Home Blog Page 713

Charlie Kirk to Be Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

BNM Staff
-
0
Charlie Kirk to Be Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

One day after being shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump has announced that Charlie Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Early Thursday, while attending a 9/11 memorial service, Trump stated that he will award Kirk with the honor later this year.

“I can only guarantee you one thing: We will have a very big crowd, very, very big,” said Trump.

He began his remarks on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by addressing the slaying of Kirk.

“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said.

“Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children — fantastic people they are,” Trump continued. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”

Charlie Kirk will not be the first conservative radio host to earn the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump. In 2020, he famously gave the award to Rush Limbaugh during the State of the Union Address. Additionally, President Trump has announced he’ll also honor former New York mayor and former 77 WABC radio host Rudy Giuliani with the top civilian honor.

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.

Ryan Seacrest Signs On For 24th Season Of American Idol

BMM Staff
-
0
Ryan Seacrest Signs On For 24th Season Of American Idol

Ryan Seacrest will return as host of American Idol for its 24th overall season and ninth on ABC, the network confirmed Wednesday. The nationally syndicated radio host remains the show’s only on-camera personality to appear in every season since the series launched, solidifying his long-running presence as the face of the talent competition.

Seacrest’s new agreement follows closely on the heels of deals inked by the show’s judges.

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood all signed contracts to return for the 2026 season just two weeks ago, according to a report in the Hollywood Reporter.

This year, American Idol is kicking off its next production cycle with virtual auditions, which will continue over the next couple of weeks. The early signing of Seacrest ensures continuity as the show prepares to enter its first-quarter 2026 premiere.

Seacrest’s tenure on Idol has made him a defining presence in the reality competition genre, and his return is seen as a stabilizing factor for both the network and the franchise.

As the 24th season approaches, producers are promising a mix of new talent and familiar production elements that have helped the show endure for more than two decades.

Fremantle and 19 Entertainment produce the series. Showrunner Megan Wolflick executive produces with 19 Entertainment’s Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman.

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.

Dave Portnoy Calls Early ‘Wake Up Barstool’ Viewership on FS1 “Awful”

BSM Staff
-
1
Dave Portnoy Calls Early ‘Wake Up Barstool’ Viewership on FS1 “Awful”

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy spoke candidly on the latest edition of The Unnamed Show about the recent ratings for the FS1 morning program Wake Up Barstool, calling the initial numbers “awful” but emphasizing patience as the show finds its footing.

“The FOX ratings for Wake Up Barstool, I think came out. Those are awful,” Portnoy said, reflecting on the viewership for the new show as part of Barstool Sports partnership with FOX Sports. Recently viewership data was released via several online outlets with an average audience for the first week of programming 16,500 average viewers. A source with knowledge of the viewership figures confirmed to Barrett media the figures released online were “in the ballpark” of the actual figures.

Despite the figures, Portnoy added that expectations for a quick breakthrough may be unrealistic. Given the program’s limited promotion ahead of the show’s launch.

“I don’t know what to expect. I think they want a lot of online. I don’t know what they were before. It wasn’t like we had some gigantic promo. We just kind of did it,” he said, highlighting the show’s reliance on organic growth rather than traditional marketing efforts.

Portnoy acknowledged that even with high-caliber talent and solid content, numbers might still be modest in the early stages. “That could have been like the best show in the history of the world with the best people the way it’s promoted, I don’t think you’d expect much different numbers. We want to build it up,” said Portnoy. “I think obviously, if it goes 20,000 or whatever it was, and next week, you’re down to 500 people, that, to me, is a bigger red flag.”

Despite the rough start, Portnoy expressed a measured view of the program’s early execution. “I know this. I don’t love my Monday show,” Portnoy admitted.

He noted that his instincts about content quality are usually reliable. While the current product is “okay to decent,” he sees room for improvement.

“I thought it was better with three people instead of four. I’m hosting. I like doing like a rundown host style. We’re bouncing around segments. It’s a lot of work,” said Portnoy. “We’ve only done two. I haven’t been, like, nailed it. That’s great. I don’t, and I feel like I have a pretty good idea when I do my own content.”

Looking ahead, Portnoy said the goal is to continue refining the Monday episodes while allowing other hosts creative freedom. “I am putting thought, effort, as much time as I can, into the Mondays, and everybody has their own show, and hopefully it’ll continue to improve,” he said.

Wake Up Barstool represents Barstool Sports’ ongoing effort to expand its digital-first brand into traditional television. Portnoy’s candid comments underscore the challenges of translating online success to linear broadcast platforms. While ratings remain modest, the show’s leadership appears committed to iterative growth, trusting that content quality and audience engagement will improve over time.

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.

The Athletic Announces New Media Partnership With The NFL

BSM Staff
-
0
The Athletic Announces New Media Partnership With The NFL

The Athletic is stepping up its NFL coverage with the addition of official game footage, the sports news outlet announced Thursday. A move designed to enhance storytelling and deepen analysis for fans of America’s most popular sports league.

Executive Editor Steven Ginsberg said the partnership will allow The Athletic to deliver “compelling and revealing stories” across multiple platforms. Including quick recaps from every game and expanded postgame video analysis of select matchups.

“Our goal is to take you inside the action to show what’s really going on between the lines. Who got the block to make the big play happen. Which team executed on its strategy better. What it’s really like to play quarterback,” Ginsberg wrote in a note to readers.

The new footage will also be integrated into The Athletic’s NFL podcasts. This includes Scoop City and The Athletic Football Show, offering listeners additional context and expert commentary.

In addition to video content, The Athletic has expanded its reporting team. Adding more journalists to cover NFL teams and respond to breaking news across the league. Ginsberg notes these staffing increases, combined with a higher frequency of football shows, are designed to deliver “the most comprehensive coverage of the league anywhere.”

The move comes as media outlets increasingly leverage multimedia to compete for audiences in a crowded sports journalism market. By combining video, podcasts, and written analysis, The Athletic aims to offer fans a more immersive experience than traditional reporting alone.

“This season will be our biggest and best ever,” Ginsberg added. “These efforts, along with the dozens of journalists who cover the NFL for The Athletic, are why we are able to give fans what they want, when they want it”

The partnership signals a growing trend among sports publications to provide richer, more interactive content in real time. By incorporating official NFL footage into its reporting, The Athletic hopes to set itself apart from competitors while maintaining its reputation for in-depth, analytical coverage.

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.

Pat McAfee Announces New Weekly Podcast With Stanford Steve

BSM Staff
-
0
Pat McAfee Announces New Weekly Podcast With Stanford Steve

Pat McAfee is adding another venture to his media empire with the launch of a new college football-focused podcast alongside ESPN betting analyst “Stanford” Steve. The duo announced the podcast, titled Anudder College Football Convo with Stanford Steve, on Wednesday during The Pat McAfee Show.

The podcast officially launched Thursday and is currently available exclusively on Spotify, with weekly episodes planned. The show promises to deliver in-depth conversations surrounding college football, featuring guests from across the collegiate landscape.

“We launched its own podcast thing. Feed I believe is the name,” McAfee said. “I’m excited to see what that is. I think we’re gonna have a lot of good guests. A lot of college ball coaches I think would like to do stuff.”

This marks the first time McAfee and Stanford Steve will host a podcast together. The two already collaborate on College GameDay every Saturday during the college football season and make regular appearances on McAfee’s daily program. The partnership brings together McAfee’s charismatic, off-the-cuff style with Stanford Steve’s analytical approach to the game.

The debut episode of the podcast featured an on-demand replay of Stanford Steve’s appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday afternoon. While the first episode was a repurposed segment, McAfee said future episodes would center more on topics Stanford Steve wants to explore, highlighting his perspective on the college football landscape.

“The reason why I’m excited about this is because I’ve had the chance to hear you speak off air about things that don’t come up in the show [College GameDay],” McAfee said. “I feel middle of the week you have your brain wrapped around what college ball is going to look like for the weekend. We’re lucky to be a part of it.”

McAfee, a former Indianapolis Colts punter turned media personality, has built a rapidly expanding media presence under Pat McAfee Inc., which includes his daily radio show, podcasts, and digital content. This latest venture continues his trend of blending insider sports knowledge with entertainment, appealing to both hardcore and casual college football fans.

The new podcast underscores McAfee’s commitment to diversifying his content offerings while leveraging the expertise of prominent sports figures like Stanford Steve. Fans can expect a mix of strategic analysis, guest interviews, and insider commentary aimed at providing a fresh perspective on the college game each week.

Anudder College Football Convo with Stanford Steve is available now on Spotify, with new episodes expected weekly throughout the college football season.

CNN Adds Elex Michaelson as New LA-Based Anchor

BNM Staff
-
0
CNN Adds Elex Michaelson as New LA-Based Anchor

CNN has announced the addition of Elex Michaelson to its roster of anchors, plotting an overnight slot for him.

Michaelson — who will be based in Los Angeles — will anchor the Midnight to 2 AM ET window for CNN starting later this fall.

“I am so excited to join CNN and learn firsthand from some of the most talented journalists on the planet,” said Michaelson. “I’m especially grateful that CNN is expanding its investment in my hometown as the West Coast houses so many global leaders in politics, entertainment, technology, sports, and more. This is truly a dream job.”

Michaelson joins after previously working as an anchor at FOX 11 in Los Angeles. While at the station, he launched the first weekly statewide political talk show in California, The Issue with Elex Michaelson. On the show, he interviewed politicians like Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Governors Gavin Newsom (D) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, among others.

In addition to his work at FOX 11, he also spent time working at KABC-TV, also in Los Angeles, as well as XETV in San Diego.

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.

Salem Radio Network Plans Charlie Kirk Memorial Show

BNM Staff
-
0
Salem Radio Network Plans Charlie Kirk Memorial Show

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday afternoon, Salem Radio Network has announced plans for a memorial show to honor the host’s memory.

Salem Radio Network will broadcast a special two-hour tribute to Kirk in the Noon-2 PM ET timeslot, which he held on the network. The special broadcast will be hosted by colleagues Mike Gallagher — who preceded Kirk in the network’s lineup from 9 AM to Noon — and 660AM The Answer host Mark Davis.

Salem Radio Network host and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.

“Charlie was more than a broadcaster—he was a fearless defender of truth and a faithful servant of God,” said Salem Media Group CEO David Santrella. “This assassination was not just an attack on Charlie, it was an attack on free speech and on the values Charlie championed every day. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but his legacy of faith, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire generations.”

“I have had the privilege of working with Charlie for nearly a decade,” added Salem’s Chief Strategy Officer Bradley Parscale. “He was part of the Salem family. His voice was fearless, unyielding, and relentless in the defense of faith and freedom. This heinous act of evil was meant to silence him, but as Christians, we know darkness cannot overcome the light. Charlie’s influence cannot and will not be silenced.”

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.

Mark Shapiro: ESPN Was “In the Mix” To Retain UFC Media Rights

BSM Staff
-
0
Mark Shapiro: ESPN Was “In the Mix” To Retain UFC Media Rights

Mark Shapiro, president and COO of TKO Group Holdings, shed light on the recently completed UFC media rights negotiations during a panel appearance at the Goldman Sachs telecom conference in San Francisco. While Paramount ultimately landed the package in a $7.7 billion, seven-year deal, Shapiro revealed that ESPN remained a factor throughout the process.

The longtime sports media executive said the network, which has carried UFC programming since 2019, was “always in the mix” to retain rights. However, TKO’s expectations for a significant increase in rights fees meant talks with ESPN eventually reached an impasse.

“We set our sights on talking with everybody else,” Shapiro said. “From Warner Bros. Discovery, to a lesser extent Apple. Amazon in a big way, YouTube in a big way. Netflix in a big way, DAZN in a big way.”

The decision to move forward with Paramount was partly a forward-looking bet. Shapiro praised the Ellison family, who control Paramount, as “visionaries” positioned at the intersection of technology and content.

Still, ESPN’s role in the discussions highlights the network’s ongoing balancing act in live sports. With a massive rights portfolio already spanning the NFL, NBA, and college football. The cost of retaining UFC proved too steep under TKO’s new financial goals.

Shapiro noted that a global rights deal with Netflix was also on the table, structured similarly to the streamer’s recent acquisition of WWE’s “Raw.” Instead, TKO subsidiary IMG will handle UFC’s international rights across 150 foreign markets, a move Shapiro argued was the better financial play.

“Selling media rights on UFC globally was in our best interest,” he said. “Frankly, we thought IMG would do better than Netflix.”

The broader message from Shapiro was that TKO, the parent company of both WWE and UFC, is now focused on operational execution rather than major acquisitions. He cited the company’s plans for increased marketing, stronger launches, and improving margins as the next phase of growth.

“We’re not here to talk about acquisitions right now,” Shapiro said. “Of course we’ll be opportunistic, but we’re here to talk about executing. Let’s expand our margins, let’s bring in our free cashflow and let’s get it back to shareholders.”

TKO has already taken steps in that direction. The company recently announced its dividend would double, following a $2 billion share repurchase program unveiled last year.

For ESPN, being “in the mix” but ultimately sidelined underscores how competitive the media rights landscape has become. With streaming platforms investing heavily and traditional networks facing budget constraints, the UFC’s decision to shift from ESPN to Paramount marks the latest example of how quickly the balance of power can shift in sports media.

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.

NPR Names Thomas Evans New Editor in Chief

BNM Staff
-
0
NPR Names Thomas Evans New Editor in Chief

NPR has announced that it has appointed Thomas Evans to serve as its new Editor-in-Chief.

Evans joined the public radio outlet from CNN last year, where he served as the Vice President and London Bureau Chief for nearly eight years. He led the network’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

“I had a lot of respect from beforehand, but these are really the best journalists in the country, if not the world,” Evans said of NPR.

He will replace current Editor-in-Chief Edith Chapin, who announced earlier this year that she will depart the public radio brand.

Evans will remain based in Washington, D.C. in his new role with NPR. He will begin his new role on Monday, September 15th.

His elevation at the public radio outlet comes as the network enters a new era of uncertainty following a decision by Congress to cut federal funding to the broadcaster. On September 30th, all federal funding for NPR will cease. More than $1 billion in funding earmarked for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting — and in turn to public media outlets like NPR and PBS — was cut by Congress.

Estimates show that the funding being slashed has led to an influx of donations to the public media brands. The Contributor Development Partnership, which analyzes media fundraising efforts, estimates that 120,000 donors have pledged at least $20 million in funding in the past four months, when it became increasingly clear that the funding cuts would be enacted by Congress.

Overall, donations to NPR and PBS are an estimated $70 million higher at this stage than they were in the same time frame during 2024. Despite the rise in donations, NPR CEO Katherine Maher has shared that the network has a “long way to go in terms of achieving sustainability,” after the funding cuts.

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.

Dan “Big Cat” Katz Reveals Future Plans for Barstool Sports ‘Pardon My Take’

BSM Staff
-
0
Dan “Big Cat” Katz Reveals Future Plans for Barstool Sports ‘Pardon My Take’

Dan “Big Cat” Katz has been one of the central voices of Barstool Sports for more than a decade, but even he admits the breakneck pace won’t last forever. During an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, the Pardon My Take co-host acknowledged that he expects to scale back the amount of content he produces within the next several years.

“If I had to be fully transparent. I think there will be a time in the next, I will say, let’s call it two to four years that I will start to wind down a little bit,” Katz said. “Right now, I don’t have free time. I just don’t. The amount of stuff that I have to do, all the shows I have to do. It’s kind of ridiculous because I’m pulled in a million different directions.”

Katz added that part of the decision comes from what he sees as overexposure.

“I don’t think anyone wants to listen to me this much,” he said. “Last Friday between live shows and shows that were released, there was 10 hours of me doing stuff. That’s too much s**t. No one wants to hear me talk for 10 hours.”

For Katz, however, “winding down” does not mean walking away from Barstool or even his most prominent role. Instead, it means focusing almost exclusively on Pardon My Take. The podcast he co-hosts with Eric “PFT Commenter” Sollenberger and longtime producer Henry Lockwood.

“The winding down will be to just do Pardon My Take,” Katz explained. “I think that will give me the juice to keep it going for longer. It sounds ridiculous, but I’ll do this show for as long as PFT and Hank want to do this show because the alternative is inviting PFT over to my house on Sundays and watching games with him. We’d be doing the podcast anyway, just without microphones.”

Katz also addressed what the future might look like if he and his co-hosts continue the show years down the road, even as they age. He said he no longer worries about being seen as “washed up” in the sports media landscape.

“If we’re doing this in five or ten years, there’ll probably be some people that will make fun of us and be like, ‘These guys are old and out of touch,’” Katz said. “But if we still have a core audience, what the f**k do I care?”

His comments underscore the balance many sports media personalities face between maintaining relevance and sustaining longevity. For Katz, the solution appears clear: pare down the side projects, stick with the flagship, and keep the chemistry with his co-hosts intact.

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.

1...712713714...2,892Page 713 of 2,892