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Federated Media Names Kyle Guderian Director of Operations

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Federated Media has announced the promotion of Kyle Guderian to the role of Director of Operations of its stations in Fort Wayne and South Bend.

Most recently, Guderian has served as the Program Director for rock stations 98.9 The Bear and 103.9 The Bear in Fort Wayne and South Bend, respectively. He’ll continue in that role in addition to being named Director of Operations.

“Kyle has been instrumental in elevating our on-air execution, promotions strategy, and workflow
alignment,” said Federated Media Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Programming James Derby. “This expanded role reflects the impact he’s already made across our brands.”

Kyle Guderian has more than 20 years of programming and marketing leadership. Previous stops in his career include serving as Operations Manager at Q101 and The Loop in Chicago, as well as Director of Marketing at KSHE 95 and 105.7 The Point in St. Louis.

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The Erick Erickson Show Offering Free Christmas Special For Radio Stations

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The nationally syndicated Erick Erickson Show is offering its Christmas special to radio stations for free, regardless of whether that station is a daily affiliate.

The special will air on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and will also be available to run on a delayed basis.

“The annual Erick Erickson Show Christmas Special pulls the focus back from daily headlines to a larger picture based on the holiday — why does the world seem off balance, what is our role in the world, and why do 3 billion people globally celebrate the birth of a kid 2000 years ago?” said Erickson.

“The show features interviews with thought leaders and theologians about the bigger issues of the day than the daily headlines,” Erickson added.

The Erick Erickson Show airs live from 12-3 PM ET.

Those interested in carrying the Christmas special can contact Rob Blum of Compass Media Networks by clicking here.

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Malika Andrews Reportedly the Leading Candidate To Replace Elle Duncan on ESPN WNBA Coverage

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Malika Andrews is reportedly the front-runner to become ESPN’s lead studio host for the WNBA following Elle Duncan’s departure, according a report by Front Office Sports. No deal has been finalized, and ESPN declined to comment on the report.

Duncan, who currently co-anchors SportsCenter at 6 p.m. alongside Kevin Negandhi and serves as the lead analyst for ESPN’s women’s college basketball coverage, is expected to leave the network at the end of the year.

The Athletic first reported that she is poised to become the face of Netflix’s expanding sports studio offerings.

Andrews has already hosted WNBA coverage for ESPN, including last year’s opening night, and is widely seen as a natural successor. She also serves as the lead host of NBA Today and NBA Countdown. This season, NBA Countdown has been scaled back as ESPN licenses Inside the NBA from TNT. That show features Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson.

Andrews joined ESPN in October 2018 as an online NBA writer covering teams like the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. She quickly became one of the network’s most prominent voices. Her rise accelerated during the 2020 NBA Bubble, where she worked as a sideline reporter. She later covered the 2021 NBA Finals in the same role.

In late 2021, Andrews became the host of NBA Today and, in 2022, made history as the first woman to host the NBA Draft.

Her reporting style, praised for professionalism and storytelling, blends deep basketball knowledge with attention to social and cultural issues. Industry recognition followed. She earned a Sports Emmy Award for Emerging On-Air Talent. In 2021, Forbes included her in its “30 Under 30” list for sports.

This season, Andrews has continued her dual roles, serving as both a studio host and NBA sideline reporter, further solidifying her visibility across ESPN programming.

What remains unclear is how ESPN will restructure its women’s college basketball coverage or the 6 p.m. SportsCenter slot after Duncan’s exit.

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Paramount Questions “Unfair” Warner Bros. Discovery Sale Process as Bidding War Continues

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Paramount, led by David Ellison, has formally raised concerns about the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) sale process, suggesting that the David Zaslav-led studio may be favoring Netflix over other potential buyers.

In a letter sent through its attorneys at Quinn Emanuel, Paramount questioned whether WBD was overseeing “a tilted and unfair process,” according to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter. The correspondence comes amid a heated second round of bids, due December 1, for the studio giant, which WBD hopes to sell or restructure by the end of the year.

Lawyers for WBD responded in a note emphasizing the board’s commitment to its fiduciary duties. “Please be assured that the WBD Board attends to its fiduciary obligations with the utmost care, and that they have fully and robustly complied with them and will continue to do so,” the letter said.

Paramount’s letter reportedly asserts that Netflix has received preferential treatment during the sale process.

“Several U.S. media outlets have reported on the enthusiasm by WBD management for a transaction with Netflix, and on statements by management that a transaction between WBD and Netflix would be a ‘slam dunk,’ while also referring to Paramount’s bid in a negative light,” the letter reads, citing coverage by CNBC.

The bids reflect different strategies for the storied media empire.

Netflix is reportedly focused on acquiring WBD’s studio and streaming assets, including HBO and HBO Max. Paramount seeks a full acquisition encompassing WBD’s cable channels, such as TNT, TBS, CNN, HGTV, and Food Network. Comcast’s bid, meanwhile, proposes a merger of NBCUniversal into WBD, likely relying heavily on stock.

Regulatory scrutiny is a significant factor in negotiations. Paramount recently increased its potential breakup fee to $5 billion, signaling confidence that its bid could navigate regulatory hurdles. Analysts have noted the risks in this deal. Bank of America highlighted that Paramount Skydance would take on substantial leverage. This includes a $70–75 billion equity purchase and $25.6 billion in WBD debt.

Paramount’s letter raises concerns that WBD management may be influenced by personal career considerations. It cites possible post-sale roles for executives. Discussions reportedly included an offer to Zaslav for a co-CEO and co-chairman position. However, the board’s primary focus remains maximizing shareholder returns.

As the process unfolds, Netflix appears to have emerged as the frontrunner, according to several reports. Meanwhile, regulators, including the Department of Justice, may scrutinize a potential Netflix-WBD combination, raising the possibility of legal challenges.

Paramount has signaled it will actively compete, ensuring the bidding war remains a high-stakes contest for one of Hollywood’s most valuable properties.

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CBS Sports Announces New York Giants Quarterback Russell Wilson as Guest Analyst on the NFL Today Sunday

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New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson will step into the television studio this Sunday as a guest analyst on CBS Sports’ The NFL Today, the network announced Thursday. The 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion will offer his perspective on the latest NFL action during the network’s marquee pregame show, which airs ahead of the league’s Sunday slate.

Wilson, who won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2020, brings a decorated playing career and deep knowledge of the game to the role. CBS Sports emphasized that his appearance will provide viewers with insights from one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks.

“Talkin’ ball with the fellas on Sunday,” tweeted Wilson following the announcement.

Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants this past offseason. Although he was named the Week 1 starter, Wilson was benched by Jaxson Dart after a Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. During his three starts with New York, he threw for 778 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Despite losing the starting job, Wilson has continued to make it clear that he’s not ready to retire from professional football. Wilson joins a list of NFL quarterbacks that has transitioned to the television studio over the past number of years. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan have all made the jump from player to broadcaster for both FOX Sports and CBS Sports.

CBS Sports has frequently featured guest analysts on The NFL Today, which airs both on CBS and via the streaming service Paramount+. The program, known for its mix of game previews, player interviews, and expert analysis, has become a staple for NFL fans looking to deepen their understanding of league developments ahead of kickoff.

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WBT Adding Stronger FM Simulcast on 107.9 FM

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WBT is set to get a full market FM signal as part of a frequency shuffle at Radio One in Charlotte.

Currently, WBT is heard on the 99.3 FM signal. That dial position is equipped with 7,700 watts of power and is licensed to Chester, South Carolina, which is roughly 50 miles southwest of Charlotte. Its signal covers the southern and western suburbs of the city, but struggles to penetrate Charlotte proper.

The 107.9 FM signal — which currently hosts the Mix 107.9 brand — features 100,000 watts of power, and is licensed to Charlotte. It is the most powerful signal at the Radio One Charlotte cluster.

“We are thrilled to elevate WBT to the FM dial, ensuring that even more listeners can connect with the voices they trust every day,” said Radio One Charlotte Vice President and General Manager Marsha Landess. “These moves further strengthen our position in the market and reinforce our commitment to serving Charlotte with the best local programming, news, and entertainment.”

The station will continue broadcasting on the 1110 AM signal it has featured for more than 100 years.

With the moves, Mix 107.9 will move to 100.9 and will also air on the 99.3 FM signal previously occupied by WBT. Praise 100.9 in Charlotte is moving to the 610 AM signal in the market.

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Former CNN Anchor Valerie Hoff DeCarlo Dies

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Former CNN anchor Valerie Hoff DeCarlo has died at the age of 62 following a battle with lung cancer.

DeCarlo spent nine years at CNN. After originally joining the network as a writer, she began working as an anchor on CNN Headline News, and also worked on the now-defunct CNN Airport network.

She left the network in 1999, joining a local station in Atlanta. It was there that she was forced to resign from her position after using a racial slur on a social media account for the station.

In a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, her husband, Derrick, remembered her fondly.

“She was a force with everything she did,” he said. “She was a strong, capable, loving woman and a wonderful mother.”

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce 10-Part Docuseries Streaming On Prime Video

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will chronicle the highs, lows, and defining moments of their 50-year history in a new 10-part docuseries set to debut exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, December 11 — coinciding with the team’s Thursday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Titled Raise The Flags: 50 Years of Buccaneers Football, the series was commissioned and produced by co-owner Ed Glazer. It was directed by eight-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Trent Cooper. Presented by Skydance Sports and Prime Video Sports, the docuseries offers a comprehensive, intimate look at the franchise’s evolution. It follows the team from an expansion squad struggling to find its footing to a two-time Super Bowl champion.

“Raise The Flags is a celebration of the people, the perseverance, and the passion that built this franchise over the past 50 seasons,” Glazer said in a statement. “We wanted to create an honest and comprehensive look at our journey. From the earliest challenges to the unforgettable championship moments. Also to honor everyone who has shaped the Buccaneers franchise into what it is today. This series celebrates that rich history in a way that has never been done before.”

The series traces the Buccaneers’ notorious 0-26 start and highlights their breakthrough 1979 season. It details pivotal moments, including the franchise’s sale to the Glazer family. It covers Jon Gruden’s acquisition, which led to the club’s first Super Bowl title. The series explores the drafting and development of iconic players, including John Lynch, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, and Mike Evans. It also follows the team’s journey to a second championship in Super Bowl LV after signing NFL legend Tom Brady.

Cooper and his team conducted more than 100 interviews with current and former players, coaches, executives, media personalities, and staff, pairing first-hand accounts with archival footage and historical recordings. The result is a detailed, character-driven exploration of the franchise’s defining moments and the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped its identity.

“I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and have loved the Buccaneers my entire life, but storytelling is my job, and this story has it all: grit, heartbreak, community, unforgettable characters, and more,” Cooper said. “The best part of this project for me has been going deep into the rise of this franchise and uncovering stories even lifelong fans never knew.”

Raise The Flags will stream nationwide on Prime Video beginning December 11. Viewers can access the series with a Prime membership on any compatible device. Fans nationwide can experience the Buccaneers’ five-decade journey.

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CBS News Plans Town Hall with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk

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CBS News is set to host a town hall event with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, just over three months following the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

On Saturday, December 13th at 8 PM ET, CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss will lead the one-hour event. The special will be broadcast on CBS, and will later stream on Paramount+ and the CBS News 24/7 streaming platform.

“Like so many people around the world, I will never forget the moment that Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s killer,” said Weiss. “I am eager to speak to her—and thrilled to be doing so in front of a group of Americans who I know will elevate the conversation.”

The network says the conversation will include Kirk “fielding questions from young evangelicals, prominent religious leaders, and figures across the political spectrum.”

A Town Hall with Erika Kirk will be recorded in New York in front of what the network is calling an “invited audience.” The conversation will be recorded on Wednesday, December 10th, before being broadcast on the 13th.

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Turning Point USA Responds to Candace Owens Accusations: ‘She’s Using These Falsehoods to Enrich Herself’

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Candace Owens has made several accusations about those close to Charlie Kirk — including those leading the Turning Point USA organization he founded, and his wife, Erika — in the days, weeks, and months following his death. The organization is responding to those accusations for the first time.

To open The Charlie Kirk Show on Wednesday afternoon, producer Blake Neff read a prepared statement addressing many of the comments made by Candace Owens in the time following Kirk’s September 10th assassination.

“There is always something new coming up, and none of it ever pans out, because from the start, there has been nothing there,” Neff said. “The attacks and allegations from Candace are either lies or they are innuendos thrown around with a total reckless disregard for the truth so that Candace can manipulate and string along an audience of people who don’t realize they are being played instead of being able to grieve properly after one of the most heinous murders in American history, a murder many of us had to witness. My friends have had to endure harassment from people who have gotten whipped up by what Candace is saying.

“In fact, I would say we have suffered more harassment from these people than we have from Antifa supporters who overtly celebrate Charlie’s murder. And just like a lot of those Antifa members, many of these people take this delight and how gross and unpleasant they can be,” continued Neff. “What our friends have had to endure is not funny and it’s not insignificant. It is evil. I have seen it for months.”

Neff continued by sharing the thought process for why Turning Point USA has continually ignored the statements made by Candace Owens.

“For a long time, our approach was to say nothing. We did that for several reasons,” Neff said. “First, we thought that her prevarications were so absurd that nobody would believe them. We shouldn’t have to answer questions about secret tunnels or Egyptian air force planes. That sort of thing is just it’s beneath contempt to respond to. The second reason we’ve said so little, though, is because there’s a good rule of thumb which Charlie followed: ‘Do not feed the trolls. Focus on the mission of reviving America, uplifting young people, and making heaven crowded. Don’t give air to people who want to tear you down and sew discord.’

“Lastly, we didn’t respond, because Charlie always viewed Candace as a friend, and we were holding out hope that she would return that friendship and stop what she was doing,” The Charlie Kirk Show producer added. “But a week from now, it’s going to be three months since Charlie’s murder, Candace has not changed her behavior. She has continued to spread falsehoods about Charlie’s friends, and she continues to concoct new ones about new people. She’s using these falsehoods to enrich herself … Our silence has never been — and it will never — be equal to complacency or approval. Still, we decided Charlie would not allow this to go on … Charlie would not allow someone to spread lies about the people closest to him with impunity, and he would feel ashamed if other people were stepping up to defend his friends, while he never did so himself.”

Neff then shared that the organization is offering Candace Owens the opportunity to appear on a live stream to “address in a clear and comprehensive way” as Turning Point USA plans to “walk through everything carefully and thoroughly” that Owens has asserted.

“If Candace is available, we would sincerely welcome her participation in that live stream at our studio here in Phoenix,” Neff concluded. “At this point, we believe the ball is back in her court. Our motivation for doing this is not out of any obligation to Candace. It is about honoring Charlie. We feel a deep responsibility to protect his legacy, his work and the truth.”

In response, Candace Owens has said the date and time presented by Turning Point USA does not work for her, as that’s when she hosts her daily podcast.

However, it appears as if she’s accepted the invitation.

“We will happily cancel the daily podcast and will join you guys virtually instead for the livestream on the 15th if that works on your end?” Owens said in a post on social media. “Let’s lock it in?”

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