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CBS News Adds 5 Reporters to Investigative Team, Including Former Washington Post and The Free Press Writers

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CBS News has announced the promotion and addition of five members to its Investigative Journalism team, including former writers from The Washington Post and The Free Press.

Joining the group is Daniel Gilbert. He previously worked at The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and The Wall Street Journal. During his career, he’s won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting.

Meanwhile, Gabe Kaminsky joins CBS News after previously working as a reporter on the role of money and foreign influence in politics at The Free Press. That outlet was founded by now CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.

“We are committed to producing more revelatory journalism every day,” said Weiss. “Our job is to tell our audience something they didn’t know that impacts their world. We’ve recently seen it with our I-Unit’s exclusive investigation into hospice care fraud, which moved Congress to act. We’re going to keep investing in and growing an investigative journalism team that’s well-resourced and can deliver eye-opening reporting to audiences wherever they are.” 

Also being elevated to the Investigative Journalism team are Laura Geller, Jake Rosenwasser, and Callie Teitelbaum.

Previously, Geller worked the crime beat for the network. She’s most recently dedicated coverage to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Rosenwasser was on the Eye on America team, covering a wide variety of topics. He joined CBS News after previously spending 17 years working at HBO, mostly with Real Sports.

Finally, Teitelbaum had previously covered politics and breaking news while working for Norah O’Donnell’s team. Her reports have aired on 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, and CBS Sunday Morning.

“The investigative unit will produce work across the News division, with an emphasis on reaching new audiences through an array of digital platforms,” said Senior Investigative Editorial Director for CBS News Matthew Mosk. “This is just the beginning of an expansion, as we continue to search inside and outside the company for talented journalists with a hunger for eye-popping original reporting.”

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Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy Sits Down With Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in First Sit-Down Interview Since Iran War Launch

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Newsmax has announced that a sit-down interview between its CEO, Chris Ruddy, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will air on Monday.

The conversation marks the first sit-down conversation that Netanyahu has granted to an American media outlet since the war in Iran was launched last month.

Chris Ruddy and Benjamin Netanyahu met on Monday to conduct the discussion. The interview will center around military and political strategy in Iran, as well as the role President Trump has played in shaping the strategy and helping Israel in the process.

“This is more than an interview — it’s a rare and unfiltered look at the decisions shaping the future of the Middle East and the world,” a statement from the network reads.

According to a statement from Newsmax, the interview between Ruddy and Netanyahu will air at 5 PM ET. Ed Henry The Big Take usually airs in that window.

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Beasley Media Group Tabs Adam Star To Program Augusta Radio Cluster

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Beasley Media Group has named Adam Star as program director for its Augusta, Georgia radio cluster, marking a return to the company for the veteran programmer.

The appointment is effective immediately.

In his new role, Star will guide the cluster’s programming strategy. He will also work alongside local leadership, including Operations Manager Tee Gentry and Chris O’Kelley. The move places him in charge of shaping on-air sound, brand direction and audience growth initiatives across the market.

Star previously served as operations manager for Beasley’s Fort Myers stations. His tenure there ended following the sale of those properties to Fort Myers Broadcasting and Sun Broadcasting.

Now, he re-enters the company at a time when radio groups continue to prioritize strong local programming and brand consistency.

“Adam has a great instinct for what connects with audiences and how to position our brands for growth,” said AJ Lurie, vice president of operations. “We’re looking forward to the energy and perspective he brings as he partners with the team in Augusta.”

The Augusta cluster represents an important regional footprint for Beasley. With experienced leadership already in place, the company is betting on Star’s familiarity with its culture and expectations to help elevate performance. His return also reflects a broader industry trend of companies leaning on proven talent with institutional knowledge.

Star said he is eager to step back into a leadership role within the organization and contribute to the market’s continued development.

“I’m thrilled to return to Beasley and work with the Augusta team,” he said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place.”

Company executives echoed that sentiment, pointing to Star’s collaborative style and programming experience as key assets.

“Adam brings experience, creativity, and a collaborative approach that aligns well with what we’re doing in Augusta,” said Justin Chase, chief content officer. “We’re excited to have him back on board.”

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Prime Video Announces Broadcast Teams for Masters First, Second Round Coverage

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Prime Video will expand its footprint at one of golf’s most iconic events when the 2026 Masters Tournament begins at Augusta National Golf Club. The streaming platform announced it will begin live coverage earlier during the first two rounds, adding a new window for viewers on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10.

Coverage will start at 1 p.m. ET on both days, delivering two additional hours of live tournament action. The expanded window places Prime Video at the forefront as the world’s top golfers begin their pursuit of the Green Jacket.

Host Terry Gannon will anchor coverage from Butler Cabin, offering a central hub for analysis and storytelling. The broadcast will highlight players from both morning and afternoon groups. On-course commentary will feature familiar voices from CBS Sports, creating a consistent viewing experience across platforms.

In addition, the telecast will include interviews with current players and notable figures in the sport. That list includes Jack Nicklaus, who returns to reflect on the 40th anniversary of his historic 1986 Masters victory.

Prime Video’s overall Masters presentation will extend across all four days of the tournament. One of its most notable additions is Inside Amen Corner, a data-driven viewing option focused on holes 11, 12 and 13. The stream will incorporate advanced analytics, real-time ball tracking and enhanced graphics designed to provide deeper insight into player strategy.

The dedicated broadcast team for that feed will include host Justin Kutcher alongside analysts Geoff Ogilvy and Smylie Kaufman. Veteran caddie John Wood and instructor Michael Breed will also contribute throughout the coverage.

Inside Amen Corner will stream for more than 20 hours during the tournament. It begins late Thursday morning and runs through Sunday afternoon. Prime Video will also offer additional viewing options, including Featured Groups and coverage of holes 15 and 16.

Beyond live action, Prime Video is introducing several interactive features. Rapid Recap will summarize key moments in under two minutes for viewers joining late. Key Moments will provide on-demand highlights with detailed descriptions. A real-time stats hub will also track leaderboard updates, scores and tee times.

The platform is also launching a new documentary tied to the event. Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait debuts this week and chronicles Rory McIlroy and his long pursuit of a Masters title. The film explores his struggles at Augusta, including his well-known collapse in 2011, and frames the tournament as the final step toward completing the career Grand Slam.

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The Rachel Cruze Show Ending at Ramsey Solutions

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After 13 years, The Rachel Cruze Show from Ramsey Solutions and the Ramsey Network is ending.

Cruze, the daughter of Ramsey Solutions founder Dave Ramsey, announced on Monday that her weekly show is ending.

In a video published to YouTube, Rachel Cruze shared her appreciation for the team behind her program at the Ramsey Network.

“I have so enjoyed working not only with the team here at Ramsey, but getting to be able to bring hopefully life-giving content out into the world as I’m figuring this out too,” Cruze said. “But man, the support of the team is just absolutely amazing. And what I love about it is that this show kind of paved the way for the Ramsey Network. There was no Ramsey Network, you know, 12, 13 years ago. But as this content was working, the idea of bringing other shows and creating other shows under the Ramsey platform really blossomed. At the time, it was just The Dave Ramsey Show.

“And that’s even shifted to The Ramsey Show because there are other hosts besides Dave,” she continued. “And now we have incredible people like John, Ken, and George, all these content creators out there now under Ramsey’s platform. So it is always kind of fun to look back over time. Stuff doesn’t just happen overnight. Success or getting somewhere, it does not. It is the people that stay in the game long term. And I feel like this was one of those stories, which I just loved.”

Rachel Cruze added that the show’s content will continue to live on social media and on YouTube. She’ll continue hosting Smart Money Happy Hour, in addition to The Ramsey Show, but will simply be ending her own dedicated show.

“I am a big believer in prioritizing what brings you joy and what’s making a big impact. There are other things that I’ve been doing with my job that are growing and are really exciting. I only have so many hours in the day,” she concluded. “I’m just reprioritizing what this looks like.”

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NPR Expanding Video Podcasts with ‘Newsmakers’ Series

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NPR has announced it is expanding its video podcast offering with a new show called Newsmakers, debuting last week.

The program will focus on one-on-one conversations with what the network calls “the most important voices of the moment.”

A rotating group of anchors will host the show. Included in that list of those helming the show are Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Martinez, Leila Fadel, Scott Detrow, Mary Louise Kelly, Juana Summers, Ailsa Chang, Ayesha Rascoe, and Scott Simon.

In announcing the new show, NPR Vice President of News Programming Eric Marrapodi says viewers can expect “real questions, real answers, and real follow-ups.”

“No soundbites. No clickbait. Just the kind of rigorous journalism NPR is known for, putting questions to the people shaping the headlines right now: policy leaders, cultural figures, disruptors, and changemakers,” said Marrapodi.

The new show is the latest in the network’s investment in video podcasts. Marrapodi said the long-form interviews hosted by the network have garnered millions of viewers in the past year.

The first episode of the Newsmakers show featured a conversation between Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) and Steve Inskeep.

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HOT 97 Sets Launch Date for New York TV Channel

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HOT 97 is set to expand in New York, with an over-the-air TV channel debuting on Tuesday, March 31st.

The channel will air on WASA-TV. Spectrum will also carry it on channels 811 and 1236 in the New York area.

“This is a natural evolution of one of the most powerful brands in media,” said MediaCo Executive Vice President of Content and Growth Kudjo Sogadzi. “Expanding HOT 97 TV in New York allows us to meet our audience everywhere – on-air, on screen, and across platforms, while creating new opportunities for brands to engage with culture in real time.”

“New York is the foundation of HOT 97,” said MediaCo Local Markets Vice President and General Manager Maire Mason. “This launch gives advertisers direct access to a deeply engaged audience through a truly multiplatform solution spanning TV, audio, and digital.”

Included in the TV channel’s schedule are:

  • Mornings with Mero – brings unmatched credibility, humor, and cultural connection from the most important daypart in radio to TV with the Bronx’s very own, Kid Mero
  • Nessa On Air – lively video series hosted by Gracie Award Winner, Nessa, with unfiltered celebrity interviews and real conversations about music, lifestyle, and pop culture
  • HOT 97 News – A two-hour daily live broadcast with the biggest national developments to real life in New York, diving into the stories shaping NYC’s neighborhoods
  • Funk Flex Freestyles – Hosted by the legendary Funk Flex, this series spotlights hip hop’s rawest and most iconic freestyle moments

The expansion of the HOT 97 brand to a dedicated over-the-air signal comes after Funkmaster Flex recently received the Entertainer’s Key to the City.

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Former Giants Reliever Mysteriously Expresses Dissent Over San Francisco Giants Managerial Hire on KNBR

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An unexpected caller created confusion and intrigue Thursday morning on KNBR, when a man claiming to be former San Francisco Giants pitcher Mike LaCoss joined the station’s Murph & Markus morning show. Hosts Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher initially questioned whether the caller was legitimate.

The six-minute exchange featured the guest identifying himself only as “Mike in San Francisco” before revealing his full name on air. Murphy then pressed the caller to verify his identity. He asked about details from LaCoss’ playing days, including a nickname from his time in the majors. The responses appeared to satisfy enough curiosity for the hosts to continue the conversation.

Still, uncertainty lingered throughout the segment. At one point, when asked about his current residence, the caller offered a bizarre response. “I’ve been dead for 10 years but I got resurrected, so here I am,” he said on air.

The moment added to the confusion surrounding the interview. However, shortly after the segment aired, LaCoss confirmed in a phone call with SFGATE that he was, in fact, the person behind the call.

“Who the hell would call and try to imitate me?” LaCoss said. “I mean, a fake Barry Bonds or a fake Bruce Bochy, sure. But not me.”

The content of the phone call surrounded the Giants’ hiring of former Tennessee manager Tony Vitello as the new manager of the franchise. A hire than LaCoss says he was not in favor of the hire.

“Don’t you think that’s kind of a slap in the face to all of the minor league managers in professional baseball,” questioned LaCoss. “They just bypassed all those guys and threw this college guy in there… When you saw the look on his face in his first real press conference, you saw a totally different look on this guy’s face. Like he just saw his dog got run over in the driveway.”

In speaking with SFGATE, LaCoss said his appearance came together by chance. He said he was watching videos on YouTube when autoplay led him to a livestream of the KNBR morning show. That prompted him to call the station and join the conversation.

LaCoss played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, including six years with the Giants from 1986 to 1991. He contributed to the club’s 1989 National League championship team and worked in both starting and relief roles during his tenure.

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Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor Label Jason Whitlock as “Evil” and “Clout Chaser” in Response to Appearance on Cam Newton’s Podcast

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Ryan Clark made his stance clear. He doesn’t believe all attention is worth chasing. During a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, Clark addressed the fallout surrounding comments from Cam Newton and his decision to host Jason Whitlock.

The discussion, which also featured Fred Taylor, offered insight into how both former players view content creation in today’s media landscape. Clark emphasized that his approach to content is rooted in intention, not reaction.

“I never want to be tied into no buffoonery, ever,” Clark said. “I don’t believe all content is good content. I don’t believe all publicity is good publicity. I don’t think we have to be gossipy. I don’t think we have to be messy. I don’t think we have to always be chaotic. I don’t always think that we have to create some level of drama. I don’t want to be that person. If that’s what I got to be for you to like me, I rather not be liked.”

Ryan Clark, who recently questioned Newton’s loyalty to Stephen A. Smith after Newton hosted Blaze TV and Smith critic Jason Whitlock on his podcast. Clark’s criticism, posted on social media, suggested Newton crossed a line by giving a platform to someone who has publicly taken shots at Smith. Newton, however, rejected that premise outright.

Clark expanded on that philosophy by outlining what he aims to avoid when building his platform. He stressed that conversations can still be meaningful without promoting harmful rhetoric.

“I don’t want to platform evil. I don’t want to platform hate. I don’t want to platform dissension, just because,” Clark said. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want to have conversations with people I don’t agree with.”

Clark pointed to past episodes where differing political views did not prevent productive dialogue. However, he acknowledged that guest selection carries responsibility. He said he has begun to reevaluate certain decisions to ensure respect for his audience remains intact.

While Clark focused on principles, Taylor approached the situation through the lens of relationships. He referenced Stephen A. Smith and the opportunities the ESPN host has created for others, including Newton.

“Stephen A has given so many people opportunities at that network,” Taylor said. “I also know that he’s extended the opportunity to Cam [Newton]. That’s the part that I think is more saddening or more disappointing. If I’m your friend, I say, come to my house. Then you come to my house, then you bring somebody in my house that you probably got some sort of inkling that we don’t really see eye to eye or mesh well. That’s a bad look.”

Taylor clarified that Newton has the right to run his platform as he chooses. Still, he admitted he would have handled the situation differently.

“I didn’t necessarily agree with Cam having him on his platform, but it ain’t my place. It’s Cam’s. I can’t look Jason Whitlock in the face because I don’t see the human there. I see a clout chaser and somebody who does anything for anything. That’s a whole different conversation. Media is messy, and that’s what it is,” Taylor said. “I just thought it was a bad look. I wouldn’t have done it.”

The conversation was just the latest step in a heated and very public back and forth between some of sports media’s mots visible personalities. On one side, creators like Newton emphasize independence and open dialogue. On the other, voices like Clark and Taylor stress accountability and the importance of professional relationships.

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Peter Alexander Leaving NBC News to Launch Show with MS NOW

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Longtime NBC News correspondent and Saturday TODAY show host Peter Alexander is leaving the network, with a new show on MS NOW on the horizon.

On Saturday, Alexander shared that he would depart NBC News after 22 years. He noted that, while being based in Washington D.C., the TODAY show is based in New York, making him leave his family virtually every weekend.

“I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” Alexander said. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me…I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.”

Alexander joined the show in October 2018. He was later named the network’s co-chief White House correspondent in 2021 alongside Kristen Welker.

Upon his exit from NBC News, Peter Alexander will join MS NOW to anchor the 11 AM ET timeslot. He’ll also serve as the chief national reporter for the network.

Alexander becomes the first NBC News talent to move to MS NOW since the two networks were split as part of NBCUniversal’s move to spin its cable assets — like MS NOW and CNBC — into a separate company, now called Versant.

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