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Megyn Kelly: ‘Embarrassing and Disrespectful’ of Golden Globes to Give Amy Poehler Best Podcast Award

BNM Staff
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Megyn Kelly: ‘Embarrassing and Disrespectful’ of Golden Globes to Give Amy Poehler Best Podcast Award

Amy Poehler won the inaugural Best Podcast Award at the Golden Globes over the weekend. It’s safe to say Megyn Kelly doesn’t approve. 

Kelly wasn’t nominated for the award after being one of the programs eligible to qualify for the distinction. In late 2025, she shared that she wouldn’t go through the process of qualifying due to the “dog and pony show” nature of the process.

However, after Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the award, Kelly lambasted the decision. “They gave it to one of their own,” she said, before stating that she’s never watched or listened to the program.

After playing a clip from a recent episode with Gwyneth Paltrow, where Poehler misidentified her body of work, Megyn Kelly took the program to task.

“They’re so relatable. They have busy lives. They get tired earlier, just like you,” Kelly said, sarcastically, of Paltrow and Poehler. “Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, just like you. Riveting, right? Well, maybe she won because of her insightful interviews — no, wait, that wasn’t it, the preparation she does, perhaps.

“Amy Poehler thought Gwyneth Paltrow was in Cold Mountain, which she wasn’t,” she continued. “They played it off, like it was hilarious. But the truth is, she didn’t show Gwyneth Paltrow the respect of actually understanding what her body of work is, recent body of work, for them to discuss. So that’s embarrassing and disrespectful, and that’s what wins you, yay, the award for best podcast.”

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Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Praise HOT 97 Hire Of ‘The Kid Mero’

BMM Staff
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Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Praise HOT 97 Hire Of ‘The Kid Mero’

Bronx-born comedian and media personality The Kid Mero officially takes the helm of HOT 97’s morning show, HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, starting Tuesday, January 13. The program airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET, marking a major shift in the station’s lineup following the exit of Peter Rosenberg, Laura Stylez and Ebro last month.

On today’s Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Podcast, the trio praised the hire by HOT 97 as Rosenberg and Stylez shared detailed reactions to Mero’s new role, balancing support for their former colleague with candid reflections on their own departure.

“He’s a great guy,” Stylez said. “He’s with a great team. Our team is a great team. Mia Bell is amazing, of course, Shawnee Juanito, people we absolutely adore. We don’t know if they’re gonna stay, but I hope they do.”

Rosenberg also praised the hire, saying, “The most perfect and apt phrase for me when it comes to this is a broken clock is right twice a day. The powers that be, I think this is a very good hire. Mero is entertaining, super New York, super good dude, has four kids, family dude. It’s great.”

However, both hosts emphasized that their issues were with management, not staff nor Mero on his entry into the fold with the New York City radio station.

“Our issues were never with the people there. We love the people there. Even HOT 97 as a brand, we just didn’t… we hated the company that runs it,” Stylez said.

Rosenberg says there is a lingering frustration over the rollout of Mero’s hire which utilized an elaborate social media campaign.

“The one thing that is hard not to feel a way about it is to see the rollout and the excitement and the posts and the production around it… The only reason that I’m left with the nasty feeling is that our exit was plain old nasty. There’s just no way around it,” said Rosenberg.

He added that the station could have handled their departure more professionally.

“Had they reached out to us and said, ‘Here’s the deal. We can’t come to terms. Y’all are unhappy. We understand. We’re going a different direction. Let’s wrap this thing up nice.’ They absolutely could have done that,” he elaborated.

Mero, known for his sharp humor and cultural commentary as one-half of the comedy duo Desus & Mero, has hosted Victory Light with The Kid Mero and co-hosted 7PM in Brooklyn with NBA star Carmelo Anthony. His hire represents HOT 97’s continued effort to feature personalities deeply connected to New York’s cultural scene.

In mentioning the hire by his former station, Rosenberg hints that there would likely be more cast members added to the program. HOT 97 has not officially announced any additional contributors to their new morning program. HOT 97 Mornings with Mero premieres Tuesday, January 13.

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Salem Media, Triton Digital Announce Expansion of Longstanding Partnership

BNM Staff
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Salem Media, Triton Digital Announce Expansion of Longstanding Partnership

Salem Media has announced it is extending its longstanding partnership with Triton Digital.

The company will continue utilizing the Streaming Services and Podcast Services through Omny, as well as measurement services from Webcast Metrics, Podcast Metrics, and Demos+. The expansion now includes Podcast Video Metrics for YouTube and will also utilize the Sounder offering from Triton Digital.

“Our long-standing partnership with Salem Media demonstrates the strength of collaboration built over many years,” said Triton Digital President and CEO John Rosso. “Salem’s portfolio spans a wide range of trusted formats and highly engaged audiences across streaming and podcasting. With this renewal, we are expanding our support through advanced measurement, monetization, and audio intelligence solutions that align with Salem’s continued digital focus.”

“Working with Triton Digital gives us the tools and insights we need to support our growing digital audio and podcast offerings,” said Salem Media Chief Digital Officer Jamie Cohen. “Their measurement, monetization, and new Sounder capabilities help us better understand our audiences and continue delivering content that resonates across platforms and with our audience.”

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Former Good Karma Brands Market Manager Vinny DiMarco Joins Team Boxing League

BSM Staff
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Former Good Karma Brands Market Manager Vinny DiMarco Joins Team Boxing League

Vinny DiMarco, the former market manager for ESPN New York under Good Karma Brands, has been named Chief Revenue Officer of Team Boxing League, he announced via LinkedIn.

In his new role, DiMarco will oversee revenue growth, strategic partnerships, and brand integrations as the league expands its team-based boxing format. Team Boxing League blends elite athletic competition with city pride and fan engagement. Its nationally televised events attracted more than 12 million viewers during the third season.

“Team Boxing League is transforming the sport of boxing with a team-based format that unites elite athletes, city pride, and a modern fan experience,” DiMarco wrote in his announcement. “The league operates at the intersection of competition, entertainment, and culture, and I am energized by the opportunity ahead.”

Team Lead Boxing also announced the hire of Danny Vella as Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, further strengthening the league’s executive leadership as it continues its rapid growth.Vella joins TBL following four years as Executive Director of the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission.

“Vinny and Danny each bring exceptional expertise that aligns perfectly with where TBL is headed,” said Kevin Cassidy, CEO of TBL Team Boxing League. “Vinny’s proven ability to drive sustainable revenue growth across complex media and partnership ecosystems will be critical as we scale, while Danny’s regulatory leadership and commitment to safety and integrity will ensure our expansion is built on the highest professional standards.”

DiMarco brings extensive experience in sports media and sales leadership to the role. He served as market manager for Good Karma Brands’ New York operations from January 2022 until July 2025. During his tenure, he managed the station’s day-to-day operations. He also spearheaded initiatives, including the launch of 880 ESPN New York, following the end of a local marketing agreement with Emmis Communications for the 98.7 FM frequency.

Prior to his market manager role, DiMarco was senior director of sales for ESPN Audio partnerships. He oversaw radio affiliate relationships and a growing sales team. His work helped position ESPN New York across multiple platforms, maintaining the network’s presence despite changes to the FM signal.

Despite the career shift, DiMarco emphasized gratitude toward mentors, colleagues, and industry partners who have shaped his career. On LinkedIn, he singled out Team Boxing League CEO Kevin Cassidy for placing trust in him. This came as the organization charts its next phase of growth.

“TBL is redefining what’s possible in professional boxing,” DiMarco said. “I’m excited to join the organization and help build innovative, scalable revenue opportunities that support the league’s long-term vision.”

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.

Fanatics, OBB Media Announce Formation of Content Studio

BSM Staff
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Fanatics, OBB Media Announce Formation of Content Studio

Fanatics and OBB Media are expanding their footprint in sports storytelling with the launch of Fanatics Studios, a newly formed joint venture designed to operate as a full-scale global studio focused on sports entertainment.

The venture positions itself as an independent content engine capable of financing, producing and distributing projects across multiple formats. Its initial slate includes feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted series, live event programming and premium digital content, all centered on the growing intersection of sports and popular culture.

By combining Fanatics’ vast ecosystem of athletes, leagues and commercial partners with OBB Media’s production experience, the companies aim to create a centralized home. The goal is ambitious sports-centered storytelling.

Fanatics has built its brand across apparel, collectibles, sports betting, events and media. OBB has gained recognition for producing culturally relevant content that has generated billions of views and multiple industry awards.

Fanatics Studios will debut with several high-profile projects already in development. Among the most notable is a wide-ranging content partnership tied to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The deal includes film, television and digital productions spotlighting athletes and cultural moments. The content will lead up to the Games and reflect back on them. Additionally, the studio will produce the official Olympic film, planned for a theatrical release.

Football will play a central role in the studio’s early programming. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is a live event to air on FOX from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will feature current and former NFL stars, highlighted by Tom Brady’s flag football debut. The event will also anchor One More Drive, a multi-part documentary. The series follows Brady’s preparation for the competition and his potential pursuit of a Team USA spot.

Fanatics Studios is also expanding into marquee sports television. The company will collaborate with ESPN and Full Day Productions on the 2026 ESPY Awards. It will also enter a broader multi-year programming agreement with ESPN. The deal includes renewed coverage of Fanatics Fest.

Additional partnerships extend to WWE, Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Classic. Projects range from digital interview shows and lifestyle programming to a global baseball docuseries.

OBB founder Michael D. Ratner will lead the new venture, who will serve as CEO while continuing to oversee OBB Media’s other businesses. OBB Pictures will manage physical production for Fanatics Studios projects, while select pre-existing OBB Sports properties will remain outside the joint venture.

“I’m incredibly excited about launching Fanatics Studios and adding an important content and media business to our growing sports platform that also supports all of our existing businesses,” said Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. “We could not have dreamed up a better partner in Michael Ratner and the team at OBB, and together we are going to continue pushing our mission of relentlessly enhancing the fan experience by creating content that brings fans closer than ever to the teams, players, sports, cultural moments and events that they love in a way that’s never been done before.”

The launch of Fanatics Studios further signals Fanatics’ long-term commitment to content, following its recently announced 10-year extension to co-produce Fanatics Fest, which returns to New York City’s Javits Center this July.

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.

John Catsimatidis: Andrew Cuomo Show on 77 WABC ‘In the Works’

BNM Staff
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John Catsimatidis: Andrew Cuomo Show on 77 WABC ‘In the Works’

After his defeat in the New York City mayoral race, Andrew Cuomo could find himself on 77 WABC, owner John Catsimatidis says.

Catsimatidis confirmed to the New York Post that a new weekly show with the former New York Governor is “in the works.”

Cuomo would become the latest in a long line of former New York politicians to join the station. Former Governor David Paterson, former Rep. Anthony Weiner, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani have all hosted programs on the station, as did New York mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa before his high-profile exit last year.

Catsimatidis himself also ran for the top office in the Big Apple in 2013.

On the Sunday edition of his Cats Roundtable program, John Catsimatidis alluded to an upcoming partnership between Andrew Cuomo and 77 WABC.

“I hear you may be talking a little bit more on WABC radio in the near future,” Catsimatidis said.

“I think your station has an audience that is participatory and large,” Cuomo said. “It’s very important that we understand what’s going on and have informed dialogue, and your station is a great vehicle to do that.”

A statement from a spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo said that the former governor “will continue to speak out on the important issues” on 77 WABC and “many other media outlets.”

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.

SiriusXM Adds Chris Cuomo for New Morning Show on P.O.T.U.S.

BNM Staff
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SiriusXM Adds Chris Cuomo for New Morning Show on P.O.T.U.S.

SiriusXM has announced it is launching a new morning show on P.O.T.U.S. hosted by Chris Cuomo.

Cuomo Mornings will debut on Tuesday, January 20th. The new program will be heard from 7-9 AM ET.

The move marks a return to SiriusXM for Chris Cuomo, who previously helmed a midday show for the satellite broadcaster until his exit from CNN in 2021.

“Too much of our politics is about teams instead of truth,” said Chris Cuomo. “Cuomo Mornings is going to be about breaking through those barriers, asking better questions, and bringing people into the conversation instead of talking past them.

“We need to prioritize common sense, accountability, and real dialogue, and SiriusXM’s P.O.T.U.S. channel is exactly where that belongs. I’m very excited to be back on the platform and to engage with callers every day. Let’s get after it.”

Cuomo will continue to anchor his primetime program on NewsNation, which airs at 8 PM ET. He has hosted the show since 2022.

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.

Inside Doug Gottlieb’s Decision to Leave FOX Sports Radio to Focus Solely on Coaching at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

John Mamola
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Inside Doug Gottlieb’s Decision to Leave FOX Sports Radio to Focus Solely on Coaching at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

It was another chilly December night in Green Bay. A week before the Christmas holiday, the Green Bay Packers were still holding on to a playoff spot, and second-year head coach Doug Gottlieb led the Phoenix of Wisconsin–Green Bay to their second win in a row, defeating UCSB. During the postgame media availability, however, the focus shifted quickly. After Marcus Hall scored a season-high 25 points in the victory, his head coach made a stunning announcement.

After nearly a quarter century, Doug Gottlieb was leaving sports talk radio.

“It wasn’t until the night before that game that it dawned on me what radio really meant,” explained Gottlieb. “I talked to Josh Moon (Wisconsin–Green Bay Athletics Director) and Scott Shapiro (Senior Vice President, FOX Sports Radio & Premiere Networks), and they decided to let me do whatever I’d like to do, and however I’d like to do it.”

The decision to leave his daily radio program at FOX Sports Radio was not made overnight. When Gottlieb took the head coaching position at Wisconsin–Green Bay in May 2024, he chose to honor his commitments to both roles. He attempted to host a daily program on FOX Sports Radio while also taking on the responsibilities of a Division I basketball coach.

“Scott Shapiro, Don Martin (former EVP Sports, Premiere Networks), and I had agreed on trying it for a year, then see what we think,” said Gottlieb. “Once the season started, I got so immersed in everything I wanted to do here. I’m a perfectionist, and it became let’s try not doing this and see how my life works.”

The Decision

What ultimately helped shape the decision was a trip to the Virgin Islands, where the Phoenix played three games in the Paradise Jam tournament. The trip was filled with hiccups, including travel issues throughout. Wisconsin–Green Bay won two of three games and finished fourth in the tournament, but Gottlieb missed an entire week of programs on FOX Sports Radio. While he never considered leaving radio during the summer, the experience sparked a period of introspection.

“I was thinking do I miss it? Would I have been as good a coach if I was doing it? I don’t know,” noted Gottlieb. “Fast forward to the game against UCSB a month later, I wasn’t thinking about leaving radio during the game. I didn’t even think about it till the game was over and I collected my thoughts.”

A good coach stays focused on his players, and Gottlieb said he initially hesitated to make the announcement because he did not want to take attention away from his team’s victory. However, after weighing the logistics of media access, the decision was finalized.

Gottlieb is a college basketball lifer. He played at both Notre Dame and Oklahoma State before competing in several professional leagues around the globe. When he transitioned into sports media, he expanded his passion for the game by calling contests for multiple networks on radio and television.

College basketball today looks far different from when Gottlieb played. The competition level is at an all-time high, and NIL has transformed recruiting into a financial arms race. That reality, he said, was the biggest surprise when he took on the role, particularly the sheer number of responsibilities involved.

“I’m running a business, not a basketball program,” explained Gottlieb, referring to budgets, travel, meals, and operations. “I’m the CEO of Green Bay men’s basketball. The part I love to do the most is coaching. I love all the other stuff too, but the job has evolved from paying players to running a business. You’re accountable for every single penny.”

Despite winning just four games in his first season, Gottlieb earned strong reviews from Chancellor Michael Alexander. He said the university never pressured him to decide whether to continue his radio career. Most of the program originated from his office in Green Bay, allowing him to remain fully accessible to his coaching duties.

The Adjustment Period

It has been nearly a month since Gottlieb announced his departure from FOX Sports Radio. He said he is still working through the stages of grief and now has extra time he is learning how to use.

“I can’t yet tell you how it affects coaching. I’ve always felt super prepared and rested. I feel a little restless to be honest,” explained Gottlieb, comparing the feeling to the months following his exit from ESPN in 2012.

He admitted the urge to comment on sports faded initially. However, while watching film of his next opponent during the Steelers’ win over the Ravens on the final night of the NFL regular season, the itch returned.

“That Monday I woke up, and we had a big game. I don’t have a radio show, and I’m like damn, I want to talk about that game,” joked Gottlieb. “I still text my radio crew guys funny things, but I miss it. My life now still has a level of stress, but there’s also some downtime to be a better parent and leader.”

Looking back, Gottlieb said he would still advise his former self to attempt both jobs. While he does not regret the experiment, he is not leaving sports media entirely. He is currently developing a podcast that would allow him to contribute on his own schedule.

FOX Sports Stugotz

As for his successor, Gottlieb wished success to former ESPN Radio teammate Jon “Stugotz” Weiner. He admitted he is unsure what to expect from the longtime Dan Le Batard Show co-host in his former radio timeslot.

“I don’t know what Jon [Weiner] does and have never heard him solo. I know he’s a talented guy because he was playing a character all the time with [Dan] Le Batard. Does he come out of character? Is he a different character? I have no idea,” questioned Gottlieb.

Having often been typecast as a “college basketball guy,” Gottlieb said he understands the challenge Weiner may face with a new FOX Sports Radio audience.

“I understand the fight he’ll have with being known as ‘Stugotz.’ Is he going to be ‘Stugotz’ or Jon Weiner,” explained Gottlieb. “He was always the pure radio talent of that group with Le Batard as the writer and thinker. I hope he does well. I’ve heard he’s a good guy and he’s always been good to me. I don’t think he’s working with my guys, which is disappointing to me. It’s a great opportunity because it’s far and away the best sports radio network. You’re in a good place, so don’t f**k it up.”

Despite stepping away, Gottlieb is not closing the door on a return to sports radio. He believes he has evolved into a strong voice and leader over the past two decades. While the childhood dream may be on pause, it is not necessarily over.

“I love doing sports radio. I loved every one of my stops,” said Gottlieb. “It’s everything I know, and all of a sudden I’m not going to do this anymore feels really weird to me… I always dreamt about it, but I know there’s a limited number of seats. If you give away a seat, it’s going to be very difficult to get one back… Absolutely could I go back to it, but I need to explore what just coaching feels like first.”

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.

Which Cable News Network Will Be the First to Follow Glenn Beck’s Lead and Create AI Programming?

Garrett Searight
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Which Cable News Network Will Be the First to Follow Glenn Beck’s Lead and Create AI Programming?

Glenn Beck didn’t just spark a conversation when he unveiled a fully AI-generated podcast episode. He poured gasoline on a debate cable news executives have likely been having quietly behind closed doors.

Which network will be the first to put artificial intelligence on the air in a meaningful way?

We can all pretend it isn’t coming. It’s easy to say Fox News, MS NOW, CNN, NewsNation, and Newsmax will stick with human anchors forever. That sounds noble. It also ignores how this industry has historically behaved when technology advances and budgets tighten.

Cable news already runs on repetition. Overnight hours are filled with reruns, recycled panels, and taped specials. The audience is small, the ad rates are lower, and expectations are minimal. That makes those hours the perfect testing ground for something new and risky.

At some point, a network executive is going to ask an obvious question. ‘Why not try an AI anchor on the news wheel between midnight and 5 AM ET? If it works, great. If it doesn’t, few people will even notice’.

Beck’s AI podcast matters because it shows how fast the technology is improving. Audio is easier than video, but the gap is shrinking faster than many people want to admit. If you have to listen closely to realize something isn’t human — as was the case in the podcast episode from Glenn Beck — that’s a major threshold already crossed.

This is where the hand-wringing usually begins. Critics will argue that using AI on-air would destroy journalistic integrity. They’ll say it would permanently damage credibility. That argument collapses under even mild scrutiny.

Look at what passes for journalism on cable news today. Opinion masquerades as reporting. Talking points replace original sourcing. Outrage is often rewarded more than accuracy. With a straight face, I’m supposed to believe an AI anchor is where viewers will finally draw the line?

Audiences already understand what cable news is. They tune in for perspective, validation, and habit more than pure information. An AI anchor delivering headlines overnight isn’t going to shatter some sacred trust that barely exists.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be backlash. There will be headlines, social media outrage, and plenty of performative concern. Competitors will lambast their counterparts by arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent. That the outlet utilizing AI can’t and shouldn’t be trusted.

None of that has ever stopped innovation in this space before. If ratings hold and costs drop, the experiment will continue.

So who goes first? CNN feels like an unlikely candidate, given its recent emphasis on credibility and course correction. MS NOW leans more heavily on personality and ideology, which doesn’t pair well with synthetic delivery. Newsmax thrives on authenticity and grievance, both difficult to fake convincingly.

That leaves Fox News and NewsNation as the most interesting possibilities. Fox News has the resources, the tech infrastructure, and a willingness to experiment quietly. NewsNation has the incentive and the motive, especially if AI offers a way to expand coverage without expanding payroll.

The first attempt won’t be flashy. It won’t replace stars or prime time hosts. It will be positioned as “enhanced automation” or “advanced production.” The word AI will barely be mentioned at first.

This isn’t me cheering for it. It’s not me hoping anchors get replaced by algorithms. It’s simply acknowledging reality. Cable news has never been slow to adopt tools that reduce costs and increase output.

AI on-air is coming. Glenn Beck has shown that to be true. The only real questions are who blinks first, how audiences react, and whether anyone even cares. When it happens, the surprise won’t be that it occurred. The surprise will be how little resistance it actually faces.

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.

Is Pat McAfee’s Hate for Sports Journalism Fact, Fiction or Just Entertainment?

John Mamola
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Is Pat McAfee’s Hate for Sports Journalism Fact, Fiction or Just Entertainment?

Pat McAfee is not a journalist; he’s an entertainer. A punter with a personality—a rare combination in today’s NFL. Since he began building his media empire, McAfee has never followed traditional rules. He scoffs at the way things have been done for generations. A rebel who lives by his own code. Many times, several others and I have asked: when is it too much?

McAfee took to social media Monday in reaction to Jacksonville Free Press reporter Lynn Jones’ line of questioning during the Jacksonville Jaguars postgame media availability with head coach Liam Coen. There was no real question, just a compliment for the first-year coach, who led his team to a division title but fell on Wild Card Weekend. Jason Barrett dissected both sides in a fantastic piece, showing how the question/compliments met the moment—or highlighted the changing role of media today.

The former Colts punter, however, went a different route. Instead of commenting on the moment, he attacked journalism as an institution. He got personal with name-calling but named no names. While McAfee has survived ESPN through criticism of management, content, and staff, will he survive this? Does ESPN’s roster of journalists have the courage to defend their own profession?

The gun was out of the holster, and McAfee sent the bullets flying. Of course, he clarified first that his opinion doesn’t apply to all of “them,” but to a large percentage of sports journalists.

McAfee claims that many sports journalists “hate sports” and that “hate” extends to what sports are for people and society. He said these journalists have “preyed on sports” because they saw it as an easier path to “make it.”

He then credited his own success, noting his program is broadcast ten hours a week on ESPN, with zero creative say from any “journalism school puppets” calling for society to stop taking “these particular humans seriously.”

He also called these journalists “motherf***ers” and closed his tweet by thanking Lynn Jones for her journalism in praising Coen’s efforts this season.

In 1,817 characters, McAfee blasted the network that hosts his show, the guests who appear on it, and journalists themselves, boasting that he’s allowed to do whatever he wants on ESPN.

Will Adam Schefter defend this? The ESPN NFL insider, a graduate of the University of Michigan and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, wrote for several newspapers covering the NFL and served as President of the Pro Football Writers of America.

Will Schefter defend his craft, saying sports journalists don’t hate sports? Did he take “the easier path to make it”?

The same questions could apply to Brian Windhorst, Shams Charania, Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, and Stephen A. Smith, among others at ESPN. All were trained journalists covering sports. Did they take the easy path? Are they the “motherf***ers” McAfee references? More than likely, none will say a word about the comments and take the high road. Something McAfee has yet to do when facing criticism of his craft.

Blanket statements can be deceiving and can turn a small quip into a mountain of regret. McAfee is entitled to his opinion, but he’s missing the bigger picture. Every idea builds on the work that came before it.

Sports radio evolved from combining sports journalism with talk radio. Podcasts evolved from sports radio. Hot-take programs also followed that path. McAfee’s show, successful as it is, was built on the back of those who paved the lanes he now occupies.

Yet McAfee punches down, insulting the system while being a visitor in a house he never built—paid, of course, by The Walt Disney Company.

Media is different today than when I started in 2003. More people have platforms to express themselves to audiences constantly craving content. Reporters are expected to blur the lines between reporting and opinion. Insight and access are easier to gain than ever. Twenty years ago, the statement (not question) made in the Jaguars press availability would never have been allowed.

Today, anyone with a following can gain access. More podcasts cover teams than newspapers, and influencers command worldwide reach. Holding people accountable and questioning authority has given way to appreciation for effort and glossing over flaws, while looking forward.

It’s not that the “motherf***ers” will never get it, as McAfee claims. Media has just evolved to serve a changing audience. Too many people have worked too hard to reach the platforms they command. McAfee shared that grind but grew differently.

However, that doesn’t give him license to belittle those who chose paths he could not pursue. Especially the ones that without them McAfee wouldn’t have a blueprint for post-career success.

Would some journalistic background have helped McAfee before discussing an internet rumor about an Ole Miss student allegedly sleeping with her boyfriend’s father? Would a sense of journalistic integrity have prevented his false claims about an Algerian boxer’s gender?

Or is this all just entertainment, because Pat McAfee is, after all, an entertainer?

McAfee may be a rebel with a cause, but even rebels need a map. His success is built on roads others paved—roads constructed from years of reporting, questioning, and holding people accountable. In other words, the journalists he mocks and claims “hate sports.”

Mocking the system that allowed him to thrive is dangerous, no matter the applause. Punching down doesn’t make him a visionary; it reminds us whose work he stands on, and he continues to fail grasping it.

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.

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