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Three March Madness Ideas Where Sports Radio Can Earn Their One Shining Moment

John Mamola
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Three March Madness Ideas Where Sports Radio Can Earn Their One Shining Moment

March Madness is officially here. Another three weeks of college basketball filled with upsets, pageantry, and a bunch of players many will never remember for the rest of their lives. One shining moment is what every player dreams of when lacing up their sneakers over these next three weeks. A moment that will live on in eternity.

Monday following the release of the NCAA bracket is also the biggest day when most sports radio programs turn into bracketologists. They try to prove their bullet points are the guide to a successful bracket, despite barely watching much regular-season college basketball all year long. Watching and listening from afar, it’s fun to hear how programs approach the tournament and fill out a bracket using any sort of system imaginable.

But do listeners care? Do they care about the tournament itself and how trustworthy on-air talent can be in assisting them with their bracket? For everything March Madness frames itself as being, it’s not an opportunity to simply pick up the subject matter because games are coming. That’s why talent should avoid being bracketologists this week and instead focus on being entertainers.

Here are three unique ways sports radio talent can approach March Madness while potentially welcoming new audiences in creative ways.

Let’s start with a basic truth: most sports radio hosts have spent the last five months talking about the NFL, the Olympics, baseball free agency, and which player just unfollowed his team on Instagram. Suddenly, the bracket drops and they’re expected to know the defensive rebounding rate of a mid-major program from the Missouri Valley Conference.

Instead of pretending otherwise, lean into the ignorance.

Hosts could treat the bracket reveal like a cultural expedition rather than a scouting report. What exactly is a Gael? Where is Oral Roberts located? Why does every small-school mascot look like it was created by someone who lost a bet?

And can you name a player who ever played for the California Baptist Lancers? The 13th seed in the East region.

Listeners actually enjoy that exploration because it mirrors their own experience. Most people filling out brackets are not studying Utah State’s backcourt or watching Tuesday night games on streaming services that require three passwords and a sacrificial goat just to log in.

They’re Googling schools, texting friends, and saying things like, “I think I’ve heard of them before.”

Make the show about discovery.

Turn each unfamiliar program into a segment. Look up the town population. Read the most absurd Yelp reviews for restaurants near campus. Call a random local sports bar and ask if the bartender believes the team can beat its competition.

Suddenly a random 12-seed becomes an entertaining story instead of a statistical talking point.

The NCAA tournament has always been about underdogs and schools most fans never think about until mid-March. Sports radio hosts can tap into that spirit by making curiosity the bit instead of expertise.

Because the truth is listeners aren’t tuning in for advanced scouting reports. They’re tuning in to laugh at a host thinking Queens University is in New York City. It’s not.

Every sports radio station in America runs a bracket challenge. Everyone fills one out. Everyone swears this is the year their system finally works.

By Friday afternoon, half of those brackets are already obliterated.

So instead of doing the same predictable segment where hosts explain why a No. 6 seed has “great guard play,” turn the bracket into something completely unrelated to basketball.

Build a “Bracket of Life.”

Best fast-food fries. Best sports movie. Worst sports takes of all time. Greatest sports radio drops. The possibilities are endless, and listeners will engage because they actually have opinions on the topic.

For example, imagine a 64-team bracket featuring sports movie characters. Rocky Balboa vs. Ricky Bobby. Roy Hobbs vs. Happy Gilmore. The debates practically write themselves, and callers will argue about it with more passion than whether a Big Ten team can survive the first weekend.

The best part is it doesn’t even have to be a field of 64. Why not 32 or even a Sweet 16?

Another variation could involve local flavor. A station in Tampa might run a bracket of the best local restaurants or beaches. In Chicago it could be the best deep-dish pizza spots. In Cleveland it might be the worst sports heartbreaks, which could probably fill a 128-team field.

Sorry, Cleveland.

The genius of this approach is that it keeps the tournament format while giving hosts a playground to be creative. It also encourages audience participation in ways traditional bracket talk rarely does.

Listeners will vote, tweet, call, argue, and defend their picks. Meanwhile, the actual NCAA games provide a natural backdrop to the show.

Ironically, by ignoring the basketball bracket, hosts might create segments that are far more entertaining than breaking down a matchup between schools most people couldn’t locate on a map.

March Madness is less about basketball analysis and more about the strange social rituals surrounding the tournament.

Every office has a bracket pool. Every office has that one coworker who insists they have a “system.” And every office has someone who picks based entirely on mascot strength.

Sports radio should treat those stories like gold.

Instead of pretending to analyze games, open the phones and invite listeners to confess the weirdest things happening in their office pool.

There will be no shortage of material.

Someone will have a coworker who fills out five brackets and claims whichever one survives is their “real” entry. Someone else will reveal that their boss banned bracket talk during meetings, which immediately caused the entire staff to start whispering about upsets like they’re trading classified information.

There are also the people who pick teams based on colors, uniform combinations, or which mascot would win in a hypothetical fight.

These stories are funny because they’re relatable. They capture the absurdity of March Madness better than any statistical breakdown ever could.

Hosts could even take it a step further by revealing their own terrible strategies.

Maybe one host picks winners based on which school has the better nickname. Another chooses teams from cities they’ve actually visited. A third host might rely entirely on the coin-flip method, proudly declaring it their “advanced analytics model.”

The more ridiculous the method, the more entertaining the conversation becomes.

And when that random 13-seed inevitably beats a powerhouse on Thursday afternoon, it validates every nonsensical bracket strategy imaginable.

Which, if we’re being honest, is basically how most people win their office pool anyway.

March Madness works because it’s unpredictable, emotional, and occasionally absurd. Trying to sound like a basketball savant during a tournament filled with chaos misses the point entirely.

Sports radio is at its best when it embraces personality and fun over expertise. The hosts who succeed during the NCAA tournament aren’t necessarily the ones breaking down pick-and-roll coverage. They’re the ones turning the madness surrounding the tournament into great entertainment.

Explore the weird schools. Build brackets about anything but basketball. Let listeners share the chaos happening in their office pools.

Because in three weeks, most people won’t remember who the fifth-leading scorer on a Sweet 16 team was.

But they will remember the segment where a radio host spent ten minutes trying to figure out what a Billiken is — and whether it could beat a Blue Devil in a fight.

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.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Radio Six Years Later

Kevin Robinson
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How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Radio Six Years Later

The 6th anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic is upon us. It was an unprecedented time for the world — including radio. The time to hunker down arrived as case counts climbed and uncertainty spread. Schools and offices closed, travel slowed, and masks became routine. Phrases like “two weeks to flatten the curve” and “six feet apart” became part of our vernacular.

March Madness was canceled for the first time in its history. Wimbledon didn’t happen for the first time since World War II. The NBA and NHL put their seasons on pause. Spring training was cancelled, and baseball didn’t open their season till late July.

The PGA pulled golfers off the course during the first round at The Players Championship — which was played this past weekend. The PGA Tour canceled five other tournaments, including the 2020 (British) Open, while postponing more than a dozen additional events.

The COVID-19 pandemic also significantly shifted radio consumption. According to Edison Research, pre-pandemic listening occurred in the home nearly 50% of the time. As for out-of-home listening, most of the remaining usage took place in cars or while listeners were away from home.

During the peak of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, at-home listening jumped sharply. Reports showed as much as 70% of audio listening occurred at home during the remainder of that year.

Post-pandemic, that share settled back to just over the normal mid-50% range of radio listening at home. Still slightly higher than the pre-COVID average. This suggested lingering work and lifestyle changes tied to remote and hybrid routines.

When it came to local radio, true owner-broadcasters became a community lifeline for hundreds of smaller markets. News directors across America became trusted voices explaining confusing daily mandates and regulations. Local broadcasters also became a force of reason. Constantly battling misinformation spreading across social media and streaming platforms.

These professionals delivered timely, credible, region-specific information from live newsrooms with immediacy.

On the entertainment side of radio programming, the vast majority of live show hosts changed their broadcast homes. Suddenly broadcasts from spare bedrooms, closets, or makeshift home studios set up around kitchen tables were necessary.

As far as radio workflow goes, the pandemic dramatically accelerated the pace of work. Hosts, producers, and content creators now often operate from home setups — or anywhere with an internet connection — rather than exclusively from in-station studios. Although clear data is limited, estimates suggest nearly 50% of radio audio is now created away from a traditional studio.

Before 2020, remote contribution certainly existed, especially in newsrooms. However, work-from-home production was far less common. The pandemic forced many stations to adopt remote production out of necessity.

In many cases, that approach remains the norm today.

There also are no tangible numbers showing the percentage of radio audio delivered live versus pre-recorded. Still, there is something special about a live radio program. The kinetic energy of being in the moment. Hearing music as it plays, and interacting with listeners through calls or digital platforms. The environment creates a unique experience.

On the flip side, live radio brings risks. Fumbling a break, missing timing, or creating a technical snafu. If a show could be better pre-recorded, why not do it?

The first time a major-market show in a prime daypart was fully pre-recorded happened long before the digital revolution — well before the COVID-19 pandemic. You have to go back nearly 30 years for this surprising but very real story.

Chicago’s B96 was a Top 40 juggernaut throughout the 1980s and well into the 1990s. Even today, the station still stands tall. B96 was a cume monster and consistently topped the Arbitron 12+ rankings.

In 1988, B96 teamed Eddie Volkman and Joe Bohannon for morning drive, creating the duo known as Eddie & JoBo. The pair quickly made their mark and often flirted with controversy.

Five years into their tenure, JoBo aired a rumor suggesting that a local TV anchorwoman was pregnant by a Chicago Bulls player. That false rumor later involved NBC 5 anchor Joan Esposito, even though she initially remained anonymous.

The insinuation led Esposito to file a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against B96, CBS, and JoBo. She alleged the rumor damaged her reputation as a journalist and affected her negotiating position during contract discussions.

In May 1994, B96 fired Eddie & JoBo in the aftermath of the Esposito suit after they leaked details of the settlement to the Chicago Sun-Times. This violated a gag order associated with the agreement. The defamation case ultimately resulted in a public apology and a significant settlement — reportedly $1 million — by CBS.

Eddie & JoBo later found a morning show in Philadelphia before eventually returning to B96. This is where the story becomes relevant to the discussion about the value of pre-recording a show.

After B96 rehired the duo in 1997, management — including Program Director Todd Cavanah and General Manager Don Marion — took the unusual step of monitoring every second of the show. They recorded everything and delayed segments while sitting in the control room to approve content before it aired.

Every. Single. Break.

“Either Don Marion or Todd Cavanah sat in the studio every second of the morning show. Jobo refers to us as ‘being pre-recorded’ back then.” Eddie Volkman was quoted about that period.

It is also reported that even when they were eventually given the green light to curate live content, Eddie & JoBo — along with Cavanah — believed the show sounded better when recorded. They reportedly had little interest in returning to a fully live format.

Pre-recording breaks can sharpen content through tight editing, clean production, and stronger pacing within the music. Talent can remove mistakes, refine break construction, and build lean-forward storytelling.

Live broadcasting, however, still delivers spontaneity, authenticity, and real-time audience connection that pre-recording cannot fully replicate.

The COVID-19 pandemic ultimately served as a stress test for radio. Many positive developments emerged as broadcasters adapted and improvised. Remote recording from virtually anywhere with a reliable internet connection is now routine. Recording content and time-shifting segments has become a practical reality.

So the question remains. Would you encourage your talent to pre-record an entire show if the practice consistently produces a better product?

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.

Why 570 KVI’s Ari Hoffman Sued the Washington State Legislature

Garrett Searight
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Why 570 KVI’s Ari Hoffman Sued the Washington State Legislature

When 570 KVI radio host Ari Hoffman traveled to Olympia to cover the Washington State Legislature, he expected to do his job.

What he didn’t expect was to be turned away at the door — and told he wasn’t even a journalist.

Now, he’s fighting back in court, arguing that the legislature’s decision to deny him a press pass is a direct violation of the First Amendment.

“I was going down there anyway to do my show from down there where I talked to legislators and stuff. The Republicans were more than happy to have me. But I wanted to be able to go to press conferences and be able to see what was going on,” said Hoffman.

“The Democrats hold the press conferences in their wings, which is an area you need access to, and the Democrats don’t want people like me in their wings. So I applied for a press pass to go there so that if there were any press conferences that day or anything else going on, I could be on the floor.”

The denial didn’t come without explanation — but Hoffman found that explanation deeply troubling. The legislature’s argument wasn’t simply that he failed to meet some standard definition of a journalist. Instead, they took aim at his advocacy work, using it as justification to shut him out entirely.

“Their claim was that because I advocate for issues, then I don’t get to be a journalist. I am now some kind of lobbyist or advocate. And I said that’s ridiculous because papers like the Seattle Times do endorsements all the time. And talk about issues all the time. They literally have sections of their paper paid for by groups that have agendas. So to say that I advocated for an issue because I went and spoke at a few events is beyond ludicrous when you have the Seattle Times, which does this all the time,” Hoffman stated.

What makes the denial even more frustrating, Hoffman says, is how inconsistent it’s been. While the Democratic-controlled House has refused to grant him access, other offices haven’t had the same objections.

“People like me have applied for press passes from the Washington State Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats — they gave it. The governor’s office? They also gave it. But for whatever reason, the legislature — the House — is being very childish and saying, ‘No, we don’t want you there.’ The House speaker, Lori Jenkins, is the biggest problem,” the 570 KVI host shared.

The practical consequences of being denied a press pass go well beyond missing a few press conferences. Without access, Hoffman says accountability becomes nearly impossible. And officials know it. He’s watched elected leaders dodge his requests for comment for years at a time.

“The last mayor of Seattle did not get back to a single request for comment I had for four years. The governor of Washington has not responded to a single request for comment I’ve had for the entire year-plus he’s been in office. They can duck you. They can dodge you and not have to answer those questions. And then you have to go to public disclosure to get these documents, which can sometimes take months, if not years. I had one request that took me four years to get back,” commented Hoffman.

The local media landscape hasn’t helped matters. Ari Hoffman says that while fewer and fewer mainstream outlets are even bothering to staff the capitol, those that remain have largely sided with the legislature rather than defending press freedom.

“The Democrats in the Washington State legislature do not like being transparent. There are very good laws on the books regarding how open records things have to be in Washington. The Democrats have spent the past couple of years trying to find ways of using executive privilege to cover them up. What typically happens is they’ll see a post from somebody like me and go, ‘Oh, this story’s getting a lot of clicks. We should go cover it.’ It’s kind of sad. For the most part, a lot of people are not paying attention to the Washington State legislature,” Hoffman said.

Perhaps the sharpest edge of Hoffman’s frustration isn’t aimed at the legislature at all. It’s directed at the very outlets that he believes should be standing beside him. Some journalists have quietly admitted the situation is wrong. He says they won’t share support publicly, though.

“Some of them will say behind the scenes, oh, this is ridiculous what they’re doing to you. I’m like, great, why don’t you put that on social media? Why don’t you say that out loud? The most disappointing thing about this is, aside from conservatives and aside from people who are independent journalists, there’s been zero support from the mainstream media,” shared Hoffman.

He’s especially critical of how the Seattle Times handled coverage of the very hearing related to his case — opting to run wire copy rather than send their own reporter.

“For the media not to say, we may disagree with these guys, but they have the right to speak just like we have the right to speak — that’s probably the thing that’s worse for me. They showed up to the hearing to sit there and watch, not cover the event. The Seattle Times published the AP’s coverage rather than their own coverage of a local event,” Hoffman stated.

Hoffman says the courts are the only remaining path forward. It’s a fight he believes extends far beyond his own microphone.

“If we have a free open press, then it should be for everybody. We have the First Amendment, and it’s not being upheld,” said Hoffman.

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.

News/Talk Radio Has a Blind Spot and It’s Costing You Listeners

Peter Thiele
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News/Talk Radio Has a Blind Spot and It’s Costing You Listeners

Besides politics, what’s going on with your audience? Considering that most news/talk radio stations are targeted towards men, what are the dudes doing outside of work and family lives?

I asked ChatGPT and got some good examples. These are important because they allow news talk radio to be more than a one-trick pony.

Golf… It is still very popular. Try getting a tee time on a Saturday or Sunday on short notice — it is very difficult. I am a very casual golfer. The attraction is a few hours away from all of your worries as you get mad at yourself for slicing a drive or three-putting on the green. Golf is a commitment if you are going to be any good at it. I know people who hit a bucket of balls a few times a week. They visit the driving range at lunch or on the way to work. It is cathartic and really helps build concentration.

Fishing… It is an easy activity with little equipment needed. You can technically fish on a whim. You may not be on the shore of your favorite spot for more than 20 minutes, but it allows the participant to focus on things other than financial problems, family dynamics, and work. If your listener catches a couple of fish, it’s dinner! Very healthy activity.

Fitness… When you hit the gym, you help create a healthy body and brain. The stats say that people who work out are happier. Fitness spawns endorphins — those little hormones that automatically make us feel better. If you are feeling kind of sad, hitting the gym can turn that around. I wonder how many people affected by the mental health crisis work out on a regular basis. Most people are sedentary. We work in a studio or at a desk; there is not a lot of movement. I used to work with a guy who would change clothes during his lunch hour and work out. He brought his lunch and worked out for 20 minutes every day.

Outdoor recreation… I know people who go for a motorcycle ride on the weekend to explore their community. There is something very exciting about being on a motorcycle. Many people hike as well. If you own a dog, those critters love being with you — take them on a two-mile hike and they’re happy, and so are you. The beauty of hiking is that you can encounter nature usually close to home. You likely live near a hiking trail.

What about camping? Spend a couple of days away from everything. This is very tough for news talk people. We are hardwired to be connected to the news, and two days without your phone or computer can create anxiety about missing something. I have some good news for you: the Earth rotated before you were born, and it will continue to orbit the sun after you die. Off the grid is a good thing.

Home activities… Little home construction projects are awesome. If you enjoy tinkering around the house, this is a great pastime, and frequently these moments arise out of necessity. You may have a water heater die and have the know-how to replace it yourself. What about smoking meat and grilling? My father would light up the grill before walking in the house every day. Lots of men love this — they brag at the office about the brisket they prepared the night before. What about woodworking or restoring cars? These are very common and make for a great hobby.

How do these activities apply to us? This is what your listeners are doing on a regular basis. When is the last time you referenced these activities on your show or station? You don’t need to use these items as a topic, but if you reference what is going on in people’s lives, you create a deeper level of connection. Perhaps you can recount a moment of frustration over ruining a brisket in your smoker and ask listeners for tips. Yes, that could work as a topic.

Your listeners need to escape their daily grind, and your radio show is that escape. News/talk radio falsely assumes that its listeners are a one-trick pony. There is more to life than the news cycle, the president’s latest social media post, those rascally Democrats, and other frequent topics. We must be multidimensional. Your listeners are very busy — you will get more connectivity by meeting them where they are.

Recounting a bad golf outing is more relatable than bragging about being at a dinner with the governor. Speaking of mental health: if your life revolves entirely around the news cycle and you are unable to focus on other activities, you will not be happy. Don’t lie to yourself. There is so much more to life, and to the lives of our listeners. More people will be participating in these activities than watching or attending a city council meeting, yet I hear talk shows focusing on a city council meeting where ten people showed up to complain about the homelessness problem.

This is all about providing a listener-focused experience.

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.

Orion Samuelson, Longtime WGN Radio Agribusiness Reporter, Dies

BNM Staff
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Orion Samuelson, Longtime WGN Radio Agribusiness Reporter, Dies

WGN Radio has announced the passing of Orion Samuelson. He died Monday at 91.

Samuelson spent 60 years with the station. He began in 1960 and retired in 2020. He served as head agricultural broadcaster for WGN Radio. Samuelson hosted the National Barn Dance and reported on farm business news during his illustrious career.

Samuelson also hosted the early morning TV show Top O’ The Morning. He hosted U.S. Farm Report from 1975 to 2005.

Samuelson earned several honors during his career. These included the Honorary FFA American Farmer Degree and the American Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award. He was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame, National 4-H Hall of Fame, and NAFB Hall of Fame. And he was also part of the inaugural WGN Radio Walk of Fame class and the National Radio Hall of Fame.

He was granted the Lincoln Medal. It is the highest civilian honor in Illinois.

“Orion Samuelson’s name resonates very much like his signature voice,” said WGN Radio VP and GM Mary Sandberg Boyle. “It’s difficult to articulate the significance of his broadcasting career. He was the farmer’s champion, but his friendly style built rapport with everyday listeners too.

“A consummate gentleman with an inspirational work ethic. Equally at ease with kids in 4-H or presidents. Working with Orion is a privilege I will forever hold dear.”

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iHeartMedia Signs Multi-Platform Agreement With TNA Wrestling

BSM Staff
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iHeartMedia Signs Multi-Platform Agreement With TNA Wrestling

TNA Wrestling has formed a new partnership with iHeartMedia designed to connect the promotion’s live events and television programming with the company’s extensive national audio platform, creating additional exposure for the wrestling brand across radio, digital media and live fan experiences throughout 2026.

Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will take on a prominent role across TNA’s premium live event calendar, weekly television broadcasts and digital properties while also promoting the brand through its network of radio stations, podcasts and streaming outlets nationwide.

The companies said the collaboration will combine broadcast integration, event sponsorship and audience engagement initiatives that extend beyond the ring.

One of the centerpiece elements of the partnership involves iHeartMedia becoming the presenting sponsor of the pre-show for all remaining 2026 premium live events, giving the company consistent brand visibility tied to TNA’s biggest shows. In addition to sponsorship graphics appearing on broadcast presentations, the agreement includes in-arena announcements and marketing integrations tied directly to major events throughout the year.

The company will also sponsor the TNA Dream Seats program, a front-row premium seating experience offered at live events that places fans close to the ring while incorporating branded elements tied to the sponsor.

According to the companies, the program will feature integrated ticketing promotions, in-arena recognition and exclusive fan engagement opportunities tied to select shows.

Meanwhile, the partnership extends directly into TNA’s weekly television programming. On TNA iMPACT!, which airs Thursday nights on AMC Networks platforms and streams on AMC+, iHeartMedia will sponsor the LED walkout ramp used during wrestler entrances, one of the most recognizable visual features of TNA’s live broadcasts and arena presentations.

“We are excited to welcome iHeartMedia as a national partner for TNA Wrestling,” said Carlos Silva, President of TNA Wrestling. “Their ability to connect with audiences across radio, podcasts and digital platforms makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our reach and bring the energy of TNA to fans across the country.”

Additional marketing components include guardrail branding and commercial inventory inside venues during live events, along with digital integrations across TNA’s official website and streaming services. The companies also plan to collaborate on social media storytelling and promotional campaigns designed to highlight key matches, athletes and major moments throughout the year.

Beyond branding and media integrations, the partnership includes hospitality and VIP experiences connected to select events, offering sponsors and fans opportunities to participate in premium activations tied to TNA’s event calendar.

“We’re thrilled to partner with TNA Wrestling and help bring the excitement of the brand to listeners nationwide,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. “Through the power of iHeartMedia’s audio platforms and personalities, we look forward to connecting fans with TNA’s athletes, events and stories in new and engaging ways.”

The partnership is scheduled to debut April 11 during the promotion’s TNA Rebellion pay-per-view event at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, with additional activations planned throughout the year, including the annual Slammiversary event this summer.

Select shows may also feature appearances by iHeartRadio personalities and musical guests, providing fans in attendance with additional entertainment elements tied to the live event experience.

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FOX Sports Reunites Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen for Fanatics Flag Football Classic

BSM Staff
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FOX Sports Reunites Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen for Fanatics Flag Football Classic

FOX Sports is adding another high-profile event to its spring lineup, announcing that lead NFL play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Greg Olsen will handle the broadcast duties for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, March 21.

The event will air from 4–8:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports platforms including Fox Broadcasting Company, FOX One and Tubi, with international streaming available on the Fanatics YouTube channel.

While Burkhardt and Olsen handle the game coverage, the broadcast will feature a comedic element as actor and comedian Kevin Hart serves as host alongside comedian and internet personality Druski.

FOX positioned the showcase as a unique blend of entertainment and competition, bringing together current NFL players, retired stars and elite international flag football athletes for a format designed to highlight the sport’s growing global profile.

The event will originate from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, a venue already slated to host flag football competition during the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Burkhardt enters the broadcast with one of the most recognizable voices in sports television. As FOX’s lead NFL play-by-play announcer, he has called the network’s top weekly matchups while also serving as the voice of multiple postseason broadcasts. His resume includes four NFC Championship Games along with Super Bowl coverage, including Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LIX.

Olsen, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end and two-time Sports Emmy winner, worked alongside Burkhardt during one of those championship broadcasts. Their reunion for the Fanatics event provides a familiar broadcast pairing while introducing the sport to a potentially wider television audience.

The competition itself will feature three teams of 12 players competing in a flag football format designed to mix traditional football stars with some of the sport’s best specialized athletes. Two teams will include current and former NFL players alongside other elite competitors, while the third will represent the reigning champions from USA Football.

The Founders FFC roster will be captained by Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts, with coaching responsibilities handled by Sean Payton. Meanwhile, Wildcats FFC will feature captains Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, coached by Kyle Shanahan.

The U.S. Men’s National Team lineup will be captained by Aamir Brown and Darrell Doucette, with coaching duties handled by Jorge Cascudo.

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Jason Goff Announces Upcoming End Of ‘The Full Go’ Podcast On The Ringer

BSM Staff
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Jason Goff Announces Upcoming End Of ‘The Full Go’ Podcast On The Ringer

Jason Goff is bringing his run with The Ringer to a close. The Chicago-based host revealed Monday that The Full Go Podcast will soon wrap up after more than four years and more than 600 episodes on the platform, marking the end of a run that helped elevate his national profile while allowing him to deliver commentary rooted deeply in the voice and perspective of Chicago sports culture.

Goff shared the news directly with listeners and followers on social media, explaining that only a handful of remaining episodes will be released before the show officially concludes its run.

His message struck a tone of gratitude and reflection, as he looked back on the people and opportunities that helped shape the podcast during its tenure.

“We’ve got a few more episodes of The Full Go Podcast left,” tweeted Goff. “Want to thank everyone who’s been a part of this 600+ show ride. Thanks to Bill Simmons, The Ringer, and Spotify for this great opportunity to see exactly what was possible.”

Throughout its run, The Full Go Podcast served as one of The Ringer’s Chicago-focused voices. Goff regularly dissected storylines involving the Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also discussed broader themes across sports and culture.

The program often blended sharp analysis with personality-driven segments. Those moments highlighted Goff’s conversational delivery. That style has long defined his presence across multiple forms of sports media.

In his message, Goff thanked the producers who helped shape the show over several years. He recognized Steve Ceruti, Chris Tannehill, Christopher Sutton, Stefan Anderson, Tony Gill, Jessie Lopez, and Kyle Williams. Goff credited their behind-the-scenes work as vital to the show’s identity and longevity.

Goff’s podcast run with The Ringer followed a lengthy career in sports media that has included work across radio, television and national platforms. Chicago listeners became familiar with his voice through years in local sports talk radio, where his perspective on the city’s teams and culture helped him build a loyal following that later carried into the podcasting space.

For now, Goff plans to finish the podcast the same way it started — speaking directly to the audience that supported the show from its earliest episodes through its final stretch.

“We did it in our voice and stayed sucka free,” wrote Goff. “Thanks to each and every person who downloaded and subscribed. Time for what’s next. Gonna need that same energy. From terrestrial, to national, to satellite, to television…you’ve gone on this ride with me and I’m truly appreciative. Keep the same energy as we take the next step. Peace.”

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Mark Levin: I Didn’t Ask President Donald Trump to Defend Me in Feud with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson

BNM Staff
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Mark Levin: I Didn’t Ask President Donald Trump to Defend Me in Feud with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson

President Donald Trump spoke glowingly of Mark Levin over the weekend. Levin said it wasn’t something he asked for.

Mark Levin has been feuding with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson in recent months. The feud with Kelly reignited over the weekend, with the two trading lewd remarks.

Following those remarks, President Trump took to Truth Social to share his support of Levin.

“Mark Levin, a truly Great American Patriot, is somewhat under siege by other people with far less Intellect, Capability, and Love for our Country,” Trump wrote. “Mark is Tough, Strong, and Brilliant, hence the nickname, ‘THE GREAT ONE,’ conceived by our MAGA friend, the wonderful Sean Hannity, after years of dealing with Mark in Legal, Media, and other capacities … He is a true Conservative, and Intellect, far smarter than those who criticize him but, above all, he is a man of Great Wisdom and Common Sense who truly loves our Country.

“When you hear others unfairly attack Mark, remember that they are jealous and angry Human Beings, whose ‘sway’ is much less than the Public understands, and will, now that they know where I stand, rapidly diminish. Other than for his wonderful wife and family, Mark Levin only cares and wants one thing, GREATNESS AND SUCCESS FOR AMERICA! Those that speak ill of Mark will quickly fall by the wayside, as do the people whose ideas, policies, and footings are not sound.”

Megyn Kelly accused Mark Levin of “begging” the President for “a pat on the head” amidst their feud. Levin has denied that he asked for anything from Trump.

“No, I did not speak to the president about releasing any statement,” he said in a post on social media. “These reprobates have nothing but lies and conspiracies and hate. And the more they talk and post, the more people have had enough of them. They will eventually dry up and blow away, like those who’ve come before them.”

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Bruce Pearl Responds to Critics: I’m Still a Rookie at This “Analyst Thing”

BSM Staff
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Bruce Pearl Responds to Critics: I’m Still a Rookie at This “Analyst Thing”

Former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is learning that life in television can be very different from life on the sideline. After drawing criticism for his comments during CBS’s Selection Sunday coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, Pearl addressed the backlash during an appearance Monday on The Dan Patrick Show, acknowledging that his transition from coaching to broadcasting has come with a steep learning curve.

Pearl, who spent more than a decade leading the Auburn basketball program before joining CBS Sports and TNT Sports as a studio analyst this season, explained that evaluating his performance on television has proven far less straightforward than judging results in basketball.

“This analyst thing and being in the media is brand new,” Pearl said. “So I am a rookie, even though I’m 66 years old now. Sometimes you don’t know how you’re doing. When I used to play or used to coach, it was scoreboard. I get off [tv], and I don’t know how I did. I imagine some people think I’m entertaining, and some people think I’m an idiot, but you never know whether you’re winning or losing.”

Pearl’s commentary Sunday night sparked widespread reaction across social media and within college basketball circles after he questioned the tournament selection process while discussing Auburn’s resume and the debate surrounding the final at-large bids in the bracket.

Pearl spent the previous 11 seasons coaching Auburn. His son, Steven Pearl, led the Tigers to a 17-16 record and the wrong side of the bubble in his debut season as the program’s head coach.

The former coach, however, suggested that offering direct opinions remains the central responsibility of a studio analyst, particularly during a show designed to dissect the selection committee’s decisions in real time.

“My job is to tell you what I think based on my years of experience,” Pearl said. “I’ve never been politically correct, so I really don’t worry about that stuff. What I did learn is sometimes when you do give your opinion about something, it can be taken out of context, or you’ve been taken to task. I really don’t mind either one of them.”

The discussion intensified after Pearl framed the tournament debate around a question that frequently divides analysts and administrators alike: whether the bracket should prioritize the most accomplished teams or simply the most deserving based on their season-long results.

“Right now, I’m the ugly stepmother, because I asked the question are we looking for the 37 best teams or the 37 most deserving teams when it came to the at-large,” Pearl said. “That way I became enemy number one again.”

The reaction illustrated how emotionally charged the selection process can become every March, especially when analysts openly challenge the committee’s decisions during the nationally televised reveal of the bracket.

Despite the criticism, Pearl appears comfortable embracing the role of opinionated voice within tournament coverage. As CBS and TNT continue their joint broadcast of March Madness, the outspoken former coach will remain part of the network’s studio team analyzing games and debating the results of a tournament that rarely unfolds without controversy.

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