, it’s 7:38 p.m. CST on Thursday, June 9th. I’m 38 minutes into watching the overly-hyped January 6th hearings from Capitol Hill. Sure, I’d rather be getting waterboarded, but such is life, and it is part of the job.

Regardless, I went into my viewing with an open mind and was curious to see if we might learn anything new from that day 18 months ago. Like any rational person, I was disgusted by those who broke the law that day and believed they should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. That being said, it’s undeniable this is very much political posturing by Democrats to try and have the issue of January 6th at the top of voters’ minds before the midterms.

And on Thursday evening, the hyper-partisan committee had a small window to capture people’s attention and suck them into the event. For most Americans, the issues like gasoline prices, grocery prices, general inflation, record-setting numbers of drug overdoses, and rising crime are much more likely to be topics they discuss at the kitchen table over January 6th.

So if this committee wanted to get the American people to care en masse, they had to knock it out of the park right away.

But the committee failed.

And considering the made-for-TV event was being put together by former ABC News President James Goldston, a longtime television executive who started working with the committee several weeks ago to help produce the hearing, I’m shocked at how impressively he appears to have failed.

In fact, he could have been taught a thing or two from any talk radio programmer based on our PPM principles. We know that in radio, you have seconds come out of a break to hook in a listener. It’s that great opening line that sucks in your audience and makes them not want to leave.

That’s more true than ever today as media continues to get more fragmented and attention spans keep dwindling. With those standards in place, the January 6th committee’s opening presentation could not have gone worse.

The first 15 minutes were spent with Chairman Bennie Thomas telling us about his personal life story and why we should care about January 6th. But most importantly, no new information.

Then, it was Liz Cheney’s turn to pontificate on the importance of the hearings while also bloviating, saying, for example: “Please remember what is at stake. Remember the men and women who have fought and died so that we can live under the rule of law and not the rule of men.”

There were also multiple occasions where Cheney used the phrase, “You will hear…”, as she was setting up what’s to come for the committee in future hearings. This is not a novel. This is a prime-time, politically-motivated hearing being promoted to specifically help the party in power maintain it. If you have the goods, the opening hour, frankly the opening 10-15 minutes, was the time to share it. That did not happen.

It felt like it was a show being put on for the media sycophants and Trump-hating Americans. Here’s the problem: That is NOT the audience that the Democrat party needs to care about with this hearing. They already have that audience. They needed left-of-center Democrats, Independents, and even some Republicans to be lured in by their opening act. And based on the information or lack thereof that was provided, it was a total dud.

Thomas and Cheney each spoke for nearly one hour combined, with no “bombshell” information that would have been useful to keep the attention of the American people. Maybe that’s because that information doesn’t exist. It probably doesn’t, because if it did, and James Goldston didn’t have the foresight to use it right out of the gates when the audience for the hearings was going to be the largest, then he failed at his job.

We’ll wait to see what gets presented moving forward, and none of it takes away from a disgraceful day and national embarrassment. But if this was supposed to be the moment that the American people shifted away from the Republican Party (which polls are showing is continuing to happen) and over to the Democratic Party, then the moment fell flat on its face.

And to think that a few simple radio PPM principles for James Goldston might have been of service. What a shame, huh?

The Washington Post Fires Felicia Sonmez

BNM Staff
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A reporter who filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Washington Post and then tried to expose her employer’s alleged toxic workplace environment has been fired.  

According to CNN, multiple people confirmed the termination of Felicia Sonmez who brazenly tweeted about her colleagues and the Post’s management style. The paper reportedly issued social media edicts which Sonmez subsequently ignored.  

In a thread pinned to the top of her page, Sonmez reveals the Washington Post’s recommendations for social media use at the National Desk. Saying, “two years later, nothing has changed.” 

A lawsuit filed by Sonmez last year and later dismissed claimed that she faced discrimination on the job after she went public with her account of being a sexual assault victim. In 2020, Sonmez was placed on administrative leave by the paper after she tweeted a link from the Daily Beast regarding rape allegations against the late basketball star Kobe Bryant. 

According to the New York Post, Sonmez’s former colleagues describe her tweeting habits about the Washington Post as, “pouring gasoline on the fire and inviting people to watch.”

Sonmez said fellow reporters “issued synchronized tweets” to attack her. Claiming that all the reporters were “white” and are “among the highest-paid employees in the newsroom, making double and even triple what some other National desk reporters are making, particularly journalists of color.”She added: “They are among the ‘stars’ who ‘get away with murder’ on social media.”

Sonmez accused the Washington Post of “punishing reporters for their trauma” and of “discouraging them from seeking help they need.”

“And to the many folks inside and outside the Post who have voiced support and joined in calling for institutional change, thank you,” she added. 

The Ticket in Dallas Announces Several Moves

BSM Staff
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The Ticket in Dallas Announces Several Moves

Stability is now something The Ticket in Dallas can hopefully look forward to with today’s news. During a segment on the station’s afternoon show, The Hardline, several personality moves were announced on Thursday that would affect each show in their daily lineup.

Beginning with the morning shift, Sean Bass will move into the producer chair for the Norm and D Invasion. DJ Ringgenberg will take over in The Ticker (updates) booth from 5:30 – 12:00pm. He will also be heard during The Musers and Norm and D Invasion. 

Ty Walker will now be tasked with delivering updates during both The Hang Zone and The Hardline. 

The station then announced three moves that were significant adjustments to The Hardline. 

It was revealed that Gen X Davey Lane will be returning to The Ticket. He will co-host The Hardline. He will do so with with Bob Sturm and Corby Davidson, a pair that have been together since early 2020. David Mino will move into the show’s producer seat. Matt Birmingham will take over for Mino and be running the board for The Hang Zone and The Hardline. 

Davey Lane tweeted his excitement on returning to The Ticket:

Davison retweeted the show adjustments and added a simple tag: “let’s ride”.

And Bob Sturm showed his enthusiasm by tweeting: “Beyond pumped. Three fantastic additions to the show.”

Also announced by The Ticket is the new role for Jay King. He will be taking over for Matt Birmingham as host of The Ticket Top 10.

A lot of movement was to be expected. During the past few weeks, The Ticket has seen a couple of prominent members of the station leave to explore other opportunities outside of radio.

Warner Bros. Discovery Names Luis Silberwasser as CEO of Sports Business

BSM Staff
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It appears Warner Bros. Discovery has found one of CEO David Zaslav’s two priority hires. The company has named Luis Silberwasser as chairman and and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. Silberwasser was most recently the president of U.S. networks for TelevisaUnivision.

The hire is a very important one in the landscape of sports television rights. Currently, WBD’s sports rights include the NBA, NHL and MLB, as well as March Madness college basketball.

Lenny Daniels, the president of Turner Sports, and Patrick Crumb, who leads WBD’s regional sports networks, will report to Silberwasser.

WBD CEO David Zaslav, the longtime chief executive officer of Discovery, became the head of the combined company in April. It was then he noted that he was prioritizing the hiring of two new roles for his leadership team: a head of sports, and a chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Silberwasser’s hiring checks the first box.

Luis Silberwasser
Luis Silberwasser SHY MCGRATH/WIREIMAGE

There is a strong relationship between Silberwasser and Zaslav. For years, Silberwasser worked for Zaslav at Discovery serving as a top executive for Discovery Networks International. In 2014, he left the company to serve as president of Telemundo’s networks business, before joining Univision (and later TelevisaUnivision), last year.

“I have known Luis for many years and have tremendous respect for how hard he works, how collaborative he approaches the job, and his ability to build very successful global businesses and brands,” said Zaslav. “I am thrilled to be working with him again, and believe Luis’ strong international business relationships, leadership track record and passion for delivering the best content and consumer experience make him the ideal leader to oversee the continued growth and expansion of our world-class sports business.”

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