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CBS Sports Announces ‘The NFL Today+,’ First Official Stream-Only NFL Sunday Pregame Show

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CBS Sports is adding a new chapter to its storied NFL pregame tradition with the launch of The NFL Today+, the first-ever streaming-only official NFL Sunday pregame show.

The two-hour program will stream live on Paramount+, CBS Sports HQ, and the NFL on CBS YouTube channel beginning Week 1 of the NFL season on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. ET. The new show will lead directly into the network’s flagship The NFL Today broadcast at noon ET on CBS and Paramount+, giving viewers three straight hours of NFL coverage across platforms.

CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson said the launch builds on the network’s legacy of pregame innovation that dates back to the creation of The NFL Today decades ago.

“CBS Sports pioneered the first live pregame show with The NFL Today decades ago, setting a standard that still shapes pregame shows today,” Berson said. “With the launch of The NFL Today+, we’re building on that legacy of innovation, now in the digital era, as we connect with the next generation of NFL fans.”

Jeff Gerttula, Executive Vice President and CBS Head of Digital, emphasized the opportunity to serve younger viewers and strengthen the Paramount+ lineup.

“NFL content continues to be a powerful driver for Paramount+, and The NFL Today+ marks a new chapter in how we serve fans,” Gerttula said. “This first-of-its-kind, interactive pregame streaming show will reach younger NFL fans where they already consume content. It strengthens our NFL offering while driving continued growth on the platform and redefining the pregame experience. The NFL Today+ is the perfect companion to The NFL Today, delivering three hours of Sunday NFL coverage for a variety of fans.”

The weekly program will feature in-depth previews of the day’s games, breakdowns of key matchups, and real-time updates on injuries, lineup changes, and league news. Live look-ins from stadiums across the country, on-site reports, and exclusive interviews will also be part of the broadcast.

Talent for the program have yet to be announced.

In addition to traditional analysis, The NFL Today+ plans to lean heavily into interactive engagement. Viewers will be able to participate in live YouTube chats and connect with the crew in real time via social media. Dedicated segments for social interaction will run throughout the season, and the show will incorporate popular content creators and influencers to connect with audiences in new ways.

With streaming increasingly becoming a priority for sports networks, CBS Sports is positioning The NFL Today+ as both a complement to its linear broadcast and a standalone digital destination.

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NBC Sports Extends Media Rights With USGA Through 2032

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NBCUniversal will remain the broadcast home of United States Golf Association championships through 2032 after the two sides announced a long-term media rights extension Tuesday.

The deal keeps the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and U.S. Senior Open on NBC while expanding live coverage and adding more primetime hours. The agreement also ensures Peacock will continue to simulstream NBC’s USGA programming and carry exclusive streaming coverage for the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open.

USGA CEO Mike Whan said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to the sport. “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership we’ve built over the years with NBCU and VERSANT, and we’re equally excited to continue building on that legacy,” Whan said. “This agreement enables the USGA to further advance our mission to positively impact the game, while providing the most expansive coverage and broadest reach to showcase USGA championships.”

Starting in 2027, VERSANT — the independent media company set to spin out from Comcast Corporation — will also hold media rights for the USGA championship on USA Network and Golf Channel through 2032. USA Network will continue to provide U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open coverage, while Golf Channel will air events including the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Junior Amateur, and the Walker and Curtis Cups.

Rick Cordella, President of NBC Sports, said the new deal reinforces the network’s commitment to high-quality golf coverage. “The USGA has been an important partner of ours for most of the last 30 years, and we’re extraordinarily proud of our relationship,” Cordella said. “We have built something incredibly special with the U.S. Open on NBC, and we look forward to further advancing and enhancing our coverage through 2032.”

For VERSANT, the deal strengthens its golf portfolio. “The USGA championships represent some of the most prestigious events in all of golf,” said Matt Hong, President of Sports at VERSANT. “USA Network’s reach and Golf Channel’s reputation as the television home of the sport are ideal platforms to bring the USGA championships to golf fans across the country.”

Coverage highlights under the new agreement include 48 hours of U.S. Open coverage, with 25 hours on NBC (33 when the event is played on the West Coast) and increased Thursday and Friday broadcast windows featuring two hours in primetime each day. The U.S. Women’s Open will feature 27 total hours, while the U.S. Senior Open will receive 18. Additional USGA amateur and junior events will also receive expanded national television exposure.

Golf Channel’s Live From studio programming will continue to provide on-site pre- and post-round analysis for the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. It will also maintain its coast-to-coast Golf’s Longest Day coverage of U.S. Open Final Qualifying.

NBCUniversal first aired USGA championships from 1995 to 2014 before regaining rights in 2020. USA Network joined the rotation in 2022, while Golf Channel has covered USGA events since its debut in 1995.

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Dan Bernstein Returns With New Daily Podcast ‘Dan Bernstein Unfiltered’ on 312 Sports

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Dan Bernstein, one of Chicago’s most recognizable sports voices, is making a bold return to the microphone with the launch of Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, a daily podcast designed to deliver unvarnished commentary and candid insights on the city’s sports scene and more.

The show will premiere under the new 312 Sports banner on Monday, August 25th. It will be streamed across all major audio platforms and YouTube.

Bernstein, who spent three decades informing and entertaining Chicago sports fans, described the new podcast as an opportunity to connect with listeners in a direct and honest way. “Thirty years on Chicago airwaves taught me that fans want honesty above all else. That’s what they can expect from me every day,” he said. “I couldn’t be more excited to get back behind the microphone, dig into Bears camp, and tell my story.”

The debut episode will reflect on Bernstein’s time away from the airwaves, offering listeners a glimpse into both his personal and professional journey. From there, the podcast will provide a daily dose of Bernstein’s strong opinions and cerebral commentary—elements that have defined his long-standing career.

Joining Bernstein will be his longtime executive producer, Matt Abbatacola, ensuring that the show’s production maintains the high standard fans have come to expect.

Keith Lawless, Market President of Hubbard Chicago, which owns 312 Sports, emphasized Bernstein’s impact on the city’s sports dialogue. “Dan’s thoughtful and honest perspective has captured the pulse of this city for decades,” said Lawless. “His new show on 312 Sports will give listeners the kind of honest conversation they can’t get anywhere else.”

Dan Bernstein Unfiltered marks the launch of the 312 Sports Podcast Network, a new digital platform dedicated to sharp, personality-driven sports coverage rooted deeply in Chicago’s fan culture. As part of the Gamut Podcast Network, 312 Sports aims to be the definitive home for voices that reflect the city’s passion for sports with authenticity and insight.

John Goforth, Vice President and General Manager of 312 Sports and Gamut Podcast Network, stressed the network’s mission to resonate with Chicago’s distinct sports audience. “Chicago sports fans deserve a platform that lives and breathes the 312 attitude,” he said. “Starting with Dan sets the bar sky-high for insight and candor. He’s the voice you debate with at the bar because you know he’s done the homework.”

With Dan Bernstein Unfiltered, listeners can expect daily episodes that dive deeply into Chicago’s sports teams and culture, unfiltered opinions, and a tone that resonates with the city’s passionate fan base. The podcast will also offer timely coverage of Bears camp and other hot topics across Chicago sports, delivering a digital-first experience for a new generation of sports fans.

In addition, Forward Progress: A Chicago Bears Podcast is scheduled to drop on August 26th co-hosted by Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola. Expect new podcast introductions as professional sports seasons commence. Each show will pair seasoned local hosts with modern production, YouTube video and interactive live streams to meet fans wherever they listen or watch.

Bernstein was fired by 670 The Score in March after an incident on social media. He had been with the Audacy owned sports station since 1995.

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PickleJar Up All Night back with Katie Cook and Scott Gaines

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PickleJar Entertainment Group has announced new hosts for its nationally syndicated overnight Country radio show, PickleJar Up All Night. The show relaunches Monday, August 18, from its new flagship station, Y’all 106.7 WNFN-FM in Nashville.

Katie Cook will co-host the show. A 20-year CMT veteran known for her work interviewing Country’s biggest stars and championing emerging artists. And Scott Gaines, whose career stops include Detroit, Dallas, and national platforms like Westwood One and iHeartMedia.

Kristian Barowsky, PickleJar’s President and Co-Founder, said, “Pairing Katie’s iconic television presence with Scott’s deep radio background gives PickleJar Up All Night a powerful blend of storytelling and industry insight. They’re both passionate about the music and the people behind it, and I can’t wait for fans to hear what they’ve built together.”

Cook said, “Getting back behind the mic feels like coming home. I’m excited to reconnect with fans, share great stories, and celebrate the music I’ve loved my whole life.”

The show will include interviews, fan contests, live performances, and spotlight segments for established, rising, and unsigned artists.

It will also stream live and integrate with the PickleJar Live app. Which will allow fans to interact with talent, enter giveaways, and support their favorite performers.

Barowsky added, “We’re thrilled to bring PickleJar Up All Night back on the air with an aggressive affiliate strategy and talent-forward approach. This show isn’t just a return to radio. It’s a platform for launching new music, connecting fans with artists, and building unforgettable experiences through content and contests powered by the PickleJar Live app.”

PickleJar Up All Night airs Monday through Friday, midnight to 5 a.m. CT.

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Matthew Stafford Named New Co-Host Of ‘Let’s Go!’ Program on SiriusXM

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SiriusXM announced Tuesday that Matthew Stafford, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl LVI champion, will join the SiriusXM NFL Radio show Let’s Go! as a co-host for the 2025 NFL season. This marks Stafford’s first official media role.

Stafford will team up with Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Gray on the weekly program, which offers in-depth discussions on the Rams, NFL storylines, and trending sports topics. The show also features special guests from sports, entertainment, and beyond. Let’s Go! kicks off its fifth season on Monday, Sept. 1, ahead of the NFL’s opening weekend. New episodes will air every Monday at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SiriusXM NFL Radio, with podcasts and exclusive bonus content available through the SiriusXM app.

“Over the years, I have enjoyed watching & listening to ‘Let’s Go’ on SiriusXM, and Jim is one of the true icons of sports broadcasting,” Stafford said. “To have a chance to work with him, Maxx and Peter this season was too good to pass up. Nothing is more important than winning football games, but Jim makes it so easy and fun to do this on Monday nights that I am really looking forward to it this season.”

Stafford replaces Bill Belichick as host of Let’s Go!, who has taken on the head coaching role at the University of North Carolina.

Entering his 17th NFL season, Stafford boasts an impressive resume. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft out of the University of Georgia, he spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions before a 2021 trade brought him to Los Angeles. In his first year with the Rams, Stafford led the franchise to its first Super Bowl title since 1999.

Jim Gray echoed the excitement: “Matthew is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the ‘Let’s Go!’ team. Since its inception, our show has featured legends Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Larry Fitzgerald. Welcoming Matthew to the lineup alongside Maxx and Peter this season is a great addition. His insight and energy will make the show a great experience for our listeners.”

Joining Stafford and Gray will be Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Hall of Fame NFL journalist Peter King, both returning for their second season as co-hosts. Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowler known for his tenacity and tackles for loss, was recently named assistant general manager of Eastern Michigan University’s football program, becoming the first active NFL player to hold such a collegiate front-office position.

King, who has covered the NFL for more than 40 years, brings unparalleled journalistic expertise to the program. Over the past four seasons, Let’s Go! has featured conversations with marquee guests including Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Judge, Lamar Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and Shaquille O’Neal, blending sports and entertainment in a unique format.

Produced by Scratchy Productions and SiriusXM, Let’s Go! continues to carve out a distinct niche in the crowded NFL media landscape by combining on-field insight with engaging storytelling.

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Stephen A. Smith After Mark Levin Podcast Episode: I’m Going to Talk to Everybody During Political Show on SiriusXM

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Stephen A. Smith sat down for a conversation with Mark Levin on his podcast. He says you can expect more of that when he begins his show on SiriusXM later this year.

During a wide-ranging conversation with Mark Levin, the two tackled a variety of subjects, with Levin bringing one side of the political aisle to the discussion, while Smith at times agreed and disagreed with the nationally syndicated radio and Fox News host.

The conversation generated buzz for both hosts, with more than 30,000 views on YouTube alone taking place in the first hours after the discussion was released.

In addition to his show in middays on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, Stephen A. Smith will also host a political program for the satellite radio company. And before he could draw any criticism for his discussion with Mark Levin, Smith noted that he’s going to continue explore similar conversations down the road.

“He’s clearly a conservative,” Smith said of Levin. “He’s a constitutional conservative, as he so eloquently stated. But hearing him say that to an audience, I think is incredibly important. Because as we move forward towards the midterms, as we move forward towards the election, as we move forward towards me doing my own political show on SiriusXM radio, the P.O.T.U.S. Channel 124 in a matter of weeks, I want everybody to know that I’m going to be talking to everybody.

“I’m going to be listening to everybody on both sides of the aisle because I don’t know every damn thing. I want to hear what they know. I want to hear what they believe. I want to hear what their agendas are, and where their ideology stands. Because if you compare the two and somehow, someway, you come to some kind of reasonable conclusion there, I say that’s where I’m at with it.”

Smith’s daily sports show will premiere on Tuesday, September 2nd. The weekly non-sports program will also debut in September, with an official date still to be announced.

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Newsmax Host Carl Higbie Hosting Show From Israel Ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu Speech

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Newsmax host Carl Higbie is broadcasting his program from Israel, as the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gets set to speak at an event for the company.

Carl Higbie Frontline is being hosted from the Middle East, with the former Navy SEAL opining on the state of the region, including the hotly contested Gaza Strip.

During his tour of the Middle East, Higbie noted that he had visited several countries.

“In the last 36 hours, I’ve been from Syria, Lebanon, along with the Palestinian territory on the West Bank, Tel Aviv, and back to the studio here in Jerusalem to give you this show,” he began Monday’s program.

“Threat level permitting, we will be in or near Gaza this week,” he added.

Higbie’s visit to the area comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech at a Newsmax event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem. The event is set to celebrate the “enduring friendship and shared democratic values between the United States and Israel.

“America and Israel share a deep and unbreakable bond grounded in freedom, democracy, and mutual respect,” said Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy. “This gathering is an opportunity to celebrate those ties while also fostering dialogue and cooperation among leaders in politics, media, and business.”

Newsmax will broadcast the speech slated for Wednesday at 1 PM ET. Netanyahu is expected to be joined by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, along with dignitaries Alan Dershowitz and Malcolm Hoenlein.

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Taylor Swift Joins Kelce Bros Podcast, Reveals New Album

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The internet has been buzzing with news that Taylor Swift is set to appear tomorrow (Wednesday) on her boyfriend Travis Kelce and brother Jason’s podcast “New Heights.”

In a teaser for the podcast, Swift dropped big news, announcing her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” No release date was announced.

This will be Swift’s first podcast appearance and her first interview since being named TIME Magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year.

When the podcast drops….watch this space.

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Beasley Media Group Sees 12% Revenue Decline in 2025’s 2nd Quarter, Announces Sale of Ft. Myers Cluster

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Beasley Media Group has announced its financial results for the 2nd quarter, and the figures show a decline for the company.

In total, the company saw $53 million in revenue during April, May, and June. That figure represents a 12.3% decrease compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Operating income dropped from $5.4 million last year to $2.9 million this year, which the company says can be attributed to a $7.4 million decline in new revenue.

Beasley reported a net operating loss of $0.2 million during the quarter. That is actually below the $0.3 million operating loss it saw last year during the same quarter.

The Adjusted EBITDA for Beasley Media Group was $4.7 million in the second quarter, compared to $8.8 million in the same window a year ago.

 “Our second quarter results reflect continued progress in reshaping our business for long-term profitability,” Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Beasley stated. “While top-line performance was impacted by advertising softness and ongoing sales execution challenges, we are encouraged by the growth in our high-margin digital offerings and the positive impact of our aggressive cost reduction efforts. We reported an operating income of $2.9 million, highlighting the early benefits of our transformation. Digital revenue now accounts for over 25% of total revenue, and our focus on owned-and-operated platforms and direct sales continues to drive scalable, higher-margin growth.

“We remain committed to disciplined capital and cost management, while investing in our differentiated content, digital infrastructure, and self-service platforms,” Beasley continued. “With a leaner operating structure, a sharper focus on local and digital-first revenue streams, and an accelerated product roadmap including the introduction of new products and our new self-serve platform launching in Q3 we believe Beasley is better positioned than ever to capture emerging opportunities and deliver sustainable value for our stockholders. As part of our efforts to strengthen our balance sheet and streamline our portfolio, we announced the pending sales of WPBB in Tampa and five stations in Ft. Myers.”

The company did not disclose who the prospective buyer of the six stations would be. The stations in question include 96 K-Rock, Playa 99.3 (Tropical), B103.9 (CHR), Sunny 106.3 (AC), ESPN Southwest Florida, and Podcast Radio 101.5.

A sale of the company’s Ft. Myers cluster comes on the heels of Beasley Media Group selling 98.7 The Shark in Tampa earlier this summer to EMF.

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ESPN Announces Contract Extension for Lisa Salters, Promotes Laura Rutledge, Adds Katie George, Peter Schrager

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With the 2025 Monday Night Football season approaching, ESPN is retooling its broadcast teams, extending the contract of veteran reporter Lisa Salters, promoting Laura Rutledge into a weekly sideline role, and adding Katie George and Peter Schrager to the mix. The moves will ensure two sideline reporters for all 25 NFL on ESPN games this season.

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Salters will return for their third season together in the Monday Night Football booth, with Rutledge joining them on the sideline for all 20 of their telecasts. George and Schrager will work alongside Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick on five games — the four weeks the schedule features multiple Monday night matchups and the Week 18 Saturday doubleheader.

Salters’ extension further cements her place as the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history, entering her 14th season. Over 25 years at ESPN, she has been one of the company’s most visible journalists, with multiple Emmys for her work on E:60, SportsCenter, and the NBA Finals. In 2023, she earned the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Personality/Reporter.

Rutledge, a two-time Emmy winner herself, has become a familiar presence on the MNF sidelines in recent seasons. She has shared duties with Salters on more than a dozen high-profile games, including playoff broadcasts, while also working dual-game weeks with Fowler’s crew. This fall, Rutledge will maintain her roles as host of NFL Live and SEC Nation, adding a consistent primetime NFL presence to her resume.

In Week 2, George will make her NFL debut when the Chargers face the Raiders. Known for her work as a top college football sideline reporter for ESPN and ABC, George has been part of several College Football Playoff Semifinals and earned an Emmy in May for her contributions to SEC on ABC coverage. The former University of Louisville volleyball standout is also a regular on NBA telecasts and will continue her duties across football and basketball.

Schrager, who joined ESPN in March, brings prior NFL sideline experience from FOX and NFL Network. He will also maintain a heavy studio presence, appearing on Get Up, First Take, The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Live, and SportsCenter, particularly around major NFL calendar events like the Super Bowl, free agency, and the draft.

Behind the camera, Artie Kempner will make his Monday Night Football directing debut after three decades leading NFL productions at FOX. He will work with veteran ESPN producer Steve Ackels to oversee Buck, Aikman, Salters, and Rutledge’s broadcasts.

On ESPN Deportes, MJ Acosta-Ruiz returns for her second season on the sideline, joining longtime reporter John Sutcliffe, who last year celebrated his 300th MNF game. They will work alongside play-by-play voice Rebeca Landa and analyst Sebastian Martinez-Christensen for the network’s Spanish-language coverage.

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