Changes are afoot at news/talk radio stations 1240 KDGO in Durango, Colorado, and at 1390 KENN in Farmington, New Mexico. The two stations will launch a simulcast next month.
Beginning on Monday, September 1st, the same lineup will be heard on both stations, situated roughly 50 miles apart. The lineup will consist mostly of nationally syndicated shows from Premiere Networks, including The Glenn Beck Program, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, The Sean Hannity Show, and Coast to Coast AM. Also, The Mark Levin Show from Westwood One will air on the two stations.
“By combining our resources, KENN and KDGO can better serve our audiences with a robust and diverse range of programming,” said Hutton Broadcasting owner and General Manager Scott Hutton. “We’re excited to bring the best of both stations to the entire Four Corners area.”
In addition to the AM signals, 140 KDOG is heard on an FM translator at 98.3, while 1390 KENN is heard on 92.1 FM.
“It’s important to us that we maintain the localism with trusted local elements, including daily regional news and weather updates,” said Director of Operations and Program Director for the two stations, Kelly Turner.
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Cumulus Media has named Brian Sines as Vice President/Market Manager for its Des Moines Cluster. He joins from Steel City Media in Kansas City, where he served as Senior Marketing Consultant.
Mark Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Cumulus Media, said, “Brian Sines has a strong track record of success in every market that he has managed across his 20+ year media career. I am happy to have the opportunity to work alongside Brian and our team in Des Moines and look forward to many shared successes.”
Sines added, “I am excited to be returning to my home state of Iowa and joining Cumulus’ market-leading media group in Des Moines. With an experienced team that super-serves our clients, listeners, and community every day, there’s no end to what we can achieve together with these great local radio brands.”
The Cumulus Des Moines cluster includes Classic Rock 95 KGGO, Country NASH FM 97.3 KHKI, Classic Country 92.5 KJJY and Top 40 98.3 The Vibe KWQW.
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Veteran sports journalist Dan Wolken has joined Yahoo Sports as a college sports columnist, the company announced Wednesday. Wolken will cover major stories in the evolving landscape of college athletics while also contributing coverage of other sports, including tennis and the Olympics.
Wolken arrives at Yahoo Sports after more than 13 years at USA TODAY. He reported on college sports, the NBA, the Olympics, tennis, and horse racing for the publication. During his tenure, his work earned multiple accolades from the Associated Press Sports Editors, highlighting his reputation for in-depth reporting and insightful analysis.
Wolken is expected to provide commentary and reporting on high-profile issues for Yahoo Sports. Topics that are shaping college athletics, from conference realignment to NIL developments, while also exploring stories across a wide range of sports, including tennis and the Olympics.
“So excited to join this fantastic team that I’ve admired from afar for many years. Let’s go!,” Wolken wrote on X.
The move underscores Yahoo Sports’ ongoing investment in expanding its college sports coverage. With the transfer portal, name, image, and likeness agreements, and conference shifts dominating headlines, experienced voices like Wolken’s are increasingly in demand.
While writing for USA TODAY over more than a decade, Wolken became a familiar byline for USA Today readers, covering high-profile events, and broader issues in the industry with a mix of analysis, opinion, and reporting. His work includes covering college sports, the NBA, Olympics, tennis, and horse racing. Wolken has been recognized multiple times by the Associated Press Sports Editors.
Wolken announced his depature from USA TODAY earlier this month in a post on his X account.
Prior to USA TODAY, Wolken’s work appeared on FOX Sports and in TheCommercial Appeal. He primarily wrote about the Memphis Tigers’ basketball program during its rise to the Final Four under John Calipari. A 2001 graduate of Vanderbilt University, Wolken started his career at Colorado Springs’s The Gazette
Wolken’s first columns for Yahoo Sports are expected to appear in the very near future.
So excited to join this fantastic team that I’ve admired from afar for many years. Let’s go!!! https://t.co/mrWS2DxOsL
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Cumulus Media has promoted three team members at W4 Country WWWW Ann Arbor, MI.
Brian Welch has been upped to Program Director. He will still host mornings with his wife, Madison Rally, as “Rally & Welch.”
Brian Welch Photo Courtesy Cumulus Media
Welch said, “The hallmark of W4 Country has always been community involvement, and that won’t change as long as I have a say. Our lineup also brings consistency; while the schedule has changed, we’ve all been a part of this station and our listeners’ lives for years. W4 Country is a family, and I’m honored to be leading it.”
Matt Missler will take over afternoons. He has been with the cluster since 2013, serving in various positions, including overseeing digital content.
Matt Missler Photo Courtesy Cumulus Media
Derek Laughlin is promoted to full-time producer after nearly four years as a part-time Promotions Assistant for the station.
Derek Laughlin Photo Courtesy Cumulus Media
Steve Finateri, Regional Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit and Ann Arbor, said: “These promotions reflect the incredible talent and dedication of our W4 Country team. Brian Welch’s elevation to Program Director is especially exciting—his deep roots in the community, creative vision, and years of on-air experience make him the ideal leader to guide the station’s next chapter. Alongside Matt and Derek’s new roles, we’re confident these moves will position us to deliver even more engaging, local content to our listeners and greater value to our advertisers.”
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VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, is expanding its programming lineup heading into the 2025 NFL season, adding hours of live content and bringing back some of its most popular shows and personalities. The revamped schedule launches this week to the network’s largest potential audience since its founding.
“With more viewers and listeners than we’ve ever had going into football season, we’re thrilled to launch VSiN’s new programming lineup as an answer to fans asking for more of the quality programming they want and need to inform their wagering and fantasy decisions,” said Steve Cohen, EVP of Talent and Programming at VSiN.
Among the most notable changes is an expanded role for Gill Alexander’s A Numbers Game. The longest-running program on the network now airs an additional hour each weekday, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alexander, along with producer Kelley Bydlon and a rotating group of expert guests, will continue to dissect the numbers behind gambling while applying advanced metrics to handicapping.
Another major addition is the introduction of VSiN’s Pro Football Tailgate Show on Sundays, anchored by Follow the Money hosts Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard. The pair will host live NFL pregame coverage from 9 a.m. to noon ET, joined regularly by analytics expert Warren Sharp and props analyst John Hansen.
Hansen, nicknamed “The Guru,” is also taking on weekday duties with the launch of Prop Points. Airing from 1 to 2 p.m. ET, the program brings Hansen’s decades of fantasy sports expertise to the daily lineup. His career includes early work with ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, NFL.com, and DirecTV’s Fantasy Zone channel.
“As our competitors across all media continue to pull back and even disappear, it’s that continued commitment to content that sets VSiN apart and fuels our continued growth,” said Cohen.
Other highlights of the new schedule include the return of Matt Youmans’ Circa Friday Football Invitational. Now in its third season, the program expands to three hours and features 25 pro bettors competing in a pick’em contest with $30,000 in prizes on the line.
Late-night programming also gets a refresh with Dustin Swedelson permanently anchoring Cashing Out. The three-hour nightly show runs from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET, offering recaps of the day’s biggest bets while setting the stage for the next slate of action.
VSiN is also extending its footprint beyond Las Vegas. VSiN by the Books will now originate from Circa Sports’ new retail sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs, giving the network a presence inside Kentucky’s largest sportsbook. In addition, weekend programming will begin an hour earlier starting Aug. 30, with Saturday shows kicking off at 9 a.m. ET.
Broadcasting 24/7 from Las Vegas, VSiN says the expanded lineup reflects its ongoing investment in sports betting content with more than 18 hours of live programming daily, the network is betting big that football season will continue to fuel its growth.
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Michelle Wolfe is stepping down as PD and morning host at AAA The Moose 94.7, Bozeman, MT, after 30 years with the station.
Posting on the station website, Wolfe wrote, “After 30 incredible years behind the mic, it’s time for me to step away from my daily post here at 94.7 The MOOSE and Mooseradio.com.”
Adding, “When I first knocked on the station windows three decades ago, I had no idea what was ahead. I was just a kid with a passion for music, media, stories, and connection. What I found was so much more: a job that welcomed me, a town that embraced me, an industry that shaped me, and a loyal audience that made every early morning or late-night shift worth it.
Wolfe indicated that her working days are not over, and she will be involved in some new opportunities.
“This isn’t goodbye to working life—not by a long shot. I’m excited to explore some new creative projects, maybe do some writing, and yes, probably still pop up behind a mic now and then in some form. Broadcasting and writing will always be part of who I am.
Her last day is Friday. (9/29)
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Sammy Simpson has signed on as Program Director of Variety Hits 96.1 BBB WBBB Raleigh.
Simpson said, “I’m honored to join WBBB and help write the next chapter of this legendary station’s story. The Triangle area is one of the most vibrant, creative, and competitive markets in the country. Our mission will be to make WBBB a station people don’t just listen to, but feel a part of, a place where the music, personalities, and community come together in a way that feels alive, authentic, and unforgettable.”
Curtis Media Group EVP Jonathan Brewster added, “We are very pleased to welcome Sammy back to the Triangle area. I am positive he will lift WBBB to a whole new level, building on its legacy and community connections.”
It’s Simpson’s second tour of duty in the market, having previously served as Brand Manager for Capitol Broadcasting.
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North Carolina football is taking center stage this fall with a new season-long documentary series, headlined by Bill Belichick’s transition into the college game. The program will stream on Disney-owned Hulu and is being produced by EverWonder Studio, the school announced Sunday.
In a video shared on the Tar Heels’ social media accounts, Belichick addressed his players with the news and explained the project’s direction.
“I know that you guys heard there was a lot of interest in doing a, let’s call it, season-long documentary or season-long show about North Carolina football,” Belichick said. “I’m excited to share with you that we will be doing that.”
Belichick owns eight Super Bowl rings and spent more than two decades leading the New England Patriots. He emphasized that the series will showcase the team collectively rather than just his arrival in Chapel Hill.
“This is about the UNC football program,” Belichick said. “There’s obviously a lot of interest in it… it’s going to feature the players working hard, like you guys do. It’s about the players improving.”
Still, the spotlight is expected to follow Belichick closely. The series showcases one of the NFL’s most accomplished figures navigates an entirely new chapter in the college ranks.
The announcement comes months after plans for an HBO “Hard Knocks” miniseries featuring Belichick and North Carolina had collapsed late in negotiations. NFL Films had prepared press materials and considered the deal finalized before Belichick pulled out in March.
Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, hinted at the Hulu project the night before the official announcement on Tar Heel football social media. In an Instagram post Saturday, she shared a photo showing her blowing a kiss to Belichick with Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” playing in the background. On Sunday afternoon, Hudson updated the post to tag Hulu, Disney Plus, and EverWonder Studio.
For Hulu, the series represents another significant sports addition to its streaming library. North Carolina opens its season Sept. 1 in a primetime ESPN matchup against TCU at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. The 8 p.m. kickoff will mark the beginning of Belichick’s debut season with the Tar Heels — and the opening chapter of Hulu’s newest behind-the-scenes football venture.
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Former ESPN SportsCenter anchors Stan Verrett and Neil Everett are teaming up again, this time on Twitch. The duo will launch a new program September 9, marking their first project together since leaving ESPN.
The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, who wrote, “Stan Verrett & Neil Everett are starting their own show on Twitch. It will be on Tuesdays and Fridays. They will talk sports, have guests, looser format than SportsCenter.”
Verrett quickly confirmed the announcement on X, explaining how the changing sports media landscape influenced his decision.
“When I made the decision to remain in LA, one of the things I said was that the business is changing and that I had to change with it,” Verrett posted. “Owning our content was the biggest change. Could not be more excited to be reunited with Neil and build our show together. Join us!”
He followed that up by adding more details about distribution. “Show starts on Twitch, live. It will be available same day on YouTube and other platforms. Debuts September 9th. Stan And Neil Show on all platforms,” Verrett wrote.
The project reunites one of ESPN’s most memorable anchor teams from their Los Angeles based complex. Everett, who left the network in 2023, and Verrett, whose tenure ended earlier this year, built a loyal following with their late-night editions of SportsCenter. Known for their chemistry, humor, and relaxed approach to highlights, the pair offered a style that resonated with fans even as highlight shows faced increased competition from social media.
Everett appeared earlier this year on the debut episode of Sports Media with a Human Touch podcast hosted by Bryan Fenley. He spoke candidly about the deep personal and professional bond he shared with Verrett during their run together at SportsCenter’s Los Angeles studio. When asked about Verrett’s emotional tribute following Everett’s departure from ESPN in 2023, the veteran broadcaster didn’t hesitate to return the sentiment.
“I’m glad he feels that way because I feel that way about him,” Everett said. “I’d be bummed if he felt any differently. You don’t walk beside a man as long as we did without getting a feel for him one way or another—and I love the guy.”
Verrett, a longtime anchor for SportsCenter on ESPN, did not have his contract with ESPN renewed by the network and departed when ESPN closed Los Angeles based episodes of SportsCenter. He joined ESPN in 2000 anchoring on ESPNEWS, had been hosting the Los Angeles-based edition of SportsCenter alongside Neil Everett for 14 years.
By shifting to Twitch, Verrett and Everett are entering a new era of sports broadcasting. The Amazon-owned platform has historically been dominated by gaming content but has steadily expanded into live sports, talk shows, and alternative programming.
The show’s twice-weekly schedule, combined with its looser style, appears designed to capitalize on that flexibility. While SportsCenter followed a strict rundown of highlights, analysis, and features, the Twitch show will allow Verrett and Everett to mix in guests, broader conversations, and direct fan engagement.
Show starts on Twitch, live. It will be available same day on YouTube and other platforms. Debuts September 9th. @stanandneilshow on all platforms.
When I made the decision to remain in LA, one of the things I said was that the business is changing and that I had to change with it. Owning our content was the biggest change. Could not be more excited to be reunited with Neil and build our show together. Join us!
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It is getting real. The full schedule for the 2025 BNM Summit is now posted on BNMSummit.com. Scroll down past the speakers and you’ll see what is planned for next week’s show. I do have one session to finalize as a result of a necessary change. I’ll have that resolved no later than tomorrow COB. I’m especially excited to see more market managers and program directors attending this year’s show. If you work in news media and want to join us, visit BNMSummit.com for tickets. They will be available until Monday September 1st.
Once we’re within two weeks of a Summit, I have to tune out the outside world. Between releasing the schedule, finalizing sponsorships, designing our program and on-screen visual presentations, producing the awards and open videos, listening and watching content to prepare for conversations, and handling last minute stuff that pops up, there’s no room to breathe let alone sleep. This year, we have a 10-year anniversary party too so it’s an even heavier lift. I care about delivering a valuable experience for those in attendance. If I’ve been slow to respond to texts, emails or calls, this is why. I’m sure you understand.
Emails are being sent to speakers/groups today and tomorrow so everyone has time to connect. Some shows post their agenda months in advance and give speakers a heads up on participants, times, and even topics or questions. I don’t do that. Too much changes in the world leading up to events. Case in point, the Cracker Barrell mess last week. I want the content to be current, and folks to offer honest, candid, and fresh ideas and opinions not rehearsed talking points. Our industry needs open minds and real discussion if it wants to grow. As long as folks know Day 1 is from 9a-5p and Day 2 is from 10a-12:30p, they’ll be fine. A strong show matters more than advanced planning.
I’d like to thank the Broadcasters Foundation of America for supporting the BNM Summit After Party. I’m looking forward to having Tim McCarthy and BFOA involved as our partner of the event. The party will take place at the Park Central Hotel from 6p-730p following Day 1. Another thank you as well to Mr. Master for signing on as a conference partner. 14 companies are now involved in this year’s show. We couldn’t deliver the event without their help.
In addition to building the Summit, I’m equally locked in on planning The Barrett Bash. Today, we have a few awesome announcements to make. A quick reminder first, if you’ve been sent an invitation and haven’t RSVP’d, please do so. Deadline to register is Tuesday September 2nd. We will not accept walk ups or day of registrations. If you didn’t get an invite, you can still get in by buying a ticket to the BNM Summit.
I want to thank Premiere Networks for serving as the presenting sponsor of The Barrett Bash. We have been fortunate to work with Premiere for years. Not only do they feature and distribute some of the best talent and content in all of radio, but their leadership team is comprised of first-class people. Stephanie Eads and I appreciate Julie Talbott, Peter Trippi, Hosea Belcher and the entire team being a big part of our 10-year journey. We look forward to celebrating together in NYC next week.
Now for some other exciting news. I am thrilled to share that WWE superstars Chelsea Green and Maxxine Dupri will join us at The Barrett Bash. My thanks to the WWE for their continued support of our brand. Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Chris Legentil, Lee Fitting and Steve Braband do awesome work, and I’m proud to have them involved in our 10-year anniversary party. Chelsea and Maxxine will be on hand for a few hours taking photos, and chopping it up with guests. My thanks to both for making the trip to NYC to be part of our bash.
In addition, folks in the room are in for a treat when recording artist Twinnie takes the stage. She is flying up from Nashville to join us and will play sometime around 7pm. Her new single ‘Back to Jack‘ is very catchy and I’m excited for folks to have an opportunity to hear her. If you’re not familiar with her music, check her out. She’s excellent. My thanks to Twinnie for performing, and to Mike McVay and James Brennan for their help putting it together.
The list of people attending the Bash is extensive. I won’t list everyone since it’s a long list but I am looking forward to meeting new Audacy CEO Kelli Turner. Kelli will be there with Chris Oliviero, and Jeff Sottolano. Scott Sutherland, Erik Hellum, Mike Hulvey, Julie Talbott, Greg Strassell, Courtney Hirsch, Cameron Hendrix, Steve Newberry, Kevin Lopes, and Liz Alesse will also be in the room.
Among the talent registered are Angela Yee, Danny Parkins, Erick Erickson, Joy Taylor, Jim Kerr, Maggie Gray, Mark Simone, Damon Amendolara, Rich Shertenlieb, Freddie Coleman, Andrew Perloff, Tom and Deneen Borelli, and more. We also have well known agents, advertising and tech professionals, Fox News TV hosts, market managers, and program directors Skip Dillard, John Foxx, Steve Cohen, Justin Craig, Terrie Carr, Ann Thomas, Drew Anderssen, Pete Mundo, and Mark Chernoff attending among others.
I decided not to add a host since this is more about celebrating, networking, and having fun. There will be a few stage toasts made during the event. I’m keeping it to a small group of industry friends, partners, and staff. Stephanie Eads and I will also say a few words at some point. The event runs 5p-8p on Thursday September 4th at 1604 Broadway in NYC. You can not gain entry without being on the RSVP list.
My thanks to Red Apple Media for serving as our Red Carpet sponsor at the Bash. Expect to see a lot of photos at the Bash taken in front of the WABC Radio backdrop. I also want to thank Core Image Studio for being our badge sponsor. Check out Justin Dove’s exceptional imaging work if you haven’t yet done so.
ESPN Experiences Growing Pains
When a new product launches, it’s not uncommon for a few things to need fixing. ESPN launched its DTC platform last week, and it included some cool new features (Verts is excellent) and a sharp layout. The shows/sports are what matters most, and ESPN will be fine in that department.
I was surprised when I went on to the app for the first time. The first thing I saw were PFL fights featured in the top position. I expected to see the most important content front and center. When I checked today, the top section was much better with the US Open in the top spot. Some customers also ran into issues with content being featured that they couldn’t stream. I’m sure improvements will be made so be patient. People like to declare things a success or failure far too quickly. That said, this an important product launch for the so getting it right is critical.
Unrelated to the app, ESPN has been in the news lately for things it shouldn’t. Monica McNutt’s blunder over not knowing Druski was wearing a Barry Sanders jersey created a social media firestorm two weeks ago. Then on Friday, an ESPN post on X highlighted icons in sports. The issue, more WNBA players were on the image than NFL players (only 2 MLB players too), and Scottie Scheffler was among those missing completely.
The post was taken down, and it is just a tweet and poorly thought out image, but mistakes like that shouldn’t happen. ESPN has been known for decades as a leader in the sports space. With that comes responsibility. Prioritizing personal tastes and/or partnerships over what fans know and value most is the wrong move. I’m sure the situation has forced folks internally to review their checks and balances for creation and scheduling. The blessing and curse of promoting content for a brand as strong as ESPN is that everyone pays attention. Here’s to hoping they don’t land in the same spot in the future.
The Pretty Reckless Return, Three Days Grace Drop New Album
Three Days Grace have officially released their new album, Alienation. The record features the return of original vocalist Adam Gonthier alongside current singer Matt Walst. As a whole, the band has never sounded better. The record features the hits ‘Mayday’, ‘Apologies’, ‘Kill Me Fast’, and ‘Dominate’ and others could earn future radio play too especially ‘Another Relapse’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home Tonight’. I’m looking forward to seeing 3DG live on September 10th in New Jersey along with Breaking Benjamin. It’ll be the fifth time I see them, and they never disappoint.
The new single from The Pretty Reckless ‘For I am Death’ is outstanding. Taylor Momsen crushes her vocal delivery, and Ben Phillips’ gritty guitar riff instantly pulls you in. I’m looking forward to hearing what else the group has in store for us in 2025-2026. The first impression was very strong.
A job well done by Electric Callboy. Their rendition of Sum 41’s ‘Still Waiting‘ is excellent.
Credit to Autumn Kings on their single ‘Hellbound‘ which also features Point North. Catchy tune.
Four new country tunes grabbed my attention this week. They are Dasha‘s ‘Like It Like That‘, Lakeview‘s ‘Name in a Song‘, Taylor Acorn‘s ‘Hangman‘, and Morgan Wallen and Shaboozey‘s ‘Drunk‘. Speaking of Wallen, whether you’re a New England Patriots fan or not, his walkouts this weekend with head coach Mike Vrabel and former tight end Rob Gronkowski were awesome.
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