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Sports Owns 96 of the Top 100 Most-Watched Television Programs in 2025

BSM Staff
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Sports Owns 96 of the Top 100 Most-Watched Television Programs in 2025

Sports will account for 96 of the 100 most-watched television programs in 2025, tying the record set in 2023 and marking a significant increase from 87 in 2024, an Olympic and election year. Football, both college and NFL, drives much of this dominance, with 92 games expected to make the top 100 list.

The NFL alone is projected to contribute 84 telecasts, a strong showing though slightly below its 2023 record of 93.

College football also made notable gains thanks to the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP). Data shows that eight CFP games will rank among the year’s top 100, setting a new record for the sport. This total includes the New Year’s Eve Miami-Ohio State CFP quarterfinal, which is almost certain to reach the top-tier threshold.

Major League Baseball achieved a milestone as well, placing two World Series games among the top 100. Games 6 and 7 of the Dodgers-Blue Jays Fall Classic mark the first time since 2019 that MLB has earned multiple slots on the list.

College basketball maintained a presence with one game, the NCAA Men’s Championship, returning after the women’s title match appeared in 2024. The women’s game had drawn attention due to the performance of Iowa star Caitlin Clark, highlighting the ongoing rise of women’s college sports in the national consciousness.

Other non-football sports also saw notable entries. The Kentucky Derby returned to the top 100 for the first time since 2022, reversing a recent trend in which the event narrowly missed the ranking.

Among the four non-sports programs, two were political broadcasts. One was former President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, and the other was his inauguration. Both telecasts aired across a dozen English-language networks, reflecting broad national interest. The remaining two non-sports entries were the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Academy Awards.

The projected list reflects the 2025 calendar year, not the Nielsen measurement year, which concluded this past Sunday. Events such as the Week 17 Falcons-Rams Monday Night Football game and the first CFP quarterfinal are included. The English-language list follows standard Nielsen measurement and excludes programs with unaccredited ratings, such as Netflix boxing events, as well as pre-game shows and programs under 30 minutes in length.

Overall, 2025 underscores the continuing dominance of football in American television, while other sports maintain a smaller but steady footprint.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Reportedly Will Reject Paramount Takeover Bid Next Week

BNM Staff
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Warner Bros. Discovery Reportedly Will Reject Paramount Takeover Bid Next Week

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. is expected to once again reject a takeover bid from Paramount Skydance Corp., even after the rival media company amended the terms of its proposal, according to a report by Bloomberg.

According to several reports, the Warner Bros. Discovery board has not reached a final decision but is scheduled to meet next week to review the offer. The amended proposal is not expected to sway directors, who continue to view the bid as financially inferior to an agreement the company already reached with Netflix.

Paramount Skydance went public earlier this month with a $30-per-share all-cash offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that came just days after Warner Bros. agreed to sell its studio and streaming assets to Netflix. Since then, Paramount has revised its proposal twice, most recently adding assurances around financing in an effort to strengthen its position.

Those assurances include a personal guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison, who pledged $40.4 billion in equity financing and related commitments to support the deal. Ellison, along with his son David, controls Paramount Skydance after taking over the company in August.

Despite those revisions, Warner Bros. Discovery’s board remains unconvinced. One of the primary sticking points is that Paramount has not increased the overall value of its offer. Directors are said to be waiting for improved financial terms. There are also structural concerns.

According to the reporting, board members are uneasy about how much control the Ellisons would exert over Warner Bros. Discovery’s debt management under a Paramount-led transaction.

In addition, Paramount has not committed to covering the breakup fee Warner Bros. Discovery would owe Netflix if it were to abandon that deal.

Warner Bros. Discovery has already made clear in regulatory filings that it views the Netflix transaction as the superior option. The company cited Netflix’s financial strength, clearer execution path and reduced risk profile as key advantages. Netflix, which has a market capitalization exceeding $400 billion, is widely viewed as the most valuable and stable company in the entertainment industry.

By contrast, Warner Bros. Discovery has expressed concern that Paramount Skydance would be highly leveraged following an acquisition and would likely pursue deeper cost cuts, including additional job reductions. Those concerns have weighed heavily in the board’s evaluation process.

Absent a higher bid or stronger guarantees, Warner Bros. Discovery’s board is expected to reaffirm its preference for Netflix and formally reject Paramount Skydance’s proposal when it meets next week.

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FOX Sports South Florida Adds Local Program Featuring Josh Cohen, Ken LaVicka Beginning January 5

BSM Staff
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FOX Sports South Florida Adds Local Program Featuring Josh Cohen, Ken LaVicka Beginning January 5

Hubbard Radio is expanding its weekday lineup in South Florida with the addition of a new locally focused sports show. FOX Sports South Florida 640AM will debut JC & Ken, a one-hour weekday program featuring Josh Cohen and Ken LaVicka. The show will air from 5–6 p.m. beginning Monday, January 5. The goal is targeting afternoon drive listeners across Palm Beach County and surrounding areas.

The move reunites two personalities familiar to South Florida sports fans. This is especially true for listeners who spent years with ESPN 106.3 and its predecessor stations. Cohen led the popular HomeTeam program from 1999 through the end of 2024. During that time, he became one of the most recognizable sports radio voices in the region.

Following his departure, Cohen transitioned to digital platforms, launching the YouTube-based show Questionable Call with Josh Cohen.

LaVicka also brings deep local ties and on-air experience. He worked at WUUB from 2007 to 2024 as both a host and reporter. LaVicka currently serves as the play-by-play voice for Florida Atlantic University football and men’s basketball. In addition, LaVicka handles play-by-play duties for Inter Miami CF soccer and hosts the Sports & Golf Boardroom program on WMEN.

According to Cohen, the new FOX Sports South Florida show is designed to recapture a familiar sound for listeners during their evening commute.

“I hear from tons of people who say they miss having something fun, fast, and familiar to just listen to on their drive home,” Cohen said in a statement. “JC & Ken will take care of that five days a week, with no need to catch up on anything.”

FOX Sports South Florida leadership emphasized the importance of local voices and community connection as the primary motivation behind the launch.

“Josh and Ken have been well-known figures in the South Florida sports scene for many years,” said Hubbard Radio Market President Elizabeth Hanna. “We are thrilled to bring this LOCAL radio show to the market. Offering sports fans in our area a place for connection and conversation.”

FOX Sports South Florida Brand and Content Director David Adams echoed that sentiment, highlighting the chemistry and versatility the duo brings to the lineup.

“Josh & Ken are two of the best known and most respected voices in our community,” Adams said. “I couldn’t be more excited to add them to the Fox Sports South Florida lineup. JC & Ken is an entertaining, engaging, and often off-the-rails daily dive into the biggest news and best stories of the day. With occasional surprise guests from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and media.”

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Richard Deitsch Stepping Down From The Athletic

BSM Staff
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Richard Deitsch Stepping Down From The Athletic

Longtime sports media insider Richard Deitsch has been among the most commanding voices in the industry for the past two decades. As 2025 comes to a close, that run has reached another turning point. Deitsch announced Tuesday night that he is stepping away from The Athletic, marking the end of a seven-year tenure with the digital subscription outlet.

In a detailed social media post, Deitsch reflected on his time at the company, noting that sports media coverage was still relatively rare when he arrived in March 2018. At the time, The Athletic’s focus centered largely on building local markets and team-specific coverage. Since then, he said, the outlet has expanded into near-daily reporting on sports media and business — content he described as “immensely popular” and something he was proud to help grow.

“My last day with The Athletic is December 31,” Deitsch wrote. “In an era of media consolidation and endless job losses, I have been beyond lucky to have had such a long run between two national outlets that readers care about.”

Before joining The Athletic, Deitsch spent decades at Sports Illustrated, where his reporting spanned the Olympics, women’s basketball and major international events. Over time, however, he became best known for chronicling the sports media industry itself, helping bring greater visibility to a beat that has drawn increased audience interest amid rapid change.

Alongside his peers, Deitsch played a key role in pushing sports media reporting into the mainstream. Deitsch’s move to Toronto during his time at The Athletic further broadened his reach. In addition to his writing, he became involved in sports talk radio in Canada, offering a cross-border perspective on North American media trends.

In his post, Deitsch also emphasized his appreciation for colleagues at The Athletic, calling the opportunity to work alongside them “incredible” and wishing the staff continued success. He confirmed that his long-running sports media podcast will continue, noting that it has always existed independently of the publication.

Looking ahead, Deitsch said he plans to share details about his next steps once 2026 officially begins. He teased “a pair of amazing opportunities” — one in the United States and one in Canada — at organizations he has long admired.

The Athletic is expected to continue its sports media coverage moving forward, with Andrew Marchand remaining a central figure on that beat.

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iHeartMedia Strikes Partnership With U.S. Figure Skating Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

BSM Staff
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iHeartMedia Strikes Partnership With U.S. Figure Skating Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

U.S. Figure Skating announced a new partnership with iHeartMedia, the nation’s leading audio media company, positioning the organization for a major media push ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The collaboration designates iHeart as an official partner of U.S. Figure Skating, delivering original audio content, athlete-driven stories, and promotional campaigns across iHeart’s expansive platforms.

The media company reaches more than 250 million listeners monthly through its broadcast radio stations, podcasts, digital outlets, live events, and other channels.

As part of the partnership, iHeartMedia will activate onsite at the ICE House in Milan, Italy, from February 6–22, 2026. The space will serve as a content studio and broadcast hub for iHeartRadio talent and creators. It will also feature a dedicated podcast studio and broadcast area, exclusive athlete interviews in collaboration with U.S. Figure Skating, and original Olympic-themed storytelling.

The content will be distributed across iHeart’s platforms. The aim is to engage fans with behind-the-scenes access and insights into the athletes’ journeys.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with iHeartMedia in an exciting time for U.S. Figure Skating as we look ahead to the U.S. Championships and the Winter Games,” said Annie White, Chief Commercial Officer of U.S. Figure Skating. “As a company that shares our commitment to meaningful audience connection. iHeartMedia will help us amplify excitement around our athletes, our events, and our national programs—including Learn to Skate USA® and SkateFest—across the country.”

In addition to Olympic coverage, iHeart will support U.S. Figure Skating through a multi-channel promotional campaign leading into the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. The partnership will also reinforce the organization’s broader Olympic-year initiative, Leave Your Mark, which highlights athlete development and community engagement.

“We’re proud to partner with U.S. Figure Skating at such a pivotal moment for the sport,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia. “From original audio storytelling to on-site activation at the ICE House in Milan. This partnership allows us to spotlight the dedication, artistry, and athleticism of these incredible athletes while bringing fans closer to the moments that define the journey to the Winter Games.”

iHeartRadio is also the exclusive audio partner for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Providing original Olympic-themed podcasts and additional audio content.

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Rob Creighton Joins Hi-99 Following Departure From Townsquare Media

BMM Staff
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Rob Creighton Joins Hi-99 Following Departure From Townsquare Media

Rob Creighton has joined Midwest Communications’ country station Hi-99 WTHI as the station’s new afternoon host. Creighton, who will be on air from 3 to 7 p.m. EST, also will lend his expertise to the station’s programming department.

Creighton announced the move on Facebook, writing, “I have joined Midwest Communications Hi-99 WTHI in Terre Haute as their afternoon talent! I’ll also be helping in the programming dept. I’ll be on 3-7 EST!”

Prior to joining WTHI, Creighton served as Director of Content for Townsquare Media in Sedalia, Missouri, while simultaneously hosting afternoons at AC My Mix 92.3. He departed Townsquare in April, ending a six-year tenure that included oversight of country station KXKX.

Creighton expressed his gratitude for the new role and a return to working alongside current operations manager Tim Huelsing.

“Thanks to the team in Terre Haute for making me feel welcome, and Tim Huelsing for thinking of me. Glad to be working for you again!,” he wrote.

Creighton’s move marks a return to on-air hosting after years in management and programming. His dual role at WTHI will allow him to influence both the station’s sound and on-air presentation, blending his programming experience with live talent.

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Nielsen Claims Cumulus Media Using Antitrust Law for a 50% Rate Reduction

BNM Staff
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Nielsen Claims Cumulus Media Using Antitrust Law for a 50% Rate Reduction

Nielsen is resisting Cumulus Media’s bid for emergency relief, telling a federal judge the radio broadcaster is attempting to use antitrust law to force the ratings company into a renegotiated deal at half the current price — terms Nielsen says it never offered and cannot sustain.

In a heavily redacted filing in federal court in New York, Nielsen framed its defense bluntly. The company said Cumulus wants to pay 50% less for the same services. Nielsen called the request “unprecedented.” It warned that granting it would “open the door” to other “improper and frivolous requests” from ratings subscribers.

“At bottom, Cumulus and Nielsen are in a run-of-the-mill pricing dispute,” the filing states. “The fact that Cumulus — a company with $700 million in revenue and $90 million cash on hand — would prefer this Court to impose on Nielsen a partial contract reflecting Cumulus’ preferred pricing is insufficient reason for the court to award the requested relief.”

Cumulus, in an antitrust lawsuit filed in October, asked the court to block Nielsen from tying access to national radio ratings data to the purchase of separate local ratings data. The broadcaster called the practice a “textbook abuse of monopoly power,” arguing it prevents stations from freely choosing local ratings providers. The suit cites a 36% increase in Westwood One’s national ratings data in 2022. It also points to ongoing price hikes tied to Nielsen’s policy linking national and local products.

According to Inside Radio, Nielsen insists the dispute is not about monopoly power but is instead a case of “lawfare,” with Cumulus attempting to leverage antitrust claims to obtain lower pricing.

The filing also addresses Cumulus’s evolving claims of harm. Nielsen argues the broadcaster raised the threat of an “existential” risk only after litigation had begun. The company notes it was never disclosed during contract negotiations or to investors. This is despite the broadcaster reporting earnings during the dispute.

Nielsen defended its tying policy as both logical and necessary, stating that national data cannot exist without local reports. The company added that the approach prevents “free riding.” It ensures revenue aligns with costs and this helps keep its audio measurement service sustainable.

Nielsen also rejected the notion that the policy blocks competitors such as Eastlan, citing evidence that the firm has entered 18 new markets over the past year, including five between September and December alone. Nielsen emphasized that antitrust laws protect competition, not individual competitors.

Unless the court acts sooner, Cumulus Media’s ratings contract with Nielsen is scheduled to expire Dec. 31. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas could rule on the injunction request in the coming days.

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97.3 The Fan Signs Multi-Year Agreement for UC San Diego Basketball

BSM Staff
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97.3 The Fan Signs Multi-Year Agreement for UC San Diego Basketball

UC San Diego has secured a new broadcast home for its rapidly rising basketball program. The university has entered a multi-year agreement with 97.3 The Fan, an Audacy station in San Diego, to air more than a dozen Tritons men’s and women’s basketball games for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. As part of the deal, 97.3 The Fan becomes the exclusive over-the-air radio home of UC San Diego basketball, with all broadcasts also streaming on the free Audacy app.

The partnership expands the Tritons’ reach across the San Diego market. The basketball program has continued to gain momentum following a historic transition to Division I competition.

“We are thrilled to partner with Audacy and 97.3 The Fan to air Tritons basketball games throughout San Diego for the remainder of this season and beyond,” UC San Diego Athletics Director Andy Fee said in a statement. “Our teams play a fun brand of basketball the entire San Diego community can get behind. We can’t wait to showcase Tritons basketball on San Diego’s number one sports station starting Thursday night.”

Veteran broadcasters Steve Quis and Ted Mendenhall will handle play-by-play duties for the broadcasts. They will be joined on women’s game coverage by analyst Madison Baxter. She is a recent UC San Diego graduate, with presence adding a Triton perspective to the call.

The 2025-26 broadcast schedule includes all remaining Big West men’s road games. It also features a pair of UC San Diego women’s regular-season contests. In addition, 97.3 The Fan will carry Tritons postseason basketball. The station will provide live coverage of both teams as they defend their conference titles at The Big West Championship in March.

For 97.3 The Fan, the agreement marks a first.

“We are proud to establish this landmark partnership with UC San Diego. Marking the first time 97.3 The Fan will serve as the exclusive broadcast home for Tritons basketball,” said Adam Klug, brand manager for 97.3 The Fan. “The program’s seamless transition to Division I and its continued dominance on the court is a story San Diego fans want to hear. This collaboration reinforces our unwavering commitment to being the city’s premier destination for live and local sports.”

UC San Diego’s rise has been swift. Last season, the Tritons became the first program in NCAA Division I history to win conference titles. Plus compete in the NCAA Tournament in their first year with postseason eligibility. That success helped elevate the program’s profile locally and nationally, creating new opportunities for expanded media coverage.

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Former Dallas Cowboys’ Receiver Michael Irvin Announces Formation of Production Group

BSM Staff
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Former Dallas Cowboys’ Receiver Michael Irvin Announces Formation of Production Group

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin built his reputation on making big plays when they mattered most. Now, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is looking to make an impact in a different arena. The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver announced that he is launching his own production company, Playmaker Production Group, marking the next chapter in a career that has already spanned elite success on the field and in sports media.

Irvin shared the news in a video posted to social media, where he outlined his vision for the company and the type of content he hopes to create. The former ESPN and NFL Network analyst said the venture will allow him to explore stories with greater depth and authenticity than traditional formats often allow.

“With my own production group, we get to dive a little deeper,” Irvin said in the video. “We are looking so forward to bringing you those great, authentic stories. Stories that will raise you up, stories that will make you think. Some that may even drop a tear.”

The move feels like a natural evolution for Irvin, who has spent years transitioning from star athlete to respected broadcaster. Since retiring from the NFL, he has become a prominent media personality.
He works on ESPN and the NFL Network. He also appears on various radio and digital platforms. His passion for the game and strong opinions have helped him connect with audiences.

Irvin’s credibility in storytelling is rooted in one of the most accomplished careers in NFL history. A three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys during the 1990s dynasty era, he was known for his physical style of play, clutch performances and leadership in big moments. Over 12 seasons in Dallas, Irvin totaled 11,904 receiving yards, 65 touchdowns and 750 receptions, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Those experiences, both triumphant and challenging, appear central to the mission of Playmaker Production Group. Irvin did not reveal specific projects or distribution partners. However, his comments suggest a focus on human-centered narratives. That approach goes beyond surface-level sports coverage. Known as “The Playmaker” during his career, he now aims to apply that mindset. He wants to shape stories that resonate beyond the football field.

Details on Playmaker Production Group’s first projects are expected to be announced at a later date.

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News Media Reacts to Nick Shirley’s Video Suggesting Rampant Fraud in Minnesota

BNM Staff
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News Media Reacts to Nick Shirley’s Video Suggesting Rampant Fraud in Minnesota

A viral video alleging widespread fraud involving abandoned day care centers in Minnesota by conservative online influencer Nick Shirley has drawn national attention. This prompted public comments from FBI Director Kash Patel and Vice President JD Vance as federal investigators continue probing misuse of social services funds in the state.

The video shows Shirley visiting several Minnesota day care facilities that he claims are licensed, funded and approved to care for dozens of children but appear vacant or nonoperational. The 42-minute video has generated more than 126 million views on X, quickly becoming a flashpoint in the broader debate surrounding fraud within Minnesota’s public assistance programs.

Vance praised the video’s impact, posting on social media that Shirley “has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 Pulitzer prizes.” Two days later, Patel confirmed the FBI was aware of the allegations and had expanded investigative resources in the state.

“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” Patel said in a public statement. “We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing.”

Shirley’s work has drawn much reaction on social media from news figures in radio, television, and media alike. Here are some of their reactions to the video itself, and the fallout that could come hereafter.

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