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Dan Bongino Stepping Down From FBI Position

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Dan Bongino Stepping Down From FBI Position

Former nationally syndicated radio host Dan Bongino has announced that he’ll be leaving his position with the FBI early next year.

Bongino departed his radio show and podcast with Westwood One in March to assume the role of Deputy Director of the FBI.

In a post on social media, Bongino revealed that he would be departing his role as Deputy Director of the FBI.

“I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” Bongino wrote. “I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.

“Most importantly, I want to thank you, my fellow Americans, for the privilege to serve you,” Bongino continued. “God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”

Bongino had been plagued by reports surrounding his future in recent months. He reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of the Epstein Files to the point that he nearly exited the department earlier this year.

In recent days, reports suggested that Bongino was preparing to exit the FBI, which had previously denied.

After Dan Bongino exited his Westwood One show, the program was assumed by Vince Coglianese. Bongino did not opine on what his future will include upon his exit from the FBI in January.

President Trump was asked about Bongino’s departure and praised his performance with the FBI. He added that he believes Bongino would like to return to hosting his show. No word yet on if Westwood One plans to resume its partnership with Bongino or how they’d incorporate him into their lineup.

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YouTube Secures Exclusive Agreement To Stream ‘The Oscars’ Beginning in 2029

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YouTube Secures Exclusive Agreement To Stream ‘The Oscars’ Beginning in 2029

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has struck a landmark distribution agreement with YouTube that will fundamentally reshape how the Oscars are delivered to a global audience.

Under a new multi-year deal, YouTube will hold the exclusive worldwide rights to the Oscars beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029 and running through 2033. The agreement positions YouTube as the future global home of the Academy Awards and significantly expands access to one of entertainment’s most iconic live events.

Starting in 2029, the Oscars will stream live and free on YouTube to more than 2 billion users worldwide. In the United States, the ceremony also will be available to YouTube TV subscribers. The coverage will extend beyond the televised broadcast. YouTube will carry red carpet arrivals and behind-the-scenes programming. It will also feature Governors Ball access. Additional exclusive content tied to Hollywood’s biggest night will be included.

Accessibility is a central focus of the partnership. YouTube plans to support the Academy’s growing international audience. It will offer closed captioning in multiple languages. Audio tracks will also be available. These efforts will help the Oscars reach viewers across regions and cultures in real time.

The deal also expands YouTube’s role as a year-round destination for Academy programming. Through the official Oscars YouTube channel, film fans will receive exclusive worldwide access to a broad range of Academy events and initiatives.

That slate includes the Governors Awards and the Oscars nominations announcements. It also covers the Oscars Nominees Luncheon and the Student Academy Awards. The Scientific and Technical Awards are included as well. Additionally, there will be a variety of filmmaker and Academy member interviews. Educational programming, podcasts, and additional film-focused content will also be part of the offering.

Beyond live events and original programming, the partnership incorporates Google Arts & Culture as a digital extension of the Academy’s mission. The initiative will provide global access to select Academy Museum exhibitions and programs, while also helping digitize portions of the Academy Collection. The archive is the largest film-related collection in the world, featuring more than 52 million items spanning cinema history.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said the collaboration reflects the organization’s increasingly global outlook.

“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” they said in a joint statement. “This partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible while honoring our legacy.”

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars “one of our essential cultural institutions” and emphasized the platform’s ability to inspire new generations of creators and film fans while preserving the event’s storied tradition.

The new agreement does not immediately impact the Oscars’ current broadcast arrangements. The Academy’s domestic partnership with Disney’s ABC will continue through the 100th Oscars in 2028. Disney’s Buena Vista International will also continue handling international distribution.

Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will enter a new era. This era will be driven by global streaming scale and digital engagement. It will also feature expanded access through YouTube.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

VERSANT Announces Partnership With Rory McIlroy Launching New Production Venture

BSM Staff
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VERSANT Announces Partnership With Rory McIlroy Launching New Production Venture

GolfPass, part of the Digital Platforms & Ventures portfolio of VERSANT, has announced a long-term extension and expansion of its flagship partnership with global golf star Rory McIlroy, solidifying one of the most visible athlete-platform relationships in the sport.

Under the new agreement, McIlroy will remain the global face and partner of GolfPass through 2038. The extension reinforces GolfPass’ premium positioning in the golf marketplace while signaling a deeper commitment to original content, fan engagement, and multi-platform growth.

As part of the expanded deal, VERSANT and McIlroy are launching Firethorn Productions. It is a new media and production label. The label will create original content rooted in modern golf culture. The venture will be jointly operated by McIlroy’s business partners and VERSANT leadership. Projects will span documentary and long-form storytelling. They will also include branded commercial campaigns and live fan experiences. Additional efforts will cover special events and digital activations. Distribution will occur across GolfPass, Golf Channel, and other VERSANT properties.

“Rory has been the ideal partner since the inception of GolfPass,” said Will McIntosh, President of Digital Platforms and Ventures for VERSANT. “This extension not only preserves the connection between our brand and one of the most respected athletes in the world; it unlocks entirely new paths for creativity, commerce, and fan engagement.”

McIlroy’s management echoed that sentiment, framing the deal as a natural next step rather than a simple endorsement renewal.

“Rory’s partnership with GolfPass has always been about elevating the game and creating meaningful experiences for golfers everywhere,” said Sean O’Flaherty, Managing Director of Rory McIlroy Inc. “This next chapter deepens that mission. The launch of our new production venture and the continued alignment with GolfPass opens the door for new storytelling, new innovation, and new ways for fans to connect with Rory and the game of golf.”

Since GolfPass launched in 2019, McIlroy has been central to the platform’s identity. His involvement has helped shape its instructional programming. It has also influenced entertainment offerings. He has improved the overall membership experience. His role has anchored some of the service’s most successful campaigns. That presence has been credited with driving both brand credibility and global subscriber growth.

The timing of the announcement also comes as McIlroy’s profile reaches new heights. Fresh off his fifth major championship victory and the completion of the career Grand Slam earlier this year, McIlroy enters the next phase of the partnership with increased global visibility and influence.

For VERSANT, the deal represents more than a long-term athlete agreement. It reflects a broader strategy centered on premium sports storytelling, digital-first engagement, and deeper relationships with top-tier talent.

By extending its alignment with McIlroy, GolfPass strengthens its strategic position. The launch of Firethorn Productions further supports that effort. GolfPass is not only a membership platform. It is becoming a growing content engine. The brand sits at the intersection of golf, media, and lifestyle.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

FCC Removes ‘Independent Agency’ Label From Website After Chair Brendan Carr Says It Is Not Independent

BNM Staff
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FCC Removes ‘Independent Agency’ Label From Website After Chair Brendan Carr Says It Is Not Independent

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sat before a Senate Oversight Hearing on Wednesday, and made statements that led the organization to change language on its website in the process.

While being questioned by Senators, Carr was asked if the FCC was an “independent agency” by Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).

The pair clashed when Carr failed to give a simple “yes” or “no” answer.

When Carr answered the question, he denied that it was independent.

“The FCC is not an independent agency, formally speaking,” Carr said, before being interrupted by the Senator.

Following his statements, Axios media reporter Sara Fischer shared screenshots of the FCC website showing that the statement of the FCC’s mission had been changed less than a half hour after the comments from Carr were made.

Before Carr’s statements, the subsection under “The FCC’s Mission” title on its “About Us” page read: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.”

However, following the statements from Brendan Carr, the word “independent” had been removed from the Commission’s website.

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Riley Gaines Inks Contract Extension with OutKick, To Expand Show with Fox News Media

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Riley Gaines Inks Contract Extension with OutKick, To Expand Show with Fox News Media

OutKick has announced it has entered into a new contract with Riley Gaines in conjunction with Fox News and its growing suite of digital podcasts and video shows.

As part of the deal, her Gaines for Girls podcast will be rebranded as The Riley Gaines Show beginning on January 7th. At that date, the show will join the stable of digital shows like Ruthless and Will Cain Country.

“I started this journey of simply saying men shouldn’t play in women’s sports and OutKick and FOX News Media have supported me from day one,” said Gaines. “They provided me a platform to bring national attention to the transgender issue in sports and ignite change that will forever protect women living out their dreams in athletics. I’m beyond excited to launch my new show that will cover a variety of topics and highlight the stories of women who are fighting alongside with me.”

“Riley has been an instrumental voice on OutKick, across FOX News Media, and for women across this country,” said Fox News Digital President and Editor-in-Chief Porter Berry. “I am thrilled that she will be part of our new expansion and provide a unique and fresh perspective on everything from culture trends to current affairs and continue to be a leading voice for young conservative women.”

Gaines will release new episodes of her podcast every Wednesday and Friday on both YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

All The Smoke Productions Announces Several Executive Promotions

BSM Staff
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All The Smoke Productions Announces Several Executive Promotions

All The Smoke Productions (ATSP) announced that former NBA player and company co-founder Jelani McCoy has been named Chief Strategy Officer, alongside promotions for director of operations Christina Mizzi to Vice President, Operations & Production, and flagship series producer Dylan Dreyfuss to Vice President, Content & Partnerships.

The moves come as the production and creative agency expands its reach across sports and entertainment.

Since its founding in 2024, ATSP has grown into a multi-platform content powerhouse, building a network of more than 20 million engaged fans. The company’s portfolio includes weekly digital series such as All The Smoke, ATS Unplugged, Hall of Game, The Art of Ward and Ring Champs, which collectively highlight its ability to deliver both long- and short-form content across sports and culture.

As Chief Strategy Officer, McCoy will oversee ATSP’s brand development across platforms. He will guide strategic growth using data, analytics, and emerging business opportunities. A co-founder and executive producer of All The Smoke, McCoy continues to contribute creatively. He is also charting new paths for the company’s expansion.

The company’s growing presence in combat sports extends through ATS FIGHT. Its work goes beyond storytelling to premium coverage of major boxing events. This year, that included the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford showdown. This week features the highly anticipated Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bout on Netflix.

Dreyfuss, promoted to Vice President, Content & Partnerships, will continue producing the flagship program. He will also spearhead new intellectual property development. Additionally, he will manage a growing roster of partnerships, including DraftKings and iHeartMedia. Under his leadership, ATSP has set industry standards in digital audience growth, social content and creative strategy.

Mizzi, now Vice President, Operations & Production, will oversee ATSP’s headquarters in Marina Del Rey. She will manage the company’s production operations as they scale. Her responsibilities include live events, studio operations, and out-of-house production. She ensures that ATSP maintains its creative and operational standards amid rapid growth.

Matt Barnes, ATSP CEO, praised the leadership team, saying, “Christina, Dylan and Jelani have been instrumental in building All The Smoke Productions into the creative force it is today. Their leadership, vision and passion have elevated our entire company, and these promotions reflect the impact they’ve made on our culture, our content and our growth.”

COO Brian Dailey added, “What sets ATSP apart is the people behind it. Jelani, Christina and Dylan each bring a tireless work ethic, inspiring passion and world-class expertise to their craft. Together, they are helping lead our expansion in cutting-edge content, brand-building, distribution and reach.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Silver Tribe Media Acquired By Intitial Group

BNM Staff
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Silver Tribe Media Acquired By Intitial Group

Silver Tribe Media, the digital media management and production company, has been acquired by Initial Group, the two companies have announced.

Silver Tribe Media was founded in 2021 by CEO Michael Klein and COO Jack Rose, who originally met while working togeter at CAA’s Sports Media Group. Under their direction, the company has grown to include clients like Omaha Productions, Hapro Studios, Dirto Mo Media, The Volume, and more.

With the acquisition, Silver Tribe Media will rebrand as Initial Digital.

“Silver Tribe has quickly become the foremost partner for talent and brands looking to build modern, durable digital businesses,” said Initial Group CEO Michel Pratte. “The expertise of Michael, Jack, Jen, and the entire team has proven to be deeply strategic and impactful in helping ambitious talent and modern media brands amplify their connection with global audiences.

“Bringing Silver Tribe into Initial reinforces our mission to partner with representatives and clients who value alignment with a future-facing, talent-centered organization, designed to create new opportunities across our family of companies and the broader entertainment community we value and endeavor to support,” Pratte added.

“As we enhance our digital footprint, we need the right operational engine—and every ambitious individual with a public platform and enterprise needs deep expertise as they solidify their own direct-to-fan relationships,” added Initial Group COO Eric Taitz. “Silver Tribe brings proven monetization tools, world-class relationships, and production infrastructure that strengthen how we support talent and scale digital-first businesses across our platform.”

With the rebrand to Initial Digital, Klein will serve as the President of the new division, with Rose working as COO. Jen Simmons will serve as the Chief Content Officer.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Initial Group to continue building a modern-age entertainment platform to support talent and brands,” said Initial Digital President Michael Klein and Initial COO Jack Rose. “Joining Initial allows us new opportunities as we continue the work we’re most passionate about: helping talent and brands build sustainable, long-term businesses. Our high-touch, day-to-day partnerships remain unchanged but are now bolstered by the infrastructure and collaborative opportunities available across the entire Initial platform.”

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Chris Cuomo: Why Is Anyone Taking Any Feud with Candace Owens Seriously?

BNM Staff
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Chris Cuomo: Why Is Anyone Taking Any Feud with Candace Owens Seriously?

Much attention was paid to the meeting between Candace Owens and Erika Kirk. But NewsNation host Chris Cuomo thinks it’s all an act.

During his NewsNation primetime show on Tuesday, Cuomo shared his belief that any dust-up between Candace Owens and any other personality or figure is a chance to draw interest, attention, and notoriety to herself.

“It’s all an act,” said Cuomo. “Candace Owens versus TPUSA? Really? When they just met, and it’s over just like that?”

After playing the clip of Owens telling her followers that she was “alive” after meeting with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, before calling the meeting “productive,” Cuomo took issue with the encapsulation from Owens.

“‘I am alive’? How do you take this seriously? Why do you guys keep asking me questions about this? ‘Egyptian airplanes’? ‘I’m alive’? Who is she meeting with? Hamas? Or a widow who is graciously trying to squash the fake furor surrounding her husband’s murder? Talk about performative,” Cuomo continued.

“And then she’s at a party with the same people,” he added. “Come on, man. Pick up on the game already, and stop rewarding people for playing. It’s just performative.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

Megyn Kelly, Josh Hammer Trade Barbs: ‘Remember When Men Had Testosterone?’

BNM Staff
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Megyn Kelly, Josh Hammer Trade Barbs: ‘Remember When Men Had Testosterone?’

Josh Hammer and Megyn Kelly are currently locked in a war of words after charges of antisemitism have come up in the pair’s relationship.

During a recent episode of The Josh Hammer Show, the Salem Podcast Network host pushed back on comments made by Kelly in recent weeks, sharing her support for Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.

“As we’ve tragically seen, it turns out that Megan Kelly is only in it for Megan Kelly,” Hammer said, noting that he never called the SiriusXM host an anti-semite, despite her accusing him of doing so. “She’s unhinged. She’s lying. And this is somewhat new-ish for her. It feels like just yesterday that I was going on her show fairly regularly.

“She came across as very genuine and caring. The fool, apparently, is me, because she was not genuine and caring,” he continued. “Because, now, as she has made incredibly clear, she’s on Team Tucker. She’s on Team Candace. She will never, by her own admission, say or do anything to distance herself from Tucker Carlson, and she certainly has not done anything to distance herself from Candace Owens, either.”

Hammer asserted that he had been told by someone who was previously friends with Kelly that she had said privately that “she knows that what Candace and Tucker are saying right now about everything in general — including the Charlie (Kirk) assassination and the Jews — that Megyn apparently admitted that she knew was crazy and unhinged but she simultaneously said that the reason that she would not condemn it is because she is scared of their followers.”

The comments from Kelly that Hammer responded to came after she rebuked him for calling her an anti-semite, sharing that she regretted promoting him and his “terrible” podcast. It isn’t the first time Kelly has faced charges of antisemitism in recent weeks. Mark Levin has also used similar terminology against her following her support of Owens and Carlson.

After Hammer’s statements were shared on Tuesday, Kelly took to social media to mock the Salem Podcast Network host and Newsweek editor.

“Poor Josh Hammer really needs me to protect him from the big bad words of others,” Kelly wrote. “Remember when men had testosterone?”

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Netflix, Barstool Sports Strike Video Exclusive Deal For Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets and Ryen Russillo Show

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Netflix, Barstool Sports Strike Video Exclusive Deal For Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets and Ryen Russillo Show

If you enjoy watching the Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast on YouTube, change is in the air beginning in 2026. Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric “PFT Commenter” Sollenberger, hosts of the popular sports podcast, announced that the show’s video version will be exclusively available on Netflix beginning January 2026.

“In 2026 January. We don’t have the exact date, but we have come to a deal with Netflix. Pardon My Take is going to be on Netflix. So here’s how it’s going to work: our podcast video will be exclusively on Netflix,” Katz said during Thursday’s episode.

The move marks a major expansion for the podcast, which has grown into one of the most influential sports media brands over the past decade. Katz said the partnership with Netflix represents both a personal milestone and a strategic opportunity for the show.

“It’s a big deal for the podcast. It’s surreal. I think it’s going to open some more doors for us. It also allows us to compensate and let some of the behind-the-scenes guys—guys in the booth. All these other guys—share in the success of the podcast. So we’re very excited about that part,” Katz added.

Despite the platform change for the video portion of the podcast, Katz emphasized that the content of Pardon My Take will remain unchanged.

“Nothing is changing in terms of content. Netflix, we talked to them, a great partner, so nothing’s going to be changing. It’s just that’s where the podcast is going to live now, and we’re excited,” he said.

Katz also highlighted the growth potential and the significance of the milestone for the show’s trajectory. “This has been a crazy journey, and obviously the podcast is doing very well. It’s cool to have an opportunity like this. So we’re pumped,” he said.

Katz explained that for audio consumers of Pardon My Take, there will be no changes as to how listeners can consume the product. Pardon My Take has consistently been a top 100 podcast on YouTube’s weekly podcast charts all year.

Sollenberger noted the potential benefits of a mainstream platform for reaching new audiences, particularly families.

“One thing that I’ve really liked over the years is when we find out about parents and their kids listening to Pardon My Take, that it’s becoming something they bond over. It’s nice to hear. I feel like, even with Netflix, that’s going to be a good barrier to clear with parents. Trying to explain to my mom how to get on YouTube or to watch the podcast—it’s kind of difficult. She’s locked and loaded on Netflix,” he said.

Netflix has also arranged agreements in the same manner with two other Barstool Sports’ podcasts. Spittin Chiclets, and The Ryen Russillo Show will launch in the U.S. market, with more countries to follow. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy confirmed thew news in a video post on X. The deal includes both new and select episodes from each show’s libraries. Audio versions of the shows will remain normal on all podcast platforms.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Barstool Sports and bring their top video podcasts to Netflix,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of content licensing and programming strategy, in a statement to Front Office Sports. “This partnership broadens how our members connect with Barstool’s leading sports voices and delivers exactly what our members crave: unfiltered commentary, sharp takes, and undeniable humor. We look forward to giving fans another exciting way to engage with the conversations they love on Netflix.”

Yesterday, iHeartMedia, the nation’s leading audio company, and Netflix announced an exclusive video podcasting partnership that will bring more than 15 original iHeartPodcasts to the streaming service. The deal includes all new episodes of participating shows, as well as select episodes from their existing libraries.

Earlier this year, Netflix and Spotify have announced a new partnership to bring some of the digital audio company’s biggest podcasts to the video streaming platform next year. Many of the podcasts included in the deal are from The Ringer, which was launched by Bill Simmons in 2016 and purchased by Spotify in 2020 for $250 million. The network’s roster features more than 50 programs.

The announcement signals a growing trend for Netflix, where popular podcasts are increasingly securing partnerships with the streaming platform. As the podcast prepares for its Netflix debut, fans can expect the same mix of sports commentary, interviews, and comedic segments that have made Pardon My Take a cultural touchstone in sports media.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

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