Home Blog Page 442

Chris Cuomo: Why Is Anyone Taking Any Feud with Candace Owens Seriously?

0

Much attention was paid to the meeting between Candace Owens and Erika Kirk. But NewsNation host Chris Cuomo thinks it’s all an act.

During his NewsNation primetime show on Tuesday, Cuomo shared his belief that any dust-up between Candace Owens and any other personality or figure is a chance to draw interest, attention, and notoriety to herself.

“It’s all an act,” said Cuomo. “Candace Owens versus TPUSA? Really? When they just met, and it’s over just like that?”

After playing the clip of Owens telling her followers that she was “alive” after meeting with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, before calling the meeting “productive,” Cuomo took issue with the encapsulation from Owens.

“‘I am alive’? How do you take this seriously? Why do you guys keep asking me questions about this? ‘Egyptian airplanes’? ‘I’m alive’? Who is she meeting with? Hamas? Or a widow who is graciously trying to squash the fake furor surrounding her husband’s murder? Talk about performative,” Cuomo continued.

“And then she’s at a party with the same people,” he added. “Come on, man. Pick up on the game already, and stop rewarding people for playing. It’s just performative.

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.

Megyn Kelly, Josh Hammer Trade Barbs: ‘Remember When Men Had Testosterone?’

0

Josh Hammer and Megyn Kelly are currently locked in a war of words after charges of antisemitism have come up in the pair’s relationship.

During a recent episode of The Josh Hammer Show, the Salem Podcast Network host pushed back on comments made by Kelly in recent weeks, sharing her support for Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.

“As we’ve tragically seen, it turns out that Megan Kelly is only in it for Megan Kelly,” Hammer said, noting that he never called the SiriusXM host an anti-semite, despite her accusing him of doing so. “She’s unhinged. She’s lying. And this is somewhat new-ish for her. It feels like just yesterday that I was going on her show fairly regularly.

“She came across as very genuine and caring. The fool, apparently, is me, because she was not genuine and caring,” he continued. “Because, now, as she has made incredibly clear, she’s on Team Tucker. She’s on Team Candace. She will never, by her own admission, say or do anything to distance herself from Tucker Carlson, and she certainly has not done anything to distance herself from Candace Owens, either.”

Hammer asserted that he had been told by someone who was previously friends with Kelly that she had said privately that “she knows that what Candace and Tucker are saying right now about everything in general — including the Charlie (Kirk) assassination and the Jews — that Megyn apparently admitted that she knew was crazy and unhinged but she simultaneously said that the reason that she would not condemn it is because she is scared of their followers.”

The comments from Kelly that Hammer responded to came after she rebuked him for calling her an anti-semite, sharing that she regretted promoting him and his “terrible” podcast. It isn’t the first time Kelly has faced charges of antisemitism in recent weeks. Mark Levin has also used similar terminology against her following her support of Owens and Carlson.

After Hammer’s statements were shared on Tuesday, Kelly took to social media to mock the Salem Podcast Network host and Newsweek editor.

“Poor Josh Hammer really needs me to protect him from the big bad words of others,” Kelly wrote. “Remember when men had testosterone?”

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.

Netflix, Barstool Sports Strike Video Exclusive Deal For Pardon My Take, Spittin’ Chiclets and Ryen Russillo Show

0

If you enjoy watching the Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast on YouTube, change is in the air beginning in 2026. Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric “PFT Commenter” Sollenberger, hosts of the popular sports podcast, announced that the show’s video version will be exclusively available on Netflix beginning January 2026.

“In 2026 January. We don’t have the exact date, but we have come to a deal with Netflix. Pardon My Take is going to be on Netflix. So here’s how it’s going to work: our podcast video will be exclusively on Netflix,” Katz said during Thursday’s episode.

The move marks a major expansion for the podcast, which has grown into one of the most influential sports media brands over the past decade. Katz said the partnership with Netflix represents both a personal milestone and a strategic opportunity for the show.

“It’s a big deal for the podcast. It’s surreal. I think it’s going to open some more doors for us. It also allows us to compensate and let some of the behind-the-scenes guys—guys in the booth. All these other guys—share in the success of the podcast. So we’re very excited about that part,” Katz added.

Despite the platform change for the video portion of the podcast, Katz emphasized that the content of Pardon My Take will remain unchanged.

“Nothing is changing in terms of content. Netflix, we talked to them, a great partner, so nothing’s going to be changing. It’s just that’s where the podcast is going to live now, and we’re excited,” he said.

Katz also highlighted the growth potential and the significance of the milestone for the show’s trajectory. “This has been a crazy journey, and obviously the podcast is doing very well. It’s cool to have an opportunity like this. So we’re pumped,” he said.

Katz explained that for audio consumers of Pardon My Take, there will be no changes as to how listeners can consume the product. Pardon My Take has consistently been a top 100 podcast on YouTube’s weekly podcast charts all year.

Sollenberger noted the potential benefits of a mainstream platform for reaching new audiences, particularly families.

“One thing that I’ve really liked over the years is when we find out about parents and their kids listening to Pardon My Take, that it’s becoming something they bond over. It’s nice to hear. I feel like, even with Netflix, that’s going to be a good barrier to clear with parents. Trying to explain to my mom how to get on YouTube or to watch the podcast—it’s kind of difficult. She’s locked and loaded on Netflix,” he said.

Netflix has also arranged agreements in the same manner with two other Barstool Sports’ podcasts. Spittin Chiclets, and The Ryen Russillo Show will launch in the U.S. market, with more countries to follow. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy confirmed thew news in a video post on X. The deal includes both new and select episodes from each show’s libraries. Audio versions of the shows will remain normal on all podcast platforms.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Barstool Sports and bring their top video podcasts to Netflix,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of content licensing and programming strategy, in a statement to Front Office Sports. “This partnership broadens how our members connect with Barstool’s leading sports voices and delivers exactly what our members crave: unfiltered commentary, sharp takes, and undeniable humor. We look forward to giving fans another exciting way to engage with the conversations they love on Netflix.”

Yesterday, iHeartMedia, the nation’s leading audio company, and Netflix announced an exclusive video podcasting partnership that will bring more than 15 original iHeartPodcasts to the streaming service. The deal includes all new episodes of participating shows, as well as select episodes from their existing libraries.

Earlier this year, Netflix and Spotify have announced a new partnership to bring some of the digital audio company’s biggest podcasts to the video streaming platform next year. Many of the podcasts included in the deal are from The Ringer, which was launched by Bill Simmons in 2016 and purchased by Spotify in 2020 for $250 million. The network’s roster features more than 50 programs.

The announcement signals a growing trend for Netflix, where popular podcasts are increasingly securing partnerships with the streaming platform. As the podcast prepares for its Netflix debut, fans can expect the same mix of sports commentary, interviews, and comedic segments that have made Pardon My Take a cultural touchstone in sports media.

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.

Elle Duncan Defends ESPN in Emotional SportsCenter Farewell

0

Elle Duncan went out with a heartfelt sendoff Tuesday, closing the chapter on a decade-long career at ESPN before moving to Netflix’s expanding sports operations. During her final SportsCenter broadcast, Duncan addressed critics of the network in her final sendoff.

Defending the behind-the-scenes workforce that she says forms the true “heartbeat” of the company.

“I see the headlines. Some are earned. Some, I believe are not,” Duncan said. “And anyone in this chair knows that criticism is just part of the job, and you take it. But the faces of this place are not the soul of this place. The soul is the thousands of people who work here. No spotlight, and still all the scrutiny.”

ESPN has not been immune from scrutiny over Duncan’s tenure at the network. Allegations of political bias, conflict of interest, and programming decisions, among other criticisms have been ever present. Duncan, however, urged viewers to recognize the work of editors, producers, directors, and other staff whose efforts largely go unnoticed by the public.

From covering College GameDay to the WNBA Finals, Duncan said the faces viewers see on-air represent only a fraction of the organization.

“People from every background, with every kind of belief, and from every zip code. There is no hidden agenda here, folks. Just the kind that many of you have there at home. To put food on the table, maybe to send your kids to college, do some work that matters. Build a life,” she said.

Duncan has anchored ESPN’s 6pm ET edition of SportsCenter for the past five years. She has emerged as one of the network’s most prominent and versatile voices. In addition to her nightly anchor duties, she’s become a central figure in ESPN’s women’s basketball coverage.

Duncan’s role at Netflix may extend beyond sports. She is expected to have opportunities to work on non-sports content. That fits Netflix’s strategy of elevating recognizable broadcast personalities across multiple verticals.

Toward the end of her farewell, Duncan expressed gratitude to colleagues and peers who helped shape her decade at the network.

“Thank you for the hallway smiles, for the late nights researching, for the very early mornings. For saying my name in rooms that I was not in. Trusting me to toe the line and knowing when not to. For pushing me, holding me accountable, making this place feel as close to home as not-home can be. You made this last decade a gift,” she said.

Christine Williamson is set to take over Duncan’s position on the 6 PM ET SportsCenter, as well as her role as host of the women’s basketball version of College GameDay. Williamson — who originally joined ESPN in 2019 — will begin hosting SportsCenter alongside Kevin Negandhi in January.

Currently, Williamson works as an anchor of the Noon and 2 PM ET editions of SportsCenter. Duncan’s final SportsCenter broadcast is reportedly set for Tuesday, December 16th.

Malika Andrews is reportedly set to replace Duncan on ESPN’s WNBA host.

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.

NewsNation to Expand Live News Programming with Show Hosted by Jesse Weber

0

NewsNation has announced plans to expand its live news programming with a new 11 PM ET show hosted by Jesse Weber.

Weber will examine the day’s news events with a focus on legal affairs, while also welcoming guests during each edition of the new show.

Jesse Weber will continue to contribute to the network as a legal analyst, in addition to hosting the new program at 11 PM ET.

“I’m thrilled to launch this new show on NewsNation, a network dedicated to delivering straightforward, honest journalism for all Americans,” said Weber. “With my background in both law and politics, I’m eager to bring clarity as well as a millennial perspective to the stories that matter most. This is a remarkable opportunity to help create a space where facts lead the way.”

“With these additional hours of live news, we reinforce our commitment to deliver clear, nonpartisan journalism at a time when viewers need it most,” said Nexstar Networks President Sean Compton. “With the frenetic pace of today’s breaking news cycle, expanding our live coverage will ensure our viewers never miss a beat.”

Weber originally joined the network as a legal contributor and guest anchor in March 2023. He previously worked as a legal analyst at Fox News, CNN, HLN, and CBS.

Additionally, NewsNation is expanding live programming on the weekends, too. Morning in America, hosted by Hena Doba, will now begin at 6 AM ET. Meanwhile, NewsNation Live will add another hour of live news on Saturdays, while Batya! — hosted by Batya Ungar-Sargon — will air on Sautrdays at 7 PM ET and receive an encore presentation on Sundays at 11 AM ET.

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.

Adam Silver Praises Prime Video’s NBA Coverage Approach

0

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hailed Prime Video’s coverage of the league this season as a standout example of how sports broadcasting can educate and engage fans. Speaking during the network’s pre-game show, Silver highlighted the platform’s ability to go beyond conventional commentary and offer deeper insights into the game.

“As a fan, I think you do a great job educating other fans about the game,” Silver said. “That, I would say, has frustrated me in the past about some coverage when it’s sort of reduced to ‘one side wanted it more’ or ‘this side played harder.’ When you guys are explaining, like, why can’t a guy get a shot off, why is a particular defense working, I think the studio you guys built is off the charts.”

While Silver didn’t expand on exactly what coverage he was speaking of, his comments singled out the integration of technology as a key differentiator for Prime Video. Silver went on to praise the network’s use of on-floor demonstrations and analytical tools, noting that these elements make the broadcast experience more engaging and informative.

“And I think the technology that you’re using—when you guys go out on the floor to demonstrate things—I can say as a fan I love that part of the coverage,” Silver added.

The commissioner’s endorsement is particularly notable given the crowded landscape of NBA media partners. The NBA signed its 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video in July of last year after saying it was not accepting Warner Bros. Discovery’s $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its longtime relationship with the league.

This is Amazon Prime’s first season of broadcasting the NBA under a rights deal reportedly worth $1.93 billion per year.

What stands out is Silver’s comments are a departure from traditional networks who often focus on narrative-driven commentary or highlight-driven recaps. The commissioner pointed to Prime Video’s different approach in interactive graphics, real-time breakdowns, and immersive pre-game programming.

According to Silver, this approach resonates with viewers who want a more nuanced understanding of strategy, player decisions, and game dynamics.

For Prime Video, Silver’s praise provides a timely validation of its NBA coverage strategy, which aims to differentiate itself from conventional broadcasts while appealing to both casual viewers and die-hard fans.

As the NBA season progresses, Silver’s remarks may encourage other networks to adopt similar approaches, blending technology, analysis, and storytelling in ways that enhance the fan experience.

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.

Salem Radio Network Tabs Scott Jennings, Alex Marlow to Replace Charlie Kirk

0

The Scott Jennings Show is seeing an expansion in the Salem Radio Network lineup, replacing The Charlie Kirk Show.

Jennings will now host from 1-3 PM ET in the lineup, growing his show from one hour to two. Previously, The Charlie Kirk Show was heard from 12-2 PM ET in the window. Salem Radio Network shifted affiliates of The Dennis Prager Show to Kirk’s program following Prager’s debilitating injury in November 2024.

The Charlie Kirk Show will remain in place as a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network. Producers Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff will continue to helm the program in the wake of the host’s September assassination.

“This is an important moment for Salem,” said Salem Media Senior Vice President of Content Phil Boyce. “Salem has earned the trust of conservative audiences for decades, and we don’t take that lightly. Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow each bring a distinct voice, a rare ability to engage audiences, and real seriousness to the conversation. Together, they will carry the Salem legacy forward.”

“First, to my friend Andrew Kolvet and the Turning Point USA team, thank you for your stewardship of Charlie’s radio legacy over these last several months. It has been nothing short of brilliant,” said Jennings. “These are some of the most important hours in talk radio, shaped by voices who didn’t just fill time, but moved the national conversation. I’m grateful to Salem for the trust they’ve placed in me to step into that legacy. Expanding the show gives us the space and time to deliver serious analysis, honest debate, and thoughtful conversations for the audience. Looking forward to more great guests and more common sense for the American people!”

Meanwhile, Alex Marlow, who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Breitbart News, will take over the 12-1 PM ET window on Salem Radio Network. Marlow is no stranger to Salem Media. He has hosted a podcast for the company’s podcast network since November 2024.

“Even before I became the first employee of Breitbart News and a mentee of web pioneer Andrew Breitbart, I was a talk radio junkie,” said Marlow. “It has been a constant part of my media diet since I was a teenager and has informed my news judgement as I lead Breitbart’s virtual newsroom. Many of the hosts that have captured my attention and imagination over the decades are or were on the Salem dial. Larry Elder was my first talk radio love, years went by where I didn’t miss a single moment of the Dennis Prager Show, and it was a rare pleasure to be a weekly guest on my friend Charlie Kirk’s show during the last year of his life. I have deep respect for the Salem audience as well as my on-air colleagues both as people and as broadcasters. I can’t wait to get started.”

In a statement, Kolvet shared that they’re honored to continue honoring Kirk’s legacy by the continuation of his show, they’re appreciative of how the network has been “so gracious throughout this process.”

“Salem has been so gracious through this process and even encouraged us to continue broadcasting the show on the Salem Radio Network,” said The Charlie Kirk Show Executive Producer Andrew Kolvet. “While The Charlie Kirk Show team is excited to continue the live show and podcast in other venues, ultimately we agreed that Alex and Scott were the perfect hosts to take over on the radio portion. Both are great friends and extremely talented broadcasters. We are also grateful that Salem Media Reps will continue to represent and sell the time inside the show. While some of the details around how we want to distribute the show will change, our friendship and trust in Salem does not.”

“I want to thank Erika Kirk, Andrew Kolvet, and the entire Turning Point USA team for the strength and dedication they’ve shown,” Boyce said. “Charlie was a once-in-a-generation leader, and the way his team has carried forward his mission speaks volumes.”

The expansion of The Scott Jennings Show will officially take place on Monday, January 2nd.

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 Adding Several New Contributors, Including H.R. McMaster, Elliot Ackerman

0

CBS News is set to add a host of new contributors to the network under the direction of new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.

According to a report from Puck’s Dylan Byers, the network is adding former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, ex-Marine Elliot Ackerman, emerging trends reporter Casey Lewis, and chef/food writer Clare de Boer to its roster of contributors.

McMaster is the most notable name on the list of new contributors. He served as the National Security Advisor during President Donald Trump’s first term in office. He exited the role in March 2018, before officially retiring from the military in May of that year.

H.R. McMaster is no stranger to the media world. Following his military exit, he began hosting a podcast called Today’s Battlegrounds, discussing the intersection of national security and economic prosperity.

The report from Byers indicates that most contributors to CBS News receive a $30,000 payment upfront before receiving $1,000 per appearance on the network.

CBS News has not yet confirmed any of those reports about potential new additions.

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.

Executive Producer Michael Samtur Announces Exit From Audacy, Infinity Sports Network

0

Michael Samtur, the executive producer of The Zach Gelb Show, announced he is leaving Audacy and the Infinity Sports Network after 13 years with the company, confirming his departure in a post shared on LinkedIn.

Samtur’s exit comes as the Infinity Sports Network prepares to cease operations at year’s end. The network is merging with the BetMGM Network. Together, they will form the new Westwood One Sports Network. The new network begins airing programming on December 29.

“After 13 glorious years, my time at CBS Sports Radio/Infinity Sports Network/Audacy is coming to an end,” Samtur wrote. “As many of you know, the Network is ceasing operations at the end of the year.”

Samtur was among the original staffers who helped launch the network. He remained through its final chapter. He highlighted that distinction in his message. “It has been my profound pleasure to be one of the few who launched the network and remained throughout to close it,” he added.

Over more than a decade, Samtur established himself as a trusted and versatile presence behind the scenes, working with a wide range of nationally recognized hosts. He also served as the Executive Producer at WFAN guiding Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney for nine years.

Most recently, Samtur served as executive producer of The Zach Gelb Show. He played a central role in shaping the program’s sound. He also guided its editorial structure and booking strategy. Under his leadership, the show grew into a nationally distributed program. He also emphasized the evolution of his role as the sports media landscape changed. Highlighting his work in social media as a key area of growth. He also cited digital content and emerging technology. These areas have been central to recent developments.

“Over the past few years, I’ve prided myself on mastering the various social media platforms, video/image editing, and now, AI to create unique content that has garnered tens of millions of views,” he wrote.

With the change from the Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports, Samtur is among many of the currently established hosts and staff that won’t be making the move. Earlier this week, Gelb revealed that The Zach Gelb Show will end on Friday afternoon, as he will not be included in the new Westwood One Sports network lineup.

In closing, Samtur expressed gratitude to the colleagues and contributors who helped define the network’s legacy.

“Thank you to all the great producers, hosts, and incredible guests we’ve had over the past decade and a half. You have helped make the network one of the preeminent national sports networks in radio history,” he said

Currently, Westwood One Sports has yet to announce who will host the 12-3 PM ET timeslot when the network launches in less than two weeks.

Currently, the lineup consists of:6-9 AM ET: Drake C. Toll
9 AM-12 PM ET: You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos
12-3 PM ET: TBD
3-6 PM ET: The Jim Rome Show
6-11 PM ET: Bet MGM Tonight with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle

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.

Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount’s Hostile Bid

0

The board of Warner Bros. Discovery has formally rejected a $30-per-share hostile tender offer led by David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance, reaffirming its support for the company’s previously announced merger agreement with Netflix and signaling little appetite to revisit negotiations with Paramount-backed bidders.

In a filing and statement to shareholders, WBD’s board said the Ellison-led proposal undervalues the company and introduces what it described as “numerous significant risks and costs,” calling the offer inferior to the Netflix transaction in both certainty and overall value.

“Following a careful evaluation of Paramount’s recently launched tender offer, the Board concluded that the offer’s value is inadequate, with significant risks and costs imposed on our shareholders,” board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr. said in a letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. “This offer once again fails to address key concerns that we have consistently communicated to Paramount throughout our extensive engagement and review of their six previous proposals.”

The rejection was widely anticipated. The tender offer mirrored a proposal Paramount submitted on December 4. That proposal came shortly before WBD agreed to merge with Netflix. At the time, WBD raised concerns about the financing structure. It also cited regulatory risk. The company questioned the durability of financial backstops tied to the offer.

Chief among those concerns was the role of Oracle founder Larry Ellison. His revocable trust was cited as a key financial backstop. WBD said the trust does not provide sufficient certainty. Its assets and liabilities are not publicly disclosed. The trust can also be altered at any time.

The board also pointed to risks tied to foreign sovereign wealth participation in the bid consortium, including $10 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, $7 billion from Abu Dhabi, and $7 billion from the Qatar Investment Authority.

Earlier versions of the Paramount-led bid included financing from Tencent. That $1 billion contribution was later removed. The decision followed regulatory and geopolitical concerns. Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners had also pledged $200 million. The firm has since exited the consortium. Its departure further weakened the proposal in the eyes of WBD’s board.

From a regulatory standpoint, WBD said it does not believe there is a meaningful distinction between the Netflix transaction and the Paramount-led offer, countering claims that the latter would face fewer antitrust hurdles.

The board also took issue with Paramount’s legal posture.

In its filing, WBD referenced a December 3 letter from Paramount’s attorneys at Quinn Emanuel, describing it as adversarial and counterproductive. According to WBD, representatives from PSKY’s legal and financial advisors later indicated the letter “should not have been sent” and characterized it as “not helpful” and a “mistake.”

With the rejection now official, the burden shifts to Paramount and its partners. They must convince WBD shareholders to tender shares at the offered price. Alternatively, they must submit a materially improved bid. For now, WBD’s board remains firmly aligned behind the Netflix deal. The board frames it as the most compelling path forward. It also supports the company’s long-term strategic vision.

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