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Don LaGreca: WFAN Potentially Losing Brandon Tierney, Sal Licata a “Horrible Mistake”

BSM Staff
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Don LaGreca: WFAN Potentially Losing Brandon Tierney, Sal Licata a “Horrible Mistake”

WFAN’s recent reported programming changes, including the addition of Craig Carton to the afternoon drive slot, have drawn sharp commentary from longtime New York sports radio personalities Don LaGreca and Peter Rosenberg, who expressed concern for Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, whose show will no longer air according to reports.

On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN New York’s Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg, LaGreca described the network’s decision as a “horrible mistake” and praised Tierney and Licata for their abilities on the microphone.

“I think those are two exceptionally talented guys. Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata are made to be talk radio guys,” LaGreca said. “I’m told by our company, they’re not our competition, so I don’t have any problem bringing this up.”

LaGreca expanded on the broader challenges facing the radio industry, emphasizing the personal impact of programming shifts.

“This business is a really bad spot right now. And to see two guys that I know personally… it sounds like two empty chairs when the music stops. That sucks. Those are two guys that have families. Those are two guys that work their ass off, and it’s a huge mistake,” he said.

While acknowledging that his own show does not compete in the Nielsen ratings, LaGreca expressed sympathy for Tierney and Licata.

“We [Don, Hahn, & Rosenberg] don’t benefit from that mistake, because, again, we’re not rated, and so we’re not competing with them. I feel real bad for two people that I consider friends, and if they’re not working, New York’s less for it,” he added.

Rosenberg echoed LaGreca’s concerns, noting the limited opportunities in New York sports radio for displaced talent.

“It’s the thing you hate about this business, if someone else gets an opportunity, whether they’re deserving or undeserving, that’s our opinion. People get left out,” Rosenberg said. “In this market, Don, there aren’t a lot of opportunities to do it. So where do you go? It’s a very challenging thing. There aren’t that many different places that you can go play the game. So it sucks for those guys.”

Under the reported changes, Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber would shift to the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. block. The move would be Roberts’ second major schedule change in two years and would place the duo against ESPN New York’s midday show. Meanwhile, Carton is reported to have a new partner. FAN overnight host Chris McMonigle has emerged as the leading candidate to join him. The expectation is the removal of BT & Sal from their current timeslot on the legacy sports radio brand.

Audacy and WFAN have not officially confirmed the lineup changes nor provided public comment on the matter.

LaGreca’s own future with ESPN New York still is an unknown. When ESPN New York launched Don, Hahn, & Rosenberg in January this year, the station also announced contract extensions for Hahn and Rosenberg. With his new role with the New Jersey Devils, LaGreca confirmed his current agreement with ESPN New York expires at the end of 2025.

“What I learned from Michael [Kay] is it’s a difficult balance—it can be all-consuming. If I learned anything, it’s to take care of yourself, because with the travel and the amount of time on air, if you’re not careful, you’ll get sick and wear yourself out,” noted LaGreca to Barrett Media in October. “My contract is up at the end of the year. I have seven-year-old twins, so right now every decision I make is based on what’s best for my family.”

With just weeks remaining on his deal, LaGreca reflected on his continued dedication to the radio program and station, saying ESPN has been amazing to him every step of the way.

“I’m a 57-year-old father of seven-year-old twins. So, time is as important to me as money. In a lot of ways, it’s even more valuable than money,” explained LaGreca. “As I weigh my options of staying or going, it’s all about what’s best for my family.”

ESPN New York or Good Karma Brands have not announced a new extension as of yet for LaGreca.

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.

Candace Owens Backs Out of Appearing at Turning Point USA Event Refuting Her Claims

BNM Staff
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Candace Owens Backs Out of Appearing at Turning Point USA Event Refuting Her Claims

After initially agreeing to appear at a Turning Point USA event refuting her recent claims, Candace Owens has made other plans.

On Wednesday, The Charlie Kirk Show‘s Blake Neff said that the organization would host an event addressing many of the claims that Owens — who has asserted Turning Point USA had “betrayed” Charlie Kirk, among other items — and offered her the chance to appear in person.

“If Candace is available, we would sincerely welcome her participation in that live stream at our studio here in Phoenix,” Neff said. “At this point, we believe the ball is back in her court. Our motivation for doing this is not out of any obligation to Candace. It is about honoring Charlie. We feel a deep responsibility to protect his legacy, his work and the truth.”

In response, Owens said the date and time proposed didn’t work for her, but she would accept anyway.

“We will happily cancel the daily podcast and will join you guys virtually instead for the livestream on the 15th if that works on your end?” Owens said in a post on social media. “Let’s lock it in?”

However, she has since said she would instead host her own livestream that coincides with the Turning Point USA event to respond to the statements made by the organization.

“It has been decided by the public that the best response for this is for my team to livestream your livestream and provide commentary. Since you already picked our regular podcasting time, we look forward to providing live responses to your ‘once and for all’ answers.”

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.

Erika Kirk to Guest Host The Five on Fox News

BNM Staff
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Erika Kirk to Guest Host The Five on Fox News

Erika Kirk is slated to co-host on The Five next week as part of one of many items of promotion on Fox News for her late husband’s, Charlie Kirk, upcoming book.

On Monday, December 8th, Erika Kirk will sit down for an interview to air on Hannity at 9 PM ET.

The following morning, she’ll appear on FOX & Friends before sitting down for an interview with Fox News Radio’s The Brian Kilmeade Show.

On Tuesday afternoon, she will guest host The Five from 5-6 PM ET, in addition to appearing on the full hour of Outnumbered from 12-1 PM ET on Wednesday, December 10th.

On Thursday, December 11th, she’ll appear for an interview on Will Cain Country, the Fox News Radio show and podcast.

The appearances from Erika Kirk are part of a promotional tour for STOP, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life. The book was written by her late husband, who finished the manuscript a month before his September assassination.

Kirk’s appearances on Fox News will come before a scheduled town hall event with CBS News, which is scheduled to be moderated by Bari Weiss. That broadcast will be recorded on Wednesday, December 10th, and will receive a special weekend broadcast on Saturday, December 13th.

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.

Nielsen: Live Sports Dominated Viewership During Thanksgiving Week

BSM Staff
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Nielsen: Live Sports Dominated Viewership During Thanksgiving Week

Live sports once again dominated American television over Thanksgiving week, and this time they didn’t just win — they made history. According to Nielsen’s Top 25 Live Sports Events Telecasts for the week of November 24–30, the NFL, college football, college basketball and even the National Dog Show delivered record-setting audiences across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.

CBS led the week with the biggest headline: its Thanksgiving afternoon matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys drew 57.23 million viewers, making it the most-watched NFL regular-season game in league history. The number reinforces the Cowboys’ position as the sport’s — and television’s — most reliable draw, while placing another milestone on the NFL’s increasingly dominant ratings calendar.

Meanwhile, FOX Sports posted its own historic win earlier in the day. The network’s coverage of the Green Bay Packers–Detroit Lions game, simulcast on Tubi, reached 47.7 million viewers. The telecast is now the most-watched regular-season game in FOX Sports history, adding another data point to the network’s strong fall football surge.

NBC also capitalized on the holiday window according to Nielsen. Its Thanksgiving night broadcast of the Cincinnati Bengals–Baltimore Ravens matchup, simulcast on Peacock and Telemundo, averaged 28.4 million viewers — the largest audience ever for the league’s primetime Thanksgiving slot. And on Friday, Amazon Prime Video set a new streaming benchmark, with 16.33 million viewers watching the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles in what is now the most-watched Black Friday Football game to date.

In total, the NFL controlled eight of the Top 12 telecasts across FOX, NBC, CBS, Prime Video, ABC and ESPN/ESPN2.

College football also delivered significant wins. The Ohio State–Michigan rivalry, long one of the sport’s premier television engines, once again proved its value. FOX’s broadcast averaged 18.42 million viewers — the largest college football audience of the season and the No. 5 telecast of the week.

ABC delivered a strong slate as well, highlighted by Texas–Texas A&M (13.04 million, No. 10) and Alabama–Auburn (11.31 million, No. 13). In all, college football secured 12 of the Top 25 slots across five networks, including three games topping 10 million viewers.

College basketball also found its moment in the spotlight according to Nielsen.

Thanksgiving Day produced the sport’s biggest regular-season audiences in more than three decades. Duke–Arkansas drew 6.81 million viewers, the most-watched regular-season college hoops game on any network since the 1992–93 season. Michigan–North Carolina followed closely, delivering 6.50 million viewers — the largest college basketball audience in FOX history.

Beyond the gridiron and hardwood, the National Dog Show continued its Thanksgiving tradition, averaging 12.8 million viewers on NBC and Peacock and landing at No. 11 overall. ESPN also cracked the list with its Timberwolves–Thunder NBA broadcast, which ranked No. 24.

Overall, sports dominated the week’s television landscape, securing nine of the top 10 telecasts — a reminder that even in an era of fragmentation, live games remain the industry’s most powerful engine.

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.

FOX Sports Announces Jameis Winston To appear on FOX NFL Sunday

BSM Staff
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FOX Sports Announces Jameis Winston To appear on FOX NFL Sunday

FOX Sports is calling on one of the NFL’s most entertaining personalities this weekend, announcing that New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston will appear on both FOX NFL Kickoff and FOX NFL Sunday. The veteran passer, known as much for his charisma as his arm talent, is set to rejoin the network after previously serving as a correspondent during Super Bowl LIX.

Winston’s return to FOX comes at a natural time. The Giants are on their bye week, and the former No. 1 overall pick has already delivered two starts for New York this season.

While stepping in under center, he has thrown for 567 yards with two passing touchdowns and another score on the ground. He has also tossed two interceptions and posted an 83.3 passer rating while completing 56.9% of his passes. Though the sample size is small, Winston has provided flashes of steadiness for a Giants team still searching for offensive rhythm.

Winston worked Super Bowl LIX previously for FOX, he quickly became a social-media staple. He danced through the streets of New Orleans, sampled local food and peppered players with playful questions during Super Bowl Opening Night.

The most memorable moment may have come when he asked Eagles star Saquon Barkley where he should sign in free agency. Winston followed the advice — and ultimately landed with the Giants.

Beyond his larger-than-life personality, Winston brings a decade of NFL experience and statistical production that adds credibility to his on-air presence. His upbeat demeanor, trademark optimism and tendency to generate viral moments have made him one of the league’s most beloved figures.

Conversely, Winston’s teammate Russell Wilson also will be making television appearances on Sunday as CBS Sports announced Wilson will be a part of the network’s pre-game coverage on Sunday as well.

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.

WFAN Executive Producer Dov Kramer Departing Station After 38 Years

BSM Staff
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WFAN Executive Producer Dov Kramer Departing Station After 38 Years

WFAN is preparing for another significant change on and off the air. Executive producer Dov Kramer announced that he will leave the station at the end of the month, concluding a run that has stretched more than 38 years and made him one of the longest-serving behind-the-scenes figures in New York sports radio.

Kramer revealed the news in a social media post, confirming comments made about changes coming to WFAN involving Craig Carton returning to the station.

“As Boomer & Gio alluded to this morning, the On-Air lineup isn’t the only thing changing,” he wrote. “After 38+ years, this is my last month at WFAN. I will always cherish these years, and the relationships built over the many lineup changes. #Onward.”

The announcement marks the end of an era at a station built on stability, legacy personalities and a deeply experienced production staff. Kramer joined WFAN during its earliest years, helping guide the station’s evolution from a bold sports-radio experiment into one of the most influential and recognizable brands in the format.

Kramer assisted with integrating the needs of the studio, control room, IT department and sales Team at WFAN to provide the content WFAN listeners have come to expect for nearly four decades.

Many who have shared time with Kramer thanked him via social media when the news was announced.

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.

Maurice DuBois Set to Exit CBS Evening News at Year’s End

BNM Staff
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Maurice DuBois Set to Exit CBS Evening News at Year’s End

Maurice DuBois’ time leading CBS Evening News is coming to an end less than a year after it started.

In a post to social media, DuBois shared that he will depart the evening newscast on Thursday, December 18th.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime,” he wrote. “What a privilege! To be welcomed into your homes night after night, delivering the news / meeting extraordinary people and telling their stories. I’ll leave filled with gratitude, cherished relationships and amazing memories.”

DuBois joins co-anchor John Dickerson in announcing his exit at year’s end. Dickerson shared in October that he’ll leave his longtime home. He became the first high-profile talent to announce their exit following the addition of Bari Weiss as the network’s new Editor-in-Chief.

In a statement, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski praised Maurice DuBois in advance of his departure.

“Maurice has long represented what we do best at CBS News and Stations,” Cibrowski said. “For more than two decades, he has delivered the day’s biggest stories from our studios in New York and in the field. Maurice is deeply valued and respected as a journalist by all of us and we wish him much success. It is my hope that we can work together again. We will have more details on the next chapter of CBS Evening News in the near future.”

Dickerson and DuBois were named co-anchors of the nightly newscast after longtime anchor Norah O’Donnell exited the role in January. Reports have tied her to returning to the broadcast, while others have stated that CBS Mornings co-anchor Tony Dokoupil could be in line to helm the program.

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.

Several Infinity Sports Network, BetMGM Network Talent Begin Announcing Departures as Westwood One Sports Prepares Launch

BSM Staff
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Several Infinity Sports Network, BetMGM Network Talent Begin Announcing Departures as Westwood One Sports Prepares Launch

Several hosts across the Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network have begun informing listeners that their programs will end at the end of December, as Cumulus Media and Audacy prepare to transition to the launch of the new Westwood One Sports network at the start on December 29.

Audacy and Cumulus Media announced the merger of Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network in October. The announcement was an extension to the partnership between Audacy and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the sole distributor of both Audacy owned networks.

On the BetMGM Network, Bet Sweats hosts Joe Ostrowski and Sam Panayotovich were first to break news that their show will conclude. In October following the news, Ostrowski told listeners, “You’re wondering, what does that mean? It means the end of Bet Sweats. … We intend on being on the air for the next couple of months, that is the plan, plans do change. We were not the power brokers here.” He added that the abrupt nature of the transition has affected the team. “Our worlds have been turned upside down this week… we’re just communicating what is going on with the shows.”

Panayotovich echoed the sentiment, explaining the broader corporate dynamics behind the decision. “We mostly have been kind of walking on eggshells… This is how the corporate media world works,” he said. “This company merges with this company… but not everybody’s going to make it… when you have one network combining with a second network… not everybody’s going to have a slot.”

Cumulus Media has announced that two BetMGM Network programs will remain on the new Westwood One Sports network beginning at the end of the month. You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos will move from afternoon drive to late-mornings airing from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET. Also BetMGM Tonight, hosted by Brad Evans and a to-be-named BetMGM Network host, will air from 6:00–11:00 p.m. ET. The BetMGM Network programming making the shift will continue to be produced by Audacy.

Several Infinity Sports Network talent have also begun making announcements their programs will be ending with the new network launch. Bill Reiter was among the first to address the changes on Reiter Than You. He told listeners that “there are going to be some general changes at the network as this year comes to a close. I can’t speak to and don’t know about all of those details, but I can tell you that my show will not be on the air starting in two weeks.”

Reiter added that his previously scheduled vacation means the final show will air Dec. 19.

“I’ve been doing this show, some version of a different time slots at what was CBS Sports Radio and is now the Infinity Sports Radio Network since 2017 and in a career that has been charmed beyond belief.” He then thanked the executives and producers who helped shape the program over the years. “I have nothing but gratitude and joy … for every person that has allowed me to do this show,” Reiter said, adding that he will “miss people, Chris Olivero and Mark Chernoff and Eric Spitz and Jeff Solano and David Marinick… and to those of you that have listened, thank you.”

Also, The Bart Winkler Show will sign off on December 18. Winkler told his audience via YouTube that “The Infinity Sports Network is changing, and that means that I will not be a part of the new network.” He addressed the uncertainty directly, saying, “It’s because I’ll be unemployed again. I’m getting laid off by the company that laid me off a few years ago. But that is radio, and that is life.”

Cumulus Media announced the hire of sports media personality Drake C. Toll on Wednesday. His program will air Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Westwood One Sports. Currently, the new lineup launching December 29 will feature Toll hosting solo in morning drive. His show will be followed by You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos will air from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET, with Jim Rome anchoring the coveted 3:00–6:00 p.m. ET weekday slot. BetMGM Tonight, hosted by Brad Evans and a to-be-named BetMGM Network host, will air from 6:00–11:00 p.m. ET.

Sources have told Barrett Media that the 12pm-3pm weekday timeslot is currently being arranged. The hope is to officially secure talent in the next two weeks. Overnight programming and weekend programming is also being arranged as part of the Westwood One Sports roster.

There has been no official word on the futures of Infinity Sports Network talents Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff, who have hosted together on the network since 2022. Also the futures afternoon drive host Zach Gelb, Sean Levine, and Pat Boyle are currently unknown. This also includes several staff with the BetMGM Network as well.

Cumulus is expected to unveil the full Westwood One Sports lineup in the coming weeks, marking a significant reshaping of the national sports audio landscape heading into 2026.

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.

CNBC Unveils New Logo After Versant Completes Move Away From NBCUniversal

BNM Staff
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CNBC Unveils New Logo After Versant Completes Move Away From NBCUniversal

As Versant begins the process of officially breaking away from NBCUniversal, a new dawn is taking shape at CNBC.

CNBC has shared a new logo that it will use to lead its branding efforts into its next generation. Gone is the familiar peacock logo that the network has used since 1996.

The network called the new logo “a new mark in our next chapter.”

While CNBC removed the peacock logo that is synonymous with the NBC name, it is not going to undergo a complete rebrand similar to what sister station MS NOW instituted after changing its name from MSNBC.

The new logo will begin being utilized by the financial news network beginning on Saturday, December 13th, the network shared in a post on social media.

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.

Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery to Enter Exclusive Deal Talks

BNM Staff
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Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery to Enter Exclusive Deal Talks

Netflix has prevailed as the winner in the battle to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery. According to The Wrap, WBD is moving into exclusive negotiations with the streaming company. The development sounded unthinkable just weeks ago. It now signals one of the most consequential shifts in modern media.

According to sources close to the situation, Netflix emerged as WBD’s preferred bidder. The company put forward an offer valued at $30 a share for the studio and streaming assets to gain the edge over Paramount and Comcast. The proposal mirrors Paramount’s earlier terms by including a $5 billion breakup fee, underscoring Netflix’s aggressiveness in pursuing this deal.

While the exact composition of the new bid remains undisclosed, previous offers blended cash and stock — standard fare in high-stakes entertainment M&A but notable here because of what’s on the line. Netflix prevailing over Paramount and Comcast caps an intense three-round bidding battle and stands in direct contrast to comments made by Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters just two months ago, when he downplayed the track record of major media mergers. At the time, a Paramount-WBD combination seemed all but inevitable. Today, the script has flipped entirely.

Should talks advance, Netflix would absorb Warner Bros. studios, HBO Max, and a parade of crown-jewel IP from Harry Potter to the DC Universe. For a streamer that once declared its ambition to “be HBO,” the irony of potentially owning HBO is impossible to ignore.

The implications for the content marketplace are just as large. If Netflix finalizes the deal, it would gain unprecedented control of premium storytelling pipelines. That is a power dynamic that regulators are already examining closely.

That scrutiny is expected to be fierce. The outsized breakup fee signals Netflix’s awareness of what lies ahead. The U.S. Department of Justice will take a hard look, with lawmakers already sounding alarms. Rep. Darrell Issa has warned that such a merger could suppress innovation and shrink opportunities for creative talent. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has also voiced broad opposition to further consolidation in entertainment. Bonta is signaling trouble for any mega-deal involving WBD, regardless of the buyer.

Meanwhile, Paramount has raised concerns about the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) sale process. Their attorneys at Quinn Emanuel sent a letter questioning whether WBD was overseeing “a tilted and unfair process”. They suggested that the David Zaslav-led studio was favoring Netflix over other potential buyers.

Paramount’s letter said, “Several U.S. media outlets have reported on the enthusiasm by WBD management for a transaction with Netflix, and on statements by management that a transaction between WBD and Netflix would be a ‘slam dunk,’ while also referring to Paramount’s bid in a negative light,”

Investors, too, are nervous. Netflix shares dipped 5% on Wednesday as the reality of a potential acquisition sunk in. Beyond regulatory friction, Netflix would be forced to wade deeper into the theatrical business. That’s a space the company has long approached cautiously. Hollywood insiders remain skeptical of Netflix’s acquisition of WBD. Some anonymously are urging Congress to intervene amid concerns the merger could hurt competition and consumer choice.

For now, all eyes remain on the negotiating table. The next chapter in this saga could rewrite the power structure in Hollywood and the media industry.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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