Home Blog Page 381

The Conclave Sets Date for Final Event and Online Celebration

BMM Staff
-
0
The Conclave Sets Date for Final Event and Online Celebration

The Conclave, the long-running radio and audio industry event, has announced the dates for its final event, as well as an online event to celebrate its legacy.

Conclave 45: The Last Conclave is set for September 15th through the 17th. The final event will be held in Minneapolis.

“This final gathering represents both a culmination and a celebration — bringing the industry together one last time for the signature learning, networking, and idea-sharing experience that has defined The Conclave for half a century,” the organization said.

To register for the event, click here.

Additionally, on Friday, April 17th, an online event will be held to remember the previous iterations of the event. That online event will begin at 2 PM ET.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Fox News Adds Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez as Contributor

BNM Staff
-
0
Fox News Adds Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez as Contributor

Fox News has announced it has added Francis Suarez as a new contributor, focusing on legal and political analysis.

Suarez served as a two-term mayor of the city of Miami. He served from 2017 to 2025. He also served as the President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 2022 to 2023. His father, Xavier Suarez, also served as mayor of the Florida city.

A Republican, Suarez launched a Presidential bid in 2024. He ended his campaign after he failed to qualify for the first primary debate.

Before serving as mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez worked as a lawyer. Currently, Suarez is the President of Alpha Wave Global, an investment firm with nearly $30 billion in assets.

Francis Suarez is slated to make his debut as a Fox News contributor on Thursday evening. His first appearance will be on Special Report with Bret Baier at 6 PM ET.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

HBO Max, truTV To Host Final Four Alt-Cast During Michigan, Arizona Match Up

BSM Staff
-
0
HBO Max, truTV To Host Final Four Alt-Cast During Michigan, Arizona Match Up

The voices of one of college basketball’s most influential groups will return to the spotlight during Final Four weekend. Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball’s famed Fab Five will reunite for a special alternate broadcast of the national semifinal matchup against Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball on Saturday, April 4. The presentation will air on truTV and HBO Max, while the traditional game broadcast will be available across TBS, TNT and HBO Max.

All five members of Michigan’s iconic 1991 recruiting class plan to appear together on-site in Indianapolis. The gathering marks one of the few times the group has reunited publicly in more than 30 years.

Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson will be featured throughout the alternate telecast. Adam Lefkoe will host the broadcast, guiding discussion and reactions as the game unfolds.

The altcast format will lean into conversation and storytelling. The Fab Five are expected to provide real-time analysis, behind-the-scenes memories and reflections on their historic run in Ann Arbor. The approach mirrors other personality-driven broadcasts that have gained traction across major sports events.

Michigan’s Fab Five reshaped the sport when they arrived as freshmen in 1991. The group blended elite talent with cultural influence, helping redefine how college athletes were viewed both on and off the court. Their baggy shorts, black socks and unapologetic confidence became part of basketball’s broader identity.

On the court, the results matched the attention. Michigan reached back-to-back national championship games in 1992 and 1993, cementing the Fab Five’s place in NCAA history. Although a title eluded them, their impact has endured across generations.

Saturday’s alternate presentation aims to tap into that legacy while offering viewers a different way to experience the Final Four. The combination of nostalgia, personality and live game reaction could appeal to both longtime fans and newer audiences.

The Fab Five broadcast will follow the first national semifinal between Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball and UConn Huskies men’s basketball, which is scheduled for a 6:09 p.m. ET tip.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

ESPN Radio Reportedly Targeting Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf As Replacement For Clinton Yates

BSM Staff
-
2
ESPN Radio Reportedly Targeting Matt Jones, Myron Medcalf As Replacement For Clinton Yates

ESPN Radio appears to be closing in on its next weekday lineup move following the recent departure of Clinton Yates.

According to a report from Front Office Sports, Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf are currently viewed as the leading candidates to take over the 10 a.m. to noon ET window. While momentum appears to be building, a deal has not yet been finalized but discussions reportedly are ongoing.

ESPN has declined comment to Barrett Media on the reporting.

Both Jones and Medcalf are already part of the network’s radio lineup. The duo co-hosts a weekend program, giving ESPN a level of familiarity and on-air chemistry to build from if the move becomes official. Promoting internal talent would also align with the company’s recent approach to roster adjustments across its audio platform.

Jones currently hosts Kentucky Sports Radio, a program that airs on multiple stations throughout the state of Kentucky, including 630 WLAP in Lexington and outlets in Louisville. However, his current show occupies the same midday timeslot ESPN is looking to fill. Jones also signed a five-year extension with iHeartMedia in February of 2025 which extends through 2029. Both of which could be affecting current discussions.

Meanwhile, Medcalf offers deep reporting experience and a long tenure with ESPN. He joined the company in 2011 as a contributor before transitioning into a full-time role covering college basketball in 2013. Over the years, he has expanded his presence across ESPN platforms, including radio, television and digital.

The opening was created after Yates wrapped up his run with the network last week. Yates joined ESPN in February 2016 and served as a columnist and commentator across various ESPN programs, in addition to hosting his daily radio show from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Yates’ program, Clinton & Friends, debuted on ESPN Radio in January of last year after Mike Greenberg stepped down from his daily Greeny program following a five-year run.

Currently, ESPN Radio is rotating through several different pairings of talent in the interim.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

iHeartMedia Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

BNM Staff
-
0
iHeartMedia Names Ann Marie Licata CEO of Multiplatform Group

iHeartMedia has announced it has appointed Ann Marie Licata as the CEO of its Mutliplatform Group, which includes the company’s 860 radio stations.

The division also includes the Markets Group, the live events and sponsorships business, the radio networks businesses like Premiere Networks and TTWN, and the Enterprise Business Development Group.

With the new structure, Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott and Enterprise Development Group Julie Donohue will report directly to Licata.

Additionally, Bernie Weiss will now serve as the President of the Markets Group. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the iHeartMedia Markets Group.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Ann Marie will be leading the growth and innovation efforts for our company’s largest segment,” said iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman. “In addition to helping businesses and brands grow effectively and efficiently, the Multiplatform Group has been an important engine to develop our own important new businesses — including podcasting and the iHeartRadio digital service — as well as our iconic live music events and awards shows. 

“We look forward to the additional growth that will come as we move broadcast radio into the digital buying world through our data services and programmatic platforms,” Pittman concluded.

“We have a diversified business at iHeart, with our Multiplatform Group, the Digital Audio Group and the Audio and Media Services Group, and we’re very pleased that Ann Marie has taken on the responsibility for the Multiplatform Group at such an important time for the company,” added iHeartMedia President and COO Rich Bressler.

Conal Byrne will continue to serve as the CEO of the Digital Audio Group for iHeartMedia. Mark Gray will continue as CEO of the Audio and Media Services CEO.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

BNM Staff
-
0
Chris Cuomo to Host Easter Special for NewsNation

NewsNation has announced plans for an Easter Special helmed by network host Chris Cuomo.

The Mystery of Easter is set to broadcast on Saturday, April 4th at 8 PM ET. The show features Cuomo in Israel as he attempts to find out concrete answers to what happened to Jesus Christ following his crucifixion.

Included in the special is Chris Cuomo speaking with biblical scholar and author Michael Licona. Part of the discussion hinges on the theory that Christ was not given a formal burial.

“In antiquity, you’re correct, that the Romans typically did not allow a crucified or condemned person who had been executed by them to receive a proper burial,” Lincona said of the theory. “But the Romans, in order to keep peace with people they had conquered, would often allow them to maintain some of their customs. And we have evidence that they did this in Jerusalem.”

An encore presentation of the NewsNation special featuring Chris Cuomo will air on Easter Sunday at 12 PM ET.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

ESPN Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

BSM Staff
-
0
ESPN Adds Adam Ottavino To Roster Of Baseball Coverage

ESPN has finalized its Major League Baseball broadcast team for the 2026 season, assembling a mix of veteran voices and fresh perspectives across television, radio and digital platforms. The network will rely on a trio of familiar play-by-play announcers in Karl Ravech, Jon Sciambi and Mike Monaco to headline its game coverage.

Each will call games throughout the season as part of ESPN’s national schedule. Kevin Brown is also slated to handle select assignments.

In the booth, ESPN will feature a wide range of analysts. That group includes Eduardo Pérez, David Ross, Doug Glanville, Jessica Mendoza and Todd Frazier. The network also adds former pitcher Adam Ottavino as both a game and studio analyst, continuing a relationship that began with guest appearances in recent years.

Ottavino is scheduled to make his season debut on May 7. He will be part of the broadcast when the San Diego Padres host the St. Louis Cardinals.

Reporting duties will again be led by Buster Olney, who remains ESPN’s primary on-site presence for marquee games. Meanwhile, Jeff Passan continues in his role as senior MLB insider, contributing breaking news and analysis across multiple platforms.

ESPN’s season coverage begins with a high-profile showcase on Jackie Robinson Day. Joe Buck will call the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. He will be joined by analysts Ron Darling and Orel Hershiser, with Olney reporting from the field.

In addition, ESPN will originate Baseball Tonight from Dodger Stadium for the event. Ravech, Pérez and Glanville will be part of the coverage, alongside Tim Kurkjian, who will contribute throughout the season.

Studio programming remains a central component of ESPN’s baseball strategy. Kevin Connors will handle hosting duties for Baseball Tonight, while Ravech will appear on select editions. Kurkjian’s role will extend across multiple studio shows, offering analysis and commentary.

Digital coverage will continue to play a major role. ESPN.com’s MLB team includes Olney, Passan and Kurkjian, along with reporters such as Jesse Rogers and Alden Gonzalez. Prospect and draft analysis will again be led by Kiley McDaniel.

On the audio side, ESPN Radio retains its position as the national home for MLB broadcasts. Sciambi, Ravech and Roxy Bernstein are among the play-by-play voices. Glanville returns as the lead analyst, while Kurkjian will also contribute.

ESPN Deportes will round out the company’s coverage with Spanish-language broadcasts and studio programming throughout the season, further expanding the network’s reach to a broader audience.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

BMM Staff
-
0
New Country 96.3 Adds Hannah Lane As Evening Host

US 96.3 host Hannah Lane is making the move from the Jackson, Mississippi country station to join New Country 96.3, the Cumulus Dallas country station.

Lane originally joined US 96.3 in Jackson in October 2023. Most recently, she’s been paired with Gordon “Gordo” Hultengren in morning drive.

During her tenure, Lane helped lead US 96.3 to the top honor in the social media category at the 2025 Mississippi Broadcasters Association Awards.

In a post on social media, Hannah Lane announced the move. She also shared her excitement for the new chapter of her career, and her appreciation for the audience at US 96.3.

“I will be moving to Dallas, Texas next Saturday,” Lane wrote. “I still can’t believe I get to write these words to all of you. Mississippi and all of you will always mean more to me than I can explain.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know a single person. Not one,” Lane continued. “I just had a dream, boxes, and a whole lot of faith that somehow this place would become something special in my story. And it did. It became that because of each and every one of you.”

Hannah Lane will begin her tenure on New Country 96.3 in Dallas on Monday, April 13th.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

106.7 The Fan’s John “Cakes” Auville: Jason Kelce “Forced Down Our Throats” on ESPN Masters Coverage

BSM Staff
-
0
106.7 The Fan’s John “Cakes” Auville: Jason Kelce “Forced Down Our Throats” on ESPN Masters Coverage

A prominent Washington, D.C., sports radio voice is questioning both access and editorial direction ahead of one of golf’s most exclusive events. During Thursday’s episode of The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan, host John “Cakes” Auville took aim at ESPN’s decision to feature Jason Kelce in its coverage of The Masters, while Pat McAfee’s show was again denied on-site access.

“Jason Kelce is being forced down our throats,” he said. “Why is Jason Kelce at the Masters all of a sudden? Is he really a fit? I try not to digest Jason Kelce as much as I can.”

Auville’s comments come as the decision to include Kelce in ESPN’s coverage of the annual golf major has received scrutiny. His comments also reflect a broader skepticism about how far the tournament is willing to stretch its traditionally buttoned-up presentation.

Auville suggested Kelce’s presence represents a noticeable departure from the event’s usual tone.

“I’m actually surprised that the uppity, green jacket-wearing people that call the shots there are allowing Jason Kelce to be doing it,” Auville said. “It seems a little out of character. He seems like an outsider. He’s not a golf insider.”

That critique quickly turned toward the power structure behind the scenes. Auville argued that Augusta National maintains firm control over who appears on broadcasts originating from its grounds in Augusta. Even with media partners as large as ESPN.

“The Masters can say we don’t want Jason Kelce on our broadcast. It’s that simple,” he said. “You think The Masters aren’t telling ESPN what to do for the most part? Who can and who cannot come in and broadcast on their golf course?”

That belief underscores a longstanding perception in media circles. Augusta National, which operates the tournament, has historically exercised tight control over presentation, access and branding. Still, Auville acknowledged one element of the situation that caught him off guard.

Despite Kelce’s larger-than-life personality, he was granted access, while Pat McAfee — known for a more unfiltered style — was not.

“I’m kind of surprised that Jason Kelce is there,” Auville said. “I’m not surprised they told Pat McAfee to go to hell because he has a little more of a wild guy reputation.”

He added that the contrast between the two personalities makes the decision harder to reconcile.

“Then again, Jason Kelce is kind of a wild man too,” Auville said. “So I’m a little surprised that he is going to be part of the broadcast, but Pat McAfee will not be.”

For Auville, the issue is not just about Kelce or McAfee. It is about consistency. As The Masters evolves, decisions like these will continue to draw scrutiny from voices across the industry.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Marty Smith Reaches Multi-Year Extension With ESPN

BSM Staff
-
0
Marty Smith Reaches Multi-Year Extension With ESPN

ESPN is keeping one of its most recognizable storytellers in place. The network has signed Marty Smith to a multi-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence across several of its highest-profile properties.

Smith will remain a key contributor on college football, golf and NFL Draft coverage. He will also continue co-hosting Marty & McGee alongside Ryan McGee on SEC Network.

In addition, Smith is expected to play a central reporting role during The Masters, where his storytelling style has become a staple of the network’s presentation from Augusta National.

Smith has built a reputation as one of ESPN’s most versatile voices. His work regularly appears across signature programs like College GameDay, SportsCenter and SEC Nation. He also contributes to major events, including the College Football Playoff, often delivering feature-driven segments that go beyond the field.

“Working at ESPN is such an immense joy,” Smith said. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Iwalked in the door in 2006 with no concept of how to make television. I went to ESPN University, and I learned very quickly that television is a team sport, especially given the platforms and pressure our company commands, and the excellence it demands”

Smith joined ESPN in 2006 and has since evolved into a prominent storyteller known for blending sports with human-interest narratives. Over the years, he has covered everything from golf’s biggest stages to college football’s most intense environments.

His career includes high-profile interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, including Tiger Woods, Nick Saban and Cristiano Ronaldo. More recently, he landed a notable conversation with Lane Kiffin during a pivotal moment in the coaching landscape.

“Marty is one of our most versatile and distinctive voices,” said Mike McQuade, ESPN’s executive vice president of sports production. “His ability to connect with people helps viewers better understand the personalities shaping sports.”

Beyond football, Smith continues to play a significant role in ESPN’s golf coverage. He contributes annually to both The Masters and the PGA Championship. In 2025, he expanded his portfolio further by joining coverage of TGL, conducting interviews with players and celebrities involved in the tech-driven competition.

Before becoming a network mainstay, Smith served as ESPN’s lead NASCAR reporter from 2007-14. He contributed to NASCAR Now and filed reports for SportsCenter while also writing for ESPN.com. Prior to ESPN, Smith worked for NASCAR.com and held roles with SPEED Channel and Fox Sports Net. A graduate of Radford University, he began his career covering local sports in Virginia.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

1...380381382...2,886Page 381 of 2,886