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94.3 The Shark Plans Weekend Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

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94.3 The Shark Plans Weekend Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark WWSK is honoring Ozzy Osbourne following the legendary frontman’s passing on Tuesday, at the age of 76. The station will air a special tribute beginning tomorrow at 5 p.m. and continuing through Sunday at 9 p.m., celebrating Osbourne’s music, legacy, and larger-than-life persona.

“Here at The Shark, we know that Ozzy wasn’t just a voice, he was a revolution,” said Program Director Rob Rush. “Everyone has an Ozzy story and a song that makes them love Ozzy all over again, and this weekend, we’re diving deeper into his catalog. Those cuts you love and those you don’t always hear, but should. He pushed boundaries, defined generations, and that influence runs deep in every corner of our playlist. Our tribute is about honoring that fearless spirit.”

With Osbourne’s death marking the end of a five-decade chapter in rock history, the station’s programming will reflect not only the hits, but the deep cuts, fan favorites, and forgotten gems.

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‘Mason & Ireland’ Sign Multi-Year Extensions With ESPN LA

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‘Mason & Ireland’ Sign Multi-Year Extensions With ESPN LA

ESPN today announced a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of the long-running ESPN Los Angeles (710 AM) show Mason & Ireland.

The duo has hosted the wildly popular Mason & Ireland show on ESPN LA since 2008, but had worked together previously on-and-off in other stops since 1992.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John,” said David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like Mason & Ireland in the market or in sports radio.”

Under the new extensions, Mason & Ireland will continue to bring an engaging mix of analysis, insider perspectives, and lively debates on the biggest stories in LA and beyond.

Notably, the duo’s chemistry has led to the program becoming the longest-running sports radio show in Southern California.

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue this amazing ride with ESPN and our loyal listeners,” said Steve Mason. “It’s an honor to do what I love every day with people I respect and a city I love.”

Before joining ESPN LA, Steve Mason built a successful career in both radio and television. In particular, Mason is well known for his work on The Late, Late Radio Show with Tom Snyder & Steve Mason, as a broadcaster for seven Olympic Games, and for his red-carpet coverage from the Academy Awards. Known for his bold opinions and infectious enthusiasm, he is also a die-hard Los Angeles sports fan who isn’t afraid to stir the pot with hot takes and friendly debates. Steve Mason is represented by John McConnell of Workhouse Media.

“I’m incredibly thankful to continue our run. If you would have told me 20 years ago that Mason and I would get to talk sports, on ESPN Radio, in Los Angeles, for more than two decades–I would have called you crazy,” added John Ireland. “Those kind of runs rarely happen in radio. But my dad used to tell me: “you have Irish luck–take advantage of it.” And the truth is, we’ve been ridiculously lucky to work here with people we love, and to do it for a great audience.”

Meanwhile, Ireland will also be entering his 15th season as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Prior to teaming up with Mason, he was a reporter for KCAL 9 and an anchor on Fox Sports Net West. A multiple-time Emmy Award winner in sports television, he is also a multiple-time recipient of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Irv Kaze Award for best sports radio talk show host.

Furthermore, Mason & Ireland were inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame last year. The pair, along with longtime LA Lakers Spanish broadcaster Jose ‘Pepe’ Mantilla, had their official ceremony after being named to the Hall of Fame back in 2021. However, the ceremonies were delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

The Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame features some of the biggest names in the history of broadcasting, including Vin Scully, Dick Enberg, Chick Hearn, and Keith Jackson.

ESPN LA serves as the radio flagship for the Los Angeles Kings, Rams, Lakers, LAFC, and USC athletics.

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Texas Radio Hall of Fame Opens Voting for 2025 Class

BMM Staff
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Texas Radio Hall of Fame Opens Voting for 2025 Class

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has revealed its 50 nominees for the 2025 Induction Class. And opened the voting portal for members now through midnight on Thursday, August 7, at TRHOF.net.

In addition to the annual voting process, the TRHOF has introduced a new category. Lonestar Legacies to honor five influential Texas broadcasters posthumously. The inaugural inductees in this category are Alberto Alegre Calvo, Randy Lemmon, Gary Mason (Aycock), Susan O’Donnell, and Tom Perryman.

TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris says the category was created to preserve the legacy of broadcasters whose impact might fade from memory over time.

“With the passing of each year, the voting membership’s familiarity with some of the most accomplished and influential figures in Texas radio history fades a bit more,” Harris said. “Our Lonestar Legacies… have earned their rightful place on the diadem of our Hall of Fame crown.”

More than 160 broadcasters were nominated this year. An internal review committee selected the final 50 names, now up for public voting. From this pool, 20 new inductees will be announced at the Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction Ceremony, set for November 1, 2025, at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore.

The 2025 nominee list includes a wide cross-section of Texas radio professionals, from major-market talent to small-town staples. Among the nominees are Raul Brindis, Rudy Treviño, Dave South, Tom Tynan, and Gentry “Ace” Little, as well as long-standing duos like Jason & Jan Fritz and JoJo & Patches.

“Once again, we have an impressive slate of nominees, spotlighting the depth and breadth of Texas radio talent,” Harris added. “This list embraces a variety of markets and formats with virtually every position of service in the broadcast world represented.”

The full list of nominees, along with bios and photos, is available at TRHOF.net, where members can also join and participate in this year’s vote. Reunion and induction weekend details are also posted on the site.

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Neil Everett Calls Relationship “Meant to Be” With ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Stan Verrett

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Neil Everett Calls Relationship “Meant to Be” With ESPN SportsCenter Anchor Stan Verrett

Former ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett recently opened up about his enduring relationship with longtime co-anchor Stan Verrett, describing the connection as one rooted in authenticity, mutual respect, and an effortless chemistry that couldn’t be manufactured. Appearing on the debut episode of Sports Media with a Human Touch podcast hosted by Bryan Fenley, Everett spoke candidly about the deep personal and professional bond he shared with Verrett during their run together at SportsCenter’s Los Angeles studio.

When asked about Verrett’s emotional tribute following Everett’s departure from ESPN in 2023, the veteran broadcaster didn’t hesitate to return the sentiment.

“I’m glad he feels that way because I feel that way about him,” Everett said. “I’d be bummed if he felt any differently. You don’t walk beside a man as long as we did without getting a feel for him one way or another—and I love the guy.”

The duo anchored ESPN’s West Coast edition of SportsCenter from 2009 till Everett leaving the network, establishing themselves as one of the most entertaining and trusted teams in sports television. According to Everett, much of their on-air magic came not from extensive rehearsal, but from instinct and mutual understanding.

“It was just all organic,” he explained. “I didn’t read what he wrote. He didn’t read what I wrote. We just—boom. We just happened. There was not a whole lot of practice involved with it.”

That spontaneity became a trademark of their show. Everett shared stories about the two of them riffing during commercial breaks and improvising segments in real-time in a process was fluid and unscripted.

“There was not a whole lot of practice involved,” Everett said with a laugh. “We said it, hopefully it worked. I’m just thinking of some of the times—Stan walking down the street, and we put a little dancing mimi on top of him—I was crying, laughing.”

The decision to move to Los Angeles in the first place was a leap the pair made together. When ESPN invited talent to express interest in helping launch the LA-based SportsCenter, Everett believed he had a shot—and he wanted Verrett with him.

“They put up, ‘Anybody interested in going to LA, come talk to one of the bosses,’” Everett recalled. “I kind of knew where I stood in the pecking order, but I thought, you know what? I think I got a chance at this. Stan was right there next to me, and I’m like, ‘Hey, man, let’s make it happen.’ We did.”

Today, the two remain close despite Everett’s exit from the network in 2023. Verrett announced earlier this year that he will also be leaving ESPN this summer after 25 years following the network not renewing his contract.

As far as Everett’s concerned, their partnership was bigger than just TV.

“It was just meant to be,” Everett said.

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.

Toyota Rises to Top Podcast Advertiser During June, Magellan AI Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Toyota Rises to Top Podcast Advertiser During June, Magellan AI Data Shows

Toyota topped all podcast advertisers in June 2025, according to new data from Magellan AI, investing $5.71 million across the medium.

The automaker’s surge, which marked a spending increase month-over-month, helped push the Sports genre into an even more dominant position among podcast ad buyers.

Toyota was one of nine brands in the top 15 to prioritize Sports podcasts for their media buys, reinforcing the genre’s status as a magnet for top-tier advertisers. Amazon followed closely behind, spending $5.21 million despite a dip from the previous month. While still focused on Sports content, the e-commerce giant trimmed its audio ad budget slightly.

BetterHelp, long a fixture on podcast charts, ranked third with $5.18 million in Comedy placements—down from May. Fashion brand Quince jumped into the top five with a $4.69 million investment, driven by placements in the TV & Film category. T-Mobile rounded out the top five at $4.46 million, also targeting Sports content.

Apple ($4.19 million), State Farm ($4.13 million), and Wells Fargo ($3.4 million) were among the notable gainers, all ramping up their Sports podcast buys in June. SimpliSafe leaned into Comedy with $3.53 million in ad spend, while Shopify invested $4.13 million primarily in News podcasts, though the brand decreased its spend month-over-month.

Rounding out the top 15 were LinkedIn, FanDuel, DraftKings, Unilever, and The Walt Disney Company—all choosing Sports as their top genre. While FanDuel, DraftKings, and Unilever decreased their spend, Disney increased its investment to $2.47 million.

Overall, the data highlights a clear trend: brands see value in Sports podcasts. Eleven of the top 15 advertisers prioritized that genre. And while Comedy and TV & Film remain strong players, June’s results show that Sports continues to attract big-name brands and consistent investment.

The data from Magellan AI follows advertising metrics from the top 3,000 podcasts on Apple Podcasts in the United States. All figures in its data are estimated utilizing a variety of factors.

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.

Hulk Hogan Passes Away At 71: Sports Media Reacts

BSM Staff
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Hulk Hogan Passes Away At 71: Sports Media Reacts

Wrestling hall of famer Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. According to a report by TMZ, Hogan (Terry Bollea) suffered a cardiac arrest episode on Thursday morning at his Clearwater, FL home. Audio from the Pinellas County Fire and EMS shows medical and fire arrived at his home where Hogan was carried on a stretcher and into an ambulance.

According to a post on the Clearwater police department Instagram account, CFD and CPD personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51am eastern time where the nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. Hogan was treated by Clearwater Fire and Rescue crews before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where the wrestling icon was pronounced dead.

Hogan was a key part of professional wrestling’s rise from the 1980’s till today. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was removed following a scandal over racist comments. The WWE re-inducted Hogan in 2020 as a member of the famed faction the NWO.

As news broke, sports media reacted to the news of Hogan’s passing as many shared their memories of the wrestling icon.

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 Brad Daugherty, Derek Fisher in Finalizing NBA Broadcast Roster

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NBC Sports Adds Brad Daugherty, Derek Fisher in Finalizing NBA Broadcast Roster

NBC Sports has finalized building its broadcast roster ahead of its highly anticipated return to NBA coverage by officially naming six more voices for the 2025-26 season. On Wednesday, the network announced the additions of analysts Brad Daugherty, Derek Fisher, Robbie Hummel, Austin Rivers, and Brian Scalabrine, as well as play-by-play voice Michael Grady.

The group joins an already star-studded lineup that includes Jamal Crawford, Reggie Miller, and Grant Hill as analysts, and Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, and Terry Gannon on play-by-play. In total, NBC and Peacock plan to air up to 100 regular season games, plus playoff action, beginning October 21.

“We’re excited to introduce this group to NBA fans and can’t wait for them to set up and break down games for viewers all season long,” said NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood. “This team would win a lot of games on the court, and now they have the opportunity to take their talents to NBC and Peacock.”

Daugherty, a five-time All-Star with the Cleveland Cavaliers and former No. 1 overall pick, brings his unique dual-sport perspective after years as a NASCAR analyst with NBC. Fisher, meanwhile, boasts five NBA titles and nearly 300 playoff games on his résumé. The longtime Laker also brings coaching experience from stints with the Knicks and WNBA’s Sparks.

Hummel, a standout at Purdue and former Timberwolf, has already built a solid broadcast résumé with NBC Sports covering Big Ten basketball and Olympic hoops. Rivers, who played for seven teams over 11 seasons, brings both playing and media experience after a recent stint with ESPN. Scalabrine returns in an expanded role after becoming a fan favorite in Boston, where he’s served as NBC Sports Boston’s lead game analyst.

Grady, who most recently called games for the Minnesota Timberwolves and appeared on ESPN’s NBA coverage, will round out the play-by-play rotation. He’ll continue working some Timberwolves broadcasts in addition to his national assignments.

A second-round pick out of USC in the 2001 NBA Draft, Brian Scalabrine played 11 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the New Jersey Nets and Boston Celtics. Since the 2020-21 NBA season, he has been NBC Sports Boston’s primary game analyst for Celtics’ games. He makes weekly appearances on the network’s Celtics Insider show as well as other NBC Sports Boston programming throughout the year. Scalabrine will occasionally work as an NBC Sports studio analyst as well.

The upcoming NBA season marks NBC’s return to the league for the first time since 2002. In July of last year, NBCUniversal and the NBA agreed to an 11-year rights deal that will see NBC and Peacock carry regular-season and playoff games across multiple nights. In addition to Tuesday night coverage starting in October, NBC will debut “Sunday Night Basketball” following the conclusion of the NFL season, while Peacock will stream Monday night games beginning October 27.

NBC’s studio team will feature Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter as analysts, Maria Taylor and Ahmed Fareed as hosts, and Michael Jordan as a special contributor.

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Bobby Wood Joins EMF as Chief of Staff, Advisor to CEO

BMM Staff
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Bobby Wood Joins EMF as Chief of Staff, Advisor to CEO

Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the parent company of K-LOVE and Air1, has appointed Dr. Bobby Wood as its new Chief of Staff, the organization announced this week.

Wood will join EMF’s Ministry Leadership Team and serve as a senior advisor to CEO Tom Stultz. He’ll be tasked with helping steer key organizational initiatives and providing strategic leadership across the nonprofit media ministry.

“We are honored to have Bobby join our Ministry,” said EMF CEO Tom Stultz. “His deep faith, love of family and commitment to excellence will drive our mission of inspiring people to move closer to Jesus, to new heights.”

Wood arrives at EMF with a diverse background. One that spans over two decades in higher education, organizational strategy, and ministry operations. He most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at Biblical Ministries Worldwide. There, he helped drive global church planting efforts and missionary support by integrating business practices into ministry settings.

His career portfolio also includes executive leadership roles in multiple sectors, having served as COO, CFO, and Chief Strategy Officer.

A graduate of Clemson University with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership-Higher Education Administration, Wood also holds a Master of Science in Biblical Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management, both from Bob Jones University.

His hiring comes as EMF continues to expand its reach as a national leader in Christian media through its flagship radio networks, digital platforms, and community engagement efforts.

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Candace Owens Doubles Down After French President Emmanuel Macron Launches Lawsuit Against Her

BNM Staff
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Candace Owens Doubles Down After French President Emmanuel Macron Launches Lawsuit Against Her

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens. The popular podcaster has fired back, saying she’ll fight the lawsuit tooth and nail.

An eight-part series produced earlier this year by Candace Owens continually claimed that Brigitte Macron was born a man, then later stole the identity of another woman, before undergoing a sex transition surgery to become a woman.

“These claims are demonstrably false, and Owens knew they were false when she published them,” the lawsuit says. “Yet, she published them anyway. And the reason is clear: it is not the pursuit of truth, but the pursuit of fame.”

In a statement, the Macrons said they grew determined to launch the defamation lawsuit after Owens continued to share the comments after several requests by lawyers for the couple asked for retractions to be made.

“Ms. Owens’ campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety,” the attorneys said. “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused. It is our earnest hope that this lawsuit will set the record straight and end this campaign of defamation once and for all.”

To open her podcast on Wednesday, Candace Owens doubled down on her comments about Brigitte Macron.

“You are a very goofy man, Brigitte,” said Owens. “But I’ve got to give it to you, you’ve definitely got balls. Fire everyone around you — and I mean literally everyone around you — who told you this was a very good idea for you to be the first sitting first lady of a country to file a lawsuit against a journalist of another country. You are literally making history in all the wrong ways.”

Owens added that she plans to fight the lawsuit, stating that she was the one being defamed by Emmanuel Macron and his wife by them filing the suit.

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 To Air Kentucky Oaks in Primetime for First Time Ever in 2026

BSM Staff
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NBC Sports To Air Kentucky Oaks in Primetime for First Time Ever in 2026

NBC Sports will break new ground in 2026 by presenting the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time in the storied event’s history. Churchill Downs Incorporated and NBC Sports jointly announced the move Thursday, confirming that the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks — a race that showcases the sport’s top three-year-old fillies — will air Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on both NBC and Peacock.

The decision to shift the Oaks to a Friday night primetime slot represents a significant strategic play by both NBC and Churchill Downs to increase exposure and grow interest in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, which remains one of the most-watched events on the sports calendar.

This past year’s Derby broadcast delivered its largest audience for NBC since 1989 with an average of 17.7 million viewers. NBC reported a peak audience of 21.8 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms as Sovereignty crossed the finish line.

“We are excited to present the Kentucky Oaks in primetime for the first time ever,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships at NBC Sports. “With the Oaks on Friday night leading into the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, we can’t wait to get back to Churchill Downs for another historic weekend of racing.”

Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, emphasized that the shift is about more than just ratings. “By moving the Kentucky Oaks to primetime, we’re giving one of horse racing’s most treasured traditions the national stage it deserves,” he said. “This decision is rooted in our commitment to growing the sport, reaching new audiences and creating unforgettable experiences for our fans.”

The primetime showcase will also continue to highlight the unique cultural traditions tied to the Oaks, including the race’s signature pageantry now enhanced by what they describe as a “spectacular twilight finish.”

The announcement comes just months after NBC and Churchill Downs renewed their long-standing broadcast partnership in May 2024. The new deal ensures NBCUniversal will continue airing the Kentucky Derby through 2032, marking a 32-year stretch of Derby coverage that began in 2001 — the longest run by any media company in the history of the event.

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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