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K-LOVE Names Gator Harrison as Chief Media Officer

BMM Staff
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K-LOVE Names Gator Harrison as Chief Media Officer

Gator Harrison is departing as Program Director of The Big 98 in Nashville. He’s joining K-LOVE to serve as the Chief Media Officer.

Harrison has spent more than 40 years in radio. Most recently, he’s served as the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Nashville for the past decade. Additionally, during his tenure, he’s won multiple ACM and CMA awards.

“I dedicated my life to Jesus in 1995 and prayed that he would allow me to do what I love, where I love, all for his glory,” said Harrison. “Through years of growth and preparation, he has faithfully answered that prayer. I am deeply grateful to iHeartMedia for their support and investment in my journey, and I am honored to join the K-LOVE and Air1 family.”

“We are thrilled to welcome such an outstanding industry expert to our team,” said K-LOVE CEO Tom Stultz. “His blend of expertise, coupled with the industry connections and ministry work he so loves, will enhance our mission and further position K-LOVE to inspire people to move closer to Jesus.”

Gator Harrison will officially begin his duties with K-LOVE on Monday, May 11th.

“I’m humbled by this next chapter and thankful that God qualifies the unqualified,” Harrison concluded. I look forward to continuing my life’s work of inspiring others to draw closer to Jesus.”

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.

ESPN Notches Most Viewed NHL Regular Season of Current Rights Agreement

BSM Staff
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ESPN Notches Most Viewed NHL Regular Season of Current Rights Agreement

ESPN delivered its most-watched NHL season of the current rights era, dating to 2021-22. The network aired games across ESPN and ABC. The company averaged 760,000 viewers across 54 games. That figure jumped 30% year over year. It also topped last season’s previous high of 667,000 viewers.

Audience growth extended across key demos. Females increased 36%. Viewers ages 2-17 rose 46%. Adults 25-34 climbed 32%.

Individually, ESPN averaged 602,000 viewers across 38 games. ABC averaged 1.1 million viewers across 16 games. Both marks set new highs for the current rights cycle.

ESPN game telecasts rose 48% compared to last year. ABC increased 33%. ESPN surpassed its 2023-24 average of 487,000 viewers. ABC beat its 2022-23 mark of one million viewers.

On a per-game basis, ESPN dominated the season’s top audiences. The network aired nine of the ten most-watched games. The 2026 NHL Stadium Series led the way. The February 1 matchup drew 2.1 million viewers. That made it the most-watched regular season NHL game ever on cable.

The audience increased 30% versus last year’s Stadium Series game. It also stands as ESPN’s most-watched NHL regular season broadcast on record.

ABC also delivered a strong performance. A Penguins-Red Wings matchup averaged 1.6 million viewers. That figure rose 51% from last year’s first ABC Hockey Saturday game. It marked ABC’s most-watched game of the current deal.

Other tentpole events added momentum. The Opening Night tripleheader averaged 768,000 viewers. Penguins-Rangers ranked as ESPN’s second-best opening night game on cable. The third Frozen Frenzy also showed growth. The Oct. 28 event featured all 32 teams. ESPN’s tripleheader increased 20% year over year.

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.

Bleav Adds Maryann Alvarez, Gretchen Waller to Director of Partnerships Roles

BSM Staff
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Bleav Adds Maryann Alvarez, Gretchen Waller to Director of Partnerships Roles

Bleav continues to build out its sales team as the network accelerates growth. The company announced it has hired Maryann Alvarez and Gretchen Waller as Directors of Partnerships. Both additions strengthen Bleav’s advertising and brand partnerships division.

Bleav reaches more than 500 million annual downloads and views across audio, video, and social platforms.

Alvarez brings experience across several major media companies. Her background includes roles with The New York Times, PRX, Warner Bros. Discovery, and New York Public Radio. She has worked extensively with agencies on cross-platform campaigns.

Waller adds a strong track record in revenue generation. She previously held roles at REALM and True Native Media. Her work focused on structuring and closing integrated podcast campaigns.

The hires arrive as the company expands its commercial strategy. Leadership aims to better connect brands with engaged sports and lifestyle audiences. Both executives will report to Jonathan Dianora, Head of Advertising & Revenue Partnerships.

He joined Bleav earlier this year to scale its internal sales efforts.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Maryann and Gretchen to the team as we continue building Bleav’s advertising and partnerships organization,” said Dianora. “This is a pivotal moment for Bleav as we expand our footprint in the sports and lifestyle space and deepen our relationships with brands and agencies. Maryann and Gretchen bring tremendous experience and energy, and they are incredibly well positioned to help brands connect with our passionate and highly engaged audiences across audio, YouTube, and social.”

Bleav continues to benefit from growing interest in creator-driven content. The network features more than 500 shows hosted by athletes and analysts. With these hires, Bleav continues investing in infrastructure to support partnerships, sponsorships, and host-read campaigns.

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.

Cumulus Names Bill Smith as Oxnard-Ventura Market Manager/VP

BNM Staff
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Cumulus Names Bill Smith as Oxnard-Ventura Market Manager/VP

There’s a new leader for Cumulus in Oxnard-Ventura. Bill Smith has been tabbed as the Market Manager and Vice President for the cluster.

Smith joins the company after previously serving in the same capacity for American General Media in Bakersfield.

Other stops in his career include working as the Local Sales Manager for Hearst Television in Sacramento. He also served as the Director of Sales for News Press Gazette Television in Idaho Falls.

“I’m honored to step into this role at such an important moment for the Oxnard-Ventura market,” Smith said. “My focus is on understanding the needs of our partners, our customers, and our team so we can build on what’s already working while thoughtfully improving where we can. I’m excited to contribute to that process and help us move forward.” 

The Cumulus Media cluster in Oxnard and Ventura includes The New 95.1 KBBY (Hot AC), 100.7 KHAY (Country), KRUZ 103.3 (Classic Hits), and Groovy 106.3 (Oldies).

“We are eager to welcome Bill to lead the Cumulus Oxnard cluster,” said Cumulus Media President ofOperations Bob Walker. ”Bill brings a proven track record of building and leading high-performing sales organizations, along with a commitment to partnering with content teams to create meaningful connections that help local businesses grow. We are excited for the energy, leadership, and results he will bring to the community.”

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.

Audacy’s 104.3 The Score’s Move to FM Scores Winter Book Ratings Success

BSM Staff
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Audacy’s 104.3 The Score’s Move to FM Scores Winter Book Ratings Success

Audacy is already seeing results from its move of 104.3 The Score to the FM dial in Chicago. The station flipped to FM on February 2 and marked the first time its full lineup aired on FM locally. That includes sports talk, analysis, and live play-by-play.

Early returns from the winter ratings book show strong momentum. WSCR-FM finished first among men 25-54 in weekday prime (MON-FRI 6a-7p).

The station’s lineup also delivered in key dayparts.

In the drivetime programs, both Mully and Haugh and Spiegel & Holmes finished or tied for first in the key demographic of men 25-54 for the winter book. Midday program Rahimi, Harris and Grote placed fourth in the demo. However, it ranked as the top talk option in its daypart.

Overall, 104.3 The Score tied for fifth place among men 25-54. It trailed music competitors Q101, 93.3 XRT, 94.7 WLS, and Throwback 100.3.

Audacy continues to simulcast the brand on 670 AM. The dual signal gives listeners more access across platforms. The FM move timing came just days before the end of Nielsen’s January survey period.

Beyond talk, 104.3 The Score remains a major sports audio hub. The station serves as flagship for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls. Listeners can tune in over the air across Chicago. The station also streams nationwide on the Audacy app and at Audacy.com.

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.

Jen Psaki at NAB Show: MS NOW Mightier as a Standalone Network

BNM Staff
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Jen Psaki at NAB Show: MS NOW Mightier as a Standalone Network

When MS NOW completed its spinoff from NBCUniversal under Versant, Jen Psaki wasn’t bracing for a dramatic transformation. But a rebrand from MSNBC to MS NOW did allow the network to refocus, she believes.

Speaking at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Psaki described the transition as far smoother than some may have expected.

“In advance of the transition, there was a bit of anticipation of what this would mean and what would be and how things would change,” Psaki said. “And then we transitioned, and I got off the elevator and just turned right instead of left, because we have a different set of office suites.”

That physical shift, though minor, represented something bigger. The rebrand gave the network an opportunity to define itself on its own terms.

“We were able to, because we’re more of a startup mentality, really decide as a network who we wanted to continue to grow into being,” the Inside with Jen Psaki host shared, “and what we wanted to invest in, and how that was going to help journalism and the journalists that were hired.”

She added that the smaller footprint has become a competitive advantage.

“Now we’re small. We’re smaller, but we’re mightier in a lot of ways,” Psaki said, “and that’s enabled us to be a bit more agile, too.”

Psaki has been with MS NOW since 2022. Her show debuted in March 2023. She appeared on the NAB Show panel with colleague Ari Melber.

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.

Gregg Bell Named New Midday Host At KJR 93.3

BSM Staff
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Gregg Bell Named New Midday Host At KJR 93.3

Seattle sports radio listeners woke up to a new weekday lineup on KJR Sports Radio as Gregg Bell debuted a new show alongside Christopher Kidd this week. Bell and Kidd now host from 10 a.m. to noon. Ian Furness follows immediately, starting an hour earlier than before.

“Thrilled to be back,” Bell wrote in a Monday morning X post. “Like I never left.”

Bell has covered the Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune since 2014. Kidd serves as a KJR executive producer and co-hosts the Seahawks Man 2 Man podcast. Bell said the opportunity came together quickly last week. Still, the transition felt familiar. He has appeared on KJR in multiple roles over the past decade.

Bell and Kidd previously worked together before their show ended in early 2025. Their chemistry returned quickly.

“We have great rapport,” Bell said of Kidd. “I value his input. He’s a Seattle kid, born and raised, and a Coug.”

Bell will continue his reporting duties at the News Tribune. His radio role adds to an already busy schedule.

The announcement follows last week’s news that Marc James departed the Seattle-based station after 14 months in the role. James previously hosted middays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and joined KJR in February 2025. Before Seattle, James worked in Florida, Atlanta, and Boston. Reports noted prior exits and a suspension earlier in his career.

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.

Mike Tomlin Reportedly Joining NBC Sports

BSM Staff
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Mike Tomlin Reportedly Joining NBC Sports

Mike Tomlin is reportedly heading to television, and NBC Sports landed one of the most coveted names in years. The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach will join Football Night in America as a lead studio analyst, according to a report by The Athletic.

Tomlin, 54, has long attracted interest from network executives. His resume of success, insight, and distinct voice made him a natural fit for TV.

According to the reporting, FOX Sports showed interest in Tomlin, but NBC pushed hardest. The network is overhauling its pregame coverage. That shift already led to Tony Dungy exiting after 17 seasons.

NBC may also reshape roles for Rodney Harrison, Jac Collinsworth, and Chris Simms. The goal is fewer voices and more star power. Tomlin joins host Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, and Devin McCourty. NBC still needs to re-sign McCourty. Mike Florio is expected back. Matthew Berry remains part of the mix.

NBC’s pregame show leads in ratings, largely due to its prime-time lead-in. Still, executives reportedly want a fresher look. The network has considered taking the show fully on the road and reducing headcount. Tomlin became the top target early in the process.

Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons with the Steelers. He never posted a losing record. His teams reached 13 postseasons and won a single Super Bowl. NBC seized the opportunity and secured a major addition.

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.

CNN Adds Jacob Ward as Contributor

BNM Staff
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CNN Adds Jacob Ward as Contributor

CNN is adding author and The Rip Current founder Jacob Ward to its roster of contributors.

Jacob Ward is an investigative journalist who primarily focuses on the AI and surveillance spaces. He launched his Substack — The Rip Current — last year to serve as the home of his work.

Ward previously worked for outlets like NBC News and PBS in advance of joining CNN. He’s also written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and Wired.

He also authored the 2022 book “The Loop,” which detailed the rise of AI and the dangers associated with the technology.

In a post on social media, Ward shared the news and his excitement for joining CNN.

“Twenty-plus years covering technology, power, and democracy — at NBC News, Al Jazeera, Popular Science, and through my own investigative work at The Rip Current — has led to this,” Ward wrote. “I’m grateful, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

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.

NAB President Curtis LeGeyt Highlights Conference as Innovation During Industry Change

BSM Staff
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NAB President Curtis LeGeyt Highlights Conference as Innovation During Industry Change

NAB Show 2026 is putting the media industry’s rapid evolution on full display. With more than 60,000 attendees from over 160 countries have gathered to see what’s next, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the event reflects a business shifting quickly from concept to execution.

He pointed to artificial intelligence, streaming sports, and the creator economy as key drivers.

“It’s a chance to see where this business is going… to discover the tools and technologies impacting how content is created, distributed and experienced,” LeGeyt said during the Opening Session.

Across the exhibit floor, innovation is no longer theoretical. AI-powered production tools are in use today. Cloud-based workflows continue to expand. New distribution platforms are actively reshaping content delivery.

LeGeyt emphasized that these advancements are already influencing production and post-production. Dedicated areas highlight that momentum towards the future. That future is already underway. From AI-powered production tools to cloud-based workflows and next-generation distribution platforms, LeGeyt emphasized that innovation is no longer theoretical.

“New tools are moving from concept to real-world use across production, post and distribution,” he said.

AI Innovation Pavilions and the Creator Lab showcase practical applications. The expanded Sports Summit signals increased focus on rights, partnerships, and fan engagement. LeGeyt encouraged attendees to focus on immediate takeaways.

“All of this is designed to do one thing — help you see what’s working now and apply it to your businesses right away,” he said.

LeGeyt also addressed the challenges facing broadcasters. Competition continues to rise. Change remains constant. Pressure is coming from every direction. Still, LeGeyt sees opportunity.

“The stories we tell don’t just reflect who we are,” he said. “They allow us to understand where we’ve been and shape who we become.”

Creators are scaling their businesses faster. Cloud technology is enabling global collaboration. Emerging platforms are opening new revenue streams. The message from Las Vegas is clear. The future of media isn’t coming. It’s already here.

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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