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Paramount+ Reportedly Quadruples Download Rates For UFC Freedom 250 Event

John Mamola
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Paramount+ Reportedly Quadruples Download Rates For UFC Freedom 250 Event

Downloads of Paramount+ spiked dramatically following UFC Freedom 250. According to a report by Sports Business Journal, the event, held at the White House, could be reshaping how Paramount thinks about streaming.

What We Know: UFC Freedom 250 made history as the first professional sporting event held at the White House. Paramount+ streamed the card exclusively, skipping CBS entirely. That decision drew criticism, but it also delivered results. According to Sensor Tower data acquired by SBJ, Paramount+ downloads nearly quadrupled from their prior 30-day average — a 276% increase.

What They Said: UFC CEO Dana White Post-Fight Press Conference Sunday: “I just got off the phone with David Ellison [Founder and CEO of Skydance Media]. He’s going crazy. Out of the gates from the first fight, the fight exceeded all their expectations. I’ll let Paramount make their own announcement, but it was monstrous tonight. You don’t get calls from billionaires flipping out too often, so he is extremely excited.”

What Remains Unclear: No official viewership data or subscriber data has been made public by Paramount or the UFC. The data presented by SBJ was through a third party source.

What It Means: While we still await the official viewership and subscription data, the event did spark conversation and interest nationally. With over 200,000 people attending the three-day event in Washington D.C., the event should was a success. What could be a benchmark event for the UFC this past weekend may never be replicated again. UFC CEO Dana White said he doesn’t plan on hosting another event like this ever again. However, it will be interesting to see if pressure mounts on the UFC to produce similar events aroun dthe world.

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.

AM 970 The Answer to Broadcast America 250 Special From Times Square

Garrett Searight
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AM 970 The Answer to Broadcast America 250 Special From Times Square

The America 250 celebration is rapidly approaching. AM 970 The Answer in New York has announced interesting coverage plans for the event.

What We Know: On Tuesday, June 23rd and Wednesday, June 24th, Celebrate America: Live from Times Square will air on AM 970 The Answer. The Joe Piscopo Show will air from Times Square. Other Salem News Channel content will also air from Times Square on those days. Programming on those days will focus on our nation’s history and themes of patriotism and celebration of the country. AM 570 The Mission, the sister station to The Answer, will also broadcast from Times Square on those dates.

What They Said: “America was founded on faith and freedom, two distinct core values of Salem Media. It has been a joy to plan and deliver this celebration because it’s at the heart of who we are. We hope people will come out and join us.” -Salem Media New York General Manager Laura Sheaffer

What Remains Unclear: If any national figures in the Salem Radio Network lineup will appear live in Times Square during the broadcasts.

What It Means: AM 970 The Answer has a built-in advantage to utilize one of the most iconic spaces in the country for its America 250 celebration. The station using that space to its advantage should be viewed as a big win for the brand.

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.

Casey Daniels Named New Morning Host At Z95.1 Charlottesville

David Hill
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Casey Daniels Named New Morning Host At Z95.1 Charlottesville

Z95.1 has a new morning voice. Casey Daniels is taking over mornings at WQMZ-FM in Charlottesville.

What We Know
Charlottesville Media Group has named Daniels as the new morning host on Z95.1. She arrives from Indianapolis, where she most recently hosted middays on WIBC. Notably, Daniels succeeds Sherry Taylor, who left the station earlier this year. Lisa Allen, Director of Content for WQMZ, announced the hire.

What They Said
“We are so thrilled to have a seasoned pro like Casey join the team,” Allen said. “She has the perfect combination of warmth, energy and enthusiasm to wake up Charlottesville every day,” she added. Daniels, meanwhile, echoed that excitement, saying she’s grateful to join Z95.1 and become part of the Charlottesville community. “Radio is all about connecting with people, and I can’t wait to get on the air,” she said.

What Remains Unclear
The release doesn’t specify an exact on-air start date for Daniels. Additionally, the station hasn’t confirmed co-host or show lineup details yet. It’s also unclear whether Taylor’s departure stemmed from a broader programming shift or a personal decision. Meanwhile, the station hasn’t outlined plans for a launch promotion or listener rollout.

What It Means
The hire gives WQMZ a familiar, experienced voice to anchor its morning drive. For Charlottesville Media Group, landing a host with major-market experience signals continued investment in the format. Daniels’ arrival also keeps Z95.1 competitive in a market where mornings often define a station’s identity. Ultimately, her success will hinge on how quickly local listeners connect with her on-air personality.

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.

Nexstar Media’s Perry Sook: TEGNA Merger ‘Vital to the Future of Local Television/Journalism’

Garrett Searight
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Nexstar Media’s Perry Sook: TEGNA Merger ‘Vital to the Future of Local Television/Journalism’

What We Know: Nexstar Media Group is attempting to purchase TEGNA. The combined company would reach roughly 80% of U.S. TV households. That well surpasses the 39% that is allowable under current law. Nexstar currently has a waiver to exceed that cap. Federal courts have blocked the move after regulators approved it. In a Fortune op-ed, Nexstar Media Group CEO Perry Sook argued that regulators should approve the move.

What They Said: “This transaction is vital to the future of local television and local journalism … The alternative is dire. A future where Americans rely on algorithm-driven feeds, viral content, and AI-generated summaries for information … A future where fewer institutions are dedicated to reporting facts, holding power to account, and fostering informed civic dialogue. No one wants their news from a chatbot or a rage-optimized social feed. Americans deserve more than a shrinking set of national outlets that do not reflect the diversity of their communities. This deal offers us all a chance to preserve real news options for future generations of Americans.” -Nexstar Media CEO Perry Sook

What’s At Stake: Sook’s argument is that digital media and Big Tech decimated the newspaper industry. Sook argues that local television will suffer the same fate if regulators fail to approve the move.

What It Means: The op-ed from Sook shows the all-out effort Nexstar Media is putting into its push to receive the approval. There has been plenty of pushback to the deal from various other companies. However, this marks one of the first times Perry Sook has commented publicly about why he believes the deal is imperative for the industry.

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.

Mike Valenti: Hockey Night In Canada Departing Free Access On CBC “Embarassing”

John Mamola
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Mike Valenti: Hockey Night In Canada Departing Free Access On CBC “Embarassing”

The CBC announced on Tuesday that Hockey Night in Canada will be departing the network for free access after 74 years. 97.1 The Ticket host Mike Valenti calls the move “gross” and a sign that not everything in sports is good.

What We Know: Hockey Night in Canada, one of the most iconic sports broadcasting institutions in North America, is leaving the CBC. The beloved Saturday night tradition will move exclusively to Sportsnet, placing it behind a paywall. Moreover, fans who previously accessed the programming for free over-the-air on CBC will now need a paid subscription. Mike Valenti, co-host of The Mike Valenti Show with Rico on Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket, did not hold back his frustration on Tuesday’s program.

What They Said: Mike Valenti on Hockey Night In Canada Moving Away From Free access on CBC: “How embarrassing. Hockey Night in Canada is an institution. I don’t know what I can say. So much of what’s going on in the world of sports is just a turn off.”

Mike Valenti says charging fans for access of sports is not good long term: “Sports has been a big part of my life. I don’t have to like everything that’s going on. Every day you’re just hit with this barrage of things where you’re like this is all bad long term. None of this is healthy for fans or the leagues long term. Every league, every broadcaster, they’re acting like a desperate landlord who’s just trying to get that rent money next month. I don’t know what else to say. It’s just gross. Hockey Night in Canada should be above it all”

What Remains Unclear: How viewership for Saturday night hockey will change with less distribution reaching a free over-the-air audience.

What It Means: Valenti’s reaction reflects a growing sentiment among sports fans and media observers. In addition, paywalling legacy programming alienates casual viewers and erodes long-term audience growth. This is exactly the concern that Congress is attempting to address with sports rights in America shifting to streaming platforms. Moreover, this issue likely won’t be going away anytime soon as leagues are chasing media rights with added viewership totals across the board.

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.

Dave Jackson Named Brand Manager At 105.5 KISS FM Chattanooga

David Hill
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Dave Jackson Named Brand Manager At 105.5 KISS FM Chattanooga

Audacy expands Dave Jackson‘s footprint into Tennessee. The longtime Greenville executive now leads stations in two states.

What We Know: Audacy has tapped Dave Jackson as the new Brand Manager for 105.5 KISS FM (WKXJ-FM) in Chattanooga. He’ll continue leading B93.7 (WFBC-FM), The Block (WFBC-HD2) and Magic Upstate (WFBC-HD4) in Greenville at the same time. Jackson oversees content strategy, talent, operations and branding at the Top 40 outlet. He started in radio in 1999 as a mixer and producer, later rising through programming roles at Cox Radio and Summit Media before rejoining Audacy in 2014.

What They Said: Top 40 Format Vice President Molly Cruz pointed to Jackson’s partnership with Dex and Barbie T at B93.7 as proof he’s ready for the new challenge. She said his success in the south, paired with his creative energy and tech-forward mindset, made him the right choice for KISS FM. Jackson echoed that confidence, saying the station already carries a strong legacy in Chattanooga and that he wants to help shape what comes next. He added that the goal is straightforward: stay rooted in the local community while finding fresh ways to connect daily with listeners.

What Remains Unclear: Audacy hasn’t specified when Jackson’s expanded duties officially begin. The company also hasn’t addressed who held the Brand Manager role before this announcement. Meanwhile, it’s unclear how he’ll divide time between Chattanooga and Greenville. Staffing adjustments to support both markets remain unannounced as well.

What It Means: This appointment reflects Audacy’s growing reliance on cross-market leadership within its Top 40 portfolio. By pairing one proven brand manager with two markets, the company maximizes Jackson’s reach without adding headcount. For Jackson, it’s a clear vote of confidence following more than a decade back with Audacy. Ultimately, it signals that consistency and proven results matter more than market size when building format-wide strategy.

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MLB Network Adding Former GM Mike Rizzo To Draft Combine Coverage Next Week

John Mamola
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MLB Network Adding Former GM Mike Rizzo To Draft Combine Coverage Next Week

MLB Network is expanding its Draft Combine roster with a familiar front-office face. According to Sports Business Journal, former Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo will join the network as an analyst for its June 23-25 coverage.

What We Know: Rizzo served as GM and president of baseball operations in Washington until mid-July 2024, when the organization let him go. During his tenure, he selected star players such as Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper with consecutive first overall picks. He also guided the franchise to a 2019 World Series title. Rizzo joins fellow ex-GM Dan O’Dowd as part of MLB Network’s Draft Combine analyst team.

What Remains Unclear: Rizzo’s specific on-air role and whether his Draft Combine appearance leads to a longer-term MLB Network presence remain unknown. Additionally, it’s unclear how frequently he will contribute beyond the MLB Draft Combine.

What It Means: The Draft Combine takes place June 23 at Chase Field in Phoenix, now hosting the event for a fourth straight year. Typically NBA and NFL draft combine coverage speaks to the niche audiences of those sports. However, MLB Network is attempting to elevate the coverage of the sport’s combine this year. Adding Rizzo gives MLB Network genuine front-office credibility during one of the sport’s most talent-focused weeks.

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.

Grammys Add Five New Categories Ahead Of 2027 Ceremony

David Hill
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Grammys Add Five New Categories Ahead Of 2027 Ceremony

The Grammys are evolving again. The Recording Academy unveiled five new categories and several rule changes for 2026 on Tuesday.

What We Know: The academy added best Asian pop music performance, honoring K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and beyond. Additionally, best traditional pop vocal performance joins the lineup for artists outside current pop trends. Meanwhile, best Latin song now recognizes songwriters behind Spanish-language Latin hits. Folk also splits into best contemporary folk album and best traditional folk album, similar to last year’s country shift.

What’s at Stake: Best new artist eligibility expands from three submissions to four. However, artists with prior Grammy nominations remain ineligible for the category. Instead, a screening committee will judge whether an artist had already reached major industry impact. Furthermore, qualified members can also vote in more categories than before.

What Remains Unclear: Notably, the academy hasn’t set a cap on prior releases for best new artist hopefuls. As a result, that leaves the screening committee with significant discretion over each case. It’s also unclear how many voters will gain expanded category access. Therefore, the impact on competitiveness in expanded categories isn’t clear yet.

What It Means: Overall, these changes signal the academy’s push toward global and underrepresented genres. For instance, Asian pop and Latin songwriting now get dedicated recognition on music’s biggest stage. Meanwhile, the best new artist shift could help slow-building careers compete for the trophy. Ultimately, the updates point toward a broader, more inclusive Grammy field in 2027.

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.

Mike Breen Hints At Scaled-Back Schedule Following New York Knicks NBA Finals

John Mamola
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Mike Breen Hints At Scaled-Back Schedule Following New York Knicks NBA Finals

One of basketball’s most iconic voices is considering slightly altering his workload and slowing down. Mike Breen told John Ourand of Puck Media he plans to reduce his demanding dual workload — but isn’t ready to walk away.

What We Know: Breen, 65, has served as ESPN/ABC’s lead NBA play-by-play voice since 2006, calling 21 consecutive NBA Finals. He has simultaneously called New York Knicks games locally on MSG Network since 1997. That dual role created an extraordinary seasonal workload. At his peak, he’s handled upwards of 110 games annually between both assignments. Recently, he has already begun trimming that number.

What They Said: Mike Breen on his workload moving forward (via Puck Media): “For a long time, between ESPN and the Knicks, I was doing, some years, as many as 110 games during the course of the season—playoffs and regular season—and I’ve cut it back a little bit. But I’m going to have to cut it back a little bit more. Clearly, I still love it so much, and there’s nothing better than doing the big national games… So, yes, I might cut back soon, but I still love it too much. As long as the people at ESPN and MSG still want to hear me yapping away, I’m good with that.”

What Remains Unclear: Breen has not specified which role he might reduce first — his local Knicks duties on MSG or his national ESPN/ABC assignments. Additionally, no timeline was offered.

What It Means: Breen is the rare broadcaster who has sustained elite performance at both the local and national levels simultaneously for decades. Furthermore, his comments signal a natural transition is approaching for one of sports media’s most distinguished careers. ESPN and MSG will eventually need succession plans. For now, though, Breen’s passion clearly still drives the bus as he celebrates his hometown Knicks first championship in 53 years.

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.

Kara Swisher: I Hope CNN Ends My Contract Early to Avoid Working for Ellisons

Garrett Searight
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Kara Swisher: I Hope CNN Ends My Contract Early to Avoid Working for Ellisons

Paramount Skydance is set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, meaning it will own CNN. That doesn’t work for Kara Swisher, who plans to depart CNN as soon as she can.

What We Know: It is not the first time Kara Swisher has mentioned her intention to leave CNN. Earlier this year, she shared that she “refused” to work for Larry and David Ellison. At the time, she called Larry Ellison a “terrible person”. Currently, she serves as a contributor to the network. She also hosted a weekend show called Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever. In a recent podcast episode with Scott Galloway, she reiterated her plans to exit CNN as soon as possible.

What They Said: “There are a lot of other options. I’m under contract with them until the end of the year. And I’m hoping they’ll let me out early because I don’t want to affiliate with them. I left James Murdoch, too. This is not a new, fresh thing for Kara Swisher to flounce out and do better.” -Kara Swisher

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not CNN will grant that request. The network has yet to publicly respond to the repeated comments from Swisher about her standing with the organization.

What It Means: Swisher has continually shared her intention to exit CNN. It certainly appears as if her money is where her mouth is.

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