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FOX Sports Radio Adds Baltimore Affiliate With 1370AM

John Mamola
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FOX Sports Radio Adds Baltimore Affiliate With 1370AM

Baltimore has a new sports radio station on the dial. WCBM Maryland, Inc has launched FOX Sports 1370 AM (WQLL-AM) today.

What We Know: Effective immediately, the station carries FOX Sports Radio’s weekday lineup. LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox open mornings with Two Pros and a Cup of Joe from 6-9 a.m. ET. Next, The Dan Patrick Show runs until noon, followed by The Herd with Colin Cowherd until 3 p.m. Afterward, Stugotz & Company LIVE and Covino & Rich carry listeners through 7 p.m. At launch, there is no plans for local programming as of yet.

What They Said: Andy Grimshaw, Market Manager for WQLL-AM: “Sports are woven into the fabric of Baltimore, and we’re excited to bring some of the biggest voices in sports broadcasting to our listeners. From the biggest stories and games to expert analysis and the latest in sports betting, FOX Sports 1370 AM will give Baltimore sports fans something to follow around the clock.”

What Remains Unclear: Meanwhile, the flip follows iHeartMedia’s June move of the Black Information Network to Radio One’s 1400 WWIN. However, any plans for local programming is unknown.

What It Means: Ultimately, Baltimore listeners gain another option for national sports talk. Additionally, the lineup brings recognizable names like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd to the market. As a result, FOX Sports Radio strengthens its presence in a passionate sports town. Still, the weekend schedule will shape how complete that offering becomes.

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.

ESPN Granted Ability To Intervene In Lawsuit With WWE Over Unlimited Roll Out

John Mamola
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ESPN Granted Ability To Intervene In Lawsuit With WWE Over Unlimited Roll Out

ESPN is now a defendant in a proposed class-action lawsuit against WWE. Remarkably, the network asked for that role.

What We Know: According to Sportico, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish granted ESPN’s motion to intervene in Diesa & Toback v. WWE. Plaintiffs Michael Diesa and Rebecca Toback accuse WWE of violating Connecticut’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. Specifically, their dispute centers on WWE’s move of premium live events from Peacock to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service. According to the complaint, costs jumped from $11 monthly to $29.99, and later $35.99.

What’s At Stake: Now with ESPN’s involvement, it’s a more collaborative approach between the two partners in their defense. If the case heads to arbitration, likely both parties will negotiate with the plaintiffs. It should be noted that the Disney+, ESPN and Hulu subscriber agreement contains an arbitration provision plus a class-action waiver. If enforced, that provision could result in the claims being compelled to arbitration, a private dispute resolution process, rather than litigated in court.

What Remains Unclear: However, both WWE and ESPN now point to the same arbitration clause. It’s unknown how quickly ESPN’s involvement will move the case towards a resolution.

What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN secured a seat at the table to protect its arbitration rights. More broadly, live sports continue migrating to streaming platforms. Consequently, executives’ pricing promises could face growing legal scrutiny. Likewise, arbitration clauses may become a key shield for sports media companies.

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.

Mobile Overtakes Radio As Primary In-Car Device For 13-34 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

Garrett Searight
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Mobile Overtakes Radio As Primary In-Car Device For 13-34 Demo, Edison Research Data Shows

Edison Research data shows mobile devices have overtaken AM/FM Radio among 13-34-year-olds listening to audio in vehicles. The shift marks a major change in how younger Americans access audio behind the wheel.

What We Know: Edison Research’s latest Share of Ear data shows mobile devices now account for 46% of in-car listening among Americans ages 13-34. AM/FM Radio receivers account for 43%, giving mobile devices a three-point lead. In 2015, mobile devices represented 19% of in-car listening for the demographic, while AM/FM Radio stood at 66%. The reversal reflects the rapid growth of smartphones as an audio platform.

What’s At Stake: The findings highlight the changing role of the traditional car radio among younger listeners. However, Edison’s data measures the device used to consume audio rather than the source itself. As a result, mobile listening can include streams from AM/FM Radio stations.

What Remains Unclear: The data doesn’t indicate how much of the 46% attributed to mobile devices comes from streamed AM/FM Radio. Edison Research‘s separate Q1 2026 data found AM/FM Radio accounted for 46% of total in-car audio time among 13-34-year-olds when measured by audio source.

What It Means: Younger listeners increasingly use mobile devices to access audio in the car. Still, AM/FM Radio remains a major source, particularly when station streams are included in the overall measurement.

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Stephen A. Smith Defends CNN and Fox News Over Donald Trump White House Ban

Garrett Searight
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Stephen A. Smith Defends CNN and Fox News Over Donald Trump White House Ban

Stephen A. Smith has weighed in on the White House’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The Straight Shooter host said media organizations shouldn’t accept restrictions tied to coverage.

What We Know: Donald Trump announced September 18 that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were banned from the White House over what he characterized as “FAKE NEWS.” Reporters from the three organizations were subsequently denied access and had their press credentials revoked. The decision also prompted television networks, including Fox News, to participate in a coordinated response involving White House pool coverage.

What They Said: “I think the TV pools are doing the right thing. Pool members are doing the right thing, and you know it’s a good day when CNN and Fox News are in agreement with one another because there are certain principles that can’t be violated. See, what you have is a president — and he’ll make the argument that this isn’t a violation of anybody’s First Amendment rights, but freedom of the press is a part of our First Amendment rights, freedom of speech, etc. And because you don’t like the coverage that you’re receiving, you’re going to try and ban people from covering you? You can’t go for that as a member of the media. You can’t go for that.” -Stephen A. Smith

What Remains Unclear: Trump has indicated that additional media outlets could face similar restrictions. Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have challenged the administration’s actions in court, arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections.

What It Means: Smith’s comments place him among media personalities publicly discussing the implications of the White House’s restrictions on news organizations. His remarks specifically highlighted the unusual alignment between CNN and Fox News over the issue and framed the dispute around press freedom and access.

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.

CNN Elevates Leigh Waldman to Correspondent Role

Garrett Searight
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CNN Elevates Leigh Waldman to Correspondent Role

CNN has promoted Leigh Waldman to correspondent, expanding her role in the network’s domestic news coverage. Waldman will relocate to Los Angeles on October 12th and report across CNN platforms.

What We Know: Waldman previously served as a correspondent for CNN Newsource in New York, reporting for more than 1,000 affiliate partners. Since joining CNN, she has covered major stories including the deadly Fourth of July flooding in Central Texas, Gulf Coast hurricanes, school shootings, and Boeing’s Starliner missions.

What’s At Stake: The promotion gives Waldman a broader role within CNN’s national reporting operation. She’ll bring extensive field reporting experience and an affiliate newsroom background to the network’s coverage from Los Angeles. Additionally, her move continues a career path that began with a CNN internship in Atlanta.

What Remains Unclear: CNN hasn’t detailed which specific beats or assignments Waldman will handle after relocating. However, the network said she’ll report across its platforms as part of its domestic news coverage.

What It Means: Waldman joins several CNN Newsource journalists who have moved into correspondent and anchor positions. Before CNN, she worked as an investigative reporter at KSAT in San Antonio and led coverage of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. That work earned an Emmy Award, regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and Texas Broadcast News Award.

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Peter Schrager On Graham Bensinger Clip Featuring Mike Macdonald: “Breaks My Heart For All Involved”

John Mamola
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Peter Schrager On Graham Bensinger Clip Featuring Mike Macdonald: “Breaks My Heart For All Involved”

ESPN’s Peter Schrager says he feels for everyone caught up in the viral Mike Macdonald clip featuring a story involving Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton. That includes Graham Bensinger, the interviewer whose show sparked the controversy.

What We Know: The clip surfaced Tuesday from Macdonald’s recent appearance on In Depth With Graham Bensinger. In it, Macdonald said Payton threatened a cheating accusation over roughly 100 plays Seattle pulled from fan-posted training camp videos. Soon after, a fan’s post on X drew millions of views. Meanwhile, the Seahawks reportedly didn’t know anyone had recorded that exchange until Tuesday morning. Schrager shared his thoughts on the situation with Brock & Salk on Seattle Sports.

What They Said: (All quotes via Seattle Sports):

Peter Schrager feels terrible for all involved with the Mike McDonald footage from his Graham Bensinger interview: “I haven’t spoken to him. I don’t know him that well. It breaks my heart for everyone involved. Obviously he burned all the bridges in Seattle, and he’s not going to get a chance [to return]. But like, how often is Graham Bensinger coming up to Seattle? I don’t see there being a big Leonard Williams sit down coming up anyway.”

Peter Schrager doesn’t feel upset about what happened overall: “It doesn’t [bother me]. I felt for him. I don’t think the reporter there was looking for that. It sucked. The whole thing sucks. I felt for everyone involved. Obviously it’s a betrayal of trust. And obviously you put yourself in Mike’s [Macdonald] shoes, and you feel completely blindsided, and it’s a horrible situation from that side.”

Peter Schrager doesn’t think Graham Bensinger feels great about the clip leaking: “From the journalist side, I feel sick to my stomach. I can only imagine if that was posted and that was my face on it, knowing that everyone in the media today is like, well, that’s just journalism one on one, and you just tripped over the line.”

Peter Schrager feels Bensinger would take back the release of the clip if he could: “In hindsight, I think he [Bensinger] would look in the mirror and probably say, “I regret that being posted.” Obviously, it’s crushing for everyone because that’s the last thing Mike [MacDonald] needs right now. Or Sean Payton.”

What Remains Unclear: It remains unclear whether Macdonald knew the conversation was being recorded. ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio reports that Macdonald intended part of the conversation to remain private.

What It Means: Ultimately, the episode shows that everything is potentially on the record without a clear agreement otherwise. For Bensinger, releasing the clip could make future subjects wary of sitting down with him. Moreover, Schrager believes Bensinger has likely burned his bridges in Seattle. On top of that, the feud adds heat to the teams’ upcoming week six Thursday night matchup.

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Kara Swisher Asks CNN To Release Her From Contract After Paramount Merger

Garrett Searight
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0
Kara Swisher Asks CNN To Release Her From Contract After Paramount Merger

Kara Swisher wants out of CNN following Paramount Skydance’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The media personality has repeatedly said she wouldn’t work for Larry and David Ellison.

What We Know: Kara Swisher asked her agent to seek an early release from her CNN contract after Paramount Skydance cleared a major hurdle toward acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. Swisher made the comments Tuesday on the Pivot podcast with Scott Galloway. She has repeatedly stated that she wouldn’t work for Paramount Skydance’s principal owners, Larry and David Ellison. Her current CNN contract runs through December 31, according to Swisher. Earlier this week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Paramount Skydance and 11 other states that clears a path for the $111 billion acquisition to proceed, pending court approval.

What They Said: “In any case, no, my contract, just literally reading my contract today. As you might imagine, when this news struck, I threatened to leave. And I have asked my agent to get me out of my contract. It ends December 31st. It’s only a few months, right? I just can’t. I was trying to figure out ways I could work with them in some like licensing way. But then I thought, ‘(Expletive) these guys. I don’t want to work for them. I just don’t.’” -Kara Swisher

What Remains Unclear: Swisher hasn’t said whether CNN or Paramount Skydance will agree to release her before her contract expires. Likewise, it’s unclear whether she’ll remain associated with CNN through the end of the year or depart sooner if the parties reach an agreement.

What It Means: Swisher’s comments add another public example of talent uncertainty surrounding the pending Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery combination. Meanwhile, the companies still face the final steps needed to complete the transaction, while CNN will operate under the future ownership structure established by the merger.

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Ryan Seacrest Heads Home as American Idol Moves to Atlanta

David Hill
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Ryan Seacrest Heads Home as American Idol Moves to Atlanta

American Idol is leaving Los Angeles for the Atlanta area. For host Ryan Seacrest, the move is a homecoming.

What We Know Producer Fremantle confirmed the relocation to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. The long-running ABC series will shift production to metro Atlanta. Season 24 ran 16 episodes. Meanwhile, Georgia hosted 280 productions during its last fiscal year.

What They Said Seacrest, an Atlanta native, sounded genuinely stunned. “I never would have thought in a million years when I started on American Idol 25 years ago that it would come to my hometown permanently,” he said. Then came the best line. “The most excited person is my mother. She is bringing all of her friends from the neighborhood and her exercise class to the show, so get ready for that, America.”

What’s at Stake For Los Angeles, the loss stings. Shoot days fell nearly 13 percent from April to June, per FilmLA. Still, Georgia needs this win too. Its second-quarter production spending dropped 40 percent to $405 million, according to ProdPro. A returning broadcast series offers stability that one-off features simply can’t.

What Remains Unclear Fremantle hasn’t detailed where in the Atlanta area Idol will set up shop. Additionally, the production timeline for the next season remains open. It’s also unclear whether Mayor Karen Bass’s push for reality TV incentives could have kept the show.

What It Means For radio people, this story has a familiar ring. Seacrest got his start as a teenager at Atlanta’s Star 94. Now the biggest singing competition in America is following him home. That’s a win for Georgia’s creative economy. It could also open the door for Atlanta stations to build local Idol tie-ins.

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.

FOX Sports Joe Davis Revealed Sharing A Beer With Brady Quinn While Calling NFL Games

John Mamola
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0
FOX Sports Joe Davis Revealed Sharing A Beer With Brady Quinn While Calling NFL Games

FOX Sports play-by-play voice Joe Davis says a quiet beer helped Brady Quinn relax in the broadcast booth during NFL games. Davis shared the story during a recent appearance on Pardon My Take.

What We Know: Davis has worked for FOX Sports since 2014. Since then, he has called national NFL and MLB telecasts for the network. Moreover, he has served as FOX’s lead voice for the World Series and MLB All-Star Game since 2022. Quinn, meanwhile, joined FOX as a college football and NFL game analyst. The pairing began working together when Quinn was beginning to call NFL games for the network. During his Pardon My Take appearance, Davis shared a story about how he used to loosen up his broadcast partner during calls.

What They Said: Joe Davis (via Pardon My Take): “His first couple years doing games, he’d be really good once we got into the game. But he was really tense and uptight first couple series. So we would open up one beer. Half a beer here, half a beer there in unmarked cups. Not to get drunk while we’re doing the game. But more just to put him in that mindset of like we’re two dudes at the bar watching the game. He got so much better not because we were feeling anything, but because he just he kind of had that idea. Like alright, let’s chill.”

What Remains Unclear: Whether or not the practice is still being used for Quinn is unknown. The former Notre Dame signal caller now sits as a lead analyst on FOX Sports Big Noon Kickoff program, as well as hosting a daily radio program on FOX Sports Radio.

What It Means: Ultimately, the story shows how much booth chemistry shapes a broadcast. Many analysts arrive from the field, not the studio. As a result, a steady partner can ease that transition. For Davis, the fix was simple: make the booth feel like a bar, not a stage.

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Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” Sets Billboard Hot 100 Record

David Hill
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0
Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” Sets Billboard Hot 100 Record

Ella Langley now owns the longest-running No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history. Her smash “Choosin’ Texas” logged a record 23rd week atop the chart.

What We Know: The song passes Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which spent 22 weeks on top. Notably, Carey built that total across several holiday seasons from 2019 to 2026. Meanwhile, “Choosin’ Texas” debuted on the chart dated Nov. 1, 2025. It then cracked the top 10 in January and first reached No. 1 in February.

What’s at Stake: The record reshuffles a list packed with modern heavyweights. For instance, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” each logged 19 weeks. Likewise, Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” held the top spot for 16 weeks. Now, Langley’s fifth career Hot 100 entry sits above them all.

What Remains Unclear: Even Langley, who co-wrote the song with Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, can’t explain its staying power. “I don’t know. I really don’t,” she told Billboard News earlier this year. Instead, she pointed to its groove, big singing choruses and memorable guitar licks. Still, nobody knows how many more weeks the run can add.

What It Means: Ultimately, the milestone underscores the power of an engaged audience. Langley said the song showed her “where fans can change your career.” Moreover, the Hot 100 blends streaming, radio airplay and sales data. As a result, the record reflects demand across every major consumption channel.

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