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Peacock Partners With Big 12 Conference for Exclusive Streaming Slate of Basketball Games

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NBC Sports is strengthening its college basketball portfolio with the addition of exclusive Big 12 men’s basketball games to Peacock beginning in Fall 2025. The streaming service will carry 20 regular-season contests annually as part of a new multi-year agreement between NBC Sports and the Big 12 Conference announced Tuesday.

The deal adds yet another high-profile property to Peacock’s growing slate of exclusive sports content. Each season, the service will feature 20 Big 12 matchups — both conference and non-conference — as NBCUniversal continues to position Peacock as a key player in the college sports streaming space.

“The Big 12 is thrilled to partner with NBC Sports and Peacock as we continue to expand access and coverage of Big 12 men’s basketball,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Alongside our portfolio of existing media partners, NBC Sports and Peacock will provide our league with unprecedented promotion and storytelling.”

The Big 12 joins an already deep lineup of college basketball on Peacock, including nearly 200 men’s and women’s games from the Big Ten and BIG EAST during the 2025-26 season. Additionally, NBC Sports will begin broadcasting NBA games starting in the 2025-26 season and WNBA games in 2026 — adding further value to the company’s rights portfolio.

“The Big 12 is one of the most successful conferences in college basketball, enjoying a recent run of excellence on top of a storied history for many of its prestigious programs,” said Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports. “We look forward to partnering with the Big 12 to showcase its top-tier college basketball players, teams, and rivalries.”

The timing of the move coincides with the Big 12’s continued success on the court. Seven conference programs earned bids to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, with Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Arizona, BYU, Kansas, and Baylor all making appearances. Four of those teams advanced to the Sweet 16, and Houston reached the Final Four — marking the fifth time in the last seven tournaments the Big 12 has had representation at that level.

The conference has won two national championships in the past five years, with Kansas taking the title in 2022 and Baylor cutting down the nets in 2021.

Peacock has rapidly grown its footprint in sports streaming, boasting nearly 100 million monthly active users according to comScore. The platform broke records with events like the first-ever streaming-exclusive NFL Playoff game in 2024.

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Cumulus Media and Rumble Ink Partnership to Bring Westwood One/Cumulus Podcast Network Shows to Platform

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Cumulus Media and Rumble have announced a new partnership that will bring Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network shows to the platform.

According to a statement from the two companies, the new agreement will “unlock new opportunities” for the entities.

As part of the agreement, Westwood One and Cumulus Podcast Network programs will see their video simulcasts made available on Rumble. Additionally, the two new partners will “collaborate to maximize advertising opportunities for brand partners,” a statement reads.

“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two media innovators,” said Cumulus Media Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Development and Westwood One President Collin Jones. “By combining our premium podcast inventory with Rumble’s dynamic creator ecosystem, we’re creating a new frontier for host-read advertising that delivers authenticity, scale, and brand safety.”

“We’re excited to partner with Cumulus Media and Westwood One to bring advertisers closer to the creators and audiences they care about,” added Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski. “This collaboration allows us to create new monetization opportunities for our creators while offering brands a trusted and effective way to connect with engaged communities.”

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The Athletic Adds ‘The Sports Gossip Show’ to Podcast Network

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The Sports Gossip Show podcast, hosted by Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder, has officially joined a growing slate of sports media podcasts on The Athletic, the duo announced Tuesday. The move marks a significant step forward for the show, which debuted in October 2024 and quickly carved out a unique niche in the crowded podcasting space by blending off-field storylines with smart, culturally aware commentary.

“We’re thrilled to be joining [The Athletic’s] network of engaging, informative and entertaining shows,” Hill and Wilder shared in a letter published by The Athletic. “We’re beyond excited to continue growing our audience with the help of its first-rate team and impressive platform.”

Every Tuesday and Thursday new episodes of The Sports Gossip Show shall be released. Video will be available on YouTube and audio streaming across all major podcast platforms.

While the word “gossip” may be in the title, the hosts have built their show on a foundation of journalistic rigor and reporting. From trade rumors to sideline drama to personal milestones making waves across social media, the podcast covers the human side of sports with a mix of levity, insight, and credibility.

Much of the reporting discussed on the show has even stemmed from The Athletic’s own newsroom—a synergy that made the partnership a natural fit.

Hill, a former entertainment strategist and creator of the sports Substack Impersonal Foul, brings expertise in how athletes shape their narratives online. Wilder, a veteran sportswriter and on-camera host, has spent more than a decade covering major events and examining the cultural impact of sports.

Together, the pair approach each episode with curiosity and humor, often using player storylines, off-the-field news, and even fashion and pop culture moments to frame deeper discussions around team dynamics and performance.

“It’s been a joy to hear from listeners who say they can finally participate in sports conversations at work or connect with their sports-obsessed spouses,” they said. “It’s been rewarding to hear from die-hard fans who get hooked and find themselves caring about florals at athletes’ weddings.”

The Sports Gossip Show aims to remain accessible for all fans—whether they’ve memorized every stat in the playbook or still believe Taylor Swift put Travis Kelce on the map.

The Athletic continues to expand its podcast presence by investing in diverse voices and formats that complement its editorial strengths. The outlet announced a multi-year licensing agreement with the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast on Tuesday as well.

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Greg Beharrell Expands to Country on 98.7 The Bull, Portland

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98.7 The Bull Portland continues to revamp its lineup with the addition of the “Greg Beharrell Show.” It is the first Country affiliate for the 95.5 KLOS Los Angeles-based show.

The show was previously on sister AAA 101.9 KINK in the evenings.

Beharrell said, “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have a second type of ranch in my life.”

Alpha EVP/Programming Phil Becker said, “It’s not something I like to admit publicly, but I am a fan of Greg’s show, and his approach to Country is helping to keep Portland Weird. I truly can envision a day where Greg has dreams beyond his wealth.”

The station has undergone several recent changes, which began with the departure of Danny Dwyer and Jake Bryon last month. (BMM 7/16)

Following that, the station added Jamie Tanchyk for middays (BMM 7/22) and a live version of B-Dub Radio to afternoons. (BMM 7/22).

The Bobby Bones Show remains in morning drive.

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iHeartMedia Debuts ‘The White House Briefing Room with Jon Decker’ Podcast

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Experienced White House correspondent Jon Decker is expanding his horizons with the launch of The White House Briefing Room with Jon Decker podcast with iHeartMedia.

Decker currently serves as the White House correspondent for both iHeartMedia and Gray Television. He has worked covered presidential administrations for more than 30 years, going back to when Bill Clinton occupied the office.

“Broadcasting straight from the White House Press Briefing Room, Jon brings you a daily 15-minute briefing on the most important developments from the Trump administration,” a description for the show reads.

Earlier this year, Decker told Barrett Media that his relationship with Donald Trump has been pivotal in helping expanding coverage and access inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“For me, the relationship goes back literally decades, and that’s helpful. He trusts me, he respects me, and similarly, I respect him and the office of the presidency, and that’s why I think that he does answer my questions on a regular basis,” said Decker. “Asking questions of the President does require, I think, some experience in the way to phrase a question to the President. You can get the same information that you desire by asking a question in a respectful way, rather than trying to, essentially, trip up the President or trying to get a rise out of the President.

“That’s not necessary. It’s unnecessary, I think, not only in the short term, but also in the long term, in terms of establishing a relationship with the President,” continued Decker. “What I’ve always thought in asking my questions … is what is a way for me to get a substantive answer from the president, but in a way that is respectful and in a way that continues that relationship that I’ve developed with him over the years.”

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Pablo Torre Finds Out Signs Multi-Year Licensing Agreement With The Athletic

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The Athletic has secured a multi-year licensing agreement with Pablo Torre’s podcast, Pablo Torre Finds Out, marking a significant step in the outlet’s push to expand its presence in the audio space and deepen its cultural footprint within sports storytelling.

According to Bloomberg, the deal is worth a reported seven figures and is one of two new licensing partnerships designed to add a more conversational, pop culture-infused layer to The Athletic’s sports coverage. Torre, a former ESPN personality and respected sports journalist, brings with him a rapidly growing audience and a podcast that blends longform storytelling, investigative journalism, and thoughtful discussion across the sports and entertainment landscape.

The podcast, produced through Meadowlark Media, has quickly become a destination for sports fans interested in more than just box scores and breaking news. Torre’s approach emphasizes narrative depth, nuanced interviews, and offbeat perspectives—qualities that align well with The Athletic’s growing ambition to be more than a platform for traditional sports news.

The move comes as The New York Times, which owns The Athletic, continues to explore new ways to generate revenue from its $550 million acquisition of the sports journalism outlet in 2022. Though The Athletic has built a strong subscriber base, profitability remains a long-term goal, and podcasting is increasingly viewed as a core pillar of its growth strategy.

While details on the second podcast licensing agreement were not made public, the Times appears committed to investing in audio as both a storytelling platform and a monetization opportunity. In recent months, it has quietly ramped up its audio content development, signaling a broader shift toward multimedia journalism.

For Torre, this deal represents a new chapter in an already versatile career. He rose to prominence through his work at Sports Illustrated and ESPN, before branching out into independent media with Meadowlark, the content company co-founded by Dan Le Batard. His podcast, launched in 2023, has featured deep dives into topics like sports gambling, athlete psychology, and the evolving nature of fandom.

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WBBM Newsradio Names Geoff Buchholz As New Political Editor

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WBBM Newsradio has named Geoff Buchholz as the outlet’s new Political Editor, stepping into the role vacated by the retirement of Craig Dellimore, who spent more than 40 years at the station.

Buchholz joined WBBM Newsradio in 2012, and has been a pivotal player in the station’s election night coverage. Before joining WBBM, he spent 12 years at FOX 32 in Chicago, including time as the executive producer and senior manager.

“Chicago and Illinois are entering a critical era, and it’s more important than ever that our audience understands how the actions at City Hall, in Springfield and Washington affect their lives,” said Buccholz. “I’m so grateful for our listeners’ trust, and I’m looking forward to being our station’s politics-to-English translator and excited to get to work.”

“Chicago’s City Hall has all the twists, power plays and tension of a great detective story,” added WBBM Brand Manager Craig Schwalb. “It takes someone who is an exceptional journalist with seasoned and sharp instincts like Geoff to follow the plot. I’m excited to see how he continues to build on the legacy that Craig Dellimore left behind and how his presence strengthens our multi-platform political coverage to better serve our Chicago area listeners.”

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‘Dana Cortez Show’ Returns to Phoenix on Power 98.3

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“The Dana Cortez Show” is returning to Phoenix on Rhythmic Power 98.3 for middays. The show was previously on the station from 2019 to 2024.

“We’re so excited to be back on in Phoenix working with Michael, J Steele and the whole Power team!” said Dana Cortez. “We can’t wait to reconnect with our listeners in the Valley and entertain them with interviews, real conversations and of course, their favorite, Down in the DM (if you know, you know!).” 

Photo Courtesy Dana Cortez Show

“Dana, Automatic and Anthony A. are family to Power, and it’s time they come back home,” said Jonathan “J” Steele, Program Director of Power 98.3. “So many of our listeners miss the show, and the chemistry between the three of them is undeniable. Now listeners all over the Valley have something to keep them company while at work!”

“Bringing ‘The Dana CortezShow’ back to Phoenix is a strong reflection of the commitment to serve the community with content that is both authentic and engaging,” said Andrew Kalb, SVP, Business Development and Communication of Skyview Networks. “Dana, Auto and Anthony A. deeply resonate with the Phoenix audience, and their impact will undoubtedly be felt across the market.”

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FOX Announces Release Date, Pricing Details for New FOX One Streaming Service

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Fox Corp. has announced the launch of FOX One, a new direct-to-consumer streaming platform set to debut on August 21.

During the company’s quarterly earnings call, CEO Lachlan Murdoch revealed the launch of the platform. Additionally, he shared that the service will be priced at $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.

The new service aims to unify FOX’s expansive content offerings in one destination for viewers.

FOX One will include live and on-demand access to content from across the company’s full portfolio of brands. This includes FOX News Channel, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes, B1G, FOX local stations, and the FOX broadcast network.

In addition, existing streaming services FOX Nation and B1G+ will also be integrated into the platform.

Subscribers will have the option to bundle FOX One with FOX Nation for $24.99 per month or at a reduced rate of $19.99 per month with the purchase of an annual plan. According to the company, the service is designed to meet the needs of cord-cutters and cord-nevers by offering a centralized, live-streaming, and on-demand platform that spans news, sports, and entertainment.

Pete Distad, CEO of Direct to Consumer at Fox Corporation, said the launch represents an opportunity to provide audiences with a “great value proposition and user experience” by bringing together the company’s content under one umbrella.

The streaming platform will also include personalized user experiences, utilizing AI-driven technologies to integrate live programming and video-on-demand within a unified interface. It is expected to deliver a seamless experience that aligns with modern consumer viewing habits and preferences.

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770 KTTH Rebrands as ‘Seattle Red 770 AM’

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Bonneville International has announced a new brand for 770 KTTH, as the station will now be known as Seattle Red 770 AM.

The brand uses a similar style to Bonneville’s sports stations, which all use the city’s name, followed by the word “Sports” and the dial position, including sister-station Seattle Sports 710.

In a statement, the company says the new on-air branding marries the radio brand with the emerging digital platforms utilized by the company.

“Seattle Red brings together bold voices, exclusive investigations, and a growing digital presence through its newly launched website, SeattleRed.com, and the Seattle Red mobile app,” Bonneville said in a release.

“It’s designed to amplify conservative perspectives with hard-hitting news and unapologetic commentary led by local powerhouse Jason Rantz, who anchors the lineup from 3–7 p.m. every weekday. And it will expand its coverage to the entire Pacific Northwest, providing news and analysis from neighboring Idaho and Oregon states.”

No changes have been made to the station’s on-air lineup. Afternoon host Jason Rantz remains the only local programming on the station. Nationally syndicated shows from Jack Armstrong/Joe Getty, Dana Loesch, Guy Benson, Will Cain, and Mark Levin make up the remainder of the daily programming at the 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.