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Christy Brittain Joins 96.1 BBB Raleigh as New Afternoon Host

David Hill
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Christy Brittain Joins 96.1 BBB Raleigh as New Afternoon Host

Curtis Media’s Variety Hits WBBB 96.1 BBB in Raleigh has a new afternoon voice. Christy Brittain is joining the station, coming from afternoons at Kat Country 100.7 KATJ in Victorville, California.

What We Know: Brittain brings deep experience to the Triangle market. A Tennessee native, she spent thirteen years in middays at Country 95.1 K-Frog KFRG Riverside CA as ‘Christy McLeap.’ She also held a role at WTQR Winston-Salem before heading west. Notably, she previously worked as a paraeducator supporting autistic preschoolers. She steps into afternoons, succeeding Program Director Sammy Simpson in that slot.

What They Said: Brittain made clear that her passion for the medium runs deep. “I was 17 years old when the radio bug hit me and I still love doing it,” she said. “Radio has always been about companionship and community, and I look forward to spending afternoons with the incredible people of the Triangle.” Simpson added that her experience, authenticity, and passion for connecting with listeners make her a perfect fit.

What Remains Unclear: Her official start date has not yet been announced. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Simpson will transition into a different on-air role or focus solely on programming duties going forward.

What It Means: This move makes a statement about what 96.1 BBB values in its talent. Brittain’s North Carolina roots give her an instant connection to Triangle listeners. Her time at WTQR means she already understands the market’s culture and expectations. Meanwhile, her listener-first approach aligns well with what great afternoon radio demands.

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.

Chad ‘Chumley’ Kerch Joins WQIK Jacksonville Country Morning Show

David Hill
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Chad ‘Chumley’ Kerch Joins WQIK Jacksonville Country Morning Show

iHeartMedia Country 99.1 WQIK Jacksonville is expanding its morning lineup. Chad “Chumley” Kerch joins John Scott, Megan Terry, and Scot “Froggy” Langley on the newly renamed “The Big Show! With Chumley, John, Megan & Froggy.”

What We Know: Chumley brings deep Jacksonville roots and serious iHeart tenure to the role. He has been with the company since 1998. And retains his position as Program Director and afternoon host at sister Rock station 107.3 Planet Radio WPLA-FM. He is also heard afternoons on Rock 101.1 WJRR Orlando and across multiple iHeartMedia Classic Rock stations nationally.

What They Said: Chumley called the opportunity a privilege. “WQIK has been the soundtrack of North Florida for generations,” he said. “John, Megan, and Froggy are legends for a reason, and I’m honored to add my voice to a team Jacksonville already loves.” PD Casey Carter praised the fit, calling Chumley a Jacksonville expert and “an overall great human being.” SVP/Programming Rick Everett added that Chumley brings fresh energy sure to deepen listener connection each morning.

What Remains Unclear: No official start date has been announced. It is also unclear how his expanded morning duties will affect his afternoon commitments at WJRR Orlando and other affiliated stations.

What It Means: WQIK is strengthening an already popular morning show with a proven local voice. Rather than replacing talent, the station is building on existing chemistry. That approach signals confidence — both in the show’s foundation and in Chumley’s ability to add without disrupting. For Jacksonville listeners, the morning routine just got a little more familiar.

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.

NFL Executive: League Declined Invite To Hearing On Sports Broadcasting Act Of 1961 Over “Balance” Of Witnesses

John Mamola
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NFL Executive: League Declined Invite To Hearing On Sports Broadcasting Act Of 1961 Over “Balance” Of Witnesses

The NFL declined an invitation to testify at Wednesday’s Congressional subcommittee hearing on the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961. NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller shares the league’s reasoning for the decline framing the hearing was slanted and unbalanced from a witness standpoint.

What We Know: Today, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust convened a hearing titled “Examining the Sports Broadcasting Act.” The hearing examines the SBA’s effect on the modern broadcast market for major sports leagues. Specifically how professional sports distribution has evolved since the law’s passage 65 years ago. Witnesses testifying include OutKick Founder Clay Travis, and Tailgators Pub and Grill founder Jim Hallers. Also National Association of Broadcasters CEO Curtis LeGeyt, and Anna Gomez, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission. Yet, no league representatives were present for the hearing. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was invited to testify. However, he declined participation last week.

What They Said: NFL Executive Vice President of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller on why the NFL declined to testify at a Congressional hearing on the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 (via CBS 58 Milwaukee):

“This panel, led by Congressman [Scott] Fitzgerald, who’s right there in Wisconsin, has witnesses solely on one side of the issue. There is no effort. We’ve offered many witnesses, and there’s no effort to have a balanced group.

We’ve talked to the committee numerous times about our policies. They, as represented in the report that they issued yesterday [Monday], have a totally slanted and biased view of the Sports Broadcasting Act. Many of the issues raised in there are not even relevant to the antitrust exemption that’s covered. So, we know where the committee is coming from on this. I don’t know why a subcommittee chairman who represents the people of Wisconsin would be interested in doing arm to the Sports Broadcasting Act. But that’s where we are.”

What Remains Unclear: According to the New York Times, NFL General Counsel Ted Ullyot previously told House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan that Commissioner Roger Goodell would not appear “due to ongoing litigation related to the topic of the hearing.” Still, it remains unclear whether the league’s absence strengthens or weakens its position as lawmakers consider legislative changes. Congress is also examining whether the NFL stretched the SBA’s antitrust exemption beyond its original purpose, to the detriment of American consumers.

What It Means: The NFL’s no-show signals a deliberate strategy. Instead of engaging a subcommittee it views as one-sided, the league opted to make its case publicly. Instead of through sworn testimony. The SBA does not clearly protect cable, satellite, streaming, or subscription products. In addition, the rising costs of which have drawn consumer complaints and government scrutiny. Currently, the DOJ, FCC, and Congress all examining the league’s broadcast practices simultaneously. The stakes of this fight extend well beyond just this hearing.

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.

Former RAB Executive Vice President George Hyde Dies

Garrett Searight
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Former RAB Executive Vice President George Hyde Dies

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is mourning one of its own. Former executive George Hyde has died.

What We Know: George Hyde served as the Executive Vice President of Training and Conferences during his time with the RAB. After originally joining in 1989, he exited the organization in 2009.

What They Said: “A broadcaster’s broadcaster, George served as Executive Vice President of RAB for many years, helping shape our organization through his leadership, sales training expertise and the development of the signature RAB Sales & Management Conference. The smile in this photo is exactly how we will always remember him — warm and genuine. His contributions to RAB and the radio industry will not be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.” – an RAB statement following Hyde’s death

What Remains Unclear: No cause of death has been announced.

What It Means: George Hyde was widely respected within the industry. Many viewed Hyde as a class act and the embodiment of the best of radio. He will be sorely missed.

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.

David Samson: Pat McAfee Will “Toe The Line” More With Reported ESPN Extension Dollar Figure

John Mamola
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David Samson: Pat McAfee Will “Toe The Line” More With Reported ESPN Extension Dollar Figure

Former MLB executive David Samson says Pat McAfee will sign ESPN’s reported $60 million extension. In addition, he also warns that more money means less independence.

What We Know: ESPN is reportedly in talks to extend McAfee’s contract, with the deal around $60 million a year. McAfee hasn’t publicly floated the idea of going independent or exploring other options, and remains very loyal to ESPN. Meanwhile, his recent State of Sports special drew modest numbers. The two-hour primetime special averaged just 278,000 viewers.

What They Said: (All quotes via Nothing Personal with David Samson)

David Samson believes the more money Pat McAfee takes from ESPN means the more beholden he will be to the business of the company: “The deeper the relationship with the parent company financially and in years, the more beholden you are to that company. Pat McAfee can sit and claim all he wants, and he will when he signs the extension. That he is an independent trailblazer that he can drop F-bombs and wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. But the more money that his company gets, the more they will have to toe the line. That is not an indictment of Pat [McAfee]. It’s not an indictment of Disney. It’s the reality of the relationship that exists between the people who pay and the people who get paid.”

David Samson believes the low viewership that McAfee’s “State Of Sports” special on ESPN didn’t help McAfee: “Word came out yesterday that only 278,000 people watched that two hour show that started at 8pm Eastern. Think about that. That means that the Pat McAfee show, it turns out on regular ESPN, is not exactly the juggernaut that people would assume.”

David Samson believes Pat McAfee won’t turn down ESPN’s reported offer: “This is a deal that will make sense for McAfee, no matter how much he says that he may want to go independent. That he’s going to look around, maybe at gambling companies, different networks. Maybe he’ll have his own network. It will be impossible for him to turn down the guaranteed money that will come from Disney.”

What Remains Unclear: No official timeline exists for when an extension between ESPN and McAfee could be finalized. It also remains unknown whether McAfee has received competing offers from companies or other networks. Additionally, the specific contract terms beyond the reported $60 million figure remain unconfirmed by ESPN.

What It Means: Samson’s experience in business provides a unique perspective. If ESPN were to invest more in McAfee, it will be interesting to analyze how his program could change to fit the ESPN viewing experience. In addition, it would be hard to imagine that ESPN would just continue letting McAfee do his program as is for such an increased price tag. Reports of McAfee’s first deal with ESPN are $15 million a year for five years. To reportedly quadruple that figure would have to come with some understanding on both sides of the agreement.

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.

Newsmax Adds Emma Rechenberg to ‘First Edition’ Morning Show

Garrett Searight
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Newsmax Adds Emma Rechenberg to ‘First Edition’ Morning Show

After departing Newsmax’s National Report, anchor Emma Rechenberg has a new assignment with the network.

What We Know: Rechenberg hosted National Report alongside Shaun Kraisman. However, after stepping away for maternity leave, she teased a new role at Newsmax. We now know that she’ll anchor First Edition on Newsmax2, the streaming/over-the-air network. That show airs from 7-9 AM ET. Rechenberg has worked at the network since 2020.

What They Said: “My next chapter at Newsmax starts this week with a new show, new studio, and new way to watch … We’ll talk politics and news of the day, plus so much more. Hope you’ll tune in!” -Emma Rechenberg

What Remains Unclear: What precipitated the changes at both National Report and for Rechenberg. Both she and Kraisman have departed the Newsmax midday show, with Kraisman leaving the network entirely.

What It Means: Newmax has put resources into its Newsmax2 streaming and over-the-air network. It now has dozens of terrestrial stations carrying the program. Putting an established anchor like Emma Rechenberg in morning drive should only help the network moving forward.

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.

Apple Podcast Video Added To macOS And tvOS Later This Year

John Mamola
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Apple Podcast Video Added To macOS And tvOS Later This Year

Apple is bringing significant changes to its Podcasts app across multiple platforms this fall. The updates arrive as part of the company’s broader 2027 software releases.

What We Know: Mac users will soon watch video podcasts in an enhanced experience within Apple Podcasts. Picture in Picture support lets listeners view episodes while multitasking across other apps. The full podcast experience comes to Mac with transcripts, timed links, and chapters all in one place. Meanwhile, the tvOS Podcasts app receives a complete redesign featuring video playback, a new sidebar for easier browsing, and support for creators’ episode and show artwork.

What They Said: Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services on the full list of changes coming this fall: “We’re excited to bring powerful new features and intelligence to hundreds of millions of users across Apple services, making their experiences even more useful and fun. From new exploration tools with Flyover and Local Lists in Maps, to more convenient ways to pay and get paid in Apple Wallet, to the continued expansion of video podcasts in Apple Podcasts on Mac and in tvOS, and so much more — these updates reflect our commitment to creating experiences that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

What Remains Unclear: Apple hasn’t announced specific rollout dates for each podcast feature. It’s also uncertain whether additional podcast-related updates are still in development for this cycle.

What It Means: Apple is making a clear push to compete in the growing video podcast space. The Mac and tvOS expansions bring the platform closer to rivals like Spotify and YouTube. With video becoming more of a consumption habit for podcasts, these features are a perfect addition for ease of use and discoverability. For creators and listeners alike, this fall’s updates represent a meaningful step forward.

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.

Bauer Media Audio Expands Video Distribution Through Fire TV Channels

John Mamola
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Bauer Media Audio Expands Video Distribution Through Fire TV Channels

Bauer Media Audio has secured a deal to become a launch video content provider for Amazon’s Fire TV Channels. The partnership extends its video and video podcast distribution beyond its own platforms.

What We Know: The service is already live in the United States. There are also launches coming up for the U.K., Germany, and Canada. Fire TV users will access content from multiple Bauer brands, including Hits Radio, KISS, and several podcast titles. In Ireland, Off The Ball, Newstalk, and additional shows will also be available. Notably, all content will be accessible without a subscription, lowering the barrier to new audiences. Bauer Media Audio’s video podcast presence in the U.S. continues to grow as the company pursues a multi-platform distribution strategy.

What They Said: Tobias Nielsen, SVP of digital at Bauer Media Audio: “Launching on Amazon Fire TV marks an important step in scaling our audiovisual distribution and unlocking new commercial opportunities across connected TV. By bringing our U.K. and Ireland brands to Fire TV’s curated channels platform, we’re expanding our reach beyond owned platforms and creating new high-value advertising opportunities.”

Charlie Brookes, director of digital at Bauer Media Audio U.K.: “We are excited to collaborate with Amazon Fire TV as a launch video content partner and the opportunity to bring our wide range of Bauer Media audiovisual content to new audiences with changing consumption habits. This partnership enables Bauer Media Audio to showcase its wide range of owned-and-operated content from unmissable entertainment brands. We are committed to creating brilliant content that engages audiences on-air, in podcasts and on screen, while expanding our audiovisual reach.”

What Remains Unclear: The exact launch timeline for the U.K., Germany, and Canada remains unconfirmed. Additionally, which specific U.S.-facing video podcast content from Bauer Media Audio will anchor the Fire TV offering hasn’t been detailed.

What It Means: Audio broadcasters are increasingly chasing audiences across connected TV platforms. For Bauer, Fire TV represents a meaningful step toward building a scalable, ad-supported video business. The move signals that video-first production is becoming more the norm than what’s still ahead.

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.

Meet the Press Sees 5-Month Ratings High With President Donald Trump Interview

Garrett Searight
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Meet the Press Sees 5-Month Ratings High With President Donald Trump Interview

The interview between President Donald Trump and Meet the Press‘ Kristen Welker was quite contentious on Sunday. That led to a ratings victory for the NBC News show.

What We Know: Meet the Press was the top program in the Sunday public affairs category in both total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic. It marked the largest win for the show over ABC News’ This Week with George Stephanopoulos in more than a year. It was also the largest win for NBC News over CBS News’ Face the Nation since 2018, the network shared. The figure for Meet the Press was a 19-week high.

What the Numbers Show:

NetworkShow NameTotal ViewsAdults 25-54 Viewers
NBCMeet the Press3.1 million489,000
CBSFace the Nation (Hour)2.1 million259,000
ABCThis Week2.6 million369,000
FOXFox News Sunday877,000178,000

What Remains Unclear: It is unclear when the last time Meet the Press topped This Week by that large of an advantage. It was more than one year ago, but the exact date is unclear.

What It Means: It shows that the power of President Donald Trump is still strong. Having a high-profile interview in the window continues to be the difference in what has routinely been a very tight ratings race.

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.

“Uncle” Jimmy Dodds, Former Kansas City Podcast, TV Co-host, Dies At 64

John Mamola
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“Uncle” Jimmy Dodds, Former Kansas City Podcast, TV Co-host, Dies At 64

James Dodds, a longtime media personality and familiar face in Kansas City sports media, is dead at 64. Three men now face first-degree murder charges in connection with his killing, according to local reporting.

What We Know: According to KCTV in Kansas City, authorities found Dodds suffering from a gunshot wound outside a home Sunday night. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he died Monday morning. Dodds built his media profile alongside Jason Whitlock, serving as a sidekick during Whitlock’s Kansas City radio days and later appearing on FS1’s Speak for Yourself. Authorities arrested Aaron Johnson, Mark Elliott Nash Jr., and Marquel McGee, all 18, in Newton, Kansas, on Monday.

What They Said: Jason Whitlock: “Jimmy was a great friend, and did the best that he could. Jimmy was talented, and had great intentions… Jimmy I just want to say job well done and we will miss you and certainly loved you.”

Marcellus Wiley (Former Speak For Yourself co-host): “RIP Uncle Jimmy. One of the funniest and most caring souls to ever grace the set of Speak For Yourself. His jokes were legendary and his heart was even bigger than his personality. Thank you for the laughs, the wisdom, and the memories. You were truly one of one. Rest easy, Uncle Jimmy. Your spirit, your humor, and your impact will never be forgotten.”

What Remains Unclear: Investigators have yet to establish a motive for the shooting, according to Kansas City police. Additionally, details surrounding how Dodds spent his time following his FS1 appearances remain unknown. Moreover, the three suspects are under arrest in Harvey County Detention Center, pending transfer to Wyandotte County.

What It Means: The sports media world lost a recognizable personality in Dodds, whose warmth and humor made him a beloved figure in Kansas City and to audiences on FS1 nationally and local audiences around Kansas City.

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