Neil Best is stepping away, closing the book on a sports media career that spanned nearly half a century and represented a level of continuity that has largely disappeared from American journalism.
The longtime Newsday sports media columnist announced his retirement Sunday, ending more than two decades on a beat he helped define. Best leaves behind one of the few remaining full-time sports media columnist roles at a major metropolitan newspaper, a position that survived industry-wide layoffs, shifting business models and fundamental changes in how sports content is produced and consumed.
During his tenure, Best covered the transition from print-first journalism to a digital, social-driven ecosystem. He chronicled the explosion of sports talk radio, the rise of national debate television, and the emergence of social media as both a reporting tool and a news-breaking platform.
Through it all, Best maintained a measured, reporting-first approach that distinguished his work in a landscape increasingly driven by opinion and immediacy.
In his farewell column, Best emphasized that the decision to step away was entirely his. A Newsday reader since August 1972, he wrote, “It’s OK! It was my decision! Time for someone else to have a turn.” That someone will be Anthony Rieber, who becomes just the fourth person to hold the sports media beat in 48 years. Stan Isaacs and Steve Zipay preceded Best, making it one of the most stable assignments in sports journalism despite the volatility elsewhere in the industry.
Best’s final column read like a greatest-hits tour of a career few writers get to experience.
“What has it been like writing about sports for a living for the better part of a half-century?” he asked, answering himself simply: “It’s been good!”
He recalled interviewing everyone from the San Diego Chicken and Phillie Phanatic “with his head off,” to Willie Mays, who famously admitted he hated fishing. Best wrote about conversations with Ice Cube on the Raiders, Adam Sandler on Mike Francesa, Jerry Seinfeld on WFAN and Billie Jean King and Dick Vitale, who greeted him with hugs.
His reporting took him from youth track meets in Barrow, Alaska, to high school gyms in the Bronx, and into the homes of figures such as Michael Strahan, Tiki Barber, Phil Simms and Francesa. He covered generations of athletes, noting interviews with Nat Holman, born in 1896, and Matthew Schaefer, born in 2007.
Best also reflected on the unique perspective of the job. “You’re an insider, but an outsider,” he wrote, recalling walks through the old Yankee Stadium tunnel past the Joe DiMaggio sign Derek Jeter tapped before games. “Yes, it was cool to follow Jeter down that path. Yes, I was wholly undeserving. But I always appreciated the privilege.”
In an era when sports media columnist positions have been eliminated or diluted, Best’s career stands as an exception. He spent nearly 50 years at one newspaper, covering a beat that barely exists anymore.
As he signed off, Best kept the moment characteristically understated.
“Anyway, that’s that,” he wrote. “Thanks for reading.”
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We have reached the end of 2025 which was a very busy year in the world of sports television. The sports media landscape saw the usual personnel shifts, media rights agreements, and heated fodder for media beef. It also saw a number of major headlines that dominated audiences and grabbed the attention of sports media consumer.
Barrett Media is looking back on TV’s top stories of 2025, led by a network defining moment for ESPN, going direct-to-consumer.
#5 – Michael Jordan Returns to the NBA on NBC
NBC was looking to make a splash with the network’s return to NBA coverage. Many of the biggest memories of the Michael Jordan era were aired on NBC Sports, including all six title runs for the hall of famer.
When NBC held their upfronts, many speculated on if the network would lean into the nostalgia factor that welcomed in so many fans for decades. NBC didn’t disappoint. The lights dimmed, a projector screen lit up and Jordan provided a message that rang louder than any fax of his past did.
The speculation captured sports media around the country. Many asking what could viewers expect from Jordan being a “special contributor” to NBC Sports coverage of the NBA. Could Jordan serve as a guest analyst during games? How about some halftime analysis? Would Jordan be used as a commentator when major league storylines warranted his perspective?
Instead, fans have seen short clips from an extended interview with Mike Tirico. These aired during the network’s first few months of coverage. Hype matched? Some speculate as to if there’s been enough, or if there’s so much more to be expected.
No matter your viewpoint on the execution of Jordan into the NBC Sports formula, his presence alone draws immediate interest and viewership. Something NBC Sports hopes to continue into their stretch run, and early playoff coverage.
#4 – FS1 Turmoil and Show Cancellations Leads To Barstool Sports Partnership
2025 was filled with headlines surrounding talent and staff at FS1. The network started the year with a pair of sexual misconduct lawsuits which led to settlements and executive Charlie Dixon being removed. His name was listed in both suits. While the fallout of those lawsuits continued throughout 2025, the summer brought a number of cancellations leaving many questions about the future of FS1.
Fox moved away from in-house owned and produced programming in mornings with the cancellations of Breakfast Ball and The Facility. That left a gaping hole in their daytime programming lineup heading into football season. The network also cancelled Speak featuring Joy Taylor, who was also referenced in one of the lawsuits filed. Taylor allegedly told a former FS1 makeup artist to “get over it” in reference to an alleged incident of sexual battery. Taylor denied the claim and stated that her removal from FS1 was not tied to the lawsuit.
FS1’s answer to the cancellations was rooted in a new partnership with Barstool Sports. The network teamed up with the digital sports content giant to house and produce a two hour morning show for FS1. The program would repeat in airing immediately following the conclusion of the live show. The answer to cancelling Speak was extendingFirst Things First by an hour to a three-hour afternoon show. Danny Parkins was also added to the mix.
Despite a lot of buzz, the Barstool Sports partnership gained little ground in viewership. Some reports have shown viewership numbers to be lower than the previously aired Breakfast Ball. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy previously called the early viewership numbers for Wake Up Barstool “awful” and cited little cross promotion and planning as reasons for the low performance.
In the wake of the cancellations, only the Breakfast Ball crew retained involved with FOX Sports. Mark Schlereth continued his analyst work on FOX NFL and College Football games. Craig Carton launched a podcast through a distribution partnership with FOX and Red Seat Ventures. Parkins moved to a frequent role on First Things First at the start of the football season.
#3 – Stephen A. Smith Signs 5-Year Extension With ESPN
Stephen A. Smith is the most powerful voice in sports media today. His new contract with ESPN signed earlier this year confirms it. Despite much outcry in 2025 regarding his workload, influence, and use of solitaire during the NBA Finals; the man draws attention. It’s why ESPN signed Smith to the highest contract paid out to a commentator in network history. Reports indicate that Smith inked a 5-year deal worth $100 million dollars.
Since signing his deal, Smith has changed the game for his contemporaries. His dedication, loyalty, and hard work for his employer has earned him additional luxuries. That includes owning his own media company, and licensing his own content. He was even allowed to partner with SiriusXM to host two different shows on the network. His presence has even grown in political circles through content creation and appearances on cable news television. ESPN’s marquee personality has even been named a potential Democratic candidate for President in 2028.
Smith says he doesn’t intend to run but would consider it if he felt the country was in bad shape. President Trump said during a Town Hall call-in on NewsNation that he thinks Smith would do well if he ran.
Smith’s ability to draws attention through media beefs and athlete bickering is what any sports pundit would dream of. Stephen A. welcomes it, and uses it to drive him to heights rarely seen in the industry. He has earned trust and praise from ESPN management, reciprocating through a year of headlines, top ratings, and strong engagement. The topics he discusses consistently become a national narrative.
Stephen A. Smith could be considered sports media’s most valuable commodity. A talent that takes risks, remains loyal, and isn’t shy to receive critiques nor distribute back. His reported five-year, $100 million deal sets a new bar for talent across the industry. The game plan is rooted in the level of effort and drive required to reach it.
#2 – NBA, MLB, UFC, WWE Sports Media Rights Reshape Sports Television
2025 should be defined by the following phrase uttered by sports fans across the country.
“Where do I find the game, and how much will it cost me?”
The year of 2025 saw the NBA return to NBC Sports and ESPN, while saying hello to Prime Video. Major League Baseball went from a longstanding rights package on ESPN with several years to go. A “mutual opt-out” of that same deal. Now that deal spread across ESPN, Netflix, and NBC Sports. A baseball fan in 2026 can now watch MLB on ESPN, Netflix, NBC Sports, Peacock, TBS, FOX Sports, FS1, and Apple TV.
As TKO Holdings Group continues to grow their reach of the WWE and UFC, both were also involved in major media rights agreements as well. The WWE began their Monday Night Raw journey on Netflix as 2025 began, and also entered into their first full year with The CW Network. WWE also made the PLE flip from Peacock to ESPN and arranged a new PLE (premium live event) to kick off the partnership with Wrestlepalooza.
The UFC said goodbye to ESPN and found a seven-year, $7.7 billion dollar domestic rights deal with Paramount, and extended the deal into Latin America and Australia beginning next year. Not to mention TKO Holdings also secured a media rights deal for Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture with Saudi Arabia’s Sela, which will also launch with Paramount in 2026.
The NBA began their three separate 11-year rights deals with NBCUniversal, Prime Video, and The Walt Disney Company. Just for good measure, the NHL also reached a 12-year media rights deal worth $7.7 billion with Rogers Communications for broadcasts across Canada.
The NFL is also interested in beginning their new media rights deal discussions earlier than expected, and following a reported 10% acquisition in ESPN.
2025 was filled with rumor, reports, and execution of large media rights agreements where leagues are increasing reach through streaming platforms and shifting the focus away from traditional cable. While the consumer continues to play catch up, pay up, and consume in more ways than ever before.
#1 – ESPN Goes Direct-To-Consumer
For the first time ever, ESPN was fully in the palm of the consumer’s hand. Networks have battled cord-cutting for over a decade. Streaming platforms offered direct relationships and more extensive content, creating challenges for the traditional cable model. ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro understood ESPN’s mission of serving sports fans anytime and anywhere, and took bold steps to modify its distribution strategy.
The launch of the ESPN direct-to-consumer was heralded by many. It offered everything and the kitchen sink. Every ESPN channel from the ACC Network to the SEC Network was included along with documentaries and access to over 47,000 live events. Control with ease through an enhanced ESPN app gave sports fans what they crave. It also allowed them a direct customer relationship with the largest brand in sports.
The app balanced AI and access with new features customizable to each user’s interests. For college football fans, the multi-view option was a big success. Easy access to ESPN Bet was also available. However, the betting side of the partnership changed as ESPN and Penn National cut ties. That led to ESPN and DraftKings moving into business together. The app also leaned into the vertical video trend with ESPN Verts. It offered consumer bundles as well with Fox One to make the switch more affordable and enticing for the year ahead.
The first inning under Pitaro was seen as a major success in a year of evolution. With reshaped partnerships across most sports leagues, a new partnership formed with the WWE, and assuming control of the NFL Network, ESPN enters 2026 with significant power. The company navigated a carriage dispute with YouTube TV, said goodbye to Lee Corso, and welcomed Inside the NBA from TNT. Around The Horn ended and Elle Duncan signed off, but new stars are emerging to keep the network top of mind in 2026 and beyond.
Many stories captured headlines, but ESPN’s decision to go direct-to-consumer easily topped the list as the most important sports television story of 2025.
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As we’ve reached the end of a very interesting 2025 in the news television world, Barrett Media is looking back on TV’s top stories of the calendar year, led by the change at the top of NBC Nightly News, with Tom Llamas replacing Lester Holt in the anchor chair of the newscast.
#5 – Will Cain Sets Cable News Debut Record for Fox News
One of the earliest cable news stories of 2025 was Fox News tabbing Will Cain to replace Neil Cavuto in its afternoon lineup after Cavuto departed the network after nearly 30 years at the end of 2024.
That decision almost immediately paid off for the network as it saw a cable news record on the debut of The Will Cain Show.
In his first program as a member of the weekday lineup at Fox News, The Will Cain Show featured an audience of 3.5 million total viewers, setting a cable news record for a debut program.
Additionally, the Tuesday show following the debut was the second-highest-rated Fox News broadcast in the 4 PM ET window since 2021. It was up 106% in total viewers and 128% in the coveted demographic compared to the 2024 average for the timeslot.
“I’m incredibly humbled and grateful to get such a warm welcome from the audience,” Cain told Barrett Media of his first-week ratings performance. “This show is going to grow exponentially over time in every way.”
For the duration of 2025, The Will Cain Show averaged 2.4 million viewers, making it the seventh most-watched show in all of cable news. Fox News featured the top 12 programs in the genre for the year.
#4 – Newsmax IPO Reaches More Than $250 Per Share
After announcing plans to take the company public in 2024, few could have expected Newsmax’s IPO to been the booming success it became.
On Monday, March 31st, Newsmax began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. After initially debuting at $10 per share, the price jumped to $16.50 in the hours following.
On Wednesday, the price had risen to just shy of $280 per share before closing the day at $233 per share, turning Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, who controlled more than 80% of the shares at the time, into an overnight billionaire.
“I’ve always said in my life that life is a pilgrimage,” said Ruddy in the days following the IPO. “We go from the beginning until the end, and then we go to God. But it’s the journey along the way and the people you meet on the pilgrimage that make it so interesting and exciting. And I think the people on our pilgrimage believe that we have a special mission, which is to give the American people, this special country, the information they need to make great decisions that will affect the world, shape the future, and improve our freedoms. Not just for us, but for people all over the world.
“It’s a momentous time for me personally, but also I think for all of you. And I hope for the country,” he concluded.
In the months following the Newsmax IPO, the stock price has mostly hovered between $9-$15 per share.
#3 – MSNBC Rebrands to MS NOW
Cable news networks rarely, if ever, rebrand. Which is why the change from MSNBC to MS NOW is such a big deal.
After being included in the Versant company spun away from NBCUniversal, MSNBC was forced to remove the familiar “Peacock” logo it had featured for nearly 30 years, and develop its own, unique identity.
“The peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family,” Versant CEO Mark Lazarus shared in August as the new brand was announced. “This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin.”
“During this time of transition, NBCUniversal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity,” Kutler added in a memo. “This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering operation,” MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said in a memo to staffers about the change. “The future of our success is not tied to remaining within the NBC family and using the peacock as part of our identity.”
The company settled on the MS NOW branding, which is an acronym standing for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.”
Beginning on November 15th of this year, MSNBC officially transitioned to the MS NOW branding.
#2 –Instability, Constant Changes at CBS News Reigns Supreme in 2025
2025 is likely a year CBS Evening News would like to forget.
After longtime anchor Norah O’Donnell exited the show following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the show averaged more than 5 million viewers per night when John Dickerson and Maurie DuBois took over the anchor duties.
As the year went on, the show struggled to eclipse 3.5 million viewers on some editions, leading both Dickerson and DuBois to ultimately exit the organization at year’s end.
A new Executive Producer for the show was brought in in an effort to help the slumping ratings, as Kim Harvey replaced veteran 60 Minutes producer Guy Campanile, who had been tasked with leading the program.
After reportedly courting the likes of Anderson Cooper and Bret Baier as the next anchor of the venerable newscast, new CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss tabbed Tony Dokoupil as the next anchor of CBS Evening News.
“It’s a massively important show,” Dokoupil, who is leaving CBS Mornings to take over the reins of the nightly newscast, said of the opportunity. “It has a massively important history, it’s the oldest, boldest, most battle-scarred and proud show in television news.”
The network officially announced that Dokoupil will take the reins of the show on Monday, January 5th.
That was on top of President Donald Trump launching, and then ultimately settling a lawsuit against the network over its 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. That settlement preceded the purchase of Paramount by the Larry Ellison-owned Skydance Corporation.
As part of that purchase, Paramount Skydance later also acquired The Free Press, the digital outlet founded by Bari Weiss. She was installed as the new Editor-in-Chief of CBS News. Her appointment followed the exit of leaders like 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens and CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon announced her departure in May.
#1 – Tom Llamas Replaces Lester Holton NBC Nightly News
Helming a nightly newscast in 2025 doesn’t hold the status it once did. But it’s still a very high-profile job. Especially when you’re viewed as “the most trusted man in news.” That’s why the decision of Lester Holt to ride off into the proverbial sunset from NBC Nightly News, and being replaced by Tom Llamas, is the year’s top TV News story.
In late February, Holt revealed he would be departing NBC Nightly News at some point in the summer. Holt took over the nightly newscast on a full-time basis in 2015. He had previously hosted the weekend version of the show for seven years before taking the reins of the weeknight broadcast.
“After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do,” Holt wrote in an email to staffers announcing his exit.
10 days after Lester Holt announced his plans to leave the anchor desk, NBC News named his replacement, and they didn’t have to look far. Tom Llamas rejoined NBC News in 2021 as a Senior National Correspondent. He had worked as the anchor of Top Story on the NBC News NOW streaming platform before being elevated to the main anchor chair of NBC Nightly News.
On Friday, May 30th, Lester Holt anchored NBC Nightly News for the final time. Tom Llamas began anchoring the program the following Monday, on June 2nd.
In the immediate aftermath of Holt’s exit, ratings losses were slight. By the end of the year, NBC Nightly News had closed the gap in the coveted Adults 25-54 demographic versus ABC News’ World News Tonight to the tightest margin it had been in six years.
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Welcome back from the break. Just before the holidays I looked at how the music being played at Classic Rock stations is slowly evolving. You can see that column here. This week, I’m peeking under the hood of the Classic Hits format for notable trends.
Thanks to Mediabase I was able to pull full year statistics for Classic Hits airplay in 2025. I decided to look at which artists received the most airplay at the format. I also pulled archived numbers for 2024 (previous year), 2020 (5 years earlier), 2015 (10 years earlier) and 2000 (25 years earlier) to look for changes. Here’s what stood out.
Similar But Different
Comparing the top ten most-played artists in 2025 to the previous year, it’s mostly the same ten artists but the order gets shuffled up a fair amount. As opposed to Classic Rock where there was little movement in the top ten, Classic Hits stations changed things up some in the past year.
Michael Jackson and Billy Joel held on to the first and second slots, respectively. After that Madonna jumped four placed to third, Bon Jovi jumped three places to sixth and Pat Benatar was the only new entry jumping from eleventh to eighth. She took Elton John’s spot as he fell five slots from sixth to eleventh while Fleetwood Mac also dropped from fifth to ninth.
Artist
2024 Rank
2025 Rank
MICHAEL JACKSON
1
1
BILLY JOEL
2
2
MADONNA
7
3
JOURNEY
4
4
QUEEN
3
5
BON JOVI
9
6
AEROSMITH
8
7
PAT BENATAR
11
8
FLEETWOOD MAC
5
9
PRINCE
10
10
ELTON JOHN
6
11
Here Come the Nineties
It’s subtle but if you squint at the data just right you can see a new decade slowly infiltrating the format. U2, which straddles the eighties and nineties, is up from forty-two to thirty-one. After sneaking in at number eighty-nine last year, Alanis Morrissette is now the fifty-sixth most played artist. Likewise, No Doubt climbed twenty-three spots to seventy-three. New additions to the list include Green Day at sixty-nine and the Goo Goo Dolls at seventy-five. Get ready because here comes a new generation of stars to contend with.
When the Eighties Took Over
Being much more versed in Classic Rock history than Classic Hits I was also intrigued to see the change that took place in the format between 2000 and 2015 when the eighties truly took over.
To put it into perspective, of the top one hundred most-played Classic Hits artists in 2025, only eight were in the top one hundred twenty five years ago. The Beatles, who were number one in 2000 are now thirty-second and the Beach Boys who were second now rank seventy-fourth. For a more graphic illustration, here is the top twenty artists from 2000 compared to 2025.
2000
2025
Rank
Artist
Rank
Artist
1
BEATLES
1
MICHAEL JACKSON
2
BEACH BOYS
2
BILLY JOEL
3
SUPREMES
3
MADONNA
4
ELVIS PRESLEY
4
JOURNEY
5
FOUR SEASONS
5
QUEEN
6
FOUR TOPS
6
BON JOVI
7
TEMPTATIONS
7
AEROSMITH
8
ROLLING STONES
8
PAT BENATAR
9
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER
9
FLEETWOOD MAC
10
JOHNNY RIVERS
10
PRINCE
11
RASCALS
11
ELTON JOHN
12
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
12
HALL & OATES
13
HERMAN’S HERMITS
13
JOHN C MELLENCAMP
14
NEIL DIAMOND
14
PHIL COLLINS
15
LOVIN’ SPOONFUL
15
BRYAN ADAMS
16
S ROBINSON/MIRACLES
16
EAGLES
17
STEVIE WONDER
17
CYNDI LAUPER
18
RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS
18
POLICE
19
MAMAS & PAPAS
19
HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
20
ARETHA FRANKLIN
20
TEARS FOR FEARS
It’s hard to believe there was a time when the format was dominated by The Supremes, The Four Seasons and Elvis Presley. I wonder if there will ever be a time when we say the same thing about Journey, Madonna, and Bon Jovi?
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We are heading into a New Year and I’m hoping it’s EXTRA LOUD! 2025 was an interesting one with AI invasions, radio reinventions, pivots for broadcast pros (myself included) and reflections on rock for those that make the format a part of their DNA (also me). The radio industry’s health and headwinds make it easy to get caught up in the static. But 2026 is approaching and it’s time to move forward.
When I launched my Carr Stereo Podcast, I made it a point of including brand new rock artists. I wanted to showcase artists who move me that weren’t dominating charts or on the radar of record labels. In this DIY world we live in, talented individuals who are inspired, understand studio creation, and know the importance of songs and are dynamic on stage, also deserve recognition.
New talent is here, and carving their own career paths. They are both inspiring and exciting. With an eye on the future, here are 5 of my favorite future stars. 3 have appeared on my podcast, and the other 2, I’ve got to get on in 2026!
The 5 to Follow
Vengent Strays: The definition of these four young California musicians is perfect: “Fueled by raw energy, cranked guitars, and unapologetic attitude. Vengent Strays delivers a sound that hits like a shot of adrenaline.” They sure do. Their new single “Passion On The Run” has an 80’s anthem appeal, mixed with killer musicianship.
I spoke with the band of 20 something’s on Carr Stereo. They told me about their journey from being California’s #1 80’s cover band to honing their craft, writing original music, and fusing great songs with the spirit and vibe that is rock and roll. Keep your eyes on them.
Red Voodoo: Led by young DIY master Dino Wild, they’re going places. As a teen, Wild messaged Frank Hannon from Tesla from his High School class to ask for advice. Sammy Hagar invited Dino to perform with him at Cabo, and Wild has even played with some of his 80’s heroes on tour. Red Voodoo’s EP (produced by Jameison Durr – Sammy Hagar, Don Felder, Nancy Wilson) is out and more music is coming from this exciting band. Dino is the definition of a rockstar.
The Band Feel: When I hear the phrase “Rock is Alive and Well” I think of “The Band Feel”. Hailing from St. Louis, fusing roots rock, groove and feel, they’ve already amassed millions of YouTube Views. These guys are heading out on the Creed Summer of 99 Cruise which is already sold out. We need a ‘The Band Feel” date in the NY/NJ area – SOON! I can’t stop listening to them.
Them Dirty Roses: “Bama” boys, playing good old stick to your ribs rock with a smoky southern flavor. I saw them last month in Asbury Park, NJ. When their set ended I needed more. They wowed a Tuesday night New Jersey crowd and I did what I usually do after a set if I l LOVE the band, I headed to their merch table and bought myself a shirt.
Bella Perron: Bella is honing her craft as the new generation of guitar instrumentalist (Heroes? Heroine?) following in the footsteps of her personal inspirations, Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads and Ace Fhehley. She is carrying on the tradition that “girls can do it too”. Bella is the next generation of women inspiring young girls to pick up a guitar and play like Orianthi, Sohie Loyd and Nita Strauss. Check out her singles “Mirrors”, “Enlighten” and “Empress In Overdrive’.
Bella studied at Berklee and picked up her first guitar at five. She is a former member of the band Plush, and current member of the country rock band “Midnight Cowgirls”. Watch out, here she comes!
Closing Comments
Check out my full interviews with Vengent Strays, Dino Wild from Red Voodoo and Bella Perron on my Carr Stereo Podcast, available online, on YouTube (Video version) and wherever you get your podcasts.
Happy New Year!
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After a month of stunting with mostly Country-leaning Christmas music, ICA Broadcasting has flipped KAJE 107.3 back to a Country format, ending its two-year run as Regional Mexican 107.3 Que Buena.
The relaunch occurred at midnight Thursday, with the station adopting the Hot Country 107.3 branding already in use on co-owned KMRK-FM Odessa/Midland, known as Hot Country 96.1. ICA Broadcasting says the move is designed to unify its Country programming identity across multiple markets.
John Cruz will host the morning drive on the new Hot Country format, while cluster General Manager Kelly Morgan—who also handles mornings on sister Classic Rock station 104.5 The Eagle—will lead the afternoon shift.
KAJE had a long history in Country radio, previously known as My Country 107.3 and later 107.3 The Bull, before switching to Regional Mexican at the end of 2023.
The return to Country places KAJE in a competitive Corpus Christi market that includes iHeartMedia’s K99, Quality Broadcasting Corporation’s 97.5 KFTX, and Claro Communications’ Retro Country 105.9/103.3.
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President Donald J. Trump made an unexpected appearance on WABC’sSid & Friends in the Morning this morning, cold calling into the station to speak with Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis, who was filling in for Rosenberg.
The call focused on U.S. military strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day, political criticism of his recent actions in Venezuela, and a personal message of gratitude to Catsimatidis. On Christmas Day, the United States, in cooperation with the Nigerian government, struck several targets. The U.S. claimed the terrorist group had been targeting Christians in the region. Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the strikes were part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States. This cooperation involves intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to target militant groups.
Trump defended the timing and precision of the strikes during his unexpected call on WABC Radio, calling them a “Christmas present” for U.S. interests.
“I told Nigeria, and I told the people around Nigeria that if you do it, you’re going to get hit. And I said yesterday, I said, hit him on Christmas Day. It’ll be a Christmas present. We hit ISIS, who have terrible the butchers. Then we really hit them hard in different locations, and they really got hit hard yesterday. So they got a very bad Christmas present,” Trump said.
The president also addressed criticism from Democratic lawmakers over a separate action involving U.S. strikes on boats off the coast of Venezuela. He suggested their objections were politically motivated rather than rooted in policy concerns.
“They’re only objecting because I’m the one doing it, or anybody else, even another Republican. Let’s say you take a weak Republican, they would say that’s all right. But because they have Trump derangement syndrome, they’re sick people. There’s something wrong with them. But every time I knock out a boat, we save 25,000 American lives. It’s very simple,” Trump said.
Throughout the conversation, Trump maintained a conversational and sometimes playful tone, even thanking Catsimatidis personally for his support.
“For the people listening, I called up just to thank John, he said some nice things about me. I ended up being on a radio show, and that’s ok,” Trump said, acknowledging the unusual circumstances of his radio appearance.
Catsimatidis, who was filling in for Rosenberg, welcomed the conversation and highlighted Trump’s accessibility during the call. The segment provided listeners a firsthand perspective on the president’s rationale behind recent military actions, as well as his reaction to partisan criticism.
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Nick Kostos, host of You Better You Bet on the BetMGM Network, will bring his sports talk to the newly launched Westwood One Sports network starting Monday, marking a significant step in his career and a new direction for the program.
Speaking Wednesday on his BetMGM program, Kostos said he welcomed the opportunity to move into an early-morning timeslot, allowing him to focus on the show and balance his personal life.
“I like the idea that I get to get up early and focus on the show,” Kostos said. “I get paid well to talk about sports. Now, I get to get up, get to come to the office. Get to do my work. I do the show. I’m probably gonna have a bunch of other stuff I have to do after the show, which is cool. Then I get the piece out. Go to work out. Hang out with my daughter, hang out with my family, very cool. It’s a good thing, and I’m jacked for it.”
Monday, Westwood One Sports relaunches You Better You Bet with Kostos leading the program on the new network. In October, Audacy and Cumulus Media announced the merger of Infinity Sports Network and BetMGM Network as extension to the partnership between Audacy and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, the sole distributor of both Audacy owned networks.
Under this new partnership, Westwood One will assume programming and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming. Audacy will continue to produce popular BetMGM Network programs moving to the new network with BetMGM remaining a presenting partner and the exclusive sportsbook partner of those programs.
Kostos also described the honor of joining a network with such a storied history.
“I grew up like I’m sure a lot of people did—you listen to NFL games on the radio, college basketball Final Four, huge sporting events on the radio. It’s Westwood One. In my industry, in my field, that name, that brand carries a lot of weight and gravity and respect,” he said.
The host admitted he is allowing himself to fully embrace the excitement of being selected for the new network.
“I’m going to allow myself to be really happy about it. It’s ridiculously cool that these people that I respect, and you can question decisions that they’ve made, I’m not going to argue that. The fact that these people, many of whom are like legends in this field. Not that they’re perfect, neither am I, have seen something in me to identify me as someone worthy of and capable of and good enough to anchor a three-hour solo show Monday through Friday. I can’t put it into words what that means for me,” Kostos said.
Looking ahead to the debut of his Westwood One Sports show, Kostos expressed confidence in the program and its content.
“I think we’re going to come out of the gates on Monday, and the show is going to be awesome. It’s going to be great. I mean that. And if I didn’t feel that way, I wouldn’t say it. I certainly wouldn’t say it on the air. I’d probably say it off the air to the crew, like, ‘Hey, I think we’re in trouble here. We got to do something.’ I think it’s going to be great. The one thing that I can promise everybody is you, our audience, you are going to get my absolute best effort every single day,” he said.
Westwood One Sports weekday schedule is as follows:
6am – 9am: Drake C. Toll
9am – Noon: You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos
Noon – 3pm: Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla
3pm – 6pm: The Jim Rome Show
6pm – 11pm: BetMGM Tonight with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle
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MediaCo is expanding its iconic audio brand into television with the launch of HOT 97 News. A daily live national TV program set to debut in January 2026. The show aims to blend journalism, hip-hop, culture, and conversation in a format that mirrors trends in both radio and television content delivery.
According to MediaCo, the program will offer audiences “a raw, unedited blend of breaking hip-hop and music news, entertainment, and unfiltered discussion.” It will highlight stories through the cultural lens that has defined the HOT 97 brand for decades.
The program will be hosted by Lana Harris and Ronndell Smith, with Million Connally-Cooper serving as producer. HOT 97 News will be broadcast and streamed nationally across all HOT 97 TV and digital platforms. This allows fans access to the show on multiple devices.
The launch coincides with MediaCo’s broader rollout of HOT 97 TV programming on WHOT-66 in Atlanta. This will include a localized version, HOT 97 News — Atlanta, a one-hour daily live show focused on area entertainment and community headlines.
Harris, a metro Atlanta native, brings extensive on-air experience to the program. She has worked as a reporter, correspondent, anchor, and digital content creator. Her experience includes stations such as WANF-TV in Atlanta, WCNC-TV in Charlotte, WTLV-TV in Jacksonville, and WLTX-TV in Columbia, South Carolina. Most recently, Harris has focused on social media content delivery, blending traditional reporting skills with digital engagement strategies.
Smith, also based in Atlanta, is a comedian, host, and creative entrepreneur. He has collaborated with the social media news brand GAFollowers and appeared on the reality series “Chrisley Knows Best.” His presence on the program reflects MediaCo’s aim to merge entertainment with news coverage in a conversational, culturally attuned format.
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 and Amazon Prime football analyst Kirk Herbstreit is one of the more respected voices in college football, but don’t expect him to take part in the heated, “clickbait-driven” debates that dominate much of sports media today.
The former Ohio State quarterback made it clear this week that he has no interest in such shows. He won’t participate in programs built around arguing for the sake of arguing. Herbstreit shared his thoughts on The Inner Circle Podcast, where he criticized the modern sports media landscape. Especially programs fueled by viral controversy and “loud” commentary.
“I think it started with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. because they kind of had a thing with them way back at ESPN. They would just kind of ‘let’s argue to argue,’” Herbstreit said. “It works for them. But I think other shows copied it and it just has become — I have to turn it off because it makes me get really frustrated as a sports fan and as somebody in the industry.”
Herbstreit, who has spent decades covering college football, went so far as to say he would leave television entirely before embracing that approach.
“I watch some of these shows on various networks, especially the NFL shows, and it drives me crazy where our industry has gone,” he said. “Politics are obviously this way, too, but it’s a lot of clickbait. It’s a lot of like really loud comments that will maybe go viral. ‘I might not believe in it, but it’s gonna go viral, and people are going to know who I am.’ Man, I will quit before I ever do that. Like, if that’s what it takes to make it, I would never do this.”
Despite his criticism of the broader sports media, Herbstreit praised the environment on College GameDay, ESPN’s flagship Saturday morning show. He said the program’s focus remains on the game itself, rather than personal drama or viral moments.
“On GameDay, we don’t do that,” he said. “Pat [McAfee’s] crazy and fun, but we make it about the players, we make it about the coaches, and we make it about the storylines. We really don’t make it about us. And the reason I’ll tell y’all that is if it ever changed, I would be so fast gone out of studio television. But I’m lucky. I kind of live on an island where we’re allowed to still talk ball and still just have fun talking about ball.”
Herbstreit’s comments reflect growing tension within sports media. Some analysts thrive on viral arguments and contentious debates. Others, like Herbstreit, remain committed to coverage grounded in expertise and the love of the game. For him, the choice is clear. If ESPN ever demands hot-take theatrics over substance, he said he won’t stick around to play along.
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.
