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Rebecca Lowe Named Daytime Host for NBC Sports’ Coverage of 2026 Winter Olympics

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Rebecca Lowe Named Daytime Host for NBC Sports’ Coverage of 2026 Winter Olympics

Rebecca Lowe will continue her long-standing role with NBC Olympics, serving as a daytime host for the seventh consecutive Olympic Games at the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina, NBC Sports announced. The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games is scheduled for February 6, 2026, airing on NBC and Peacock.

Lowe’s latest assignment extends her record as the longest-tenured daytime Olympic host among current NBC Olympics broadcasters. In addition to anchoring NBC’s daytime coverage, she will also host the primetime Milan Cortina Olympic Preview Show. The special will air Thursday, February 5, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock. The one-hour program will air the night before the Opening Ceremony. It will focus on the top storylines, athletes, and events heading into the Games.

“Rebecca is a natural in our daytime window as she seamlessly transitions live from sport to sport while incorporating analysts and conducting entertaining interviews,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer of NBC Olympics. “As her streak attests, she has many fans among Olympic viewers, and we are excited she will be hosting our primetime Olympic preview special the night before the Opening Ceremony.”

Lowe made her Olympic hosting debut during NBC’s coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi on NBCSN. She went on to host Olympic coverage across NBC and NBCSN for the 2016 Rio Games. Lowe also hosted the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games for the network.

More recently, Lowe served as a host for NBC’s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics. Also in the same role for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Her work during the Paris Games was recognized with a Sports Emmy Award. The honor came as part of NBCUniversal’s coverage, which won Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event. It further cemented Lowe’s reputation as one of the most trusted and versatile studio hosts in major international sports coverage.

Beyond the Olympics, Lowe has been a cornerstone of NBC Sports’ soccer programming since joining the network in 2013. She continues to serve as the lead host for NBC’s Premier League coverage, headlining Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone pregame and postgame shows. The current Premier League season marks her 13th year in that role.

Earlier this month, Lowe’s expanding profile across major sports properties was underscored when FOX Sports announced she will join its broadcast team as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in June.

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

iHeartMedia Announces Exclusive Video Podcast Partnership With Netflix

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iHeartMedia Announces Exclusive Video Podcast Partnership With Netflix

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. The first video podcasts are slated to launch on Netflix in early 2026 in the U.S. Expansion to additional markets will follow.

The initial lineup features some of the most popular and influential podcasts in the country. These include The Breakfast Club, My Favorite Murder, Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast, and Dear Chelsea with Chelsea Handler.

Other shows in the agreement highlight high-profile talent such as Grammy-nominated music artists Fat Joe and Jadakiss on Joe and Jada, and the Workaholics stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson on This Is Important. Category-defining series such as The Psychology of Your 20s will also be part of the partnership.

“Audio podcasting has been the fastest-growing medium over the past 20 years. Now we’re thrilled to expand that experience with an exciting new category—video podcasts,” said iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman. “Working with Netflix—an important leader in entertainment—gives fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love. Opening the door to new audiences, including viewers discovering these shows for the first time.”

Pittman added that the partnership provides audiences with a natural extension of popular audio shows. “Audiences can now not only listen but also watch and enjoy top-rated iHeartPodcasts alongside award-winning series and movies from Netflix,” he said.

Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy Lauren Smith emphasized the value of the partnership for the streamer’s audience.

“With this partnership we are incredibly excited to offer our members unmatched variety, and to deliver highly entertaining podcasts featuring some of the world’s most dynamic personalities,” she said. “Get ready to dive in with the true crime phenomenon My Favorite Murder, the dynamic perspectives of The Breakfast Club, and the sharp, unfiltered comedy of Chelsea Handler in this initial collection.”

In addition to the marquee podcasts, the agreement includes curiosity- and history-focused shows. These include Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Stuff To Blow Your Mind, and Behind the Bastards. Sports and culture content will also be represented. This includes New Rory & MAL and 3 and Out with John Middlekauff. The agreement also includes the true crime series Buried Bones.

iHeartMedia retains all audio-only rights and distribution for the podcasts. This ensures all shows will remain available on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms.

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Newsmax Inks Multi-Year Carriage Agreement with YouTube TV

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Newsmax Inks Multi-Year Carriage Agreement with YouTube TV

Newsmax has announced it has reached a multi-year contract extension with YouTube TV to remain on the streaming TV provider.

As part of the deal, Newsmax will remain included on the Base Package for YouTube TV. Beginning early next year, YouTube TV will also add the Newsmax+ streaming service as part of the Primetime Channels app store.

“This agreement keeps Newsmax, the fastest growing cable network in the U.S., on YouTube TV, the fastest growing pay TV platform in the U.S., for years to come,” said Newsmax Senior Vice President of Distribution Andy Biggers. “YouTube TV have been great partners, and we look forward to continuing to grow together.”

The extension between Newsmax and YouTube TV comes after the streaming platform added the Spanish-language version of the channel, which utilizes AI to dub its content into different languages in real time.

With the extension, Newsmax remains available in nearly 60 million U.S. households, keeping it on par with the likes of CNN and Fox News.

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Bari Weiss: CBS News Will Feature Many More Town Halls Similar to Erika Kirk Event

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Bari Weiss: CBS News Will Feature Many More Town Halls Similar to Erika Kirk Event

Bari Weiss led a CBS News town hall event with Erika Kirk last week. She says to expect similar events more frequently in the future.

To begin the event with the Turning Point USA CEO, Weiss shared the reasoning for why the network was hosting the discussion in the first place.

“We live in a very divided country,” Weiss said. “A country where many people feel that they can’t speak across the political divide. Sometimes they feel they can’t even speak across their own kitchen table.”

Weiss, who was named Editor-in-Chief of CBS News following the acquisition of her digital outlet — The Free Press — by the network’s parent company Paramount Skydance, said that a new focus of the network is fostering discussions and debates about issues important to American TV viewers.

“One of the goals of the new CBS News is to change (the political discourse),” Weiss said. “This town hall is just the beginning. This is going to be the first of many conversations and debates on CBS News about the things that matter most, which are often the hardest to talk about.”

In the wake of the event with Erika Kirk, Variety’s Brian Steinberg noted that there was a lack of “blue-chip”
advertisers involved in the broadcast of the town hall. The broadcast of the conversation between Bari Weiss and Kirk — which was pre-recorded — aired at 8 PM ET on Saturday.

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CNN Sets New Year’s Eve Coverage Plans Including Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen

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CNN Sets New Year’s Eve Coverage Plans Including Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen

CNN has announced plans for its New Year’s Eve coverage, with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen returning for the festivities.

CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will begin at 8 PM ET and last until 12:30 AM ET. The network has lined up plenty of celebrity and comedic guests, including Stephen Colbert, B.J. Novak, Oz Perlman, Sarah Sherman, and more.

Additionally, musical performances from Robyn, Shakira, Brand and Monica, Bryan Adams, Brandi Carlile, Aloe Blacc, and Patti LaBelle are scheduled for the primetime event.

Throughout the day, more than two dozen CNN anchors and correspondents will feature live reports from cities around the world, like Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, London, and Paris, among others, beginning at 7 AM ET.

In advance of the New Year’s Eve special, CNN will feature a behind-the-scenes conversation with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen discussing their favorite moments of the past eight years together hosting the show, while previewing this year’s special. That discussion will be released on the network’s YouTube channel and will also be made available to CNN All Access subscribers.

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

Pablo Torre Shares Latest Insight on Potential Lawsuit Coming From Jordon Hudson

BSM Staff
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Pablo Torre Shares Latest Insight on Potential Lawsuit Coming From Jordon Hudson

Less than a month after announcing a potential lawsuit, Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, has yet to take formal legal action against sports journalist Pablo Torre. Hudson, a former college cheerleader, first made public her intention to sue Torre, who has extensively reported on her relationship with Belichick and her role at the University of North Carolina.

Torre’s reporting has included claims that Hudson had been “banned” from UNC’s football facilities. A claim the university later refuted, stating that she was indeed welcomed on campus. Hudson has repeatedly criticized Torre’s reporting, including wearing a necklace referencing the “banned” claim while on the sideline.

Despite Hudson’s public statements and social media posts, Torre told Awful Announcing that no legal action has been formally initiated as of yet.

“I have been waiting for anything resembling a formal legal notice, and nothing has happened,” Torre said. “I have found out that the University of North Carolina is not only not involved in any of her threatened litigation, but they are also the subject of public records requests that Jordon Hudson has been filing. So I can’t speak to her deliberate legal strategy here, only to say that I am eager to find out.”

In May, Torre reported on Pablo Torre Finds Out that Hudson had been barred from the University of North Carolina football facility, where Belichick now works as head coach. He cited two sources inside the athletic department who claimed administrators decided Hudson was no longer allowed in the football building or on the practice field.

“Don’t think you’ll be hearing much from Jordon moving forward,” one source told him, according to the report.

The UNC segment was one of several Torre stories that drew widespread attention. Particularly as Belichick’s relationship with Hudson became more visible following his departure from the New England Patriots. Torre also reported on a hot mic exchange between Hudson and Belichick. In it, the two appeared to criticize staffers on COACH, the football strategy show featuring the former Patriots coach.

In the audio, Hudson questioned how the production team operated. “I don’t know how they have four full-time graphics people,” she said. Belichick responded, “They can’t do sh*t.” Hudson then added that she could replicate the graphics work quickly. “‘If somebody puts on a clock, I could create this in five minutes,’” she said. “‘Would you give me two grand to do that?’”

Torre, meanwhile, has stood by his reporting.

At this time, there is no indication that Hudson’s threatened lawsuit is progressing. Both parties remain publicly engaged with Torre continuing to report on Hudson and her connection to Belichick. While Hudson continues to contest the coverage.

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NBC Sports President Hopes for More Appearances by Michael Jordan

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports President Hopes for More Appearances by Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s presence on NBC Sports’ NBA coverage has been met with high approval from the network, according to NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. Speaking on The Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, Cordella highlighted the positive impact of Jordan’s segments while leaving the door open for more appearances in the future.

“I think it’s been positive for Michael and his team. He’s able to have an outlet that’s out there,” Cordella said. “Certainly it’s been positive for us. [He’s been able] to sit down with Mike Tirico and talk about various topics that interest him. It’s been fantastic.”

Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, has appeared in a series of segments on NBC Sports this season. The former Chicago Bulls star sat down for a longform interview with NBC broadcaster Mike Tirico. The network has presented the interview in segments over the past months of coverage. Topics range from basketball culture to personal insights, giving fans an uncommon glimpse into his perspective off the court.

While reaction from the network has been positive, sports media reaction has been mixed. Many have asked if the network will release more or even a different interview featuring Jordan.

“I don’t have anything to announce right now. All I’ll say is stay tuned,” hinted Cordella. “We hope to be in business with Michael for a long time.”

Cordella emphasized that Jordan’s involvement has been mutually beneficial, providing content that resonates with viewers while allowing the NBA legend to connect with audiences in a more personal way.

Looking ahead, Cordella suggested that Jordan could remain a fixture in NBC’s NBA coverage. This could include appearing during marquee playoff events. When asked specifically about Jordan being part of NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, Cordella offered a broad endorsement.

“I think you can assume that we love to have Michael any way, shape or form, that he wishes to be part of our coverage,” he said.

Jordan joined NBC Sports this season as a “special contributor” as NBA games returned to the network. NBCUniversal signed an 11-year agreement with the NBA to return to broadcasting games beginning this season.

While Cordella did not provide specific details about potential upcoming appearances, his comments reflect NBC’s enthusiasm for maintaining a relationship with Jordan. The network aims to leverage his star power for high-profile events. NBC has consistently sought to elevate its NBA broadcasts, and Jordan’s segments have become a key element in that strategy.

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106.1 BLI Hosting Weekend Takeover Featuring The Grinch and Santa Claus

BMM Staff
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106.1 BLI Hosting Weekend Takeover Featuring The Grinch and Santa Claus

106.1 BLI has announced plans to welcome Santa Claus and The Grinch to its studios this weekend in advance of the Christmas holiday.

On Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st, Santa and The Grinch will be in the studio playing both Christmas music and their usual Top 40 music as Long Island listeners make their final preparations for the holiday.

“This is the very first time we’re handing the mic over to Santa and The Grinch,” said 106.1 BLI Director of Operations, Branding, and Programming Chris Lloyd. “We have no idea what to expect — but we know it’s going to be unforgettable!”

The shifts hosted by The Grinch and Santa Claus will be heard from 10 AM to 4 PM on those days. The duo will also be giving away passes to see the Magic of Lights event at Jones Beach State Park to keep “listeners fully immersed in the holiday spirit.”

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ESPN Hires Roxanna Scott as Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief

BSM Staff
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ESPN Hires Roxanna Scott as Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief

ESPN has appointed veteran journalist Roxanna Scott as its new Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief, the company announced. In the newly created role, Scott will oversee ESPN’s Digital Editorial, Investigative & Enterprise Journalism, and News Desk teams, shaping the network’s editorial strategy across platforms and guiding its coverage of breaking news, investigative reporting, and sports storytelling.

Scott, who will be based at ESPN’s Bristol headquarters and report to David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Sports News and Entertainment, officially assumes the position January 5.

“Roxanna has had a distinguished career in journalism and has established herself as a strong and successful leader,” Roberts said in a statement. “Her experience and knowledge will make her a tremendous asset to our journalism, and we look forward to having her voice in our building.”

Scott brings more than two decades of experience in sports journalism. Most recently, she served as managing editor and executive editor at USA Today. There, she led the sports department from 2020 until July 2025. During her 18-year tenure at the national newspaper, she assigned reporters and collaborated across newsroom teams in news, politics, visuals, and entertainment. She also oversaw coverage of nine Olympic Games and 11 in total.

“It’s an honor to lead the newsroom at ESPN, the global leader in sports news,” Scott said. “I’ve long admired the talented and dogged reporters who break news, covering the biggest stories in all of sports. I look forward to serving ESPN’s massive audience with coverage that is exclusive, informative and innovative while continuing to raise the standard for excellent journalism.”

Before her time at USA Today, Scott worked at The Dallas Morning News as a sports copy editor, night editor, and deputy sports editor. She began there as an intern after graduating from the University of Iowa. At Iowa, she served as sports reporter and editor for The Daily Iowan. A Davenport, Iowa, native, she started in journalism at age 16 as a part-time sports reporter at the Quad City Times.

Scott has also held leadership roles in the broader journalism community. A former president of the Association for Women in Sports Media, she currently serves on the professional advisory board for the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023. She also sits on the boards of the Associated Press Sports Editors Foundation and The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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Premiere Networks Adds Murphy, Sam & Jodi to National Syndication Lineup

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Premiere Networks Adds Murphy, Sam & Jodi to National Syndication Lineup

Premiere Networks has announced it will be adding Murphy, Sam & Jodi to its roster of nationally syndicated shows.

Beginning on Thursday, January 1st, the show will be made available by Premiere Networks. The show is already heard on nearly 90 stations around the nation on AC, Hot AC, and Classic Hits stations, among others.

The program is a fully customizable, five-hour weekday and Saturday program that can be used in multiple dayparts.

“We’re super excited and appreciative of Premiere Networks for embracing the show’s current success and future growth.” Jodi added, “I’m pinching myself!” and Sam responded by adding, “What she said!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Murphy, Sam & Jodi to the Premiere Networks family,” said Premiere Networks President Julie Talbott. “They’ve built a powerful brand rooted in genuine chemistry and connection, making them a proven winner for affiliates and advertising partners alike. We look forward to expanding their show to even more stations and listeners across the country.”

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