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Gary Sharp Announces Departure From 1620 The Zone

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Gary Sharp Announces Departure From 1620 The Zone

Gary Sharp announced that he is leaving 1620 The Zone and NRG Media, ending a 13-year run with the Omaha sports radio station. Sharp shared the news in a heartfelt tweet, thanking listeners, colleagues, coaches, and athletes for their support throughout his career.

“After 13+ years, my time with NRG Media has come to an end, being told my services were no longer needed last Friday,” Sharp wrote. “Thank you to listeners, colleagues, friends, coaches and athletes who have reached out with support. It has meant more to me than you know.”

Sharp joined 1620 The Zone after returning to Nebraska and quickly became a fixture on the station’s airwaves. Over his tenure, he hosted nearly 4,000 shows, blending humor, insight, and an engaging presence that earned him a loyal audience. “Hopefully we made you laugh, think differently, stay in your car longer, and I would do it again,” he added.

In January 2022, Sharp moved from middays to the coveted morning drive slot, reuniting with former co-host Damon Benning. The pair had previously hosted mornings together for seven years before Sharp’s move to middays. Connor Happer joined the station for middays after leaving BDP Communications sports “93.7 The Ticket” in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sharp later partnered with Matt McMaster for the Gary and Matt morning show, which ran from December 2024 until January 2026. McMaster, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln broadcast journalism graduate, previously worked as a producer at ESPN Chicago and reported sports and news for NRG Media’s KLIN in Lincoln.

Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Sharp expressed pride in his accomplishments and gratitude toward mentors.

“I learned and grew from two of the best in the business, Neil Nelkin and Dave Tepper,” he wrote. “I shared the airwaves with some extremely talented people who made me better. Proud of what we did on- and off-air, including going out on top at the end of a recent first-year show.”

Sharp did not provide specifics about future broadcasting plans but indicated he will remain active in Omaha’s athletic and local organizational community.

“I will continue to be involved with Omaha athletics and other local organizations that I enjoy furthering their cause,” he said.

NRG Media has not publicly commented on the news of Sharp’s departure. McMaster has moved to middays while Connor Happer and Mike Schaeffer have moved to take over morning drive.

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WFAN’s Craig Carton Questions Why New York Media Failed To Ask John Harbaugh About Baltimore Exit

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WFAN’s Craig Carton Questions Why New York Media Failed To Ask John Harbaugh About Baltimore Exit

WFAN host Craig Carton expressed frustration Tuesday over the New York media’s approach to the press conference introducing John Harbaugh as the Giants’ new head coach.

On The Craig Carton Show, he criticized the lack of probing questions about Harbaugh’s departure from the Baltimore Ravens, particularly regarding his relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“At some point down the stretch, he lost the star player of the team. How could that not be a question that is asked of the guy?” Carton said, emphasizing that the inquiry was critical to understanding Harbaugh’s coaching trajectory.

Carton suggested the Giants’ media corps missed an opportunity to provide fans with insight into Harbaugh’s history and coaching philosophy. He cited a potential rift with Jackson that went largely unaddressed during the press availability.

“He and Lamar Jackson had a riff. I don’t know what caused it, but I’d like to know. Nobody asked the question? I’m sitting there going, nobody wants to know why you got fired? Nobody wants to know how you lost the locker room?” Carton said.

According to Carton, the omission left fans without the full context they deserved. While he acknowledged he is not a Giants fan himself, he insisted that objectivity demands tougher questions from the media.

“I don’t hate the Giants. I never have, and I respect the New York Giants, not the last decade. No one does. But I’m going to be objective, I’m going to be honest, and I have responsibility to the Giant fans who listen to the show, and nobody asked the question?” he added.

Harbaugh, a veteran NFL coach with a Super Bowl title on his resume, has faced some scrutiny over his final seasons with the Ravens, with reports of internal discord surfacing in recent years.

Carton’s critique highlights a broader blurring of lines between fan-focused sports media and the traditional deference often shown to high-profile hires. By skipping difficult questions, he argued, journalists fail to fully serve the audience, leaving fans to speculate about the circumstances behind coaching changes.

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Megyn Kelly: Don Lemon Crossed the Line By Taking Protest into Minnesota Church

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Megyn Kelly: Don Lemon Crossed the Line By Taking Protest into Minnesota Church

Megyn Kelly didn’t mince words while discussing the controversy surrounding Don Lemon’s involvement in a recent protest that disrupted a church service, arguing that the situation crosses from questionable journalism into potential criminal conduct.

Speaking during a recent segment, Kelly said entering a church during worship as part of a protest effort should be considered a “red line,” adding that “the full force of federal law needs to be brought down on everyone who did it.” She questioned Lemon’s repeated claims that he was merely documenting events as a journalist, asserting that the facts on the ground suggest otherwise.

Kelly argued Don Lemon knew exactly where he was going and what was happening, citing video taken before the protest that allegedly contradicts his claim that he was unaware the group would be entering a church. According to Kelly, Lemon was told explicitly by a pastor and congregants that he was not welcome and was asked to leave, yet continued pushing a microphone toward people who did not want to engage.

“He wasn’t innocently documenting,” Kelly said, contending Lemon became part of the harassment and intimidation inside the church. She also suggested Lemon’s evolving explanation signals fear of legal consequences, noting that trespassing alone is not a federal crime, but that other statutes — potentially including civil rights-era laws governing intimidation at places of worship — could come into play depending on the facts.

Actor James Woods joined the discussion and dismissed the broader media response as a “dog and pony show,” accusing Lemon of being a central figure in the protest’s planning. Woods characterized the controversy as a distraction and claimed Lemon was fully aware of the strategies involved.

“Don Lemon is the dingleberry hanging off the ass of American journalism,” said Woods. “And let me tell you, when CNN got rid of them, they didn’t wipe hard enough … This is a trick. It’s a diversion.”

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Stephen A. Smith To Receive Inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award

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Stephen A. Smith To Receive Inaugural BFOA Broadcast Personality of the Year Award

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith is inaugural recipient of the Broadcasters Foundation of America’s (BFOA) “Broadcast Personality of the Year Award.” The honor takes place at the BFOA Gala, a high-profile fundraising event, on Monday, March 9, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

With a career spanning television, radio, journalism, and political commentary, Smith has emerged as one of broadcasting’s most recognizable and influential voices.

“Introducing the Broadcast Personality of the Year Award is a milestone for the Foundation. There is no one better to be our first honoree than Stephen,” said Tim McCarthy, BFOA president. “Few personalities in broadcasting combine authenticity with the level of work ethic Stephen brings to every platform. His candid delivery commands attention. I know firsthand that his commitment is unmatched.”

Smith, a native of Hollis, Queens, began his media career as a high school reporter for the New York Daily News. He later transitioned to radio, hosting shows on 1050 ESPN in New York City. He also hosted national programs on ESPN Radio and the Fox Radio Network. His career eventually expanded into television, including his role as the featured commentator and executive producer on ESPN’s First Take.

In recent years, Smith has broadened his reach beyond sports. He hosts Straight Shooter, a live political and current events show on Sirius XM, highlighting his ability to navigate discussions on social issues with the same intensity that defines his sports commentary.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from Tim and the Broadcasters Foundation,” Smith said. “The Foundation provides unique and essential support to colleagues in our industry facing the most challenging circumstances. I am thrilled to be part of this gala, which benefits so many in need.”

Smith’s accomplishments also extend into publishing and acting. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes and has appeared on ABC’s long-running soap opera General Hospital. Before broadcasting, he served as a general sports columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The BFOA Gala will also honor media executive Mark Lazarus with the Golden Mic Award. Lazarus is CEO of VERSANT and former chair of NBCUniversal Media Group. Judge Judy Sheindlin will receive the Edward F. McLaughlin Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades-long impact on television and broadcasting.

The BFOA provides critical financial assistance to broadcasters facing illness, disaster, or other life-altering hardships, and its annual gala has become a key source of support for the industry.

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Michael Kay: ESPN Knew Abella Danger Was in the Stands at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game

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Michael Kay: ESPN Knew Abella Danger Was in the Stands at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game

ESPN host Michael Kay weighed in Tuesday on whether the network intentionally focused on adult film star Abella Danger during Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship broadcast, suggesting the decision may have been deliberate.

During his Michael Kay Show on ESPN New York, Kay discussed the moment when cameras panned to Danger in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium as Miami faced Indiana. With less than seven minutes remaining, the broadcast captured the full-time Miami student cheering for her Hurricanes, who ultimately fell 27-21.

“Do you wonder of all the gorgeous women that are in the stands that went to Miami, and all the gorgeous women that are in the stands that went to Indiana. Usually when they show a woman during a game, they’re just unbelievable, breathtakingly beautiful,” explained Kay. “Nothing against Abella Danger. She’s a pretty girl, but she’s not a girl that the director is just gonna find her without knowing who she is,” Kay said.

Danger has become a notable figure among Miami fans this season. She gained attention after appearing on ESPN broadcasts during the Hurricanes’ 10-3 victory over Texas A&M in December. A full-time student, Danger has described her passion for Miami athletics as “unconditional,” often sharing her support on Instagram.

Kay added that ESPN likely knew exactly who they were highlighting when the moment called for the shot on national television.

“My guess, and I could be wrong. They knew exactly what they were doing. They knew exactly who they were showing,” said Kay, “I do wonder if people watching the game, a, if they knew who that was, and B, if people in the world actually truly believe that the director didn’t know who that was. If the director of the game didn’t know who that was, I’d be stunned that they would put the camera on her.”

While Danger’s appearances have become part of the narrative surrounding the Hurricanes’ playoff season, Kay’s commentary suggests that viewers may have underestimated the intentionality behind camera direction.

ESPN has not commented on the matter.

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2026 NBA Finals Scheduled Release With No Games On Sundays

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2026 NBA Finals Scheduled Release With No Games On Sundays

The NBA has unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 NBA Finals, introducing a handful of notable adjustments that break from long-standing league traditions and recent postseason patterns.

The best-of-seven championship series will tip off Wednesday, June 3, instead of Thursday, as in the 2025 Finals. While the midweek start may seem minor, the broader schedule shows a significant departure. This change underscores how outside forces are increasingly influencing the league’s calendar.

Most notably, the 2026 NBA Finals will feature no games on a Sunday. That distinction has not occurred since 1970, even in years when the league navigated unusual circumstances. The 2020 Finals, delayed until late September and staged inside the NBA’s Orlando bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic, still managed to overlap with NFL Sundays.

Traditionally, the league has leaned on Sundays for high-profile moments, with Game 2 often landing on that day and a potential Game 7 frequently scheduled for Father’s Day.

In 2026, that pattern disappears entirely. If the series extends the full seven games, the deciding contest would be played Friday, June 19, rather than on a Sunday afternoon or evening. The last time a Sunday Game 7 was avoided came in 1999.

All NBA Finals games will air on ABC with an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off, continuing the league’s commitment to a consistent prime-time television window. Several of the scheduling decisions appear to be influenced by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across North America from June 11 through July 19.

The league also adjusted its rest days compared to last year’s Finals. Rather than allowing two days off between Games 1 and 2, teams will have just one day of rest. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, June 5. However, the NBA maintained two-day breaks for travel. These breaks will occur after Game 2 and, if necessary, following Games 4, 5, and 6.

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Red Apple Audio Networks Launches Joe Concha Into National Syndication

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Red Apple Audio Networks Launches Joe Concha Into National Syndication

Weeks after joining the daily lineup at 77 WABC, Joe Concha is going national with parent company Red Apple Audio Networks.

Beginning on Monday, January 26th, Concha At Night — which airs from 9-10 PM ET — will be made available to stations throughout the country.

Joe Concha hosts the nightly program in addition to his Sunday show that airs from 11 AM to Noon ET on 77 WABC. Concha also hosts a daily two-minute vignette called Joe Concha Sounds Off that is also syndicated.

“WABC has been instrumental in building the Sunday program and this opportunity,” said Concha. “Red Apple Audio Networks understands how to grow talent and deliver content that connects with audiences. I’m excited to bring this program to stations and listeners nationwide.”

The program from Joe Concha began earlier this month, as it replaced Bill O’Reilly’s nightly program in the lineup at 77 WABC.

“Red Apple Audio Networks is focused on delivering proven, high-impact programming to stations across the country,” said Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis. “Joe’s success on WABC Radio demonstrates how effective our model is—developing shows locally at the flagship level and scaling them nationally. This new weekday program is a natural addition to our growing lineup.”

“WABC has always been a powerful incubator for talent and content that resonates far beyond New York,” added Red Apple Media and WABC Radio President Chad Lopez. “By producing this show at our flagship station and distributing it through Red Apple Audio Networks, we’re reinforcing our commitment to building premium programming that works for listeners, affiliates, and advertisers.”

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Fox News Adds Reince Priebus as Political Analyst

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Fox News Adds Reince Priebus as Political Analyst

Fox News has announced it is adding former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus as a Political Analyst.

Priebus served as the White House Chief of Staff during the first Trump administration in 2017. He also previously worked as the Chairman of both the Republican National Committee from 2011 to 2017 and the Wisconsin Republican Party from 2007 to 2011.

It will not be the first foray into the television news world for Reince Priebus. He previously worked as a political analyst at ABC News.

Currently, Priebus serves as a member of the Intelligence Advisory and Oversight boards in the Trump administration, as well as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is also on the LA28 Olympic Board of Directors.

Reince Priebus will make his first appearance with Fox News this evening, appearing on Hannity with Sean Hannity at 9 PM ET.

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Live 105 Named Legendary Station of the Year by Bay Area Radio Museum & Hall of Fame

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Live 105 Named Legendary Station of the Year by Bay Area Radio Museum & Hall of Fame

Live 105 has been named the 2026 Legendary Station of the Year by the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame. The station will be recognized at a ceremony on January 30 at the California Historical Radio Society in Alameda.

Launched in 1986, Live 105 quickly established itself as a pioneering force in modern rock radio. Over the decades, the station cultivated a devoted audience. It also broke new artists and influenced generations of music fans and radio professionals. Its impact on both the local music scene and the broader broadcasting industry remains widely recognized.

The upcoming ceremony promises to honor that legacy with a diverse lineup of alumni and current staff.

Kieran Geffert, senior vice president and market manager of Audacy San Francisco, expressed pride in the station’s recognition. “We are deeply honored and so proud to see Live 105’s rich legacy recognized,” Geffert said. “It’s a milestone that truly reflects decades of culture, creativity, and community.”

Speakers will include former brand managers Richard Sands and Mark Hamilton. Also participating are former general manager Ed Krampf, former promotions and marketing director Gabby Medecki, and former music director Steve Masters.

In addition, legendary on-air personalities such as Alex Bennett, Big Rick Stuart, Mike “No Name” Nelson, Spud, Lori Thompson, and Roland West will also participate. Audacy’s Vice President of Programming John Allers, along with current hosts Aaron Axelsen, Dallas Osborn, and Marci Wiser, will round out the roster.

John Allers, who oversees programming at Audacy, emphasized the station’s influence. “What an incredible honor for an incredible brand and people who’ve made Live 105 the legend it is,” he said. “Very few radio stations have influenced and inspired listeners, artists, and radio professionals the way Live 105 has over its 40 years.”

David Jackson, founder of the Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame, highlighted the station’s cultural resonance. “Live 105 was simply the coolest station in the Bay Area during the 1980s, into the 1990s, and beyond. And its listeners knew it was just that,” Jackson said.

The Bay Area Radio Museum and Hall of Fame, a program of the California Historical Radio Society, preserves the region’s broadcast history. It does so through archival recordings, photographs, documents, music surveys, and biographies. Since 2009, the organization has annually recognized a Legendary Station. This celebration honors the broadcasters and brands that have left a lasting mark on the Bay Area airwaves.

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NFL on FOX Rules Analyst Mike Pereira Calls for Full-Time NFL Referees

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NFL on FOX Rules Analyst Mike Pereira Calls for Full-Time NFL Referees

NFL officiating is once again under the microscope after a weekend filled with contentious calls, and longtime rules analyst Mike Pereira says the league needs a major structural change.

Pereira, a former NFL official who has spent decades analyzing and explaining the rules for FOX Sports, argues that the league should move toward full-time referees.

“I think it’s time to look at full-time officials,” Pereira told the Charlotte Observer on January 9. “Not everyone. But I do believe that the person that represents the crew in the field, the guy in the white hat, the referee — I think those 17 people should be full-time working together all year. Not going home in between games, but going to an officiating institute and breaking down all the games together. So the messages are consistent. . . . I’m not a fan of making everyone full-time, but make the referees full-time. To me, it’s time for that.”

Moreover, Pereira’s comments were made before the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. However, since then these comments now gain added weight in the wake of high-profile playoff controversies, including the Broncos’ overtime victory against the Bills and the Rams’ overtime win over the Bears.

Currently, most NFL referees hold full-time jobs outside the league and work part-time. Pereira believes this system contributes to inconsistent calls. He argues that full-time referees could study game film together in the offseason. They could also prepare for the season in a structured environment. This approach could lead to more uniform decisions on the field.

“The league owes it to the players, coaches, and fans to get it right,” Pereira says. “Making referees full-time is a start.”

The call for reform has support among coaches frustrated by recent rulings. Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who was fired on Monday, spoke passionately after a controversial interception in Buffalo’s loss to Denver.

“That play is not even close. That’s a catch all the way,” McDermott says. “I sat in my locker and I looked at it probably 20 times. Nobody can convince me that that ball is not caught and in possession of Buffalo… I think the players and the fans deserve an explanation.”

McDermott also criticized the league’s process for reviewing calls, noting that decisions appear to rest with one official or the league office in New York rather than involving multiple perspectives. “Here’s the deal, right? The fans deserve more. The players certainly deserve more. They deserve an explanation, and it’s a shame that a game is decided on a call like that, and there is no time spent with the head official going underneath the hood or to the replay booth,” he says.

Pereira believes a full-time model could address those concerns. Ensuring referees are better prepared, more consistent, and more accountable.

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