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Bob Costas Named Pregame Host Of NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Baseball

BSM Staff
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Bob Costas Named Pregame Host Of NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Baseball

Bob Costas is returning to NBC Sports, bringing one of the most accomplished careers in American broadcasting back to the network where much of his legacy was built.

NBC Sports announced Thursday that Bob Costas will serve as host of the network’s Sunday Night Baseball pregame show, which will lead into games airing on NBC and simulstreamed on Peacock. The move reunites Costas with NBC nearly six years after his formal exit from the company following an unparalleled four-decade run.

“As appreciative as I am of other aspects of my career, especially HBO and the MLB Network, for 40 years, my true broadcasting home was NBC,” Costas said. “So many great moments, memories, and friendships. Now, I am very grateful to Rick Cordella and Sam Flood for inviting me back in an emeritus role to conclude my career where so much of it played out.”

Costas will make his on-air debut with NBC’s new primetime Major League Baseball package on March 26, when the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Opening Day. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET, marking MLB’s lone primetime game that evening.

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, said the network viewed the opportunity as a natural reunion. Cordella credited Costas with helping establish baseball as a signature property during NBC’s earlier MLB eras and described him as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice whose passion for the sport remains unmatched.

Costas’ baseball resume at NBC is extensive. He worked as a play-by-play announcer and studio host across 15 seasons. His tenures ran from 1982 to 1989 and again from 1994 to 2000. During the network’s MLB Game of the Week era, Costas partnered with analyst Tony Kubek. Together, they formed one of the decade’s most recognizable broadcast teams. He called multiple American League Championship Series during that period. He also hosted numerous All-Star Game pregame shows. Throughout the 1980s, he anchored World Series pregame coverage.

His role expanded further in the 1990s. Costas called his first televised World Series in 1995 alongside Joe Morgan and Bob Uecker, then handled full-series coverage in 1997. Additional postseason assignments followed, including league championship series, World Series broadcasts, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Beyond NBC, Costas has remained closely tied to baseball through MLB Network, where he has worked since the channel’s 2009 launch as both a host and play-by-play announcer. He has also called postseason games for Turner Sports.

The return to NBC comes as the network reestablishes its presence in professional basketball. With the NBA returning to NBC this season, Costas has already contributed narration to opening teases and is expected to remain involved in basketball coverage, with additional details forthcoming.

A 29-time Sports Emmy Award winner, Costas’ NBC tenure included hosting 12 Olympic Games. He also hosted seven Super Bowls, 10 NBA Finals, and seven World Series. He remains the only broadcaster to earn Emmy Awards across sports, news, and entertainment. That achievement underscores a versatility few peers have matched.

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Talk 107.3 Expands Moon Griffon Show Amid Lineup Shuffle

BNM Staff
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Talk 107.3 Expands Moon Griffon Show Amid Lineup Shuffle

Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge is making some lineup changes, which includes an expansion for The Moon Griffon Show.

The local midday show is now expanding to be heard from 9 AM to Noon, following the local morning show helmed by Brian Haldane that airs from 6-9 AM. Previously, Griffon was heard from 9-11 AM. He held that spot since joining the station in December 2022.

“It’s an honor to be on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge,” Griffon said. “I’m very humble to be part of Guaranty Media. We are so excited about adding the third hour. I’ve been broadcasting for 3 hours for the last three years. Baton Rouge here we go. Come join the fun now from 9-12 AM after Brian Haldane.”

“We’re excited to continue strengthening our local programming,” Talk 107.3 Program Director Cade Voisin added. “Expanding to six hours of local talk each weekday reinforces our commitment to serving our audience with relevant, Louisiana-focused content.”

As part of the expansion for Moon Griffon, The Brian Kilmeade Show will now air from just 12-1 PM, shrinking from the two-hour block it previously held in the lineup.

Additionally, as previously reported by Barrett Media, The Erick Erickson Show is replacing Markley, van Camp & Robbins in afternoon drive. That show will be heard from 4-6 PM, following The Ramsey Show, which airs from 1-4 PM.

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Chris Cuomo to Scott Jennings: Somebody’s Gonna Beat You Up Over Your ‘Tough Guy’ Routine

BNM Staff
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Chris Cuomo to Scott Jennings: Somebody’s Gonna Beat You Up Over Your ‘Tough Guy’ Routine

Scott Jennings was part of a controversy on CNN earlier this week, when he was told to stop using the term “illegals” when discussing immigrants. Chris Cuomo took issue with the segment.

During the segment when Jennings sparred with activist Cameron Kasky, Jennings was chastised for his use of the word “illegals.” When told he “can’t say illegals anymore,” Jennings scoffed at the notion.

“How are you gonna enforce your edict on me?” he questioned. “Just out of curiosity.”

That is what Chris Cuomo took issue with. The NewsNation host — who worked with Jennings at CNN before his high-profile departure — argued that someone’s liable to get physical with the Salem Radio Network host due to his antics.

“Be careful,” Cuomo warned. “You wanna be a tough guy, there are plenty of tough guys out there. You wanna see how somebody can make you stop saying ‘illegal’? And then what are you gonna do, sue, tough guy? So if somebody beats your ass because you’re being rude and disrespectful and causing division in this country — that’s causing distress and pain all over the streets and making people wanna hurt one another — if you really wanna be a part of that, as the expression goes, FAFO. Don’t be a tough guy.”

Cuomo added that he can remember when Jennings thought Trump “was the worst guy in the world.” He then insinuated that Scott Jennings has changed his public stances to grow his standing in the conservative media world.

“You’re a guy with slicked-to-the-side hair and a slick tongue,” Cuomo concluded. “Everyone knows what you’re doing.”

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ESPN Cleveland Elevates Jordan Klimack to Director of Content

BSM Staff
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ESPN Cleveland Elevates Jordan Klimack to Director of Content

ESPN Cleveland has officially promoted Jordan Klimack to Director of Content, according to a post on his LinkedIn profile. The move places Klimack in charge of overseeing the station’s programming and content strategy as the Good Karma Brands-owned outlet continues to emphasize digital growth alongside its traditional radio footprint.

Klimack’s promotion follows the August 2023 exit of Matt Fishman, who previously held the Director of Content role for more than three-and-a-half years.

Since that departure, ESPN Cleveland has relied on internal continuity, a strategy that ultimately positioned Klimack as the natural successor.

A Cleveland market veteran, Klimack joined ESPN Cleveland in 2018 and served as the producer for The Next Level from 2020 through 2023. He played a central role in shaping the show’s daily sound and topical direction while gaining experience across the station’s broader programming ecosystem.

Over the past two years, his responsibilities expanded beyond a single show as he transitioned into content management duties and began working directly with senior leadership to help oversee the station’s content team.

That gradual evolution proved critical during a period of change. Following Fishman’s departure, Klimack became increasingly involved in coordinating programming priorities, managing workflow across on-air and digital platforms, and serving as a bridge between talent and management.

Now that his promotion is official, Klimack inherits growing digital initiatives while being tasked with pushing them forward in a rapidly evolving media environment.

His background as a producer and content manager positions him to balance day-to-day programming demands with long-term strategic planning, particularly as radio brands continue to invest in multiplatform distribution.

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Joe Buck Doesn’t Agree With Criticism of Prime Video NFL Broadcaster Al Michaels

BSM Staff
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Joe Buck Doesn’t Agree With Criticism of Prime Video NFL Broadcaster Al Michaels

Joe Buck did not mince words when the conversation turned to Al Michaels and the criticism surrounding the veteran broadcaster’s recent work on Prime Video. Appearing on The Sports-Casters Podcast, the ESPN Monday Night Football voice offered a forceful defense of Al Michaels, whose performance calling Thursday Night Football has drawn mixed reactions from fans during Amazon’s NFL package.

“It just drives me nuts because I’m such a fan of Al’s,” Buck said. “All I have to do is hear his voice, him say one word. I’m like, OK, I’m watching that game because it’s important, and if he’s there, it’s an important game.”

Buck’s comments arrive at a notable moment for Michaels. Prime Video executives recently renewed an agreement for the 81-year-old broadcaster to return for the 2026 NFL season. Michaels has served as the lead play-by-play voice for Prime Video since 2022, anchoring Amazon’s growing Thursday Night Football presence.

While Michaels’ longevity and delivery style have become talking points on social media, Buck made it clear that his admiration has not wavered.

“I think he’s phenomenal. I still think he’s phenomenal,” Buck said. “I listen to him, and I marvel at what he’s able to do. I just think he’s fantastic.”

Michaels has been candid about how he evaluates his future. Rather than focusing on public criticism, he has repeatedly emphasized self-awareness and performance as his guiding standards.

“First of all, I feel great,” Michaels said recently. “Everyone at Amazon has been fantastic, and I love working with this group. I’ve been taking this one year at a time. As long as I feel I’m at the top of my game, I’d like to keep going.”

Michaels reiterated on Mad Dog Sports Radio that he will know when it is time to step away.

“I have to be able to know that I can do the game at the level that satisfies me,” he said.

For Buck, that standard still appears to be met. As criticism grows louder in the digital age, his comments offered a reminder that respect within the broadcast booth often tells a different story than the noise outside it.

“I just hold him up as the best to ever do it,” said Buck. “I don’t get it. I don’t agree with it. I don’t think it’s fair and I don’t think accurate at all.”

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Bill O’Reilly Stepping Away From Show Due to Medical Issues

BNM Staff
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Bill O’Reilly Stepping Away From Show Due to Medical Issues

Bill O’Reilly has announced he will be away from his show and other media obligations temporarily following an undisclosed illness.

In an announcement published to his website, O’Reilly shared that he would be away from his program due to an illness.

“Hey No Spin Nation. Sorry I am dealing with a malady,” he wrote. “We have great doctors so we’ll fight the good fight. Doesn’t affect my fingers so will update you on me, news cycle and anything major. Hopefully, back in the saddle shortly.”

O’Reilly has been hosting and producing his No Spin News show since his 2017 high-profile exit from Fox News. Additionally, he is regularly seen on NewsNation’s primetime show Cuomo alongside Chris Cuomo and Stephen A. Smith.

Despite the announcement that he would be stepping away from his show, O’Reilly hosted his nightly digital news show as usual on Wednesday evening.

Bill O’Reilly, 76, recently ended his nightly radio show on 77 WABC in New York. That station inserted Joe Concha into the 9-10 PM ET timeslot previously occupied by O’Reilly.

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Netflix Co-CEO “Very Pleased” With Early Returns On Video Podcast Content

BSM Staff
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Netflix Co-CEO “Very Pleased” With Early Returns On Video Podcast Content

Netflix is still in the early stages of adding video podcasts to its platform, but company co-CEO Ted Sarandos say the initial performance has reinforced their belief that the format can become a meaningful extension of its entertainment ecosystem.

Speaking late Tuesday during a quarterly earnings call, Sarandos told analysts the streamer has been encouraged by early engagement. The company is experimenting with podcast-driven programming designed specifically for video audiences.

“It’s still very, very early, but we’re super pleased by the early results that we’re seeing,” Sarandos said, noting that the company views podcasts as a long-term opportunity rather than a short-term content add-on.

Over the past several months, Netflix has assembled a growing slate of partnerships aimed at building a diversified video podcast portfolio. Among the most notable is a co-exclusive agreement with Spotify, which brings select shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix in video form.

The company has also struck a deal with iHeartMedia, making more than 15 of its most recognizable podcast brands available to Netflix viewers, including The Breakfast Club, My Favorite Murder, and multiple Stuff franchises.

In addition, Netflix recently finalized a multiyear partnership with Barstool Sports. The agreement makes video versions of popular podcasts exclusive to Netflix. The shows include Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast, and Spittin’ Chiclets. The move strengthens the platform’s connection to sports culture. It also reinforces Netflix’s focus on personality-driven content.

Sarandos said additional agreements and original concepts are already in development, signaling that the company intends to scale beyond distribution deals alone.

“We have a lot more to come, and some new originals,” he said. “Members love them. We’re excited to broaden the investment to include them.”

That strategy includes in-house production. Netflix is set to debut a new weekly video series on January 30. The show will be hosted by comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson. The streamer also recently launched The White House, a sports talk series hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

Sarandos described video podcasts as a modern evolution of the traditional talk show. He argued that the value comes from scale and variety, not a single flagship title. He added that the format will support Netflix’s expanding sports strategy. It will also extend into comedy, entertainment, and true crime, a genre the platform already dominates.

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B96 Chicago Adds Sonic to Afternoon Drive Following Exit of Dash

BMM Staff
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B96 Chicago Adds Sonic to Afternoon Drive Following Exit of Dash

With Throwbacks outlet 104.3 Jams exit imminent in Chicago, afternoon host Sean “Sonic” Leckie is moving his services to sister CHR B96, where he will take over the same weekday afternoon time slot.

Leckie joined Audacy Chicago in May 2018, becoming a familiar voice on 104.3 Jams as the station. His transition to B96 places him on one of the market’s most established CHR brands at a time when the cluster is consolidating talent and preparing for broader strategic changes.

Before joining Audacy, Leckie built a strong reputation in multiple major markets, including San Diego and Atlanta. His background includes music director and on-air roles at in San Diego, Atlanta, and earlier experience as a producer and night host.

In addition to his local duties, Leckie continues to be heard on several Audacy CHR stations nationwide, giving him a national profile that aligns with the company’s cross-market talent strategy.

The move lines up with the departure of Jordan ‘Dash’ Orman-Weiss as afternoon host on B96. He announced his departure via Instagram. Weiss joined B96 in June 2023 after spending three years with 101.9 The Mix in Chicago.

“Proud of my time at B. Put on a great show for over 2 years, made friends on air and had great fun,” stated Weiss. “Won the company huge revenue and helped hold on to millions of dollars from clients who were eager to leave radio.”

As for his own future, Weiss said he remains excited about what comes next.

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FCC Chair Brendan Carr: Late Night and Daytime Talk Shows Aren’t Exempt From Equal Time Rules

BNM Staff
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FCC Chair Brendan Carr: Late Night and Daytime Talk Shows Aren’t Exempt From Equal Time Rules

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said that a 2006 ruling from the commission exempting “bona fide news interviews” in network late-night shows doesn’t give a blanket pass for partisan conversations, and is reminding TV networks of that fact in a recent letter.

In a letter to TV networks, the Commission noted that in 2006, an exemption o the Equal Time provisions was granted for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, stating that an interview between Leno and then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) was a “bona fide news interview,” and shouldn’t be enforced as an equal time mandate.

That exemption was granted, but the FCC is reminding networks that it wasn’t a blanket exemption for any political purpose.

“Concerns have been raised that the industry has taken the Media Bureau’s 2006 staff-level decision to mean that the interview portion of all arguably similar entertainment programs — whether late night or daytime — are exempted from the section 315 equal opportunities requirement under a bona fide news exemption,” the letter reads. “This is not the case … these decisions are fact specific and the exemptions are limited to the program that was the subject of the request.

“Importantly, the FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption.”

In a post on social media, Brendan Carr argued that networks have operated under the guise of news interviews in these situations, but that the FCC would be enforcing equal time rules going forward.

“For years, legacy TV networks assumed that their late night & daytime talk shows qualify as ‘bona fide news’ programs — even when motivated by purely partisan political purposes,” Carr wrote. “Today, the FCC reminded them of their obligation to provide all candidates with equal opportunities.”

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Elle Duncan Reportedly Named Lead Studio Host On USA Sports’ WNBA Coverage

BSM Staff
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Elle Duncan Reportedly Named Lead Studio Host On USA Sports’ WNBA Coverage

Elle Duncan continues to expand her footprint across the evolving sports media landscape, adding another high-profile assignment to an already busy schedule that now spans traditional television and global streaming platforms.

According to a report by The Sports Business Journal, Duncan, who recently joined Netflix as an on-air host for sports and live events, will also serve as the studio host for USA Sports’ inaugural season of WNBA coverage.

Duncan’s role includes pregame and postgame studio coverage on USA Network, marking a key on-air addition as the network prepares to debut its long-term investment in women’s professional basketball.

Duncan’s move to Netflix began earlier this year. As part of her new deal, SBJ reported that she made the move to Netflix largely because of the flexibility built into the deal. The agreement allows Duncan to continue taking on outside assignments, a structure that has become increasingly attractive to top-tier media talent navigating a fragmented distribution ecosystem.

That flexibility led to Duncan reportedly accepting the USA Sports role without conflict.

She will make her Netflix debut Friday as the host of Skyscraper Live, a two-hour global event featuring free solo climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan.

USA Sports’ WNBA coverage stems from a landmark media rights agreement announced last September between the league and Versant. The 11-year deal grants USA Network rights to air regular-season games, select playoff matchups and WNBA Finals games in certain years, beginning with the 2026 season and running through 2036. As part of the agreement, USA Sports will air at least 50 WNBA games annually, signaling a substantial commitment to the league’s growth and visibility.

Wednesday nights will anchor the package, featuring WNBA doubleheaders accompanied by dedicated studio programming before and after the games. Duncan’s background makes her a natural fit for the role. During her time at ESPN, Duncan carved out a prominent niche in women’s basketball as the host of WNBA Countdown.

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