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ESPN LA Announces Broadcasting Rights Extension With Los Angeles Lakers

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ESPN LA Announces Broadcasting Rights Extension With Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN Los Angeles 710 will remain the radio home of the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future after the two sides agreed to an extension of their broadcast partnership. The station, which has served as the flagship for Lakers radio coverage since 2009, will continue to air every regular season game, as well as preseason and postseason matchups.

“Extending our longtime agreement with ESPN LA is a testament to the outstanding coverage and beloved personalities they offer Lakers fans,” said Lakers Chief Operating Officer and President of Business Operations Tim Harris. “For 15 seasons, ESPN LA has delivered a top-tier listening experience with energy and authenticity Lakers fans expect and we look forward to continuing that.”

The broadcast team of John Ireland and Mychal Thompson will once again handle game coverage. Ireland, who has called Lakers games on radio since 2011, will return for his 14th season as the team’s play-by-play voice. Thompson, a two-time NBA champion with the Lakers, will begin his 22nd year providing color commentary.

The partnership extension continues a relationship that has become central to both the franchise and the station’s identity. Sam Pines, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for ESPN LA, noted the importance of keeping Lakers basketball as a foundational part of the station’s programming.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with one of the most iconic franchises in sports,” Pines said. “Lakers basketball is part of the fabric of Los Angeles. It’s an honor for ESPN LA to bring the passion, excitement and tradition of the Lakers to fans across the Lakers Radio Network every game.”

In addition to terrestrial radio, games will be streamed on the ESPN LA app, and fans can follow daily sports updates and studio shows across ESPN Los Angeles’s digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X and Twitch.

ESPN Los Angeles serves as the flagship station for several major teams including the Rams, Kings, LAFC, Angels and USC Trojans. With a blend of local personalities and national ESPN programming, the station has become a central destination for Southern California sports coverage.

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.

Mike Francesa Details How Giants x Giants Meeting Was Created With Eli Manning

BSM Staff
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Mike Francesa Details How Giants x Giants Meeting Was Created With Eli Manning

One of the most infamous calls in the history of Mike Francesa’s career has spurned the creation of bringing an odd moment to life. A decade ago, when Francesa was hosting afternoons on WFAN, he received a call from “Dan in Warwick.”

Dan went on to ask the legendary New York City sports radio host if he believed the New York Giants and San Francisco Giants get together when the two teams cross paths on the road—all because they share the same name, while one played in New York and the other used to call the Big Apple home.

Now, the concept from “Dan in Warwick” has evolved into a smash video promotion for Eli Manning’s podcast, The Eli Manning Show. Francesa joined WFAN on Thursday to share the back story of how the video shoot came about.

“About two months ago they asked me if I would do Eli’s [Manning] podcast. Eli and I have always maintained a good relationship,” said Francesa. “It was all them, give them credit. It was Eli and his and his people. They sent me the storyboards, and I loved it.”

Francesa, leaning into the viral moment from ten years ago, has been stunned by the reaction to the thirty-second video piece. He told WFAN that it took a couple of takes and a couple of different versions before landing the final product.

“I knew it was going to be good. Obviously, it turned out,” said Francesa. “That call [Dan in Warwick] surprised me. It’s the call that I think got the most reaction in the history of the entire WFAN.”

Furthermore, the thirty-second video was shot on a day when the San Francisco Giants were in town to play the New York Mets. Francesa noted he met the crew at the hotel the day of the shoot and was surprised that even the Giants’ players were thrilled to do the commercial, knowing the history of the phone call.

The Eli Manning Show is housed on the New York Giants’ official team YouTube page. While he noted that he was asked to do the podcast with Eli, Francesa also pointed out that his relationship with the Giants franchise is not as good as it once was.

“I have a good relationship with Eli. I don’t have a good relationship with the Giants since the Gettleman days, because I was very hard on Gettleman,” said Francesa. “I think if I went there now, I would not be very welcome. I haven’t been in the good favor. I used to have a great relationship with the Giants. I think now I would say I have a poor relationship.”

Looking ahead, season five of The Eli Manning Show is set to debut soon. However, there has not been a release date announced yet for the episode featuring Mike Francesa.

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.

MIW Opens 2025 Behind the Mic Mentorship Applications

BMM Staff
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MIW Opens 2025 Behind the Mic Mentorship Applications

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) is now accepting applications for its third annual Behind the Mic mentorship program.

The year-long initiative is designed for female on-air personalities with 3-5 years of experience in local or national radio. The selected mentee will receive one-on-one coaching from experienced radio professionals and attend the 2026 NAB Radio Show in Las Vegas.

Sheila Kirby, MIW Board President, said, “Behind the Mic is more than a mentorship. It’s a powerful opportunity to invest in the future of women’s voices in radio. This program is designed to elevate on-air talent who are ready to take the next step in their careers, and we’re proud to support their journey with access, insight, and community.’”

The program is open to women working in any U.S.-based music format. Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 29, 2025.

More information is available here.

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.

Saga Communications Sees 5% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

BNM Staff
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Saga Communications Sees 5% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

Saga Communications has reported its second-quarter financial results, and like other radio groups, the company reported a downturn in revenue during the period.

During April, May, and June, the company featured $28.2 million in net revenue. That figure represents a year-over-year decrease of 5%. However, operating expenses decreased 4.6% year-over-year, down to $22.2 million.

Same station net revenue decreased by 6.4%, which is in line with how much operating expenses fell during the quarter, as well.

Excluding political revenue, gross revenue dropped 4.7% for both the second quarter and the first half of 2025 at Saga Communications. Political revenue was $51,000 during the second quarter, down sharply from the unprecedented spending levels seen during the 2024 election cycle.

As part of its earnings statement, Saga revealed that it is in negotiations to sell some of its tower sites.

“It is anticipated that these negotiations, if concluded and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, will result in proceeds from the sale in the high 7-figure or low 8-figure range,” the company shared. “The Company is also assessing the potential sale of other non-core assets with the intent to use a portion of the proceeds from these sales to fund stock buybacks, which may include open market repurchases, block trades or other forms of buybacks.”

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.

670 The Score Announces Over $750,000 Raised By Second Annual Cubs For A Cure Radiothon

BSM Staff
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670 The Score Announces Over $750,000 Raised By Second Annual Cubs For A Cure Radiothon

Audacy’s 670 The Score delivered its most successful fundraiser in station history last week teaming with their partner in the Chicago Cubs, raising more than $750,000 during its second “Cubs for a Cure” radiothon benefitting BrainUp, a nonprofit focused on brain cancer awareness and research.

The 24-hour event kicked off July 31 and featured a full day of programming simulcast on Marquee Sports Network. The fundraiser served as a tribute to those impacted by cancer, including former Score host Danny Parkins’ late brother. Parkins returned to host portions of the radiothon alongside fellow station personalities Marshall Harris, Leila Rahimi, Matt Spiegel, Mark Grote, Ramie Makhlouf and David Haugh.

“This wasn’t just our station’s biggest fundraiser ever; it was a powerful testament to our community that we’re in this fight together,” said Mitch Rosen, Vice President of Sports Programming for Audacy Chicago. “We owe it all to our loyal listeners, sponsors, incredible team and our great partner, the Chicago Cubs.”

Parkins told Barrett Media about his personal tie and the hopes for the radiothon moving into 2026.

“I think the more years we do it, I think the sky is the limit,” said Parkins to Barrett Media. “Not to be overly braggadocious on it, but I’m very proud of the fact that 100% of it goes to cancer research. We have no overhead — everything is donated.”

This year, listeners heard personal stories from patients, doctors and caregivers throughout the day. This created moments that resonated deeply with the audience. High-profile guests lent their voices as well, including Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney and President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer. Cubs Manager Craig Counsell and former Cubs pitcher Jon Lester were also guests. Current Red Sox reliever and cancer survivor Liam Hendriks, former Blackhawks standout Eddie Olczyk joined the effort. FOX Sports host Colin Cowherd and Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl also appeared to share messages of support and hope.

The radiothon is just one component of a broader “Cubs for a Cure” initiative. The multi-day campaign aimed at raising funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. Other highlights included a $50,000 guaranteed jackpot from the Cubs Charities 50/50 raffle, a “ring the bell” ceremony honoring patients in remission, and a moving Stand Up To Cancer Placard Moment.

In total, the initiative generated more than $1.5 million, with major support from partners such as AbbVie, Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Cologuard, and Stand Up To Cancer.

For The Score, the radiothon represented more than just a ratings boost or revenue milestone. It reaffirmed the power of local sports radio to rally a community and elevate voices that often go unheard.

“This is why we do what we do,” Rosen added. “This is bigger than sports. This is life.”

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.

ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro: Coverage of NFL Not Changing With League Owning 10% of ESPN

BSM Staff
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ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro: Coverage of NFL Not Changing With League Owning 10% of ESPN

After years of competition between ESPN and the NFL Network, Jimmy Pitaro believes the partnership has finally entered a new era—one shaped by trust, strategic alignment, and a landmark equity exchange that gives the league a 10% stake in ESPN.

“This is my eighth year at ESPN, and the conversation with the league actually predate(s) my arrival at ESPN. It really picked up steam I’d say about four years ago,” Pitaro told The Athletic. “We started to see some light at the end of the tunnel maybe a year ago. We have always been focused on identifying ways to expand that partnership.”

Once finalized, the NFL Network will report to ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus, who will oversee its direction. Pitaro emphasized that ESPN has no plans to overhaul what has made the network successful, saying, “We’re fans of NFL Network programming. What you see today—we intend to continue.”

Of course, the larger conversation surrounding the deal revolves around editorial independence. With the NFL now owning a stake in ESPN, questions have surfaced about whether the network can still fairly cover the league. Pitaro, however, dismissed any concern.

“We’ve been very clear with the NFL from day one that nothing is changing in terms of how we cover the league,” he said. “Nothing is changing in terms of our journalistic principles. To be clear, they (the NFL) never once asked us to change our approach in terms of how we cover them. We are the place of record. A huge part of our DNA is how we cover sports objectively and fairly. They understand as do all leagues that that’s going to continue, hard stop.”

He went further, saying the league has always shown appreciation for the depth and breadth of ESPN’s coverage.

“We cover the league seven days a week, 365 days a year, nonstop across studio, across digital, across social. I have always felt in these conversations that the league really appreciates what we do for them,” Pitaro added.

That expansion now includes the acquisition of NFL Network, a significant move that places the channel under ESPN’s umbrella once government regulatory approval is granted. The network will remain available via traditional linear distribution but will also be integrated into ESPN’s direct-to-consumer platform launching later this month.

“We have a ton of experience here running sports-specific, league-specific, conference specific networks,” Pitaro said, referencing the SEC and ACC Networks. “We’re adding another option for the fan, which is building it into ESPN direct-to-consumer.”

The network will also expand its NFL game inventory, gaining exclusive rights to three new games while transitioning four existing games to NFL Network. ESPN will now carry 28 exclusive NFL game windows annually, up from 22.

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.

Grant Napear Announces Return To FOX Sports Radio Sacramento

BSM Staff
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Grant Napear Announces Return To FOX Sports Radio Sacramento

Grant Napear, known for his passionate and unapologetic style, is making a return to the Sacramento sports radio airwaves. He will launch a new daily show on FOX Sports Radio Sacramento beginning Sept. 2.

Napear will host weekday afternoons from 3–6 p.m., marking his first full-time return to local radio since his departure from SacTown Sports in 2020. In additon, his return reunites Sacramento sports fans with a voice that spent more than three decades covering the Kings and weighing in on both regional and national storylines.

“These past few years away from the mic gave me time to reflect on what it really means to be a voice in this community,” Napear said in a statement. “I’ve listened, I’ve learned, and I’ve grown — and what stands out most is how much I value this city and everyone in it. Sports have always been about bringing people together. My goal now is to use that common passion to unite people from every background, to listen, and to celebrate all that makes Sacramento special.”

Moreover, Napear’s return is notable not just for his tenure in the market, but for the sizable audiences he regularly drew during his time on SacTown Sports. His show was consistently among the top-rated programs in the region, fueled by strong takes, listener interaction, and his longtime role as the television voice of the Sacramento Kings.

“Grant’s return marks an exciting new chapter for Sacramento sports radio,” said Kurt Baglemann, General Manager of FOX Sports Sacramento. “His knowledge, energy, industry connections, and his ability to connect with local fans make Grant one of the most influential voices in our market.”

Even after leaving terrestrial radio, Napear remained active through his podcast If You Don’t Like That, which retained a loyal following and served as a platform for long-form sports commentary and interviews.

Napear exited his former radio station during the COVID-19 pandemic when he got into a social media back-and-forth with former Sacramento Kings player DeMarcus Cousins, who asked Napear his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement at the time. Napier’s response to Cousins soon led to both his dismissal from the radio station, and also Napier resigning from his play-by-play position with the Kings.

Napear sued his employer, Bonneville International Corporation, which owns KHTK 1140, for wrongful terminations. The case was closed in April of this year after a judge sided with Bonneville International.

“You know where I’ll be now. FOX Sports Sacramento. I will be in studio in SacTown. I cannot wait to walk into that studio, turn my mic on, and start rolling,” said Napear via a video stream.

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.

WGN Radio Morning Sports Anchor Dave Eanet to Retire, Andy Masur Elevated to Position

BNM Staff
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WGN Radio Morning Sports Anchor Dave Eanet to Retire, Andy Masur Elevated to Position

WGN Radio has announced that morning sports anchor Dave Eanet will step away from the daypart hosted by Bob Sirott. Andy Masur will step into the role after Eanet’s exit.

Eanet has spent more than 30 years in the daypart, and more than 40 years total at WGN Radio. Despite his retirement from the morning show, he’ll continue to serve as the radio play-by-play voice of Northwestern University football and basketball. WGN serves as the flagship home of the broadcasts.

“Can’t believe it’s been 41 years since I first set foot in the WGN studios,” said Eanet. “As I close this chapter of my career, the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful.’ I’m so thankful to the entire WGN family for their friendship and support over the years. It’s not just the names you know, but the entire crew on and off the air. I’m forever indebted to the managers, engineers, producers, newspeople, sales team, and all the others who have made WGN such a special place to work.

‘Most of all, I’m thankful to the listeners who have a special relationship with this station. I will miss the day-to-day connection, but so glad I’ll continue calling Wildcat football and basketball,” Eanet continued. “After calling the last game in the old Ryan Field, I look forward to the first game in the new Ryan Field next year!” 

“Dave Eanet has been a cherished voice on WGN Radio for nearly three consecutive decades,” added WGN Radio Vice President and General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle. “From his weekday morning sportscasts to his superior play-by-play for Northwestern and as a fill-in sports anchor on WGN-TV, his remarkable work has been a mainstay for our audiences every day. He’s had a rigorous schedule that few could have balanced as well as Dave. I have immense respect for Dave and admire his decision to scale back his morning show broadcast responsibilities. It’s his kindness as a broadcaster and coworker that really stand out.”

Andy Masur is no stranger to WGN listeners. He’s previously served as the weekend and fill-in sports anchor for the Chicago news/talk station.

“I am truly honored to be taking the baton from Dave Eanet, who has been such a fixture here at WGN,” said Masur. “I like to think he prepared me for this day, and I’m looking forward to carrying on the great tradition of sports on 720 WGN.”

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.

Cumulus Media Sees 9% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

BNM Staff
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Cumulus Media Sees 9% Revenue Decline During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

Cumulus Media has reported its second-quarter financial results, and the company shared its seen a revenue decline during the period.

In total, the company secured $186 million in revenue during April, May, and June. That figure represents a 9.2% year-over-year decline.

The company added that digital revenue saw a slight decrease — 1.4%, or $38.8 million — during the quarter.

Digital marketing services grew 38%, which now represents approximately 50% of all Cumulus Media digital revenue.

“While the advertising backdrop for legacy media remains challenging, in the quarter we continued to outperform our radio peers, gaining market share across all broadcast spot revenue channels,” said President and CEO Mary Berner. “We also significantly outperformed in digital, delivering double the growth rate of our radio peers, driven by the 38% year-over-year increase in our digital marketing services business. Additionally, we executed $5 million of annualized cost reductions, bringing total annualized cost reductions to $175 million over the last 5 years.”

The company ended the quarter with an Adjusted EBITDA of $22.4 million, down from the $25.2 million it featured during the same quarter in 2024.

Despite the declines in overall revenue, Cumulus limited its losses from $27.7 million last year to $12.8 million this year.

“These results underscore our disciplined focus on optimizing performance and investing in growth opportunities despite capital constraints,” said Berner. “Looking ahead, while we do not expect near-term relief from market headwinds, we are confident in our ability to position the business for long-term success through strong execution and by capitalizing on the Company’s valuable underlying assets.”

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.

Nexstar Media Group Revenue Drops 3% During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

BNM Staff
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Nexstar Media Group Revenue Drops 3% During 2025’s 2nd Quarter

Nexstar Media Group has announced its second-quarter financial results, and the data shows a slight decline in overall revenue during the quarter.

The company reported $1.23 billion in net revenue during April, May, and June. That represents a 3.2% decline compare to the same quarter in 2024.

The company saw a 9% year-over-year drop in advertising revenue, with an incredibly small decline of 0.1% in the distribution sector. Nexstar saw a 61.5% uptick in the “other” category, good for $8 million in growth compared to last year.

Nexstar pointed to the lack of political advertising as reason for why its advertising revenue declined by 9%. During last year’s second quarter, it featured $36 million in the political sector, while dropping to just $9 million in 2025.

“As expected, our year-over-year results were primarily impacted by lower non-election year political advertising revenue, offset, in part, by strong expense management,” said Nexstar Media Group Founder, Chairman, and CEO Perry Sook. “Our operational milestones during the quarter highlight the success of
our network growth strategies both at The CW and NewsNation.

“Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the prospect for regulatory reform, completing our upcoming distribution renewals, and capitalizing on the 2026 mid-term election political advertising opportunity,” Sook concluded.

The company’s Adjusted EBITDA finished the quarter at $389 million, a drop of 6% — down $25 million — compared to the previous year.

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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