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97.5 The Fanatic Rebrands Following LeBron James Arrival As ‘97.5 LeBron: Home of King James’

John Mamola
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97.5 The Fanatic Rebrands Following LeBron James Arrival As ‘97.5 LeBron: Home of King James’

LeBron James is bringing his legacy to Philadelphia. Now 97.5 The Fanatic is renaming itself for the occasion, temporarily.

What We Know: 97.5 The Fanatic has rebranded as 97.5 LeBron… Home of King James effective immediately. Moreover, the change spans on-air imaging, the station’s website, its app, and social media. It arrives right after James agreed to sign with the 76ers. In addition, as the team’s flagship station, The Fanatic will deliver breaking news, interviews, and analysis all day, with updates available at 975TheFanatic.com.

What They Said: Paul Blake, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia: “”As the flagship station of the Philadelphia 76ers, we knew we had to celebrate this moment in a way that matched its magnitude. This is one of those rare days that changes the course of a franchise and energizes an entire city. Becoming ‘97.5 LeBron… Home of King James!’ is our way of celebrating alongside Sixers fans everywhere.”

Scott Masteller, Program Director of 97.5 The Fanatic: “These are the moments sports radio is built for. Philadelphia has been waiting for this day, and every conversation is about LeBron and the Sixers. From the first show this morning through the final segment tonight, we’re bringing fans everything they need to know about one of the biggest stories in NBA history.”

What Remains Unclear: How long the rebrand lasts remains unclear, since Beasley Media Group has called it temporary. The station also stresses no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by James is implied.

What It Means: Sports radio should own moments like the one that LeBron James created with his signing in Philadelphia. Additionally, credit to Beasley Media management on the temporary rebranding to celebrate the moment. In addition, the rebrand shows how quickly sports radio can capitalize on major news. Moreover, for Beasley Media Group, it doubles as a marketing moment that connects listeners to a franchise-altering trade. Meanwhile, the coverage reinforces The Fanatic’s role as Philadelphia’s go-to source for Sixers news and play-by-play this coming season.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Paramount Delays Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Until After Trial

David Hill
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Paramount Delays Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Until After Trial

Paramount Skydance will not close its Warner Bros. Discovery deal before trial. The company signed a joint stipulation Friday afternoon in federal court.

What We Know: Paramount agreed to hold the $111 billion merger until five days after a trial, or June 1, 2027, whichever comes first. No trial date exists yet. Meanwhile, both sides canceled the Aug. 3 hearing in Oakland. Additionally, the Writers Guild of America withdrew its own injunction motion.

What’s at Stake: Twelve states, led by California, secured a temporary restraining order this week that blocks the deal for 28 days. They argue the merger shrinks competition in the cable and theatrical markets. Furthermore, Paramount starts paying a $7-million-a-day “ticket fee” to Warner Bros. investors on Sept. 30. The company had pushed for a three-day hearing in late August instead.

What Remains Unclear: No judge has set a trial date. Both sides must file a joint stipulation on scheduling by July 31. Consequently, Paramount’s timeline stays open-ended, and so does its exposure to that daily fee. Whether the states can defend their market definitions also remains unanswered.

What It Means: Paramount called the agreement a “significant win” and framed it as a direct path to trial. Still, the company traded speed for certainty. Rather than closing this summer, it now absorbs mounting costs while a dozen attorneys general press their case. Ultimately, the courtroom, not the calendar, decides this deal.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Tony Romo Arrested For Operating While Intoxicated In Milwaukee

John Mamola
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Tony Romo Arrested For Operating While Intoxicated In Milwaukee

CBS Sports NFL analyst Tony Romo was arrested Thursday night in Milwaukee. The former Cowboys quarterback now faces an operating-while-intoxicated charge, his first offense.

What We Know: According to FOX5 in Milwaukee, authorities stopped Romo while he drove southbound on I-43’s high-rise bridge. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. he performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. Officers booked him for first-offense OWI, then released him. Romo, who joined CBS as a color commentator after retiring in 2017, is now the network’s lead NFL analyst.

What Remains Unclear: Formal charges haven’t been filed yet. Meanwhile, CBS hasn’t issued any public comment on the arrest. According to local reporting, Wisconsin generally treats first-offense OWI as a civil matter rather than a criminal one.

What It Means: Romo’s court date, set for September 21, falls squarely within the NFL season. Therefore, the timing raises questions about his upcoming broadcast schedule. Romo is CBS Sports’ top analyst alongside Jim Nantz. Whether or not Romo will face any punishment from CBS Sports is yet to be determined.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Brian Kilmeade: I’m Done With White House Correspondents Dinner

Garrett Searight
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Brian Kilmeade: I’m Done With White House Correspondents Dinner

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade says he will skip the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The longtime television personality criticized the event’s current atmosphere.

What We Know: Kilmeade revealed his decision during an appearance on 77 WABC’s Sid and Friends in the Morning with Sid Rosenberg. He discussed his previous attendance at the event and his interactions with members of the Trump administration. The Fox News host said he enjoyed connecting with officials during the dinner but no longer plans to make the trip to Washington, D.C. Kilmeade also suggested the network’s presence at the event has declined.

What They Said: “Absolutely not. I’m done. I mean, that place was packed. You couldn’t move. It was great, though, to interact with the cabinet. You turn around, and there’s Jamieson Greer. You turn around, and there’s Todd Blanche. It was just so cool to listen to people, talk to them casually, get the inside story. And then that lunatic ruined a fantastic night. But I’m done. To go out to Washington, blow a weekend, and go out there? Not doing it. I don’t actually think many people are going. I don’t think anyone from Fox is going. We went from having four tables to — I don’t even know if we have one table.” -Brian Kilmeade

What Remains Unclear: Kilmeade did not identify who he believes will skip the event or confirm whether Fox News will have any representation at the dinner. Additionally, organizers have not announced attendance expectations for the upcoming gathering.

What It Means: Kilmeade’s comments reflect growing debate around the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and its role within political media. The event traditionally brings together journalists, politicians, and entertainment figures, but participation has become more controversial in recent years.

Furthermore, Kilmeade’s decision could signal a broader shift among conservative media personalities who have questioned the value of attending the annual event.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

105.7 The Fan Adds Femi Ayanbadejo to ‘The Final Drive’ Afternoons

John Mamola
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105.7 The Fan Adds Femi Ayanbadejo to ‘The Final Drive’ Afternoons

Femi Ayanbadejo is heading to afternoon drive. The former Baltimore Raven joins 105.7 The Fan’s new show, The Final Drive, on July 29.

What We Know: Ayanbadejo will co-host weekdays from 2-6 p.m. ET alongside Ken Weinman and Tim Barbalace on 105.7 The Fan, Audacy’s Baltimore sports station. He’s an 11-year NFL veteran and a member of the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV championship team. In addition, his radio resume includes The Scott Garceau Show, Ravens game-day broadcasts with Gerry Sandusky, and most recently The Bruce and Femi Show on 105.7 The Fan. Moreover, that local pedigree positions him as a natural fit for Baltimore’s crowded sports-talk landscape.

What They Said: Joe LaCroix, Brand Manager, 105.7 The Fan: “Femi’s sports knowledge spans far beyond football, encompassing the entire Charm City sports scene. His fearless opinions and local sports knowledge will complement Ken’s fiery takes and Tim’s sharp insights. We can’t wait for our listeners to experience the next chapter of afternoons with ‘The Final Drive’.”

Femi Ayanbadejo: “I’ve known Tim and Ken for a long time, and I’ve always admired their talents. Now, I’m excited to join them and create something fresh. An informative, entertaining show that Baltimore sports fans genuinely enjoy and that can be one of the top shows in the market. That level of success is familiar territory for Tim and Ken. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build what comes next.”

What Remains Unclear: No contract details were named in the announcement.

What It Means: Following the depature of Jason La Canfora from the program earlier this year, this move signals Audacy’s continued bet on local, football-pedigreed voices for Baltimore’s afternoon drive slot. Consequently, The Final Drive enters a competitive market leaning on Ayanbadejo’s playing career and citywide sports fluency.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Peacock Posts First-Ever Profit During Strong Second Quarter

Garrett Searight
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Peacock Posts First-Ever Profit During Strong Second Quarter

Peacock reached a major financial milestone for Comcast. The streaming service posted its first profitable quarter.

What We Know: Nearly six years after launch, Peacock has reached profitability for the first time, giving Comcast a significant streaming victory. During the second quarter of 2026, Peacock generated $189 million in profit after reporting a $101 million loss during the same quarter last year. The platform also grew to 48 million subscribers, adding 7 million customers over the past 12 months. Company executives credited strong engagement from the NBA Playoffs, the FIFA World Cup, and Love Island for helping drive subscriber growth and financial improvement. However, Comcast cautioned investors that Peacock’s profitability will likely fluctuate because premium sports rights and other programming costs vary throughout the year.

What the Numbers Show:

Quarter EBITDA
Q1 2023 -$704 million
Q2 2023 -$651 million
Q3 2023 -$565 million
Q4 2023 -$852 million
Q1 2024 -$639 million
Q2 2024 -$348 million
Q3 2024 -$436 million
Q4 2024 -$372 million
Q1 2025 -$215 million
Q2 2025 -$101 million
Q3 2025 -$217 million
Q4 2025 -$552 million
Q1 2026 -$432 million
Q2 2026 $189 million

What’s At Stake: Streaming profitability has become a key benchmark for legacy media companies. Peacock’s turnaround strengthens Comcast’s direct-to-consumer strategy while demonstrating that premium sports and exclusive entertainment can translate into both subscriber growth and improved financial performance. Even so, executives acknowledged future quarters could return to losses depending on programming investments and sports calendars.

What It Means: Peacock’s first profitable quarter doesn’t necessarily signal a permanent turning point. Instead, it proves Comcast’s years of heavy investment are beginning to produce meaningful financial returns. If subscriber momentum continues and sports programming remains a powerful acquisition tool, Peacock could emerge as one of the industry’s strongest examples of a traditional media company successfully building a profitable streaming business.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Philadelphia Sports Radio Reacts To LeBron James Signing With The 76ers

John Mamola
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Philadelphia Sports Radio Reacts To LeBron James Signing With The 76ers

LeBron James is officially a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia sports radio erupted within seconds of the announcement on SportsRadio 94WIP and 97.5 The Fanatic.

What We Know: According to ESPN, James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. The move ends his eight-season run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Consequently, he joins Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers become the fourth franchise of his 24-year career.

What They Said: (All quotes from SportsRadio 94WIP, 97.5 The Fanatic, LeBron James)

94WIP Host Hugh Douglas on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “The games are going to be bananas. Like the energy around the Sixers this year is going to be bananas. That’s the first thing I thought about was the fact that it’s gonna be a movie damn near every night there at home. Everywhere he goes, it’s gonna be a movie.”

97.5 The Fanatic Sean Brace on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “Well, here we are. Nobody knew a damn thing. LeBron James is coming to the 76ers to compete for a fifth title, LeBron James is not here for fun. He’s not here for golf. He wants to compete for a championship. This is a monster get.”

94WIP Host Joe Giglio on LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers: “This is one of the greatest days in Philadelphia sports history. I don’t know how else to say it as simply as that. LeBron James chose the Sixers. He’s coming here, and for the first time in a very long time, you could say with a straight face the Sixers can win the NBA championship.”

LeBron James on signing with the Philadelphia 76ers (via X): “I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide. But I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and deicide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.

The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out. This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?

I still want to sacrifice. Still want to work, still want to grind, and still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.

I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.

Thank you LA. Miami I’ll forever love and Northeast Ohio will always home!”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear when the Sixers will formally introduce James.

What It Means: Philadelphia instantly becomes an NBA title contender, at least on paper. Meanwhile, both stations jumped into the news in mere seconds of the story breaking on social media. Both 94WIP and The Fanatic were instantly active on social platforms, their video feeds, and on air taking reaction to the news. An overall job well done by both brands being prepared to attack the news as it broke.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Salem Radio Network Plans Live Lindsey Graham Funeral Coverage

Garrett Searight
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Salem Radio Network Plans Live Lindsey Graham Funeral Coverage

Salem Radio Network will provide extensive live coverage honoring Lindsey Graham. Coverage spans memorial events in Washington and South Carolina.

What We Know: Salem Radio Network announced plans to provide live coverage of ceremonies honoring Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) following his death. The network will cover events Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol and the National Cathedral in Washington before shifting to Columbia, South Carolina, on Wednesday. Additionally, SRN News secured a live feed of the National Cathedral memorial service, allowing affiliates to air the invitation-only event through its Longform Channel. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a tribute during the cathedral service, while Dean Randolph Marshall Hollerith will officiate. Meanwhile, SRN White House correspondent Willie Nelson will report from the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers and members of the public pay their respects.

What’s at Stake: Salem Radio Network’s coverage gives affiliates access to significant national events surrounding Lindsey Graham’s memorial ceremonies. Broadcasters can carry live reports, interviews, and the cathedral service without sending their own crews to multiple locations. As a result, listeners across the country will receive extensive coverage of ceremonies expected to draw national political leaders and public attention.

What Remains Unclear: Salem hasn’t detailed how much of its regular programming schedule will change during the coverage. It’s also unclear whether additional special reports or expanded programming will accompany the live events beyond the announced broadcasts.

What It Means: The coverage reflects Salem Radio Network’s continued emphasis on major political and national news events. By deploying reporters to Washington and South Carolina, the network positions its affiliates to offer comprehensive reporting throughout the ceremonies. Moreover, featuring on-site coverage from Willie Nelson alongside nationally syndicated host Mike Gallagher and longtime Graham friend Joey Hudson demonstrates Salem’s commitment to combining live reporting with firsthand perspective during a significant moment in American politics.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Facebook Tests New Video Feed Experience for Mobile App

Garrett Searight
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Facebook Tests New Video Feed Experience for Mobile App

Facebook is testing a video-first future. The change could reshape how users experience Facebook.

What We Know: Facebook announced Friday that it will begin testing an immersive full-screen video experience that opens immediately when users launch the app. Meta said it will then explore bringing the feature next year. However, users who prefer the traditional experience won’t be forced into the change. They’ll be able to opt out of the video-first interface, while the classic news feed will remain available as a separate tab. Meanwhile, the test highlights Meta’s continued push toward video as it competes for audience attention and advertising dollars. Reels has grown into a $50 billion run-rate business across Facebook and Instagram. It generates more advertising revenue than YouTube.

What They Said: “People are showing us that they want more immersive, visual, video-forward experiences, and video is where conversations are happening, communities are forming, and even commerce is starting to take place.” -Facebook Head Tom Alison

What Remains Unclear: Meta hasn’t detailed how many users will participate in the international test or which countries will receive it first. The company also hasn’t shared how success will be measured before expanding the experience to the United States. In addition, it’s unclear whether a video-first interface would affect news consumption or how publishers could adapt if the format becomes permanent.

What It Means: Facebook’s latest experiment reflects the industry’s accelerating shift toward video-first platforms. As Meta invests more heavily in immersive video, it continues challenging YouTube, TikTok, and traditional media companies for both consumer attention and advertising revenue. If users embrace the experience, Facebook’s familiar feed could become secondary to video discovery, marking another significant evolution for one of the world’s largest social platforms.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Linda Cohn: ESPN PR Handling of Ryan Clark Layoff Made Everyone Else an Afterthought

John Mamola
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0
Linda Cohn: ESPN PR Handling of Ryan Clark Layoff Made Everyone Else an Afterthought

Linda Cohn isn’t holding back. The retired SportsCenter anchor says ESPN’s PR team fumbled its latest layoffs from start to finish.

What We Know: Cohn spent over three decades at ESPN before retiring earlier this year. She addressed the network’s newest layoff round on The Linda Cohn Show podcast. The cuts hit over 150 staffers, including on-air analyst Ryan Clark among other top names. Clark learned of his firing reportedly mid-broadcast during NFL Live this week. Cohn said the errors made by public relations and communications teams at the network allowed a single moment to overshadow everyone else cut from the network.

What They Said: (All quotes from The Linda Cohn Show)

Linda Cohn says ESPN PR dropped the ball with the layoffs: “The ESPN layoffs, that was awful. What made it even worse, if that could be possible was the way ESPN PR handled it or mishandled it. They treated everyone on this latest firing list with zero respect. Zero.”

Linda Cohn says Ryan Clark layoff handling made everyone else an afterthought: “If you knew there were media outlets going to break the news and you were concerned about Ryan finding out by looking at his phone during the show, then why didn’t you just tell him before the show? before he took the set? That is bumbling and fumbling. That buffoonery electrified this story in a negative way. Even more, the rippling effect of that mishandling of the Ryan Clark situation and why it got all the headlines regarding the mishandling by ESPN and the way they went about it. What it did when I mentioned the rippling effect how about everybody else they became an afterthought.”

Linda Cohn on the ESPN layoffs: “I felt sorry for those who were treated the way they were. How about the over 150 people behind the scenes that were let go? They have their own story. Just because they’re not on TV, it doesn’t mean their stories aren’t as significant… This really bothered me, the way ESPN treated these people. No dignity, no respect.”

What Remains Unclear: The process is which Clark was laid off from ESPN is still fully unknown. Whether the network will change its internal notification process is unknown at this time.

What It Means: Cohn’s remarks add a credible, insider voice to mounting criticism following ESPN’s layoff rollout. Her comments spotlight both the Clark spectacle and the overlooked staffers behind it. But also how longtime employees were made aware of their departures prior to being notified from corporate. Layoffs are never easy, and with networks as large as ESPN it only makes the process more difficult. Consequently, pressure builds on ESPN to retool its process.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

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