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Connoisseur Media Names Todd Violette as Operations Manager in Palm Springs

BNM Staff
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Connoisseur Media Names Todd Violette as Operations Manager in Palm Springs

Connoisseur Media is continuing to strengthen its leadership team. The company is naming veteran programmer Todd Violette as Operations Manager for its Palm Springs cluster. Violette succeeds Dax Davis, who was recently promoted to Director of Sales for Connoisseur Media in San Antonio.

In his new role, Violette will oversee eight Connoisseur Media brands in the Palm Springs market. He’ll also directly program 98.5 The Bull. The move represents another step in Connoisseur Media’s ongoing effort to expand its leadership presence and operational consistency across its growing group of stations nationwide.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Violette said. “I want to thank Connoisseur Media and specifically Keith Dakin, Tricia Bastida, and Dax Davis for putting their trust and confidence in me. These are great brands with a remarkable staff — and who wouldn’t want to live in paradise?”

Violette becomes the fourth Operations Manager hired since Connoisseur Media acquired the former Alpha Media stations. He joins Ross MacLeod in Portland, J Love in San Jose, and Gordon Mays in suburban Chicago — a group that has played a key role in reinforcing the company’s focus on local programming, community engagement, and operational excellence.

Connoisseur Media executives praised the hire. Citing Violette’s experience and Southern California roots as strong assets for the Palm Springs market.

“We are excited to welcome Todd to Palm Springs,” said Tricia Bastida, Market Manager for Connoisseur Media Palm Springs. “With his Southern California roots and exceptional track record. He will be a great addition to our programming team, which continues to dominate the market.”

The appointment also underscores the company’s broader strategy of empowering local markets with experienced leadership capable of driving both creative and business growth.

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Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy: ‘We’re Seeing Growth in Almost Every Segment’ in 2025

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Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy: ‘We’re Seeing Growth in Almost Every Segment’ in 2025

2025 has been a transformational year for Newsmax. And CEO Chris Ruddy is excited about what still lies ahead.

In an interview with NYSE Live, Ruddy shared that the company has seen growth in multiple facets throughout the calendar year.

“We’re seeing growth in almost every segment of the company,” he said. “Cable TV, streaming, digital platform, print publications, Newsmax Plus service. Everything’s up pretty much this year.”

Ruddy’s comments on the program come after the tremendous IPO the network featured earlier this year. In the days following the debut of the company’s trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the price soared to over $250 per share.

Additionally, Ruddy remarked that he believed the company’s availablity to consumers — after carriage deals with the likes of Hulu + Live TV, Verizon Fios, and digital outlets like Roku, Pluto, Samsung, and Vizio — have made it more competitive with other cable networks.

“60 million’s the magic number,” Ruddy said. “We’re on par with Fox (News) and CNN as a top-tier cable channel in terms of reach. And our ratings have been fantastic. We’ve been No. 4 in cable news, No. 5-10 overall in cable out of several hundred cable channels.”

Ruddy added that internal figures show an increase in viewership for the Newsmax 2 streaming and over-the-air television network in 2025, saying “viewership is way up.”

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ALLCITY Network Partners With Athletes First To Launch Podcasts Featuring Desean Jackson, Clinton Portis, Aqib Talib

BSM Staff
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ALLCITY Network Partners With Athletes First To Launch Podcasts Featuring Desean Jackson, Clinton Portis, Aqib Talib

Athletes First and ALLCITY Network are expanding their partnership with the launch of two new sports and lifestyle podcasts that blend athlete authenticity with digital storytelling.

The sports representation and marketing powerhouse Athletes First has teamed up once again with ALLCITY Network. A fast-growing digital sports media company. They are now delivering House of Action and No Lie Zone podcasts. Two shows that aim to capture the raw, unfiltered energy of football culture and beyond.

House of Action pairs NFL legends and current Delaware State coaches DeSean Jackson and Clinton Portis. Offering listeners a front-row seat to conversations that go well beyond the field. The show dives into football, culture, music, and entertainment with the kind of honesty and humor that defined both players’ careers. The chemistry between Jackson and Portis gives the show a natural flow. With candid moments and insight that fans rarely hear in traditional media settings.

Meanwhile, No Lie Zone delivers a Colorado-focused football experience through the voices of Super Bowl 50 Champion Aqib Talib and DNVR’s Ryan Koenigsberg. Talib, who earned a reputation during his playing days for being outspoken and fearless. He brings that same approach to the mic. Paired with Koenigsberg’s deep knowledge of the Broncos and University of Colorado programs. The show blends national perspective with local expertise.

Both new series follow the blueprint of Exciting Mics. Another collaboration between Athletes First and ALLCITY that has resonated with fans since its May debut. Hosted by Philadelphia Eagles teammates Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship. The Philadelphia-themed football and pop culture podcast has already surpassed 2.5 million downloads and views across all platforms. Now in its second season, the show demonstrates the growing appetite for content that merges authentic athlete voices with entertainment value.

The success of Exciting Mics appears to have paved the way for Athletes First and ALLCITY to expand their media footprint. By leveraging ALLCITY’s strong digital infrastructure and Athletes First’s deep connections with elite athletes. Both sides are betting that fans want more direct access to the personalities who define the game.

Together, the companies are positioning these podcasts as extensions of a larger trend in sports media—where athletes are taking ownership of their stories and creating new spaces for unfiltered discussion.

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.

Charles Barkley Praises ESPN Amid ‘Inside the NBA’ Transition

BSM Staff
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Charles Barkley Praises ESPN Amid ‘Inside the NBA’ Transition

Charles Barkley says the move of Inside the NBA from TNT Sports to ESPN has been “great,” praising the network for its hands-off approach and the opportunity to work on one of sports media’s most visible platforms.

Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley emphasized that his comments were sincere, not a product of flattery.

“I said this and I wasn’t kissing anybody’s ass,” he said. “I ain’t going to kiss nobody ass. That’s the best thing about having money. I don’t have to listen to anybody.”

For Barkley, joining ESPN represents a professional milestone which he echoed on the programs debut on the network.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to work for ESPN because every kid grew up wanting to be on ESPN,” he said. “Every kid who’s ever touched any type of ball, if they’re being honest, you feel like you’ve made it. So it’s an honor to work for them.”

Despite the network switch, Barkley said the transition has been smooth. The first three shows aired on ESPN have gone “great,” he noted, crediting the network for giving the team creative freedom. “They left us alone,” Barkley said.

However, the NBA Hall of Famer acknowledged one frustration since launching on the network. During the first week on ESPN, a double-overtime game on NBC drew significant attention. Followed the next night by standout performances from Victor Wembanyama and Steph Curry. Barkley said the team was unable to cover these moments due to the FBI investigation into some current and former players/coaches in the NBA in a sports gambling ring.

“That was the only downer,” he said.

Aside from that limitation, Barkley called the experience “fantastic,” reflecting his enthusiasm for continuing the show in a new setting. Inside the NBA is now airing on Disney platforms (ESPN/ABC) throughout the season under a sublicensing agreement with ESPN through which TNT Sports will continue to produce the show.

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.

News Media Reacts to Heritage Foundation Statement Backing Tucker Carlson After Nick Fuentes Interview

BNM Staff
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News Media Reacts to Heritage Foundation Statement Backing Tucker Carlson After Nick Fuentes Interview

Earlier this week, Tucker Carlson released an interview with Nick Fuentes, the highly controversial political commentator.

On Thursday, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts released a statement backing Carlson, which drew plenty of reactions from conservative news media members.

Roberts noted that there had been speculation that the foundation would be “distancing” itself from Tucker Carlson in the aftermath of his interview with Fuentes. Fuentes is a self-identified Christian nationalist. The 27-year-old has more than 1 million followers on social media, and his views have been viewed as antisemitic, homophobic, racist, and Islamophobic. Nick Fuentes is perhaps most known as the largest critic of Charlie Kirk and his Turning Point USA organization.

In the video statement, Robinson shared that it is firmly against “cancel culture.”

“The Heritage Foundation didn’t become the intellectual backbone of the conservative movement by canceling our own people or policing the consciences of Christians,” he shared. “And we won’t start doing that now.”

Roberts added that Tucker Carlson “is, and always will be, a close friend of the Heritage Foundation.”

Those comments drew strong reactions, from both sides of the coin, from conservative radio, podcast, and TV hosts.

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.

850 KOA Moving Ross Kaminsky to Morning Drive, Michael Brown Added to Middays

BNM Staff
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850 KOA Moving Ross Kaminsky to Morning Drive, Michael Brown Added to Middays

850 KOA in Denver is moving Ross Kaminsky from middays to morning drive as part of a lineup shuffle at the iHeartMedia news/talk station.

Kaminsky will move to the 6-9 AM daypart alongside existing co-host Jeana Gondek for Ross Kaminsky on the News with Jeana Gondek.

He will step into the daypart with Gondek, who was previously paired with Marty Lenz. Lenz exited the station after seven years amid widespread iHeartMedia layoffs earlier this month. Gondek will continue to host an all-news focused show from 5-6 AM, while the station will now employ a talk show format with Kaminsky driving the conversation.

Previously, Kaminsky was heard from 9 AM to Noon.

In a post on social media, Kaminsky shared that he’s excited for the endeavor.

“This will be the first time in decades (or maybe ever, I really don’t know) that KOA has a talk show in morning drive,” Kaminsky shared.

Replacing him in middays will be Michael Brown. Brown moves to 850 KOA after previously hosting at sister-station 630 KHOW.

“KOA has long been a trusted voice for Colorado news and talk, and I’m excited to continue that
tradition diving deeper into the issues that impact our listeners — with a mix of insight,
experience, and a little humor,” said Brown.

“KOA’s new lineup brings together some of the most trusted and engaging voices in Colorado
radio. Ross and Jeana make an incredible morning team, and Michael’s move strengthens KOA’s
position as the go-to destination for news, talk, and sports,” added iHeartMedia Rockies Region Senior Vice President of Programming JoJo Turnbeaugh.

The changes to the iHeartMedia news/talk station’s lineup will take place on Monday, November 10th.

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The Halloween Spirit Invades Sports Media With Costumes, Candy and More

BSM Staff
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The Halloween Spirit Invades Sports Media With Costumes, Candy and More

Halloween is a time for sports media members to kick back, have a little fun, and dress up in a costume during the workday. And the industry did just that on Friday.

Between elaborate Halloween costumes, theme costumes for entire shows, random ensembles, and downright scary-how-similar costumes, many in the industry took the opportunity to celebrate Halloween before the doldrums of winter hit by showcasing their outfits on social media.

Halloween brings out the kid in all of us, no matter the trick or treat! The Barrett Media staff has assembled those who dared to share their costume via social media.

Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

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.

NBC Sports Signs Multi-Year Rights Extension With Royal Ascot

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports Signs Multi-Year Rights Extension With Royal Ascot

NBC Sports is doubling down on its commitment to horse racing, extending its exclusive U.S. media rights to Royal Ascot through 2028 as part of a new multi-year agreement with Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. The deal ensures American audiences will continue to experience one of the sport’s most prestigious global events across NBC’s linear and digital platforms.

NBC Sports has televised the Royal Meeting since 2017, and the renewed partnership guarantees continued live coverage of all five days of racing each June. More than 20 hours of coverage will air across NBC and Peacock, with streaming available throughout the week and NBC simulcasting Saturday’s finale.

Beginning in 2026, the network plans to expand its presentation to spotlight Royal Ascot races designated as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. Those races serve as “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, offering a direct connection between two of the sport’s marquee events.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Royal Ascot to showcase their incredible racing and pageantry each June, while connecting the event to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President of Partnerships and General Manager of Owned Properties for NBC Sports. “The Breeders’ Cup is the focus of the sport as the season concludes each fall.”

Ascot Racecourse CEO Felicity Bernard praised the partnership’s success and its growing international reach. “Showcasing Royal Ascot around the world is so important for our brand, so we are thrilled to extend our successful partnership with NBC Sports,” Bernard said. “The team does an amazing job of bringing the stories to life and sharing the magic of the week with American viewers.”

The Breeders’ Cup also welcomed the expanded collaboration.

“Royal Ascot is one of the sport’s most storied stages, and we’re proud to expand our collaboration with such a globally revered event and our partners at NBC Sports,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “At its core, the Breeders’ Cup is about bringing the world together through a shared passion for Thoroughbred racing.”

Royal Ascot remains one of the world’s most prominent racing events, attracting elite horses from across the globe to compete for more than $13 million in prize money. The five-day meet features 35 races, including eight at the sport’s highest Group One level.

NBC Sports’ Royal Ascot coverage complements its growing horse racing portfolio, which also includes exclusive broadcast rights for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.

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.

CBS News Denies Gayle King Set to Exit

BNM Staff
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CBS News Denies Gayle King Set to Exit

Late Thursday evening, a report surfaced that Gayle King was set to exit CBS News as part of the company’s shuffles after widespread layoffs. But the network is now denying that report.

King has led the CBS Mornings show for more than a decade. She originally joined CBS News in 2011 before moving to the network’s morning show in January 2012.

Her exit has been tied to the news division’s reshuffling, as new owner Paramount Skydance and new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss attempt to reshape that arm of the company.

The reports shared that CBS News had decided to move away from Gayle King and reshape the morning show that has continually lagged behind ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today.

However, in a statement, the network has denied that it has made any decisions about her or the show’s future.

“There have been no discussions with Gayle about her contract that runs through May 2026,” a statement from the network read. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future.”

The reporting that King would exit comes after the network laid off Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller, the hosts of the weekend morning show for CBS News. It also ended the streaming companion show for CBS Mornings as part of cost-cutting measures from Paramount Skydance in hopes of slashing $2 billion from the operating budget.

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Netflix Reportedly Exploring Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

BNM Staff
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Netflix Reportedly Exploring Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Netflix is reportedly weighing a major acquisition that could reshape the streaming landscape. According Reuters and multiple sources familiar with the matter, the company has retained a financial advisor and gained access to financial information as it explores a potential bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming businesses.

According to the report, the streaming giant has tapped investment bank Moelis & Co — the same firm that advised Skydance Media in its successful pursuit of Paramount Global — to help assess the opportunity, two sources told Reuters. In addition, Netflix has been granted access to Warner Bros Discovery’s data room, providing the detailed financial information typically shared with prospective buyers.

Neither Warner Bros Discovery nor Moelis commented on the report by Reuters. Netflix also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Should a deal move forward, the acquisition would dramatically expand Netflix’s reach in film and television. Warner Bros Discovery controls a treasure trove of intellectual property, from the Harry Potter and DC Comics franchises to a prolific TV studio responsible for producing Netflix originals such as You, Maid, and Running Point.

Bringing those operations in-house would give Netflix ownership of both the content and production pipelines behind some of its most successful programming.

The deal would also potentially include HBO and the Max streaming platform, adding a slate of acclaimed dramas and expanding Netflix’s premium content library. However, it appears unlikely that the company would pursue Warner Bros Discovery’s traditional cable networks — including CNN, TNT, Food Network, and Animal Planet — given Netflix’s long-standing aversion to legacy television holdings.

“We’ve been very clear in the past that we have no interest in owning legacy media networks,” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during the company’s third-quarter investor video last week. “There is no change there.”

The timing of Netflix’s interest comes as Warner Bros Discovery weighs significant strategic changes. The company confirmed last week that its board is evaluating multiple unsolicited offers, including one from Paramount and Skydance, while also considering whether to proceed with a previously announced plan to split its studio and television divisions.

Meanwhile, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh told investors Thursday that his company continues to assess “complementary” media assets, suggesting a broader wave of consolidation could be coming to the entertainment industry. Cavanagh also pushed back against skepticism about regulatory hurdles, saying “more things are viable than maybe some of the public commentary that’s out there.”

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