Home Blog Page 489

VSiN Announces Return Of “Circa Survivor: The Quest for $14.2 Million”

BSM Staff
-
0
VSiN Announces Return Of “Circa Survivor: The Quest for $14.2 Million”

VSiN is doubling down on its commitment to delivering original content that resonates with sports bettors by bringing back its hit docuseries, Circa Survivor: The Quest for $14.2 Million. The second season premieres Tuesday, August 5, at 9 p.m. ET on VSiN.com and YouTubeTV. Produced by Longball Productions, the ten-part series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest legal sports betting contest—Circa Sports’ Circa Survivor Pro Football Contest. This year’s prize: a staggering, winner-take-all purse of $14.2 million.

Billed as the sports betting industry’s first docuseries, Circa Survivor chronicles the drama, strategy, and heartbreak that comes with navigating a 20-week gauntlet of NFL picks. Contestants must survive by selecting one team per week without repeating picks—a format that quickly trims the field and delivers serious emotional swings.

“With more contestants and even more money on the line, the drama is bigger, the stakes are higher, and the stories are even more compelling,” said VSiN CEO Bill Adee. “It’s not just for bettors, it’s must-watch TV for anyone who loves strategy, suspense, and big personalities chasing the prize of a lifetime.”

Season two introduces both new and returning faces, including notable names like UFC CEO Dana White and Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. The show doesn’t shy away from showcasing both the heroes and villains of the competition—fan favorites and controversial figures alike.

Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports, said the timing was ideal for a second season, especially with this year’s prize pool reaching a new high.

“Each year, Circa Sports’ professional football contests get bigger and bigger,” Stevens said. “Longball Productions did an excellent job of capturing the high-stakes nature of this contest and the unmatched prizes awarded.”

The docuseries takes viewers from the contest’s registration process—where contestants must physically sign up in Las Vegas—to the nerve-wracking weekly decisions that define the survivor format. The season is broken into ten 30-minute episodes, with the first five dropping August 5 and the final five airing August 12.

According to Longball’s Stephan Shelanski, viewers can expect a wild ride. “Only one percent of original entries survived the first five weeks,” he said. “From miraculous last-second wins to brutal bad beats, every episode captures the highs and lows that come with playing for millions.”

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.

NBC Nightly News Executive Producer Meghan Rafferty to Depart for Executive Role at MSNBC, CNBC

BNM Staff
-
0
NBC Nightly News Executive Producer Meghan Rafferty to Depart for Executive Role at MSNBC, CNBC

Versant — the spun-off cable company preparing to separate from NBCUniversal — has announced that NBC Nightly News Executive Producer Meghan Rafferty will join as the Vice President of News Standards for MSNBC and CNBC.

Rafferty helped oversee the transition from long-time anchor Lester Holt to the newly appointed Tom Llamas. She had held the role of Executive Producer for the nightly newscast for nearly four full years.

In her new role, Meghan Rafferty will report to Versant Senior Vice President of Standards and Editorial Partnerships Brian Carovillano.

“Meghan will be a key voice within both networks’ news leadership,” said Carovillano in a memo. He added, “She will help lead our News Standards Team and guide newsrooms at MSNBC and CNBC to ensure the work is fair, accurate, and transparent. She’ll collaborate with colleagues across our news platforms, as well as legal and other departments.”

Rafferty becomes the latest member of the NBC News crew to join Versant as it builds out its roster and executive team for MSNBC and CNBC. The network has also looked at outside organizations to help build out its newsgathering, production, and talent rosters, including luring Marcus Mabry away from CNN to serve as the Vice President of Content Strategy at MSNBC.

Versant is expected to be completely separated from NBCUniversal by the conclusion of 2025.

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.

Ohio State Radio Network Broadcast Team Adds Tyler Danburg

BSM Staff
-
0
Ohio State Radio Network Broadcast Team Adds Tyler Danburg

97.1 The Fan and Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties have officially tapped Tyler Danburg to join the Ohio State Radio Network broadcast team. The Cleveland native and proud Ohio State alum will step into a multi-faceted role as the new play-by-play voice for Buckeye women’s basketball and baseball, while also handling sideline and post-game locker room duties for Ohio State football broadcasts.

Danburg brings with him a resume tailor-made for the role. Having called action for 17 different Buckeye sports across B1G+ and Scarlet and Gray Sports Radio, he’s no stranger to the university’s athletic footprint—or its fanbase.

For Danburg, the opportunity represents a full-circle moment. “It’s a dream come true to come home and broadcast for a place like Ohio State, which has meant so much to me,” he said. “I’m incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity—and I can’t wait to get started.”

The hiring follows a nationwide search, but according to Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties Vice President and General Manager Todd Knisley, Danburg’s mix of broadcast talent and institutional familiarity made him a standout.

“Broadcasting for one of the nation’s premier athletic programs requires a mix of talent, insight, connection and authenticity,” Knisley said. “We saw outstanding candidates from across the country, but Tyler’s familiarity with our program and proven broadcasting experience made him the natural choice.”

Currently wrapping up his season as the voice of the Frisco RoughRiders—the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers—Danburg is expected to transition into his new role in time for the upcoming Ohio State football season.

“Tyler brings exceptional passion and a deep knowledge of Ohio State athletics,” said Skip Mosic, Director of Network Programming for Ohio State Radio Sports. “He’s already earned the respect of our coaches and administrators through his work on multiple platforms. He’ll elevate our women’s basketball and baseball coverage, and as a Buckeye himself, Tyler will be a tremendous brand ambassador for 97.1 The Fan, Learfield, and Ohio State. Buckeye Nation will love him.”

Beyond play-by-play and sideline responsibilities, Danburg will also anchor sports updates for 97.1 The Fan, contribute to RadiOhio’s Ohio News Network, and support digital and on-air content efforts for Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties.

The move underscores RadiOhio’s continued investment in Buckeye sports coverage and deepens its bench with a young, energized voice well-versed in the school’s culture and competitive legacy.

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.

Cayuga Media Group Names New Operations and Brand Leaders

BMM Staff
-
0
Cayuga Media Group Names New Operations and Brand Leaders

As Cayuga Media Group prepares for a change in leadership, the Saga Communications-owned cluster in Ithaca has promoted a pair from within the cluster.

Joe Salzone, who is currently the News Director at WHCU-AM & FM, has been promoted to Operations Manager for the 10-station group. His move up follows veteran programmer Chris Allinger preparing to step down from his role at the end of August.

“Joe is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable broadcast professional,” said Chet Osadchey, President and GM of Cayuga Media Group. “He will be a guiding force in our continued evolution as a local media source.”

Salzone joined the team in 2020. His move into operations marks a significant shift as Cayuga prepares for life after Allinger, a longtime staple in the Ithaca radio scene.

Meanwhile, another internal promotion increases programming responsibilities for Justin Bertolero. Already serving as the Brand Manager for Top 40 Z95.5 WFIZ, Bertolero will now oversee programming for heritage Country Q Country 103.7 WQNY and Fox Sports Ithaca 96.3 The Buzzer.

He’ll continue to be on-air, hosting middays on Q Country and afternoons on Z95.5.

“Justin is a rising star in our building,” Osadchey said. “We are all very proud of him and confident he will continue to elevate both our radio and social platforms.”

Bertolero is an Ithaca College graduate who joined the cluster in 2022.

“Both Joe and Justin have shown great pride and leadership in their work,” Osadchey added. “It’s fulfilling and exciting to see them continue to grow professionally within this team.”

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.

TNT Sports adds Savannah Bananas Broadcasts To Air On truTV, HBO MAX

BSM Staff
-
0
TNT Sports adds Savannah Bananas Broadcasts To Air On truTV, HBO MAX

TNT Sports announced Tuesday that it will bring eight consecutive weekends of Banana Ball action to truTV beginning Saturday, August 16. The wildly popular Savannah Bananas and their viral brand of baseball will be featured as part of a multi-market tour. The trek runs through some of Major League Baseball’s most iconic stadiums, with all games also simulcast on HBO Max.

truTV’s coverage launches from Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox, and includes stops at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Petco Park in San Diego, Yankee Stadium in New York, T-Mobile Park in Seattle, and Daikin Park in Houston. A weekend from the Bananas’ home turf at Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, is also on the schedule.

The season concludes with Banana Ball’s first-ever Tour Championship in early October. The multi-day event will feature all four touring teams — the Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, Firefighters, and Texas Tailgaters — vying for the inaugural Banana Ball title. Seeding will be determined by regular season results with the championship game set for Saturday, October 11.

Banana Ball, which has taken social media by storm in recent years, blends baseball fundamentals with high-energy entertainment. Games are known for their choreographed dances, elaborate player introductions, and mid-inning hijinks that often blur the line between sport and spectacle. For fans, the experience is more Harlem Globetrotters than hardball — and that’s by design.

TNT Sports is positioning Banana Ball as a tentpole part of truTV’s growing live sports portfolio, which already includes MLB, NHL, Big 12 and Big East basketball, U.S. Soccer, and NASCAR, among others. The move aligns with TNT’s broader strategy to fill the sports content pipeline on both cable and streaming platforms, especially during the summer months when traditional league schedules are lighter.

In addition to live games, truTV plans to complement Banana Ball broadcasts with sports-adjacent content throughout the year. That includes unscripted competitions like Wipeout, sports documentaries, and scripted series such as Ballers, which recently premiered on the network. The programming slate aims to engage fans across multiple formats while keeping sports at the cultural forefront.

Earlier this year, ESPN and the Bananas had come to terms on a ten game broadcast slate scheduled to air on Friday and Saturday nights on ESPN or ESPN2. All games will also be simulcast live on Disney+ and ESPN+. The new agreement with TNT Sports picks up where ESPN’s agreement with the Bananas left off.

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.

Riley Green Debuts ’90s Country Show on Apple Music

BMM Staff
-
0
Riley Green Debuts ’90s Country Show on Apple Music

Riley Green is bringing ’90s country back to the airwaves.

The Alabama native and Nashville Harbor recording artist will host The ’90s Country Show, a six-part radio series set to air exclusively on Apple Music Country, Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station.

The first episode premieres Wednesday, July 30, at 5 p.m. CT/3 p.m. PT, with each episode available on-demand to Apple Music subscribers.

“I grew up on ’90s country. It’s the music that shaped who I am as an artist,” Green told Apple Music. “This Apple Music show is a real full-circle moment for me. I’m excited to take fans back to that era and maybe introduce a few new folks to the kind of Country music that raised me.”

Each hour-long episode will feature Green revisiting the era’s most iconic songs and artists. At the same time, offering insight into how the music continues to influence the genre and his own career. The series promises a mix of storytelling, personal anecdotes, and special appearances from ’90s Country staples.

In the premiere, Green highlights his love for legendary band Alabama, fields a call to break up with a listener’s boyfriend and reflects on some of the more colorful personalities in his family.

Tracy Lawrence and Billy Ray Cyrus also make appearances during the debut episode.

The series marks another move by Apple Music Country to lean into nostalgia-driven programming, pairing artists with eras that helped define their musical identity.

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.

Katherine Maher: NPR Has ‘A Long Way to Go’ to Achieve Sustainability After Funding Cuts

BNM Staff
-
1
Katherine Maher: NPR Has ‘A Long Way to Go’ to Achieve Sustainability After Funding Cuts

NPR and PBS are finding ways to navigate through the loss of federal funding that was cut earlier this month. NPR CEO Katherine Maher says the organization has a challenge ahead.

In a vote, the Senate passed $9 billion in federal spending cuts, including more than $1 billion in cuts to NPR and PBS.

The passed legislation would remove $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That figure represents what the CPB was slated to receive over the next two budget years.

After the cuts were passed, more than $20 million in donations for NPR and PBS came in, with the outlets reportedly more than $70 million ahead of where they traditionally sit at this point of the calendar year.

Despite the increase in donations, NPR CEO Katherin Maher believes the road ahead will be a difficult one.

“We have a long way to go in terms of achieving sustainability,” Maher told Semafor. “It’s really important that the funds be understood as something that is a one-time response. It’s up to all of us to continue to build those relationships with people who have demonstrated that they’re committed to public media.”

She added that the network is take unprecedented steps to ensure that its affiliates remain viable.

“The reality is that, just like the impacts are pretty disparate, the stations that are best positioned to receive that kind of fund and engage in that kind of fundraising are not the ones that are most at risk,” Maher said.

Cuts to NPR and PBS come after a new Harris Poll survey shows that 66% of Americans believe that public radio should receive federal funding. The support isn’t limited to only one side of the political aisle. 77% of self-identified Democrats responded favorably to federal funding continuing to NPR. Meanwhile, 58% of Republicans responded similarly.

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.

NBC Sports Adds Tracy McGrady as NBA Studio Analyst

BSM Staff
-
0
NBC Sports Adds Tracy McGrady as NBA Studio Analyst

NBC Sports is adding Hall of Fame firepower to its NBA coverage. Tracy McGrady, the seven-time NBA All-Star and one of the most electric scorers of the 2000s, will join the network as a studio analyst this fall when NBC returns to covering the NBA for the first time since 2002.

The move is part of NBCUniversal’s renewed investment in professional basketball, following its 11-year rights agreement with the NBA that begins with the 2025-26 season. McGrady will appear on studio programming airing on NBC and Peacock beginning in October and will be part of the coverage throughout the regular season and playoffs.

“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join NBC Sports as the game returns to a network that helped shape so many iconic basketball memories,” McGrady said. “Basketball has given me everything, and I’ve always just tried to give that same energy back.”

McGrady, who played 16 seasons in the NBA, will work in studio one or more nights per week, often alongside fellow Hall of Famers and former teammates Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony. Studio hosts Maria Taylor and Ahmed Fareed will anchor the broadcasts.

The addition of McGrady brings another high-profile voice to NBC’s growing NBA talent roster, which also includes analysts Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, and Jamal Crawford, with Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle leading play-by-play duties. Frank DiGraci, a veteran of Emmy-winning productions, will serve as the coordinating producer. In a nod to nostalgia, NBC is also reviving its iconic “Roundball Rock” theme song and incorporating an AI-generated voice of longtime network narrator Jim Fagan.

McGrady brings prior media experience to the role. He joined ESPN in 2016 as an NBA analyst and later contributed to TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” His broadcast resume includes appearances on NBA Countdown, The Jump, and SportsCenter.

“Tracy has performed at the highest level both on and off the court and has already demonstrated his ability to deliver his unique perspective on air,” said NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood. “Whether paired with Carmelo, Vince, or both, we’re excited to see how this team of Hall of Famers comes together and breaks down the game.”

While McGrady is remembered for his consistent offensive brilliance, his most legendary moment came in 2004 when he scored 13 points in 35 seconds to lead Houston to a comeback win over San Antonio. His 32.1 points-per-game average in 2002-03 remains one of the top scoring seasons of the modern era.

NBC and Peacock will begin NBA coverage on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with weekly national games on Tuesday and Monday nights, followed by Sunday Night Basketball launching in 2026 after the conclusion of the NFL season.

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.

Eric Rosado Named Director of Content at Sierra H Radio

BMM Staff
-
0
Eric Rosado Named Director of Content at Sierra H Radio

Sierra H Broadcasting has tapped longtime programmer Eric Rosado as its new Director of Content, overseeing the company’s two Phoenix-market stations: Classic Hip Hop 101.1 The Bounce KZCE and Rhythmic AC Mega 104.3 KAJM. In addition to his programming duties, Rosado will also take over afternoons at The Bounce.

The move marks a new chapter for Rosado, who spent over two decades with iHeartMedia before departing earlier this year. With iHeart, he was a part of the Top 40 National Programming Team. He joined Sierra H in April.

Rosado’s radio journey began at KYLD in San Francisco and spans a wide range of markets and formats. He also helped guide iHeart’s “Dance Nation ’90s” and previously co-hosted the nationally syndicated Ghetto House Radio.

Rosado said, “I am very excited to join Sierra H Broadcasting, who puts people first and believes in local radio. Our connection to the community and ability to program to the lifestyle and vibe of Phoenix is a huge factor in making radio a stand-out product that people want to keep coming back to.”

He added, “These two brands are important to this large and growing market, and I look forward to creating a winning culture within our team and making some major noise in the Valley of the Sun!”

Sierra H owner Ken Brentlinger praised the hire, noting, “We are thrilled to welcome Eric to our team, and we are confident that his leadership will inspire our staff and continue to keep our brands growing in our rapidly expanding, competitive market.”

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.

Spotify Posts Nearly $100 Million Loss During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

BNM Staff
-
0
Spotify Posts Nearly $100 Million Loss During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

Spotify has unveiled its second-quarter financial results, and while the platform saw a rise in users, it saw a net financial loss overall.

During April, May, and June, Spotify lost 86 million euros, which converts to $99 million USD. The company pointed to higher personnel, professional services, and marketing costs as reason for the decline.

Additionally, it said it had “social charges” — namely, high payroll taxes as the price of the company’s stock increased — of more than $130 million.

That net loss of $99 million pales in comparison to the second quarter of 2024, when Spotify featured a profit of more than $315 million.

Overall, the platform’s revenue rose 10% to $483 billion, an uptick of 12% in its premium revenue category.

Spotify saw its monthly active user base grow by 11% during the quarter. It now features just under 700 million monthly active users. It said that the increase could be attributed to growth in Latin America and Europe among other global markets.

“It’s taken longer than expected to see the improvements we initiated to take hold,” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said during the company’s earnings call. “It’s really an execution challenge, not a problem with the strategy, and while I’m unhappy with where we are today, I remain confident in the ambitions we laid out for this business.”

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.

1...488489490...2,593Page 489 of 2,593