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Grant McAuley Joins Atlanta Falcons Radio Network as Studio Host on 92.9 The Game

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Grant McAuley Joins Atlanta Falcons Radio Network as Studio Host on 92.9 The Game

The Atlanta Falcons Radio Network will have a new voice guiding its studio coverage this season, as Grant McAuley has been named the network’s new studio host. The Falcons’ flagship station, 92.9 The Game, made the announcement via social media on Wednesday ahead of the team’s preseason opener Friday evening.

Shortly after the news broke, McAuley shared his excitement about joining the Falcons broadcast team via his X account.

“Thrilled to announce that I’m joining the Falcons Radio Network this season as a studio host,” tweeted McAuley. “Excited to get started. Thank you all and congratulations to everyone else joining the team.”

Meanwhile, the core broadcast booth remains intact. This year’s Falcons Radio Network will once again feature Wes Durham and Dave Archer, who will call their 22nd season together for the franchise. Additionally, McAuley will be joined by Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan, co-hosts of The Morning Shift on 92.9 The Game.

In other programming, Andy Bunker and Joe Patrick are set to host the station’s Tailgate Show, while Chris Thomas will return as host of the Falcons Flyover postgame program.

Beyond his new role with Falcons coverage, McAuley also serves as the Atlanta Braves reporter for the radio station and hosts the From The Diamond podcast.

Notably, McAuley is the husband of 92.9 The Game morning host Ali Mac, who joined the station earlier this year following the NFL Draft in April.

Since 2015, Audacy’s 92.9 The Game has held the broadcast rights for the franchise. The station currently serves as the flagship for 48 affiliates of the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network across the Southeast.

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Dan Patrick: ESPN Probably Has Already Looked The Other Way On Negative NFL Stories

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Dan Patrick: ESPN Probably Has Already Looked The Other Way On Negative NFL Stories

Veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick didn’t mince words Tuesday when addressing ESPN’s newly announced agreement with the NFL—one that includes the network acquiring NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and a 10% equity stake going back to the league.

“The journalist in me would point out the conflict of interest,” Patrick said on The Dan Patrick Show. “ESPN can’t be any further in bed with the NFL.”

The new deal marks a striking shift from where things stood less than a decade ago. Patrick cited reporting from ESPN author James Andrew Miller that, just eight years ago, the network was questioning whether it should even continue its relationship with the NFL. That tension has now given way to a full-blown partnership—one that Patrick believes comes with serious implications for journalistic independence.

“Are they going to look the other way with whatever negative story that comes up? They’ve probably already done that,” stated Patrick. “Everybody’s in bed with the NFL. All networks have partnerships here.”

He pointed to his own time at ESPN Radio as an example. When ESPN’s scripted drama Playmakers drew the ire of the NFL, league executives called ESPN Radio and asked that it be pulled off the air. The company complied according to Patrick.

According to Patrick, this dynamic isn’t new—but it’s now official.

“As far as a conflict of interest, I think that’s long gone,” said Patrick. “There’s certain things that you’re just not going to cover. I don’t know how deep ESPN went in on the mess of the NFL Players Association. I know [Mike] Florio did.”

With ESPN now taking over the reins of NFL Network and RedZone—and expanding its game inventory—Patrick acknowledged the value of the deal from a business standpoint. But he also questioned what kind of accountability fans can expect from coverage moving forward.

“Outside the Lines is gone,” he said. “We’re in the content business. That’s what Jimmy Petaro who runs ESPN. They’re in the content business.”

Patrick credited Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk as one of the few national voices still willing to challenge the league, but wondered aloud whether ESPN reporters would have the latitude to do the same under this new structure. As for the NFL Network, Patrick credited the effort of the league.

“There’s a lot of great football people over there,” he added. “They gutted the place. That’s the disappointing part of it. A lot of great football people. They streamlined it so then they were going to sell it.”

Though Patrick didn’t dismiss the significance of the acquisition—calling it a “big, big, big deal”—he emphasized that with the NFL now owning a stake in its most prominent media partner, editorial independence may be the price paid for access.

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.

WWE President Nick Khan Credits ESPN, Disney for Being Ahead of the Game

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WWE President Nick Khan Credits ESPN, Disney for Being Ahead of the Game

After striking a deal with the NFL for ownership of NFL Network, RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy in exchange for a 10% equity stake in the network, ESPN then announced a five-year agreement with the WWE to bring the company’s marquee live events exclusively to the brand’s forthcoming standalone streaming service starting in 2026.

Under the agreement, ESPN will become the exclusive U.S. home for 10 of WWE’s top events. Among those events include WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. Additionally, the deal contains rights to air pre- and post-event programming. It also leaves the door open for select events to be simulcast on ESPN’s linear platforms.

WWE President Nick Khan spoke on The Varsity Podcast following the news of the deal and talked about why he feels the Walt Disney Company, along with the WWE’s other streaming partner NBC Universal, are ahead of the game.

“They [streaming companies] have a significant advantage over many of the traditional companies, but not in our opinion, Disney or NBCU,” Khan explained. “Those are the two companies of the traditionals [media companies] that are poised best to compete for the future.”

Furthermore, Khan went on to explain the vision Disney CEO Bob Iger had when he purchased Major League Baseball Advanced Media in 2016 was the correct one—understanding that the consumer was moving into the world of streaming content over the traditional pay TV model.

“The future was in front of us, and the future was streaming. It didn’t mean exclusive from traditional. It just meant you had to be able to watch whatever you wanted, wherever you wanted, on whatever device that you wanted,” said Khan. “I think Disney continues to stay ahead of the game. For those who do that, and who tend to look at the entire media landscape, not through rose colored lenses, the future should remain bright.”

In addition, Khan credited the relationship between the WWE and Peacock for building an amazing partnership coming out of the COVID pandemic. He also stated his excitement about joining the Disney family, which the WWE has had a history with—a positive one, according to Khan.

“It’s a significant step up. It’s a great platform for us,” said Khan. “To have WWE, what we consider to be the number one sports entertainment product in the world, on the most family friendly apparatus. It’s a big for all of us.”

The new ESPN streaming platform is launching on August 21. Much like its approach with the UFC through ESPN+, ESPN plans to integrate WWE into its promotional strategy in order to create early momentum.

Despite the ESPN agreement, WWE will maintain relationships with other major platforms. For example, Monday Night Raw will continue streaming globally on Netflix, while Friday Night SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event will remain with NBCUniversal and its Versant Media Group division. However, WWE’s partnership to air premium live events on NBC Peacock will come to an end.

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VSiN Adds Ben Stevens Following Departure From SportsGrid

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VSiN Adds Ben Stevens Following Departure From SportsGrid

With the college football season just weeks away, VSiN is expanding its roster of betting talent. The Sports Betting Network announced that Ben Stevens will join the company to strengthen its already robust NCAA football programming.

“Ben is a terrific addition to the most trusted brand in sports betting information at a time when sports fans across the country look to us for information that helps them make informed college football wagering decisions,” said Steve Cohen, VSiN’s Executive Vice President of Talent and Programming. “A seasoned on-air sports betting talent that can speak across all major sports, ‘Big 10 Ben’ has deep expertise in college football that our viewers and listeners will enjoy.”

Stevens arrives from SportsGrid, where he spent the last five years as a lead on-air host. During his time there, he anchored the morning program The Early Line and served as the primary host for College Football Today. He also led coverage of high-profile events, including the NFL and NBA Drafts, NCAA Tournament specials, and Super Bowl week broadcasts live from Radio Row.

Known to audiences as “Big 10 Ben,” Stevens brings a mix of personality, sharp analysis, and a deep understanding of the college football landscape. His experience in both pregame breakdowns and live event coverage positions him well to contribute across multiple VSiN platforms.

“College football is my passion and I look forward to sharing my knowledge with sports bettors and fans throughout the season,” Stevens said in a statement. “I’m excited to deliver insights and expertise alongside the talented team at VSiN.”

VSiN delivers over 18 hours of live sports betting content each day and has become a trusted resource for both novice and experienced bettors. Its programming airs nationally on outlets like SiriusXM Channel 158 and YouTube TV, along with various local radio affiliate stations.

With the college football season quickly approaching—and the betting market around it continuing to grow—adding a familiar voice like Stevens is a clear signal that VSiN plans to double down on its commitment to smart, engaging 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.

Devan Kaney Returns as Philadelphia Eagles Radio Sideline Reporter for 2025 Season

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Devan Kaney Returns as Philadelphia Eagles Radio Sideline Reporter for 2025 Season

Devan Kaney will return to the sidelines for the Philadelphia Eagles radio network this coming season. SportsRadio 94WIP made the announcement via their social media platforms on Wednesday, as the Eagles gear up for their first pre-season matchup tomorrow night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“She did a wonderful job [last season] and she is a very talented broadcaster,” said Eagles radio play-by-play voice Merrill Reese this morning on WIP. “She knows he football and she works hard. Devan was out at training camp every day this year. I think she’ll do a terrific job.”

Kaney stepped into the role last season, filling in for the departed Howard Eskin.

Eskin, who departed the station in December of last year, was unable to resolve “irreconcilable differences” with the radio station. He helped launch the station’s sports talk format in 1986 and recently concluded a 38-year run with the outlet. In an interview with Barrett Media last year, he expressed disappointment that he would be unable to finish the Eagles season on the sidelines. However, he looks back on his days covering the team fondly and hopes to apply the knowledge elsewhere.

Kaney, who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received her master’s degree in broadcast journalism from American University, joined SportsRadio 94WIP three years ago. Since then, she has contributed to the morning drive program with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, while also working as a betting analyst for the BetQL Network. Additionally, Kaney was on the air last week co-hosting editions of the morning program alongside Tom Kelly.

Furthermore, Kaney also works as a weekend sports anchor for FOX 29 News Philadelphia and as an in-arena host for the Philadelphia Flyers. She formerly worked as a sideline reporter for NBC Sports, ESPN, and the Philadelphia Wings, along with hosting at SuperBook Sports and Newsy. Moreover, Kaney also hosted the Eagles postgame show for JAKIB Media Sports for two seasons.

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.

Pat McAfee Takes Shot at ESPN ‘Suits’ Following WWE Partnership With Network

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Pat McAfee Takes Shot at ESPN ‘Suits’ Following WWE Partnership With Network

Pat McAfee has been no stranger to creating controversy with certain members of management at ESPN. The wildly popular host of The Pat McAfee Show is in nearing entering the third year of a reported five-year licensing agreement with the network which simulcasts his program on ESPN from 12pm-2pm.

Following the news of ESPN and the WWE coming to terms on a five-year agreement to house the wrestling company’s premium live events on the new ESPN direct-to-consumer platform beginning next year, McAfee shared his thoughts via his X social media account taking aim at some unnamed suits at the network.

“Great to see two powerhouses of sports and entertainment come together,” tweeted McAfee. “I assume all the mid level, powerless, bum ass suits at ESPN will attempt to muddy this somehow (out of context leaks/ignorant anonymous opinions/etc.) but, in the end.. this agreement will outlive the dinosaurs currently guarding desks in Bristol and this deal will be great for ESPN.”

McAfee also appears on “College GameDay” during college football season for ESPN and has also had multiple stints serving as a commentator for WWE. He most recently partnered up with Michael Cole at the broadcast table for “Raw” on Monday nights, but recently stepped away from his announcing duties in June due to mental exhaustion.

The former Colts punter has stirred the pot previously with ESPN management. McAfee took aim at former ESPN executive Norby Williamson for what McAfee called a “sabotage” of his program. Williamson then exited ESPN in April of 2024. McAfee has also took shots when he believed certain members of ESPN management didn’t want ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania to be “the guy” for the network’s NBA coverage.

McAfee’s program has not aired since last Thursday with the NFL training camps and preseason underway.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, ESPN will become the exclusive U.S. home for 10 of WWE’s top events. Among those events include WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. The deal contains rights to air pre- and post-event programming. It also leaves the door open for select events to be simulcast on ESPN’s linear platforms.

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.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Believes ESPN Partnership Will Elevate Fan Experience

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Believes ESPN Partnership Will Elevate Fan Experience

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell believes the league’s new media partnership with ESPN will redefine how fans consume football content — without compromising what they already love. Following the news of the NFL acquiring a 10% stake in ESPN, Goodell joined ESPN’s Hannah Storm for an exclusive one-on-one interview.

Goodell called the evolving relationship between the NFL and ESPN a win for consumers, citing enhanced synergy between the NFL Network, RedZone, and other content under one umbrella.

“I’m most excited for our fans,” Goodell said. “We truly believe this is going to be an unbelievable experience for our fans— ESPN, the NFL Network and other content being able to come together. You’re so great at understanding what the fan wants. You’re so great at the production side of this. This will be combined on larger platforms. The NFL Network is always as well as some of our other important assets. I think this is just going to make the experience for our fans even better as we evolve this relationship.”

The announcement follows a landmark non-binding agreement in which ESPN is expected to acquire NFL Network, RedZone, and additional media assets from the NFL in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN. Despite the seismic media shift, Goodell was quick to reassure viewers that the beloved NFL RedZone will remain unchanged.

“That’ll actually stay the same. It’ll continue to be produced right here in this building [NFL Network Studios in LA]. It will be the NFL RedZone. I don’t think fans will see any difference to that,” Goodell explained.

However, ESPN’s acquisition of the RedZone name opens the door for creative expansion — potentially introducing RedZone-style programming to college football or other sports.

“ESPN purchased the RedZone Name, and they will be able to utilize that for other sports,” Goodell said. “I think that could be an exciting thing for our fans, also. To see a RedZone maybe in college football or other sports.”

Goodell also highlighted the enduring growth of the NFL Draft, calling it “one of the biggest sporting events in all sports,” thanks in part to ESPN’s long-term commitment. He praised the network’s role in elevating the event to primetime and giving viewers a deeper connection to incoming players through storytelling on ABC and other Disney platforms.

“You found other ways to make the draft more enticing,” he said. “That one moment when I get to be a part of that young man finding out which team he’s going to. Being there as a part of that start to his NFL career. It’s a great moment.”

Asked why the league continues to grow in popularity, Goodell credited the game’s structure and spirit.

“It always starts with the game. I’m a huge fan of the game. Always have been. I think the game has so many elements to it that I think relate to people,” Goodell said. “Every year, we have teams that go from last to first. We have teams that make the playoffs that didn’t make the playoffs the year before. That kind of competition, I think it grips the fans.”

Looking ahead, Goodell pointed to international growth and the rise of flag football as reasons for optimism.

“We have seven games globally this year. We’re starting in Brazil in just a few weeks,” Goodell said. “I’ve seen more kids playing our game, both tackle and flag, and particularly young women playing flag. I can’t tell you how excited I am about that.”

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.

Chris Allinger, Longtime 103.7 WQNY Ithaca Host Retiring

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Chris Allinger, Longtime 103.7 WQNY Ithaca Host Retiring

Longtime 103.7 Q Country WQNY Ithaca morning host Chris Allinger is retiring. His final show will air Friday, August 29. Allinger first spoke of a future retirement last March without setting a date. (BMM 3/25)

Allinger has been a fixture on the station for decades. He anchored mornings and became one of the most recognizable voices in the Ithaca market. In addition to hosting, he’s been active in the community and has held various roles within the station and local media.

He is retiring alongside his wife, Brigid.

Starting Monday, September 1, The Bobby Bones Show will take over mornings. Bones, who already airs on the station with his Country Top 30 Countdown on weekends.

“We are all happy for Chris and his wife Brigid, who are both retiring at the same time, and excited to have great morning radio continue with Bobby Bones,” said Cayuga Media Group President and General Manager Chet Osadchey.

“He brings the highest level of Country music, entertainment, and excitement to radio, and it will be a great success on 103.7 Q Country in Ithaca.”

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.

David Samson Questions if NFL Stake in ESPN Will Affect Coverage

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David Samson Questions if NFL Stake in ESPN Will Affect Coverage

In the wake of the NFL acquiring a 10% equity stake in ESPN as part of a multi-layered partnership with the network, former MLB executive David Samson is sounding the alarm on what the deal could mean for the future of NFL media rights—and for how the league is covered by its new broadcast partner.

Speaking on his show Nothing Personal with David Samson, the former Marlins executive didn’t hold back when analyzing the implications of the landmark agreement, which still requires regulatory approval. Samson framed the move as one of the most significant business shakeups in sports in decades, warning it could blur the lines between journalism and business interests.

“Do you think ESPN is going to spend hours of programming each day criticizing the NFL, bringing Jerry Jones to task?” Samson asked rhetorically. “You talk about a conflict of interest—Why do you think Bob Iger had to talk about it yesterday?”

Samson argued the NFL’s partial ownership could influence ESPN’s editorial tone, depth of coverage, and even decisions around investigative journalism. Referencing prominent ESPN reporter Don Van Natta and Meadowlark Media contributor Pablo Torre, Samson suggested journalists known for deep reporting on league controversies might now face pushback or a chilling effect.

“If you’re Don [Van Natta], you don’t think you’re looking around and saying, ‘There used to be a relationship that concerned me, but at least it wasn’t in writing. Now there’s a relationship that is solidified pending regulatory approval,’” Samson said on how Van Natta may see this agreement. “There is no way that I will have the ability to do the investigative work that I do.”

The NFL’s media power is also growing on another front. Samson noted that the league is bringing four new games to market—reportedly fetching up to $70 million apiece from Netflix—which could bring in upwards of $250 million in fresh revenue. That, combined with upcoming renewals of its existing media rights deals, puts the NFL in a position of unmatched leverage.

Even with ESPN now a partial NFL property, Samson said the league could, in theory, walk away when current broadcast contracts expire. However, he predicted that’s unlikely.

“The NFL is going to have to re-up with ESPN because they are now partners,” he said. “But will ESPN get a different rate? Or will the NFL still charge them like they would Apple or Netflix where they don’t have an equity stake? That’s how business works.”

From a business standpoint, Samson sees the deal as a potential antitrust flashpoint, warning it could restrict competition and diminish consumer benefit.

“The government has stopped deals that smell like this before,” Samson said. “Do they have the guts to stop this agreement—or the pettiness to stop this agreement? It’s one of the greatest business wait and sees that we’ve seen in sports in the last quarter century.”

Whether regulators intervene or not, Samson said one thing is certain: the relationship between ESPN and the NFL has now moved “from unofficial to official,” and the impact will be felt across coverage, tone, and the business of sports media.

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Triton Digital Elevates Sharon Taylor to Chief Revenue Officer

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Triton Digital Elevates Sharon Taylor to Chief Revenue Officer

Triton Digital has announced that Sharon Taylor has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer, effective immediately.

Taylor, who joined Triton Digital in 2017, will report directly to President and CEO John Rosso.

In her new role, Taylor will be responsible for overseeing global teams spanning sales, customer success, ad operations, demand generation, and technical account management. She is tasked with leading global revenue growth efforts, including client acquisition and support for publishers using Triton Digital’s advertising and content technology solutions.

Prior to this promotion, Taylor served as Executive Vice President, Podcast and Content Delivery. In that role, she was credited with expanding Triton’s presence in programmatic audio and podcast advertising. Before joining the company, she was CEO of Omny Studio, which grew into a major enterprise podcast platform under her leadership and was eventually acquired by Triton Digital.

John Rosso noted that Taylor’s promotion reflects her leadership and results. “Her track record in scaling audio technology platforms and her deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape will be invaluable,” Rosso said.

“I’m honored to step into the CRO role at such a pivotal moment for the audio industry,” Taylor said. “Triton’s platform empowers publishers and advertisers globally, and I look forward to spearheading initiatives that unlock new growth opportunities.”

Triton Digital operates as a provider of digital audio infrastructure for broadcasters, podcasters, and online audio publishers worldwide.

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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