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One Year Later, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Clarifies Viral Post From Day Joe Biden Dropped Out of 2024 Race

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One Year Later, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Clarifies Viral Post From Day Joe Biden Dropped Out of 2024 Race

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 election. It also marks the anniversary of a viral moment for CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer.

Just before 1 PM ET on Sunday, July 21st, 2024, Wolf Blitzer shared a photo of him enjoying a drink at El Presidente restaurant in Washington, D.C. The drink was called a “Wolf Spritzer”, in honor of the CNN anchor.

Less than two hours later, however, Blitzer was on CNN leading the network’s breaking news coverage that Joe Biden was exiting the run for the White House.

The photo of Wolf Blitzer subsequently went viral, with more than 30 million views on the X platform. Many users joked about the idea of Blitzer being even remotely inebriated by the $15 cocktail.

In a video published to X on Monday, Blitzer’s now co-anchor, Pamela Brown, jokingly grilled him about the situation. That’s when Wolf Blitzer revealed that the entire ordeal was not as it seemed.

“This is the one year anniversary of the picture of you drinking the Wolf Spritzer went viral. But there’s a back story. What’s the truth behind it?” Brown asked her colleague.

“It’s the one year anniversary, plus a a day because I went to the El Presidente restaurant with my wife. We had dinner that Saturday night,” Blitzer shared. “I posted a picture of me having a Wolf Spritzer Sunday morning, even though it was Saturday night. People assumed that when I went on television to do all the reporting on Biden’s historic announcement, I was drunk or something. I wasn’t. I wasn’t drunk on Saturday night, either,” he said with a laugh. “That was like hours before.”

Brown, who laughed alongside Blitzer, said she was “so glad we could get to the bottom of this.”

According to El Presidente, a Wolf Spritzer includes aperol, mezcal, lemon juice, and either cava or sparkling wine.

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650 WSM Launches Streaming Channel Honoring Country Icons

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650 WSM Launches Streaming Channel Honoring Country Icons

650 WSM Radio is celebrating two significant milestones this summer: its 100th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Country Radio Hall of Fame (CRHOF). To mark the occasion, WSM has launched a new 24/7 streaming channel, Legends of Country Radio, which debuted today, July 21, on the station’s digital platforms.

The launch coincides with this week’s annual Country Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony and will be spotlighted during the event’s cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by WSM’s Bill Cody.

The Legends of Country Radio channel aims to honor the influential voices and music that have shaped the legacy of country radio. The programming lineup blends Classic Country hits, rare, archived audio, and decades of stories from Hall of Fame broadcasters.

Among the featured shows are replays of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley Specials, Coffee Country & Cody with Bill Cody, and New Music Nashville, produced and hosted by Bob Guerra. Interviews from The Bob Guerra Archives will also be included. He donated his collection of produced shows and interviews to Country Radio Broadcasters last year.

“With Legends of Country Radio, we’re creating an eternal home for these larger-than-life personalities, who didn’t just entertain, they made history,” said WSM Radio General Manager Eric Marcum. “It’s more than nostalgia; it’s about preserving the spirit of Country radio for generations to come.”

The Legends of Country Radio channel is available to stream now via 650 WSM Radio’s digital platforms.

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.

VSiN Partners With Mission Media AI To Lead Ad Sales for Network

BSM Staff
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VSiN Partners With Mission Media AI To Lead Ad Sales for Network

Mission Media AI is expanding its footprint in the sports media landscape, announcing a new strategic partnership with VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, to exclusively manage advertising sales across the company’s multi-platform content portfolio. The agreement gives Mission Media the reins on monetization strategy for VSiN’s extensive lineup of distribution channels, which include eight regional sports networks, SiriusXM Channel 158, YouTube TV, 20+ weekly podcasts, a 24/7 streaming audio station, and apps available on iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, Google Play, and LG devices.

The partnership is a significant step forward for Mission Media AI, a next-generation distribution and monetization firm that continues to grow its presence across sports, audio, and digital content. For VSiN, it represents a targeted effort to expand its advertising base and maximize revenue from an audience that is not only growing but highly engaged.

“VSiN has built one of the most trusted voices in sports,” said David Krulewich, CEO and founder of Mission Media AI. “This partnership allows us to bring their high-quality, insight-driven content to more advertisers through targeted and performance-driven campaigns. We’re excited to help scale their monetization across multiple platforms.”

Founded in 2025, Mission Media AI has already surpassed a billion ad impressions, generating millions in revenue for its creators. The company utilizes AI-driven tools and a proprietary influencer marketplace to drive advertising success through contextual targeting and cross-platform alignment.

The deal comes at a time of rapid evolution in the sports betting content space, where VSiN continues to carve out a strong niche with expert-driven analysis and actionable betting information. Anchored by respected voices like Gill Alexander, Mitch Moss, Paul Howard, Stormy Buonantony, and Jonathan Von Tobel, the network attracts more than 8 million monthly users across its platforms.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Mission Media AI to grow the value of our business and support our ongoing focus on rapid expansion,” said VSiN CEO Bill Adee. “Mission’s forward-thinking approach and expertise in media sales, especially on the digital side, will allow us to continue delivering the industry’s most credible, actionable sports betting content while expanding our advertising portfolio and total audience reach.”

The partnership underscores a broader trend of media companies seeking smarter, data-driven ways to monetize content in an increasingly fragmented digital environment. By combining VSiN’s established credibility in sports betting with Mission Media’s advertising tech and distribution capabilities, the two companies aim to deliver both value for advertisers and enhanced experiences for sports fans.

As the line between media and marketing continues to blur, the move signals a shared commitment to high-impact storytelling, strategic targeting, and scalable revenue solutions.

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.

1010 WINS Staffers Seek ‘Responsibility for Safety’ of Employees From Audacy in Contract Negotiations

BNM Staff
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1010 WINS Staffers Seek ‘Responsibility for Safety’ of Employees From Audacy in Contract Negotiations

The contract between 1010 WINS and the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) is set to expire on Tuesday, and staffers from the station are making their demands to Audacy known.

In a statement, the union shared that concerns about workplace safety remain paramount in the negotiations.

“1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. “The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.”

The statement from Takeuchi Cullen came after 90% of union employees at 1010 WINS signed a letter to Audacy stating that it asks that the company “bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence. We call on management to reach a fair deal before our contract expiration date: July 22, 2025.”

The union added that it is the first negotiation between the WGAE and Audacy since the company ended WCBS 880 last August, which eliminated 23 jobs.

In a statement to Barrett Media, an Audacy spokesperson said, “As always, Audacy remains committed to mutually beneficial and respectful partnerships with all our union colleagues, and we are proud of that track record.”

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.

New Edison Research Data Shows Podcast Listening From Baby Boomers Nearly Doubled Since 2023

BNM Staff
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New Edison Research Data Shows Podcast Listening From Baby Boomers Nearly Doubled Since 2023

The latest findings of Edison Research show a continued increase in podcast listening among Americans aged 55 and older.

Long considered the most loyal consumers of traditional AM/FM radio, this demographic is increasingly turning to digital audio platforms.

The new data follows a 2023 report released by Edison Research and NPR titled Hit Play, Boomer!, which identified a lag in podcast adoption among older adults. At that time, individuals 55 and older made up roughly one-third of the U.S. population but accounted for just 17% of monthly podcast listeners and 14% of the weekly audience.

In 2025, Edison’s data shows that 27% of Americans aged 55+ reported watching or listening to a podcast in the past week. That marks a continued upward trend from 19% in 2024. While video podcast consumption is now included for the first time in Edison’s Infinite Dial study, the company stated that weekly listening would have increased regardless of that change.

Several developments have been noted as possible contributors to the rise.

Podcast platforms have improved navigation and usability, which may have reduced barriers for older listeners. Additionally, content targeted toward this audience—such as local news updates, health topics, and generational storytelling—has become more prevalent. Demographic shifts may also be a factor, as younger Baby Boomers and older members of Generation X enter the 55+ age group with established podcast habits.

Edison Research plans to continue monitoring podcast engagement across age groups in upcoming studies.

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.

X103.9 Colorado Springs Shuffles Lineup, Adds Woody & Wilcox

BMM Staff
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X103.9 Colorado Springs Shuffles Lineup, Adds Woody & Wilcox

Alternative X103.9 KRXP in Colorado Springs has made changes to its on-air lineup and leadership. Starting today (7/21), the nationally syndicated morning show “Woody & Wilcox” will take over the morning drive slot.

Current morning host Andy ‘Crowley’ Crowl will move to afternoons. Meanwhile, program director Carly Evans, who had been with the station for just over two years, is leaving as the PD position is being eliminated.

According to #happens, Ross Ford, cluster operations manager and program director of Rock 94.3 KILO, will now take over programming duties at X103.9. The move consolidates programming under Ford’s leadership as part of a broader restructuring within the cluster.

These changes mark a new chapter for X103.9 as it transitions to syndicated morning programming and refines its management structure.

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.

Audacy Announces 12th Annual ‘We Can Survive’ Event

BMM Staff
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Audacy Announces 12th Annual ‘We Can Survive’ Event

Audacy has revealed details for its 12th annual “We Can Survive” concert. The show is set for Friday, September 26, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The event, presented by VEG, ER for Pets, will feature performances by Ed Sheeran, the Goo Goo Dolls, Audacy LAUNCH artist Alex Warren, and rising hip-hop and Country performer Shaboozey.

New York’s NEW 102.7 FM hosts the annual concert in support of Audacy’s “I’m Listening” mental health initiative. The initiative promotes open dialogue on mental health and provides resources to those in need.

“Music has the power to connect us — truly bringing people together through voices they trust and content they love,” said Michael Martin, Audacy Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives. “We’re looking forward to sharing another memorable ‘We Can Survive’ alongside this lineup of artists.”

Hard Rock International will partner with Audacy for the event. They will donate $25,000 to support the company’s ongoing mental health initiatives. Audacy and Hard Rock will also bring the Audacy Sound Space, typically located at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square, to the Prudential Center. It will serve as the title sponsor of the Hard Rock Artist Lounge. The lounge will feature backstage artist interviews and other content activations.

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.

Saga Flips EZ 99.9 Clarksville to Spanish Top 40 La Pantera

BMM Staff
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Saga Flips EZ 99.9 Clarksville to Spanish Top 40 La Pantera

According to reporting from RadioInsight, Saga Communications has flipped Soft AC EZ 99.9 in Clarksville, TN, to Spanish Top 40 “La Pantera 99.9.”

The station will feature Spanish Rhythmic and Regional Mexican music.

Operations Manager Ryan Ploeckelman said, “When we started talking about bringing a Latin music station to Clarksville, we asked around the local Hispanic community to see what folks wanted in the mix. What we heard again and again is that there’s not just one Spanish-speaking community in Clarksville, and there isn’t just one flavor of Latin music. That guided our choices to make sure we have a variety of music represented, from Puerto Rican to Mexican to Colombian.”

Saga debuted the same brand in July of last year. The new station is the second such brand for the company.

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 Herd With Colin Cowherd’ Adds Portland’s Rip City Radio as 400th Affiliate

BSM Staff
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‘The Herd With Colin Cowherd’ Adds Portland’s Rip City Radio as 400th Affiliate

The Herd with Colin Cowherd has officially hit a major syndication milestone. FOX Sports Radio announced Tuesday that the nationally syndicated program will join iHeartMedia’s Rip City Radio 620 in Portland, becoming the show’s 400th affiliate.

Beginning Tuesday, July 22, The Herd will occupy the weekday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT timeslot on the radio station, replacing The Rich Eisen Show, which is syndicated by Westwood One.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the move!” said Cowherd in a statement. “The Northwest has always held a special place in my heart! I was so fired up when I got the call from iHeart and am extremely honored that of all the cities, Portland’s KPOJ is my 400th affiliate.”

For Cowherd, the Portland addition carries personal significance. Before ascending to national prominence, he served as a sports anchor in the region, including a stint at KGW-TV in Portland and radio work in nearby markets. Now, with the addition of Rip City Radio, The Herd deepens its roots in a region familiar with Cowherd’s voice and brand.

The program, which airs across FOX Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app, has remained a cornerstone in the network’s weekday lineup since its launch in September 2015. Cowherd, recently announced as a 2025 inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame, blends storytelling with sharp takes, often pulling in interviews with high-profile figures across the sports landscape.

“We couldn’t be happier to bring a national and local icon to our team,” said Rich Moore, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Seattle and Program Director of Rip City Radio 620. “Colin brings a powerful voice and exceptional show, which is a mainstay in the Portland market.”

In addition to its wide terrestrial reach, The Herd continues to dominate digitally. The show has surpassed 800 million podcast downloads and garnered billions of video views across platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X.

Cowherd’s influence also extends through The Volume, a podcast network he co-founded with iHeartRadio in 2021. The network features shows hosted by some of sports media’s most outspoken voices, including The Draymond Green Show, What’s Wright? with Nick Wright, and 3 and Out with John Middlekauff.

With the addition of Rip City Radio 620, Cowherd and FOX Sports Radio continue to expand The Herd’s national reach — and reinforce the show’s standing as a pillar of contemporary sports talk.

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.

OutKick Sees More Than 6 Million Visitors During June

BNM Staff
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OutKick Sees More Than 6 Million Visitors During June

OutKick — the digital media brand founded by Clay Travis — is seeing a strong wave of digital momentum.

The platform posted double-digit growth across key digital metrics during the second quarter, according to Comscore. OutKick averaged 6.2 million monthly desktop and mobile unique visitors for the quarter, a 26% increase over the first three months of 2025. Total views climbed 38% to 61 million, while total minutes watched jumped 37% to 57 million.

June capped off the quarter with even more growth. OutKick recorded 6.7 million unique visitors in the month, up 19% from May and 14% year-over-year. Multiplatform views reached 31 million, up 16% from the previous month and 35% from the same month last year. Multiplatform minutes hit 29 million, marking a 40% year-over-year rise.

“June was a great month for OutKick and completes a tremendous Q2 2025,” said OutKick Senior Vice President and Managing Editor Gary Schreier. “In this month alone, the platform garnered national attention around Simone Biles attempting to criticize OutKick’s Riley Gaines and was the only site to ask Brittney Griner about her comments from the bench. These moments highlight OutKick’s authentic and fearless approach, which drives growth every month and quarter.”

In June, it finished with 20.1 million total multiplatform unique visitors, placing it 15th among more than 350 sports media entities. That performance placed the brand ahead of The Athletic, NBC Sports Group Video, DraftKings, and Complex Sports.

On social platforms, the brand also delivered. The outlet tallied over 1.7 million actions across Facebook, Instagram, and X—a 33% monthly increase. It also drew more than 16.9 million total video views, a 54% jump over May.

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.

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