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NBCUniversal Reportedly Considering Launching Sports Cable Network

BSM Staff
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NBCUniversal Reportedly Considering Launching Sports Cable Network

NBCUniversal is reportedly in early discussions to launch a new sports-focused cable network. The potential debut could take place as early as this fall. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the prospective channel would primarily feature content currently available on the company’s streaming service, Peacock.

Sources familiar with the matter say the channel would be offered to cable and satellite providers as part of more narrowly targeted specialty bundles, rather than traditional broad-based cable packages. While no final decision has been made, the internal talks underscore NBCU’s continued belief in the value of live sports — even as more consumers pivot away from cable toward streaming.

NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast, is making a substantial investment in live sports programming beginning this year. The company agreed to a new deal with the NBA valued at $2.5 billion annually last year. It goes into effect this coming season. Executives are hoping the league’s arrival will help grow Peacock, which currently has about 41 million subscribers. That number trails rivals in the crowded streaming space.

NBCUniversal, like many legacy media companies, is navigating the realities of cord-cutting while simultaneously investing heavily in streaming. In fact, most of its cable channels are in the process of being spun off into a new entity called Versant.

However, sports remains one of the most profitable and durable genres on linear television. NBCU executives appear interested in capturing revenue from fans still loyal to the pay-TV bundle.

To prepare for the influx of sports content, Peacock recently raised subscription prices. The ad-supported tier jumped $3 to $10.99 per month, while the ad-free option now costs $16.99. Despite the tiers, all live sports content on Peacock includes advertisements.

In addition to its future NBA content, Peacock’s current sports lineup includes Sunday Night Football simulcasts, an exclusive NFL regular season game, the Olympics, WNBA, Premier League Soccer, golf, and college football.

According to the report NBCU does not plan to place the new cable sports network into traditional bundles that feature major competitors like ESPN or FS1. Instead, the network would be reserved for genre-based packages offered by distributors like Charter’s Spectrum or DirecTV.

NBCUniversal has operated NBC Sports Network, but it hasn’t produced the same level of impact as other mainstream sports outlets. The network’s biggest marquee events have been featured on USA Network, which is also set to become part of Versant.

NBCUniversal has not confirmed the report by The Wall Street Journal.

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Newsmax Files Objection to FCC Proposal to Eliminate National TV Ownership Limits

BNM Staff
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Newsmax Files Objection to FCC Proposal to Eliminate National TV Ownership Limits

Newsmax has filed a formal objection with the FCC, calling on the agency to preserve the national television ownership cap. In a detailed 33-page filing, the independent media company strongly opposed any move to relax or eliminate the Horizontal Ownership Cap, warning such changes would harm local journalism and reduce viewpoint diversity.

The FCC is currently reviewing the rule, which bars a single broadcaster from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households. The agency opened the door for public comment last month as part of a broader media ownership review. Newsmax’s response is one of the most forceful yet.

“Americans of every political persuasion, demographic, and location would be harmed by any weakening of the national ownership limit,” the filing reads. Newsmax insists the cap is essential to maintaining competition, localism, and a diversity of voices in broadcasting.

CEO Christopher Ruddy signed the filing personally, warning that raising or removing the cap would allow major players like CBS, NBC, and ABC to dominate even more local markets — pushing out smaller, independent outlets. Ruddy argued this could create “less incentive to produce programming that reflects the values of local communities.”

The filing cites the rule’s history, noting it was originally set under President Reagan and codified by Congress in 2004. Newsmax claims the FCC lacks the legal authority to alter the cap without legislative action, invoking the Supreme Court’s “Major Questions Doctrine.”

“There could be no greater ‘basic and fundamental change’ to a limit set by Congress than abolishing it altogether,” the company wrote.

Newsmax also took direct aim at Fox Corporation and Nexstar Media Group, accusing both of leveraging market dominance to suppress rivals. It claims Fox pressured pay-TV providers to drop Newsmax, while Nexstar allegedly used its station reach to boost its struggling NewsNation brand.

The filing ends with a stark warning: “The FCC must reject any proposal to raise or remove the cap — not just to honor congressional law, but to defend America’s media landscape from monopolization and political manipulation.”

Ask ChatGPT

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Pat McAfee Apologizes for His Role in Spreading False Story About Mary Kate Cornett

BSM Staff
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Pat McAfee Apologizes for His Role in Spreading False Story About Mary Kate Cornett

Pat McAfee took time on his nationally syndicated ESPN program this week to issue a heartfelt and direct apology to Mary Kate Cornett and her family, acknowledging his show’s role in amplifying a false internet rumor earlier this year. Back on February 26, during coverage of the NFL Draft Combine, The Pat McAfee Show discussed a story that had gone viral involving a Mississippi college student. That story, later proven false, involved Cornett and circulated widely on social media platforms.

McAfee, speaking candidly, said that he had the opportunity to meet Cornett and her family to apologize in person. He admitted that his team “had no personal knowledge” of Cornett or her life, and that they relied entirely on online speculation and prior media coverage without verifying the facts.

“I have since learned that the story was not true and that my show played a role in the anguish caused to a great family—especially to a young woman, Mary Kate Cornett,” McAfee said. “As a girl dad, I also was very thankful for the opportunity to let Mr. Cornett know that I was wildly regretful for the part that our show played in his daughter Mary Kate’s pain.”

The former NFL punter turned sports media star explained that his delay in publicly addressing the matter was intentional. He said he prioritized speaking privately with the Cornett family before making any public statement.

“The most important element on the timing is—I personally, a decision that I made—wanted to talk to the family first before addressing it publicly,” McAfee said. “I can now say that I had the opportunity to meet them, chat with them. They’re wonderful people, and I’m very thankful they gave me the opportunity to tell them how sorry I was.”

McAfee stressed that his program’s intent has always been to entertain and uplift—not to harm.

“I deeply regret the pain that was caused. I hated watching what our show was a part of,” McAfee said. “And my hope is that this can be something we all learn from going forward. I know we certainly have.”

While McAfee did not detail whether legal action had ever been considered or threatened, his tone made clear that the emotional damage done to the Cornett family was not taken lightly. His apology closed with gratitude and a call for growth.

“Our goal with this show is to make the world a happier place, a better place, to celebrate life and sports and to unify folks,” he added. “I and we don’t always get it right, but we’ll never stop trying.”

The apology Wednesday is the first time McAfee has referenced the show’s remarks since the ‘Big Night Aht’ event in April.

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Bari Weiss Seeking More Than $200 Million in Potential Sale of The Free Press to Incoming Buyer of CBS

BNM Staff
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Bari Weiss Seeking More Than $200 Million in Potential Sale of The Free Press to Incoming Buyer of CBS

Bari Weiss, the founder of The Free Press, is looking to sell her digital outlet to David Ellison, the incoming buyer of CBS, as part of a multi-million dollar deal.

According to a report from The Financial Times, Weiss has met with Ellison about selling the business she founded nearly four years ago to the Skydance studio set to purchase Paramount, the parent company of CBS.

According to the report, Weiss, who founded the digital outlet after departing The New York Times, is looking for a valuation between $200 and $250 million for the startup.

The attempt to sell the business comes after Weiss conducted a round of fundraising of more than $15 million last year, which — at the time — valued the company at $100 million.

To put the desired valuation from Weiss into perspective, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos purchased The Washington Post for $250 million in 2013.

Weiss launched the digital outlet as a Substack newsletter in 2021. She later earned investments from the likes of Marc Andreessen and David Sacks, who were also in the news Wednesday for investing in Substack itself.

It remains to be seen what or how Skydance would utilize The Free Press, and if it would be in conjunction with CBS News.

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.

Time Spent Listening to Podcasts Has Grown By 355% Since 2015, New Edison Research Data Shows

BNM Staff
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Time Spent Listening to Podcasts Has Grown By 355% Since 2015, New Edison Research Data Shows

Listening to podcasts has never been more en vogue. But new data from Edison Research shows just how big the jump from the past decade has been.

In the findings from The Podcast Consumer 2025, data from Edison Research shows that overall time spent listening to podcasts has grown a whopping 355% since 2015.

In 2015, the company shared that roughly 170 million hours per week were spent listening to podcasts.

That figure grew to 770 million hours per week, or an increase of 603 million hours per week over the past decade.

Edison Research Vice President Megan Lazovick shared that the jump is a natural one for the medium. Only 46 million users labeled themselves as monthly podcast consumers in 2015. In 2025, that number has increased to 115 million.

“I had trouble wrapping my head around this one at first, but think about it: since 2015, the number of people listening to podcasts has increased by millions, and we also know that those who do listen to podcasts are spending more time doing so,” said Lazovick. “So if you consider that, more people and more time, you see a massive increase in the total number of hours spent listening to podcasts per week among Americans. Podcasts have historical momentum.”

Furthermore, in 2015, only 27 million Americans called themselves weekly podcast consumers. In 2025, that figure has risen to 115 million, according to Edison Research.

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Greenville’s Classic Rock 101.1 Becomes ‘Ozzy 101.1’

BMM Staff
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Greenville’s Classic Rock 101.1 Becomes ‘Ozzy 101.1’

Classic Rock 101.1 WROQ-FM in Greenville, SC, is honoring the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne today with a special station takeover. The station will rebrand as “Ozzy 101.1,” dedicating five hours of programming to one of rock’s most legendary voices.

The tribute will be hosted by longtime station personality and Brand Manager, The Stoneman, who has been playing Osbourne’s music for more than four decades. The broadcast will feature a mix of chart-topping hits and fan favorites spanning Osbourne’s career, both as a solo artist and frontman of Black Sabbath.

“Ozzy didn’t just shape rock music—he helped shape Classic Rock 101.1 and the lives of our listeners,” The Stoneman said. “His raw energy, fearless creativity, and unforgettable voice became part of the soundtrack of our station and our audience’s lives. Today, we celebrate the man, the myth, and the music that will live forever. Rest in power, Ozzy. You were one of a kind.”

Listeners can expect to hear everything from Black Sabbath classics to iconic solo tracks like “Crazy Train,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “No More Tears.” The station says the temporary rebrand is a heartfelt salute to “The Prince of Darkness,” a symbol of rock’s enduring spirit.

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95.9 WOVU-FM to Air Shows from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

BMM Staff
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95.9 WOVU-FM to Air Shows from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Urban Alternative 95.9 WOVU-FM Cleveland is preparing to make history this August as it teams up with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a series of live broadcasts produced directly from the museum’s on-site recording studio. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for the city’s first Urban Alternative station.

Select episodes of WOVU’s flagship shows, including The DJ Kristyles Show, The Majestic Mix with DJ Black Unicorn, DJ Rockville, and The DJ Lily Jade Show, will originate from the Rock Hall. Offering listeners a fusion of Cleveland’s rich music heritage with the station’s genre-crossing Urban Alternative sound.

“This partnership with the Rock Hall is a defining moment for both WOVU and Cleveland,” said Darvio Morrow, CEO of the FCB Radio Network and WOVU’s Operations Manager. “The Rock Hall represents the roots of modern music, and our DJs reflect the future. Broadcasting from that space connects both worlds.”

The move also honors Cleveland’s historic role in modern music, including the legacy of Alan Freed, who popularized the term “rock and roll” while working in the city.

WOVU adopted the Urban Alternative format in March 2025. The station blends alternative hip-hop, neo-soul, Afrobeats, R&B, and inspirational tracks.

The first broadcast from the Rock Hall is scheduled for August, with additional episodes planned throughout the season.

WOVU content is available on 95.9 FM in Cleveland, as well as via iHeartRadio, Audacy, and the station’s social channels, where behind-the-scenes clips will complement the live programming.

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The CW Network Inks Multi-Year Agreement With Professional Bull Riders

BSM Staff
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The CW Network Inks Multi-Year Agreement With Professional Bull Riders

The CW Network is expanding its sports lineup. The network announced a new multi-year deal with Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to become the exclusive broadcast home for all Saturday and Sunday Camping World Team Series events. The partnership officially kicks off with a weekend doubleheader live from Sunrise, Florida—Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 —and continues across 10 additional weekends.

The season culminates with the championship rounds from Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on October 25 and 26.

“PBR on The CW brings a whole new level of grit, adrenaline, and edge-of-your-seat action to bull riding fans nationwide,” said Mike Perman, Senior Vice President of Sports at The CW Network. “Paired with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, weekends on The CW will be a can’t-miss destination to experience two of the nation’s fastest-growing sports with some of the most passionate fanbases in the country.”

This move underscores The CW’s aggressive push into live sports programming, a strategy that has seen the network align itself with an eclectic mix of leagues and events. The addition of PBR complements a growing portfolio that includes the full NASCAR Xfinity Series, WWE NXT on Tuesday nights, AVP beach volleyball, ACC and Pac-12 college football, and PBA bowling starting in 2026.

The network also plans to showcase the viral baseball sensation Savannah Bananas in their broadcast network debut on Sunday, July 27.

For PBR, which already boasts a presence on CBS Sports Network and RidePass on Pluto TV, the new partnership offers an opportunity to expand reach even further—particularly through over-the-air television access.

“We are thrilled to welcome The CW Network as our new broadcast partner,” said Sean Gleason, CEO and Commissioner of PBR. “With over-the-air access on Saturdays and Sundays, everyone, no matter where they are, can experience the excitement of bull riding games. This partnership perfectly complements our existing television schedule, delivering even more thrilling action to fans, making it easier than ever for them to stay connected to the sport they love.”

PBR has seen substantial momentum in recent years. The organization hosted 1.43 million fans at live events in 2024 and now reaches more than 288 million households across 67 countries. Its team-based league, launched in 2022, follows a five-on-five format where teams compete in head-to-head matchups based on riders’ aggregate scores from qualifying 8-second rides.

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Candace Owens Sued By French President Emmanuel Macron After Comments About Wife

BNM Staff
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Candace Owens Sued By French President Emmanuel Macron After Comments About Wife

Candace Owens has not been shy in sharing disparaging comments about French President Emmanuel Macron, and has often focused criticism on his wife. Now, the Macrons are fighting back.

On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron and his wife — Brigitte — filed a defamation lawsuit against the podcast host after Owens continually claimed that Macron’s first lady was born a man.

The complaint was filed in Delaware Superior Court. The dollar figure being sought by the Macrons was not made available.

An eight-part series produced by Candace Owens continually claimed that Brigitte Macron was born a man, then later stole the identity of another woman, before undergoing a transition surgery to become a woman.

“These claims are demonstrably false, and Owens knew they were false when she published them,” the lawsuit says. “Yet, she published them anyway. And the reason is clear: it is not the pursuit of truth, but the pursuit of fame.”

In a statement, the Macrons said they grew determined to launch the defamation lawsuit after Owens continued to share the comments after several requests by lawyers for the couple asked for retractions to be made.

“Ms. Owens’ campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety,” the attorneys said. “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused. It is our earnest hope that this lawsuit will set the record straight and end this campaign of defamation once and for all.”

The lawyers added that they sent three separate demands for Candace Owens to retract her statements, with the final one sent on July 1st. When she failed to do so, the lawyers determined a defamation lawsuit was the best course of action.

Candace Owens has yet to publicly address the lawsuit. However, on her Tuesday show, she questioned if she was going to be the subject of a lawsuit after the author of a book that made similar accusations was also sued.

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Northwest Newsradio Anchor Mark Christopher Announces Retirement

BNM Staff
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Northwest Newsradio Anchor Mark Christopher Announces Retirement

After a storied 45-year career in Seattle radio, Northwest Newsradio anchor Mark Christopher has announced he’s retiring from the industry.

Christopher spent more than 20 years as midday host at 97.3 KBSG in Seattle, including 35 years as a music radio host. He worked at the station until it flipped formats to become the FM home of KIRO NewsRadio in the market.

Most recently, he’s served as a weekend anchor and producer for Northwest Newsradio. He also filled in as a host on sister station 570 KVI.

“45 years. I’ve done it. I’ve hit the checkered flag,” Christopher said. “And it feels great.”

In an interview with KING5 TV in Seattle, Mark Christopher joked that he’s retiring at the perfect time.

“I’ve asked people, ‘What’s it like to retire? What’s the best time to retire?'” he shared. “They all said, ‘Don’t do it to fall in winter. Four o’clock, it gets dark. There’s nothing to do. Do it in the spring and summer so you can enjoy the nice weather and feel like the last day of school.'”

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