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Salem Radio Network Refuses to Join TV Networks’ Trump White House Boycott

Garrett Searight
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Salem Radio Network Refuses to Join TV Networks’ Trump White House Boycott

The major television networks have suspended pooled White House coverage following Donald Trump’s ban on three news organizations. However, Salem Radio Network says it won’t participate in any protest or boycott of the administration.

What We Know: Earlier Monday, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, and Fox News announced they would suspend pooled coverage of President Donald Trump. The move followed Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. The networks said the television pool would stop covering presidential events, while other pool coverage would continue.

What They Said: “As longtime members of the White House Correspondents Association pool, SRN has notified the WHCA that our network will refuse to join this incredibly juvenile stunt, which is actually more like a RICO violation by mobsters than actions of legitimate American media. Access to the Oval Office and to the President of the United States’ pool events is a privilege, not a free pass to slant coverage against—or for—any occupant of the Presidency. With this action, the major networks have shown their bias, and petulance outweighs how they envision their responsibility to cover news under the First Amendment, for which they so quickly cry crocodile tears.” -Salem Radio Network Vice President of News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup

What Remains Unclear: The television networks haven’t indicated how long their suspension of presidential pool coverage will continue. Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking to restore their White House access.

What It Means: Salem Radio Network’s decision creates a distinction between the television networks’ collective action and the radio network’s approach. SRN says it will continue participating in the White House Correspondents Association pool rather than joining the television networks’ suspension.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Magellan AI Data Shows Top Podcast Advertisers Saw 9% Spending Increase During August

Garrett Searight
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Magellan AI Data Shows Top Podcast Advertisers Saw 9% Spending Increase During August

Magellan AI data shows podcast advertisers increased their combined spending 9.2% in August. The top 15 advertisers spent nearly $61.9 million during the month.

What We Know: Magellan AI reports the top 15 podcast advertisers increased their combined spending from $56.7 million in July to $61.9 million in August. That represents a 9.2% month-over-month increase. The growth follows a 6% decline from June to July, while spending remained flat from May to June. Quince led the group with more than $7.6 million spent on podcast advertising. Meanwhile, all of the top 10 advertisers increased their spending compared to July. Sports accounted for the largest share of top genres, with seven advertisers spending the most in the category. Five advertisers made comedy their largest category, while news accounted for the remaining three. The 15 advertisers combined for $61.9 million in August.

What The Numbers Show:

RankAdvertiserAugust SpendMonth-over-Month Spend ChangeTop Genre
1Quince$7,611,800🟢 ↑ IncreaseComedy
2Amazon$6,435,400🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
3BetterHelp$5,916,100🟢 ↑ IncreaseComedy
4T-Mobile$5,541,900🟢 ↑ IncreaseNews
5Toyota$5,437,800🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
6SimpliSafe$4,246,300🟢 ↑ IncreaseNews
7Progressive$3,813,300🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
8PepsiCo$3,741,600🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
9DraftKings$3,268,800🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
10Google$3,169,600🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports
11Shopify$2,959,100🔴 ↓ DecreaseNews
12Wayfair$2,783,000🔴 ↓ DecreaseComedy
13Helix Sleep$2,379,500🔴 ↓ DecreaseComedy
14Squarespace$2,301,400🔴 ↓ DecreaseComedy
15Verizon$2,260,700🟢 ↑ IncreaseSports

What Remains Unclear: The data doesn’t identify the specific campaigns or podcast programs driving each advertiser’s monthly change. It also doesn’t establish whether the August increase represents a broader shift in podcast advertising or a short-term fluctuation among the largest spenders.

What It Means: The August increase gives podcast advertising a stronger finish to the summer after two months of limited growth. Additionally, the concentration among sports, comedy, and news shows how the leading advertisers continue to distribute spending across major podcast genres.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Doc Rivers Joins NBC Sports Analyst Rotation

John Mamola
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Doc Rivers Joins NBC Sports Analyst Rotation

Doc Rivers is heading back to the broadcast booth. The Hall of Fame coach joins NBC Sports as an NBA game analyst starting next month.

What We Know: Rivers brings more than 40 years of NBA experience as a player and head coach. He previously worked in media at Turner Sports, then with ESPN during coaching breaks in 2003-04 and 2023. NBC last used him as a studio analyst at the 2012 London Olympics. Meanwhile, his son Austin Rivers already serves as an NBC Sports NBA analyst.

What They Said: Doc Rivers: “I loved playing the game, I loved coaching it, and I’ve always loved talking about it. I have great memories working with NBC, and I’m excited to be back and share my perspective alongside such a talented team. This season should be a lot of fun. I can’t wait.”

Sam Flood, Executive Producer & President, NBC Sports: “It’s been 14 years since Doc worked for us as a studio analyst at the 2012 London Olympics, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back on the NBC Sports team. Having led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA title with nearly four decades of NBA experience between coaching and playing, we are excited to add another Hall of Famer to our roster.”

What Remains Unclear: NBC hasn’t detailed Rivers’ exact broadcast schedule or booth pairings yet. It’s also unclear whether he’ll appear on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN equally. Terms were not disclosed.

What It Means: NBC strengthens its NBA booth with a Hall of Fame voice ahead of new coverage. The move also reunites Rivers with son Austin on-air. Consequently, the network continues to build up it’s roster of analysts with proven names as another NBA season arrives next month.

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Aaron Lux Moves to Middays at 107.3 Alternative Cleveland

David Hill
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Aaron Lux Moves to Middays at 107.3 Alternative Cleveland

Aaron Lux is moving from mornings to middays. Meanwhile, Brady Marks takes solo mornings at 107.3 Alternative Cleveland.

What We Know Program Director Brady Marks announced the on-air shuffle at Rubber City Radio’s Elyria/Cleveland station. Lux will now occupy the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot, broadcasting live Monday through Friday. Additionally, Marks remains in the morning drive slot from 6-9 a.m., while Tony McGinty handles afternoons and Matt Rybar covers nights. The move follows Ben “Norm” Ealy’s departure earlier this month after holding nights at sister station WQMX.

What They Said Program Director Brady Marks explained the reasoning behind the change during an internal conversation with Lux. “Lux came to me a few months ago struggling with the morning show schedule,” Marks said. “After many meetings and discussions, he’s made the difficult choice to step away from mornings. Lux is also an incredible worker and someone who has shown such dedication to the station. At 107.3, we look out for our people and want to do whatever we can to keep good talent around.” Marks emphasized the station’s flexibility. “It worked out that the midday position was open, and we could move some stuff around to have him fill that slot,” he noted.

What Remains Unclear The station has yet to announce who will join Marks in mornings going forward. Currently, Marks will handle morning drive with guest appearances and local characters filling the show. No timeline exists for a permanent co-host announcement.

What It Means This move represents thoughtful talent retention in a competitive market. Rather than lose an experienced on-air personality, the station created a solution benefiting both parties. For Lux, the shift offers relief from morning obligations while maintaining his broadcast presence. For 107.3 Alternative Cleveland, keeping talented talent matters more than rigid scheduling.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Prime Video Season Opener Draws Third Largest Regular Season Viewership Ever

John Mamola
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Prime Video Season Opener Draws Third Largest Regular Season Viewership Ever

Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football returned with a bang. The Lions-Bills drew 18.60 million average viewers, Prime’s third-most-watched regular-season game ever.

What We Know: The Highmark Stadium opener rose 5% over last year’s Thursday Night Football season debut. Meanwhile, it jumped 21% above last season’s full-year average of 15.33 million, itself a franchise record. Compared with the 2022 debut season on Prime Video, this year’s opener is up 43%. TNF Nightcap also set a new all-time high following a Thursday night game. TNF Tonight registering its second most-watched pregame show on record.

What The Data Shows: Most Watched Thursday Night Football Regular Season Games – Prime Video

RankGameDateAverage Viewership
1Broncos vs. ChiefsDecember 25, 202521.06 million
2Cowboys vs. LionsDecember 4, 202519.39 million
3Lions vs. BillsSeptember 17, 202618.60 million

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t explain what in particular could have drove the demo surge. In particular, the 40% jump among viewers 18-34.

What It Means: Prime’s NFL bet keeps paying off, especially with younger audiences. Since TNF now skews significantly younger than linear broadcasts, advertisers targeting that demo have new leverage. Furthermore, strong companion-show numbers for TNF Nightcap and TNF Tonight suggest sustained engagement beyond kickoff. Thus far, Prime’s fifth season early results could lead to their strongest season yet.

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Carianne Marshall Exits Warner Chappell Co-Chair Position

David Hill
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Carianne Marshall Exits Warner Chappell Co-Chair Position

Carianne Marshall will exit her role as Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer by month’s end. Guy Moot moves into sole chair position effective October 1.

What We Know Marshall departs after nearly six years leading the publisher’s global operations and strategy. Moreover, she’ll remain through year-end to guide the transition smoothly. Since 2019, she and Moot jointly steered WCM’s modernization efforts. Meanwhile, the company continues modernizing digital licensing while expanding its diverse roster significantly.

What They Said Marshall reflected on her tenure with genuine optimism about the foundation she built. “When Guy and I began this journey, we wanted to create a songwriter-first home,” she explained. She emphasized that she’s “proudest not only of our growth, but of the incredible culture and values we’ve fostered together.” Marshall acknowledged gratitude toward Len, Robert, Guy Moot, the WMG Board, and the entire team.

What Remains Unclear The announcement doesn’t specify whether WCM will add new leadership positions. Furthermore, details about Marshall’s next move beyond her December departure remain undisclosed. Additionally, the company hasn’t outlined specific structural changes accompanying Moot’s consolidated authority. Questions persist about how her pioneering Creative Services department evolves forward.

What It Means Moot’s elevation signals WMG’s confidence in his solo leadership vision. Consequently, decision-making authority now concentrates with one visionary driving the publisher’s direction. Significantly, this streamlines WCM’s approach during critical industry transitions and technological change. Ultimately, the restructure positions the publisher to execute strategy decisively.

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Shannon Sharpe Alleges Agencies Prevent Clients From Appearing On Nightcap

John Mamola
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Shannon Sharpe Alleges Agencies Prevent Clients From Appearing On Nightcap

Agents are allegedly freezing out Shannon Sharpe’s podcast from guest appearances of their clients. The Nightcap host blames blowback from comments he and Chad Ochocinco made last year.

What We Know: Sharpe raised the issue during Sunday night’s episode of Nightcap. He said several talent agents are actively refusing to let their clients appear on the show following commentary on the program. According to Sharpe, the ongoing freeze traces directly back to remarks he and co-host Chad Ochocinco made last year. However, he stopped short of naming the specific commentary or the agency responsible for the block.

What They Said: (All quotes via Nightcap):

Shannon Sharpe alleges NightCap has been blackballed by agencies: “You like my freedom of speech as long as you agree with what I’m saying. The moment you don’t, now all of a sudden you take it away. I can’t come to the stadium. Now I can’t be on this platform. Now you won’t let your clients. Y’all know who I’m talking to, agents. Y’all won’t let y’all clients come on Nightcap, but y’all big on freedom of speech. You’re big on somebody saying whatever he wants to say how he wants to say it. But Lord forbid, [Chad] Ohcocinco and I have an opinion on something, now we can’t get no guests to come on.”

Shannon Sharpe on why he feels they’ve been blackballed by agencies: “We said some things last year, Ocho and I. We had a discussion. And the agent reached out and said we’re not going to allow them to come on their platform. So that’s what happened.”

Shannon Sharpe says agencies blackball Nightcap from getting certain guests: “That is why we don’t get a lot of these athletes to come on because their agents have refused to let them come on. So, when you say, “Well, why you can’t get this person? Why you can’t get that person?” That is why. It’s not for lack of trying because we do reach out. We think we have an obligation to try to give you the biggest, be it NFL, NBA, to try to get them on.”

Shannon Sharpe on why he won’t name the client agency by name: “I don’t want to put nobody’s agency on blast. But y’all know who you are. Y’all know we’ve reached out, and you made it abundantly clear you’re not gonna let your clients come on the show. But guess what? Even if you don’t, we still gonna be number one. You know why we’re gonna be number one, agents? Because we started off and we didn’t have you. So guess what? You can’t take something that we didn’t need to begin with.”

What Remains Unclear: Sharpe never identified exactly which agency he says is blocking guests from appearing. It’s also unclear precisely which comments from last year prompted the ongoing freeze. Additionally, no agency has responded publicly to Sharpe’s allegation so far.

What It Means: Sharpe’s claim highlights growing tension between outspoken sports hosts and talent agencies. It suggests that on-air commentary can carry real, lasting professional consequences. Still, Sharpe insists Nightcap will keep growing regardless of any industry pushback.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Paramount Strikes Settlement with State Attorneys General, Paving Way for Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Garrett Searight
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Paramount Strikes Settlement with State Attorneys General, Paving Way for Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Paramount Skydance has reached a settlement with California and other states challenging its Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The agreement removes a major legal obstacle to the $110 billion transaction.

What We Know: The settlement follows weekend negotiations between Paramount Skydance and a coalition of 12 state attorneys general led by California. The states sued in July, arguing the merger could reduce competition in theatrical film distribution and basic cable licensing. Under the reported agreement, CBS and CNN would receive independent editorial boards. Paramount would also face a $30 million penalty for every film below a 30-movie annual theatrical release target.

What’s At Stake: The agreement could clear a significant hurdle for one of the largest media mergers in history. The combined company would bring together major film studios, streaming services, and cable-news operations under one owner. Paramount also faces a $7 million daily fee to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders if the transaction remains unfinished after September 30th.

What Remains Unclear: The full settlement terms haven’t been publicly detailed. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery didn’t immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Other reported concessions include a potential $1.5 billion investment in California production and commitments involving studio facilities and cable channels.

What It Means: The settlement puts Paramount closer to completing its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. However, the transaction still faces remaining legal and regulatory steps before closing. The European Union and Britain have already cleared the acquisition, while the FCC approved foreign investment provisions last week.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN Condemn Trump White House Media Ban

Garrett Searight
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Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN Condemn Trump White House Media Ban

The White House television pool is pushing back after President Donald Trump barred CNN and MS NOW alongside Politico. Fox News, ABC News, CBS News, and NBC News joined CNN in condemning the administration’s decision.

What We Know: The television pool members issued a joint statement Monday after Trump announced Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico would lose White House access over what he called dishonest coverage. Reporters from the three outlets were turned away Saturday, with credentials revoked or confiscated. Trump escalated his criticism Monday, describing the coverage as a national security risk. Reuters reported that the administration offered no evidence supporting that characterization.

What They Said: “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.” -White House television pool members joint statement

What Remains Unclear: The administration hasn’t provided a detailed explanation for why the three outlets received different treatment from other White House news organizations. Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico announced Monday that they’re filing a First Amendment lawsuit seeking to restore their access.

What It Means: The dispute has also disrupted the television pool’s traditional coverage responsibilities. CNN was scheduled to provide pooled video coverage, but the pool said it wouldn’t provide coverage for presidential events while the access issue remains unresolved.

Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.

Fred Toucher Questions On-Air Profanity Becoming Normalized After Tom Brady Slips Up

John Mamola
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Fred Toucher Questions On-Air Profanity Becoming Normalized After Tom Brady Slips Up

Tom Brady cursed live on FOX Sports’ NFL broadcast this weekend. Now 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Fred Toucher is asking if that’s just how sports media works now.

What We Know: Brady blurted “Oh s—… Excuse me. I was not expecting to see that” while reacting to Jayden Daniels’ gruesome elbow injury during Sunday’s Cowboys-Commanders game. FOX Sports aired the moment without bleeping it. Toucher addressed the clip Monday on Toucher & Hardy on 98.5 The Sports Hub. He doubted Brady would face real consequences, but also questioned if the gesture of foul language is now normalized in media.

What They Said: (All quotes via 98.5 The Sports Hub):

Fred Toucher feels Tom Brady won’t get in any trouble for swearing on air: “Can you imagine if John Madden said the S word in 1994? If he would have said it, the world would have caught on fire. I don’t think he should, but I don’t think Tom Brady even gets in trouble.”

Fred Toucher believes swearing on air has become normal to society: “I don’t think I’ve ever sworn on the air. My point in saying that is, if I swore on the air and got in trouble, I think I got a legal situation going. If Tom Brady can swear at football day in America, then then who gives a crap what someone in Boston says? Would it even be shocking to anyone to hear a swear anymore? Given that every an infinite amount of media is completely unregulated for language.”

What Remains Unclear: Still, questions linger. Nobody knows whether the FCC will fine Brady or FOX Sports over the moment. Meanwhile, the “fleeting indecency” standard hasn’t been tested this way in years.

What It Means: Ultimately, Toucher’s comments point to a bigger shift in broadcast culture. Networks once policed every word closely. Today, live sports moments spread instantly online, unedited. As a result, one slip from a megastar analyst barely moves the needle anymore.

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