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How Jennie Taer of The Daily Wire is Covering the Southern Border

Krystina Alarcon Carroll
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How Jennie Taer of The Daily Wire is Covering the Southern Border

Behind the brush and deep through the waters of the Rio Grande, journalists unearth some of the most difficult stories the North American continent has to offer: the life-and-death struggles at the border. Jennie Taer covers the border for The Daily Wire, and says it’s something she never planned on.

“I never really chose this [career]. It chose me,” she told Barrett Media.

The University of Arizona graduate was expecting to work in politics upon graduation, but after an internship with Laura Ingraham’s radio show and a job offer from then-Fox News contributor Sara Carter, there was no looking back.

Her first ride-along with Customs and Border Protection agents was with Carter, who is now President Donald Trump’s “Drug Czar” (aka Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy). She took Taer under her wing.

“She was really, and still is, a mentor to me,” Taer proudly said of her friend.

Taer recalled her “intense reaction” from her first late-night tour of the border. “It was when we were starting to see that big rush [of people coming over during the Biden administration],” she said.

“It was dark, we were in the brush, and I will never forget all of a sudden, you just see a group of people emerge. Women, children, babies, men crying [for help],” Taer attested. “Just the sounds, the feelings, the everything. It just took me out of my comfort zone.”

The desperate cries were “a real manifestation” of desperation. While the cries can be cajoling, it is the silent cries from agents on the border that often go unnoticed by the mainstream media. It’s these silent cries that Taer highlights in her work.

While working for Carter, Taer says she learned “how you gain the trust of sources [and] how you peel back the layers of the onion on any story.”

Soon, sources were coming to Taer as the Biden COVID-19 vaccine crackdown began. “When the Biden administration was really cracking down on [Border Patrol agents] for not getting the COVID vaccine.” What many Americans didn’t know, and what Taer uncovered, is the staggering number of other deadly diseases these agents are exposed to.

“If you go into Border Patrol processing centers, there are isolation rooms for people who have scabies and other illnesses that aren’t so common here,” Taer noted. COVID was the least of these agents’ worries.

Her reporting also underscored how many people were coming from outside of Central and South America. “We were seeing people from Mauritania, we were seeing people from Africa, and Arab countries, and China,” Taer declared.

The emotional toll open border policies had on agents was staggering. Taer became an outlet for these agents and their families so the American people could see the strain open border policies had placed on them. It was her digital-first approach that made Taer a key reporter.

Today, the Daily Wire reporter is still of a digital-first mindset. “I go on TikTok, and I [can] make short breakdowns of what’s happening in Chicago, what’s happening in Portland. So people who get their news there can see it,” Taer said.

The key to her digital success is “just meeting them where they are” because younger generations are not getting their news from traditional media outlets. It’s a societal shift which Taer is “actually very grateful for.”

“We can really touch every, you know, part of society, and get them up to speed on what’s happening, just by making, you know, a concise, quick video,” she emphasized. It also makes for a very competitive marketplace.

But that doesn’t matter to Taer, as her sources help her break exclusive stories. One of the bigger stories Taer is working on is way north of the border in Chicago. It’s also a story the mainstream media isn’t really focused on.

“Chicago, for so long, has been the story that the mainstream media has gotten totally wrong,” she lamented. “They haven’t reported on the amount of illegal immigrants and the different stories of the ones that have been let go by those authorities there, because of the sanctuary laws, and just because of lax prosecution.”

“To give you an example of that, I uncovered the story of the apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, that were being taken over by the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua,” she recalled.

Digging into the leader operating out of the complex, Taer found one of his associates was not only let go by a judge in Chicago for stashing a gun and bullets (which is a felony), but the person in question was also tied to a violent heist of a jewelry store in Denver. “This had a multi-state impact,” Taer declared. It all could have been stopped if the Chicago judge had cooperated with ICE.

She also railed against the mainstream media for criticizing ICE for the arrest of U.S. citizens. “When a U.S. citizen is actively impeding their operations, they absolutely have authority under federal law to go out and arrest them, and they’re not putting them in detention cells with illegal immigrants. The media is not taking the time to really show the whole of this issue.”

According to Taer, U.S. citizens who are arrested by ICE can be taken back to a processing center until the U.S. Marshals can come and get them. “Then their charges can be pursued by the DOJ. But the mainstream media doesn’t show this.”

Frustrated with how mainstream outlets work, she ridiculed them, saying, “They just sensationalize that a U.S. citizen got arrested by ICE. And people think from that, of course, that ICE is deporting American citizens, which is not the case.” She later added that the murky reporting from other outlets is “such a disservice to readers and to the American people, and it’s not journalism.”

For those looking to follow in Taer’s footsteps, she believes an important thing for young people to do is “always be open to any opportunity that comes your way and say yes and do the best you can at everything you try.”

She also noted it helps to do it all with a smile and a positive attitude. Most importantly, Taer believes young people should seek out mentorship because, for her, “[it] has been the most valuable in my career, because I’m still growing, I’m still learning.”

“I didn’t go to journalism school, and I think, in a way, that gave me an advantage, because I was just this sponge. I just had an open mind, and went into it, and [continue to have] this amazing experience and journey.”

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.

The Path of Rob Roberts’ Lifetime Love Affair With Radio Strives On

Charese Fruge
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The Path of Rob Roberts’ Lifetime Love Affair With Radio Strives On

For Rob Roberts, radio has never been “just a job.” It’s been a lifelong passion—one that began when he was a kid, glued to WMPS/WHBQ listening to Rick Dees in the morning and WLS with John Records Landecker at night.

That early fascination grew into a 50-year journey filled with big markets, legendary stations, and unforgettable wins. Today, Roberts serves as Operations Manager for Cox Media Group in San Antonio, overseeing KSMG, KONO-FM, and CMG’s Top 40 and Hot AC brands—a role he calls the dream job he was hoping for.

“There’s a lack of passion and excitement in some corners of the industry,” says Roberts. “But I still think I have the greatest job in the world. My friends can’t believe I get paid to do what I do, and they’d trade jobs in a second.”

Roberts’ career began in 1974, when he walked into WBAQ-FM in Greenville, Mississippi, and offered to work for free in exchange for learning radio.

“I spent a few months loading cokes in the machine, pulling records for the jocks, and writing bad copy for commercials and PSAs,” he recalled.

Then one afternoon, fate intervened in Roberts’ path toward his future.

“The PM Drive jock quit that morning, and they told me I was on the air at 3 p.m. After calling my parents, I proceeded to do the worst show in the history of radio. But they let me stay on, and I am forever grateful,” said Roberts.

From there, his career took flight. In Lubbock, Texas, at KRLB-FM, he worked his way up from midday jock to Program Director under the mentorship of consultant Lee Randall.

His biggest leap came in 1992, when Mike McVay introduced him to Miami market manager David Ross.

“We immediately connected,” Roberts says. “Ninety days into programming WAXY-FM, he asked if I wanted to add PD duties for Y-100. After confirming I wasn’t being punked, I jumped in with both feet.”

Their first ratings book jumped from a 2.2 to a 4.4—what Roberts considers a defining moment in his career.

Roberts went on to turn Atlanta’s Q100 from a low-power signal into a market leader with The Bert Show and later led WRQX-FM in Washington, D.C., to the #1 spot with Women 25-54 in just over two years. When the station was sold to EMF shortly after, Roberts made a conscious choice to focus on quality of life.

“I wanted to go to a city where my wife and I wanted to live and work with people I liked,” he says. “Market size had no bearing on the decision. That decision was San Antonio.”

The Alamo City proved to be more than just a great place to live. It’s a market with a distinct cultural heartbeat. “San Antonio is about 70% Hispanic, which makes it a completely different city from Austin, just 90 minutes away,” Roberts explains. “What works in Austin won’t work in San Antonio. You have to change hats, your clothes, and how you view life.”

That community connection is at the core of his success.

After the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic and Kerrville, Roberts and his team spent the Fourth of July weekend on Teams organizing a cluster-wide relief effort.

“We were on the air that Monday and broadcasting live Tuesday,” he says. “We raised tens of thousands of pounds of goods for people who lost everything. San Antonio wanted to help its neighbors, and they responded like we knew they would.”

He credits teammates like Marketing Maven Tori Finch, Joe Calgaro (KISS and Eagle PD), and Christi Brooks (Y100 PD) for bringing it to life.

That same spirit runs through the entire CMG San Antonio cluster—from HITS 105.3’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which collects over two million pounds of food, to Y100’s 8 Man Jam event, which donates front-row seats to first responders and raises thousands for charity.

“If there was ever a moment where you could point to and say, ‘that’s the difference in those clusters,’ that would be it,” Roberts says.

When it comes to leadership, Roberts looks for one essential skill: storytelling.

“Whether it’s morning talent or a midday person, the ability to engage the audience with something that matters is key,” he says. His favorite job interview question is simple: ‘Tell me your life story.’ “I’ll know in the first minute if the person can tell a story or not. Let’s just say the person who asked me what I meant didn’t get the job.”

As for what keeps him motivated after all these years—it’s the listeners and the art of connection. “We can fall into the trap of telling people what happened,” Roberts says. “But the audience already gets that from so many sources. What matters is how you tell the story, your take, your spin, your ability to make it fun or shareable. Just telling people the news is easy. Making it memorable is the skill.”

Roberts’ secret sauce might be simple, but it’s timeless: passion, curiosity, and a genuine love for the people on both sides of the mic.

“We have to remember how lucky we are,” he says. “Radio still matters. It always has.”

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.

Why the Return of ‘NBA Showtime’ Showed the Program Is Still a Work in Progress

John Molori
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Why the Return of ‘NBA Showtime’ Showed the Program Is Still a Work in Progress

Tuesday, October 21, was indeed a historic night, both on the hardcourt and on the air, as the NBA returned to NBC. The network aired its first NBA game in 1954 and was the home of the league for parts of the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing some of the greatest moments in hoops history.

The renewal of the collaboration began with two excellent Western Conference matchups: Houston at Oklahoma City and Golden State at the Lakers.

Before the games, however, was the pregame, and NBA Showtime returned with the familiar music composed by none other than John Tesh. The program opened with video of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder. Followed by Kevin Durant of the Rockets making their respective ways into Paycom Center. Houston and OKC might just end up being the two best teams in the league this season.

NBA Showtime host Maria Taylor picked up right where she left off as host of NBC’s Football Night in America, preceding the Sunday Night Football broadcast. With Taylor now also the lead host on the NBA on NBC. It cements her as a foundational talent at the network.

On NBA Showtime, Taylor was joined by a trio of former NBA superstars: Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady.

The lower third graphics on the program are excellent. As the panel was speaking, we learned that this was Kevin Durant’s seventh career game as a visitor at OKC. In those previous six games, he has a 4-2 record and is averaging 30.5 points per game against his former club. Another graphic showed that Houston’s starting lineup has an average height of 6‘10” — quite an imposing quintet of players.

Getting back to the three Hall of Famers who joined Taylor, Carmelo Anthony certainly has the name recognition, but his lack of on-air experience showed.

His resume is terrific as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. This hardcourt acumen did not show itself in his commentary. It’s hard to judge a guy in his first stint on big-time national television, but my immediate reaction is that he needs to pick up the energy level. In essence, be himself, but better.

If an analyst is not enthusiastic about what he is saying, the viewers won’t be enthusiastic about listening. Of course, Anthony knows basketball, but this is the NBA on NBC. It is just as much about presentation as it is about knowledge.

Carter, a 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, played 22 NBA seasons. He catapulted from his 1998-99 Rookie of the Year campaign to an incredible career highlighted by some memorable and even mythical dunks. He is the most seasoned TV veteran of NBC’s trio and definitely brings the enthusiasm.

When asked about the biggest storylines in the NBA this season, you could see Carter’s eyes and hear his voice light up as he talked about Durant going to Houston. Carter said that Durant has a chance to change the narrative on his career. Namely that he has never led a team to a title. I disagree. Durant is a two-time champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP with Golden State. While Stephen Curry was and is the face of the Warriors, Golden State would not have become a legendary team without Durant.

I understand Carter’s version of the narrative; I just disagree with the narrative itself. Durant was a 2013-14 NBA MVP and an 11-time All-NBA performer. He is entering his 18th season, having previously played for Seattle/OKC, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.

The third member of the NBA Showtime analyst crew is McGrady. The 2017 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee was a seven-time All-NBA selection and a two-time NBA scoring champion. On the TV skill range, I would put McGrady ahead of Anthony and a bit behind Carter. McGrady’s main storyline involved Durant, Curry, and LeBron James, the three graybeards of the league still performing at a high level when healthy. As he spoke about this legendary triumvirate, a graphic showed that Curry scored 37 points or more in three of four games against the Lakers last season.

To be honest, none of these three gents overly impressed me. Anthony, Carter, and McGrady are no strangers to the spotlight, for sure. They all enjoyed long careers and have done countless interviews on multimedia platforms.

This is different, however, and all three seemed a little jittery, uneasy, and nervous. Taylor tried her best to put her three cohorts at ease, but NBC really challenged her with three relative newcomers on such a giant stage.

The quartet did do a decent job of analyzing OKC’s chances to repeat as NBA champions. They focused on the fact that the team is extremely young but also experienced, having gone through a full playoff run. It was good work again from the graphics crew, showing that the Thunder return 14 of 15 players from the 2024-25 playoff roster. Another graphic showed that the future is bright in OKC, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams locked up contractually for the next few years.

Taylor filed a nice but brief interview with these three OKC stars, talking about the character of the team, winning a title, and the upcoming season.

Coming back from the interview, Anthony, Carter, and McGrady agreed on the positive makeup of this Thunder team. Anthony commented on the club’s attitude and how they welcome the pressure of being repeat champions, while McGrady talked about the cohesion that the Thunder Big 3 possess.

As the discussion moved back to Houston, Jabari Smith Jr. joined Taylor and company on court for an interview. Smith recently signed a five-year, $122 million contract extension with the Rockets and is viewed as one of the real talents on a team that has title hopes this season. Anthony was actually better in asking Smith if the game has slowed down for him as he has matured.

He seemed much more relaxed asking Smith questions than responding to Taylor’s queries. Perhaps as he gains more experience, Anthony can do some pre-recorded interviews to be used as interstitials on the broadcast.

NBA Showtime also featured a quick exchange between Houston vs. OKC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico and game analysts Jamal Crawford and Reggie Miller. Similar to Anthony, Carter, and McGrady, Crawford seemed a bit nervous, speaking far too quickly with his brief blurb. Conversely, Miller is truly one of the bright lights in basketball television, and with the aforementioned neophytes on the broadcast, NBC is fortunate to have him.

I like that NBA Showtime televised the full ring ceremony and banner raising for the Thunder’s 2024-25 NBA Championship banner. Following the ceremony, OKC star Jaylen Williams hit the court and talked with Taylor, Carter, Anthony, and McGrady.

It was fitting that NBA Showtime featured past NBA legends, current stars, two of the youngest teams in the league — the Thunder and Rockets — and two of the oldest teams — the Warriors and Lakers. This night was indeed all about the NBA on NBC’s epic past, exhilarating present, and exciting future.

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.

How the Passing of D’Angelo Brought Out the Best of Urban Radio

Ken Johnson
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How the Passing of D’Angelo Brought Out the Best of Urban Radio

With the loss last week of R&B singer D’Angelo, it was great to hear radio stations step up and embrace the moment. I had the opportunity to appear on a local TV station to talk about D’Angelo — what he meant to R&B music and what he did for urban radio.

In his relatively short time in the spotlight, he had a tremendous impact — one that radio should not pass on honoring.

While I have my opinions about the term neo-soul, D’Angelo was instrumental in keeping R&B prominently on the radio. Not that my approval is needed, but neo-soul was the box that helped R&B break through what was then the dominant genre: rap.

If you recall, the artists dominating the charts at that time were the ones who helped put rap on the map. Don’t act like you didn’t catch that. Just a year before D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar debuted, artists like Slick Rick, Keith Murray, Public Enemy, Da Brat, Redman, Method Man, Warren G — and a couple of other cats out of New York, Nas and The Notorious B.I.G. — were heating things up.

Following D’Angelo’s debut came a wave of artists with a similar sound and vibe. Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Angie Stone — the mother of D’Angelo’s son.

Heritage urban radio stations across the country owe a great deal to D’Angelo. It was good to hear the tributes continue even a week after his passing. Even more satisfying were the creative ways stations found to celebrate him. From concerts and local events to giveaways, on-air music blocks, and tribute promos.

During those discussions about D’Angelo’s passing, I was reminded of his deep passion for music. He was a real student of the genre. But I was also reminded of the darker side of fame. The pressures of being labeled a star, or more accurately, a sex symbol. That label came mostly, if not entirely, after the success of his single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” — or more specifically, the video.

That image didn’t sit well with him, and the pressures that followed did what they often do. Reports of substance abuse and depression soon followed. What makes D’Angelo’s loss even more tragic is that he had to endure that kind of struggle. I don’t know the extent of his handlers’ efforts to help him. I suspect it’s what young Black men are often affected by historically. Hangers-on in the form of friends and family looking for a payday or just to ride the star.

My hope is that today’s artists — especially those who rise quickly because of social media — will hear D’Angelo’s story beyond the success and avoid similar pitfalls.

Hats off to urban radio for celebrating someone who did so much for the format. These are the moments that build esteem for urban brands. The things that set us apart from other stations in the market.

Unfortunately, these opportunities come all too frequently. So far in 2025, we’ve lost Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, Gwen McCrae, Roberta Flack, D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!, and Angie Stone.

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.

Dave Portnoy Set To Unveil Book About Barstool Sports Entitled ‘Cancel Me if You Can’

BSM Staff
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Dave Portnoy Set To Unveil Book About Barstool Sports Entitled ‘Cancel Me if You Can’

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is telling his story his way — unapologetic, unfiltered, and true to form — in his new book Cancel Me If You Can. Portnoy announced the upcoming publication for sale in June of 2026 as he tells his story, only the way he can tell it.

Known for building one of the most polarizing media brands in modern sports, Portnoy details the journey from handing out a homemade sports newspaper on the streets of Boston in 2004 to leading a nine-figure digital empire that has reshaped how fans consume sports and pop culture. Portnoy announced the release via his social media platforms.

“22 years ago I started a paper route. Turned it into empire. Created a lot of fans and enemies along the way. Sold it for 600 milly. Bought it back for a buck,” wrote Portnoy on X. “Sometimes life is actually stranger than fiction.”

The book dives into how he created Barstool Sports by rejecting the traditional, polished coverage from sports television and instead giving fans the irreverent, local voice they didn’t know they were missing.

According to a release by the publisher, Portnoy’s story covers both the evolution of Barstool and his own rise as one of the most recognizable — and controversial — figures in digital media.

True to his reputation, Portnoy doesn’t shy away from confrontation or criticism. He addresses the backlash, the controversies, and the constant scrutiny that come with being one of the internet’s most polarizing personalities.

In Cancel Me If You Can, he makes clear that his approach hasn’t changed: he’ll bet on himself every time.

The book also highlights the expansion of the Barstool brand beyond sports talk. Portnoy’s ventures into sports betting, viral pizza reviews, and philanthropic efforts — including donations to small businesses and dog shelters inspired by his rescue dog, Miss Peaches — have made him a cultural figure far beyond the sports world.

Cancel Me If You Can explores the mix of timing, risk-taking, and relentless self-belief that fueled Barstool’s rise, while pulling back the curtain on the personal and professional struggles that came with it. The book is set to release on June 30, 2026 through publisher Simon & Schuster.

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.

Curtis Sliwa: ‘You Will Never See Me’ at 77 WABC Studios Again After Hosts, Owner Call For Me to Drop Out of NYC Mayor Race

BNM Staff
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Curtis Sliwa: ‘You Will Never See Me’ at 77 WABC Studios Again After Hosts, Owner Call For Me to Drop Out of NYC Mayor Race

After owner John Catsimatidis said the future of Curtis Sliwa at 77 WABC was up to the longtime radio host, it appears as if we know what that future will entail.

Catsimatidis, along with various other WABC Radio hosts, have called for Sliwa to drop out of the race for mayor of New York City in an effort to enhance the chances Andrew Cuomo beats Zohran Mamdani.

Sliwa didn’t respond kindly to those calls.

During an appearance with 77 WABC morning host Sid Rosenberg, Sliwa said that he will never return to the station after the way it has treated him during his campaign.

“Let me just say, Sid, I am directing my comments to everybody at WABC,” Sliwa said. “They have said I’m selfish. Selfish? Are you out of your mind? … But that’s why you will never see me at the studios of WABC again, never, no matter how this election turns out.”

Sliwa added that he feels attacked by his colleagues.

“I feel personally offended by what my friends and colleagues, many of whom I trained at WABC, many of whom wouldn’t have a job at WABC without me, have done,”  Sliwa said.

His comments come after Catsimatidis called for Curtis Sliwa to exit the race, adding that his future with the station is “up to him.” It had been previously reported that Sliwa had taken a leave of absence from the station in order to run for the office. However, his campaign has recently insinuated that he actually resigned his position with 77 WABC to seek the office.

In the most recent polling, Sliwa only holds roughly 20% of the vote in the election. Mamdani currently holds a double-digit lead over both Sliwa and Cuomo. However, other data shows that if he were to drop out of the race, Mamdani’s lead over Cuomo drops to only 4%.

“Look, I love Curtis,” Catsimatidis said. “But Curtis has to realize that he should love New York more than anything else. And it certainly looks like Curtis should pull out right now.”

The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th.

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.

Xperi Launches DTS AutoStage Portal Expansion

BNM Staff
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Xperi Launches DTS AutoStage Portal Expansion

Xperi is announcing an expansion and upgrade of its DTS AutoStage portal to better serve radio broadcast companies.

As part of the expansion, radio stations can now access highly detailed audience listening data, broken down by time of day, market, rank, and geographic area—both within their core markets and in surrounding regions. The reporting tools provide hourly listening trends, geographic heat maps, and information on the number of vehicles included in the listening sample, which is updated daily.

Data can be analyzed across various timeframes, including by day, week, month, or quarter, and even hour-by-hour for specific dates. Available metrics include time spent listening, share, tuning occasions, and cumulative audience.

Joe D’Angelo, Senior Vice President of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships at Xperi, calls this a game-changer for both the company and broadcasters.

“This new version of the DTS AutoStage Broadcaster Portal signals an inflection point in radio broadcasters’ ability to obtain precise listening measurements at scale and with specificity,” D’Angelo shared. “The portal’s breadth of insights, delivered within 24 hours from millions of vehicles, means broadcasters can measure audience shifts as they happen, and where most consumers are listening — in their cars. This means more relevant programming for audiences.”

The expanded broadcaster portal was announced at the 2025 NAB Show New York.

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.

NFL Owners Approve ESPN Acquiring NFL Network and Other NFL Media Assets for Stake in Network

BSM Staff
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NFL Owners Approve ESPN Acquiring NFL Network and Other NFL Media Assets for Stake in Network

ESPN, the sports media powerhouse owned by The Walt Disney Company, is one step closer to acquiring the NFL Network and several other NFL-controlled media assets. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the league’s owners approved the acquisition during a vote at Wednesday’s fall league meetings.

According to a release in August. The deal includes the linear RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy, with the NFL receiving a 10% equity stake in ESPN in exchange.

In addition to that acquisition. The NFL and ESPN entered a separate non-binding agreement granting ESPN licensing rights to select NFL content and intellectual property. Which will be used across NFL Network and other related platforms.

The goal of the partnership aims to reshape the way professional football is delivered and consumed. Combining ESPN’s extensive media reach with the NFL’s globally recognized brand.

“This is an opportunity for football fans to get more football in more places,” said NFL executive Hans Schroeder to Rapoport. “It’s going to be a real win for football fans.”

No financial terms have been released beyond the equity exchange. Both parties continue to stress that the agreements are non-binding, leaving room for further negotiations and regulatory review and approval from congress.

Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has offered fans unprecedented access to the sport. From debuting Thursday Night Football and televising the NFL Scouting Combine to creating original programming and breaking news coverage.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized the potential for digital expansion and fan engagement in August.

“By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game — anytime, anywhere,” said Pitaro in August. “This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”

If completed, the acquisition would mark one of the most substantial collaborations in the history of American sports media. Highlighting the ongoing evolution of fan engagement, content distribution, and the digital future of football broadcasting.

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.

Only 26% of News Consumers Trust AI Information, New Data Revealed at NAB Show New York Shows

BNM Staff
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Only 26% of News Consumers Trust AI Information, New Data Revealed at NAB Show New York Shows

A new survey shows that only 26% of news consumers trust information produced by artificial intelligence.

The research, conducted by OnMessage Inc. and discussed during The Future of News: AI, New Revenues and Risks, and the Policy Response panel at the NAB Show New York on Wednesday, examined public attitudes toward AI’s role in journalism and its impact on local news.

According to the data, 68% of respondents said AI-generated information is not trustworthy. The findings also show that 76% are concerned about AI stealing or reproducing journalism and local news stories, with 51% saying they are very concerned.

In addition, 77% of participants support Congress passing a law to make it illegal for AI to reproduce journalism or local news stories published online without permission or compensation. The survey also found that 72% believe the federal government should establish regulations on AI to protect consumers.

“This data reflects a real and growing concern among Americans that AI could erode the integrity of journalism and undermine the trusted connection between broadcasters and the communities we serve,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Scraping broadcasters’ content without permission or compensation strips away context and threatens the credibility of local news.

“This conversation at NAB Show New York is just the beginning of a critical national dialogue to ensure new technologies support, rather than exploit, trusted local journalism, as well as the necessity of a level playing field for broadcasters to fairly negotiate the terms of use with AI platforms,” LeGeyt concluded.

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.

FOX Sports, CBS Sports Celebrate Large Viewership for NFL Week Seven

BSM Staff
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FOX Sports, CBS Sports Celebrate Large Viewership for NFL Week Seven

FOX Sports’ America’s Game of the Week featuring the Dallas Cowboys’ 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders drew an average audience of 25,630,000 viewers, making it the most-watched telecast of the week across all networks.

The broadcast, which showcased one of the NFL’s most rivaled matchups, solidified FOX Sports’ flagship program as the #1 show on television.

Season-to-date, America’s Game of the Week is averaging 26,158,000 viewers, representing a 2% increase over last year’s season-to-date average of 25,650,000.

The Cowboys-Commanders matchup underscored the continued dominance of FOX Sports’ NFL coverage, as the network has been off to its strongest start in nearly a decade. The NFL on FOX is averaging 19,646,000 viewers season-to-date, marking a 4% increase over last year’s average of 18,948,000 and its best opening pace since 2014.

By comparison, CBS Sports also scored the most-watched week seven single header on any network since 2015 with an average viewership of 17.841 million viewers, up 31% against the comparable window from last year. The NFL on CBS has racked up its best viewership in a decade with over 18.662 million viewers through week seven, which shows a 4% rise against last year.

The season-long growth reflects a combination of strong on-field matchups, strategic scheduling, and expansive coverage that emphasizes both live-action storytelling and fan engagement. While overall linear TV ratings have fluctuated in recent years, marquee NFL games remain reliable draws, with “America’s Game of the Week” serving as a centerpiece.

With the NFL season in full swing, FOX Sports and CBS Sports appear well-positioned to maintain its momentum.

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