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Newsmax Host Carl Higbie Hosting Show From Israel Ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu Speech

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Newsmax Host Carl Higbie Hosting Show From Israel Ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu Speech

Newsmax host Carl Higbie is broadcasting his program from Israel, as the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets set to speak at an event for the company.

Carl Higbie Frontline is being hosted from the Middle East, with the former Navy SEAL opining on the state of the region, including the hotly contested Gaza Strip.

During his tour of the Middle East, Higbie noted that he had visited several countries.

“In the last 36 hours, I’ve been from Syria, Lebanon, along with the Palestinian territory on the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and back to the studio here in Jerusalem to give you this show,” he began Monday’s program.

“Threat level permitting, we will be in or near Gaza this week,” he added.

Higbie’s visit to the area comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech at a Newsmax event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem. The event is set to celebrate the “enduring friendship and shared democratic values between the United States and Israel.

“America and Israel share a deep and unbreakable bond grounded in freedom, democracy, and mutual respect,” said Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy. “This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate those ties while also fostering dialogue and cooperation among leaders in politics, media, and business.”

Newsmax will broadcast the speech slated for Wednesday at 1 PM ET. Netanyahu is expected to be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, along with dignitaries Alan Dershowitz and Malcolm Hoenlein.

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.

Taylor Swift Joins Kelce Bros Podcast, Reveals New Album

BMM Staff
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Taylor Swift Joins Kelce Bros Podcast, Reveals New Album

The internet has been buzzing with news that Taylor Swift is set to appear tomorrow (Wednesday) on her boyfriend Travis Kelce and brother Jason’s podcast “New Heights.”

In a teaser for the podcast, Swift dropped big news, announcing her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” No release date was announced.

This will be Swift’s first podcast appearance and her first interview since being named TIME Magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year.

When the podcast drops….watch this space.

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.

Beasley Media Group Sees 12% Revenue Decline in 2025’s 2nd Quarter, Announces Sale of Ft. Myers Cluster

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Beasley Media Group Sees 12% Revenue Decline in 2025’s 2nd Quarter, Announces Sale of Ft. Myers Cluster

Beasley Media Group has announced its financial results for the 2nd quarter, and the figures show a decline for the company.

In total, the company saw $53 million in revenue during April, May, and June. That figure represents a 12.3% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Operating income dropped from $5.4 million last year to $2.9 million this year, which the company says can be attributed to a $7.4 million decline in new revenue.

Beasley reported a net operating loss of $0.2 million during the quarter. That is actually below the $0.3 million operating loss it saw last year during the same quarter.

The Adjusted EBITDA for Beasley Media Group was $4.7 million in the second quarter, compared to $8.8 million in the same window a year ago.

 “Our second quarter results reflect continued progress in reshaping our business for long-term profitability,” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley stated. “While top-line performance was impacted by advertising softness and ongoing sales execution challenges, we are encouraged by the growth in our high-margin digital offerings and the positive impact of our aggressive cost reduction efforts. We reported an operating income of $2.9 million, highlighting the early benefits of our transformation. Digital revenue now accounts for over 25% of total revenue, and our focus on owned-and-operated platforms and direct sales continues to drive scalable, higher-margin growth.

“We remain committed to disciplined capital and cost management, while investing in our differentiated content, digital infrastructure, and self-service platforms,” Beasley continued. “With a leaner operating structure, a sharper focus on local and digital-first revenue streams, and an accelerated product roadmap including the introduction of new products and our new self-serve platform launching in Q3 we believe Beasley is better positioned than ever to capture emerging opportunities and deliver sustainable value for our stockholders. As part of our efforts to strengthen our balance sheet and streamline our portfolio, we announced the pending sales of WPBB in Tampa and five stations in Ft. Myers.”

The company did not disclose who the prospective buyer of the six stations would be. The stations in question include 96 K-Rock, Playa 99.3 (Tropical), B103.9 (CHR), Sunny 106.3 (AC), ESPN Southwest Florida, and Podcast Radio 101.5.

A sale of the company’s Ft. Myers cluster comes on the heels of Beasley Media Group selling 98.7 The Shark in Tampa earlier this summer to EMF.

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 Announces Contract Extension for Lisa Salters, Promotes Laura Rutledge, Adds Katie George, Peter Schrager

BSM Staff
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ESPN Announces Contract Extension for Lisa Salters, Promotes Laura Rutledge, Adds Katie George, Peter Schrager

With the 2025 Monday Night Football season approaching, ESPN is retooling its broadcast teams, extending the contract of veteran reporter Lisa Salters, promoting Laura Rutledge into a weekly sideline role, and adding Katie George and Peter Schrager to the mix. The moves will ensure two sideline reporters for all 25 NFL on ESPN games this season.

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Salters will return for their third season together in the Monday Night Football booth, with Rutledge joining them on the sideline for all 20 of their telecasts. George and Schrager will work alongside Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick on five games — the four weeks the schedule features multiple Monday night matchups and the Week 18 Saturday doubleheader.

Salters’ extension further cements her place as the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history, entering her 14th season. Over 25 years at ESPN, she has been one of the company’s most visible journalists, with multiple Emmys for her work on E:60, SportsCenter, and the NBA Finals. In 2023, she earned the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Reporter.

Rutledge, a two-time Emmy winner herself, has become a familiar presence on the MNF sidelines in recent seasons. She has shared duties with Salters on more than a dozen high-profile games, including playoff broadcasts, while also working dual-game weeks with Fowler’s crew. This fall, Rutledge will maintain her roles as host of NFL Live and SEC Nation, adding a consistent primetime NFL presence to her resume.

In Week 2, George will make her NFL debut when the Chargers face the Raiders. Known for her work as a top college football sideline reporter for ESPN and ABC, George has been part of several College Football Playoff Semifinals and earned an Emmy in May for her contributions to SEC on ABC coverage. The former University of Louisville volleyball standout is also a regular on NBA telecasts and will continue her duties across football and basketball.

Schrager, who joined ESPN in March, brings prior NFL sideline experience from FOX and NFL Network. He will also maintain a heavy studio presence, appearing on Get Up, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Live, and SportsCenter, particularly around major NFL calendar events like the Super Bowl, free agency, and the draft.

Behind the camera, Artie Kempner will make his Monday Night Football directing debut after three decades leading NFL productions at FOX. He will work with veteran ESPN producer Steve Ackels to oversee Buck, Aikman, Salters, and Rutledge’s broadcasts.

On ESPN Deportes, MJ Acosta-Ruiz returns for her second season on the sideline, joining longtime reporter John Sutcliffe, who last year celebrated his 300th MNF game. They will work alongside play-by-play voice Rebeca Landa and analyst Sebastian Martinez-Christensen for the network’s Spanish-language coverage.

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 Hill Appoints Lindsey Granger as Co-Host of ‘Rising’ Morning Show

BNM Staff
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The Hill Appoints Lindsey Granger as Co-Host of ‘Rising’ Morning Show

The Hill has announced the addition of Lindsey Granger to the outlet’s Rising morning show, anchoring the program beside Robby Soave beginning today.

The program airs from 9-10 AM ET and will now be available on broadcast TV for the first time, as it has been added to the DCNEWSNOW channel on the Nexstar Media-owned station.

Granger joined NewsNation in 2024 after previously working at The View, and hosting the nationally syndicated talk show Daily Blast Live. She has also served as a correspondent and host for outlets like The List, People, and Time magazine. Granger also spent time working at MSNBC and NBC News.

“Joining NewsNation last year and now expanding my role to co-host Rising feels like finding the right home at the right time — a place where wide-ranging analysis isn’t just welcomed, it’s championed,” said Granger. “I’m proud to bring my voice as a journalist and political analyst to a team committed to nuance, fearless storytelling, and sparking conversations that resonate far beyond the beltway.

“Sharing work I’ve built from the ground up, including World of Travel, with a platform that values both journalistic depth and creative vision is an incredible honor,” she concluded.

“Lindsey has a unique voice that is needed in the current marketplace, and we are delighted to bring her on board,” added Bill Sammon, Senior Vice President of Washington, D.C. editorial content at The Hill. “Her passion for the country and experience debating a wide variety of topics will make her an asset to the show. We are also thrilled that Washingtonians will have the opportunity to watch Rising’s new duo on their local DCNEWSNOW station.”

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.

Scott Hanson Open to Idea of Hosting a College Football RedZone

BSM Staff
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Scott Hanson Open to Idea of Hosting a College Football RedZone

NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson isn’t ruling out a jump into the college football version of the whip-around format — if ESPN ever decides to make it happen. Hanson, who will lead RedZone into its first season on ESPN this fall, said on The Rich Eisen Show that the network’s leadership would only need to call if they were serious about expanding the concept to Saturdays.

“If Bob Iger, Jimmy Pitaro, [or] Burke Magnus want to hit me up… I love college every bit as much as I love pros,” Hanson said.

However, the veteran host noted that producing a college football version of RedZone comes with unique challenges compared to the NFL.

First, ESPN does not own the television rights to every conference, which would make it impossible to feature every major game in one place currently. While the network controls significant inventory, especially in the SEC and ACC, other conferences have exclusive deals elsewhere.

Second, Hanson pointed to the lack of synchronized start times in college football. “You get a good batch kicking off at noon Eastern, but they’re not all synchronized,” he explained. “They come at different times. The games go throughout the day.”

Beyond scheduling and rights issues, Hanson also believes the average sports fan’s familiarity with college football rosters isn’t as comprehensive as it is in the NFL.

“If your favorite team is the New York Giants, fine… you can probably still name the other 31 starting quarterbacks in the NFL,” Hanson said. “If your favorite team is the Alabama Crimson Tide, you probably know [them], but you can’t name me 30 other quarterbacks in college football. You might be able to name the rest of the SEC… but college is not quite as accessible to the frontal lobe of the American sports fan as it is in the NFL.”

The NFL’s version of RedZone has become a Sunday staple for football fans since its launch in 2009, showing every touchdown from every game without commercial breaks. ESPN’s acquisition of NFL RedZone will need regulatory approval but once complete will mark a new chapter for the broadcast and for Hanson, who has hosted the program since its inception.

While a college football RedZone remains a hypothetical, Hanson’s openness to the idea — combined with ESPN’s ongoing interest in unique live programming formats — could keep the concept in play.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro told The Press Box podcast Monday that ESPN is already discussing ideas regarding the RedZone trademark and how to use it for other sports. Potential expansions could include college football, as well as professional leagues like the NBA and NHL, provided those organizations are interested in collaborating.

“I think the RedZone brand is pretty compelling, and there is significant opportunity,” Pitaro said. “We are starting to think about what opportunities there could be. Whether it’s college football…There are other sports that we’ve started to think about other leagues, like the NBA, the NHL, of course, that would have to be done in partnership with those leagues, and they would have to want this.”

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.

Verdict with Ted Cruz Hits 200th Affiliate with Addition of WRVA

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Verdict with Ted Cruz Hits 200th Affiliate with Addition of WRVA

Verdict with Ted Cruz — the iHeartMedia podcast turned nationally syndicated radio show — is celebrating a milestone as it hit its 200th affiliate with WRVA in Richmond.

The show will air at 9 PM ET on Sundays at the Audacy Richmond news/talk station. Verdict is made available to stations through Premiere Networks and is able to be broadcast at any time throughout the weekend.

The show is hosted by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Premiere Networks host Ben Ferguson.

“We’re proud to celebrate our 200th affiliate, WRVA!” said Ben Ferguson. “This milestone shows how Verdict continues to resonate with listeners and stations across the country—and we’re just getting started.”

The show launched into national syndication in April, with 100 stations broadcasting the program on its launch. Verdict with Ted Cruz was first launched in January 2020 as a podcast, before being acquired by iHeartMedia in 2022.

“It’s a great opportunity to communicate directly with the American people,” Senator Cruz told Barrett Media about the podcast and radio show earlier this year. “And not go through a middleman, not go through a mediator, and connect directly with Texans and with Americans, and explain what is happening in Washington. The podcast and now the brand new radio show does something you can’t get anywhere else. It takes you behind the scenes. It takes you behind the scenes in the United States Senate, it takes you behind the scenes of the White House, it takes you behind the scenes of the U.S. Supreme Court, and explains what’s happening and why it matters.”

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.

Cadillac Jack McCartney Departs Beasley Boston, VP Role

BMM Staff
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Cadillac Jack McCartney Departs Beasley Boston, VP Role

Amid a recent wave of cost-cutting measures at Beasley Media Group, longtime programming executive “Cadillac Jack” McCartney has exited his dual posts as Director of Programming for the company’s Boston stations and Corporate Vice President of Strategy & Analytics.

McCartney had been at the helm of the Boston cluster since 2013. First under Greater Media and later Beasley following its acquisition. His oversight included WMJX-FM, WKLB-FM, WBOS-FM and WROR-FM

In late 2020, he was promoted to the corporate VP position. This expanded his scope to company-wide strategic planning, competitive positioning, and research analysis.

Before his time with Greater Media, McCartney logged nearly 20 years with Clear Channel (now iHeartMedia) in high-profile programming leadership roles. In Boston, he served as Operations Manager and Program Director for both Kiss 108 and Jam’n 94.5, ultimately running the entire Boston group for a decade.

Between 2007 and 2010, he also programmed Power 105.1 in New York. Before moving into the VP of Programming role for Clear Channel New York. There, he oversaw Z100, WLTW, WKTU, and WAXQ.

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.

Mike Missanelli Speaks Following Dismissal From 97.5 The Fanatic

BSM Staff
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Mike Missanelli Speaks Following Dismissal From 97.5 The Fanatic

Former 97.5 The Fanatic radio host Mike Missanelli has broken his silence following his dismissal from the radio station after his program on Friday. The long-tenured voice of Philadelphia sports radio had returned to the airwaves of 97.5 The Fanatic in August of 2024, following a two-year departure from the brand.

On Monday, taking to his social media feed, Missanelli explained the details surrounding his removal from the station last week.

“For the folks who noticed I’m not on the air today…I was informed after last Friday’s show that I was being let go as part of the company’s ongoing budget cuts,” wrote Missanelli. “I had planned to retire (with a lil dignity) at the end of my contract next February.”

Previously, Missanelli had been with 97.5 The Fanatic for 15 years before his surprise exit in May of 2022. However, The Mike Missanelli Show made its return in 2024 in the midday time slot on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Missanelli joined by Bill Colarulo, a former attorney turned sports talk host.

In June, Colarulo was promoted to afternoon drive alongside co-host Ricky Bottalico.

As the dust settled, Missanelli reflected on what his next steps might be.

“I want to thank the many people who listened to me over the years, and the great colleagues with whom I worked,” wrote Missanelli. “It was a blast. What’s next? Podcast world? Who knows. God speed. Go birds.”

Furthermore, Missanelli was just one of many programming cuts made over the weekend by Beasley Media Group. Other departures included Jack McCartney, who was removed as Director of Programming for Beasley’s Boston cluster and corporate VP/Strategy & Analytics. Additionally, Magic 98.3 Program Director/midday host Debbie Mazella and Rock 105.5 PD/midday host Terrie Carr also exited the company.

Financially, Beasley Media Group reported a 12.3% year-over-year revenue decline in the second quarter of 2025, with net revenue falling to $53.0 million from $60.4 million. On a same-station basis, revenue decreased 11.1%, largely driven by continued softness in the traditional audio ad market. Nevertheless, the drop was partially offset by growth in high-margin digital sales, which increased 1.3% to $13.2 million and now account for 25% of total revenue.

Looking ahead, CEO Caroline Beasley said the results reflect “continued progress in reshaping our business for long-term profitability,” pointing to growth in digital offerings and cost reductions.

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 Unveils Opening Week, Christmas Day NBA Schedule

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ESPN Unveils Opening Week, Christmas Day NBA Schedule

ESPN and ABC are once again making a splash to open the NBA season, announcing a packed Opening Week and a tradition-rich Christmas Day lineup for the 2025-26 campaign. The networks’ coverage will feature marquee matchups loaded with star power, starting Wednesday, Oct. 22, and continuing with the league’s most-watched regular season day on Thursday, Dec. 25.

Now entering its 24th straight season as an NBA broadcast partner, ESPN remains the exclusive home for the league’s biggest moments — including the NBA Finals on ABC.

The season tips off Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. with Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders at Madison Square Garden. At 9:30 p.m., the focus shifts to Dallas, where No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg makes his debut for the Mavericks against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Opening Week continues Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. with a Finals rematch between reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder — led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — and the Indiana Pacers, paced by Pascal Siakam. The late game at 10 p.m. features another star-laden clash as Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors host three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets.

ESPN and ABC will again air all five Christmas Day games delivering wall-to-wall coverage of what has become the NBA’s most celebrated regular season date.

The action starts at noon from Madison Square Garden with the Cavaliers and Knicks meeting again in a holiday rematch. At 2:30 p.m., Wembanyama and the Spurs travel to Oklahoma City to face Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.

The 5 p.m. window sees Flagg and the Mavericks visiting Curry and the Warriors, followed by an 8 p.m. primetime showcase in Los Angeles. The Lakers, featuring LeBron James and Luka Dončić, take on the Houston Rockets and newly acquired superstar Kevin Durant in a matchup dripping with intrigue.

The night ends at 10:30 p.m. in Denver, where Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves — fresh off a Western Conference Finals run — face Jokić and the Nuggets.

The complete 2025-26 NBA on ESPN regular season schedule will be released Thursday.

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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