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FanDuel Sports Network Extends Rights Agreement With NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild

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FanDuel Sports Network Extends Rights Agreement With NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild

FanDuel Sports Network continues to strengthen its position in the evolving regional sports media landscape, announcing that both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild have extended their local broadcast rights agreements with the network.

The extensions come as the network—operated by Main Street Sports Group—continues to see momentum across its distribution platforms. FanDuel Sports Network, which bills itself as the largest holder of local sports media rights and the fastest-growing next-generation sports media platform, averaged more than 1.5 million nightly viewers during the 2025 MLB season. The company has also secured renewed carriage through Comcast and continues to expand its direct-to-consumer product.

“We’re excited to be deepening our relationships with the Blue Jackets and Wild, continuing to provide hometown fans the access and coverage they know and love,” said David DeVoe, President of Main Street Sports Group. “These agreements further validate FanDuel Sports Network’s position as the industry’s leader in local sports, combining scale, innovation, and fan-first accessibility to deliver unmatched value to teams, leagues, partners and fans.”

Through the renewed partnerships, fans in each market will continue to have access to broadcasts via the network’s broad distribution ecosystem. That includes traditional cable and satellite providers, vMVPD services, and the network’s “TV Everywhere” streaming capabilities. Additionally, its direct-to-consumer platform—available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, connected devices, and Prime Video—offers fans more flexibility to follow their teams anywhere.

Blue Jackets Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cameron Scholvin said the club is looking forward to continuing a strong relationship with the network as it heads into a milestone season.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with FanDuel Sports Network as the television home of Blue Jackets hockey,” Scholvin said. “The network’s commitment to combining our talented broadcast team with the latest technology to provide world-class analysis, storytelling and game reporting to our fans is very exciting. We look forward to many memorable moments during our 25th anniversary season in 2025-26 and beyond.”

Minnesota Wild Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President Mitch Helgerson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the partnership in enhancing the fan experience.

“We rely on strong partners to help us deliver experiences our fans expect, and FanDuel Sports Network has proven to be exactly that,” Helgerson said. “Their multi-platform model and commitment to production excellence gives us the ability to connect with fans in meaningful ways that match the passion and excitement of Wild hockey.”

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.

Kate Scott Named Lead WNBA Play-By-Play Voice On USA Network

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Kate Scott Named Lead WNBA Play-By-Play Voice On USA Network

USA Network has found its voice for the WNBA. Veteran broadcaster Kate Scott has been named the lead play-by-play announcer for the network’s coverage of the league beginning in May 2026, marking another milestone in her trailblazing career across multiple major sports.

Scott, currently in her fifth season calling games for the Philadelphia 76ers, will anchor USA Network’s season-long slate through the Playoffs and WNBA Finals. The assignment reunites her with a sport that helped shape her early broadcasting career.

“I cut my teeth in this industry covering women’s basketball and I’ve always dreamed of our paths crossing again,” Scott said. “Watching these W Finals and knowing I’ll be courtside next season calling games has been nothing short of thrilling. The grit, grace, and tenacity of these athletes inspires me, and I don’t take this honor lightly. It’s a way to add my voice to one of the most important and influential leagues in the world, and I cannot wait to get to work.”

Scott’s addition continues USA Network’s push to invest in prominent voices with deep credibility and versatility. Her résumé spans some of the biggest properties in sports. She made history as the first woman to call an NFL regular-season game for Westwood One Radio, handling play-by-play for the Steelers-Vikings matchup in Ireland during the league’s international series.

Her broadcast range extends beyond football and basketball. She serves as the preseason TV voice for the Seattle Seahawks, has called both men’s and women’s basketball during the Tokyo Olympics, and recently became the first woman to provide voiceover work for the iconic Madden NFL video game series.

“We are incredibly proud to have Kate Scott lead USA Network’s WNBA coverage,” said Jeff Behnke, Executive Producer for Sports at VERSANT. “Kate’s wide-ranging broadcast experience and her immense passion for the league will be a big win for fans watching and listening to her call the WNBA on USA for years to come.”

Before rising to national prominence, Scott built her foundation in San Francisco, where she worked as a sports anchor for KNBR 680-AM, a sideline reporter for the San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Giants, and a weekend anchor for NBC Bay Area. She also contributed play-by-play for the Pac-12 Network, calling games featuring several current WNBA stars.

USA Network’s WNBA coverage will feature more than 50 games each season, highlighted by Wednesday night doubleheaders showcasing marquee matchups throughout the league. The package begins in May 2026 and will run through the postseason, positioning USA Network as a new weekly destination for WNBA fans nationwide.

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.

Connoisseur Media Names Mark Handwerger to Replace Retiring Robert Dove as Market Manager in Portland

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Connoisseur Media Names Mark Handwerger to Replace Retiring Robert Dove as Market Manager in Portland

Connoisseur Media has announced that Market Manager Robert Dove is set to retire from the company’s Portland cluster later this year, with Mark Handwerger set to replace him.

Dove hired Handwerger to join the team earlier this year as Director of Sales. Handwerger has spent the past 20 years working for other broadcast groups in the market.

“I’m excited about our future here at Connoisseur Portland,” said Handwerger. “The legacy brands we
have in this market are powerful, and we’ll continue to grow their local presence. When you combine
these audio platforms with our Connrex suite of digital solutions, it’s an unbeatable combination for both
listeners and clients. We’re building something special here.”

“Portland is a major part of who we are,” said Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. “It’s a great market with incredible talent and strong brands. Mark’s the right person to lead this next chapter. He understands how to connect with the community and drive results, and that’s exactly what we want in a local leader.”

Mark Handwerger is set to begin his duties as Market Manager on Thursday, October 16th. Dove will serve as an advisory through the end of the year before retiring at the conclusion of 2025.

“These past two years have been a great experience,” Dove shared. “We’ve built a strong team and made meaningful progress in Portland. Mark’s leadership will keep that momentum going as the team continues to grow.”

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Jon “Stugotz” Weiner Reveals His Return to ‘The Dan Le Batard Show’ on ‘Wake up Barstool’

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Jon “Stugotz” Weiner Reveals His Return to ‘The Dan Le Batard Show’ on ‘Wake up Barstool’

Jon “Stugotz” Weiner is charting a new path in sports media with his latest venture, Stugotz & Company, while teasing a continued presence on The Dan Le Batard Show. The longtime ESPN Radio personality described his new project as “a blast” during a recent appearance on Wake Up Barstool, highlighting both the creative freedom and collaborative energy that sets it apart.

In order to start the new project, Weiner decided to step away from his role with Le Batard to concentrate on the new venture. Le Batard addressed the decision in May saying he supported the move and hopes for his friend in Stugotz to make his own giant business.

“Guys, naturally, I did the show with Dan for 20 years. Still doing the show with Dan. I’ll be in there a bunch of shows coming up in the next you know, 30–45 days or so,” said Weiner. “Stugotz & Company has been a blast. It’s just been fun.”

Weiner, who spent two decades alongside Le Batard on ESPN, emphasized the freedom Stugotz & Company affords him. Unlike his tenure on The Dan Le Batard Show, where discussions often followed the host’s lead, Weiner said his new program allows him to explore topics and angles that personally resonate, creating a different dynamic for listeners.

“When you do a show with someone like Dan, a lot of times you’re going to go down the road that he wants to go down. What I found liberating about this is I choose the road that I want to go down. I’m not so much reacting to what he’s saying and what’s interesting to him. I am choosing what’s interesting to me,” said Weiner. “A lot of fun, a lot of laughs, a lot of great guests, a lot of voices—just like you guys. We’re just having a blast with it.” God bless football, doing it every single day. I appreciate you guys mentioning it, and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Weiner revealed that his latest daily endeavor, Stugotz and Company, in August. The show features a mix of familiar voices, including ESPN’s Israel Gutierrez. The podcast’s announcement also came with a significant sponsorship agreement. Weiner announced that FanDuel will serve as the show’s title sponsor, providing stability for both the project and its contributors.

While his new venture, Weiner reassured fans that he is far from leaving The Dan Le Batard Show. He confirmed plans to appear on several upcoming episodes in the coming weeks, signaling a continued connection with the program that helped define his career.

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iHeartMedia Begins Round of Layoffs

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia Begins Round of Layoffs

iHeartMedia began another round of layoffs on Tuesday morning, with many sharing that their positions have been eliminated.

In San Francisco, Star 101.3/ALT 98.7 host Hudson Hott departs. She hosted evenings on the San Francisco Hot AC brand while tracking weekends and fill ins at the Los Angeles alternative station. Her prior stops included work in Hawaii at 98 Rock and Star 101.9.

In Milwaukee, sources tell Barrett Media that 97.3 The Game is flipping formats away from sports and is set to become a music station.

Currently, the station serves as the radio flagship home of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. It also features local programming hosted by Steve Czaban and Brian Butch, Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan, Drew Olson and Kevin Brandt, Matt Schneidman and Doug Russell, and Grady “Trey” Crosby III and Quinton “Q” Miller.

In Tampa, US 103.5 APD and midday host Sarah Jacobs has exited the cluster. Jacobs had been at iHeartMedia Tampa since 2017. She also spent time working in mornings on sister-station Z105 in Sarasota.

Also, 93.3 FLZ host Katie Sommers has exited. She had hosted middays at the Top 40 station in the cluster. Sommers is looking for her next opportunity, and can be reached at KatieSommersRadio@gmail.com or at 608-358-2163.

In Baltimore, Jeff St. Pierre exits his position as APD/host at Country 93.1 after 17 years with the station. He joined in 2008 as a morning show producer and rose to through the ranks and was named APD in 2015. He posted a video on his Instagram page to deliver the news

In Philadelphia, Rise & Grind Morning Show host MuthaKnows has departed Power 99. “Who gets to come back from vacation and hear the dreaded ‘we’re going in a different direction’ speech?” he wrote in a post on social media. “Yours truly, after 14.5 years of faithful service. Well, I guess that’s a wrap for Muthaknows on Power99. On the bright side, God’s got my back, and I’m stoked to see what’s next. Big thanks to all the awesome listeners and supporters who’ve had my back all these years.”

FOX Sports The Gambler Philadelphia Program Director and host Sean Brace has shared he’s part of the cuts. He helped launch the station in 2019, hosting The Daily Ticket with Sean Brace in afternoon drive.

In Salt Lake City, Market President Joyce Wirthlin had departed. She earned the role this year after being with the cluster for nearly three decades. She was named Senior Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia Salt Lake City in 2021.

Hooker, co-host of the Hooker & DB Morning Show is also departing at Rock 106.7.

In Greensboro, JT Bosch has exited. Most recently, he served as the Senior Vice President of Programming for the stations in the market. He also served as the afternoon host and Program Director of Q104.1, the country station for the company in the market.

If you have been affected by the layoffs and would like your contact information shared with prospective employers or colleagues, please email garrett@barrettmedia.com or john@barrettmedia.com.

*** This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available. ***

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.

Red Eye Radio Cuts Back to 3 Hour Show as Part of Contract Extension

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Red Eye Radio Cuts Back to 3 Hour Show as Part of Contract Extension

Red Eye Radio is cutting back. The show — hosted by Eric Harley and Gary McNamara — is dropping from five hours down to three.

The show revealed that beginning on October 1st, it decreased from its usual five-hour length as part of a new contract extension for the hosts.

“When we started negotiations, it was something that was in the back of my mind, to shorten it,” McNamara said. “I didn’t think it was a possibility. We were the ones that pushed for this. It wasn’t the company. It wasn’t because the show was failing or anything like that.”

Harley added that it was something the duo had been considering “for years.”

McNamara continued by noting that he’s now 70 years old and hosting a five-hour, overnight radio show has become increasingly difficult.

“I have no time to do anything in my life. People know of my family issues that I have with my father, and how much I visit him and everything going on, I don’t have time to do anything doing a five-hour show overnight anymore,” he admitted. “This gives me more sleep. My sleep has been better, and it makes it so I have extra time in the day to do things.”

Despite the decline in hours of live programming, both Red Eye Radio hosts reiterated that they “love our audience, love our radio stations, love the legendary real estate that we’re on, and we love being radio hosts.”

McNamara concluded by noting that the decision to drop two hours from the program “wasn’t even a compromise that we made with the company. I got everything that I wanted out of this.”

Harley admitted that it is a long show, and that when he originally joined the show, it was a six-hour program.

“There’s a lot that it requires of you physically. So after decades of doing that, I think it was a good time to pull back so that we could remain healthy while also presenting the best show we can every night,” Harley shared.

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.

US 96.3 Pairs Gordo & Hannah Lane Together in Morning Drive

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US 96.3 Pairs Gordo & Hannah Lane Together in Morning Drive

US 96.3 in Jackson, Mississippi, has a new morning crew, as Gordon “Gordo” Hultengren has been paired with existing morning co-host Hannah Lane.

The move comes after the departure of Nate West, who left the country station in August after four years in mornings alongside Program Director Traci Lee and Lane.

“I can’t wait for this new journey!” Lane said of the new show with her new partner. “Super excited for the opportunity and with an awesome new addition!”

“I know she and Gordo are going to make magic,” said Lee of the move.

With Lee leaving the morning show, she’ll shift to afternoons on US 96.3. She will be heard from 2-6 PM on the New South Radio country station.

Midday host Kim Allen will remain in her already established daypart.

Gordo & Hannah‘s first day together on the air was Tuesday.

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.

The Charlie Kirk Show Makes Massive Jump in September Podtrac Rankings

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The Charlie Kirk Show Makes Massive Jump in September Podtrac Rankings

Podtrac has released its September podcast rankings, and The Charlie Kirk Show saw a large spike in listenership after the host’s murder on September 10th.

Kirk’s show moved up 28 places in the rankings. It finished the month sixth on the U.S. Unique Monthly Audience chart for the month.

The only programs besting The Charlie Kirk Show during September were NPR News Now, The Daily, Up First From NPR, Fox News Hourly Update, and Dateline NBC. The only changes inside the top five for the month were Fox News Hourly Update moving into the fourth position, while Dateline NBC declined one spot.

The Charlie Kirk Show wasn’t the only program to see a large increase in the September Podtrac rankings. Fantasy Footballers – Fantasy Football Podcast from SiriusXM climbed 25 places to earn ninth on the list as the start of the NFL season began during the month.

Due to the rise of Kirk’s program during the month, several other shows saw their placements decline compared to previous months. The Shawn Ryan Show dropped one place to seventh, while The Ben Shapiro Show fell four positions to 12th. CBS News’ 48 Hours fell six places to 16th, The Ezra Klein Show fell two spots to 18th, and ABC News’ 20/20 took home the final position in the top 20, falling 3 positions.

In the Top US Podcast Publishers & Networks rankings, iHeart Audience Network and iHeartPodcasts remained in the top two positions. NPR, Acast, and Libsyn rounded out the top five. Disney, Vox, Fox Audio Network, PodcastOne, and Paramount rounded out the top 10. The Daily Wire, which pales in comparison to the other networks on the list by only having nine podcasts, finished the month in 11th place.

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.

Ron Darling Fully Expects Keith Hernandez To Return to New York Mets Broadcasts on SNY

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Ron Darling Fully Expects Keith Hernandez To Return to New York Mets Broadcasts on SNY

MLB on TBS analyst and longtime New York Mets broadcaster Ron Darling made it clear he can’t imagine the Mets’ television booth without his longtime partner Keith Hernandez.

During an appearance on 670 The Score’s Spiegel & Holmes program, Darling spoke about Hernandez’s uncertain contract status with SportsNet New York (SNY), Darling didn’t mince words about the former first baseman’s importance to the network’s acclaimed broadcast trio.

“Oh, 100%, there’s no way that we can even do what we do without Keith,” Darling said. “When Gary [Cohen] and I do the broadcast ourselves, it tends to get a little nerdy, because we’re both a little nerdy by just who we are. And Keith lightens it up.”

Hernandez, the longtime SNY analyst and former Mets first baseman confirmed that his contract with the network has expired following his 20th season in the booth. Hernandez told The New York Post’s Mike Puma he wants to continue alongside play-by-play voice Gary Cohen and fellow analyst Ron Darling.

“My contract has run out, but I would love to continue in the booth,” Hernandez said in a Q&A published Friday. “I enjoy what I do.”

While SNY has not commented publicly on negotiations, Darling’s remarks underscore how vital Hernandez’s presence is to the chemistry that has long made the Mets booth one of baseball’s most popular.

The trio of Cohen, Darling, and Hernandez has been widely praised for its blend of deep baseball insight, humor, and storytelling — a combination that connects with both die-hard fans and casual viewers across a grueling 162-game season.

Darling went on to compare the Mets crew to other standout broadcast teams across Major League Baseball.

“When I look around the booths in the league — and they’re both friends of mine — Boog [Sciambi] and Jim Deshaies, they’re just so excellent,” Darling said. “Because not only are they on point with all the things you have to be on point with, but they have fun, and they have a great time. And that’s what it’s all about over a regular 162 — at some point you’re trying to entertain those folks who are watching.”

According to Darling, no one does that better than Hernandez. “No one entertains better than Keith Hernandez,” he added.

The comments come amid growing fan speculation about whether Hernandez will return to SNY next season. Hernandez, 71, signed his most recent three-year deal before the 2023 season. While his future at the network remains uncertain, his contributions have been significant.

He has earned three New York Emmy Awards for “Sports Analyst” (2009, 2012, 2015) during his tenure. He played an integral role in helping SNY establish itself as the Mets’ flagship broadcaster when it launched in 2006. Prior to that, he worked Mets games on MSG.

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Yahoo Sports Reaches Contract Extension With Jason Fitz

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Yahoo Sports Reaches Contract Extension With Jason Fitz

Yahoo Sports has reached a contract extension with multi-platform host and analyst Jason Fitz, keeping the veteran broadcaster and personality at the network as it continues expanding its digital sports coverage.

The company announced the news Monday on social media, confirming Fitz will remain a central figure in its NFL, fantasy football, and college football programming. The renewal signals Yahoo’s commitment to maintaining a consistent on-air identity as the sports media landscape grows more competitive.

Fitz, who joined Yahoo Sports in 2023, has quickly become one of the outlet’s most recognizable voices. Since his arrival, he’s contributed across Yahoo’s shows and digital platforms, including Yahoo Sports Daily and Inside Coverage, delivering analysis, breaking news, and relatable commentary that connects with everyday fans.

Before joining Yahoo, Fitz spent six years at ESPN, where he was part of the daily weekday ESPN Radio lineup and served as co-host of Fitz & Harry. He also helped launch SportsCenter on Snapchat. He also appeared across ESPN’s digital and streaming shows covering the NFL, college football, and the NFL Draft. Fitz was also regularly seen as host of College Football Live, adding another layer of credibility to his on-camera work.

At Yahoo, Fitz’s personality-driven approach has been central to the brand’s strategy under President Ryan Spoon. Who has prioritized building a roster of authentic, fan-friendly voices. The extension represents both stability and momentum for the company as it continues to scale content across multiple platforms.

Beyond his broadcasting career, Fitz’s background in entertainment sets him apart from most sports hosts. A Grammy-winning musician, he’s played on recordings totaling more than 40 million units in sales for artists ranging from Tim McGraw to Matchbox Twenty. He was also the fiddle player and musical director for the country group The Band Perry. Bringing a unique blend of stage presence and storytelling to his work in sports media.

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