NFL RedZone is preparing to introduce a carefully structured advertising plan for the 2025 season, extending an initiative that was first tested last year. Following an appearance from RedZone host Scott Hanson on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday, there was much speculation as to how the commercials would air during the over seven hour broadcast.
According to an NFL spokesperson who contacted Barrett Media, the plan calls for a limited number of advertisements strategically placed across the show’s more than seven hours of continuous football coverage each Sunday. The format will feature double-box ads, in which viewers will hear the commercial’s audio while simultaneously watching RedZone coverage in another frame.
That concept was introduced on a trial basis in 2024. The league conducted extensive testing through focus groups and social media monitoring. The result, according to an NFL spokesperson, showed extremely limited negative feedback leading to the plan for the upcoming 2025 season.
Sports media online shared their reaction to the news of commercials being included full time in RedZone programming.
Some added clarity: NFL RedZone is seven hours — 420 minutes. Over that time, viewers will be served 1-2 total minutes of ads in :15 increments. This comes out to anywhere between 0.25% – 0.5% of the total time, considerably less than other sports/entertainment programs. https://t.co/7JyLSLi30E
The outrage on my timeline about the RedZone having commercials is ridiculous. Pick something else to get upset about. Geesh. #NFLhttps://t.co/AqjJyKD8Lh
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ESPN has secured sports betting analyst Erin Dolan under a new multi-year contract, extending her role across the network’s betting and mainstream sports programming. Dolan’s renewed deal will see her appear regularly on ESPN BET Live, SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown and additional ESPN platforms.
Scott Clark, ESPN’s vice president of Fantasy & Betting Content, emphasized Dolan’s rising influence in the sports betting arena. “Erin has continued to grow and become a trusted talent in the betting space, and has the proven track record to back it up,” Clark said. “Her role has even more emphasis on the sports she’s had past successes with, and we think that’s a great thing for her and our fans.”
Dolan, known for her analytical approach to wagering insights and on-air energy, said the deal allows her to expand her coverage of the NFL and NBA. “I hold myself to a high standard when making picks, and to do that confidently for fans, I’m planning to dedicate even more time to NFL and NBA coverage with this new deal,” Dolan said. “It’s finally football season, and it’s my time to shine. Go Birds!”
The move reflects ESPN’s continued investment in sports betting content, an area of growing importance as legal wagering expands across the United States. Analysts like Dolan have become central figures in bridging traditional sports coverage with the betting audience, helping viewers navigate odds, trends, and strategies in real time.
Dolan’s originally joined the company in 2017 before departing and eventually returning to the network in 2021. Before joining ESPN, Dolan worked as on-air talent at FanDuel and PointsBet sportsbooks, where she created sports betting content for their social channels and various programming. Furthermore, she co-hosted a weekly YouTube and Twitch show, Girls Who Bet, participated in B/R Betting’s The Group Chat, and hosted The Early Line weekdays from 7-9 a.m. ET on SiriusXM.
Since joining ESPN, Dolan has established herself as a reliable voice in sports betting, blending statistical insight with actionable commentary. Her presence on flagship programs like SportsCenter and Sunday NFL Countdown allows the network to reach mainstream sports fans while integrating betting-focused narratives seamlessly.
With the NFL season underway, Dolan’s expanded role is expected to include enhanced studio appearances, live game insights, and specialized segments on betting trends, reflecting the network’s broader commitment to providing comprehensive, data-driven analysis for fans navigating the increasingly complex landscape of sports wagering.
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Emmanuel Acho says he wasn’t blindsided by FS1’s decision to cancel The Facility earlier this year. During an appearance on Cam Newton’s 4th and 1 podcast, the former NFL linebacker and FOX Sports analyst admitted he could see the writing on the wall.
“There came a point in time where I’m like, ‘Hey, we launched a new show at a new time slot with a new cast and a new name,’” Acho said. “Mind you, our time slot’s going up against First Take….. It’s the ’98 Bulls versus an expansion team.”
Acho’s program The Facility was among three programs cut by the network in July. Since being cut, Acho has developed his new YouTube based program along with LeSean McCoy calledSPEAKEASY: Sophisticated Sports Talk, a new digital-first series that promises to bring live reactions, cultural commentary, and fan interaction into one space.
During the interview with Newton, Acho understood that the network didn’t give enough time for The Facility to grow while at FS1 despite being aired against First Take.
“What you think was going to happen if you only have 9, 10, 11 months? Yeah, I wouldn’t take down Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. … So, did I see it coming? Absolutely. I knew it was a possibility because the show was not doing good enough,” said Acho. “Do I believe we could have had more time? Do I believe we could have turned the corner? Do I believe it was a concept that was cool? Yes. Yes. Yes. But it wasn’t good enough. Period.”
The FS1 program, which paired Acho with a fresh lineup of personalities, struggled to find traction in a crowded daytime sports debate space. When the network pulled the plug, Acho chose honesty over bravado in his public response.
“When you’re not good enough in football, you get cut. When you’re not good enough on TV, you get cancelled,” he said. “I actually don’t know what my future plan is, but I know that I trust God. … Rather than soaking and rather than wallowing, I said, you know what, Acho, it’s time to get to work. Like you need to stop working for the man and you need to become the man now.”
Acho, who has already collected two Emmy Awards — one as a producer and one as an on-air talent — said he leaned on his creative background to begin building independently after the cancellation. However, that pivot came with its own set of challenges.
“There were several moments where I woke up, I was like, I am scared,” Acho admitted. “What if this don’t work? What if people don’t watch? Yeah, man. I’m hemorrhaging a lot of money. How am I going to sign all these people to make sure that I got the studio in place? … Scary is the pervasive emotion right now. But I am not letting that fear hinder me. Instead, I’m saying, you know what, fear is an okay and an appropriate emotion. Just don’t let fear dictate the trajectory of your life.”
While the end of The Facility left Acho without a clear next step, he emphasized the value of persistence in the face of uncertainty. “When your back is against the wall, you have no other option but to fight,” he said.
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As Connoisseur Media completes its acquisition of Alpha Media, it is building out its executive team. That includes naming Keith Dakin its new Senior Vice President of Programming.
Dakin is no stranger to Connoisseur. He’s been with the company since 2013 and has been instrumental in helping shape the sound of the company’s pre-existing stations.
“It is truly an honor to move into this larger role with the newly expanded Connoisseur Media,” said Dakin. “I am extremely excited to work day-to-day with this unbelievable roster of programmers and air talent. I can’t wait to dig in and make great radio with this tremendously creative staff. Thank you so much to Jeff Warshaw, who has been a true champion of mine since I started here. His leadership, vision, and commitment to real radio will hopefully give this industry the shot in the arm it needs.”
In his new role, Dakin will work with all of the company’s new formats and stations as it now holds more than 200 stations in 47 markets after completing the acquisition of Alpha Media.
“Keith’s programming expertise and leadership have been a major contributor to Connoisseur’s growth and success,” said Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw. “As we expand our footprint, Keith is the ideal leader to develop and implement our programming strategy across the country. His passion for music, content, and his commitment to local communities will ensure that our stations continue to succeed.”
Dakin will report to Warshaw in his new role as Senior Vice President of Programming.
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Earlier this week, Newsmax announced it had filed a lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that the network colluded with television operators to keep it off of cable systems.
Newsmax’s complaint alleges that Fox has leveraged its dominance to coerce distributors into restrictive agreements that exclude or marginalize rival channels. The lawsuit details a range of what it labels as exclusionary tactics. These include “no-carry” provisions that tie access to Fox News with restrictions on carrying competing news networks, financial penalties that require distributors to carry Fox channels like FS1 and Fox Business Network if they also carry Newsmax, and confidential drag-down clauses that penalize the promotion of Newsmax in basic packages.
“Fox’s behavior represents a textbook abuse of monopoly power,” said Michael J. Guzman, an attorney for Newsmax. “Competition, not coercion, should determine what news channels Americans can watch. Fox has blocked new voices, suppressed consumer choice, and extracted excess profits.”
Internal Fox communications, cited in the lawsuit, show senior executives viewed Newsmax as a competitive threat following the 2020 election. The documents reportedly include a warning from then-host Tucker Carlson that “an alternative like Newsmax could be devastating,” statements from Fox News President Jay Wallace indicating the network was on “war footing,” and directives from Chairman Rupert Murdoch to monitor Newsmax closely. Executives allegedly tracked Newsmax’s bookings and content while strategizing to contain its growth.
In response to the lawsuit, a Fox News spokesperson told Barrett Media, “Newsmax cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures in the marketplace to chase headlines simply because they can’t attract viewers.”
Newsmax has fired back with a statement of its own. In a statement provided to Barrett Media, a network spokesperson shot back at Fox News.
“If Newsmax was such a ratings failure, why has FOX spent so much time, energy, and resources to suppress us, block us, and denigrate us?” a network spokesperson shared. “The answer is obvious. Also please note that FOX in its statement does not deny any of our serious allegations.”
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HOT 97 recently unveiled a revamped lineup, with TT Torez and DJ Enuff exiting the New York hip-hop station. Morning show host Ebro said he didn’t know anything about the changes until it was announced.
As part of the shuffle, his show — which includes Laura Stylez and Peter Rosenberg — will now air until 11 AM.
He shared that no one at the station ever spoke with him about extending the program until its new time.
“I’ve been telling y’all for months — years — that the new ownership of the big legend, HOT 97, didn’t give a damn about investing in this damn thing here,” Ebro said. “No new studios. Making cuts, cutting staff, cutting this, cutting that. Then I hear last Thursday, (Funkmaster) Flex started tweeting about his last show and that they keeping our show on till 11 o’clock. I didn’t get an email, a text, I didn’t get a heads up, I didn’t get a nothing.”
Ebro continued by noting that it’s his belief that it is only a matter of time until MediaCo, the station’s parent company, begins trimming the budget and staff of his show.
“They’re gonna start,” Ebro said of potential impending cuts. “This program right here, the amount of money they spend — which ain’t a lot, but it’s more than they spend on the rest of the radio station — when they get to cutting off fingers and toes up here? It’s gonna happen, bro. Don’t play with these people, man. Don’t play with these people if you worried about your mortgage and all of that.”
He concluded by taking a shot at colleague Funkmaster Flex, saying that the afternoon DJ “gonna do the song and dance” to keep management happy. He added that comments made by his co-worker are “music to the venture capitalist’s ear.”
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Vince Coglianese is on the move in Dallas, as he moves from WBAP to KLIF 570.
The Cumulus Media news/talk stations announced on Thursday that VINCE, the nationally syndicated Westwood One program, would move from the 11 AM-2 PM timeslot on WBAP to now air on KLIF 570 from 12-3 PM.
As Vince Coglianese moves, WBAP adds Markley, van Camp & Robbins in the 11 AM-2 PM window.
The other shows on each station remain unchanged. At WBAP, the long-running morning show featuring Hal Jay, Ernie Brown, and Carla Marion remains from 5-9 AM, followed by Casey Bartholomew from 9-11 AM. James Parker will stay in the 2-5 PM timeslot.
Meanwhile, at KLIF 570, the morning show featuring Clayton Neville and Sybil Summers remains in place. Following the local morning show, the station features a full nationally syndicated lineup with the likes of Brian Kilmeade, Coglianese, Sean Hannity, Jimmy Failla, Rich Valdes, and George Noory dotting the daily schedule.
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After four decades on Rochester radio, Alan “Brother Wease” Levin signed off Thursday, marking the end of an era for one of the market’s most recognizable personalities. The departure coincides with iHeartMedia’s decision to flip Hot Talk Radio 95.1 Honeoye Falls/Rochester to Rock 95.1.
Wease, 78, has been a fixture in Rochester since 1985 when he joined 96.5 WCMF. Over the years, his reach extended beyond the city, with stints on 92.9 WBUF Buffalo and a weekend show on WNEW New York.
Following a contract impasse, he exited WCMF in 2007 and joined iHeart’s 95.1 in late 2008. The station itself evolved multiple times before settling on the Hot Talk format in 2014, with Wease serving as a mainstay in mornings until 2023. Last fall, he shifted to a mid-morning slot.
Announcing his decision live on-air, Wease explained that he could not accept the options presented to him.
“What’s happening is, this is my last show. They gave me a couple good opportunities but I can’t go out that way,” he said. “I can’t be in the National Broadcast Hall of Fame…and see the headline in the trades tomorrow ‘Brother Wease To Host Weekend Morning Music Show.’ I can’t go out that way.”
Instead, Wease revealed he and his son Jake will launch a podcast in January 2026.
The launch of Rock 95.1 came just after noon Friday as iHeart is positioning the brand as “Rochester’s Real Rock,” with a core library featuring Metallica, Linkin Park, Disturbed, and Papa Roach.
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Jerry McKenna, a veteran programmer with deep ties to New England radio, is returning to Cape Cod to take the reins at GCJH Inc.’s Classic Hits outlet Cape Cod’s X. The station broadcasts on 1240 WGTX, FM translator 106.5 W268CP in West Yarmouth and 102.3 WGTX-FM in Truro, Massachusetts.
McKenna most recently served as program director of Atlanta’s Star 94. A post he held from 2019 until earlier this year. His move back to the Cape marks a return to familiar territory. Before heading south, he spent time as director of programming for Cape Cod Broadcasting, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s cluster.
WGTX owner and president Gary Hanna framed the hire as a strategic step in the station’s commitment to localism. “Adding Jerry McKenna to our team as program director is another great step towards our mission of bringing local communities together through our love of music,” Hanna said. “WGTX looks forward to building more excitement for our Cape Cod community.”
The Boston native brings a résumé stacked with big-market experience. He has served as music director at two of Boston’s iconic CHRs, Kiss 108 and 94.5 WZOU. He also programmed Providence’s Hot 106, Boston’s Star 93.7, 93.7 Mike-FM, and Mix 98.5. Beyond programming, McKenna worked as operations manager and program director for Cumulus Media Worcester. He also gained industry experience at Columbia and RCA Records.
In a statement, McKenna said the chance to return to Cape Cod was both personal and professional.
“Cape Cod’s X has a unique energy and connection with the community,” McKenna said. “I’m thrilled to help shape the sound of the station and continue its tradition of entertaining, engaging, and inspiring listeners every day.”
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Here we are entering the “Ber” months which usually includes many areas of the country starting to feel the “brr”!
Let’s take a look at music that should be on your radar for airplay consideration this week.
A no-brainer that is at the very least a moment record for Top 40/Hot AC.
Top 40 / HOT AC
Lady Gaga / “The Dead Dance” from the hugely popularWednesdaytv show on Netflix, which just released the 2nd part of season 2 which will feature an episode with Gaga in it!
Next up an artist who had one massive hit at the format several years ago. Get your ears on Maren Morris / “Too Good” it’s catchy and has a good hook.
ROCK
Moving on to the ROCK world for this week, for the “active” programmers get your ears on LYLVC / “Barely Human” it’s a hard drivin song with a good guitar riff.
In the “Alt” space this week, a very catchy song from Milky Chance / “Passion” grabbed my ear and should be on your radar.
AAA
From the AAA side of things, you should be listening if already not playing Alabama Shakes / “Another Life” which is getting airplay from heavyweights such as WXPN in Philadelphia, WFUV in New York and “The Spectrum” at SiriusXM.
COUNTRY
Let’s move on to the COUNTRY world this week, one that has been stuck in my head for a while now is Thomas Rhett ft. Jordan Davis / “Ain’t A Bad Life” which has a big believer at K102 in Minneapolis. This is a hit!
With over 7 million streams this week, I need to make another push for Shaboozey / Jelly Roll / “Amen” this is a solid hit and should have more radio love then is showing currently with strong love from 92.5 Kickin Country in Charleston, 101.7 The Bull in Boston and Y108 in Pittsburgh who are all very passionate supporters.
RHYTHMIC
The rhythmic space this week has a couple of gems. DJ Khaled w/ Post Malone/ “Brother w/ Youngboy Never Broke”.
DANCE
One from the DANCE space that caught my ear this week is Sidepiece / “Electric Bongo”.
There you have it, plenty of ear candy gems for you to digest this week.
