The Washington Nationals have ended their nearly two-decade broadcast partnership with MASN and join Major League Baseball’s in-house production network, a move that would give the team full control over its local broadcasts for the first time since relocating from Montreal in 2005.
The Nationals shared the news Wednesday via social media. They will forgo renewing their contract with MASN when it expires next month.
The team now joins six other clubs under MLB’s production umbrella, including the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.
“Today’s announcement represents a new chapter for Washington Nationals baseball,” said Managing Principal Owner Mark D. Lerner. “We are excited to have already begun work with the talented team at MLB. The collaboration is off to a strong start as we work together to elevate the viewing experience with world-class broadcasts across television and streaming.”
Under the league’s model, games are produced and distributed directly by MLB, with in-market streaming available. Teams also negotiate directly with cable and satellite providers to ensure linear broadcast coverage. Additionally, select games may be picked up by over-the-air television partners.
For the Nationals, the move represents a shift away from MASN, co-owned by the Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. The relationship with the network has been the subject of decades-long disputes over rights fees and ownership stakes. This has led to repeated legal battles.
Leaving the network gives the Nationals greater flexibility and revenue control. While allowing them to tailor the broadcast experience to modern viewing habits.
“Partnering with MLB offers us several new opportunities that will greatly improve the on-air product. Including technological enhancements, the ability to work more closely with our broadcasters, and create added opportunities for our valued corporate partners,” said Lerner. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer the kind of presentation that our dedicated fans across the entire Mid-Atlantic region deserve.”
Fans within the Nationals home television markets can watch Nationals.TV on cable and satellite television or stream live through Nationals.TV. Information on cable and satellite providers, including specific channel locations, will be announced at a later date.
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Apple TV is turning its attention to one of the most compelling figures in sports history. The streaming service announced it has greenlit a multi-part documentary series chronicling the life and career of tennis icon Andre Agassi, sixteen years after the release of his acclaimed memoir, Open: An Autobiography.
The book has long been considered a landmark in sports literature. It is praised for its unflinching honesty and introspective look at fame, pressure, and identity.
The forthcoming documentary will explore Agassi’s rise from child prodigy to global superstar. It will also examine the personal struggles and contradictions that defined his journey. According to Apple, the series will offer an in-depth portrait of an American legend whose influence extended well beyond the tennis court.
The project will be directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith, whose previous work includes Tiger King and American Movie. Smith will produce the series through his Library Films banner. He will do so alongside executive producers Stacy Smith and former professional tennis player Justin Gimelstob.
Agassi’s story has long been viewed as uniquely suited for long-form storytelling. A former world No. 1, Agassi won eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal. He also became one of the most recognizable athletes of his era. At the same time, Open revealed a deeply conflicted competitor who openly discussed his dislike for the sport, battles with confidence, and the emotional toll of life in the public eye.
By revisiting that narrative in documentary form, Apple TV+ appears poised to expand on themes that resonated strongly with readers. The series also introduces Agassi’s story to a new generation of fans. It is expected to blend archival footage, personal interviews, and broader cultural context to examine how Agassi navigated fame, reinvention, and purpose.
Since launching in November 2019, the platform has positioned itself as a destination for high-end documentaries alongside its scripted programming. Apple TV+ was the first major streaming service to debut with an all-original lineup globally. The network has quickly built a reputation for award-winning content.
To date, Apple Original Films, series and documentaries have earned more than 680 wins and over 3,100 award nominations. The service is home to widely recognized hits such as Ted Lasso and The Studio, along with Oscar Best Picture winner CODA. Those successes have helped Apple TV+ stand out in an increasingly crowded streaming marketplace.
Agassi made his broadcasting debut last year with TNT’s French Open coverage, earning widespread praise for his analysis. Following the experience, Agassi explained he’s not interested in returning to broadcasting just to create “little insightful clips,” saying he prefers formats that allow for deeper conversation about the sport.
While a release date for the Agassi documentary has not been announced, the project adds to Apple’s growing slate of athlete-driven content. The series prioritizes depth over highlights.
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Paul Bissonnette’s post-hockey sports media run continues to gain momentum. According to a report by Front Office Sports, TNT Sports is finalizing a multi-year contract extension with Bissonnette. This ensures his continued presence as a key analyst on the network’s NHL coverage.
Bissonnette has been part of TNT’s hockey lineup since the network re-entered the league’s U.S. broadcast picture in 2021. He has become one of its most recognizable personalities. Bissonnette has carved out a distinctive role on NHL on TNT, where personality and authenticity are often prioritized as much as analysis.
He appears alongside Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, former All-Star Henrik Lundqvist, longtime NHL forward Anson Carter, and host Liam McHugh. Together, they anchor NHL on TNT Face Off. A pregame show praised for its relaxed format, humor, and willingness to push beyond traditional studio conventions.
Bissonnette’s outspoken style and self-awareness have helped him stand out in a sport known for conservative broadcast approaches. His willingness to poke fun at himself and others has drawn comparisons to NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley.
The report states his new agreement will expand Bissonnette’s responsibilities beyond the studio. For the first time, he will contribute to live game broadcasts, beginning Wednesday when he joins the Flyers-Sabres telecast from Buffalo. Bissonnette will work between the benches alongside play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke and analyst Jody Shelley.
Since retiring from professional hockey in 2017, Bissonnette has steadily built a second career in media. He is a central figure on Barstool Sports’ Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, which he co-hosts with Ryan Whitney and Keith Yandle. The show has grown into one of the most-listened-to hockey podcasts in the country and has attracted a wide range of high-profile guests.
The podcast recently made headlines by moving to Netflix. It debuted its first episode on the platform with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady as a guest. With his expanded role at TNT, Bissonnette continues to solidify his status as one of hockey media’s most influential modern voices.
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Audacy has announced it is partnering with Next Net for an AI discoverability optimization solution focused on local and regional businesses nationwide.
NextNet AI will be designed to help businesses remain visible as new trends show a shift from search options to AI-driven results by consumers.
“Local advertisers can be overwhelmed by the pace of change in digital marketing and discovery,” said Audacy Senior Vice President of Digital Jenny Sutton. “By partnering with Next Net, we’re giving our clients a future-ready solution that integrates AI discoverability directly into the media and marketing strategies they already know and trust, without requiring technical resources or additional burden on the business owner.”
“This partnership is about leveling the playing field at a moment of massive transition,” said Next Net Senior Vice President and Head of Partnerships & Strategic Growth Mark Mansfield. “Audacy brings unmatched local reach and trusted market relationships, while Next Net brings the AI discoverability infrastructure required for the next era of search.
“Together, we’re protecting local businesses from obscurity and unlocking capabilities that were previously reserved for the largest, best-resourced brands.”
NVIDIA technologies power the new platform. The new AI discoverability offering is now available through Audacy’s sales teams at the local and regional levels nationwide.
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Philadelphia radio personality Paul Jaxon is returning to familiar territory, as iHeartMedia has announced he will rejoin modern/alternative rock station Alt 104.5 for middays beginning January 20.
Jaxon will handle the weekday 10 a.m.–2 p.m. shift, a role he most recently held at the station in 2024. As part of the schedule, he will also once again host the station’s Post Modern Radio 104.5 hour from noon to 1 p.m. A specialty block that blends alternative staples with deeper catalog selections from the 1980s through the early 2000s.
The move marks another chapter in a three-decade broadcasting career that has been closely tied to the Philadelphia market. Jaxon first arrived in the city in 2004, joining WMMR, where he became a fixture in afternoon drive for 18 years.
His tenure there established him as one of the market’s more recognizable rock voices before a transition to iHeartMedia in recent years In 2023, Jaxon took on a morning show role at iHeartMedia’s classic rock outlet Big 100 in Washington, D.C. He later added middays at Alt 104.5 in March 2024, juggling responsibilities in both markets.
That run ended in November, when iHeartMedia enacted a series of layoffs impacting multiple stations nationwide.
“Jaxon’s return reinforces Aly 104.5’s focus on authentic voices, music discovery and community connection — pillars that continue to define the station’s brand in the Philadelphia market,” iHeartMedia’s news release says. “Jaxon, a familiar and trusted voice to Philadelphia audiences, brings a deep connection to the artists, scenes and listeners that shaped the market’s alternative sound.”
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CNN has announced a new partnership with Lemonada Media to bring the video versions of some of the company’s biggest podcasts to the CNN app.
Included in the deal are podcasts hosted by Hasan Minhaj, Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, Steve Burns, Dan Buettner, Gretchen Rubin, and Lori Gottlieb.
Select episodes from the libraries of those programs are already available on the CNN app to the network’s subscribers. Meanwhile, future episodes will be made available when they are published by Lemonada Media.
“The rapid growth of video podcasts underscores the appetite for smart, personality-driven nonfiction content – an area where CNN has long been a leader,” said CNN Originals Executive Vice President of CNN Originals and Creative Development for CNN Worldwide Amy Entelis. “This collaboration with Lemonada builds on that strength, enabling us to scale thoughtfully, expand into new verticals, and meet audiences where they are increasingly watching.”
“This partnership with CNN marks an exciting next chapter for Lemonada,” said Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Lemonada CEO. “As demand for video podcasts continues to grow, we’re thrilled to bring our standout slate of video content to new audiences and broaden access for existing fans.”
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For the first time since taking over NBC Nightly News, the Tom Llamas-led show has bested ABC News’ World News Tonight in the key demographic.
For the week of January 5th, NBC Nightly News averaged 992,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic. That was just slightly ahead of the ABC News nightly newscast, which averaged an audience of 989,000 viewers from the key demo.
The figure marked a 47-week high for NBC News, its best performance since the week of February 10th last year.
Despite the win in the coveted demographic for NBC Nightly News, ABC News led the way in the total viewers sector. The David Muir-anchored newscast averaged 8.1 million viewers for the week. NBC Nightly News averaged 6.7 million viewers in the same period. That was a 5% week-over-week increase for ABC News, marking its largest overall audience in five weeks.
The performance for NBC Nightly News was its largest audience since the week of February 17, 2025.
In the first full week of Tony Dokoupil anchoring the CBS Evening News, the broadcast saw a 23% decline compared to the same week in 2025. The program averaged 4.2 million viewers for the week, with 533,000 coming in the Adults 25-54 demo. The in-demo viewership figure also dropped 23% compared to the same week last year.
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Radio Customs has announced it is entering the national syndication market through a new partnership with Jeff Weber Media Group, adding Bubba the Love Sponge and Miller & Moulton.
Previously, Radio Customs placed its focus on digital platforms, distributing more than 40 shows. It is also the company behind the radio station founded by former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq Fu Radio.
“Radio Customs was built on innovation and the belief that great audio can live anywhere,” said Radio Customs founder and CEO Gentry Thomas. “By partnering with Jeff Weber Media Group and bringing Bubba the Love Sponge and Miller & Moulton into the family, we’re entering the FM space with real momentum while continuing to scale one of the most dynamic digital audio networks in the country.”
Additionally, the company has inked a deal with Jeff Weber Media Group for advertising sales and affiliate outreach. Weber previously held executive roles at Business TalkRadio Network and Blue Star Media Group.
“Radio Customs is one of the most forward-thinking media companies in audio today,” said Weber. “Their ability to blend streaming, podcasts, original music, and now FM syndication represents where the industry is headed. I’m excited to partner with Gentry and his team as we expand these brands nationwide.”
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Former 77 WABC host Rudy Giuliani has launched a lawsuit against the station and its owner, John Catsimatidis, for his 2024 firing.
Earlier this week, Giuliani filed the suit, stating that he was wrongfully terminated for sharing his belief that the 2020 election was “stolen” and “rigged” against President Donald Trump.
In a statement to the New York Post, John Catsimatidis says the filing has deeply hurt him.
“I’m very, very disappointed in my friend right now,” Catsimatidis said. “I have tears in my eyes. I always supported him during his tough times. President Trump couldn’t help him, he was out of office. I’m the one who helped him.”
Catsimatidis added that 77 WABC never actually fired Rudy Giuliani. He said that the former New York City Mayor was suspended, but that Giuliani never showed back up for work following the suspension.
The lawsuit filed by Giuliani coincides with another lawsuit against 77 WABC from Dr. Maria Ryan, who alleges she was discriminated against and was only paid $200 per show, paling in comparison to her colleagues at the station. Giuliani alleges he continually told management that there was “definitely a hostility in the workplace toward women.”
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The sports radio industry is full of challenges, from meeting goals for ratings and revenue to adapting to changing audience habits. To achieve success in sports radio requires dedication, hard work, and taking chances. Success is never guaranteed, and sacrifices are required to compete. Armen Williams found that success programming at SportsRadio 610 in Houston for three years when the sacrifices for success became too much.
“My seven- and ten-year-old kids began to ask why daddy didn’t come to their games and church on Sunday. That kept me awake at night,” explained Williams. “I had to get my personal life in the order it should be. Faith, family, friends, and work. It just got out of whack, and that’s no one’s fault but my own.”
Williams stepped down from his role with the Houston sports leader to focus on family. Never losing his passion for the industry, he worked two jobs remotely for some time while enjoying the balance he sought. In late 2025, Williams became aware of an opportunity to work alongside one of his mentors, Bruce Gilbert. The Cumulus/Westwood One executive reached out about a chance to reenter the arena, and Williams didn’t waste time making the decision.
“Whenever he [Gilbert] called and offered me the job, after I hung up, I called my wife immediately. I told her I just did the worst negotiation of my life,” joked Williams, recalling the moment when he knew he would be working alongside Gilbert.
Crafting Westwood One Sports
When Audacy and Cumulus Media announced the formation of Westwood One Sports in late October, the two companies wasted little time defining the timetable. By December 29, Bruce Gilbert and Armen Williams would be working in tandem with what Williams termed a “murderers row” of Audacy sports executives. The challenge was to build a new syndicated sports radio network in six weeks for a national launch.
“Bruce [Gilbert] painted the frantic picture very poetically and extremely accurately as well,” explained Williams. “He forewarned me that it was going to be an absolute chaotic scene for my first six weeks. He nailed it. It was one hundred percent, but we both knew what we signed up for. It’s been nothing but a blast, and I’m living a dream working for the people around me and the company I’m with.”
With no time to waste, Williams immediately got to work, diving into every single talent on both the Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network. A network where talent grabs instant attention and understands how to win in the multiplatform and social media space. Williams had his roadmap to follow.
“In building this network, we had a vision of hitting the market with a fresh and new sound. How do you do that in 2026? That was the challenge,” said Williams. “I didn’t know the answer when I started the search [for talent].”
Shaping A Lineup
Immediately, phone calls with talent, agents, programmers, and trusted minds around the country began. Reviewing reels, shorts, and social media became an hourly task. Williams says he was in near-daily conversations, working in tandem with Audacy executives such as Jeff Sottolano, Mitch Rosen, and Andrew Williams. He trusted their feedback along with Westwood One executive Ryan Maguire. Receiving guidance and support from Gilbert every step of the way.
“Bruce would constantly remind me that when it comes down to the final minute, I would have the final say [on talent],” said Williams. “He did an incredible job helping me through the vetting process. He provided me with the resources that I needed to get to the final destination. All while still giving me the feeling that I did have the autonomy to do what I felt was best.”
A self-admitted “Bruce Gilbert disciple,” Williams began locking in on a lineup that he felt could guide Westwood One Sports beginning December 29. The process was not easy for the many talents of both networks to navigate.
Williams noted that Gilbert attempted to personally meet with every Audacy individual from both now-defunct networks to inform them of the process.
“Bruce is one of the best I’ve ever met in my entire life at being transparent. Telling you where each person stands. It was our best effort to inform those individuals as quickly as we could on where we felt each person stood with our new vision,” explained Williams.
As the days wore on, talents on both networks began publicly announcing their upcoming departures with the end of the networks they represented. Williams knew entering the role would prove challenging and credited many who worked for both networks for their professionalism during the process.
— drake c. toll show, westwood one (@drakectollshow) December 3, 2025
The first name Williams was able to secure was for morning drive, announcing 24-year-old Drake C. Toll as the guiding voice for the daypart. A play-by-play announcer for the Savannah Bananas, content creator, and successful podcaster for the Locked On network, Toll came recommended through several channels of trusted advisors.
“We had a scheduled thirty-minute interview, and he’s the only guy that went beyond that. We talked for two hours,” said Williams. “I texted Bruce Gilbert and Ryan Maguire when I hung up and said I found the guy that we want to build the network around. Maguire responded with ‘that’s a pretty heavy thing to say.’ He talked to Drake the next day, and then told me I was right. We got the guy.”
Williams credits Toll’s creative spirit and dynamic, entertaining personality. He referenced Toll’s writing skills for the Bananas and his ability to execute flawlessly in front of tens of thousands of fans at such a young age as one of the more attractive traits. Also Toll fit the vision of being a multiplatform success story. That was the cherry on top for Williams in securing Toll for the new lineup.
“It’s clear that he understands the multiplatform, social media space more than anyone,” noted Williams. “He’s got this ability to flat out entertain at a level that most go their entire lives without even having that experience. He’s done it in less than three decades.”
Following the announcement of Toll, Westwood One announced the hire of Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla from ESPN Chicago. The duo would take over the 12 p.m.–3 p.m. weekday program, something neither talent hesitated at the opportunity. From roommates in college to working together in their hometown with Good Karma Brands. Williams noted their desire to be great, which led to the acquisition.
While the Christmas holiday was a break for many, Williams remained hard at work, albeit remotely from his home in Texas. Much like Williams, Westwood One Sports is a fully remote radio brand. Talent are spread across the country rather than tied to a studio or singular market.
A new-age approach with a fresh outlook for success in a multiplatform era is what Williams considers the secret sauce.
“Being remote is an incredible tool in 2026. It allows a manager to give their staff more freedom in their day-to-day. Plus the ability to do more things for themselves and get in the right mental space every single day,” explained Williams. “I just want to work with good people and treat them the right way. If you have those two things, you’re going to win. Everything will fall into place.”
Defining Goals
Westwood One Sports is now live and on the air. The lineup is fully set, and the six-week sprint to define, arrange, and launch is over. Now, the pressure to perform is the goal. Another challenge Williams looks to take head-on.
From traditional tasks of increasing revenue to reach, Williams’ excitement is more focused on discovery: how does a radio network such as Westwood One find its audience through new and unique ways that separate it from competitors?
“A goal is to be mentioned in the same sentence with other platforms, shows, and broadcasts. To be in that mix. When you see the people we hired, we have a strategy of being disruptive in that space as a radio station at our core,” explained Williams of his goals for the first year of Westwood One Sports. “We know what’s been done and how it’s been done. What do we have to lose by doing it differently? Let’s just see what happens.”
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