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Zimmer Communications, Mid-West Family Merge Springfield Operations

David Hill
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Zimmer Communications, Mid-West Family Merge Springfield Operations

Two Missouri media companies plan to merge their Springfield radio operations. Zimmer Communications and Mid-West Family will combine their nine stations pending FCC approval.

What We Know The merger combines Mid-West Family’s four stations with Zimmer’s existing five properties. As a result, Zimmer will operate nine heritage stations across Springfield. Moreover, both companies boast decades of southwest Missouri roots in local broadcasting. Therefore, together they aim to strengthen local news, digital marketing, and advertising solutions.

What They Said Zimmer President John Zimmer emphasized the partnership’s potential. “By combining forces, we’ll offer advertisers more effective marketing solutions,” he stated. Meanwhile, Mid-West Family President Mike Paterson noted the company’s 35-year Springfield presence. He called the merger “incredibly exciting” for building on both legacies.

What Remains Unclear The FCC must approve the deal before year-end 2026. How the companies will integrate operations remains unspecified. Employee retention plans haven’t been announced. Specific programming changes depend on regulatory decisions.

What It Means This merger is a survival blueprint for medium-market broadcasters. Zimmer identified Mid-West Family’s complementary strengths and merged portfolios to eliminate redundancy. Rather than compete directly, combining forces amplifies market power and operational efficiency. Expect similar-sized broadcasters to follow this model. The lesson: understand your weaknesses, find a rival whose strengths offset them. Consolidation lets smaller players compete against national companies. Broadcasters who fail to assess vulnerabilities early risk irrelevance. Those who strategically merge survive.

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.

CBS Sports Lands Concacaf Champions Cup English-Language Media Rights Through 2030

John Mamola
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CBS Sports Lands Concacaf Champions Cup English-Language Media Rights Through 2030

CBS Sports and Concacaf struck a new multi-year media rights deal. Paramount+ becomes the exclusive English-language U.S. home for three top Concacaf club competitions through 2030.

What We Know: Paramount+ will stream every match from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Central American Cup and Caribbean Cup. That totals 137 matches annually, including all 51 Champions Cup fixtures. Additionally, select Champions Cup games will air on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Meanwhile, CBSSports.com and Golazo social channels will offer supplemental coverage.

What They Said: Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani: “The Concacaf Champions Cup showcases the very best of club football across our region, bringing together champion clubs and some of the world’s best players in a competition that continues to grow in quality, prestige and global appeal. Through our new partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+, we are excited to bring every match to fans across the United States with world-class coverage. Building on the tremendous success CBS Sports has achieved with elite international club football, this partnership will further elevate the profile of our clubs, our competitions and our game.”

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed as well.

What It Means: This deal deepens CBS Sports’ investment in international club football, looking to capitalize on the increased interest in the sport following the World Cup. Consequently, Concacaf gains a stable, high-profile broadcast partner through 2030. For fans, comprehensive streaming access replaces fragmented viewing options. Ultimately, both organizations aim to grow the sport’s reach across the region.

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.

Don Lemon Partnering with Libsyn to Expand Podcast Network

Garrett Searight
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Don Lemon Partnering with Libsyn to Expand Podcast Network

Don Lemon has a new podcast partner. Libsyn will host and monetize the growing independent media network.

What We Know: Don Lemon and Libsyn have entered an exclusive hosting and advertising partnership covering Lemon Media Network’s podcast lineup. The agreement includes The Don Lemon Show along with its companion programs, Lemon Live at 5, Hot Topics, and Lemon Drop. The deal gives Libsyn exclusive responsibility for hosting and monetizing both the audio and video versions of the network’s programming. Meanwhile, advertisers will gain access to Lemon’s audience across news, politics, culture, and current events. Lemon launched Lemon Media Network after departing CNN and has continued building a direct-to-consumer media business.

What They Said: “We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in media, where trusted journalists are building direct relationships with audiences and creating sustainable businesses on their own terms. Our role is to provide the technology, distribution, and monetization infrastructure that helps creators like Don Lemon grow without compromising their voice. That’s the future of podcasting, and we’re proud to help power it.” -Libsyn CEO Brendan Monaghan

“I’ve spent my career helping people make sense of the world around them through honest, thoughtful reporting and not shying away from tough conversations. As The Don Lemon Show continues to grow, partnering with Libsyn lets us bring that work to even more people across streaming platforms, and on our terms. I’m excited about the reach and resources it unlocks, but most of all that it helps us keep delivering independent journalism without compromise.” -Don Lemon

What Remains Unclear: Neither company disclosed financial terms or the length of the exclusive agreement. Additionally, Libsyn didn’t outline whether the partnership will expand beyond the current slate of Lemon Media Network shows.

What It Means: The agreement strengthens Libsyn’s position in the competitive news podcast market while giving Don Lemon additional infrastructure to grow his independent media business. As more high-profile journalists build audiences outside traditional television, podcast platforms continue competing for exclusive partnerships that combine hosting, advertising, and distribution under one roof.

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.

The Wall Street Journal Hires Samantha Henig to Lead Audio and Video

Garrett Searight
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The Wall Street Journal Hires Samantha Henig to Lead Audio and Video

The Wall Street Journal announced a key media hire on Tuesday. Samantha Henig will join as its new Head of Multimedia.

What We Know: Samantha Henig will begin her new role on Tuesday, September 8. She’ll oversee the publication’s Audio and Video departments in a newly created leadership position. The move adds an accomplished digital executive to The Wall Street Journal as it continues expanding its multimedia efforts. Previously, Henig founded the Audio division at The New York Times, helping build one of podcasting’s most influential networks. Before that, she served as Editor-in-Chief of BuzzFeed News. In a memo to staffers, Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker shared her excitement for the move.

What They Said: “I’m pleased to share that Samantha Henig will join The Wall Street Journal as Head of Multimedia, overseeing the Audio and Video departments in a newly created role. Sam is an experienced media strategist and editorial leader. She will set the team’s editorial direction, develop our portfolio and align our resources with our broader audience and commercial goals.” -Emma Tucker

What Remains Unclear: The company hasn’t detailed Henig’s immediate priorities after she starts in September. Likewise, it hasn’t outlined whether additional staffing, new programming, or expanded podcast and video initiatives will accompany the leadership change.

What It Means: Henig’s hiring gives The Wall Street Journal an executive with a proven record of building successful operations. Her experience at The New York Times aligns with the industry’s continued emphasis on growing audiences through podcasts and video. As traditional publishers diversify beyond text, her arrival could accelerate The Wall Street Journal‘s efforts to strengthen its multimedia portfolio and expand commercial opportunities.

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 Radio Announces All-in-One Audio Subscription for Sports Fans Beginning September 1

John Mamola
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SiriusXM Radio Announces All-in-One Audio Subscription for Sports Fans Beginning September 1

SiriusXM is launching a standalone sports plan to coincide with the addition of several Audacy sports radio stations. SiriusXM Sports Pass arrives September 1 at $5 a month.

What We Know: SiriusXM Sports Pass launches September 1, priced at $5 monthly or $49 annually for new U.S. subscribers. The tier bundles every live game and event SiriusXM carries, alongside local sports talk, exclusive channels, national voices and podcasts. Meanwhile, the launch date lines up with SiriusXM’s expanding Audacy partnership, which adds 23 local sports stations — including WFAN in New York — to the platform. ESPN LA 710 also joins that day despite not being part of Audacy. Existing plans like Platinum and All-Access will keep full sports access too.

What They Said: Jennifer Witz, Chief Executive Officer, SiriusXM: ““Every new channel, artist performance, live event, and creator collaboration advances our vision for the future of audio. Making SiriusXM a home for fandom, where listeners can go deeper into the things they love and feel part of a lasting community. SiriusXM Sports Pass brings that vision to life for sports fans. By putting every game and event we carry, hometown voices, national personalities and the daily sports conversation into one simple, affordable subscription. No matter who you cheer for or where you listen, it brings you closer to the teams and voices that matter most to you.”

What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM hasn’t detailed pricing beyond the introductory year. It’s also unclear how much overlap Sports Pass creates for subscribers already paying for Platinum or All-Access. Additionally, some local Audacy stations and team channels will only stream via app or 360L radios.

What It Means: This launch shows SiriusXM leaning harder into sports as a subscriber-growth engine. Consequently, the $5 entry price targets fans who want the local content and games without a full-tier commitment. The Audacy tie-in also strengthens SiriusXM’s local sports footprint right as football season begins.

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.

Ian Rambo Named Fredericksburg Radio Operations Manager

David Hill
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Ian Rambo Named Fredericksburg Radio Operations Manager

Ian Rambo becomes Connoisseur Media’s new operations manager for Fredericksburg, Virginia. The veteran broadcaster won a 2024 NAB Marconi Award as operations manager.

What We Know Most recently, Rambo oversaw six stations at Riverfront Broadcasting in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he led his team to a 2024 NAB Marconi Award. Previously, he managed programming for Haugo Broadcasting’s four-station cluster. Throughout his career, he held programming, promotions, and on-air roles with Cumulus Media in Topeka and Great Plains Media in Lawrence, Kansas. In his new role, he oversees WFLS-FM, WVBX-FM, WWUZ-FM, and WNTX-AM while hosting mornings on WFLS.

What They Said “I’m excited to join Connoisseur Media Fredericksburg and work with such a talented and passionate team,” Rambo explained. He thanked Keith Dakin, Brian Foster, and Debbie Patten for putting their trust in him. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to building meaningful relationships with listeners throughout Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities,” he added.

What Remains Unclear Connoisseur hasn’t announced specific programming changes or strategic initiatives. So far, the company provided no details about potential station rebranding or format adjustments. Additionally, financial terms of the appointment remain private. Finally, timeline specifics for implementation remain undisclosed.

What It Means This hiring reinforces Connoisseur’s commitment to experienced local leadership. Clearly, the appointment demonstrates continued investment in market-focused programming. Rambo’s Marconi-winning background signals operational excellence expectations. Therefore, his experience managing larger clusters suggests potential expansion opportunities ahead.

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.

The Volume Lands ‘Nothing Major’ Tennis Podcast In Multi-Year Deal

John Mamola
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The Volume Lands ‘Nothing Major’ Tennis Podcast In Multi-Year Deal

Nothing Major joins The Volume. The tennis podcast just landed a multiyear deal with Colin Cowherd’s network.

What We Know: Nothing Major, hosted by John Isner, Sam Querrey and Stevie Johnson, launched in 2024. The show has averaged six million monthly views and downloads this year, according to executive producer Charlie Fox to SBJ. Sponsors already include Tennis Warehouse, IBM and NordVPN. Under the new deal, The Volume takes over sponsorship and ad sales from Athletes First and will also assist with production, creative strategy and marketing.

What They Said: Jamie Horowitz (via Sports Business Journal): “When you look at the portfolio, it was clear tennis was missing. With ‘Nothing Major,’ that gap is filled while staying true to The Volume’s core focus: working with digital creators who combine personality and authority. John, Sam and Steve are a perfect fit for that.”

Charlie Fox, executive producer: “The gasoline [on the fire] is having what we’ve already built. But being able to be seen by more people. Once somebody ingests what we’re making and gets a taste of it, it turns into just a fun hang with the guys where you’re also learning a bit about tennis and the ecosystem of the sport.”

What Remains Unclear: Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

What It Means: Tennis podcasting is heating up, and The Volume just bet on a rising contender. The Volume’s portfolio now contains 21 brands under its umbrella in categories ranging from sports to entertainment. Adding a proven entity with a built in audience only will benefit all parties involved.

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.

Elon Musk’s X Ends Lawsuit Against World Federation of Advertisers

Garrett Searight
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Elon Musk’s X Ends Lawsuit Against World Federation of Advertisers

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has ended its lawsuit against the World Federation of Advertisers. The decision closes a closely watched legal battle over advertiser coordination.

What We Know: X announced Wednesday that it has dropped its antitrust lawsuit against the World Federation of Advertisers and the now-defunct Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM). The case began in August 2024. Then-CEO Linda Yaccarino accused GARM, “four of its key members,” and the WFA of organizing “a systematic illegal boycott.” However, both sides have now agreed to move forward without continuing the litigation. GARM had already ceased operations shortly after the lawsuit was filed. As a result, the agreement formally closes one of the media industry’s highest-profile legal fights involving advertiser coordination and brand safety.

What They Said: “Today the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) and X Corp. are putting the litigation involving the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) behind them. This resets the relationship between the two organizations. WFA reiterates its commitment to freedom of speech, a principle first included in WFA’s founding constitution back in 1953, and a principle it shares with X. On August 9, 2024, WFA discontinued GARM. WFA will not form or restart GARM or a similar initiative. WFA and X are fully aligned in the view that brands, platforms and consumers will all benefit from brand-safety innovation.” -Joint statement from X and WFA

What Remains Unclear: Neither side disclosed whether the settlement includes additional financial or legal terms. It’s also unclear whether X has reached similar resolutions with the advertisers originally named in the lawsuit or if any related disputes remain active.

What It Means: The agreement removes a significant legal overhang for X and Elon Musk. It also ends a dispute that drew widespread attention across advertising and media. Meanwhile, the WFA publicly committed not to revive GARM or launch a similar initiative. That commitment could ease concerns among brands and platforms while allowing both organizations to refocus on brand-safety innovation without ongoing courtroom battles.

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.

Shams Charania: “Ethically” Couldn’t Report LeBron James Met With Cleveland Cavaliers In July

John Mamola
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Shams Charania: “Ethically” Couldn’t Report LeBron James Met With Cleveland Cavaliers In July

LeBron James met Cleveland’s front office in Akron this July. ESPN Insider Shams Charania knew about it for weeks and said nothing, saying he ethically couldn’t report on the meeting.

What We Know: Charania revealed on the Game Over podcast that Cavaliers executives visited James in Akron in early July. Koby Altman, Brandon Weems, and members of the Gilbert family attended, according to Charania. He’d learned of the meeting from multiple sources on background weeks earlier. However, he held the story because no one would confirm it on the record.

What They Said: (All quotes from Game Over w/Max Kellerman & Rich Paul)

Shams Charania on why he held back reporting on LeBron James meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers: “In real time, the integrity aspect matters more than anything. This was information I was told by multiple people on background, off the record. This was something that ethically I couldn’t report. Because it wasn’t told to me in a way that I was able to have a report or go double check and triple check. It was told to me off the record.”

Shams Charania explains why he didn’t report the information when gathered: “For me, responsibility is important. Being upfront is important. Ethically doing the job the right way. My job is to tell the truth. If it’s off the record and it’s being told like this isn’t reportable. If I did that, you’re burning the source.”

Shams Charania explains why he was likely told the information off the record: “You know the history of LeBron in Cleveland. What he means to that organization. Something like that. That’s probably why it was told to me off the record. If that were you know something that got out, I do think in real time it does lead on a little bit.”

What Remains Unclear: Any details of the meeting with James and the Cavaliers are unknown.

What It Means: The reveal shows insiders sometimes protect sources over headlines, despite the role they choose to take on. Charania’s choice to not report is just the latest example of how ESPN insiders are aware of information but choose what to report and not based on relationships. Using ethics as the reasoning since it was off record. However, when you get multiple sources saying the same thing. It leads to questioning why this wasn’t revealed. Ultimately, the story became public only after James picked Philadelphia.

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.

Chuck Tiller Announces Departure From Salem Media Houston

Garrett Searight
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Chuck Tiller Announces Departure From Salem Media Houston

Chuck Tiller is leaving Salem Media Houston after a 25-year tenure. His departure ends a lengthy run overseeing two of the company’s Houston radio brands.

What We Know: Chuck Tiller announced that he’s no longer with Salem Media after the company eliminated his position on Friday, July 24. Tiller spent 25 years with Salem Media across two stints and most recently served as Operations Manager for the Houston cluster that included AM 1070 The Answer and 100.7 The Word. During his tenure, he helped launch KNTH-AM as Houston’s newest news/talk station in November 2004. Over the years, Tiller became a familiar leader within the market, overseeing programming and operations while helping guide the cluster through multiple industry changes.

What They Said: “My time at Salem Radio Houston has come to an end. My job was eliminated Friday, July 24th. I was at Salem for a total of 25 years. I worked there twice. Also, I assisted getting KNTH on the air as the latest news/talk station in November 2004. I met many great people while there. I had great staff, too.” -Chuck Tiller

What Remains Unclear: Salem Media hasn’t announced plans to fill the Operations Manager position. Additionally, it’s unknown whether the company intends to restructure leadership responsibilities within the Houston cluster or replace the role outright.

What It Means: Tiller’s exit marks the departure of a longtime market leader with deep institutional knowledge of Salem Media’s Houston operations. As a result, the company now faces a transition period for stations including AM 1070 The Answer and 100.7 The Word. While listeners may not notice immediate changes, the move creates another leadership vacancy during a period when many radio groups continue evaluating staffing and operational structures.

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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