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The Podcast Industry Reacts to Amazon Instituting Mass Layoffs at Wondery

Garrett Searight
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The Podcast Industry Reacts to Amazon Instituting Mass Layoffs at Wondery

Earlier this week, a report surfaced that Amazon is shuttering the Wondery podcast studio that it purchased for a reported $300 million in 2020.

Since that report surfaced, Amazon has refuted the claims, stating that it will still utilize Wondery as a brand name, but has simply split the studio’s workforce into different divisions. Its narrative podcast studio — which features stories ike Dr. Death, American History Tellers, and American Scandal — will be absorbed by Audible. While it’s creator-based content will shift its strategy to better compete with the likes of YouTube and Spotify.

What isn’t up for debate, however, is that Amazon is slashing 110 jobs from the podcast industry.

Barrett Media reached out to podcast industry experts to gauge what their view of the development is, what it says about the current state of the industry, and if the job cuts and potential shuttering of a podcast industry titan signal rough waters ahead.

“This is a meaningful inflection point for the industry,” said Amplifi Media CEO Steven Goldstein. “While it may feel sudden, the writing has been on the wall. Audible had a significant footprint at Podcast Movement in April and was one of the most visible sponsors at Podcast Show London just a few months ago. I’ve spoken with one of their biz dev people. Those were strong signals that Amazon was preparing to realign its podcast strategy.

“This consolidation reflects a broader shift happening in the industry: the move away from high-cost, narrative-first podcasting toward more scalable, monetizable, and creator-driven formats—especially those that embrace video,” Goldstein continued. “Podcasting is maturing. The early phase was defined by experimentation, prestige content, and storytelling craft. Now, we’re seeing the gravitational pull of audience growth and monetization shift toward shows that move faster, connect with personalities, and perform well across platforms like YouTube and TikTok.”

“I do think it is important to note that this isn’t Amazon pulling out of podcasting,” said Sounds Profitable partner Tom Webster, who noted his company will do what it can to help those employees affected by the layoffs. “This is Amazon reorganizing podcasting into two different buckets – their big “creator” deals that involve multiple content platforms, and podcasts (generally audio) that are well-suited to be produced under the existing infrastructure of Audible. To me, this is less about the podcasting space and more about how Amazon typically ingests and integrates its acquisitions.”

“On the one hand, this reorganization is unique to Amazon’s business, especially given that narrative audio already had a home within Audible,” said Signal Hill Insights President Paul Riismandel. “At the same time, this is just another signpost indicating how podcasting is shifting, with the growing influence of creators and video. 

“Podcasting has always been a medium of creators, and I’d argue that podcasters were ‘creators’ before the term as we use it today was coined – Marc Maron or the hosts of My Favorite Murder are just two examples. There’s always been some line between host/creator-driven and narrative-driven podcasts, and many podcast studios have organized their business understanding this difference,” Riismandel added. “Some even specialize in one or the other.  So, at a macro-level, one can see the logic in Amazon splitting these teams.”

We also spoke with Lindsay Graham. Not to be confused with the U.S. Senator from South Carolina, Graham has hosted 86 seasons of American History Tellers for Wondery, with many other projects — including American Scandal and 1865, as well — for the studio.

He stated that, from his standpoint, Podcasting has “reached a moment of identity crisis.

“With the ‘rise of video’ has come some confusion about what podcasts even are, but more importantly, how they can be created sustainably and monetized properly,” said Graham. “It appears to me that Wondery has realized that there are fundamental differences between creator/celebrity/personality-driven shows that offer low production costs and greater portability to video, and those podcasts Wondery made its name on: audio-first narratives that take longer and more resources to make.

“For a single organization, these differences — in budget, in monetization, in content creation, in growth strategy, in audience development — can lead to a lack of focus,” Graham continued. “Should Wondery chase the big win of a hit creator-driven show? Can that sort of success even be predicted or created? Or is it always like catching lightning in a bottle? Or, should Wondery knuckle down on the yeoman work of putting out interesting and entertaining audio content, every week, like it does with American Scandal? There are not many true similarities between Dr. Death and New Heights. They’re made differently, they’re consumed differently, they’re monetized differently, they grow differently, they’re sustained differently. 

“This is the reality Amazon faced. It appears to me that they’ve made the decision to place audio-first, narrative content with Audible, a company that lives in the audio-first, narrative space, and has for decades. That’s their lane … For names like LeBron James, Travis Kelce, even Monica Lewinsky, this might be a better fit where there is enormous cross-platform or ‘pan-Amazon’ potential. A LeBron James podcast isn’t really a podcast; it’s a franchise extension.

“And this means, I hope, that podcasts like American Scandal — a show that has consistently received millions of downloads a month for years — can continue to live on without the pressure of trying to be something it’s not, without a ‘pivot to video’ FOMO pulling focus away from what it does well, and sustainably.”

All three of our experts agreed that the move doesn’t signal an abandonment of the podcast genre by Amazon. In fact, some argued that it could ultimately lead to an expansion for Amazon to allocate its resources more efficiently after cutting the staff at Wondery.

However, all state that there were major implications for the podcast business as a whole with this move.

“This is another chapter in the rapid evolution of the podcast space,” Goldstein stated. “Spotify wants to become YouTube. YouTube wants to become Netflix. And Amazon, long playing a broader audio game, now sees the need to approach this market with more scale and focus. It’s important to keep in mind the audiobook business is far bigger than podcasting – roughly $8 billion vs $3 billion, so there is great synergy and it must have made sense to fold it into Audible.  

“It also speaks to the growing divide between two very different kinds of podcast content: Creator-led, personality-first shows that are more nimble, often video-friendly, and align better with today’s consumption patterns. Narrative, story-first shows that are expensive and hard to monetize at scale,” he concluded.

When asked about what the move said about the future of the business, Tom Webster argued that the focus should be on the now, instead.

“It says a lot about the present of the podcast business, which is an acknowledgement of the importance of video, and Amazon’s restructuring here simply makes that clear,” said Webster.

“As far as its relevance to the future of podcasting, I’d say this: a couple of years ago, Amazon laid off a bunch of people from its Zappos acquisition. I believe the future of shoes, however, remains bright.”

Riismandel said the move isn’t likely to be a bellwether for the industry as a whole

“It appears Amazon is reacting to a changing marketplace and changing consumer demand that has already been the talk of the business for quite some time,” said Riismandel. “Podcasting is dynamic, and resilient. Despite many predictions of podcasting’s decline or death, today there are more podcast consumers than ever before.

“As long as people want and need media that is ears-first and eyes optional – and this shows no sign of slowing down – then podcasting has a bright future. Podcasting also benefits from a diversity of publishers, producers, creators, and platforms. It’s still true that no one actor yet has enough influence to make or break the medium.” 

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.

5 Potential Landing Spots for Howard Stern If He Departs SiriusXM

Garrett Searight
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5 Potential Landing Spots for Howard Stern If He Departs SiriusXM

If reports are to be believed, the days of Howard Stern being a pivotal player at SiriusXM are numbered.

Stern’s contract is set to expire later this year, and he isn’t expected to come to an extension with SiriusXM.

“Sirius and Stern are never going to meet on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment,” a source told British tabloid The Sun about the contract negotiations between the two.

Howard Stern joined the company in 2006 after a 20-year run at WXRK in New York, where his show was nationally syndicated with more than 60 affiliates. Few, if any, have played a bigger role in the satellite radio company reaching the heights it has.

There will be plenty of time to examine what Stern’s radio legacy, both at SiriusXM and on terrestrial radio, looks like.

But there’s a more pressing question: Where does Howard Stern go next?

Spotify

Howard Stern doesn’t want to do a daily show anymore — and Spotify doesn’t require one. That’s the beginning of the conversation.

Spotify has clearly shown it’s willing to bet big on audio personalities who don’t produce content five days a week. Joe Rogan uploads a few times per week, Call Her Daddy drops new shows weekly, and even Bill Simmons is selective with his podcast output. The platform seems more interested in exclusive, high-profile voices than in high-volume production schedules. That flexibility could be exactly what Howard Stern is looking for.

Stern has been open about his growing fatigue with the daily grind. His current SiriusXM deal, while lucrative, still comes with the expectation of a near-daily schedule for part of the year. Spotify’s model might allow Stern to increase his relevance with younger audiences. It could also control potential burnout.

What Spotify would gain is obvious: a marquee name with unmatched brand equity in spoken-word audio. Stern still draws headlines, moves audiences, and brings credibility in a way few others can. And for Stern, it’s an exit ramp from the satellite world and a reentry into a platform that has no hesitation about letting its stars control the cadence.

Spotify doesn’t need Howard Stern to do a show every day. They need Howard Stern to be Howard Stern. That might be a deal both sides could live with.

iHeartMedia

Howard Stern has always been a larger-than-life radio figure—and iHeartRadio has built its empire by collecting exactly those kinds of names.

From Ryan Seacrest and Bobby Bones to Premiere Networks staples like Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck, iHeartMedia has consistently prioritized star power. Adding Stern to that roster wouldn’t just be a natural fit—it would be a strategic one. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent with an unmatched ability to command attention, and iHeart has the infrastructure to amplify it.

More importantly, iHeart isn’t squeamish about strong personalities. Keith Olbermann has a prominent home on the platform. So does Charlamagne tha God. The company has shown it’s more than willing to host controversial voices from both ends of the political and cultural spectrum, so concerns over Stern’s edgier moments wouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

And with the iHeartRadio app continuing to evolve as a destination for both live radio and on-demand content, Stern could thrive in both formats. He could be the perfect guinea pig for the company to see if audiences will tune in when he goes live. And he can also drop podcast-style shows when he doesn’t. There’s flexibility, scale, and a company ethos that values brand-name talent.

Stern’s time at SiriusXM may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean his time in audio is. If iHeart wants to make the biggest move it’s made in years, Stern might be sitting right there, ready to talk.

NBC/Peacock

Peacock needs content — and not just sports programming. It could really use something different, something loud, something people will actually talk about. That’s where Howard Stern comes in.

NBC already has a history with Stern. He spent four seasons as a judge on America’s Got Talent, where the network had no issue promoting him in prime time. Stern was unpredictable, sharp, and — most importantly– watchable. He gave AGT credibility and edge. Now, I know that you could argue Stern has changed wildly since 2015. But that relationship could easily be rekindled in a way that makes sense for where both sides are now.

Imagine a weekly Peacock-exclusive Stern series where he does what he does best: long-form interviews with celebrities, politicians, musicians, and newsmakers. Not a daily radio show. Not a reboot of what he’s done before. Just Howard in a studio, sitting across from the biggest names in the world, going deep like only he can.

Peacock doesn’t have a signature non-sports personality right now. Howard Stern could give Peacock its first must-watch original that isn’t tied to live sports or next-day NBC content.

And for Stern, it’s a way to stay in the game without grinding five days a week. With name recognition, a platform that needs him, and creative freedom on the table — there’s a lane here that makes more sense than people might think.

X

If Elon Musk truly believes X is the last bastion of free speech, there’s no better person to prove it than Howard Stern.

Stern’s political leanings have turned off many of his old-school fans—and likely Elon Musk himself. But if Musk is serious about building a platform where every voice is welcome, even those who criticize him, highlighting someone like Stern would be a bold, values-first move.

Stern might never even entertain the idea. He’s been openly critical of Musk, and the feeling might be mutual. But the reality is, there are very few platforms on the planet that could offer Stern the kind of check—or creative latitude—he’d require to make a move. X is one of them.

A show from Howard Stern could cut through in a way nothing else on the platform does right now.

For Musk, it’s a way to show that X isn’t just a clubhouse for one side of the political aisle. For Stern, it’s a potential blank canvas with nearly unlimited reach—and money.

The idea feels far-fetched, sure. But Howard Stern doesn’t need conventional. He needs power, reach, and flexibility. Musk could give him all three.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultimately, it’s probably most likely that Howard Stern does what basically everyone else does these days: launches a YouTube channel.

Because — and SiriusXM might not want to hear this — really, Howard Stern doesn’t need a company. He is the company.

After decades of corporate partnerships, the most likely move post-SiriusXM is independence via YouTube. No bosses, no filters, no restrictions. Just Howard doing what he wants, when he wants. He could broadcast weekly, upload clips whenever, and monetize through ads, memberships, and sponsors.

Stern already has the name recognition, the equipment, and the audience. Why split revenue with someone else when he can control it all himself? The play here isn’t a flashy new partnership — it’s a clean break and a YouTube channel with full creative freedom and zero red tape.

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 Watch: Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, CBS News

Garrett Searight
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The Watch: Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, CBS News

CBS News has struggled in the ratings with its nightly newscast. Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, however, hasn’t struggled. It’s routinely the top program in the Sunday morning political affairs realm.

Brennan has been well established in the role. She’s hosted the program since 2018, taking over the reins from John Dickerson — who anchors CBS Evening News alongside Maurice DuBois.

That long tenure means viewers are familiar with Brennan, feeling a sense of comfort tuning in and seeing that usual face behind the desk.

But what else is it that makes Margaret Brennan the quasi-Queen of the Sunday morning political affairs arena? Let’s find out.

I watched the episode from this past Sunday — which featured interviews with Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, among other segments — in the hour-long version of the show.

The program began — after the usual montage of what you’re about to see — with the interview with Greer. Brennan was transparent in that the interview had been pre-recorded on Friday, which only helps build credibility. It would have been easy to set things up to ask the first question of Greer, cut to one-shot on his answer, and see if the audience notices that Brennan isn’t wearing the same outfit she was to begin the show.

It also helps credibility by noting that if anything major happened, that could alter either the questions or answers in the interview.

Brennan flat-out grilled Greer throughout the somewhat lengthy interview. Critics will call it biased. A cynic might even argue Brennan is part of the “deep state.” But it felt like, from my viewpoint, a bulldog anchor trying to get answers for the American public.

She nailed down Greer on a number of items and forced him to give answers that he frankly didn’t want to give. But due to the insistence and toughness of Brennan, she got those statements from Greer.

As I sat and watched the show, I was taken aback by just how self-aware the program seems to be. It doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t capable of, and it doesn’t put Brennan in situations where she doesn’t excel. It’s clear that Margaret Brennan is an excellent interviewer. She isn’t as comfortable as the stereotypical news anchor, however. Not to say she isn’t good at it, but she’s not as good at that aspect of the job as she is at interviewing.

So, Face the Nation puts her in the best position to succeed. Fill as many openings and segments in the show with interviews — no matter how profile the guest — and see what happens. Brennan clearly has a game plan going into each conversation, and it shows.

Here’s the biggest takeaway I left Face the Nation with: Margaret Brennan isn’t trying to be friends with the people she interviews, and that’s exactly what makes her a successful Sunday morning anchor.

In a political media environment where some journalists are increasingly concerned with maintaining access and massaging egos, Brennan has carved out a reputation for tough but fair questioning. She is not interested in being liked by her guests. She’s interested in accountability. That’s a rare trait in 2025, when there are dozens of podcasts, YouTube channels, and friendly cable news outlets for elected officials and government insiders to appear on without breaking a sweat.

But Brennan, every Sunday on Face the Nation, insists on asking the question that might make someone squirm.

When lawmakers appear on CBS News, they’re met with a journalist who is more interested in pinning them down than giving them a runway to spin talking points. Brennan’s interviews regularly go viral, not because she’s inflammatory, but because she often manages to get clarity in moments where others would let the guest off the hook. She listens closely, follows up quickly, and, more often than not, makes news.

In an era where “access journalism” is its own beat, Brennan’s approach stands out. She doesn’t sacrifice precision for politeness, and she doesn’t soften questions to keep relationships intact. And it works. That’s why so many high-ranking officials continue to appear on her show. She doesn’t play games, she doesn’t sandbag, and she doesn’t grandstand — she just asks what viewers are thinking but may never get the chance to ask themselves.

There are more ways than ever for politicians and policy experts to control the environment around their interviews. They can decline a network hit and still reach millions. That makes it all the more impressive that Face the Nation still delivers meaningful answers from the country’s most powerful voices. Brennan’s credibility has become the show’s biggest draw. And that credibility is rooted in the fact that she’s not afraid to ask something that might make a guest think twice about coming back.

But they do. Because they know they’ll be treated fairly — and challenged. That’s Margaret Brennan’s edge. And that’s why Face the Nation still 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.

FOX Sports Radio Reaches Contract Extension With Ben Maller

BSM Staff
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FOX Sports Radio Reaches Contract Extension With Ben Maller

FOX Sports Radio and host Ben Maller have come to terms on a multi-year contract agreement to keep the longstanding talent on the network through his 25th year with the company.

Maller announced the news on his personal social media feed, revealing that he’s accepted a “hometown discount” to stay with FOX Sports Radio and Premiere Radio Networks.

Maller joined FOX Sports Radio just a month after the network’s debut in 2000, and he previously served as an update anchor and host for the network until his overnight program debuted in 2014.

Since then, Maller has hosted the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. program live from the Los Angeles, Calif.-based studios.

“BREAKING: After intense negotiations, we’ve reached an agreement in principle on a new multi-year contract to keep The Ben Maller Show rolling on Fox Sports Radio,” Maller tweeted. “This deal will take me past the 25-year mark with Premiere Radio Networks.”

Prior to joining FOX Sports Radio, Maller worked at KXTA “XTRA Sports 1150” in Los Angeles, Calif., where he hosted the popular midday program Ben & Dave Show, in addition to anchoring the post-game Dodger Talk with former longtime voice of the Dodgers, Ross Porter.

Moreover, Maller has previously served as an international correspondent for New Zealand’s premier sports station, “Radio Sport,” since 2009. He also worked as a television sports pundit at NBC Sports Network in Stamford, Conn., in addition to guest-hosting a number of local sports radio shows in Boston, Mass., Denver, Colo., and Anaheim, Calif.

He began his career as a radio reporter for “XTRA Sports 690,” the 77,000-watt all-sports blowtorch signal in San Diego, Calif. (XETRA).

In addition to his radio and television assignments, Maller enjoyed a successful career as a provocative sports blogger. He launched the sports news and gossip website BenMaller.com before writing nationally for FoxSports.com and Yahoo Sports.

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.

Grant McAuley Joins Atlanta Falcons Radio Network as Studio Host on 92.9 The Game

BSM Staff
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Grant McAuley Joins Atlanta Falcons Radio Network as Studio Host on 92.9 The Game

The Atlanta Falcons Radio Network will have a new voice guiding its studio coverage this season, as Grant McAuley has been named the network’s new studio host. The Falcons’ flagship station, 92.9 The Game, made the announcement via social media on Wednesday ahead of the team’s preseason opener Friday evening.

Shortly after the news broke, McAuley shared his excitement about joining the Falcons broadcast team via his X account.

“Thrilled to announce that I’m joining the Falcons Radio Network this season as a studio host,” tweeted McAuley. “Excited to get started. Thank you all and congratulations to everyone else joining the team.”

Meanwhile, the core broadcast booth remains intact. This year’s Falcons Radio Network will once again feature Wes Durham and Dave Archer, who will call their 22nd season together for the franchise. Additionally, McAuley will be joined by Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan, co-hosts of The Morning Shift on 92.9 The Game.

In other programming, Andy Bunker and Joe Patrick are set to host the station’s Tailgate Show, while Chris Thomas will return as host of the Falcons Flyover postgame program.

Beyond his new role with Falcons coverage, McAuley also serves as the Atlanta Braves reporter for the radio station and hosts the From The Diamond podcast.

Notably, McAuley is the husband of 92.9 The Game morning host Ali Mac, who joined the station earlier this year following the NFL Draft in April.

Since 2015, Audacy’s 92.9 The Game has held the broadcast rights for the franchise. The station currently serves as the flagship for 48 affiliates of the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network across the Southeast.

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.

Dan Patrick: ESPN Probably Has Already Looked The Other Way On Negative NFL Stories

BSM Staff
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Dan Patrick: ESPN Probably Has Already Looked The Other Way On Negative NFL Stories

Veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick didn’t mince words Tuesday when addressing ESPN’s newly announced agreement with the NFL—one that includes the network acquiring NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and a 10% equity stake going back to the league.

“The journalist in me would point out the conflict of interest,” Patrick said on The Dan Patrick Show. “ESPN can’t be any further in bed with the NFL.”

The new deal marks a striking shift from where things stood less than a decade ago. Patrick cited reporting from ESPN author James Andrew Miller that, just eight years ago, the network was questioning whether it should even continue its relationship with the NFL. That tension has now given way to a full-blown partnership—one that Patrick believes comes with serious implications for journalistic independence.

“Are they going to look the other way with whatever negative story that comes up? They’ve probably already done that,” stated Patrick. “Everybody’s in bed with the NFL. All networks have partnerships here.”

He pointed to his own time at ESPN Radio as an example. When ESPN’s scripted drama Playmakers drew the ire of the NFL, league executives called ESPN Radio and asked that it be pulled off the air. The company complied according to Patrick.

According to Patrick, this dynamic isn’t new—but it’s now official.

“As far as a conflict of interest, I think that’s long gone,” said Patrick. “There’s certain things that you’re just not going to cover. I don’t know how deep ESPN went in on the mess of the NFL Players Association. I know [Mike] Florio did.”

With ESPN now taking over the reins of NFL Network and RedZone—and expanding its game inventory—Patrick acknowledged the value of the deal from a business standpoint. But he also questioned what kind of accountability fans can expect from coverage moving forward.

“Outside the Lines is gone,” he said. “We’re in the content business. That’s what Jimmy Petaro who runs ESPN. They’re in the content business.”

Patrick credited Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk as one of the few national voices still willing to challenge the league, but wondered aloud whether ESPN reporters would have the latitude to do the same under this new structure. As for the NFL Network, Patrick credited the effort of the league.

“There’s a lot of great football people over there,” he added. “They gutted the place. That’s the disappointing part of it. A lot of great football people. They streamlined it so then they were going to sell it.”

Though Patrick didn’t dismiss the significance of the acquisition—calling it a “big, big, big deal”—he emphasized that with the NFL now owning a stake in its most prominent media partner, editorial independence may be the price paid for access.

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.

WWE President Nick Khan Credits ESPN, Disney for Being Ahead of the Game

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WWE President Nick Khan Credits ESPN, Disney for Being Ahead of the Game

After striking a deal with the NFL for ownership of NFL Network, RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy in exchange for a 10% equity stake in the network, ESPN then announced a five-year agreement with the WWE to bring the company’s marquee live events exclusively to the brand’s forthcoming standalone streaming service starting in 2026.

Under the agreement, ESPN will become the exclusive U.S. home for 10 of WWE’s top events. Among those events include WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. Additionally, the deal contains rights to air pre- and post-event programming. It also leaves the door open for select events to be simulcast on ESPN’s linear platforms.

WWE President Nick Khan spoke on The Varsity Podcast following the news of the deal and talked about why he feels the Walt Disney Company, along with the WWE’s other streaming partner NBC Universal, are ahead of the game.

“They [streaming companies] have a significant advantage over many of the traditional companies, but not in our opinion, Disney or NBCU,” Khan explained. “Those are the two companies of the traditionals [media companies] that are poised best to compete for the future.”

Furthermore, Khan went on to explain the vision Disney CEO Bob Iger had when he purchased Major League Baseball Advanced Media in 2016 was the correct one—understanding that the consumer was moving into the world of streaming content over the traditional pay TV model.

“The future was in front of us, and the future was streaming. It didn’t mean exclusive from traditional. It just meant you had to be able to watch whatever you wanted, wherever you wanted, on whatever device that you wanted,” said Khan. “I think Disney continues to stay ahead of the game. For those who do that, and who tend to look at the entire media landscape, not through rose colored lenses, the future should remain bright.”

In addition, Khan credited the relationship between the WWE and Peacock for building an amazing partnership coming out of the COVID pandemic. He also stated his excitement about joining the Disney family, which the WWE has had a history with—a positive one, according to Khan.

“It’s a significant step up. It’s a great platform for us,” said Khan. “To have WWE, what we consider to be the number one sports entertainment product in the world, on the most family friendly apparatus. It’s a big for all of us.”

The new ESPN streaming platform is launching on August 21. Much like its approach with the UFC through ESPN+, ESPN plans to integrate WWE into its promotional strategy in order to create early momentum.

Despite the ESPN agreement, WWE will maintain relationships with other major platforms. For example, Monday Night Raw will continue streaming globally on Netflix, while Friday Night SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event will remain with NBCUniversal and its Versant Media Group division. However, WWE’s partnership to air premium live events on NBC Peacock will come to an end.

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.

VSiN Adds Ben Stevens Following Departure From SportsGrid

BSM Staff
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VSiN Adds Ben Stevens Following Departure From SportsGrid

With the college football season just weeks away, VSiN is expanding its roster of betting talent. The Sports Betting Network announced that Ben Stevens will join the company to strengthen its already robust NCAA football programming.

“Ben is a terrific addition to the most trusted brand in sports betting information at a time when sports fans across the country look to us for information that helps them make informed college football wagering decisions,” said Steve Cohen, VSiN’s Executive Vice President of Talent and Programming. “A seasoned on-air sports betting talent that can speak across all major sports, ‘Big 10 Ben’ has deep expertise in college football that our viewers and listeners will enjoy.”

Stevens arrives from SportsGrid, where he spent the last five years as a lead on-air host. During his time there, he anchored the morning program The Early Line and served as the primary host for College Football Today. He also led coverage of high-profile events, including the NFL and NBA Drafts, NCAA Tournament specials, and Super Bowl week broadcasts live from Radio Row.

Known to audiences as “Big 10 Ben,” Stevens brings a mix of personality, sharp analysis, and a deep understanding of the college football landscape. His experience in both pregame breakdowns and live event coverage positions him well to contribute across multiple VSiN platforms.

“College football is my passion and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with sports bettors and fans throughout the season,” Stevens said in a statement. “I’m excited to deliver insights and expertise alongside the talented team at VSiN.”

VSiN delivers over 18 hours of live sports betting content each day and has become a trusted resource for both novice and experienced bettors. Its programming airs nationally on outlets like SiriusXM Channel 158 and YouTube TV, along with various local radio affiliate stations.

With the college football season quickly approaching—and the betting market around it continuing to grow—adding a familiar voice like Stevens is a clear signal that VSiN plans to double down on its commitment to smart, engaging 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.

Devan Kaney Returns as Philadelphia Eagles Radio Sideline Reporter for 2025 Season

BSM Staff
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Devan Kaney Returns as Philadelphia Eagles Radio Sideline Reporter for 2025 Season

Devan Kaney will return to the sidelines for the Philadelphia Eagles radio network this coming season. SportsRadio 94WIP made the announcement via their social media platforms on Wednesday, as the Eagles gear up for their first pre-season matchup tomorrow night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“She did a wonderful job [last season] and she is a very talented broadcaster,” said Eagles radio play-by-play voice Merrill Reese this morning on WIP. “She knows he football and she works hard. Devan was out at training camp every day this year. I think she’ll do a terrific job.”

Kaney stepped into the role last season, filling in for the departed Howard Eskin.

Eskin, who departed the station in December of last year, was unable to resolve “irreconcilable differences” with the radio station. He helped launch the station’s sports talk format in 1986 and recently concluded a 38-year run with the outlet. In an interview with Barrett Media last year, he expressed disappointment that he would be unable to finish the Eagles season on the sidelines. However, he looks back on his days covering the team fondly and hopes to apply the knowledge elsewhere.

Kaney, who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received her master’s degree in broadcast journalism from American University, joined SportsRadio 94WIP three years ago. Since then, she has contributed to the morning drive program with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, while also working as a betting analyst for the BetQL Network. Additionally, Kaney was on the air last week co-hosting editions of the morning program alongside Tom Kelly.

Furthermore, Kaney also works as a weekend sports anchor for FOX 29 News Philadelphia and as an in-arena host for the Philadelphia Flyers. She formerly worked as a sideline reporter for NBC Sports, ESPN, and the Philadelphia Wings, along with hosting at SuperBook Sports and Newsy. Moreover, Kaney also hosted the Eagles postgame show for JAKIB Media Sports for two seasons.

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.

Pat McAfee Takes Shot at ESPN ‘Suits’ Following WWE Partnership With Network

BSM Staff
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Pat McAfee Takes Shot at ESPN ‘Suits’ Following WWE Partnership With Network

Pat McAfee has been no stranger to creating controversy with certain members of management at ESPN. The wildly popular host of The Pat McAfee Show is in nearing entering the third year of a reported five-year licensing agreement with the network which simulcasts his program on ESPN from 12pm-2pm.

Following the news of ESPN and the WWE coming to terms on a five-year agreement to house the wrestling company’s premium live events on the new ESPN direct-to-consumer platform beginning next year, McAfee shared his thoughts via his X social media account taking aim at some unnamed suits at the network.

“Great to see two powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together,” tweeted McAfee. “I assume all the mid level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow (out of context leaks/ignorant anonymous opinions/etc.) but, in the end.. this agreement will outlive the dinosaurs currently guarding desks in Bristol and this deal will be great for ESPN.”

McAfee also appears on “College GameDay” during college football season for ESPN and has also had multiple stints serving as a commentator for WWE. He most recently partnered up with Michael Cole at the broadcast table for “Raw” on Monday nights, but recently stepped away from his announcing duties in June due to mental exhaustion.

The former Colts punter has stirred the pot previously with ESPN management. McAfee took aim at former ESPN executive Norby Williamson for what McAfee called a “sabotage” of his program. Williamson then exited ESPN in April of 2024. McAfee has also took shots when he believed certain members of ESPN management didn’t want ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania to be “the guy” for the network’s NBA coverage.

McAfee’s program has not aired since last Thursday with the NFL training camps and preseason underway.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, ESPN will become the exclusive U.S. home for 10 of WWE’s top events. Among those events include WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. The deal contains rights to air pre- and post-event programming. It also leaves the door open for select events to be simulcast on ESPN’s linear 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.

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