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Sale Price of Audacy St. Louis to Hoffmann Media Revealed

Garrett Searight
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Sale Price of Audacy St. Louis to Hoffmann Media Revealed

Audacy St. Louis’ station sale now has a public price tag. Hoffmann Media will pay $20 million for the six-station cluster.

What We Know: Hoffmann Media and Audacy St. Louis filed their purchase agreement with the FCC on Wednesday, revealing a $20 million purchase price. The filing provides the first official valuation since the companies announced the transaction more than two weeks ago. The deal includes 104.1-FM and 1120-AM KMOX, Jamz 96.3, 97.1 FM Talk, Y98, 102.5 KEZK, and Hot 98.7. Additionally, the acquisition would give Hoffmann Media its first radio properties after years of owning local newspapers. However, the transaction still requires FCC approval before it can close.

What’s At Stake: KMOX remains one of the most recognizable radio brands in the Midwest, making it one of the centerpieces of the acquisition. Meanwhile, the $20 million price offers another benchmark for radio station valuations. The figure also invites comparisons to recent industry transactions. Earlier this year, Urban One agreed to pay $22 million for two Dallas stations, KKDA and KRNB, from Service Broadcasting Group. By comparison, Hoffmann Media would acquire six stations in the nation’s number 24 radio market for slightly less.

What Remains Unclear: The companies haven’t disclosed when they expect the FCC review process to conclude. Likewise, Hoffmann Media hasn’t detailed any programming, staffing, or management changes following the acquisition. It’s also unknown whether the company plans to expand beyond St. Louis after entering the radio business.

What It Means: The filing adds financial context to one of radio’s more notable transactions this year. If regulators approve the sale, Hoffmann Media will enter broadcasting with an established cluster anchored by KMOX. As a result, the deal could signal growing interest from nontraditional media owners looking to invest in local radio brands with strong community recognition.

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.

Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards Lands Afternoon Drive at The Bone

David Hill
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Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards Lands Afternoon Drive at The Bone

Bryan ‘Crash’ Edwards has a new home. The veteran rock radio programmer and personality joins JVC Broadcasting’s 92.1/97.7 The Bone — WBON-FM Destin/Fort Walton Beach and WBOE Bonifay/Panama City — taking over afternoons from 1-5pm.

What We Know: Edwards recently exited iHeartMedia following last month’s cluster-wide cuts. He previously programmed Rock “TK 101” WTKX-FM Pensacola and Classic Rock “96.1 The Rocket” WRKH Mobile. He also hosted afternoons at “Rock 102” KWNW Memphis during his iHeart tenure. His addition also reshuffles The Bone’s entire daypart lineup.

What They Said: Edwards spoke directly to why this move resonated. “I’ve spent my career believing radio should be about serving listeners and entertaining people,” he said. “They’re not afraid to be different, they’re committed to local radio, and they’re giving us the freedom to build something special. I’m incredibly excited to join The Bone and reconnect with listeners every afternoon.”

What Remains Unclear: No details have emerged about Edwards’ contract length or role beyond afternoon hosting. Additionally, it’s unclear whether he will take on any programming responsibilities alongside his on-air duties at JVC.

What It Means: This move signals that experienced rock radio talent displaced by corporate cuts can still land meaningful opportunities at independent operators. JVC Broadcasting clearly prioritizes local voices over syndicated content — and Edwards fits that mission well. Furthermore, his decade-long footprint in the Florida Panhandle makes him a natural fit for a station built around authentic, community-focused radio.

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.

Alan Hahn Suggests MLB Take a Page From Savannah Bananas for More Interest in All Star Game Presentation

John Mamola
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Alan Hahn Suggests MLB Take a Page From Savannah Bananas for More Interest in All Star Game Presentation

Alan Hahn wants baseball to loosen up it’s presentation of the MLB All Star Game. The ESPN New York host floated a Savannah Bananas-inspired fix for the All-Star Game.

What We Know: Hahn raised the idea Wednesday on ESPN New York’s Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg. MLB has reworked its Midsummer Classic repeatedly over the decades, adding and later dropping the “this one counts” World Series stakes gimmick among other ideas. Ratings have struggled in recent years, fueling debate over how to modernize the event. Hahn argued the game should prioritize entertainment over strict competition taking a page from the success of the Savannah Bananas.

What They Said: (All quotes via Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg on ESPN New York)

Alan Hahn on how to create more entertainment with the MLB All Star Game: “The Savannah Bananas, they do a lot of weird, funny, entertaining stuff with their game. If you’re a baseball purist, it probably is not something you enjoy. But is the All Star Game for baseball purists, or is it a moment to entertain?”

Alan Hahn on why inserting entertainment could work for the MLB All Star Game: “The one thing that I used to like about the All Star game in the NBA back in the ’80s and ’90s. The players understood that while most of this game we’re going to play and compete, there’s going to be moments where we’re going to let players show off their incredible skill… That’s all the stuff that I thought was supposed to be part of the game. Where it’s 80% the game is being played, and about 20% stuff we would never do in a real game, but we here to entertain. A little Harlem Globetrotters thrown in. Savannah Bananas aren’t they a baseball version of the Harlem Globetrotters?”

Alan Hahn suggests baseball look into items that the Bananas do to inject more interest in the MLB All Star Game: “You don’t have to bring in the Savannah Bananas. But what if you borrowed from what they do? The game has a little more of like the quirkiness too it. Fan catches a foul ball. If you catch it clean, it’s an out. I find that to be hilarious, and now fans would be involved in it. The baseball purists will hate this, but how many people would watch it because it’s kind of funny?”

What Remains Unclear: MLB has not announced any further changes to the MLB All Star Game format.

What It Means: Hahn’s comments reflect a growing appetite for shaking up a struggling exhibition. Other leagues have leaned into showmanship to attract casual fans, and MLB faces similar pressure. While the game has a long history, long time fans would be the ones providing the most pushback. Despite the success of the Bananas product nationwide, purists will likely push back against any quirky additions to the Midsummer Classic. Still, the conversation signals real momentum toward rethinking the All-Star Game’s identity.

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Dave Kendall, MTV’s 120 Minutes Creator, Has Died

David Hill
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Dave Kendall, MTV’s 120 Minutes Creator, Has Died

Dave Kendall, the creator and original host of MTV’s 120 Minutes, has died. The British-born television personality passed away this week, confirmed by former 120 Minutes host Matt Pinfield.

What We Know: Kendall conceived 120 Minutes after joining MTV as a producer. He pitched the network a dedicated program for punk, post-punk, goth, synth-pop, and ska — sounds mainstream radio largely ignored. The show debuted March 10, 1986. Kendall later hosted the program from 1989 through 1992.

What’s at Stake: 120 Minutes served as a critical pipeline for alternative music before it entered the mainstream. Kendall himself described it as “a distribution channel for organic musical produce.” College radio was the only comparable outlet at the time. His work helped lay the cultural groundwork for the alternative explosion that followed.

What Remains Unclear: The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Kendall had been living in Thailand in recent years, where he worked as a correspondent for the Bangkok Post. No formal statement from his family has surfaced. Further details about services or memorials remain unknown.

What It Means: Kendall’s legacy extends far beyond a cable television program. He gave a generation of music fans their first exposure to artists who would define an era. Moreover, he demonstrated that niche programming could build deeply loyal audiences — a lesson still relevant today. Matt Pinfield said it best: Kendall “gave a home to music that deserved to be heard.”

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.

Tucker Carlson: Ben Shapiro ‘Tanked’ The Daily Wire

Garrett Searight
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Tucker Carlson: Ben Shapiro ‘Tanked’ The Daily Wire

Tucker Carlson renewed his criticism of Ben Shapiro and The Daily Wire. His latest remarks again questioned Shapiro’s business credibility.

What We Know: Tucker Carlson has intensified his public criticism of Ben Shapiro, arguing the conservative commentator lacks credibility when discussing capitalism because of The Daily Wire’s business performance. The comments continue a pattern that dates back to at least November 2025, when Carlson claimed The Daily Wire had been “propped up by Facebook” and predicted the company was headed downhill. As a result, the latest remarks from Carlson on the Orthodoxy podcast add another chapter to an increasingly public dispute between two of conservative media’s most recognizable personalities.

What They Said: “I don’t know why I’d ever want to take lectures from Ben Shapiro. He’s like Mr. Capitalist guy. He couldn’t even keep his own company afloat … We’re getting a lecture about capitalism from a guy who tanked his own company. Am I going to take real estate advice from the homeless? Quiet. Adults are talking.” -Tucker Carlson

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear what specifically prompted Carlson’s latest remarks or whether Ben Shapiro or The Daily Wire plans to respond. Likewise, Carlson didn’t cite any financial data or operational details to support his characterization of the company’s performance. Neither Shapiro nor The Daily Wire had publicly addressed the comments at the time of publication.

What It Means: The renewed criticism highlights the increasingly personal divisions among influential conservative media figures. While Carlson has repeatedly challenged Shapiro’s business leadership, the latest comments suggest the disagreement remains active rather than isolated. Furthermore, the exchange underscores how prominent media personalities continue using their platforms to publicly challenge competitors, creating storylines that extend beyond politics and into the business of conservative media itself.

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.

VERSANT, NBCUniversal Land Multi-Year Agreements For Bundesliga Soccer U.S. Telecasts

John Mamola
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VERSANT, NBCUniversal Land Multi-Year Agreements For Bundesliga Soccer U.S. Telecasts

The Bundesliga just landed a major U.S. media upgrade. Versant’s USA Sports and NBCUniversal’s Telemundo now share its broadcast rights.

What We Know: USA Sports becomes the exclusive English-language Bundesliga home in 2026-2027, airing at least 30 matches. The remaining matches will stream free on Fandango. Meanwhile, Telemundo becomes the exclusive Spanish-language home, airing 100-plus matches on Telemundo and Universo, with everything on Peacock. Together, the deals push Bundesliga’s reach past 80 million U.S. homes, replacing its longtime ESPN and ESPN+ deal.

What They Said: Robin Austermann, Bundesliga Americas Executive Vice President: “These partnerships with USA Sports and Telemundo mark the next phase of our strategy, combining outstanding distribution with significant commercial opportunity and bringing the Bundesliga closer to more fans across the United States than ever before. We are excited to work with ambitious partners who are helping shape the future of sports media. Together, Versant and Telemundo will strengthen the Bundesliga’s presence across English and Spanish, linear television and streaming, helping us reach fans wherever they choose to engage with the league.”

Matt Hong, President, USA Sports: “The Bundesliga boasts some of the most well-known clubs and players in the world. It has an established connection with American soccer fans. Our partnership with the Bundesliga represents another significant milestone in the growth of USA Sports as we continue to build a premier destination for live sports and deliver more of the events fans care about most.”

Joaquin Duro, EVP of Sports and Head of Streaming, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises: “The Bundesliga represents one of the premier soccer leagues in the world. We’re excited to bring its clubs, players and rivalries to Hispanic audiences in the U.S. This partnership strengthens our year-round soccer portfolio and reinforces our commitment to delivering the world’s biggest competitions in Spanish with the quality, storytelling and passion our audiences expect from Telemundo.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t disclose financial terms for either agreement. It’s also unclear how many of Telemundo’s 100-plus matches will air on Universo versus the main network. Additionally, Fandango’s ad-supported streaming model marks new territory for live sports, and its performance remains untested.

What It Means: Ultimately, this signals soccer’s expanding footprint in the U.S. following the success of the 2026 World Cup. For Versant, the Bundesliga adds to a growing sports portfolio that already includes the WNBA, PGA of America and Pac-12. For Telemundo, it deepens a year-round Spanish-language soccer lineup anchored by the Premier League and Liga MX. Overall, both companies are betting that global soccer fandom keeps growing stateside.

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.

Jonathan Hutton, Chad Withrow Program Returning Monday Following Departure From OutKick

John Mamola
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Jonathan Hutton, Chad Withrow Program Returning Monday Following Departure From OutKick

Jonathan Hutton & Chad Withrow are coming back. Hutton & Withrow returns Monday, live from SEC Media Days two months following their final episode on OutKick.

What We Know Hutton & Withrow’s final OutKick Hot Mic episode aired May 11. The show began as OutKick 360 in 2021, then rebranded two years later. Before that, the pair spent 13 years together on Nashville’s Midday 180. Now, the Hutton & Withrow Show launches Monday from SEC Media Days, airing weekdays 7-9 a.m. Central from Nashville. The duo teased that the program will have a separate announcement in the coming days/weeks regarding a new media platform that they will be a part of. This follows Clay Travis announcing his exit from OutKick last month where he announced he would be building a new media platform, which would involve Withrow as being part of it.

What They Said: (all quotes from Hutton & Withrow)

Jonathan Hutton on the return of Hutton and Withrow Show beginning at SEC Media Days: “You’ve been asking where you guys been. Well, we’re coming back. We’re ready. We’re heading to SEC Media Days, and we’re launching the Hutton & Withrow Show. 7-9 a.m. The best guests from SEC Radio Row. Every day, the best show we could possibly do with whatever we would talk about at the bar.”

Chad Withrow on the return of Hutton and Withrow Show: “We are going to be doing a full coverage two-hour show. Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Central Time. I’m pumped about this, and I’m pumped that it’s going to stay in Nashville, Tennessee. We’re going to get to do what we want, which is the goal throughout. All of our years doing this show together, that’s what we wanted to do.”

Jonathan Hutton says “Hutton and Withrow Show” will be a part of a media platform soon: “We will be a part of a media platform that will be massive. That’s coming with the announcement in a few weeks, or a few days. In the meantime, we’re going to go ahead and produce content and be ready to go.”

What Remains Unclear The exact media platform partner remains unnamed, though Hutton expects word within weeks. If Travis’ own words prove true, there could be a bigger announcement around the corner also involving Travis.

What It Means For longtime fans, the return signals continuity despite the OutKick split. Moreover, Hutton and Withrow clearly wanted creative control over their product, something Withrow emphasized directly. Staying in Nashville also keeps the show’s roots intact. Ultimately, the bigger platform deal could shape where Hutton & Withrow land next. Possibly alongside their fellow former OutKick teammate in Clay Travis.

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.

The Colorado Sound Triple A Format Changes Hands

David Hill
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The Colorado Sound Triple A Format Changes Hands

Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPR) is expanding its Colorado footprint. A signed asset purchase agreement gives Denver-based RMPM control of six full-power FM stations from Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What We Know: RMPM will acquire CRNC’s six full-power FM licenses, including KUNC in Greeley and KJAC in Timnath, which airs The Colorado Sound in a Triple A format. The deal also includes 11 FM translators, intellectual property, social media accounts, and donor and underwriting data. Notably, the transaction involves no cash exchange. Instead, CRNC must repay a $900,000 loan to Mountain 300 LLC before closing. current

What’s at Stake: RMPM already operates Rocky Mountain PBS, jazz station KUVO, and Urban Alternative outlet The Drop 104.7. Adding six FM licenses significantly strengthens its reach across Colorado. The deal also protects jobs — RMPM plans to offer employment to all CRNC employees in good standing at closing. Furthermore, the Triple A format on The Colorado Sound gives RMPM a new programming lane to grow. currentcurrent

What Remains Unclear: FCC approval is still pending, so the transaction is not yet finalized. The two organizations announced in March they were exploring a merger, citing the rescission of federal public media funding as a catalyst. However, a definitive closing timeline has not been publicly disclosed. How RMPM integrates two distinct editorial and programming cultures also remains to be seen. current

What It Means: This deal reflects a broader consolidation trend reshaping public media. Smaller nonprofits can’t survive without federal support. Triple A radio is already a fragile format — and ownership changes make loyal listeners nervous. The Colorado Sound built something real around music discovery and community. That’s not easy to preserve in a transaction.

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.

CBS News Set to Debut Norah O’Donnell Podcast

Garrett Searight
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CBS News Set to Debut Norah O’Donnell Podcast

Norah O’Donnell is taking on another high-profile assignment at CBS News with the launch of a new podcast focused on women’s health. The veteran journalist will debut Healthful on July 22 as she continues her expanded role following her departure from the CBS Evening News anchor desk.

What We Know: Healthful will feature weekly conversations with doctors and researchers covering topics including menopause, reproductive health, cancer, the gut microbiome, and women’s sexual health. In addition, each episode will include a recurring segment called “Turning the Tables,” where guests will ask O’Donnell questions about her own health habits and wellness routine. New episodes will be released every Wednesday beginning July 22nd.

What They Said: “Every week, I want to bring you the latest science and trusted medical expertise. Our goal is simple … to deliver fact-based information that you can trust.” -Norah O’Donnell

What Remains Unclear: CBS News hasn’t disclosed how long each episode will run or identified the full slate of guests for the podcast’s debut season. Likewise, it’s unknown whether the show will include video components or remain an audio-first production.

What It Means: The launch further broadens O’Donnell’s responsibilities after she transitioned into an expanded role as a CBS News senior correspondent. She now contributes to 60 Minutes and hosts Person to Person while adding original podcasting to her portfolio. Meanwhile, the project reflects continued investment by major news organizations in personality-driven podcasts that extend trusted brands beyond traditional television. By centering expert interviews and evidence-based reporting, CBS News also positions Healthful to compete in a crowded health podcast market where audiences increasingly seek reliable information.

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Kelly Ford Leaves 103.1 The Wolf Afternoon Host Role

David Hill
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Kelly Ford Leaves 103.1 The Wolf Afternoon Host Role

Kelly Ford has departed WWWF in the Nassau-Suffolk market. The afternoon host and Music Director is headed to a new role that has yet to be announced.

What We Know: Ford joined Connoisseur Media’s WWWF in 2024 and earned her MD stripes later that same year. She also tracked nights at sister station KUPL in Portland, Oregon. Her resume includes stops at Backstage Country, WNSH/New York, KYGO/Denver, and the Ty, Kelly & Chuck brand. PD Robby Bridges has confirmed the departure and is actively searching for her replacement.

What’s at Stake: The open role carries real weight. Bridges is looking to fill both the MD and afternoon daypart simultaneously. Additionally, APD responsibilities could be added for the right candidate. The station needs someone who can perform on-air while also driving label and artist relationships.

What Remains Unclear: Ford has not publicly revealed her next destination. No timeline has been set for when the position will be filled. It is also unclear whether the APD title will be included or kept separate depending on the hire.

What It Means: This is a meaningful opportunity in a competitive market. Bridges spelled out exactly what he wants — someone with “strong relationships with country artists, management and record labels, along with the ability to build partnerships that support the station’s mission.” That combination of on-air presence and industry connectivity narrows the field considerably. Candidates who can deliver both will have a clear advantage. Interested applicants can apply directly through Connoisseur Media’s careers page.

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