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Chicago Sports Network Announces New President & CEO as Jason Coyle Steps Down

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Chicago Sports Network Announces New President & CEO as Jason Coyle Steps Down

Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) is turning the page on its leadership just 18 months after its debut, with Jason Coyle stepping down as President and CEO to become an Advisor to the Board of Directors. The network announced Monday that Chief Operating Officer Michael McCarthy will assume the role of President and CEO effective immediately.

Coyle has been central to CHSN’s identity since its creation, guiding the network from concept to launch in less than six months and establishing it as the broadcast home of the Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox. Under his direction, CHSN produced and distributed more than 300 live games in its first year and quickly earned 12 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award nominations.

“Launching CHSN alongside such a dedicated and talented group of professionals has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” Coyle said. “Together, we built something truly special to be experienced and enjoyed by Chicago sports fans for years to come. I’m proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time, and I know the network is in excellent hands with Mike and CHSN’s outstanding team moving forward.”

McCarthy brings decades of experience in both regional sports networks and professional sports organizations. Since June, he has served as CHSN’s COO, working closely with Coyle on day-to-day operations. Prior to that, he was General Manager of Marquee Sports Network, where he guided the channel’s launch and early growth.

His career also includes high-profile executive stops at MSG Network, where he served as President overseeing revenue and content strategy, and as Vice Chairman and CEO of the St. Louis Blues. Additionally, McCarthy was COO of the Milwaukee Bucks, providing him a broad perspective on the intersection of media rights, fan engagement and team partnerships.

“Jason’s leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing CHSN to life,” McCarthy said. “I look forward to working closely with our ownership group, team partners and the great staff at CHSN to continue building on that foundation and solidifying Chicago Sports Network as a premier brand for sports entertainment in Chicago.”

The shift comes as CHSN works to further establish itself in a competitive sports media market. The network, which serves as the exclusive television home of the Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox, delivers more than 300 live games annually alongside original programming aimed at Chicago’s passionate fan base.

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 Signs Multi-Year Contracts To Herm Edwards, Jeff Saturday, Andrew Hawkins, Jason McCourty

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ESPN Signs Multi-Year Contracts To Herm Edwards, Jeff Saturday, Andrew Hawkins, Jason McCourty

ESPN is keeping four of its most recognizable NFL voices in-house, announcing new multi-year agreements with Herm Edwards, Jeff Saturday, Andrew “Hawk” Hawkins and Jason McCourty. The extensions ensure the analysts will continue to appear across the network’s signature studio shows and multi-platform NFL coverage.

The quartet brings decades of combined experience to the table.

Edwards, who played and coached in the NFL for more than 25 years, has become one of ESPN’s most respected voices. Saturday, a six-time Pro Bowler, has been a steady presence at the network since 2013 after a 14-year playing career. Hawkins, who played six seasons in the league, blends football expertise with a background in sports technology. McCourty, a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, joined ESPN in 2023 after 13 years as a defensive back.

Under the new deals, all four analysts will continue to appear on Get Up, First Take, NFL Live and SportsCenter, while also contributing to broader ESPN initiatives.

Edwards will remain a fixture on Sundays, bookending the network’s NFL coverage with morning and late-night SportsCenter appearances. He will also continue his weekly role on ABC’s Good Morning America and help launch the week with multiple Monday editions of SportsCenter. Beyond the NFL, Edwards provides perspective on college football and top draft prospects, giving ESPN a versatile analyst who connects across audiences.

Saturday extends his ESPN tenure beyond a decade, maintaining a role that has seen him contribute to coverage of the Super Bowl, NFL Draft and free agency. His Tuesday and Wednesday appearances on Get Up, First Take, SportsCenter, NFL Live and Pardon the Interruption ensure fans hear from a voice who has both locker room credibility and on-air polish.

Hawkins has carved out a unique niche since joining the network. He will remain a regular on Wednesdays and Thursdays, primarily contributing to NFL Live and Get Up. Last season, he helped introduce a virtual reality segment on NFL Live using technology from StatusPro, the sports tech company he co-founded. The interactive feature gave fans a quarterback’s perspective on game action and underscored ESPN’s commitment to innovation in its NFL coverage.

McCourty will continue to balance his ESPN role with his position as an NFL game analyst for CBS. Entering his second year at ESPN, he will appear across multiple shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the season. With a Super Bowl ring and more than a decade of playing experience, McCourty has added depth to ESPN’s analyst lineup while establishing himself quickly as an on-air contributor.

By retaining Edwards, Saturday, Hawkins and McCourty, ESPN signals continuity heading into another NFL season. Each analyst provides a distinct voice and background, giving the network a wide-ranging perspective that blends experience, innovation and credibility.

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.

Ken Rosenthal Apologizes for Accidental Incident With Milwaukee Brewers Photographer

BSM Staff
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Ken Rosenthal Apologizes for Accidental Incident With Milwaukee Brewers Photographer

Ken Rosenthal, one of baseball’s most recognizable sideline reporters, is accustomed to being in the middle of the action. But during the Milwaukee Brewers’ wild 9-8 walk-off win over the St. Louis Cardinals on September 13, the veteran reporter found himself at the center of an unusual viral moment. Drawing attention far beyond the field of play.

After Brewers infielder Andruw Monasterio delivered a game-winning single in the 10th inning to clinch both a thrilling comeback and Milwaukee’s playoff berth. The Brewers raced onto the field for the traditional Gatorade shower. Rosenthal, handling the live postgame interview for Fox, tried to dodge the celebratory chaos while keeping his focus on Monasterio.

In the scramble, Rosenthal backed into longtime Brewers team photographer Scott Paulus, knocking him to the ground. Cameras captured Rosenthal giving what appeared to be a sharp glare at Paulus before resuming his line of questioning. The clip quickly circulated on social media, with Milwaukee fans accusing the broadcaster of being dismissive.

Rosenthal addressed the moment Monday, offering a candid explanation and apology in a video released Sept. 15.

“When I looked at the video and saw this, I was surprised at how upset I appeared,” Rosenthal said. “I was more confused than anything, but I had to continue the interview. We were live, folks, on national television, couldn’t stop. And, that said, I felt awful about what happened. Afterward, I went up to Scott. Whom I’ve worked with in pits before over the years, and I apologized, and I apologized profusely.”

Rosenthal clarified that the reaction many perceived as frustration was instead a split-second effort to stay composed on live television. While he acknowledged the optics did not look good, he stressed his respect for Paulus and the work photographers do in documenting the sport.

Paulus, for his part, did not appear rattled. Instead, he responded with humor on Instagram, sharing a tongue-in-cheek homage to Neil Leifer’s iconic 1965 photograph of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston.

Rosenthal noted that he will not cross paths with the Brewers again this season unless the team makes it to the World Series. If that happens, he said he looks forward to reconnecting with Paulus in the stadium camera pits.

“If I do see the Brewers in the World Series, I look forward to working with Scott again … and sharing a good laugh with him over this,” Rosenthal said.

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.

99.5 The Wolf Announces Addition of Danny Dwyer

BMM Staff
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99.5 The Wolf Announces Addition of Danny Dwyer

Former 98.7 The Bull DJ Danny Dwyer is moving to 99.5 The Wolf, the Audacy Portland country station he competed with for decades.

In a video published by the station on social media, morning hosts Nick & Kristen shared the news that Dwyer is joining the brand.

“I’m coming to play with the Wolfpack!” said Dwyer. “I’m so excited … We got a lot of stuff lined up for you.”

Dwyer revealed that his first day with his new station will be on Friday, September 26th.

Dwyer departed 98.7 The Bull — the then-Alpha Media country station in Portland — in July after being at the station since 1998. In his most recent capacity, he served as the Music Director for the brand, while helming the 9 AM to Noon timeslot in the station’s lineup.

It was not immediately revealed which daypart Dwyer will take over for 99.5 The Wolf. Katie & Company — hosted by Katie Neal — is heard in the 10 AM-3 PM daypart, with the Portland station serving as one of 32 markets Neal is heard in.

The news that Danny Dwyer is joining 99.5 The Wolf comes days after he announced plans to launch a podcast with longtime colleague and friend Julia Currier called Country Music Rocks.

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.

NewsNation Adds Jessica Kartalija as National Correspondent

BNM Staff
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NewsNation Adds Jessica Kartalija as National Correspondent

NewsNation has announced it has added Jessica Kartalija as a new national correspondent for the cable news network.

Kartalija will be based at the network’s New York bureau, and will report for both the dayside and primetime programming at NewsNation.

“It is an honor to be part of a team dedicated to delivering unbiased journalism and committed to telling the stories that matter most,” said Kartalija in a social media post. “NewsNation is the fastest-growing cable news network in America, and I’m so grateful to be working alongside such talented journalists and storytellers.

“Looking forward to this next chapter, covering stories across the country and beyond,” she concluded.

Kartalija joins NewsNation from WPVI-TV in Philadelphia. There, she worked as a reporter for the station’s Action News brand. She had previously worked at CBS3 in the city, in addition to spending nearly 20 years as an anchor for CBS News in Baltimore, and at KYMA-TV in Yuma.

Outside of her on-air television work, Jessica Kartalija serves as an adjunct professor of public speaking and journalism at Villanova University.

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.

Q101 Inducted Into Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

BMM Staff
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Q101 Inducted Into Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Q101, Chicago’s Alternative music station, has been inducted into the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66. The ceremony took place on Sunday at the historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.

Q101 was enshrined in the Radio Station category as part of the 2025 class. The induction joined both the 2024 and 2025 classes in a combined event. Featuring a wide range of honorees across multiple categories. This year’s group included Head East and Enuff Z’Nuff in the Artist/Performer category, while the late Tim Drummond, former bassist for Neil Young and Bob Dylan, was honored in the Songwriter category.

Marv Nyren, Regional Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Chicago, praised the recognition and the station’s enduring role in the market.

“I have had the honor of working with the teams and talent of Q101 for over 15 years. A brand that evolves with the times that continues to be the standard for Alternative music and personalities for Chicago,” Nyren said. “It’s as bright a future as we’ve seen in years with this group of people and James Kurdziel at the helm.”

The combined program also spotlighted last year’s inductees. The 2024 class included Grammy Award-winner Richard Marx, The Smashing Pumpkins, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Bo Diddley in the Artist/Performer category. In addition, Disturbed was presented with the President’s Choice Award, further underscoring Illinois’ wide-ranging contributions to rock history.

Q101 has been a staple of Chicago’s music scene for decades. Serving as a launching pad for alternative acts while maintaining a strong connection to the city’s listeners. For many fans, the station represents not only the evolution of the alternative format. But also the personalities and culture that helped shape its identity.

James Kurdziel, Q101 Program Director and Vice President, Classic/Modern Rock for Cumulus Media, echoed that sentiment while emphasizing the station’s local ties.

“We pride ourselves on being a part of and a reflection of our community,” Kurdziel said. “This honor validates that mission. We’re very proud of it and share the honor with all who have been a part of the Q101 story.”

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.

Political Advertising Already Surpasses $1 Billion for 2026 Cycle, AdImpact Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Political Advertising Already Surpasses $1 Billion for 2026 Cycle, AdImpact Data Shows

Political Advertising is a billion-dollar business. And that’s already true of next year’s cycle, as more than $1 billion has been spent in the arena, according to AdImpact data.

As the company has updated its forecasting for the 2026 cycle, AdImpact projects $10.8 billion will be spent in total on the mid-term elections.

It also reports that spending is approaching $1.1 billion in 2025, with more than $460 million earmarked for races this year, and an additional $605 million expected to be spent on 2026 elections.

Some of the top spending races include the New Jersey governor’s election ($118 million), Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race ($80 million), and the New York mayoral race ($39 million), among others.

Broadcast television is the largest earner of the millions being spent. $334 million is earmarked for terrestrial television, while digital channels will account for $280 million of the spending. Cable TV is forecast to earn $228 million, with connected television not far behind at $190 million. Radio ($29 million) and satellite ($4 million) round out the spending projections.

The top markets for political advertising include New York ($136 million), Washington, D.C. ($108 million), Philadelphia ($35 million), and Los Angeles ($18 million).

The AdImpact data shows that Democrats are the largest spenders, with $450 million spent in 2025. Republican candidates have spent $298 million, while independent and politically unaffiliated candidates and issues have spent $319 million in during the beginning of the 2026 cycle.

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.

B101 Adds ‘The Kathy Romano Show’ Beginning September 23

BMM Staff
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B101 Adds ‘The Kathy Romano Show’ Beginning September 23

Audacy’s B101 in Philadelphia is turning to a familiar voice to lead its mornings, officially announcing the debut of The Kathy Romano Show on September 23. The program will air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. ET, co-hosted by Romano alongside Bobby Smith, with Laura Boss serving as executive producer.

In addition to her new morning duties, Romano will host a solo midday program from 10 a.m. to noon, giving her an extended platform to connect with Philadelphia listeners.

“Kathy Romano is smart, fun, relatable and deeply connected to our community which makes her the perfect voice for B101,” said David Yadgaroff, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Philadelphia. “Her energy and personality align perfectly with what B101 listeners love. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Audacy family and confident she’ll lead this new chapter of mornings with authenticity, heart and a whole lot of fun.”

Romano spent the past 22 years as a staple on The Preston & Steve Show, one of Philadelphia’s top-rated morning programs. Her move to B101 gives the station an established presence at a time when morning shows remain critical in defining a station’s brand and building loyal audiences.

Listeners can expect a mix of lifestyle-driven conversations, family-friendly segments, and the upbeat, personable tone that has been Romano’s trademark throughout her career. According to Audacy, she will drive much of the show’s content, setting the stage for mornings designed to feel both engaging and welcoming.

“After 22 years in Philadelphia radio, I know how precious that daily connection with listeners really is—being part of their morning routines, their family moments, their everyday lives,” Romano said. “I’m thrilled to be spending my mornings with both the loyal B101 family and all the listeners who are following me on this new journey alongside Bobby and Laura!”

At B101, Romano is stepping into a role designed to showcase her wit, warmth, and connection to the community. Or, as the station puts it, she’s ready to reign as the “Queen Bee” of mornings, ushering in a new chapter for the heritage brand.

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.

On3, Rivals Adds Partnership With the Field of 68 Media Network

BSM Staff
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On3, Rivals Adds Partnership With the Field of 68 Media Network

On3 | Rivals is bolstering its college basketball presence with the addition of The Field of 68 Media Network. The move brings one of the sport’s fastest-growing digital brands into the On3 | Rivals ecosystem, pairing established recruiting coverage with a network built on basketball-first storytelling.

Founded by veteran reporters Jeff Goodman and Rob Dauster. The Field of 68 has quickly earned credibility among fans through a combination of national shows, team-specific podcasts, and live events that spotlight the sport’s most passionate communities.

“At On3, we’ve built our platform by bringing together the very best reporters and content creators in college and high school sports, and The Field of 68 is a tremendous addition to that mission,” On3 founder Shannon Terry said in a statement. “Jeff and Rob are an incredible story in sports media, having built one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry. We are big believers in the growth of college and high school basketball, and The Field of 68 is the leading source for news and conversation in that space. Their addition is a huge win for our community, adding major benefits to our membership and the overall network experience.”

Now, as part of the On3 | Rivals platform, Field of 68 will expand its offerings beyond audio and video. The brand is set to introduce written content and launch a basketball-focused message board community. This gives fans more ways to engage with the personalities who have helped it rise in prominence.

Goodman, a staple in college basketball reporting for more than two decades. He has held high-profile roles at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, and Stadium. He is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most trusted insiders.

Dauster, who transitioned into media after a playing career at the Division III level. He previously worked at NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, NBCSN, and Stadium before co-founding the network.

The partnership gives On3 | Rivals a stronger foothold in a space that has traditionally been fragmented among national outlets and independent creators. At the same time, it offers Field of 68 new distribution channels, expanded resources, and access to a large audience already deeply invested in college sports.

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.

Howard Kurtz Signs Off From Fox News’ MediaBuzz After More Than A Decade

BNM Staff
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Howard Kurtz Signs Off From Fox News’ MediaBuzz After More Than A Decade

After more than 12 years, Howard Kurtz has departed MediaBuzz, the Fox News weekend show focused on how the news media covers the daily happenings.

It was announced last week that Sunday would be Kurtz’s final edition of the show, with a new White House-focused program featuring correspondents Jacqui Heinrich and Peter Doocy beginning on Sunday, September 21st.

In his final edition of the program, Kurtz shared how proud he was of the program he built from the ground up.

“I’m happy to say that I’ve kept the show at number one every week for a dozen years with help from a very talented staff,” he shared, before noting that he isn’t departing Fox News. He’ll continue to serve as a political analyst for the network, contributing columns to Fox News Digital and his MediaBuzz Meter podcast for Fox News Audio in the process.

Howard Kurtz concluded his final episode by thanking the network for allowing him independence in how he delivered the weekly show.

“I’m proud of this program and equally proud of the fact that, by and large, Fox News has given me extraordinary independence,” he said. “The show begins right here in the brain area each week. I don’t have to clear it with anyone. I’ve worked at a lot of places, and that’s rare.

“But it’s really our audience that has kept MediaBuzz on the air. They like the old-fashioned approach of airing different viewpoints and giving people a chance to talk … So much television today is about picking a team and denigrating anyone with opposing opinions. Now, my approach can tick off both sides. I’ve been called pro-Trump and anti-Trump, often for the same comments … There are viewers today saying, ‘Alright, they finally got rid of that guy.’ And others who have told me that this is their favorite program anywhere. But I’ve had a pretty long run in a pretty tough business and, well, time marches on. I appreciate your being such a loyal audience.”

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.

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