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Chuck Todd, J.A. Adande Announce New Sports Podcast ‘Dynastic’

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Chuck Todd, J.A. Adande Announce New Sports Podcast ‘Dynastic’

Chuck Todd is leaning further into the sports media space, and this time he is bringing a veteran voice with him in an effort to carve out a unique lane in the crowded podcast landscape.

The former moderator of Meet the Press has partnered with longtime journalist J.A. Adande to launch a new podcast titled Dynastic. A project designed to explore how iconic teams evolve into enduring sports institutions while also examining the cultural and business decisions that shape them along the way.

Rather than focusing on game results or daily headlines, the show aims to unpack the long arcs behind sustained success.

The podcast begins with deep dives into franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Early episodes examine stadium development strategies, roster construction, and media influence in shaping brand identity across generations.

The podcast debuts tomorrow and will be distributed by iHeartMedia along with other major platforms. Signaling a broad rollout strategy that reflects the partners’ belief in the concept’s mainstream appeal, especially as audiences continue to seek out deeper, more flexible on-demand content experiences.

Todd tells Variety the idea grew from a desire to tell stories that go beyond the field, noting that while fans naturally gravitate toward what happens during games, the larger narratives surrounding franchises often remain underexplored despite offering equally compelling insights into leadership, innovation and long-term vision.

That philosophy extends to the show’s editorial independence, which Todd said will remain intact throughout its run. The team has no formal ties to the organizations it covers and no obligation to shape narratives through a team-friendly lens or secure stakeholder cooperation.

Joining Todd and Adande behind the scenes is executive producer Steve Hull, a media veteran whose background includes leadership roles in regional publishing and at Atlantic Media, adding another layer of experience to a project that blends journalism, storytelling and business analysis.

Adande, who now serves as director of sports journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School, brings decades of reporting and on-air experience to the partnership. He acknowledged that while the show will continue to evolve, there is already a shared professional foundation that allows for thoughtful collaboration without friction.

For Todd, the venture also represents a continuation of his broader push into independent and digital-first media following his departure from NBC News.

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Matt Vasgersian Understands Fan Frustration Over Netflix MLB Opening Night Broadcast

BSM Staff
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Matt Vasgersian Understands Fan Frustration Over Netflix MLB Opening Night Broadcast

As Major League Baseball prepares to open its season on Netflix, the league’s decision to place Opening Night exclusively on the streaming platform has sparked a familiar debate about access, presentation and the emotional connection fans have with their local broadcast voices. That conversation has now reached the booth itself, where Matt Vasgersian, who will handle play-by-play duties for the streaming broadcast, acknowledged the tension that comes with stepping into a national role for a moment traditionally tied to hometown crews.

“I’d say I completely understand the frustration. I’m a fan and I get it,” Vasgersian said in an interview with Front Office Sports, noting that even people in his personal life have expressed disappointment over not being able to find games on their usual channels or hear their preferred broadcasters.

Vasgersian pointed directly to the attachment fans have to familiar voices, adding that many New York Yankees viewers would prefer hearing Michael Kay, while San Francisco Giants fans have long associated their experience with the pairing of Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper, whom he described as “as good as it gets.”

For those audiences, the absence of those voices on Opening Day reinforces a broader shift already underway across the sport. Where games increasingly move between platforms and production teams depending on national rights agreements.

Vasgersian, however, framed the current landscape as part of a longer history of imperfect access, recalling his own experience as a fan of the Oakland Athletics. When television availability remained inconsistent and complaints often centered on either not finding games or paying more to watch them.

“I think there’s always been an imperfect landscape in the minds of fans for watching their favorite team,” Vasgersian said, before emphasizing that his focus remains on delivering a broadcast that meets the moment. “What I can say is we’re going to try to do the best job we can in covering this game.”

The exclusive stream on Netflix marks the beginning of the company’s three-year agreement with MLB, which includes rights to high-profile events such as the Home Run Derby and a package of marquee regular-season games.

While national exclusivity is not new — ESPN, FOX Sports and others have long carried games without local simulcasts — the shift to a streaming-only presentation introduces a different layer of adjustment for fans accustomed to tuning into regional sports networks.

That reality drew sharp criticism from Kay, who recently called the move “not ideal” and lamented the loss of Opening Day pageantry on YES Network, sentiments that echo the concerns Vasgersian says he hears regularly.

Even so, as MLB continues to balance tradition with evolving media strategies, Opening Night on Netflix will serve as another test case in how far fans are willing to follow their teams — even when the soundtrack sounds a little different.

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2026 Giants of Broadcasting From The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Announced

BNM Staff
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2026 Giants of Broadcasting From The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Announced

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation has announced its 2026 Giants of Broadcasting class, with several high-profile figures on the list.

The annual event will take place on Tuesday, November 17th at Gotham Hall in New York from 11:30 AM-2 PM ET. ABC News Nightline co-anchor Juju Chang, a member of the 2023 Giants of Broadcasting class, will serve as the emcee for the evening.

“The Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts Awards recognize the individuals whose work has defined eras and shaped the evolution of our industry,” said LABF Co-Chairs Deborah Parenti and Dave “Chachi” Denes. “Their extraordinary contributions, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have created a lasting legacy that continues to influence and inspire the broadcasting industry today.”

Additionally, The Museum of Broadcast and Communications will be honored with the Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award from the LABF.

The 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include:

  • DAVID DONOVAN

President and Executive Director, New York State Broadcasters Association, Inc.

  • SKIP FINLEY

Broadcast Owner, Operator, Advisor, and Award-winning Author 

  • JAIME JARRIN

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Legendary Spanish Language Voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers

  • DEBORAH NORVILLE 

Two-time Emmy© Award Winning Veteran Broadcaster and Host of The Perfect Line 

  • JANE PAULEY

Respected Broadcast Journalist and Anchor of CBS News Sunday Morning

  • DEBRA OCONNELL 

Chairman, ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, The Walt Disney Company 

  • DAVID “Dave” SANTRELLA

Chief Executive Officer, Salem Media Group

  • SUZYN WALDMAN

Trailblazing Sportscaster, Award-winning Journalist and Longtime Radio Broadcaster for the New York Yankees 

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NFL Network Reportedly to Continue Its Own Broadcast of the NFL Draft Following ESPN Control

BSM Staff
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NFL Network Reportedly to Continue Its Own Broadcast of the NFL Draft Following ESPN Control

ESPN’s impending takeover of NFL Network is nearing the finish line, and while industry speculation has centered on consolidation, early signs suggest a more expansive — not restrictive — approach to one of football’s biggest television properties.

According to Front Office Sports, the NFL Network is expected to retain its own standalone coverage of the NFL Draft. Even after ESPN formally assumes control of the league-owned channel. That decision, if finalized, would preserve a two-decade tradition of competing draft broadcasts. It also signals that ESPN sees value in multiple editorial voices around one of the NFL’s marquee offseason events.

Since 2006, ESPN and NFL Network have gone head-to-head with dueling draft presentations. Each carving out a distinct identity while chasing viewers, exclusives, and on-air personality bookings. However, once ESPN secured approval to take over NFL Network earlier this year, questions quickly emerged about whether that internal competition would disappear in favor of a single, unified broadcast.

Instead, sources tell Front Office Sports that a strategy centered on amplification, not reduction. ESPN is expected to deploy multiple platforms and personalities to maximize reach and audience engagement.

The approach mirrors a broader industry trend in which major media companies leverage depth across networks, streaming, and digital to dominate tentpole events.

ESPN’s primary broadcast is expected to again feature Mike Greenberg as host, continuing a run that has stabilized the network’s draft presentation. He will be joined by analysts and insiders including Mel Kiper Jr., Adam Schefter, and Louis Riddick. Also Booger McFarland alongside Molly McGrath, forming a lineup that balances reporting, evaluation, and storytelling across all seven rounds.

Meanwhile, NFL Network is positioned to maintain its more football-centric tone. Rich Eisen is expected to lead coverage for what would be his 20th consecutive year anchoring the event. Analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis, along with insider Ian Rapoport, are expected to headline a broadcast that has long resonated with dedicated fans seeking deeper schematic insight and personnel analysis.

ABC will again offer a separate presentation geared toward a broader audience, leaning into its College GameDay DNA with Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Nick Saban, Desmond Howard, and Laura Rutledge. That broadcast emphasizes player backgrounds and collegiate context, creating an entry point for viewers less focused on front-office mechanics.

Additionally, Pat McAfee is expected to return with his Draft Spectacular. McAfee continues to build a multi-platform alternative that blends entertainment, personality-driven commentary, and digital distribution. His presence adds another layer to an already crowded media landscape surrounding the event.

ESPN has not commented on the report.

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Former KOA 850 AM Host Marty Lenz: iHeartMedia Wanted Us to Be ‘Conservative News’

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Former KOA 850 AM Host Marty Lenz: iHeartMedia Wanted Us to Be ‘Conservative News’

Marty Lenz departed KOA 850 AM in Denver last year as part of the widespread cuts at iHeartMedia. He believes his departure wasn’t strictly a cost-cutting move.

Lenz spent eight years hosting Colorado’s Morning News, the morning show on the venerable iHeartMedia Denver news/talk station.

He was paired with Jeana Gondek in the daypart upon his exit. He was replaced in morning drive by Ross Kaminsky.

During an interview with the Colorado Times Recorder, Marty Lenz was asked about working in a straight-news environment at an outlet “so well known for its right-wing yappers.” Lenz said that he took the job seriously and valued the opportunity. But he believes that he and the company had differing views on what the show should be. And he believes that led to his departure.

“I was laid off during iHeart’s annual/semiannual reduction in force. While the official explanation cited cost-cutting … I believe other considerations were also at play,” said Lenz. “On several occasions, the current local leadership noted that our style of morning news program was uncommon within iHeart, hinting that changes might be forthcoming. 

“When KOA removed my boss, Greg Foster, in 2022, our corporate news leaders came in to meet with us. Toward the end of my individual meeting, one of the managers suggested there were things we could do to keep KOA a conservative news outlet,” Lenz continued. “I immediately shot back, ‘We are not conservative news. We are not liberal news — we are news.’ I don’t recall his response; I was stunned by his perspective. Looking back now, I see it as a bit of foreshadowing.”

Marty Lenz added that his departure represented “a significant loss of institutional knowledge.”

“Aside from one or two remaining hosts, few, if any, share my longstanding ties to the market,” he concluded.

Lenz joined KOA after previously working at KCBS in San Francisco. At the time of the layoffs, Lenz was reportedly the only member of the iHeartMedia Denver staff to exit.

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Audacy Philadelphia SVP, Market Manager David Yadgaroff Stepping Down in Late May

BNM Staff
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Audacy Philadelphia SVP, Market Manager David Yadgaroff Stepping Down in Late May

Audacy will soon begin a leadership transition in one of its most prominent markets, as longtime Philadelphia market manager David Yadgaroff prepares to step away following a decades-long run with the company.

In an internal message to executives, market managers, and the Philadelphia team, Audacy Regional President Mark Hannon announced Yadgaroff will retire as senior vice president and market manager of Audacy Philadelphia at the end of May. Thus concluding a 36-year career that has spanned programming, promotions and executive leadership responsibilities.

Hannon highlighted Yadgaroff’s wide-ranging impact on the company and the Philadelphia community. He pointed to a career defined by operational performance, mentorship, and civic engagement beyond the radio stations he oversaw.

“A true broadcast legend, Yad has been recognized many times in the industry,” wrote Hannon. “Including as a Radio Wayne Manager of the Year finalist, a Marconi Radio Manager of the Year finalist, and a Radio Ink Top Manager. In late 2025, he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame.”

Throughout his tenure, Yadgaroff played a role in shaping the company’s local brands while also building relationships with organizations across the region, including Beyond Celiac, Penn State, the Police Athletic League, the Philadelphia Ad Club, the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, reinforcing Audacy’s presence as both a media operator and community partner.

Hannon noted that Yadgaroff will remain in place through the end of May to help guide the transition process.

“Yad has built a lasting legacy of mentorship, community enrichment, and operational excellence,” Hannon wrote, adding that the strength of Audacy’s Philadelphia brands reflects the culture and foundation established under his leadership.

Audacy CEO Kelli Turner also weighed in within the announcement, emphasizing the impact Yadgaroff had on both people and product during his tenure with the company.

“It’s been an honor to get to know and learn from David, and the excellence of the Philadelphia brands and team is a testament to the legacy of his incredible career at Audacy,” Turner said.

For Yadgaroff, the decision to retire comes after what he described as an extraordinary run in the industry, during which he prioritized team development and long-term growth across the organization.

“Leading these iconic stations has been a great privilege and working alongside our team has been the most rewarding part of my journey,” Yadgaroff said, while noting that the opportunity to hire, train and mentor talent across Philadelphia and beyond remains one of his proudest accomplishments.

Looking ahead, he plans to focus on family, personal interests and new opportunities, while maintaining confidence in the direction of both the company and the industry he has helped shape.

“I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future,” he added.

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Scott MacFarlane Joining The MeidasTouch Network Following CBS News Exit

BNM Staff
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Scott MacFarlane Joining The MeidasTouch Network Following CBS News Exit

Scott MacFarlane has announced his next endeavor following his departure from CBS News earlier this month. He’s joining The MediasTouch Network.

Scott MacFarlane originally joined CBS News in 2021. He has covered both Congress and the Justice Department during his tenure with the network.

Following his exit, MacFarlane had teased a new home for his work.

On Monday morning, he revealed he is joining The MeidasTouch Network. In a post on social media, he announced the move and shared his excitement for the opportunity.

“Some news to share, and it’s good news,” MacFarlan began. “I have a new platform for my independent, unfiltered reporting. Effective immediately, I’m Chief Washington correspondent for The MeidasTouch Network. And beginning in about two or three weeks, I’ll begin as anchor of a daily program called Scott McFarlane Reports. The MeidasTouch and I share the same North Star of communicating, that when you have news to break or something important to explain, just get to it. Straight to the point. As soon as you open the camera and open the microphone, simply, declaratively, and conversationally explain what’s happening. Explain what it means. Put aside the production theater and the useless bells and whistles. Just get to it.”

“I’m not an opinionist. I’m not an editorialist. And I’m far from a politician. I’m an enterprise reporter, and have been for a quarter of a century,” said MacFarlane. “What I’ll do is bring this enterprise reporting to all the components of The MeidasTouch Network, all the contributors of The MeidasTouch Network … This is such a critical moment. It’s important we underscore how significant this moment is, this moment of unique political toxicity and unique political danger. MeidasTouch and I have long shared this same philosophy: you don’t platform lies, you don’t platform conspiracy theories, and you don’t allow for the whitewashing of history. We’ll do that together, and you and I will do that together.”

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Winners of 2026 Gracie Awards Announced

BNM Staff
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Winners of 2026 Gracie Awards Announced

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has announced the winners of the 51st annual Gracie Awards, with several high-profile figures earning top honors.

“Women’s stories don’t just reflect the world, they shape it, shift it and refuse to let it stay the same,” AWMF President Becky Brooks said. “This year’s honorees are doing exactly that across every platform, every format, every audience. We are proud; we are moved, and we are honored to say their names out loud.”

In the television and streaming categories, names like CNN’s Abby Phillip and Pamela Brown, NBC News’ Hallie Jackson, and Oprah Winfrey dot the landscape.

Meanwhile, in the national radio category, CBS News Radio anchor Deborah Rodriguez was honored as the top news anchor. Alex Curry and Carmen Vitali of FOX Sports Saturday on FOX Sports Radio were named best weekend hosts. Jodi Koontz of Murphy, Sam & Jodi earned the best host/personality award, while Nina Hajian of The Jubal Show was named best co-host.

In the local radio category, Ally Ali of 106.1 BLI was named best non-morning drive host in a medium market. Rita Cosby of 77 WABC in New York earned her 11th overall Gracie Awards win for best talk show. Debra Green of The Mark Arum Show on 95.5 WSB in Atlanta earned the best talk personality co-host award for a small, medium, large, and major market. WNEW 102.7 morning drive host Karen Carson earned the top major market morning drive host award. KYW Newsradio anchor Pat Loeb was awarded the honor for best news anchor/reporter/correspondent.

Winners will be honored at the Gracies Gala at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles on May 19th and at the Gracies Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on June 16th.

The full list of winners is below.

Television/Streaming National Winners

48 Hours “Joe Hunter’s Mission” (48 Hours)
CBS News
News Magazine – Feature

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas
Hallmark Media
Made for Television Movie

Abby Phillip (NewsNight with Abby Phillip)
CNN
On-Air Talent – News

ABC News 20/20
ABC News
News Magazine

ABC News Investigates: Web of Danger: 764 (ABC News Nightline)
ABC NEWS
Investigative Feature

Adry Rodriguez and Johanna Usma (Noticiero Univision)
Univision
Non-English Individual Achievement – Producer

All Her Fault
Peacock
Limited Series

Annetta Marion (First to the Finish)
WPP, Boardwalk Pictures, Mazda Motorsports/ Prime Video
Director – Sports Documentary

Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
ABC News Studios, Hulu
Documentary – Grand Award

Barbie Kligman (Doc)
Sony Pictures Television / Fox Entertainment
Showrunner Fiction – Drama

Baylen Out Loud
TLC
Unscripted/Reality

Character AI (60 Minutes)
CBS News
Investigative Feature

Cleopatra’s Final Secret
National Geographic
Documentary – Historical

Dancing with the Stars
ABC/BBC Studios
Competition Series

Desi Lydic (The Daily Show)
Comedy Central
On-Air Talent – Entertainment

Dora
Nickelodeon
Family Series – Animated

Femicide Surge: Romanian Women Killed Despite Seeking Help
Antena 3 CNN
Non-English Program – Hard News

First to the Finish
WPP, Boardwalk Pictures, Mazda Motorsports/ Prime Video
Sports Program

Haiti – “The Worst Place in the World to be a Woman”
BBC News / BBC World Service
Hard News Feature

Hallie Jackson
NBC News
On-Air Talent – Anchor

Harlem Ice
Disney Branded Television
Documentary Series – Sports

Janicza Bravo (The Bear)
FX/Hulu
Director – Comedy

Jenn Hildreth
ESPN
On-Air Talent – Sports

Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
HBO Max
Actress in a Supporting Role – Drama

Kayla Shea (The Rise of America’s ICE Towns)
Bloomberg
Producer – Documentary

Kristen Lappas (The Kingdom)
ESPN
Director – Sports Series

Leanne Morgan: Unspeakable Things
Netflix
Variety

Lilly
Lilly Movie Co/Netflix
Feature Film

Lourdes Hurtado
Noticias Telemundo
Non-English Individual Achievement-On-Air Talent

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Kino Lorber
Feature Film – Biography

My Nightmare Stalker: The Eva LaRue Story
Paramount+, See It Now Studios, Forté Entertainment
Documentary Series – Investigative

Naomi Sheldon, Gabbie Asher, Polly Cavendish (The Girlfriend)
Prime Video
Writing Team Scripted

Neither Male Nor Female: Intersex
Noticias Telemundo
Non-English Program – News

Nia DaCosta (Hedda)
Amazon MGM Studios
Director – Drama Feature Film

Nightline
ABC News
News Program

Nik Robinson (The Kelly Clarkson Show)
NBCUniversal Syndication Studios
Writer Unscripted / Non-Fiction

Pamela Brown’s Coverage of the Historic Texas Floods (The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown)
CNN
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Paradise
Hulu
Drama

Paulina Chávez (Landman)
Paramount+
Actress in a Breakthrough Role

Poisoned: Fentanyl’s Child Victims
Scripps News
News Feature Series

Pregnant in Custody
Bloomberg Law and NBC News
Women’s Health News Feature / Series

Quiana Burns (The Tamron Hall Show)
ABC News/Disney Entertainment Distribution
Showrunner Non-Fiction

Rachel Sennott (I Love LA)
HBO Max
Showrunner Fiction – Comedy

Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)
Sony Pictures Television / Apple TV
Actress in a Leading Role – Drama

Robin Wright (The Girlfriend)
Prime Video
Director – Drama Mini Series

Roxanne’s Revenge (CBS Mornings)
CBS News
Soft News Feature

Salli Richardson-Whitfield (The Gilded Age)
HBO Max
Producer – Entertainment

Sally
National Geographic Documentary Films
Documentary

Sarah Snook (All Her Fault)
Peacock
Actress in a Leading Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series

Sasha Joelle Achilli, Sara Obeidat (Syria’s Detainee Files)
FRONTLINE (PBS), BBC
Director – Documentary

SC Featured: Love, Abby
ESPN
Sports Feature

Sharon Horgan (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox)
Hulu
Actress in a Supporting Role – Made for TV Movie or Limited Series

Small Achievable Goals
Sphere Media, CBC
Comedy

Susan Chun (The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper)
CNN
Producer – News

Syria’s Detainee Files
Frontline (PBS), BBC
Documentary- News / Investigative

Terri J. Vaughn (Miss Governor)
Netflix
Actress in a Leading Role – Comedy or Musical

The Circuit with Emily Chang: Reese Witherspoon
Bloomberg
Interview Feature

The Fall of Diddy
Investigation Discovery
Documentary Series

The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
Disney Branded Television
Special

The Simpsons – “Aunt Misbehavin’”
A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation
Comedy – Animated

Today with Jenna & Friends
NBC News
Talk Show – Entertainment

Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough
Lifetime
Made for Television Movie – Drama

Vera Farmiga (Boots)
Sony Pictures Television / Netflix
Actress in a Supporting Role – Comedy or Musical

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Disney Branded Television
Family Series

Yasmin Vossoughian (Pregnant in Custody)
Bloomberg Law and NBC News
Reporter / Correspondent

Yellowjackets
Paramount+
Ensemble Cast

Radio National Winners

A Jane Austen Birthday Musicale
Sirius XM Symphony Hall
Feature / Special

Alex Curry & Carmen Vitali (Fox Sports Saturday)
FOX Sports Radio
Weekend Host

Chappell Roan Interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen
Apple Music
Interview Feature

Deborah Rodriguez (CBS News Radio Top of the Hour)
CBS News Radio
News Anchor

Jodi Koontz (Murphy Sam & Jodi)
Premiere Networks / Three in the Morning LLC
Host / Personality

Kristen Farrah (Radio Health Journal)
American Urban Radio Networks
Producer – Entertainment / Talk

Nina Hajian (The Jubal Show)
iHeart Radio
Co-Host

The Anna & Raven Show
Connoisseur Media LLC
Entertainment / Talk Program

“48 hours at El Refugio: A haven for families of ICE detainees” (Latino USA)
Futuro Media Group
Documentary

“Beyoncé and Black Women’s Deep Roots in Country Music” (On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti)
WBUR
Public Affairs

“Catholic Nuns, Missing Babies, Mass Grave — Reckoning with Ireland’s Past”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Investigative Feature

Galaxy Quenching (Radiolab)
WNYC New York Public Radio
Interview Feature

Global Indigenous Solidarity with Palestine (CBC Unreserved)
CBC
News Feature

“Immigration Policy Hits the Track”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Series

Joy Summers (Middays with Joy)
Hope Media Group
Host

Katia Riddle (“Saving Mississippi’s Babies”)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Reporter / Correspondent

Lauren Frayer (“Catholic Nuns, Missing Babies, Mass Grave — Reckoning with Ireland’s Past”)
NPR (National Public Radio)
Producer

“The Missing Children of Syria: Hidden in Orphanages Under Assad”
NPR (National Public Radio)
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Audio National Winners

Becky Parker Geist (The Legend of Valentine)
Pro Audio Voices Inc & AMPlify Audiobooks Inc
Audiobook Producer

January LaVoy (Good Dirt)
Penguin Random House Audio
Audiobook Narrator – Fiction

Tina Knowles (Matriarch)
Penguin Random House Audio
Audiobook Narrator – Non-Fiction

Digital Media National Winners

Austen Rachlis (Against The Odds)
Audible
Audio Podcast Writer

“Be Healthy: Radically Reframing Health, Wellness & Longevity” (Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper)
Shriver Media
Substack/E-Newsletter/Blog

Danielle Broza (PBS Nature)
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Online Producer

Death in Dubai (World of Secrets)
Eye Investigations (BBC World Service) and Thread Studios
Audio Podcast – News / Investigative

Deborah Roberts (20/20: The After Show)
ABC News, ABC Audio
Audio Podcast Host – News / Investigative

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant (Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant)
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Audio Podcast Host – Educational

Haley Thomas (All There Is with Anderson Cooper)
CNN
Audio Podcast – Producer

How She Does It With Karen Finerman
HerMoney Media, Inc.
Audio Podcast – Educational

In Her Nature
PBS Nature / The WNET Group
Original Online Programming – Video Series

Jameela Jamil (Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil)
Audio Podcast Host – Entertainment

Make Me Perfect: Manufacturing Beauty in China
BBC World Service
Original Online Programming – News / Documentary

Making Epic Commercials for Random Objects
Product Film School & Sixteenth USA
Original Online Programming – Video Series Social Influencer

Monica Lewinsky (Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky)
Monica Lewinsky
Audio Podcast Host – Lifestyle

One Last Wish
The Washington Post
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video

Oprah Winfrey (The Oprah Podcast)
Harpo Productions
Video Podcast – Host / Co-Host

Plaza Sésamo: Girl Talk
Sesame Workshop
Non-English Program

Safer, Smarter Teens – “Grooming”
Lauren’s Kids Foundation
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video Educational

Sarah Hagi & Scaachi Koul (Scamfluencers)
Audible
Audio Podcast Co-host / Ensemble

She MD
She MD
Audio Podcast – Lifestyle

Skip Intro with Krista Smith
Netflix
Video Podcast

Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown
Lemonada Media
Audio Podcast – Narrative

The Jamie Kern Lima Show
Life is Love, LLC
Online Video Host

Television Local Winners

ABC7 Originals: A Mother’s Hope
ABC7 – KGO TV
Documentary – Hard News

Always Remember Your Name
KCRA 3 News
Documentary- News / Investigative / Historical

Ashley Foster (WRAL News)
WRAL
Producer – Live News

Bajo Mi Propia Piel (Under My Own Skin)
KVDA Telemundo San Antonio
Non-English Program- Womens Health

“Breaking Ground: How Kendall Rae Johnson is Redefining Farming at Ten”
WXIA-TV
Soft News Feature

“Breaking the Red Sox Sound Barrier: First All-Female Broadcast Team”
New England Sports Network
Sports Feature / Program

Coaching Carolina: The Belichick Way
WRAL
Documentary – Sports

Edenville Dam Disaster
WDIV-TV
Documentary

From Darkness to Light: Voices of Postpartum Mothers
Telemundo 48 Área de la Bahía
Non-English Program

Heartstrings
WKYC / Tegna
Series

Inside Homeland
WPBF Ch. 25
News Program- News Cast / Current Affairs

Jes Burns (All Science. No Fiction.)
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
Producer – Edited

Julie Watts (CBS News “California Investigates”)
CBS News California Investigates
On-Air Talent – Anchor

Kimberly Keagy
WSAZ
On-Air Talent – Reporter

“Mustang Mayor”
KFOR-TV
Hard News Feature – Investigative

Sam Ryan (ABC7 NY Sports)
WABC
On-Air Talent – Sports

Sophie Elgort (“Portrait Mode with Sophie Elgort”)
The WNET Group’s ALL ARTS
On-Air Talent – Lifestyle

Stephany Scarlett Galvan Rueda (Land of Women)
KUVS, Univision 19
Non-English Individual Achievement

The Fight with Angela MacIvor (CBC Atlantic Investigative Unit)
CBC
Women’s Health News Feature/Series

“The First: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson”
WUSA 9
Interview Feature

“Trafficking in the Tri-State: Rooms without Rescue”
News 12 Network
Investigative Feature

“Who’d You Kill? What Did You Do?”
KTUL-TV
Hard News Feature

“Who’s the Mayor in East Cleveland, Ohio?”
WKYC-TV
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News

Radio Local Winners

Ally Ali (Ally Ali Weekdays on 106.1 BLI)
Cox Media Group Long Island
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Medium Market

Brandy “Beasy Baybie” Henshaw (Jesus and Coffee with Beasy)
Radio One
Weekend Host (Talk/Personality) Large / Major Market

Cats & Cosby
WABC Radio
Talk Show

Chaos Divers (The Lisa Dent Show)
WGN Radio AM 720
Interview Feature

Debra Green (The Mark Arum Show)
Cox Media Group, 95.5 WSB – Atlanta
Co-host (Talk Personality) Small / Medium / Large / Major Market

Erica DeLong (The Erica Show)
iHeartMedia
Host Non-Morning Drive Personality Large / Major Market

Falen Gotler (Falen & Colt)
iHeartMedia Minneapolis – KDWB
Host Non-Morning Drive (Personality) Large / Major Market – Series

“GameChangers”
KYW Newsradio
Soft News Feature

Holly Roberts (myTalk)
KTMY-FM
Producer – Talk

Karen Carson (Karen Carson in the Morning – NEW 102.7)
WNEW-FM / Audacy New York
Host Morning Drive- Major Market

Katelyn Maida (The Q Morning Show)
Radio One
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Large/Major Market

“Kayla Thomas with Z3lla on Touring with a Chronic Illness”
iHeartMedia
Interview Feature – Womens Health

KCBS In Depth: Last Ride
KCBS Radio (Audacy)
Public Affairs

Kelli Green (Kelli and Anthony)
Audacy
Host Morning Drive – Medium Market

Kelly Towle (The Blake Show with Kelly and Todd on Coast 93.1)
SAGA COMMUNICATIONS
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Small Market

Kenzie’s Krimes (Brian & Kenzie Show)
Cumulus Media Broadcasting
Regular Benchmark / Feature

Kira (Afternoons with Kira on Y107)
Zimmer Communications
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Small Market

Kristen Accardi (Cubby and Christine in the Morning)
iHeartMedia 106.7 Lite-FM (New York)
Producer

“L.A. County Fires” with Adai Lamar
KJLH-FM
Crisis Coverage / Breaking News

Liz Luda (The Morning Mix with Matt Harris and Liz Luda)
Radio One
Co-host (Entertainment Personality) Medium Market

Maria Shilaos (Midday with Maria Shilaos)
KSL NewsRadio
Host Non-Morning Drive Talk Large / Major Market

Michelle Heart (Michelle in the Morning on 107.9 LITE-FM)
Townsquare Media
Host Morning Drive – Small Market

Nessa (Nessa On Air)
HOT 97 NYC
Host Non-Morning Drive (Entertainment Personality) Large / Major Market

Pat Loeb
KYW Newsradio
News Anchor / Reporter / Correspondent

Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel on Morning Magic with Sue and Kendra
Audacy Boston
Interview Feature – Sports

“The Truth About Sex Trafficking” (KJLH 9 a.m. Local Hour)
KJLH-FM
Hard News Feature

“They Shine: The Light of Women’s Microenterprise Project in Eswatini”
Fu-Hsin
Non-English Program

“Dehumanizing Effect of Birth Names at School”
Texas Public Radio
News Feature

Kate Wells (Kate Wells – Public Health Reporter)
Michigan Public
Reporter / Correspondent

Khalilah Brown-Dean (Disrupted)
Connecticut Public
Host / Anchor

Obituary for Kitty Dukakis (WBUR’s All Things Considered)
WBUR
Portrait / Biography

Ontario Today
CBC
Talk Show

Renee Collins Cobb (Overtones LIVE Hosted by Renee Collins Cobb)
Listen Locally, LLC
Producer

Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England
Connecticut Public
Series

The Dish with Mercedes Meija
Michigan Public
Interview Feature

Television Student Winners

Annabelle Jones: Pathway to Education: Powering Progress in the Philippines
Universe Live
Interview Feature

Astrid Sims (chefATL)
Savannah College of Art and Design
Director

“Benjamin Davis: Speaking Through Art”
Universe Live
Soft News Feature

“Dara Kat: Pathway to Education: Powering Progress in the Philippines”
Universe Live
Interview Feature

“Generative AI: Where is it Going?”
Universe Live
Hard News Feature

Grey MacNicoll (The Volunteer Channel)
University of Tennessee
Producer

Hailey Hollinger (Unraveling Nelsonville)
WOUB Public Media/Ohio University
Documentary

“Market Day Report”
Ohio University
News Program

Sydney Brown (Kent Stater TV)
Kent State University
On-Air Talent

Radio Student Winners

A League of Our Own “Healthcare Bias Toward Women”
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Public Affairs

Chyna Black (A&T Four/Black History Month)
North Carolina A&T State University/WNAA-FM
Host/Personality

Marchella Mazzoni (The Rowan Report Election Night Special)
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Producer

Mizzou’s Black Student Population
University of Missouri
News Feature – Investigative

“The LeadHERship Series with Hayden Zapotosky”
Wilton High School, Wilton, Connecticut
Interview Feature

The Rowan Report Election Night Special
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News

WFUV’s “What’s What Weekend”
WFUV / Fordham University
News Feature

WRHU FM – A League of Our Own
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Talk Show

Digital Media Student Winners

200 Years Later: Tour the Black Neighborhood Destroyed to Create Central Park
Reported with Randi Richardson/Pavement Pieces
Original Online Programming

Alison Smallwood (Mountaineer Playbook “3 in 30”)
West Virginia University Reed School of Media & Communications
Online Video Host

Camille Johnson (Hemisphere)
Hampton University
Online Producer

Fierce in the Field
Indiana University
Podcast

Mariela Torroba Hennigen (We Met U When…)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Podcast Host

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.

Brandon Tierney Responds To WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti Comments: “You’re Dead Wrong”

BSM Staff
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Brandon Tierney Responds To WFAN’s Gregg Giannotti Comments: “You’re Dead Wrong”

Brandon Tierney pushed back against Gregg Giannotti’s on-air criticism, offering a direct and emotional response during the latest episode of his YouTube show BT Unleashed. Tierney reframed the origin of a dispute that has now spilled into public view across multiple platforms.

Hours after Giannotti used his WFAN morning show to question Tierney’s professionalism and past behavior, Tierney addressed the situation head-on. BT made clear that he is largely unmoved by the criticism even as he took issue with specific characterizations and past interactions that he believes were misrepresented.

“What I really learned in life is to really not give a flying f**k what anybody thinks about me that doesn’t really know me,” Tierney said. “Gregg [Giannotti] doesn’t really know me and I don’t really know Gregg, to be fair.”

While Giannotti referenced Tierney’s departure from WFAN during Monday’s remarks, Tierney downplayed that aspect entirely. He drew a distinction between being fired and not having his contract renewed. Tierney also questioned the relevance of the topic in the broader conversation.

“I don’t care if Gregg [Giannotti] takes a little jab that I got fired. Which I wasn’t really fired. My contract wasn’t renewed,” Tierney explained. “You think I really care what he thinks about my employment? I really don’t, and I never will.”

However, Tierney’s response shifted in tone when discussing what he views as the true source of the tension. According to Tierney, the issue stems from a past prank call involving Giannotti last year, which he believes crossed a line and was never properly addressed.

“That was straight up weak,” said Tierney. “What you did with that prank call, now you’ve got a problem because I didn’t like it? I don’t know what to tell you, buddy, that’s just the way it’s gonna be.”

Tierney continued to reference the prank call incident as what stemmed this dispute between the two hosts. It was elevated Monday morning with Giannotti’s comments following Tierney’s appearance Friday on WFAN.

“Don’t come off as ‘Mr. Innocent’ here,” he said. “You actually picked up the phone and you punked a teammate… and for a whole year, you never told me. That was a story that bothered me.”

Tierney also took exception to Giannotti’s recent comments about teamwork, arguing that support among colleagues should extend beyond on-air dynamics, particularly during moments of professional uncertainty.

“Being a good teammate is not selective,” Tierney said, referencing the end of his WFAN show. “When somebody that you work with for a couple of years five feet away, and the show right after you, when they lose their job, you know I’ve got two kids, and a pretty expensive mortgage because you’ve been to my home…. Not a word. So I didn’t forget that, because I wouldn’t have done that.”

At the same time, Tierney acknowledged Giannotti’s standing within WFAN. He suggested that his longtime role alongside Boomer Esiason provides a level of stability that others in the industry may not experience.

“You’re WFAN royalty, it’s different for you. You’ve got Boomer, a rock star next to you,” Tierney said. “You guys are coasting, and you coast as long as you want. The ratings are there and the revenue is there. As you sit in your tower and you view downward on the rest of us peasants, understand, I never once had a problem with you at all until that one time.”

Despite insisting that he is not personally affected by Giannotti’s remarks, Tierney drew a firm line when it came to criticism of his character. BT emphasized that such claims would not go unanswered.

“You can say whatever you want about my lack of humor,” he said. “When you talk about my character, now you’re f***ing dead wrong. Now you’re dead wrong. That’s the one thing that I will defend to the end of the earth.”

As of now, the back-and-forth remains confined to individual platforms. The public nature of the exchange though underscores lingering tensions tied to WFAN’s recent lineup changes and the relationships shaped during that time.

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.

ESPN Signs Madelyn Burke To Anchor Role On SportsCenter Beginning In April

BSM Staff
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ESPN Signs Madelyn Burke To Anchor Role On SportsCenter Beginning In April

Madelyn Burke is adding one of the most recognizable roles in sports media to her resume after ESPN announced she will join SportsCenter as an anchor beginning in April, further strengthening the network’s flagship news and information program with a host who has built her reputation through versatility and consistent on-air presence across multiple platforms.

Burke arrives in Bristol after spending close to a decade covering the New York Giants, where she became a familiar face to fans through her work with MSG Network and Giants.com, while also expanding her national profile as a host for CBS Sports HQ.

Throughout that stretch, she handled a wide range of responsibilities that included anchoring studio programming, delivering sideline reports during live game coverage and guiding pregame and postgame shows that demanded both insight and adaptability in fast-moving environments.

In a statement announcing her move, Burke pointed to the significance of joining a program that has long served as a cornerstone for sports fans, while also emphasizing her eagerness to contribute to its continued evolution in a changing media landscape.

“I’m thrilled and honored to join ESPN, and to be a part of a program as iconic as SportsCenter,” Burke said. “It’s a show that has meant so much to me and to generations of sports fans. I’m excited to help carry that tradition forward while bringing energy, joy, and a genuine love of sports to every show.”

Her addition reflects ESPN’s continued focus on blending established voices with emerging talent capable of connecting with audiences across linear and digital platforms, a priority that has become increasingly important as viewing habits continue to shift and the definition of sports coverage expands beyond traditional broadcasts.

Mike Foss, ESPN’s senior vice president of sports and studio entertainment, highlighted Burke’s ability to navigate those demands, noting that her background aligns with the network’s emphasis on storytelling and audience engagement.

“Madelyn is a versatile and dynamic storyteller who brings credibility, energy and a deep understanding of sports to everything she does,” Foss said. “Her experience across multiple platforms and connection with fans make her a great addition to SportsCenter.”

A Los Angeles native, Burke began building her broadcasting foundation while attending Arizona State University, where she earned a journalism degree and hosted the nationally televised college football program Running with the PAC on FOX. That early exposure helped pave the way for opportunities covering both college football and the NBA, including work on the Los Angeles Clippers beat and contributions to Sports Illustrated.

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