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FOX Sports Invests With Shadow Lion, Tom Brady’s Founded Creative Agency and IP Studio

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FOX Sports Invests With Shadow Lion, Tom Brady’s Founded Creative Agency and IP Studio

FOX Sports has entered into a strategic investment with Shadow Lion. The creative studio co-founded by Tom Brady. A move designed to expand the network’s reach in original programming, digital storytelling, and live event production.

The investment, announced Wednesday, brings together FOX Sports’ expansive production infrastructure and Shadow Lion’s reputation for talent-led storytelling. The two sides plan to develop a slate of new sports and lifestyle content that aims to push creative boundaries and strengthen FOX’s presence in premium longform and digital formats.

“We could not be more excited about this investment,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports. “Shadow Lion’s track record of original, award-winning content; their partnerships with talent, and their growth vision were highly attractive to FOX Sports. Fusing their talent-forward platform with our capabilities will enable us to nurture the next generation of sports storytelling and set the bar for excellence.”

Boston-based Shadow Lion, which will open a Los Angeles hub on the FOX lot, has earned praise for its blend of advertising and entertainment work. Creating branded campaigns and original programming that connect athletes, creators, and audiences.

The partnership is already in motion. Among the first projects is a docuseries on the University of Michigan football program. Brady and head coach Jim Harbaugh are serving as executive producers and Shadow Lion leading production services. The series is being positioned as a definitive look at the Wolverines’ history and impact, blending nostalgia and modern-day storytelling.

Shadow Lion Co-Founder Gilad Haas said the collaboration aims to create projects that capture the emotion of sports. In ways that resonate beyond the field.

“This collaboration comes down to delivering ideas that move people through the shared experience of sport,” Haas said. “FOX brings unmatched sports DNA. Shadow Lion brings unmatched talent, creativity, and agility. Together, we’ll inspire fans by telling the stories that will become tomorrow’s legends.”

Brady, who transitioned from an iconic 23-year NFL career into a growing media portfolio, said the partnership builds on his passion for storytelling and connection.

“Our team at Shadow Lion and FOX Sports share an extraordinary love for sports, storytelling, and the fan experience,” Brady said. “We’re starting with Michigan because it shaped me and it will shape the direction of this partnership. Fan-first, done right, every single time. That’s the vision.”

In addition to the Michigan docuseries. Shadow Lion is also producing the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a celebrity event at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside OBB Media and Fanatics. FOX and Shadow Lion said several more projects are already in development and will be announced later this year.

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John Flaherty Departs YES Network After 20 Years

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John Flaherty Departs YES Network After 20 Years

The YES Network is reshaping its New York Yankees broadcast team, parting ways with longtime analyst and play-by-play voice John Flaherty as the network looks to streamline its game coverage around marquee commentators David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Girardi, sources confirmed to The Athletic.

Flaherty, 58, had been part of YES Yankees telecasts for two decades, joining the booth immediately after retiring from a 14-year Major League catching career that included three seasons with the Yankees. His departure marks the end of a long run that helped connect the franchise’s modern coverage to its post-dynasty era.

The decision, according to multiple reports including The Athletic, aligns with YES’s plan to emphasize star power in its booth. Cone, O’Neill, and Girardi were all members of the Yankees’ championship core during the late 1990s and early 2000s. All are expected to rotate in pairs next season.

In addition to Flaherty’s exit, part-time analysts Jeff Nelson and Dave Valle will also not return for the 2026 season. A YES spokesperson confirmed all three moves to The Athletic.

Flaherty told The Athletic he wasn’t surprised by the decision. He was told from YES executive producer Jared Boshnack on Monday that the network declined his option back in August.

“I was kind of prepared for it so I think that helped,” Flaherty said. “It quickly went from. The reality that you are not going to be back to what a great run for 20 years… I just became very grateful for what a long and great run it has been at YES and being connected with the Yankees all those years.”

Flaherty added that while the transition is bittersweet. He’s intrigued by the possibility of new opportunities either inside or outside baseball for the first time in nearly four decades.

As it does every offseason, YES is conducting a full evaluation of its game and studio production teams. These continue to feature Bob Lorenz and Jack Curry as pre- and postgame anchors.

The network has made similar recalibrations before. In 2022, YES experimented with Carlos Beltran and Cameron Maybin as analysts but quickly pivoted after limited success. This latest overhaul further reflects the network’s push to focus on its championship-era personalities—Cone, O’Neill, and Girardi—who remain the familiar faces of Yankees nostalgia and broadcast credibility.

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Dana Jacobson, Michelle Miller, Streaming Shows Cut From CBS News Amid Paramount Skydance Layoffs

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Dana Jacobson, Michelle Miller, Streaming Shows Cut From CBS News Amid Paramount Skydance Layoffs

Layoffs have begun at Paramount Skydance, with more than 100 CBS News employees seeing their positions eliminated. Names and programs cut are starting to trickle out, with Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller seeing their jobs slashed.

CBS Saturday Mornings is being gutted, with Jacobson and Michelle Miller exiting, as is Executive Producer Brian Applegate.

Additionally, the network is cancelling its streaming-only shows that follow CBS Mornings and CBS Evening News on the CBS News 24/7 streaming platform. Adriana Diaz and Tony Dokoupil anchored CBS Mornings Plus — which aired from 9-10 AM ET, while John Dickerson helmed the CBS Evening News Plus program, which directly followed the nightly newscast.

Furthermore, the network is closing its Johannesburg bureau in a cost-cutting measure.

The cuts come just over two months after the merger of Paramount and Skydance was officially closed, receiving government approval for the move. The merger was part of an $8.4 billion deal between the two organizations.

In a memo to staffers this morning, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison shared that the company was “addressing redundancies” that resulted from the merger between Paramount and Skydance. He also added that the company was “phasing out roles that are no longer aligned with our evolving priorities.”

Furthermore, Ellison shared that the cuts were “necessary” and ” designed to strengthen our focus on growth” for the new company’s “long-term success.”

As part of the eliminations, Paramount Skydance hopes to cut $2 billion from its annual operating budget.

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Armen Williams Named Executive Director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 Programming

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Armen Williams Named Executive Director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 Programming

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One has tapped veteran programmer Armen Williams to serve as Executive Director of Westwood One Sports 24/7 Programming, the company announced Wednesday. Williams will lead the development and production of the network’s new around-the-clock sports content platform. He officially joins the team on Monday, November 3.

In his new role, Williams will oversee all aspects of Westwood One’s sports talk content, including day-to-day technical operations, brand management, and social media strategy. He will also be responsible for assembling a team of hosts and producers to drive the network’s lineup of original programming, featuring live conversations, interviews, listener interaction, and signature benchmarks.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be in audio—the industry is thriving, innovative, and constantly evolving,” Williams said in a statement. “This is a unique opportunity to build on the incredible foundation created by our partners at Audacy and BetMGM and combine it with the reach, heritage, and credibility of Westwood One Sports. I’m honored to help shape the next chapter, delivering smart, entertaining, and authentic sports content for listeners everywhere.”

The move marks another step in Westwood One’s continued investment in live and on-demand sports content, building on its legacy as a key audio partner for the NFL, NCAA, and major sports events.

Williams brings more than two decades of experience in programming and content leadership. He has held senior roles at Audacy, Bonneville, and Townsquare Media, where he guided successful sports and talk brands while developing creative strategies that expanded both audience and engagement. His background includes experience in market leadership and brand development across multiple formats and platforms.

Westwood One executives believe Williams’ vision and leadership will play a crucial role in defining the future of the company’s sports strategy.

“Armen is a passionate and experienced leader who is the perfect choice to help us launch our first-class, all-sports network at Westwood One,” said Bruce Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Sports / Content & Audience. “His vision is exactly what we need to define a new era in national sports talk audio.”

Williams previously served as the brand manager for SportsRadio 610 in Houston. He announced in 2022 that he was leaving the radio station he called home since 2019 to pursue interests outside of radio. Williams’ career also had stops at 104.3 The Fan in Denver, 104.5 ESPN in Albany, NY and 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

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Skyview Networks Announces Partnership with Veritone

BNM Staff
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Skyview Networks Announces Partnership with Veritone

Skyview Networks has announced it has entered into a partnership with Veritone that will commence on January 1st.

On that date, Veritone will work with Skyview to increase its VeriAds service, which provides broadcast companies with new opportunities for advertising revenue with minimal operational support.

“We are thrilled to partner with Skyview Networks and its leadership team,” said Veritone Vice President of Sales Paul Cramer. “Their impressive track record in the market is a huge asset that will be instrumental in allowing us to continue to provide our nearly 2,000 radio station customers with on-air inventory optionality, combined with strong affiliate traffic and compliance operations.”

“There are few companies in the audio media space providing services as innovative and essential as Veritone,” said Skyview Networks President and CEO Steve Jones. “This new partnership further strengthens Skyview’s robust client portfolio, ensuring our advertisers continue to achieve scale and reach that maximizes their investment objectives while providing exceptional customer service and results.”

Vertione has been helping shape the media landscape for more than a decade, utilizing AI-powered solutions like its Attribute and Discover programs, in addition to the VeriAds network.

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Dan Le Batard on Michael Jordan NBC Sports Appearances: “I Don’t Want More of This”

BSM Staff
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Dan Le Batard on Michael Jordan NBC Sports Appearances: “I Don’t Want More of This”

Veteran sports media personality Dan Le Batard is speaking out against NBC Sports’ ongoing strategy of featuring Michael Jordan in its NBA coverage. Calling the approach repetitive and overhyped. Le Batard, known for his candid commentary on sports media, said today on The Dan Le Batard Show that he has an issue with how the network has presented Jordan’s insights on a weekly basis.

“This is just Michael Jordan getting applause for an opinion. I don’t want more of this. I don’t want more of a taped interview or the milking a taped interview all season. That is not what I want,” Le Batard said, making clear that he sees little value in NBC’s current method.

He explained that the network’s approach diminishes the quality of the content over time.

“When someone sits down with Michael Jordan or anyone for an hour, what you get is the three best minutes. Here, you’re going to get the whole hour. You’re going to get everything he and Tirico talked about spliced out over time. So that by the finals, there’s nothing left but Michael Jordan giving you clichés because they had to give you the best stuff early,” Le Batard said.

Jordan joined NBC Sports this season. As NBA games return to the network that hosted the league from 1990 to 2002. NBCUniversal signed an 11-year agreement with the NBA to return to broadcasting games beginning this season. Jordan signed on as a “special contributor” to the coverage.

Tuesday night’s airing was the second in NBC’s strategy of breaking down an extended interview with Jordan and peppering throughout the season. Packaging them as weekly insights from the NBA legend. While the network has promoted the segments as must-see content for fans. Le Batard argues that the technique has made the appearances predictable and repetitive.

He singled out Jordan’s commentary on load management as an example.

“Here’s Michael Jordan giving you the most predictable position possible about load management. Everyone’s going to applaud this. Play as much as Michael Jordan does,” Le Batard said, highlighting what he perceives as the limitations of presenting the same soundbites over time rather than providing fresh, substantive insight.

While Le Batard has commented that he’s enjoyed overall the coverage of NBC Sports and Peacock, the Jordan segments have stuck out. For Le Batard, the decision is clear: the current format of Michael Jordan’s appearances does not meet the mark, and he’s ready to see a different approach, or no approach at all.

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1110 KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer Announces Retirement, Scott Voorhees to Move to Mornings

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1110 KFAB’s Gary Sadlemyer Announces Retirement, Scott Voorhees to Move to Mornings

After nearly 50 years at the station, 1110 KFAB morning host Gary Sadlemyer has announced he is stepping away from the iHeartMedia Omaha news/talk station.

On Wednesday morning, Sadlemyer announces his intention to retire on Friday, December 12th, one day shy of his 49th anniversary of working at the station, and 53 years in radio overall.

“People have been asking me for — no exaggeration — 10 or more years, ‘How long are you going to keep doing this?'” Sadlemyer said. “I’ve been thinking about the general idea of retiring or stepping back for a long time. Our dear departed friend Jack Payne, one of the greatest ever at KFAB, I talked to him several years ago, and it was kind of on my mind. He said, ‘Make sure you’re ready.’ I finally came to the realization over the course of this past year that I think I am. You notice the choice of words, I ‘think’ I am. It took a while.

Gary Sadlemyer added that with the passing of his wife eight years ago, a larger burden on operating his household and his life has made him more interested in retirement, and spending more time with his grandchildren.

“I have a daughter who has three little kids. I have a son who has three little kids. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a call, ‘Dad, let’s do this,’ and I say ‘I can’t. I’m sorry.’ Well, I don’t like that,” he said. “They’re still little, but I want to have more time with them.”

Current late morning host Scott Voorhees is going to move from the 9-11 AM timeslot into morning drive as the replacement for Sadlemyer.

“I’m so thrilled about (Voorhees being named my replacement),” Sadlemyer said. “He’s great, he’s wonderful.”

“I’m excited to join the morning team to continue to make KFAB Omaha’s well-informed, trusted friend with whom you laugh, cry, and get through the day together –the ideals that Gary embodies better than anyone,” Voorhees added in a statement.

Gary Sadlemyer is a member of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, where he was enshrined in 2011.

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The Daily Wire Adding Podcast From Matt Fradd in 2026

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The Daily Wire Adding Podcast From Matt Fradd in 2026

The Daily Wire has announced plans to add Pints With Aquinas, and it’s host, Matt Fradd, to the company beginning in 2026.

Pints with Aquinas is a Catholic-based community, with an accompanying podcast created and hosted by Fradd.

In a video published to social media, Fradd revealed he and his podcast were joining the digital outlet founded by Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing at the turn of the calendar. Fradd shared that he has long been a fan of the company and it’s CEO, Caleb Robinson.

“I’ve admired (Caleb), and The Daily Wire, for a long time,” Fradd said in his announcement.

He later shared that he was skeptical of the partnership, but began to realize that the partnership with be beneficial to him and the Pints with Aquinas brand.

“I’m really excited, because I can focus on what I love doing and they can focus on blowing it up.”

“We’re excited for Matt to continue inspiring our culture to think more clearly, live more virtuously, and love God more deeply,” the company shared on social media. “Pints isn’t changing — it’s just getting bigger.”

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NBCUniversal Partners With iHeartMedia for Exclusive Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Audio Partnership

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NBCUniversal Partners With iHeartMedia for Exclusive Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Audio Partnership

NBCUniversal and iHeartMedia are joining forces once again to deliver comprehensive audio coverage of the upcoming Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, set for February 6-22, 2026. The partnership will feature 24/7 play-by-play coverage, original podcasts, and Olympic-themed content from some of iHeart’s top shows.

“Coming off the tremendous success we had in Paris. We’re excited to renew this partnership with iHeartMedia and provide fans with the best Olympic audio content,” said Aileen Sokol, VP of Content Partnership Development at NBC Sports. “From podcasts featuring stars Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers. To daily coverage of all our linear programming. This partnership allows iHeart’s extensive audio audience to hear NBCU’s Olympic coverage away from their televisions and screens.”

iHeartRadio will provide continuous play-by-play coverage across its audio channels. Giving fans access to every gold-medal finish and key moment from the Games. Coverage will highlight Team USA’s top events, including figure skating, speed skating, skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey.

Michael Biondo is iHeartMedia’s President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. He emphasized the network’s commitment to connecting audiences with the athletes and stories of the Olympics.

“We’re eager to build upon our relationship with NBCUniversal and once again deliver premium audio coverage of the Olympic Games. This time focusing on the awe-inspiring athletes and incredible stories set to come from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games,” Biondo said.

Podcasts will play a central role in the partnership. Bowen Yang of Saturday Night Live and actor-comedian Matt Rogers will return to host a new season of Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics, debuting weekly episodes in January ahead of the Opening Ceremony.

Additionally, iHeartPodcasts will produce Olympic-themed episodes for popular shows. These include Stuff You Missed in History Class, Ridiculous History, Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History.

The 2026 Winter Games will take place across northern Italy, from Milan to Cortina, with events spread across multiple venues. This marks the second time Cortina has hosted the Winter Olympics. The first being in 1956, and the fourth time Italy has held an Olympic Games. Including the 1960 Rome Olympics and the 2006 Torino Winter Games.

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Brett Favre Launches Podcast Entitled ‘4th And Favre’

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Brett Favre Launches Podcast Entitled ‘4th And Favre’

Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is making a new play off the field with the launch of his sports-centric podcast, 4th and Farve. The show, which debuted this week, teams Favre with filmmaker and author David Kano to break down the latest news, trends, and hot takes in the sports world.

Favre, who spent 20 seasons in the NFL, is widely regarded as one of the league’s most durable and accomplished quarterbacks. He played 302 regular-season games. The most in NFL history. He also led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997, and won three consecutive MVP awards. Known for his leadership and ability to perform under pressure. Favre remains an iconic figure in football and a natural voice for sports commentary.

“I encounter Packer fans probably more than anything,” said Favre when asked about his following. “They’re probably the most loyal and and faithful fans anywhere. So, I’m going assume that’s probably more than anything why I’m still somewhat current. If you want to call it that.”

Joining Favre is David Kano, whose work as a filmmaker and author has focused on compelling storytelling and critical societal issues. Kano directed Concussed: The American Dream, a documentary examining the impact of CTE and sports-related head injuries. He also penned Hendo: The American Athlete, a memoir chronicling the life of two-time Olympic wrestler and first MMA double champion Dan Henderson.

Favre actually announced the podcast over a year ago on an Instagram post, but has finally released the first episode on YouTube.

Together, Favre and Kano aim to provide a mix of sports analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and cultural context. According to the duo, 4th and Farve will explore topics ranging from NFL matchups and legendary players to broader conversations about health, media, and the evolving landscape of professional sports.

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