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Stan Verrett Lands Pregame Host Role With New Orleans Saints

BSM Staff
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Stan Verrett Lands Pregame Host Role With New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are bringing one of their own back home to lead a new chapter in the team’s media presence. Veteran ESPN anchor Stan Verrett has been named host of the franchise’s new digital pregame show set to debut with the 2025 NFL season.

The program will stream across all official Saints digital platforms and air one hour before kickoff for every game. It will feature exclusive analysis, interviews, and team-focused coverage designed to provide fans with an inside look at the Black & Gold before they take the field.

“Stan’s experience, insight, and love for this city make him the perfect host,” Saints president Dennis Lauscha said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome Stan Verrett back home to New Orleans and into the Saints family. He will help us deliver an engaging, high-quality show to our fans.”

Joining Verrett on the new pregame platform will be former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle, who was part of the franchise’s Super Bowl XLIV championship team, and Saints team reporter Erin Summers. The trio will anchor a broadcast that blends the polish of national television experience with the team-centric storytelling increasingly demanded by NFL fans consuming content on digital platforms.

“Let’s go! Saints fans,” tweeted Verrett with the news of the new role with New Orleans. “We will be live from The Caesars Dome for all home games on all Saints digital platforms.”

Verrett has been with ESPN since 2000, first anchoring ESPNEWS before moving to the network’s Los Angeles studios in 2009. There, he became a familiar face to viewers as co-host of the late-night SportsCenter alongside Neil Everett. Known for his polished delivery and easy rapport with viewers, Verrett has spent nearly 25 years with the network.

Earlier this week Verrett also announced he would be teaming up with former SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett launching the Stan and Neil Show streaming twice a week on Twitch, with replays located on YouTube and all social media platforms.

Verrett’s return to New Orleans carries added significance. A proud native of the city and alumnus of St. Augustine High School, Verrett began his career as a weekend sports anchor at WDSU-TV, the local NBC affiliate. He later graduated from Howard University, where he was recognized as one of the school’s outstanding journalism graduates in 1989. In 2020, Howard honored him again with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.

The debut edition of the show will air Sunday, Sept. 7, when the Saints open their 2025 campaign at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Fans can access the broadcast through the team’s official website, mobile app, and other 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.

ESPN Adds Chase Daniel As College Football, NFL Analyst

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ESPN Adds Chase Daniel As College Football, NFL Analyst

Chase Daniel has quickly landed a new broadcasting role, with ESPN. The longtime NFL quarterback is joining the network as a college football color commentator and NFL analyst.

Daniel will team with veteran play-by-play voice Clay Matvick, who has been with ESPN for nearly two decades. The pair’s first assignment will be Duquesne at Pittsburgh on Aug. 30.

“I’m officially joining ESPN,” said Daniel in a video posted on social media. “I’m really looking forward to working with so many great people at ESPN and beyond. I’m super fired up to join ESPN, and join the biggest platform in all of sports.”

Daniel’s addition represents another move by ESPN to bolster its roster of game analysts with former players who bring recent playing experience and an ability to connect with fans. The former Missouri standout has already built a resume in broadcasting.

Over the past year, Daniel co-hosted The Facility on FS1, a show that was canceled earlier this summer along with Speak and Breakfast Ball as part of a shakeup at the network. Before that, Daniel contributed to NFL Network as a studio analyst and has maintained a presence in the audio space through Scoop City, a podcast he co-hosts with Dianna Russini and James Palmer for The Athletic.

Daniel spent 13 years in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers. Though he was primarily known as a backup quarterback, Daniel made five career starts. His last NFL stop came with the Chargers in 2022.

The hire also underscores ESPN’s continued strategy of finding versatile analysts who can work both live game coverage and studio roles. Daniel, who brings both a deep understanding of quarterback play and a familiarity with the modern media environment, fits the mold.

As for his fellow co-hosts on The Facility, there has been no news regarding the futures for Emmanuel Acho, LeSean Mccoy, and James Jones.

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.

Top Podcast Advertisers Spent Nearly $60 Million During July, New Magellan AI Data Shows

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Top Podcast Advertisers Spent Nearly $60 Million During July, New Magellan AI Data Shows

The latest podcast advertising data from Magellan AI has been released, and it shows that the top 15 advertisers spent nearly $60 million in July alone.

BetterHelp just slightly outpaced Amazon for the top spot. BetterHelp spent $6.3 million while Amazon saw $6.1 million in total spend during July. Both companies saw Comedy as their top genre during the month.

The sports podcast format accounted for 10 of the 15 spots on the list from Magellan AI. Comedy took four of the placements, while true crime earned one spot with Quince, who was the third highest spender of the month at $5 million.

Washable Sofas ($5 million) and Toyota ($4.4 million) rounded out the top five spenders of July.

During the month, nine of the top 15 advertisers saw their podcast advertising budgets increase, Magellan AI data shows. Meanwhile, the remaining six marketers saw their month-over-month spending decrease during July.

Those featuring large increases in their podcast advertising budgets included JCPenney (+99,278%), DoorDash (879%), Walmart (+495%), and Pepsi (+301%), among others.

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.

San Francisco 49ers Announce Broadcast Teams Filling In For Greg Papa

BSM Staff
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San Francisco 49ers Announce Broadcast Teams Filling In For Greg Papa

The San Francisco 49ers announce a rotating team of radio broadcasters who will fill in for legendary Bay Area sports announcer Greg Papa while he focuses on his health. Papa announced on August 1 that he would be stepping away from his duties at KNBR and the 49ers to focus on his cancer treatment and work toward a full recovery.

Guy Haberman, Justin Allegri, Troy Clardy, Carlos Ramirez, and Jack Smith will each serve as play-by-play commentators alongside veteran color analyst Tim Ryan for the 2025 season.

Haberman will act as the official radio broadcast’s primary fill-in anchor in addition to his ongoing play-by-play work with the Big Ten Network. Entering his first season with the 49ers, Haberman brings more than a decade of experience across Pac-12 Network, FOX Sports, NBC/Peacock, NBC Sports Bay Area, and 95.7 The Game.

Joining Haberman in the booth, Justin Allegri comes with 13 years of experience calling Bay Area football games. In 2023, Allegri became the voice of Cal Golden Bears football and men’s basketball, building on an 11-year tenure as lead play-by-play broadcaster at his alma mater, San José State University. He has also served as a radio voice for the San Jose Giants since 2015 and contributed to MLB The Show broadcasts since 2014.

Troy Clardy, familiar to local college football fans as the voice of Stanford Cardinal football and men’s basketball since 2023, brings extensive national experience, including three seasons calling NCAA football on Westwood One. Clardy also covered the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and has called NFL games on Compass Media Networks, notably Christian McCaffrey’s first 49ers start in 2022.

Carlos Ramirez, a long-standing Bay Area media personality, will contribute his 23 years of television, radio, and digital experience. Ramirez currently hosts 49ers Pre- and Postgame Live on NBC Sports Bay Area and covers the Giants and A’s. He has called NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, international soccer, and Olympic events in both English and Spanish and previously contributed to the 49ers Spanish Radio Network from 2019 to 2021.

Rounding out the team, Jack Smith, a San Jose native and 2025 Jim Nantz Award winner for outstanding collegiate sports broadcasting, recently graduated from the University of Southern California. This year, Smith has worked as Media Relations Assistant and radio voice for the Fredericksburg Nationals, Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

Papa and Ryan collectively have over a decade of experience on the 49ers radio broadcast. Papa, a Bay Area broadcasting icon, has over 30 years of experience, earning three California Sportscaster of the Year awards and induction into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. Ryan, a former NFL player, is nationally recognized for his work with Westwood One Radio, NFL on FOX, and SiriusXM NFL Radio.

The 49ers’ rotating broadcast team marks a significant effort to maintain the franchise’s storied radio legacy while supporting Papa’s ongoing health 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.

Radio Industry Veteran Fred Jacobs Shares Parkinson’s Diagnosis

BNM Staff
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Radio Industry Veteran Fred Jacobs Shares Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs has announced he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

In a blog post titled “My Left Hand,” Jacobs shared that he first noticed signs of the disease in 2017. At the time, his doctor said that he did not have the disease. However, the symptoms got more noticeable, and he was later confirmed to have developed Parkinson’s.

“I’ve been walking around with a secret that actually isn’t all that mysterious to those I know and interact with. It’s health news, and I realize that on the surface, that sounds scary,” said Jacobs. “But in my case, things are going quite well overall, and I feel compelled to share the news with you.”

Fred Jacobs added that his symptoms have gotten more noticeable in recent years, which he has attempted to “keep quiet, until now.”

“It has taken a lot of effort and focus to keep that left hand under wraps and relatively calm,” Jacobs shared. “When I’m on stage, it’s often in my left pocket, mic in the right hand. (A lavalier mic is always a plus.) But I talk with my hands, so that left hand always seems to make an appearance, especially when the adrenaline starts flowing.

“Trying to hide it has diverted my focus to the tremor and away from my speech, presentation, or meeting,” he concluded. “And I’ve reached the conclusion that by telling you about it, neither of us will spend much time thinking about it. At least, that’s the goal.”

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.

NPR Names Scott Detrow as Host of All Things Considered

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NPR Names Scott Detrow as Host of All Things Considered

With the exit of Ari Shapiro, NPR needed a new host for All Things Considered. They found one in Scott Detrow.

The network has announced that beginning on Monday, September 29th, Detrow will be the permanent host of the flagship afternoon show.

“I’m really excited and honored to step into this role,” said Detrow. “I’m mindful of just how important All Things Considered’s legacy is for listeners, and I also know just how much I’ve loved working with the show’s team these past two years on weekends.

“I can’t wait to bring listeners the news five days a week now,” Detrow continued. “And at this moment where we are all focusing on strengthening the entire public media network and working together more closely than ever before, I’m proud that I started out as an ATC host at an NPR Member station, and now will be doing that job nationally.”  

Detrow is no stranger to the All Things Considered brand. Since 2023, he’s served as the weekend host of the program. He originally joined NPR in 2015, where he worked covering the White House, Congress, and presidential campaigns from the Washington Desk.

In addition to his work on the weekend edition of the show, Scott Detrow has also served as the co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast, as well as the co-host of Consider This.

Earlier this month, Ari Shapiro revealed he would exit the public radio outlet and All Things Considered after nearly a decade hosting the program.

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

Audacy Marks Suicide Prevention Month with “I’m Listening”

BMM Staff
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Audacy Marks Suicide Prevention Month with “I’m Listening”

Audacy will mark World Suicide Prevention Day and National Suicide Prevention Month with its annual “I’m Listening” broadcast, taking place the week of September 8. The program, now in its seventh year, brings together celebrities, newsmakers, and mental health experts to discuss resources and mental wellness.

This year’s broadcast will be hosted by NBC “TODAY” co-host and “The Voice” host Carson Daly, with Katie Neal of Audacy’s “Katie and Company.” Guests include Cynthia Erivo, Tate McRae, Alex Warren, Kane Brown, Lewis Capaldi, Shirley Manson, 311, Amy Lee and Ne-Yo.

Experts returning include Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Discussions will cover social media and AI, children and families, veterans and first responders, and postpartum depression.

Audacy SVP Programming Dave Richards said, “‘I’m Listening’ creates trusted, compassionate conversations that surround our listeners with both support and community, harnessing the full strength of our platforms to foster connection and inspire hope.”

Audacy has raised more than $2 million for mental health causes through events including its annual “We Can Survive” concert. This year’s show, featuring Alex Warren, Ed Sheeran, Shaboozey and Goo Goo Dolls, is scheduled for Sept. 26 at Newark’s Prudential Center, with proceeds supporting AFSP programs such as “Talk Away the Dark.”

“I’m Listening” will air on all Audacy stations and through the Audacy app and website. Local schedules are available on station websites.

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Disney Sues Dish Network, Sling TV For What It Calls Violation of Carriage Deals

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Disney Sues Dish Network, Sling TV For What It Calls Violation of Carriage Deals

The Walt Disney Company has launched a lawsuit against Dish Network and its streaming platform Sling TV over what it calls violations of deals agreed to by the two parties.

Sling recently announced new “passes” for short-term subscribers, which could be used for the platform’s full offering in either one day, one weekend, or one weekend. Those mini-bundles start at $4.99, which pales in comparison to the $45.99 per month the subscription costs.

The new mini-bundle offerings from the streaming platform come as the launch of the football seasons for both the NCAA and NFL have begun. The packages are designed to serve as an almost quasi-pay-per-view opportunity for the company.

Meanwhile, Disney argues that it’s a clear violation of the agreement signed by the two companies.

“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”

After the lawsuit was launched, Dish Network and Sling TV have argued that the suit is “meritless. A spokesperson told Deadline that the company will “vigorously defend our right to bring customers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule and on their terms.”

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

NFL Lifts Rules on Tom Brady Attending Production Meetings

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NFL Lifts Rules on Tom Brady Attending Production Meetings

The NFL is easing restrictions on FOX Sports NFL analyst Tom Brady, allowing the Hall of Famer to participate in team and coaching production meetings this season, sources familiar with the decision told The Athletic. Brady, who is also a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, faced significant limitations during his first broadcasting season last year due to his ownership stake.

The NFL barred Brady from nearly all team meetings that provide insight into coaching strategies and player discussions, a restriction commonly referred to as the “Brady Rules.” Those regulations were temporarily lifted for the Super Bowl in February, when Brady called the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

In his first season as a member of Fox’s top NFL broadcast team, Brady was not allowed to visit other teams’ practice facilities, attend meetings or take part in Fox’s pregame production meetings with players and coaches – a policy that was put in place because Hunt and other owners were concerned about the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback having access to inside information from Raiders opponents.

Brady relied on his play-by-play partner, Kevin Burkhardt, and other members of the broadcast crew to relay information from the meetings last season. These sessions allow broadcasters and analysts to gain behind-the-scenes insights that can enhance the broadcast for television. Despite the eased restrictions, Brady is still expected to remain barred from attending team practices, as he was last year.

Fox Sports and the NFL have not confirmed the reporting by The Athletic.

By lifting these restrictions, the league is signaling a more flexible approach to integrating former players into broadcasting roles while balancing competitive concerns.

Brady, 48, is entering the second season of his 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports. He is slated to debut on Sept. 7, calling the game between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders Brady and his top FOX Sports crew will cover late Sunday afternoon games, Thanksgiving Day matchups, and key playoff contests, including the NFC Championship Game.

For Brady, the relaxed rules offer an opportunity to further cement his presence as a premier broadcaster while leveraging his unique perspective as a former quarterback and current team owner.

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Scott Borchetta Honored as MTSU Renames Media College

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Scott Borchetta Honored as MTSU Renames Media College

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has renamed its College of Media and Entertainment the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. The remaining for College honors Scott Borchetta, the founder/chairman, and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group.

The ceremony took place yesterday on the campus in Murfreesboro.

Borchetta told Billboard, “I am humbled and profoundly grateful to have MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment bear my name. The opportunity that this school affords to its students didn’t exist for me through college education in the 1980s. So it is an honor to now be part of building those bridges for young minds.”

“My goal is to inspire others and give back. Betting on the creativity of students who dedicate themselves to the entertainment field. The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment represents the next generation of innovators and creators, whose bold ideas will transform the media landscape.”

Image YouTube Screen Capture

The renaming of the school had been in the works for the past five years.

In a Billboard article, Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel said, “I can’t overestimate how important this is to the life and history of the college. This propels us to international acclaim because Scott’s name is recognized and respected around the world. By partnering with Scott, we are exposing our students to cutting-edge ideas and perspectives.”

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