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John Catsimatidis To Sid Rosenberg Ahead of Contract Talks: ‘You Have a 5-Year Extension Coming’

BNM Staff
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John Catsimatidis To Sid Rosenberg Ahead of Contract Talks: ‘You Have a 5-Year Extension Coming’

77 WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg is in a contract year. According to station owner John Catsimatidis, Rosenberg doesn’t have much to worry about.

After noting that January 27th will mark the 10-year anniversary of working at the New York news/talk station during the morning show, Sid Rosenberg welcomed Catsimatidis to the program for his weekly spot.

It was then that the billionaire shared that Rosenberg could plan on being there quite awhile.

“You have a five-year contract extension coming,” Catsimatidis said, with Rosenberg shouting in excitement in response.

“That means I don’t have to work those five years,” Catsimatidis continued, with a laugh.

Sid Rosenberg added that he’s been in the business for 27 years, but has never felt more impactful than he does with 77 WABC right now.

“I will say this — and I want to come off narcissistic — but I really believe John, with you and I, we got a great station,” he said. “I really believe with you and I in this city, on this station every day, I really believe, New Yorkers can feel better about their future.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: League Is Prepared To Help Broadcasts With Main Street Sports Group Uncertainty

BSM Staff
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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: League Is Prepared To Help Broadcasts With Main Street Sports Group Uncertainty

Major League Baseball (MLB) is ready to produce and distribute local telecasts for teams affected by the financial troubles of FanDuel Sports Network’s regional channels, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday.

The networks, operated by Main Street Sports Group, missed a December payment to the St. Louis Cardinals, raising concerns about broadcasts for multiple teams this season. FanDuel Sports Network’s regional coverage includes games from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City, Los Angeles (Angels), Miami, Milwaukee, Tampa Bay, and extends into the NBA and NHL.

“No matter what happens, whether it’s Main Street, a third party or MLB Media, fans are going to have the games,” Manfred said.

MLB has precedent for stepping in when regional networks fail. The league took over Padres broadcasts in May 2023 after Diamond Sports Group missed a payment, later adding Arizona that July. Colorado joined MLB’s distribution in 2024, followed by Cleveland and Minnesota in 2025. This season, Seattle will be added, and Washington could join after leaving the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.

Manfred emphasized that the league’s priority is ensuring clubs receive maximum revenue while maintaining broadcast quality for fans.

“Clubs are evaluating their alternatives. They’ve made significant payroll commitments and are looking for the best revenue source and the best outlet to provide quality broadcasts,” he said.

Diamond Sports Group, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year and rebranded as Main Street Sports Group, had renamed its networks FanDuel. The change has not alleviated ongoing financial challenges, leaving teams to consider turning to MLB Media or other third-party solutions.

Local broadcast revenue is critical for teams, representing more than 20% of overall industry income, Manfred noted. While MLB and the players’ association allowed discretionary distributions of up to $15 million in 2024 for clubs whose local media revenue declined, no similar agreement exists for 2025.

“We are not providing financial assistance right now,” Manfred said.

Several reports have indicated Main Street’s talks with DAZN for a potential acquisition are likely over, due to teams’ reluctance to meet key conditions. Reports say that Main Street Sports Group is seeking an alternative buyer at the moment.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

iHeartMedia Unveils Nominees for 2026 iHeartRadio Awards

BMM Staff
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iHeartMedia Unveils Nominees for 2026 iHeartRadio Awards

iHeartMedia and FOX have announced the nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, set to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26.

The awards show — which will be broadcast from 8-10 PM ET on FOX — will feature some of the biggest names in dozens of categories. The 13th annual ceremony will include live performances of some of the biggest songs and artists of 2025, as well as “surprise guests and collaborations.”

“This is an annual awards show made exclusively for fans, celebrating the biggest songs and artists they’ve loved listening to on iHeartRadio stations and our iHeartRadio app all year long,” said iHeartMedia President of Entertainment John Sykes and iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman in a joint statement.

“FOX viewers will also get an exclusive preview of some of the songs they’ll be listening to in the Summer of ‘26,” they concluded.

The complete list of nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are below.

Song of the Year:            

  • “Anxiety” – Doechii
  • “Good News” – Shaboozey
  • “Love Somebody” – Morgan Wallen
  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” – Benson Boone
  • “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Artist of the Year:

  • Bad Bunny
  • Benson Boone
  • Chris Brown
  • Jelly Roll
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift

Pop Artist of the Year:

  • Alex Warren
  • Benson Boone
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift

Pop Song of the Year:

  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Best New Artist (Pop):

  • Alex Warren
  • Jessie Murph
  • Myles Smith
  • Ravyn Lenae
  • sombr

Duo/Group of the Year:

  • HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • Linkin Park
  • Maroon 5
  • Shinedown
  • Twenty One Pilots

Best Collaboration:

  • “All The Way” – BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman
  • “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “Timeless” – The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
  • “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” – GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

Country Song of the Year:

  • “After All The Bars Are Closed” – Thomas Rhett
  • “Good News” – Shaboozey
  • “Liar” – Jelly Roll
  • “Love Somebody” – Morgan Wallen
  • “Whiskey Drink” – Jason Aldean

Country Artist of the Year:

  • Jason Aldean
  • Jelly Roll
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Luke Combs
  • Morgan Wallen

Best New Artist (Country):

  • Chase Matthew
  • Ella Langley
  • Hudson Westbrook
  • Josh Ross
  • Zach Top

Hip-Hop Song of the Year:

  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “NOKIA” – Drake
  • “Outside” – Cardi B
  • “The Largest” – BigXthaPlug
  • “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” – GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:

  • Cardi B
  • GloRilla
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Playboi Carti
  • Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist (Hip-Hop):

  • MOLIY
  • PLUTO
  • Real Boston Richey
  • YKNIECE
  • ZEDDY WILL

R&B Song of the Year:

  • “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
  • “Folded” – Kehlani
  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
  • “Residuals” – Chris Brown
  • “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” – PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake

R&B Artist of the Year:

  • Chris Brown
  • Kehlani
  • Leon Thomas
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • SZA

Best New Artist (R&B):

  • Jenevieve
  • Kwn
  • Leon Thomas
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • Sailorr

World Artist of the Year:

  • Ayra Starr
  • Jackson Wang
  • JO1
  • MOLIY
  • Tyla

Alternative Song of the Year:

  • “Back To Friends” – sombr
  • “Ensenada” – Sublime
  • “One Eyed Bastard” – Green Day
  • “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
  • “The Contract” – Twenty One Pilots

Alternative Artist of the Year:

  • Cage the Elephant
  • Green Day
  • Linkin Park
  • Sublime
  • Twenty One Pilots

Best New Artist (Alternative):

  • almost monday
  • Gigi Perez
  • Lola Young
  • Role Model
  • sombr

Rock Song of the Year:

  • “Afterlife” – Evanescence
  • “Bad Guy” – Falling In Reverse ft. Saraya
  • “Dance, Kid, Dance” – Shinedown
  • “Even If It Kills Me” – Papa Roach
  • “Heavy Is the Crown” – Linkin Park

Rock Artist of the Year:

  • Linkin Park
  • Papa Roach
  • Shinedown
  • Sleep Token
  • Three Days Grace

Best New Artist (Rock):

  • Architects
  • Poppy
  • Return to Dust
  • Sleep Theory
  • Spiritbox

Dance Song of the Year:

  • “Blessings” – Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas
  • “In My Arms” – ILLENIUM & HAYLA
  • “No Broke Boys” – Disco Lines & Tinashe
  • “Save My Love” – Marshmello, Ellie Goulding and AVAION
  • “Won’t Be Possible” – Tiësto, Odd Mob & Goodboys

Dance Artist of the Year:

  • Calvin Harris
  • David Guetta
  • John Summit
  • Martin Garrix
  • Tiësto

Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year:

  • “Angel” – Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos
  • “DEGENERE” – Myke Towers & benny blanco
  • “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
  • “Qué Pasaría…” – Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny
  • “Soltera” – Shakira

Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year:

  • Bad Bunny
  • Feid
  • J Balvin
  • Karol G
  • Shakira

Best New Artist (Latin Pop/Urban):

  • Alleh Mezher
  • Beéle
  • De La Rose
  • Dei V
  • Louis BPM

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:

  • “Amor Bonito” – Luis Angel “El Flaco”
  • “El Amor De Mi Vida” – Calibre 50
  • “Flores” – Xavi
  • “Hecha Pa’ Mi” – Grupo Frontera
  • “Lejos Estamos Mejor” – Eden Muñoz

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:

  • Alejandro Fernández
  • Carin León
  • Fuerza Regida
  • Grupo Frontera
  • Luis Angel “El Flaco”

Best New Artist (Regional Mexican):

  • Clave Especial
  • Edgardo Nuñez
  • Los Dos De Tamaulipas
  • Óscar Maydon
  • Oscar Ortiz

K-pop Artist of the Year:

  • JENNIE
  • j-hope
  • Jin
  • LISA
  • ROSÉ

K-pop Group of the Year:

  • ATEEZ
  • BLACKPINK
  • ENHYPEN
  • Stray Kids
  • TWICE

K-pop Song of the Year:

  • “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “Killin’ It Girl” – j-hope feat. GloRilla
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE

Best New Artist (K-pop):

  • 82Major
  • AllDay Project
  • Cortis
  • Hearts2Hearts
  • Meovv

Songwriter of the Year:

  • Amy Allen
  • Ashley Gorley
  • Cal Shapiro
  • Charlie Handsome
  • Julia Michaels

Producer of the Year:

  • Andrew Watt
  • Dijon
  • Jack Antonoff
  • Max Martin & Shellback
  • Sounwave

Favorite Broadway Debut: *Socially Voted Category 

  • Ashley Graham, “Chicago”
  • Cheryl Porter, “& Juliet”
  • Durrell “Tank” Babbs, “Hell’s Kitchen”
  • Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”
  • Jack Wolfe, “Hadestown”
  • Kelsie Watts, “Six! The Musical”
  • Lencia Kebede, “Wicked”
  • Lizzy McAlpine, “Floyd Collins”
  • Meg Donnelly, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”
  • Ne-Yo, “Hell’s Kitchen”
  • Tom Felton, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
  • Trisha Paytas, “Beetlejuice”

(New for 2026) Favorite TikTok Dance: *Socially Voted Category 

  • “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
  • “Gnarly” – KATSEYE
  • “GO!” – CORTIS
  • “Happen To Me” – Russell Dickerson
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE
  • “Midnight Sun” – Zara Larsson
  • “MONA LISA” – j-hope
  • “Revolving Door” – Tate McRae
  • “SPAGHETTI” – LE SSERAFIM, j-hope
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

(New for 2026) Favorite Debut Album: *Socially Voted Category 

  • Addison Rae, “Addison”
  • Alex Warren, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid”
  • Audrey Hobert, “Who’s the Clown?”
  • Calum Hood, “ORDER chaos ORDER”
  • Coco Jones, “Why Not More?”
  • JADE, “THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!”
  • JENNIE, “Ruby”
  • LISA, “Alter Ego”
  • Michael Clifford, “SIDEQUEST”
  • Perrie, “Perrie”
  • sombr, “I Barely Know Her”
  • Tucker Wetmore, “What Not To”

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category 

  • “Anxiety” – Doechii
  • “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny
  • “Camera” – Ed Sheeran
  • “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
  • “DAISIES” – Justin Bieber
  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “Man I Need” – Olivia Dean
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
  • “undressed” – sombr
  • “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” – RAYE

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category 

  • “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
  • “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny
  • “BORN AGAIN” – LISA feat. Doja Cat & RAYE
  • “Gabriela” – KATSEYE
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Sapphire” – Ed Sheeran
  • “Shake It to the Max (FLY) (Remix)” – MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Silent Addy
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
  • “toxic till the end” – ROSÉ

Favorite On Screen: *Socially Voted Category 

  • AJ McLean, Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland, “Building the Band”
  • Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
  • Bad Bunny, “Happy Gilmore 2”
  • Becky G, “REBBECA”
  • Ed Sheeran, “ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran: A Musical Experience”
  • Jimin and Jungkook, “Are You Sure?!”
  • Jonas Brothers, “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie”
  • Karol G, “Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful”
  • Lady Gaga, “Wednesday”
  • LISA, “The White Lotus”
  • Taylor Swift, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era”
  • Zara Larsson, “Up Close”

Favorite Tour Photographer: *Socially Voted Category 

  • Abby Waisler for Gracie Abrams
  • Adam DeGross for Post Malone
  • Anna Lee for Coldplay
  • baeth for Tate McRae
  • Chris Cornejo for Shakira
  • Cynthia Parkhurst for Katy Perry
  • Henry Hwu for Billie Eilish
  • Hyghly for The Weeknd
  • Joshua Halling for Oasis
  • Rahul Bhatt for KATSEYE
  • Thomas Falcone for Shawn Mendes
  • Tom Pallant for YUNGBLUD

Favorite Soundtrack: *Socially Voted Category 

  • “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Original Soundtrack)”
  • “F1 the Album”
  • “Frankenstein (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film)”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Soundtrack”
  • “Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
  • “Smurfs Movie Soundtrack (Music From & Inspired By)”
  • “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”
  • “Tron: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
  • “Wicked: For Good – The Soundtrack”
  • “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (Original Soundtrack)”

Favorite Tour Style: *Socially Voted Category 

  • Bad Bunny, “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOtoS World Tour”
  • Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter Tour”
  • Billie Eilish, “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour”
  • BLACKPINK, “Deadline World Tour”
  • Dua Lipa, “Radical Optimism Tour”
  • Ella Langley, “Still Hungover Tour”
  • KATSEYE, “Beautiful Chaos Tour”
  • Lady Gaga, “The Mayhem Ball”
  • Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet Tour”
  • Tate McRae, “Miss Possessive Tour”
  • Taylor Swift, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour”
  • Zara Larsson, “Midnight Sun Tour”

Favorite Tour Tradition: *Socially Voted Category 

  • Benson Boone, Cover song
  • Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & Rumi on stage
  • Billie Eilish, “when the party’s over” silent loop
  • Coldplay, Crowd cam
  • Dua Lipa, Surprise guest
  • Jonas Brothers, Surprise guest
  • KATSEYE, “Gnarly” dance break
  • Lainey Wilson, Cowgirl of the night
  • ROLE MODEL, Sally
  • Sabrina Carpenter, Celebrity “Juno” arrest
  • Tate McRae, Fan cam on stage
  • Zara Larsson, “Lush Life” star

(New for 2026) Favorite K-pop Collab: *Socially Voted Category 

  • “Blink” – Corbyn Besson & TZUYU of TWICE
  • “BORN AGAIN” – LISA feat. Doja Cat & RAYE
  • “BUCK” – Jackson Wang feat. Diljit Dosanjh
  • “Confessions” – Flo Rida, HEESEUNG & JAKE of ENHYPEN, Paul Russell
  • “Dirty Work” – aespa feat. Flo Milli
  • “ExtraL” – JENNIE, Doechii
  • “EYES CLOSED” – JISOO X ZAYN
  • “Illegal + SEVENTEEN” – PinkPantheress, SEVENTEEN
  • “On My Mind” – Alex Warren & ROSÉ
  • “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” – j-hope, Miguel
  • “TOO BAD” – G-DRAGON feat. Anderson .Paak
  • “WE PRAY (TWICE Version)” – Coldplay, TWICE, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI, Little Simz

Richard Deitsch Joins Sports Business Journal as Special Contributor

BSM Staff
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Richard Deitsch Joins Sports Business Journal as Special Contributor

Richard Deitsch is adding a new chapter to his sports media career, joining Sports Business Journal as a special contributor beginning in 2026.

The move was announced by SBJ and later confirmed by Deitsch in a social media post reflecting on the significance of the opportunity. In his new role, Deitsch will write a monthly print feature for the Journal. He will also contribute select news items to its daily coverage. Additionally, he will make occasional appearances on the SBJ Sports Media Podcast with Austin Karp.

For Deitsch, the addition carries personal meaning. In his post, he noted that seeing his reporting cited by Sports Business Journal over the years represented one of the “small thrills” of covering sports media, calling SBJ a national publication long recognized for its quality journalism, insight, and industry events.

Professionally, the move aligns two established brands in sports business and media coverage. Deitsch brings nearly two decades of experience reporting on the intersection of sports, media rights, broadcasting, and on-air talent. Most recently, he served as a senior writer at The Athletic.

Prior to The Athletic, Deitsch spent more than a decade at Sports Illustrated, helping define sports media coverage as a beat rather than a sidebar. Across both outlets, he built a reputation for blending reporting with context. He often explained not just what happened, but why it mattered inside newsrooms and boardrooms.

That skill set fits neatly within SBJ’s media coverage. While the publication is best known for reporting on rights deals, valuations and executive movement, Deitsch’s contributions will add focus on personalities, programming decisions and editorial strategies driving the business forward.

In his announcement, Deitsch emphasized that his role at SBJ will complement, not replace, the work of existing media reporters, including Karp and Josh Carpenter. He also clarified that his independently produced Sports Media Podcast will continue as usual, likely reassuring longtime listeners.

Deitsch also teased that his first SBJ feature will spotlight one of the most respected on-air figures in sports. This signals that his storytelling approach will remain people-focused, even within a business framework.

For Sports Business Journal, the addition reinforces a commitment to depth and credibility. For Deitsch, it provides a platform closely aligned with the evolution of the beat he helped shape.

Dan Bongino Confirms Show Return with Westwood One

BNM Staff
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Dan Bongino Confirms Show Return with Westwood One

Dan Bongino is back. Sort of. He’s coming back to his former news/talk radio employer Westwood One except with a digital focus.

After stepping down from the FBI, where he served as the Deputy Director, Bongino confirmed he’ll return to Westwood One and his podcast in the coming weeks.

While appearing on Nightly Scroll with Hayley Caronia, Bongino revealed details of his return to the news media.

“The show is definitely coming back,” Bongino said when asked what his future held. “Early February. We will release the date. We will put out a press release with Westwood One and Rumble this coming Monday, so just a few days from now, which will provide the day. It’s going to be early February, and we’re going to be ready to roll.”

Despite the return of the program still being weeks away, Dan Bongino said he’s already preparing the content for his first show back.

“That first show, I got a lot of stuff to talk about,” Bongino said. “I took so many notes. I mean, obviously, I can’t talk about classified stuff, that kind of thing. But there’s a lot of stuff we can talk about. There’s a lot of stuff to talk about that I think is going to open a lot of eyes, and a lot of ignoramuses are going to get shut down. But I’m going to need some help, because that first show could go on forever.”

Before exiting Westwood One in March 2025, The Dan Bongino Show was heard from 12-3 PM ET. Bongino revealed that his show will now be just two hours in length, and will air from 10 AM to Noon ET.

Except that’s where it got confusing. The 10a-12p ET slot will be digital only.

Barrett Media’s Garrett Searight shared a more detailed story Thursday night cleaning up the confusion. We initially reported Bongino’s return would be on radio based on the initial commentary.

Currently, The Chris Plante Show is nationally syndicated by Westwood One from 9 AM to Noon ET. VINCE — helmed by Vince Coglianese — is expected to continue to host the nationally syndicated show from 12-3 PM ET. Plante’s radio show is unaffected by Bongino returning to the company. Our apologies for the initial confusion.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

News Media Reacts to Megyn Kelly Calling Nick Fuentes ‘Very Interesting and Very Smart’ to Tucker Carlson

BNM Staff
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News Media Reacts to Megyn Kelly Calling Nick Fuentes ‘Very Interesting and Very Smart’ to Tucker Carlson

Megyn Kelly is taking heat after a recent podcast episode with Tucker Carlson where she spoke highly of Nick Fuentes.

On The Tucker Carlson Show, Kelly defended the decision of Carlson to have a full-length conversation with Fuentes, stating that the pushback he received was unwarranted, praising Fuentes in the process.

“He’s a very interesting guy,” Kelly said. “Let’s face it. He’s obviously got some very extreme views, but he’s very interesting, and he’s very smart, and on a lot of things, there is value to be derived from that guy’s messaging.

“I’m sorry, but he actually has a lot of things he talks about that you’re like, ‘Huh, this is not a bad point about our country,’” Kelly continued. “Excuse his thoughts on race, and Jews, and the Holocaust, and all that.”

Fuentes is a controversial figure. A self-avowed Christian Nationalist and anti-feminist, Fuentes has heaped praise on Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin on episodes of his podcast. The podcast episode between Fuentes and Carlson widened a growing disconnect in the conservative political ecosystem centered upon antisemitism. In the aftermath of the conversation, Carlson, Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, Mark Levin, and Candace Owens each lobbed insults at the other for their stances.

Many took to social media to share their displeasure that Megyn Kelly would speak so highly of someone that held the views that Nick Fuentes has shared.

After Kelly’s comments about Nick Fuentes went viral, she defended herself.

“You’re a pathetic misinformation whore,” Kelly retorted to Ian Miles Cheong, who published her comments. “I was explaining why young white men are listening to Fuentes & made clear that while I believe he makes interesting points about the govt etc I was not speaking about his thoughts on Jews, women, blacks etc. (Expletive) you & your lies.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Matt George Joins Sactown Sports 1140 as New Midday Co-Host

BSM Staff
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Matt George Joins Sactown Sports 1140 as New Midday Co-Host

Sacramento sports anchor Matt George has been selected to co-host middays at Sactown Sports 1140, the station announced Thursday. The announcement is just the latest in a lineup shuffle that was announced this week by the Sacramento Kings flagship station. The move for George marks a return to radio after serving the last four years for local television affiliate ABC 10.

Prior to the announcement, George announced his departure from the television outlet as well as his Locked On Kings podcast duties. He recalled his time with ABC 10 as a blessing and felt humble for the opportunity.

“ABC 10 made it possible for me to do so many things I never thought possible,” wrote George on X. “You all have made so many of my dreams come true.”

George will be paired with Kayla Anderson, who arrival in a full-time role was announced on Wednesday. The The Matt and Kayla Show will be taking over the timeslot held by Allen Stiles, who is being elevated to afternoon drive along Kevin “Whitey” Gleason.

In making the announcement of George’s return to the station, he shared his excitement for the opportunity.

“I have so many great memories in this building and this stations. Excited to be coming back and hosting middays with Kayla,” said George during his appearance on The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

George is no stranger to Sactown Sports 1140 listeners. He previously served as a fill-in host on several Sactown Sports programs in recent years. He also contributed to Sacramento Kings pre-game content. When he took the role with ABC 10 in August 2021, George ended a six-year run with Bonneville Sacramento, where he held roles across all company properties.

Known for his in-depth coverage of the Sacramento Kings, George brings a strong understanding of the team, the league, and the Sacramento sports landscape. His analytical approach, combined with an ability to connect with fans, makes him a natural fit to lead Sactown Sports’ new midday offering.

George’s work with ABC 10 ranged from local events to covering the NBA. While with both Bonneville and ABC 10, George also hosted the Locked On Kings podcast. Since 2017 and over 2,900 episodes later, George announced his departure from the Locked On podcast network via YouTube.

“The Locked On Kings podcast, and the Locked On network made my career,” said George via YouTube. “Locked On Kings is made me what I am today. The Locked On podcast network are the ones who truly believed and invested in me.”

The debut of George and Anderson’s program along with Stiles’ debut in afternoons is set for Monday January 12.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Megyn Kelly Tells Tucker Carlson: I Find Nick Fuentes ‘Very Interesting and Very Smart’

BNM Staff
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Megyn Kelly Tells Tucker Carlson: I Find Nick Fuentes ‘Very Interesting and Very Smart’

Megyn Kelly sat down for a discussion with Tucker Carlson, and, in the process, praised controversial figure Nick Fuentes.

Part of the discussion hinged on Kelly sharing that she was asked to disavow Carlson after he sat down for an interview with Fuentes, who is a self-avowed Christian Nationalist, who has praised Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.

She shared why she wasn’t willing to separate herself from Tucker Carlson, adding praise for Fuentes in the process.

“I know your heart was in the right place, and it was a worthwhile exercise because he’s a very interesting guy,” Kelly said. “Let’s face it. He’s obviously got some very extreme views, but he’s very interesting, and he’s very smart, and on a lot of things, there is value to be derived from that guy’s messaging.

“I’m sorry, but he actually has a lot of things he talks about that you’re like, ‘Huh, this is not a bad point about our country,'” Kelly continued. “Excuse his thoughts on race, and Jews, and the Holocaust, and all that.”

Megyn Kelly continued by noting that she was also asked to disavow comments made by Candace Owens in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

She added that she doesn’t have a problem with the questions raised by Owens.

“I didn’t call her out because I was totally fine with those questions being raised and still am!” she exclaimed. “I’m sorry, but I am! I’m sick of this (expletive). I am allowed to have questions about if anyone aligned with Israel or from Israel might have had to do with Charlie’s death … I’m fine with those questions. And I’m sorry for people who don’t want them asked.”

She did note, during the discussion about Candace Owens, that she believed Tyler Robinson, the accused shooter of Charlie Kirk, was the person who assassinated him.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Ryan Smith Announces Departure From SportsCenter on ESPN

BSM Staff
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Ryan Smith Announces Departure From SportsCenter on ESPN

Ryan Smith, a familiar face on ESPN’s SportsCenter, announced that he is stepping away from the network’s flagship sports news program.

“This is my last show hosting SportsCenter. Now I get to move on to other things I’ve been dreaming about doing,” Smith said during his final broadcast. “But I can’t tell you how much of a dream and honor it’s been to work on something that gives people so much joy.”

Smith, who joined ESPN in February 2017, has anchored the weekday 7 a.m. edition of SportsCenter since 2019. Over his tenure, he also hosted Outside the Lines and E:60, while serving as a New York-based correspondent.

Beyond his on-air duties, Smith reported feature stories, investigative pieces, and provided legal analysis across ESPN platforms and ABC News.

“Thanks all the amazing producers, directors, PA’s, editors, folks here working on the studio floor with us. And of course, the amazing co-hosts that I got to work with that made doing this job a blast,” he added, expressing gratitude to colleagues and collaborators.

Smith’s career spans decades across news and sports media. Prior to ESPN, he contributed as a legal analyst and occasionally filled in as host on ABC’s Outside the Lines after joining the network in 2014. He was previously a nightly news anchor at CNN’s Headline News, covering major stories including the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and high-profile trials such as those of Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman.

Reflecting on the unifying power of sports, Smith told viewers, “This world we live in… we don’t always get along, but this thing we do—sports—is the one thing that crosses lines and lets us be together. So I just want to say thank you to ESPN for letting me do this, and to you for letting me come into your homes and be a small piece of what helps bring us together and be a small piece of that joy.”

A graduate of Syracuse University and Columbia Law School, Smith practiced Sports and Entertainment Law in New York City and served as a lawyer for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars before transitioning full-time into broadcast journalism.

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Audacy Announces Measurement Partnership With Podscribe

BSM Staff
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Audacy Announces Measurement Partnership With Podscribe

Audacy has named Podscribe as a preferred measurement partner, a move designed to enhance attribution across the company’s expansive digital portfolio, including streaming audio, podcasting, connected TV, and display advertising. The partnership also aims to support select broadcast attribution initiatives within Audacy’s radio lineup, complementing existing measurement tools.

Through the collaboration, Podscribe will provide client-facing dashboards and API access that facilitate automated reporting and offer portfolio-level insights. By integrating these tools with Audacy’s campaign setup systems, advertisers will gain faster, more transparent visibility into campaign performance. The setup intends to streamline operational workflows while equipping marketers to make data-driven decisions that could drive revenue growth.

“Audacy consistently strives to deliver measurable results for advertisers. Our partnership with Podscribe strengthens that promise,” said Michael Biemolt, Audacy’s president of digital sales. “With enhanced attribution and transparency across our portfolio, we’re giving clients greater confidence in how Audacy drives performance at scale.”

Podscribe’s Head of Partnerships, Matt Drengler, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the synergy between the two companies. “We’re excited to partner with Audacy, a company that has built an impressive audio platform through premium content, strong local and national reach, and continued innovation,” he said. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to independent, industry-leading measurement and gives advertisers clearer insight into performance so they can grow in audio.”

The agreement with Podscribe follows a series of strategic partnerships for Audacy aimed at broadening reach and expanding advertiser opportunities. Recent collaborations include alliances with iHeartMedia and TuneIn to extend distribution. There is also a deal with Sonos to boost Sonos Radio’s ad business. Another partnership with Jomboy Media brings creator-driven sports content to broadcast radio. Additionally, an initiative with MOGL aims to modernize sports marketing through athlete-influencer integrations.

The Podscribe integration is expected to be fully operational for 2026, giving advertisers access to real-time performance metrics and the ability to adjust campaigns more efficiently.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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