In a Truth Social post, President Trump shared that he “would not be happy” if the FCC were to remove the ownership cap of television broadcasters.
“ABC & NBC, in particular, are a disaster – A VIRTUAL ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY,” Trump wrote. “They should be viewed as an illegal campaign to the Radical Left. NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER!”
His statements were accompanied by a news article from Newsmax, showcasing CEO Chris Ruddy’s opposition to the proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA.
Currently, guidelines state that no single station owner can collectively reach more than 39% of U.S. households. Nexstar has already been granted a waiver to surpass that threshold. But once the deal with TEGNA is closed, Nexstar Media Group will then have 265 TV stations in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, it will feature outlets in 132 of the country’s 210 markets.
The statement from Trump is a rebuke of the stance held by FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who has repeatedly shared his support for removing the ownership limitations. Additionally, the NAB has also continually shared its support for the removal of the cap.
“Ownership modernization is not about making national networks larger, it is about empowering local broadcasters that serve their communities with trusted news, emergency information and local journalism,” the NAB said, in a statement.
“These outdated rules do not restrict networks, they restrict local stations that are trying to survive. Chris Ruddy’s misleading campaign is about preventing those local broadcasters from competing on the same playing field as a station like his that already reaches 100 percent of the country.”
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.
Meadowlark Media host David Samsonaddressed the news of a potential lawsuit by Jordon Hudson against ESPN personality Pablo Torre during Monday’s episode of Nothing Personal with David Samson. Samson offered both skepticism and humor while commenting on Hudson’s reported plans to file a defamation claim.
“Just a quick message to you, Jordan, bring it,” Samson said. “I can’t wait to read what law firm of Dewey Cheatham and Howe Inc. is going to represent you in some sort of defamation case. How you will crawl over the Supreme Court cases that say that what Pablo was defamation. He’s barely been descriptive for crying out loud.”
Samson’s remarks reflected a combination of incredulity and sarcasm, emphasizing his belief that Hudson’s claims may not have a strong legal basis. He repeatedly highlighted that Torre’s coverage, in Samson’s view, does not rise to the level of defamation.
While Hudson has not revealed the reasons why she’s threatening litigation against Torre, Samson also offered Hudson advice. He noted the broader context surrounding her public statements.
“Your boyfriend’s having such a bad season in North Carolina. He might be one and done, which is what we all said anyway,” Samson said. “That means you may be at 14 minutes and counting. Forgetting the arguments that you go ahead and leak to the New York Post. All the stuff that you think is going on with the Belichick family. The fact of the matter is, Ms. Hudson, it’s over, literally.”
Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of longtime NFL coach Bill Belichick, says she plans to sue sports journalist Pablo Torre after a string of stories she claims portrayed her unfairly throughout the year. Hudson announced her intentions Sunday in an Instagram post.
Although brief, the caption carried a direct message: “P.S. I’m suing you Pablo Torre,” she wrote, finishing with a heart-hands emoji. Her photo accompanying the post offered hints at what her potential motive may be. Hudson wore a necklace reading “banned” and held an “All Access” credential with her name on it — a reference to one of Torre’s most circulated reports.
In May, Torre reported on Pablo Torre Finds Out that Hudson had been barred from the University of North Carolina football facility, where Belichick now works as head coach. He cited two sources inside the athletic department who claimed administrators decided Hudson was no longer allowed in the football building or on the practice field.
Despite his skepticism, Samson welcomed the possibility of Hudson moving forward with legal action, framing it as an opportunity for entertainment and conversation on his show.
“Please do me a favor and do it. It would make me so happy, because I sit here and think, What do I talk about? How do I find things for two hours and then you come around and boom. It’s like whoo hooo,” he said.
Neither Hudson nor Torre have publicly commented on Samson’s remarks.
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.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said he finds it hard to believe ESPN’s First Take is the No. 1 show in sports television, though he acknowledged the discussion was largely in jest.
Vrabel made the comments Monday during an appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show, where the conversation lightly mocked remarks made by First Take star Stephen A. Smith.
The segment drew attention after Smith reacted to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s claim that he didn’t know what show Cam Newton appeared on, with Newton himself calling the Patriots’ current success “fool’s gold.”
“First Take is the No. 1 morning show, 13 years and counting. April will be 14 years. Don’t tell me you’re an athlete and you don’t know that. Don’t tell me you’re an athlete and you don’t know that Cam Newton ain’t on this show. You lying,” Smith said in his original segment.
During the radio interview, Vrabel was asked, jokingly, if he would consider playing First Take in the Patriots’ weight room.
“I don’t even know if the TVs work in the weight room,” Vrabel replied. “We’re getting a new building. So we’ll make sure that the audio and everything works.”
The lighthearted exchange continued when Hill quipped that First Take was not just the top morning show, but the No. 1 show in television history.
“Is it? I find that hard to believe. It’s not the SportsCenter that I grew up with,” Vrabel responded.
Though the remarks were delivered in jest, Vrabel’s comments may resonate with Patriots fans, who are used to the coach’s candid, sometimes understated style, in contrast to Smith’s high-energy television persona.
Barstool Sports founder, and noted New England Patriots fan, Dave Portnoy demanded that Stephen A. Smith issue a public apology to Maye after the ESPN commentator labeled the rookie a “liar” during a recent episode of First Take.
Keith McPherson has stepped down as the regular night host at Audacy Sports 660 WFAN/101.9 WFAN-FM after four years in the role.
“I’m officially done as the nighttime host at WFAN. Four calendar years Friday was my last nighttime show as a full-time nighttime host,” McPherson announced.
Addressing speculation about the departure, McPherson emphasized that it was a personal decision rather than a contractual or performance-related issue. “I wasn’t fired, not quitting. My contract is not up. I’m shifting. I’m making a personal change that was necessary for myself and my family,” he said.
McPherson joined WFAN in November 2021, taking over the nighttime slot from longtime host Steve Somers. His arrival was notable, as he came to New York radio with a digital media background rather than traditional on-air experience.
Prior to joining WFAN, he served in a variety of roles across sports and entertainment, including social media manager and podcast host for Jomboy Media, social media strategist for Transition Sports & Entertainment, and manager of digital marketing and strategy for Roc Nation Sports.
Looking ahead, McPherson indicated he might continue to appear on WFAN in a more limited capacity.
“I may be back with you some nights. I may be back to do some part-time filling spots,” he said, leaving the door open for future on-air appearances while prioritizing family and personal considerations.
WFAN has not yet announced a replacement for the nighttime slot. The station, part of Audacy’s New York cluster, has historically been known for high-profile personalities and strong ratings in the sports talk arena.
No further details regarding McPherson’s next professional steps have been shared.
🚨Breaking News: After four years, I have decided to end my time as the full time nighttime host on WFAN -due to personal reasons and schedule conflicts with my family. More on this later…🙏🏿⚡️ pic.twitter.com/rD2U3uFwtz
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.
Sticks Media has announced the acquisition of 102.5 Mountain FM Missoula and 107.9 KHDV Darby/Hamilton, with plans to relaunch the stations on Monday, December 8. The two stations had gone silent at the end of 2024 following the retirement of previous owners Sheila Callahan & Friends Inc.
According to reports, the purchase agreement for the stations is valued at $255,000. The payment is structured with a $100 down payment, monthly installments of $4,000 over 36 months, and 25% of monthly gross sales until the combined payments reach the full amount. Additionally, the seller retains the right to match any future sale of the stations within five years of closing.
KMSO will return under its former Hot Adult Contemporary identity, 102.5 Mountain FM. Meanwhile, KHDV will debut a new format and brand, replacing its previous Classic Hits The Drive identity. The relaunch is aimed at reconnecting with long-time listeners and introducing fresh programming to the Missoula and surrounding markets.
“These stations have a deep history and a loyal following. It’s an honor to help bring them back,” Nixon said. “A special thanks to Sheila Callahan and Max Murphy for their support, trust, and partnership. Their guidance has been invaluable in carrying these great stations into their next chapter.”
By combining the return of KMSO’s familiar format with a fresh launch for KHDV. Sticks Media aims to balance nostalgia with innovation.
Nixon shared his excitement on Facebook for the future of the two brands.
“This company started as a scrappy little idea and has grown into something I’m genuinely proud of. Each station, each community, each listener, it all matters. And I can’t wait to bring new energy, new voices, and new opportunities to Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley,” posted Nixon.
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 announced that Philadelphia radio personality Matt Cord will return to 93.3 WMMR. He will host the station’s midday show, officially starting Monday, December 1, 2025. Cord most recently served as the morning personality on sister station 102.9 WMGK-FM, a role he assumed in September 2023.
Cord’s return to WMMR marks a return to the station where he previously held midday and evening slots. Known for his warm, engaging style and encyclopedic knowledge of rock music from the 1970s through the 1990s, Cord has cultivated a devoted following across both radio and streaming platforms.
“Although no one can step into those sparkling high-top Converse and fill them, I’ve known Pierre [Robert] for 35 years,” Cord said, reflecting on the late WMMR legend. “I was honored to do the midday show from 1994-1995 when Pierre moved to mornings. Along with MMR’s loyal listeners, I’ve shared so many cool moments with ‘The Duke.’ The people who have worked at the station over the years have formed a brotherhood and sisterhood. Pierre was at the heart of it… I promise to carry his amazing spirit into the studio bearing his name and do my best to make him proud.”
Cord’s broadcasting career spans more than four decades in the Philadelphia market. He has been a morning host on WBEN-FM and an afternoon personality on the former Y100. Beyond radio, he has served as the in-arena voice for the Philadelphia 76ers for over 20 years, showing a strong connection to the city’s sports scene.
WMMR Program Director Chuck Damico acknowledged the challenge of following Robert, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
“Dealing with the sudden and tragic loss of the legendary Pierre Robert is something nobody at WMMR had ever imagined we would have to face,” Damico said. “Trying to figure out who could possibly be the next midday host has proven incredibly challenging. Everyone at the station is grateful that our longtime friend and radio family member Matt Cord is willing to take that on. No one can replace Pierre, but I know that Matt can do him proud and Pierre would absolutely 100% approve.”
Damico said Cord’s experience, talent, and community connection make him uniquely suited to honor Robert’s legacy. He will also help the station and its listeners navigate the months ahead.
Beasley Media Group said WMGK-FM will announce its new morning show host in the coming weeks. This follows Cord’s departure from the station.
It’s with great honor that we announced I’ll be taking over the midday shift at MMR. No one will ever replace Pierre Robert but I promise I’ll carry his spirit into the “Pierre Robert” studio everyday and do my best to make him proud. I will truly miss my time at MGK.
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.
After debuting its Thanksgiving in America special last year, CNN is expanding the festivities this year, adding musical performances and live look-ins at parades.
CNN will feature live look-ins at parades held in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Detroit, among others, as well as a look at the Nantucket Turkey Plunge.
The network will also feature musical performances by Brad Paisley, The Temptations, The Four Tops, the cast of the Broadway musical Six, and Harlem Gospel Choir. Celebrity appearances include Alex Guarnaschelli, Craig Robinson, Henry Winkler, Lea Michele, Leighton Meester, Michelle Monaghan, Pentatonix, Simu Liu, and more.
CNN’s John Berman, Sara Sidner, and Erica Hill will anchor the network’s coverage. The special program will feature celebrity guests sharing what their holiday traditions consist of.
The network will feature a stable of reporters based throughout the country, like Andy Scholes, Brad Smith, Fred Pleitgen, Harry Enten, Isabel Rosales, and Whitney Wild, all contributing to the coverage.
The Thanksgiving in America — airing from 8 AM to Noon ET — special follows the theme of other holiday programming produced by CNN, like its 4th of July and New Year’s Eve events.
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.
NBC Olympicsannounced its lineup of hosts for comprehensive cable coverage of the XXV Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina, Italy, set to begin February 5, 2026. Coverage will air on CNBC and USA Network, with the Opening Ceremony broadcast February 6 on NBC and Peacock.
The network confirmed that Trenni Casey, Lindsay Czarniak, Carolyn Manno, George Savaricas, and Andrew Siciliano will anchor its cable coverage, with Siciliano returning to host the critically acclaimed Gold Zone whip-around show. The Gold Zone delivers live highlights and key moments from across Olympic events in real time.
Coverage on CNBC will begin once the network’s business day programming concludes, while USA Network will feature daily Olympic events. Programming on February 5 includes women’s hockey, mixed doubles curling, and snowboard big air competitions. NBC Olympics said additional programming details will be released closer to the Games.
“We are excited to have veterans of multiple Olympics returning to serve as hosts to present the most compelling stories, news, and interviews as we take viewers from event to event throughout the Games,” said Rebecca Chatman, vice president and coordinating producer for NBC Olympics Production.
The hosting roster represents a mix of Olympic veterans. Casey, serving her sixth Olympics assignment, previously covered Paris 2024 on cable and reported in Sochi, Rio, PyeongChang, and Tokyo. Czarniak also returns for her sixth Games, with prior roles as a cable host and studio reporter dating back to Torino 2006.
Manno has eight Olympic assignments. She has served as a host for USA Network and CNBC. She has covered freestyle skiing, sled hockey, and the Paralympics. Savaricas is a three-time Olympics contributor. He currently hosts Golf Central and Golf Today for GOLF Channel, as well as Peacock’s Fantasy Football Pregame. Siciliano returns for his fourth Olympics. He is also the radio play-by-play voice for the Cleveland Browns and hosts Yahoo Sports’ Inside Coverage NFL podcast.
Mike Tirico will serve as the primary host for NBC and Peacock’s live and primetime coverage, with Maria Taylor hosting late-night segments after Super Bowl duties.
NBCUniversal owns U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2036. Upcoming Winter and Summer Games are scheduled in Los Angeles (2028), the French Alps (2030), Brisbane (2032), Salt Lake City (2034), and the 2036 Summer Olympics. The 2026 Milan Cortina Games mark Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympics. This includes the 1956 Winter Games in Cortina and the 2006 Winter Games in Turin.
Beginning in early January 2026, CNBC and USA Network will be operated by Versant. A new global media and technology company spun off from Comcast NBCUniversal. NBC Olympics coverage will continue on both channels under an agreement between the companies.
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’s First Take host Stephen A. Smith and BlazeTV commentator Jason Whitlock are engaged in another heated exchange that has reignited long-running tensions between the two sports media figures. The feud stems from Whitlock’s recent appearance on The Sage Steele podcast, where he criticized Smith’s recounting of his upbringing and questioned his professional integrity.
During the interview, Whitlock, who referred to himself as “the greatest sportswriter ever,” suggested Smith has repeatedly altered his personal narrative to advance his career.
“You can go look up in the late 1990s, early 2000s what Stephen A. would say about his father. No criticism at all, mostly praise of his father. Certainly no criticism,” Whitlock said. “Then he comes out with this book and basically says he had an absentee father, and he can’t stand his father, and it’s all about his mother. That’s trying to put Stephen A. in the feminist lane… I have looked at previous interviews from the late 1990s and early 2000s. He had a completely different narrative about his dad than he does now. And so, everything about Stephen A., from his college basketball career to his early career as a sports journalist, it’s all been managed and assisted.”
Smith, known for his fiery responses to criticism, did not hold back. He held court on his own Straight Shooter podcast where he accused Whitlock of dishonesty and unethical behavior throughout his career.
“He brings up God a lot. Tell me what’s God-like about what he does. He talks smack about people and ventures into the personal. He swears up and down he knows stuff he can’t possibly know,” Smith said. “But never telling the truth about himself. How were you acting before you got a job at BlazeTV? What proclivities did you have, Jason Whitlock?”
Smith further accused Whitlock of invasive reporting tactics, including recording conversations without consent, and of undermining colleagues over the years.
“You know why you don’t see Jason Whitlock there? Because he can’t show up in public. He’s scared of what’s going to happen to him. Because that’s how many enemies he has because of all the lies that he has told, especially about Black people. This is the devil in the flesh,” Smith said.
Smith also mocked Whitlock’s past frustrations during his time at FOX Sports, recalling a humorous incident over a parking space, and dismissed Whitlock’s attempts to gain influence in sports journalism.
“He wanted to look and see what parking spot it was and it was a parking spot for Skip Bayless. He had a problem with it,” explained Smith. “What he didn’t tell you, I almost croaked, because he got on his knees to look under the car to see whose parking spot it was and his big behind was struggling to get up. That’s why they still laugh about that stuff.”
“Jason Whitlock is hurting because I’m where he wants to be,” Smith said. “When he talks about politics, nobody cares. When he gives social commentary about issues that don’t pertain to one of us, or talks about journalism, nobody cares.”
The exchange highlights a long-standing rivalry between the two commentators, each critical of the other’s professional credibility and personal character. With both unwilling to back down, the feud shows no sign of abating, underscoring the competitive and often personal nature of sports media discourse.
“You name a black person in this business. 99.9% of us want nothing to do with him because we know who he is and what he is,” Smith said of Whitlock. “He’s the devil in the flesh, and everybody needs to be careful because the closer you get to him, the closer to hell you will go. There’s a special place for people like him.”
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.
Every vehicle has a hidden story written across time and asphalt. Dealerships used to depend on verbal promises; now credibility lives in data. A single vehicle history report transforms hesitation into understanding. It invites trust between seller and shopper, exposing the truth behind the shine.
Modern buyers turn to Car History Report by VINGurus to learn what the eye can’t see. That file may reveal salvage events, odometer records, or total loss declarations stored within NMVTIS, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Reliable information ensures every purchasing decision feels confident and fair.
The Power of a Vehicle History Report in Every Purchase
A vehicle history report organizes official data from DMV offices, insurance carriers, and salvage yards. It validates mileage accuracy, records each vehicle repair, and confirms if routine maintenance such as oil changes occurred.
Category
Details Provided
Accident History
Dates, severity, and repair outcomes that may significantly affect safety
Title Status
Checks state motor vehicle databases for salvage or rebuilt indicators
Odometer Reading
Ensures authenticity and identifies rollbacks
Maintenance Records
Lists routine maintenance proving consistent care
Market Value Data
Calculates fair market value and expected resale value
This comprehensive vehicle history clarifies what history report offers—true transparency that helps buyers make an informed decision before payment.
How NMVTIS and History Reports Help Avoid Salvage Traps
The motor vehicle title information system acts as the backbone of honesty. Through NMVTIS, every history report can alert both seller and potential buyers to cars once written off by insurance carriers. If data marks a total loss, it surfaces immediately.
This history helps prevent fraud by exposing flooded engines or hidden frame cracks that would otherwise affect the car’s value. Real-time checks verify whether a vehicle sustained severe damage or simply cosmetic dents. Access to nmvtis data means you avoid purchasing vehicles with titles branded unsafe.
It’s not just caution; it’s empowerment. Full disclosure builds trust and delivers peace of mind for everyone involved in the sales process.
Reading the Odometer and Understanding a Vehicle’s Condition
Few indicators matter more than the odometer reading. A gap between claimed and verified mileage may redefine the car’s worth. Accurate readings prove routine maintenance, reveal wear, and assure future reliability.
Should inconsistencies arise, they will be clear in your history report. With this knowledge in hand, you can either make a competitive or qualified offer or choose to move on. All of this information will complement an in-person inspection and provide a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle condition that protects potential buyers from overpaying.
Providers like Vingurus aggregate nationwide records. Each provider integrates updates from state motor vehicle departments to confirm authenticity. This collaboration keeps the brand reputation of dealerships intact while creating consistent standards of trust.
Why Dealerships and Brands Rely on Vehicle History Transparency
Transparency sells. Providers offer verified reports that reshape the car-buying experience. Honest dealerships showcase data before a test drive begins. That openness draws potential buyers, accelerates conversions, and strengthens the brand relationship.
The advantages include:
Proof of reliability through nmvtis-linked verification.
Ability to negotiate based on documented pricing accuracy.
Confidence that the car’s past matches current condition.
A stronger resale value supported by trustworthy records.
Assurance that transparency equals long-term loyalty.
When vehicle history reports accompany every listing, doubt fades. Data replaces persuasion, and the transaction becomes an informed partnership rather than a gamble.
Conclusion
A vehicle history report is essential for every used vehicle transaction. It bridges the gap between expectation and reality, showing how care, accidents, or neglect shape longevity. Integrated systems like NMVTIS, motor vehicle title information, and state-verified archives guarantee authenticity. They track the number of previous owners, vehicle repair frequency, and the odometer reading that defines trust.
In a marketplace fueled by instant access, dealerships that value honesty lead the way. The vehicle’s history becomes its resume, the proof of value and integrity. Understanding that record is the key to making a smart decision built on knowledge rather than chance.
FAQ
1. How does NMVTIS data protect buyers from hidden damage? It pulls national motor vehicle title information directly from dmv, insurers, and salvage yards to expose any past total loss or flood.
2. Can a vehicle history report improve the sales process for dealerships? Yes. Transparency enhances credibility, shortens negotiation time, and encourages repeat clients.
3. What if a report shows severe damage but recent repairs? Review the inspection and vehicle repair records. Quality restoration can restore confidence and resale value.
4. Do routine maintenance and oil changes really matter? They prove consistent care and stability. Regular service records positively affect the car’s value over time.
5. Why should I trust providers like AutoCheck or Carfax? Because each connects with official state motor vehicle systems and nmvtis, ensuring verified accuracy unmatched by casual databases.