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Dan Le Batard Questions Why Dave Portnoy Is a Part of FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff

BSM Staff
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Dan Le Batard Questions Why Dave Portnoy Is a Part of FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff

Dan Le Batard believes FOX Sports didn’t bring Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy into Big Noon Kickoff for football expertise — they brought him in to be a disruptor. During Monday’s episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the longtime host speculated on Portnoy’s role in the network’s marquee college football pregame show, suggesting his presence has less to do with X’s and O’s and more to do with eyeballs.

“It probably won’t happen early ‘cause there’s going to be some nerves involved,” Le Batard said. “But I would say that’s the only reason he’s there. Like, why put that person who doesn’t have any particular expertise on college football — he just gambles on it — Why is he there?”

While acknowledging Portnoy’s sports fandom, Le Batard didn’t mince words about the true intent behind the hire.

“He’s good at being controversial, it comes to him [Portnoy] naturally,” said Le Batard. “I assume that he will understand that if he has to be there, he has to fit in. He also has to make his worth known while there.”

Indeed, Portnoy’s past forays into college football via Barstool’s own traveling road show have resonated with younger fans. FOX likely hopes to capture some of that same energy — and the viral clips that follow — by introducing him into an otherwise traditional broadcast format.

“Nothing like him has ever been on the center of one of these things other than Rush Limbaugh,” explained Le Batard. “A politically polarizing person. I don’t think Portnoy will be there to just be a fan. I think he will be there to bring attention, and he knows how to bring attention. He’s good at it. At this point, if he gets fired, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t need the job.”

However, Le Batard doesn’t believe Portnoy’s presence will fundamentally alter the tone of Big Noon Kickoff. Despite Portnoy’s polarizing persona, Le Batard and his co-hosts suggested the Barstool founder understands the stakes.

“He’s not going to blow up a relationship with FOX or FS1 over doing some stunt on Big Noon Kickoff,” said Billy Gil, executive producer of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.

Still, the move is unorthodox. Le Batard noted there hasn’t been someone quite like Portnoy in that kind of broadcast spotlight — save perhaps Rush Limbaugh’s brief and controversial stint on NFL Countdown.

“I think he gives off a**hole on purpose, and he’s proud of it,” explained Le Batard.

As part of the partnership announced last week, Portnoy will appear on FOX Sports’ Big Noon Kickoff as a regular contributor. According to a FOX Sports release, Big Noon Kickoff will also feature appearances from a variety of Barstool personalities – including Dan Katz, widely known as “Big Cat.”

Additionally, Barstool College Football Show, the Barstool-produced program will join Big Noon Kickoff on-location for select games throughout the college football season. Barstool College Football Show is set to air across Barstool-owned channels from 9:00-9:45 AM ET as well as across FOX platforms including Tubi, the FOX Sports App and Foxsports.com, and will feature appearances from FOX Sports Big Noon Kickoff talent.

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.

ESPN Seeing Increased Viewership in Line With Digital Dominance

BSM Staff
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ESPN Seeing Increased Viewership in Line With Digital Dominance

ESPN is celebrating a dominant first half of 2025, leading all Nielsen-rated networks in total minutes viewed and posting its strongest audience numbers in nearly a decade across several key categories.

According to Nielsen data through June 29, 2025, ESPN has increased year-over-year viewership across the board. The network is up 4% in total-day audience and 9% in prime time compared to the same period in 2024. When factoring in “Sports on ABC,” the combined total-day viewership is up 1% from a year ago.

That growth has translated into milestone figures for ESPN. In prime time, the network is averaging 1.9 million viewers—the highest since 2014. ESPN’s all-day average-minute audience sits at 712,000, the second-best mark since 2017. Additionally, ESPN and Sports on ABC together delivered their most-watched first half of the year since 2016, generating more than 254 billion minutes viewed.

Fueling those gains is ESPN’s performance across all of its Nielsen-rated platforms. The network family has generated nearly 300 billion minutes watched so far in 2025—more than any other nationally measured sports network. ESPN’s flagship channel alone has accounted for 187 billion of those minutes, the most by a single network this year.

While the linear performance is notable, ESPN’s digital dominance continues to complement its television strength. According to the latest Comscore data, ESPN Digital & Social remained the No. 1 sports platform in the U.S. with 175.1 million unique users, up 5% year-over-year. The platform now reaches 63% of the U.S. adult population across digital, YouTube, and social media.

In May alone, the ESPN App ranked No. 1 with 27 million unique users—16% higher than the same month last year. The app outperformed the next nine non-ESPN sports apps combined and saw usage eight times greater than its closest competitor.

Additionally, ESPN.com topped all sports websites in May with 55.8 million unique visitors and 1.7 billion minutes consumed, a 27% year-over-year increase. Social engagement also remained dominant, with ESPN Social reaching 768 million engagements during the month—nearly 25 million per day—marking its 47th consecutive month as the top sports property in the category.

The strong momentum across both linear and digital platforms positions ESPN well ahead of the launch of its direct-to-consumer streaming service and redesigned ESPN App this fall. With increased viewership, expanding digital reach, and billions of minutes consumed, the company is signaling a clear message to the industry: the worldwide leader in sports remains just that.

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.

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

BNM Staff
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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.

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.

650 WSM Launches Streaming Channel Honoring Country Icons

BMM Staff
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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.

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