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Eric Collins, Dell Curry Returning To Charlotte Hornets TV Broadcasts

John Mamola
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Eric Collins, Dell Curry Returning To Charlotte Hornets TV Broadcasts

The Charlotte Hornets are keeping their television booth intact for 2026-27. Eric Collins, Dell Curry and Shannon Spake on sidelines will all be back on the call.

What We Know: Collins returns for his 12th season on play-by-play, while Curry begins his 18th as analyst. Notably, it will be the pair’s 12th season working side by side. Meanwhile, Spake enters her third year as host and reporter after joining in 2024. Additionally, games move to WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 locally, with Gray Media and Sinclair stations joining across the Carolinas. DAZN will serve as the exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming partner of the Hornets across the Carolinas.

What They Said: Shelly Cayette-Weston, Charlotte Hornets Sports & Entertainment President: “Eric, Dell and Shannon each bring a distinct voice, perspective and connection to our fans, and together they create one of the most entertaining and informative broadcast teams in the NBA. Their chemistry, authenticity and genuine passion for the Hornets are an important part of the fan experience. As we expand access to our games and reach more communities across the Carolinas, we are thrilled to have this trusted and talented team sharing the excitement of Hornets basketball.”

Eric Collins (via Barrett Media): “We are absolutely thrilled to be back courtside for another incredible season of Hornets basketball! The love and passion for the game across the Carolinas is unlike anywhere else in the country. Dell, Shannon, and I consider it a privilege to bring that electric energy into fans’ homes every single night. Between this young and exciting roster, the incredible momentum building across the entire franchise, and more ways for fans across the Carolinas to tune in than ever before—it is going to be an unbelievable ride. Hum Diddly Dee, let’s go!”

What Remains Unclear: With the return, there wasn’t any statement on whether or not each talent has signed new agreements with the team. Likewise, it offered no word on how many games Gray Media and Sinclair stations will carry. Finally, pricing for DAZN’s Hornets streaming package is still unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, the Hornets are pairing continuity in the booth with a big shift in distribution. Moving all non-national regular-season games to over-the-air television should widen the team’s local reach. As a result, more fans across the Carolinas will hear familiar voices during that transition. That includes Curry, whose jersey the Hornets retired in March of this year.

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.

Tucker Carlson: Hosts Need to Be More Like Rachel Maddow, Less Like Sean Hannity

Garrett Searight
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Tucker Carlson: Hosts Need to Be More Like Rachel Maddow, Less Like Sean Hannity

Tucker Carlson says day-to-day ratings are a trap, pointing to Fox News colleague Sean Hannity. He instead praised Rachel Maddow for following her own instincts.

What We Know: Carlson made the remarks on NPR Newsmakers. Specifically, he described grilling contributors on his Fox News show despite audience backlash.

What They Said: “I systematically brought on Fox News contributors like Max Boot or John Bolton, and I grilled them on my show, and the audience hated it. They hated it because a key plank of the Republican platform since George W. Bush was ‘We’re neocons. We’re the world’s policemen, and we’re doing this because we’re bringing freedom. They hate us for our freedoms,’ and all that nonsense.

“So I went against our audience. My producers were like ‘What are you doing?’ And I thought it was right. By the way, I also thought it would work over time. I always felt that people agreed with me secretly. Maybe I’m more arrogant than I think I am. I did that and it didn’t help our ratings, but ultimately I think it did.

“But day-to-day ratings are a trap. You wind up like Sean Hannity, doing the same show every night ’cause it worked three years ago. Don’t do that. Be more like, honestly, Rachel Maddow, who I don’t agree with on a lot of stuff. But Rachel Maddow would just do whatever she wanted to do. If Rachel Maddow thought it was important — and I used to work with her, so I know her — she’d be like, ‘Well, I don’t care. I think it’s important.’ And she got to be number one in her area, liberal television, doing that. I just think it works.” -Tucker Carlson

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not Carlson’s strategy did or didn’t improve his ratings. At the end of his tenure with Fox News, he was routinely the highest-rated primetime host in cable news.

What It Means: Carlson’s message is clear: chasing daily ratings can backfire. Instead, he says hosts should trust their convictions, like Maddow. He also speaks to the authenticity of his message as much as anything.

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.

Detroit Tigers Extend Broadcasters Jason Benetti, Dan Dickerson

John Mamola
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Detroit Tigers Extend Broadcasters Jason Benetti, Dan Dickerson

The Detroit Tigers are keeping their broadcast voices in place. The club has extended TV voice Jason Benetti and radio voice Dan Dickerson to long-term extensions, according to the Sports Business Journal.

What We Know: Both deals begin next season, and both broadcasters work directly for the team. Benetti joined the Tigers in 2024 following his tenure with the Chicago White Sox. Dickerson has spent 27 years with the organization. Meanwhile, the club moved from FanDuel Sports Network to MLB Media’s Detroit SportsNet earlier this season. Benetti also works for NBC Sports as the lead voice of Sunday Night Baseball.

What They Said: Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO: “This is the most important fan touchpoint that we have, and we wanted to make sure we were doing it right. We’re excited to extend them because they’re the best at what they do. Our fans love then, and they’re tremendous human beings too.”

What Remains Unclear: However, the Tigers did not disclose exact contract lengths or financial terms. Likewise, it’s unclear how many TV games Dickerson will call on DSN. His deal includes an expanded slate, but the team offered no specifics. Additionally, the team didn’t detail how Benetti’s NBC schedule will shape the booth rotation beginning next season.

What It Means: Ultimately, Detroit is betting on continuity with extending both Benetti and Dickerson. As a result, the Tigers enter their MLB Media era with a proven booth. Moreover, Benetti’s national profile gives the franchise exposure few local broadcasts can match.

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.

Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift Get Radio Tribute Days Friday

David Hill
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Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift Get Radio Tribute Days Friday

Three radio stations will flip to tribute programming on Friday, September 25. Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift will each own the airwaves for the day.

What We Know: Beasley Media Group Country 92.5 XTU (WXTU) Philadelphia will celebrate “Dolly Day” as a nod to “9 To 5.” The station plans to mix Parton hits from across her career with stories about the late icon. Meanwhile, AAA 91.7 KXT (KKXT) Dallas will play Parton tracks every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, Audacy Hot AC Q104 (WQAL) Cleveland becomes “Taylor 104” as Swift drops four new songs, including “Cleveland.”

What They Said: 92.5 XTU morning host Andie Summers said Parton “managed to make everything feel bigger, brighter and more fun.” She added, “Her music has been part of so many people’s lives, but it’s her heart, humor, and generosity that made her truly special.” Summers also urged listeners to embrace the moment: “BTW – I fully support going all-in on the rhinestones. It’s your day to shine!” Similarly, Q104 promised “a full day of Taylor, new music and a little extra Cleveland pride.”

What Remains Unclear: However, neither 92.5 XTU nor 91.7 KXT has said whether the tributes will extend beyond Friday. Likewise, it is unclear if Q104 will spin all four new Swift songs or focus mainly on “Cleveland.” Also, other stations could still announce similar plans before the weekend.

What It Means: Ultimately, these tributes show how radio can turn a date or a song title into a local event. Furthermore, hooks like “9/25” and “Cleveland” give listeners a clear reason to tune in live. As a result, personality-driven stunts remain a smart way for stations to connect with fans.

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.

Ryan Clark: ESPN Wanted Me To Stop Hosting The Pivot As Part Of Contract Talks

John Mamola
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Ryan Clark: ESPN Wanted Me To Stop Hosting The Pivot As Part Of Contract Talks

Ryan Clark says ESPN tried to take The Pivot away from him. The network’s latest contract negotiation prior to being laid off this summer, he claims, required him to stop hosting the podcast.

What We Know: Clark shared the story during an appearance on The Daniel Cormier Show. The offer arrived around November, and he says he never responded. Ultimately, he stayed at ESPN, and continued hosting The Pivot. However, ESPN let him go in July during a live NFL Live taping, ending a run that began more than a decade ago. Since his departure, Clark has elevated The Pivot to a distribution deal with Netflix, earned an investor in former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, and launched a new show called The Pivot Sports.

What They Said: (All quotes via The Daniel Cormier Show):

Ryan Clark says ESPN attempted to get him to drop The Pivot in contract talks: “When I was negotiating this recent contract with ESPN, the first thing they send me over says you can no longer do The Pivot. That that was that was the first piece of negotiation, and they sent that to me probably November. I didn’t even respond. When I talked to them again in January, I said if that is where we are starting and we can’t move off of that, then that’s not even a place of a conversation to have.”

Ryan Clark doesn’t understand why ESPN didn’t ask about licensing The Pivot: “Think about shows that ESPN has purchased, things that they’ve brought in. Production companies that they’ve worked with. If you have one of your biggest personalities who has a show like my show that is consistently used on the network. You actually as a network, have been searching for a great podcast. You’ve been trying to figure out how to start one yourself, and you haven’t been able to do it. Why not come get it from me? Why not have that conversation? But instead, you’re trying to take me from it in order to be a part of what you’re doing. I refuse to do it.”

Ryan Clark says The Pivot would have prevented him from going elsewhere: “That’s a carve out that I can do that work. I can’t go work for CBS. I can’t go work for NBC. You work at these big networks and your star dwindles. The problem is they ain’t no other ESPN fam. There aint.”

What Remains Unclear: It remains unclear whether ESPN will address Clark’s claims. Additionally, whether or not Clark will make any return to network television is an open question.

What It Means: Clark’s story shows how much leverage outside platforms now carry in top talent negotiations. Notably, the podcast became his foundation after ESPN cut ties. Since then, Netflix picked up The Pivot, and Clark launched a weekly studio show with NFL Films. In short, the show ESPN once wanted gone now anchors his career.

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.

Legendary LA Lakers Public Address Voice Lawrence Tanter Dead At 76

John Mamola
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Legendary LA Lakers Public Address Voice Lawrence Tanter Dead At 76

Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public-address voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, has died. Notably, the team’s Wednesday announcement came just months after the 76-year-old retired.

What We Know: Tanter manned the courtside microphone for 43 years, starting in the “Showtime” era of the 1980s. Along the way, the longest-tenured PA announcer in team history witnessed 10 championships and 16 Western Conference titles. However, a stroke late last season kept him out of the final six home games and the playoffs. Consequently, he retired in June and shifted into an advisory role.

What They Said: Los Angeles Lakers Statement: “We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of legendary Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter. For 43 years, LT’s voice served as the soundtrack to Lakers games at the arena. He will be remembered as a cherished member of the Lakers family.”

What Remains Unclear: Meanwhile, the Lakers have not named a successor for the 2026-27 season. Jason Barquero, the voice of the team’s G League affiliate, finished last season in Tanter’s absence. Additionally, the team has not shared plans to honor Tanter this season.

What It Means: Ultimately, Tanter’s death closes a chapter that stretched from Showtime to the 2020 bubble title. Beyond his voice, he earned respect for restraint, informing fans rather than distracting them. Notably, after Kobe Bryant’s death, he introduced all five starters with Bryant’s name. Now, his successor inherits a role LT defined for more than four decades.

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.

Judge Orders White House to Restore Press Access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico

Garrett Searight
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Judge Orders White House to Restore Press Access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico

A federal judge ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico early Thursday. The ruling temporarily blocks President Trump’s ban on the three outlets.

What We Know: Last week, Trump said he’d bar the outlets from the White House over what he called dishonest coverage of him. However, CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Monday morning. Then, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly granted a 14-day temporary restraining order shortly after midnight Thursday. Trump nominated Kelly during his first term. Kelly found the outlets will likely win their due process claim because the White House didn’t give notice.

What They Said: “The record lacks factual support for Defendants’ contention that the revocation of Plaintiffs’ hard passes will in fact protect national security or that national security will be endangered if the Court orders their passes reinstated while this litigation proceeds.” -U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly

What Remains Unclear: Kelly hasn’t yet ruled on the outlets’ First Amendment claims. Meanwhile, he’s still weighing longer-lasting relief once the 14-day order expires. Additionally, it’s unclear whether the administration will appeal. Some journalists also couldn’t get onto the grounds early Thursday, so full access isn’t guaranteed yet.

What It Means: Ultimately, the order gives the outlets immediate relief in a high-profile fight over press access. Moreover, the ruling suggests courts will closely examine credential revocations that skip notice. For now, reporters from all three outlets should be able to return to work, but the larger legal fight isn’t over.

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.

WWE Adds Distribution Arrangement With Rumble For WWE Main Event Programming

John Mamola
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WWE Adds Distribution Arrangement With Rumble For WWE Main Event Programming

Rumble is the new digital home of WWE Main Event. The platform will carry the weekly show under a long-term deal with WWE.

What We Know: The partnership kicks off October 14. From then on, Rumble will stream WWE Main Event every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Additionally, episodes will stream at Rumble.com/WWE and on Rumble’s mobile and connected TV apps. As before, the show features weekly matches from venues worldwide ahead of Monday Night Raw and SmackDown.

What They Said: Claudio Ramolo, Rumble’s Chief Content Officer: “WWE Main Event will be a key pillar in Rumble’s expanding sports programming lineup. WWE content has consistently ranked among the most-watched programming on television, top streaming platforms and social media for decades — a rare combination that resonates with both fans and advertisers alike. This partnership reflects Rumble’s ongoing commitment to bringing our users the very best in sports, entertainment and beyond.”

Alex Varga, EVP, WWE: “Serving a digital-first audience is a core focus for WWE, and Rumble has built an accessible platform that is committed to delivering premium sports and entertainment programming.”

What Remains Unclear: However, neither company disclosed financial terms. Likewise, the release doesn’t say how many years the arrangement covers. Finally, it’s unclear if more programming could follow.

What It Means: Ultimately, Rumble lands a recognizable brand for its Rumble Sport lineup. Since 2012, WWE Main Event has showcased stars like Roman Reigns, CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. For WWE, the deal opens another route to digital-first fans. For Rumble, it marks the latest push to grow its audience through premium sports.

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.

Premiere Networks’ Julie Talbott to Receive 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards Recognition

Garrett Searight
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Premiere Networks’ Julie Talbott to Receive 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards Recognition

Premiere Networks head Julie Talbott earned honors for the upcoming 2026 Gracies Leadership Awards. It’s taking place this November.

What We Know: Talbott joins WABC-TV GM Marilu Galvez, OWN TV President Tina Perry, and Universal TV President Erin Underhill. The prestigious event occurs on November 16th at Tribeca 360 in New York City. Consequently, we’ll celebrate their years of leadership — and vast accomplishments.

What They Said: “The women we honor through the Gracies Leadership Awards have not only achieved extraordinary success in their own careers, they have helped shape the future of media through their vision, leadership and commitment to excellence. For 75 years, AWM has championed the advancement of women in media, and we are proud to recognize leaders whose impact extends far beyond their organizations, opening doors, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of industry changemakers.” -Alliance for Women in Media President Becky Brooks

What Remains Unclear: Currently, officials haven’t announced any additional special guest speakers for the gala. Furthermore, Barrett Media hasn’t uncovered specific ticket availability or broadcast details yet. However, we anticipate more updates shortly.

What It Means: Ultimately, Talbott’s recognition highlights her massive influence within the radio syndication business. Moreover, this award validates her ongoing dedication to advancing opportunities for women. She sets a powerful example for future executives to follow by her leadership style.

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.

Bleav Podcast Network Adds The Linda Cohn Show

John Mamola
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Bleav Podcast Network Adds The Linda Cohn Show

Linda Cohn is bringing her new digital show to the Bleav podcast network. The longtime ESPN anchor will now expand her YouTube show to audio platforms.

What We Know: Cohn spent 34 years as an ESPN anchor, most notably on SportsCenter. In July, she launched an independent show on YouTube. Since then, she has gained more than 36,000 subscribers in just over two months. Now, the Bleav partnership will extend the show to Apple, Spotify, and other audio formats.

What They Said: Linda Cohn (via Front Office Sports): “With a network like that, I’m able to grow with leaps and bounds, and I plan to because I am all in on this because I’m just so excited about it. If I wasn’t getting the feedback that I have been from the people that have subscribed to my channel and from people on social media, [who are commenting], ‘This is great what you’re saying…’ then I would have thought twice about it.”

Linda Cohn (via Barrett Media In August): “This is something I want to build on as something I’ve created from the ground up… People are very busy, but they still want to hear what I have to say. Just like I was a part of their lives growing up watching on SportsCenter, they have welcomed me into their homes in this next chapter in the same way. That’s very gratifying to me.”

What Remains Unclear: However, neither Cohn nor Bleav disclosed financial terms of the partnership. If the partnership spins added elements for Cohn is also unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, Cohn’s move highlights a growing path for former network talent. Instead of simply delivering the news, she now offers opinions on topics like the WNBA and ESPN layoffs and earning her own digital audience. Meanwhile, Bleav gains a recognizable voice with a built-in YouTube audience. As a result, Cohn’s second act away from ESPN now continues to grow in reach and scale.

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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