Home Blog Page 555

NBC Sports Announces Full ‘Gold Zone’ Broadcast Team for 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

BSM Staff
-
0
NBC Sports Announces Full ‘Gold Zone’ Broadcast Team for 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

NBC Olympics will bring back its celebrated Gold Zone team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games, with live coverage streaming on Peacock and airing on NBCSN, the network announced. The Winter Games officially open with the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026, on NBC and Peacock.

The returning roster includes Jac Collinsworth and Matt Iseman as hosts, alongside Scott Hanson and Andrew Siciliano, who together anchored NBC’s Gold Zone coverage during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team, widely praised for its energetic whip-around coverage, will guide viewers through the most compelling moments from Italy’s mountains, slopes, rinks, and podiums.

New to the lineup, 2014 Olympic bronze medalist and three-time U.S. Figure Skating champion Ashley Wagner will serve as Gold Zone’s first-ever analyst, offering expertise and insight into the figure skating competition. Wagner previously contributed commentary for Peacock’s coverage of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

“We can’t wait to bring this group back together to capture the excitement – whip-around style – from the 116 medal events on the ice and snow,” said Amy Rosenfeld, senior vice president of NBC Olympics Production. “A Winter Games brings with it new challenges, but that presents opportunities to try some new things while still embracing what viewers enjoyed.”

During the 2026 Games, Gold Zone will stream live daily on Peacock and NBCSN, presenting the top live action, medal moments, and pageantry of the Olympics.

This marks the first time a Winter Games Gold Zone will stream on Peacock, expanding the reach of the Emmy-winning format that debuted in Paris and covered up to 40 simultaneous events.

Scott Hanson, best known as host of NFL RedZone since 2009, returns for his second Olympic Gold Zone assignment. Andrew Siciliano, a four-time Olympic host, brings experience from previous Gold Zone coverage and serves as play-by-play radio voice of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

Matt Iseman, co-host of American Ninja Warrior, returns for his fourth Olympics assignment, while Jac Collinsworth continues his dual role as NBC’s Football Night in America on-location co-host and play-by-play announcer for college sports.

Gold Zone coverage will also be available on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app via TV Everywhere for pay-TV subscribers. Peacock will serve as the streaming hub for all 116 medal events, offering full-event replays, curated clips, and the platform’s popular Multiview feature, which enhances the live viewing experience by allowing fans to watch multiple events simultaneously.

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.

Colin Cowherd: Podcasts Are Not “Selling Out” by Signing Video Exclusives With Netflix

BSM Staff
-
0
Colin Cowherd: Podcasts Are Not “Selling Out” by Signing Video Exclusives With Netflix

Podcasts moving to exclusive video agreements with streaming giant Netflix have sparked debate over whether creators are “selling out” or simply capitalizing on new opportunities, according to hosts Colin Cowherd and Danny Parkins. The conversation unfolded during a recent episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast, where both commentators analyzed the evolving landscape of audio content in the streaming era.

“Podcasting is audio. I listen to podcasts, but I don’t watch them,” Cowherd said, noting the distinction between his personal preferences between audio and visual formats. “I may try it on Netflix… Podcasts were built for audio, so now YouTube kind of controls the universe. It is a win for anybody that owns a company and a podcaster if the dominating position is challenged.”

Netflix has secured agreements with multiple podcasts including Pardon My Take, Spittin Chiclets, and The Ryen Russillo Show with Barstool Sports. The company also announced a partnership with iHeartMedia and Spotify’s The Ringer to exclusively house the video presentation of their top podcast brands on the platform.

Cowherd’s remarks highlight the tension between traditional podcast platforms, like YouTube, and subscription-based services such as Netflix. YouTube has long dominated the podcast video market. Streaming services are increasingly trying to attract subscribers. They do this by offering exclusive content from proven voices.

Parkins added context on Netflix’s strategy, emphasizing the platform’s focus on engagement rather than sheer subscriber growth.

“I’m interested in it from Netflix’s standpoint of do they think it’s gonna get more subscribers, or do they think it is going to get time spent on the app? They want more people on their app so that they click over to their other program,” Parkins said. “My hunch is it’s the latter. Like, I’d be surprised if there were a bunch of new signups because of this. Time spent on the app is their play.”

Despite concerns about alienating audiences, Cowherd framed the move as a practical business decision for podcasters.

“Let’s say Pardon My Take does lose some audience. If they’re getting an additional 4 million each from the company, you take it. The dudes have busted their ass,” he said, pointing to the financial incentives that often outweigh potential risks.

Parkins agreed, calling the opportunity a “no-brainer” for established content creators adding “For the content creator, it’s a no-brainer. Like the big names they’re hauling over there. You all already have your relevance, and in the podcast space.”

As the streaming wars intensify, podcast creators face the balancing act of maintaining audience loyalty while pursuing lucrative partnerships. For Cowherd and Parkins, Netflix deals represent both a validation of a show’s influence and a strategic shift in how podcasts reach fans.

While some listeners may migrate with their favorite hosts, the financial and professional rewards make the move difficult to resist for top-tier 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.

CNN Announces Renewal For ‘Have I Got News For You’ with Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, Michael Ian Black

BNM Staff
-
0
CNN Announces Renewal For ‘Have I Got News For You’ with Roy Wood Jr., Amber Ruffin, Michael Ian Black

CNN has announced it is renewing Have I Got News For You, the comedy program airing on Saturday evenings for a fourth season.

The program, hosted by Roy Wood Jr., and joined by team captains Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, will begin its fourth season on Saturday, January 24th at 9 PM ET.

“Thank goodness we’ve got season four of our show to make sense of this perfectly normal time we’re in where everything is stark-raving normal. A time in which everything is fine and nothing is wrong. Amen,” said Wood Jr., Ruffin, and Black in a joint statement.

The show will continue airing live on CNN on Saturday evenings, and will be made available on the network’s new streaming platform the following day. Previous episodes of the show are available on both the new streaming platform and on the HBO Max service.

The show — which debuted in September 2024 — is an American version of a British TV classic. The comedy panel utilized discusses the news of the day through a quiz show. Prominent figures on the panels have included Joy Reid, Kara Swisher, Bomani Jones, Lewis Black, and Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX).

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.

Westwood One Sports Announces Full Weekday Lineup Launching December 29

BSM Staff
-
12
Westwood One Sports Announces Full Weekday Lineup Launching December 29

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is set to debut its new Sports Talk programming lineup on Monday, December 29, marking a major expansion of its sports content across radio and digital platforms. The revamped schedule features a mix of established personalities and rising stars, offering fans nonstop sports conversation, analysis, and engagement throughout the day.

Anchoring the weekday afternoons, The Jim Rome Show will continue to air from 3pm to 6pm ET, maintaining the show’s signature style of outspoken commentary and lively listener interaction.

Kicking off the morning drive from 6am to 9am ET, Drake C. Toll will bring energy and perspective to start the day. Toll’s approach blends insightful analysis with a conversational style designed to engage a broad spectrum of sports fans.

The new lineup also features longtime ESPN Chicago sports radio hosts Chris Bleck and Adam Abdalla. They will handle the noon-to-3pm ET slot. The duo’s two-decade friendship underpins a natural on-air chemistry, producing bold takes alongside interactive segments that invite fan participation.

Late-night listeners will be served by Westwood One Sports Night, airing from 11pm to 3am ET. Hosted by Lynnell Willingham and Josh Graham, the show aims to combine high-energy debate with intellectual analysis. Willingham delivers opinionated, tell-it-like-it-is commentary, while Graham contributes a curiosity-driven perspective designed to provoke fresh discussions that fans won’t hear anywhere else.

The network’s previously announced shows remain integral to the lineup. Nick Kostos’ You Better You Bet will air weekdays from 9am to noon ET, offering sports betting insights, while BetMGM Tonight, hosted by Brad Evans and Pat Boyle, will run live from 6pm to 11pm ET, providing analysis and updates for betting enthusiasts.

“With our partners at Audacy, we’ve assembled a group of diverse and passionate sports voices committed to covering the biggest sports stories with opinions, expert analysis, and fan interaction,” said Bruce Gilbert, Westwood One SVP of Sports | Content & Audience. “This lineup will highlight the biggest stories and provide timely information that is fresh, fun, and fan-focused.”

The weekday schedule is as follows:

  • 6am – 9am: Drake C. Toll
  • 9am – Noon: You Better You Bet with Nick Kostos
  • Noon – 3pm: Chris Bleck & Adam Abdalla
  • 3pm – 6pm: The Jim Rome Show
  • 6pm – 11pm: BetMGM Tonight with Brad Evans and Pat Boyle
  • 11pm – 3am: WWO Sports Tonight — Lynnell Willingham (Mon-Wed), Josh Graham (Wed-Fri)

The new Westwood One Sports Network extends a partnership between Westwood One and Audacy that first began with the launch of CBS Sports Radio in 2012. Westwood One has handled sales and distribution for the network since its launch. Under this new partnership, Westwood One will assume programming and distribution for the majority of the lineup of syndicated sports programming. Audacy will continue to produce popular BetMGM Network programs moving to the new network with BetMGM remaining a presenting partner and the exclusive sportsbook partner of those programs.

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.

The Charlie Kirk Show Rises To #2 in Triton Digital November Rankings

BNM Staff
-
0
The Charlie Kirk Show Rises To #2 in Triton Digital November Rankings

The Charlie Kirk Show has continued to see a rise in the podcast rankings since Kirk’s September assassination. That continued in November with the Triton Digital rankings.

In the Top Podcasts By Weekly Average Downloads category, The Charlie Kirk Show rose one position to finish the month in second place. It only trailed Stuff You Should Know in the rankings.

The program from Charlie Kirk was not out of place in the top 10 of the Triton Digital rankings before his assassination. In the August rankings, the month preceding his murder, he finished in the sixth overall spot in the same category.

Other news-focused shows also saw jumps during November. 48 Hours rose two positions to third, while the Shawn Ryan Show jumped five places to fourth. Global News Podcast from the BBC moved to seventh, while The Bulwark Podcast earned a six-place advancement up to ninth overall.

The podcast from Vince Coglianese grew two positions to 10th, while The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show (11th), Armstrong & Getty On Demand (14th), and Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar (18th) all saw top 20 finishes.

Conspicuously, podcasts from NPR were not included in the November rankings, leading to many changes, especially inside the top 20 programs. Previously, NPR News Now and Up First From NPR were the top two programs every month dating back to April 2024.

The withdrawal of NPR podcasts from the rankings led to a rise for several networks in the Top Sales Networks By Weekly Average Downloads category.

iHeart Audience Network remained at number one in the sector. Where NPR had routinely finished in second place, Audacy moved one position forward to second, with Audioboom, Cumulus Podcast Network, and the Salem Podcast Network all growing by one position in the top five.

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.

Joe Piscopo Signs Contract Extension With AM 970 The Answer

BNM Staff
-
0
Joe Piscopo Signs Contract Extension With AM 970 The Answer

AM 970 The Answer morning host Joe Piscopo isn’t going anywhere. He’s signed a three-year contract extension with the Salem Media New York news/talk station.

The Joe Piscopo Show will remain in morning drive through 2028 after the former Saturday Night Live star inked a deal to remain with the station he’s worked at since 2014. The show airs from 6-10 AM.

“Our audience relies on us for honesty, respect, and straight talk about the issues that matter, and that trust means the world to me,” said Piscopo. “And let’s be honest — only in New York do you wake up at 3 AM and call it show business! I’m honored, grateful, and excited to keep sharing these mornings with such an amazing audience.”

“Joe Piscopo remains one of the most dynamic talents in New York radio,” said AM 970 The Answer and Salem Media of New York General Manager Laura Sheaffer. “His authenticity and connection with our listeners are extraordinary, and extending his presence on AM 970 The Answer was an easy decision. Joe continues to raise the bar every single morning.”

Joining Piscopo in morning drive are producer Joe Sibilia, news anchor Al Gattullo, traffic anchor Debbie DuHaime, and weather anchor Stephen Parr.

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.

News Media Reacts to Tucker Carlson Incorrect on Saying President Donald Trump Would Declare War on Venezuela During Primetime Speech

BNM Staff
-
0
News Media Reacts to Tucker Carlson Incorrect on Saying President Donald Trump Would Declare War on Venezuela During Primetime Speech

On Tuesday, Tucker Carlson said President Donald Trump was set to announce plans to go to war with Venezuela. That didn’t come to fruition and the podcaster was widely lampooned by the news media in the aftermath.

While speaking with Judge Andrew Napolitano on his Judging Freedom podcast, Carlson said he had been informed that the President was going to announce a military invasion of the South American country during his primetime address to the nation on Tuesday evening.

“Here’s what I know so far: Members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming and that it’ll be announced in the address to the nation tonight at nine o’clock by the President,” Carlson said. “Who knows — by the way — if that will actually happen. I don’t know. And I never want to overstate what I know, which is pretty limited, in general.”

During his address, President Donald Trump did not mention anything relating to the ongoing military operations against drug smugglers originating from Venezuela.

In response, many news media figures, especially from the conservative side, took Tucker Carlson to task for his incorrect prediction.

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.

Ben Shapiro: It’s Time to Ignore Tucker Carlson’s Dangerous Government Conspiracies

BNM Staff
-
0
Ben Shapiro: It’s Time to Ignore Tucker Carlson’s Dangerous Government Conspiracies

Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson have been at odds in recent weeks over a variety of topics. But Shapiro has now argued that Carlson should be ignored for his comments about the U.S. government.

While speaking at a Heritage Foundation event, Ben Shapiro took Carlson to task for what he labeled as conspiratorial thinking when it comes to who now controls the United States government.

“To Tucker Carlson, unfortunately, the Constitution is a mere ruse, a sham,” Shapiro said. “Instead, Tucker Carlson promotes a conspiracy theory by which the American people have lost total control of their lives and thus have no real ability to shape policy.

“Now this criticism by Carlson is rooted in a fundamental truth, the regulatory state never envisioned by the founders has overrun all boundaries and it has run out of control,” Shapiro said. “The executive branch has become the repository of nearly all policymaking, in a way the founders certainly never intended. But conservatism argues that a return to the traditional structures of checks and balances between the branches and federalism, between the states and the federal government, ought to be the goal.

Ben Shapiro added that the rhetoric floated by Carlson is dangerous to the nation.

“Tucker Carlson believes that foreign powers have hijacked our government,” Shapiro continued. “That conspiratorial elite — immovable and undefeatable, other than through centralized power — has taken control. In 2018, Tucker Carlson said Washington leaders have confirmed our country’s democracy is fake. If the population starts to believe it’s all fake, that they’re not really in charge, their votes don’t matter. What will they do? Well, what they would do, presumably, is revolution, because if our constitutional structures are utterly insufficient, we have lost control.”

It does not appear as if Tucker Carlson has responded publicly to the comments made by Ben Shapiro as of this publication.

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.

Beasley Media Group Promotes John Coury to VP of Treasury and Corporate Controller

BNM Staff
-
0
Beasley Media Group Promotes John Coury to VP of Treasury and Corporate Controller

Beasley Media Group has promoted John Coury to Vice President of Treasury and Corporate Controller, effective immediately.

In the role, Coury oversees the company’s treasury operations, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and traffic functions. Those areas are part of Beasley Media Group’s cash management and financial strategy.

“John’s leadership, strategic insight, and strong financial acumen have been instrumental in strengthening our company’s financial foundation,” said Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley. “His dedication and expertise will continue to play an important role in advancing Beasley’s fiscal efficiency and long-term growth.”

Coury acknowledged the promotion and outlined his focus moving forward.

“I am honored to take on this expanded role and continue supporting Beasley’s strong financial foundation,” Coury said. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented team across our markets as we strengthen our operations and position the company for long-term growth and success.”

Coury joined Beasley Media Group in 2016 following the company’s acquisition of Greater Media, Inc., where he held financial leadership positions. During his time with Beasley, he has worked across multiple areas of the finance organization.

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.

KNBR’s Greg Papa Returning To Call San Francisco 49ers Radio Play-By-Play

BSM Staff
-
0
KNBR’s Greg Papa Returning To Call San Francisco 49ers Radio Play-By-Play

Bay Area broadcasting icon Greg Papa is set to make an earlier-than-expected return to the San Francisco 49ers radio booth, stepping back into the team’s play-by-play role while continuing treatment for cancer. The longtime KNBR host and voice of the 49ers will rejoin the broadcast beginning with San Francisco’s December 28 regular-season matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Papa is also scheduled to call the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks the following week, reuniting with longtime color analyst Tim Ryan. The announcement came Wednesday during KNBR’s Papa & Silver midday show. The news was delivered through a lighthearted football-themed skit featuring 49ers director of broadcast partnerships Bob Sargent.

“I have just completed paperwork with the league, and we have officially activated Greg Papa off the ‘NFI’ list,” Sargent said. “So his 21-day practice window has officially been opened.”

Papa’s co-host, Greg Silver, celebrated the moment on air while confirming the details of Papa’s return to the booth. The news marks a significant milestone in Papa’s recovery after he was diagnosed with a form of leukemia in July.

Papa immediately stepped away from KNBR’s daily programming and was sidelined from his 49ers duties during training camp. At the time, his son Derek Papa — also a KNBR host — said it was unlikely his father would be on the air at any point during the 2025 NFL season.

Progress since then has exceeded expectations. Papa returned to KNBR’s four-hour midday show in September and has contributed remotely to 49ers-related content throughout the season. However, he had not returned to the radio play-by-play role, with the team rotating five different broadcasters to fill in during his absence.

Speaking publicly Wednesday for the first time, Papa addressed his recent medical updates. Testing at UC San Francisco shows his cancer is now in remission.

“I’m healthy,” Papa said. “I could not go through all the people at UCSF, where I was yesterday, that have basically saved my life and put me on a course to live my life again, as normal as I can.”

While emphasizing that his battle is not yet over, Papa used familiar football language to describe his mindset. He noted he has not undergone chemotherapy in two months and is awaiting clearance for a bone marrow transplant.

“I’m not running victory formation yet,” Papa said. “But I’m strong enough to do this. I’m strong enough mentally and physically to sit and prepare.”

KNBR confirmed that Guy Haberman will remain part of the radio team for the rest of the season. Haberman is the current play-by-play voice. Papa has been cleared to travel for potential playoff games. He said he hopes for a top NFC seed. That outcome would keep San Francisco at home.

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.

1...554555556...2,889Page 555 of 2,889