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MeidasTouch Network Strikes Deal with Audacy for Sales, Distribution

Garrett Searight
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MeidasTouch Network Strikes Deal with Audacy for Sales, Distribution

Audacy is expanding its podcast portfolio through a new partnership with the MeidasTouch Network. The deal will give Audacy responsibility for the network’s sales and distribution.

What We Know: Audacy will handle sales and distribution for the MeidasTouch Network beginning September 1. The partnership adds one of the largest independent political podcast networks to Audacy’s growing audio portfolio. Meanwhile, The MeidasTouch Podcast will continue releasing new episodes every Tuesday and Friday morning. The show has become a major part of the network’s programming strategy as MeidasTouch continues expanding its reach across digital platforms. Under the agreement, Audacy will provide its sales operation and distribution infrastructure while MeidasTouch maintains its existing programming schedule.

What They Said: “Our mission has always been to build the strongest independent news network in the country. Our partnership with Audacy significantly expands our podcast capabilities while strengthening our advertising operation as we continue growing the MeidasTouch Network. This is another important step in our long-term strategy to invest in independent media, expand our programming, and reach even more people across every major platform.” -MeidasTouch co-founder Ben Meiselas

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the MeidasTouch Network to Audacy – this partnership underscores the momentum behind our podcast business and further accelerates our growth. What Ben, Brett, and Jordan have built is nothing short of a phenomenon – a powerhouse in independent media with unmatched scale and audience engagement. Audacy’s best-in-class sales team, paired with the MeidasTouch Network’s unmatched scale and audience engagement, will unlock powerful opportunities for our advertising partners.” -Audacy Head of Podcasts Leah Reis-Dennis

What Remains Unclear: Neither company detailed the financial terms of the partnership or how the agreement will affect MeidasTouch’s broader business operations. It also remains unclear whether Audacy will expand its role beyond sales and distribution as the relationship develops. Additionally, the companies didn’t provide specific revenue expectations tied to the deal.

What It Means: The agreement gives Audacy another high-profile podcast property as the company continues building its digital audio business. For MeidasTouch, the partnership provides access to Audacy’s established sales operation and distribution network. At the same time, Audacy gains a politically engaged audience that could create new opportunities for advertisers. Ultimately, the deal highlights the continued importance of podcast partnerships as media companies look for ways to grow audiences and advertising revenue.

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.

NBC Sports Adds Jason Benetti, Dave Flemming To College Football Broadcast Roster

John Mamola
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NBC Sports Adds Jason Benetti, Dave Flemming To College Football Broadcast Roster

NBC Sports adds Jason Benetti and Dave Flemming to its 2026 college football booth. Both broadcasters will call select Big Ten games as the season opens in 10 days.

What We Know: NBC Sports named Benetti and Flemming to its Big Ten football team for select games this fall. In addition, Paul Burmeister returns as the network’s veteran play-by-play voice, and Yogi Roth joins as an analyst for a full slate. Matt Cassel, a 14-year NFL quarterback, joins as an analyst for select games too. Also, Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kathryn Tappen return to Big Ten Saturday Night and will call all Saturday primetime games this season. Dan Hicks and Jason Garrett are also back in NBC’s Notre Dame Football booth, now in the network’s 36th season of Fighting Irish coverage.

What Remains Unclear: Full game by game and which broadcaster pairing have not been fully announced yet. How Benetti’s role with NBA and MLB on NBC Sports is impacted is also unknown.

What It Means: Adding Benetti and Flemming signals NBC Sports is deepening its Big Ten bench ahead of a packed slate of 25-plus games. Consequently, the network gains flexibility to staff simultaneous matchups without leaning solely on Burmeister. Meanwhile, returning voices like Roth and rising names like Ashley ShahAhmadi round out a roster built for volume. Ultimately, the moves suggest NBC is investing further in Big Ten coverage as its media rights deal matures.

CUREENT NBC SPORTS / PEACOCK COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

DateTime (ET)MatchupPlatform(s)
Sat., Aug. 293 p.m.San Jose State at USCNBC, Peacock
Thurs., Sept. 38 p.m.Eastern Illinois at MinnesotaPeacock
Sat., Sept. 57:30 p.m.Western Michigan at MichiganNBC, Peacock
Sun., Sept. 64 p.m.Washington State at WashingtonNBC, Peacock
Sun., Sept. 67:30 p.m.Wisconsin at Notre Dame (Lambeau Field)NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 123:30 p.m.Rice at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 127:30 p.m.Iowa State at IowaNBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 1912:30 p.m.Eastern Michigan at WisconsinPeacock
Sat., Sept. 192 p.m.Southern Illinois at IllinoisPeacock
Sat., Sept. 194 p.m.Western Kentucky at IndianaPeacock
Sat., Sept. 197:30 p.m.Michigan State at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 103:30 p.m.Stanford at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 77:30 p.m.Miami at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 143:30 p.m.Boston College at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 217:30 p.m.SMU at Notre DameNBC, Peacock
Fri. Nov. 277:30 p.m.Minnesota at WisconsinNBC, Peacock

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.

Mac Edwards Steps Down After 35 Years Beasley

David Hill
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Mac Edwards Steps Down After 35 Years Beasley

Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards is retiring from Beasley Media Group. He departs September 4th after more than three decades.

What We Know Edwards spent his entire career climbing Beasley’s ranks. He started as on-air talent and Program Director at WKML-FM in 1991. Eventually, he became General Manager in Fayetteville, then Vice President of Operations. Since 2007, he managed various markets including Detroit and now Charlotte, overseeing six stations there.

What They Said “Beasley Media Group has been such an important part of my life,” Edwards reflected in his statement. He credited the Beasley family, leadership, and colleagues for creating unforgettable opportunities and friendships. Meanwhile, COO Brian Beasley praised Edwards as an “outstanding leader” and “tremendous ambassador.” Beasley emphasized: “Mac’s passion for radio and commitment to excellence made a lasting impact across every market he led.”

What Remains Unclear Beasley hasn’t announced who replaces Edwards in Charlotte. The company promised additional leadership details soon. Edwards hasn’t disclosed his exact next moves beyond spending time with family. Industry observers will assess his full legacy in Detroit and Charlotte.

What It Means Edwards’ departure marks the end of an important era at Beasley. His three-decade tenure shaped multiple markets and mentored countless broadcasters. Furthermore, his exit signals potential shifts in how major radio groups manage leadership transitions. Ultimately, Edwards leaves behind a respected blueprint for market management in modern 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.

Salem Media Announces Documentary Featuring Final Charlie Kirk Interview

Garrett Searight
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Salem Media Announces Documentary Featuring Final Charlie Kirk Interview

Salem Media will release a new documentary featuring one of the final interviews with Charlie Kirk before his assassination. Can You Hear Me Now? will premiere September 10, marking one year since Kirk was killed.

What We Know: Salem Media’s streaming platform, SalemNOW, will exclusively premiere Can You Hear Me Now? on September 10, 2026. The documentary examines whether God still speaks through prophets today. The film combines biblical scholarship, historical context, political analysis, and scientific inquiry. Meanwhile, the documentary will expand to additional platforms beginning October 10.

What They Said: “At SalemNOW, we’re committed to bringing our audience thought-provoking films that address today’s most important faith and cultural conversations. Can You Hear Me Now? is a compelling documentary that encourages viewers to examine Scripture, think critically, and engage one of the most important spiritual questions of our time.” -SalemNOW GM Rob Ellis

What Remains Unclear: Salem Media hasn’t detailed which additional platforms will carry the documentary after its SalemNOW premiere. The company also hasn’t announced how widely the film will be distributed or whether it will receive a theatrical release. However, the inclusion of Kirk’s interview gives the project an added level of interest for his supporters and conservative audiences.

What It Means: Kirk’s interview could become the documentary’s most closely watched segment as SalemNOW releases the film on the anniversary of his death. In the interview, Kirk discusses biblical prophecy and spiritual discernment, emphasizing the importance of testing prophecy against Scripture. As a result, the documentary offers viewers one of the final opportunities to hear Kirk discuss his faith and views on prophecy before his death.

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.

Tanner Laura Casey Show Expands to Five Major Markets

David Hill
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Tanner Laura Casey Show Expands to Five Major Markets

iHeartMedia’s Tanner, Laura & Casey morning show expands to five major markets. The Portland-based program debuts this week on iHeartMedia Classic Rock stations.

What We Know The morning show features Chad ‘Tanner’ Haney, Laura Hall, and Casey ‘Beefwater’ Bay. iHeartMedia now adds the program to KZOK Seattle, WLLZ Detroit, WRFX Charlotte, KAAZ Salt Lake City, and WTZB Sarasota. The current format debuted last September following Drew Tydeman’s departure. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia elevated Casey to full co-host status while he retained his Portland promotions director role.

What’s at Stake The rollout demonstrates iHeartMedia’s confidence in this morning show concept. Josh Innes moves to nights in Detroit after previously hosting mornings there. Additionally, the expansion validates the programming direction established since Laura joined in 2021. Furthermore, the national launch represents a significant talent development opportunity for Casey Bay.

What Remains Unclear iHeartMedia hasn’t announced whether additional markets will receive the program soon. The company also hasn’t disclosed Casey’s specific workload management strategy going forward. Finally, details remain absent regarding the long-term syndication model for the show.

What It Means The show’s success in Portland clearly warrants this network expansion strategy. This move signals that iHeartMedia sees value in established morning personalities nationwide. Ultimately, the rollout could reshape morning show strategy across the entire Classic Rock format.

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Alyssa DiTomasso Leaves WNGC Morning Show

David Hill
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Alyssa DiTomasso Leaves WNGC Morning Show

Alyssa DiTomasso has departed WNGC morning radio. The Athens, Georgia station’s co-host joined a digital news platform.

What We Know: DiTomasso recently joined Cox Media Group’s WNGC in Athens for morning show duties. Previously, she spent three years at Audacy’s Star 94 (WSTR) Atlanta as a producer and on-air host. Before her Atlanta tenure, her career included roles at Beasley’s 1100 WWWE Atlanta and an internship with The Bert Show. Now she pursues video journalism and digital storytelling in her new venture.

What’s at Stake: WNGC’s morning show loses an established on-air talent mid-year. As a result, the format change affects listener connections and station branding. Furthermore, Adam Bomb’s unexplained absence from the website raises critical questions. Cox Media’s Athens market now faces unexpected audience retention challenges during the transition.

What Remains Unclear: No one yet knows the timeline for WNGC’s new morning show format. So far, management has not announced Adam Bomb‘s employment status or replacement plans. Additionally, the station has not disclosed details about programming direction during this transition. Listeners now await clear information on the revamped show’s structure and hosts.

What It Means: DiTomasso’s departure clearly reflects broader industry trends. Increasingly, radio on-air talent explores digital platforms for creative control. Meanwhile, traditional broadcast outlets struggle with talent retention in competitive markets.

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.

NFL Media Announces Return of Andrew Siciliano, Mike Yam, Colleen Wolfe Among New Additions

John Mamola
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NFL Media Announces Return of Andrew Siciliano, Mike Yam, Colleen Wolfe Among New Additions

NFL Media expanded its on-air roster with an announcement on Wednesday. Five names joined, three of them familiar to fans of the network.

What We Know: Andrew Siciliano, Colleen Wolfe and Mike Yam return to NFL Media, while Trevor Sikkema and Brett Kollmann join for the first time. Siciliano hosted NFL Network programming from 2011 to 2024 and will now lead The NFL Report starting August 24. Meanwhile, Wolfe has been with NFL Network since 2014, and Yam since 2020; both will keep their ESPN roles too. Sikkema and Kollmann will co-host the new streaming show NFL Pro beginning September 4.

What They Said: Angela Ellis, vice president, head of content for NFL Media: “Welcoming Andrew, Colleen and Mike back, and adding Trevor and Brett to our talent roster strengthens NFL Media with an exceptional blend of veteran hosting, insightful analysis and innovative digital storytelling. Each brings a distinctive voice and deep connection to football fans, helping us deliver smarter, more engaging coverage across every platform.”

What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear how Wolfe and Yam will juggle NFL Media duties alongside their ESPN roles. Additionally, full 2026 show assignments beyond this initial slate remain unannounced.

What It Means: NFL Media is clearly investing in original programming ahead of 2026. The new programs show a focus on building on NFL+, the league’s YouTube channel, and FAST channel. Pairing veteran hosts with rising analysts signals a push for broader reach. The announcement builds on existing NFL Media personalities Gregg Rosenthal, Bucky Brooks, Lance Zierlein, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Nick Shook Ultimately, expect more shows and expanded coverage as the season approaches.

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‘The Next Round’ Announces Three-Year Deal with Clay Travis’ Sport & State Media Company

John Mamola
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0
‘The Next Round’ Announces Three-Year Deal with Clay Travis’ Sport & State Media Company

The Next Round is heading national. Clay Travis’ Sport & State has signed the Birmingham-based show to a three-year, multimillion-dollar deal announced earlier today.

What We Know: Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor left traditional radio in 2021 to launch The Next Round independently. Travis has appeared on the show regularly since then. Thus, extending a relationship with the hosts that began nearly 20 years ago at WJOX. Beginning August 24, the show expands to four hours of live weekday programming. Travis’ Sport & State will distribute its first two hours nationally.

What They Said: Bo O’Neal, President and General Manager of The Next Round: “What Clay is building with Sport & State aligns perfectly with who we are and feels like the natural next step for us. We’re not changing what The Next Round is. We’re giving it a much bigger stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for the guys, our team, our advertising partners and everyone who has played a part in making The Next Round successful.”

Clay Travis, founder of Sport & State: “The Next Round Live is now going to be doing a new two-hour daily show for my new media company, Sport & State. So the four Alabama and Auburn fans who are white dudes for Harris are going to be SO MAD ONLINE. The rest of you will love them being part of the new badass, awesome network of digital shows we have built. And if they suck, blame Dunaway.”

What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t specify whether other Next Round staff or personalities will join the Sport & State move. Exact financial terms beyond “multimillion-dollar” also weren’t disclosed.

What It Means: The deal signals Sport & State’s continued push to build a national roster of independent, personality-driven shows. For The Next Round, it means a added platform without relocating from Birmingham. It will be interesting to see the growth of the new Sport & State platform in the digital content space. Especially, how content cuts through a saturated content ecosystem.

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.

ESPN New York, MSG Networks Announce Simulcast In Mornings, Afternoons Launching September 8

John Mamola
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0
ESPN New York, MSG Networks Announce Simulcast In Mornings, Afternoons Launching September 8

MSG Networks is expanding its radio-to-TV lineup courtesy of ESPN New York. Two ESPN New York shows will simulcast on the network starting September 8.

What We Know: DiPietro & Rothenberg and Don, Hahn & Rosenberg begin simulcasting on MSG Networks Tuesday, September 8. Both shows will keep airing on ESPN New York 880 AM, the ESPN New York App, YouTube and more. The partnership builds on history between the two brands. Additionally, co-host Don La Greca already appears on MSG Networks as the Devils’ play-by-play voice. As does Alan Hahn with coverage of the New York Knicks.

What They Said: ESPN New York announcement (via social media): “Starting Tuesday, September 8, DiPietro & Rothenberg and Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg are coming to MSG Networks. You can now watch our morning and afternoon shows simulcast across MSG Networks’ TV and digital platforms – while still watching and listening on ESPN New York 880 AM, the ESPN New York App, YouTube, and MORE! We couldn’t be more excited to bring the shows to an even bigger audience. See you September 8!”

What Remains Unclear: The announcement didn’t name specific terms of the deal.

What It Means: The simulcast extends both shows’ reach beyond radio and podcasts. It also continues MSG Networks’ pattern of pairing regional coverage with established radio voices. A huge win for ESPN New York is the video simulcast is not exclusive to MSG Networks. This is added distribution that will also extend to the DAZN app. Ultimately, listeners keep every existing option while gaining a new way to watch.

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.

JR Ammons Takes Regional Control of WSTR Atlanta

David Hill
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JR Ammons Takes Regional Control of WSTR Atlanta

Audacy’s WSTR (Star 94) in Atlanta faces significant programming changes. Leadership and talent shifts signal a strategic overhaul for the station.

What We Know: JR Ammons, the Regional Program Director, now oversees Atlanta operations following Brand Manager Emily Boldon’s departure. The morning duo Kevin and Taylor have exited Star 94. Additionally, The Bret Mega Show will relocate from Audacy’s KYKY (Y98) in St. Louis to Atlanta. This represents substantial programming transition within a short timeframe.

What’s at Stake: Star 94 must rebuild audience confidence after losing familiar morning talent. The station’s market position depends on successfully integrating new content. Morning radio drives listener loyalty and advertising revenue in competitive markets. Programming consistency becomes critical for competitive survival against rival stations.

What Remains Unclear: The exact timeline for The Bret Mega Show’s Atlanta launch hasn’t been announced. Star 94 hasn’t disclosed details about new morning show replacements. JR Ammons’s detailed restructuring plans for the station remain unrevealed.

What It Means: Audacy is clearly repositioning Star 94 under JR Ammons’s leadership. Ammons is now steering strategy across multiple valuable Audacy markets nationwide. His expanded role demonstrates confidence in his ability to drive ratings. The Bret Mega Show’s Atlanta relocation signals Audacy’s vision for premium content. This strategic move targets Atlanta’s competitive radio landscape aggressively. Ammons brings proven market expertise to this influential Southeast property. However, execution remains critical for sustained success. Atlanta listeners will ultimately determine whether these changes deliver results.

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