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ESPN Tabs Shae Cornette as New Host of ‘First Take’

BSM Staff
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ESPN Tabs Shae Cornette as New Host of ‘First Take’

ESPN has named Shae Cornette as the new co-host of First Take, replacing Molly Qerim. Cornette will join longtime star Stephen A. Smith beginning November 3 on the weekday morning program following a few weeks of try outs for the role on the program.

Qerim departed the show last month after more than a decade in the anchor chair. Since her exit, ESPN auditioned a rotating lineup of hosts, including Cornette, Amina Smith, MJ Acosta, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh, before landing on Cornette as the permanent replacement.

“I feel ready to step into this role and know I can add to the already successful brand that First Take is,” Cornette said. “From my days in radio to hosting SportsCenter and now First Take, my journey at ESPN has been one of growth, challenge, and opportunity. First Take’s energy, perspective and passion represents everything I love about sports, and I’m excited to bring more of that to the debate desk every weekday morning.”

Front Office Sports was first to report the addition to the program. ESPN confirmed to Barrett Media the announcement.

“Shae is meticulous in her preparation, connects naturally with our show’s high-profile personalities, and has a unique ability to keep lively debate engaging and on point,” said David Roberts, Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “Her professionalism, presence, and energy make her an ideal fit for First Take and a great addition to one of ESPN’s most successful franchises.”

Cornette, who joined ESPN in 2020, brings a decade-plus of experience in Chicago media. She previously worked with ESPN 1000, Fox 32, and ABC 7, and at ESPN she has been a regular SportsCenter anchor and studio host across both television and radio platforms.

Stephen A. Smith, Featured Commentator and Executive Producer of First Take, added: “Hosting First Take is no easy assignment. It requires confidence, toughness, and real sports insight — and Shae brings all of that and more. I’ve seen her command the desk with poise and passion every time she’s hosted. She’s the real deal, and I’m thrilled to have her officially join the team.”

The timing of Qerim’s departure accelerated after the news leaked earlier this year. ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus told Richard Deitsch that Qerim’s exit occurred sooner than initially planned following a report from Sports Business Journal and her subsequent announcement on Instagram.

“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram Story. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.”

Cornette will conclude her SportsCenter anchor responsibilities later this month, with her final show scheduled for October 25.

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.

Kim Komando to Host Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

BNM Staff
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Kim Komando to Host Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Radio Hall of Fame has announced that Kim Komando will serve as host and Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Komando is a member of the Hall of Fame herself, being included in the class of 2021.

The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is currently scheduled for Thursday, October 30th at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago. The Museum of Broadcast Communications adds that it will be the second-largest attendance in Radio Hall of Fame history.

“We are delighted to have Kim Komando serve as our MC for this year’s Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony,” said Radio Hall of Fame co-chair Dennis Green. “Kim has been a visionary, trend-setter, and entrepreneur in the digital space before the explosion of all things digital. She has informed and educated audiences across the country like no one else in the genre and her Hall of Fame career shows no signs of slowing down. Kim was inducted in Chicago, and we are honored to have her back to host this year’s show.”

“We’re grateful to Kim Komando for helping us to create a most special evening for each of our 2025 inductees,” added co-chair Kraig Kitchin. “She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the recognition of such an induction.”

Kik Monado hosts a tech and business-focused radio program each week. The show airs on more than 400 radio stations each weeknd and has been on the air for more than 30 years. Her radio work is in addition to writing a column for USA Today for more than 20 years, as well as writing her own newsletter that features more than 700,000 subscribers.

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.

ESPN Executive Says ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Keep Same Feel and Sound Moving To Network

BSM Staff
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ESPN Executive Says ‘Inside the NBA’ Will Keep Same Feel and Sound Moving To Network

ESPN’s integration of TNT’s Inside the NBA into its programming has begun, according to Tim Corrigan, ESPN’s senior vice president of sports production, with the legendary studio show continuing to be produced by TNT Sports.

Corrigan noted in speaking with The Sports Business Journal that the collaboration has involved extensive coordination across production, sales, marketing, and integration teams. “We’ve had meetings that are production to production, sales to sales, marketing to marketing, integration groups, formatting groups. We met with the executives on several occasions, we met with the talent face-to-face in Atlanta, and it’s been terrific,” he said.

Despite moving under the network umbrella, the plan is for Inside the NBA to remain filmed from its longtime Atlanta studio with the original cast, music, graphics producer, director, and support staff.

“They’ll have an hour pregame show on ESPN, followed by an hour postgame show for Inside whenever they’re on ESPN — and obviously they do the wraps around the games,” Corrigan explained. “When they’re on ABC on Saturday nights, it’ll be a half-hour pregame show into the game, and postgame, it’ll be at least a half hour on ABC, then they’ll go to the [ESPN] app for the rest of it — however long it takes.”

Throughout the season, Inside the NBA will appear as part of marquee events such as the NBA on Christmas Day, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, and NBA Sunday Showcase. Pregame shows on ESPN will air one hour before tipoff, while ABC broadcasts will feature a 30-minute pregame window. Postgame coverage will continue on the ESPN App following ABC games.

ESPN’s schedule includes multiple Inside the NBA editions during key dates such as December 25 for Christmas Day coverage, January 24 and January 31 for NBA Saturday Primetime, and February 22 for NBA Sunday Showcase. The show will also be featured during regular ESPN doubleheaders and marquee weekend matchups throughout the year.

Inside the NBA will be 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.

With pregame, postgame, and extended digital content, ESPN and TNT are positioning Inside the NBA to be both a continuity of the classic show and a fresh addition to ESPN’s NBA coverage.

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.

Bruce Pearl, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jamal Mashburn Join TNT Sports College Basketball Studio Team

BSM Staff
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Bruce Pearl, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jamal Mashburn Join TNT Sports College Basketball Studio Team

TNT Sports is tipping off the season of BIG EAST and Big 12 college basketball coverage with a lineup stacked with recognizable basketball voices and championship experience. The network announced that veteran coach Bruce Pearl and former NBA standouts Jalen Rose and Jamal Mashburn will headline its new studio team alongside host Adam Lefkoe. The trio will also appear across TNT Sports and CBS Sports’ joint coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship next spring.

The lineup also includes a familiar face returning to the network. Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Webber will rejoin TNT Sports as part of its Players Era coverage during Thanksgiving week, with additional appearances throughout the season.

TNT Sports Chief Content Officer Craig Barry said the group reflects the network’s trademark chemistry and approach to storytelling.

“Our studio shows have always had a certain DNA that is unique to TNT Sports. We take great pride in assembling the right blend of personalities capable of extending that culture,” Barry said. “We believe we’ve found a distinctive balance with this college basketball team and we’re confident fans will be entertained by their perspectives, the storytelling and access they provide from their experiences in and around the game.”

For Pearl, who has led Auburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earned four SEC Coach of the Year honors. Joining TNT Sports marks a new chapter after years on the sideline.

“I’ve long admired and deeply respected the way TNT Sports delivers the best studio shows in the industry,” Pearl said. “The product has never been in better shape on the court, and I’m going to bring the same passion I displayed as a coach to broadcasting.”

Rose, a member of Michigan’s famed Fab Five and longtime analyst, said he’s eager to dive into the college game again. “College basketball is about legacy, culture, and unforgettable moments,” Rose said. “I’m going to embrace every opportunity to share my perspectives alongside my TNT Sports teammates.”

Mashburn added that the sport still holds a special place for him. “College basketball gave me my start, and it’s where so many great basketball stories begin,” he said.

Lefkoe, who has hosted NBA coverage on TNT and Bleacher Report, said the chemistry of the new crew should fit seamlessly into the network’s established studio style.

“TNT Sports has truly assembled a dream team as it enters its first year of season-long college hoops action,” Lefkoe said. “We’re bringing fans a new chapter of college basketball on TNT.”

TNT Sports’ coverage begins November 3 with the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas. Featuring defending national champion Florida against Arizona and BYU facing Villanova. The network will air 72 BIG EAST men’s and women’s games and a full Big 12 slate this season, leading into its joint coverage of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament with CBS Sports.

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.

Omaha Productions Announces Content Partnership With Main Street Sports Group

BSM Staff
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Omaha Productions Announces Content Partnership With Main Street Sports Group

Main Street Sports Group, the owner of FanDuel Sports Network, is joining forces with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions in a new strategic content partnership aimed at developing and producing premium sports content across multiple platforms.

The agreement combines FanDuel Sports Network’s reach and local audience engagement with Omaha Productions’ creative storytelling and established reputation in sports entertainment. Together, the two companies plan to collaborate on co-branded projects spanning linear television, streaming, and digital platforms, while also sharing content and engaging in cross-promotional initiatives designed to broaden their national audience.

As part of the announcement, Main Street Sports Group also unveiled Main Street Sports Productions, a newly formed division dedicated to original content creation for both in-house and third-party distribution. The new arm will be led by longtime production executive Norby Williamson, who serves as President of Production and Programming for Main Street Sports Group.

“This is a transformative moment for us,” Williamson said. “Partnering with Omaha Productions, one of the most respected and creative brands in sports entertainment, sets the stage for what’s next. Main Street Sports Productions allows us to take what we do best and expand it to new audiences, platforms, and partners.”

Omaha Productions, founded by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, has built a reputation for its unique approach to sports storytelling, most notably through projects like ESPN’s ManningCast. The partnership gives the company an opportunity to reach new audiences through FanDuel Sports Network’s growing footprint and its network of local sports affiliates.

“FanDuel Sports Network has built a strong reputation by serving local sports fans and tapping into the passion of fan bases across the country,” said Jamie Horowitz, President and Co-Founder of Omaha Productions. “At Omaha, we’re thrilled to partner with them and create content that speaks directly to those fans in fun and meaningful ways.”

For Main Street Sports Group, the deal marks a key step in its evolution into a fully integrated local sports media platform. With live game coverage, original programming, and now a dedicated production unit, the company is positioning itself to deliver a wider variety of premium sports content.

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.

CNN Announces Plans, Pricing for ‘All Access’ Streaming Platform

BNM Staff
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CNN Announces Plans, Pricing for ‘All Access’ Streaming Platform

CNN has announced plans and pricing details for its upcoming subscription service and streaming platform, calling it All Access.

Debuting on Tuesday, October 28th, subscribers will be able to view CNN without a cable subscription. The subscription will also grant users access to the network’s “Originals” and “Films” franchises, in addition to the live programming and CNN.com articles.

The new service will be priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually. Subscribers signing up for the platform before Monday, January 5th, will be granted a special introductory price of $41.99 for the first year of service.

“No one covers the world like CNN,” said Executive Vice President of Digital Products and Services Alex MacCallum. “With this new subscription offering, our audience will now have access to the best of CNN across platforms, including multiple live stream channels, our signature video-led journalism and all articles on CNN.com and in the mobile app.

“It’s an essential step in CNN’s evolution as we work to give audiences the complete CNN experience in a format that reflects how audiences engage with the news today,” MacCallum concluded. 

The announcement of the new streaming service comes after the network shared that it would cease airing live programming on the HBO Max streaming platform. That partnership is set to conclude on Monday, November 17th.

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.

ESPN Establishes New WNBA Viewership Records in 2025

BSM Staff
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ESPN Establishes New WNBA Viewership Records in 2025

ESPN networks have wrapped up a record-breaking year for the WNBA, delivering the most-watched regular season and postseason ever across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel.

The 2025 season underscored the league’s continued growth and ESPN’s expanding commitment to women’s sports. Across 25 regular-season games, WNBA telecasts on ESPN platforms averaged 1.3 million viewers — a 6% increase from last year and the network’s highest regular-season average on record.

That momentum carried into the postseason, where 24 games averaged 1.2 million viewers, up 5% year-over-year. The network said this year’s playoff performance marked its most-watched WNBA postseason to date and the most-viewed across all networks since 1999, when the league drew a similar 1.3 million average audience.

The WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV continued the surge. Airing across ABC and ESPN, the four-game championship series averaged 1.5 million viewers, ranking as the second most-watched WNBA Finals ever on ESPN networks — trailing only 2024. Game 1 between the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces set a particularly high bar, averaging 1.9 million viewers to become the most-watched WNBA Finals opener in 28 years.

After combining the regular season and postseason, ESPN reported that the full 2025 WNBA season averaged 1.2 million viewers over 49 telecasts, a 5% increase from last year and the highest full-season average in network history.

Beyond game action, ESPN’s studio programming also drew strong engagement throughout the postseason. WNBA Countdown Presented by Google averaged 437,000 viewers across 13 episodes — a 30% jump compared to 2024.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s digital shoulder content showed significant growth on YouTube. Hoop Streams and The Wrap-Up combined for 900,000 total views, up 60% year-over-year, with total watch hours soaring 110% to 135,000 across eight episodes from September 12 to October 12. Video-on-demand clips added another 2 million views, representing a 28% increase.

The record-breaking season reflects both ESPN’s strategic investment in the WNBA and a wider shift in sports consumption. With the league adding stars, storylines, and deeper postseason intrigue, fan engagement has reached historic levels across both television and streaming platforms.

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.

Stephen A. Smith Leaves NewsNation Town Hall After Pushing Back Against Congressional Members

BNM Staff
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Stephen A. Smith Leaves NewsNation Town Hall After Pushing Back Against Congressional Members

NewsNation had a town hall event in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening, and Stephen A. Smith saw enough.

During the event, Smith grew angry at the reactions from members of Congress about the government shutdown and how it is affecting everyday Americans. He ultimately got up and walked off.

After a member of the audience asked a question, noting that they would need to leave to go work as a DoorDash delivery driver because their position as an air traffic controller was currently paused, the politicians had a carefree approach, from Smith’s standpoint.

That led him to ultimately storm off the NewsNation stage.

“I don’t think Washington understands how ticked off we truly are,” said Smith. “A young man walked up to the microphone and said that he had to leave here to go and work on DoorDash to help pay for his daughter’s tuition. Meanwhile, everybody up here getting paid, but he ain’t. It’s this kind of stuff right here. That’s how you know.”

Smith continued by noting the national debt has risen to nearly $40 trillion, and average Americans see how much is taken out of the checks in taxes but don’t get any return for what they’re sending to Washington.

“Somehow, some way, you’re supposed to be doing something constructive and productive enough to make sure that we don’t have that kind of deficit. It isn’t happening,” said Smith. “A government shutdown is going on right now. A man has to work on DoorDash when he’s really an air traffic controller that we applaud him.

“We’re up here talking about how much some money is gonna cost, and the only person that don’t have a check coming is him. You know what I’m gonna do? I’m gonna take a break,” Smith said, before getting up and exiting the stage.

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.

iHeartMedia Announces Partnership With Rock Entertainment Group To Form SportsRadio 99.1 in Cleveland

BSM Staff
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iHeartMedia Announces Partnership With Rock Entertainment Group To Form SportsRadio 99.1 in Cleveland

Cleveland sports fans have another destination for nonstop coverage of their favorite teams. Rock Entertainment Group and iHeartMedia Cleveland have announced a multi-year partnership that strengthens radio coverage for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters, and Cleveland Charge — while debuting a new station dedicated entirely to local sports, SportsRadio 99.1 FM.

The collaboration expands the reach of Cleveland’s top teams across multiple iHeartMedia properties and digital platforms. Under the new agreement, Cavaliers games will continue to air live on rock powerhouse WMMS and Newsradio WTAM. The Cleveland Monsters, meanwhile, move to the newly launched SportsRadio 99.1 FM, while the Cleveland Charge will now be heard on Real 106.1 FM.

“Fan experience always comes first at Rock Entertainment Group,” said Michael Conley, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Rock Entertainment Group. “Providing a robust new platform for our community to connect and support our teams helps us elevate how fans engage with Cleveland sports. Our collaboration with iHeartMedia demonstrates our shared commitment to accessible, high-quality coverage and innovative experiences.”

All broadcasts will also stream live on the iHeartRadio app, giving fans access to every play, highlight, and postgame moment from more than 2,000 devices.

Beyond airing Monsters games, SportsRadio 99.1 will feature expanded content including local analysis, exclusive team interviews, simulcasts of select Rock Sports Network programming, and additional Ohio-based sporting events. The move reflects a growing demand among Cleveland listeners for team-centric coverage and deeper storytelling around the city’s sports culture.

“It’s an honor to continue our decades-long partnership with the Cavs Operating Company,” said Keith Hotchkiss, Area President for iHeartMedia Cleveland. “Combining this coverage with iHeart’s unparalleled reach, in more than 90% of our markets, we’re thrilled to give sports fans greater access to the content and coverage Rock Entertainment Sports will provide.”

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.

7 Mountains Media Elevates Jeff Hunt To Program Director Of 93.5 WSBG

BMM Staff
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7 Mountains Media Elevates Jeff Hunt To Program Director Of 93.5 WSBG

7 Mountains Media has named Jeff Hunt the new Program Director for 93.5 WSBG in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, following the resignation of longtime programmer Danny Ocean.

Hunt, who also serves as Program Director for Bigfoot Country 96.7 and 97.3, announced the add on his social media account, saying he is “extremely grateful” to 7 Mountains Media for entrusting him with leadership of the heritage Top 40 station.

“While I’m very sad to see my good friend Danny Ocean resign his post as program director of 93.5 SBG, I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be taking the reins as SBG’s new program director,” Hunt wrote in a Facebook post. “I’m extremely lucky to have worked with Danny over the past two years and I’m extremely grateful to 7 Mountains Media for their belief in me to take the reins of such a great heritage station.”

Hunt has been with 7 Mountains Media for several years, helping to shape the programming and branding of the company’s country outlets in northeast Pennsylvania. In addition to his on-air and programming responsibilities, Hunt has played a key role in local community engagement initiatives across the region.

The change comes weeks following Ocean resigning from the job at 93.5 WSBG after joining the station in December of 2023. Known for his creative approach and connection with listeners, Ocean built a reputation as one of the most well-liked and collaborative programmers in the region.

“This has been one of the best radio experiences of my career,” Ocean said in a statement last week. “I give all the credit to the amazing staff in Stroudsburg. Many thanks to 7MM Owner Kristin Cantrell, Chief Programming Officer JC Burton, former COO Jim Loftus, and former Market Manager Pat Lincoln, who all played a big part in our success at SBG.”

Seven Mountains Media, which operates a range of formats across Pennsylvania and New York, has maintained a steady expansion of its brand portfolio in recent years.

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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