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Paramount To Debut Programmatic Live Ad Sales in UFC, Sports Events

BSM Staff
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Paramount To Debut Programmatic Live Ad Sales in UFC, Sports Events

Paramount is taking another step toward modernizing sports advertising, opening the door for marketers to buy guaranteed, real-time programmatic inventory during live UFC events streamed on Paramount+.

Beginning January 24 with the debut of UFC programming on the platform, Paramount will allow advertisers to purchase select commercial units programmatically during what the company describes as its “marquee sporting events.”

“This initiative underscores Paramount’s commitment to media modernization, expanding opportunities for marketers to show up during the biggest and buzziest moments of scaled audience attention,” said Jay Askinasi, Paramount’s chief revenue officer, in a statement to Variety.

The move marks the first time Paramount has offered guaranteed in-game programmatic placements. These placements appear within its live-streamed sports portfolio. The shift signals a change in how premium sports inventory can be accessed and transacted.

Askinasi said blending guaranteed placements with programmatic flexibility gives advertisers greater precision, optimization, and speed. He added that live sports access is greater than what traditional buying models typically allow.

The announcement arrives as Paramount deepens its investment in UFC content. The company has committed $7.7 billion over seven years for exclusive U.S. media rights to the UFC. Securing access to 13 annual numbered events and 30 Fight Nights.

As part of that agreement, select numbered events are expected to air on CBS, further extending the reach of UFC programming across Paramount’s linear and streaming platforms. UFC, like WWE, operates under the TKO Group umbrella.

Programmatic access will be available through major demand-side platforms. These include Amazon DSP, Google Display & Video 360, The Trade Desk, and Yahoo DSP. Advertisers will be able to bid on private marketplace inventory tied to UFC numbered event preliminaries and U.S.-based Fight Nights. However, main cards for numbered events will remain reserved for direct sales through fixed placements.

That distinction aligns with Paramount’s broader push around “streaming fixed units.” A newer ad product guaranteeing specific placement within high-profile programming. The units recently rolled out across premiere episodes of scripted series like Tulsa King, Landman, and Mayor of Kingstown. They ensure ads run in predetermined positions, such as the first slot in a commercial break. This placement occurs during the initial days following a program’s release.

By extending similar concepts to live sports, Paramount appears intent on balancing the scarcity and premium nature of marquee events with the efficiency advertisers increasingly expect from digital media.

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.

Q99.7 Adding Kristin Klingshirn to Afternoon Drive

BMM Staff
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Q99.7 Adding Kristin Klingshirn to Afternoon Drive

Q99.7 in Atlanta will debut a new afternoon drive program hosted by Kristin Klingshirn.

The Kristin Show will air Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., beginning Monday, January 26. Klingshirn shared the news with Q99.7 listeners on-air and through the station’s social media platforms.

Klingshirn joined The Bert Show as a co-host in 2011. The program was later syndicated to more than 20 markets nationwide and concluded in October 2025 following Bert Weiss’ retirement. During her time on the show, Klingshirn received a Gracie Award in 2025, recognizing her work and focus on issues impacting women and mothers.

Her radio career began in promotions and on-air roles in Lexington, Cincinnati, and Raleigh before she arrived in Atlanta.

“Kristin’s return to Q99.7 marks the first of many exciting moves as we begin a powerful new chapter for this heritage Atlanta brand,” Cumulus Atlanta Vice President and Market Manager Justin Schaflander said. “Her passion for this city and her commitment to using her platform for good are exactly what Q99.7 stands for. Kristin has spent more than two decades earning the trust, laughter, and loyalty of Atlanta listeners. She now steps into afternoons with a voice and purpose that resonate deeply with this community. We are thrilled to launch The Kristin Show as the opening step in the evolution of Q99.7, and there is so much more to come.”

“When The Bert Show concluded, I was far from done with Atlanta radio,” Kristin Klingshirn said. “And turns out, Atlanta radio was far from done with me. I’m thrilled to be continuing my radio career on Q99.7 — this time as a host! We will be unveiling my co-host very soon, so stay tuned. “Our mission is to bring lots of laughter to your afternoons while using our platform to help our communities,” Klingshirn added.

“That includes the continuing support of Bert’s Big Adventure! What’s the point of having a voice if you don’t use it for good? Can’t wait to be back on the air this coming Monday!”

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Skyview Networks Announces Enhanced Partnership with FanServ

BSM Staff
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Skyview Networks Announces Enhanced Partnership with FanServ

Skyview Networks and FanServ are deepening their relationship as both companies look to simplify and scale how digital audio advertising is bought, sold, and executed across an increasingly fragmented audio marketplace.

Skyview Networks announced an expanded partnership with FanServ to streamline digital audio advertising management. The offering serves developers and advertisers across Skyview’s broad portfolio. The collaboration aligns both companies on end-to-end digital audio sales solutions. Those solutions range from streaming inventory to programmatic execution. They also span sports, entertainment, and information publishers represented by Skyview Networks.

The move reflects how audio consumption continues to evolve across multiple platforms. Audiences now blend traditional broadcast radio with streaming and on-demand listening. As advertisers seek more measurable and targeted audio opportunities, Skyview and FanServ aim to remove friction from the buying process. They also seek to improve accountability and performance.

“We’re thrilled to expand our sports-focused approach to all audio segments through this alliance with Skyview Networks,” FanServ CEO Brad Friedman said. “FanServ was built to unite publishers, advertisers, and rights holders in discovering the true value of the fan. Extending programmatic solutions beyond sports to radio will create richer, more accountable ad experiences. With a goal of driving results for everyone in the ecosystem.”

From Skyview’s perspective, the partnership aims to help publishers monetize growing digital audio audiences. It also gives agencies more efficient access to network radio inventory. That access is paired with modern targeting tools.

“Skyview’s top objective is serving our clients with superior outcomes,” Skyview Networks President and CEO Steve Jones said. “By partnering with FanServ, our publishers can capitalize on the explosive growth of audio ad spend while agencies can more efficiently leverage network radio’s broad reach with FanServ’s digital targeting tools.”

To support the expanded initiative, FanServ has hired Paul Lajoie as General Manager of Streaming Audio. Lajoie brings more than a decade of experience in programmatic advertising and digital media sales. His background includes leadership roles focused on building scalable advertising technology solutions.

In his new role, Lajoie will work closely with Skyview Networks sales leaders Kristin Krahl and Howard Davis to develop digital audio extensions across Skyview’s network audio offerings.

“I’m thrilled to lead this charge at the intersection of broadcast radio and digital audio innovation,” Lajoie said. “With FanServ’s digital targeting precision and Skyview’s proven sales and technology competencies, we’re creating a new standard for how broadcasters monetize digital impressions with data-driven efficiency and real-time impact.”

Skyview Networks views the partnership as another step toward unlocking incremental revenue opportunities for broadcasters navigating rapid changes in listener behavior.

“Today’s announcement further empowers broadcasters, publishers and advertisers. Unlocking new revenue opportunities through Skyview Networks in the evolving audio landscape,” said Krahl, Skyview’s Vice President of Revenue and Performance Strategy.

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Sinclair: Those Opposing Nexstar-TEGNA Merger ‘Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing’

BNM Staff
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Sinclair: Those Opposing Nexstar-TEGNA Merger ‘Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing’

Sinclair Broadcast Group has lobbied the FCC to approve the merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA, taking a swipe at those opposed to the deal.

In a filing with the FCC backing the proposed acquisition, which the company argued that the Commission did have the legal authority to remove the ownership cap limitations that have stood in the way of the compleition of the deal, Sinclair took the opposition to task for their stances.

“We respectfully submit that many of the Petitioners are wolves in sheep’s clothing,” the filing said. “They lecture the Commission about competition and the importance of local journalism despite their complete lack of involvement in promoting, preserving, or expanding local news. For its part, Sinclair competes with both Nexstar and Tegna. Indeed, our stations would overlap with a merged Nexstar and Tegna in 15 markets. If any party would have standing to legitimately protest this transaction, it would be us.”

“Yet we are submitting comments in this proceeding because, unlike the Petitioners, we recognize that the market in which local broadcasters compete today is far larger than broadcast television,” Sinclair continued in the filing. “The issues at stake are larger than any single broadcaster or transaction. If the Commission wants to preserve local news, it must modernize its regulations and its conception of the relevant market before it is too late.”

The comments from the company in the filing come on the heels of organizations like the National Religious Broadcasters and Newsmax — and its founder/CEO, Chris Ruddy — opposing the merger, calling it “unprecedented and dangerous consolidation within the broadcast TV industry.”

Sinclair’s statements also align with those of the National Association of Broadcasters, which has argued that those opposed to the merger between Nexstar and TEGNA “rely on mischaracterized data and legal arguments that ignore today’s competitive landscape.” The NAB added that comments from the Newsmax CEO — who has been a vocal opponent of the potential deal — are “transparently insincere.”

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Jessica Chenoweth Promoted to Music Director at 103.7 KSON

BMM Staff
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Jessica Chenoweth Promoted to Music Director at 103.7 KSON

103.7 KSON has promoted a familiar and influential voice behind the scenes to a more prominent leadership role, elevating Jessica Chenoweth to Music Director as the San Diego country station continues refining its sound and strategy.

Beginning February 2, Chenoweth will oversee the direction and management of the station’s music catalog while maintaining her duties as Executive Producer of John and Tammy: San Diego’s Morning Show.

“Jessica’s elevation to this role is a testament to her strategic brilliance,” Brand Manager Scotty Roddy said. “We’re excited to leverage her thorough mindset and innate talent for discovering new country music. Under her leadership, we will continue to build a community that captivates and connects with our listeners.”

Chenoweth’s promotion adds another chapter to a broadcast radio career spanning more than two decades. Her experience includes major-market pop and heritage country formats. She began her career at KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. There, she worked on the production team for On Air with Ryan Seacrest.

That early exposure to high-level programming helped shape her approach to content, talent collaboration, and audience engagement.

Since 2016, Chenoweth has served as executive producer of John and Tammy: San Diego’s Morning Show. The program airs weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. PT on KSON. In that role, she has been closely involved in show planning and production execution. She has also contributed to long-term brand growth. That experience makes the transition to music leadership a natural extension of her responsibilities.

Reflecting on the promotion, Chenoweth pointed to her early passion for music programming as a driving force behind her career trajectory.

“When I started in radio over 20 years ago, I would organize my music director’s CD stash just to be a part of the music selection any way I could,” she said. “Being named the Music Director at the legendary KSON is a dream come true, and I couldn’t have anyone better teaching me the ropes than Scotty.”

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Top Podcast Advertisers Spent More Than $75 Million in December, New Magellan AI Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Top Podcast Advertisers Spent More Than $75 Million in December, New Magellan AI Data Shows

The top 15 podcast advertisers spent more than $75 million in December, according to new data from Magellan AI, continuing a trend of heavy investment in the medium during the final month of the year.

Aura Frames led all advertisers with $7.13 million in December spend, followed closely by Amazon at $7.02 million and T-Mobile at $6.81 million. Toyota ($6.55 million) and The Coca-Cola Company ($6.46 million) rounded out the top five. Quince, State Farm, BetterHelp, AT&T, and Meta completed the top ten, with Verizon ranking 15th at $3.1 million.

Overall, 13 of the top 15 advertisers increased their podcast spending month over month. Only BetterHelp and FanDuel recorded declines in December, while all other advertisers in the group showed gains.

Sports podcasts continued to dominate as the preferred category for major advertisers. 12 of the top 15 advertisers allocated the majority of their December budgets to the sports genre. Comedy accounted for two advertisers — Quince and BetterHelp — while Rocket Companies’ highest spend was in the science category.

The concentration of spending around sports content reflected both the volume of available inventory and the timing of major sporting events late in the year. Brands including Amazon, Toyota, Coca-Cola, and Verizon all directed their largest podcast investments toward sports shows.

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Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady Team up for ‘Cousins’ Podcast Launching January 28

BSM Staff
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Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady Team up for ‘Cousins’ Podcast Launching January 28

Sinclair’s AMP Sports is expanding its national audio footprint with the launch of a new original video podcast headlined by two of the most recognizable figures of their generation. The company announced the debut of Cousins, a weekly series hosted by NBA Hall of Famers and longtime NBC Sports analysts Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.

The podcast is set to premiere January 28 and will be distributed across major audio and video platforms.

While Carter and McGrady are widely known for their on-court accomplishments, the new project leans into a lesser-seen dynamic. The two are cousins, a relationship that has followed them from their early playing days through Hall of Fame careers and into their current roles as broadcasters and analysts. AMP Sports believes that personal connection is central to the show’s appeal.

According to a release, Cousins will host weekly conversations focused on the modern NBA. The show will also include reflections on defining moments from their playing careers. Discussions will blend basketball with the broader culture surrounding the sport.

Episodes will also include guest appearances from figures who have influenced the game both on and off the court.

“Vince and Tracy are two of the most influential players of their era. Their connection to fans has only strengthened over time,” said Rich Cooke, vice president of audio programming for AMP Sports. Cooke added that the podcast offers audiences a different lens on the duo’s bond, one that extends beyond highlights and box scores.

Carter said the format allows for a level of honesty that fans rarely see from former players of their stature.

“Tracy and I have seen this game from every angle, as players, as family, and as fans of the current era. With ‘Cousins,’ we get to give fans the real stories behind the highlights they’ve watched a million times and the defining moments that shaped our careers. While also breaking down today’s game,” said Carter. 

McGrady echoed that sentiment and described the series as a chance to pull back the curtain on an era. He said that era helped shape today’s NBA

“This isn’t your typical podcast. It’s up-close, personal conversations between two players who helped shape one of the most electric eras in basketball, and AMP Sports is giving us the space to pull back the curtain and bring fans into our world for the first time,” said McGrady.

The launch of Cousins continues AMP Sports’ push to build a diversified national podcast portfolio. The network already includes several established properties focused on football, basketball, and soccer. The company aims to reach fans beyond traditional broadcast platforms.

Full episodes of Cousins will be available beginning January 28 on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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Pat McAfee Blasts Meeting Critics While Promoting Super Bowl LX Radio Row Appearances

BSM Staff
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Pat McAfee Blasts Meeting Critics While Promoting Super Bowl LX Radio Row Appearances

Pat McAfee is not easing into Super Bowl week quietly. Instead, the outspoken host of The Pat McAfee Show made it clear Wednesday that he is embracing everything Super Bowl LX radio row has to offer — including face-to-face encounters with critics who have spent the past year taking shots from afar.

Speaking during his ESPN program, McAfee described radio row as a uniquely confrontational and entertaining environment where sports media personalities, celebrities and longtime skeptics are forced into the same physical space. For McAfee, that dynamic is part of the appeal.

“Throughout the week, there’ll be massive pop-ins, huge celebrity conversations, and people that we’ve certainly made fun of or talked s**t about seeing us in our face for the first time,” McAfee said. “Those are fun times. Also the other way. Those people that have talked s**t about us for the first time? Oh, you fat nerd. Good to see you.”

McAfee did not shy away from addressing the adversarial relationships that often exist within sports media. He suggested radio row removes the distance that allows criticism to flourish unchecked during the season, replacing it with direct interaction that can be awkward, humorous or revealing.

“A lot of these sports media people run their mouth all season, and then we see them at radio row,” McAfee said. “They’re all like, ‘Oh, it’s good to see you.’ Meanwhile, I remember exactly what you said.”

While acknowledging that radio row attracts its share of negativity, McAfee emphasized that it remains an essential part of the Super Bowl experience. He described it as a crossroads where media coverage, access and personality collide in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere during the week.

“There are a lot of great people at radio row, too,” McAfee said. “But yeah, people who commit their lives to eating terribly and writing very mean things about sports all day do end up there as well.”

McAfee also took note of ESPN’s broader Super Bowl footprint. While he mentioned his confusion on why the network doesn’t broadcast from radio row, he pointed out that radio row represents more than just interviews and programming.

In his view, it is the daytime heartbeat of the event, separate from the game itself and the nightly parties surrounding it.

“Radio row is the Super Bowl,” McAfee said. “During the day in the city, that’s where everything happens.”

This year’s setup holds added significance for McAfee, whose show will broadcast from radio row Wednesday through Friday in San Francisco. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about the unpredictable mix of guests that inevitably pass through.

“Radio row is the place to be if you’re going to the Super Bowl,” McAfee said. “The fact that we have a spot there, we’re very grateful for. All the guests that will swing by trying to sell some bulls**t. We can’t wait”

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93.9 WKYS Adds Little Bacon Bear to Middays

BMM Staff
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93.9 WKYS Adds Little Bacon Bear to Middays

Urban One announced that Little Bacon Bear will return to 93.9 WKYS as part of the station’s on-air lineup.

Beginning Wednesday, January 21, she will host middays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Washington, D.C.-based station.

The move brings Little Bacon Bear back to WKYS, where she previously hosted evenings. During her earlier tenure, she led segments including the Bacon Challenge, Crank Session, and KYS Versus, which featured artists connected to the DMV music scene.

“We’re excited to welcome Little Bacon Bear back to WKYS,” said Urban One Washington, D.C. Operations Manager Arthur “A-Plus” Willis. “Her return strengthens our lineup and our commitment to deliver quality content for the DMV”.

“I am thrilled that Little Bacon Bear has come back home to WKYS,” Urban One Audio Division Co-President Eddie Harrell Jr. said. “Her return solidifies our commitment to being the number one source of Hip Hop and R&B in the DMV.”

Little Bacon Bear has been part of the Urban One organization since 2017 and has roots in Prince George’s County. Her work has included highlighting artists and engaging with the local community through radio.

Outside of radio, she has served as a host for brands including Essence, BET, and YouTube.

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Gayle King Considering CBS News Future After Bari Weiss Looks For Salary Cut

BNM Staff
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Gayle King Considering CBS News Future After Bari Weiss Looks For Salary Cut

CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King is contemplating her future with CBS News after new Editor-in-Chief, Bari Weiss, is reportedly considering slashing her salary.

According to a report from Variety’s Brian Steinberg, those inside CBS News say that the division is nearing a dysfunctional status under Weiss’ leadership.

That, coupled with suggestions that King — who makes a reported $15 million per year — needs her salary greatly reduced, has the longtime anchor considering her future with the network.

“King is said to be considering various options, including a special correspondent role that would have her making appearances on CBS News properties but not being a regular host, or another that might keep her on the air for another year but at a lower salary, giving her 12 full months to bid farewell to viewers,” Steinberg’s report on the situation says.

There is also a suggestion that Bari Weiss could be considering an overhaul of the CBS News 24/7 streaming platform, moving away from it’s current news-focused approach to one more driven by talk-focused podcasts.

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