Ben Shapiro and Megyn Kelly have traded shots at one another in recent months. Kelly believes the situation is a sad one due to their longstanding relationship.
In the latest war of words, Kelly called Shapiro “totally disingenuous” for comments he made about Piers Morgan, attacking the British host for welcoming Dave Smith — who Shapiro labeled as antisemitic — on his digital program.
Kelly stood up for Morgan, and others who have been criticized by Ben Shapiro in recent weeks.
“It’s very sad to me as somebody who’s known Ben forever, he became a star on my show at Kelly File,” Megyn Kelly said. “I’m very sorry to see this happen. And like there is absolutely no cause to go run around policing the guests on somebody else’s show and trying to diminish somebody who is as interesting — and I mean this complimentary — as benign as Piers Morgan. Piers is not a pernicious force. Piers is an interesting guy who’s got an interesting show. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, it’s up to you. I think he’s really interesting, and I think his interviews are great.
“But now we have to get rid of Piers Morgan? In Ben’s view, Tucker (Carlson) had to go. Clearly, even though he helped build Candace (Owens), she had to go. Then I had to go, even though I’ve had a 15-year friendship with a guy. He publicly attacked me. Not even a text in advance, even though we had had a text, literally four weeks earlier, saying, ‘No matter what, who we’re friends with’ — because he was mad I was friends with Tucker — “our friendship means more to us than it, and we won’t do anything to (expletive) it up.” Next thing I know, I get attacked by him on stage at Turning Point. Now, Piers Morgan. How many people have to go?”
Megyn Kelly continued by asking why people who simply disagree with Ben Shapiro “need to be kicked out of polite society”, before noting that Shapiro’s digital metrics “are very bad right now.”
“This is so wrong,” Kelly concluded. “Good for Piers Morgan for fighting back. I’m completely on Team Piers, and I’m sorry to see Ben going in this direction.”
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CNN has been sharing reports from inside Iran since joint military action between the U.S. and Israel began in the nation. Newsmax host Rob Finnerty doesn’t believe it should be a badge of honor.
During the opening monologue of his primetime show on Tuesday, Finnerty took shots at CNN and its viewers.
“I honestly can’t believe that people still watch CNN and think they’re getting honest news coverage about anything,” said Finnerty. “Or that there are still people who consciously turn on the TV and deliberately, by their own free will, put on CNN and think they are not watching our little American version of state-run regime media news that is meant to manipulate and not inform.”
The Newsmax host added that he believes “there was a time when CNN was ok, but that time was a long time ago.”
The crux of his argument was stating that it shouldn’t be a good thing that a country ruled by a religious dictator looks at CNN favorably.
Rob Finnerty: “Iran felt comfortable enough inviting CNN into the country to cover the war, which is not a compliment, but CNN is bragging about it like it's some credit to them. It's not. It's pathetic because CNN and Iranian state media are essentially the same thing, separated… pic.twitter.com/XdEtcODEO7
“CNN is bragging to their audience that they were the only network invited into Iran by the Iranian regime to cover the war like it’s a good thing,” said Rob Finnerty.
“I can picture the executives at CNN running down the hall so excited to tell everybody that they were out of all the networks that Iran could have chosen — Fox, Newsmax, MS NOW — CNN was the only American network invited to cover Iran from inside Iran, completely missing the irony of why Iran picked CNN in the first place. Iran picked them because Iran knows that CNN is fake news, which is exactly what they want: fake coverage about what’s really happening.”
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“Check your email on a Saturday, and you get an email with the subject heading simply of the name of your boss, Brad Lane, and you’re like, ‘Oh, my. What happened?'” said DeRusha.
He continued by noting how — despite the perception — Brad Lane was lucky during the episode.
“Brad was lucky because he was at a basketball game, and he felt short of breath. He told somebody, thank goodness. I think about myself — would I have said something, or what I have just suffered and been like ‘I think I’m alright’? They call 911, he goes to North Memorial, a team of nearly 20 medics work on Brad, and they saved his life in surgery.”
“The recovery will be slow, from months of cardiac rehab to a mind-boggling number of meds, as his heart function remains lower than they’d like,” she stated. “But they’re going to let him recover at home; we’re hoping to be released later today.
“Anyone who knows Brad knows the hardest part for him will be following the directive to just rest. When he returns to work, I’m counting on you, wonderful WCCO colleagues, to tackle him if you see him trying to zip from office to office or bounce up a flight of stairs,” she added. “We are so grateful for everyone who played a part in keeping Brad here, and for all the love and prayers.”
Brad Lane has served as the Brand Manager of 830 WCCO since April 2021. He previously held similar roles at 620 WTMJ, ESPN Milwaukee, and at KSTP in Minneapolis, among others.
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We are three and a half months away from hosting one of the media industry’s most important conferences. The 2026 Barrett Media Audio Summit presented by Point to Point Marketing is coming to New York City June 30-July 2, 2026. This year’s show features one full-day of news media, one full-day of sports media, and for the first-time ever, one full-day of music radio. News runs on June 30th, Sports on July 1st, and Music on July 2nd. I am excited to bring it to life and hope you’ll make time to attend. Tickets are available here.
Prices are lower this year to incentivize more industry folks to join us in the room. We’ve also adjusted the length for each day so format folks can get in and out without missing most of the work week. We run this event to help the industry and we fund it ourselves. It only works though if industry people attend and media groups continue to support it. To learn which sponsorship opportunities remain available, email Stephanie Eads at Stephanie@BarrettMedia.com.
If you’ve attended one of our Summits or watched any of our video clips across social media, we put on a show. There are presentations, speakers, parties, production, backstage interviews, and many top decision makers in the room. Attendees come because we prioritize content and conversations that matter. We also provide a meeting point for industry friends to reunite and discuss future business. But as fun as networking is, we understand that time and resources are limited. The information and access has to be valuable for folks to justify attending.
If you do make time to join us, you’ll leave the room smarter, more connected, full of ideas, and armed with information to improve your brand, company or personal career. To help us do that, I’m excited to add six more talented professionals to our Music Summit on July 2nd. Each of these broadcasters has made a mark on their respective formats either on the air or behind the mic. We’re elated to have them sharing their insights and expertise with us in the big apple.
Meet The Programmers
Starting with the four programmers, it’s my pleasure to welcome Audacy’s VP of Country Tim Roberts and VP of Hot AC Steve Salhany to the Summit. Tim was recently voted the #1 Country Radio Programmer in Barrett Media’s Top 20 series. Steve came in #2 in the AC/Hot AC PD category. His morning show Karson & Kennedy landed the top spot in the AC/Hot AC category. Both have lengthy track records of success, deep knowledge and passion for our business. They will add a lot of insight and expertise to format conversations.
Next, I’m thrilled to welcome Cumulus Media’s VP of Classic Rock/Alternative James Kurdziel to the Summit. James has done a spectacular job guiding Q101 in Chicago and KQRS in Minneapolis, in addition to being a key resource to Cumulus’ rock brands. His knowledge of multiple formats and experience working with top talent will add another strong voice in the room.
We complete our programmer’s announcement with another big addition to the lineup. I’m pleased to have Hot 107.9 in Atlanta’s brand leader and the PD of Reach Media’s ‘The Morning Hustle’ Devin Steel joining us. The rap radio legend built his name in Memphis before heading to Atlanta to put his prints on the local Urban radio scene. Devin’s passion and format knowledge combined with his candor and love of the music and radio industry will help make format professionals sharper.
Meet the Talent
Featuring strong talent is a big part of our Summit’s too, and we’re thrilled to have Murphy, Sam and Jodi joining us. This trio not only has exceptional chemistry, they have a deep understanding of what’s required to build a business. They’ve self-syndicated their show, earning trust across multiple formats, and know that it takes more than just strong content to keep a business healthy.
Murphy, Sam and Jodi are going to host an awesome session titled ‘Act Like a Talent, Think Like an Owner‘. They will cover their approach to content, growing ratings and revenue, working with affiliates, and maintaining partnerships, while simultaneously managing daily workflow and staying connected to their audience. Attendees are going to enjoy what they bring to the stage.
Barter Opportunity
If you want to attend the show and hang on to your cash, there will be another option. Thanks to our friends at IMAR Entertainment, barter opportunities to attend the Summit are available. Click HERE or the banner below for details.
Still to Come
The next few months I will tirelessly work to assemble a star studded lineup featuring the best across music radio. I’m looking to add the industry’s best programmers, sharpest executives, and top talent on stage, and bring professionals from sales, management, programming, production, digital, advertising, voiceover, record labels and management companies into the room. People gain skills and education, and brands get stronger when access to knowledge, ideas and relationships are available. We will do our part to make sure the event is worthy of your time.
If you’ve reached out to express interest in speaking, I’m aware and I do appreciate the interest. I am not ruling out including you in the show nor am I trying to be rude by being non-committal. My immediate focus is on building sessions that focus on specific topics with certain people. Once I finalize those plans and have an idea of additional possibilities, I’ll reach out if there’s a fit. As we secure additional speakers, updates will be provided here on the website and inside our newsletters.
Content concentration on issues that matter to Rock, Country, Urban, CHR, and AC/Hot AC professionals is our top priority. We’ll also feature insights from some of the industry’s best talent, sharpest executives, and research/data to help brand leaders and performers maximize impact. In addition, a post-show after party will cap off what should be an exceptional conference.
This is going to be a fast-paced, action-packed, educational show. It’s our first venture into the music radio arena and we want to make it count. If we can deliver for Music what we have for Sports and News, we will do more of these shows. It simply comes down to making sure the first one hits all the right notes.
I hope you’ll make time to be there or support the show as a partner. Once again, tickets are available here or by clicking the banner above. I’ll see you in the big apple on July 2, 2026.
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CNN primetime host Abby Phillip has apologized for what she described as “inaccurate” comments on her program on Tuesday evening.
During CNN NewsNight, Phillip said that an incident in front of Gracie Mansion was “an attempted terror attack against New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani.”
However, Mamdani was not the intended target of the attacks. Protesters outside the mayoral mansion were there to protest Mamdani. Counter protesters then clashed with the group, where the two figures arrested lobbed improvised explosive devices at the crowd.
Following her comments on Tuesday’s show, Abby Phillip took to social media to correct herself and apologize for the error.
“I want to correct something I said last night,” said Phillip. “The bombs thrown in New York City over the weekend by ISIS inspired attackers was thrown into a crowd of anti-Muslim protestors and not specifically targeted at Mayor Mamdani. That wording was inaccurate and I didn’t catch it ahead of time. I apologize for the error.”
I want to correct something I said last night. The bombs thrown in New York City over the weekend by ISIS inspired attackers was thrown into a crowd of anti-Muslim protestors and not specifically targeted at Mayor Mamdani. That wording was inaccurate and I didn’t catch it ahead…
The apology from Abby Phillip came after CNN took heavy criticism for a social media post about the situation, which said that “Two Pennsylvania teenagers crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could’ve been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather.” CNN later deleted the tweet and admitted it fell short of its editorial standards.
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The National Football League (NFL) continues to evaluate new ways to expand its calendar, and one of the league’s latest ideas could place professional football on television the night before Thanksgiving.
According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, league officials have discussed the possibility of adding a Wednesday game on Thanksgiving Eve beginning with the 2026 season.
If implemented, the additional contest would take place on November 25, 2026, and would represent another step in the NFL’s broader effort to stretch its schedule across more days of the week and capitalize on television demand for live sports programming.
For decades, Thanksgiving has served as one of the league’s most reliable ratings engines, with games traditionally airing across FOX Sports, CBS, and NBC. Yet in recent years, the league has become increasingly aggressive about surrounding the holiday with additional inventory that networks and streaming platforms eagerly pursue because of the massive audiences NFL games consistently generate.
The league already introduced a Black Friday matchup beginning with the 2023 season, a game currently carried by Amazon’s Prime Video platform. Meanwhile, commissioner Roger Goodell previously indicated that the league has explored expanding its Black Friday presence beyond a single game as media companies continue to prioritize live sports during holiday viewing windows.
Christmas has also become a growing focus for the NFL’s schedule makers. When December 25 fell on a Wednesday in 2024, the league staged a pair of Christmas Day contests. Last season, the NFL delivered an even larger holiday showcase, scheduling three games when Christmas landed on a Thursday.
Those broadcasts became part of a lucrative agreement with Netflix, which reportedly pays the league roughly $75 million per game for its Christmas Day doubleheader package.
Because the NFL remains the most powerful programming asset on television, even a single additional game can create substantial financial opportunity. Media partners frequently compete for the rights to exclusive NFL windows, and the introduction of a Wednesday night game before Thanksgiving could attract a streaming platform eager to secure a major holiday property.
YouTube could also be a potential landing spot for new NFL inventory. The platform currently holds the league’s NFL Sunday Ticket package and streamed its first exclusive live NFL game last season when the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Los Angeles Chargers in a game played in Brazil.
If the league ultimately places a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the move would create an extended stretch of football programming surrounding the holiday. A Wednesday night kickoff would launch a nine-day run that could include NFL games on seven different days, an arrangement that further strengthens the league’s dominance across both traditional television and digital streaming platforms.
The scheduling concept also arrives while the NFL continues discussions surrounding its massive media rights agreements. The league signed 11-year contracts valued at more than $110 billion with partners including CBS, NBC, FOX Sports, ESPN and Prime Video. Although those deals began only a few seasons ago, the league holds opt-out clauses later in the decade, a negotiating tool that could help drive even larger rights payments as demand for NFL content continues to climb.
NFL now is exploring playing a game on Thanksgiving Eve as early as this season. This year this would be Wednesday, Nov. 25. pic.twitter.com/ZFTrOIjTYV
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Dan Bernstein did not hold back in his latest criticism of FOX Sports MLB analyst John Smoltz, sharply questioning his approach to calling games during coverage connected to the World Baseball Classic.
During a recent episode of his podcast Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, Bernstein delivered a lengthy critique of Smoltz’s performance in the broadcast booth, arguing that the Hall of Fame pitcher often sounds dismissive of the modern version of the sport and rarely contributes meaningful insight to viewers watching the game unfold.
Bernstein said that if he were responsible for the broadcast audio mix, he would simply mute Smoltz entirely because he believes the analyst’s tone conveys disdain for the current state of baseball rather than enthusiasm for the game.
“I would turn him off completely,” Bernstein said on the podcast. “He does not like baseball, and it is apparently his mission to make you the viewer not like baseball and not appreciate anything. Just somehow finds everything distasteful or against the better nature of the game”
Bernstein continued by suggesting that Smoltz frequently frames his commentary through the lens of how the game looked during his own playing career, which spanned more than two decades and included multiple postseason runs with the Atlanta Braves. While acknowledging Smoltz’s reputation as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation, Bernstein argued that the analyst too often uses that perspective to criticize the modern style of play.
“He has a problem with everything,” Bernstein said. “I cannot stand him. Everything has some kind of subtext against the modern game. Every criticism has to do with what he doesn’t like about how people play baseball now, because things were better when he played. Get off my television.”
Smoltz, who joined FOX Sports as its lead MLB analyst in 2014, has long served as a prominent voice on the network’s national broadcasts, including postseason games and other major events tied to the sport. The eight-time All-Star pitcher also has worked high-profile assignments such as the World Series and international baseball competitions, giving him a significant platform to analyze the evolving game.
However, Bernstein argued that the problem goes beyond tone or generational disagreement, insisting that Smoltz’s commentary often fails to provide clarity for viewers attempting to understand what is happening on the field.
“I’m not just talking about his style,” Bernstein said. “He starts talking, and he ends up saying nothing. Everything is this grandiose pronouncement from the mount, and he’s stating these baseball biblical truths that make absolutely no sense whatsoever.”
Bernstein added that when listeners examine Smoltz’s commentary closely, the statements rarely build toward a clear or useful point about strategy or gameplay.
“If you actually were to parse out what he’s saying and read the stuff that he says as he says it, it doesn’t go anywhere,” Bernstein said.
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Audacy has added a familiar voice to mornings in Detroit, naming Amanda Habrowski as the new host of the weekday morning show on ALT 98.7 (WDZH-FM), where she will lead a program designed to strengthen the station’s connection with the city’s alternative rock audience.
Beginning Thursday, Habrowski will host Amanda in the AM, airing weekdays from 6–10 a.m. ET on the Detroit-based station. The move places the longtime broadcaster at the front of ALT 98.7’s weekday lineup as the station continues refining its programming strategy and leaning into a more locally connected sound for listeners in the Motor City.
Station leadership believes the hire reflects a broader push to amplify Detroit’s alternative rock culture while pairing the music with a personality who understands the local audience.
“This next chapter for ALT 98.7, Detroit’s Alternative Rock, is about amplifying the music that defines the city’s alternative scene,” said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for Audacy Detroit. “Bringing Amanda back to Detroit isn’t just a talent addition; it’s a statement. Her edge, authenticity and deep connection to the city make her the perfect voice for the station. As we continue to grow ALT 98.7, we’re doubling down on bold programming, fresh energy and a local presence that reflects the sound and spirit of Detroit.”
Habrowski’s return to Detroit represents a homecoming after a career that has taken her through multiple radio markets across the country. Over more than two decades in the industry, she has built a résumé that includes roles as an on-air personality, voice actor and digital content creator.
Her journey also included a stint on television, where she appeared on VH1’s reality series Flavor of Love 3 in 2008. During the show, host Flava Flav gave her the nickname “ICE,” a moment that helped increase her public profile and introduced her to a wider audience beyond radio.
Despite the national exposure, Habrowski continued focusing primarily on broadcasting, working in several markets while developing her on-air style and expanding her experience in programming and content creation. Most recently, she served in Las Vegas as the content director and afternoon host for 93.1 The Mountain, where she helped guide the station’s programming strategy while maintaining a daily presence on the air.
Now, she returns to Detroit to lead mornings on ALT 98.7, a role she described as both personal and professionally meaningful.
“I left Detroit to chase a dream, and now I get to come home and live it,” Habrowski said. “I’m beyond grateful for everyone who helped shape my path along the way. To still be here after 20 years of learning, evolving and pushing through is something I’m really proud of. I’ve been building this whole time, and I’m excited to keep growing, give back and have some fun with it.”
Alongside Habrowski’s new morning show, ALT 98.7’s weekday lineup will continue with Ian Camfield hosting middays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, followed by Dallas Osborn in afternoons from 3–7 p.m. ET.
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Former NFL running back Leonard Fournette and wide receiver Jarvis Landry are bringing their longtime friendship and shared football experiences to the podcast space via The Volume. The former LSU Tigers football teammates announced a new show called 4th and South, which debuts today.
The program will feature the two former NFL standouts discussing their football journeys while also expanding the conversation beyond the field into the realities of life after the game. According to a release, the podcast aims to provide an authentic perspective on professional football, blending personal stories with broader discussions about culture, business, and personal growth.
Landry explained that the idea behind the podcast grew out of conversations the two frequently had about their careers and the many experiences that shaped them along the way.
“We lived so much of this game side by side,” Landry said. “From LSU to the NFL, there were moments that taught us a lot about the game and about ourselves. This podcast gives us the chance to sit down, talk honestly about that journey. Plus open a window into what life inside football really looks like.”
Landry and Fournette built their connection long before their professional careers began. They starred together at LSU before entering the NFL as high-profile prospects. Their new show with The Volume leans heavily on that shared history. Both players emphasize offering fans perspectives rarely heard outside locker rooms and team facilities.
“4th and South gives us the chance to dive into our lives beyond football. No subject is off-limits. We plan to discuss everything from fatherhood, mental health, fashion, and music, to the trials and tribulations that have shaped us as businessmen,” said Fournette. “We’re excited to talk about it all. Partnering with The Volume is a natural fit to grow this podcast and boost our voices in sports and beyond.”
Landry entered the league in 2014 and developed a reputation as one of the most dependable receivers of his era. During his career, he played for the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints. He earned three Pro Bowl selections. He also led the NFL in receptions during the 2017 season.
Fournette followed a different path but enjoyed notable success of his own. The former first-round pick spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills. His most memorable moment came during the Buccaneers’ championship run, when he helped the franchise capture the title in Super Bowl LV.
The addition of 4th and South continues to expand The Volume’s growing slate of athlete-driven programming. The network’s lineup already includes the NBA-focused podcast Club 520 along with Show Me Something, hosted by Sophie Cunningham and West Wilson.
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AM/FM Radio has long been the king of the audio space. That continues in 2026, according to new data from FMR and Eastlan.
In a new National Radio Listening Survey, it was revealed that 84% of adults aged 25-64 listen to radio weekly. That figure has remained steady in recent years, with the figure falling from 86% in 2024 to 85% in 2025.
The data remains the same when split between those living in the top 30 markets and those in markets 31 and up. Both demographics responded at an 84% weekly usage.
The two widest gaps in listening between those two categories came in podcast and satellite radio usage. 42% of those living in markets 1-30 responded that they are weekly podcast listeners. Those in markets 31 and up responded similarly at 37%.
Meanwhile, in the smaller markets, listening to SiriusXM was slightly larger at 18% compared to 14% in markets 1-30.
Of the 84% listening to AM/FM radio weekly, two-thirds said they did it with a terrestrial radio signal. 16% said they listened to an AM/FM station’s stream, while 11% said their primary point of listening to those brands was via a mobile app.
FMR and Eastlan also asked respondents which video platform they use most often for podcast listening. 72% said YouTube, which dwarfed Instagram and TikTok, which each received 10%. It marked the first time that question was asked in the survey.
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