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Dave Portnoy Hints at Big Ten Conference Keeping Him off FOX Sports ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ Next Weekend

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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy suggested on the latest edition of The Unnamed Show that the Big Ten Conference may be influencing his participation in next weekend’s Big Noon Kickoff on FOX Sports, though he emphasized his strong relationship with the network.

“There’s no trouble in paradise with us and FOX Sports. Now, is there trouble in paradise with other people, maybe, but not with us and FOX,” Portnoy said, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a positive working relationship with FOX Sports.

Portnoy hinted that the tension stems not from the network but from the conference itself. “There’s a group that maybe hasn’t cared for Barstool, who has not cared for Barstool throughout this relationship. It’s not really a channel. More of a conference,” he said, alluding to the Big Ten Conference.

While FOX Sports has not officially announced where next week’s Big Noon Kickoff program will be broadcasting from, Portnoy announced he will not be on site instead opting for a live Barstool College Football Show broadcast in Starkville, Mississippi.

When asked about where Big Noon Kickoff would be broadcasting from, he speculated on where the show might be held next weekend. “I don’t think they’ve announced. My guess is it will not be at a Big 12 conference because the Big 12 loves us,” Portnoy said, highlighting the varying degrees of openness among conferences toward Barstool’s involvement.

Despite the potential friction, Portnoy said he is focused on keeping FOX Sports satisfied. “We have a great relationship with Fox, and I am not trying to make their lives more difficult, because we have a great relationship,” he said.

When asked if the Big Ten formally requested that he not appear, Portnoy admitted uncertainty.

“I don’t know if that officially happened or not, but it wouldn’t shock me. But it also wouldn’t shock me if just to be like, you know, what? Let’s cool tensions a little bit, and just you guys, take a deep breath, go to Mississippi State, make brand Brandon Walker happy, and then we’ll regroup after that and come back together,” Portnoy said.

Portnoy praised FOX Sports for their professionalism and partnership, while he balances his options on choosing to honor the partnership instead of making issues worse potentially with the Big Ten.

“We have a great relationship with Fox Sports. They have been nothing but great working with us. They’ve been great. They just—it’s a great relationship. So I’m not trying to agitate it. I think they [FOX Sports] would probably echo a lot of things we say, but this is our partner, and we’re going to try and make this work as best we can for everybody. I have no complaints with FOX Sports. None, zero. I love working with them,” he said.

This year kicked off a partnership between Barstool Sports and FOX Sports where Portnoy would be a featured contributor on the Big Noon Kickoff program. Following a massive week one matchup between #1 Texas and #2 Ohio State which saw massive viewership and interest. Portnoy was questioned about how Barstool’s impact on FOX Sports has gone since on Big Noon Kickoff with the network’s ratings approach.

Portnoy offered insight into how FOX evaluates its viewership.

“I don’t know how much Fox’s numbers—really, I don’t know how much of it is based on their game. And they use an interesting model, because they don’t go to the best game. They generally go like a noon kickoff that they carry on their networks. We’re like ESPN goes to the biggest game,” he said. He added that viewership is often “game dependent,” with marquee matchups like Texas-Ohio State generating “monster numbers.”

Portnoy’s comments suggest a careful balancing act: maintaining a strong partnership with FOX Sports while navigating potential resistance from the Big Ten.

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Triton Digital Launches AdBuilder AI to Help Partners Reach Small and Mid-Sized Advertisers

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Triton Digital has announced the launch of AdBuilder AI, a self-serve platform designed to help its partners expand revenue by reaching small and mid-sized businesses.

The platform allows Triton Digital partners to access new demand from high-volume, low-touch buyers without adding staff or shifting focus from larger accounts. Each partner receives a white-labeled marketplace where advertisers can create, book, and pay for campaigns independently.

“AdBuilder AI helps partners capture a new wave of emerging advertisers with minimal operational lift,” said Triton Digital Director of Product Management Amber Hunsaker. “It streamlines the entire workflow, creative, trafficking, and billing. Our partners can grow revenue from a historically hard-to-serve tier without changing how they operate.”

AdBuilder AI allows advertisers with limited media experience to create broadcast-quality audio ads using AI-generated voices, multilingual support, and sound design. Advertisers can generate ads in seconds without traditional production or approval processes.

The platform integrates with the Triton Ad Platform (TAP), providing partners with centralized visibility across campaigns, inventory, and creative. Partners maintain control of pricing, pacing, and approvals while the platform handles production, scheduling, and fulfillment.

“AdBuilder AI makes it easier than ever to support smaller advertisers,” said Antonio Ibarra Fariña, CEO, Grupo ACIR. “With our strong presence in México, we see this as a powerful way to serve small and mid-sized businesses more efficiently and at scale. This is one more step to strengthen Grupo ACIR’s and iHeartRadio’s leadership in digital radio.”

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CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NewsNation Announce Election 25 Coverage Plans

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Election Night 2025 is just around the corner, and networks like CNN, MSNBC, and NewsNation have announced how they plan to cover the races and results.

CNN

The coverage on CNN will be led by Jake Tapper from Washington, D.C., with Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett based in New York City.

Beginning at 5 PM ET, Tapper will anchor the network’s coverage from the nation’s capital alongside Dana Bash and Kasie Hunt. Burnett and Audie Cornish will join to provide early analysis.

At 8 PM ET, Anderson Cooper will continue coverage with a panel from New York. Meanwhile, John King will be at the network’s “Magic Wall” throughout the evening as results from around the country come in.

Kaitlan Collins will be at the White House reporting on the reactions from the Trump administration, while Abby Phillip will contribute and facilitate conversations from New York.

Phillip will lead the network’s coverage from Midnight through 2 AM ET, while Harrey Enten will take over the “Magic Wall” from King.

Elex Michaelson will take over the coverage beginning at 2 AM ET from the CNN studios in Los Angeles.

Plenty of the focus on the evening will be centered on the mayor’s race in New York City. Phillip will be based at the campaign headquarters of Zohran Mamdani, while Manu Raju will be at the headquarters for Andrew Cuomo.

Fox News

Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will co-anchor Fox News’ coverage from 10-11 PM ET as results pour in.

Bill Hemmer will work the “Billboard” for the network, providing data in county-by-county and state-by-state results. Sandra Smith will also provide analysis and coverage of developments in key races throughout the evening.

Trace Gallagher will helm the network’s coverage from 11 PM to 1 AM ET, continuing the election coverage, results, and up-to-the-minute developments around the country.

Throughout the day, CB Cotton and Alexis McAdams will be based in New York City, Mark Meredith and Bryan Llenas will be in New Jersey, Alexandrai Hoff and Rich Edson will be in Virginia, and William La Jeunesse will be in Los Angeles to cover that state’s redistricting ballot measure and results.

Fox News Radio will provide a simulcast of the cable network’s coverage to its radio affiliates at 10 PM ET.

MSNBC

MSNBC’s coverage will begin at 7 PM ET, with Rachel Maddow leading the coverage from the network’s New York studios. She will be joined by Nicolle Wallace, Ari Melber, Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, Chris Hayes, Jen Psaki, Lawrence O’Donnell, and Stephanie Ruhle.

The network will focus on the results of the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, the New York City mayoral race, the California redistricting referendum, and other races.

Before the primetime coverage begins, Jen Psaki and Ari Melber will host a one-hour special at 6 PM ET.

Ali Velshi will be at the network’s “Big Board” breaking down the results as they come in, in real-time.

At Midnight ET, Sanders Townsend, Steele, and Menendez — the hosts of The Weeknight — will continue the network’s special coverage.

Furthermore, Jacob Soboroff will be live on TikTok providing on-the-ground reporting with election officials, voters, and other aspects of election day.

NewsNation

NewsNation will feature special Decision Desk 2025 coverage from 7-10 PM ET. The coverage will be anchored by Chris Cuomo, Elizabeth Vargas, Leland Vittert, and Chris Stirewalt.

Meanwhile, Connell McShane will handle the “Election Big Board” for NewsNation, updating results as they come in.

At 10 PM ET, McShane will be joined by Nichole Berlie for a two-hour special, providing projections and summarizing results.

On election night, NewsNation will have correspondents based around the country for live reports. Kellie Meyer will be based at the White House for live ractions, while Laura Ingle will be in New York, Jessica Kartalija will be in New Jersey, Nancy Loo will be in California, and Joe Khalil will be in Virginia.

Additionally, Ali Bradley will be at the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, with Robert Sherman in Tel Aviv to get coverage on how those international stories relate to the election night results.

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103.5 Kiss FM Signs The Fred Show to Long-Term Extension

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iHeartMedia Chicago’s 103.5 Kiss FM has announced it has agreed to a long-term contract extension to keep The Fred Show in morning drive.

The show — which airs from 6-10 AM — first debuted in 2011. With the contract extension, the program will remain on 103.5 Kiss FM through 2030.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue growing The Fred Show in Chicago and across the country with iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks for many years to come. I’m privileged to share a studio with some of the most talented and hardest-working teammates in the business,” said Fred.

“I’m also grateful to the many incredible people across iHeart who have championed me not just now, but over the past 23 years,” he continued. “Bob, Rich, Julie, Tom, Bernie, Brad, Thea, Adam, Kris, and James — your leadership empowers shows like ours to thrive. A heartfelt thanks as well to Paul Anderson at Workhouse Media, whose partnership has helped shape my career in so many meaningful ways.”

“The Fred Show’ perfectly embodies what iHeartMedia stands for in connection, authenticity, and companionship,” said iHeartMedia Chicago Senior Vice President of Programming James Howard. “Fred and the team have built something special. Their humor, heart and honesty resonate deeply with listeners, which is why the show continues to see remarkable growth across the country.”

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Frankie Robinson Joining SummitMedia for Afternoons on 98.7 Kiss, 107.3 Jamz

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SummitMedia announces that nationally recognized media personality Frankie Robinson is joining its Birmingham and Greenville stations for weekday afternoons. Robinson can now be heard from 2 to 7 p.m. on 98.7 Kiss in Birmingham and 107.3 Jamz in Greenville.

Robinson brings more than 15 years of experience in radio, television, and live events to the role. She earned her reputation as a top-rated host in Chicago, leading shows on 107.5 WGCI and Power 92, and has interviewed cultural icons including Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Her engaging style and authentic connection with listeners have made her a trusted voice in urban media.

“I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of the SummitMedia family! Everything that I’ve ever desired in a career is what they have provided,” Robinson said. “This is a dream come true to be able to continue to do what I love after 18 years.”

Beyond radio, Robinson has hosted major Chicago events, collaborated with brands such as Samsung and BET, and co-hosted the Emmy-winning teen game show Know Your Heritage. Her multi-platform experience positions her to connect with audiences across generations, according to SummitMedia executives.

“Frankie’s influence continues to shape conversations across entertainment and culture,” said J’Michael Francois, SummitMedia’s vice president of programming for R&B and Gospel. “Her authenticity, energy and ability to connect with listeners make her the perfect addition to our lineup and a major win for our R&B brands.”

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NBA Reaches Long-Term Agreement With Cosm Into the 2030s

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Cosm has reached a long-term extension of its partnership with the NBA. Expanding the league’s presence in the company’s “shared reality” LED dome venues. The deal, which runs into the 2030s, allows Cosm to continue producing and presenting NBA game broadcasts in its large-scale immersive environments. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We do try to make sure that all of our major tentpole deals now have term to them,” Cosm CEO Jeb Terry told Sports Business Journal. “What we’re excited about is being able to announce that the NBA is into the next decade — especially given that they were the first we were able to partner around.”

The NBA was Cosm’s first major sports partner when the relationship was announced at All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City in February 2023. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint. Opening its first venue last June at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles and another in North Dallas later that summer.

New locations in Atlanta and Detroit are expected to open in 2026, followed by Cleveland in 2027.

Each Cosm venue is built around an 87-foot-diameter LED dome that delivers live sports in 12K+ resolution. The events are captured by Cosm’s own production crews using specialized camera setups designed to replicate the in-arena experience.

“The response from fans at Cosm domes last year demonstrated what an incredible way it is to experience an NBA game,” said NBA Vice President and Head of New Media Partnerships Teddy Kaplan. “We couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership. We look forward to working in lockstep with Cosm to engage our fans as they expand their footprint to different markets across the country in the coming years.”

The renewed deal deepens the NBA’s commitment to creating innovative viewing experiences that connect fans both inside and outside arenas. With Cosm venues located in current and future NBA markets, the league sees potential beyond game broadcasts.

Kaplan noted that All-Star Weekend 2026, set for the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles — adjacent to Cosm’s first venue — will showcase that potential. Cosm plans to broadcast All-Star Saturday and the All-Star Game while hosting possible partner-facing events throughout the weekend.

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SiriusXM Beats Q3 Estimates While Down 1% in Revenue From Same Period Last Year

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SiriusXM topped Wall Street expectations in the third quarter, reporting revenue of $2.16 billion — slightly above analyst estimates but down 1% from the same period last year. The satellite radio company posted net income of $297 million, a sharp turnaround from a net loss of $29.6 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

Earnings per share came in at $0.84, also ahead of expectations. The company’s massive year-ago loss was tied to a $3.36 billion noncash goodwill impairment related to its transaction with Liberty Media.

SiriusXM closed the quarter with 33 million total subscribers, down about 40,000 paid users year-over-year. Monthly churn improved modestly to 1.6%, but the smaller subscriber base led to a $13 million decline in subscriber revenue for the quarter.

While subscriptions softened, the company’s advertising business — particularly in podcasting — provided a lift. Podcast ad revenue surged 50% year-over-year, helping offset weaker performance in Pandora’s music-streaming ad segment. Total advertising revenue rose 1% from a year ago.

SiriusXM has continued to strengthen its content lineup across both talk and podcast platforms. The company recently extended its agreement with Andy Cohen, renewed its deal with Megyn Kelly, and welcomed ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith to the platform.

Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein highlighted growing opportunities for podcast video integration. Noting “enormous growth” on YouTube and referencing Spotify’s recent collaboration with Netflix.

“With our lineup of content, there’s no shortage of opportunity where we’ll go in video right now,” Greenstein said. “We like the way we’re monetizing. We’re flexible. We can have video behind the paywall. We can have video with YouTube or any distribution partner.”

On the strength of its ad performance and cost discipline, SiriusXM raised its 2025 financial guidance. The company now projects full-year revenue of $8.525 billion, adjusted EBITDA of about $2.625 billion, and free cash flow around $1.225 billion.

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Nexstar Media Group Signs CEO Perry Sook to Multi-Year Contract Extension

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Nexstar Media Group has announced it has inked CEO Perry Sook to a long-term contract extension.

As part of the extension, Sook will remain as the company’s Chairman and CEO through March 31, 2029.

Sook founded the company in 1996 and has served as the CEO of the organization ever since. During his tenure, he’s led the company through the completion of more than 40 acquisitions.

“As we embark on this next phase of growth for Nexstar, I have never been more energized about the prospects for the industry, for Nexstar and for what Nexstar can become,” Sook said. “I look forward to leading the Company to new levels of success and continuing to create value for our shareholders, our advertisers, our employees and the communities we serve.”

“The Board is delighted to extend Perry’s employment agreement at this pivotal moment for Nexstar and the
local broadcast television industry,” added the company’s Board of Directors Compensation Committee Jay Grossman. “Perry’s vision, commitment and deep understanding of the media landscape have been instrumental in driving Nexstar’s strong and consistent record of operating execution, financial growth and shareholder returns.

“The proposed acquisition of TEGNA represents the next chapter in Nexstar’s growth story and with Perry’s unmatched experience and track record of success in broadcast M&A, he is uniquely qualified to deliver the full value we expect for shareholders, as well as the local communities we serve. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for Perry’s exceptional leadership and continued commitment to our viewers, advertising clients, team members, shareholders and all stakeholders.”

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Cumulus Media’s Revenue Declines 11.5% During 2025’s 3rd Quarter

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Cumulus Media has reported its third-quarter financial figures, and the company saw a revenue decline during that window.

During the quarter, Cumulus saw its net revenue finish at $180.3 million. That figure represents an 11.5% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Digital revenue declined by 2.6%, as well. However, the company points out that if it were to subtract the loss of revenue from its relationship with The Daily Wire ending and the departure of Dan Bongino, it would be at an 8.4% increase.

Cumulus shared that its digital marketing division now accounts for 50% of all digital-related revenue, and that the sector saw 34% growth during the months of July, August, and September.

In total, Cumulus reported $722.2 million of debt, noting that $23.9 million will come due during 2026. The company ended the quarter with $90.4 million in cash, after a net loss of $20.4 million during the quarter was reported. It added that it enacted $7 million in annual cost reductions during the quarter, increasing its total of annual fixxed cost reductions to $182 million since 2019.

“In an advertising environment that remained challenging for legacy media, we continued to outperform,” President/CEO Mary Berner said. “We once again gained market share in total broadcast spot as well as in digital, where our market share gains reflected the strong growth of our digital marketing services business, which was up 34% in the quarter.

“Additionally, we remained highly focused on re-engineering the business, reducing annualized fixed costs by $7 million and accelerating our efforts to implement a wide array of AI initiatives to drive efficiencies and enhance growth,” she continued. “These results underscore our disciplined focus on optimizing performance in areas that we can control. While we do not expect the current headwinds to abate in the near-term, we remain confident in our ability to position the Company for long-term success through strong execution and by maximizing value from the Company’s underlying assets.”

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Washington Wizards Add John Wall, Brendan Haywood to TV Broadcast Team

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Monumental Sports Network is bringing two familiar faces back to Washington basketball. The network announced that former Washington Wizards standouts John Wall and Brendan Haywood will join its Wizards broadcast team for the 2025–26 NBA season.

Wall, a five-time NBA All-Star and one of the most celebrated players in franchise history, will serve as a studio analyst on Wizards Pregame Live and Wizards Postgame Live. Haywood, who anchored the team’s frontcourt for nearly a decade. He joins the broadcast booth as the network’s newest color commentator for a package of live games.

Wall will make his Monumental debut on Saturday, November 8, when the Wizards host the Dallas Mavericks at Capital One Arena. Haywood’s first appearance comes one week earlier, on Nov. 1, during the Wizards’ matchup with the Orlando Magic.

“John and Brendan are not only beloved figures in Wizards history. They also bring a wealth of basketball knowledge, insight, and personality that fans will instantly connect with,” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “They’ll add invaluable perspective and expert analysis as this young Wizards team continues to grow and develop.”

Wall retired this summer after an 11-year NBA career. His career began when Washington selected him with the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He averaged 18.7 points and 8.9 assists per game and was named to five All-Star teams. Known for his electric playmaking and leadership, Wall remains one of the most popular players in Wizards history.

“Washington, D.C. will always be my second home,” Wall said. “The city, the fans, and the Wizards organization have all played a huge role in my life and career. I’m excited to join Monumental Sports Network and continue being around the game in a place that means so much to me.”

Haywood, a 13-year NBA veteran and 2011 NBA champion with Dallas. He was drafted by Cleveland in 2001 before being traded to Washington on draft night. He played with the Wizards from 2001 to 2010 and has since built a strong broadcasting resume. He’s worked with NBC/Peacock, CBS Sports, and SiriusXM NBA Radio.

“As a former Wizards player, I’m super excited to be back in D.C. and calling games for this young and exciting team,” Haywood said. “I can’t wait to share this new chapter with the fans.”

Monumental’s Wizards coverage this season will again feature play-by-play voice Chris Miller. Along with lead analyst Drew Gooden, and sideline reporter Meghan McPeak. Haywood will rotate into the booth throughout the season. While Wizards Pregame Live and Postgame Live will continue to be hosted by Wes Hall alongside a deep roster of analysts that now includes Wall.

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