Home Blog Page 475

Detroit Tigers, Red Wings Announce Broadcast Partnership With MLB

0

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment has struck a landmark media agreement with Major League Baseball that reshapes how local broadcasts will be produced and distributed for two of Detroit’s most prominent franchises, offering long-term clarity amid ongoing instability across the regional sports network landscape.

Beginning with the 2026 season, Detroit Tigers games will be produced and distributed directly by Major League Baseball, marking the first time the league has entered into a comprehensive, team-specific partnership of this scope with a club ownership group. The arrangement expands further in 2026-27, when the Detroit Red Wings transition into the same ecosystem, with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment overseeing production while MLB supports backend processes.

The partnership creates a centralized platform for fans across Michigan and the teams’ broader home television territories. It allows access to games and related content through both traditional broadcasts and direct-to-consumer options.

While details regarding cable, satellite, and streaming distribution have not been finalized, the company emphasized continuity. Fans should expect viewing options to remain consistent with current methods. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson described the move as a proactive response to growing uncertainty. He pointed to ongoing financial disruptions within the regional sports broadcasting model. Gustafson also cited continued rights instability across multiple markets.

“We have two of the top-rated broadcasts in our respective sports and remain focused on listening to fans about what matters most to them. What we’ve heard includes making sure our games are available throughout the market, providing a reliable streaming product, and producing a broadcast that’s informative and entertaining in all the right ways,” said Gustafson. “This is a great path forward in those areas, allowing us to provide a great experience for fans throughout our local market.”

Outside of nationally selected telecasts, Tigers and Red Wings games will remain available throughout the local market. Fans can access games through cable or satellite packages. Streaming subscriptions will also offer access, ensuring broad reach across platform preferences.

Under the Tigers portion of the agreement, MLB will handle full broadcast production and distribution responsibilities. That includes negotiating carriage agreements and operating a direct-to-consumer streaming service. Detroit’s established on-air team is expected to return for the 2026 season. The group is led by Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson on play-by-play. Analysts Andy Dirks and Dan Petry are also expected back.

The transition follows a surge in viewership during the Tigers’ 2025 campaign. Per-game streamers increased by 121 percent. Per-game household impressions jumped 101 percent. Only five U.S.-based teams surpassed Detroit in average per-game viewership last season. Just two teams posted a higher overall rating.

The Red Wings will complete the shift following the 2025-26 NHL season. Coverage on FanDuel Sports Network is expected to continue through the end of the current agreement, with additional details regarding future distribution to be announced closer to the 2026-27 season.

Longtime broadcast voices Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond are expected to remain central figures in Red Wings telecasts moving forward.

Taken together, the agreement positions Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and MLB at the forefront of a shifting local media model, one designed to stabilize team broadcasts while adapting to how fans increasingly choose to watch.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt Scores Interview with New Venezuelan Government Leadership

0

Newsmax host Rob Schmitt has secured an interview with Jorge Rodriguez, one of the new leaders of the Venezuelan government.

On Rob Schmitt Tonight at 7 PM ET on Monday evening, Schmitt will host an interview with Rodriguez, who has served as the President of the National Assembly since 2021.

Rodriguez previously served as the Minister of Communication and Information under Maduro until departing in 2020 to run for the nation’s parliament later that year.

His sister, Delcy Rodriguez, has been serving as the President of Venezuela since the capture and arrest of Nicolas Maduro in January.

In a post on X, Schmitt called the interview opportunity “a huge get for Newsmax.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Michael Kay: I Would Have Fired Tony Dungy for Not Discussing Hall of Fame Vote on NBC Sports

0

Michael Kay did not mince words when reacting to NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy declining to discuss his Pro Football Hall of Fame vote during Super Bowl coverage on NBC Sports. Kay reflected on the moment as one that sparked fresh debate about transparency, media responsibility, and accountability among high-profile analysts.

During Monday’s Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York, Kay expressed disbelief that Dungy, who serves as both a Hall of Fame voter and a paid television analyst, would refuse to address a decision tied directly to one of the most polarizing storylines in football. That storyline centered on Bill Belichick not being elected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“Tony Dungy, again, who’s getting paid by NBC, was asked on the never-ending pregame show whether or not he voted for Bill Belichick,” Kay said. “He said he’s not going to discuss it. First of all, if I’m NBC, I fire him on the spot. We’re paying you whatever amount of money we’re paying you. You are discussing it.”

Kay framed the issue less as a personal disagreement and more as a professional contradiction. From his perspective, Dungy’s refusal undermined the very purpose of his role on a national broadcast. Kay questioned the value proposition for networks when analysts decline to engage on consequential topics.

In his view, refusing to speak does not protect credibility. Instead, it erodes trust with the audience, particularly when the subject involves a historic decision.

The frustration did not stop there. Kay also challenged what he perceived as a disconnect between Dungy’s long-standing public image and his silence in this moment. While acknowledging Dungy’s reputation as a respected figure in football circles, Kay suggested that avoiding scrutiny only intensified the backlash.

“I don’t get Tony Dungy’s game,” Kay said. “Supposedly a good guy, God-fearing man. You do something that is a big part of history. You keep the greatest coach of all time from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and you don’t have the guts to discuss it?”

Kay added that declining to explain the vote made the situation worse rather than defusing it. He argued that transparency, even when uncomfortable, often strengthens credibility. Silence, however, invites speculation and criticism.

Dungy, who works as an analyst for NBC Sports, has not publicly expanded on his decision beyond declining to comment on air. The Hall of Fame voting process allows voters to keep ballots private, a rule that many media members have cited in defense of Dungy’s stance.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me,” said Kay. “Really bad for a guy who has pretty much a pristine reputation does not come out looking good with this.”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Poll: 68% of Republican Voters Oppose Nexstar-TEGNA Meger, New Data Shows

0

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump reversed his stance on the Nexstar-TEGNA merger. However, new polling would show that it would be unpopular with Republican voters.

According to a survey from Public Opinion Strategies, 68% of self-identified Republican voters were opposed to the merger, while only 7% of those voters supported the acquisition.

83% of respondents said they believe local TV stations should be locally owned. 2% said they would prefer local stations be owned by major corporate ownership. An additional 75% of those surveyed said they opposed large corporate TV groups buying local TV stations.

Of those surveyed, 59% siad they were “very convinced” of their stance on the Nexstar-TEGNA merger.

Should the merger go through, Nexstar Media Group would add 64 stations from TEGNA to its already existing stable of 200 stations. That means the company could reach more than 80% of all U.S. households, well surpassing the current limit of 39%.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump urged regulators to get the deal between the two entities completed as soon as possible.

“We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks,” Trump said. “Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar – Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level. Those that are opposed don’t fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE!”

The statement from Trump comes after sharing his opposition to removing ownership limits late last year. At that time, he argued that he’d rather see a reduction rather than an expansion.

“NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS,” Trump wrote in a November 2025 Truth Social post. “If anything, make them SMALLER!”

Those comments were on the opposite end of the spectrum of those shared by FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Carr has continually argued for the deal’s approval.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Radio Digital Revenue Surpasses $2 Billion, Is Largest Growth Driver New RAB Data Shows

0

The Radio Advertising Bureau — in conjunction with Borrell Associates — released its annual Digital Benchmarking Report. It shows that digital revenue from radio companies surpassed $2 billion in 2025.

Last year, digital revenue reached $2.3 billion according to the 14th annual report from the RAB and Borrell Associates.

The Borrell forecast shows that digital revenue will rise 9.5% in 2026 compared to the 7.5% of growth it experienced in 2025. Those projections would see digital revenue from radio broadcasters grow to $2.5 billion in 2026.

According to the report, the average radio station geenrated $511,873 in digital revenue in 2025, with the average cluster experiencing $2.2 million in digital revenue. Furthermore, digital sales accounted for 24.4% of total revenue nationwide according to the report.

“Advertisers are recognizing the digital services and products that exist as part of broadcast radio’s marketing toolbox and are taking advantage of it,” said RAB CEO and President Mike Hulvey. “Today’s marketers are digitally savvy and understand the need to meet their customers wherever they are and across radio’s platforms.”

“Digital has moved from being a nice add-on to a primary growth engine,” added Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell. “This is just the start. With three-fourths of radio buyers not yet taking advantage of a station’s digital products, substantial growth is ahead for stations that can demonstrate a radio-plus-digital package drives better results than radio alone.”

The report shared that the top 5% of radio clusters made three-to-four-times more digital revenue than the average cluster in similar-sized markets.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Best Practice Management Software for Accounting Firms (2026 Guide)

0

Most accounting firms don’t run into trouble because they lack technical skill. They run into trouble because work piles up in too many places at once. A task lives in one system, a document in another, client messages are scattered across email and portals, and nobody is fully sure what’s done or what’s waiting.

By 2026, that kind of setup isn’t just frustrating – it’s risky. Deadlines move faster, clients expect clearer communication, and teams don’t have patience for patchwork systems anymore. Practice management software has become less about “optimization” and more about keeping work visible and under control.

Let’s break down what actually matters now, and how to choose software that fits the way firms really operate.

What “Good” Looks Like in 2026

At this point, most firms agree on the basics. You need a place where tasks, documents, deadlines, and client communication live together. Not because it sounds efficient, but because work falls apart when those things drift.

The best systems I see firms using today do a few things really well. They centralize the workflow so no one’s wondering where something is. They automate follow-ups, so staff aren’t stuck nudging clients or teammates all day. And they surface useful information at the right time – who’s behind on what, what’s still waiting on documents, where projects stand. Security is assumed: client-facing software needs to have encryption, access controls, and audit trails. If it doesn’t, it’s a non-starter.

Scalability isn’t about “enterprise-ready” buzzwords. The test is much simpler: can your workflow stay the same even if you double your client base or add new team members?

Fit Matters More Than Features

One mistake I see often is firms treating software shopping like picking out a printer – focusing on feature checklists instead of daily experience. That approach usually backfires.

For solo practitioners, the priority tends to be simplicity and time savings. They’re looking for systems that don’t need a full admin team to maintain, just tools that handle reminders and track the work without getting in the way. In contrast, small and mid-sized firms are often buried under layers of software added over time, one tool for tasks, another for billing, another for client communication. Eventually, it becomes impossible to tell where the bottleneck actually is.

Larger firms have a different kind of chaos. They don’t lack tools, they lack clarity. Managers need to assign and review work without daily check-ins. Partners want real-time snapshots without having to ask someone to “pull a report.” When those needs go unmet, the whole operation slows down.

The software you pick should map to how your firm works right now, not how the sales deck says it could work “once you restructure everything.”

A Few Tools Firms Keep Coming Back To

There’s no shortage of practice management platforms out there, but a few continue to stand out for very practical reasons.

TaxDome is popular with firms that want to keep everything in one place without sacrificing usability. It handles workflow, document exchange, client communication, invoicing, and even automation – all within one login. The firms that tend to get the most out of it are the ones that commit to using it consistently across their entire team. It’s not about bells and whistles – it’s about not needing to switch tools every 20 minutes.

Karbon is often favored by firms that emphasize internal collaboration and need granular control over who sees what, when. It works well for practices with larger teams or more complex approval chains.

Then there are general project management tools like Asana or Trello. They still have their place, usually in boutique firms with very specific workflows. But most teams move on once they start managing sensitive documents, client deadlines, or invoicing.

The real red flag isn’t the tool – it’s the need to glue multiple tools together just to get the job done. That’s when things break quietly, and often.

Implementation Is Where Most Firms Stumble

Buying software is easy. Using it well is where the hard part starts.

The firms that make smooth transitions tend to slow down and focus on a few unglamorous but necessary tasks. They block time to train their teams. They clean up existing processes before trying to automate them. And they prepare clients for changes instead of assuming they’ll just adapt.

If you’ve ever launched a new client portal without telling clients what’s different or why, you already know how that goes. Confusion, missed documents, and more emails than before.

Getting this part right doesn’t just make life easier. It reduces the noise your team deals with every day.

How to Tell if It’s Actually Working

You don’t need complex dashboards or custom metrics to figure out whether your software is helping. Just watch what’s happening.

If jobs move without delays, clients stop chasing you for updates, and your team isn’t constantly checking three places to find one task – that’s a sign things are working. Firms sometimes track revenue per employee or turnaround time, but those are outcomes. The day-to-day signal is: does work feel smoother? Do you know what’s going on without having to ask?

That’s the kind of clarity most firms are really after.

Choose Software That Reduces Friction, Not Just Admin

Practice management tools shouldn’t promise to transform your business. They should help you spend less time untangling processes and more time doing actual client work.

The right system clears the fog. It helps you see what’s due, what’s done, and what’s slipping through. It cuts down on follow-ups, creates space for judgment work, and quietly makes the entire firm easier to run.

If you’re picking a platform this year, look past the features. Ask how it handles a bad week. That’s where good software earns its place.

Best Casino Affiliate Programs for Business Growth in 2026

1

If you are already involved in the online gambling space or just getting started, casino affiliate programs can help you accelerate growth. You earn commissions by referring players to licensed online casinos, sportsbooks, and gaming platforms, without managing payments, players, or support yourself.

This guide breaks down the best casino affiliate opportunities for 2026, along with smart strategies to choose the right programs and maximize long-term earnings. You’ll learn how to spot high-paying offers, avoid common mistakes, and build steady affiliate income backed by real industry trends.

Why Should You Start Casino Affiliate Programs Right Now?

The global iGaming industry is growing fast, with billions wagered every year across online casinos, live dealer games, and sportsbooks. This growth makes casino affiliate marketing one of the most profitable online business models right now.

When a player signs up through your referral link and starts playing, you earn a commission. Many casino affiliate programs offer 25%–50% revenue share on net gaming revenue (NGR), while others provide CPA payouts ranging from $50 to $300 per player.

Not all programs are the same. Some offer lifetime revenue share, even if the player becomes active months after signing up. With increased demand for live casino games, mobile betting, and fast payment options, choosing the right partners in 2026 can secure long-term recurring income.

To simplify things, start with established casino affiliate networks. They handle tracking, payments, and reporting, so you can focus on driving traffic and conversions.

Best Casino Affiliate Programs for 2026

Let’s get straight to it. Here are some of the top-performing casino affiliate programs to consider:

Bet365 Affiliates
Offers competitive revenue share with strong brand trust. Ideal for Tier-1 traffic and sports betting audiences. Long cookie duration and excellent conversion rates.

1xBet Partners
Provides flexible CPA, RevShare, and hybrid models. Works well for international traffic with strong sportsbook and casino coverage.

Pin-Up Partners
Known for high retention rates and lifetime revenue share. Strong presence in emerging markets with fast payouts.

Betway Affiliates
Reliable program with solid NGR deals and a wide range of casino and sportsbook products. Best suited for regulated markets.

Parimatch Affiliates
Offers aggressive commission structures and localized campaigns. Works well for both casino and sportsbook-focused sites.

Most of these programs support payments via bank transfer, crypto, or e-wallets. Compared to other industries, casino affiliates enjoy higher commissions but must follow stricter compliance rules.

How to Choose the Right Casino Affiliate Program

Avoid applying to too many programs at once. Match your affiliate offers to your audience.

  • If your traffic prefers sports betting, go with Bet365 or Parimatch
  • If your audience likes online slots and live casino, Pin-Up or 1xBet works better

Key things to check:

  • Commission structure: Revenue share beats flat CPA long term
  • Marketing tools: Banners, landing pages, and tracking links save time
  • Payout threshold: Lower minimums help cash flow
  • Compliance: Licensed casinos reduce risks and payment issues

Start with small traffic, track performance using analytics tools, and aim for steady growth instead of quick wins. Many affiliates scale by combining two or three casino programs.

Steps to Start Your Casino Affiliate Journey

Here’s a simple way to begin:

  1. Apply to two trusted casino affiliate programs
  2. Verify your website or social media profiles
  3. Get your referral links and creatives
  4. Drive traffic through blogs, reviews, or social platforms like X and Reddit
  5. Track results weekly and optimize what’s working
  6. Build an email list for repeat promotions

Affiliate communities  like AffiliateFix can help you learn faster and avoid common pitfalls by sharing real world strategies, case studies, and peer driven insights.

Common Mistakes New Casino Affiliates Make

Mistakes happen, especially early on. Avoid spammy links, fake traffic, or misleading promotions. These can get your account banned and commissions withheld.

If traffic is low, focus on SEO and optimize for keywords like casino affiliate programs 2026 or best casino affiliate networks. Also, stay updated with gambling regulations and KYC requirements to stay compliant.

Your Path to Casino Affiliate Success

The right casino affiliate programs can help you build a profitable online business in 2026. Start simple, choose licensed partners, focus on quality traffic, and stay consistent. Over time, those commissions can stack up steadily.

What’s the first casino affiliate program you’re planning to join?

David Haugh: NBC Sports Did a “Disservice” to Maria Taylor in Super Bowl LX Postgame

0

Chicago sports radio host David Haugh delivered pointed criticism of NBC Sports on Monday morning, voicing frustration with how the network handled its postgame coverage of Super Bowl LX. Speaking on Mully & Haugh on 104.3 The Score, Haugh said NBC’s approach to the Super Bowl celebration felt disorganized and rushed, particularly when compared to decades of traditional postgame presentation standards.

“The postgame was a little bit unusual to me,” Haugh said. “You expect certain things and happens a certain order based on how long we’ve watched Super Bowl celebrations over the years.”

Haugh pointed specifically to NBC’s decision to open the postgame segment with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holding the microphone rather than leaning on NBC Sports anchor Maria Taylor to emcee the moment. According to Haugh, that sequencing disrupted the flow viewers have come to expect following the league’s biggest event.

“I did not expect Roger Goodell to be emceeing when they came back and him having the microphone in his hand first,” Haugh said. “Why didn’t Maria Taylor from NBC come back and welcome everybody back?”

NBC Sports positioned Maria Taylor as the primary host throughout its Super Bowl week coverage, making the postgame shift more noticeable. Taylor was tabbed by NBC Sports to handle the Vince Lombardi Trophy presentation after Super Bowl LX on Sunday, marking the first time she’s had that responsibility in her career.

It also was a historic moment as Taylor was the first African-American woman to host the Super Bowl pregame show and handle the Lombardi Trophy presentation.

Haugh argued the network undermined its own broadcast structure by not allowing Taylor to guide the celebration.

“I thought that is a disservice to Maria Taylor, because I felt like she’s hosting, let her host,” Haugh said.

In addition to presentation choices, Haugh took issue with what he described as NBC Sports rushing through the postgame ceremony in order to transition quickly to taped Olympic programming. NBC carried both the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics, creating a packed primetime schedule on Sunday night.

“They could have done a better job of not feeling as rushed for the biggest football game of the year,” Haugh said. “They were rushing into tape delay, it was driving me crazy.”

While NBC Sports has balanced major global events before, Haugh suggested that the Super Bowl should remain the priority on its broadcast night, especially during the championship presentation. He noted that viewers tuning in for the game expect the postgame ceremony to breathe, rather than feel compressed by programming obligations.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

105.5 KISS Chattanooga Adds Dex & Barbie T in Morning Drive

1

Dex Mitchell and Barbie T have been added to morning drive at 105.5 KISS Chattanooga.

The Audacy CHR station had previously just labeled the daypart as “More Music Mornings” with no dedicated host.

However, with the addition of Dex & Barbie T, the show will be heard from 6-10 AM. It is also available on 95.1 WAPE in Jacksonville and Power 100.1 in Athens. Additionally, the duo is heard in afternoon drive on B93.7 in Greenville.

In a post on Facebook, Dex Mitchell shared that the addition of 105.5 KISS is a special one to him, because he’s a Chattanooga native.

“Major Life update!: I have always wanted to be on the radio in my hometown and today that dream is a reality!” Mitchell shared. “We just launched our show on 105.5 Kiss Chattanooga! I grew up listening to stations in Chatt town and DJ’ing in skating rinks, hoping to get a spot on the radio there and here we are! Blessings! Thank you for all the love and support!”

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

ESPN Reporter Moved To Tears by Bad Bunny Super Bowl LX Performance

0

An emotional moment on ESPN International Super Bowl coverage underscored how the game’s halftime show resonated far beyond the field. Veteran reporter John Sutcliffe struggled to hold back tears while reflecting on Bad Bunny’s performance and what it represented for Latino audiences during a live report on the network’s coverage.

Appearing from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Sutcliffe delivered his remarks in Spanish, pausing repeatedly as he described the significance of seeing one of the world’s biggest music stars command the Super Bowl stage almost entirely in the language of his culture.

For Sutcliffe, the moment extended beyond entertainment and into symbolism, especially given the global reach of the NFL’s biggest broadcast.

“We should feel proud,” said Sutcliffe via ESPN International, who had tears in his eyes as he spoke to viewers. “Benito [Bad Bunny] sang in Spanish at the most important American party.”

Bad Bunny’s 14-minute halftime set blended spectacle with cultural identity, featuring a song list anchored by Tití Me Preguntó, MONACO, and El Apagón. The Grammy Award-winning artist, who finished 2025 as Spotify’s most-streamed performer globally, leaned heavily into Spanish-language lyrics while embracing a celebratory, communal tone that stood apart from more traditional halftime shows.

“Honestly, it was very moving,” Sutcliffe said on ESPN International. “The message Bonnie sent, whether you like his music or not, was full of love, culture, and affection, in a world where suddenly everyone seems to be fighting.”

The performance also included several high-profile appearances. Lady Gaga made a surprise cameo during a staged wedding reception that culminated with a couple getting married on the field, while Ricky Martin joined the celebration as well. Additional appearances from Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B added to the show’s star power.

“Whether you’re in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, wherever you are, it’s okay to have a tear in your eye and feel proud that Benito sang in Spanish at the most important celebration in the United States,” added Sutcliffe on ESPN International. “Long live Bad Bunny.”

Despite predicted backlash, the halftime performance generated substantial engagement online and dominated postgame discussion, reinforcing the Super Bowl’s unique position as both a sports and cultural event.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.