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MS NOW Announces Bernie Sanders Special Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Garrett Searight
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MS NOW Announces Bernie Sanders Special Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

MS NOW will examine Bernie Sanders’ political influence in a new primetime special ahead of November’s midterm elections. The two-hour program will feature interviews with Sanders and prominent progressive leaders.

What We Know: Long Game: The Bernie Sanders Effect will air Saturday, October 17th, at 8 PM ET. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris will host the special. In it, she’ll examine Sanders’ decades-long career and his influence on American politics. The program will feature exclusive sit-down interviews with Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Additionally, MS NOW will publish a piece from Norris reflecting on her conversation with Sanders and his political legacy. Norris will also host a live question-and-answer session for MS NOW Members the following evening.

What They Said: “I have been covering electoral politics for a very long time, and there has perhaps never been a more important midterm election in my lifetime. Sen. Bernie Sanders is at the heart of it. He has inspired, endorsed, and supported a roster of progressive, left-leaning candidates who surprised the Democratic establishment in the primary and now face the biggest test yet this November. The stakes are enormous for him, for the Democratic Party and for the country, and the Long Game illustrates the significance and reach of Sanders’ influence in modern American politics.” -MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris

What Remains Unclear: MS NOW hasn’t disclosed additional details about the special’s interview segments. The network also hasn’t announced any further programming tied to Sanders and the midterm elections.

What It Means: MS NOW will explore the influence of progressive politicians as Democrats prepare for the election. By featuring Sanders alongside Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani, the network will examine how his political movement has helped shape a new generation of Democratic leaders.

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Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria Stands By Non-Purchase Of Warner Bros. Discovery

John Mamola
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Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria Stands By Non-Purchase Of Warner Bros. Discovery

Netflix content chief Bela Bajaria says the streamer has moved past its failed bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Instead, she insists Netflix will keep investing and growing on its own terms.

What We Know: Netflix previously bid $83 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery. However, David Ellison’s Paramount-Skydance won the studio with a far larger $110 billion offer. At MIPCOM in Cannes, Bajaria backed her boss, co-CEO Ted Sarandos, on the outcome. Like him, she called WBD “always a nice to have at a certain price, not a must have at any price.”

What They Said: Bela Bajaria: “We were never going to [spend over the odds]. We are financially disciplined. We knew what we had and what the opportunity was.”

Bela Bajaria: “When others have scaled back at different times we have continued to be consistent and grow our investment and expand what we do. For me that is the most important thing.”

What Remains Unclear: Notably, Bajaria didn’t address reported layoffs at the streamer beginning this week. Instead, she said Netflix will continue to expand, as it always has. Still, it’s unclear how that growth squares with any staff cuts. Additionally, she didn’t say whether Netflix will pursue other major acquisitions after losing WBD.

What It Means: For now, Netflix is betting on its own pipeline rather than a blockbuster merger. Bajaria noted the streamer holds roughly 5% of global TV viewing time, leaving plenty of room to grow. As a result, Netflix appears content to keep growing while rivals consolidate with one another.

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Former Fox News Executive Slams Network’s Kimberly Guilfoyle Coverage

Garrett Searight
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Former Fox News Executive Slams Network’s Kimberly Guilfoyle Coverage

Former Fox News executive Ken LaCorte criticized the network’s coverage of allegations involving Kimberly Guilfoyle. However, a Fox News source disputed his suggestion that senior leadership dictates digital editorial decisions.

What We Know: LaCorte served as Fox News Digital’s vice president for a decade before departing in 2016. He recently criticized the network for what he described as a lack of coverage surrounding Guilfoyle. A former Fox News employee, Guilfoyle reportedly asked donors for money to pay her credit card debts, among other issues.

However, Fox News did cover the allegations on television. Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reported on the situation during Thursday’s edition of Special Report with Bret Baier last week. Following LaCorte’s criticism, the network also published a story on its website. Chief Washington Correspondent Mike Emanuel subsequently reported on the allegations during Monday morning’s edition of America’s Newsroom.

What They Said: “The network has served America well, and I have defended it against hyperbolic charges for nearly 30 years. And to be clear, this isn’t a simple ‘mistake’ by Fox. It’s not a biased headline or muddled article. It’s a conscious choice to ignore a major story that has been reported worldwide by every major news outlet. President Trump has spoken about it, as has VP Vance and Marco Rubio. It’s journalistic malpractice. I don’t have knowledge of the details of Fox’s action, yet I doubt that there’s been an order from up top to ignore it. I suspect it’s instead a product of fear and inaction by middle management. Whatever the reason, though, it’s an increasing pattern I’ve seen at the network.

“To those of you at Fox with any power — from Lachlan on down — know that things like this only harm the company’s reputation. Not among your enemies, who will hate you no matter what, but among your supporters, like me, who get pained when the hyperbolic attacks turn out to be true.” -Ken LaCorte

What Remains Unclear: LaCorte acknowledged he didn’t know the details behind Fox News’ editorial decisions. The network source told Barrett Media, “Editorial decisions on whether to cover a story on digital are not decided at the top of the network.” Neither the precise reasoning behind the timing of the website’s coverage nor whether internal discussions influenced the decision has been established.

What It Means: LaCorte’s criticism raises questions about how Fox News determines which stories receive digital attention and when. However, the network’s television reporting and subsequent online coverage complicate the claim that Fox News ignored the allegations entirely. The dispute also highlights the distinction between editorial decisions made by digital teams and broader leadership at the network.

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Mike Florio Calls On NFL To Correct Blackout Restrictions For NFL Sunday Ticket

John Mamola
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0
Mike Florio Calls On NFL To Correct Blackout Restrictions For NFL Sunday Ticket

Mike Florio wants the NFL to fix a growing NFL Sunday Ticket problem. The Pro Football Talk founder says late-game blackouts make no sense for fans paying $400 a season for the NFL subscription service.

What We Know: When an early NFL game runs long, networks keep it on air as “bonus coverage” into the 4:25 p.m. ET window. Meanwhile, NFL Sunday Ticket keeps the late game blacked out for customers because it will eventually air on local FOX Sports or CBS Sports stations. As a result, many fans missed most of the first quarter of 49ers-Seahawks on Sunday. That broadcast finally began with 4:47 left in the quarter, after the 70-minute Giants-Commanders game ended. Florio called on the NFL to address this issue as it withholds customers from the content they pay for.

What They Said: (All quotes via PFT Live):

Mike Florio says the NFL needs to do better with bonus coverage blackouts: “This is 2026. The last I checked. We’ve got super intelligence. There has to be a way to lift the blackout. So that people who have paid their $400 because they have no choice but to pay for the whole season to watch all the games that aren’t on in their market. If there’s a game that’s happening that’s not on in their market, they should be able to watch the first ten plus minutes of the first quarter on Sunday ticket.”

Mike Florio says blackouts on NFL Sunday Ticket could end up as part of antitrust challenges by Congress: “I know the NFL’s got plenty of stuff going on as it relates to antitrust challenges directed at Sunday ticket. This is another one just waiting to happen. I pay $400. Why can’t I watch the first 10 minutes or Seahawks 49ers? We don’t know what’s going to happen in those first 10 minutes. It could have been the greatest first ten minutes of a game in NFL history. You never get to see it. It’s inexplicable that this would happen.”

What Remains Unclear: So far, the NFL and YouTube have not fixed the problem, despite multiple cases this season. Oddly, fans in Lions-Cardinals markets still watched all of 49ers-Seahawks on Sunday Ticket. However, it remains unclear whether any fix will arrive this season.

What It Means: For Florio, the solution seems simple. The league could lift the blackout until bonus coverage ends on local channels. Otherwise, he believes the NFL invites a class action from frustrated subscribers. Ultimately, the issue adds pressure to a product already facing antitrust scrutiny.

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Thursday Night Football Earns Fifth Straight Viewership Record on Prime Video

John Mamola
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0
Thursday Night Football Earns Fifth Straight Viewership Record on Prime Video

Thursday Night Football keeps climbing on Prime Video. The Buccaneers’ upset of the Cowboys drew an average of 16.73 million viewers, setting another round of records for the streaming platform.

What We Know: Bucs-Cowboys beat last year’s comparable Week 5 game by 11%. That matchup, 49ers-Rams on October 2, 2025, averaged 15.02 million viewers. Moreover, Thursday’s game became the most-watched Week 5 game in the package’s history, including eight broadcast presentations. The audience also peaked at 18.56 million between 9:00 and 9:14 p.m. ET. For the first time, Thursday Night Football on Prime opened a season with four straight year-over-year gains. Additionally, the package has grown in nine of its last 10 regular-season games. Meanwhile, its pregame and postgame shows are off to their best starts since 2022.

What The Data Shows: (all data via Prime Video PR):

Week (NFL)DateMatchupAverage Viewership
2Sept. 17, 2026Lions vs. Bills18.90 million
3Sept. 24, 2026Falcons vs. Packers16.82 million
4Oct. 1, 2026Steelers vs. Browns16.59 million
5Oct. 8, 2026Buccaneers vs. Cowboys16.73 million

What Remains Unclear: Prime has now posted five straight viewership records, dating back to last season’s Week 17 finale. It’s unclear if that will continue this week with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

What It Means: Through four games, TNF averages 17.52 million viewers, up 11% from last year’s pace. Moreover, it tops NFL audiences on linear networks by double digits in every key demo under 55. Its median viewer is 48.6, over six years younger than linear’s 54.8. Moreover, streaming football now delivers the audience advertisers chase most.

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Mike Ryan Ruiz Has Zero Faith In Building Tradition With Latest Round Of Miami Marlins Broadcaster Changes

John Mamola
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Mike Ryan Ruiz Has Zero Faith In Building Tradition With Latest Round Of Miami Marlins Broadcaster Changes

Mike Ryan Ruiz is frustrated with the Miami Marlins. The Dan Le Batard Show producer and co-host blasted the team Monday for changing its TV voice again.

What We Know: The Marlins reportedly told Kyle Sielaff on Friday that he’s out as TV play-by-play voice after two seasons. Additionally, the team dropped analyst Jeff Nelson, studio host Craig Minervini and analyst Rod Allen. Meanwhile, Gaby Sanchez will become the primary TV analyst, while Craig Mish takes over all studio hosting duties. It marks the club’s third TV play-by-play change in less than a decade. Monday, Ryan Ruiz discussed his disappointment in the Miami Marlins’ ownership. Specifically for not allowing opportunity to fester with the broadcast team and its fanbase.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show):

Mike Ryan Ruiz upset that the Miami Marlins are changing their broadcast voice again: “Why does this franchise [Miami Marlins] always decide to not plant any sort of legacy? Kyle [Sielaff] was popular, was from South Florida, and was good and young. You may feel like the next guy can be even an improvement. But for the love of God, can this franchise put some roots down and keep something that is popular for any sort of period of time that allows you to grow attached?”

Mike Ryan Ruiz says the amount of change with the Marlins broadcast booth gives him no confidence: “The new guy may be an improvement. Whatever. I’ve got zero faith that that guy will be here in four years. Because that’s what this franchise [Miami Marlins] does. It just speaks to a larger issue with the franchise. When you have people that are popular that are being let go, you don’t want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re doing something for the betterment of you, the consumer.”

Mike Ryan Ruiz says baseball needs familiarity in the broadcast booth: “There is so much intrinsic value to something familiar when you’re tuning into a baseball broadcast. They started building that with Kyle [Sielaff]. Now, you have a new guy coming in, and I just don’t trust that the new guy will be there for five years. Because either he’s as good as you say and he’s going to go somewhere else, or you’re going to decide to replace him with the next hot shot radio voice.”

Mike Ryan Ruiz doesn’t believe anyone will stand up for building tradition with the Miami Marlins: “Does anyone care about tradition there? Where is the voice inside the franchise that says, “Guys, we continue to put this fan base through a lot. The one thing that is plaguing them with us is consistency. We’re gonna shake things up yet again?”

What Remains Unclear: The Marlins haven’t named Sielaff’s replacement yet. However, radio voice Jack McMullen is the reported front-runner after impressing the team on TV in August. Similarly, the club still needs a second TV analyst and, likely, a new radio voice. Ruiz, for his part, doubts any newcomer will stick around.

What It Means: Consequently, Ruiz sees the booth turnover as a symptom of bigger problems. After all, the team has now moved on from Rich Waltz, Paul Severino and Sielaff since 2017. Ultimately, the Marlins are asking a frustrated fan base to start over once again.

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KJR’s Gregg Bell Laid Off After 21 Years With McClatchy Media: “They Ruined An Institution”

John Mamola
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0
KJR’s Gregg Bell Laid Off After 21 Years With McClatchy Media: “They Ruined An Institution”

Gregg Bell’s run as a McClatchy NFL beat writer is over. The 93.3 KJR midday host said his final day at The Tacoma News Tribune came amid sweeping company layoffs.

What We Know: Bell spent 21 years as an NFL beat writer for McClatchy Media, according to his post on X. Meanwhile, McClatchy cut more than 90 staffers across 17 publications. Moreover, those cuts hit already thin newsrooms in Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham and the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Bell co-hosts middays on 93.3 KJR alongside Christopher Kidd.

What They Said: Gregg Bell on being laid off by The Tacoma News Tribune (via X): “This was my final day at the Tacoma News Tribune. 21 years as an NFL beat writer for McClatchy Media. Laid off. Company slashed 40% of us. Honored to end the national TNT Seahawks legacy set by the late John Clayton, Mike Sando, Dave Boling, John McGrath, Eric Williams, and Todd Milles. Thank you!”

Gregg Bell (via 93.3 KJR ‘Chuck In The Morning’ show): “That was a hell of a sports section, and it went everywhere. Olympics, Final Fours, Super Bowls, and it’s just poof gone. They’ve just eliminated the whole damn thing. It’s the way print journalism is now.”

Gregg Bell (via 93.3 KJR ‘Chuck In The Morning’ show):“They [McClatchy] ruined an institution.”

What Remains Unclear: It remains unclear all names associated with the cuts by McClatchy Media. Also, how each of the publications plan to replace their cuts with coverage is also unknown. Bell will continue working his midday program with KJR. In addition, he plans to continue providing the same level of Seahawks coverage elsewhere.

What It Means: Ultimately, Bell’s exit closes a storied chapter in Seattle sports coverage. The Tribune beat once belonged to the late John Clayton, Mike Sando and Dave Boling, among others. Moreover, Bell put it bluntly: “They [McClatchy] ruined an institution.” Still, his KJR microphone gives him a daily platform as Seattle’s football season rolls on. Plus, he’s hints at a new avenue to continue providing the same standard of Seahawks coverage he always coming soon.

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Eddie Olczyk Returns As Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador, Analyst

John Mamola
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Eddie Olczyk Returns As Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador, Analyst

Eddie Olczyk is back with the Chicago Blackhawks. The franchise named him a team ambassador, and he’ll also return to select Chicago Sports Network broadcasts as a studio analyst.

What We Know: Olczyk joins Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, Jeremy Roenick and Pat Foley as a Blackhawks ambassador. Chicago drafted the Palos Heights native third overall in 1984, and he posted 209 points across two playing stints. Later, he spent 16 seasons as the team’s TV analyst, calling Stanley Cup wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Now, he’ll serve as a CHSN studio analyst for four Saturday home games this fall.

What They Said: Jaime Faulkner, Blackhawks President of Business Operations: “Eddie Olczyk is part of the fabric of this franchise and this city. From the kid who grew up cheering in the stands, to the player who wore the sweater on home ice. To the voice that brought Blackhawks hockey into Chicago homes for years, few people have meant more to our fans. We’re thrilled to welcome Eddie home as a Blackhawks Ambassador, and we know our fans will be just as excited to see him back where he belongs.”

Eddie Olczyk: “The Blackhawks have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Chicago dreaming about this team, and I got to live that dream by pulling on the sweater as a player and telling the story of this franchise as a broadcaster. To come home and represent the Blackhawks as an ambassador means more to me than I can put into words. I want to thank Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner for welcoming me back and making this possible. Chicago is my home, the Blackhawks are my team, and my family and I are thrilled to be back with our fans.”

What Remains Unclear: However, the team hasn’t revealed Olczyk’s full broadcast schedule yet. Olczyk will also continue his national work, including his role with TNT Sports.

What It Means: Ultimately, the move reconnects Chicago with one of its most familiar hockey voices. Beyond the broadcasts, he’ll appear at United Center events, partner gatherings and Blackhawks Foundation initiatives. Meanwhile, CHSN adds a recognizable studio presence to its Blackhawks coverage. For fans who grew up hearing him, that familiarity carries real value.

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Terry Bradshaw Reveals He Was “Nervous” With Latest FOX Sports Contract Renewal

John Mamola
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0
Terry Bradshaw Reveals He Was “Nervous” With Latest FOX Sports Contract Renewal

Terry Bradshaw has extended his deal with FOX Sports through the Super Bowl. However, the Hall of Famer admits the process rattled him this time.

What We Know: Bradshaw recently opened up to the Los Angeles Times about his new contract. Notably, the extension keeps him on FOX NFL Sunday for two more years. He has been a fixture on the network’s pregame show since FOX landed NFL rights in 1994. Before that, he spent nearly a decade as an analyst at CBS. Bradshaw admitted this last negotiation with FOX Sports brought out his nerves for the first times since working with the network.

What They Said: (All quotes via the Los Angeles Times):

Terry Bradshaw on extending his contract with FOX Sports: “I love my job. This year was the first year that I got nervous. I wanted to extend my contract. So I signed through the Super Bowl. Two more years. I’ll be 80.”

Terry Bradshaw understands that life in television is no different than any business: “Everybody in any business has to go. The young guys are coming. But I want to be relevant. I want to be good, and continue on. I want America to [tune in] and watch me, and want them to [like] me. And I can’t wait to do the show.”

Terry Bradshaw on people only remembering him from television: “Generations of young people have no idea I even played football. They know me as the TV guy.”

What Remains Unclear: Bradshaw did not disclose financial terms of the extension. Furthermore, he gave no indication whether this deal will be his last. Similarly, it is unclear how FOX plans to shape its pregame lineup beyond this agreement.

What It Means: Ultimately, Bradshaw remains one of the most recognizable names and voices in sports television. His candor offers a rare look at the pressure veteran broadcasters face. Even legends, it turns out, feel the push from younger talent. Even so, the extension signals FOX still sees real value in his presence on Sundays. Whether or not this will be Bradshaw’s last deal remains to be seen. Earlier this year, Bradshaw told Sports Business Radio that he doesn’t have plans to retire anytime soon.

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Terry Gerton Leaving The Federal Drive at Federal News Network

Garrett Searight
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Terry Gerton Leaving The Federal Drive at Federal News Network

Terry Gerton is leaving her role as host of The Federal Drive at Federal News Network. She’ll depart at the end of 2026 to take a new position in finance and operations.

What We Know: Gerton began hosting the morning program in May 2025, succeeding Tom Temin, who led the show for 17 years. She’ll become Director of Finance and Operations at the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Meanwhile, The Federal Drive airs weekdays from 6-10 AM on Federal News Network, which broadcasts on 1500 AM in Washington, D.C. Gerton’s departure will mark another transition for the program following Temin’s lengthy tenure.

What They Said: “Terry has made a real mark on Federal News Network in a little less than two years, and she handled the job of following the most successful run in our history extremely well. We’re sad to see her go and happy for her. Now we’re looking for the next talented host to join our newsroom.” -Federal News Network Publisher Jeffrey Wolinsky

What Remains Unclear: The network hasn’t outlined whether it plans to make any additional changes to the program’s format or schedule following her exit. It is seeking her replacement, with the job posting posted here.

What It Means: Gerton’s departure will give Federal News Network another opportunity to shape the future of its flagship morning program. After Temin’s 17-year run, Gerton stepped into a high-profile role in May 2025. Now, the network will look for another host to lead its coverage of federal government news and policy. Her successor will inherit an established four-hour morning program serving listeners in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

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