The Tulsa-based “The Big Mad Morning Show” is joining Classic Rock Q94.7 in Oklahoma City.
The show is based at Rocker 97.5 KMOD and is made up of Corbin Pierce, Lindsey Bauer, and Gimpy McGee.
Speaking for the show, Pierce said, “We’re fired up to bring The Big Mad Morning Show to OKC. This isn’t just another morning show, it’s a daily shot of unfiltered energy for people who want something bold, honest and a little unpredictable. We’ve built something real in Tulsa, and we’re ready to raise some hell in Oklahoma City.”
“The Big Mad Morning Show is everything morning radio should be—bold, entertaining, and completely unpredictable. I’m thrilled to welcome them on Q94.7 to shake up mornings in OKC, said iHeartMedia Oklahoma/Kansas/Arkansas/SW Missouri SVP of Programming JJ Ryan.
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.
In an emotional moment that reminded listeners what local radio is truly about, 105.9 The Mountain, Asheville, NC’s “Rizzo and Jeff,” welcomed a very special guest into the studio today. One of their earliest supporters and a beloved member of their radio family, Grandma Emma.
A listener from day one, Grandma Emma wasn’t just a fan; she was their first true convert. “She was our first listener convert. The rest of the city followed.” She has been a constant contributor over the years. But this visit carried far more weight.
Grandma Emma, 70, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer for the third time. She’s beaten it twice before. This time, she’s choosing not to fight. Instead, she’s choosing to live fully, freely, and on her terms. After five husbands, many children, and grandchildren, “It’s Grandma Emma’s, my turn now.”
She called the show from the hospital shortly after getting the devastating news, with a wish to be part of the show one more time.
After a couple of weeks of planning, that wish came true. Grandma Emma, accompanied by her daughter, joined “Rizzo and Jeff” in-studio.
Photo Courtesy Rizzo And Jeff
“She was a laugh-out-loud riot. We let her talk about whatever, and we even had a man call and talk about the passing of his beautiful 21-year-old daughter.”
“This is what local radio is about. She came to say goodbye. We gave her a hug and said, We’ll see you later.”
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 has promoted longtime coordinating producer Nick Rud to the newly created position of Vice President, Sports Production for Diamond and College Olympic Sports. The move strengthens ESPN’s leadership structure around a growing slate of high-profile collegiate events and youth programming.
In his new role, Rud will guide the creative development and production strategy for Diamond Sports—college baseball, college softball, Little League Baseball and Softball—as well as College Olympic Sports, including field hockey, wrestling, and men’s and women’s soccer.
“Nick is so deserving of this opportunity. He is a talented and experienced producer who has excelled at collaborating and innovating throughout his career,” said Meg Aronowitz, ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Production. “Nick will continue to elevate ESPN’s presentation of these important properties as we bring baseball, softball and many of our college Olympic sports under his leadership.”
The promotion marks a significant step forward for Rud, a 21-year veteran of the network who has played an integral role in the continued growth of college softball and wrestling coverage. He will now oversee ESPN’s annual presentations of key NCAA Championship events, including the Women’s and Men’s College World Series, and both the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series tournaments in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Rud called the new role “an honor” and emphasized his enthusiasm for building on ESPN’s storytelling across its non-revenue and youth-focused sports.
“This offers a tremendous opportunity to build on ESPN’s legacy of excellence while focusing on the growth and enhancement of our Diamond and Olympic sports coverage,” Rud said. “I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional production teams, talent, and external partners to elevate visibility, deepen storytelling, and create even stronger connections between fans and the sports and athletes that inspire us.”
Since becoming a coordinating producer in 2022, Rud has led the network’s expanding softball and wrestling content, which has included record-breaking viewership for the Women’s College World Series and the addition of alternate broadcast experiences like ‘Matcast’ and ‘7Innings Live.’ He also contributed to ESPN’s college football production team, which earned a 2025 Sports Emmy Award for its live series work.
Rud’s ascent within the company has been steady and methodical. A native of Maple Lake, Minn., and graduate of the University of Nebraska, he joined ESPN in 2004 as a production assistant. Over the years, he climbed through the ranks as graphics manager, senior associate producer, and event producer before reaching senior managing producer status in 2018.
ESPN promotes veteran producer Nick Rud (@nrud1) to VP, Sports Production for Diamond & College Olympic 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.
Amazon is making major structural changes to its podcast operations, dissolving Wondery and absorbing its assets into other parts of the company. The move marks a shift toward prioritizing video-based content and tightening focus around talent-led podcasting ventures.
Wondery’s narrative-driven shows — including Business Wars, Scamfluencers, American Scandal, and American History Tellers — will now be housed under the Audible brand.
As part of the transition, Wondery COO Marshall Lewy will move over to Audible, while the Wondery+ subscription team will now report to Audible leadership. Wondery CEO Jen Sargent will depart the company, and more than 100 jobs are reportedly being eliminated as part of the restructuring.
Personality-driven shows such as New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, and LeBron James’ Mind the Game will fall under a new Creator Services division. That unit will be led by Amazon’s Matt Sandler, who previously served as Director/Head of Talent Content Services. Despite the changes, the Wondery brand will continue to be used for these shows.
In a memo to staff, Amazon Vice President of Audio, Twitch, and Games Steve Boom cited the rapidly changing podcast space as the driving factor behind the reorganization. He noted the increasing popularity of video podcasting and said the company is responding to evolving creator needs.
On the sales side, Angie More will now lead ad sales for Wondery and Amazon Music. Amy Grabisch’s Amazon Music sponsorship team will also report to More going forward.
Amazon acquired Wondery in 2020 for a reported $300 million. Under its umbrella, Wondery signed massive deals — including a three-year, nine-figure pact with the Kelce brothers — as it tried to establish itself as a top-tier content house in the podcasting boom.
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 New York Post is going west. The longstanding outlet has announced plans to create The California Post, a Los Angeles-based edition, early next year.
According to data from the publication, nearly 90% of its digital readership comes from outside the Big Apple, while it also frequently features stories from Hollywood.
“Los Angeles and California surely need a daily dose of The Post as an antidote to the jaundiced, jaded journalism that has sadly proliferated,” News Corp. CEO Robert Thomson said in a statement. “We are at a pivotal moment for the city and the state, and there is no doubt that The Post will play a crucial role in engaging and enlightening readers, who are starved of serious reporting and puckish wit.”
The New York Post has named Nick Pappas as the Editor-in-Chief of the new publication. He’s spent time working at several News Corp. properties, and as heeb a West Coast correspondent based in Los Angeles for the company’s Australian publications for almost three years.
The newspaper will utilize the same style and look as the New York Postwhen it begins printing in what the company estimates as “early 2026.”
The addition of The California Post comes amidst widespread cuts at other publications and media entities in Los Angeles, like The LA Times, and LAist.
Additionally, it comes at a time when much of the nation and the world’s attention will be on Los Angeles. In the next three years, the Super Bowl, World Cup, and 2028 Olympics will all take place in the California city.
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 co-host of the nationally syndicated Breakfast Club fired back Monday morning after a weekend attack from President Donald Trump, who called the longtime radio personality a “dope,” a “low IQ racist sleazebag,” and mocked his stage name by saying, “Can anyone imagine the uproar there would be if I used that nickname?”
The clash stems from Charlamagne’s appearance on Lara Trump’s Fox News program My View with Lara Trump, where he was asked how he would rate Trump’s presidency.
“I wouldn’t give it a good rating simply because the least of us are still being impacted the worst.”
“Anything that takes away Medicaid from people and will put people in a worse financial situation than they were previously in, I’m not for,” said Charlamagne.
Charlamagne spoke of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, saying, “I think this Epstein thing is going to be a way for traditional conservatives to take their party back. I really do.”
On The Breakfast Club this morning, Charlamagne responded to Trump’s attack.
“The personal insults, I don’t care. He called me a sleaze bag. I looked up the definition of sleaze bag. Says it’s a disgusting or despicable person, depending on who you ask. That may apply to me. Okay, I personally prefer friendly neighborhood a-hole.”
“He said I have no idea what words are coming out of my mouth. Absolutely true. Okay, I’ve been surprising myself my whole life, like, damn, I actually said that?”
Charlamagne shifted to Trump’s claims. “All right, there is zero evidence, nothing credible whatsoever that says President Trump played any role in ending the ongoing, keyword, ongoing conflict in the Eastern DRC, in Rwanda. Okay, America has not brokered any major peace deal.”
“And wiping out Iran’s nuclear capabilities, you did pull off a significant strike, but it didn’t eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Saying you wiped it out is an overstatement because, according to reports, no enrichment facility was destroyed, and Iran’s nuclear threat is still very active. And some experts argue it’s more dangerous now due to a lack of international oversight and the increased beef with Israel in the USA.”
Shifting to border security and immigration, Charlamagne said:
“Now you also claim the borders were closed. Not closed, but you have tightened immigration policies and increased enforcement. You have definitely made the border harder to cross.”
“But saying it’s closed is false and ignores everyone coming over seeking legal asylum. By the way, I want border security. I just want you to keep your promise of deporting illegals and criminals. But since Homeland Security started to work to deport more people, okay, immigrants with legal status and no criminal history are being detained and deported too. That’s not right. Okay?”
“My fellow Americans, we are in a strange time right now. A time we have never seen because authoritarian strategy is being used against anyone who speaks out against this administration. We saw what happened Friday. President Trump orders the firing of Labor’s statistic chief after data shows unemployment rates are higher.”
On race:
“He called me a racist. I didn’t mention race. Not one time on Laura Trump. I didn’t bring up the fact that President Trump issued an executive order directing oversight of institutions like the Smithsonian to remove or suppress narratives about systemic racism in black history. They want to reframe cultural memory to eliminate discussions of historical racial injustice. That, along with the determination of diversity in civil rights programs, is considered very racist by a lot of civil rights advocates. I didn’t even bring that up.”
Charlamagne then spoke of the economy.
“You can tell falsehoods about inflation being down. It won’t stop the reality of the price of consumer goods being high because of tariffs you implemented. So listen, President Trump, don’t worry about Lenard, okay? (Charlamagne’s real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey.) Don’t worry about Charlemagne Tha God. I know something I said hit a nerve and rattled you a little bit. But I don’t want you rattled. I want you to end wars, okay? I want you to keep the borders secure. I want you to have the economy booming.”
“I don’t care who’s in the White House. I want America to succeed. Okay, believe it or not, I’m rooting for you. But I need you focused, and right now you’re not focused. Okay, we need you focused on two things: the economy and Epstein. All right?”
“Whenever you see Trump trying to deflect from what’s important, keep him focused. Ask two simple questions. What about the economy? What about the Epstein files?”
Charlamagne Tha God co-hosts The Breakfast Club alongside DJ Envy and Jess Hilarious. The show broadcasts from New York and airs nationally on more than 80 stations.
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 NFL preseason always brings its share of quarterback intrigue, but the 2025 edition features a fresh twist—rookie signal-callers battling for more than just roster spots. With veterans holding temporary reins and franchises in flux, a handful of rookie QBs have a real chance to tilt the spotlight in their direction.
Whether fighting for a starting job or building buzz for the future, these rookies are poised to command attention and, in some cases, shape the storyline before Week 1 even kicks off.
No team enters preseason with a more tangled quarterback web than the Cleveland Browns. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett bring experience, but it’s the two rookies, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who offer the most intrigue.
Gabriel fits the mold of a system quarterback. He’s poised, disciplined, and known for his quick release. Cleveland’s coaching staff loves his efficiency and timing, making him a natural fit in a West Coast-based scheme. He’s also the more experienced of the two, boasting 63 collegiate starts and nearly 19,000 career passing yards.
Sanders, however, carries star potential. With his elite ball placement and 74% completion rate at Colorado, he dazzled scouts pre-draft. His calm demeanor under pressure could easily translate to the NFL. That said, he’s starting behind everyone else on the depth chart as a fourth-stringer with limited reps to prove his worth.
If either rookie manages to leapfrog Pickett or Flacco during preseason action, it’ll dominate headlines. With Cleveland holding two first-round picks in 2026, this preseason is likely their only shot to prove they belong before the franchise looks elsewhere.
Tyler Shough: Saints’ Surprise Engine
Tyler Shough’s path to NFL relevance has been anything but traditional. Now 25 and entering his eighth football season, the rookie out of Louisville is staring down a golden opportunity in New Orleans. Derek Carr’s abrupt retirement opened the door, and while the Saints claim an even three-man competition is underway, the whispers around Shough are growing louder.
He’s a pocket passer who plays in rhythm, exactly what new coach Kellen Moore needs in his scheme. Shough’s play-action success in college, where he posted 12 touchdowns and just one interception off fakes, translates well to Moore’s system that thrives on deception and timing.
It’s no surprise then that he’s beginning to draw attention in early FanDuel NFL preseason odds, with bettors and analysts alike sensing his upside in a wide-open quarterback battle.
Rattler and Haener offer alternative options, but neither carries the same combination of experience and immediate potential. Shough won’t just be evaluated as a long-term project. If he wins this competition outright, he could become a rare rookie Week 1 starter.
Jaxson Dart: Waiting in New York Shadows
Jaxson Dart landed with the New York Giants as their chosen future. Selected late in Round 1, Dart isn’t expected to start immediately. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a major story this August.
He possesses one of the most exciting deep balls in this rookie class, finishing second in the FBS with 35 completions of 20-plus air yards last season. That vertical threat pairs perfectly with the Giants’ explosive receiver Malik Nabers, setting up a dynamic future connection.
Amid NFL trends and betting strategies, Dart’s preseason performance could become a key talking point; not just for fans, but for those watching the bigger picture. For now, the path is blocked by veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. If Dart flashes during preseason, especially against second-team defenses, it may put pressure on the coaching staff to fast-track his development.
The media will undoubtedly focus on every throw, every rep, and every sideline clip. A few big moments could turn a long-term plan into a short-term reconsideration.
Riley Leonard: A Sleeper QB in the Colts’ Crowded Room
Riley Leonard won’t start Week 1 for the Colts, and he may not even dress. Yet his presence adds a quiet tension to Indianapolis’ quarterback room. While all eyes are on the battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, Leonard represents the long view.
He’s a developmental dual-threat quarterback, drafted late but with a defined plan. The Colts envision him as a future contributor, someone who could rise up the depth chart over time. He’ll make his mark if either of the current competitors falters.
The Colts have embraced the idea of grooming a long-term backup with starting upside. If Leonard shows progress during camp or impresses in limited preseason work, Indianapolis will likely stash him with care. He may not drive the narrative now, but a few flashes could secure his future and fuel conversations about what’s next.
Jalen Milroe: The Seahawks Depth Surprise
Milroe is unlikely to see starting reps in Seattle, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be invisible. The Seahawks love his dynamic athleticism and ability to create on the fly. He may not be polished enough to compete with Sam Darnold or even Drew Lock, but Milroe could carve out a niche.
Seattle reportedly has packages designed to use his legs and arms in special scenarios. Expect him to appear in red zone formations during the preseason, a spotlight opportunity to build early momentum.
Milroe could become this year’s version of Taysom Hill, a multipurpose weapon who keeps defenses honest. That kind of usage generates buzz, especially if it leads to touchdowns. He may not be part of the starting conversation, but his unique skill set ensures he won’t go unnoticed.
Preseason Performances That Could Define Careers
Preseason narratives aren’t born on depth charts. They’re made on the field. Rookie quarterbacks have a limited window to prove themselves. Every throw and every snap carries weight. For Gabriel, Sanders, Shough, Dart, Milroe, and Leonard, August isn’t about waiting; it’s about seizing.
Some may fade into backup roles or practice squads. Others could emerge as unexpected starters. With uncertainty clouding multiple franchises, one stellar preseason performance can ignite a quarterback controversy, shift a rebuild, or redefine a career. As history shows, all it takes is a spark. These rookies just need a chance to light it.
Virginia may not be the first state that comes to mind when listing NBA hotbeds, but its impact on professional basketball runs deep. The Old Dominion has given rise to legends, cultural icons, and emerging stars who’ve each carved a distinct place in basketball history.
From dominating the hardwood with MVP performances to influencing fashion, mindset, and playing style, these Virginia-connected athletes have done more than just make rosters—they’ve shaped the league.
Allen Iverson (Hampton, VA)
Allen Iverson is not just a player—he’s a cultural force. Born in Hampton, VA, Iverson exploded onto the NBA scene with raw explosiveness, iconic cornrows, and one of the deadliest crossovers the league has ever seen. He was an 11-time NBA All-Star and won the league MVP in 2001, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals that year. His influence, however, stretched far beyond the box score.
Iverson ended his career with 24,368 points, 5,624 assists, and 1,983 steals over 914 games. A four-time NBA scoring champion, he often carried teams on his back despite his 6-foot frame. Off the court, his tattoos, fashion choices, and attitude helped usher in a new era of player empowerment and authenticity.
For basketball fans in Virginia wanting to connect with local sports culture—whether cheering Hall‑of‑Famers or watching the next crop rise—you can click here for exciting offers from sports platforms that celebrate state-rooted talent and local fandom.
Moses Malone (Petersburg, VA)
Born and raised in Petersburg, VA, Moses Malone became one of the most dominant big men in basketball history. He bypassed college to go straight to the ABA, becoming the first player to ever do so. Moses carved out a 21-year professional career that defined toughness and consistency.
Malone was a 12-time NBA All-Star, a three-time league MVP (1979, 1982, 1983), and led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983. He amassed 27,409 points and 16,212 rebounds, making him one of the top five rebounders in NBA history.
His trademark offensive rebounding turned missed shots into second chances and made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Though often underappreciated in casual fan circles, Malone’s work ethic and statistical dominance remain benchmarks for excellence in the paint.
Ralph Sampson (Harrisonburg, VA)
At 7-foot-4, Ralph Sampson was a revolutionary figure in the basketball world. Hailing from Harrisonburg, VA, Sampson was a three-time NCAA National Player of the Year at the University of Virginia. When he entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 1983, expectations were sky-high—and for a time, he exceeded them.
Sampson was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1984 and earned four All-Star selections in his first five seasons. Injuries eventually cut his professional career short, but his impact lingered. He finished with 7,039 points, 4,011 rebounds, and 752 blocks. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Sampson redefined the center position. His ball-handling, mobility, and ability to stretch the floor was a precursor to today’s hybrid big men.
Julius “Dr. J” Erving (Virginia Roots, Virginia Squires)
Although Julius Erving is most often associated with Philadelphia, his professional roots are firmly planted in Virginia. Born and raised in the state, Erving began his pro career with the Virginia Squires of the ABA, where he first showcased the aerial artistry that would later define his legacy.
Erving tallied over 30,000 points between the ABA and NBA, putting him among the all-time scoring elite. He won four MVP awards—three in the ABA and one in the NBA—and became the first true “highlight-reel” player. His swooping dunks and acrobatic finishes elevated basketball into a spectacle of entertainment. As a Hall-of-Famer, Erving bridged the ABA-NBA merger with grace and dominance, paving the way for the modern basketball superstar.
Malcolm Brogdon (University of Virginia)
Though not Virginia-born, Malcolm Brogdon’s time at the University of Virginia solidified his place in the state’s basketball heritage. A two-time ACC Player of the Year and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Brogdon set the tone for excellence at UVA under coach Tony Bennett’s system of discipline and defense.
Brogdon transitioned seamlessly to the NBA, where he made history as the first second-round pick in over 50 years to win NBA Rookie of the Year (2017). He later claimed the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023, showcasing his ability to impact the game as both a starter and bench leader.
With career averages of 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game across nine seasons with Milwaukee, Indiana, Boston, Portland, and Washington, Brogdon exemplifies the professional, unselfish, and impactful player Virginia basketball represents.
The Legacy of Virginia’s Hardwood Heroes
The five players highlighted each bring something unique to Virginia’s basketball legacy. Whether it’s Iverson’s cultural revolution, Malone’s relentless interior dominance, Sampson’s evolution of the big man role, Erving’s aerial artistry, or Brogdon’s cerebral and steady presence, they all carry the DNA of Virginia basketball: skill, resilience, and transformation.
Virginia’s NBA heritage is rich with diversity, from flash to fundamentals, high-flying dunks to hard-nosed defense. These athletes reflect not just success, but evolution—changing how basketball is played and perceived. As younger generations in Virginia watch these names in highlight reels and Hall of Fame ceremonies, they’re reminded that greatness can come from anywhere—even a quiet gym in the heart of the Old Dominion.
A State That Continues to Inspire
What stands out most about Virginia’s NBA presence is its lasting ripple effect. Young athletes across the state grow up watching the same courts, streets, and schools where these legends once honed their craft. From Iverson’s stomping grounds in Hampton to Brogdon’s development at UVA, Virginia remains a fertile ground for talent that’s both elite and grounded.
Basketball in Virginia isn’t just a sport—it’s part of the culture. It’s built into community centers, college campuses, and every driveway hoop. And with so many players leaving indelible marks on the league, it’s clear that the state will continue producing game-changers for years to come.
From Local Gyms to Global Stages
Each of Virginia’s NBA legends started from humble beginnings—local gyms, high school teams, and regional leagues. Their success is a blueprint for aspiring players in the state. They’ve sent a message that greatness isn’t exclusive to coastal meccas like Los Angeles or New York.
These stories prove that Virginia isn’t just a contributor to basketball history—it’s a foundational piece. Whether it’s the powerhouse presence of Malone, the creative fire of Iverson, or the quiet leadership of Brogdon, the Old Dominion sends a clear signal to the basketball world: keep watching.
Recognition Beyond the Court
While these athletes dominate in stats, their influence bleeds far into the culture of the sport. Allen Iverson alone revolutionized NBA fashion and player branding, pushing the league toward a modern image where individuality is celebrated. Julius Erving turned the dunk into a cultural moment long before the 3-point boom.
Even Brogdon, known for his community activism and measured demeanor, redefines what influence can look like in today’s NBA. Each of these players embodies more than athletic success—they are ambassadors for values, identity, and perseverance rooted in Virginia.
Closing the Gap Between History and Present
Virginia’s NBA influence is not frozen in the past. It’s a living, breathing lineage that connects Julius Erving’s first pro dribble to Malcolm Brogdon’s latest playoff appearance. It’s the recognition that every crossover, rebound, or buzzer-beater is part of a legacy.
And that legacy is still growing. Young prospects inspired by these five figures are taking the court daily across Virginia. They hope to become the next headline name from the state that quietly built one of the most complete basketball pedigrees in the country.
Don Lemon has worked to build his digital program since his high-profile exit from CNN more than two years ago. That growth is starting to pay off, he shared.
The Don Lemon Show launched to much fanfare last year, with an interview with X owner Elon Musk. Musk had inked Lemon to a deal to produce content for the X social media platform, but then renegged after that initial interview.
In that debut episode, Lemon participated in a contentious exchange with Elon Musk over a variety of issues. The conversation featured more than an hour of dialogue between the two, with Musk famously telling Lemon to “be careful” with his questions.
Before the first episode of the program aired, Lemon revealed that Musk had “canceled the partnership I had with X,” and had “informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him.” In his defense, Musk argued that Lemon’s interview was “lacking authenticity” and claimed Lemon was asking questions under the direction of former CNN chief Jeff Zucker. Elon Musk added that he felt the interview was “basically just CNN but on social media,” which he did not approve of.
At the time of the cancellation, Elon Musk and his X platform defended the decision.
“X is a platform that champions free speech, and we’re proud to provide an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities,” a statement from the company read.
“However, like any enterprise, we reserve the right to make decisions about our business partnerships, and after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”
Don Lemon filed a lawsuit in August of last year alleging fraud, misrepresentation, and misappropriation, and a breach of contract among other items, after he revealed his show that was set to air on the Musk-owned X platform had been cancelled after just one episode. Last month, a judge ruled the lawsuit against Musk could continue.
However, that falling out of over the initial interview and contract with the billionaire hasn’t stunted Lemon’s growth.
In an interview with Variety, Don Lemon shared that he’s well on his way to prosperity, stating that he’s approaching the heights of his earnings at CNN.
“I will say to you that if it stays on the trajectory that it is on now, I will surpass what I was making (at CNN),” Lemon said.
Currently, Don Lemon has nearly 800,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.
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.
Kevin Callahan has been promoted to Executive Director of Operations and Programming for Pamal Broadcasting. In his new position, he will continue oversight of the company’s broadcast portfolio in Albany, Glens Falls, Hudson Valley, NY and Rutland, VT.
He rises from his former position as Corporate Director of Programming and Operations. A position he has held since 2022. Between 2003 and 2010, he was the company’s Regional Vice President of Programming.
As first reported by RadioInsight, Pamal Chief Operating Officer Chuck Benfer said, “Kevin delivers a vast amount of programming and operational insights, knowledge, and experience that makes him an integral part of our executive team. Pamal Broadcasting is committed to delivering high-quality live and local programming to the communities we serve. Kevin is instrumental in leading and delivering on that commitment.”
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.
