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Pat McAfee Highlights “Hall of Fame” Sports Radio Rant From Tony Rizzo

BSM Staff
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Pat McAfee Highlights “Hall of Fame” Sports Radio Rant From Tony Rizzo

Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter turned media personality, showcased a fiery local sports radio rant from ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo on his program Tuesday afternoon, praising Rizzo’s unfiltered commentary on Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

“I’m a very loyal listener to sports radio, but also there is local sports talk that still is given the pulse of the fans,” McAfee said during his broadcast. “They’re still giving the opinions of the fans. They’re still asking the questions that need to be asked. And we have a Hall of Fame moment fresh out of Cleveland by Tony Rizzo, who’s about sick and tired on Myles Garrett, taking $40 million a year and then complaining about the state of the Browns.”

Rizzo, known for his outspoken approach on Cleveland sports, didn’t hold back in his discussion of Garrett’s performance and attitude.

“He’s not a leader. He’s a hired gun here for money, and he wanted to leave your city and your team,” said Rizzo during his rant on his Monday program on ESPN Cleveland. “End of story. Am I wrong?”

Rizzo wasn’t done with his commentary on his displeasure with the Cleveland Browns star defensive end.

“The a** kissing of this guy is insane,” exclaimed Rizzo. “Are you getting the Tony Rizzo show today. Yes, you want Tony Rizzo today, you’re getting Tony Rizzo as if you were at my house.”

McAfee emphasized that Rizzo’s commentary reflects the passion and frustration of local fans who follow the team closely, contrasting it with the more polished coverage often found on national platforms.

“Love the laugh track and standing ovation to himself. I don’t know who’s controlling that, the bald-headed guy asking the questions to Tony Rizzo,” McAfee added. “We’d like to say massive respect to what you guys do, and we appreciate your fanhood and your passion.”

McAfee’s praise underscores the continued relevance of local sports radio, which often allows hosts to speak directly to the concerns and opinions of fans. While national broadcasts tend to maintain a more measured tone, local programming like Rizzo’s can deliver raw, candid reactions to player performance, team management, and fan sentiment.

For McAfee, showcasing Rizzo’s rant wasn’t just about the controversy surrounding Garrett; it was an acknowledgment of the unique energy and connection that local sports media can provide. When the clip was shared on social media, ESPN Cleveland’s staff was quick to share the appreciation for the showcase.

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.

Clay Travis Reportedly Considering Leaving Fox At Year’s End

BNM Staff
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Clay Travis Reportedly Considering Leaving Fox At Year’s End

Clay Travis, one of the most visible media figures and the founder of OutKick, could be headed for a new chapter when his contract with the company expires later this year.

According to a report from Semafor, Travis is considering leaving Fox Corp. — which acquired OutKick in 2021 — to potentially start a new media venture. Travis, who has become a familiar presence on Fox News programs where he blends sports commentary with conservative political perspectives, continues to host The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, a nationally syndicated radio program distributed by Premiere Networks.

His possible exit would mark the end of a four-year chapter under Fox’s corporate umbrella and could signal the beginning of another independent push similar to his early OutKick days.

According to the report, speculation surrounding Travis’ next move intensified earlier this month after he retweeted a post by former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, an outspoken critic of trans women competing in women’s sports. Gaines’ message criticized the Murdoch-owned New York Post for referring to her as “anti-trans.” The paper later changed its headline.

The retweet reportedly raised eyebrows inside Fox, where executives took note of Travis’ decision to amplify a critique of a sister publication within the Murdoch portfolio. While the move did not appear to create lasting friction, it underscored the delicate balance Travis maintains between his outspoken public persona and the corporate structure of Fox News Media.

Travis has not commented publicly on the report, and Fox has yet to issue an official statement. However, those familiar with the situation tell Semafor describe the tone of conversations as cordial, with both sides evaluating what the future holds once the current contract cycle ends.

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NBC Sports To Air Twenty Big 12 Men’s Basketball Contests Exclusively on Peacock

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports To Air Twenty Big 12 Men’s Basketball Contests Exclusively on Peacock

NBC Sports announced it will stream 20 Big 12 men’s basketball games exclusively on Peacock during the 2025-26 season, adding to the platform’s growing slate of live college sports coverage.

The Big 12 enters the new campaign as one of the nation’s deepest conferences, with six programs ranked in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 — matching a league record and tying for the most of any conference. Houston leads the group at No. 2, followed by BYU (No. 8), Texas Tech (No. 10), Arizona (No. 13), Iowa State (No. 16), and Kansas (No. 19).

Peacock’s Big 12 coverage begins Friday, November 21, when No. 8 BYU hosts No. 24 Wisconsin at 4 p.m. ET in a non-conference showdown between ranked teams. The platform’s early-season slate also features No. 2 Houston hosting Florida State on Saturday, December 8, at 8 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston. The Cougars, who captured both the Big 12 regular-season and postseason titles last year, will make three exclusive appearances on Peacock, including a road matchup at Baylor on Saturday, January 10, at 1 p.m. ET.

Conference play tips off Saturday, January 3, with a Peacock doubleheader featuring No. 19 Kansas visiting UCF at 2 p.m. ET, followed by No. 13 Arizona traveling to Utah at 4 p.m. ET. Throughout the season, the platform will showcase several marquee matchups, including No. 16 Iowa State at Baylor (Jan. 7), No. 10 Texas Tech at Baylor (Jan. 20), No. 2 Houston hosting Kansas State (Feb. 14), and Kansas visiting Oklahoma State (Feb. 18).

The Big 12’s strong national presence continues after sending seven teams to last season’s NCAA Tournament. Houston advanced to the Final Four for the second time in five years, while Texas Tech, Arizona, and BYU joined the Cougars in the Sweet 16 — marking the first time since 2002 that four Big 12 teams reached that stage. It was also the 11th consecutive year the league earned at least six NCAA bids.

The Big 12’s recent success underscores its status as one of college basketball’s premier conferences. A Big 12 team has reached the Final Four in five of the past seven tournaments, and the league has claimed two of the last five national championships — Baylor in 2021 and Kansas in 2022.

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Ryen Russillo: Spotify Feed of Podcast Not Coming With Me to Barstool Sports

BSM Staff
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Ryen Russillo: Spotify Feed of Podcast Not Coming With Me to Barstool Sports

Ryen Russillo is ready for his next chapter. The veteran sports personality announced that his new podcast will debut November 3 in partnership with Barstool Sports, marking a new phase in his media career while keeping the core of his show intact.

Russillo revealed the details on his current platform, noting that the upcoming show will feature a new podcast feed and YouTube channel, encouraging listeners to subscribe ahead of the debut.

“The new podcast starts November 3. We need you to subscribe to this new feed. None of that stuff is coming with me,” Russillo said referencing his podcast will remain property of Spotify, emphasizing that fans will need to make the switch to follow the show’s next iteration.

The new venture will see longtime collaborators Steve Ceruti and Kyle Crichton joining Russillo as part of the transition. Both have worked closely with him in past roles. Helping shape the tone, production, and chemistry that have defined Russillo’s work since his days with ESPN and The Ringer.

Ceruti is a senior podcast manager at The Ringer. He was previously involved in The Bill Simmons Podcast and was a co-host of The Ringer Soccer Show. Crichton also previously produced The Bill Simmons Podcast and is Simmons’ nephew.

Russillo described the move to Barstool as a partnership, one that came together quickly and without complication.

“Dave [Portnoy] and I talked for five minutes. I wanted a partnership at this stage of my career. He was like, no problem. So here we go, off and running,” Russillo said.

The podcast will continue to focus heavily on NBA discussion. Along with the mix of analysis, storytelling, and sharp opinion that has made Russillo one of the more respected voices in sports audio. He noted that additional NBA content will appear on the show’s new YouTube channel in the week leading up to the launch.

While the Barstool partnership signals a fresh start, Russillo assured listeners the format and tone will remain familiar.

“It’s going to basically be the same show,” he said, underlining that fans can expect the same insight and perspective that have built his loyal following over the years.

Russillo’s move adds another established personality to Barstool’s podcast lineup. Continuing the company’s strategy of attracting proven talent with built-in audiences. For Russillo, it’s a chance to take greater ownership of his brand while maintaining creative freedom under a platform that thrives on personality-driven content.

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.

Netflix Inks Deal with Spotify to Bring Podcasts From Bill Simmons, Others to Streaming Service in 2026

BNM Staff
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Netflix Inks Deal with Spotify to Bring Podcasts From Bill Simmons, Others to Streaming Service in 2026

Netflix and Spotify have announced a new partnership to bring some of the digital audio company’s biggest podcasts to the video streaming platform next year.

Many of the podcasts included in the deal are from The Ringer, which was launched by Bill Simmons in 2016 and purchased by Spotify in 2020 for $250 million. The network’s roster features more than 50 programs.

“This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting,” said Spotify Vice President and Head of Podcasts Roman Wasenmüller. “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, helping creators reach new audiences and giving fans around the world the chance to experience the stories they love and uncover favorites they never expected. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”

“With video podcasts on the rise, our partnership with Spotify ensures we bring the full video versions of these top shows to Netflix and Spotify,” added Netflix Vice President of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy Lauren Smith. “From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”

The two companies did not disclose the length of the licensing deal, nor were financial terms shared in the announcement.

Some of the podcasts included in the deal are:

  • Sports: “The Bill Simmons Podcast”
  • “The Zach Lowe Show”
  • “The McShay Show”
  • “Fairway Rollin’”
  • “The Mismatch”
  • “The Ringer F1 Show”
  • “The Ringer Fantasy Football Show”
  • “The Ringer NFL Show”
  • “The Ringer NBA Show”
  • Culture and Lifestyle: “The Rewatchables”
  • “The Big Picture”
  • “The Dave Chang Show”
  • “The Recipe Club”
  • “Dissect”
  • True Crime: “Conspiracy Theories”
  • “Serial Killers”

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.

99.5 WYCD Moves Rob Stone and Holly Hutton to Afternoon Drive As Part of Lineup Shuffle

BMM Staff
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99.5 WYCD Moves Rob Stone and Holly Hutton to Afternoon Drive As Part of Lineup Shuffle

99.5 WYCD is shuffling its lineup to move Rob Stone and Holly Hutton to afternoon drive, among other changes.

The Rob and Holly Show will now be heard from 3-7 PM on the Audacy Detroit country station. They will replace Sean “Coop” Tabler in the daypart, who will move to evenings and host from 7 PM to Midnight. Stone and Hutton will remain syndicated through Infinity Networks, with the program airing in the 7 PM to Midnight window.

As part of the changes, Sarah Thomas, who had been partnered with Coop in afternoons, has departed the outlet.

“We are excited to refresh our daily lineup with voices that we know Detroit’s country music fans love,” said Audacy Detroit Senior Vice President and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon. “Bringing the award-winning live and local energy of The Rob and Holly Show to our afternoons and of course Coop, a beloved and familiar voice, back to host Detroit’s Country Nights, allows us to deliver a powerhouse of country entertainment from sunrise to sunset.”

Stone and Hutton had previously been in afternoons at the station, before moving to evenings in 2020 to host nights across the company’s country stations.

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Kirk Herbstreit Credits ESPN for How They Handled Lee Corso’s ‘College GameDay’ Farewell

BSM Staff
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Kirk Herbstreit Credits ESPN for How They Handled Lee Corso’s ‘College GameDay’ Farewell

Kirk Herbstreit says ESPN got it right when it came to celebrating Lee Corso’s legendary run on College GameDay. The longtime analyst reflected on his friendship with Corso and the network’s decision to honor his final appearance at Ohio State — the same place where Corso first donned the mascot headgear nearly three decades ago.

Speaking as a guest on The Dan Patrick Show, Herbstreit opened up about his relationship with Corso. Herbstreit described how their bond deepened after Corso suffered a stroke in 2009. What began as a mentor-player relationship evolved into something much more personal.

“When he had a stroke, he went from being the mentor and coach to me just… we never talked about it,” Herbstreit said. “It was just, ‘I’m an Ohio guy — what can I do to help?’ So I just kind of sat there, and if he ever needed a little help, I would help. And if he didn’t, he didn’t.”

Herbstreit added that his small gestures of support towards Corso weren’t about drawing attention.

“I would try to do it as subtly as I could,” he said. “I didn’t really realize people were paying attention to it. I think over time it just became natural. We were two friends hanging out next to each other talking football.”

The veteran analyst’s respect for Corso extends well beyond the broadcast desk. Herbstreit said he was particularly pleased with how ESPN handled the emotional sendoff for the 90-year-old icon, who has been part of GameDay since it’s beginnings in 1987.

“I was really, really happy the way ESPN handled that,” Herbstreit said. “Sometimes, you know, big companies — a lot of people, things move on. But they really did him right with that special they did.”

The network paid tribute to Corso with a weekend-long celebration, culminating in his farewell show at Ohio State — a fitting bookend to his memorable on-air tradition.

“The fact that it was at Ohio State, ironically enough, where he started with the headgear and finished with the headgear — it was a cool, cool experience to be there with him,” Herbstreit said.

Corso’s farewell marked the end of an era for College GameDay, which continues to be one of ESPN’s most influential properties. But for Herbstreit, the moment wasn’t about television history or ratings. It was about friendship, loyalty, and gratitude for a man who helped shape his own broadcasting journey.

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Red Apple Audio Networks Adds Another Side of Midnight with TJ McCormack to National Syndication Offering

BNM Staff
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Red Apple Audio Networks Adds Another Side of Midnight with TJ McCormack to National Syndication Offering

Red Apple Audio Networks has announced it is adding Another Side of Midnight with TJ McCormack to its offerings of nationally syndicated shows.

The program, heard on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 2-5 PM ET, launched earlier this year.

According to 77 WABC, the show has consistently ranked as the top program in the timeslot in the New York market.

“Joining 77WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks is a dream,” said McCormack. “This show is about real life —messy, funny, frustrating, beautiful life. If you’re awake at 3 a.m. and feel like you’re the only one going through something, you’re not. I’ve been there. We talk about politics, culture, addiction, recovery, family —whatever keeps you up at night or gets you through the day.”

In addition to his radio show, McCormack has worked as a stand-up comedian, writer, commentator, and speechwriter for various politicians and elected officials.

“TJ has dominated overnight ratings,” said Red Apple Media and 77 WABC Radio President Chad Lopez. “His authentic voice, background in comedy, and powerful personal journey make him uniquely relatable. He’s bringing something real to the airwaves — and it’s connecting.”

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RAB Adds New Slate of Members to Board of Directors

BNM Staff
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RAB Adds New Slate of Members to Board of Directors

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) recently appointed a new slate of members to its Board of Directors at its recent biannual meeting.

The Board of Directors meeting was held in Carlsbad, California, where three new members were added to the already established group of members.

Joining the board were Audacy Senior Vice President of Research and Insights Ray Borelli, Skyview Networks President and CEO Steve Jones, and James River Broadcasting COO Lance Knudson.

The existing members of the board include Townsquare Media COO Erik Hellum (chairman), Cox Media President Rob Babin (vice chair), Bonneville International Executive Vice President of Regional Media Operations Scott Sutherland (finance chair), Lenawee Broadcasting Company President Julie Koehn (board secretary), and Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw (immediate past chair).

The RAB is the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to advancing America’s radio broadcasters.

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Newsmax, Fox News, CNN and Other News Networks Reject Pentagon’s New Press Policy, OAN Only News Outlet to Agree to it

BNM Staff
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Newsmax, Fox News, CNN and Other News Networks Reject Pentagon’s New Press Policy, OAN Only News Outlet to Agree to it

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released new reporting guidelines for news organizations to report on the Pentagon and the Department of Defense, setting a Tuesday deadline for organizations to agree to the new terms. Only One America News Network (OAN) has signed on to the new guidelines. The majority of cable news networks have rejected it.

OAN is the only network to agree to the policies set forth by the Department. Those policies include limited credentials and access to organizations that do not adhere to the new pledge. Employees of those entities that do not agree will be accompanied by DOD officials when they access certain areas of the Pentagon.

Media outlets have until 5 PM ET on Tuesday to agree to the new policy or return their credentials to the Department of Defense.

In a joint statement from ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News and NBC News, the five major networks said, “Today, we join virtually every other news organization in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues. The policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections. We will continue to cover the U.S. military as each of our organizations has done for many decades, upholding the principles of a free and independent press.”

Newsmax also took a stand against the new press policy for similar reasons.

“Newsmax has no plans to sign the letter,” a network spokesperson told Barrett Media. “We are working in conjunction with other media outlets to resolve the situation. We believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon with review the matter further.”

In a company release, Newsmax said the restrictions from the Pentagon and Department of Defense represent an undue limitation on press freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. The network warned that the Pentagon’s move will create a terrible precedent in covering future presidential administrations, including Democrat ones.

“Newsmax has long advocated for its First Amendment rights, which include a free press and free speech,” the company said. “We believe those rights extend to all press institutions, even ones we disagree with. We believe Newsmax has the right to publish classified information without permission of the government, and cannot sign a letter that says we do not.”

However, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who now hosts a primetime show on OAN, shared on social media that the company is “happy to follow these reasonable conditions, grounded in care for our national security.”

“Frankly I’m shocked these weren’t already the rules,” Gaetz added.

Gaetz also said in a post on X that the outlets that didn’t agree to the new policies enacted were “dummies.”

On Monday, the Washington Post joined The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, Reuters, NPR, the Associated Press, HuffPost and the trade publication Breaking Defense as media outlets that have said they will not sign the agreement.

Additionally, NewsNation and The Hill have also not signed on to the agreement with the Pentagon.

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