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Kyle Matthews Leaving Q104 After Joining Station in February

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Kyle Matthews Leaving Q104 After Joining Station in February

Just eight months after joining Q104 in Kansas City, Kyle Matthews is departing the station to relocate to St. Louis. Matthews began his tenure at Q104 in late February as Music Director and later joined the morning show alongside Mallory Kay in April.

In a social media post announcing the move, Matthews said, “This move is a family decision, one that just feels right for us. To my Q104 family, thank you for every laugh, memory, and opportunity. You’ve made this chapter unforgettable. My last day will be October 24th. And since it wouldn’t be a big move without a new adventure. I’m officially on the lookout for my next role. If you know of a great fit, I’d love to connect! We’re grateful, hopeful, and ready for whatever’s next.”

Before joining KBEQ, Matthews held the role of Brand Manager and afternoon host at Townsquare Media’s Wow Country 104.3 in Boise, Idaho. His career also includes two separate stints at NRG Media Country in Lincoln, Nebraska, from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 until 2022.

In addition, Matthews spent nearly a year as Imaging Director and midday host at Audacy’s 95.1 K-Frog KFRG in Riverside, California, further broadening his experience in major-market country radio.

Station management at KBEQ has not yet announced a replacement for Matthews on the morning show or in the Music Director role.

Matthews will officially exit KBEQ on October 24, closing a short but impactful chapter in Kansas City country radio.

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Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network as State-Wide Stations Flip Following iHeartMedia Cuts at 97.3 the Game

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Audacy Launches Wisconsin Sports Radio Network as State-Wide Stations Flip Following iHeartMedia Cuts at 97.3 the Game

The trickle down effect of iHeartMedia’s format flip to 97.3 The Game in Milwaukee has triggered a ripple effect across several Wisconsin radio markets, culminating in the launch of a new statewide sports talk network from Audacy.

Audacy has stepped in and introduced the Wisconsin Sports Radio Network, syndicating the daytime lineup of Milwaukee’s 105.7 The Fan after iHeartMedia dropped its The Game Sports Network from its Milwaukee flagship at 97.3 The Game. The network rollout impacts multiple Midwest Communications stations which include WNFL/1440 and 101.9 in Green Bay, joined by new simulcast partner WDKF/99.7 in Sturgeon Bay-Green Bay.

WRIG 1390AM in Schofield-Wausau and 93.9FM in Rothschild-Wausau have also joined the newly formed radio network along with WDSM 710AM in Superior.

The affiliates were officially announced during the October 14 broadcast of the Nine2Noon show with Ramie Mahklouf and former Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn.

These stations previously carried iHeartMedia’s The Game Sports Network, which lost its Milwaukee flagship when WRNW flipped formats Monday to become B97.3.

Left over staff and programming from 97.3 The Game currently remains on iHeart stations 1070 The Game in Madison and WBIZ 1400AM in Eau Claire, it is no longer carried by iHeart’s remaining Milwaukee sports station, The Big 920. The programming also streams on YouTube and the iHeartRadio channels for the now defunct 97.3 The Game.

The Wisconsin Sports Radio Network’s daily programming aims to consolidate local sports talk into a statewide platform. Mornings feature Inside Wisconsin Sports with Trevor Thomas and Josh Albrecht from 6 to 9 a.m., followed by Nine2Noon with John Kuhn and Ramie Makhlouf from 12 to 2 p.m. Mason Crosby joins the afternoon segment, while Steve “Sparky” Fifer hosts Wisconsin Sports Daily from 2 to 5 p.m.

The launch follows closely on the heels of WSSP’s recent additions of Inside Wisconsin Sports and Nine2Noon to its lineup, signaling a broader strategic push to consolidate local sports programming under a unified banner.

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Clay Travis, Buck Sexton Share Pitch to Guest on The View After Joy Behar Comments About Lack of Republicans

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Clay Travis, Buck Sexton Share Pitch to Guest on The View After Joy Behar Comments About Lack of Republicans

A claim from hosts of The View led Clay Travis and Buck Sexton to share that they have been willing to join the show, but haven’t heard back.

During Tuesday’s show, The View’s Joy Behar shared that the show would love to feature more Republicans on the program, but they aren’t willing to appear on the daytime program.

“I think we should have more Republicans on the show. They’re scared of us,” she said.

Plenty of conservatives and media members have responded by stating that they’d be willing to appear on the show.

However, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show shared that they’ve been attempting to serve as guests on the show for more than a year.

In a post on social media, Travis shared a screenshot of an email the duo’s Executive Producer, Ali Mroczkowski-Lobo, sent to producers of The View, pitching the radio hosts as guests.

“They often play clips from the program on their nationally syndicated radio show (granted, as a means to refute them) and thought a sit-down would be productive for both audiences since they come from two completely different perspectives,” the executive producer wrote.

Travis shared that the email had been sent in July of last year, before adding, “We’re big fans. Look forward to the invite!”

The comments from Behar came after a contentious interview with Cheryl Hines, the wife of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Fox News, CNN, MSNBC Earn More Than $200 Million in September Ad Revenue, New Data Shows

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Fox News, CNN, MSNBC Earn More Than $200 Million in September Ad Revenue, New Data Shows

Despite viewership dips and a declining subscriber base, cable news networks like Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC still saw large revenue figures during September, according to new estimates from EDO Ad EnGage.

During the month, a total of $208 million was earned in national television advertising for the three largest cable news brands.

Fox News led the way, accounting for more than half the overall revenue between the three. It earned $105.5 million in September, the estimates show.

CNN was second with $70.5 million, followed by MSNBC at $31.5 million.

Compared to the figures from September 2024, nearing the height of the presidential election between President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Fox News saw an increase in national TV advertising revenue in September 2025. During the prior year, it saw $94.3 million, the EDO Ad EnGage estimates show.

Meanwhile, CNN’s estimate for 2025 was down slightly compared to the same month last year, dropping from $72 million last year. MSNBC saw a slight increase, rising from $30.7 million in September 2024 to the $31.5 million it was projected to receive this year.

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Billy Gil Leaving ‘The Dan Le Batard Show’

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Billy Gil Leaving ‘The Dan Le Batard Show’

After 15 years as a fixture on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Billy Gil is leaving the program marking the end of an era for the Miami-based sports talk podcast. Gil’s departure is amicable, with his last day set for Friday.

“After a decade and a half of glorious energy. Billy Gil’s final day with us is tomorrow,” said Le Batard to open his program on Thursday. “He’s leaving us for a bigger job at Spotify, and I’m both sad and happy to announce that. Sad because someone I care about deeply is going. Happy because someone I care about deeply is also growing. You have two choices when a surprise like this lands on you, you can be selfish and feel left behind, or you can open your heart and rejoice in getting to see all that is up ahead.”

Gil is moving to a management role at Spotify and The Ringer, a sports and entertainment podcast network founded by Bill Simmons. The shift will take him mostly off the air but positions him within one of the show’s top competitors.

“Billy both grew up with us and never grew up with us, but he has children of his own now, and he’s career driven, so he seeks more adult creative challenges than just babysitting Stugotz and me all the way to the end,” said Le Batard. “Billy’s gentle grace behind the scenes and creative coloring in the scenes are not things that could be replicated ever. Never mind replaced. All of this will be harder without him. Obviously our soul will not be the same. Not even going to try to pretend it will be.”

Both The Dan Le Batard Show and Simmons’ flagship podcast regularly rank among the top five on Apple Podcasts’ national charts, making Gil’s move a notable transition in the sports media landscape.

According to the Miami Herald’s Greg Cote, who is also a regular contributor to the program. The announcement was accompanied by a tribute to Gil, who became emotional when privately informing Le Batard of his decision. Le Batard said to open his program on Thursday that he fully supported Gil’s career-driven choice.

Gil’s tenure on the program has been marked by his dry humor and a distinctive, anarchic energy that endeared him to listeners.

Since joining the program in 2010, Gil has been a central figure in the show’s identity. Fans of The Dan Le Batard Show have often praised his sharp comedic timing and willingness to push boundaries, qualities that contributed to the program’s reputation for mixing sports coverage with irreverent humor.

Spotify has not officially released plans for Gil’s position with the growing podcast network.

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ESPN Tabs Shae Cornette as New Host of ‘First Take’

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ESPN Tabs Shae Cornette as New Host of ‘First Take’

ESPN has named Shae Cornette as the new co-host of First Take, replacing Molly Qerim. Cornette will join longtime star Stephen A. Smith beginning November 3 on the weekday morning program following a few weeks of try outs for the role on the program.

Qerim departed the show last month after more than a decade in the anchor chair. Since her exit, ESPN auditioned a rotating lineup of hosts, including Cornette, Amina Smith, MJ Acosta, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh, before landing on Cornette as the permanent replacement.

“I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is,” Cornette said. “From my days in radio to hosting SportsCenter and now First Take, my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge, and opportunity. First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”

Front Office Sports was first to report the addition to the program. ESPN confirmed to Barrett Media the announcement.

“Shae is meticulous in her preparation, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point,” said David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “Her professionalism, presence, and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.”

Cornette, who joined ESPN in 2020, brings a decade-plus of experience in Chicago media. She previously worked with ESPN 1000, Fox 32, and ABC 7, and at ESPN she has been a regular SportsCenter anchor and studio host across both television and radio platforms.

Stephen A. Smith, Featured Commentator and Executive Producer of First Take, added: “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”

The timing of Qerim’s departure accelerated after the news leaked earlier this year. ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus told Richard Deitsch that Qerim’s exit occurred sooner than initially planned following a report from Sports Business Journal and her subsequent announcement on Instagram.

“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram Story. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”

Cornette will conclude her SportsCenter anchor responsibilities later this month, with her final show scheduled for October 25.

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Kim Komando to Host Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

BNM Staff
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Kim Komando to Host Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Radio Hall of Fame has announced that Kim Komando will serve as host and Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Komando is a member of the Hall of Fame herself, being included in the class of 2021.

The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is currently scheduled for Thursday, October 30th at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. The Museum of Broadcast Communications adds that it will be the second-largest attendance in Radio Hall of Fame history.

“We are delighted to have Kim Komando serve as our MC for this year’s Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony,” said Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Dennis Green. “Kim has been a visionary, trend-setter, and entrepreneur in the digital space before the explosion of all things digital. She has informed and educated audiences across the country like no one else in the genre and her Hall of Fame career shows no signs of slowing down. Kim was inducted in Chicago, and we are honored to have her back to host this year’s show.”

“We’re grateful to Kim Komando for helping us to create a most special evening for each of our 2025 inductees,” added co-chair Kraig Kitchin. “She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the recognition of such an induction.”

Kik Monado hosts a tech and business-focused radio program each week. The show airs on more than 400 radio stations each weeknd and has been on the air for more than 30 years. Her radio work is in addition to writing a column for USA Today for more than 20 years, as well as writing her own newsletter that features more than 700,000 subscribers.

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ESPN Executive Says ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Keep Same Feel and Sound Moving To Network

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ESPN Executive Says ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Keep Same Feel and Sound Moving To Network

ESPN’s integration of TNT’s Inside the NBA into its programming has begun, according to Tim Corrigan, ESPN’s senior vice president of sports production, with the legendary studio show continuing to be produced by TNT Sports.

Corrigan noted in speaking with The Sports Business Journal that the collaboration has involved extensive coordination across production, sales, marketing, and integration teams. “We’ve had meetings that are production to production, sales to sales, marketing to marketing, integration groups, formatting groups. We met with the executives on several occasions, we met with the talent face-to-face in Atlanta, and it’s been terrific,” he said.

Despite moving under the network umbrella, the plan is for Inside the NBA to remain filmed from its longtime Atlanta studio with the original cast, music, graphics producer, director, and support staff.

“They’ll have an hour pregame show on ESPN, followed by an hour postgame show for Inside whenever they’re on ESPN — and obviously they do the wraps around the games,” Corrigan explained. “When they’re on ABC on Saturday nights, it’ll be a half-hour pregame show into the game, and postgame, it’ll be at least a half hour on ABC, then they’ll go to the [ESPN] app for the rest of it — however long it takes.”

Throughout the season, Inside the NBA will appear as part of marquee events such as the NBA on Christmas Day, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and NBA Sunday Showcase. Pregame shows on ESPN will air one hour before tipoff, while ABC broadcasts will feature a 30-minute pregame window. Postgame coverage will continue on the ESPN App following ABC games.

ESPN’s schedule includes multiple Inside the NBA editions during key dates such as December 25 for Christmas Day coverage, January 24 and January 31 for NBA Saturday Primetime, and February 22 for NBA Sunday Showcase. The show will also be featured during regular ESPN doubleheaders and marquee weekend matchups throughout the year.

Inside the NBA will be airing on Disney platforms (ESPN/ABC) throughout the season under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN through which TNT Sports will continue to produce the show.

With pregame, postgame, and extended digital content, ESPN and TNT are positioning Inside the NBA to be both a continuity of the classic show and a fresh addition to ESPN’s NBA coverage.

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Bruce Pearl, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jamal Mashburn Join TNT Sports College Basketball Studio Team

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Bruce Pearl, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jamal Mashburn Join TNT Sports College Basketball Studio Team

TNT Sports is tipping off the season of BIG EAST and Big 12 college basketball coverage with a lineup stacked with recognizable basketball voices and championship experience. The network announced that veteran coach Bruce Pearl and former NBA standouts Jalen Rose and Jamal Mashburn will headline its new studio team alongside host Adam Lefkoe. The trio will also appear across TNT Sports and CBS Sports’ joint coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship next spring.

The lineup also includes a familiar face returning to the network. Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webber will rejoin TNT Sports as part of its Players Era coverage during Thanksgiving week, with additional appearances throughout the season.

TNT Sports Chief Content Officer Craig Barry said the group reflects the network’s trademark chemistry and approach to storytelling.

“Our studio shows have always had a certain DNA that is unique to TNT Sports. We take great pride in assembling the right blend of personalities capable of extending that culture,” Barry said. “We believe we’ve found a distinctive balance with this college basketball team and we’re confident fans will be entertained by their perspectives, the storytelling and access they provide from their experiences in and around the game.”

For Pearl, who has led Auburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earned four SEC Coach of the Year honors. Joining TNT Sports marks a new chapter after years on the sideline.

“I’ve long admired and deeply respected the way TNT Sports delivers the best studio shows in the industry,” Pearl said. “The product has never been in better shape on the court, and I’m going to bring the same passion I displayed as a coach to broadcasting.”

Rose, a member of Michigan’s famed Fab Five and longtime analyst, said he’s eager to dive into the college game again. “College basketball is about legacy, culture, and unforgettable moments,” Rose said. “I’m going to embrace every opportunity to share my perspectives alongside my TNT Sports teammates.”

Mashburn added that the sport still holds a special place for him. “College basketball gave me my start, and it’s where so many great basketball stories begin,” he said.

Lefkoe, who has hosted NBA coverage on TNT and Bleacher Report, said the chemistry of the new crew should fit seamlessly into the network’s established studio style.

“TNT Sports has truly assembled a dream team as it enters its first year of season-long college hoops action,” Lefkoe said. “We’re bringing fans a new chapter of college basketball on TNT.”

TNT Sports’ coverage begins November 3 with the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas. Featuring defending national champion Florida against Arizona and BYU facing Villanova. The network will air 72 BIG EAST men’s and women’s games and a full Big 12 slate this season, leading into its joint coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with CBS Sports.

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Omaha Productions Announces Content Partnership With Main Street Sports Group

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Omaha Productions Announces Content Partnership With Main Street Sports Group

Main Street Sports Group, the owner of FanDuel Sports Network, is joining forces with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions in a new strategic content partnership aimed at developing and producing premium sports content across multiple platforms.

The agreement combines FanDuel Sports Network’s reach and local audience engagement with Omaha Productions’ creative storytelling and established reputation in sports entertainment. Together, the two companies plan to collaborate on co-branded projects spanning linear television, streaming, and digital platforms, while also sharing content and engaging in cross-promotional initiatives designed to broaden their national audience.

As part of the announcement, Main Street Sports Group also unveiled Main Street Sports Productions, a newly formed division dedicated to original content creation for both in-house and third-party distribution. The new arm will be led by longtime production executive Norby Williamson, who serves as President of Production and Programming for Main Street Sports Group.

“This is a transformative moment for us,” Williamson said. “Partnering with Omaha Productions, one of the most respected and creative brands in sports entertainment, sets the stage for what’s next. Main Street Sports Productions allows us to take what we do best and expand it to new audiences, platforms, and partners.”

Omaha Productions, founded by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, has built a reputation for its unique approach to sports storytelling, most notably through projects like ESPN’s ManningCast. The partnership gives the company an opportunity to reach new audiences through FanDuel Sports Network’s growing footprint and its network of local sports affiliates.

“FanDuel Sports Network has built a strong reputation by serving local sports fans and tapping into the passion of fan bases across the country,” said Jamie Horowitz, President and Co-Founder of Omaha Productions. “At Omaha, we’re thrilled to partner with them and create content that speaks directly to those fans in fun and meaningful ways.”

For Main Street Sports Group, the deal marks a key step in its evolution into a fully integrated local sports media platform. With live game coverage, original programming, and now a dedicated production unit, the company is positioning itself to deliver a wider variety of premium sports content.

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