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ABC Lawyers: FCC Searched for Reasons to Target Network

Garrett Searight
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ABC Lawyers: FCC Searched for Reasons to Target Network

ABC is pushing back against the FCC in a new legal filing. The network argues regulators haven’t found legal grounds to target its stations.

What We Know: ABC’s attorneys contend the FCC has spent months trying to justify action against the company’s broadcast licenses without evidence supporting such a move. The filing argues the commission’s review has failed to uncover any basis for denying license renewals or initiating revocation proceedings. The dispute centers on the FCC’s authority to renew or revoke broadcast licenses, a process governed by longstanding federal standards. ABC’s lawyers maintain the commission can’t move forward simply because it wants additional scrutiny if the legal requirements for renewal have already been met. According to the filing, that effort has come up empty because the stations satisfy the statutory requirements for license renewal.

What They Said: “The FCC has spent the last 18 months searching for some pretext for revoking the Stations’ licenses. The Commission has found none, because the Stations easily meet the standard for license renewal — which under the law means that the Commission cannot revoke their licenses or order a hearing on their renewal applications.” -ABC lawyers in FCC filing

What Remains Unclear: It’s still unknown how the FCC will respond to ABC’s legal arguments or whether the commission will attempt to justify additional review. The timeline for resolving the license renewal proceedings also remains uncertain.

What It Means: The filing escalates an increasingly public dispute between a major broadcast network and its federal regulator. If ABC’s position prevails, it could reinforce the legal standards governing broadcast license renewals and make it more difficult for the FCC to pursue enforcement actions without substantial supporting evidence.

Kelly Sutton Launches Weekday Morning Show on WSM Radio

David Hill
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Kelly Sutton Launches Weekday Morning Show on WSM Radio

Kelly Sutton gets her own weekday morning show. WSM Radio debuts “The Kelly Sutton Show” on August 10.

What We Know: The show airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Nashville’s legendary WSM Radio. Charlie Mattos, a longtime WSM personality and Grand Ole Opry host, joins as producer and co-host. Additionally, WSM Studio Director Annie Ney partners with Sutton behind the microphone. Meanwhile, Amber Anderson—Sutton’s Amazon Music co-host—contributes segments regularly. The show will also stream across WSM’s social media platforms.

What They Said: Sutton expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, saying she feels “truly honored to be entrusted with carrying on the incredible legacy of WSM Radio.” She reflected on her five years hosting “Coffee, Country & Cody,” calling it “one of the greatest privileges of my career.” Importantly, Sutton emphasized that the new show will deliver “laughter, great music, and genuine connection” each morning. WSM General Manager Eric Marcum praised Sutton’s “personality” and “genuine relationships with artists and fans,” noting the show continues WSM’s “long tradition of live, local programming.”

What Remains Unclear: The network hasn’t announced specific show format details. Additionally, details about the show’s music rotation strategy remain undisclosed. Furthermore, promotional plans beyond social media streaming haven’t been detailed yet.

What It Means: Sutton becomes the face of WSM’s morning drive time moving forward. The move strengthens Nashville’s radio landscape with established talent. Moreover, Sutton balances this role while hosting nationally syndicated “Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton,” Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly,” and “The Nashville Show” on UK radio. Ultimately, this launch reinforces WSM’s commitment to live, local broadcasting over its storied 100-year legacy.

Andre Yancey Promoted to 102 JAMS Brand Manager Role

David Hill
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Andre Yancey Promoted to 102 JAMS Brand Manager Role

Audacy promoted Andre Yancey to Brand Manager at 102 JAMS (KRBQ-FM). He maintains his Assistant Brand Manager role at 94.7 The Block in New York.

What We Know Yancey brings over a decade of brand management expertise to the Bay Area station. The Bay Area native launched his radio career at KMEL street team. He eventually worked alongside the station’s legendary Morning Zoo. Then, in 2021, Yancey joined Audacy as Director of Morning Content Operations at WCBS-FM. He successfully relaunched the flagship morning program post-pandemic and helped establish 94.7 The Block as Audacy’s most-used urban streaming brand, earning consecutive Gracie Awards along the way.

What They Said Skip Dillard, Urban AC and Throwbacks Format Vice President at Audacy, emphasized Yancey’s local perspective. “As a Bay Area native, Andre understands what the community wants and needs,” Dillard noted. “We look forward to seeing how his creative instincts and acute eye for technology come together to elevate the brand.” Meanwhile, Yancey expressed gratitude for his opportunity. “Radio has been part of my life since childhood—a companion, a soundtrack, a way to feel connected,” he shared. “JAMS is a love letter to The Bay and its contribution to culture, and companionship and connection are what radio is truly about.”

What Remains Unclear The announcement doesn’t specify how Yancey will balance leadership at two Audacy stations simultaneously. Additionally, details about specific content strategy initiatives remain sparse. Furthermore, the timeline for implementing new programming changes hasn’t been disclosed. Finally, expectations for ratings growth or audience expansion targets were not mentioned.

What It Means This appointment signals Audacy’s commitment to elevating JAMS within the competitive Bay Area radio market. Moreover, Yancey’s dual-market expertise could strengthen both the San Francisco and New York urban formats. More importantly, his digital transformation background suggests potential for innovative streaming strategies. Ultimately, this move reflects Audacy’s confidence in developing internal talent across major 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.

NFL Network Added To ESPN App For Unlimited Subscribers

John Mamola
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NFL Network Added To ESPN App For Unlimited Subscribers

The NFL Network has arrived on the ESPN App. Unlimited plan subscribers get instant access.

What We Know: NFL Network content now streams directly on the ESPN App for Unlimited subscribers. The deal adds 19 preseason games, seven regular-season matchups and more than 1,500 hours of studio programming annually. Signature offerings include Good Morning Football, The Insiders and NFL GameDay. ESPN acquired oversight over the NFL Network from the league in part of a partnership where the NFL gained a 10% stake in the network. This move layers NFL Network’s existing content onto ESPN’s platform.

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify any pricing changes for Unlimited subscribers gaining this content.

What It Means: This addition strengthens ESPN’s app as a one-stop NFL destination ahead of the 2026 season. Combined with 29 total NFL matchups and ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027, the network is consolidating its football footprint. For fans, it means fewer app switches during football season. For ESPN, it’s another step toward positioning the Unlimited tier as the essential subscription for NFL coverage.

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.

Derek Fisher: Sports Radio Hosts Should Stop Putting Labels On Athletes

John Mamola
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Derek Fisher: Sports Radio Hosts Should Stop Putting Labels On Athletes

Derek Fisher is pushing back on labels that sports radio talent place on athletes in conversation. The Lakers legend has a message for sports radio during a confrontational segment with fellow 97.1 The Fan host Bill Reiter on D-Fish & Decker.

What We Know: Fisher co-hosts D-Fish & Decker on 97.1 The Fan in Los Angeles alongside co-host Cody Decker. The program disagreed with afternoon host Bill Reiter labeling LeBron James a “mercenary” for choosing Philadelphia over his prior playing destinations in Miami and Cleveland. Fisher and Decker welcomed Reiter to the studio on Wednesday morning to have a conversation about his labeling of James and the reasoning behind it. During an over twenty minute confrontation, Fisher explained one of the reasons he decided to enter sports radio was to encourage not labeling athletes for anything. James spent eight seasons with the Lakers before leaving as a free agent. Fisher addressed the label directly on Wednesday’s show, and he made his stance clear early.

What They Said: Derek Fisher (via 97.1 The Fan’s D-Fish & Decker): “The show starts with me. Part of why I’m doing this is to try to help us get out of this idea that we have to label athletes anything. Why is he a mercenary? Why can’t he just be a guy that worked at a job for eight years, his contract at the job was up, and he’s choosing to go work somewhere else. So then, why do we have to start labeling him like it’s a negative thing? He hated the city, and he didn’t love the city. What about I just want to go work somewhere else, and that’s fine. I don’t get to determine how another adult man. I don’t have to label that anything.”

What Remains Unclear: The dynamic between both the morning and afternoon show using each other’s platforms for content is unknown.

What It Means: Fisher’s comments signal a difference in approach to how many sports talk radio hosts approach the craft. While every athlete isn’t labeled for their actions on and off the court, the practice doesn’t sit well with Fisher. Who is a former player in the NBA. Instead of moral judgments, he’s arguing for treating free agency like any other career change is a better explaination instead of sports radio talent being vessels for the fanbase’s emotional ties to players. That framing could shape how “Derek & Decker” covers future player decisions. Ultimately, it puts Fisher at odds with a colleague on his own station. At least, for this instance.

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.

SiriusXM COO Wayne Thorsen Exits

Garrett Searight
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SiriusXM COO Wayne Thorsen Exits

SiriusXM is losing Chief Operating Officer Wayne Thorsen. The leadership change comes as the company reported second-quarter earnings.

What We Know: SiriusXM disclosed Thursday that Wayne Thorsen has decided to leave the company after serving less than two years in the role. The company offered no explanation beyond saying he had “decided to leave the company.” Thorsen joined SiriusXM in December 2024 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer after previously serving as chief business officer at ADT. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Google, SoFi, Microsoft and Viacom. During his tenure, he oversaw SiriusXM’s product and technology organizations while leading business development, corporate strategy, subscriber acquisition initiatives and other key commercial functions.

What They Said: “We appreciate Wayne’s many contributions to SiriusXM and thank him for his service. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” – SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz

What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM hasn’t announced who will assume Thorsen’s responsibilities, if anyone. Likewise, the company hasn’t indicated whether it plans to appoint a new chief operating officer or redistribute those duties among existing executives. The company also didn’t provide additional details about what prompted Thorsen’s departure.

What It Means: Leadership transitions often raise questions about strategic priorities, especially when an executive was recruited to help drive operational transformation. However, SiriusXM appears focused on maintaining continuity as it advances its subscription strategy and technology investments. Until the company identifies a successor or outlines a revised leadership structure, observers will be watching closely to see how responsibilities shift across the executive team.

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.

Jarrett Payton Steps Down From Sports Anchor Role At WGN After Ten Years

John Mamola
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Jarrett Payton Steps Down From Sports Anchor Role At WGN After Ten Years

Jarrett Payton is leaving WGN. The longtime sports anchor announced Thursday he’s stepping away after a decade at the station.

What We Know: Payton joined WGN-TV in 2015 and spent 10 years as sports anchor and GN Sports co-anchor. Payton is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton. Payton was also a key contributor to both 104.3 The Score and ESPN Chicago during his time in Chicago sports media. He announced the exit on social media, framing it as a family decision. Meanwhile, he credited several WGN and Nexstar leaders for shaping his career. However, he stopped short of naming his next move.

What They Said: Jarrett Payton (via X): “After 10 meaningful years at WGN, I’ve made the decision to step away from the station. This choice comes from the heart. I want to spend more time with my family. They are the most important part of my world.”

Jarrett Payton (via X): “Even as I step away, I’m still looking for ways to stay connected to the station I love. I do so with a heart full of gratitude, excitement, and hope. Here’s to more time with family, new beginnings, and whatever comes next.”

What Remains Unclear: Payton didn’t specify a last day on air, so the transition timeline stays open. Additionally, he hinted at staying “connected to the station,” without detailing how.

What It Means: Payton’s exit removes a decade-long fixture from Chicago sports coverage. Still, his emphasis on family over departure friction suggests an amicable split rather than a contentious exit. Meanwhile, WGN now faces a notable vacancy in its sports lineup. Ultimately, his next chapter — broadcasting or otherwise — will shape how this transition is remembered.

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.

NBC News Expands Streaming Lineup with Launch of ‘Current with Christine Romans’

Garrett Searight
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NBC News Expands Streaming Lineup with Launch of ‘Current with Christine Romans’

NBC News is expanding its streaming lineup with a new daily program. Christine Romans will anchor the weekday show beginning August 3.

What We Know: NBC News will launch Current with Christine Romans on NBC News NOW Monday, August 3rd. The two-hour program will stream weekdays from 10 AM ET until noon ET. As markets open and major stories develop, Romans will guide viewers through breaking news, politics, global events, and the economy. Additionally, the show will feature regular coverage of finance, business, technology, artificial intelligence, and other major issues, drawing on Romans’ role as the network’s chief business correspondent. The program will also introduce 50 States in 50 Days, a recurring franchise that partners with NBC affiliates to highlight local responses to national challenges. Kerrie Wudyka will serve as executive producer.

What They Said: “This is a moment to tell stories only the way that NBC News can, with our vast resources and our bureaus around the world. We’ll explain what’s happening, why it matters, and how decisions made in the halls of power around the world and on Wall Street affect people at the kitchen table. That will be the framing for everything we do.” -Christine Romans

What Remains Unclear: NBC News hasn’t announced whether additional original franchises or contributors will join the program beyond its initial lineup.

What It Means: NBC News continues investing in live streaming as competition for digital news audiences intensifies. Meanwhile, placing an experienced business journalist in a prominent daytime slot signals the network sees growing demand for coverage that connects financial markets, politics, and everyday life. The addition also expands NBC News NOW’s live weekday schedule as the platform builds on seven consecutive record years of audience growth.

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.

Cam Newton: Ryan Clark Became Too Emotionally Tied To His Role At ESPN

John Mamola
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Cam Newton: Ryan Clark Became Too Emotionally Tied To His Role At ESPN

Cam Newton says he can understand critics of Ryan Clark’s emotional display during an episode of The Pivot following being part of ESPN’s layoffs. The former NFL MVP is defending Ryan Clark’s emotional ESPN exit instead of joining in the criticism of it.

What We Know: Ryan Clark left ESPN last week amid company-wide layoffs. His departure drew scrutiny after he became visibly emotional during an appearance on his podcast The Pivot. Critics argued the reaction seemed excessive for what amounted to a business decision. Newton, however, says that framing misses the real story in his latest 4th and 1 podcast.

What They Said: (All quotes via 4th and 1 podcast)

Cam Newton says Ryan Clark became emotionally tied to being at ESPN: “I know that nothing is permanent from the teams, the organizations, the programs. This is a business. You can’t tie your emotions into business, and I think Ryan Clark naturally did that. Does that make him a bad person? Absolutely not. Do you want to critique him for crime? Absolutely not.”

Cam Newton on what he didn’t like about Ryan Clark’s explanation on The Pivot: “I feel like Ryan Clark was brought to his knees in front of the world and made an example numerous times at ESPN. And when he talks about these things, that’s what I didn’t like, because his truth is his truth. When he says certain things that I couldn’t too black. He couldn’t respond to disrespect as if to say. When I watched The Pivot, I love to tune in to see what they have to say about certain topics. They had to dial it back some because of the sensitivity, or because of the state that Ryan Clark was in. In essence saying, “I’m not able to be me.” I hated that.”

Cam Newton can’t be made at how Ryan Clark reacted on The Pivot: “When I look at the whole situation from inside the camp and outside the camp, we always ask men and ask people to be honest. Be vulnerable. Tell your truth. So I can’t tell Ryan don’t be [crying]. No. I ain’t getting mad at that. I’m getting mad at how they played with that man. That’s what I’m mad at because what he was talking about is what his experience was while at [ESPN].”

What Remains Unclear: Newton didn’t specify what The Pivot “dialed back” during the episode. Whether Clark will respond directly to Newton’s comments is unknown.

What It Means: Newton’s remarks reignite debate over vulnerability in sports media. They also expose tension between authenticity and corporate polish in the industry. While Newton said he understands how some can see Clark’s reaction as staged or phony, he also sees why Clark was emotional in the first place. Newton’s defense reframes Clark’s tears as honesty, not a liability. Whether or not you believe the emotions, the facts are ESPN has moved on from Clark and Newton for the foreseeable future.

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.

Fox News Leads July Cable News Ratings, CNN Sees Large Primetime Jump

Garrett Searight
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0
Fox News Leads July Cable News Ratings, CNN Sees Large Primetime Jump

Fox News maintained its commanding lead in July’s cable news ratings. CNN posted modest gains while competitors delivered mixed monthly results.

What We Know: Fox News once again dominated cable news in July, with The Five finishing as the most-watched program on cable television by averaging 3.3 million viewers. Jesse Watters Primetime also cleared the 3 million viewer mark, reinforcing the network’s strength during weekday evenings. Although Fox News held steady in primetime compared to June, the rest of the industry produced a mixed performance. CNN improved its primetime audience month-over-month, while NewsNation declined from the prior month after posting gains earlier this year. In primetime, however, it saw a nearly 30% jump compared to July 2025. Meanwhile, total day viewing softened for most networks as summer viewing patterns continued.

What the Numbers Show:

Primetime Viewership (July 2026 vs. June 2026)

NetworkJuly 2026June 2026% Change
Fox News2.3M2.3M🟢 ▲ 3.0%
MS NOW1.0M1.0M➖ 0.0%
CNN658K628K🟢 ▲ 4.8%
Newsmax202K198K🟢 ▲ 2.0%
NewsNation141K156K🔴 ▼ 9.6%

Primetime Viewership (July 2026 vs. July 2025)

NetworkJuly 2026July 2025% Change
Fox News2.3M2.4M🔴 ▼ 3.2%
MS NOW1.0M865K🟢 ▲ 15.6%
CNN658K500K🟢 ▲ 31.6%
Newsmax202K228K🔴 ▼ 11.4%
NewsNation141K108K🟢 ▲ 30.6%

Total Day Viewership (July 2026 vs. June 2026)

NetworkJuly 2026June 2026% Change
Fox News1.5M1.6M🟢 ▲4%
MS NOW633K655K🔴 ▼ 3.4%
CNN463K500K🔴 ▼ 7.4%
Newsmax126K198K🔴 ▼ 36.4%
NewsNation68K80K🔴 ▼ 15.0%

Total Day Viewership (July 2026 vs. July 2025)

NetworkJuly 2026July 2025% Change
Fox News1.5M1.5M🔴 ▼ 1.0%
MS NOW633K535K🟢 ▲ 18.3%
CNN463K373K🟢 ▲ 24.1%
Newsmax126K150K🔴 ▼ 16.0%
NewsNation68K57K🟢 ▲ 19.3%

What Remains Unclear: It’s still too early to determine whether CNN’s primetime momentum will continue beyond the summer or if July represents a temporary bump driven by the news cycle. Likewise, NewsNation’s monthly decline may prove short-lived as networks prepare for heavier political coverage later this year. Total day viewing also tends to fluctuate during the summer, making longer-term trends more meaningful than a single month’s results.

What It Means: Fox News continues to set the pace across cable news, even without posting month-over-month growth in primetime. At the same time, CNN’s gains suggest the network is finding opportunities to grow during major news events. MS NOW remained comfortably in second place, while Newsmax and NewsNation continue competing for audience share outside the industry’s top three. With political coverage expected to intensify in the coming months, August and September ratings should offer a clearer picture of which networks are building sustainable momentum.

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.

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