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Pittsburgh Penguins Legendary Play-By-Play Voice Mike Lange Passes Away at Age 76

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Pittsburgh Penguins Legendary Play-By-Play Voice Mike Lange Passes Away at Age 76

Legendary play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Lange has passed away at the age of 76, a source close to Lange confirmed to the New York Times. Lange was on the call for both the Pittsburgh Penguins radio and television networks for a combined 46 years.

According to a report from The Athletic, Lange passed away at his home in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Lange worked both the radio and television networks for the Penguins from 1976-2006, but left the television side of the call in following the 2005-2006 season after then-Fox Sports Pittsburgh did not exercise the option year of Lange’s contract. The veteran play-by-play voice didn’t miss any time as he continued with the call of the Penguins on the radio network the very next season, calling it a career following the 2020-2021 season.

Known for his signature calls of “Look out Loretta” among others, Lange is most remembered for his iconic phrase following a Penguins victory proclaiming “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building.” The 76-year old broadcaster was on the call for every Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup championship run ranging from 1991 thru the franchise’s latest in 2017.

The Pittsburgh Penguins released the following statement via social media:

Mike Lange was a wordsmith – a magician behind the mic. The Californian quickly became a quintessential Pittsburgher, and his colorful calls and smooth cadence brought Penguins hockey to life.

The Hall-of-Famer’s voice is synonymous with the biggest calls in franchise history, including all five Stanley Cup Championships, and his unique one-liners and knack for anticipating game-changing plays set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice.

Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city “smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.

Remembrances have been pouring in following the breaking news of Lange’s passing including from Mark Madden, host on Penguins radio flagship station 105.9 The X.

“I don’t have the words right now,” said Madden via his personal account on X. “I can promise that I’ll find them by 2pm tomorrow. And we’re gonna talk lots of hockey because there’s a big game, that’s what Mike would want. Mike Lange, RIP. A great friend & absolute legend. A true Penguin & a big influence.”

Madden went on to say via X that Mike Lange sits atop his Pittsburgh sports broadcaster Mount Rushmore.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is learned.

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2025 Country Hall Of Fame Inductees Named At CRS

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2025 Country Hall Of Fame Inductees Named At CRS

The 2025 inductees to the Country Radio Hall of Fame were announced today at CRS.

Inductees are acknowledged in two categories: On-Air Personality, which celebrates the accomplishments of on-air talent, and Radio, which honors the professionals who work behind the scenes in programming, management, and sales.

The three on-air personalities include Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy, and Rowdy Yates.

The three radio inductees are Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt, and Gregg Swedberg.

The Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction and Dinner is set for July 21 at Nashville’s Virgin Hotel on Music Row.

Candidates must have at least 20 years of experience in the radio industry, including a minimum of 15 years specifically focused on the Country format to be considered.

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.

Former WDAE Host Ian Beckles Hints at New Local Sports Radio Program

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Former WDAE Host Ian Beckles Hints at New Local Sports Radio Program

With the recent news of ESPN Radio making its return to the Tampa/St. Petersburg market coming to a new arrangement with Neal Ardman of NIA Broadcasting, there has been speculation locally that other additions with local ties could be joining the station for added local programming as well. Former WDAE host Ian Beckles hinted at the notion on the most recent episode of his podcast Beckles & Recher with co-host and also former WDAE host Jay Recher. 

“I had a young man approach me. I’m not going to say his name right now because maybe he doesn’t want me to say his name,” explained Beckles on his podcast with Recher. “He contacted me about a month ago saying he was trying to purchase ESPN Radio. He hit me up yesterday and said everything is done. I’ll be contacting the next week or so, trying to do some local radio within two weeks.” 

Beckles, a former NFL offensive lineman who played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for six of his eight-year NFL career, hosted numerous programs in his two stints on Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio WDAE. Beckles was released from the station’s weekday lineup in October of 2022 while Recher was retained to form a new mid-day show w/Zac Blobner. Recher was released as part of iHeartMedia’s recent reduction in force this past November along with Blobner, producer James Donlon, and Program Director John Mamola. 

“Am I itching to get back in the radio?” Beckles questioned. “I’m not itching to not to get back in the radio. Does that make sense?” 

WTMP, now rebranded as ESPN Tampa Bay, broadcasts on 1150AM WTMP Egypt Lake signal and translators 92.9 W225CQ Tampa and 102.1 W271DL Egypt Lake/St. Petersburg FL. It had previously aired Rhythmic Oldies but switched to ESPN Radio on February 7. While recalling how the conversation went with the unnamed individual, there was one word for Beckles that stood out among the rest of the conversation. 

“The big thing he said was local. He wants local,” recalled Beckles of his conversation with the unnamed individual. “He said that that 100 times. He said to me, ‘You think that’s something you’d like to be involved with?’ Not only will I like to be involved with it, but I can put a team together right now that would smash anybody else in this. I’ll put a team together right now. And I’m pretty confident in that.” 

Beckles’ former radio home, WDAE, is the lone all-sports talk station in the market but has gone through various changes in the past several years. The station subtracted a local daypart in November with the cuts made by iHeart and replaced the 12-3 p.m. slot with The Herd with Colin Cowherd of Premiere Radio Networks. WDAE currently airs local programming in drive time from 6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. weekdays and hasn’t had a local all-sports competitor since the former 98.7 The Fan folded in December of 2014. 

Beckles stated on his podcast he’s open to the idea of returning to the Tampa Bay airwaves, and noted there is opportunity to be had. 

“There’s so many talented people out there,” said Beckles. “I’m not saying that the other station is not doing a great job, but I think it’s going through a kind of a metamorphosis a little bit. There’s been a lot of changes, and maybe we need some new blood.” 

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CRS 2025: Day 1 Takeaways

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CRS 2025: Day 1 Takeaways

Country radio and music’s best and brightest gathered in Nashville for day 1 of CRS 2025. The radio industry’s premiere country conference runs through Friday February 21st. Barrett Media’s Jason Barrett and Stephanie Eads are attending a number of sessions, and holding in-person conversations. Radio professionals are also active across social media, sharing insights, opinions, and valuable takeaways from the show.

Here are some of the notable items from the first day of the Country Radio Seminar.

Session Recaps:

Ashley Morrison, Sarah Frazier, JoJo Turnbeaugh, and Andrea Burtscher discussed the importance for programming in creating and helping to monetize unique events. JoJo shared that he aims to deliver a 3 to 1 return when taking risks with local events. Sarah added that it starts with understanding the client’s marketing objective to make sure the content and/or events sell.

The conversation included a conversation about added value. JoJo shared that the word ‘no’ is not an answer today when working with sales. Frazier added that sales are not just competing against radio anymore. They compete against all media, and impressions and engagement are needed. Both agreed that the term ‘added value’ should be obliterated since it suggests the created piece isn’t worth anything.

Burtscher talked about turning local opportunities into larger national ones. By involving other stations and programmers in your companies and talking to labels, things can be built that work across multiple cities.

Morrison added how important it is for programmers to be involved in the sales process. Taking part in sales calls, going on sales calls, and helping your cluster deliver dollars keeps everyone in a stronger position. Turnbeaugh followed up by adding how including talent in the process can close deals. Frazier followed by sharing how Sean Pendergast, in her building, takes the lead on building business and how it makes a major difference.

The session ended with the panel talking about different ideas involving QR codes, Meta glasses, cardboard cutouts at events, and more. Sarah Frazier got the entire room to pop with her idea of selling a ‘glitter shitter.’

JoJo Turnbeaugh Photo: Facebook
Photo: Facebook
  • The Warner Music Nashville luncheon featured live performances by Chase Matthew, Tyler Braden, Hunter Westbrook, RedFerrin, Avery Anna, Sam Barber, and Gavin Adcock.
Meghan

Immediately after the luncheon, CRS Honors took place. Following a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Tigirlily Gold, and opening remarks from RJ Curtis, Townsquare Media’s Kurt Johnson took the stage to recognize the Broadcasters Foundation of America.

Johnson soon paved way for RJ Curtis who explained the CES mission to Learn, Connect, and Advance. Curtis recognized the CRS crew that helps create the event, highlighting each individual with Fox Sports like football introductions.

Next up were John Shomby and Becky Brenner to announce this year’s Scholarship winners. Among those recognized were Sarah Weaver, Erin Bourque, Jahna Michal, Jessica McKenzie-Williams, Edward Cody Huddleston, Melanie Messer, and Ilana Epstein.

Recording artist Megan Moroney then performed a tasteful rendition of one of her songs to pay respect to those lost in the industry over the past year. A list of names were featured on screen throughout Moroney’s performance.

Megan Moroney

The CRS Honors ceremony culminated with Tim Roberts, Joel Raab, RJ Curtis, and Country Radio Hall of Famers introducing the newest members of the 2025 Country Radio Hall of Fame. Those earning induction included Gregg Swedberg, Ginny Rogers Brophey, Clay Hunnicut, Big D and Bubba, Mary McCoy, and Rowdy Yates.

CRB Announces 2025 Country Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees
CRB Annoucing 2025 Country Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees
CRB Announces 2025 Country Radio Hall Of Fame Inductees

Other sessions included Capitalizing on the Country Momentum in Streaming, Becoming a Better Content Creator, Everything You Want to Know About Streaming, The Cycle of a Song on Ella Langley’s “You Look Like You Love Me,” and the Label-Radio-Streaming Relationship.

Lastly, Sean Copeland, Shannon Sanders, Madeline Edwards, Brooke Eden, and Tiffany Provenzano had a wide ranging conversation to start the day on the industry’s diversity challenges. The panel each shared their personal experiences, and explained why a lack of featuring new, diverse voices is causing the radio industry to leave a lot of revenue on the table.

Looking Ahead

Scheduled for later this evening are a programming networking happy hour, a performance by rising star Nikki Sparks, Amateur Hour Scareoke, and an evening of entertainment courtesy of Amazon Music.

CRS 25’s day two agenda includes a CRS research presentation by Nuvoodoo Media, and sessions focused on mental health, turning moments into careers, the cycle of a song, and more. Also scheduled are live performances at the Ryman by Luke Bryan, Brothers Osbourne, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Tyler Hubbard, and more. More details about the show can be learned here.

NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt: FCC Broadcast Ownership Rules ‘Relics of the Past’, Time for ‘Modernization’

BNM Staff
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NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt: FCC Broadcast Ownership Rules ‘Relics of the Past’, Time for ‘Modernization’

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt is advocating for the FCC to change its long broadcast ownership rules to compete with Big Tech.

In an address to The Media Institute, LeGeyt opened his speech by calling the ownership regulations currently in place outdated. He emphasized the place that outlets like YouTube currently hold in the media marketplace, sharing his belief that it is an uneven playing field.

“The FCC should first eliminate this national audience cap that undermines broadcasters’ ability to compete with these global behemoths,” said LeGeyt. “The FCC must modernize local TV and radio ownership rules. These are relics of the past. Current FCC rules largely prevent TV broadcasters from owning two of the top four-rated broadcast stations in a media market. Not two of the top four most watched video services in a market, just broadcast stations.

“This ignores the vast array of competition broadcasters now face, from streaming platforms to social media giants. And most importantly the fact that in many markets, communities would be best served by a pool of investment in one or two strong local newsrooms, rather than four under-resourced entities. Eliminating these regulations will allow local stations to aggregate resources, invest in journalism and strengthen their service to communities,” LeGeyt added.

LeGeyt continued by noting that he looks forward to working with lawmakers and the FCC to “modernize” the ownership regulations. The NAB President and CEO believes the future of broadcasting is at stake with the current rules.

“Allowing broadcasters to compete will give local stations the ability to invest in our journalists, our highly valued content, our weather technology and our newsrooms. We are doing our part to serve our communities at the very time they need us most. And we look forward to working with the FCC and Congress to do their part to ensure local broadcasters can be unshackled from the outdated rules that have held us back for so long. The time to act is now,” he concluded.

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Christy Holifield Named iHeartMedia Greensboro SC Market President

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Christy Holifield Named iHeartMedia Greensboro SC Market President

Christy Holifield is set to join iHeartMedia Greensboro, SC, as Market President.

She arrives from iHeartMedia Columbia, SC, where she was VP/Sales. Hollifield will succeed Kellie Holeman.

iHeartMedia Carolinas President Dave Carwile said, “We are thrilled to have Christy step into this important leadership role. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to sales and marketing make her the perfect fit to lead our Greensboro team.”

Holifield added, “I am excited to take on this new challenge and lead the talented team in Greensboro. I look forward to continuing to build on our success and deliver exceptional results for our listeners and advertisers.”

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.

Lesley Visser To Receive 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at New York Festivals

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Lesley Visser To Receive 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at New York Festivals

A sports journalism icon will be honored at the upcoming New York TV and Film Awards as the organization will honor Lesley Visser with the Festivals’ 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Visser will receive the award at the upcoming Storytellers Gala, which will be streamed in May of this year. 

Visser’s career began in 1974 when she was hired as a reporter for the Boston Globe, which only two years later she made history as the first woman to cover the NFL for the newspaper. When she was named to the beat, press box credentials were not allowed for women or children. 

Visser also broke ground as the first female NFL analyst on television in 2009 with CBS Sports on top of being the first woman to be recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, receiving the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. Visser is the only sportscaster in history to work broadcasts of the Final Four, NBA Finals, World Series, Triple Crown (horse racing), Monday Night Football, a Super Bowl, the U.S. Open (golf), the World Figure Skating Championships, and the Olympic Games. 

Visser now serves as a member of CBS Sports Network’s show We Need To Talk, which is the first all-women sports talk show on television, debuting in 2014. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Television and Film Awards,” said Visser, “and I love that it will be presented at the Storytellers Gala. The heart of any sports journalist is dedicated to telling stories. I’m grateful to CBS for giving me this opportunity for more than 30 years, and I salute the men and women who have won this honor before me.” 

A Boston College graduate, Visser was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2007 and has continued to mentor young women throughout her career. 

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ESPN Platforms Report High Viewership For Women’s Basketball Doubleheader

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ESPN Platforms Report High Viewership For Women’s Basketball Doubleheader

Fans of women’s college basketball showed up to watch a doubleheader featuring four of the top seven ranked teams in the sport on Sunday. ESPN shared Wednesday that ABC Networks broadcasts between #7 UCONN taking on #4 South Carolina followed by #5 LSU facing off with #3 Texas finished as the third and fourth most-watched regular season women’s college basketball games of all time across ESPN platforms.

The release also notes that ESPN’s College Gameday airing on Sunday ahead of the two contests was the most watched regular season women’s College Gameday since 2010. Sunday’s matchup between the Huskies and Gamecocks on ABC was viewed by 1.8 million viewers, with a peak viewership measured at 2.2 million. The second game of the doubleheader featuring the Tigers and Longhorns was viewed by an average of 1.7 million viewers, with a peak viewership of 2.3 million.

The high viewership numbers precede the expanded coverage announced by ESPN earlier this week where nearly 260 games are slated to be featured across ESPN platforms beginning Wednesday through February 25. Game broadcasts will be made available on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, as well as on ESPN+, SEC Network+ and ACCNX on the ESPN App.

This schedule is set to include sixteen of the top twenty-five ranked programs in the country.

Women’s sports, especially women’s collegiate basketball, have been gaining momentum in recent years, including an average of 12.3 million people watching last year’s NCAA women’s championship game between LSU and Iowa. In 2024, the NCAA announced an agreement with ESPN that will cover 40 of its championships throughout the United States with twenty-one of those being women’s events, worth a reported $920 million over eight years.

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WBAP Adds The Joe Pags Show to Daily Lineup

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WBAP Adds The Joe Pags Show to Daily Lineup

WBAP in Dallas has added The Joe Pags Show to its lineup after severing ties with Chris Krok last month.

The show, hosted by Joe Pagliarulo, will be heard in the 8 PM to Midnight window, similar to Krok’s program.

Based in San Antonio, Pags was part of the widespread cuts from iHeartMedia late last year, resulting in his exit from 1200 WOAI in the Alamo City. Despite the exit from his local show, he continued to host his nationally syndicated show through Compass Media Networks.

The program airs live from 5-8 PM CT, but will be time delayed to air on WBAP.

With the addition of The Joe Pags Show, WBAP will not feature a daily lineup of:

  • 5-9 AM: WBAP’s Morning News
  • 9-11 AM: Casey Bartholomew
  • 11 AM-2 PM: The Dan Bongino Show
  • 2-5 PM: James Parker
  • 5-8 PM: Mark Levin
  • 8 PM-12 AM: Joe Pags

Joe Pagliarulo steps into the timeslot previously occupied by Chris Krok. He had been with the station for 12 years and spent two years with sister-station KLIF before shifting to WBAP.

During the Los Angeles wildfires, Krok shared a meme about the wildfires in Los Angeles that said “LA County: 72 genders, 0 operational fire hydrants.” He quietly departed the Cumulus Media Dallas station shortly thereafter.

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.

Jake Vulinec Named New Evening Host on 92.3 The Fan

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Jake Vulinec Named New Evening Host on 92.3 The Fan

Audacy announced Wednesday Jake Vulinec as their new evening host effective immediately on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland. Vulinec joined 92.3 The Fan in May of 2023 as a part-time update anchor and fill-in host, and can now be found as the new host of Overtime on The Fan airing weekday evenings from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. eastern.

Vulinec initially explained his excitement over the news posting on his X account.

“I’d like to formally announce that I’ve accepted an offer to become the newest evening host on 92.3 The Fan,” Vulinec stated. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge.”

“Jake is a rising star in this industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to see him take over ‘Overtime,’” Keith Britton, brand manager of 92.3 The Fan, said in a statement. “Jake’s dedication, enthusiasm and fresh perspective will bring new energy to the show, and we know our audience will love what he brings to the table.”

In a statement to Barrett Media, Vulinec credits the support he has at the Cleveland sports talker for his quick rise at 92.3 The Fan and looks forward to what the future holds.

“Keith Britton and the team at 92.3 The Fan have been supportive of me having a creative vision and truly making the show my own,” said Vulinec. “I can’t wait to deliver a fresh and new perspective to the station while continuing to showcase my personality.”

This move is the latest in several changes that have taken place at 92.3 The Fan over the last several months, including the addition of Jonathan Peterlin to afternoon drive to host with Nick Wilson. Dustin Fox exited the afternoon drive timeslot towards the end of the summer of 2024, prompting a change in the daypart. Additionally, Britton himself was promoted to become the brand manager of the outlet this past October following the departure of Andy Roth.

Before joining 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, Vulinec served as the Sports Director WJCU and John Carroll University and called play-by-play for Cleveland Heights High School football and boys basketball.

The Audacy-owned station has been the flagship radio home for Cleveland Browns football since 2013.

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