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ACC Network Expands Women’s Basketball, Baseball Tournament Coverage

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ESPN and Raycom have struck a deal to make ACC Network the television home of the women’s basketball and baseball tournaments, beginning with the 2023 season.

A report from Michael Smith of Sports Business Journal says ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips was the driving force in the move to ACC Network. Previously, the championship events had been distributed on Bally Sports South, which confused viewers.

“We are thrilled. This is a significant moment that will enhance these premier events and provide much-needed access to our fans,” Phillips said. “We appreciate ESPN, Raycom Sports, and Bally for mutually agreeing to make this happen.”

ESPN or ESPN2 will continue to carry the championship games for both the women’s basketball and baseball tournaments.

Eric Bolling Questions Laura Ingraham After Trump Comments

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Fox News host Laura Ingraham has made comments recently suggesting it might be time for America to move past Donald Trump. Newsmax’s Eric Bolling strongly disagrees.

“Donald Trump’s been a friend of mine for 25 years, and I’m always very open about this on my show,” Ingraham said on The Truth with Lisa Boothe podcast. “But, you know, we’ll see whether that’s what the country wants. The country I think is so exhausted, they’re exhausted by the battle, the constant battle, that they may believe that, well, maybe it’s time to turn the page if we can get someone who has all Trump’s policies, who’s not Trump.”

Bolling, during a segment discussing the FBI’s raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, called Ingraham a friend before saying “Much like the organization she works for, Fox News’ Laura Ingraham seems to have thrown in the proverbial Trump towel.”

After airing the clip of Ingraham’s statement, Bolling said “Respectfully, I beg to differ, Laura. A friend of mine. Solid, solid Trump supporter. Even spoke at the (Republican) National Convention for Trump. What do you mean, ‘no Trump;? What’s wrong with you?”

It’s not the first time Bolling has accused Fox News of dumping Trump, claiming the network “turned their back” on the former President earlier this month. MSNBC’s Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough also insinuated the network had left Trump behind to push Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in July.

Michael McCarthy: Craig Carton Will Debut On FS1 Within Month, Nick Wright Not Leaving

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Michael McCarthy is the guest this week on The Jason Barrett Podcast. The Front Office Sports scribe is plugged into what is happening at FOX, and Barrett asked him to shed some light on the morning situation at FS1.

Jenna Wolfe recently announced her departure from First Things First. It is widely assumed that it is the first of many changes on the show to make way for WFAN’s Craig Carton, who will be starting his own morning show for the company.

“I think that Carton’s gonna get on the air literally within the next month,” McCarthy said. “I think the Jenna Wolfe move was the first in re-casting. It wouldn’t really surprise me to see some of the people from First Things First pop up on other shows.”

There is bound to be speculation about who is and isn’t safe amongst the First Things First cast. Michael McCarthy said one name no one needs to be worried about is Nick Wright.

McCarthy says he has been told by multiple people that FOX is high on Wright and has big plans for him.

“They think of him as the next Skip, the next Cowherd. So I think if anyone is sitting in a position to either of those talents at FOX, it’s Nick Wright. That’s how highly they think about him.”

That doesn’t mean viewers should expect Wright to be Craig Carton’s partner on television. McCarthy, who is a New Yorker, knows that not everyone is capable of being a good partner to the WFAN afternoon host. Not only is Nick Wright likely not a good fit for the role, but McCarthy couldn’t say who currently on the FOX payroll is.

“You really have to be secondary to [Carton’s] personality. He’s the show. So if you’re an Acho or a Marcellus or something like that, used to being the show, and you get together with a Carton, Carton’s gonna try and dominate the show. There could be a real clash of egos there.”

Julian Edelman Launches ‘Games With Names’ Podcast

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Former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman has teamed up with comedian Sam Morril to launch the Games with Names podcast.

The podcast, which will debut August 23rd, will relive the most iconic games in sports history, hence the Games with Names moniker.

“Everyone’s always talking about who the GOAT is, but Sam and I are looking for the GOAG: The Greatest of all Games,” Edelman said.

Edelman, who retired from the NFL in 2020, has already worked elsewhere in sports media. He joined the cast of Inside the NFL on Paramount+ last season.

Meanwhile, Morril was excited to get the opportunity to work with Edelman.

“Julian Edelman is a three-time Super Bowl Champion and I just got 10,000 airline miles complaining that my in flight TV didn’t work,” said Morril. “We both know how to get things done, and it was only a matter of time before we joined forces.”

The podcast will be presented by WynnBET.

1140 The Bet Cancels ‘The Playmakers’

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In another cut from Audacy, 1140 The Bet has cancelled The Playmakers on their Las Vegas station.

The show, hosted by Lindsey Brown and Adrian Hernandez, aired from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Brown tweeted the news, saying “Sadly I have been informed that yesterday was our final show. I am thankful for the people it brought into my life & the experiences we created I am incredibly proud of our work & the boundaries we are eager to push in sportz radio. Today is a tough day. Tomorrow is on the way.”

Hernandez followed up by tweeting “I can’t put into words right now how I feel right now but in my radio journey from College in Tampa to Phoenix and now Las Vegas you were the best teammate I’ve ever had in radio and more importantly a great person. I appreciate and will miss you Badass Brown.”

According to the station’s website, it will replace The Playmakers with You Better You Bet from the BetQL Network.

How Media Professionals Have Contributed to the Growth of the NFL

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The media’s impact on the growth and success of the NFL is invaluable. Being able to consistently project and maintain a vibrant media image has brought remarkable dividends to the NFL.

Media professionals have contributed immensely to the NFL’s growth, including in the sports betting sector. Because of the involvement of media professionals with the NFL, many NFL bettors can now take advantage of promotional offers that have similar benefits as 400% Casino bonuses.

Exploring the media’s impact on the NFL will offer appreciable insights into how media professionals improve other lower American football structures in the United States.

The NFL’s Relationship with the Media

Since the NFL’s establishment in 1922, no professional sports body has reached its growth, success, and stability level in America. Beyond America, no professional sports body has annual revenue and profit as the NFL. What is the staying power behind the NFL’s incredible success?

The NFL’s success is tied to its relationship with the media. This relationship developed in 1939 when the NFL began to televise its games. It has birthed several innovations that continue to align the NFL and American football with success.

The Media’s Contribution to the Growth of the NFL

The media has improved how American football is viewed and received by audiences. Media professionals have also improved American football’s marketing and business.

While most sports bodies will float internal media platforms to handle their games and other media responsibilities, the NFL has maintained a vibrant relationship with traditional and new media outlets.

This is the main reason why the changing media landscape has not affected American football as drastically as other sports in America.

Some benefits of the NFL partnership with the media are:

Revenue Generation

The biggest revenue source for NFL teams is the annual National Broadcast rights fees. The NFL’s marketing enterprise pays a lot of attention to media campaigns such as advertisements, promotions, TV broadcasts of games, publicizing, etc., that generate revenue.

Viewership Growth

The Super Bowl in February recorded over 100 million viewers within America. This mind-blowing figure could only be conceived due to the NFL’s collaboration with several traditional and digital media outlets.

The NFL’s media coverage creates a balanced space for stakeholders to air their views without inhibitions. Everyone has a media platform to air their opinions, from fans to NFL stars, NFL teams, journalists, etc. When every stakeholder has a voice, tackling issues becomes easier.

Availability of Information

NFL fans are always curious about the latest information about their teams. Many bet on NFL games. Therefore, they need to gain insights into their team’s activities and chances.

Media professionals provide the latest and balanced analysis weekly during the NFL season or seasonal breaks. With the media, NFL fans are guaranteed undiluted interactions and information right at the tip of their fingers.

Conclusion

The NFL and American football have benefitted from new and traditional media coverage due to their long-term relationship with the media. Unlike other sports bodies, the NFL has always accommodated the media. They have also given media professionals a free hand to thrive. That is why the media has delivered immense benefits to the NFL and American football.

KFI Host Reacts to NY Times Piece on Climate Change

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Los Angeles radio hosts John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou reacted Monday to a climate change article printed in the New York Times which describes a mega storm that could last for a month.

The KFI Radio hosts described the article written by Raymond Zhong as an “odd story.” 

“When I saw it on the front page of the actual printed paper, I was like we are being hit over the head with a drought,” said Chiampou. “Now you’re telling us that we’re going to drown?” 

Zhong wrote that a storm of this magnitude could cause more economic damage than a massive earthquake. 

Kobylt pointed out that the same report was published in the Los Angeles Times. 

“They (media) really go for these frightening stories so they can continue pushing their global warming obsession,” he added. 

The report states that the amount of rain predicted during this mega storm could test the levees, dams, and rivers in the state’s systems. 

John and Ken suggested that the New York Times may have received federal grant money to research this report. 

“From what I have read, if you’re doing climate research you aren’t allowed to research anything other than global warming, climate change disaster,” Kobylt said. “If you do any research that pushes back on what the cult says, then you are out of business.” 

FOX Nation Will Release First Original Movie

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FOX Nation will release its first original movie next month. According to a news release, “The Shell Collector” is based on a book by bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

The movie depicts a widow, Amanda Whittier, with two children who befriend some interesting characters in her small seaside town as she looks to forge ahead with her new life following the death of her husband.

“Since launching less than four years ago, FOX Nation has established itself as a go-to destination for lifestyle and entertainment programming,” said John Finley, FOX Nation Executive Vice President of Development.

The network said, throughout the journey, three friends find encouragement in the most mysterious places, discovering a love more significant than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.  

Naigle is a USA Today bestselling author who began her debut contemporary romance series, “Adams Grove,” while juggling a career in finance and life on a 76-acre goat farm.

“I’m thrilled to share our expansion into film production,” added Finley.

Kevin Battle Sees Audacy’s KDKA NewsRadio Terminate Contract

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Pittsburgh radio personality Kevin Battle announced that Audacy-owned KDKA NewsRadio unexpectedly terminated his contract Tuesday. Battle shared the news on Facebook, stating that “evolving business situations” prompted the cut.

“It has been an absolute thrill and honor to be able to return to Pittsburgh to work at the legendary KDKA-AM/FM and with the professionals who make it sound great – especially our producer, Rob Graner,” Battle said.

Last year, Battle told Barrett News Media that he became involved in the news/talk format after a stint at a Baltimore sports station came to an end.

“I started selling motorcycles part-time and then I landed a part-time job at WNEW 99.1 FM in Washington D.C. After a year, somebody told me about a position in New York at Fox News Radio,” he said at the time.

A native Pittsburgher, Battle graduated from nearby Clarion University.

“I will be forever grateful to those of you who chose to tune in to the show each morning,” he said. “It really means so much to me that you spent your time listening and sharing your busy day with us. Thank YOU! I will miss you all.”

1250-AM The Fan in Milwaukee Reportedly Cancels Local Programming

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Stunning sports radio news out of Milwaukee. 1250-AM The Fan has suddenly removed all of its local programming and switched over to CBS Sports Radio.

The news came as a shock to local listeners but even more surprising to the station’s staff. Here’s a tweet from Evan Heffelfinger noting that today was “everyone’s” last day at the station.

The station’s stream is currently airing CBS Sports Radio. The local daily lineup has also been removed from the 1250 The Fan website although show podcasts still remain.

In regards to the station’s talent, most have been quiet since the news began to trickle out. The Milwaukee Business Journal reported that recent NFL Hall of Famer and former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler was part of the cuts. Bart Winkler, Tim Allen, and Gary Ellerson are expected to be out as well.

“Over the past few years, Audacy has been on a transformational journey, investing in our capabilities to serve our listeners and customers and accelerate our growth through a number of strategic acquisitions, enhancements to our platform, and the addition of hundreds of team members to our workforce,” explained an Audacy spokesperson. “We remain committed to this exciting transformation which has made us a much stronger organization, but in light of current macroeconomic headwinds, like so many other companies, we have been proactively taking actions to mitigate against the impact of any downturn. These include evaluating budgets, reducing expenses, and also reducing our workforce.”

One host who is expected to remain involved is Steve ‘Sparky’ Fifer. Fifer was part of the midday show, and also helped behind the scenes. According to sources, he’s likely to contribute off-air and with additional brand projects. The rest will have an opportunity to explore opportunities should any become available at 97.3 The Game, ESPN 94.1, WTMJ or any other local outlets.

Upon learning of the news, a few former 1250 hosts, Mike Wickett and Cliff Saunders, took to social media to share their sadness.

Ryan Maguire, who served as the PD of 1250 The Fan from 2006-2009, and is currently the PD of crosstown rivals ESPN Milwaukee and WTMJ, provided his perspective.

One host who left before the station was dismantled was former afternoon man Ramie Makhlouf. The longtime Milwaukee voice exited in June to join Sactown Sports 1140.

This is a developing story and as more information becomes available we’ll pass it along. 1250-AM The Fan is owned by Audacy, which just announced plans to reduce less than 5% of its programming staff.