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Sports Betting Writer Doug Greenberg Signs Multi-Year Extension with ESPN

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Sports Betting Writer Doug Greenberg Signs Multi-Year Extension with ESPN

ESPN has signed a multi-year extension with sports betting writer Doug Greenberg, ensuring he remains a key voice in the network’s growing betting coverage. Greenberg, who joined ESPN in January 2024, will continue reporting on trends, major wagers, and the financial swings shaping the sports betting landscape.

“Doug complements our sports betting coverage by delivering stories our audience truly values,” said Andrew Feldman, senior deputy editor at ESPN.com. “He has a talent for breaking down the fast-moving world of sports betting in a way that’s accessible and informative. We’re thrilled he’s staying with us.”

Greenberg expressed enthusiasm for the extension, highlighting ESPN’s commitment to comprehensive betting coverage.

“It’s a pleasure to continue with ESPN and cover the sports betting industry,” he said. “The network embraces what betting brings to fans, and I look forward to keeping readers informed on the latest trends and significant news.”

At ESPN, Greenberg works closely with fellow sports betting reporter David Purdum. He’ll continue to contribute in-depth analysis and news-focused stories that appeal to both casual fans and industry insiders. His reporting covers everything from high-profile bets to market shifts, providing context for the decisions shaping the betting world.

The extension reflects ESPN’s continued investment in sports betting content. This comes as the market grows in the U.S. and internationally.

Over the past several years, the network has expanded its betting coverage. It integrated analysis and reporting into its digital platforms and leveraged seasoned journalists like Greenberg. Their work helps educate fans about wagering trends, odds, and strategy.

Sports betting journalism has become increasingly competitive, with audiences seeking timely insights and behind-the-scenes reporting. Greenberg’s work at ESPN has helped position the network as a trusted source for news and analysis in this rapidly evolving sector.

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 Announces Multi-Year Extension for Fantasy Sports Senior Writer Eric Karabell

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ESPN Announces Multi-Year Extension for Fantasy Sports Senior Writer Eric Karabell

ESPN has secured a multi-year extension with fantasy sports analyst Eric Karabell, a veteran of the network whose coverage spans football, baseball, and basketball. Karabell, recently named a Baseball Writers Association of America Hall of Fame voter, will continue contributing to both ESPN’s fantasy sports and sports betting content.

Karabell, who joined ESPN in 1997, has served in a variety of editorial and writing roles during his career. He is widely recognized for his signature preseason columns, including the Do and Do Not Draft List, as well as his Don’t Be Surprised series and weekly player rankings. In addition, he has frequently appeared across ESPN platforms and hosted the Fantasy Football Baseball podcast.

“Eric has been a transformative voice in the fantasy sports industry,” said Andrew Feldman, Senior Deputy Editor at ESPN.com. “He combines analytical rigor with practical advice, and our audience will continue to benefit from his perspective as they prepare for upcoming seasons.”

Karabell expressed excitement about continuing his work with ESPN. “Being a resource for the millions of fantasy players who follow my work is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “I’m humbled to do what I do every day, and I look forward to another season, especially as fantasy baseball approaches.”

The extension underscores ESPN’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the fantasy sports and sports betting arenas. Over the years, Karabell’s work has become a staple for fantasy enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis, strategic advice, and actionable rankings.

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93.7 The Fan Host Joe Starkey Caught off Guard by End of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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93.7 The Fan Host Joe Starkey Caught off Guard by End of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Another legendary newspaper is going out of business. When news broke on Wednesday that The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s ownership announced that the newspaper plans to shut down operations on May 3, reaction to the news came swift from both Pittsburgh based sports media and national media. 93.7 The Fan hosts Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey were live when the news broke, with both talents saying they were shocked about the story.

Especially Starkey, who has hosts middays on 93.7 The Fan but also contributes a daily column to the newspaper.

“This affects a lot of people, including me,” said Starkey. “So, this is shocking. This is a shocker. Should they have sent us an email? I don’t see an email in here. If there were an email, I would have gotten texts from my friends over there… I need to go find someplace to write columns if I want to keep writing them.”

In a statement, Block Communications Inc. said continued financial losses have made it impossible to keep the paper operating under current conditions. The family-owned media company, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, has owned the Post-Gazette since 1927.

“Over the past two decades, Block Communications has invested more than $350 million in cash to sustain the Post-Gazette,” the company said. “Despite those efforts, the ongoing financial challenges facing local journalism mean losses of this magnitude are no longer viable.”

Pompeani also shared his reactions to the news. He called the end of the newspaper a devastating blow to the local Pittsburgh community.

“I’m sorry to see it, because it’s a big part. Since all of us were young kids,” said Pompeani. “So many great stories that were broken there and told there. But if you’re gonna lose $350 million if that’s accurate, I suppose that’s the decision they have to make.”

The news drove massive reaction on 97.3 The Fan during the afteroon, but also social media was buzzing about the news as well.

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How KDKA Newsradio Covered the Closing of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BNM Staff
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How KDKA Newsradio Covered the Closing of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced that it would cease operations later this year. That news dominated the discussion on KDKA in the aftermath.

The newspaper dates back to 1786 during the first publication of The Pittsburgh Gazette. Its owner, Block Communications, shared that it had lost $350 million operating the paper in the past 20 years.

A recent order from an appeals court mandated that the organization operate under a 2014 labor contract with its union, which the parent company called “outdated and inflexible,” and that the terms of that contract are “unsuited for today’s local journalism.”

On Sunday, May 3rd, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will publish its final edition and thus cease operations.

The news was a major story on KDKA Newsradio in the Steel City. Afternoon drive host Colin Dunlap — who spent nearly a decade working at the publication — took to both social media and the airwaves to cover the news.

Dunlap later procured the video distributed to employees as part of a Zoom meeting that was called with little notice on Wednesday afternoon. He then shared that audio on the air, allowing listeners to react to the news.

The station also welcomed Joe Starkey, who works for its sports sister station 93.7 The Fan as well as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, to the show to share his thoughts on the publication’s demise.

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Tony Dokoupil Debut on CBS Evening News Earns More Than 4 Million Viewers

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Tony Dokoupil Debut on CBS Evening News Earns More Than 4 Million Viewers

Tony Dokoupil began his CBS Evening News tenure earlier than expected due to the military action in Venezuela over the weekend, leading to him anchoring the program on Saturday instead of his regularly scheduled Monday debut.

On Monday, just under 4.5 million viewers tuned into the nightly newscast for Dokoupil’s first edition leading the program.

Of those nearly 4.5 million viewers, 609,000 came from the Persons 25-54 demographic.

While that total viewership figure outpaces what the newscast averaged throughout 2025, it shows steep declines when compared to other debuts for the network.

When Norah O’Donnell began anchoring the CBS Evening News in 2019, the program averaged 5.6 million viewers for her debut episode. That’s 20% higher than the debut of Tony Dokoupil on Monday evening.

Furthermore, the 4.5 million viewership figure marks a 27% decline compared to the premiere of the nightly broadcast being anchored by Scott Pelley in 2011.

In fact, when Katie Couric helmed her debut broadcast as the anchor of the newscast in 2006, there were 4.7 million viewers alone in the Persons 25-54 demographic. In total, 13.6 million viewers watched her initial episode. That marked an 87% decline compared to Dokoupil’s first broadcast and a 67% decline in overall viewers.

CBS Evening News, however, isn’t alone in seeing declining viewership figures for its linear nightly news broadcasts since 2006. ABC News’ World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News have also seen steady decreases in overall viewership during the nearly 20 years since Couric’s debut.

The total viewership figure for the debut of Tony Dokoupil represented a 22% decrease compared to the same day last year.

For the Monday evening broadcast ratings, the David Muir-led World News Tonight led with 8.1 million viewers, while the Tom Llamas-anchored NBC Nightly News averaged an audience of 7.2 million viewers for the night.

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Cat Thomas Joins SonicTrek.ai as Director of Marketing, AI Affiliate/Talent Relations

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Cat Thomas Joins SonicTrek.ai as Director of Marketing, AI Affiliate/Talent Relations

Radio programming veteran Cat Thomas has joined SonicTrek.ai in a newly created role that underscores the company’s continued push to blend traditional radio expertise with emerging artificial intelligence technology.

Thomas has been named Director of Marketing and AI Affiliate/Talent Acquisitions and will begin his duties immediately. In the role, he will work closely with Partner and Chief Revenue Officer Mike Agovino. Together, they will identify, develop, and onboard new affiliate partnerships. He will also collaborate with Partner and CEO Joel Denver and Director of Programming Dennis Constantine. Their work will focus on localized marketing strategies, station format development, and recruiting new AI-powered on-air talent.

The hire adds another experienced voice to SonicTrek.ai’s leadership team as the company continues to position itself as a forward-thinking content provider for radio operators navigating a rapidly evolving audio landscape.

Denver said bringing Thomas on board was a significant step for the company. He pointed to Thomas’ three decades of experience programming and marketing successful stations across multiple formats, including Top 40, Hot AC, AC, Classic Hits and Country. Thomas most recently served as OM for the Las Vegas Beasley Media cluster while also programming Hot AC 102.7 VGS KVGS and Alternative X107.5 KXTE. He began with the cluster since the fall of 2020.

“Having Cat join us is a major win,” Denver said. “He brings an exceptional depth of experience, creative ideas and industry relationships. That combination will be invaluable as we expand our affiliate footprint, develop new AI-hosted offerings and continue building localized content strategies that resonate in individual markets.”

Agovino echoed that sentiment, noting the company’s ongoing expansion. He described Thomas as an innovative thinker whose background strengthens SonicTrek.ai’s growing expertise as it scales its business and programming initiatives.

Constantine said the hire aligns with the company’s broader mission to modernize radio while preserving its core strengths. He added that Thomas’ background shows a strong understanding of both creative and commercial audio. That combination makes him a natural fit for SonicTrek.ai’s long-term vision.

“Cat understands how great programming is built and how it connects with audiences,” Constantine said. “That insight is critical as we look to combine proven radio fundamentals with modern technology in a way that feels authentic and effective.”

Thomas said the opportunity appealed to both his passion for programming and his interest in technology. He noted that artificial intelligence continues to grow in influence across media and believes programmers must find ways to integrate it into local brands and talent-driven content.

“This is about staying ahead of where the industry is going,” Thomas said. “AI isn’t replacing creativity, but it can enhance it when used thoughtfully. SonicTrek.ai’s vision of combining real talent with AI-curated content is what excited me.”

SonicTrek.ai currently offers four AI-infused, market-localized formats. They include Phoebe: Curiously Alternative, a female-leaning alternative format. Also included are Starship, a reimagined Classic Rock concept by Lee Abrams, and MyCountry.fm, a modern Country format. Cool Classics rounds out the group with a refreshed take on Classic Hits. Each is designed to give stations customizable, locally relevant content while leveraging AI-driven tools to support programming and engagement.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette To End Operations May 3

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette To End Operations May 3

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s ownership announced Wednesday that the newspaper plans to shut down operations on May 3, marking a dramatic and potentially historic moment for one of the country’s longest-running metropolitan news organizations.

In a statement, Block Communications Inc. said continued financial losses have made it impossible to keep the paper operating under current conditions. The family-owned media company, which is based in Toledo, Ohio, has owned the Post-Gazette since 1927.

“Over the past two decades, Block Communications has invested more than $350 million in cash to sustain the Post-Gazette,” the company said. “Despite those efforts, the ongoing financial challenges facing local journalism mean losses of this magnitude are no longer viable.”

The announcement came the same day the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a labor dispute involving the newspaper, a decision that appears to have accelerated the company’s timeline. Wednesday, the justices rejected a request from the Post-Gazette’s publisher to block a lower court ruling that requires the company to alter its health insurance coverage for unionized employees, according to a report by Bloomberg Law.

The Supreme Court action left in place a temporary injunction issued more than nine months ago by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The justices also vacated an order from Justice Samuel Alito that had previously paused enforcement of the appeals court ruling.

In its statement, the Post-Gazette argued that recent court decisions would force the paper to operate under terms it considers outdated.

“Recent rulings would require the Post-Gazette to function under a 2014 labor agreement that mandates inflexible operational practices,” the statement said. “Those conditions are not compatible with the realities of modern local journalism.”

Labor tensions between the newspaper and its newsroom employees have defined much of the past several years. Journalists represented by the Newspaper Guild were on strike for more than three years before voting in November to return to work. Their decision followed a favorable ruling from a three-judge panel on the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

While the owners framed Wednesday’s announcement as a financial necessity, the decision is likely to reverberate well beyond Pittsburgh. The potential closure underscores the mounting pressures facing legacy news organizations, particularly those navigating declining print revenue, digital transformation challenges and prolonged labor disputes.

It remains unclear whether any last-minute alternatives — including a sale, restructuring or continued legal action — could emerge before the stated May 3 shutdown date.

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CNN Elevates Alayna Treene to White House Correspondent

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CNN Elevates Alayna Treene to White House Correspondent

CNN has announced it is promoting Alayna Treene to the role of White House Correspondent for the cable network.

Treene originally joined the network in January 2023 as a political reporter. At the time, her focus was on covering the 2024 campaign of President Donald Trump.

She later transitioned to the role of White House reporter in January 2025, following Trump’s election victory. After a year working the White House beat, she’s now been elevated to the role of correspondent, joining the likes of Kristen Holmes and Kaitlan Collins.

Treene joined CNN after previously working as a Congressional reporter at Axios for six years. She also worked as a White House reporter for that outlet, in addition to writing its nightly political newsletter.

In December 2021, Forbes named Alayna Treene to its 30 Under 30 list in the media category.

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Peacock Adds Fan-First Features for Winter Olympics, NBA Coverage

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Peacock Adds Fan-First Features for Winter Olympics, NBA Coverage

NBCUniversal is rolling out a suite of new interactive features on Peacock, giving sports fans expanded ways to experience the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Super Bowl LX, and NBA All-Star Weekend. The enhancements are designed to offer unprecedented access to live action and behind-the-scenes moments across multiple sports.

Rinkside Live and Courtside Live, debuting on mobile devices, are first-of-their-kind experiences aimed at hockey, figure skating, and basketball fans. In addition, these features allow viewers to switch between curated camera angles while keeping the main broadcast in view.

Rinkside Live will offer unique perspectives, including a “Coaching Cam” for figure skating and a “Bench Cam” for ice hockey. These features give fans real-time insight into athletes’ preparation and reactions. A “Highlights Hub” will deliver vertical video recaps of key Olympic moments directly to mobile users.

Jim Denney, NBCUniversal’s chief product officer for global streaming, says the features put fans in control of their viewing experience. “From behind-the-scenes access as athletes prepare for competition to unique perspectives, Rinkside Live and Courtside Live put fans in control and take them deeper into the sports they love to celebrate, and the culture and stories that surround them,” Denney said.

Peacock will launch new Olympics mini-games on its mobile app. These include Prediction Games for figure skating and ice hockey, a daily multi-event Picks game, and Olympics trivia. The interactive features will run from January 24 through February 23. They complement Peacock’s extensive live coverage of the Winter Games, airing February 6–22.

For basketball fans, Courtside Live will debut during the NBA US vs. World All-Star Game on February 15, allowing viewers to explore multiple camera angles, including “Star Spotlight” and team-specific feeds that track bench reactions. On TV and web, these angles will be presented in a Multiview experience. During NBA All-Star Weekend, fans will also have access to highlights, live score updates, and recaps of key plays.

Peacock’s Super Bowl LX coverage will feature tools like Catch Up with Key Plays and Live Actions. These tools let viewers follow every major moment and discover additional content across the platform.

The new features build on Peacock’s prior innovations, including Gold Zone, Discovery Multiview, Live in Browse, and in-page sports hubs. These offerings reflect NBCUniversal’s push to make streaming more interactive, giving fans options to customize how they watch marquee events and engage with the stories around them.

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.

Travis Kelce Undecided on NFL Return as Potential Media Career Could Be in His Future

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Travis Kelce Undecided on NFL Return as Potential Media Career Could Be in His Future

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is taking a deliberate approach to his professional future, leaving the door open for both a return to the NFL and a possibly a potential career in television.

On the latest edition of his New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis described his current mindset and timeline he’s approaching to a decision. “Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and try to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future at football,” he said.

Kelce emphasized that his discussions with the Chiefs have been candid about a potential return to the playing field as well. Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has hauled in 1,080 passes for 13,002 yards and 82 touchdowns over the course of his career with the Chiefs.

“I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already. Having the exit meetings and everything, and they know where I stand, at least right now. And I think there’s a lot of love for the game that’s still there, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that,” he said.

Kelce’s comments come amid speculation about a possible move into broadcasting. Reporting from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand suggests Kelce could become a top candidate for high-profile television roles, potentially commanding an eight-figure salary. Marchand said Kelce would likely pursue a “No. 1 job” in the booth, emphasizing his marketability and appeal to networks.

The tight end already has experience in media, co-hosting New Heights, making television and film cameos, and hosting the Prime Video reboot of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader? However, deciding whether to return to the NFL remains the focus in which Kelce admitted, is a challenging process.

“It’s a tough thing to navigate. But at the same time, you know, I think if my body can heal up and rest up and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. So I think right now, it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game, and kind of when it all settles down,” said Kelce.

Kelce’s combination of on-field success, media savvy, and fan popularity makes him a rare prospect capable of commanding both respect and top-tier compensation in broadcasting. Despite the allure of TV, Kelce indicated that football remains a priority while he evaluates his options.

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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