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MediaCo Promotes Brian Fisher to Chief Revenue Officer

BMM Staff
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MediaCo Promotes Brian Fisher to Chief Revenue Officer

MediaCo has promoted Brian Fisher to Chief Revenue Officer, effective immediately.

Fisher will oversee the revenue strategy for the company’s portfolio, encompassing national and local sales across linear, audio, digital, and event platforms.

“Brian has been at the center of our growth story,” said Albert Rodriguez, CEO of MediaCo. “In recent quarters, we’ve achieved record revenue, strengthened key partnerships, and entered new markets. We expect continued digital revenue momentum in the upcoming quarter, building on record results from Q2. Brian’s leadership positions us well as we pursue our next phase of expansion.”

Fisher previously served as Senior Vice President of Video Sales. Under his leadership, MediaCo’s digital revenue increased 345% in the first half of 2025, with digital now representing 33% of total advertising income.

Before joining MediaCo, he held leadership roles at Disney, Tribune, and McCann-Erickson. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Fisher is also recognized for his contributions to multicultural marketing.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such an exciting time for MediaCo,” Fisher said. “We have an incredible opportunity to build on our momentum, expand our offerings, and deliver even greater value to our partners and audiences.”

MediaCo owns the Don Cheto Radio Network and 16 radio stations, including New York outlets WBLS and Hot 97 WQHT. The company also operates two digital Hispanic signals in New York and earlier this year acquired 12 stations from Estrella Media in an all-stock transaction.

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.

WRUF Announces Programming Changes With New Weekday Lineup

BSM Staff
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WRUF Announces Programming Changes With New Weekday Lineup

Sports fans across North Central Florida will soon have more reasons to tune in, as WRUF Radio brings local programming back to weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., starting today. The revamped lineup features the return of longtime voice Steve Russell, new local shows, and the continued role of WRUF as the flagship station for Florida Gators athletics and NFL coverage.

“WRUF has been a part of the University of Florida since 1928, serving the Gator Nation and providing UF students with incredible professional experiences in the broadcast industry,” said Randy Wright, executive director of Media Properties at the UF College of Journalism and Communications. “We’re excited to open this new chapter in WRUF’s history with a brand-new lineup of live, locally produced sports programming.”

The new weekday schedule begins with nationally syndicated programs, including Unsportsmanlike from ESPN Radio from 6-9 a.m. and The Dan Patrick Show on FOX Sports Radio from 9 a.m. to noon. Local programming picks up at noon with SportScene with Steve Russell, followed by Sports Lab with Kevin Winter from 2-4 p.m., featuring a rotation of students enrolled in UF’s Sports Lab class.

The afternoon concludes with The Tailgate with Jeff Cardozo and Pat Dooley from 4-6 p.m.

“We’re also proud to welcome former ESPN national talent Kevin Winter to the airwaves, where he’ll be joined by top UF CJC students from 2-4 p.m,” said Wright. “Listeners can look forward to even more Gator-focused content from the only radio station that has always been home to the Florida Gators.”

Winter joined WRUF in July after spending 21 years with ESPN in several roles with the radio network. He first joined ESPN in 2004 as an ESPN Radio SportsCenter anchor and served as a studio host for MLB, NBA, NFL, college football, and college basketball. Additionally, he called college football play-by-play for ESPN Radio.

In addition, WRUF will adjust the broadcast time of Southern Sports Today with Chuck Oliver, airing 6-8 p.m. The station also maintains weekly highlights, including Coach Billy Napier’s press conference Mondays at 11:30 a.m., Inside the Huddle airing Tuesdays at noon featuring Russell alongside Coach Steve Spurrier and former Gator QB Shane Matthews. This Week in Gator Sports airs Thursdays from 2-3 p.m., and a new edition of Gator Talk with Head Coach Napier and Sean Kelley debuts Thursday evenings beginning Aug. 21.

WRUF continues its commitment to comprehensive coverage of Florida Gators athletics, including football, men’s basketball, baseball, women’s volleyball, soccer, basketball, and men’s soccer and lacrosse. In addition to collegiate sports, the station broadcasts Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and NFL coverage, including Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, select Sunday matchups, and college football beginning Aug. 23.

The expanded lineup reflects WRUF’s dual mission of delivering local sports content and offering professional learning opportunities for UF students.

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.

News Media Reacts to MSNBC Rebranding to MS NOW

BNM Staff
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News Media Reacts to MSNBC Rebranding to MS NOW

On Monday morning, MSNBC announced a rebrand, noting that it will transition to MS NOW by the end of the calendar year.

The MS NOW brand is an acronym standing for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.”

The rebrand comes as NBCUniversal and the new Versant cable company — spun off by the conglomerate — attempt to create a distinction between the two entities.

Previously, MSNBC had shared that it planned to keep the name it has featured for nearly 30 years. However, in a memo to staffers on Monday morning, Versant CEO Mark Lazarus stated that the previous branding of MSNBC was essentially reclaimed by NBCUniversal as the two companies prepare to split.

“The peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family,” Lazarus shared. “This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin.”

After the announcement was made both on the air and online Monday morning, many took to social media to lambast the new brand. Few had good things to say about the rebrand, with some mocking the name and others dissecting potential problems with the logo.

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.

Q105 Becomes New Radio Flagship for University of South Florida Football

BSM Staff
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Q105 Becomes New Radio Flagship for University of South Florida Football

University of South Florida Athletics and Beasley Media Group have announced a landmark radio partnership set to debut with the 2025-26 USF Athletics season, featuring extensive coverage of Bulls football and basketball across the Tampa Bay region. Under the multi-year agreement, iconic Q105 will serve as the flagship station for USF Football, delivering live game coverage, pregame and postgame shows, and exclusive interviews to fans across the Bay area.

The collaboration also introduces the first-ever Spanish-language broadcast of Bulls football on Playa 106.9 FM in the 2026 season, with select games potentially airing during the 2025 campaign.

“This exciting partnership with Beasley Media Group achieves both—introducing a groundbreaking Spanish-language broadcast and leveraging one of the Bay area’s most powerful, legacy FM signals to bring Bulls football to fans across the region,” said USF Interim Vice President of Athletics Jay Stroman. “As we enter a new era of college athletics, the University of South Florida is committed to expanding our reach and deepening our connection with Bulls fans.”

USF Athletics will feature a returning broadcast team led by Jim Louk, who enters his 29th season as the “Voice of the Bulls.” He will be joined by former USF and Green Bay Packers linebacker Sam Barrington as analyst, USF Athletics Senior Writer Joey Johnston on the sidelines, and veteran engineer Brett Holcomb.

Ron deCastro, Tampa Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group, emphasized the community focus of the agreement. “This partnership is about more than just game coverage—it’s about connecting with fans, celebrating school pride, and expanding USF’s reach across our diverse community, including through the historic launch of Spanish-language broadcasts on Playa 106.9,” he said.

Additional coverage will include longtime Bulls basketball voices, with Jim Lighthall calling men’s basketball alongside Johnston, while Darek Sharp returns as the voice of women’s basketball, joined by former Bulls standout Brigid Merenda for home games. Sharp, Johnston, and Bulls Insider Caylee Cottrell will also host BullsEye: The USF Coaches Show, featuring weekly conversations with Head Coach Alex Golesh and student-athletes, available on YouTube, Bulls Unlimited, podcasts, and 1010 AM.

The USF Football Pregame Show will maintain its two-hour format, with the first hour available on Bulls Unlimited and streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple, and Amazon, while the second hour and a 30-minute postgame show will air on Q105 FM.

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.

Craig Hoffman Leaves The Team 980 for Role With Washington Wizards, Mystics

BSM Staff
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Craig Hoffman Leaves The Team 980 for Role With Washington Wizards, Mystics

Craig Hoffman, a familiar voice on Washington sports radio for nearly a decade, is leaving The Team 980 to take on a front-office role with Monumental Basketball, the organization that oversees the NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

Hoffman has been named Senior Director of Basketball Identity & Integration, a role that will have him working directly with team ownership, including Ted and Zachary Leonsis, to shape the culture and brand identity of both franchises. The announcement came last week, with Hoffman describing the move as “bittersweet” after 15 years in radio and media.

“Radio has been my home since I was a freshman in college, and for the last decade that home has been at Audacy,” Hoffman wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m incredibly grateful for the colleagues, listeners, and mentors who made this journey so rewarding — you’ve challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow in ways I never imagined when I first picked up a microphone.”

Hoffman returned to WTEM in June 2022 to host the afternoon drive show from 4 to 7 p.m., after previously working at the station during its Red Zebra Broadcasting era in 2015-16. His Washington career also included six years at sister station 106.7 The Fan, covering the Washington Commanders as a beat reporter, pre- and post-game host, and evening/weekend talent.

He began in Lawrence, Kansas, at KLWN before moving to ESPN-owned KESN in Dallas.

In his new position, Hoffman will collaborate with Monumental Basketball leadership on fan engagement, brand strategy, and the long-term vision for both the Wizards and Mystics. He noted that WTEM’s partnership with Monumental ensures that he maintains a connection to the station and the local sports media scene.

“To Monumental Basketball — and specifically Ted Leonsis and Zachary Leonsis — thank you for trusting me with this opportunity,” Hoffman wrote. “I can’t wait to do my part in helping shape the future of these teams and contribute to the incredible culture already being built.”

With Hoffman stepping away, WTEM is expected to adjust its afternoon lineup in the coming weeks, marking a significant shift for a station that has long been a cornerstone of Washington sports talk.

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.

Newsmax Settles Lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $67 Million

BNM Staff
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Newsmax Settles Lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $67 Million

After several years of litigation, Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems have reached a settlement in a lawsuit about statements aired on the network in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

In August 2021, Dominion Voting Systems launched a lawsuit claiming that Newsmax knowingly and maliciously aired lies about the validity of the 2020 presidential election, with guests, contributors, and on-air personalities stating that the election machine company was involved in a conspiracy to ensure President Donald Trump did not win the election.

On Monday, it was revealed that Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems had agreed to a $67 million settlement. That settlement comes on the heels of the verdict provided earlier this year in a Delaware court that a judge ruled the network did air defamatory statements about Dominion after the 2020 election.

As part of the settlement, Newsmax agreed to pay in three separate installments. The first installment — $27 million — was due last week, while $20 million will be paid on or before January 15, 2026, and another $20 million will be paid on or before January 15, 2027.

In a statement, Dominion said, “We are pleased to have settled this matter.”

A Newsmax spokesperson told Barrett Media that the network will not be required to provide an on-air apology, retraction, or acknowledgment of its claims made about the company as part of the settlement.

“Newsmax believed it was critically important for the American people to hear both sides of the election disputes that arose in 2020,” the company said in its statement. “We stand by our coverage as fair, balanced, and conducted within professional standards of journalism.”

It added that it viewed the rulings by Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis as “strongly” favoring Dominion and that it “limited Newsmax’s ability to defend itself.”

“The Delaware Court under Judge Davis effectively enforced a confiscation of our property because our reporting was not always sympathetic to Joe Biden,” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said. “The actions taken against Newsmax, and earlier against Fox News, represent a direct attack on free speech and a free press.”

The $67 million settlement comes after Newsmax reached a similar agreement with election machine company Smartmatic earlier this year for $40 million.

It is not the first time Dominion has reached a settlement with a cable news company. In 2023, Fox News and the election machine company agreed to a settlement moments before the lawsuit was set to begin trial. Fox News settled the case for $787.5 million.

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.

Justin Johnson to lead programming at Baltimore’s 98 Rock

BMM Staff
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Justin Johnson to lead programming at Baltimore’s 98 Rock

98 Rock WIYY-FM in Baltimore has named Justin Johnson as its next Program Director. He will assume the role on September 1st, following the retirement of longtime PD Rick Strauss.

Johnson has served as Assistant Program Director at 98 Rock since 2023. Before joining the station, he served as Program Director at iHeartMedia’s WEBN in Cincinnati from 2019 to 2023, where he also oversaw branding for iHeart’s national Rock platform.

In his new role, Johnson will oversee all programming for 98 Rock, including mornings with “Justin, Scott, and Spiegel,” middays with Amelia, the 40-minute rock block, and afternoons with Kirk and Marianne. He will also manage content tied to the station’s partnerships with the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles.

98 Rock President & General Manager Dan Joerres said, “Justin is the ideal successor to Rick Strauss. His extensive multi-market experience, combined with his deep understanding of our brand and audience, positions him perfectly to build on 98 Rock’s legacy of entertaining Baltimore for years to come.”

Johnson added, “Leading the programming efforts at 98 Rock is an incredible honor and a dream come true. It is a brand deeply trusted and respected by its loyal listeners and the radio industry. With its remarkable legacy, alongside exclusive partnerships with the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles, I am thrilled to lead this exceptionally talented team as we further elevate 98 Rock’s iconic 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.

MSNBC to Rebrand to MS NOW As Part of Spinoff From NBCUniversal

BNM Staff
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MSNBC to Rebrand to MS NOW As Part of Spinoff From NBCUniversal

MSNBC is set to undergo a rebrand to MS NOW as the network is spun off from longtime parent company Comcast and the NBCUniversal brand.

The MS NOW brand is an acronym standing for “My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.”

The rebrand comes as NBCUniversal and the new Versant cable company — spun off by the conglomerate — attempt to create a distinction between the two entities.

Previously, MSNBC had shared that it planned to keep the name it has featured for nearly 30 years. However, in a memo to staffers on Monday morning, Versant CEO Mark Lazarus stated that the previous branding of MSNBC was essentially reclaimed by NBCUniversal as the two companies prepare to split.

“The peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family,” Lazarus shared. “This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin.”

The rebrand is the latest in a long line of moves made by the former MSNBC in recent months. Earlier this year, Rebecca Kutler was tabbed to replace Rashida Jones as the president of the network. That move led to a shuffle of the network’s primetime programming, including the high-profile ouster of longtime host Joy Reid.

“During this time of transition, NBCUniversal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity,” Kutler added in a memo. “This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering operation,” Kutler said in a memo. “The future of our success is not tied to remaining within the NBC family and using the peacock as part of our identity.”

Since the announcement that NBCUniversal would put its cable assets into a separate company, MSNBC — now MS NOW — has worked diligently to build out its infrastructure, including both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. The rebrand is the next iteration of that build-out, the network says.

No firm timetable for when the brand switch will officially take place was given by the network. It only shared that the transition would take place “by the end of the year.”

In the meantime, due to contractual obligations, CNBC will remain with its current and longtime branding, and will not feature a shift similar to that of MSNBC. The peacock logo, however, will be removed from the CNBC logo.

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.

TripleMania XXXIII YouTube Viewership Sets Records

BSM Staff
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TripleMania XXXIII YouTube Viewership Sets Records

TripleMania XXXIII, the signature annual event for Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA, has officially gone down as the most-viewed and highest-grossing show in the company’s history. The marquee event, which took place this past Saturday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, reached new heights both in the arena and online streaming on YouTube.

Streamed globally on WWE and AAA’s YouTube channels with broadcasts available in both Spanish and English, the show drew more than 4.1 million viewers in its first 24 hours. The live stream also peaked with a concurrent audience of 614,000, a milestone figure for lucha libre’s global reach.

Inside the arena, 19,691 fans packed the venue, marking the highest attendance for any lucha libre show in Mexico this year. That number also set AAA’s all-time gate record. On top of ticket sales, the promotion reported the largest merchandise haul in its history, making the 2025 edition of TripleMania a full-scale business success.

Momentum carried over to digital platforms as well. On X, #TripleMania became the No. 1 trending topic in both the United States and Mexico Saturday night. Meanwhile, AAA and WWE’s official social media channels generated a staggering 208 million views around the event, underscoring the appetite for lucha libre among international audiences.

The in-ring action delivered marquee moments that matched the event’s business performance. El Hijo del Vikingo retained the AAA Mega Championship by defeating Dragon Lee, Dominik Mysterio, and El Grande Americano in a high-profile main event. Pagano and Psycho Clown claimed the AAA Tag Team Championships by overcoming Angel and Berto, while El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. captured the Latin American Championship with a win over El Mesias.

For AAA, the event not only reinforced its place as Mexico’s leading lucha libre organization but also highlighted the new partnership with WWE. Earlier this year, WWE completed its acquisition of AAA in collaboration with a Mexico-based sports and entertainment holding company. The move was widely viewed as a strategic effort to expand WWE’s footprint in Latin America and tap into lucha libre’s passionate fan base.

TripleMania XXXIII’s record-breaking performance offers a glimpse of the combined potential between the two organizations. WWE has consistently sought international growth opportunities, and aligning with AAA provides immediate access to one of the most loyal fan cultures in professional wrestling.

Rich Eisen Makes Return to SportsCenter Tonight

BSM Staff
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Rich Eisen Makes Return to SportsCenter Tonight

For the first time in more than two decades, Emmy-nominated sportscaster Rich Eisen will return to the SportsCenter desk. Eisen is set to anchor the 11 p.m. ET edition of the show on Monday, Aug. 18, from ESPN’s Los Angeles studio.

The one-night return comes as part of a larger reconnection between Eisen and ESPN. His appearance precedes the Sept. 2 debut of The Rich Eisen Show on Disney and ESPN platforms, which was first announced in May.

As is customary for SportsCenter, the edition led by Eisen will feature highlights, interviews, and in-depth analysis, with a special emphasis on previewing the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Joining Eisen in studio will be ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes, who continues to be one of the network’s most prominent voices in football coverage.

Earlier that evening, ESPN will showcase Monday Night Football preseason coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals facing the Washington Commanders. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be on the call alongside reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge. Ahead of kickoff, Monday Night Countdown will be hosted by Scott Van Pelt with Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Jason Kelce, and Adam Schefter. The pregame show will also feature an interview between Van Pelt and Washington head coach Dan Quinn.

Eisen’s return marks a full-circle moment in his broadcasting career. He first joined ESPN in 1996 and became one of SportsCenter’s most recognizable anchors during his seven-year tenure. In addition to his regular SportsCenter duties, Eisen was part of coverage for some of the network’s most prominent events before departing in 2003.

While Eisen is once again part of ESPN’s programming strategy, his new agreement is not exclusive. He will continue his long-running role with NFL Network, where he has been a staple of the league’s coverage since its launch in 2003. The new deal, however, allows him to appear across a variety of ESPN studio shows beyond his daily program.

Eisen’s radio program, which is currently distributed by Westwood One and also airing on SiriusXM, will stream live on Disney+ and ESPN+ beginning this fall as ESPN announced the launch of its first direct-to-consumer offering in May called ESPN. Barrett Media reported that The Rich Eisen Show will continue to be distributed through Westwood One through the end of 2025 while the program airs on ESPN Radio beginning on September 2.

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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