Home Blog Page 426

Cam Newton: SEC Football Is Still the Top Conference Because of Viewership

BSM Staff
-
0
Cam Newton: SEC Football Is Still the Top Conference Because of Viewership

ESPN analyst Cam Newton argued Friday that the Southeastern Conference remains the dominant force in college football—not on the field, necessarily, but in the eyes of fans and television viewers. Speaking on First Take, Newton credited the SEC’s consistent television ratings and national appeal for its continued prominence.

“The SEC is not and has not went anywhere,” Newton said. “Why? Because every team in the SEC does more numbers than every team in the Big Ten, and every team in the ACC.”

Newton’s comments come amid ongoing debates over parity in college football. The expansion of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities has allowed programs across conferences to compete more directly for top talent. The comments also follow the conference only having one team remaining from the conference alive in the college football playoff. Plus an overall bowl record for the conference at 4-8 while the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC hold winning records in bowl games this winter.

While the SEC may no longer hold an unchallenged grip on recruiting and on-field dominance, Newton emphasized that the conference still reigns supreme in fan engagement and television viewership.

“At the end of the day, everybody knows that if you want to go and get put on [television] you still go to the SEC,” Newton said. He contrasted the conference’s draw with programs from the Big Ten and ACC. He referenced teams such as LSU, Alabama, and Georgia as fan favorites.

“However great [Indiana University] Coach Cignetti is, you still know I’m not about to go watch Indiana football. I prefer to go watch LSU, Ole Miss, the great Auburn, Alabama, UGA, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State. Way before I watch a Penn State, Michigan State, Iowa State, man, come on.”

Newton also addressed the impact of NIL on the SEC’s dominance. He noted that while paying players has leveled the playing field somewhat, the conference’s influence over viewership remains strong.

“Is the dominance over? Yes? Why? Is because the ability to pay players now, but they still don’t do the numbers that the SEC does,” Newton said. “The mantra of the SEC might not remind you—it’s just different. You and I both know that.”

Viewership data for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round is not yet available, but Nielsen data released showed Alabama was the most-watched team this season, averaging around 8.5 million viewers. That was followed by Texas (7.5 million), Georgia (7.5 million). All three teams are in the SEC.

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.

Newsmax Formally Asks FCC to Block Nexstar Media Group Merger with TEGNA

BNM Staff
-
0
Newsmax Formally Asks FCC to Block Nexstar Media Group Merger with TEGNA

After publicly sharing its opposition, Newsmax has officially asked the FCC to block the merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA.

The company formally filed a petition with the FCC on New Year’s Eve, arguing that the proposed merger “violates the law and creates an unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of one broadcaster.”

Newsmax’s focus on its opposition is that the current ownership limits make a single entity owning enough stations to reach more than 39% of the U.S. TV households illegal. Should the proposed merger with TEGNA go through, Nexstar Media Group would reach nearly 80% of all households.

“This merger would create an unprecedented and dangerous consolidation within the broadcast TV industry, giving them immense control over local news and political news coverage,” Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy — who signed the filing with the FCC for the network — said in a statement.

“This merger is no better than others the FCC has already blocked,” the filing from Newsmax concludes. “The Commission should reject the proposed transaction because it violates the law, will harm competition, and will damage the public interest.”

Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy has not been shy about his opposition to the merger. In August, Ruddy shared that he was against the proposed merger, further arguing that the FCC “lacks authority and a compelling reason to change” the ownership caps put in place in 2004. Ruddy’s comments and opposition to the move have been labeled as “misleading” by the National Association of Broadcasters.

His sentiments appear to be shared by President Donald Trump, who in November said he “would not be happy” if the ownership cap were to be removed.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.

CBS News Radio Ends World News Roundup Late Edition, Weekend Roundup

BNM Staff
-
0
CBS News Radio Ends World News Roundup Late Edition, Weekend Roundup

After nearly 60 years, CBS News Radio has ended the World News Roundup Late Edition broadcast and has also ended the Weekend Roundup version of the newscast.

On Friday, December 19th, during the World News Roundup Late Edition at 7 PM ET, anchor Jennifer Kuiper said, “This is the final broadcast of the World News Roundup Late Edition … But CBS will continue our mission of bringing you the latest breaking news,” before airing lockouts from Bill Whitney, Dave Barrett, Jim Chenevey, Pam Coulter, Peter King, and her own for the final time.

The broadcast was launched in 1966 as a 15-minute newscast before later being shortened and rebranded to its current iteration in 1999.

CBS News Radio has continued providing evening newscasts, which are shorter in length than their predecessor and do not utilize the World News Roundup branding.

On Saturday, December 20th, CBS News Weekend Roundup host Allison Keyes revealed that the episode was the final edition of the program.

“This is the final CBS News Weekend Roundup,” she said to begin the episode. “We want to thank you for listening and for your support of this award-winning show over the years. We appreciate it.”

The changes at CBS News Radio come after the company moved its distribution and advertising sales operations from Skyview Networks to Audacy and its Infinity Networks in October 2025.

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.

Gary Danielson Emotional Farewell From CBS Sports Cut Off

BSM Staff
-
0
Gary Danielson Emotional Farewell From CBS Sports Cut Off

Veteran analyst Gary Danielson ended his 36-year run in college football broadcasting with CBS in an emotional Sun Bowl broadcast Wednesday, leaving viewers and colleagues reflecting on his lasting impact on the sport.

As the game wound down, Danielson appeared to search for the right words to close out his final broadcast. “How are we going to get off the air?” he asked rhetorically, moments before CBS cut to a commercial. A countdown appeared in the corner of the screen by the on-site producer, signaling the abrupt conclusion to a career highlighted by decades of insight, humor, and storytelling.

Danielson, a former Purdue standout and NFL quarterback with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, took the interruption in stride. He smiled and pointed to his producer, joking, “This guy right here,” acknowledging the realities of live television. While hard breaks are standard, the sudden cutoff contrasted with the heartfelt tribute unfolding moments earlier.

Prior to the broadcast’s conclusion, Danielson joined play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Jenny Dell to reflect on the career-defining moments he’s shared with CBS. Nessler praised Danielson’s work ethic and the camaraderie he brought to the broadcast booth. “It’s been a privilege working alongside someone unmatched at what they do,” Nessler said. “CBS is going to miss you. Our crew is going to miss you, and college football is going to miss you, buddy.”

Danielson has been a central figure in CBS’ college football coverage since 2006, earning six Emmy nominations along the way. While primarily known for his work in the SEC, he has also contributed to Big Ten broadcasts in recent years, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s most trusted voices.

During his farewell segment, a slideshow highlighted Danielson’s decades-long tenure, featuring images of memorable game-day moments, colleagues, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

“Everybody asks, ‘What do you want to be remembered as?’” Danielson said. “That’s fine, but for me, it’s about what I want to remember. These are the moments that stick.”

Fans, colleagues, and former players alike have shared their admiration for Danielson’s contributions to the game, citing his blend of technical knowledge and approachable storytelling. Though his on-air sign-off ended unexpectedly, the legacy he leaves behind resonates far beyond a single broadcast.

As CBS transitions to its next chapter of college football coverage, Charles Davis was named as Danielson’s successor last year.

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’s Abby Phillip Clashes With Erick Erickson Over Scott Jennings Commentary

BNM Staff
-
0
CNN’s Abby Phillip Clashes With Erick Erickson Over Scott Jennings Commentary

Erick Erickson has never been shy in his criticism of CNN. But Abby Phillip is fighting back against comments made by the nationally syndicated radio host.

On social media, Erickson stated that CNN needed to air a disclaimer before it utilizes regular contributor Scott Jennings, stating that whatever he said in his last appearance was correct and that Abby Phillip and her primetime panel were incorrect.

“CNN needs to start each Scott Jennings appearance with a fact check where Scott said something previously, Abby and the panel insisted it was not so, and we start the next show with the video showing Scott was right the whole time,” Erickson wrote.

Phillip didn’t respond kindly to the comments from Erickson.

She fired back by arguing that Erick Erickson had taken the comments and video clip he shared out of context.

“Give me a break Eric (sic),” Phillip said. “He was not referring to the fraud investigations in that clip. He was talking about Trump and Vance denigrating the Somali community. There plenty (sic) to criticize Walz for but he did not say that investigating fraud was akin to white supremacy.”

It isn’t the first time Abby Phillip and Erick Erickson have clashed over his criticism of her program.

In 2024, Erickson revealed he had been asked to appear on the program, but scheduling conflicts had kept him from appearing. However, he said at that time that he was happy he had never appeared because the show was “an embarrassment” and that CNN should be “embarrassed to air 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.

Catherine Herridge: CBS News Blocked Live Elon Musk Interview Over Editorial Concerns

BNM Staff
-
0
Catherine Herridge: CBS News Blocked Live Elon Musk Interview Over Editorial Concerns

Former CBS News correspondent Catherine Herridge has shared that the network torpedoed a potential interview with Elon Musk over concerns about what he might say.

During a recent episode of her podcast, Herridge revealed that at the height of the reporting surrounding how the Biden Administration pressured social media companies — especially Twitter — to suppress certain stories, she had lined up an interview with Elon Musk, who had recently purchased the company.

“I had conversations with some of the reporters connected to the Twitter Files, and I was in my head thinking that there might be an opportunity to tell that story on CBS News,” said Herridge. “We had a number of topics under discussion — they didn’t go as far as we had hoped — but at the end of the day, this opportunity to interview Elon Musk was developing.

“So I went to the CBS executives, and I said, ‘This is the opportunity that we have.’ He’s saying, ‘I want to do it live, and on my platform.’ He’s one of the most influential human beings on the planet,” continued Herridge. “And the reaction from the executives was, ‘Well, we can’t do it live.’ I was like, What do you mean we can’t do it live? ‘Well, we don’t know what he’s going to say.’ Isn’t that the point of journalism? You don’t know what the person’s going to say.”

She continued by saying that she didn’t understand the hesitation by the network.

“Everything just got shut down. It’s one of the biggest interviews you could ever have,” she said.

Catherine Herridge added that she never returned to Musk to discuss the stipulations put in place by CBS News.

“I felt so ashamed, frankly, that I never went back to Elon Musk and said, Listen, they want to do it, but they’ve set all these conditions on it. I couldn’t do that. This is someone whose DNA is free speech, and how do you tell someone who’s committed to free speech that your network can only do it taped and only if they edit it, and it can only be on their platform? I couldn’t go back to him with that.

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.

Audacy Names ‘Big Mack’ as New Morning Show Host at 94.7 the Block

BMM Staff
-
0
Audacy Names ‘Big Mack’ as New Morning Show Host at 94.7 the Block

Audacy’s Rhythmic Throwbacks station 94.7 The Block has tapped Big Mack to lead its morning show, the company announced. A New Jersey native, Mack brings a blend of radio experience and national entertainment exposure to the role. He is widely recognized for his appearances on nine seasons of MTV’s comedy series Wild ‘N Out and for his work as a stand-up comedian.

Mack’s radio career spans multiple major markets and roles. From 2014 to 2022, he spent eight years with Hip Hop outlet 99 Jamz in Miami, serving as assistant program director and music director while co-hosting both night and morning shows.

His earlier experience includes stops at iHeartMedia’s Power 105.1 in New York, as well as a stint as morning show producer at Hot 96.9 in Boston. Most recently, he contributed as a writer and producer for Premiere Networks’ nationally syndicated The Breakfast Club, also based at WWPR-FM.

In an Instagram post, Big Mack says he’s excited for the new opportunity with 94.7 The Block.

“This ain’t just a job… this is a TESTIMONY. A testament to God’s timing, God’s favor, and God showing out once again,” posted Mack. “When I was praying for open doors, He said: “Say less, I got you.” Dreams really do come true. And if mine can, yours absolutely can too. Am I excited? YES.”

Mack’s start date at WXBK will be Monday January 5.

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.

Sean McDonough Named 2025 NSMA Sportscaster of the Year

BSM Staff
-
0
Sean McDonough Named 2025 NSMA Sportscaster of the Year

Veteran ESPN play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough has been named the 2025 National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association, earning the honor for the first time in his distinguished career.

The award was revealed to McDonough in a surprise announcement delivered by ESPN college football analyst and longtime broadcast partner Greg McElroy. A video of the moment was shared publicly, capturing McDonough’s trademark mix of humility and humor.

“I’ve joked I’ve been the Susan Lucci of that award,” McDonough said, referencing the actress who famously endured years of nominations before finally winning a Daytime Emmy. The comparison resonates with many in the industry, as McDonough has long been regarded as one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.

Now 63, McDonough has built a career defined by versatility, preparation, and credibility across multiple sports and platforms. His tenure at ESPN began in 1989, with a brief departure in the late 1990s to work exclusively for CBS. Over the decades, he has called some of the most prominent events in American sports. This includes the World Series, NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, Olympic Games, Monday Night Football, and all four major golf championships.

McDonough also spent 15 seasons as the lead voice for Saturday afternoon college football games on ABC, a role that helped cement his standing as one of the sport’s premier narrators. Today, he remains a centerpiece of ESPN’s college football coverage while also serving as the network’s lead NHL play-by-play announcer.

During the announcement, McElroy praised McDonough’s leadership and influence, both on the air and behind the scenes.

“We’re super fired up about this,” McElroy said. “I don’t think it could be more well-deserved. He is our leader, our patriarch. He is Sean McDonough, and officially the 2025 NSMA Sportscaster of the Year.”

McDonough’s path to national prominence began unusually early. At just 19 years old, he became the voice of the Syracuse Chiefs while still a student at Syracuse University. That early opportunity opened the door to a high-profile role as the television play-by-play announcer for the Boston Red Sox. McDonough held the position he held from 1988 to 2004. During that span, he earned four New England Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Play-by-Play.

In 2019, McDonough returned to the Red Sox as part of the team’s radio broadcast crew. Adding another chapter to his long-standing connection with the franchise.

His contributions have been widely recognized beyond this latest honor. In 2021, McDonough was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, a testament to a career marked by consistency, adaptability, and trust from audiences and peers alike.

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.

NFL Viewership Easily Eclipses NBA Viewership on Christmas Day

BSM Staff
-
0
NFL Viewership Easily Eclipses NBA Viewership on Christmas Day

The NFL didn’t just show up on Christmas Day this year — it dominated the holiday television conversation in a way that further widened the gap between pro football and every other U.S. sports property, including the NBA.

Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL doubleheader delivered record-setting results, highlighted by the Detroit Lions–Minnesota Vikings matchup becoming the most-streamed NFL game ever in the United States. The late-afternoon contest averaged 27.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen, and peaked north of 30 million, an eye-popping figure for a game carried exclusively on a streaming platform.

Earlier in the day, Dallas and Washington averaged 19.9 million viewers, giving Netflix a Christmas performance that rivaled — and in some cases exceeded — traditional broadcast NFL benchmarks. For context, CBS drew 57.2 million viewers for its Chiefs–Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game earlier this season, reinforcing that the league’s biggest draws still operate on an entirely different scale than other sports.

While the NBA can credibly claim momentum on Christmas, the comparison remains lopsided when placed side by side.

The league announced its best Christmas Day viewership in 15 years, with more than 47 million people tuning in to at least a portion of its five-game slate across ABC and ESPN. That total marked a 45% increase year over year, with games averaging 5.5 million viewers — a solid number by NBA standards and a positive sign after years of holiday erosion.

Several individual matchups also posted notable gains. Cleveland–New York became the most-watched noon Christmas tipoff ever, averaging 6.4 million viewers. Other windows delivered their strongest performances in years, signaling renewed audience interest when the league’s biggest stars and markets are properly showcased.

Yet even on one of its signature days, the NBA’s average game audience still trailed Netflix’s top NFL broadcast by more than 20 million viewers.

That disparity underscores a broader industry reality: football remains the most reliable mass-audience programming in American media. The NFL routinely draws tens of millions of viewers regardless of platform, opponent or kickoff time — and now, it’s proving that dominance extends seamlessly into streaming.

For Netflix, the success validates its strategy of leaning into live sports to fuel its ad-supported tier. The company says its advertising reach now tops 190 million monthly active viewers globally, making premium events like NFL games especially attractive to marketers seeking scale and engagement.

The NBA, meanwhile, can take comfort in its social performance. The league said it was the most-viewed sports brand across social platforms on Christmas, generating 1.6 billion views — a 23% increase from last year. That digital strength matters, particularly with younger audiences.

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.

Jeremy Loper Tabbed for Morning Drive on KZ106 Chattanooga Beginning January 12

BMM Staff
-
0
Jeremy Loper Tabbed for Morning Drive on KZ106 Chattanooga Beginning January 12

Cumulus Media’s Classic Rock KZ106 in Chattanooga is turning the page on one of the longest-running morning shows in radio history and introducing a new voice to lead its next era. Beginning January 12, veteran rock radio personality Jeremy Loper will take over mornings on KZ106 with the debut of The Loper Show. The move follows the retirement of The John Boy & Billy Show, which signed off December 31.

For KZ106, the transition represents a rare and significant shift. Station leadership has not changed its morning lineup in over 20 years, making the selection of Loper a strategic bet on a proven personality with a track record of connecting with rock audiences in major markets.

“Chattanooga is rock ’n’ roll, and KZ106 is one of the most respected rock stations in the country,” Loper said. “This brand has history, attitude and loyalty.”

Loper arrives in Chattanooga with more than 30 years of experience. His reputation includes blending humor, storytelling and high-concept stunts into a personality-driven format. His work has crossed into the national spotlight multiple times, drawing attention from outlets including CNN, Fox News and TMZ.

Over the years, those moments have ranged from unconventional press conference appearances to orchestrating rapid-fire civic honors for major rock artists. More recently, Loper made headlines in June 2024 during the Nashville Rock N’ Jock Celebrity Softball Game benefiting Folds of Honor. During the game, a collision at home plate with NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick became a viral moment. That moment led to a series of postgame media appearances for both.

Beyond the studio, Loper has been a familiar presence on some of rock music’s biggest stages. He has hosted and emceed large-scale festivals such as Rock on the Range, Sonic Temple, SunFest and The Buzz Bake Sale. He often performs in front of crowds numbering in the tens of thousands. His influence has also extended into civic and community causes. Those efforts include advocacy that contributed to the successful campaign to keep Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew in Ohio.

Before joining KZ106, Loper hosted mornings at 105.9 The Rock in Nashville. The show generated early ratings momentum and strong local engagement. He previously spent 12 years leading mornings in Columbus, Ohio, on 99.7 The Blitz. There, Loper & Randi in the Morning became one of the market’s most recognized shows. His reach continues to expand through The Loper Show podcast and video platforms.

KZ106 Operations Manager and Program Director Scott Chase said the station is confident in its choice.

“We wish John Boy and Billy a very happy retirement,” Chase said. “Jeremy is talented, driven and the right person to lead us into this next chapter.”

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.

1...425426427...2,773Page 426 of 2,773