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Mark Schlereth Speaks Following ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation at FS1

BSM Staff
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Mark Schlereth Speaks Following ‘Breakfast Ball’ Cancellation at FS1

With FOX Sports pulling the plug on three of its weekday programs on FS1 yesterday, reaction is beginning to trickle out from those involved in the decisions made by FOX Sports. While details on who will go and who will stay remain unclear, former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth shared his reaction to the news following the cancellation of his show, Breakfast Ball.

Although Schlereth was sad to see the cancellation of the program, he remained upbeat about the opportunity.

“They cancelled our show Breakfast Ball yesterday. Listen man, life is good. All is good,” said Schlereth. “I got an opportunity to do something that I didn’t know I’d ever get to do. I’m so grateful to all the people at FOX. Danny Parkins and Craig Carton have become lifelong friends. What an unbelievable ten months.”

On Monday, FOX Sports officially pulled the plug on The Facility, Speak, and Breakfast Ball as part of a major shakeup to its FS1 weekday lineup. As a result, the network will retain The Herd with Colin Cowherd and First Things First, while pivoting away from shows that struggled to generate consistent viewership since launching in August and September of last year.

Schlereth, who is also part of a morning show on sports radio station 104.3 The Fan in Denver, was the lead host on Breakfast Ball alongside Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.

“To Carton my partner. To Danny Parkins, my partner. Thank you guys so much,” said Schlereth. “Sorry we couldn’t make it work out.”

Mark added that it’s unsettling having an apartment in New York City and a house on the market in Denver but he’s hopeful that everything works itself out.

The FS1 shakeup comes less than a year after network executives, under the guidance of then-EVP Charlie Dixon, reshaped the daily lineup to appeal to younger and more digitally engaged viewers. Consequently, this swift course correction highlights the volatility of sports television programming in an evolving media landscape.

Schlereth joined FOX Sports in 2017 after 16 years at ESPN following a 12-year career in the NFL. While serving as a game analyst on NFL on FOX broadcasts, Schlereth also hosted a weekday radio program on Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan alongside co-host Mike Evans. Additionally, the former NFL lineman told Barrett Media he struggled with the role of the lead host for some time when the show was constructed in August of last year.

Despite the cancellation, Schlereth has maintained a positive outlook moving forward.

“Life marches on, sometimes you get punched in the gut,” said Schlereth. “It’s all good.”

In closing, Schlereth expressed gratitude to those who reached out following the news, regardless of their tone.

“To everybody who watched on FS1, who supported me and reached out to me, thank you so much. I appreciate it. For all the people who celebrated me getting fired and our show ending, I thank you guys too,” shared Schlereth. “One thing I’ve learned in this business. You want 50% of the people to love you, and 50% of the people to hate you. As long as you’ve got that ratio, things are good. You’re doing your job.”

As for his future with FOX Sports, Schlereth said he expects to continue calling games on FOX TV for the NFL, though he isn’t quite certain of that just yet.

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.

Fox News Strikes Licensing Deal with ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

BNM Staff
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Fox News Strikes Licensing Deal with ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

For the first time, Fox News is licensing a podcast, as it has struck a new deal with the Ruthless podcast.

The podcast features hosts  Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook and Shashank Tripathi, who will all join Fox News as contributors.

“We are thrilled to take Ruthless to the next level through this strategic partnership,” a joint statement from the hosts said. “There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”

The Ruthless podcast has grown to be one of the top programs in the space, especially in the younger male demographic in recent years.

Fox News has expanded its New Media division to feature opinion and non-news podcast programs, with an eye on featuring greater investment in the space in the future. As part of the expansion, the network has revealed that Fox News Digital President Porter Berry will oversee the new division, which will also include the network’s social media suite.

“The FOX News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the Ruthless deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said.

“We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for,” she continued. “Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening FOX News Digital.”

The addition of the Ruthless podcast comes after FOX Corp., the parent company of Fox News, acquired digital entity Red Seat Ventures earlier this year.

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.

MIW, RAB Reveal 2025 Rising Through the Ranks Cohort

BMM Staff
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MIW, RAB Reveal 2025 Rising Through the Ranks Cohort

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in partnership with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), has revealed the latest class selected for its Rising Through The Ranks program. Now in its 17th year, the initiative continues its mission of empowering women in radio management and leadership.

Twelve recipients from across the country have been awarded scholarships to attend the professional development program. Among this year’s class are Jennifer Butman (Community Broadcast Partners, Abilene, TX), Kadie Daye (Adams Radio, Valparaiso, IN), Nicole Eubank (WSM-AM, Nashville), and Margie Goehring (Ottumwa Radio Group, Ottumwa, IA).

Also selected: Amanda Long (NRG Media, Lincoln, NE), Meredith McDermott (Connoisseur, Nassau-Suffolk, NY), Lori Roberts (Seven Mountains, Parkersburg, WV), Kayla Schneider (Hubbard, Alexandria, MN), Slone Terranella (Beasley, Las Vegas), Susan Terwilleger (Saga, Charlottesville, VA), Whitney Zarder (Saga, Gainesville, FL), and Sheena Zieger (Hubbard, Brainerd, MN).

The 2025 program begins with a virtual session on August 12. In-person workshops follow in Nashville from August 19 to 21.

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.

Sinclair Adds College Football Podcasts in Continued Expansion

BSM Staff
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Sinclair Adds College Football Podcasts in Continued Expansion

In a move to deepen its footprint in the college football media space, Sinclair has announced the launch of three new local sports podcasts under its AMP Media brand, headlined by high-profile former players and coaches. The podcasts will spotlight some of the most passionate fan bases in college football, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas Longhorns, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a forthcoming series on the Michigan Wolverines.

The initiative marks a strategic expansion of Sinclair’s podcast division, integrating former on-field stars with Sinclair’s local television affiliates to deliver multimedia storytelling tailored to regional audiences.

“We’re excited to engage the most passionate fan bases in all of college football, and perhaps all of sports, with these five shows,” said Pete Gianesini, Director of Network Programming, Podcasts. “These are people who not only cover the teams, but lived it at the highest levels of success.”

Among the standout entries is THE STAMPEDE: A Podcast on the Texas Longhorns, featuring National Championship-winning quarterback Vince Young, College Football Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown, and longtime CBS Austin Sports Director Bob Ballou. Produced in collaboration with KEYE in Austin, the show debuts July 23.

Also launching on July 23 is THE ECHOES: A Podcast on Notre Dame, co-hosted by former Fighting Irish offensive lineman and ESPN personality Mike Golic Jr. and sports analyst Jessica Smetana. Produced in partnership with WSBT, the show blends analysis, storytelling, and humor while capturing the tradition-rich identity of Notre Dame football.

These new additions join the growing list of podcasts launched recently by Sinclair. These include THE SCRIPT focuses on the Ohio State Buckeyes, with former standouts Cardale Jones and Chris “Beanie” Wells joined by Dave Holmes. Also THE DYNASTY focusing on the Alabama Crimson Tide with former quarterback A.J. McCarron, running back Trent Richardson and the voice of Alabama football Chris Stewart.

McCarron discussed how THE DYNASTY came together in an interview with Barrett Media in June.

A yet-to-be-named podcast dedicated to the Michigan Wolverines is expected later this summer, hosted by former players Jake Butt and Devin Gardner.

“This expansion allows us to tap into the passion of the most dedicated fans,” said Eric Welles, Sinclair’s SVP and Chief Digital Monetization Officer. “By partnering with our local stations and sponsors like PrimeSportsbook, Buckeye Basement Solutions, and Riize Energy, we’re creating authentic, localized content powered by those who know the programs best.”

Long-form episodes will release weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, with new content dropping every Wednesday. Each show will also maintain a strong presence across social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

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.

SummitMedia Revives Classic Country on 103.9 WRKA Louisville

BMM Staff
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SummitMedia Revives Classic Country on 103.9 WRKA Louisville

SummitMedia has flipped 103.9 FM WRKA, Louisville, from Adult R&B to Classic Country, rebranding the station as “Kentucky Straight 103.9.” The format change took effect Monday and marks a return to the genre for the frequency, which previously aired Classic Country from 2008 to 2018 under names including “Country Legends 103.9” and “103.9 The Hawk.”

The new version of WRKA is centered on Country music from the 1990s and 2000s. The change expands SummitMedia’s Country footprint in the Louisville market. It also owns and operates Q103.1, WQNU, which features current Country hits.

The company has not yet announced any programming or on-air talent changes associated with the launch.

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.

WWJ Newsradio 950 Names Chris Fillar as Morning Co-Anchor

BNM Staff
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WWJ Newsradio 950 Names Chris Fillar as Morning Co-Anchor

WWJ Newsradio 950 has announced the appointment of Chris Fillar as its new morning co-anchor, where he’ll serve alongside Jackie Paige.

Fillar has been with the station since 2018, where he has worked as a sports update anchor. He additionally provided updates on sister station 97.1 The Ticket.

He originally joined Audacy as a producer at sports talk station 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland in 2011.

“I’m ecstatic to take on this new role alongside Jackie and the entire fantastic morning newsroom at WWJ,” said Fillar. “It’s an honor to wake up and deliver trusted news to our listeners, and I’m humbled to work with such a great team!”

“We are excited to have Chris bring his passion and energy to the morning show,” added Audacy Detroit Senior Vice President and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon. “Chris and Jackie are a powerful team, and we’re confident they’ll make an impact every morning while connecting with our listeners.”

Fillar and Paige will anchor weekday mornings from 5-10 AM on the Detroit all-news station. Chris Fillar had been working in the daypart at WWJ Newsradio 950 on an interim basis since Jonathan Carlson exited the timeslot.

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.

SiriusXM Officially Unveils Ad-Supported Subscription Plan

BNM Staff
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SiriusXM Officially Unveils Ad-Supported Subscription Plan

SiriusXM has announced the launch of its new ad-supported subscription package, marking a new endeavor for the satellite radio company.

For less than $7 per month, subscribers of the newly-named SiriusXM Play subscription will receive access to 130 channels.

“SiriusXM Play presents us with an incredible opportunity to thoughtfully scale our audio service on the road and off to even more listeners across North America,” said SiriusXM COO Wayne Thorsen. “With Play, we can reach and engage with new, more price-sensitive listeners with a low-cost, ad-supported subscription with more than 130 channels available in-car and so much more in-app, and leverage our strengths across both content and technology as the premium audio leader in-car to deliver this compelling offering to consumers and advertisers alike.”

Some of the channels included involve music channels like Hits 1, country-formatted The Highway, and Hip-Hop Nation, as well as sports channels like Mad Dog Sports Radio and College Sports Radio, news/talk like P.O.T.U.S. and Patriot, as well as comedy channels.

“Play is an exciting net-new opportunity for marketers looking to tap into passionate, high-quality audiences across some of SiriusXM’s most beloved music, talk, and sports channels, reaching listeners in the moments that matter,” said SiriusXM Chief Advertising Revenue Officer Scott Walker. “The car is the final frontier for digital ad-supported media. In the short term, we are opening up new inventory for marketers, including premium, curated music. In the long term, with more advanced capabilities, we have a chance to revolutionize the in-car advertising landscape.”

The company says it will have further announcements and developments about the new subscription tier later this year.

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.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Believes New Media Rights Deal Will Be Completed Shortly

BSM Staff
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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Believes New Media Rights Deal Will Be Completed Shortly

Last month, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said that he had hopes to resolve the league’s media rights package being abandoned by ESPN by the MLB All-Star Break. With his deadline arriving this week, Manfred still has not officially announced any new finalized details. However, there are reportedly multiple conversations with bidders ongoing.

Manfred acknowledged that although a resolution on the national media rights deal remains incomplete, meaningful steps forward have been made in recent days. Speaking with Sports Business Journal on Monday, Manfred revealed that he had hoped to finalize an agreement ahead of this year’s All-Star Game but said progress has still been encouraging.

“I had a really busy week last week in Sun Valley. Everybody really that’s in the mix was there. Made real progress,” Manfred told Sports Business Journal, referencing the annual Allen & Company conference in Idaho, where media industry leaders and potential partners gathered. “I was hoping it was going to be done by now, but it’ll be shortly. We made real progress.”

In June, Manfred said during MLB owners meetings that he anticipated a deal would be completed before the Midsummer Classic. However, with the game set to be played tonight night in Atlanta, that timeline has been pushed back.

The short-term media rights in question surrounds ESPN’s soon-to-expire package, which covers “Sunday Night Baseball,” the Home Run Derby, and MLB’s Wild Card round through the end of this current season. ESPN and MLB mutually opted out of the final three years of its current $550 million-per-year deal in February.

Several reports have MLB in talks with several potential suitors, including Apple TV and NBC. Despite ESPN’s earlier decision to exit, the league has reportedly reopened discussions with the network as well. However, Manfred indicated the structure of the new arrangement remains fluid.

“I think the last piece that needs to fall into place is whether it’s all going one place or it’s going to be split,” he said. “That’s the next big decision.”

Manfred was a guest of The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN Monday and clarified what the goal of the league is when approaching its media rights deals.

“We want to sell more games nationally. We think it’s good for our exposure, more broadcast exposure, big game exposure. We also believe that the buyers that are out there are going to be national buyers, particularly the streaming companies,” said Manfred. “Secondly, we need to streamline our offering. We need to get out of the blackout business.”

Furthermore, Manfred continued to explain why his goal is to streamline the ease in offering MLB baseball to fans.

“We are too many places right now,” said Manfred. “We’ve experimented. Apple’s been a great experiment, but we do have a lot of fragmentation. We need to get into a more streamlined model, where a fan knows, ‘Friday, I want to see my game tonight.’ They go to a digital service; they know the game’s there. If it’s not there, it’s going to be one of a couple of national games, and it’s easy for the fans. That’s what it needs to look like.”

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.

Baltimore’s Mix 106.5 Breaks Record at Pet Adoption Event

BMM Staff
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Baltimore’s Mix 106.5 Breaks Record at Pet Adoption Event

Baltimore responded in a big way as Mix 106.5’s “Kramer & Jess Morning Show” teamed up with BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) for All Paws Home, a one-day adoption push that more than doubled the shelter’s previous record.

Aiming to place 106 pets—matching the station’s frequency—into new homes. The event ended with 125 animals adopted or moved into foster care. Far surpassing BARCS’ prior high of 56 in a single day.

“We were kinda kidding when we said 106, considering that BARCS’ biggest day before Saturday was so much lower,” said Kramer, co-host of Kramer & Jess.

“Never doubt the power of radio… and never doubt this city. Baltimore showed up in the biggest way.”

For Jess, the day was filled with powerful moments that went beyond the numbers.

“A listener shared that their dog had passed away just a month ago and, after hearing about the event, they felt it was a sign to open their hearts again,” she said.

“We saw so many kids get their very first pet EVER… that’s a core memory we got to witness in real time! I honestly can’t put into words how special that was.”

With waived adoption fees and a live on-site broadcast, the event drew steady crowds. BARCS staff and volunteers worked throughout the day to match pets with families ready to provide a second chance.

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.

Scott Jennings: New Show with Salem Radio Network Will Closely Resemble My Work at CNN

BNM Staff
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Scott Jennings: New Show with Salem Radio Network Will Closely Resemble My Work at CNN

The Scott Jennings Show debuted on Salem Radio Network on Monday. Jennings says it’s going to be close to what you see him do at CNN.

To begin his debut show, Jennings shared his expectations for the show and what listeners can glean from the program each day.

“What I do on CNN every night is try to inject a little common sense into the conversation,” he said. “Oftentimes, these conversations are framed very far off the rails to begin with. It’s my job to drag them back into reality. That’s what I want to do with The Scott Jennings Show here on Salem.”

He added his appreciation for Salem Radio Network leaders like Phil Boyce and Marcus Brown for “making it very easy” to get the show on the air after it was announced earlier this month.

Additionally, Jennings noted that he admired other members of the network and viewed the opportunity as a huge one in his career.

“It is a privilege to be on the air with such legends as Charlie Kirk and Hugh Hewitt, who comes up after the show,” he concluded. “We’re glad to be here, and we’re glad for all of you who are lending your ears to this radio program.”

The Scott Jennings Show airs from 2-3 PM ET on Salem Radio Network. It steps into the timeslot previously occupied by Jack Posobiec, who had been hosting the window on an interim basis after Dennis Prager had suffered a fall that left him paralyzed from the neck down in November last year.

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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