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YES Network, Comcast Reportedly Reach Carriage Agreement for 2026 Yankees Season

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YES Network, Comcast Reportedly Reach Carriage Agreement for 2026 Yankees Season

YES Network and Comcast have reportedly resolved a carriage dispute, securing continued access to New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets broadcasts for viewers in the New York metropolitan area. The agreement, reported by Front Office Sports, follows months of negotiations, short-term deals, and public scrutiny over the network’s distribution.

The RSN, home to MLB’s New York Yankees and the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, will stay on Comcast’s expanded basic tier. This move avoids efforts by the nation’s second-largest pay-TV provider to shift the channel to a higher-priced, more limited package.

Comcast had long pushed for a tier shift like those applied to other regional sports networks, citing industry trends and costs. YES Network resisted, arguing the change would unfairly burden fans and disrupt longstanding access to top local programming.

The dispute intensified early in the 2025 baseball season. It drew the attention of FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who urged the parties to reach a “quick and favorable resolution” to prevent broader disruptions.

The two sides were nearing the expiration of a deadline for their previous agreement in March of 2025. The parties avoided a blackout of YES Network amid the expiration of that deal. They came to an agreement before the Yankees began the first week of action last year, and the Nets closing out the regular season.

According to the report, YES Network executives raised concerns about Comcast’s preferential treatment of SportsNet New York. That network, partially owned by Comcast and home to the rival New York Mets, had not faced similar pricing pressures.

Under the new reported pact, YES Network will remain widely accessible across Comcast systems in the region. Fans can follow the 2026 MLB season and remaining NBA contests without disruption. Financial terms and duration are not known. Sources told Front Office Sports that the deal is expected to run at least through 2027.

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.

Kayla Anderson Joins Sactown Sports 1140 as New Midday Host

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Kayla Anderson Joins Sactown Sports 1140 as New Midday Host

Sports radio personality Kayla Anderson has been tapped to join middays at Sactown Sports 1140, the station announced. The move marks Anderson’s return to full-time radio after a seven-month hiatus following her departure from 104.5 The Zone in Nashville.

Anderson, a former television sports anchor and reporter at WKRN-TV in Nashville, spent six years covering local teams. She transitioned to radio in 2022. At 104.5 The Zone, she co-hosted the popular Ramon, Kayla, and Will program, quickly building a bond with Nashville sports fans.

Allen Stiles, who was announced as the new co-host of The Drive Guys alongside Kevin “Whitey” Gleason on Tuesday, shared the news with listeners today during an in-studio conversation with Anderson. Anderson will be part of a duo to take over Stiles’ former timeslot of M-F 10a-2p starting January 12th. Her co-host will be revealed on Thursday.

Anderson told the audience during her chat with Stiles that she is invested in the opportunity and excited to be a part of the city’s sports scene. Since joining the station in a fill-in role, she has been impressed with the staff, calling it a unique and awesome situation.

Prior to the on-air announcement, Kayla posted on X. She reflected on the challenging months following her Nashville exit.

“Since unexpectedly losing my job in Nashville back in May, these last 7 months have been really tough, but those of you who know me know I’m a fighter and I’m not going down that easy,” she wrote. She thanked her supporters, including family, friends, and fans, crediting them for helping her persevere during the transition.

“And now to some positive news… I’ve accepted a new job in sports,” she added, teasing her role at Sactown Sports 1140 without initially naming the station. Anderson reassured Titans fans that she will continue following the team closely. She plans to keep sharing her insights despite moving to a new station.

Anderson is a native of Spokane, Washington. She told Barrett Media in June following her exit from The Zone that she considered a move closer to her home. Kayla remained active in between her time at The Zone and her new stop in Sacramento covering the journey of Vanderbilt baseball and the Tennessee Titans—while in search of her next steps.

“It’s kind of a journey where you’re betting on yourself,” said Anderson about her search in June to Barrett Media. “I feel like I have enough experience, and I’ve done enough good things in this business that somebody will eventually give me a shot somewhere.”

Anderson’s full-time debut on Sactown Sports 1140 is scheduled for Monday.

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.

Sports Betting Writer Doug Greenberg Signs Multi-Year Extension with ESPN

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Sports Betting Writer Doug Greenberg Signs Multi-Year Extension with ESPN

ESPN has signed a multi-year extension with sports betting writer Doug Greenberg, ensuring he remains a key voice in the network’s growing betting coverage. Greenberg, who joined ESPN in January 2024, will continue reporting on trends, major wagers, and the financial swings shaping the sports betting landscape.

“Doug complements our sports betting coverage by delivering stories our audience truly values,” said Andrew Feldman, senior deputy editor at ESPN.com. “He has a talent for breaking down the fast-moving world of sports betting in a way that’s accessible and informative. We’re thrilled he’s staying with us.”

Greenberg expressed enthusiasm for the extension, highlighting ESPN’s commitment to comprehensive betting coverage.

“It’s a pleasure to continue with ESPN and cover the sports betting industry,” he said. “The network embraces what betting brings to fans, and I look forward to keeping readers informed on the latest trends and significant news.”

At ESPN, Greenberg works closely with fellow sports betting reporter David Purdum. He’ll continue to contribute in-depth analysis and news-focused stories that appeal to both casual fans and industry insiders. His reporting covers everything from high-profile bets to market shifts, providing context for the decisions shaping the betting world.

The extension reflects ESPN’s continued investment in sports betting content. This comes as the market grows in the U.S. and internationally.

Over the past several years, the network has expanded its betting coverage. It integrated analysis and reporting into its digital platforms and leveraged seasoned journalists like Greenberg. Their work helps educate fans about wagering trends, odds, and strategy.

Sports betting journalism has become increasingly competitive, with audiences seeking timely insights and behind-the-scenes reporting. Greenberg’s work at ESPN has helped position the network as a trusted source for news and analysis in this rapidly evolving sector.

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.

ESPN Announces Multi-Year Extension for Fantasy Sports Senior Writer Eric Karabell

BSM Staff
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ESPN Announces Multi-Year Extension for Fantasy Sports Senior Writer Eric Karabell

ESPN has secured a multi-year extension with fantasy sports analyst Eric Karabell, a veteran of the network whose coverage spans football, baseball, and basketball. Karabell, recently named a Baseball Writers Association of America Hall of Fame voter, will continue contributing to both ESPN’s fantasy sports and sports betting content.

Karabell, who joined ESPN in 1997, has served in a variety of editorial and writing roles during his career. He is widely recognized for his signature preseason columns, including the Do and Do Not Draft List, as well as his Don’t Be Surprised series and weekly player rankings. In addition, he has frequently appeared across ESPN platforms and hosted the Fantasy Football Baseball podcast.

“Eric has been a transformative voice in the fantasy sports industry,” said Andrew Feldman, Senior Deputy Editor at ESPN.com. “He combines analytical rigor with practical advice, and our audience will continue to benefit from his perspective as they prepare for upcoming seasons.”

Karabell expressed excitement about continuing his work with ESPN. “Being a resource for the millions of fantasy players who follow my work is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “I’m humbled to do what I do every day, and I look forward to another season, especially as fantasy baseball approaches.”

The extension underscores ESPN’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the fantasy sports and sports betting arenas. Over the years, Karabell’s work has become a staple for fantasy enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis, strategic advice, and actionable rankings.

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.

93.7 The Fan Host Joe Starkey Caught off Guard by End of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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93.7 The Fan Host Joe Starkey Caught off Guard by End of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Another legendary newspaper is going out of business. When news broke on Wednesday that The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s ownership announced that the newspaper plans to shut down operations on May 3, reaction to the news came swift from both Pittsburgh based sports media and national media. 93.7 The Fan hosts Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey were live when the news broke, with both talents saying they were shocked about the story.

Especially Starkey, who has hosts middays on 93.7 The Fan but also contributes a daily column to the newspaper.

“This affects a lot of people, including me,” said Starkey. “So, this is shocking. This is a shocker. Should they have sent us an email? I don’t see an email in here. If there were an email, I would have gotten texts from my friends over there… I need to go find someplace to write columns if I want to keep writing them.”

In a statement, Block Communications Inc. said continued financial losses have made it impossible to keep the paper operating under current conditions. The family-owned media company, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, has owned the Post-Gazette since 1927.

“Over the past two decades, Block Communications has invested more than $350 million in cash to sustain the Post-Gazette,” the company said. “Despite those efforts, the ongoing financial challenges facing local journalism mean losses of this magnitude are no longer viable.”

Pompeani also shared his reactions to the news. He called the end of the newspaper a devastating blow to the local Pittsburgh community.

“I’m sorry to see it, because it’s a big part. Since all of us were young kids,” said Pompeani. “So many great stories that were broken there and told there. But if you’re gonna lose $350 million if that’s accurate, I suppose that’s the decision they have to make.”

The news drove massive reaction on 97.3 The Fan during the afteroon, but also social media was buzzing about the news as well.

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.

How KDKA Newsradio Covered the Closing of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BNM Staff
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How KDKA Newsradio Covered the Closing of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced that it would cease operations later this year. That news dominated the discussion on KDKA in the aftermath.

The newspaper dates back to 1786 during the first publication of The Pittsburgh Gazette. Its owner, Block Communications, shared that it had lost $350 million operating the paper in the past 20 years.

A recent order from an appeals court mandated that the organization operate under a 2014 labor contract with its union, which the parent company called “outdated and inflexible,” and that the terms of that contract are “unsuited for today’s local journalism.”

On Sunday, May 3rd, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will publish its final edition and thus cease operations.

The news was a major story on KDKA Newsradio in the Steel City. Afternoon drive host Colin Dunlap — who spent nearly a decade working at the publication — took to both social media and the airwaves to cover the news.

Dunlap later procured the video distributed to employees as part of a Zoom meeting that was called with little notice on Wednesday afternoon. He then shared that audio on the air, allowing listeners to react to the news.

The station also welcomed Joe Starkey, who works for its sports sister station 93.7 The Fan as well as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, to the show to share his thoughts on the publication’s demise.

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.

Tony Dokoupil Debut on CBS Evening News Earns More Than 4 Million Viewers

BNM Staff
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Tony Dokoupil Debut on CBS Evening News Earns More Than 4 Million Viewers

Tony Dokoupil began his CBS Evening News tenure earlier than expected due to the military action in Venezuela over the weekend, leading to him anchoring the program on Saturday instead of his regularly scheduled Monday debut.

On Monday, just under 4.5 million viewers tuned into the nightly newscast for Dokoupil’s first edition leading the program.

Of those nearly 4.5 million viewers, 609,000 came from the Persons 25-54 demographic.

While that total viewership figure outpaces what the newscast averaged throughout 2025, it shows steep declines when compared to other debuts for the network.

When Norah O’Donnell began anchoring the CBS Evening News in 2019, the program averaged 5.6 million viewers for her debut episode. That’s 20% higher than the debut of Tony Dokoupil on Monday evening.

Furthermore, the 4.5 million viewership figure marks a 27% decline compared to the premiere of the nightly broadcast being anchored by Scott Pelley in 2011.

In fact, when Katie Couric helmed her debut broadcast as the anchor of the newscast in 2006, there were 4.7 million viewers alone in the Persons 25-54 demographic. In total, 13.6 million viewers watched her initial episode. That marked an 87% decline compared to Dokoupil’s first broadcast and a 67% decline in overall viewers.

CBS Evening News, however, isn’t alone in seeing declining viewership figures for its linear nightly news broadcasts since 2006. ABC News’ World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News have also seen steady decreases in overall viewership during the nearly 20 years since Couric’s debut.

The total viewership figure for the debut of Tony Dokoupil represented a 22% decrease compared to the same day last year.

For the Monday evening broadcast ratings, the David Muir-led World News Tonight led with 8.1 million viewers, while the Tom Llamas-anchored NBC Nightly News averaged an audience of 7.2 million viewers for the night.

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.

Cat Thomas Joins SonicTrek.ai as Director of Marketing, AI Affiliate/Talent Relations

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Cat Thomas Joins SonicTrek.ai as Director of Marketing, AI Affiliate/Talent Relations

Radio programming veteran Cat Thomas has joined SonicTrek.ai in a newly created role that underscores the company’s continued push to blend traditional radio expertise with emerging artificial intelligence technology.

Thomas has been named Director of Marketing and AI Affiliate/Talent Acquisitions and will begin his duties immediately. In the role, he will work closely with Partner and Chief Revenue Officer Mike Agovino. Together, they will identify, develop, and onboard new affiliate partnerships. He will also collaborate with Partner and CEO Joel Denver and Director of Programming Dennis Constantine. Their work will focus on localized marketing strategies, station format development, and recruiting new AI-powered on-air talent.

The hire adds another experienced voice to SonicTrek.ai’s leadership team as the company continues to position itself as a forward-thinking content provider for radio operators navigating a rapidly evolving audio landscape.

Denver said bringing Thomas on board was a significant step for the company. He pointed to Thomas’ three decades of experience programming and marketing successful stations across multiple formats, including Top 40, Hot AC, AC, Classic Hits and Country. Thomas most recently served as OM for the Las Vegas Beasley Media cluster while also programming Hot AC 102.7 VGS KVGS and Alternative X107.5 KXTE. He began with the cluster since the fall of 2020.

“Having Cat join us is a major win,” Denver said. “He brings an exceptional depth of experience, creative ideas and industry relationships. That combination will be invaluable as we expand our affiliate footprint, develop new AI-hosted offerings and continue building localized content strategies that resonate in individual markets.”

Agovino echoed that sentiment, noting the company’s ongoing expansion. He described Thomas as an innovative thinker whose background strengthens SonicTrek.ai’s growing expertise as it scales its business and programming initiatives.

Constantine said the hire aligns with the company’s broader mission to modernize radio while preserving its core strengths. He added that Thomas’ background shows a strong understanding of both creative and commercial audio. That combination makes him a natural fit for SonicTrek.ai’s long-term vision.

“Cat understands how great programming is built and how it connects with audiences,” Constantine said. “That insight is critical as we look to combine proven radio fundamentals with modern technology in a way that feels authentic and effective.”

Thomas said the opportunity appealed to both his passion for programming and his interest in technology. He noted that artificial intelligence continues to grow in influence across media and believes programmers must find ways to integrate it into local brands and talent-driven content.

“This is about staying ahead of where the industry is going,” Thomas said. “AI isn’t replacing creativity, but it can enhance it when used thoughtfully. SonicTrek.ai’s vision of combining real talent with AI-curated content is what excited me.”

SonicTrek.ai currently offers four AI-infused, market-localized formats. They include Phoebe: Curiously Alternative, a female-leaning alternative format. Also included are Starship, a reimagined Classic Rock concept by Lee Abrams, and MyCountry.fm, a modern Country format. Cool Classics rounds out the group with a refreshed take on Classic Hits. Each is designed to give stations customizable, locally relevant content while leveraging AI-driven tools to support programming and engagement.

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.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette To End Operations May 3

BSM Staff
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette To End Operations May 3

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s ownership announced Wednesday that the newspaper plans to shut down operations on May 3, marking a dramatic and potentially historic moment for one of the country’s longest-running metropolitan news organizations.

In a statement, Block Communications Inc. said continued financial losses have made it impossible to keep the paper operating under current conditions. The family-owned media company, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, has owned the Post-Gazette since 1927.

“Over the past two decades, Block Communications has invested more than $350 million in cash to sustain the Post-Gazette,” the company said. “Despite those efforts, the ongoing financial challenges facing local journalism mean losses of this magnitude are no longer viable.”

The announcement came the same day the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a labor dispute involving the newspaper, a decision that appears to have accelerated the company’s timeline. Wednesday, the justices rejected a request from the Post-Gazette’s publisher to block a lower court ruling that requires the company to alter its health insurance coverage for unionized employees, according to a report by Bloomberg Law.

The Supreme Court action left in place a temporary injunction issued more than nine months ago by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The justices also vacated an order from Justice Samuel Alito that had previously paused enforcement of the appeals court ruling.

In its statement, the Post-Gazette argued that recent court decisions would force the paper to operate under terms it considers outdated.

“Recent rulings would require the Post-Gazette to function under a 2014 labor agreement that mandates inflexible operational practices,” the statement said. “Those conditions are not compatible with the realities of modern local journalism.”

Labor tensions between the newspaper and its newsroom employees have defined much of the past several years. Journalists represented by the Newspaper Guild were on strike for more than three years before voting in November to return to work. Their decision followed a favorable ruling from a three-judge panel on the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

While the owners framed Wednesday’s announcement as a financial necessity, the decision is likely to reverberate well beyond Pittsburgh. The potential closure underscores the mounting pressures facing legacy news organizations, particularly those navigating declining print revenue, digital transformation challenges and prolonged labor disputes.

It remains unclear whether any last-minute alternatives — including a sale, restructuring or continued legal action — could emerge before the stated May 3 shutdown date.

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.

CNN Elevates Alayna Treene to White House Correspondent

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CNN Elevates Alayna Treene to White House Correspondent

CNN has announced it is promoting Alayna Treene to the role of White House Correspondent for the cable network.

Treene originally joined the network in January 2023 as a political reporter. At the time, her focus was on covering the 2024 campaign of President Donald Trump.

She later transitioned to the role of White House reporter in January 2025, following Trump’s election victory. After a year working the White House beat, she’s now been elevated to the role of correspondent, joining the likes of Kristen Holmes and Kaitlan Collins.

Treene joined CNN after previously working as a Congressional reporter at Axios for six years. She also worked as a White House reporter for that outlet, in addition to writing its nightly political newsletter.

In December 2021, Forbes named Alayna Treene to its 30 Under 30 list in the media category.

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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