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MSNBC Strikes Deal with AccuWeather in Advance of MS NOW Transition

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MSNBC Strikes Deal with AccuWeather in Advance of MS NOW Transition

Ahead of its transition to MS NOW on Friday, MSNBC has announced it has inked a deal with AccuWeather to provide weather forecasts, content, and expert meteorologists to the cable network.

As part of the deal, AccuWeather will support MS NOW and CNBC with weather reports and forecasts, including on the networks’ morning shows Squawk Box and Morning Joe.

“At such a groundbreaking moment for soon-to-be MS NOW, we are proud to continue to expand our reporting capabilities and offerings alongside AccuWeather. Our network’s mission — embodied through our new name MS NOW, My Source for News, Opinion, and the World — is to bring our viewers the most-trusted news that they care about. We know, at a moment of unprecedented weather events, that AccuWeather will bring top-quality data and reporting to our audiences.” 

“AccuWeather is proud to be the preferred weather provider for Versant, which further enhances AccuWeather’s core mission to save lives, protect property, and help people and businesses make the best weather-impacted decisions,” says AccuWeather CEO Steven R. Smith. “AccuWeather’s forecasts and warnings with proven Superior Accuracy from its expert meteorologists will now reach millions more people with this multi-year deal on many new platforms.”

Additionally, as MSNBC officially becomes MS NOW later this week, the network has shared that it has hired David Parkinson as its new Senior Weather and Elections Data Analyst. Parkinson joins after previously working at CBS News. Meanwhile, Moses Small will join the network as a climate reporter after working at KGTV in San Diego.

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John Catsimatidis: Curtis Sliwa Should ‘Learn When to Walk Away and When to Run’

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John Catsimatidis: Curtis Sliwa Should ‘Learn When to Walk Away and When to Run’

In an interview with Barrett Media, former 77 WABC host Curtis Sliwa claimed that push from his former colleagues for him to exit the New York City mayor’s race came at the behest of John Catsimatidis. The station’s owner responded on Monday morning.

“It was all organized by John — and John alone — to get me to drop out and to harp on this over and over so that I would be denied an opportunity to run for the mayoralty and discuss issues,” Sliwa said of hosts on the station pushing him to exit the race in an effort to help Andrew Cuomo (I) defeat Zohran Mamdani (D).

During an appearance on Sid and Friends in the Morning, John Catsimatidis told Sid Rosenberg he harbors no ill will towards Sliwa, but that the former host needs to learn a few things.

“I’m sure he’s very hurt,” said Catsimatidis. “He got the lowest ever (vote total) in the GOP. So I guess that hurt. He’s looking for people to blame … Things were against him.

“He should learn to play that song, Kenny Rodgers, ‘You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.’ Curtis didn’t learn that. He’s my friend for 40 years. I feel bad for him, but he should’ve known when to walk away and know when to run. Let him calm down. Whatever he wants to do in life, he will do, but right now, there’s so many people that hate him.”

Rosenberg added that, in his view, Curtis Sliwa went from a beloved figure in the city to know being in a position where “the whole city hates his guts.” Rosenberg did admit that he’ll “always respect” Sliwa for his dedication to the city.

John Catsimatidis continued by noting that he’ll place Curtis Sliwa in the same camp that he has Rudy Giuliani.

“I have nothing against Rudy the person, really,” the 77 WABC owner said. “I don’t think Rudy hates me. I’ve always backed him up. He went through a traumatic time … Curtis, if he were to become mayor, everybody would have gone along with it.”

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Beasley Media Group Reports 12.4% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 3rd Quarter

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Beasley Media Group Reports 12.4% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 3rd Quarter

Beasley Media Group has announced its third-quarter financial results, and the company reported a downturn in overall revenue during the period.

During the months of July, August, and September, Beasley Media Group shared that it saw its net revenue for the quarter drop 12.4% compared to the prior year, down to $51 million. The company noted that those revenue figures were in line with the guidance it shared earlier in the year.

Despite the overall revenue decrease, the company says it saw a 14.6% year-over-year uptick in the digital sector to $13 million. That figure represented 25% of the overall net revenue for Beasley Media Group.

In total, the company reported a net loss of $300,000 during the quarter, down from the $1.2 million in income it saw during the same period in 2024.

“Our third-quarter results demonstrate continued operational discipline,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. “While advertising demand remains challenging, particularly within agency channels, the quality of our revenue mix continues to strengthen, led by sustained growth and record margins in our digital business. Digital revenue now represents roughly one-quarter of total company revenue, with owned-and-operated products driving margin expansion and scalability.

“At the same time, our cost-reduction initiatives are yielding tangible, lasting benefits,” she continued. “We’ve reduced total station operating and corporate expenses by $15 million year-to-date, while improving organizational efficiency and positioning Beasley to generate higher returns on every dollar of revenue. As we move into the fourth quarter, we remain focused on disciplined execution, strengthening our balance sheet through planned asset sales, and advancing our strategy to deliver sustainable shareholder value.”

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FanDuel Sports Network Announces Partnership With The Ringer for Two Programs Added To Network Lineup

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FanDuel Sports Network Announces Partnership With The Ringer for Two Programs Added To Network Lineup

FanDuel Sports Network, operated by Main Street Sports Group, announced a new partnership with Bill Simmons’ The Ringer. Bringing two of the media company’s most popular vodcasts to the network starting Sunday, November 16.

The collaboration strengthens FanDuel Sports Network’s expanding live programming lineup, which now features 13 hours of weekday content, while offering viewers expanded analysis, multi-sport coverage, and real-time betting insights powered by FanDuel.

The Ringer’s programming on the network begins with The Ringer Sunday Pregame, airing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Hosted by “Cousin Sal” Iacono, Joe House, John Jastremski, Raheem Palmer, and Anthony Dabbundo, the show provides in-depth previews for every NFL matchup. The vodcast blends sharp analysis with actionable insights to help fans set the tone for game day.

Weekdays, viewers can tune in to The Ringer Gambling Show, airing from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET. The daily multi-sport show covers NFL, college football, NBA, NHL, MLB, golf, and soccer, incorporating real-time FanDuel odds.

Rotating Ringer co-hosts join the primary team—House, Iacono, Jastremski, Palmer, and Dabbundo—leading into FanDuel Sports Network’s popular afternoon program, Golic & Golic, which has seen a 40% ratings increase since its June debut.

“The Ringer delivers cutting-edge sports and pop culture vodcasts. This partnership allows us to bring fans even closer to the content they love,” said Norby Williamson, president of production and programming at Main Street Sports Group. “Bill Simmons and his team have set a standard for sports commentary, and these shows further strengthen our unmatched live coverage and multi-platform offerings.”

Geoff Chow, Spotify’s head of podcast studios and managing director of The Ringer. He added, “We’re very excited to bring The Ringer’s unique point of view to FanDuel Sports Network. We’re thrilled to introduce these shows to a new audience.”

This announcement comes just two weeks after FanDuel Sports Network launched Countdown Live. A weekday program hosted by Stan Verrett, underscoring the network’s commitment to live, original content. Both brands have indicated plans to explore future opportunities for expanded collaboration and cross-platform promotion.

With this partnership, FanDuel Sports Network continues to solidify its position as a leading sports media destination. Combining traditional analysis with cutting-edge betting insights. The addition of The Ringer’s vodcasts provides fans with a blend of entertainment and expertise. Aligning with the network’s mission to deliver live, engaging, and interactive sports coverage across multiple platforms.

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iHeartMedia Announces Partnership With TikTok to Spotlight Creators

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iHeartMedia Announces Partnership With TikTok to Spotlight Creators

iHeartMedia and TikTok announced a sweeping partnership designed to bring TikTok creators into iHeart’s expansive ecosystem. The collaboration includes the launch of the TikTok Podcast Network, featuring up to 25 new podcasts hosted by TikTok creators, a national broadcast and digital radio channel, and a series of live event integrations, offering creators new ways to engage audiences beyond short-form video.

“This partnership connects TikTok’s cultural energy and creator community with the unmatched scale and reach of iHeartMedia,” said Rich Bressler, President, COO and CFO of iHeartMedia. “We’re giving creators access to the biggest audio platforms in America — creating new ways to tell stories, entertain, and build deeper connections with fans. Together, we’re combining our vast networks to deliver relevant content on a massive scale. It’s a win for creators, fans, and brands alike.”

The TikTok Podcast Network will empower creators to expand their storytelling beyond the platform. iHeartMedia is introducing co-branded, state-of-the-art podcast studios in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta, complete with advanced audio and video infrastructure. Podcasts will be widely distributed on iHeartPodcasts, available through the iHeartRadio app, and accessible wherever podcasts are heard, while select highlights will be shared on TikTok.

In addition, TikTok Radio will offer a fast-paced, trend-driven format pairing creators with established iHeartRadio personalities. The station, accessible across broadcast radio stations nationwide and digitally via iHeartRadio, will feature TikTok’s hottest new songs alongside storytelling segments such as Behind-the-Charts, New Music Fridays and On The Verge.

The channel aims to give listeners the sensation of scrolling through TikTok — but with their ears.

The partnership also extends to iHeartRadio live events, providing creators access to major stages including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Jingle Ball. Brands will be able to activate alongside creators, generating unique engagement opportunities.

“At TikTok, empowering creativity and connecting communities are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dan Page, Global Head of Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok. “This partnership with iHeartMedia opens up exciting opportunities for creators and brands to reach wider audiences, collaborate across platforms and extend their creativity beyond TikTok. Together, we’re amplifying the connection between artists, creators, and our community through the shared power of cross-platform storytelling.”

The collaboration builds on earlier efforts such as Next Up: Live Music, a TikTok LIVE competition that highlighted emerging artists and generated significant fan engagement. iHeartMedia and TikTok plan to offer mass-reach marketing and leverage their combined sales teams to drive sponsorships and new revenue opportunities for creators.

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.

Morning Show Bootcamp To Hold First Ever Event In Cleveland

BMM Staff
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Morning Show Bootcamp To Hold First Ever Event In Cleveland

For the first time in its nearly four-decade history, Talentmasters’ Annual Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC) will take place in Cleveland, Ohio. The 38th edition of the industry-leading event is set for 2026 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel, organizers announced.

MSBC founder and host Don Anthony said the decision to bring the event to Cleveland was driven by accessibility and location.

“We’re most pleased to have chosen Cleveland as the host city for MSBC 38 in 2026,” Anthony said. “In choosing each year’s location, there are a number of factors involved. Among them, first selecting a city that’s easily accessible by air or that can be traveled to by car from numerous surrounding cities. One look at a map and you’ll see that Cleveland is a fairly short drive from a number of top cities. Including Detroit, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Cincinnati, and several others.”

Anthony also highlighted the importance of selecting a venue that provides convenience and entertainment options.

“Secondly, we choose a centrally-located, top-rated hotel that’s within walking distance or close to numerous restaurants and entertainment spots,” he explained.

Affordability for attendees was another priority in planning MSBC 38. Anthony noted that the Hilton Cleveland Downtown is offering the event’s lowest nightly rate in years. Making the trip more accessible for radio professionals and industry insiders. To celebrate the announcement. Talentmasters is releasing a limited batch of early-bird tickets at $267, a significant discount from the standard $465 rate.

The Morning Show Boot Camp has become a mainstay in the radio industry. Offering a blend of professional development, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions tailored to on-air talent, program directors, and radio executives. Over the years, the event has drawn hundreds of attendees, helping shape programming strategies and foster connections across markets.

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.

Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo Explains Why Enthusiasm Remains Key in Crowded Sports Media Landscape

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Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo Explains Why Enthusiasm Remains Key in Crowded Sports Media Landscape

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo has been a constant in sports talk for more than four decades, but even he admits the media world he helped shape has changed beyond recognition. Appearing on the Casuals with Katie Nolan podcast, Russo reflected on how today’s digital-first era has transformed the industry — while insisting that one part of the job has never changed: the ability to sell your passion to an audience.

“There are so many people who are doing this in some capacity, all looking for content,” Russo said. “To separate yourself from the pack is so much harder today than it was 40-something years ago when I got started in it. And I think that makes it very, very tricky.”

From his early days at WFAN to his long run at SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio. Russo built his brand on unfiltered enthusiasm and an unmistakable voice. But he acknowledged that carving out a lane in 2025 takes more than just talent. It takes the ability to stand out in a crowded field of creators, influencers, and personalities.

Even as the business evolves, Russo believes that one timeless rule remains: genuine care about results and storylines still matters. Passion, he said, can’t be faked — and when it fades, audiences can tell.

“If you’ve been doing it for 40 years. That still has to mean something to you if you’re going to do it right,” he said. “You still have to care about the outcome, because you’ll find out… the older you get, the more dispassionate you get with the results. You have to love sports in such a way that even if it’s been done before, it still resonates with you.”

That energy, Russo explained, is what separates an average broadcaster from one who connects with listeners day after day.

“Your enthusiasm sells,” Russo said. “If it means something to you, it will mean something to the audience. If you go through the motions and nothing kind of moves you, well, it’s not going to move your audience. As a result, that’s how you become a good talk show host.”

Whether it’s a Game 7 classic or a regular-season upset. Russo said the secret remains simple: if it moves you, it can move them. And in a sports media ecosystem filled with endless voices, that ability — to make someone care — is still the ultimate skill.

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Will Cain: CNN Changed From Simply Biased to ‘Purpose-Driven to Take Down President Trump’

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Will Cain: CNN Changed From Simply Biased to ‘Purpose-Driven to Take Down President Trump’

Former CNN contributor and current Fox News host Will Cain isn’t holding back when it comes to how he sees the network he once called home.

Reflecting on his time at CNN during an appearance on The Sage Steele Show, Cain said the outlet has undergone a dramatic transformation since his tenure there — and not for the better.

“Well, CNN changed drastically,” Cain said. “When I was there, it was liberal and biased, sure — but Trump wasn’t on the scene yet. Then they became more agenda-driven, not just biased. Now, and for the last five years, I’d call it propaganda. The truth isn’t relative to what they have to say. It’s purpose-driven to take down President Trump and so forth. It wasn’t like that when I was there.”

Cain, now hosting an afternoon show for Fox News, recalled his time on Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien and how editorial pressures began to mount as coverage of major national stories shifted in tone.

He specifically pointed to the Trayvon Martin case as a turning point. Cain said that when he tried to approach the story through the lens of a lawyer — analyzing facts, acknowledging gaps, and recognizing reasonable doubt — the reaction inside CNN was swift and harsh.

“I would make these arguments: we don’t know what happened in that gap of time, which means there’s reasonable doubt in a court of law. And for that, I got called a racist — all the time,” Cain said, adding that while criticism from viewers was one thing, hostility from colleagues was another.

The former ESPN and CNN personality suggested that the network’s internal culture grew increasingly intolerant of dissenting viewpoints, particularly during the 2012 presidential race between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

“If random people on the internet call you racist, whatever — but when people you work with do it, that’s different,” Cain said. “And that started happening at CNN. There were allusions, statements, and hostility. In particular, I’ll tell you the person: Don Lemon. I’m not a fan.”

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Maria Taylor: The Last Thing ESPN Told Me Was You’ll Never Be Seen on Television Again

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Maria Taylor: The Last Thing ESPN Told Me Was You’ll Never Be Seen on Television Again

NBC Sports host Maria Taylor returned to basketball coverage this season with NBC Sports — a move she calls a “full circle moment” after her 2021 departure from ESPN.

Speaking on 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony, Taylor detailed how leaving ESPN, where she built her national profile, ultimately led to a fresh opportunity and renewed purpose at NBC.

“The last thing someone told me at my former employer was, like, you’ll never be seen on TV again,” Taylor recalled. “There’s a questionnaire that I had to fill out for volleyball when I was in college, a junior, and it said, ‘What do you want to do?’ And it was like, ESPN reporter — that was it, that was the dream. When I made the decision to come over to NBC, I had to believe in that and go with it. I just felt like I wasn’t getting served, there was nothing else to learn [at ESPN].”

Taylor’s final assignment for ESPN came during the 2021 NBA Finals. Where she was part of the network’s coverage as the Milwaukee Bucks clinched the championship. The very next day, she transitioned to NBC to cover the Tokyo Olympics. An abrupt but defining moment in her career shift.

“Literally, the next day, I woke up and went to Tokyo and covered the Olympics for NBC. When I left, I really thought I was leaving basketball at the table — and that’s the sport I love,” said Taylor. “So to flash forward now, five years later into this. [To] have an opportunity to be back in the league — that was what I was working towards.”

Taylor said the time away from the NBA ultimately proved meaningful. Helping her gain perspective and reaffirm her passion for the game.

“Things can be removed out of your life for a reason. This is what was on the other side of it, and this is where I needed to be,” she explained. “For me personally, it’s the biggest full-circle moment I could ever ask for. I remember the commissioner saying, even when I was leaving. He’s like, ‘We have a great relationship with NBC, and life is long — you just never know what’s gonna happen.’”

Now, Taylor will again be a familiar face for basketball fans. This time on NBC Sports’ coverage, closing a loop that began with a leap of faith four years ago. As the host of Football Night in America, Taylor’s role will shift following the conclusion of the NFL season on NBC Sports. As the network will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on February 1, 2026.

This year, Sunday Night Basketball will pause on February 8 and February 15, 2026, due to NBC Sports’ coverage of Super Bowl LX, the NBA All-Star Game, and the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. It will resume on Feb. 22 and run through April 5. Sunday nights will occasionally feature doubleheaders. A one-hour, on-site studio program will lead into game coverage each week on NBC and Peacock.

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Craig Carton Suggests Disney Carriage Dispute With YouTube TV a “Ploy” to Ramp up Subscribers for ESPN Direct-To-Consumer App

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Craig Carton Suggests Disney Carriage Dispute With YouTube TV a “Ploy” to Ramp up Subscribers for ESPN Direct-To-Consumer App

Craig Carton believes the ongoing carriage dispute between The Walt Disney Company and YouTube TV is less about business negotiations and more about strategy. One that could benefit ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer product. During an episode of The Craig Carton Show, the former WFAN host said the timing and tone of the standoff make him question ESPN’s intentions.

“It’s starting to feel like and smell like a ploy on the ESPN side to force people to buy the ESPN app,” Carton said. “My gut is, this is just greed. This is just ESPN going, ‘We’ll force people to buy the app.’ There’ll be some kind of watershed moment or number that we’ll bring in financially. Then we’ll go back to the table with YouTube, and then at that point, the deal doesn’t matter.”

Carton’s remarks come as the dispute continues to leave YouTube TV subscribers without access to ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned networks. With millions of sports fans relying on the service for college football, Monday Night Football, and NBA coverage. The blackout has sparked frustration among viewers caught in the middle.

For Carton, that frustration is not only understandable — it’s deserved.

“It just stinks, because we all get screwed, right?” he said. “We were the ones that were forced to cut the cord, and YouTube TV came along. It was a godsend for us. You take away ESPN, Disney, ABC — now you’re a dude with kids at home, no Disney. Now you’re a college football fan, no ESPN or ABC. You’re a Monday Night Football dude, you ain’t getting Green Bay–Philly. Like always, we the people get screwed.”

Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, were pulled from YouTube TV on October 30. After the companies could not reach a new contractual agreement. Disney executives said in a November 7 note to employees that it had made concessions in the negotiations. Including offering YouTube TV a deal “that would cost less overall than the terms of our recently expired license.”

As part of the now two week long stalemate. YouTube TV is offering its subscribers a $20 credit amid its ongoing contract dispute with Disney.

While Carton acknowledged blame exists on both sides, Carton said ESPN bears more responsibility because of its connection to fans and the sports it broadcasts.

“If I was gonna focus a little bit of the blame one way versus the other — yeah, because it’s blame on both sides — a little bit more to ESPN,” he said. “You’ve got to treat your viewers and the fans of the sports that you pay gazillion dollars for with a little bit more respect. You cannot take sports away from us, because there will come a moment when we find it somewhere else and we’re not going to the ESPN app.”

Carton warned that streaming alternatives — legal or otherwise — will fill the gap if fans feel alienated. He said ESPN risks driving viewers toward unofficial sites, further eroding loyalty.

“If you want to stream games, you’ll find a way, and it don’t cost you nothing,” Carton said. “At some point, the fans will not come back and want to see what you offer.”

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