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Todd McShay: The Jalen Carter Situation “Pushed Me Over off the Edge” With Paul Finebaum

BSM Staff
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Todd McShay: The Jalen Carter Situation “Pushed Me Over off the Edge” With Paul Finebaum

Todd McShay did not mince words when discussing his former ESPN colleague Paul Finebaum, labeling the longtime SEC Network host a “coward” during a recent episode of his podcast. McShay, who spent nearly two decades at ESPN as a college football and NFL Draft analyst before his departure in 2023, expanded on his words about his former teammate on the latest episode of God Bless Football.

McShay said his criticism of Finebaum on his podcast was not a sudden outburst, but rather the result of years of frustration that built up behind the scenes.

“I’ll say this. There were several things over the years, and I worked with Paul and under the same umbrella for about a decade, there were several things that rubbed me the wrong way. There were people who just didn’t like Paul in the building,” McShay explained. “In the building we’d go out to, whether it was the Rose Bowl or bowl game or a national championship, and he would be there, and the comments from other people that I would overhear, or be in a circle of people talking. They [said] he didn’t look like the rest of us. He didn’t know ball, all those things. He’s a different cat. I never got involved in that… but several times over the years, he crossed the line on that. It’s like I thought we’re teammates.”

McShay pointed to a particular incident in 2023 ahead of the NFL Draft that involved then Alabama defensive lineman Jalen Carter. While he didn’t dive into specifics, McShay singled out that moment as the end of their relationship.

“The Jalen Carter situation was what pushed me off the edge. It was absolutely unacceptable. I don’t trust the man. I think he’s a coward of a man, and that’s it,” said McShay.

The pointed remarks came as McShay acknowledged the timing of his candor. He revealed that his two-year buyout agreement with ESPN expired on October 1, freeing him to speak openly without contractual restrictions.

“My two-year buyout with ESPN ended October 1. Today is October 1. So I’m more comfortable talking about all of that,” McShay said. “This isn’t an ESPN thing. Like, I love Burke Magnus. I think he’s one of those people who’s both a great guy and great at his job. I love so many people at ESPN, so I’m not going on this scorched earth tour now that ties are cut off between ESPN and myself.”

At the same time, McShay made it clear he doesn’t intend to turn his podcast into a running feud with Finebaum or a broader attack on ESPN. Instead, he positioned his comments as an isolated explanation of lingering issues that boiled over.

“Honestly, it seems like I’m building up to this crescendo and like you’re driving traffic,” McShay said. “I think you know me well enough. It’s not my thing. I’m much happier and more comfortable talking about college games, NFL prospects, all that stuff.”

Finebaum, who still works for ESPN, has not publicly responded to McShay’s remarks.

McShay promised the audience he will be discussing the entire reason for his commentary on an upcoming episode of The McShay Show podcast.

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.

Bloomberg Radio Institutes Round of Layoffs, Michael Lysak, Other Talents Exit

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Bloomberg Radio has undergone a round of layoffs, with several employees exiting, including the company’s Head of Global Radio and TV Syndication, Michael Lysak.

Lysak had been with Bloomberg since joining in 1993. He previously oversaw the launch of Bloomberg Television, as well as the company’s international channels in Europe and Asia.

Before joining the company, Lysak worked as a news anchor and reporter at stations like 880 WCBS and 710 WOR in New York, among others.

Additionally, Barrett Media has confirmed that afternoon business anchor Nancy Lyons has exited. She joined Bloomberg Radio after having previous anchoring experience for the likes of NPR, AP Radio Network, and CBS Radio, among others.

Also exiting is Jeff Bellinger, who joined Bloomberg after spending more than 25 years covering business and financial news at CNBC, ABC, and The Wall Street Journal. During his time at Bloomberg, Bellinger also hosted the Green Report for the company, sharing the latest news and trends related to the environment, conservation, and renewable energy.

Tracy Johnke is also exiting the company after a decade. She previously worked at CBS Radio and WTOP in Washington, D.C. before joining Bloomberg Radio in 2015. She anchored live reports for the company’s major-market affiliates.

Kimberly Adams is also departing her role as a correspondent with the network. She joined Bloomberg in 2022 after previously working as an anchor at KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia. She also spent time working at KYW-TV in the city, as well as time at TV stations in Boston, Dallas, New York, and Albany.

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.

107.1 The Boss Adds Greg T to Mornings Alongside Rochelle Gagnon

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107.1 The Boss Adds Greg T to Mornings Alongside Rochelle Gagnon

107.1 The Boss has announced the addition of Greg “Greg T” Tyndorf to its morning show, to pair with existing host Rochelle Gagnon.

Greg T previously worked for more than two decades as part of the Elvis Duran morning show on Z100 in New York. He later worked for almost five years as the morning show host on 103.5 WKTU before departing that show last year.

“You never know what you have till it’s gone,” Greg T said. “Born and raised in East Brunswick, I never left New Jersey, and to be on-air in the area I grew up in makes me super excited.”

He steps into the shoes vacated by Robby Bridges’ exit from the show and station, when he departed to join Connoisseur Media as Program Director of 103.1 The Wolf and WEBE 108 on Long Island.

 “I’m beyond excited to kick off this new adventure with ‘T’ right here on 107.1 The Boss!” said Gagnon. “His energy and creativity are contagious, and I know our listeners are going to love what’s in store. This is such an exciting new chapter for the station, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”

“Greg T. is a true Jersey original,” said Press Communications Vice President of Programming Mike Ryan. “His authenticity and larger-than-life personality have made him one of the most recognizable voices in morning radio. We’re thrilled to welcome him to The Boss and can’t wait for listeners to experience this next chapter of his incredible journey.”

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.

MLS’s Richest Teams in 2025: Who’s Got the Money?

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MLS’s Richest Teams in 2025: Who’s Got the Money?

Major League Soccer isn’t the small-time league it used to be. In 2025, it’s home to billion-dollar clubs, global stars, and massive stadiums. The duels are exciting and provide fans with thrills, just as well-known sweepstakes gaming sites do with online gamers. Some teams are now worth more than clubs in Europe’s top leagues.  Let’s take a quick look at the wealthiest squads in MLS and what’s driving their value.

Top of the List

At the top is LAFC, worth about $1.28 billion. Not far behind is Inter Miami, sitting at around $1.2 billion. These two lead the pack, but LA Galaxy, Atlanta United, and NYCFC are close, all valued near or over the $1 billion mark.

These numbers come from reports by Forbes and Sportico. They include more than just cash in the bank. Stadiums, clothing, media coverage, and ticket sales are all factors that increase net worth.

Why Are They So Valuable?

Big Names

In 2023, Inter Miami became the team to watch, as Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi signed with the Herons, and by 2025 it’s brand is valued higher, than Milan superclub with the same name. His presence drove up ticket prices, sold out stadiums, and brought in global fans. Seeing that kind of attention, other MLS teams jumped in too, bringing in big-name international players to ride the wave.

Big Cities

Clubs in places like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami naturally draw bigger crowds. More fans means more tickets, more gear sold, and more people watching.

Stadiums and Facilities

Some teams own their own stadiums. That adds real value. It also brings in more income through concerts and events. Atlanta United, for example, shares a state-of-the-art stadium with the NFL’s Falcons. That’s a major asset.

Media and Merch

The Apple TV deal changed the game. Fans around the world can now watch MLS easily. More eyeballs mean more sponsors. Teams are also pushing merchandise hard, especially with star players on their rosters.

Who Spends the Most on Players?

Some of the league’s biggest earners are also the biggest spenders. Here are a few names:

  • Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – still the league’s top-paid player, making over $20 million in salary and bonuses.
  • Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) – another big contract.
  • Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez (Inter Miami) – veterans with high salaries.

These clubs are betting that big names will drive ticket sales and brand growth.

Money Doesn’t Always Mean Wins

Having money helps, but it doesn’t guarantee trophies. Some rich teams have missed the playoffs. Others spend big but struggle with team chemistry or injuries.

There’s also pushback from fans who want more investment in local talent. Many believe youth academies are just as important as superstar signings. Some clubs are finding ways to do both.

Final Thoughts

The top five wealthiest MLS teams in 2025 are:

  1. LAFC
  2. Inter Miami
  3. LA Galaxy
  4. Atlanta United
  5. New York City FC

They have money, stars, and growing fanbases. But with that comes pressure—to win, to perform, and to stay relevant.

MLS is no longer just a “developing” league. These clubs are playing on a global stage. And the money proves it.

Classic Rock Comes to Q106 in Tallahassee

BMM Staff
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Classic Rock Comes to Q106 in Tallahassee

A new format has launched at Adams Radio Group in Tallahassee, as Q106 — a new classic rock station — has launched in Florida’s capital city.

Previously, the WQTL-FM signal had been known as Vibe 106.1. Last week, the station began stunting with an All Taylor Swift format, billing itself as WQTayL.

“Q106 is built for this city,” said Operations Manager and Program Director Tre “Twiggins” Wiggins. “We’re delivering the legends, the energy, and the attitude that only Classic Rock can bring. And it starts now.”

The station will focus on more 1970s to 1990s classic rock, as X101.5 — the iHeartMedia rock station in the market — features a more alternative format.

The station will add the nighttime program hosted by Alice Cooper — Alice’s Attic — to its daily lineup as part of the format change.

“Classic Rock is back in Tallahassee,” Adams Radio Group Tallahassee General Manager Steve Viehmeyer said. “For too long, this market has been without a station dedicated to the music people still turn up loud in their cars, garages, and backyards. Q106 fills that gap.”

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.

Former myTalk 107.1 Hosts Lori Barghini and Julia Cobbs Launch Podcast

BNM Staff
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Former myTalk 107.1 Hosts Lori Barghini and Julia Cobbs Launch Podcast

Last year, myTalk 107.1 hosts Lori Barghini and Julia Cobbs retired from the Twin Cities talk radio station.

That retirement didn’t last long, however, as the duo have reunited for a new podcast that debuted on Wednesday.

Lori & Julia Still Loud! is putting the sisters-in-law back together for a new show with the Gamut Podcast Network, owned by Hubbard Radio, which also owns their former home myTalk 107.1.

The new podcast promises to deliver “hot takes, humor, and honesty.”

“They defined ‘talk radio for women’ in the Twin Cities and will bring their totally unique, authentic, and often downright hilarious perspective of pop news and culture and human relationships,” Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Hubbard shared.

Barghini and Cobbs spent 22 years together in the Twin Cities before announcing their retirement last June.

New episodes of the podcast are slated to release each Wednesday and Friday. They will be made available on all major podcast 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.

ESPN Tops Digital and Social Rankings in August

BSM Staff
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ESPN Tops Digital and Social Rankings in August

ESPN once again flexed its dominance across digital and social platforms in August, reaching a staggering 201.5 million unique fans, according to the latest data from Comscore. The network’s total digital reach equated to 71.7% of all U.S. adults—more than 7 out of every 10—cementing ESPN as the top-performing sports media brand across digital for the month.

The total audience figure includes fans reached through ESPN Digital, YouTube, and social platforms. The continued surge in digital traffic marks another milestone in the network’s push to expand beyond traditional television and into the ever-evolving world of mobile and social content consumption.

In the mobile space, the ESPN app attracted 25.3 million unique fans in August, outpacing its closest competitor by more than sevenfold. ESPN Fantasy also performed strongly with 10.4 million unique fans, earning the No. 1 spot among all fantasy sports apps and showing an 11% year-over-year increase.

Social engagement was another major highlight, with ESPN Social notching 483 million fan interactions across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. That figure averages out to 15.6 million engagements per day, extending ESPN’s streak to 50 consecutive months as the top sports brand in social media interactions.

The continued strength in digital and social performance is a testament to ESPN’s evolving content strategy, which emphasizes real-time engagement, mobile-first experiences, and multi-platform storytelling.

As the network rolls into the current NFL season with NBA and NHL around the corner as well as the MLB postseason. Its robust digital footprint puts it in a strong position to dominate fan engagement across every screen. Whether through breaking news, fantasy tools, or viral content, ESPN’s numbers show it remains the go-to source for sports fans in the digital era.

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.

TNT Sports Reaches Multi-Year Extension With Pedro Martinez

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TNT Sports Reaches Multi-Year Extension With Pedro Martinez

TNT Sports has signed a multi-year extension with 2015 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Pedro Martinez. A studio analyst for the network’s baseball coverage since 2012.

Martinez is a cornerstone of TNT Sports’ MLB Tuesday studio programming. He joins former players Jimmy Rollins and Curtis Granderson for pregame and postgame coverage throughout the season. Together, they draw from more than 50 years of combined major league experience. Providing viewers with a blend of analysis, commentary, and behind-the-scenes insight.

“Pedro’s love for the game is contagious. We look forward to showcasing his unmatched insights and one-of-a-kind personality within our baseball coverage for years to come,” said Nate Smeltz, senior vice president of Global Communications and Talent Relations at TNT Sports.

Martinez, a native of the Dominican Republic and one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. He echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of teamwork in broadcasting.

“Just like baseball, being an analyst is all about teamwork,” Martinez said. “I am grateful to TNT Sports and my fellow analysts for being great teammates and for sharing my values. Showing up, working hard, and respecting the game. It has been an incredible journey so far. I am excited to continue to be a part of this amazing team as we continue on this exciting journey.”

One of Martinez’s standout contributions is his weekly segment, “Who’s Your Daddy?” which offers his personal take on the week’s most valuable player. The feature has become a signature element of the show, highlighting Martinez’s blend of expertise and personality.

During his 18-year playing career, Martinez compiled a 219-100 record with 3,194 strikeouts while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies. The right-handed pitcher was an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and helped lead the 2004 Red Sox to a World Series championship.

TNT Sports’ 2025 MLB postseason coverage is set to begin Saturday, October 4, with exclusive broadcasts of the National League Division Series and National League Championship Series across TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. Martinez and his fellow analysts will play a central role in the network’s coverage, offering commentary, analysis, and expert perspectives on the games and players that define the postseason.

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 Tabs Colleen Valkoun as Senior Vice President of Sales Milwaukee

BNM Staff
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iHeartMedia Tabs Colleen Valkoun as Senior Vice President of Sales Milwaukee

iHeartMedia announced that Colleen Valkoun has been named Vice President of Sales for its Milwaukee market, effective immediately. In her new role, Valkoun will oversee the Milwaukee sales team, working to deliver marketing solutions across iHeartMedia’s broadcast, digital, and live event platforms.

She will report directly to Dan Lenz, Market President for iHeartMedia Milwaukee. Lenz was elevated from the role of SVP of sales to Market President earlier this year following the retirement of Jeff Tyler.

“Colleen is a proven leader with a track record of success in this market,” Lenz said. “Her expertise, energy, and passion for Milwaukee and the business community make her the perfect fit for this role. We’re thrilled to have her back at iHeartMedia Milwaukee.”

Valkoun rejoins iHeartMedia’s Northwest and Central Division from the Milwaukee Radio Alliance. Where she most recently served as President and General Manager. She also held several leadership positions during her previous tenure with iHeartMedia Milwaukee. This includes national sales roles, vice president of sales positions, and general manager/president titles.

“Coming back to iHeartMedia Milwaukee feels like a full-circle moment in my career,” Valkoun said. “I am excited to reunite with such a talented team and to help drive growth and innovation for our partners and our brands.”

Valkoun began her career at Saga Communications in Milwaukee and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her experience spans multiple aspects of radio and digital media sales, positioning her to lead iHeartMedia’s efforts in connecting advertisers with audiences across traditional and digital 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.

The Daily Wire Adds Jennie Taer, Amber Jo Cooper to Original Reporting Unit

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The Daily Wire Adds Jennie Taer, Amber Jo Cooper to Original Reporting Unit

The Daily Wire has announced additions to its original reporting team, with Jennie Taer and Amber Jo Cooper joining the company.

Taer joins the digital outlet after previously working for the New York Post. At the publication, she covered immigration and national security. During her time on that beat, she broke several stories, including footage of more than 300 immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally in 2024. She also spent time working at The Daily Caller.

“I’ve always been a fan of Jennie’s reporting,” Daily Wire editor-in-chief Brent Scher said. “From the southern border to foreign wars and everything in between, she’s always chasing a story with the goal of giving readers a front-row seat to the most pressing fight of the day.”

Additionally, Amber Jo Cooper joins the unit and will be the outlet’s first-ever Washington D.C.-based Congressional correspondent.

Cooper previously worked as a senior reporter for Florida’s Voice. She also spent time in local television, working at FOX21 in Colorado Springs.

“Amber Jo is a consummate journalist,” Daily Wire DC Bureau Chief Tim Rice said. “For years, she’s exposed corruption and held lawmakers accountable at state houses and town meetings. We look forward to her doing the same here in the halls of Congress.”

“From Luke Rosiak’s exposés on government waste to Kassy Akiva’s relentless coverage of the war in Gaza, we’re not just covering the news, we’re driving it,” Scher added. “That’s always been the goal, and we hope to do it everywhere we place a reporter.”

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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